The Kissimmee River is sourced by East Lake Tohopekaliga which is located in Osceola County Florida. It forms the border between Osceola and Polk Counties, between Highlands and Okeechobee Counties, and between Glade and Okeechobee Counties. It runs about 165.8 kilometers (103 miles) from Lake Kissimmee to Lake Okeechobee. This river forms the headwaters of the Lake Kissimmee-Lake Okeechobee-Everglades ecosystem. The Kissimmee River watershed consists of 7,800 square kilometers (3,000 square miles) and is adjacent to the Eastern Continental Divide.
Heavy rains from the 1947 Atlantic hurricane season, caused flooding to occur over much of central and southern Florida. As a result of this flooding, the state of Florida requested assistance from the Federal Government to prevent future flooding. From 1962 through 1970, the Kissimmee River was dredged, thus creating the C-38 canal. This new river channel shortened the flow of the water to just 90 kilometers (56 miles).
Unfortunately, channelization produced a negative result. 160 square kilometers (40,000 acres) of floodplain below Lake Kissimmee dried out. Reduction of the quality of the waterfowl by 90% occurred. A decrease in the population of large-mouth bass was seen in the area. Additionally, channelization increased the flow of nitrogen and phosphorus into Lake Okeechobee.
Restoration of the headwater lakes, authorized by Congress in 1992, began in 1997. The US Corp of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District are working together on the Kissimmee River Restoration Project.
Since the restoration was begun, improvements to the ecosystem were observed, including the disappearance of muck and smothering aquatic weeds, reemergence of sandbars, and increased levels of dissolved oxygen in the river.
The successful restoration of the Kissimmee River is the largest project of its kind in the world and has attracted scientists from other parts of the US as well as other countries.
Restoration efforts continue as the US Corp of Engineers (Jacksonville District) works to bring the project to completion.
Access to the Kissimmee River can be found at the Istokpoga Canal Boat and Campsite.
GPS co-ordinates: 27°24'02.3"N 81°09'37.5"W (27.400627, -81.160414)
I would encourage everyone to become more familiar with conservation in your area. For more information regarding the Kissimmee River Restoration Project refer to the following list of URLs:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kissimmee_River
https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/3841
https://myfwc.com/recreation/cooperative/hickory-hammock/
https://www.sfwmd.gov/our-work/kissimmee-river
https://www.sfwmd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/kissimmee_panel.pdf