complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Unit Name: Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area
Acres: 21,714
Managing
Agency:
FWC
Current Management Plan
Approved:
404
6/03/2005
Narrative:
The management plan for this area was approved prior to July, 2008, and does not contain the
eight common management goals and associated quantitative measures that are now required to
be addressed by all management plans. Our progress, during the last two years toward achieving
the common goals and applicable core objectives are described in the narrative below and in
quantitative terms in the tables. Where applicable, this narrative lists outstanding
accomplishments, identifies any deficiencies and corrective actions, and provides other important
or clarifying information for each of the required management goals.
The number of acres requiring restoration includes FNAI data for improved pasture and ruderal,
minus staff determined acreage for facility areas, dove field, and roads.
The number of interpretive/educational programs contemplated in the CMP includes guided ecotours.
The programs provided during the reporting periods include buggy tours provided by the
area biologist and a tour provided by the Big “O” Birding Festival.
A partial hydrological assessment was conducted in association with a hydrological restoration
project funded by the NRCS Wetlands Reserve Program. The purpose of the project was to restore
approximately 2,006 acres of wetlands and enhance wildlife habitat by filling in and plugging
ditches that were originally constructed in the mid to late 1950’s for agricultural purposes. The
project also included exotic plant control, shrub/tree plantings, and native vegetation/brush
management. Restoration activities were initiated in 2006 across 4,313 acres. The site of
restoration is a former sugarcane field located in the southwest corner of the WMA. The project
was completed in 2008 with 56 plugs installed and 15.5 miles of ditches filled. The acreage
included within the project has been the only acreage subject to a hydrologic assessment.
There are 20 individual structures on the WMA. For the purposes of this report, these are grouped
into 6 facilities including the Office/Shop Complex, Curry Hammock Complex, Campground, Check
Station, Ranch Complex, and Orange Grove Complex. The two facilities that were improved include
4 individual structures (1 residence and 1 pole barn at the Curry Hammock Complex, the office and
1 pole barn at the Office/Shop Complex).
Staff is not aware of any cultural resources on the WMA. The DHR Master Site File listed one
cultural resource; however, the STR it is reported in expands beyond the WMA boundary and staff
suspects that it is located outside of the WMA.