The 225 square-mile Upper Myakka River watershed is a hydrologically altered system in Southwest Florida. Significant environmental damage, including widespread tree mortality, has resulted from abnormal and prolonged dry-season inundation in areas that historically were flooded only seasonally.

Much of the resulting damage has occurred within a 4.5 square-mile mixed hardwood wetland known as Flatford Swamp.

To evaluate the effectiveness of potential strategies to reach the desired watershed condition a detailed integrated hydrologic model was established. The study outcome is currently being used by South Florida Water Management District staff in the establishment of minimum flow rules for the Lower Myakka River.

This modeling study is part of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Myakka River Watershed Initiative, a comprehensive watershed study and planning effort designed to develop strategies to protect, enhance, and restore natural systems and water quality, while addressing issues of water supply and flood protection.