Turpentine Wetland Mitigation Bank
The Turpentine Wetland Mitigation Bank covers 478.2 acres in Hernando County. The mitigation bank falls within the Upper Coastal Drainage Basin; and can provide both State forested and herbaceous freshwater wetland mitigation credits.
The property contains 12 known sinkholes, ranging from a few feet to 100 feet across. These sinkholes can open and drain surrounding wetlands, later becoming blocked with debris, which results in flooding. High groundwater levels cause the sinkholes to flood, highlighting their connection to the aquifer that serves as a drinking water source.
Historically, the site has been impacted by pine plantations, fire suppression, and the development of the Eckerd Youth Camp from 1968 to 2012, which has adversely affected vegetative communities and ecological and hydrological connectivity.
The primary objective of the Turpentine Wetland Mitigation Bank is to enhance, restore, and preserve wetland and upland ecosystems to improve fish and wildlife habitat, connectivity, and the integrity of ecological communities within the watershed. The proposed work plan includes:
- Hydrologic enhancements
- Restoration of native plant communities
- Removal of structures and infrastructure
- Control of exotic and non-native species
A conservation easement will be granted to the Alachua Conservation Trust for ongoing management.
