complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Unit Name: Spirit of the Wild Wildlife Management Area
Acres: 7,647
Managing
Agency:
FWC
Current Management Plan
Approved:
426
12/08/2006
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.
FWC contracted with a private company to restore 100 acres of ground cover restoration. The
project was completed in June 2010; however, the site will not be considered restored until
recertification mapping is completed.
A hydrological restoration project funded by the NRCS Wetlands Reserve Program was initiated in
2007 and completed in February 2009. The purpose of the project was to restore 2,700 acres of
wetlands within the WMA by filling in ditches that were originally constructed for agricultural
purposes in the mid to late 1950’s. The final outcome of the project included the filling of 45 miles
of ditches. The restoration project also included exotic plant removal, tree and shrub plantings,
prescribed burning and native vegetation management.
Major repairs to the shop building were contracted out and completed in June 2009.
Staff is not aware of any cultural resources on the WMA. The DHR Master Site File listed one
cultural resource; however, the location reported is over 6 miles away from the WMA.