Myakka wetlands reduce downstream flooding

A watershed is an area of land that channels rainfall into a common body of water. Myakka River State Park lies within the Myakka River Watershed, which encompasses approximately 600 square miles. Within this watershed, the Myakka River collects water from numerous creeks and sloughs. It provides drainage by channeling water into Charlotte Bay to the south, where it flows into the Gulf of Mexico.

Four major depressions act as natural water detention areas in the Myakka River Watershed. These include Flatford Swamp near Myakka City, Tatum Sawgrass Marsh just north of the park, and Upper and Lower Myakka Lake within the park. Tutum Sawgrass Marsh, the largest of these detention areas, has the capacity to store an equivalent of 1.8 inches of rainfall, which is four times that of Upper and Lower Myakka Lakes combined. And in numerous smaller wetlands, water covers the soil periodically.

During rain storms, the amount of water running over land in a watershed increases, and in severe storms, flooding may result. The low-lying areas of land where water periodically spreads when a river or creek overflows its banks are known as floodplains. Flooding in floodplains is an expected and important natural process. Indeed, as a rain-fed river, during our rainy season the Myakka River routinely overflows into the park's floodplain marshes, other wetlands and hydric hammocks. As Myakka's ecosystems have adapted to this natural ebb and flow of water, it's critical for their health. Therefore, restoring impacted wetlands and maintaining their health is a priority for Myakka's team.

To protect the park’s natural communities, and our own, Myakka is minimally developed. Impervious surfaces, such as those found in urban areas, greatly increase the rate and volume of runoff, resulting in a higher risk of flood damage. Conversely, wetlands, and particularly floodplain wetlands, have the capacity to temporarily store flood waters during high runoff events, such as the one we're currently experiencing as a result of Hurricane Debby. By holding back flood waters and slowing the rate that water re-enters the river channel, Myakka's abundant wetlands greatly reduce the severity of downstream flooding and erosion.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we're protecting and sharing Myakka's Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsofMyakkaRiver