The Matheson Hammock Tidal Creek Restoration project aimed to clear debris deposited by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 from mangrove tidal passageways in Biscayne Bay, Florida. The project cost $469,975 and was funded by non-profits. By clearing debris manually, tidal flow was restored and the mangrove forest and wildlife habitat recovered. Over time, the restoration expanded to clear a total of 3.9 miles of corridors, improving water quality and fish populations in the area.

1. Doris V. I have abided by the HFA honor code in completing this assignment.
January 19, 2012
6th Pd. APES
Matheson Hammock Tidal Creek Restoration (Biscayne Bay Restoration)
Pressure from urbanization, loss of natural water flow, and pollution were serious issues
already faced by this habitat, then in August 1992 Hurricane Andrew struck its shores, flattened
the entire mangrove forest and choked all tidal creeks with fallen trees and storm debris. This
project cost about $469,975.00 and was funded by FishAmerica Foundation and NOAA's
Community Restoration Program. It aimed to clear dead trees and debris deposited by Hurricane
Andrew in 1992 from mangrove tidal passageways in Matheson Hammock Park on Biscayne
Bay. Once tidal flow was restored, the mangrove forest would return to a balanced and healthy
estuarine habitat that would nurture fish, invertebrates, birds, mammals, and endangered
creatures, like sea turtles, manatees, and even saltwater crocodiles, searching for safe harbor. To
prevent further damage the debris was removed by volunteers using canoes and manual labor
instead of large machinery.
Before urbanization, pollution of mangrove wetlands, and Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the
mangrove wetlands within the park served as feeding, breeding, and spawning areas for
anadromous (migratory) fish, baitfish, and marine reptiles. Tidal creeks in the park were one of
the country’s largest migration habitats of horseshoe crabs. Wading birds used this habitat to
spawn, and migratory birds use it as a stop place. By March 2002, one corridor from east to west
had been completely cleared of debris, which restored tidal flow. Since restoring tidal flow,
black mullet, fantail mullet, and a variety of snapper have been observed in the corridor. On
March 3, 2002, a saltwater crocodile was also observed feeding in the same area. By December

2. 2002, a different loop corridor and many smaller corridors had also been cleared for a total of 3.9
miles of fish corridors. Since April 2003, a total of about 27.5 acres have been restored. There
has been an improvement in water quality and clarity and enhanced foliage growth. There are
also significant numbers of fish where there was once no activity.
Source:
Livergood, Audra. "Global Restoration Network: Case Study Detail." Global Restoration Network.
Society for Ecological Restoration, 24 May 2007. Web. 11 Jan. 2012.
<http://www.globalrestorationnetwork.org/database/case-study/?id=55>