Corps Raises Water Release Targets at W.P. Franklin Lock to Protect Caloosahatchee Estuary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Jacksonville District bumped up water discharge benchmarks at the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79) to 350 cubic feet per second when the 2025-26 dry season kicked off. 

The change is to maintain salt concentrations in the Caloosahatchee River Estuary while preserving water stores in Lake Okeechobee.

The new minimum jumped from 250 cfs, which had been set during wetter months. When basin flows drop beneath 350 cfs, water from Lake Okeechobee gets pushed into the waterway to maintain that threshold.

"USACE and our partners at the South Florida Water Management agree that increasing targets now will help maintain favorable salinities in the Caloosahatchee River Estuary, while continuing to conserve water in the lake," the agency reported on Oct. 28, 2025, according to Captiva Sanibel.

The decision to change the water release is due to drier conditions, particularly west of Lake Okeechobee, and forecasters anticipate more arid weather ahead. 

Recovery operations sparked the regrowth of submerged plants across thousands of acres. Conditions now look promising for continued plant expansion and better habitat on Lake Okeechobee next year.

During the wet season, local basin runoff on the Caloosahatchee River supplied well above the 250 cfs minimum benchmark. The South Florida Water Management District pushed for the boost to the updated target.

The USACE will keep monitoring conditions throughout the dry season and collaborating with partners and stakeholders. Adjustments to benchmarks will happen as circumstances demand.