2012 FDOT Mitigation Plan - Southwest Florida Water Management ...

epens). These species are present with bulrush being the dominant cover. Some of the upland field and fill material
were graded to contribute surface water runoff into the ephemeral marsh, then mulched and planted with coastal
hammock and flatwood species such as slash pine (Pinus elliottii), Florida privet (Forestiera segregate), live oak
(Quercus virginiana), firebush (Hamelia patens), beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana),
muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaries), Christmas berry (Lycium carolinianum), beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis),
and tropical sage (Salvia coccinea).
The wetland and upland habitats at Tappan have appropriate hydrology, substantial coverage of desirable species,
minimal exotic vegetation, and substantial wildlife use. Commonly observed species include fiddler crab (Uca pugilator),
blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), killifish (Fundulus sp.), and raccoon (Procyon lotor), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo
lineatus), belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), killdeer (Charadrius vociferous), little blue heron (Egretta caerulea),
oystercatcher (Haematopus palliates), snowy egret (Egretta thula), white ibis (Eudocimus albus), wood stork (Mycteria
americana), and other wading bird species.
ATTACHMENT B - Maintenance & Monitoring Plan, Success Criteria
Maintenance is primarily conducted to control of garbage and debris from the site, and to eradicate exotics generated
within the site; which are predominantly saplings of Brazilian pepper and melaleuca in the upland areas. Quarterly
herbicide maintenance was conducted by private consultants contracted through the SWFWMD through 2009.
Perpetual maintenance is conducted when necessary by the City of Tampa Parks Dept. to maintain successful habitat
conditions on their property. Qualitative monitoring was conducted semi-annually through 2009, with an annual
monitoring report each year to document the habitat conditions and maintenance activities for the previous year. Site
reviews continue in collaboration between SWFWMD & City of Tampa. The success criteria included 90% survivorship
for planted material, a total 85% coverage of desirable species, and less than 5% cover of exotic and nuisance species.
The site's habitat conditions exceed the success criteria.
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