Watershed Management: Watershed Planning

Cross Bayou Canal Watershed

 

The Cross Bayou Canal watershed is located in central Pinellas County and encompasses approximately 7,697 acres. The 10.5-mile long Cross Bayou Canal bisects the watershed and connects to both Old Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay on its northeastern and southwestern ends, respectively. Canal water can flow in either direction depending upon tidal conditions, but normally water from the north and south halves do not mix.

A diagnostic feasibility study and the development of a watershed management plan for the Cross Bayou watershed began in August 2003. The management plan will be used as a tool in the planning, regulation, and management of Cross Bayou for future development and as a basis for determining and prioritizing capital improvements. This objective will be met in part by conducting an analysis of the watershed to characterize the existing conditions and recommend improvements for flood protection, natural systems, habitat, water quality, erosion control, public awareness and involvement, and regulatory control.

 

Ultimately, the implementation of a Watershed Management Plan will serve to increase functional habitat in the Tampa Bay watershed and will reduce pollutant loads to Old Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay. Habitat enhancement, water quality improvement, and pollutant loading reductions to Tampa Bay are in accord with the goals in SWFWMD's SWIM Plan for Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay (National) Estuary Program's Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).

Project Updates:

The Watershed Management Plan was completed in 2014. The plan includes eight recommended projects to relieve flooding and improve water quality and habitat. One project is currently in the planning stages and includes sediment and vegetation removal from 102nd Ave N to 150th Ave N to improve conveyance in the system.

Volunteer:

Pinellas County Watershed Management has organized several Cross Bayou Clean-Up events in conjunction with Keep Pinellas Beautiful. The Clean-Up efforts took place in either the spring and/or fall of most years since 2000. Volunteers with canoes, kayaks, and small boats removed trash and debris from the waterway and surrounding wetlands. The efforts have been very successful. During the first event in the fall of 2000, thirty participants collected over 1.6 tons of trash.

 

At a recent event on March 22nd (see photos), over 70 participants removed over 2000 pounds of trash, which consisted of recyclable glass, plastic, aluminum, and paper products.

 

 

 

Return to top