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