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Altitude: m. ASL.
Region:
United States > Florida
Cache type: Virtual
Size: No container
Status:
Ready for Search
Date hidden: 2013-05-20
Date created: 2013-05-21
Date published: 2013-05-21
Last modification: 2013-06-01 
2x Found 
0x Not found 
0 notes 
0 watchers 
600 visitors 
1 x rated 
Rated as: n/a
1 x recommended
Cache attributes
Description
EN
Post a picture of the GZ area or from that vantage point to commemorate your visit to this cache. Share in your log what wildlife or nature item caught your eye while at the GZ... especially if unable to post a picture.
This spot has always provided me a wonderful overlook of Lake Hancock and a diversion from the nature trail that runs as the eastern perimeter of the Circle-B Bar Reserve. The GZ is located on a covered pavillion/dock that extends out from the western shoreline.
Lake Hancock is located in the Polk Upland area between the Winter Haven Ridge and Lakeland Ridge. As part of the upper Peace River watershed, the lake has ecological importance throughout southwest Florida according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Lake Hancock is shallow with an average depth of four feet and a maximum depth of 16 feet. At 4,573 acres, the lake is one of the largest lakes in Polk County, Florida.
The lake is surrounded by cypress forests with the understory primarily red maple and black willow. The open areas of the lake are relatively free from native vegetation, although hydrilla can occasionally be an issue and algae is abundant.
There is a substantial American alligator presence along the shoreline feeding on one of the largest colonial wading bird rookeries in central Florida. Although many lakes in Polk County are utilized by sports fishermen, Lake Hancock has not been used for recreational fishing in decades. The dominant fish in the lake are blue tilapia and threadfin shad, and suckermouth catfish.
Originally named lake Simmons in 1823 by Horatio Dexter in honor of his friend Dr. William H. Simmons. Renamed around 1846 by William Hancock who settled nearby. Shown with this name on first government survey made in 1854. Fort Fraser was constructed along this shoreline in 1837.
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