The Important Bird Areas of Florida - National Audubon Society

The Important Bird Areas of Florida: 2000–2002 – Pranty – 2-Jul-02 80Observations of John Hintermister, Adam Kent, Andy Kratter, Cathy Reno, and Rex Rowan, mostly published inFlorida Field Naturalist. *Observed along a 1 mile (1.6 km) stretch of Lakeshore Drive.All sites combined:SPECIES DATES NUMBERS COMMENTSBald Eagle 1998–1999 and 1999–35 nests 3% (B)2000GIS coverage provided by Julia Dodge (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)OTHER RESOURCES: The Newnans Lake–Lake Lochloosa–Orange Lake–Paynes Prairie system is one ofthe most critical wetland systems in the northern Peninsula. The lakes support very large densities ofnesting Bald Eagles and Ospreys. Newnans Lake is bordered by an intact, continuous fringe ofcypress, unlike all other lakes of similar size in the region. • Numerous Indian artifacts have beenfound, including dozens of dugout canoes along Newnans Lake, where one or more battles during theSecond Seminole War were fought.THREATS: *exotic plants, *runoff, feral hogs, cowbird brood parasitismCONSERVATION ISSUES: Water flowing into Newnans Lake is high in phosphorus, which creates algae“blooms” that contribute to lower water quality. One source of the phosphorus is the soil surroundingthe lake, much of which is composed of pine plantations. Soil disturbance associated with harvestingof the pines allows the phosphorus to drain into the lake. Other sources resulting in low water qualityare residential and industrial developments in Gainesville. • Nearly all of the uplands surroundingLochloosa Lake have been protected, although most lands are pine plantations still privately owned,with perpetual conservation easements purchased by the State. The northern, eastern, and southernportions of Newnans Lake are sought for acquisition (or conservation easement), but have not yetbeen protected.Acquisition of the shoreline and adjacent uplands surrounding Orange Lake should be considered.These areas contain 15 of the 35 Bald Eagle nests occurring within the IBA.NOMINATED BY: Rex Rowan (Alachua Audubon Society) and Bill Pranty (Audubon of Florida)