Historic construction of on-site drainage canals eliminated natural sheet flow conditions, thus effectively draining wetlands located between the C-1 and Brown Canals. This drainage resulted in the recession of the natural soils, and allowed opportunistic species such as blackberry and wax myrtle to encroach into the sawgrass marsh and enable pine seedlings to thrive in the hardwood swamp.
The FMB mitigation plan has resulted in the restoration of historic hydrology to the majority of the site and enhancing the remaining good-quality wetlands and all uplands on the site. The hydrology of the property was severely impacted by the construction of large drainage canals located along the east and west sides of the property.
The hydrologic restoration was accomplished through the installation of a control structure at the eastern end of the Little C-1 Canal. Water levels now mimic normal seasonal variations with a seasonal high water elevation of approximately 63 feet NGVD, and a normal low water elevation of approximately 61 feet NGVD.
By increasing the hydro-period, the undesirable species in the sawgrass marsh diminished, while native sawgrass has begun to thrive. Enhancements within the forested community include the elimination of upland and/or transitional species, and the restoration of suitable reproductive conditions for the wetland species.
Mitigation Resources, LLC continues to provide land management services for the project site, and has completed the implementation of site’s Prescribed Fire Management Program. Routine eradication of invasive exotic/nuisance vegetation continues throughout the site in order to control and protect natural habitat conditions.