Protection and Preservation Index >> Restoration

Restoration helps return damaged wetlands to their original condition prior to disturbance. This practice of improving and replacing wetlands is gaining support around the country and is helping to prevent further wetlands loss. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "current Federal initiatives call for a wide range of restoration actions, including improving or restoring 25,000 miles of stream or corridor; achieving a net increase of 100,000 acres of wetlands each year, and establishing two million miles of conservation buffers."

There are four types of restoration:

• Creation -- constructing a wetland in an area that is isolated from existing wetlands and has not been a wetland within the last 100 to 200 years. Wetlands are created by excavating upland soils to elevations that support the growth of wetland species.
• Enhancement -- modifying the structure of an existing wetland so that it increases one of its functions.
• Reallocation -- existing wetlands are converted to other types of wetlands.
• Mitigation -- compensates for wetlands losses through the creation, enhancement, or restoration of other wetlands areas, in accordance with section 404 of the Clean Water Act so that there is "no net loss" of wetlands.

There are many wetlands restoration projects throughout Florida. The following related links will lead you to directories of projects in your area: