 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Dune Lakes of South Walton
It is a lake formed by wind. The larger category is "Aeolian lake" which is defined as "a lake formed by wind activity in arid regions, which may erode rock or redistribute sand forming dune lakes." Most of these coastal dune lakes in South Walton are "mesotrophic," which means they have moderate levels of algae and plant production. They contain beach and dune sand with silty sand, silt and many different formations of clay. They are unusually shallow, averaging about 5 feet, and were formed between 2,000 and 10,000 years ago. They are generally permanent water bodies, although water levels may fluctuate substantially due to rain, groundwater seepage through the surrounding coastal sands, and storms. Sand dunes ranging in height from a few to more than 30 feet separate the lakes from the gulf.
Coastal dune lakes are rare worldwide. In the U.S., they are almost exclusively found along the Gulf Coast. Are they unique? How so?
Because of the changing nature of the water, these lakes are known to be biologically diverse with many different marine species. They are also an important source of freshwater to migrating birds and other beach organisms. Wise use and management of coastal dune lakes and their connection to the sea is important to the integrity of the coastal ecosystem, according to Gail Carmody, Field Supervisor with the Fish and Wildlife Service. How many do we have in South Walton and what are their names? Where can we see them? They are seen as one travels from west to east along Scenic Highway 30-A 30-A. Their names are: Stallworth Lake · Lake Allen Lake · Oyster Lake · Draper Lake · Big Redfish Lake · Alligator Lake · Little Redfish Lake · Western Lake · Eastern Lake · Deer Lake · Camp Creek Lake ) click to enlarge What kind of protection exists for these lakes? What is being done currently to protect them? Is development impeding? The Florida Natural Areas Inventory has classified these lakes as "critically imperiled in Florida because of extreme rarity" and has identified drainage alteration as a threat to these lakes. The Walton County Comprehensive Plan states in Policy L-1.6.2. that "no construction or disturbance will be allowed in the natural outlet from a coastal dune lake. A buffer area of not less than fifty (50) feet of vegetated area will be left undisturbed along either side of the natural outlet from the lake." The county has formed a Coastal Dune Lakes Task Force to keep a watchful eye on development's impact on the lakes. Most researchers agree that the lakes are understudied unique bodies of water and are endangered by ever-encroaching development. Most conservationists say the dune lake system's intrinsic value is incalculable.
What can we do to help? "What folks need to do is talk to their local government about planning issues and controlling growth," states Department of Environmental Protection biologist in Pensacola, Randall Payne. He continues," developers need to be reminded to avoid disturbing the land and to maintain the dunes protecting the lakes. People have to learn to live with, accept, and appreciate the natural environment without trying to change it into something else." For more information on coastal dune lakes or on how you can help to protect our lakes, please call Lakewatch at 1-800-LAKEWATCH. Copyright 2000 - 2004. Emerald Coast Media, Inc. | For more information, please visit our online travel guide at: www.discover30a.com |
|
)
)
)
)
