Highlights
- Lake Tarpon is the largest freshwater lake in the Tampa Bay area
- 2,534 acres of surface area
- Designated an Outstanding Florida Water and a Fish Management Area
- Located in Pinellas County
- 52-square-mile watershed
Challenges
Three main challenges exist in the Lake Tarpon watershed:
- Decline in water quality due to highly urbanized watershed inputs
- Imbalanced fish communities
- Increased nuisance algal blooms and non-native vegetation
Strategies
Through cooperation with other government agencies, these challenges are met by:
- Providing stormwater treatment to lake inflows
- Restoring hydrology and habitat restoration of surrounding wetlands
- Providing public education on lake and watershed issues
Success Indicators
Successful project implementation is indicated by:
- Increased submerged plant development
- Balanced fish communities
- Expanded coverage of native plants
Future goals are then developed through an adaptive management process, always striving to help restore Florida’s natural ecosystems.