The primary focus of the BCMB is the enhancement and subsequent preservation of native/historic habitat community structure and hydrology throughout the site’s approximately 3,030 acres. A detailed construction, phasing, implementation and monitoring plan has been developed to establish baseline conditions, as well as record and report monitoring conditions that would establish project success for an array of habitat communities occurring within the site.
The primary components for implementation of the BCMB site include four (4) major activities: 1) conservation easement recordation for each phase; 2) hydrologic enhancement through ditch-blocks and constructing low water crossings, thereby re-establishing direct hydrologic connection within wetland systems both on-site and off-site; 3) enhancement of vegetation within areas utilized for timber activities; and, 4) implementation of a native/historic prescribed fire program. These activities are proposed to occur within four (4) distinct phases of implementation.
As a result of implementation, the subject area, as well as the Chipola and Apalachicola Rivers, Deer Point Lake, and the Floridan Aquifer, would receive hydrologic and vegetative enhancement. More imprtantly, vegetation community structure will be further enhanced and preserved through the implementation of a routine invasive exotic/nuisance vegetation control program.
In addition, surface water discharges from the BCMB will enhance water quality attributes within the Deer Point Lake Reservoir- an important regional source of drinking water.