The Important Bird Areas of Florida - National Audubon Society

The Important Bird Areas of Florida: 2000–2002 – Pranty – 2-Jul-02 204Snail Kite 19971997199826 nests129 birds51 birds6% (B)12% (N)5% (N)Crested Caracara 1999–2000 8 birds 1% (R)Tree Swallow winter 1999–2000 >10,000 birds (W)Bobolink 19 Sep 19989 Sep 1999421 birds250 birdsSeminole Ranch (M)SW of Palm Bay (M)Overall diversity Aug 2000 list 187 natives3 exotics1998–1999 wading bird data from +Sewell (2000), Swallow-tailed Kite data from +Meyer (1998), Snail Kite datafrom +Dreitz et al. (1999), Seminole Ranch data provided by staff and volunteers of the St. Johns River WaterManagement District, other data provided by Sean Rowe (St. Johns River Water Management District).OTHER RESOURCES: The Upper St. Johns River Basin contains numerous freshwater shellfish middensand other archaeological sites, which suggests that a large pre-Columbian Indian population inhabitedthe area.THREATS: exotic plants, habitat succession, runoffCONSERVATION ISSUES: The Upper St. Johns River Basin encompasses several conservation areasdesignated by the St. Johns River Water Management District. Each area has its own managementplan that is updated by the District periodically. Management goals are to provide for water resourceconservation, restoration and enhancement of water recharge areas and wetlands, water qualityimprovement, and enhanced public access and recreation. • Potential threats to the conservation areasinclude exotic plants, habitat succession, and poor water quality. • Exotic plants include hydrilla,common water hyacinth, and cogongrass. The District has an intensive control program to keep theseand other invasive plants at a maintenance control level. • The District has an aggressive prescribedfire program aimed in part at maintaining or restoring habitats to their historic fire regimes. • TheDistrict also maintains an extensive network of water quality sampling sites throughout the basin, andis striving to improve water quality.NOMINATED BY: Sean Rowe (St. Johns River Water Management District)REFERENCES: +Dreitz, V.J., D.D. DeAngelis, and W.M. Kichens. 1999. Nesting success, numbers, anddispersal of Snail Kites in the Blue Cypress water management and conservation areas. 1998 finalreport. University of Miami. Coral Gables, FL. • +Meyer, K.D. 1998. Communal roosts of theAmerican Swallow-tailed Kite in Florida: habitat association, critical sites, and a technique formonitoring population status. Final report. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.Tallahassee, FL. • +Sewell, C.W. 2000. Survey of wading bird utilization of the Upper St. JohnsRiver Basin. Final annual 1999 report. St. Johns River Water Management District. Palatka, FL.