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ECWCD holds ground breaking ceremony at Harn’s Marsh

By Staff | Jun 17, 2009

ECWCD Chairman Desmond Barrett welcomes people the the ceremony at Harns Marsh.

East County Water Control District (ECWCD) held a ground breaking ceremony at Harns Marsh a 578-acre preserve which serves as a major stormwater retention/detention area in Lehigh Acres on June 10 at 4 p.m.

The Harns Marsh Phase I Project is one of the first Federal stimulus funded projects in Southwest Florida. The project is funded in part by a $350,000 Florida State CBIR grant and $1.45 in Federal Stimulus loan monies administered by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

ECWCD preserves and protects water reserves through drainage, conservation, mitigation, navigational and water management practices in Lehigh Acres and the western portion of Hendry County. The District maintains 360 culvert crossing, 22 bridges, 66 water control structures and maintains 1298 preserve acres within 70,000 acres of land approximately 68,000 of these acres lie in eastern Lee County.

ECWCD’s 311- mile canal system and 20 lakes flow into the Caloosahatchee River via four outfalls: Orange River, Bedman Creek, Hickeys Creek and Carlos Waterway. The Harns Marsh Phase I Project replaces three existing water control structures to in order to regulate the flow of water. The addition of operable gates controlled by a computer – allows for the ability to manage water flow remotely.

“Harns Marsh Phase I project will allow ECWCD to ensure that flood waters flow properly; will reduce flooding to our downstream neighbors on the Orange River; improve water quality; and recharge the local groundwater aquifers,” said ECWCD Manager David Lindsay.

ECWCD board members, staff and members of the Lee County Commission were invited to the ceremony.

This retention/detention area is more than just a stormwater facility; it is also serves as a lush wildlife habitat. A ghost trail still tells a tale of where the Orange River once meandered through the a 59-acre cypress head.

More than 100 wildlife species have been spotted on bird-watching tours lead by Cathy Olson, Lee Parks and Recreation, in conjunction with the Caloosa Bird Club, Peace River Audubon Society and Lee County Bird Patrol.

Currently, Harns Marsh preserve is open for passive exploration from dawn until dusk, but motorized vehicles must be left outside the entrance gates. The Marsh is slated to be a Lee County Regional Park with limited passive activities such as hiking, fishing and bird watching. To get there from Lee Blvd., head north on SunshineBlvd., turn left on Olive and then turn left on 38th; and continue to the Marsh.C