Why and for how long will Headwaters Lake launch ramp in Fellsmere be closed?

From June 10 through June 20, the launch ramp for power boats at Headwaters Lake in Fellsmere will be closed for concrete repairs, a St. Johns River Water Management District release announced Tuesday.

An estimated cost of $22,000 worth of repairs will "extend the existing concrete apron into the parking lot to help reduce pavement failure in this area. Due to the location and nature of the project, the parking lot will be closed for the duration of the work," SJRWMD media outreach manager Ashley Evitt told TCPalm in an email.

Anglers can still access the 10,000-acre Headwaters Lake at its northwest corner with non-motorized boats. Anglers who wish to fish from bass boats or powerboats can still fish in Stick Marsh down the road from Headwaters Lake. However, please note that access to Headwaters Lake is not accessible by vehicle, and visitors will need to transport their vessels approximately 200 feet along a grass levee to reach the launch area from the Stick Marsh parking lot.

Headwaters Lake serves as a vital floodplain restoration feature in the heart of the Upper St. Johns River Basin. Originally acquired to fulfill various watershed functions such as stormwater storage and treatment, water supply enhancement, and mitigating harmful freshwater discharges to the Indian River Lagoon, FWMA has become a sanctuary for diverse aquatic habitats and abundant wildlife. Its offerings include world-class bass fishing, waterfowl hunting, wildlife observation and boating opportunities.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission committed $1.4 million in 2016 to build essential fish habitat and stock the lake with nearly 2 million bass, crappie and bluegill. A 2018 TCPalm investigation revealed developer-favorable deals held up the construction of the launch ramp and public access for more than 10 years. The ramp was built in 2020 for $842,000 , according to SJRWMD records.

Stay informed about construction updates and property closures at this location and all SJRWMD public lands by visiting www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/announcements and by following the SJRWMD’s social media channels.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Why and for how long will Headwaters Lake launch ramp in Fellsmere be closed?