Coral Creek Ecosystem Restoration Program

Ardurra delivered ecological restoration services for Charlotte Harbor Aquatic State Buffer Preserve, successfully restoring 3,367 acres of critical coastal habitat through two phases of complex ecosystem projects. The work encompassed habitat restoration master planning, design, and construction services across diverse wetland and upland ecosystems while protecting threatened and endangered species.

Phase I addressed 2,600 acres, requiring a comprehensive hydrological analysis, including potential dam removal and flow diversion to restore the historic site's hydrology. The team conducted detailed habitat assessments, water quality analysis, and protected species evaluations while coordinating with multiple agencies for permitting and ecosystem restoration design.

Key Project Highlights:

• Restored 3,367 acres of critical habitat within Florida DEP's Charlotte Harbor Aquatic State Buffer Preserve

• Analyzed complex hydrological systems, including dam removal impacts and flow diversions for historic hydrology restoration

• Balanced fill requirements for backfilling man-made canals while creating diverse wetland habitat systems

• Protected listed species, including gopher tortoise and bald eagle, through careful scrubby flatwoods restoration planning

• Collaborated with research institutions, including the Florida Marine Research Institute and the Bonefish Tarpon Trust, for juvenile tarpon fishery studies

• Designed specialized tidal canal habitats utilizing six existing canals to facilitate scientific research and ecosystem function

• Provided comprehensive services spanning conceptual planning through construction phase implementation and multi-agency coordination

These projects restored ecosystems using innovative methods while contributing to scientific research. Strategic collaboration with research partners enhanced habitat design effectiveness while establishing valuable baseline data for coastal ecosystem management and fishery conservation efforts.