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Merritt Island NWR - Mosquito Lagoon

August 16, 2016 • 1 min read

Purpose: To rehabilitate approximately 79,000 linear feet of existing dike and replace 9 water control structures on mosquito control impoundments within those dikes. Since construction of the original mosquito impoundments, all water control structures have deteriorated to the point where they no longer function. In addition, the majority of dikes have become choked with vegetation, preventing reliable access to the area. A wide variety of habitats are found within the mosquito control impoundments, including submerged aquatic vegetation, emergent wetlands, open-water areas, and mud flats. This project will benefit wintering populations of wigeon, pintail, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, shoveler, and mottled ducks by enhancing 1,500 acres of brackish marsh on Merritt Island NWR. Mosquito Lagoon is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain high quality wetland habitat for wintering and resident waterfowl.

Marsh Wetlands at Merritt Island

Location: Approx. 10 miles northeast of Titusville, FL (Brevard County)

Acres Impacted: 1,500 acres

Habitat Type: Brackish Marsh
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ducks Unlimited, Inc

Timeline: Construction was completed in spring 1992

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