Related Links
Listed below are links to other sites grouped by Lake Interests, Regulatory Agencies, Agricultural Interests, Environmental Interests, Links to Educational Materials for Kids, and Local Interests
Lake Interests
Highlands County Lakes Association - Learn more about our area lakes!
Florida Lakewatch - University of Florida site containing water quality information for lakes throughout the state and extensive lake educational information
University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants - extensive information and publications on aquatic plants
Friends of Istokpoga - Site dedicated to providing information regarding issues related to our county's largest lake
North American Lakes Management Society - Professional organization for lakes management
Florida Lakes Management Society - Florida branch of professional society for lakes management
Florida DMV - Boat registration, titling, other information
Florida Association for Water Quality Control - Group dedicated to preserving water quality in Florida
Hillsborough County Lake Atlas - E-tour of lakes and descriptions of water quality in Hillsborough County
Lakes Education Action Drive - Lakes related site specific to Polk County
Wateratlas.org - Extensive water quality, land use, mapping information and much more for many areas in the Southwest Florida Water Management District
Water Wiser Organization - information on water conservation for the homeowner
National Small Flows Clearinghouse - Everything you ever wanted to know about septic systems
Fishing line recycling bin locations in Highlands County
World Water Monitoring Day - learn more about this annual month-long event where citizens can test their own waters
Regulatory Agencies
Florida Department of Environmental Protection - State agency regulating activities that impact the environment, including but not limited to aquatic plant removal and aquatic dredging, sewage treatment plants, air quality, hazardous waste, etc.
Southwest Florida Water Management District - State agency regulating water use on 'the ridge' in Highlands County, many educational resources
South Florida Water Management District - State agency regulating water use in eastern and southwestern Highlands County, many educational resources and extensive databases, links to real time weather data, screensavers, photos and much more
Suwannee River Water Management District - State agency regulating water use in North Central Florida
St. Johns River Water Management District - State agency regulating water use from Polk County and Orlando to Jacksonville and along the northeast coast of Florida
Northwest Florida Water Management District - State agency regulating water use in the panhandle of Florida
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - State agency regulating fishing and hunting in Florida and dedicated to habitat preservation activities
Environmental Protection Agency - Federal government agency regulating environmental issues of regional or nationwide concern, many educational resources and numerous publications
Agricultural Interests
Natural Resource Conservation Service - Technical and educational resources for anyone with an interest in agriculture, a USDA agency
Natural Resource Conservation Service - Florida - Technical assistance for farmers specific to Florida
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science - Site linking to many university and extension resources throughout the state
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Lots of practical information
Office of Agricultural Water Policy - a Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services site
UF IFAS/EDIS - Search page to find on-line extension publications for agriculture and homeowners alike
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association - Site for fruit and vegetable production in Florida
American Society of Agricultural Engineers - Professional society for the advancement of science in farming
American Society of Agronomy - Professional society for the advancement of science in farming, includes the Soil Science Society of America and the Crop Science Society of America
Soil and Water Conservation Society - Society dedicated to the preservation of natural resources through improved farming practices
Pest Alert Page - University of Florida page listing dozens of publications related to insect problems in the state, for agriculturalists and homeowners alike.
Highlands County Citrus Growers Association - Local organization for the promotion of citrus in Highlands County and resource for facts about local citrus industry
Florida Citrus Mutual - Site with resources for Florida Citrus Industry
EPA's Agriculture Pages - Federal issues related to agriculture and environmental quality and food supply safety.
Environmental Interests
Science.gov - This website is the US government clearinghouse for links to scientific information from various government agencies
Archbold Biological Station - Research station in Highlands County dedicated primarily to the study of local habitats, wildlife and ecology. Includes the Macarthur Ranch, a cattle research facility also located in Highlands County. Many educational materials and volunteer opportunities available
The Nature Conservancy - Agency dedicated to land management for preservation of native species
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council - provides information on problem plants in Florida
Everglades Restoration Plan - Site details activities to occur in the process of restoring the Everglades from human impacts
Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) - Statewide current and archived weather data sponsored by the University of Florida
Earthshare - Federation of non-profit environmental organizations
Florida Master Naturalist Program - Learn more about Freshwater Wetlands, Coastal Ecosystems and Uplands through this course developed by the University of Florida!
Florida's Freshwater Frontier - Discover Florida's charming towns, pristine wildlife habitats, and Florida's true heritage
Links to Educational Materials for Kids
Environmental Education - "Environmental education on the internet"
Natural Resource Conservation Service - general educational materials
Florida Ag in the Classroom - program to teach kids about where our food comes from and agriculture in Florida
Department of Environmental Protection - link to their educational materials about all sorts of environmental issues in Florida
South Florida Water Management District - link to their educational materials about the Everglades
Southwest Florida Water Management District - link to educational materials about water conservation
U.S. Geological Survey - More than just geology - maps of natural resources, all about our earth and the creatures living on it, coloring pages, lesson plans, etc.
Green Frog News - Environmental education and newsletter site for the kids!!
Kids Gardening - Site with ideas and materials for educational gardening projects
FEMA for Kids - From the Federal Emergency Management Agency, includes hurricane and other disaster information
Local Interests
Highlands County Government - Useful local information
Highlands Hammock State Park - All about our local state park!
Hometown Network - Area information, including aerial photos of many area lakes!