Community Development District 1 Supervisor Kathy Porter said she suffered a “hot flash” when she saw the $540,000 pricetag for a wetlands restoration project.
The Hudson Morse Parr Preserve has been overrun with invasive species in recent years as the water has run dry. CDD 1 hired Jeff Pardue of Breedlove, Dennis & Associates to offer advice on how to proceed. He has secured permits and approval from the Southwest Florida Water Management District for mechanical maintenance in the wetlands.
However, Hurricane Irma completely upended things.
Now the wetlands are so full of water that it is encroaching on some residents’ homes. Water is actually being pumped out of the wetlands.
Thus, CDD 1 supervisors have been spared a costly decision for the time being.
CDD 1 Chair Ellen Cora noted that it could potentially be months before the water level goes down.
“Sounds like Mother Nature is taking its course,” said CDD 1 Supervisor Charlie Amante.
