Conservation: Port Everglades
Port Everglades: Broward County Transfers Ownership of Mangrove Conservation Area to State of Florida
Broward County (FL) has transferred ownership of approximately 60 acres of wetlands habitat at Port Everglades, including a 16.5-acre Wetland Enhancement project, to the State of Florida for its permanent protection as a conservation area. In addition, the state is developing a memorandum of understanding with the South Florida Audubon Society to manage the conservation area.
The land transfer completes a component of the Port Everglades Southport Turning Notch Extension project, which will add sorely needed berth space at the seaport.
During the past two years, Port Everglades developed a wetlands habitat and cultivated approximately 70,000 Florida-native, nursery-grown mangroves and other wetland plants to create 16.5 acres of habitat on property that was originally a dry-stack marina and parking lot. Completion of this transfer allows 8.7 acres of an existing mangrove area to be removed and included in the Southport Turning Notch Extension project, making way for up to five new cargo ship berths. The Wetland Enhancement Project restores and creates mangrove wetlands, and has been added to an existing conservation area to provide additional sustainable habitat for a diverse number of aquatic species as well as nesting habitat for birds.
"This project is proof that Port Everglades can develop and expand its maritime facilities to meet current and future market demands while enhancing and protecting the critical environmental habitat within the port," said Port Everglades Chief Executive Steven Cernak, PPM®.
Port Everglades’ Mangrove Enhancement Area with cruise ships in the distance and the ocean beyond
Photo/Port Everglades