Speaking

Once a thriving ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife and recreational opportunities, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has experienced long-standing water quality challenges due to insufficient tidal circulation within its wetlands. These conditions worsened following the flooding caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Even before the storm, the mangrove wetlands located landward of Wildlife Drive, the scenic road through the Refuge, were already suffering from limited tidal flushing. This led to higher water temperatures, elevated nutrient loads and ecological stress.

In response, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service initiated a hydrologic assessment to evaluate opportunities to restore natural tidal flow. The project proposes the strategic installation of four new openings along Wildlife Drive using bridges and culverts to improve tidal exchange between the Pine Island Sound Estuary and the interior mangrove wetlands. This session will explain the design approach used to locate and size the new structures to maximize circulation and restore critical habitat.

The presentation will also outline the permitting strategy developed to demonstrate the environmental benefits of these improvements. Attendees will learn how hydrologic modeling, infrastructure design and environmental planning are being integrated to support long-term habitat restoration and ecosystem resilience within this vital coastal refuge.