MANASOTA & PEACE RIVER BBDs Meeting Notebook 10-21-09.docx

D059
Myakka State Forest Hydr. Rest.
Construction Commence 5/1/07 2/28/09
Construction Complete 10/30/07 5/31/09
Status As Of: June 22, 2009
The consultant completed the final restoration plan which identified three distinct areas where minor modifications to the
ditch network will result in rehydration of degraded wetlands. These include: removal of a tidal salinity barrier to restore
natural tidal fluctuation to the lower portions of Ainger Creek; installation of a berm on the south side of the forest to
restore normal flows through Oyster Creek; and installation of a series of ditch plugs in the ditches connecting wetlands
in the south-eastern portions of the forest. District staff presented the restoration plan to the "Myakka State Forest
Liaison Committee" at their 04/22/2008 meeting with a favorable response. ACTION TO DATE: On-time. The District
selected King Engineering to finish the surface water modeling for the project and complete the design, permitting and
construction services. The model verification will require more time to complete than originally budgeted. There are
however certain elements of the project that can be accomplished by permit exemption. Part of the construction plan is to
remove a salinity barrier that interrupts flows of Ainger Creek. The District has applied for and received de minimis
exemptions from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for minor activities such as this. If FDEP
grants the District a De minimis exemption for this, it will allow us to begin construction and accomplish a portion of the
project. District staff will begin negotiating with FDEP for the exemption. If FDEP agrees that this work is minor, District
crews could accomplish the demolition of the barrier by the end of July if site conditions permit.
021 - Manasota Basin 26