The Southwest Florida Water Management District began today in Potts Preserve to restore the historic natural flow patterns of water between the preserve’s marsh and the Hernando pool of Lake Tsala Apopka.

District workers will remove the fill material associated with the “western dike” and the “middle road” which have impeded the natural flow of water between the open water areas of the Hernando pool and the preserve’s marsh since the early 1950s.

The dike and road were built by the previous land owners to connect upland islands to provide access to the more remote parts of the preserve, and to increase the amount of usable land for cattle grazing. These filled-in areas have inhibited the natural movement of water from the Hernando pool into the preserve’s marsh, which has impacted the hydrology of the marsh. The project is designed to restore the natural hydrology of the marsh.

While work is under way, the District is asking boaters to keep a safe distance from the equipment. The District has been in contact with the Citrus County Airboat Alliance to coordinate construction activities at Otter Slide where the alliance has facilities that will need to be relocated.

As water starts to flow naturally between the lake and the preserve, some hiking trails may become submerged. Visitors should use caution when hiking on trails in the western section of the preserve.

The $74,000 restoration project should take about seven weeks to complete. The project is being funded by the District’s Withlacoochee River Basin Board.