complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Unit Name: Lake Tohopekaliga - Makinson Island (Cypress Island)
Acres: 132
Managing
Agency:
FWC
Current Management Plan
Approved:
419
No Management
Plan
Narrative:
Makinson Island was purchased in 1999 by the State of Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission acquired the property with Preservation 2000 monies utilizing the Trust
for Public Land as an intermediary. The subject property is an approximately 131.59-acre island
located within the northern portion of Lake Tohopekaliga and an approximately 7.24-acre shoreline
access parcel, both located in Osceola County, Florida. Makinson Island lies within Sections 3,4,9,
and 10 of Township 26 South and Range 29 East in the U.S.G.S. Lake Toho and Kissimmee
Quadrangles. The shoreline access parcel is located on the eastern shore of the lake within Section
9, Township 26 South and Range 29 East in the Lake Toho Quadrangle.
A number of development options were being considered by the owners of the island prior to its
sale to the state. Such development would most certainly have resulted in deterioration of the
lake’s water quality. In addition, the need for access to the property by owners and users would
have presented a major obstacle to the proposed management of Lake Toho which includes
periodic extreme drawdowns for habitat improvement.
Acquisition of the island property has helped insure the proper management of the Lake Toho FMA
by removing impediments to periodic extreme drawdowns and habitat enhancement projects in the
lake. This will enhance valuable fish and wildlife habitat and allow low impact public usage
consistent with acquisition objectives.