A cooperatively funded project between the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Manatee County Audubon Society will restore almost 10 acres of freshwater wetlands and uplands habitat, which will improve water quality, act as a buffer against erosion and provide exceptional habitat for wading birds.
The FELTS Preserve, located in northern Manatee County, consists of approximately 29 acres. The preserve drains into Terra Ceia Bay, and ultimately Tampa Bay, which is the District’s Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program top priority waterbody. The site is also important because the surrounding area is rapidly being converted from agricultural to residential development and much of the habitat has been fragmented by the construction of roads. Much of the project site has been altered over time, primarily through ditching and draining to create improved pasture for agricultural purposes. There is little plant diversity in the existing water features because invasive species have taken over.
Restoration involves backfilling ditches, removing exotic vegetation and planting native species.
Audubon will manage the project and work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to obtain the necessary permits for the earthwork portion of the project.
While the Mana-Teens, Native Plant Society, Manatee River Garden Club and other groups have helped control exotic plants by manually removing them and using some chemical controls, monthly control of the invasive species will be necessary throughout the wetlands being restored. The uplands being restored will also need to be treated.
The project is expected to cost up to $74,000. Funding for the project will be divided between the District and the Manatee County Audubon Society. The District will fund up to $37,000, which will be divided equally between the District’s Manasota Basin Board and the District’s Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program.
The project is expected to be complete by the end of July 2007.