complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Unit Name: Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
Acres: 3405 Managing Agency: DEP/CAMA . Current Management Plan
Approved:
Description:
303
December 2008
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) is located in St.
Johns and Flagler counties. It was selected for designation in 1999 because of its outstanding
representation of the east Florida subregion of the Carolinian bioregion and its unique combination
of natural and cultural resources. The reserve boundaries include two state aquatic preserves,
extensive submerged lands of the Guana, Tolomato, and Matanzas rivers, and 3405 acres of CAMA
managed uplands.
Accomplishments:
Resource Management:
1. Reintroduction of prescribed fire as a management tool to 152 acres of coastal strand
habitat with a very tight urban interface, using mechanical pre-treatment to reduce
radiant heat exposure for residences across State Road A1A.
2. Construction of low water crossing to restore sheet flow at 58 acre fresh water marsh on
Guana peninsula. This project included the breaching of a vehicle trail that fragmented
the marsh into half, stabilization of the breach with filter fabric, geoweb, and gravel for
vehicle access, and construction of a 300’ boardwalk for pedestrian and bicycle access to
GTMNERR’s recreational trails.
3. GTMNERR Invasive Species Task Force. GTMNERR has assumed the lead role in a
public/private partnership to identify, map, and eradicate terrestrial invasive plants
within the watershed of GTMNERR. This interagency effort coordinates with partners
from local state and county agencies, as well as private land owners, to eradicate Cat 1
invasive plants within the water shed of GTMNERR.
Visitor Services:
1. Constructed interpretive kiosks illustrating the cultural history of the Guana peninsula,
beach wildlife, and marsh ecology at recreational access points.
Capital Improvements:
Renovation to 2 vehicle storage buildings.