(AUGUST 7, 2007) - Sarasota residents and visitors will soon be seeing a construction crane in the Intracoastal Waterway as work begins on the Bird Colony Islands Restoration Project. Sarasota County hopes to reduce the ongoing erosion of the islands, which are a prime nesting and resting spot for 11 species of wading birds and brown pelicans in Sarasota Bay, with a 1,300-foot stone breakwater that will stabilize the islands and allow them to flourish

According to Project Manager Curtis Smith, the first stage of restoration will be the relocation of some existing seagrass to a protected area, to make room for the breakwater structure. “Then a barge will transport rocks from a staging area to the islands, where another barge with a crane will place the rocks,” said Smith. “Once the breakwater is constructed, mangroves and marsh grass will be planted between the islands and the structure, providing new and more stable habitat for marine life that feeds on the seagrass.”

Smith says work will be done during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, with some occasional work on Saturdays. It is expected to last until December 2007.

“This is the best time of year to do the project because the fewest number of birds are nesting now,” added Ann Paul, Tampa Bay Regional Coordinator for Audubon of Florida. Sarasota County is partnering with Audubon and several other agencies to ensure the birds’ safety during the islands’ restoration.

For the safety of boaters and construction workers, temporary “no wake” signs will be posted along the Intracoastal Waterway near the project area. The no wake zone will be monitored by marine law enforcement and will remain in force throughout construction.

Construction fencing will mark the staging area on the state-owned east approach to Siesta Drive Bridge. For safety, residents are asked to remain clear of the marked construction area.

The Bird Colony Spoil Islands Restoration Project began in August, 2007. The $989,721 cost will be funded entirely by grants from the Southwest Florida Water Management District and environmental fines that, by law, must be used only for restoration or mitigation (repair) projects.

For more information about the project, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.