Native Habitat Inventory Final Report 2004 - St. Lucie County

Hydrology – The hydrology has been altered to some extent by the paved roads,
which likely impede high water flow. The site is very heterogeneous, ranging from welldrained,
dry, sandy spots to areas with year-round standing water, but the nicest
southwest portion seems to be relatively unaltered. The overall hydrological conditions are
good. Some of the isolated wetlands on the margins have been heavily disturbed by roads,
ditching, and development. These wetlands in the central block can be managed to restore
most or all of the natural boundaries and vegetation. Most of the wetlands in developed
areas have been preserved with some alteration.
Table 2. Community Types present on site and their rankings.
FNAI Natural Community Acreage FNAI Rank Global FNAI Rank State
BW / Basin Marsh 45.5 G? S4?
BW / Basin Swamp 5.8 G4? S3
BW / Depression Marsh 18.7 G4? S3
L / Flatwoods Lake 4.6 G4? S3
MF / Mesic Flatwoods 94.0 G? S4
Site History/Habitat Disturbance – A large portion of the southwest corner of this
site is relatively undisturbed, with only a few dirt access roads and scattered exotics. The
northern and eastern portions are fragmented by interspersion of a golf course and
adjacent housing. A small block of pine flatwoods and the included wetlands is in very
good condition, but does need burning. Two golf clubs and a golf club community are on
the north and east sides. A new housing development is approaching the west side and a
major road is on the south side. Native wetlands are being invaded by woody plants. The
borders of this central native block of land are being invaded by exotic and/or nuisance
species.
Table 3. Listed Species observed.
Common Name Scientific Name Federal
Status
none
State
Status
FNAI Rank
Global/State
Endemic
to Florida
Table 4. Invasive Exotic Species observed.
Common Name Scientific Name FLEPPC
Status
State
Status
Federal
Status
Rosary Pea Abrus precatorius Cat I none none
Old World Climbing
Fern Lygodium microphyllum Cat I noxious none
Melaleuca Melaleuca quinquenervia Cat I prohibited noxious
Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius Cat I prohibited none
Cogongrass Imperata cylindrica Cat I noxious noxious
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