TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) -- A new study finds that if Lake Jackson were restored to the quality and quantity levels of two decades ago, it would have an economic impact of nearly $26,000,000.
Compare that to the impact of Springtime Tallahassee at $9,000,000 and the Tallahassee Museum at $11.7 million.
A group called the "Friends of Lake Jackson" are calling for a task force to implement a management plan to make Lake Jackson healthy again.
They say the lake has too much nutrients which has led to an excess of aquatic weeds and other growths.
They want the task force to restore the lake as a premiere recreational and economic showcase for the community.
"In a matter of a decade or so, I think we can have the lake back up to full strength with enormous economic stimulus", said Dr. Tim Lynch, environmental economist. "The quality of this water and every other water body, especially ground and surface, are the foundation of the entire region's economy and it must be protected in the future."
The study says that if the lake were to match water levels and water quality as it did in 1993, it would attract 42.6% more visitors now than it did that year.
