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MacDill unveils long-term ecosystem improvements

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brandon Shapiro
  • 6th Air Mobility WIng Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE Fla. --  Members of Team MacDill's Civil Engineering Squadron in partnership with Southwest Florida Water Management District, presented local media with an up-close view of the base's recently completed phase III ecosystem restoration project Dec. 4, 2013.

"The phase III restoration project allowed district scientists to reconfigure drainage on the base to increase storm water retention time, enhance and restore low salinity nursery habitats, and expand recreational opportunities," noted Susanna Martinez Tarokh, SWFWMD public information officer. "This restoration project is part of the district's highly successful Surface Water Improvement and Management program."

Prior to the restoration, MacDill was experiencing uncontrolled plant overgrowth and water stagnation problems that chocked the ecosystem. The new project eradicated the growth and health limiting factors, successfully improving both plants and wildlife.

Additional positives the project brought were expanded wildlife habitats. Because of the nature of the enhancements, the inlets on the southern side of MacDill now have lowered salinity levels, making idealistic nurseries for some of Florida's most prized game fish and feeding areas for predatory birds.

"We are already seeing the benefits of the project," commented Brandt F. Henningsen, SWIM program chief environmental scientist. "There are now increased numbers of blue crabs, mullet, pinfish, and wading birds."

Overall, the five month project restored 26 acres of wetlands, created 22 acres of new wetlands, and enhanced nearly 72 acres of wetland, surface water, and upland habitats. The project also excavated more than 120,000 cubic yards of soil and replanted disturbed areas with more than 187,000 new native plants.