2012 FDOT Mitigation Plan - Southwest Florida Water Management ...

Success criteria includes 70% coverage of desirable species and less than 10% cover of exotic species in the
forested wetland and shallow marsh system, which has primarily included cattails and primrose willow. An 83-
acre obligate & open water component of the marsh requires less than 10% vegetative coverage and provides
less mitigation credit than the shallow marsh components. The restored forested wetlands require 20% canopy
coverage a minimum height of 20 ft. with planted trees before associated mitigation credits can be debited from
the ledger. Through 2010, the hydrologic restoration efforts have been successful and within the fluctuation and
hydroperiod range necessary and appropriate to continue supporting the substantial wildlife populations that
utilize the wetlands. The vegetative components and habitat conditions are also progressing well and except for
a portion of the restored forested wetland canopy, exceed the success criteria many years in advance of potential
credit release for FDOT’s use. The habitat conditions continue to improve as planted and naturally recruited and
generated plants mature, eradication of generated exotic and nuisance species, and the decades of agricultural
nutrients are processed for uptake and use by the vegetative components.
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