District working to establish living shoreline in Blue Cypress Water Management Area

Asking for public’s support

PALATKA, Fla., March 3, 2023 — The St. Johns River Water Management District recently repaired the L-77W levee that forms the western border of the Blue Cypress Water Management Area West after it experienced significant erosion from a variety of factors, including wave action from boat traffic.

To protect the levee from future erosion, wetland plants will be installed along the shoreline beginning March 6. The native wetland plants will help protect the levee from wave action and assist in stabilizing the soil by establishing rooted plants. As a secondary benefit, the plants will also provide enhanced wetland habitat and recreational enjoyment for the public.

To support the success of the planting project, the District is asking the public to help by limiting boating operations outside a minimum distance of 300 feet from the L-77W shoreline for a period of 60 days beginning March 6. Signage and orange buoys have been placed in the work area. The limited operations will allow the plants to become established and create a resilient living shoreline.

For the most up-to-date information on District properties, visit our website at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/announcements.

The success of the project relies on assistant from the boating community.