complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Unit Name: Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area
Acres: 29,297
Managing
Agency:
FWC
Current Management Plan
Approved:
424
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 Management Plan for the Everglades Complex of Wildlife Management Areas includes
Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA, Holey Land WMA, and Rotenberger WMA. The Everglades
ecosystem is an internationally recognized ecosystem and a rare ecological resource.
Three archaeological sites have been identified on RWMA. One of these sites is in good condition;
however, two are in fair condition due to past muck fires. Management activities are planned to
minimize any disturbance to existing sites and to prevent further deterioration.
The entirety of RWMA is identified for hydrologic restoration via the regulation of water levels and
water quality. Natural sheet flow and hydroperiods have been altered by the levees, canals, and
water control structures constructed. The RWMA is operated under a water operational plan
designed to promote hydrologic restoration of the area that was developed between the FWC,
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), and Department of Environmental Protection.
Specific hydrologic restoration is underway on 1,758 acres of old agricultural farms within the area.
Restoration includes degradation of external farm levees, canal filling, and removal of old fencing
and culverts. Restoration may also include tree island creation, leveling, and revegetation in the
future.
The FWC continues to provide technical assistance and support to SFWMD and other responsible
agencies on water management and to develop appropriate water regulation schedules for the
Everglades complex in order to restore a naturally functioning Everglades ecosystem.
The “Save our Everglades” program (1983) was designed to improve environmental conditions
within the Everglades ecosystem through hydrologic restoration, and required hydrologic
restoration of Holey Land and Rotenberger tracts. The Florida Legislature passed the “Everglades
Forever Act” in 1994. This legislation identifies the importance of the Everglades ecosystem and
calls for restoration and protection of the ecological system.
Habitat restoration acres include ruderal areas mapped by FNAI, three old agricultural farms, and
tree islands. The old farms and tree islands are currently in the process of restoration. The tree
islands within the area have been impacted by water management practices. The levees, canals,
and ditches created to manage the old agricultural farms alter natural sheet flow and hydroperiods.
One recreational boat ramp was improved during the reporting period. The RWMA has no trails.