Restoration Continues Along Joes CreekThe Southwest Florida Water Management District recently signed an agreement with Pinellas County to move forward with a second phase of a project that will continue restoration efforts along Joes Creek in Lealman. The Joes Creek Greenway Park Stormwater Treatment and Wetlands Restoration project is a cooperative effort to restore wildlife habitat and improve water quality in Joes Creek through the treatment of stormwater runoff, while providing the community access to the greenway for recreation. The first phase of the project, which is nearing completion, restored approximately 10 acres of land and included the construction of the Joes Creek Greenway Park. The park opened to the public in September 2005. Approximately 75,000 people visit the park each year. Local schools also use the area for environmental education and to promote environmental stewardship. The second phase of the project involves stabilizing additional areas of creek bank that have eroded, removing invasive species and replanting the area with native plants. This phase of the project will improve water quality as well as restore an additional 11.5 acres of habitat. Phase two is estimated to cost $425,000. Funding is being divided evenly between the District and Pinellas County. The District's share is being divided among the Pinellas-Anclote River Basin Board and the state Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program. The project is expected to be complete by August 2008.
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