Water-Related News

US Army Corps of Engineers finalizes new Lake Okeechobee water management plan

FORT MYERS – On Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division Commander signed a Record of Decision for the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM).

This marks the final step in approving the new plan that will replace the 2008 Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule.

This updated water management strategy aims to improve the handling of lake discharges, offering better protection for the environment and enhancing the flexibility of water management operations.

The new LOSOM plan is expected to significantly reduce the frequency of harmful discharges into the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico.

It will also increase the amount of water directed to the Everglades and Florida Bay, which will address critical water flow needs.