complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Unit Name: Tenoroc Fish Management Area
Acres: 7,348
Managing
Agency:
FWC
Current Management Plan
Approved:
429
4/2002
Narrative:
The management plan for this area was approved prior to July, 2008, and does not contain the
eight common management goals and associated quantitative measures that are now required to
be addressed by all management plans. Our progress, during the last two years toward achieving
the common goals and applicable core objectives are described in the narrative below and in
quantitative terms in the tables. Where applicable, this narrative lists outstanding
accomplishments, identifies any deficiencies and corrective actions, and provides other important
or clarifying information for each of the required management goals.
Phosphate mining operations, which primarily took place before 1970, significantly disrupted
natural drainage patterns by eliminating original wetlands and impounding water in retention
areas. Currently, on the eastern portion of Tenoroc, a system of ditches carries water through and
around mined areas, including a series of water filled pits (mine-created lakes) that remained after
strip mining activities terminated. The western portion of Tenoroc consists of a series of landlocked
pit/lakes that over-flow water to Lake Parker during high water periods.
Tenoroc currently exists as a mostly disturbed site, consisting of lakes, phosphatic clay settling
areas, and sand tailing areas that resulted from mining and reclamation activities. Only 17% of
Tenoroc (1,268 acres) is classified as unmined/undisturbed.
All mined areas of Tenoroc were either reclaimed by the original mine company owner or were
deemed eligible for state-funded reclamation (Nonmandatory Reclamation Program).
Approximately 4,000 acres have been reclaimed to various landforms. Generally, these previous
reclamation activities were conducted without a systematic approach and without consideration of
fisheries and wildlife habitat optimization, future recreational uses and drainage patterns.
It is the policy of FWC to provide, on lands it owns or manages a diversity of fish and wildlifeoriented
recreational opportunities that do not adversely impact the long-term well-being of animal
populations or habitats. The primary purpose of Tenoroc is to provide nature-based recreation with
emphasis on public fishing. Since 1993, 146,391 visitors have enjoyed the recreational
opportunities offered by Tenoroc. Another important purpose has been to reestablish upland
habitat and improve drainage that was impacted by mining. A cooperative project with DEP’s
Bureau of Mine Reclamation has been underway since 1995 to restore the Upper Saddle Creek
Basin at Tenoroc.
Tenoroc is managed under a multi-use strategy to: (1) provide high-quality recreational
opportunities with special emphasis on public fishing; (2) improve water quality on or leaving
Tenoroc; (3) restore functional hydro-periods and drainage; and (4) provide natural resourcebased
education, and 5) enhance native plant communities.