18. Uses of natural area: 



The lake itself is used for a variety of recreational activities, 

 including boating, sailing, fishing, and skiing. The north shore cypress 

 stand is occasionally used by park hikers. Development of the western 

 and southwestern margins of the lake for residential homes is of the 

 greatest concern. Leakage of septic tanks, construction of piers, and 

 other disturbances could adversely affect water quality and consequently, 

 the endangered plant and animal populations. Clearing of vast acreages 

 of land around the lake for agriculture has greatly increased the amount 

 of wind-borne sediment deposited in the lake. This has resulted in in- 

 creased rate of siltation, particularly in the eastern and northeastern 

 sections. A detailed water management plan is needed to maintain water 

 levels to sustain healthy fish populations and prevent damage to the 

 freshwater marsh community. A management plan for the lake and the 

 adjoining shoreline park property has been developed by the Master 

 Planning Unit of the Division of Parks and Recreation (Department of 

 Natural Resources and Community Development, 1977) . 



19, Uses of surrounding land; 



a. 



Wildland 



b. Agricultural land 95 



c. high-intensity forestry_ 



d. developed % 



20. Preservation Status: 



Cat 



* % 



*Description of preservation status 



1 



100 



Public land, formally designated as a natural area - 



3 



100 



North Shore Baldcypress Stand 

 Public land, not recognized as a natural area - South 



21. 



Shore Freshwater Marsh 

 Regulatory protections in force; 



The North shore natural area is protected as an official natural area by the 

 Division of State Parks. No construction activities or other disturbances to 



the vegetation are allowed. 



The South shore natural area is not officially designated as a natural area ; 

 regulatory protection of this area is unclear. 



76 



