News - Johns Lake Association

February 23, 2020February 19, 2022

Johns Lake Drainage Study Update

February 23, 2020

Johns Lake Drainage Study Update

John Schmidt

In August of 2019, Orange County hired an independent company to evaluate the existing condition of the outfall canal connecting Johns Lake to Lake Apopka. The County, the Town of Oakland, and the Johns Lake Improvement Association have expressed concerns regarding the ability of this canal to adequately convey stormwater flows to Lake Apopka during wet periods without causing adverse impacts to property and infrastructure. The canal is more than a mile long and has a lot of trees and brush growing in it which requires regular maintenance

The steps identified were:

Step 1

Data collection and evaluation to identify relevant updates to the primary stormwater management system (PSMS) hydraulics and drainage basin hydrology.

On February 2, we received an update that shows they have been working on step 1 of Johns Lake models. So far, they have looked at the data from the 2001 study and are looking into the changes since that time. They are considering all the land-use changes, local road and highway changes including those proposed, and studying the lake levels since 1959. The data is currently being obtained and reviewed that will support the remaining steps of the Johns Lake Outfall Study and Conceptual Design.

Step 2

Stormwater modeling of the Johns Lake basin to establish the flood control limits provided by the existing PSMS.

Complete watershed evaluation and develop the project model. Proposed model methodologies include: Drainage basin numbers, storage-area relationships, and times of concentration for newly incorporated projects and developments (e.g., Oakland Park, Heritage Hills, Johns Landing, SR 429) will be used from the source models.

Step 3

Development and evaluation of alternatives to improve flood control in the vicinity of Johns Lake and the outfall channel with input from the County, the Town, and the Johns Lake Improvement Association.

Conceptual alternatives are being identified. Once they have identified the alternatives, they will hold a meeting to discuss these alternatives with stakeholders including the Johns Lake Improvement Association. Hopefully, this will occur by the end of the first quarter of 2020. A significant amount of work has been completed and we are hoping this will eventually improve the Johns Lake outflow in the long term.

February 23, 2020February 19, 2022

Johns Lake Quality Indicators

February 23, 2020

Johns Lake Quality Indicators

Rick Stuebing

Over the years, the Johns Lake Improvement Association (JLIA) has dealt with numerous potential problems and threats to Johns Lake. JLIA has recently identified five Quality Indicators that will be monitored and reported in the newsletters moving forward. They included Lake Levels, Water Quality, Invasive Vegetation, Drainage, and Habitat.

An easy to understand reporting tool has been developed using a stoplight approach with a brief explanation for each quality indicator. The JLIA will use data provided from the county and other organizations and will make some subjective measurements. The intent is for lakefront owners to be able to easily see where the JLIA feels issues involving the lake need attention or additional discussion in the newsletters.

Let’s all continue to do our part to keep Johns Lake an enjoyable place to live!

Lake Level

Improving

The lake level has receded somewhat from the recent high level but significant rainfall or future hurricanes could push it too high. With reduced rainfall at this time, the trend here is improving.

Also, we are hopeful that the county will maintain the drainage canal to Lake Apopka after their study is completed. A county study is underway to do an assessment and recommend options to address this important issue.

Water Quality

Stable

Water quality has been steadily improving during the past ten years according to county testing. Long-term, frequent participants in lake sports activities (skiing, wake-boarding) have reported a significant improvement in water clarity.

Invasive Vegetation

Improving

Hydrilla, Cuban Bulrush, and other invasive species are an ongoing concern for Johns Lake. The county will continue to treat as needed and additional grass-eating carp will be added to the lake to augment their efforts. This quality indicator is constantly changing and a combination of weather and treatments can affect the status either way.

Drainage

Being Studied

Johns Lake drainage (aka outfall) is an ongoing concern. Recent water levels are higher than previous years and there is a concern that the current outflow is not sufficient. We will keep you posted on this issue.

Habitat

Stable

Even with the new developments around Johns Lake it is still a vibrant habitat for wildlife. We have otters, alligators, turtles, bald eagles, osprey, ducks and many other species of water fowl. And, as always, the lake is a premier fishing site.

February 23, 2020February 19, 2022

2019 Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade

February 23, 2020

2019 Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade

John Schmidt

This past Holiday season we held the Boat Parade on Saturday evening instead of Sunday evening. In the past, we had as many as 42 boats in the parade, with the average being about 20-30 boats. Sadly, this year we had only 10 boats to start the parade and only four at the finish. We moved the parade to Saturday in hopes of having better attendance.

Although there were many spectators on the shore, there weren’t as many boats in the parade this year. The weather wasn’t a factor, as the temperature was mild and there was no rain. We believe the reason for this poor turnout is that many lakefront residents attend holiday parties and other activities on Saturdays leading up to Christmas.

In consideration of the turnout this year, next year’s Parade will once again be held on a Sunday and be our 20th Holiday Boat Parade! Thank you to the lakefront residents that attended both on the water and onshore.

October 1, 2019April 6, 2022

19th Annual Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade

October 1, 2019

19th Annual Johns Lake Holiday Boat Parade

John Schmidt

This year is the 19th Annual Johns Lake Boat Parade! The event will be held on a SATURDAY this year, December 14th. Come out and decorate your boat with lights and join in the fun!

All boats participating should gather by 6:00 PM in the SE corner of Johns Lake. THIS IS A NEW MEETING LOCATION FROM LAST YEAR. The lead boat will start the parade at 6:15 PM by blasting an air-horn several times. All boats should follow in-line and slowly head east. The parade route will follow the northern, eastern, and southern shores of Johns Lake (from Johns Lake Landing in Lake County to Twinwaters in Orange County, where the parade ends). The parade will take about 2 hours to complete. Please see the Parade Route Map.

If this is your first time decorating your boat for a parade, here are a few tips:

Christmas lights run on 120v AC and are designed to operate from your home electrical current. To operate lights on your boat, you will need to purchase a DC to AC power inverter. Power inverters are available at most auto parts stores, Wal-Mart, and Harbor Freight. Power inverters convert your boat’s 12v DC power to 120v AC. Inverters do have a limit as to how much power they can generate from your boat’s DC battery. Inverters are rated by watts; the more watts the inverter can handle, the more lights you can put on your boat. Most power inverters above 150 watts will need to be connected directly to your boat’s battery terminals to provide full power as 12v outlet plugs (cigarette lighters) are power limited by a fuse.
The use of LED lights provides the ability to power many more lights than incandescent lights. A 300-watt power inverter connected directly to your battery could power over 600 LED lights as opposed to 60 incandescent lights! Be careful though, as some units will overheat if too much load is placed on them. Test your lights for a period of time before the parade starts. Make sure you use UL-approved outdoor lights as the lights on your boat may get wet and you do not want to cause a fire or shock someone on your boat!
If you do not live on the lake, you can view the boat parade from the public boat ramp on Johns Lake located at 13620 Lake Blvd., Winter Garden, FL 34787 (north shore of Johns Lake, off of Hwy. 50 at the Lake/Orange County line). The parade should be passing the ramp at approximately 7:30-8:00 PM. If you have any questions about the boat parade, please call Ann at 407-701-8033 for details.

October 1, 2019April 6, 2022

The Year in Review

October 1, 2019

The Year in Review

John Schmidt

If you are not receiving our electronic newsletter please click on the “Subscribe” button on the bottom of the page and then add your contact information. Also, please support our cause by joining JLIA.

We elected new officers for the Johns Lake Improvement Association in January. We completed scheduled board meetings, published three electronic newsletters and provided information about proper fertilizer use, shoreline maintenance, fish habitat, and recreational opportunities. We updated the contact list for the various agencies that are involved with the lake.

The group was active in getting a new Web Page and Facebook page set up. We completed an extensive search of all property owners around the lake and have been working to get as many as possible migrated to email rather than hard copy to cut costs and have quicker response. We worked to transfer some of historical documents from the past. We changed the format of the newsletter and sent it out to as many people as we have contact information for.

Many of the board members attended the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (“FWC”) hearings and provided input and feedback for the control of excessive vegetation, including hydrilla, and/or exotics on freshwater lakes in Florida. The meetings were conducted during a “pause” in the use of herbicides throughout the state. The result is a mix of controls rather than stopping herbicide use or relying on it entirely. Over 1,000 grass carp were planted in the spring as a result.

We monitored the algae blooms through the year and worked with Orange Country (OC) and FWC to provide feedback and input. Water samples were taken during the most severe incidents. We are copied on the Orange County lake level surveys and record the data in between reports. We provided information about the FWC fish study that was conducted.

We worked with the Town of Oakland, OC Public Works and the OC Commissioners to get a study approved to understand the storm water runoff and the capacity of the outfall from Johns Lake to Lake Apopka. We participated in the kickoff meetings with Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey to secure the funding and support. We attended the project meetings and are actively working with the study team to find a resolution for the proper drainage of the entire basin. We also worked with the Town of Oakland on the outfall maintenance plan identified in the Joint Planning Agreement with OC.

June 6, 2019February 19, 2022

Removal of Lakefront Vegetation

June 6, 2019

Removal of Lakefront Vegetation

John Schmidt

Background

As many lakefront homeowners already know, adding, removing or modifying the vegetation along the shoreline of Johns Lake is regulated by the state of Florida. These activities are monitored through a permitting process as part of the ”Florida Aquatic Plant Management Act” and the “Florida Aquatic Weed Control Act”, both are administered by the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC).

A few definitions are in order:

“Aquatic plant” means any plant, including a floating, immersed, submersed, or shorefront species, growing in, or closely associated with, an aquatic environment, and includes any part or seed of such plant.
“Aquatic plant management” means an activity designed to control the growth of aquatic plants so as to protect human health, safety and recreation and, to the greatest degree practicable, to prevent injury to non-target plants, animal life, and property.

Removal of harmful/invasive plant life is encouraged but it must be done properly and in most cases replanting of eco-friendly vegetation in place of the plants removed is required. This is necessary to strike a balance between allowing lakefront residents to enjoy the benefits of a nice, aquatic environment along their shoreline while maintaining healthy standards for appropriate foliage around Johns Lake in general. Part of the conditions of issuing a permit may be the requirement to replant specific vegetation to support a healthy lakefront.

Florida law requires all persons to obtain a permit from FWC prior to controlling, removing or altering aquatic plants in waters of the state unless the waters or activities are expressly exempt from the permitting requirements.

Exemptions

Permits are not required for waterfront owners seeking to remove non-woody vegetation and shrub species from fresh water bodies by physical or mechanical means along 50 feet or 50% of the shoreline (whichever is less) in order to allow open water access for boats or swimmers.

This exemption does not apply to “Aquatic Preserves” or “Outstanding Florida Waters” locations.

Purpose

With a permit you can remove exotics which will allow room for native plants to grow and expand. This ensures that you have a plan for managing your waterfront that will not harm the water body and help protect the investment you have made in it. The work can be done through physical or mechanical means. Removal by herbicides also requires a permit.

Proper management of the shoreline will also:

Enhance aesthetics
Improve food and habitat for fish and wildlife
Provide erosion control and soil stabilization
Ensure plants are present for nutrient uptake which will result in cleaner water

How to Obtain a Permit

Obtaining the right permit(s) can be challenging, depending on where a homeowner resides on Johns Lake. A State FWC permit is required, a county permit may also be required as well as a city permit in some cases. Here are some guidelines but a homeowner should confirm and adhere to the latest requirements of his/her locale – (checking government web sites is one way to do this):

Orange County:

You are required to obtain a state FWC “Aquatic Plant Management Permit (its free and easy to fill out the online forms)
If you live in Orange County, but outside the city of Winter Garden (Oakland for instance), in addition to the FWC permit, the homeowner should obtain an Orange County “Clearance of Shoreline Vegetation Permit”
If you live in Orange County, in the city of Winter Garden, in addition to the FWC permit, the homeowner should obtain the Winter Garden “Shoreline Alteration Permit”. Note that this permit negates the requirement for the Orange County permit but not the FWC permit.

Lake County:

Lake County has no local permitting requirement. The FWC permit process for management of aquatic plants is all that is required.
If you live in Clermont (within Lake County), there are no special permits required. The FWC permit suffices for homeowner aquatic plant management activities.

In the case of multiple levels of permits, the homeowner must comply with the permit with the strictest requirements.

For the sake of brevity the general requirements of the individual permits will not be covered here and the homeowner must read and carefully adhere to the mandates.

For instance, Orange County requires that a permit applicant contact adjacent property owners to make sure there are no objections to the lakefront activities covered by the permit – this can be done by a “No Objection” form filled out by the neighbors. Winter Garden permits require a Homeowner’s Association letter of approval if the property lies within an HOA managed subdivision. The point being that the homeowner should not assume that the general requirements of one permit automatically satisfy another.

In addition, any of the permit issuing agencies may reach out to the homeowner for further information on the project. The agency may make suggestions or alterations to the project, inspect the results of the project when completed and even take enforcement action if a project has failed to adhere to the permit guidelines.

Permit Assistance and Resources

Florida Wildlife Commission:

Obtaining an FWC permit is a relatively simple process and is free.

Those homeowners wanting to fill out a permit online need to first register as a user on their website.
Click on the text “Register New User” to the right of the User ID box.

If additional help is needed with the application it can be obtained by contacting Sharon Stinson at Sharon.Stinson@myfwc.com or by calling 863-534-7074. An existing permit can be easily renewed through the same method.

Orange County:

If the property lies in Orange County the permitting falls under the auspices of the EPD (Environmental Protection Division) and the permit application can be downloaded and filled out for submission. It is called a “Lakeshore Vegetation Removal Permit”. There is a $126 fee for this permit and it can be mailed in or delivered in person to the EPD. Details concerning application, submission and requirements are on their website.

For additional information the homeowner can contact:

Environment Protection Department
3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200
Orlando, FL 32803

Email: EPD@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 836-1400

City of Winter Garden:

For the City of Winter Garden permits a homeowner can visit the government office in downtown Winter Garden (300 W. Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787) or call the city (407-656-4111) or download the permit application online.

Responsibilities

Additional Considerations

If a lakefront construction project (seawall, dock, etc.) in any County or City includes, modifications to Johns Lake aquatic vegetation then a Saint Johns Water Management District ERP (Environmental Resource Permit) may also be required.

More information is available at: https://www.sjrwmd.com/permitting/#about-erps
If a lakefront aquatic management plan will involve the removal of large growth vegetation, such as trees, the homeowner must contact the state Department of Environmental Protection in addition to the other permit requirements above. This may be done through the following contact:

Conclusion

Through the permitting process, lakefront owners can insure they are in compliance with the various government guidelines and that the aquatic plant management they are requesting is appropriate and beneficial for the lake and the resident. Proceeding without proper permitting is a code violation and could result in serious fines, delaying of the project or having to correct work that was done improperly which will result in significant costs to the homeowner. A government agency could require a remediation plan for the homeowner to correct discrepancies.

Let’s all work together to ensure that Johns Lake continues to be clean and enjoyable for many decades!

June 6, 2019February 19, 2022

Triploid Grass Carp

June 6, 2019

Triploid Grass Carp

Rick Stuebing

Introduction

The use of Triploid Grass Carp is one of several methods to control the hydrilla in Johns Lake. Triploid grass carp are unique, olive-green, cigar-shaped fish often observed basking in the sunshine in shallow water as they soak up warm surface temperatures. What sets these fish apart from others is their intense appetite for a wide variety of underwater plant life. Often, plant problems in ponds and lakes are due to invasive, exotic species such as hydrilla, which have no natural enemies in Florida. It is in everyone’s best interest to prevent these plants from spreading and taking over our waterways.

Grass carp come from Asia and also have no natural enemies in Florida. The triploid “grass carp” is a sterile version of the white amur. It has been used in private and public Florida waters for the control of noxious aquatic plant species since 1972. Triploid grass carp are considered a natural method for controlling aquatic vegetation and macro-algae. They can live for many years (20 plus years in some cases). Their ability to live long typically makes them significantly more cost effective than herbicides.

Grass carp usually take six months to a year to be effective in reducing problem vegetation, although they provide much longer term control than other methods, often up to five years before restocking is necessary. When used in conjunction with herbicide treatments, control of problem vegetation can be achieved quickly, and fewer carp are required to maintain the desired level of vegetation.

Physical Characteristics

Grass carp are actually members of the minnow family. Grass carp grow to an average of 15-20 pounds and 20-35 inches in length. In larger lakes with large numbers of plants, they can grow up to 50-60 pounds and exceed 50 inches in length. In Florida, the largest reported grass carp weighed 75 pounds.

Grass carp sometimes appear silver in color, but often display an olive green or dark gray hue on top with light gold or pale yellow sides. Their belly is silvery or bluish-white and fins are light green or gray. Unusually large fish scales are another distinguishing characteristic.

Grass Carp Sterility

When grass carp are able to reproduce, they are called “diploid”. Florida law dictates that grass carp used for weed control must be sterile, or “triploid.” “Triploid” grass carp are hatchery-raised fish that have been sterilized by “shocking” fertilized eggs. This leaves the fish unable to produce viable eggs. This technique is used to eliminate reproduction in Florida waters.

Permitting

In Florida, only triploid grass carp are allowed and a permit is always required, even when stocking privately owned waters. Permits may be obtained by contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

What They Eat

They are normally readily available for purchase year round in several sizes but require a permit. The smaller ones are cheaper but have a higher chance of being eaten by bass. Most grass carp are shipped at about 11 inches. If stocked at a proper rate, at correct sizes, targeting proper plant species, and the right time, you will achieve significant vegetation control the first year, depending on the severity of the problem.

They prefer softer, pliable aquatic vegetation such as hydrilla and milfoil. Fortunately, hydrilla is their favorite food. This desire for delicate vegetation reduces tendencies to eat most desirable emergent and floating aquatic vegetation species. Grass carp’s selective diet is perfect because it allows floating plants such as watermeal, and emergent species as pickerelweed, lilies and duck potato, to coexist with the fish. This allows these floating and emergent species to both serve as refuge for fish and wildlife, while also helping to manage influxes of nutrients that occur over the growing season.

Plants Preferred by the Grass Carp

Hydrilla
Coontail
Muskgrass
Naiad
Slender and jointed spikerush

Plants Preferred by the Grass Carp

Water hyacinth
Water lettuce
Water lilies
Torpedo grass
Hygrophila
Cattail

Conclusion

In May of 2019 FWC added approximately 1,000 sterile grass carp to Johns Lake. 500 were released near the public boat ramp and 500 near the Deer Island Cove. There were also 1,000 stocked in April/May 2015 and 750 in Feb 2016. There is no way to accurately say how many of those carp are alive because we don’t have perfect numbers for stocking mortality (predation by largemouth bass when they are young, etc.). From what some have observed, you start to lose 10-20% per year after age 6 or so. Most do not live past age 10-12.

FWC agreed to stock the additional 1,000 carp because of the way the hydrilla expanded so quickly in September 2018. When you get the right balance of carp, you shouldn’t have to treat with as much herbicide. All lakes are different and the stocking of carp should always be in conjunction with small, sometimes frequent, herbicide treatments.

From an FWC perspective Johns Lake looks great. We have good coverage of submersed vegetation and the water clarity is good. We are seeing an upward trend in our largemouth bass population and noticing more ducks as well.

April 4, 2019February 18, 2022

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Public Forum on the use of Herbicides on Lakes in Florida

April 4, 2019

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Public Forum on the use of Herbicides on Lakes in Florida

John Schmidt

On February 26, 2019, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (“FWC”) held the last of six public forums on the control of excessive vegetation and/or exotics on freshwater lakes in Florida. This series of meetings is during a “pause” in the use of herbicides throughout the state. The first portion of the meeting, the FWC discussed their four ways of controlling excessive and/or exotic vegetation. Chemical (use of selective herbicides), mechanical (removal of vegetation with equipment), biological (stocking lakes with sterile carp to eat invasive/exotic vegetation), and physical (controlled burns and drawdowns of water). They explained that each lake is unique in the way they control the vegetation.

The next portion of the meeting allowed residents up to three minutes of time to express their opinions on herbicide use. Duck hunters and guides were predominantly opposed to herbicide use as they felt wildlife was being adversely affected by herbicides in that there was no longer sufficient vegetation to support fish and/or ducks. Some of the lakes they mentioned were treated with helicopter and/or airplane spraying. This method of spraying is not used on Johns Lake; the FWC uses airboats, from which they spot treat vegetation.

Fishermen and pleasure boaters were for and against herbicides. Some felt fish were being adversely affected by herbicides, whereas others felt herbicides should be used in conjunction with mechanical and biological means to control vegetation and/or exotics so that navigation would not be impeded. Many felt hydrilla that limits boaters’ navigation would adversely affect the local economy (i.e., bait shops, Tavares Seaplane Base, fishing excursions and lakefront home values).

Most residents expressed concern over hydrilla affecting so many of the lakes in Florida. Ron Hart with Lake County Water Authority stated how easily hydrilla propagates and is transferred from lake to lake by boats. He felt treating hydrilla by whatever means necessary is imperative to the wellbeing of all waterbodies throughout the state.

There was discussion on the bad effects of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Round Up. FWC clarified that they do not use Round Up to treat lakes as it is not effective in treating hydrilla. The chemicals that are being used are all FDA approved and the people that apply them are licensed and trained to do so.

Many felt if the FWC waits too long to continue treatment, hydrilla will thrive and the cost and amount of chemicals used would go up considerably. It is more effective to spot treat more often than to treat an entire lake once or twice a year. The FWC always has to determine which lakes get the most, or soonest, treatment. There were concerns over FWC’s budget for aquatic plant control. Suggestions ranged from soliciting more money from the state, to adding a fee onto boat registrations. Several private companies expressed interest in partnering with FWC to explore new combinations of methods of plant control.

February 25, 2019February 19, 2022

Invasive Plants 2019

February 25, 2019

Invasive Plants 2019

John Schmidt

The lake was treated by FWC for Hydrilla during the week of December 13th. They applied herbicide to treat some areas but did not treat the entire lake. Some hydrilla helps water clarity. They plan to use a mix of herbicides and grass carp to keep in in check. This past summer the high-water levels kept FWC from treatments. FWC is on a pause right now pending upcoming public hearings on herbicide application.

In April of 2019 FWC plans to stock approximately 1,000 sterile grass carp. Grass carp stocked into Johns Lake that would still be alive in 2019; 1,000 stocked April/May 2015, 750 stocked Feb 2016. There is no way to accurately say exactly how many of those carp stocked are alive because we don’t have perfect numbers for stocking mortality (predation by largemouth bass when they are young, etc.). We are working to get better numbers on the natural grass carp mortality curve. From what some have observed, you start to lose 10-20% per year after age 6 or so. Most do not live past age 10-12.

FWC agreed to stock an additional 1,000 carp this winter because of the way the hydrilla expanded so quickly in September. When you get the right numbers in a system you shouldn’t have to treat 1,000 acres at a time like we did in December 2018. This is no one’s fault. All systems are different, weather patterns are different, and the stocking of carp should always be in conjunction with small, sometimes frequent, herbicide treatments.

From an FWC perspective the lake looks great. We have good coverage of submersed vegetation. Water clarity is good. We are seeing an upward trend in our largemouth bass quality and noticing more ducks as well.

Some hydrilla comments:

In general, the target is 5 carp per acre of hydrilla we want to control.
FWC doesn’t want/recommend we control all of it.
There is a huge down side to too many carp because it only requires low numbers of carp to control hydrilla, if you add too many carp, they will eat all of the hydrilla and other plant species that are important to maintain optimal water quality.
There are mechanical options for removal, but they are either too expensive, ineffective, or detrimental to the native plants.

In addition, FWC was treating the oxycaryum cubense or Cuban bulrush along the shoreline around the lake where they found it during the same timeframe. Other known problem plants are Torpedo Grass.

February 25, 2019February 19, 2022

Algae

February 25, 2019

Algae

John Schmidt

You may have noticed that in some parts of the lake we have an unusual algae bloom that has many of us concerned. We’ve reached out to Orange County EPD and FWC for input/feedback. Jim Sweatman from FWC, toured the lake and on February 11 and 12 to evaluate the issue.

He was on Johns Lake Monday doing creel and Tuesday electrofishing for bass. He did notice the algae bloom in the area we reported. They did not see that type of algae bloom anywhere else on the lake and in fact, the west side of Deer Isle that hooks up to the boat ramp cove did not have a noticeable bloom, nor did the north shoreline east of Johns Cove. They reported that they had a similar winter bloom on the west side of Clear Lake last year. It took a few weeks, but it eventually went away.

When we first mentioned algae they thought we meant filamentous algae. Filamentous algae are colonies of microscopic plants that link together to form threads or mesh-like filaments. While they did notice some filamentous algae in Johns Cove and in a few places around the lake, it was not at nuisance levels.

Julie Bortles, OC Regulatory Compliance Program Coordinator has confirmed that OC does sample Johns Lake on a quarterly basis throughout the year. The last visit to the lake was February 14 and we typically sample the east and west main lobes. They will be looking at sources of nutrient pollution this year into the lake. You may want to visit the Orange County Water Atlas to look at historic trends in the lake. Overall, the nutrient pollutants look like they are trending down in a good way.

As mentioned, the areas north of Deer Island and south of Johns Cove appeared to the worst area. The rest of the lake is not impacted as much. Several comments at this point:

The areas that are the most stagnant are more vulnerable.
Many other lakes in Orange and Lake County are seeing the same thing right now.
The recent treatment of Hydrilla and the resulting vegetation decay may have added to the issue by increasing nutrient levels.
The water levels are unusually high for “dry season”.
Water Quality test results show the lake overall to be in good health.
Warmer winter water temperatures could also contribute to the additional algae.