Lake Trafford Ecosystem Restoration; A Conceptual Plan

Lake Trafford Ecosystem Restoration:
A Conceptual Plan

Introduction
Lake Trafford is an ecologically and economically important lake in southwest Florida (Fig.1) ,a lake which has become threatened by increasing eutrophication. In recent years, the lake has been plagued with Hydrilla infestation and has suffered several fish kills, including a massive fish kill in April 1996, resulting from the prolific growth of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton "blooms" or very rapid growth is exacerbated by high water column nutrient concentrations, particularly phosphorus. Nutrients in the lake originate from watershed runoff, ground water sources, and nutrient release from organic sediments. The lake's natural sandy substrate is currently covered by a thick layer of organic sediment that provides a reservoir for nutrients. Because the lake exhibits little outflow, the continued accumulation of nutrient rich organic sediment ensures future problems with eutrophication.

This conceptual plan has been developed to enhance the limnetic environment and prevent future eutrophication. The conceptual plan consists of four phases:

Phase # 1 Lake ecosystem and watershed assessment A baseline will be established against which to evaluate the effectiveness of the restoration

Phase # 2 Removal and disposal of Lake sediments Sediment removal, is the primary activity of the Lake Trafford restoration

Phase # 3 Lake habitat and watershed restoration Native aquatic macrophytes will be planted in the littoral zone of the lake and nutrient management practices will be implemented in the watershed.

Phase # 4 Long-term monitoring and lake management A long-term management plan will be established and its implementation monitored to document the effectiveness of the restoration.

Check out these web pages:
BACKGROUND
TROPHIC STATE AND EUTROPHICATION
NUTRIENT LOADING
LAKE TRAFFORD HYDROLOGY
EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT

Phase # 1	Lake ecosystem and watershed assessment	A baseline will be established against which to evaluate the effectiveness of the restoration
Phase # 2	Removal and disposal of Lake sediments	Sediment removal, is the primary activity of the Lake Trafford restoration
Phase # 3	Lake habitat and watershed restoration	Native aquatic macrophytes will be planted in the littoral zone of the lake and nutrient management practices will be implemented in the watershed.
Phase # 4	Long-term monitoring and lake management	A long-term management plan will be established and its implementation monitored to document the effectiveness of the restoration.