- COLLIER COUNTY, FL. -- Spanning 55,000 acres between Alligator Alley and Tamiami Trail in Southwest Florida, this restoration project is the result of years of collaboration among USACE and the SFWMD, as well as many local, state, and federal partners. Through the removal of 260 miles of roads and plugging 48 miles of canals, the project has successfully restored the natural flow of water to the region, revitalizing wetlands and improving overall water quality.
- This land was drained in the early 1960s in anticipation of what was intended to become the largest residential subdivision in the world. Roads were built around the canals dug in anticipation of a giant subdivision of new homes. No homes were ever built and the government had to purchase thousands of vacant lots from owners around the county.
- This restoration project will improve flows of water into Collier Seminole State Park, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
- s
- Reduced freshwater releases/improved health of downstream estuaries
The project has numerous environmental benefits including:Restoration of wetlands that are already making a significant contribution to the landscape of Southwest Florida
Restored and enhanced habitat for fish and wildlife including the Florida Panther
Reduced drainage of adjacent sensitive ecosystems
Improved aquifer recharge to protect underground water supplies and prevent saltwater intrusion
No comments:
Post a Comment