View wildlife and construction progress in the 
CERP Project:
Picayune Strand Restoration
Videos
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.
| Jigsaw Puzzles | |
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U.S. Geological Survey, Manatee Project |
An Eagle at the Faka Union Canal on Picayune Strand. |
Panther Family |
Panther Cub |
Related Links & Project Documents:
- View the Record of Decision for this project (PDF)
- View the Project Partnership Agreement (PPA)
- View the Project Management Plan (PMP)
- View the fact sheet for this project
- View the current project status report (PDF)
- View the PIR/EIS for this project
- View other project documents for this project
Project Contacts:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
Lacy Shaw, Project Manager
lacy.e.shaw@usace.army.mil
CPT Shawn Jones
shawn.m.jones@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 |
