GREEN MOUNTAIN SCENIC BYWAY - Florida Scenic Highways

SECTION 7- BACKGROUND CONDITIONS ANALYSISENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONSThe corridor roughly parallels the western and southern shoreline of LakeApopka. Lake Apopka was once the second largest lake in Florida and apremier sport-fishing destination, with numerous fish camps along thewestern shore. As a result of 100 years of canal digging, dike building,draining, muck farming, runoff and discharges from cities, agriculture, andindustry, the lake became one the most polluted in Florida. At least 18,000acres were drained for agricultural purposes, and the lake is now only thefourth largest in the state. The St. Johns River Water Management District isconducting a 25 to 50 year, $130 million plus project to restore the lake toClass III water quality. A Class III water body is fit for wildlife and recreation,and it is hoped that the restoration of the lake will lead to a healthy andsustainable eco-tourism industry.Already, the Restoration Area has become known for it’s remarkable diversityof bird species. The Christmas 1998 Bird Count identified 174 species, thehighest species total for an inland count in the 100-year history of the annualChristmas Bird Count. Altogether, more than 270 bird species have beencounted.2003 Structure Address Coverage AnalysisAn analysis of the 2003 Lake County G.I.S. Structure Address Coverageshows that a there are a total of 1,828 structures with addresses within theScenic Byway Corridor. Approximately 1,569 of the total structures areresidential dwelling units, and approximately 259 are non residential.• There are 686 structures within the Town of Montverde, of whichapproximately 631 are residential.• There are 541 structures within developments in unincorporated LakeCounty, practically all of which are residential.• The Woodlands Lutheran Camp has 202 structures, of which onlyabout 12 are full time residential.• There are 396 structures outside of developments in unincorporatedLake County, with about 18 being non-residential. Roughly one half ofthe 396 structures are clustered around the intersection of CR 455 and561-A in the unincorporated community of Ferndale. There are 16residential structures located within the Byway on Sugarloaf Mountainroad. The remainder of the structures are generally located on eitherthe Scenic Byway or scattered around the corridor on lots andproperties of various sizes.57