Manatees and Florida Springs
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACOE) has developed a plan for dredging the spring run leading to the Homosassa Springs main spring vent in Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. The purpose of the dredging is to increase the depth of the run, which should increase accessibility of the area to manatees. Large numbers of wild manatees use the warm water refuge during the winter months. Expectations are that the manatee carrying capacity in the spring run will increase with the dredging, resulting in larger numbers of manatees using the Park and surrounding area as a winter refuge. Dredging began in July 2006.
Wildlife Trust has monitored manatee use of the site during the winter season prior to dredging, and will continue to monitor the site two years after dredging. Our team of scientists will document changes in the numbers of animals using the site, the distribution of the animals within the site, and through photo-identification any changes in individual manatee use of the site. Wildlife Trust will assess whether the dredging enhanced critical winter manatee habitat, and if this solution is a viable option for enhancing other warm water sites, which are critical for manatee survival.
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