Purpose: Approximately 2,400 acres of freshwater marsh have been restored through construction of internal levees (200,000 yds 3 ) and installation of 22 water control structures. In addition, a pumping station was installed to provide a dependable source of water during periods of drought. This project provides valuable foraging habitat to migrating and wintering waterfowl along the St. John’s River Basin. The site has already attracted large numbers of shorebirds and wading birds. Threatened species such as the wood stork, Audubon's crested caracara and the whooping crane have been observed foraging within its impoundments. This project is located adjacent to the T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area and is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to maintain high quality wetland habitat for wintering, migrating, and resident waterfowl, while providing public hunting opportunities.
Phase II - The project provided engineering and surveying services to enhance existing waterfowl impoundments on the Broadmoor Unit. The FFWCC will be replacing seven 36” water control structures and proposes construction of three levees, each approximately 0.5 mile long.
Location: Approx. 5 miles west of Melbourne, FL (Brevard County)
Acres Impacted: 2,400 acres
Habitat Type: Emergent Marsh and Moist-Soil Wetlands
Partners: USDA / Natural Resources Conservation Service
St. John’s River Water Management District
Ducks Unlimited, Inc
Timeline: Construction was completed in summer 2003
Phase II - Survey/design was completed in February 2006
DU Contact: Craig LeSchack
Director of Conservation Programs – Florida
3294 Ashley Phosphate Rd, Suite 1-F
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 745-9110
cleschack@ducks.org