Lake Morton shoreline stabilization project includes aquatic and upland plants

LAKELAND – The City of Lakeland will be planting aquatic plants and grasses along an area of shoreline on Lake Morton as part of an ongoing shoreline stabilization plan. Approximately 160 feet of shoreline on the southwest side of Lake Morton (across from E. Palmetto Street) is in need of immediate repair.

A low-profile fence that currently encloses a planting zone on the north shore of the lake is being dismantled and erected at the new planting area. Due to an abundance of waterfowl on Lake Morton and the extremely high pressure on new plants, a green vinyl chain link perimeter fence will be installed for approximately one year. This perimeter fence is needed to ensure successful plant growth.

Native aquatic and upland species of plants will be used as a natural shoreline stabilizer very similar to other areas around Lake Morton that have already been established. A portion of the geofabric that is in place now will be removed so visitors around Lake Morton may see a piece of heavy equipment in the area for a few hours before the fence is installed. The project will start in July and be completed by August 2016. The approximate cost of the project is $3,000 and is being funded out of the City of Lakeland Stormwater Utility Fund.