Today I am going to share all of the aerial photographs of the C-43 Reservoir that were recently taken by my husband Ed Lippisch. I think it is important to be able to “see” these huge CERP/Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan projects that are, or should be, coming on-line.

My post is meant to be  a visual resource.

The C-43 Reservoir encompasses  more than 10,000 acres and is located  on the west coast near LaBelle, Florida. Ed took these photographs on January 24, 2026 and the reservoir appears to be empty of water, as it has not rained much and much of  Florida has drought conditions.

The South Florida Water Management District ribbon-cutting took place  on 7/15/25. In time, when it is fully operational and as weather conditions change, this reservoir will be of great help to the Calooshatchee River that unlike the St. Lucie sometimes needs water from Lake Okeechobee.

Resources:

ACOE write up regarding the C-43 Reservoir and its purposes

SFWMD INFO: https://www.sfwmd.gov/…/spl_caloos_c43_reservoir.pdf