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

W348
Terra Ceia Isles Habitat Restoration
Project Type SWIM
AOR(s)
Natural Systems
Basin(s) Manasota
Cooperator(s)
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Project Manager HENNINGSEN, BRANDT
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
HENNINGSEN, BRANDT
Description
The Terra Ceia Aquatic and Park Preserves habitat enhancement and restoration project, a SWIM initiative, is located
in the southeastern reaches of Tampa Bay (Manatee County). This large, multi-phased project is being cooperatively
implemented with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Currently, the project involves 2,308
acres of publicly owned land (Terra Ceia Isles and the Peanut Lake parcel, with an additional 2,900 acres included in
the District's five year acquisition plan. Accordingly, this project has the potential of encompassing at least 5,200 acres
and will require multiple years of funding, planning, and implementation. Project updates focus primarily on just the
1,745 acre Terra Ceia Isles parcel, although updates will be given on progress within Peanut Lake lands and
concerning additional land purchases and potential future phases. It is anticipated that the majority of this project will
be performed by private contractors.
Benefits
This project will be important in meeting management plan goals of SWIM and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program
(TBEP). The current project involves the enhancement, restoration, and management of an estimated 700 acres of
various habitats typical of coastal ecosystems (i.e., habitat mosaics): estuarine and freshwater wetlands, transitional
habitats, and uplands. Salinity gradients and low salinity habitats will be emphasized to improve fisheries production.
Accordingly, the project will provide valuable habitats for Tampa Bay fisheries and other coastal species. Portions of
this are true restoration in that sections of the site historically were bay bottom and intertidal wetlands that were filled to
create a proposed finger-fill subdivision. In addition, strides to meet bay water quality goals of both SWIM and TBEP
will be addressed via improved stormwater treatment. Improved habitat values and the addition of habitat acreages will
provide opportunities for many differing species of coastal wildlife, inclusive of commercial and sportfishing species,
bird populations, a host of invertebrate species (crabs, shrimp, oysters, etc.), and small mammals.
Costs
Total cost estimate for Terra Ceia Isles is $9,400,000 and is being budgeted over multiple fiscal years. Note: exotic
plant control funds (S042) have annually been budgeted under Land Resources Department using Save Our Rivers
dollars; these funds have been included here to give a more complete picture of the restoration effort. Funds budgeted
in FY2007 funds are for construction. Funds budgeted in FY2008 are for staff salaries, travel, and central
garage. District funds are split 50/50 between the Manasota Basin Board and State SWIM Fund. Future phases
associated with additional land acquisition will require future funding.
Additional Information
Tampa Bay is the District's top priority Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program waterbody, is
a category I (most in need of restoration) under the State's Unified Watershed Assessment and Watershed
Restoration Priorities, and is considered an "estuary of national significance" with the designation of the Tampa Bay
(National) Estuary Program. Since 1950, about 50 percent of the bay's natural shoreline and 40 percent of its
seagrass acreage were lost as a result of physical destruction and water quality impairment. This resulted in a decline
in the aesthetic, recreational, and commercial value of the bay, as well as a loss of habitat for native plants and
animals.
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