Highlights
- Lake Panasoffkee is the third largest lake (4,820 acres) in west central Florida
- Designated an Outstanding Florida Water
- Located in Sumter County
Challenges
The main challenges facing Lake Panosoffkee stem from substantial groundwater input from the Floridan aquifer. This input has created:
- Loss of lake area due to sedimentation
- Loss of desirable habitat for fisheries
- Increased shoreline vegetation and tussock formation
Strategies
Because the sediment accumulation is a result of in-lake processes, all of the restoration steps involve sediment removal.
Success Indicators
Successful project implementation is indicated by:
- Increased submerged plant development
- Improved fisheries habitat
Future goals are then developed through an adaptive management process, always striving to help restore Florida’s natural ecosystems