News: Flow-way to help restore Biscayne Bay, Miami-Dade Coastal Wetlands

2/25/10 -- WEST PALM BEACH - The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board recently took another step toward improving freshwater flows into Biscayne Bay and enhancing the bay's coastal wetlands by approving construction of the Deering Estate Flow-way in Miami-Dade County.

The Deering Estate project is part of a larger master plan to restore Biscayne Bay, known as the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project. This plan is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), which is helping to restore the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of fresh water in the South Florida ecosystem.

"The Deering Estate Flow-way adds a new and exciting dimension to the restoration progress we are now making with our federal partners," said SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Eric Buermann. "This fragile area is relied on by a diverse range of wildlife and also enjoyed by the people who live along the urban coast. The flow-way will improve natural habitat along the bay and enhance recreational opportunities as well."

When complete, the flow-way will redistribute excess freshwater runoff, directing it away from existing canal discharges and spreading it out as sheetflow prior to discharging into Biscayne Bay. The result will be healthier coastal wetlands and a more natural overland flow of water that will mimic historical conditions. Improved freshwater flow and salinity distribution near the shore will also help re-establish productive nursery habitat for shrimp and shellfish.

The District is also coordinating with the Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Department to develop an education site on 2 acres of the Deering Estate property, a 400-acre environmental, archeological and historical preserve.

Construction of the Deering Estate Flow-way represents an SFWMD investment of nearly $4.2 million. Completion of the flow-way is scheduled for May 2011.

The Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project will help restore Biscayne Bay and Biscayne National Park. Phase 1 components of the project include construction of the Deering Estate Flow-way, Cutler Wetlands Flow-way and L-31E Culverts.

The Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands - Phase 1 Project is part of a series of CERP projects being expedited by the State of Florida. The District will receive credit for the cost of the project as part of its cost share for CERP under an historic agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the District, which was signed in August 2009.

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan is a framework for restoring, protecting and preserving the water resources of central and southern Florida. CERP is a 50-50 partnership between the State of Florida and the federal government. The State of Florida and the District have invested approximately $2.4 billion toward this effort, including approximately $300 million in construction. Through December 31, 2009, 60 percent - or approximately 233,277 acres - of the estimated lands needed to implement CERP have been acquired.

Click here for a map of the Deering Estate Flow-way project. For more information on the District's Everglades restoration efforts, please visit www.sfwmd.gov/everglades.

This story is contributed by a member of the Treasure Coast community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TCPalm.com.