Lake Santa Fe is designated by the State of Florida as an Outstanding Florida Water which, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, means it is "worthy of special protection because of its natural attributes." The lake covers approximately 5,856 acres and, along with the 7,046-acre Santa Fe Swamp at the north end of the lake, is considered the headwaters of the Santa Fe River, the largest tributary of the mighty Suwannee River.
The intent of the state's Outstanding Florida Water designation is to "prevent the lowering of existing water quality." Many scientists feel that we cannot sustain our high water quality indefinitely on Lake Santa Fe, unless we all undertake steps to curb the impact we are having on our precious lake. Isn't this what unites us all - the need to protect the quality of our water?
Whether you live on Lake Santa Fe, or visit it regularly, you surely appreciate the natural beauty of our lake ecosystem. The responsibility for the present and future health of our lake depends on every one of us, as caretakers of our Outstanding Florida Water. Please take a few moments to explore this web site, intended to be both interesting and informative. Perhaps by increasing our awareness, we will more fully understand the delicate balance between our activities and the health of our lake.
SFLDA Annual Meetings
Each summer the Santa Fe Lake Dwellers Association has its annual business meeting in Melrose. The 2011 Annual Meeting was held on Friday, August 26th, at the Trinity Episcopal Church on S.R. 26 in Melrose. This is always a fun and informative meeting for local lake issues. We had informative talks from Ryan Hamm, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's Biologist in charge of Aquatic Plant Management and Permitting, who educate us about problem plants such as torpedo grass and some beneficial native grasses. Ryan also explained about some methods to tackle invasive plants, and let us know how to get a removal permit (it is easy and free!) through his department. Our second speaker was Wendy Wilbur, Alachua County Extension Agent. She is known to many of you through her many gardening clumns in the Gainesville Sun and through the Master Gardener's program whih she runs for the county. Details are available in the current newsletter, click here!
