PB Film

ERM Projects Earn National Recognition

ERM Projects Earn National Recognition

The Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management (ERM) has been recognized with Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for three of the county’s environmental projects. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents.

“These awards highlight our continued efforts to improve our county’s natural lands and waterways for our wild neighbors, while also providing recreational benefits for our county’s residents and visitors,” said ERM Director Robert Robbins.

The 2016 awards recognized the Winding Waters Natural Area Restoration and the Jupiter/Carlin Beach Restoration projects in the category for county resiliency: infrastructure, energy and sustainability, and the Fullerton Island Restoration in the category of parks and recreation.

The Winding Waters project involved creation of a 170-acre wetland from previously disturbed areas and with the addition of public use facilities, the natural area is now a bird-watchers paradise.  With a 4-mile loop trail around the wetland including covered observation areas and a boardwalk, along with a canoe/kayak launch and paddling trail, the recreational opportunities are endless.

(The Winding Waters)

The Jupiter/Carlin Beach project restored a critically eroded section of beach in time for endangered sea turtles to return and nest successfully.  The project also protected intact public infrastructure and restored the sandy beach that residents and tourists flock to each year.

(Jupiter's Carlin Park)

Finally, the Fullerton Island project restored native upland portions of the island and created new mangrove and seagrass habitat for local fish, sea turtles and manatees in the Loxahatchee River – Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve.  The addition of a day-use boat dock and picnic tables have make this a top destination of local boaters, paddlers and environmental educators. 

(Fullerton Island)

The awards will be presented at NACo’s 2016 Annual Conference and Exposition July 24th in Los Angeles County, CA. Learn more about these and other ERM projects at www.pbcgov.com/erm/downloads/project-fact-sheets.htm.

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