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Lake Worth Lagoon Directory

 
 

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Ibis Isle Restoration Project

 
Ibis Isle Plan View
Aerial View of the Project

Project Location
Located on the east side of the Lake Worth Lagoon, between Southern Boulevard Bridge and Lake Worth Bridge, in the Town of Palm Beach.

The Problem
Organic (muck) sediment has accumulated over time, resulting in poor water quality and reduced habitat value.

The Solution
Cap muck sediment with sand, stabilize the slope with limestone rock, and plant native vegetation.

Project Overview

  • Restored 8.3 acres of intertidal habitat in the Lake Worth Lagoon.
  • Utilized the Sand Transfer System, consisting of an electric conveyor and sand shooter, to place approximately 40,000 cubic yards of sand, which capped and contained muck sediments.
  • Graded the fill to wetland elevations and created 2,700 linear feet of flushing channels to maintain water quality throughout the project area.
  • Placed 1,500 tons of limestone rock along the perimeter of the project to stabilize the sand cap and create 0.8 acre of oyster reef.
  • Planting consisted of: 80,000 plugs of cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and 14,000 red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) seedlings.
  • Mangroves were collected and planted by volunteers, including students from the Palm Beach Maritime Academy, Lyons Creek Middle School, and Palm Beach Community College.
  • The project was completed in February 2010.

Benefits

  • Increased food and nursery habitat for fish and other aquatic species.
  • Increased abundance and diversity of invertebrates, which benefits fish and wading birds.
  • Long-term water quality benefits to Lake Worth Lagoon.

Project Partners
Palm Beach County, Town of Palm Beach, South Florida Water Management District, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Post-Construction Bathymetric Information

For More Information

 

What's New

 
  • Sign up for the next Young Photographers Event on May 24th! [PDF]
  • Read the latest edition of Environmental Times, Spring 2013 [PDF]
  • Read the latest edition of Lake Worth Lagoon E-News, Spring 2013 [PDF]
  • Download a FREE 2013 Palm Beach County Natural Areas Calendar! [PDF]
  • Stay up to date with the Department's Monthly Status Reports.