July 2023 Project Status Report

Department of Environmental Resources Management

Tarpon Cove: Restoration work at Tarpon Cove continues with the final grading of 17,500 cubic yards of sand acquired from the Sawfish Island restoration project in Jupiter The sand will create an estimated 14 acres of seagrass habitat surrounding the islands Additionally, the placement of 10,000 tons of limestone is ongoing and will create over 1.8 acres of oyster habitat Finally, six aid-to-navigation signs will be installed around the islands This phase of the project is anticipated to be complete by early fall

Artificial Reefs: Over the last few weeks, ERM has coordinated the deployment of several artificial reef projects One project, which was supported by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Artificial Reef Construction Grant, features a sculpture donated by the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida (CCA Florida). The sculpture stands 8 ft. tall and was deployed in 65 ft of water offshore of Delray Beach This sculpture was placed alongside another reef module, two limestone rock piles, and four pieces of reused concrete It was designed and built by a local artist to memorialize Bob Burton, a longtime member of CCA Florida, avid fisherman, and lover of the outdoors. Together, these reef modules and nearby rock piles create an exciting reef trail with a variety of habitats for fish and invertebrates to call home

Reef Culvert Deployment: ERM Staff coordinated the deployment of 138 concrete culverts about 3.5 miles from the mouth of the Palm Beach Inlet in an area known as 3-Mile Reef To diversify habitat in the area, the culverts were “sprinkled” around four Reef Dart sites Reef Darts are unique artificial reef modules that offer up to 45 ft of vertical relief They are made of reused concrete utility poles and culverts and designed to land upright on the seafloor. All material placed in the 3-Mile Reef site has been designed and donated by the PBC Fishing Foundation

Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners

Sea Turtle Surveys: ERM staff assisted Inwater Research Group (IRG) in conducting sea turtle abundance surveys, as well as capture and tagging efforts, in the northern segment of Lake Worth Lagoon IRG has been conducting marine turtle population assessments in Lake Worth Lagoon on behalf of ERM since March of 2005. All captured turtles are measured, weighed, photographed, and tagged with flipper and implanted tags prior to release Long-term efforts to monitor the sea turtle population residing in the Lake Worth Lagoon are a valuable addition to ERM’s comprehensive program to restore the Lake Worth Lagoon. All work with marine turtles is conducted under state and federally issued permits.

Sea Turtle Surveys

Bench Installation: ERM staff worked with Florida Trail Association (FTA) members to install a bench along the Echoche trail in the Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area The bench is located just over a half mile from the parking lot at Beeline Highway This bench provides a nice shady resting area if you’re hiking to or from the observation tower The materials, labor, and craftsmanship were all provided by the Florida Trail Association. Thank you FTA!

Bench Installation

Night for the Natural Areas: On Saturday, August 19th from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Twisted Trunk Brewery will host the 8th annual Night for the Natural Areas fundraiser at their location in Palm Beach Gardens This event raises funds to help support the education, adventure, exploration, and conservation program of Palm Beach County’s Natural Areas

Palm Beach Heights Willing Seller Program: Palm Beach County continues to acquire environmentally sensitive lands in Palm Beach Heights, an approximate 715 3 acre undeveloped area north of Indiantown Road and northeast of Beeline Highway In the last two months, the County has closed on 7 additional parcels (totaling 9 2 acres) and entered into contracts to acquire an additional 7 parcels (totaling 15.51 acres). If these contracts are successfully closed, the County will own just under 310 acres in Palm Beach Heights.