Crews work to restore Picayune Strand State Forest in Collier County Published: February 23, 2021 6:35 PM EST Updated: February 24, 2021 12:54 PM EST The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District are getting closer to restoring Picayune Strand State Forest in west Collier County. What once was meant to be a residential neighborhood decades ago, is now the stage for environmental restoration. On Tuesday, crews worked to remove the vestiges of the development, by plugging canals, removing roads and using pump stations to restore the land’s natural water flow. By removing crumbling roads, plugging canals, and building pump stations, these groups will restore the natural sheet flow to the drained land, and in turn attract wildlife and vegetation.