 Big Cypress Mitigation Bank |
Big Cypress Mitigation Bank (BCMB) is located in the southwestern portion of Hendry County, adjacent to the Fish and Wildlife's Big Cypress National Preserve, which contains over 500,000 acres of natural wetlands. The 2,507 +/- acre BCMB site was once entirely wetlands and had been farmed for many years before being converted to a citrus operation known as Caysee's Grove.
Located in the center of the Lee, Hendry and Collier "Tri-County" area, the BCMB is deemed a regionally significant asset by the Southwest Florida Development Council. In addition, the property serves a essential habitat for several PROTECTED SPECIES including the Florida Panther.
The primary focus of the BCMB is the enhancement and restoration of the historic wetlands. Initially, all citrus was removed from the site. Then, historic hydrologic and ecological conditions were restored through construction and planting plans.
Existing drainage ditches were filled, all pumps and control structures were removed and existing berms were leveled. Native plant species such as southern slash pine, cabbage palm and others were planted within the hydric flatwoods communities. Bald cypress, red maple, and pop ash were planted in the mixed-forested areas. Various herbaceous plants such as milkwort and foxtail grass have naturally regenerated in all areas.
Restoring the site will provide habitat, food and cover for 16 rare and PROTECTED SPECIES of wildlife including the Florida panther, wood stork, Florida black bear, American alligator, swallow-tailed kite and various species of wading birds.
Construction and Restoration over the six phases has been 90% completed and the bank is in its second year of annual monitoring.
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