Panther Island Mitigation Bank is one of the premier wetland restoration projects in Southwest Florida. Located contiguous with portions of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and CREW SOR lands, Panther Island Mitigation Bank provides a regional significant wetland restoration and enhancement program which will have significant benefit to both the freshwater wetland systems and habitat value in the Corkscrew Regional Eco-System Watershed.

The total Mitigation Bank site is 2,778 acres and has generated a total of 934 mitigation credits for the work done on the restoration, enhancement, preservation and perpetual management of the entire bank site.

Restoration and enhancement of wetland functions and associated benefits to significant wildlife species will occur through implementation of ten key mitigation components with a focus on restoring the natural patterns of hydrology and habitat to the area. Existing agriculture/grazing fields on the site will be restored to a combination of marsh and hydric pine areas following removal and alterations of the existing ditch system. The project has restored the historic water flow patterns of the overall project area. In addition, the infestation of exotic vegetation has been eradicated and managed to prevent re-infestation.

Panther Island Mitigation Bank meets the criteria for establishment of a Mitigation Bank under both the Federal Guidance and Use of Mitigation Banks and the laws of the State of Florida. The permitting process took over 18 months during which time Panther Island Mitigation Bank had regular meetings with the Mitigation Bank Review Team. This team was comprised of personnel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource and Conservation Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, the Florida Fish and Game Commission and the South Florida Water Management District.

At the end of the 18-month permitting process, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Resource Conservation Area, Florida Fish and Freshwater Game Commission signed the Federal Permit. In addition, the South Florida Water Management District Permit issued an Environmental Resource Permit which dovetails with the Federal Mitigation Banking Instrument.

View the Panther Island Mitigation Bank Project Blog featuring an interactive service area map, slideshows, video, and news articles.