At the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) annual meeting at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, December 4, “Ding” Darling Complex leader Kevin Godsea updated membership on the progress of hurricane recovery following Hurricane Ian in 2022 and hurricanes Helene and Milton this fall.
“Our efforts focus on rebuilding and enhancing infrastructure, roadways, and habitats to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience at the refuge,” Godsea said. “Collaboration with the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society and other conservation partners has been critical in these recovery efforts, and we thank the Society for its continued support.”
Through detailed planning, federal compliance, engineering studies, and competitive bidding processes, the recovery team has prioritized the quality of work above expediency, understanding the importance of resiliency for the future.
Major ongoing projects include restoring Wildlife Drive, repairing and rebuilding boardwalks and trails, improving habitat and water flow with culverts and bridges, upgrading and repairing the Visitor & Education Center, and addressing new construction of DDWS offices and intern housing.
Godsea predicted a summer 2025 completion timeline for the Visitor & Education Center. He anticipates boardwalk trails, which currently are under contract to design, will take more than a year to complete because of the permitting process for sensitive wetlands.
Planned efforts also address damages to key facilities such as the marine lab, Tarpon Bay Explorers building, sewer systems, boat docks, maintenance buildings, and gates, plus smaller essential projects.
Beyond hurricane damage repairs, upcoming projects include the long-awaited restoration of the Lee Anne Tauck Conservation Tract, which will also include initial planning for the Jim Sprankle Walking Trail, ensuring these areas are revitalized for future generations and wildlife.
“The education and community outreach with the refuge and DDWS continue and we are proud of the progress we have accomplished through this partnership,” Godsea said. “These comprehensive recovery projects take time but underscore a commitment to preserving the ecological and educational value of ‘Ding’ Darling.”
ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or [email protected].
