At left, Karen Estock, the new Big Cypress Basin Field Station Superintendent, inspects a structure on the Cocohatchee Canal near the STRAND development at the start of a
project to repair canal bank protection rip rap. At right, the new BCB Field Station was completed in 2016. (Click on the pictures for larger versions.)
Naples, FL
- With more than 12 years experience as a South Florida Water Management District field operations director and land manager, Karen Estock has assumed leadership of the Big Cypress Basin Field Station.
"The Big Cypress Basin Board approved construction of a state-of-the-art and centrally located field station because it is critical to protecting BCB's water resources," said BCB Board Chairman Rick Barber. "Karen has exactly the right experience to ensure this facility serves families and businesses well into the future."
Estock will oversee 18 pump station operators, electricians, equipment operators and vegetation management technicians stationed at the 6,000-square-foot building, as well as the 12,000-square-foot vehicle and equipment maintenance building.
The $10 million facility,
completed in May 2016, is Florida Water Star certified because of its water-saving features, such as low-volume plumbing fixtures and landscape that utilizes Florida friendly plants.
"I'm proud to lead this staff of hard-working employees who will continue to protect the Southwest Coast's water and ecosystems," Estock said. "I come into this position with the main focus of
completing all outstanding restoration projects and getting them operational to benefit our residents."
One of the largest restoration project responsibilities for field station staff will be operating and maintaining three massive pump stations in the Picayune Strand. The project includes restoring 55,000 acres of native Florida wetlands and uplands in the western Everglades. Restoration of this area will restore surface water flow to vital wetlands, ensure wetland plants and animals thrive - including endangered and threatened species - and improve the estuaries within the Ten Thousand Islands region.
About BCB
The Big Cypress Basin Board and Big Cypress Basin Service Center manage a network of 153 miles of primary canals, 45 water control structures and four pumps, providing flood control during the wet season and protecting regional water supplies and environmental resources from over-drainage during the dry season. The basin includes Collier County and part of Monroe County.
Members of the
Big Cypress Basin Board, like members of the SFWMD Governing Board, are appointed by the Governor and must be approved by the Florida Senate. This Board sets the Basin regional policy, budget and millage rate. The Governing Board member appointed to represent the Southwest region on the SFWMD Governing Board also serves as the Basin Board's chairman. The Basin Board typically meets once every quarter, unless otherwise announced. Meetings are open to the public.
Big Cypress Basin staff conduct work in administration, planning, environmental permitting, right-of-way permitting and operations and maintenance. Tasks related to Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) project management are also supported by this office.
