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 project is part of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program and aims to reduce harmful water discharges into the Caloosahatchee Estuary, improve water quality, and increase water storage capacity in the region.
Ben Butler, a Governing Board Member of the SFWMD, 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 considered the headwaters of the Caloosahatchee River. In the 1800s, channelization efforts created an artificial link between the Caloosahatchee River and Lake Okeechobee, splitting Lake Hicpochee into two parts and draining its natural headwaters. These changes negatively affected the basin’s hydrology and ecology.
The first phase of the project, completed in 2021, added a flow equalization basin and a pump station, which provided increased water storage and improved water quality in the Caloosahatchee basin. It also enhanced how water is delivered to the river.
The new phase will include building a 2,200-acre flow equalization basin, a new pump station with three pumps, two new water control structures, and will increase total water storage capacity to 9,300 acre-feet. The expansion is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Since 2019, Florida has completed or reached significant milestones on more than 75 Everglades restoration projects.
