provided to The Santiva Chronicle
In 2019, “Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) acquired the Wulfert Bayous property as part of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. The 68-acre parcel later was renamed the Lee Anne Tauck Conservation Tract with plans to restore the habitat for birds, alligators, gopher tortoises, and other native species. Lee County Conservation 20/20 partnered with the refuge and DDWS for the purchase with the understanding “Ding” Darling would restore and maintain it. The refuge recently announced work will begin this month on the project.
“It has been a long time coming after several years of delay from the pandemic, hurricanes, and other administrative hurdles,” said project leader Kevin Godsea. “At last, the refuge is ready to move forward with the restoration of 39 acres on the tract upon hiring an engineering and design firm.”
The goals of the project are to enhance existing mangrove communities and restore the functional quality of wetlands; create a nesting island for wading birds; create one or more alligator basking areas within proximity of the nesting island to prevent predation; identify opportunities for beneficial use of dredged material and to reduce waste; and address sea level rise impacts.
The refuge has chosen MSMM Huitt-Zollars A Joint Venture, LLC (MHZ JV), with team partner Tetra Tech, for the project. The contractors began their surveying and geotechnical borings the week of Nov. 18.
“We are beyond excited to see our work fundraising, working with Lee County, and procuring grants coming to fruition,” said DDWS executive director Ann-Marie Wildman. “This promises to be a valuable addition to the refuge’s habitat and wildlife-watching opportunities.”
Florida-based engineering and ecological restoration team MHZ JV has extensive experience and includes national technical experts who will provide the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service with the full range of services required to permit and design a restored wetland ecosystem for colonial waterbirds, wading birds, and other bird species.
The team has a proven track record of revitalizing ecosystems throughout the contiguous coastal United States and using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates scientific knowledge with innovative engineering techniques to restore and enhance biodiversity in degraded habitats. The team’s services include qualitative and quantitative resource surveys and water quality analysis.
“We look forward to getting this project going” Godsea said. “There is a lot of work to be done within an aggressive timeline for the surveying, hydrological studies, and ultimately a complete design by the summer of 2026.”
Following the completion of the bird rookery, work will begin on the tract’s Jim Sprankle Walking Trail, which is currently in design phase.
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