Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotic Plants
The primary benefits of this project include preventing the expansion of invasive exotic plant species into natural areas, reducing coverage and density of invasive exotic species and increasing the effectiveness of biological control technologies to manage invasive species. Secondary benefits include promoting the re-establishment of native plants, restoring native habitat for native bird and wildlife species, and reducing stressors on rare, threatened and endangered species.
The project includes: (1) upgrading and retrofitting the current quarantine facility in Gainesville, and (2) large-scale rearing of approved biological control organisms for release at multiple sites within the south Florida ecosystem to control Melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, and Old World climbing fern.
Project News
23 Jan 2014 | Project Research Annex Completed
Physical construction of the Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotic Plants Research Annex was completed Aug. 30, 2013. Completion of this facility marks the first completed Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) project. After construction was completed, the project was transferred to the local sponsor, the South Florida Water Management District.
Archived News
November 2013 | Updated Fact Sheet
View the updated fact sheet for Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotic Plants
May 2011| Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotic Plants Research Annex Groundbreaking Ceremony was held Tuesday May 10, 2011.
Project Details:
Project Sponsor: |
South Florida Water Management
District |
Project Schedule: |
For scheduling information regarding
this project, please see the Master
Implementation Sequencing Plan (MISP). |
Project Phase: |
Pre-Construction,
Engineering and Design |
Design Agreement: |
Amended (2004) |
CERP Component Designation: |
OPE |
Project Cooperation Agreement: |
|
Authorization: |
WRDA 2000 (Programmatic Authority) |