Crosby Island Marsh Mitigation Bank

The Crosby Island Marsh Mitigation Bank is 713.7 acre project in Orange County, Florida. This mitigation bank is a Federal Only Mitigation Bank; and services the following watersheds: Reedy Creek, Shingle Creek, Boggy Creek, Econlockhatchee River, Lake Hart, E. Lake Toho And Lake Myrtle; USACOE HUC: 03090101 And 03080101. The mitigation bank was permitted by the USACE utilizing the WRAP assessment in 2008.

The property was historically ditched and drained for the purpose of intensive agricultural operations.  More than half of the mitigation bank consisted of improved pasture or wet improved pasture managed for cattle grazing and/or hay production, and included a series of large canals that, when combined with active pump stations, served to drain the historical marshlands to support agricultural operations.

Implementation of strategic restoration and management objectives have restored the ecologically viable marshlands which today provide improved wetland functions and values and support a plethora of wetland-dependent wildlife.

Management Activities:

1. Restoration of marsh habitats affected by historic ditching and agriculture activities through filling and blocking drainage ditches, and constructing on earthen berm at the southwest corner of the site.
2. Planting -50 acres of wet improved pasture with transitional wetland trees and -66 acres of wet improved pasture with wetland trees.
3. Restoration/enhancement of upland areas through eradication of bahia grass, seeding, and planting with native herbaceous and/or tree/shrub species.