The Lake Okeechobee Airboat Association’s (LOAA) efforts to clean up waterways were praised at the May 9 meeting of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board. 

Governing Board Member Ben Butler said he joined LOAA and Florida Sportsmen Conservation Association (FSCA) volunteers on May 4 for a cleanup day at Chandler Slough. 

“We want to thank everyone that came out to make this day another huge success,” LOAA posted on their Facebook page. “We partnered up again with FSCA, and SFWMD, removed a lot of old fence posts, gates, wire and things that are a hazard, as well as placed up new signs! We had a lot of sportsmen come together today with a variety of machines, equipment, buggies, side by sides and manpower with like-minded goals! It was a very productive day,” 

On April 28, LOAA partnered with the Okeechobee 4-H Sharpshooters Club for a Lake Okeechobee cleanup day. 

“This is an annual event that we as a club and the 4-H Sharpshooters look forward to every year,” LOAA shared on Facebook. “We had an awesome turnout of kids, parents and club members! Each and every one of you made a difference as we did our part for Earth Day again this year! When you question whether you make a difference, or not this is your proof that you do. Every piece of trash matters! Thank you to everyone that was a part of this. We collected a good amount of stuff from different areas, if you bring it with you take it with you, if you see it pick it up. Don’t be a part of the problem!”