Native Habitat Inventory Final Report 2004 - St. Lucie County
Native Habitat Inventory Final Report 2004 - St. Lucie County
Native Habitat Inventory Final Report 2004 - St. Lucie County
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Hydrology – The overall hydrological conditions are good. The isolated wetlands<br />
have been heavily disturbed by ditching and the subsequent berms, but are still functioning.<br />
These wetlands can be managed to restore most or all of the natural boundaries and<br />
vegetation. Major alteration of wetlands has occurred in the southeast corner, as a result of<br />
clearing and use for pasture.<br />
Table 2. Community Types present on site and their rankings.<br />
FNAI Natural Community Acreage FNAI Rank Global FNAI Rank <strong>St</strong>ate<br />
BW / Basin Swamp 44 G4? S3<br />
BW / Depression Marsh 35 G4? S3<br />
WF / Wet Flatwoods 59 G4 S4<br />
NA - agriculture - improved 198<br />
pasture<br />
NA - agriculture -<br />
unimproved pasture<br />
20<br />
Site History/<strong>Habitat</strong> Disturbance – The entire site had been used as a cattle pasture.<br />
All of the site is being or has been drained. The ground level is very low so during rainy<br />
periods the site is mostly flooded. The ground cover is still present except in the southeast<br />
portion of the site, which has been cleared and used as pasture. Clearing is occurring in the<br />
existing flatwoods. Adjacent land is mostly in pasture.<br />
Table 3. Listed Species observed.<br />
Common Name Scientific Name Federal<br />
<strong>St</strong>atus<br />
none<br />
<strong>St</strong>ate<br />
<strong>St</strong>atus<br />
FNAI Rank<br />
Global/<strong>St</strong>ate<br />
Endemic<br />
to Florida<br />
Table 4. Invasive Exotic Species observed.<br />
Common Name Scientific Name FLEPPC<br />
<strong>St</strong>atus<br />
none<br />
<strong>St</strong>ate<br />
<strong>St</strong>atus<br />
Federal<br />
<strong>St</strong>atus<br />
Ownership/Notes – Permission for ground access was severely limited at this site.<br />
A one hour driving tour was provided by the landowner of the southern portion. No<br />
access was granted for the northern portion. The site summary provided here is limited in<br />
nature due to the limitations of such a survey method. There are 3 landowners. The<br />
largest landowners are Ru-Mar (202 acres) and Sherrod Construction (137 acres).<br />
Recommendation/Management Requirements – Although impacted by ditching, on<br />
most of the property the native ground cover and canopy vegetation remains. The property<br />
is being partially cleared. It could be connected to adjacent pasture land, but restoration<br />
would be expensive and long term.<br />
175
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