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This fence was recently removed from Smith Lake. | North Florida Land Trust

BIT OF JOY | Fence removed from Clay County lake

Published on July 9, 2025 at 10:52 am
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Good news for Clay County nature enthusiasts: the North Florida Land Trust recently completed a long-awaited project at Smith Lake Preserve. The organization removed an old fence in the lake that was built during a period of drought when the lakebed was dry. As water returned, the fence became submerged and prevented aquatic creatures from moving freely, posing a threat to the lake’s ecosystem. With the removal of the 1.5-mile-long fence, the lake’s fish, alligators and turtles can now move around as they please. The project was possible thanks to donations from Faith and Rick Hoffman and the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds.


author image Newsletter Writer email Heather Henderson is a writer, editor and artist who has lived in Jax for close to 20 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Florida.

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