Page 2 Six Things You Can Do

to Protect the Lakes

Lake Jessamine Advisory Board and Useful Links

Page 3 Hydrilla Control

Offering up to $2,000 per Property Address

Page 4 Boating

Recommendations

Page 5 Orange County

Water Atlas

Page 6 Water Quality

Improvement and Navigation Management Projects

Page 7 Alum Treatment for

Sediment Inactivation

Advisory Board Member Highlight

Page 8 Lakeshore Permit

Requirements

Fun Facts

Page 9 The Wildlife of

Lake Jessamine

Page 10 Recreation on

Lake Jessamine

Page 11 Safe Boating Tips and

Recommendations

inside this issue

Greetings from the Chairman of the Lake Jessamine Water advisory Board The water advisory board is here so we, as stakeholders in Lake Jessamine, Lake Bumby and Lake Tyner, have representation when it comes to spending Municipal Service Taxing Unit funds in a way that benefits all of us and our lakes.

I feel that being part of a community is both a benefit and a responsibility. A county commissioner once told me that getting new people involved is important. I became a member of the advisory board in 2004 soon after buying a house in Orlando. Although I was busy, I made time for the monthly meetings. It has been worth my time.

The advisory board focuses both on water quality and lake navigation. Some projects we are proud of include multiple alum treatments, cypress tree give-a-ways, storm drain labeling, multiple water quality studies, shallow area buoys, and curb and grate inlet baskets that keep unwanted material from flowing into the lakes.

Community feedback and participation is crucial to decisions about which projects are proposed and funded. So, I would like to encourage and welcome you to attend and become involved in our water advisory board meetings and to stay up-to-date with the Lake Jessamine Taxing District studies and lake restoration projects.

dave Geller, Chairman

the Lake Jessamine Water advisory Board is hosting an aquatic Plant Giveaway for lakefront residents (must show i.d.).

• Learn about the 2014 Shoreline Vegetation and Berm and Swale Incentive Programs

• Information and advice about healthy lakes

• Meet and greet with the advisory board members

Saturday, july 19, 20148–10 a.m.at cypress grove parkcottage, 290 W. holden avenue

Aquatic Plant

Giveaway

photos: university of Florida/IFas center for aquatic and Invasive plants

2014 edition Lake Link

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1) Fertilize appropriately. Excessive use of fertilizers can be unhealthy for your yard and the environment. Phosphorus and nitrogen-rich fertilizers are detrimental to our lakes and their use should be reduced or eliminated whenever possible. Use phosphorus-free 50 percent slow-release nitrogen fertilizers and leave at least a 10 feet buffer area near your lake where no fertilizers and chemicals are used. Sweep excess fertilizer off hard surfaces like sidewalks and driveways to prevent it from running off into storm drains. Always clean up a fertilizer spill from any surface. orangecountyfl.net/Environment/Fertilizeresponsibly.aspx

2) use native plants on your shoreline. Vegetation in your shoreline and yard provide food, water and shelter for local wildlife. Maintain emergent plants at your water’s edge to help keep the natural balance of the lake’s ecosystem. edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa007 and plants.ifas.ufl.edu/manage/why-manage-plants/aquatic-and-wetland-plants-in-florida

3) control weeds and pests responsibly. Overuse of pesticides (weed and feed or insect control

products) can harm people, pets, beneficial organisms and the environment, as well as upset the lake’s food chain. Never use these products near the water’s edge.

4) control grass clippings and yard waste. Grass clippings, leaves and yard trimmings recycled/mulched on site provide nutrients to the soil and your landscaping. Orange County Code Chapter 15, Section 15-807 directly prohibits grass clippings and/or vegetative material/debris from being deposited, washed, swept or blown off, intentionally or inadvertently, onto any impervious surface, public right-of-way, stormwater drain, ditch, conveyance or waterbody.

5) maintain your septic tank system. (1) Keep drainfield clear, (2) Avoid or limit the use of toxic chemicals flushed or rinsed down the drain, and (3) Have the septic tank inspected or cleaned at least every 3 to 5 years.

6) reduce water runoff from rain and irrigation. Construct a berm and swale to control water runoff if your yard carries pollutants such as sediments and chemicals that adversely impact water quality. Even runoff to the sidewalks and streets ends up in our waterbodies.

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Lake Jessamine Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) has a five member advisory board known as the Lake Jessamine Water Advisory Board (LJWAB) which is comprised

of area residents appointed by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. The LJWAB recommends projects for lake improvements including: invasive

aquatic plant management, stormwater and water quality improvement projects, vegetation enhancement projects, canal maintenance, educational newsletters and other lake conservation issues.

The LJWAB meets at 5 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the Cypress Grove Park Cottage, 290 West Holden Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32839. Visit the Orange County Calendar online at orangecountyfl.net/Home/CountyCalendar.aspx for current meeting schedules.

Useful L I N K S

Orange County Environmental Protection Division www.ocfl.net/epd

Orange County Water Atlas orange.wateratlas.org

University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants

plants.ifas.ufl.edu

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Invasive Plant Management Section

myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/invasive-plants

Lake Jessamine MSTU A D V I S O R Y B O A R D

David Geller, Chairman

Brett Barner, vice Chairman

Carolyn AccolaCynthia McCurryJudy Martin

you can do to protect your lake

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Fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are trapped here

in the swale

Berm Swale

Shoreline vegetation helps absorb chemicals and nutrients before they can add to the nutrient loading in the lake.

A Berm and Swale is a physical barrier or shallow depression along your back yard that prevents pollutants from entering your lake. It allows stormwater runoff to naturally percolate and filter into the ground rather than flowing directly to the lake. The construction of a Berm and Swale can help reduce negative impacts from nutrients, fertilizers, pesticides, household chemicals, sediments, grass clippings and other yard debris.

A vegetated shoreline also acts as a barrier and filter for pollutants. A buffer of native plants along your shoreline absorbs chemicals and nutrients before they can negatively impact the lake. vegetated shorelines enhance your

property and protect water resources. Additional benefits include shoreline erosion protection, wildlife habitat and fewer algae blooms. http://myfwc.com/media/2518526/LakefrontRevegetation.pdf

The Lake Jessamine MSTU will reimburse up to $1,000 for the construction of a Berm and Swale and/or $1,000 for the installation of a vegetated shoreline. Please contact Melissa Lavigne for details and to request an application at melissa.lavigne@ocfl.net or (407) 836-1413.

Offering up to $2,000 per property address!2014 Shoreline Vegetation and Berm and Swale Incentive

Programs: Protect and Improve Water Quality in Lake Jessamine

hydrilla control Hydrilla is an invasive exotic species introduced from Asia as a common aquarium plant. It can spread by cut pieces (fragmentation), seeds and tubers, and can grow one inch per day. It grows in very low light, thus will thrive in deep

water greater than 25 feet. Hydrilla can be transported from lake to lake by “hitchhiking” on boats and trailers. This is why it is important to inspect and clean your boat and trailer before launching into any waterbody.

Hydrilla is managed in Lake Jessamine using chemical and biological methods. The lake is surveyed quarterly and

treated with aquatic herbicides. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) acts as a funding partner for the

control of hydrilla because Lake Jessamine is a public access lake. This has resulted in allowing the MSTU to allocate more of its funds to water quality projects. In addition to chemical

control, the lake is stocked with triploid grass carp that provide biological control of hydrilla. Since 2008, the lake has been stocked with 400 fish.

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Lake Jessamine is used extensively for boating and recreational activities. Studies have shown that boating in shallow water has a negative impact on water quality due to resuspension of bottom sediments. Stirring up the bottom of the lake leads to decreased water clarity and increased algae blooms.

It is recommended that normal motor boating activities within Lake Jessamine be restricted to water depths of

approximately 10 feet or more. For enhanced-wake boating activities, it is recommended to operate in depths of 15 feet or more. These proposed depth restrictions for full-speed activities will also assist in minimizing impacts to beneficial vegetation within the lake and reduce shoreline erosion. Protect the health of Lake Jessamine: use these maps to chart your course responsibly!

Boating recommendatIons

lake Jessamine Bathymetric (depth) contours recommended normal Boating areas: > 10 feet in depth

Use these maps to chart your course responsibly

studies have shown that boating in shallow

water has a negative impact on water quality

due to resuspension of bottom sediments.

Facts

~Orange County site created in 2005

~Site is hosted and maintained by the University of South Florida

~Data supplied by multiple local, state and federal agencies

~EPD data uploaded quarterly throughout the year

~Public works supplies Normal High Water Elevation (NHWE), rainfall and level data

Features

~Provides geographically based information

~Pollution: reporting illicit discharge credit for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit

~Curriculum: all grades, subject areas of science, math, social studies, language arts

~FLIP: Florida Invasive Plant guide application for smartphones

~Watershed Excursion: share experiences and locations

~Current Events

~Photo/Story Submission: anyone can upload

~Volunteer Opportunities

~Climate Change: provides resources and Florida data

~Stormwater Education

~TMDL Status: each lake page has status

ORANGe COUNTY Water atlasorange.wateratlas.org

The goal of this site is to provide a comprehensive data resource, eventually covering the State of Florida, that helps citizens and scientists alike make informed decisions concerning our vital water resources.

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recommended enhanced-Wake Boating areas: > 15 feet in depth

Shoreline erosion from boat wakes

Water Quality Improvement and navigation management projects

• 93 curb and grate inlet filter baskets to capture debris in stormwater runoff

• Street sweeping services throughout the Lake Jessamine drainage basin (increased frequency during heavy leaf fall season)

• Three nutrient separating baffle boxes to capture debris in stormwater runoff

• Whole lake alum treatment for phosphorus inactivation

• Storm drain labeling

• Lake Mary Jess stormwater pond (treatment of an interconnected lake)

• Lake Bumby and Lake Tyner sediment analysis (interconnected lakes)

• Invasive aquatic plant management (chemical, physical and biological control)

• Triploid grass carp stocking for hydrilla management

• Newsletter distribution and community presentations (educational outreach)

• Cypress Tree Reforestation Program

• Wetland/Marsh Restoration Project (replace invasive species with native species)

• Stormwater outfall and canal maintenance

• Shallow water buoys

• Hydrologic/Nutrient Budget and Water Quality Management Plan (full lake study)

• Daily gate keeping services at the Bywater and Woodsmere Boat Ramps

• NEW! Shoreline Vegetation and Berm and Swale Incentive Programs

accomplished Projects:

storm drain labeling

alum treatment

triploid grass carp stockingshallow water buoy

Invasive aquatic plant management

cypress tree planting

Wetland restoration area

street sweeping

curb and grate inlet filter baskets

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My name is Carolyn Accola and I am currently

a member of the LJWAB. For the past several years, I have worked on the Lake Jessamine alum treatment project, the cypress tree reforestation project and many other best management practices (BMPs), such as the installation of curb inlet filter baskets and baffle boxes. These projects are just some of the ways we continue to work together to help protect and improve the health of Lake Jessamine.

One of my top concerns is identifying all of the numerous

sources of stormwater runoff that enter Lake Jessamine. We, as an advisory board, will continue to identify and assess the lake’s drainage canals and ditches and stormwater drains and culverts. We will use aerial photography to further identify point sources of pollution discharging directly into the lake and also evaluate potential erosion and sedimentation concerns.

I want to continue improving our water quality and restoring the balance in our lake so that we can all enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking and living on Lake Jessamine.

Alum (aluminum sulfate) is a nontoxic material commonly used to clarify drinking water. In lakes, alum is used to reduce the amount of the

nutrient phosphorus in the water and bottom sediments.

A recent, large-scale project on Lake Jessamine was a whole lake alum treatment designed to chemically bind phosphorus released by the lake sediments. These nutrients found in the bottom of the lake were providing a source of food for algae resulting in algae blooms, poor water clarity and declining water quality.

Excess phosphorus in lakes is due mainly to polluted stormwater runoff from highly developed, urbanized areas. Fertilizer, sediments, grass clippings, leaves and pet waste are primary contributors. Pollutants enter the lake from a watershed’s stormwater pipes, ditches, interconnected waterbodies and direct runoff from streets, sidewalks, driveways, roofs and yards.

The alum treatment was divided into three separate applications beginning in July 2012 and ending in June 2013. This water quality improvement project was recommended by the 2012 professional lake study conducted on Lake Jessamine, approved by the Lake Jessamine Water Advisory Board and paid with MSTU funds.

The alum sediment inactivation project was successful in inactivating approximately 86 percent of the available phosphorus within the bottom

sediments. In addition, the alum applications resulted in substantial improvements in water quality characteristics within Lake Jessamine, with large reductions in water column concentrations of total phosphorus and improvements

in water clarity. A final report will be available online at the Orange County Water Atlas page, orange.wateratlas.org.

alum treatment for sedIment InactIvatIon

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alum application vessels

Improved water clarity

alum applied to lake

advisory Board member highlight carolyn accola

• 914parcels• 308waterfrontparcels• Millagerateof0.6545• Estimated$82,000annualrevenue

• A512acredrainagearea• 19separatesub-basins• Threelakescontributetoitswatershed:LakeMaryJess,LakeBumbyandLakeTyner

• LocatedwithintheBoggyCreekDrainageBasin

• LakeJessaminehasasurfaceareaof290acres,anaveragedepthof11feetandamaximumdepthof30feet

• TheNormalHighWaterElevation(NHWE)is91.36feetNorthAmericanVerticalDatum(NAVD)

• TherearetwopublicboatrampsonBywaterDriveandWoodsmereAvenue

• 1973–AResolutioncreatedtheLakeJessamineSpecialPurposeTaxingDistrictforgeneral

improvementandenhancementofthelake

• 1980–TheResolutionwasamendedtoestablishafivememberAdvisoryBoardtoprovidesuggestionstotheOrangeCountyBoardofCountyCommissionersonMSTUexpenditures

• 2009–TheResolutionwasamendedtoincludenavigationalimprovementsandgatekeepingservicesatthetwoboatramps

Shoreline vegetation helps to filter pollutants and remove nutrients from stormwater runoff, stabilizes soils against erosion from wave action and provides habitat for native wildlife.

Berm and Swale systems allow percolation of yard chemicals into the ground, protecting the lakes from the introduction of turf fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

Orange County code requires lakefront homeowners to obtain a permit if they would like to work on their shoreline. Contact the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) at 407-836-1400 or visit orangecountyfl.net/PermitsLicenses/LakeshoreWetlandImpactPermits.aspx. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) may also require permits. Contact FWC prior to starting any work at 407-858-6170 or myfwc.com/license/aquatic-plants.

Adding fill to the shoreline areas of a lake can cause damage to the environment. Shorelines are the most productive parts of a lake and should be handled with care. If you are considering altering your shoreline area, contact EPD at 407-836-1400.

lake access corridor is 20 percent or 30 feet total linear shoreline

don’t add fill to the shoreline

FUN Facts about the Lake Jessamine Municipal service taxing Unit!

lakeshore permit requirements For Work on the shorelIne

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Lake Jessamine and the surrounding area are home to a diverse group of wildlife. The wildlife corridor encompassing Lakes Jessamine, Holden, Jennie Jewel, Gatlin, Little Lake Conway, Conway and Mary Jess is home to a large number of resident animals and many migratory animals.

Some of the recent animal sightings on Lake Jessamine include the following mammals: squirrels, raccoons, opossums, red fox, armadillos and otters. Fish caught or sighted include: largemouth bass, bluegill, gar, grass carp, shiners, and speckled perch. Amphibians spotted include lizards, salamanders and frogs. Reptiles seen on the lake include several varieties of turtles, one alligator, water snakes, black racers, cottonmouth water moccasins, corn snakes and skinks.

The bird life on Lake Jessamine is the most visible. The East Coast of the U.S. experienced a colder than normal winter which has contributed to a flourishing bird population on the lake. Species seen recently include: pelicans, sea gulls, green herons, great blue herons, egrets, limpkin, cormorants, anhinga, bitterns, ibis, gallinule, kingfishers, mallard ducks, a lone Canadian goose, sparrows with babies in their nest and wood ducks and their babies.

Sand hill cranes can be heard trumpeting around the lake much of

the year. Hummingbirds, mourning doves, mockingbirds, cardinals, blue jays, crows and wrens are a common sight in most yards. You will often hear the knocking sounds of the large pileated woodpeckers or the red-bellied woodpeckers that frequent the area. Once the sun goes down, the sound of barred owls can be heard in areas around the lake with lots of trees. The master hunters cruising over the area include a pair of bald eagles, many osprey and red-tailed hawks.

Please enjoy the wildlife from a distance and do not disturb their habitat. Consider using “Florida Friendly Landscaping” practices to attract wildlife and create habitat. We can all be environmental stewards to help restore and protect our valuable resources.

For more information on Florida Friendly Landscaping visit orange.ifas.ufl.edu/fyn.

the Wildlife of lake JessamIne by Brett Barner

drake Wood duck

Wood ducks Snapping turtle

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Pelican

Mallard ducks

Otters

Wood duck Box

Great Blue HeronGreen Heron

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As a resident of Lake Jessamine, I’ve really enjoyed all the water related activities possible on our lake. Lake Jessamine is a great waterway for recreational activities like wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, wakesurfing, fishing, stand up paddleboarding and boating. I grew up in California where there are not many lakes, so the few bodies of water that exist are extremely crowded.

When I moved to Florida, I was so excited that there are lakes everywhere. Lake Jessamine has to be one of my favorites! My wife and I have lived here several years now, and we have so much fun bringing our friends out on the water with us. Lake Jessamine is unique in that it has a good

size main lake, and also a few coves, so several boats can enjoy the water at the same time. We take our friends out to wakeboard, sometimes hop on another

resident’s boat to wakesurf with them, and we really like cruising the lake on our stand up paddleboards before the sun sets. We’ve seen groups of ladies getting exercise together by kayaking and paddle boating too. There’s even a kid on the lake who built his own little boat! I hope you all get to enjoy the water as much as we do this summer!

recreation on lake JessamIne by Cobe Mikacich

Report UNSAFE BOATING at 407-836-HELPand ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS at 311.

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• Utilize zero phosphorus fertilizers in your yard

• Maintain a vegetated shoreline• Install a berm and swale to

protect the lake• Avoid shallow water boating/

sediment re-suspension• Clean and maintain your

septic system

For additional information:www.ocfl.net/Environment/StormwaterPollutionPrevention.aspxwww.ocfl.net/PermitsLicenses/ LakeshoreWetlandImpactPermits.aspxwww.ocfl.net/Home/CustomerService 311.aspx

Help Protect Lake Jessamine Municipal Service Taxing Unit

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Be coUrteoUstolakefrontpropertyownersandtothosewhosharethelakewithyou.

FoLLow at saFe distaNces.

doN’t Litter.Trashisunsightlyandcancauseenvironmentalhazardsandthreatstowildlife.

it is prohiBited to operateavessel,waterskiorwakeboardwithabloodalcoholcontentof0.08percentorhigherorwhileundertheinfluenceofdrugs.Formoreinformationgotomyfwc.com/boating/regulations

avoid MakiNg Large wakesinshallowwaterorneartheshoreline.

• In order to operate a motorboat of 10 horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after January 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC. myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/id

• All operators are responsible for operating their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard for other vessel traffic, posted restrictions and other circumstances so as not to endanger people or property. Failure to do so is considered careless operation.

• A person must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida.

• All vessels, with the exception of non-motor-powered vessels less that 16 feet in length, non-motor-powered canoes, kayaks, racing shells or rowing sculls, regardless of length, must be registered through your local Tax Collector’s Office. The Certificate of Registration must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel is operated. flhsmv.gov/dmv/faqboat.html

• Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.).

• Personal watercraft may not be operated from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used.

• The owner and/or operator of a vessel is responsible to carry, store, maintain and use the safety equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard. uscgboating.org/fedreqs/default.html

to report unlawful activity on the lakes, contact the Orange county sheriff’s Office marine patrol unit at 407-836-Help (4357)

saFe BoatiNg tipsaNd regULatioNs

For more information contact Melissa Lavigne of the Orange County Environmental Protection Division at 407-836-1413 or www.ocfl.net

800 Mercy Drive, Suite 4Orlando Florida 32808

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Orange cOunty District 3Pete Clarke is your District 3 Commissioner Visit: orangecountyfl.net/BoardofCommissioners/District3Commissioner.aspx

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