Siltation Reduction Eglin is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help reduce siltation. Disturbed land sites are being planted with native vegetation to control erosion. The shapes of some of the sand and clay pits are also being changed to reduce the flow of soil into the creeks. On some of the more eroded pits, stairstep catch basins have been created to prevent sediment from moving downstream. Siltation at streams will be measured over the next several years to assess progress.
Studies also are underway to determine if silt is coming from other sources.
Improving the habitat by reducing siltation is one way to help meet these goals. Other efforts include limiting development of new roads and recreation areas that disturb habitat and reducing pollution from agricultural chemicals. Forest areas along some darter streams may be burned intentionally to increase the amount of sunlight reaching the stream bed. Additional sunlight will increase aquatic vegetation growth and improve habitat. In addition to its work with the National Fish and Wildlife Service, Eglin is working with a variety of state and federal centers, including the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and the Southeastern Biological Science Center of the National Biological Service.