complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Unit Name: Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area
Acres: 18,272
Managing
Agency:
FWC
Current Management Plan
Approved:
406
2/07/2003
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 new facilities contemplated in the management plan include Palmdale Main Street
improvements, the campground boat ramp, low water crossings along boundary fence lines, and
the campground redevelopment project.
Interpretive/educational programs contemplated in the management plan included natural and
cultural resources eco-guided tours, Big “O” Festival participation, Jake’s Day, and the Audubon
Christmas Bird Count. The 2008/2009 interpretive program was the annual Jake’s Day event and
the 2009/2010 interpretive programs included the annual Jake’s Day event and two campground
concessionaire programs (Big Moon paddle & Edible Plants).
There are currently 38 identified cultural sites within the WMA. This does not include the Cypress
Knee Museum, the two Tom Gaskins houses, the Cypress Museum Shop or the Cypress
Woodworking Shop. The FWC is working with Division of Historical Resources to develop a site
monitoring program.
In 09/10 the amount of acres treated for exotic plants decreased significantly (from 3,368 acres to
397 acres). The reasons for this decrease include a significant budget reduction and an FWC
Uplands Invasive Plant Management grant that staff was not able to utilize due to high water levels
in the late spring.