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Posted by Rock Jetty on 12:56:07 01/16/10
In Reply to: Lucky Hammock -- Are the fields under cultivation posted by Paul-the-other
Howdy folks,
For those of you who don't already know, the Frog Pond WMA and Southern Glades WEA (known to birders as Lucky Hammock and The Annex, respectively) are undergoing some major changes as part of the Phase 1 of the C-111 Spreader Canal CERP Project. If you are not familiar with this or other CERP projects then you should visit either the district's website (CERP section, look over the expedited projects): www.sfwmd.gov or the CERP website: www.evergladesplan.org. Our community needs to be aware of the ongoing projects so that later on they won't be caught by surprise.
The construction of the new Aerojet Canal Extension has begun, which will originate from the S-199 pump station (some of you may remember this is where the male Vermilion Flycatcher use to hang out for a couple of winters), transect the small slough that runs through the east fields (the brushy areas we tend to look for sparrows in), and run parallel to Aerojet Road, on its east side, eventually traversing the road and connecting to Aerojet Canal just south of the fish farm. Sounds like a lot?
The area immediately to the east of Aerojet Road is being restored and will serve as a buffer between the channel and the road. The "Lucky Hammock" area will not be touched. STAs are being created in the northern portion of Frog Pond, north of SR9336. I haven't been in that area in a while but last time I checked they had done quite a bit of work. Due to some work-related projects, I plan to be more knowledgeable on the outcome of this and other related projects. Several alternatives are always offered and you just never know which one they're going with until the very end (not trying to sound cynical here, seriously).
That said, I don't think the Lucky Hammock fields are going to be planted anytime soon, but who knows. All I know is that, for now, it's good for the birds and the birders.
If anyone from the district (or anyone for that matter) cares to contribute their comments, please do so. Hope this helps a bit.
Cheers,
RJ
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