Big Pine Key Hydrologic Restoration Project Public Meeting

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is hosting a public meeting to answer questions about the Big Pine Key Hydrologic Restoration Project Feb. 26, 3 -5 p.m. Located at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Nature Center, 30587 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, the meeting will be outside on the porch deck to maintain safe social distancing and follow Covid-19 safety guidelines.

The USFWS National Coastal Wetlands Grants Program awarded Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) funds to restore the natural hydrology of the Central Slough in the interior of Big Pine Key, the largest freshwater wetland in the Lower Florida Keys. The project will remove six small roads and build water control structures; two under Key Deer Boulevard and two under Watson Boulevard. Removing the roads will restore lateral freshwater flow within the Slough and the water control structures will allow natural water flow outside the roadways, manage water for the benefit of wildlife habitat, and release saltwater following hurricane storm surges to minimize local flooding to the area. The project is scheduled to begin in April.

Decades ago, as the island was developed, elevated roadways were built that bisected the wetland, cutting off natural water flow and impounding wetlands, which left them susceptible to hypersaline conditions following hurricane storm surges. Elevated salt levels have altered and degraded this freshwater wetland that serves as home to wildlife, fish, and plants, including many threatened and endangered species. 

For more information, please contact Kevin Kalasz at 772-205-7140 or [email protected], and 

follow Refuge updates on our website and Facebook page: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/National_Key_Deer_Refuge/

https://www.facebook.com/floridakeysrefuges  

The National Wildlife Refuge System protects wildlife and wildlife habitat on more than 150 million acres of land and water from the Caribbean to the Pacific, Maine to Alaska.  Refuges also improve human health, provide outdoor recreation, and support local economies. Visit our home page at http://www.fws.gov/refuges/.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.  For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/.   

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