Clearing of Woody Vegetation Adjacent to Canals Underway in Jupiter Farms

Canal 6 in Jupiter Farms is currently being cleared of woody vegetation. The District is using an excavator with a grinder head to clear the debris on both sides of the canal. Once grinding is complete the excavator operator and the mechanic remove the grinder tool and attach a large rake. The large rake is used to remove any pieces of woody debris that fall into the canal during the grinding.

This process will continue for all the canals in Jupiter Farms in 2026. This effort is to ensure that woody debris does not obstruct the canal or clogg the culverts, which would reduce the amount flow during a storm event. 

The District only has one excavator, so there is a lag time from when the debris is cut and when it can be raked out of the canal.  The debris on the canal bank will be ground into small pieces by the District's brush "wing mowers”.  The ground-up woody debris will be remain along the top of the canal banks to naturally decay and amend the soil.