In December 2010, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection confirmed that both Manatee and Lake Wales Forest Mitigation and Net Ecosystem Benefit sites have reached the habitat restoration, creation, and enhancement success criteria established in the Environmental Resource Permit for the Gulfstream Natural Gas System, LLC pipeline project in southwest Florida. The restoration of these properties was based upon restoring the hydrology that was altered by past agricultural practices. The projects demonstrate that it is feasible to restore pastureland to native habitats without harming the adjacent on-going row crops and citrus groves.
These sites will continue to be managed by Gulfstream until each property is transferred to a public or private conservation entity for perpetual protection and management. Gulfstream’s Manatee and Lake Wales Forest sites demonstrate the value of privately funded restoration for the public benefit.