BOCC Gets Duette Preserve Update

BRADENTON -- At Tuesday's BOCC workshop, the Manatee County Natural Resources Department reviewed the county's efforts to enhance the biodiversity of plant and wildlife in the county's watershed on the Duette Preserve. Representatives from different regulatory and enforcement agencies gave reports on how the joint programs are working in sync to preserve the county's environmental condition.

Duette Preserve Photo: Manatee County

Charlie Hunsicker, Natural Resources Director, introduced the different speakers representing preservation programs that protect the Duette Preserve and county watershed. U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Florida Forest Services, Environmental Protection Agency and Southwest Florida Water Management District are just some of the agencies that play an important role in preserving the county's environmental health.

Places like the Coker Prarie, Gilley Creek, Moody Branch and Flatford Swamp are home to many endangered spices of both plants and animals. Habitats of Long Leaf Pines, Scrub and Riverine Wetlands are home to soft shell turtles, wood storks, indigo snakes, the Florida mouse and the Florida scrub-jay.

Speakers spoke to the importance of prescribed burning, wetland recovery and eradicating nuisance and exotic plants with hopes to restore, enhance and maintain the historic nature ecosystem of the Duette Preserve. 

The Duette Preserve Land Use Plan was developed in 1995 by the Board of County Commissioners through ELMAC, the Nature Conservancy and other concerned groups with a goal of protecting the county's resources.