The channelization project in the Lower Kissimmee River Basin, Florida
resulted in severe losses of river floodplain wetlands and waterfowl
throughout the river valley. An earth channel, the C-38 canal, is the
main element of this project. Immediately after the project completion
in 1971, a strong effort was initiated to restore this basin to its p
rechannelization status. This project, if and when completed, would se
t a milestone toward our commitment to the enhancement of ecological h
armony because its only major goal is ecological enhancement. The inve
stigation of various alternative restoration plans is described. First
, the ecological goals for the restoration plans were formulated. Then
, the alternative restoration plans were tested against the ecological
goals through a combination of field data collection, physical modeli
ng, and numerical modeling. Finally, the back-filling of certain reach
es of C-38 canal was recommended.