Wetlands Management

Park staff work hard at managing the wetlands in order to maintain optimal conditions for the treatment of reclaimed water. This requires proactively managing for a healthy balance between the flora, fauna, and biogeochemical processes. Land management work includes removal of invasive and nuisance species by mechanical and chemical means, planting for increased biodiversity, and occasional construction and renovation projects.

The Park strives to maintain and increase biodiversity of flora and fauna: a proven means for more efficient treatment of reclaimed water. Increased biodiversity creates a more self-sustaining system that minimizes the need for direct human intervention for maintaining water quality.

Park staff may be regularly seen driving vehicles and construction equipment throughout the Park, operating airboats, or wading into the wetland waters. These are normal activities and are part of the Park’s proactive approach to maintaining pristine conditions at the Park.

The nutrient rich reclaimed water flowing throughout the Park leads to an abundance of plant growth that eventually decays and becomes mud or muck. Overtime, increasing amounts of muck slows the wetlands treatment process. This requires a more intensive approach to wetlands management. Learn more about how the Park solves this problem by visiting the Wetlands Renovation page.