Aquatic and Wetland Habitat Restoration and Enhancement in Florida

Natural lakes and wetlands throughout Florida have experienced habitat changes resulting from anthropogenic influences, which impact fish and wildlife populations.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in cooperation with stakeholders, non-governmental entities, and other state, federal, and local natural resources agencies, uses various aquatic and wetland restoration and management techniques to improve freshwater aquatic habitat on public resources.  Current techniques include, but are not limited to, installation, modification, or removal of water control structures and conveyances for hydrologic restoration, excavation and removal of nuisance aquatic plants and organic sediments within limnetic and littoral habitats, control of exotic, noxious, and invasive aquatic and wetland plants through mechanical treatment and herbicide application, and re-establishment of native aquatic and wetland plants through transplanting. This multi-disciplinary, team-oriented approach to aquatic habitat management provides the agencies and stakeholders with a broader, more holistic approach toward enhancing degraded aquatic fish and wildlife habitat. This presentation will (1) discuss the threats facing water-bodies and wetlands in Florida; (2) provide a summary of habitat restoration techniques and expected benefits; (3) discuss challenges faced in aquatic and wetland restoration and enhancement; and (4) discuss the importance of developing partnerships to complete restoration and enhancement projects.