In addition to our overall $1.5 billion environmental commitment to reduce emissions from our power stations, Tampa Electric looks for innovative ways to actively enhance the ecosystems within our service area. This includes restoration projects like the one conducted in 2006 and 2007 at Newman Branch Creek in Apollo Beach in southern Hillsborough County.
The project involved the restoration of approximately 12 acres of wetlands and rare saltern habitat near Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center on property owned by Tampa Electric, which purchased the land in the 1980s. The former owner converted a mangrove forest and salt marsh on the land to a fish farm about 60 years ago. This conversion interrupted tidal flows in the area, which, along with an invasion of non-native plants, destroyed a natural habitat.
The project is the result of a unique partnership between Tampa Electric and the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program. It is the first joint SWFWMD-private landowner habitat restoration project. The project was proposed by PEER (Preserving the Environment through Ecological Research, Inc.), a non-profit collaborative of biologists specializing in habitat restoration and management. SWFWMD, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Restoration Center, NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program and the Pinellas County Environmental Fund (PCEF) provided grant funds.
Volunteers began clearing the site of invasive plants in late 2006 and planting native species in 2007. The effort culminated in the ceremonial dedication of a new oak tree at the site on Saturday, June 16, 2007. The day involved the planting of about 6,000 new native plants in the recreated wetlands and freshwater marshes. Attending the event were representatives from SWFWMD, NOAA, the Audubon Society and more. In attendance from Tampa Electric were Tom Hernandez, Vice President of Energy Supply; Bill Whale, Vice President of Energy Delivery; and Phil Barringer, Jr., Vice President of Controller Operations.
In addition to reinvigorated plant life, new freshwater and saltwater marshes at Newman Branch Creek will provide nursery grounds for fish and other marine life. The fully restored site will be an environmental showcase for the public near Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center and Big Bend Power Station.
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