Lake Worth Lagoon - Development

Development

Lake Worth Lagoon is completely surrounded by the urbanized area of Palm Beach County. Approximately 65 percent of the shoreline is bulkheaded; only 19 percent of the shoreline remains fringed by mangroves. As a result of the many canals draining into it, the lagoon is adversely affected by wide variations in salinity levels caused by occasional large volume freshwater releases. Since 1994, there has been heightened awareness of the need for water quality improvements and habitat restoration and enhancement within the Lagoon. A Lake Worth Lagoon Management Plan was approved in 1998 to guide the Lagoon’s restoration and enhancement.