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The Important Bird Areas of Florida - National Audubon Society

The Important Bird Areas of Florida - National Audubon Society

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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Important</strong> <strong>Bird</strong> <strong>Areas</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Florida</strong>: 2000–2002 – Pranty – 2-Jul-02 249John U. Lloyd Beach State Park:SPECIES DATES NUMBERS COMMENTSOverall diversity156 natives7 exoticsList compiled by Susan Epps, with contributions by Jocie BakerSpanish River Park:SPECIES DATES NUMBERS COMMENTSBlack-and-white Warbler 17 Oct 1995 90 birds (M)Worm-eating Warbler 6 Apr 1995 20 birds (M)Ovenbird 5 Sep 1993 75 birds (M)Vireo diversity 8 species (M)Wood-warbler diversity 38 species (M)Overall diversity182 natives3 exoticsAll data supplied by Brian Hope, much <strong>of</strong> it published in <strong>Florida</strong> Field Naturalist.OTHER RESOURCES: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park contains a rare coastal dune–lake community withseveral listed plant species. • Hugh Taylor Birch's former home now houses the park visitor center •John U. Lloyd Beach State Park represents one <strong>of</strong> the last areas in Broward County with nativecoastal habitats. <strong>The</strong> beach is important for nesting sea turtles • Spanish River Park supports some<strong>of</strong> the only remaining coastal strand and tropical hammock habitats along the barrier island in PalmBeach County.THREATS: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: *<strong>of</strong>fsite development, *exotic plants, *feral cats, habitatsuccession, run<strong>of</strong>f, water quality • John U. Lloyd Beach State Park: *<strong>of</strong>fsite development, *humandisturbance, *exotic plants, habitat succession, erosion • Spanish River Park: *exotic plantsCONSERVATION ISSUES: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: Exotic plants are feral cats are removed • A40-acre (16-ha) mangrove restoration–enhancement project began in January 2001; intense coastaldevelopment has removed most <strong>of</strong> the mangrove forests that previously occurred in Palm BeachCounty. Storm-water run<strong>of</strong>f affecting water quality is a minor concern • John U. Lloyd Beach StatePark: Broward County proposes to “claim” the northern third <strong>of</strong> the park to allow for the expansion<strong>of</strong> Port Everglades to increase cruise-ship tourism, an attempt strongly opposed by the State and<strong>Audubon</strong>. • <strong>The</strong> county also wants to add 250 feet (75 m) <strong>of</strong> sand to the beach, which is expected toseverely impact the first reef immediately outward <strong>of</strong> the beach. • Over 90% <strong>of</strong> the park containsexotic vegetation, mostly Australian-pines and Brazilian pepper. In fall 1999, Australian-pines wereremoved from the beach, which resulted in rapid recruitment <strong>of</strong> native vegetation. Brazilian pepper iscontrolled as time allows, but control efforts are insufficient. • Spanish River Park: Parts <strong>of</strong> the parkare infested with Brazilian pepper and Australian-pines. Some areas have already been cleared <strong>of</strong>exotics and replanted with native tropical hardwoods species. <strong>The</strong> program is continuing. • Futuremodifications to the park for maintenance or recreational purposes should be designed for maximumcompatibility with the park's natural resources. A management plan has been created.NOMINATED BY: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: Jim Higgins (<strong>Florida</strong> Division <strong>of</strong> Recreation andParks), John U. Lloyd Beach State Park: Susan Epps (____), Spanish River Park: Steve Bass(Gumbo Limbo Nature Center)REVIEWED BY: Jocie Baker and Wally GeorgeWEBSITE: ,

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