Kissimmee River Restoration Study

Abstract

The channelization project in the Lower Kissimmee River Basin, Florida resulted in severe losses of river floodplain wetlands and waterfowl throughout the river valley. An earth channel, the C‐38 canal, is the main element of this project. Immediately after the project completion in 1971, a strong effort was initiated to restore this basin to its prechannelization status. This project, if and when completed, would set a milestone toward our commitment to the enhancement of ecological harmony because its only major goal is ecological enhancement. The investigation of various alternative restoration plans is described. First, the ecological goals for the restoration plans were formulated. Then, the alternative restoration plans were tested against the ecological goals through a combination of field data collection, physical modeling, and numerical modeling. Finally, the backfilling of certain reaches of C‐38 canal was recommended.