May 19, 2013
Live Oak, FL - September 19, 2012
The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) will restore its Steinhatchee Rise property in Dixie County to disperse more than 8 million gallons of water to rehydrate about 50 acres of wetlands. This water storage project will help return the property to its natural conditions that will store ½ foot of water over 50 acres.
The dispersed water storage project will mimic natural conditions to retain rainfall by slowing the excessive flow of water from an upstream floodplain through a 7-mile long ditch that eventually discharges into the Steinhatchee River. The last 4,000 feet of ditch nearest to the river crosses public land and it is along that stretch that the District plans to install ditch blocks that will “back up” much of the excess water, releasing it over the banks and into adjacent wetlands to rehydrate them.
“This environmental restoration and enhancement project is a prime example of how the District fulfills its core mission in the areas of water supply, water quality, and natural systems protection,” explains District Assistant Executive Director Jon Dinges.
The restoration plan is similar to ones the District has successfully implemented at Mallory Swamp and Steinhatchee Springs in the South Canal to hold more water on District land and slow peak flow discharges.
