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This project is located at the northern perimeter of the Big Cypress National Preserve in southern Hendry County, Florida. The project consists of enhancement and restoration of herbaceous and forested wetlands on a 2,200-acre property in an area of regional significance in southwest Florida. The property had been converted to citrus groves in the 1960’s and was utilized as such until the late 1990’s. ESI first provided an assessment of the property and a mitigation bank feasibility study to identify existing natural resources and determine the feasibility of establishing a wetland mitigation bank on the property. Throughout the design process, ESI managed a project team that included engineers, hydrologists, soil scientists and regulatory agency staff to ensure a successful wetland restoration project. |
During the process, a Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) den was discovered on the property. ESI worked closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff to ensure that no disturbances occurred in the vicinity of the panther den.
Through the Mitigation Bank Review Team (MBRT) process, a Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI) was prepared in support of a Federal Permit for the project. The project received South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) permits in 1999. The more than 2,000 acres of restored and enhanced wetlands were planted with native wetland plant species. Many wildlife species, including several listed as endangered or threatened, have been observed utilizing the restored and enhanced wetlands. ESI continues to provide monitoring and support services for this long-term project.
The overall project provides a complete enhancement and restoration of over 2,000 acres of high value herbaceous and forested wetlands.
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Owner: EarthMark Companies, LLC
Location: Hendry County, FL
Contact: Mr. Michael Rosen
Phone: (239) 415-6223
Address: 12800 University Drive
Suite 400
Fort Myers, Florida 33907
Cost: $550,000
This project is located at the northern perimeter of the Big Cypress National Preserve in southern Hendry County, Florida.
The project consists of enhancement and restoration of herbaceous and forested wetlands on a 2,200-acre property in an area of regional significance in southwest Florida. The property had been converted to citrus groves in the 1960’s and was utilized as such until the late 1990’s. ESI first provided an assessment of the property and a mitigation bank feasibility study to identify existing natural resources and determine the feasibility of establishing a wetland mitigation bank on the property. Throughout the design process, ESI managed a project team that included engineers, hydrologists, soil scientists and regulatory agency staff to ensure a successful wetland restoration project. During the process, a Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi) den was discovered on the property. ESI worked closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff to ensure that no disturbances occurred in the vicinity of the panther den. Through the Mitigation Bank Review Team (MBRT) process, a Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI) was prepared in support of a Federal Permit for the project. The project received South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) permits in 1999. The more than 2,000 acres of restored and enhanced wetlands were planted with native wetland plant species. Many wildlife species, including several listed as endangered or threatened, have been observed utilizing the restored and enhanced wetlands. ESI continues to provide monitoring and support services for this long-term project.
The overall project is anticipated for completion in 2009, and will provide a complete enhancement and restoration of over 2,000 acres of high value herbaceous and forested wetlands.
