Research and Restoration Partner grant awards are no more than $20,000 per participating partner. Additional details about each project are provided on a separate web page. This page includes the fiscal year each contract was initiated, the amount spent, the contract amount, the difference and the total value of the project.
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2008
Wild Turkey Strand Preserve Restoration
Lee County Conservation 20/20 and CHNEP
Venetian Waterway Park (VWP) Exotic Removal from Segment 8
Venice Area Beautification Inc., CHNEP, Sarasota County, Venice and others
Restoration of native ground cover on Sanibel Island
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and CHNEP
Mote Marine Laboratory and CHNEP
Reestablishing bay scallop populations in Pine Island Sound
Mote Marine Laboratory and CHNEP
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2007
Fate and transport of Caloosahatchee estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) sediment
Florida Gulf Coast University and CHNEP
Do coastal land alterations impact estuarine food webs?
Mote Marine Laboratory, SWFWMD and CHNEP
Mote Marine Laboratory and CHNEP
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2006
Melaleuca Removal from Pop Ash Creek Preserve: Final Report (7/24/07)
Lee County Parks & Recreation and CHNEP
Identities and Ecological Effects of Ecoestrogens Present in the Tidal Caloosahatchee River
Mote Marine Lab and CHNEP
Identification of Microbes Critical to the Enhancement of Seagrass Restoration: Final Report (4/24/08)
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Marine Lab and CHNEP
Friends of the Myakka River, Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Myakka River State Park and CHNEP
Tippecanoe East Exotic Species Project
Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve, Americorps National Civilian Community Corps and CHNEP
Evaluating the Effects of Restoration of Subtropical Oligohaline Marshes Abundance and Habitat Use by Juvenile Snook and Associated Fish Communities: Final Report
Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve and CHNEP
Restoration of Bay Scallop Populations in Pine Island Sound: Competent Larval Release Strategy: Final Report (12/06)
Mote Marine Laboratory, Bay Shellfish Company and CHNEP
Biological Effects of Suspended Sediments on Shellfish in the Charlotte Harbor Watershed: Implications for Water Releases and Dredging Activities: Final Report
Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and CHNEP
Spotted Seatrout Growth as a Bioindicator of the Priority Environmental Stressors in the Charlotte Harbor Estuarine Ecosystem: Final Report
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Laboratory, Florida Department of Environmental Protection-St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve and CHNEP
Eradication of Introduced Carnivorous Lizards from the Cape Coral Area: Final Report
University of Tampa, City of Cape Coral, University of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and CHNEP
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2002
Benthic Invertebrate Fauna Calibration of the Estero Bay Watershed Assessment: Final Report
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and CHNEP
Assessing the Densities and Potential Water Quality Impacts of Septic Tank Systems in the Peace and Myakka River Basins: Final Report
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, James R.E. Smith and CHNEP
Dynamics of Tree Mortality and Mangrove Recruitment within Black Mangrove Die-offs in Southwest Florida: Final Report
University of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection and the CHNEP
A Survey of the Effects of Invasive Exotic Vegetation on Wetland Functions: Aquatic Fauna, Wildlife and Native Plant Community Structures: Final Report
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Lee County 2020 Conservation Program and CHNEP
Community-Based Restoration of Oyster Reefs and Enhancement of Essential Fish Habitat in Charlotte Harbor Watershed: Final Report
Florida Gulf Coast University, Lee County School District, Florida Sea Grant Extension Program and CHNEP
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2001
Effects of Heavy Metals and Pesticides on Health and Physiology of Oysters in the Caloosahatchee Estuary: Final Report (7/07)
Florida Gulf Coast University
High Marsh Restoration at Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve: Final Report
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
Isolated Wetland Restoration at the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
Venetian Waterway Park Eradication of Brazilian Peppers Project
Venice Area Beautification, Inc.
Feasibility Assessment for the Environmental Restoration of Selected “Old Mine Lands” in the Upper Peace River Watershed: Prioritization and Strategy
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center and Trust for Public Lands
Gulf Ridge Preserve Restoration Project
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2000
Frannie’s Preserve Invasive Exotic Removal Project
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Cedar Point Coastal Strand Creation
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Melaleuca Eradication and Habitat Restoration Project
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
Deer Prairie Slough Restoration Project
Sarasota County National Resources
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1999
Center for Systematics and Taxonomy
Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network *
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
Peace/Myakka Water Quality Monitoring *
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Punta Gorda Waterfront Juvenile Fisheries Habitat
Charlotte Harbor Reef Association
A Freshwater Pond Boardwalk at Winkler Point
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
Pick Preserve Teaching Shelter and Nature Trail
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1998
Lake Marianna Water Quality Improvement Project: Final Report
Polk County
Tidal Caloosahatchee River Benthic Survey: Final Report
The Center for Systematics and Taxonomy
A Rapid Bioassessment Program for Estero Bay Tributaries: Final Report
Florida Gulf Coast University
Peace/Myakka Watershed Monitoring Program + : 1998 Final Report, 1999 Final Report, 2001 Final Report
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
Edison Community College Oak Hammock Restoration
Florida Native Plant Society
Myakka River State Park Dry Prairie Restoration
Florida Park Service Myakka River State Park
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1997
Determining the Light Requirements of Seagrasses in Charlotte Harbor: Final Report
Mote Marine Laboratory
Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network + 1997 Final Report, 1998 Final Report
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
Nutrient Loadings and Eutrophication in the Peace River Watershed
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Florida Park Service/Myakka State Park
Punta Gorda Habitat Restoration and Nature Park
City of Punta Gorda
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1997
Determining the Light Requirements of Seagrasses in Charlotte Harbor
Mote Marine Laboratory
Charlotte Harbor, Florida’s second largest estuary, has lost approximately 29 percent of its seagrass coverage. As seagrasses are extremely important habitats for numerous species of recreational and commercially important finfish and shellfish, determining the basis for this loss is an important part of protecting and restoring Charlotte Harbor. This project determined how much light is necessary to support seagrasses, the role that algae growing on top of these seagrasses play (in terms of shading effect), and what variables contribute to the lack of water clarity in Charlotte Harbor. In other words, the project answered whether salinity, water temperature, and/or light attenuation are the major factors that limit seagrass growth. This information is used by the Water Management Districts in their Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) projects to better understand the relationships between land uses, water quality, and the abundance and health of fisheries habitats. For a period of one year, one station in Matlacha Pass, one station in San Carlos Bay and two stations in Pine Island Sound were visited monthly to measure water quality and light attenuation as well as to collect seagrass samples. Observed values of light attenuation were compared with modeled values, and the individual contributions of chlorophyll, color, and turbidity were calculated.
The project extended water quality characterization efforts to an area of Charlotte Harbor about which little is known. It defined critical environmental requirements for seagrasses identified an area where the most loss has occurred. Water quality was quantified as a function of color and chlorophyll so that the relative attenuation from freshwater and the indirect attenuation produced by nutrients supporting algal growth can be linked to seagrass light requirements.
The project has strong links to our freshwater inflow and nutrient loading goals as well in that light attenuation (and therefore depth and spatial extent of seagrass beds) is controlled by color and chlorophyll. The product of this project is a tool that can be applied to future water quality measurements in order to monitor changes in light climate as it may affect seagrasses.
Rainfall and flows during the project period were extraordinarily high with as much as 20 times the long-term averages. This resulted in decreases in salinity and water clarity measured at all stations. Therefore, the biotic changes observed during the project should be interpreted with consideration that the project year represented higher levels of attenuation following two years of comparatively better water quality. Annual averages of epiphytic attenuation ranged from 21 to 44 percent of additional reduction in PAR reaching the plant with monthly values ranging between 6 and 89 percent. Highest epiphytic attenuations were in late summer and fall.
The results showed that chlorophyll, water color, and turbidity accounted for 4, 66, and 31 percent of the loss of sunlight to seagrass beds, respectively. This study showed that color in Charlotte Harbor generally has the largest effect on how much sunlight can penetrate the water while chlorophyll’s effect becomes substantial only under phytoplankton bloom conditions. Interestingly, sites in lower Charlotte Harbor and around Pine Island were more influenced by turbidity than water color compared to the sites in upper Charlotte Harbor. This difference is most likely caused by the large amounts of tannin-colored freshwater received by the upper Harbor from the Peace and Myakka Rivers, as compared to the less colored water of the small creeks and canals that affect Pine Island Sound. These conclusions have important management implications for seagrasses in Charlotte Harbor estuaries. While it is still important to minimize human impacts that increase nutrients and turbidity in the water during years of heavy rain or near large rivers, seagrass health will be heavily influenced by freshwater color that limits sunlight to the submerged grasses.
This project was initiated in May 1997 and concluded in August 1999.
Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network: 1997 Final Report, 1998 Final Report
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
This project established a coordinated system of volunteer water quality monitoring groups for the aquatic preserves within the NEP study area. The volunteer monitoring network built on and coordinated with existing volunteer Programs in Lemon Bay and northern Charlotte Harbor. Sites added include Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, Cape Haze, Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, and Estero Bay. Concerned, well-trained volunteers proved that they can collect high quality, credible data. And, because volunteers have easier access to remote sites, they are able to serve as the eyes and ears of scientists who are not able to witness the changes occurring in the estuary on a daily basis.
This is a cooperative, ongoing effort of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection South District Branch Laboratory and Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, the Southwest Florida Water Management District SWIM Program, and the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center. Edison Community College has also provided students as laboratory assistants.
Widely distributed regular water quality data has historically been difficult to collect on the large complex Charlotte Harbor estuarine system because of limited agency staff and funding support. The data were needed to assess current conditions and long-term trends in estuary health. This kind of assessment can be used to identify what type and where resource management activities can be implemented to maintain and restore the estuarine resources. The additional year of data will allow initial water quality trends to be analyzed.
The volunteer network was established in October 1996 and by the year 2000 had grown from 10 to 65 sampling sites in Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, Charlotte Harbor proper, Pine Island Sound, and Estero Bay. The volunteer network assesses present conditions and long-term changes in water quality throughout the NEP study area. In many instances, the data collected supplements existing professional monitoring Programs with more frequent site-specific information than agency and organizational resources allow.
The volunteer monitors received classroom and field training, sampling equipment, and a Field Procedures Manual. They attend regular Quality Assurance practice sessions to ensure good quality data. The 75 people who volunteered during 2000 took monthly samples of 14 key biological and chemical parameters and participate in biannual quality assurance training sessions. The parameters include weather and tide information, water depth, color, clarity and temperature information, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorophyll, and coliform bacteria.
This project was funded two times by CHNEP. The project was initiated in October 1997 and concluded in July 1999. The project was continued in August 1999.
Nutrient Loadings and Eutrophication in the Peace River Watershed
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center developed and implemented an expanded water quality monitoring Program for the Peace River. This project was initiated because it has the potential to provide important information regarding a recurring problem with the Peace River, that of significant algal blooms. Parameters were monitored at 16 locations along the river in Polk, Hardee, DeSoto and Charlotte counties. Samples were collected for nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus, chlorophyll a, color, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and then analyzed by an approved laboratory. Additional parameters measured by the volunteers included color, iron, pH, hardness, phosphorus, turbidity, calcium, and alkalinity.
Given the relatively brief period during which the project was underway and the unusually high levels of rainfall and stormwater runoff that occurred throughout the study area during the El Nino-influenced winter of 1997-1998, an overly detailed analysis of the water quality data would be premature. Relative to median values observed in Florida streams, most of the Peace River stations exhibited elevated concentrations of total phosphorous, total nitrogen, total organic carbon, turbidity, total suspended solids, color and chlorophyll a during the September 1997 to September 1998 time period.
This project was initiated in July 1997 and concluded in September 1999.
Florida Park Service/Myakka State Park
The Myakka Wild and Scenic River Program includes a plan to remove exotic plants. This project involved concerned citizens who did not want the watershed to become a monoculture of invasive plant species. The Myakka River State Park citizen support organization, the Friends of the Myakka River, Inc., provided volunteer labor to fight the exotic plant invasion along the Myakka River. The Friends organized four Myakka River Exotic Plant Removal Days, getting park volunteers, local residents, and adjacent landowners involved. With permission from private landowners, these volunteers combated exotics such as Brazilian pepper, Melaleuca, and Australian pine that had gained a stronghold along the Myakka River. Initially, four Exotic Removal Days were scheduled in the dry season when water levels are normally lower in the river, the air temperatures and biting insects are tolerable for outdoor work, and the target invasive exotic plants are actively growing, which facilitates herbicide uptake. However, the El Nino weather phenomena made the 1997-1998 dry season in Southwest Florida anything but dry, and the original dates were postponed for a substantial amount of time because of flooding. The work days were November 1, 1997, December 13, 1997, March 14, 1998, and April 11, 1998. After completion of the project, it was discovered that this Program inspired a few landowners along the Myakka River to take initiative and remove the exotic species from their land. The positive response was so great that additional Exotic Removal Days were planned for 1999.
This project was initiated in July 1997 and concluded in March 1999.
Punta Gorda Habitat Restoration and Nature Park
City of Punta Gorda
The City of Punta Gorda rehabilitated a 19-acre city-owned site from a highly disturbed parcel of undeveloped land in the center of a large residential community to an educational nature park. The site is an isolated historic wetland. The area had been significantly impacted by hydrologic changes altering inundation periods and vegetative growth and had significant invasion of Brazilian pepper, Melaleuca, and Australian pine. This project removed these species, restored the wetland, and developed recreational amenities. Recreating the historic tidal connection and hydrology between a series of red and black mangrove-lined mosquito ditches and a tidally influenced residential canal restored the wetland. Appropriate wetland vegetation, primarily the two species Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens, were then planted. Recreational amenities include two 1,000-foot shell nature trails, a small fishing pier, a wooden observation platform at the restoration site, and two 1,000-square-foot paved parking/bicycle rack facilities on upland portions of the property. The site is located off U.S. 41 in Punta Gorda at Aqui Esta Drive and Bal Harbor Blvd. The park is open from dawn to dusk. There is no fee.
This project was initiated in April 1997 and concluded in August 1998.
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1998
Lake Marianna Water Quality Improvement Project: Final Report
Polk County
Lake Mariana, located within the headwaters of the Peace River in Polk County, is a moderately eutrophic (nutrient rich) lake. Residents have complained of poor water quality and occasional algal blooms in this lake. Lake Mariana water quality is important not only to its surrounding homeowners, but to people who use the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. Lake Mariana water drains through a canal to the chain and also affects the chain’s water quality. Pursuing their water quality improvement Program, the Polk County Department of Natural Resources and Drainage Division developed this project to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the lake’s pollutant sources and loading estimates. In an effort to improve in-lake water quality, pollutant contributions were characterized and quantified from four major land uses in the lake’s watershed: residential, commercial, light industrial, and agriculture (nursery and citrus). Three pathways of pollution were investigated: pollutant loading from stormwater, groundwater, and atmospheric deposition. Historic water quality data have shown that concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and chlorophyll a have been increasing over the years. In addition, a decrease in submerged vegetation in the lake indicated deteriorating water quality. To assess pollution pathways, water quality samples were collected.
The presence of Enterococci is directly correlated to human intestinal bacteria and viruses and may indicate pollution from septic tanks. The majority of residents rely upon private septic tank treatment systems to treat wastewater since there is limited availability of central sewers in the area surrounding the lake. These septic systems may be a large contributor to the lake’s pollution, as many were installed years ago in ways that would not be allowed under today’s standards. Shallow groundwater was tested for nutrients, solids, metals, conductivity, and bacteria. A bulk atmospheric deposition station estimated the loading of total nutrients and metals from rainfall. Analyses of the stormwater, groundwater, and rainfall samples were conducted at the Polk County Water Resources Laboratory under U.S. EPA approved quality assurance project plan (QAPP).
Stormwater runoff was collected at the two major outfalls and analyzed for nutrients and compared to background data. Ground water was also collected and analyzed from several shallow wells that are located in each of the land use and drainage basins that flow into the lake. Sampling was also conducted to identify any temporal differences. The results will direct our efforts toward management solutions to address the pollution problem(s).
Central Florida had received below normal rainfall in the 16 consecutive months of the study and this may have negatively affected the results. The raw data was based on abnormally low seasonal rainfall, but loadings were projected and interpolated for the “typical” annual rainfall for the watershed. The surficial groundwater samples were only collected for a few months during which groundwater recharge was sufficient for purging and sampling the wells. Data may therefore be inconclusive and any interpretations should be viewed with caution. Parameters measured include total Kjeldahl, nitrogen, NOx, total phosphorus, ortho-phosphorus, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, zinc, total suspended solids, conductivity, and Enterococci bacteria.
This project was initiated in June 1998 and concluded in June 2000.
Tidal Caloosahatchee River Benthic Survey: Final Report
The Center for Systematics and Taxonomy
The Caloosahatchee River accounts for approximately 70 percent of the total inflow into the Charlotte Harbor system. The discharge originates from Lake Okeechobee and is controlled by a series of locks regulating the amount of freshwater introduced into the system. The upstream portion of the river has been channelized. The tidal portion of the Caloosahatchee River acts as a unique habitat for many commercially important species of marine organisms and is very susceptible to any alterations in the flow and in the water quality of the upstream region.
Benthic macroinvertebrates are excellent indicators in determining alterations of water quality. Analysis of naturally occurring seasonal changes in the benthic community structure provided baseline data, which allowed researchers to assess the impacts of upstream changes of water quality. Determination of the upstream ranges of estuarine fauna allowed for a determination of the salinity regime of the river. This in turn will enable managers to regulate freshwater discharges without adversely impacting the estuarine fauna. Benthic invertebrates can be used as a barometer to determine long-term changes in water quality. Whereas chemical samples measuring water quality provide only a snapshot of current conditions, a benthic inventory establishes changes of populations within the community structure and can detect subtle perturbations in the watershed.
Based on this study, the salinity influence on the benthic fauna extended upstream to at least Beautiful Island immediately west of the I-75 bridge where the fauna was still considered to be oligohaline. Immediately east of the I-75 bridge, the fauna was considered to be freshwater with a rare occurrence of an oligohaline organism. This project produced a comprehensive inventory of the benthic fauna of the tidal Caloosahatchee River and established the upstream ranges of the estuarine fauna.
This project was initiated in June 1998 and concluded in June 2000.
A Rapid Bioassessment Program for Estero Bay Tributaries: Final Report
Florida Gulf Coast University
Estero Bay, located just south of Fort Myers, is a major resource area within the Charlotte Harbor Estuary system. This relatively pristine ecosystem is under increasing pressure as a consequence of unprecedented population growth and attendant development within its watershed. Habitat alteration and both point and non-point sources of pollution threaten the environmental integrity of Estero Bay and its tributaries.
This project developed a rapid bioassessment protocol as a potential management tool specifically designed for use in Estero Bay, but is also broadly applicable to the evaluation of the relative health of other estuaries in South Florida, including the tidal portions of their associated tributaries. This protocol provides resource managers with increased resolution of the cumulative impacts of upstream disturbance and environmental stress on estuarine ecosystems. The project also included an initial data collection effort intended to provide an ecological snapshot of the upstream portion of Estero Bay. By involving college students and citizen volunteers as data collectors, the approach taken was cost effective and promoted public awareness, education, and community participation with regard to aquatic ecosystem management. Results indicated that fish seining holds the most promise for a technique that gives consistent results over time. However, future projects may continue to test the use of fish traps in place for longer periods. It is easy to train students to use fish traps effectively and a single volunteer can place the traps, rather than the team required for seining. The experiences managers gained from the project illuminated a need for reference materials when training students to identify local fish species. FGCU plans to expand the project to include the development of a photographic field identification booklet that can be utilized by volunteer monitors.
This project was initiated in December 1998 and concluded in June 2000.
Peace/Myakka Watershed Monitoring Program: 1998 Final Report, 1999 Final Report, 2001 Final Report
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center partnered with the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority and the Southwest Florida Water Management District to implement a watershed-wide monitoring Program to collect, analyze, and disseminate water quality information. Water quality monitoring was performed monthly at 16 U.S. Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) stream gauging stations, 10 located in the Peace River and 6 located in the Myakka River watershed. (Another site on the Peace River was added in the second year.) All sample collection and analysis tasks were performed in accordance with an EPA-approved quality assurance plan, and the resulting water quality data was uploaded in the U.S. EPA’s STORET database to ensure widespread availability. The data is also being used, in conjunction with streamflow measurements provided by an existing U.S.G.S. Program, to estimate monthly pollutant loading at the gauge sites. Technical reports characterizing the estimated pollutant loadings and existing water quality conditions at the sites have been prepared and provided to interested agencies and individuals. For sites at which adequate long-term data exist, water quality trends were assessed and summarized in the technical reports. Project results, in less technical formats, have been made available to the public through educational events, lectures, and field trips to the monitoring sites. An important benefit of the project has been a substantial increase in the frequency of collections (from quarterly to monthly at most sites) of water quality data at existing stream gauging stations within the two basins.
The project sought to encourage greater interagency coordination in the design and implementation of environmental monitoring Programs in the Charlotte Harbor watershed. Working in conjunction with the CHNEP, project participants organized a series of workshops for agency staffs and other interested parties to identify areas in which the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of future monitoring efforts might be improved through increased interagency coordination. Monthly water quality samples were taken in the Peace River basin from October 1997 through September 1999 (1997-1998 data was collected in an earlier project) and the Myakka River basin from October 1998 through September 1999. Project participants analyzed the water quality data and stream flow from these years in the context of existing U.S.G.S. data from 1970 through 1998. They found that stream flow is decreasing in parts of the Peace River basin whereas water quality parameters show long-term changes that vary depending on location and parameter. There is a dearth of information regarding Myakka River streamflow and water quality parameters except for one U.S.G.S. monitoring site. See report for more information.
This project was funded two times by CHNEP. The project was initiated in August 1998 and concluded in January 2000. The project was continued in September 1999 and concluded in 2001.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
This project restored habitat and provided public access and environmental education opportunities for residents and visitors to the region. The removal of invasive, exotic plants from 50 acres in the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve and the adjacent state Aquatic Preserves of former pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, freshwater marshes, and ponds reclaimed vital habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife and restored natural flow ways to this system of low elevation basins. This project complemented other restoration, monitoring, and education efforts throughout the CHNEP area. Resource-compatible public access and education were enhanced with a low impact trail and boardwalk system that traverses the restoration area and seasonally wet marshes to more remote portions of the Preserve. Interpretive displays were developed to advocate wise resource use, habitat preservation, and natural areas restoration while informing the visitor about the threat that “biological pollution” poses to native plants and animals and their habitats. Volunteer participation in this and other resource management and interpretive activities is being encouraged through ongoing recruitment and training efforts.
While there were delays and complications in completing this project, the comments received from people using the trail have been very positive and indicated the lack of and need for this type of trail in Charlotte County. Many have said that it is the nicest trail in the area.
This project was initiated in November 1998 and concluded in June 2000.
Edison Community College Oak Hammock Restoration
Florida Native Plant Society
When the Charlotte County campus of Edison Community College was constructed in 1996, a remnant oak hammock was preserved but its understory was removed and invasive exotic plants began to take over. For three years, the Charlotte Harbor chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society removed invasive exotic vegetation, mulched beds, and restored the understory of the ECC Oak Hammock. More than 25 species of native plants were added, including dahoon holly, Walter’s viburnum, sabal palm, American beautyberry, crinum lily, slash pine, Florida privit, coral bean, coontie, firebush, myrsine, rusty lyonia, green lyonia, wild coffee, Boston fern, swamp fern, saw palmetto, golden dewdrop, sweet bay and swamp bay. This project had numerous educational and habitat benefits. ECC’s faculty now uses the system in course curricula and citizens touring ECC learn landscaping techniques for their private homes. Interpretive signs have been placed to aid visitors. The restoration of this site is highly visible has had a positive impact on the community and has led to a more biologically functional and attractive oak hammock with increased wildlife activity.
This project was initiated in August 1998 and concluded in June 2000.
Myakka River State Park Dry Prairie Restoration
Florida Parks Service Myakka River State Park
Historic land uses and unwitting former management practices have severely impinged upon dry prairie and wetlands ecosystems within Myakka River State Park and the adjacent Myakka Prairie tract owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Nearly 40 years of fire exclusion, ditching to expedite wetlands drainage to improve cattle grazing and the construction of an elevated railroad grade perpendicular to the course of water sheetflow have all combined to diminish habitat of listed (endangered and threatened) species to reduce wetlands storage capacity and skew water sheetflow and water retention (hydroperiods).
This project mitigated water sheetflow impacts by lowering three miles of old railroad grade, restored wetlands retention by removal of interconnecting ditches and restored 800 acres of dry prairie paralleling Deer Prairie Slough, a major slough system that empties into the Myakka River. Roller choppers were used in the prairie to attain the low aspect required by once common listed species such as Crested Caracara and burrowing owls. The establishment of dominant herbaceous vegetation will favor these species and to create suitable habitat for Florida Grasshopper Sparrows. A return to herbaceous dominance will also reduce evapotransporation rates and therefore enhance surficial aquifer and wetlands water retention.
This project was undertaken in part to demonstrate that large-scale restoration projects can be initiated with minimal funding. However, contracted prices deviated from the original budgeted amounts because of unforeseen circumstances. In order to offset these deviations, FDEP employees completed more work than initially expected utilizing FDEP equipment, which in turn raised the project price to FDEP. Results of the project demonstrate that lowering the railroad grade via use of heavy equipment has facilitated sheetflow and hydroperiod restoration. In addition, by removing the ditch and overgrown vegetation, access to the burn areas should be easier and safer for future prescribed burns. Aesthetics have also been improved immeasurably. These types of projects should be repeated, when appropriate, to permit safer, better management.
A rigorous vegetation-monitoring Program has been established to assess the success or failure of the project’s management objectives. Specifically, vegetation transects were monitored to analyze, compare, and contrast the composition and abundance of herbaceous and woody species in the prairie, both before and after the regrading of the railroad bed. Myakka River State Park’s resource management Program has become a model for many land managers throughout the state watching its progress. As funding and resources allow, the remaining railroad bed in the park will be regraded and restored. Prescribed burning and roller chopping will continue to be used throughout the park to return the park to a dry prairie dominated system. Overall, this project demonstrates that cost effective restoration techniques do exist and that appropriate management is critical to truly protecting and preserving habitat and wildlife.
This project was initiated in November 1998 and concluded in May 1999.
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1999
Center for Systematics and Taxonomy
Matlacha Pass provides a vital link connecting the waters of Charlotte Harbor and San Carlos Bay. This region serves as a mixing zone for the Myakka and Peace Rivers entering Charlotte Harbor from the north, from the Cape Coral watershed on the east, from Pine Island watershed and Gulf of Mexico from the west, and from the Caloosahatchee River to the south. The Pass functions as a unique habitat for many commercially important species and is faced with increasing environmental problems because of human development and associated water quality pollution. Designated a National Wildlife Refuge and state Aquatic Preserve, maintaining the integrity of this estuarine habitat is paramount in establishing a baseline for comparison to adjacent estuarine waters. As southwest Florida continues to develop, an inventory of species currently inhabiting our estuaries will provide resource managers with valuable information. In this survey, the Center for Systematics and Taxonomy produced a comprehensive identification manual to the common benthic macroinvertebrate taxa. This manual is applicable for both environmental specialists and laymen involved in ecological assessments of the Charlotte Harbor System.
This project was initiated in March 1999.
Punta Gorda Waterfront Juvenile Fisheries Habitat
Charlotte Harbor Reef Association
The Charlotte Harbor Reef Association and its cadre of volunteers creatively formed habitat for juvenile fish. The Association is building “reef balls,” igloo-shaped concrete structures, and placing them under fishing piers, fishing docks, and private docks in Charlotte Harbor. The artificial habitat is constructed from super-strong concrete perforated with holes placed to allow juvenile fish to move throughout. The artificial habitat provides juvenile fish a safe shelter from larger predatory fish and allows other estuarine life to attach and serve as food for a host of estuarine organisms. Mangroves perform this critical function, but they are too often removed or degraded in the wake of development.
Although not ideal, reef balls help reclaim this lost habitat.
Through this project, members of the Association have placed 72 reef balls near Laishley, Gilchrist and Nature Parks and public fishing piers in Punta Gorda, 180 under private docks at Punta Gorda Isles, and 210 off Alligator Creek in Charlotte Harbor reef. They have also placed 250 offshore in Lee County in the deep waters off Cape Haze.
This $2,000 project was initiated in February 1999 and concluded in April 2000.
A Freshwater Pond Boardwalk at Winkler Point
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
The Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve is a 6,346-acre tract of flatwoods, salterns, marshes, and mangroves that surrounds the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve in coastal Lee County. The Bureau of Coastal & Aquatic Managed Areas of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) actively manages these lands. The Buffer’s purpose is to protect Estero Bay’s water quality, its native plants and animals, its archeological sites, and to provide appropriate recreational opportunities to the people of the rapidly growing Fort Myers area. Along with an active Melaleuca control project, the DEP is developing a public foot trail through the area for hiking and observation of the estuarine habitats. The construction of a managed foot trail is a practical and appropriate way for DEP to initiate a recreational commitment to the public. The addition of a foot trail boardwalk around the wetland rim of a pond is also a practical and economical way to protect sensitive wetland resources while enhancing the trail hiker’s wildlife viewing opportunities.
This project was initiated in May 1999 and was completed in 2001.
Pick Preserve Teaching Shelter and Nature Trail
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
The Pick Preserve on Sanibel Island consists of approximately 22 acres of recently restored native habitat within a 400-acre conservation corridor jointly owned and managed by J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the City of Sanibel, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. In 1999, with CHNEP support, SCCF was able to develop Pick Preserve as a place for learning. Project participants developed an educational trail, constructed a gazebo teaching shelter, placed bird nest boxes, planted native trees and shrubs, and created and placed trail signs.
These improvements expose children and adults to the rare and unique freshwater wetlands and hardwood hammocks on the interior of Sanibel and provide a location to educate visitors on conservation, restoration, and land management issues, including the special partnerships formed.
The project was initiated in May 1999 and concluded in May 2000.
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2000
Frannie’s Preserve Invasive Exotic Removal Project
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
In May of 1999, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) purchased the 167-acre Frannie’s Preserve. The land is located in the middle of four existing preserves and borders the Sanibel River. The property contains the largest intact coastal strand habitat on the island as well as a variety of upland and wetland habitats, including rare coastal scrub and Spartina-dominated savannah marsh. It is considered to be the “keystone” property of the Sanibel River Corridor Restoration Project. In this project SCCF removed Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and Australian pine (Casuarina sp.) trees. Removal of these invasive exotic species greatly improves the quality of rare upland habitats and increases the productivity of critical wetlands.
This project was initiated in April 2000 and completed in 2001.
Cedar Point Coastal Strand Creation
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
Cedar Point Park is located near the community of Englewood in western Charlotte County on the shore of Lemon Bay. This park is flanked on the west by Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve, on the south by Oyster Creek, and on the north by Ainger Creek. Both creeks are important tributaries to the bay. The park is the site of many environmental education programs and 4.06 acres of invasive, exotic vegetation, mainly Brazilian peppers. This project will remove the nonnative plants and restore the area as a coastal strand ecosystem. This project has been modified from what was proposed. The area of restoration was reduced from 6.15 acres and the funds have been reduced.
This project was initiated in August 2000.
Melaleuca Eradication and Habitat Restoration Project
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
The Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve, located in southwestern Lee County, includes 6,736 acres of diverse habitat communities, including wet flatwoods and tidal marsh communities. Nearly 15 percent of the preserve is invaded by Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and other aggressive exotic plants. This pilot project targets approximately 375 acres of dense, monoculture Melaleuca forests. With the invasive exotic trees removed, this project began providing critical follow-up treatments to prevent regrowth of Melaleuca.
This project was initiated in May 2000.
Deer Prairie Slough Restoration Project
Sarasota County National Resources
This project will restore 6.7 miles of channelized Deer Prairie Slough, which will directly restore a natural wetland hydrology to approximately 600 acres of herbaceous marsh and 100 acres of hydric hammock in the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve in Sarasota County. This project will demonstrate ditch backfilling as a cost-effective restoration strategy for natural wetlands.
This project was initiated in 2000.
Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2001
Effects of Heavy Metals and Pesticides on Health and Physiology of Oysters in the Caloosahatchee Estuary: Final Report (7/07)
Florida Gulf Coast University
This project will evaluate areas within the Caloosahatchee estuary that are expected to have water quality concerns to verify whether these water segments currently meet their designated use and assess the potential for large scale restoration of oyster habitat. The American oyster will be used to assess the effects of contaminants and water quality on the ecological health of the Caloosahatchee estuary. Partners in the project include Department of Environmental Protection and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. The data collected from this project will compliment projects in which FGCU, South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve are collaborating.
This project was initiated in 2001.
High Marsh Restoration at Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve: Final Report
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
The Aquatic and State Buffer Preserve Office will remove Brazilian peppers and restore the ecological function of 16.4 acres of high marsh habitat within the Alligator Creek site. This project is part of an ongoing effort at the preserve to control and eradicate exotic plants from communities in the area and enhances the hydrologic restoration projects of the Southwest Florida Water Management District Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) for Alligator Creek.
This project was initiated in 2001.
Isolated Wetland Restoration at the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves
The Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves Office is restoring the hydrologic function of a 10-acre isolated wetland through the backfilling of existing drainage ditches and the removal of Brazilian pepper trees. An interpretative nature panel that illustrates the value of isolated wetlands will be installed nearby. This project, like the High Marsh Restoration project above, is also part of the larger restoration project for Alligator Creek.
This project was initiated in 2001.
Venetian Waterway Park Eradication of Brazilian Peppers Project
Venice Area Beautification, Inc.
This project will eradicate existing Brazilian pepper trees on approximately 4,500 linear feet of the Venetian Waterway Park. The park is a 9.2-mile bicycle/pedestrian trail that straddles the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice. The trail is currently under construction and will include educational kiosks to allow visitors to explore and learn about water quality and ecological integrity issues of the Charlotte Harbor watershed. Native vegetation will be restored. The many partners in this project include the Venice Foundation, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, and the Department of Transportation.
This project was initiated in 2001.