SUBJECT
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Approve Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Grant Agreement No. WRP08 with Polk County to co-fund the Lake Lulu Wetland Restoration Project. (one-time revenue by FDEP in the amount of $375,000 and $375,000 Polk County match)
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DESCRIPTION
In 2021, Polk County was awarded a Cooperative Funding Initiative Grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District to complete a Lake Lulu Watershed Assessment and Plan. This project assessed the main causes of nutrient impairment for the lake and provided prioritized project concepts that would improve the natural system and water quality. One of the top 3 ranked projects was the acquisition and restoration of the south wetland on the shoreline of the lake. This area of the lake has been left unmanaged for numerous years and as a result has areas of extensive nuisance and invasive species.
In 2023, Polk County Parks and Natural Resources acquired 120 acres on the southwest side of Lake Lulu in order to protect and restore these wetlands closer to its native ecological state. The restoration design includes the removal of invasives by mechanical and herbicide means and extensive planting of native wetland and aquatic species. Overall, this project will benefit the ecological communities and natural systems in and around the lake by providing restored wetland habitats along the southern shoreline. Additionally, by restoring the site we will be creating new wetland areas that will help reduce nutrient pollution and provide new recreational opportunities. This project will demonstrate actions needed to meet requirements addressing impaired waters of Lake Lulu.
Funding from the Lake Lulu Wetland Restoration Project grant agreement will go directly towards the implementation of the already completed restoration design.
The FDEP has agreed to fund 50% ($375,000) of the total project cost ($750,000) which includes, but is not limited to, removal of invasive plant species by mechanical a...
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