CERP Project:
Picayune Strand Restoration

Picayune Strand Restoration Video (2 minutes)

The Picayune Strand Restoration Project breaks ground on Jan. 7, 2010. Paul Souza of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service describes the significance of this CERP project.
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This project involves the restoration of natural water flow across 85 square miles in western Collier County that were drained in the early 1960s in anticipation of extensive residential development. This subsequent development dramatically altered the natural landscape, changing a healthy wetland ecosystem into a distressed environment. Wetlands will be restored in Picayune Strand (Southern Golden Gate Estates) and in adjacent public lands by reducing over-drainage, while restoring a natural and beneficial sheetflow of water to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The refined project includes 83 miles of canal plugs, 227 miles of road removal, and the addition of pump stations (3) and spreader swales to aid in rehydration of the wetlands.

Protection levees are planned for adjacent private properties impacted by the project along with maintenance of flood protection for the Northern Golden Gate Estates residential area. The project significantly increases the size and improves major wetland ecosystems in adjacent lands including the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, and Collier Seminole State Park; benefiting threatened and endangered species such as the Florida panther and the red cockaded woodpecker. Water quality and large salinity fluctuation, caused by freshwater flowing from the Faka-Union Canal into the estuaries, will also be improved. In addition, the project provides public access and recreational opportunities.

 

picayune strand fact sheet coverJan 2010 - View or download the Picayune Strand Restoration Fact Sheet (1.6 mb, PDF)

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U.S. Geological Survey, Manatee Project
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An Eagle at the Faka Union Canal on Picayune Strand.
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Panther Family
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Panther Cub
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Related Links & Project Documents:

Project Contacts:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

Lacy Shaw, Project Manager
Lacy.E.Shaw@usace.army.mil

Sponsor:

Janet Starnes. Project Manager
jstarne@sfwmd.gov

Project Details:

Project Sponsor: South Florida Water Management District
Project Schedule: For scheduling information regarding this project, please see the Master Implementation Sequencing Plan (MISP).
Project Phase: Pre-Construction, Engineering and Design; Construction
Design Agreement: 12 May 2000
CERP Component Designation: OPE
Project Cooperation Agreement: Project Partnership Agreement, 13 Aug, 2009
Authorization: WRDA 2007

 

 

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