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Section 2 Existing Conditions/Affected Environment

EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006

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photosynthesis by rapidly attenuating shorter wavelengths of Photosynthetically

Active Radiation.

Continuing and increasing degradation of water quality due to increased land

use and water management threatens the welfare of seagrass communities.

Nutrient over enrichment caused by inorganic and organic nitrogen and

phosphorous loading via urban and agricultural land run-off stimulates

increased algal growth that may smother Johnson's seagrass, shade rooted

vegetation, and diminish the oxygen content of the water. Low oxygen

conditions have a demonstrated negative impact on seagrasses and associated

communities.

2.11.6 State-Listed Species

Many wading birds that utilize the marsh zone and adjacent wetlands are listed

by the State of Florida as threatened (Florida sandhill crane) or species of

special concern (snowy egret, little blue heron, limpkin, tricolored heron, and

white ibis). They frequently forage along the lake margins or canals. Eleven or

more active rookeries of wading birds occur along lands near Lake Okeechobee

with many containing state-listed wading birds such as little blue heron, white

ibis, and tricolored heron. Also, Lake Okeechobee is utilized for foraging and

resting areas by migratory birds and waterfowl along the Atlantic flyway.

The FWC compiles wading bird rookery data within the State of Florida. Three

wading bird rookeries were identified within the EAA, but no rookeries were

identified within Compartment A. One rookery was located west of the North

New River Canal and contained two state-listed species, little blue heron and

tri-colored heron, based on a survey in the spring of 1999. In another rookery,

located south of the Hillsboro Canal, just east of the North New River

intersection, three state-listed wading bird species (little blue heron, tri-colored

heron and white ibis) were observed, also during the 1999 survey. The third

rookery, located along the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee, did not contain

listed wading birds

Several state listed species were observed on the project site during field surveys

of Compartment A (USFWS 2005). Specifically, the Florida burrowing owl,

which is also guaranteed protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, was

observed. Although burrows were not observed, suitable habitat for the owl may

exist on agricultural lands and canal banks.

2.12 ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16USC

1801 et seq. Public Law 104-208 reflects the Secretary of Commerce and Fishery

Management Council authority and responsibilities for the protection of

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