Investments in the restoration of Florida’s Robinson Preserve are paying off for fish, visitors, and the local economy, according to a recent economic study and fisheries monitoring results. The 700-acre coastal preserve—once degraded farmland—now supports a healthy sportfish population, attracts about 240,000 visitors each year, and generates millions of dollars in economic activity.
Manatee County, Florida, with support from NOAA Fisheries and other project partners, spent about $17 million transforming the farmland into a haven for fish and nature lovers. Robinson Preserve now features wetlands and mangrove forests, along with recreational amenities such as walking and paddling trails and wildlife observation towers.
Economic Benefits of Restoration
A new economic study funded by NOAA found that the restoration project:
- Supported 239 jobs
- Generated $12.7 million in income for workers
- Produced $32.7 million in total economic activity
But the economic benefits didn’t stop when construction ended. Researchers also learned that outdoor recreation at Robinson Preserve supports an additional 25 jobs and generates more than $3 million in economic activity each year.
All told, the restoration supported about 16 jobs for every $1 million invested.
“Recreation continues long after the backhoes and shovels leave the site,” said Economist James Maples, coauthor of the study. “When restored places are open to the public, visitors keep coming for years, and that activity supports local businesses.”
Survey results show that both local residents and tourists visit Robinson Preserve, with many returning repeatedly. Most visitors come to use the Preserve’s walking and biking trails, while others cite kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing as reasons for their visit.
“This project shows what’s possible when a community chooses to invest in the environment,” said Mike Elswick, division manager for Manatee County’s Natural Resources Department. “Beyond conservation, Robinson Preserve delivers massive public health benefits. It gives people a reason to get up, get outside, and experience the natural world.”
Restoring Habitat for Fish
The original 482-acre farmland property had been slated for development until Manatee County acquired the land in 2003. The county led an effort to restore wetland habitat, remove invasive species, and plant native vegetation at the site. NOAA supported the restoration through our Community-based Restoration Program, alongside other partners. We completed this first phase of restoration in 2008 and the area was opened to the public. Robinson Preserve quickly became a favorite destination for wildlife and people alike.
A few years after the first round of restoration, an additional donation of land expanded the preserve by 150 acres. With funding from the RESTORE Council, NOAA's Office of Habitat Conservation and its partners restored nearly 135 acres of coastal habitat, including shellfish habitat, seagrasses, mangroves, and salt- and freshwater wetlands. The project was one of five NOAA has supported under Connecting Coastal Waters, an initiative that restores Gulf Coast wetlands under the RESTORE Act after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The second phase of restoration focused on creating habitat to support popular Florida sport fish, including common snook and tarpon.
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