The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Glades County, and other stakeholders, has started construction on the second phase of the Lake Hicpochee Project in Moore Haven, Florida.
The Lake Hicpochee Project is part of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program. Its goals include reducing harmful discharges to the Caloosahatchee Estuary, improving water quality, and increasing water storage capacity in the region.
Ben Butler, a member of the SFWMD Governing Board, said, “I grew up in Florida and the community here is very important to me. I am very invested in the future of our heartland, the future of our children and grandchildren, and I want them to be able to enjoy South Florida like I do. We live, work and recreate here, so investing in our environment and water management infrastructure is vital to maintaining our quality of life in the State of Florida. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, we continue to have historic progress and momentum to conserve our natural resources and protect our waterways. I also greatly appreciate our hard-working staff at the District who routinely advance important projects that support our mission.”
Adam Blalock, Deputy Secretary for Ecosystem Restoration at DEP, said, “The expansion of this project is critical because it improves water quality and expands water storage in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. The State of Florida continues to make record investments to protect our natural resources and preserve our way of life. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and the hard work of our partners, including the South Florida Water Management District, we are proud to celebrate another major accomplishment.”
Historically, Lake Hicpochee was one of three lakes that formed the headwaters of the Caloosahatchee River. The channelization of the Caloosahatchee River in the 1800s created an artificial link between the river and Lake Okeechobee, splitting Lake Hicpochee and draining its natural headwaters. This led to changes in hydrology and ecology throughout the basin and estuary.
The first phase of the Lake Hicpochee Project was completed in 2021 and included a flow equalization basin and a pump station. These improvements increased water storage and enhanced water quality in the Caloosahatchee basin by improving the timing and volume of water deliveries.
The second phase will add a 2,200-acre flow equalization basin, a new pump station with three 75 cfs pumps, two new water control structures, and increase total water storage capacity to 9,300 acre-feet. The expansion is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Since 2019, Florida has completed or made significant progress on more than 75 Everglades restoration projects.
