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Section 2 Existing Conditions/Affected Environment

EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006

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determine the optimal configuration and operation of the additional treatment

areas on Compartments B and C. Because the results of the Regional Feasibility

Study are not expected to be available until late 2005 assumptions about the

final configuration and operation of the Compartments B and C STAs could not

be included in the modeling for the EAA Storage Reservoirs PIR. Once the

results of the Regional Feasibility Study are available, and an operating plan for

the build out of STAs on Compartments B and C has been approved, this

information can be incorporated into the EAA Storage Reservoirs Project phases

as appropriate.

2.18 AESTHETICS

The Lake Okeechobee area is characterized by two types of scenery: open lake

views, distinguished by a vast expanse of water with a vanishing horizon, and

littoral zone viewsheds, characterized by various types of marshes, serving as a

backdrop for wildlife. Hardwood swamps are found landward of the Herbert

Hoover Dike (HHD), primarily on the west side of the lake. Significant exotic

and invasive vegetation species (melaleuca, Australian pine, torpedograss,

cattail) are intruding into stands of native species that tends to diminish

biological diversity and existing aesthetics in those areas. In the Indian Prairie

region of the lake, expansion of torpedograss and cattail particularly, have

affected aesthetic qualities of the lake.

Some remnants of the historical willow swamp vegetation still can be found

(Lodge, 1994). The HHD sideslopes are generally well grassed but contain some

exotic and/or dead vegetation that degrades the distant uniform appearance.

However, the dike affords a panoramic view of the lake from its crest, which can

be magnificent during a sunset or sunrise. Shoreline trees generally enhance

the rim canal aesthetics when viewed from a distance.

Melaleuca control programs have left hundreds of acres of dead melaleuca forest

standing, which affects the overall aesthetics north of the Old Moorehaven

Canal. Substantially altered water levels could have a detrimental effect on

many aspects of the region’s viewable resources. Development is a nominal

aesthetic impact to this region’s aesthetics at the present.

The visual characteristics of the EAA can simply be described as agricultural

lands. The land is quite flat with few natural topographic features. Much of the

visible topographic features are associated with canals, levees, and agricultural

fields. Agriculture is dominated by sugarcane production, with lesser amounts of

sod, vegetables, and rice production. The area is open with a low population

density and few buildings or other structures. This use produces a uniform and

organized appearance to the landscape. There are few trees or other non-

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