The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge lies within the Mosquito Lagoon-Indian River-Banana River estuary complex of east-central Florida. Over 40 years ago, important high marsh habitats were completely cut off by a 1.02 miles dike that was built during construction of the Kennedy Space Center. This impoundment had been previously breached for tidal access at the north and south ends, however, true hydrological restoration was not achieved due to the remaining dike. The dike was removed in 1999; however, it left elevations of fill that restricted outflows of rainwater and passage of some fish. Additional funds were used to grade the fill to a more acceptable elevation.