Watershed Management: Watershed Planning
Lake Tarpon Watershed
Lake Tarpon is the largest lake in Pinellas County with a surface area of four square miles. Its watershed encompasses 2860 acres, including its two largest tributaries, South Creek and Brooker Creek. The lake is a valuable recreational destination and is renowned for its largemouth bass fishing. Pinellas County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) share jurisdiction in maintaining and improving the health of Lake Tarpon.
Aquatic Vegetation Management:
Pinellas County began providing aquatic vegetation management in the Lake Tarpon canals in 1991 with assistance from outside funding. Due to budget reductions, we will no longer provide aquatic vegetation control in the canals, unless it is causing a drainage issue by impeding the flow of water into the lake. Funding is not available to monitor and treat the vegetation in the canals for aesthetic or recreational purposes. SWFWMD will continue to provide vegetation control in the lake proper and the outfall canal, and will control water hyacinth and water lettuce in the canals.
Of the Lake Tarpon canals impacted, some have been determined through surveying and property appraiser records to be privately owned. Affected property owners have been notified through U.S. mail. These changes are effective immediately. Residents can obtain an invasive plant removal permit through the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.