DYK: Partnership Helps Enhance Wetlands in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes

The South Florida Water Management District teamed up with Ducks Unlimited, a non-profit conservation organization, to enhance more than 185 acres of wetlands in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Wildlife Management Area in Polk County.

DID YOU KNOW: The Rolling Meadows Restoration Project restores and enhances important floodplain habitat along the southwestern shore of Lake Hatchineha.

WORKING TOGETHER: The project is a partnership between the South Florida Water Management District, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, and Ducks Unlimited. Together, we are improving the hydrology of the area and enhancing wetland habitat for waterfowl and other species.

PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION: The Rolling Meadows Restoration Project was completed in two phases:

✅ The first phase, completed in 2017, restored approximately 1,900 acres of historic Lake Hatchineha floodplain wetlands.

✅ The second phase, completed this year, enhanced 185 acres of emergent wetlands in partnership with Ducks Unlimited to improve local hydrology.

PROTECTING AND RESTORING WETLANDS: Major project components include:

✅ Removing invasive plant species to allow native vegetation to recover.

✅ Installing a ditch plug to eliminate artificial drainage and reestablish sheet flow.

✅ Rebuilding 1,300 linear feet of the historic internal berm system to increase water residence time and maintain target pool elevations.

✅ Increasing soil moisture and water storage across the footprint to benefit regional wildlife and public recreation.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AT ROLLING MEADOWS: Rolling Meadows offers many recreational opportunities, including bicycling, primitive camping, fishing, hunting, kayaking and beautiful vistas. There is also a covered pavilion for wildlife viewing and picnicking. FWC manages hunting operations on the property.

LEARN MORE: The District is committed to working with partner agencies and stakeholders to enhance water storage and restoration initiatives. These partnerships are an important way the District is ensuring that public lands are restored and protected for the people and the environment of South Florida.

We encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/Restoration to learn more.