ALLEN DAVID BROUSSARD CATFISH CREEK PRESERVE STATE PARK

UNIT MANAGEMENT PLAN

APPROVED

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Division of Recreation and Parks

APRIL 16, 2004 Department of Environmental Protection

Jeb Bush Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Building Colleen M. Castille Governor 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 140 Secretary Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

August 13, 2003

Ms. BryAnne White Division of Recreation and Parks Office of Park Planning, M.S. 525 3900 Commonwealth Blvd. Tallahassee, Florida 32399

Re: Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park #3962

Ms. White:

On April 16, 2004, the Acquisition and Restoration Council recommended approval of the subject management plan. The Office of Environmental Services, acting as agent for the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, approved the management plan for the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park on August 13, 2004. Pursuant to Section 253.034, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 18-2, Florida Administrative Code this plan’s ten- year update will be due no later than August 13, 2014.

Approval of this land management plan does not waive the authority or jurisdiction of any governmental entity that may have an interest in this project.

Sincerely,

Paula L. Allen

Paula L. Allen Office of Environmental Services Division of State Lands Department of Environmental Protection

“More Protection, Less Process”

Printed on recycled paper. TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF PLAN 1

MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW 3

Management Authority And Responsibility 3

Park Goals And Objectives 4

Management Coordination 7

Public Participation 7

Other Designations 7

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMPONENT

INTRODUCTION 9

RESOURCE DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT 9

Natural Resources 9

Cultural Resources 18

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 19

Special Management Considerations 19

Management Needs And Problems 20

Management Objectives 20

Management Measures For Natural Resources 21

Management Measures For Cultural Resources 26

Research Needs 27

Resource Management Schedule 28

Land Management Review 28

i LAND USE COMPONENT

INTRODUCTION 29

EXTERNAL CONDITIONS 29

Existing Use Of Adjacent Lands 29

Planned Use Of Adjacent Lands 30

PROPERTY ANALYSIS 30

Recreation Resource Elements 30

Assessment Of Use 31

CONCEPTUAL LAND USE PLAN 34

Potential Uses And Proposed Facilities 34

Facilities Development 38

Existing Use And Optimum Carrying Capacity 39

Optimum Boundary 39

TABLE

TABLE 1 - Existing Use And Optimum Carrying Capacity 39

LIST OF ADDENDA

ADDENDUM 1

Acquisition History and Advisory Group Report A 1 - 1

ADDENDUM 2

References Cited A 2 - 1

ADDENDUM 3

Soil Descriptions A 3 - 1 ii ADDENDUM 4

Plant And Animal List A 4 - 1

ADDENDUM 5

Designated Species List A 5 - 1

ADDENDUM 6 Timber Management Analysis A 6 - 1

ADDENDUM 7

Priority Schedule and Cost Estimates A 7 - 1

MAPS

Vicinity Map 2

Soils Map 11

Natural Communities Map 13

Burn Zone Map 23

Base Map 32

Conceptual Land Use Plan 35

Optimum Boundary Map 41

iii

INTRODUCTION The Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is located in Polk County about six miles northeast of Lake Wales (see Vicinity Map). Access to the park is from Firetower Road that is located south of Lake Hatchineha Road (State Road 542), east of State Road 27A. The Vicinity Map also reflects significant land and water resources existing near the park.

The Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is relatively long preserve extending from west to east where it adjoins with the northeastern portion of Lake Kissimmee State Park. Currently, the preserve contains 8,249.11 acres. In order for ease of discussion in this plan, the preserve has been divided into three main areas. Most of the earliest acquired property is referred to either as the western or central portion. The Rolling Meadows tract is the recently acquired portion in the eastern half of the preserve that adjoins with Lake Kissimmee State Park. The Moneytree parcel is the southernmost portion south of Catfish Creek with a fairly narrow connection to the rest of the preserve.

At the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, public outdoor recreation and conservation is the designated single use of the property (see Addendum 1). There are no legislative or executive directives that constrain the use of this property. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE PLAN This plan serves as the basic statement of policy and direction for the management of the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park as a unit of Florida's state park system. It identifies the objectives, criteria and standards that guide each aspect of park administration, and sets forth the specific measures that will be implemented to meet management objectives. The plan is intended to meet the requirements of Sections 253.034 and 259.032, Florida Statutes, Chapter 18-2, Florida Administrative Code, and intended to be consistent with the State Lands Management Plan. With approval, this management plan will replace the May 29, 1997 approved plan. All development and resource alteration encompassed in this plan is subject to the granting of appropriate permits; easements, licenses, and other required legal instruments. Approval of the management plan does not constitute an exemption from complying with the appropriate local, state, or federal agencies. This plan is also intended to meet the requirements for beach and shore preservation, as defined in Chapter 161, Florida Statutes, and Chapters 62B-33, 62B-36 and 62R- 49, Florida Administrative Code.

The plan consists of two interrelated components. Each component corresponds to a particular aspect of the administration of the park. The resource management component provides a detailed inventory and assessment of the natural and cultural resources of the park. Resource management problems and needs are identified, and specific management objectives are established for each resource type. This component provides guidance on the application of such measures as prescribed burning, exotic species removal, and restoration of natural conditions.

The land use component is the recreational resource allocation plan for the unit. Based on considerations such as access, population, and adjacent land uses, an optimum allocation of the physical space of the park is made, locating use areas and proposing types of facilities and volume of use to be provided.

In the development of this plan, the potential of the park to accommodate secondary management purposes (“multiple uses”) was analyzed. These secondary purposes were considered within the context of the Division’s statutory responsibilities and an analysis of theresource needs and values of the park. This analysis considered the park natural and cultural 1 v—ke „ohopek—lig— pper2v—kes f—sin2‡—tershed G@IU ÊÚ G@WP

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The potential for generating revenue to enhance management was also analyzed. Visitor fees and charges are the principal source of revenue generated by the park. It was determined that timber management and cattle grazing would be appropriate at this park as additional sources of revenue for land management since they are compatible with the park’s primary purpose of resource- based outdoor recreation and conservation.

The use of private land managers to facilitate restoration and management of this unit was also analyzed. Decisions regarding this type of management (such as outsourcing, contracting with the private sector, use of volunteers, etc.) will be made on a case-by-case basis as necessity dictates. MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Management Authority and Responsibility In accordance with Chapter 258, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 62D-2, Florida Administrative Code, the Division of Recreation and Parks (Division) is charged with the responsibility of developing and operating Florida's recreation and parks system. These are administered in accordance with the following policy:

It shall be the policy of the Division of Recreation and Parks to promote the state park system for the use, enjoyment, and benefit of the people of Florida and visitors; to acquire typical portions of the original domain of the state which will be accessible to all of the people, and of such character as to emblemize the state's natural values; conserve these natural values for all time; administer the development, use and maintenance of these lands and render such public service in so doing, in such a manner as to enable the people of Florida and visitors to enjoy these values without depleting them; to contribute materially to the development of a strong mental, moral, and physical fiber in the people; to provide for perpetual preservation of historic sites and memorials of statewide significance and interpretation of their history to the people; to contribute to the tourist appeal of Florida.

The Trustees have also granted management authority of certain sovereign submerged lands to the Division under Management Agreement MA 68-086 (as amended January 19, 1988). The management area includes a 400-foot zone from the edge of mean high water where a park boundary borders sovereign submerged lands fronting beaches, bays, estuarine areas, rivers or streams. Where emergent wetland vegetation exists, the zone extends waterward 400 feet beyond the vegetation. The agreement is intended to provide additional protection to resources of the park and nearshore areas and to provide authority to manage activities that could adversely impact public recreational uses.

Many operating procedures are standard system wide and are set by policy. These procedures are

3 outlined in the Division Operations Manual (OM) and cover such areas as personnel management, uniforms and personal appearance, training, signs, communications, fiscal procedures, interpretation, concessions, camping regulations, resource management, law enforcement, protection, safety and maintenance.

In the management of the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, preservation and enhancement of natural conditions is all important. Resource considerations are given priority over user considerations and development is restricted to the minimum necessary for ensuring its protection and maintenance, limited access, user safety and convenience, and appropriate interpretation. Permitted uses are primarily of a passive nature, related to the aesthetic, educational and recreational enjoyment of the preserve, although other compatible uses are permitted in limited amounts. Program emphasis is placed on interpretation of the natural and cultural attributes of the preserve.

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is administered jointly with Lake Kissimmee State Park, with park management based at the latter unit. Snodgrass Island, located less than one mile northwest of the Preserve, on the shoreline of Lake Pierce, is under interim management by the Division. The staff at these state parks is responsible for natural and cultural resource management on Snodgrass Island until such time a permanent manager has been identified. Park Goals and Objectives The following park goals and objectives express the Division’s long-term intent in managing the state park. At the beginning of the process to update this management plan, the Division reviewed the goals and objectives of the previous plan to determine if they remain meaningful and practical and should be included in the updated plan. This process ensures that the goals and objectives for the park remain relevant over time.

Estimates are developed for the funding and staff resources needed to implement the management plan based on these goals, objectives and priority management activities. Funding priorities for all state park management and development activities are reviewed each year as part of the Division’s legislative budget process. The Division prepares an annual legislative budget request based on the priorities established for the entire state park system. The Division also aggressively pursues a wide range of other funds and staffing resources, such as grants, volunteers, and partnerships with agencies, local governments and the private sector, for supplementing normal legislative appropriations to address unmet needs. The ability of the Division to implement the specific goals, objectives and priority actions identified in this plan will be determined by the availability of funding resources for these purposes. Natural and Cultural Resources The natural resources of the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park require a substantial amount of restoration in the form of prescribed burning. A good portion of the property is in a late successional stage due to fire exclusion. A more aggressive prescribed burn program needs to be established. Due to the rarity of the plants, animals, and biological communities at this unit, aggressive inventory and monitoring programs are needed. The removal of exotic species should be pursued aggressively. There is limited cultural history information for this park, and the unit has not been thoroughly surveyed. A cultural resources survey is needed.

1. Protect, restore, and maintain natural communities. A. Determine past land uses and habitat characteristics by contacting previous owners/managers to better define past natural community type/condition, land uses, 4 and management practices that affected current vegetation conditions. B. Survey and map the cutthroatgrass (Panicum abcissum) areas. C. Encourage scientific research at the preserve. D. Explore the possibility for establishing a cattle lease on some of the pasture areas within the Rolling Meadows addition. 2. Design and implement restoration of highly altered communities or areas. A. Investigate and pursue restoration of the sod farm areas within the Rolling Meadows addition. B. Prepare a plan for upland restoration for some of the pasture areas within the Rolling Meadows addition. 3. Protect, Restore, and Maintain Native Plant and Animal Diversity, and Natural Relative Abundance. A. Increase and implement inventory and monitoring programs for rare plants and animals. B. Continue and increase monitoring and tracking (color banding included) of the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). C. Seek funds to hire an OPS biologist/intern to assist in ecological monitoring at this preserve and Lake Kissimmee State Park, with primary emphasis being on the Florida scrub-jay and other rare species and their habitats. D. Improve occupied Florida scrub-jay habitat in burn zone 17. The vast majority of sand pine snags and sand pines that survived a recent prescribed burn should be dropped. Similar actions should be taken in burn zone 19B (adjacent to zone 17) after the next burn. E. Restore by fire and mechanically treat overgrown Florida scrub-jay habitats that are adjacent to privately owned pastures (suboptimal habitat) inhabited by scrub-jays. Two such areas are in the northwest corner of Section 2, T29S, R28E and Scrubby Flatwoods along the north boundary of the Money Tree Tract. F. Maintain the health of the populations of hooded pitcherplants (Sarracenia minor) in the Moneytree parcel by re-introducing fire to these areas and continue with burning every 2-5 years. A. Continue to update the unit’s plant and animal lists. 4. Maintain an effective prescribed fire program. A. Continue and increase efforts to restore fire-type communities with emphasis on growing season burns. B. Seek funds and continue to establish firebreaks, with primary attention begin given to park boundaries south of Catfish Creek. C. Continue to investigate and utilize mechanical treatments in efforts to restore fire type communities. 5. Maintain invasive exotic plant and destructive exotic animal removal programs. A. Continue exotic plant removal efforts with specific attention to Category 1 plants. B. Continue ongoing efforts to remove feral hogs from the park. C. Monitor areas for the occurrence of Old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) and Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) and control where located. 6. Protect, restore, and maintain natural hydrological regimes. A. Explore the possibility of hydrologic restoration for Catfish Creek. B. Investigate the removal of ditches within some of the pasture areas of the Rolling Meadows Addition as well as in the swamp/ruderal area in the central area of the preserve.

5 7. Protect, restore, and maintain cultural resources. A. Inventory and assess archaeological and historic sites and properties, including an archeological reconnaissance survey of the park. B. Seek funding for a research project to document the prehistory and history of the park and surrounding area. C. Improve public awareness and encourage protection and stewardship of the park’s cultural resources through education, interpretation, and enforcement of agency rules and regulations. D. Develop and implement a written plan to protect and preserve the recorded archaeological sites from erosion, slumpage, animal burrowing, root damage and tree fall, and vandalism. Recreation 8. Continue to provide quality resource based outdoor recreational and interpretive programs and facilities at the state park. A. Maintain a system of equestrian and hiking trails. B. Provide opportunities for interpretation through printed materials, static interpretive displays, interpretive programs and living history demonstrations. 9. Seek funding to expand recreational and interpretive opportunities through the improvement of programs and the development of new use areas and facilities, as outlined in this management plan. A. Improve the existing trailhead by adding an interpretive kiosk, potable water and permanent restroom. B. Provide access to Catfish Creek by extending the trail system and constructing an overlook. C. Establish a trail rest stop with covered shelter and overlook on one of the upland lakes. D. Establish three primitive campsites tied to the existing trail system. E. Provide additional interpretive signage and develop an interpretive trail highlighting the scrub ecosystem. F. Develop a day use area on Lake Pierce with canoe/kayak launch, fishing platform, picnic and support facilities. G. Establish an equestrian campground on the Rolling Meadows addition. H. Establish a trailhead and system of trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use on the Rolling Meadows addition linked to the existing trail network. I. Establish a scenic interpretive drive on the Rolling Meadows addition that would provide access to former sod farm areas that have been restored to marsh. Park Administration/Operations 10. Seek funding and staffing to meet park operational needs such as corrective maintenance, visitor protection, and resource management and visitor services. A. Establish an intern bunkhouse and staff residence on the Rolling Meadows addition to meet the housing needs of visiting researchers and park staff. B. Develop partnerships and seek other funding alternatives to the legislative appropriation process. C. Promote volunteer participation to assist with park operations, resource management, and interpretation. D. Conduct routine safety and maintenance inspections of facilities and public areas and correct deficiencies as needed. Assure compliance with state and federal safety guidelines. E. Continue to improve universal access to park facilities. 6 F. Provide staff with appropriate training opportunities in visitor services, resource management, park operations and interpretation. G. Promote Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park as a destination for nature and heritage based tourism groups. H. Develop and implement user education programs to promote responsible use of the park’s land and water resources. I. Pursue acquisition of remaining properties identified on the optimum boundary. J. Monitor land use activities outside the park that may impact park resources or the visitor experience, and increase public awareness of the resource management needs of the park. K. Pursue designating portions of Catfish Creek for access by boats with non- combustion engines only. Management Coordination The park is managed in accordance with all applicable Florida Statutes and administrative rules. Agencies having a major or direct role in the management of the park are discussed in this plan.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry (DOF), assists Division staff in the development of wildfire emergency plans and provides the authorization required for prescribed burning. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), assists staff in the enforcement of state laws pertaining to wildlife, freshwater fish and other aquatic life existing within park boundaries. In addition, the FFWCC aids the Division with wildlife management programs, including the development and management of Watchable Wildlife programs. The Department of State, Division of Historical Resources (DHR) assists staff to assure protection of archaeological and historical sites. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) aids staff in aquatic preserves management programs. The DEP, Bureau of Beaches and Wetland Resources aids staff in planning and construction activities seaward of the Coastal Construction Line. In addition, the Bureau of Beaches and Wetland Resources aid the staff in the development of erosion control projects. Emphasis is placed on protection of existing resources as well as the promotion of compatible outdoor recreational uses. Public Participation The Division provided an opportunity for public input by conducting a public workshop and an advisory group meeting. A public workshop was held on June 26, 2003. The purpose of this meeting was to present this draft management plan to the public. A DEP Advisory Group meeting was held on June 27, 2003. The purpose of this meeting was to provide the Advisory Group members the opportunity to discuss this draft management plan. Addendum 1 contains a list of the advisory group members and a staff report from the meeting. Other Designations The Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is not within an Area of Critical State Concern as defined in section 380.05, Florida Statutes. Currently it is not under study for such designation. The park is a component of the Florida Greenways and Trails System.

All waters within the unit have been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters, pursuant to Chapter 62-302 Florida Administrative Code. Administered by the Department of Environmental Protection, this program was created by Section 403.061, Florida Statutes, and protects lakes, rivers and streams against degradation of existing ambient water quality. Surface waters in this unit are also classified as Class III waters by DEP.

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RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMPONENT

INTRODUCTION The Division of Recreation and Parks has implemented resource management programs for preserving for all time the representative examples of natural and cultural resources of statewide significance under its administration. This component of the unit plan describes the natural and cultural resources of the park and identifies the methods that will be used to manage them. The stated management measures in this plan are consistent with the Department’s overall mission in ecosystem management. Cited references are contained in Addendum 2.

The Division’s philosophy of resource management is natural systems management. Primary emphasis is on restoring and maintaining, to the degree practicable, the natural processes that shape the structure, function and species composition of Florida’s diverse natural communities as they occurred in the original domain. Single species management may be implemented when the recovery or persistence of a species is problematic provided it is compatible with natural systems management.

The management goal of cultural resources is to preserve sites and objects that represent all of Florida’s cultural periods as well as significant historic events or persons. This goal may entail active measures to stabilize, reconstruct or restore resources, or to rehabilitate them for appropriate public use.

Because park units are often components of larger ecosystems, their proper management is often affected by conditions and occurrences beyond park boundaries. Ecosystem management is implemented through a resource management evaluation program (to assess resource conditions, evaluate management activities, and refine management actions), review of local comprehensive plans, and review of permit applications for park/ecosystem impacts. RESOURCE DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT

Natural Resources The Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is relatively long preserve extending from west to east where it adjoins with the northeastern portion of Lake Kissimmee State Park. In order for ease of discussion in this plan, the preserve has been divided into three main areas. Most of the earliest acquired property is referred to either as the western or central portion. The Rolling Meadows tract is the recently acquired portion in the eastern half of the preserve that adjoins with Lake Kissimmee State Park. The Moneytree parcel is the southernmost portion south of Catfish Creek with a fairly narrow connection to the rest of the preserve. Topography The western portion of the unit lies along the Lake Wales Ridge physiographic division located in the southern portion of the Central Lake District (Brooks 1981a). The Lake Wales Ridge is the topographic crest of central Florida. It is made up of residual sand hills, relic beach ridges and paleo sand fields. Within the Lake Wales Ridge, most of the unit lies within the Eastern Complex subdivision of the Central Ridge. This subdivision contains some residual high hills (to 220 feet). Many solution basins, some with large lakes (such as Lake Pierce) occur along the western margin of the subdivision. The Lake Wales Ridge is unique for having some of the highest elevations in the state and containing some of the rarest biota in Florida.

The eastern part of the unit lies along the border of the Kissimmee Valley physiographic division

9 of the Eastern Flatwoods District (Brooks 1981a). This division is characterized by having seasonally flooded lowlands of river swamp and grassland prairies largely underlain by silty sand with elevations usually higher than 50 feet.

There is a fairly great change in elevation at the unit. Elevations at the unit range from around 135 feet in the western portion to less than 55 feet in the eastern portion towards Lake Hatchineha. The northwestern and central sections of the unit that contain numerous hills, ridges, and lakes and have the highest elevations. The lowest elevations are found along Catfish Creek and the Rolling Meadows addition. Catfish Creek originates at Lake Pierce at about 75 feet in elevation and drops to about 60 feet in elevation as the original creek bed exits the preserve. Geology The unit is underlain by two different geological formations that are both Plio-Pleistocene deposits. The first formation, which is found in most of the unit (eastern section), is characterized as having beach and dune sand deeply weathered, coarse to fine sands with some clay lenses. The second formation located in the eastern portion of the unit is described as preglacial Pleistocene lagoonal and prograded unlithified coastal sand, shelly silty gray to greenish gray sand (Brooks 1981b). Soils The Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the U.S. Soil Conservation Service) identified 30 soil types (see Soils Map) in preserve in the soil survey of Polk County (USDA 1990). Addendum 3 contains detailed soil descriptions.

One of the major soil types found in the western portion of the unit is Astatula sand. It is an upland soil with high permeability that tends to sustain sandhill and scrub communities. This soil has low compactibility and thus it has the potential for physical disturbance and is not well suited for heavy vehicular or recreational traffic. Also, found associated with this soil are sections of Tavares fine sand, Duette fine sand, and Archbold sand that have similar characteristics.

Samsula muck or Placid and Myakka depressional sands are found in most of the wetland areas of the preserve. The Samsula soils are usually associated with the baygall communities and the depressional sands usually underlay the wet prairies and marshes. These soils are not suited for recreational use due to their wetness.

Soil erosion is not a major concern on this unit at this time. However, due to the unique topography (some of the highest points in the state) of the site combined with unstable sandy soils, any proposed trails for the site should be planned using existing roads and trails. Any new disturbance while creating trails will be monitored for any negative soil impacts over time. Management activities will follow generally accepted best management practices to prevent soil erosion and conserve soil and water resources on site. Minerals There are no known deposits of commercial value at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. Hydrology The preserve is located within the Kissimmee River Basin. Catfish Creek flows from Lake Pierce just west of the southwest corner of the preserve and drains into Lake Hatchineha that is located to the north of the Rolling Meadows addition. Channelization of the creek for agricultural puposes has occurred outside the preserve and within the Rolling Meadows addition where water

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Many drainage ditches have been constructed within the large wet flatwoods/floodplain swamp area where Catfish Creek historically turned north towards Lake Hatchineha. These were used to manage water for a past agricultural operation found there. The sod farm area just east of this area (part of the Rolling Meadows addition) also has numerous ditches that are in operation for management of the sod there as well as the adjacent sod farm area managed by the South Florida Water Management District along Lake Hatchineha. Catfish Creek is also connected to ditches to the south where water is managed as part of a third sod farm that is privately owned.

Many small lakes exist in the northwestern part of the preserve. Some of these are prairie lakes that are supplied by runoff from adjoining uplands but may also receive water from lateral groundwater seepage. Other lakes are classified as sandhill upland lakes. These lakes are fed by lateral groundwater seepage and/or artesian flow from the underlying aquifer.

The principal aquifer underlying the area of the preserve is the Floridan (Fernald and Patton 1984). Above this aquifer are the Intermediate aquifer, which becomes continuous with the Floridan in the area of the preserve, and the surficial aquifer (Kelly 1993). The preserve’s lake and wetland systems are closely linked with these aquifers and thus any changes in the aquifers may have an impact on these systems.

Management will comply with best management practices to maintain or improve the existing water quality on site and will take measures to prevent soil erosion or other impacts to water resources. Natural Communities The system of classifying natural communities employed in this plan was developed by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) FNAI Descriptions. The premise of this system is that physical factors, such as climate, geology, soil, hydrology and fire frequency generally determine the species composition of an area, and that areas which are similar with respect to these factors will tend to have natural communities with similar species compositions. Obvious differences in species composition can occur, despite similar physical conditions. In other instances, physical factors are substantially different, yet the species compositions are quite similar. For example, coastal strand and scrub--two communities with similar species compositions--generally have quite different climatic environments, and these necessitate different management programs.

The park contains 16 distinct natural communities (see Natural Communities Map) in addition to ruderal and developed areas. Park specific assessments of the existing natural communities are provided in the narrative below. A list of plants and animals occurring in the unit is contained in Addendum 4.

Mesic flatwoods. There are scattered sections of mesic flatwoods in the central part of the preserve, in the southernmost portion of the preserve known as the Moneytree parcel, and in the Rolling Meadows addition. The portion in the central area of the preserve is contiguous with flatwoods north of the preserve boundary. It is in relatively good shape and should be burned regularly in order to maintain it. The preserve should work with the adjacent landowner in order to more effectively burn the portion in the preserve as well as to help maintain the habitat as a whole unit. The mesic flatwoods in the Moneytree parcel is patched in between the scrub and wet flatwoods

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There is a relatively small portion of flatwoods in the Rolling Meadows addition that were not altered by agricultural impacts. At one time much of the pasture areas of this addition were likely flatwoods.

Sandhill. The sandhill community comprises a large part of the western portion of the preserve. A portion of this has been impacted by root-raking and the construction of two-trail roads. Alot of it has succeeded or is succeeding xeric hammock or turkey oak barrens.

Due to a lack of fire, the turkey oaks (Quercus laevis), scrub hickories (Carya floridana) and other oaks (Quecus spp.) that are present have attained tree stature. Most of the undergrowth has been shaded out with very little wiregrass (Aristida spp.) remaining. The sandhills at the preserve contain some scrub components such as scrub oaks, some rare plant elements, as well as the blue-tailed mole skink (Eumeces egregius lividus), usually thought of as a scrub endemic. These are not the traditional sandhills located farther north with a wiregrass, turkey oak and longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) association. Depending on the fire regime, these areas could return to a sandhill community with scrub oaks and scrub hickory, sparse patches of wiregrass, and either scattered longleaf or south Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii). However, with longer intervals between fires, these sandhills could become more scrub-like and eventually, as it appears today, xeric hammock. The absence or sparseness of longleaf and south Florida slash pine is due to logging during the first half of this century. The sparseness of the understory in these sandhill areas can be contributed to lack of fire and cattle grazing.

Scrub. Scrub occupies a large part of the western part of the unit. The scrub communities at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park are highly variable in form (Kelly 1993). The presence of large turkey oaks, scrub hickories, tree-size scrub oaks (Quercus inopina), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), and Britton's bear grass (Nolina brittoniana) on the ridge tops and slopes suggest that the scrub community contains some sandhill components and has reached a mature state. With longer intervals between prescribed burns, the plant community may retain more of its scrub components such as scrub hickory, scrub oaks and open sandy areas. Many of the rare, endemic plants of the Lake Wales Ridge occur in open sandy areas at the preserve. Prescribed fire would ensure the survival of these populations by opening up the overstory and understory.

Another common form of scrub at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is located in the central area of the preserve. These scrubs are 'islands' surrounded by scrubby flatwoods (Kelly 1993). Some areas are dominated by an overstory of sand pine, Pinus clausa, (due to a lack of fire, the sand pines almost create a closed canopy), and an understory of scrub oaks, scrub hickory, Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides), as well as some rarer elements such as scrub plum (Prunus geniculata), sand lace (Polygonella basiramia) and scrub bay (Persea humilis) intermixed with open sandy areas. The scrub community at this unit also contains rare animal species such as Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens), Florida mice (Podomys floridanus), and sand skinks (Neoseps reynoldsi).

Scrubby flatwoods. A small amount of this community occurs at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. The scrubby flatwoods have been disturbed by roadways in some areas, but most are intact. Sand pines occur intermixed with south Florida slash pine as the

14 overstory component where fire has been excluded. The understory consists mainly of scrub oaks and saw palmetto. The scrubby flatwoods are associated with adjacent sandhill or scrub communities. Since the Florida scrub-jay occurs on the preserve and is dependent on this type of plant community, fire should be an integral part of managing these resources.

Xeric hammock. An area in the southwestern corner of the preserve south of Catfish Creek was mapped as Xeric hammock in this plan. Portions of the area were likely scrub and/or sandhill in the past. Fire exclusion probably allowed succession of this area to Xeric hammock. The area should be looked at in order to determine with more certainty what management actions should be appropriate.

Baygall. There are a few areas of baygall at this preserve. The baygalls maintain moist soil conditions through seepage flow from uplands and from a water table that occurs close to the surface. The main overstory tree is loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus) with a mixture of red bay (Persea borbonia) and south Florida slash pine. The understory consists mainly of dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica) and a variety of vines. Most of the baygalls are extremely dense and have invaded into the adjacent uplands. The reintroduction of fire will reverse this invasion and create a more natural ecotone.

Depression marsh. There are numerous depression marshes located at this unit. They are fringed by wet prairie, have longer hydroperiods than ephemeral ponds, and have open water in the middle. The emergent vegetation is usually in the form of cattail (Typha latifolia) and pickerelweed (Pontedaria cordata). Fire should be used as an active management tool to prevent hardwood invasion in the surrounding wet prairies.

Floodplain marsh. There are fringes of floodplain marsh that still exist adjacent to the sod area north of the Rolling Meadows addition. The area has some encroaching hardwoods and is impacted by an adjacent canal. The sod areas which are mapped as ruderal in this plan were formerly floodplain marsh.

Floodplain swamp. This community is found along Catfish Creek varying in width according to the elevation changes adjacent to the creek. The management of water from Catfish Creek by the farming operations outside of the preserve and now within the Rolling Meadows addition has likely had an impact in the water regime in this community (see hydrology and blackwater stream sections for further discussion). The community is in good shape otherwise.

Another section that has been mapped as floodplain swamp in this plan is found in the central area of the park. Part of this area borders the creek where the main portion of the creek turned north towards Lake Hatchineha. The area has had past impacts due to adjacent agricultural uses as well as major hydrological alterations. There are several ditches through and around this area that have impacted the hydrology. This area has been judged as being in a fair to poor condition.

Hydric hammock. The Rolling Meadow addition contains portions of hydric hammock within it. The surrounding sod operation and the accompanying ditching have likely had an impact on this community. These hammocks are otherwise in fairly good condition.

Seepage slope. Cutthroatgrass (Panicum abscissum), although a fairly rare plant statewide, is fairly abundant throughout portions of the preserve. Some of the cutthroat grass areas just east and downslope of scrub and sandhill have been mapped as seepage slope. Another area in the in

15 the Moneytree parcel has also been mapped as seepage slope. Other areas of cutthroat grass are found within the wet flatwoods (in the Moneytree parcel and the flatwoods in the center of the preserve) or are found fringing depression marshes (scattered throughout the preserve). These are not mapped as seepage slope for this plan (see wet flatwoods section).

Cutthroatgrass, which is a listed species, is the dominant groundcover in these areas. Some areas of the cutthroat grass are open with little overstory. Other areas have an overstory of scattered slash pine (Pinus elliottii) and still others have a fairly thick shrubby layer. This community requires fairly frequent fires (about five years or less) in order to maintain the open habitat. The portion mapped as seepage slope in the Moneytree parcel slope has not burned since acquisition in 1998 and are in need of burning. Other areas have been burned but would probably benefit from more frequent burning.

In addition hooded pitcher plants (Sarracenia minor) are common in this community. A single population of pitcher plants was documented by Johnson (2001) and during the mapping of the natural communities for this plan, several other populations were discovered in the Moneytree parcel. Pitcher plants are fire dependent plants that would also benefit from more frequent burning.

Wet flatwoods. Most of the wet flatwoods community occurs in the central portion of the unit and in the Moneytree parcel. There have been wildfires in these areas in the recent past, indicated by the presence of remnant plowlines and fire scars on pine trees. Some of the wet flatwoods are dominated by cutthroatgrass (Panicum abscissum). The overstory consists of south Florida slash pine, which can be either dense, due to a lack of fire, or sparse under a normal fire regime. The dominant shrubs are fetterbush, gallberry (Ilex glabra), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), and wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera). In some areas the understory is sparse with herbs and grasses due to lack of fire, in others, the ground layer is predominantly cutthroatgrass. With a shorter fire regime, the wet flatwoods tend towards wet prairie, as the overstory is reduced or eliminated.

The wet flatwoods in the Moneytree parcel drains and continues to the east into private property. Water manipulation in this neighboring parcel for sod operations may have an adverse effect on this community. This should be watched and monitored for any detrimental changes.

Wet prairie. There are several areas of wet prairie at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. They are usually inundated for a few months out of the year and are associated with marshes and lakes at this unit (Kelly 1993). The main components of these prairie systems are grasses and herbs that can withstand long hydroperiods. These include maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.), beakrushes (Rhynchospora spp.), St. John's wort (Hypericum spp.) and bog-buttons (Lachnocaulon spp.). Wet prairies can support wax myrtle, slash pine, foxtail (Setaria spp.), and cordgrass (Spartina spp.), but these species tend to occur along transitional zones or after an extended period without fire. Some of the wet prairies at this unit are dominated by cutthroatgrass. This grass is highly sensitive to soil disturbance. Many of these cutthroat areas are negatively impacted by feral hogs (Sus scrofa).

Flatwoods/prairie lake. This natural community is usually surrounded by wet prairie systems or wetland species such as pickerelweed. These lakes are permanent water bodies, however, they are susceptible to fluctuations in water levels. They are important feeding, breeding, and watering areas for the preserve's wildlife.

Sandhill upland lake. There are several small sandhill upland lakes at this unit. They are

16 distinguished from the flatwoods/prairie/marsh lakes by having a very narrow fringe of emergent vegetation surrounding the shoreline and by not grading into wet prairie or flatwoods communities. They are usually fed from groundwater seepage or artesian flow from underground aquifers. The nutrient levels in these lakes are usually very poor. They may also serve as important feeding, breeding, and watering areas for the preserve's wildlife, especially the gopher frog (Rana capito aesopus). A major threat to these systems is the declining groundwater level.

Blackwater stream. There is one blackwater stream at this unit, Catfish Creek, which flows eastward from Lake Pierce to Lake Hatchineha. Currently, the stream is channelized outside of the preserve’s boundary and within the Rolling Meadows addition. Water is manipulated for sod farm operations and the flow of Catfish Creek is affected accordingly. Where the creek turns north toward Lake Hatchineha water is diverted for the sod operations. The flow north of this point has been dramatically altered. For further discussion, see the Hydrology section.

Ruderal and developed areas. In the western portion of the preserve there is an area occupied by a staff residence, two remnant cabin sites, and an old homesite. A parking lot and shop area are also found there. The Rolling Meadows addition contains numerous ruderal areas consisting of pastures, sod fields, maintenance buildings, a residence and other related structures. The sod farms are currently under a short-term use agreement and are to be phased out when a plan for long-term restoration of floodplain marsh habitat is initiated. The pastures have potential for restoration back to flatwoods or other previously existing habitats. Designated Species Designated species are those that are listed by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDA) as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Addendum 5 contains a list of the designated species and their designated status for this park. Management measures will be addressed later in this plan.

A large number of rare plant species that are endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge occur at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Preserve. Hairy jointweed (Polygonella basiramia) and scrub plum have recently been discovered at the site. Other rare plants known to occur at the preserve are Ashe's savory (Calamintha ashei), pygmy fringe tree (Chionanthus pygmaeus), paper-like nail-wort (Paronychia chartacea), scrub buckwheat (Eriogonum floridanum), Small's jointweed (Polygonella myriophylla), Britton's bear-grass, scrub morning glory (Bonamia grandiflora), and Florida gay-feather (Liatris ohlingerae).

Four study plots have been set up by The Nature Conservancy to monitor Lewton’s polygala (Polygala lewtonii). In 1997, two of their plots were destroyed by feral hog rooting. In order to protect the two remaining study plots, hog resistant fencing around each area has been suggested. For many of these rare plant species, both fire management and exotic removal may be imperative to their survival.

There are a number of listed animal species that occur at the park. The blue-tailed mole skink, sand skink, and scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi), occur in the xeric scrub and sandhills. Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), gopher frogs, Eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon corais couperi), and Florida mice are also found at the unit. It is generally accepted that fire management will provide suitable habitat for these species. Records of field observations are valuable because they indicate the presence or absence of a species without having to engage in any formal monitoring. The South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan (USFWS 1999) should 17 be used as a guide in the management of all the federally listed species found in the preserve.

The Florida scrub-jay, occurs in the scrub and scrubby flatwoods at the preserve as well as areas adjacent to the preserve. This species relies on fire to maintain open sandy areas and a two to three meter oak shrub layer. Best management practices to ensure the survival and growth of the Florida scrub-jay will be followed (Fitzpatrick, et. al. 1991). Special Natural Features The Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park contains some of the intact sandhills and scrub left on the Lake Wales Ridge. Many state and federally listed plant and animal species occur at the preserve. The entire unit is distinguished from other parts of the state and the Lake Wales Ridge system by containing some of the highest and oldest peaks. This unique topography ensured genetic isolation of plant and animal species. Cultural Resources Evaluating the condition of cultural resources is accomplished using a three part evaluative scale, expressed as good, fair, and poor. These terms describe the present state of affairs, rather than comparing what exists against the ideal, a newly constructed component. Good describes a condition of structural stability and physical wholeness, where no obvious deterioration other than normal occurs. Fair describes a condition in which there is a discernible decline in condition between inspections, and the wholeness or physical integrity is and continues to be threatened by factors other than normal wear. A fair judgment is cause for concern. Poor describe an unstable condition where there is palpable, accelerating decline, and physical integrity is being compromised quickly. A resource in poor condition suffers obvious declines in physical integrity from year to year. A poor condition suggests immediate action to reestablish physical stability.

The Florida Master Site File (FMSF) lists four sites (8PO5447, 8PO5 448, 8PO1547, and 8PO3866) within the unit. There are three recorded sites at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. The Division has been designated as an interim manager of a fourth recorded site (Snodgrass Island).

8PO5447, Jay Claw, is a prehistoric activity area and artifact scatter site located on a sandhill overlooking Lake Pierce. It has been tentatively assigned to the Belle Glade Period (Florida Department of State: 8PO5447, Memory and Newman 1998). The site appears to be only a sparse scatter, and has been disturbed by road construction; therefore, its condition assessment is only fair. The site is probably not eligible for National Register listing.

8PO5448, the Smith Place, is the standing ruins of a historic homestead. The site consists of two separate concrete block structures and related artifact scatter, and probably dates to the WWII era when concrete block construction became common. Park Ranger and local resident Pat Mitchell says the Smith Place burned at some point in the past, and the site shows evidence of fire (Florida Department of State: 8PO5448, Memory and Newman 1998). Besides burning and sections of walls having fallen, the site faces increased threat due to unrestricted access from the adjacent FFA camp. The site is just off a dirt access road, and was formerly screened from the FFA camp by a wooded tract on FFA property. However, the FFA has recently cut and removed most of the intervening trees, and now the walls of the site are readily visible from the FFA camp, and serve as an attractive nuisance. The condition assessment is fair. The site is not eligible for National Register listing.

8PO1547, Fort Gardiner, was established in 1937 by Colonel Zachary Taylor on his march to the battle of Okeechobee. The site of the fort is not well known and various descriptions place the 18 fort in different areas. The site file includes a map that shows the area within the preserve. Since the location for this site is presently unknown an assessment is not possible.

8PO3866, Snodgrass Island, is a prehistoric burial mound and Seminole site located on the recent land acquisition of Snodgrass Island by the State of Florida, which is assigned to the Florida Park Service for interim management as part of Catfish Creek. The site consists of two archaeological components. The first is a low oval habitation and burial mound that dates from the late Archaic through a possible Seminole presence. The second feature is a crescent shaped earthwork with an artificially raised mound at the eastern end. This feature also shows evidence of subsistence activities throughout its length, and produced two undated prehistoric primary burials (Carr 1994, Florida Department of State: 8PO3866). The site is potentially threatened by erosion and unauthorized access, and has been pothunted in the past. Its condition assessment is fair. The site may be eligible for National Register listing.

All archaeological sites would benefit from further archaeological investigation and analysis to assess their significance, and the entire park would benefit from an archaeological reconnaissance survey. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Special Management Considerations

Timber Management Analysis Chapters 253 and 259, Florida Statutes, require an assessment of the feasibility of managing timber in land management plans for parcels greater than 1,000 acres if the lead agency determines that timber management is not in conflict with the primary management objectives of the land. The feasibility of harvesting timber at this park during the period covered by this plan was considered in context of the Division’s statutory responsibilities, and an analysis of the park’s resource needs and values. The long-term management goal for forest communities in the state park system is to maintain or re-establish old-growth characteristics to the degree practicable, with the exception of early successional communities such as sand pine scrub and coastal strand.

A timber assessment was conducted for the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park (see Addendum 6). At the preserve, there are a number of scrub and sandhill areas that are in need of restoration. Prescribed fire is our primary tool in restoring and maintaining the natural communities in the preserve. As the assessment points out there is the potential for use of mechanical measures to aid in restoration in areas where fire alone is not effective. This technique is presently being used in some areas of the preserve. Any mechanical restoration should be done with great care to minimize unwanted disturbances to the area.

The assessment discusses the potential for timber management options for some of the flatwoods. Use of timber management as a tool should be limited to areas where other management practices have been unsuccessful. The location of most of these areas would likely make timbering difficult and not environmentally prudent. If timber management is utilized, it should be applied to small areas and great care should be taken to avoid ecological as well as aesthetic disturbances to these areas.

In many of the areas in the park there are an abundance of Lyonia spp. As the timber assessment points out, there is a market for this “crooked wood”. This could be used in areas where restoration is planned. This may be a way to offset some of the costs of mechanical restoration.

19 Additional Considerations The park has a short-term cattle lease on a portion of the Rolling Meadows addition of the preserve. This was amended to a cattle lease on the adjacent Lake Kissimmee State Park cattle lease site. The area that this incorporates was formerly cattle pasture prior to the DEP acquiring it. The cattle grazing is only an interim management tool that is being used until a longer term restoration plan for the area is carried out. The long-term goal would be to restore the area to the extent possible to the original natural community(s).

The sandhills and scrub in the unit are in a serious state of degradation due to fire exclusion. The rare plants that occur in these communities appear to be declining each year. For example, the populations of Lewton’s polygala that are being surveyed over time have been declining (Beatrice Pace Aldana, pers. comm.). The burn program needs to be continued and in some cases, restoration by mechanical means may be necessary. Mechanical methods have been used in some areas of the preserve and this should be continued in order to restore scrub and sandhill habitat. Special consideration should be given to restoring habitat for the Florida scrub-jay.

Since the initial purchase, an additional 3,132 acres have been added to this unit. Another recent addition of the Rolling Meadows tract (about 3,800 acres) increases the size of the property even further. Although the original tract was well surveyed by The Nature Conservancy (Kelly 1993), the additional acres have not been thoroughly inventoried. The park biologist and volunteers are currently conducting some surveys but the preserve would benefit from a thorough survey for FNAI-tracked plants and animals as soon as possible.

The greatest impact by an exotic species has been rooting by feral hogs. Two study populations of Lewton’s polygala, a federally endangered plant, were rooted and destroyed in 1997. An aggressive feral hog removal program needs to be continued.

Several internal roadways pass through wet flatwoods that contain cutthroatgrass. One of these roads has recently been abandoned. Others should not be used during wet conditions and eventually they should be abandoned and/or restored if possible.

The park has 400-Foot Sovereign Submerged areas extending out from the property along Lake Pierce. Catfish Creek is also included in this category. Park personnel patrol these areas when able in order to protect against any encroachments or any other problems that may conflict with the management of the preserve. Management Needs and Problems There are increasing needs for funds for restoration projects at Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. The newly acquired Rolling Meadows property has had considerable impacts on a majority of the area. This will require a great deal of work and funds if it is to be restored to the original state. As discussed earlier, some of the scrub and sandhill habitat is in need of mechanical restoration. This will also require funding for these efforts.

With the growth of the size of the park, there is a need for additional personnel to help work on resource management projects. These projects include fire management, habitat restoration, listed species management, and exotic control at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park as well as at Lake Kissimmee State Park. Management Objectives The resources administered by the Division are divided into two principal categories: natural

20 resources and cultural resources. The Division's primary objective in natural resource management is to maintain and restore, to the extent possible, to the conditions that existed before the ecological disruptions caused by man. The objective for managing cultural resources is to protect these resources from human-related and natural threats. This will arrest deterioration and help preserve the cultural resources for future generations to enjoy.

Under the ecosystem management initiative, the Division will be following management measures that are consistent with the Department’s overall mission.

1. Restore, protect, and maintain all native plant communities in a natural condition based on scientifically acceptable standards and methods. Particular attention will be provided to unique communities such as scrub, sandhills, scrubby flatwoods, the wet prairies and wet flatwoods that contain cutthroat grass, and to populations of rare and protected species. 2. Encourage scientific research to create a better understanding of the park’s natural and cultural resources. 3. Pursue research on the historic use of the preserve. Map all known cultural features to establish site limits or boundaries. 4. Provide kiosks that emphasize the conservation of natural and cultural resources and unique features of the area. 5. Abandon jeep trails that are used infrequently, especially those located in the wet flatwoods/cutthroatgrass and those along the ridge tops. Management Measures for Natural Resources

Hydrology Restoration of the historical flow of Catfish Creek should be investigated. Restoration of the sod farm areas on the Rolling Meadows addition that were likely floodplain marsh should also be looked into. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will be restoring former floodplain marsh adjacent to the Rolling Meadows addition. The progress of this restoration should be monitored and the information gained should be used to plan restoration of marsh habitat within the preserve. A joint restoration plan between the SFWMD & the preserve should be developed as the two areas are tied together as well as areas outside the boundaries of the preserve and the SFWMD property.

The SFWMD along with the US Army Corps of Engineers are planning to widen the C-37 (Hatchineha) canal as part of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project. The material removed from this site may be a possible source to fill canals in the sod farm areas in order to aid in restoration of the marsh. This may entail temporarily storing and processing the material on site (possibly within the preserve) before it is used for the canals. The preserve should attempt to work out an agreement with the above groups where the dredged material can be used on the preserve as well as the SFWMD property.

Management of the preserve will comply with best management practices to maintain or improve the existing water quality on site and will take measures to prevent soil erosion or other impacts to water resources Prescribed Burning The objectives of prescribed burning are to create those conditions that are most natural for a particular community, and to maintain ecological diversity within the unit's natural communities. To meet these objectives, the park is partitioned into burn zones, and burn prescriptions are implemented for each zone. The park burn plan is updated annually to meet current conditions.

21 All prescribed burns are conducted with authorization from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry (DOF). Wildfire suppression activities will be coordinated between the Division and the DOF.

The primary management tools for managing designated species are prescribed fire, which is used to maintain the natural plant communities and enhance the habitat for listed species; exotic removal, which eliminates competition from exotic species; and community restoration, which encourages native plant growth and provides suitable habitat for native wildlife. Management practices for these species should include an intensive survey of the property and annual monitoring of populations.

The Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is divided into designated burn zones (see Burn Zones Map). Some of these areas are currently being sub-divided into additional burn zones. A burn plan is available at the main office of the Lake Wales Ridge GEOpark. The need for a burn program at this preserve is imperative. When possible a survey for rare plants or animals should be conducted before and after burning a zone.

Despite the apparent prolonged fire exclusion at this unit, the scrub communities are in relatively good condition. The scrub that occurs on the ridge tops contains the greatest diversity of rare plants at the preserve. These high ridges are dominated by scrub oaks with a few scattered longleaf pines. These longleaf pines are extremely rare on the preserve and should be protected during burns by various means (i.e. raking around base, etc.). Some mechanical removal of the larger hardwood trees may be necessary prior to or even after burning to facilitate restoration of the community. Roads that run along the ridge tops should not be used as fire breaks. Instead, fires should be allowed to burn up one side of a ridge and down the other side without interruption. Initially, the scrub communities should be burned every 4 to 10 years to establish an earlier successional stage. Eventually, these communities can be returned to an infrequent burn schedule.

The sandhill communities have mostly succeeded into xeric hammock with little or no wiregrass. Burning should be the main restorative tool along with mechanical removal of large hardwoods and possible planting of wiregrass. There is also a large section of sandhill that has been root- raked in the past. A comprehensive long-term restoration plan that includes burning will be necessary to restore the area to sandhill.

The flatwoods areas of the preserve are in fair shape at this unit. Many areas have been regularly maintained by fire. More emphasis on lightning season burning should be applied to these areas. Areas of flatwoods found in the Moneytree parcel need to be further divided into burn zones and active burning should follow.

The preserve should continue establishing firebreaks, with primary attention being given to preserve boundaries where the need for an additional 6.7 miles of breaks has been identified (mostly in the Moneytree parcel and other areas south of Catfish Creek). As funding becomes available, mineral-soil breaks should be established in upland areas and soft lines should be established through wetlands (probably done by mowing). When establishing a break that requires ground-disturbance, care will be taken to insure that cultural resources are protected.

Since the Florida scrub-jay occurs at this unit, care should be taken when burning. Scrub fires usually burn in a mosaic pattern with areas of unburned vegetation. Florida Scrub-jays will use and protect their territory after it burns, and the unburned patches of vegetation will provide

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cover and forage. Best management practices following the Florida scrub-jay recovery plan (USFWS 1990) should be used as a guide when burning in Florida scrub-jay territories. Designated Species Protection The welfare of designated species is an important concern of the Division. In many cases, these species will benefit most from proper management of their natural communities. At times, however, additional management measures are needed because of the poor condition of some communities, or because of unusual circumstances which aggravate the particular problems of a species.

Prescribed fire is the primary management tool used to restore natural communities and to ensure the long-term survival of those designated species dependent on fire-maintained communities. Removal of large hardwoods by mechanical means in some of the degraded scrub and sandhill areas may be necessary to ensure that restoration efforts are successful. This would create more open areas that are important to the survival of many scrub endemic species.

The preserve should be surveyed and mapped for all of its rare elements. The rare elements should be ranked according to their scarcity in the preserve. This ranking could then be used to set up monitoring of populations of plants that need the most protection. The information derived from the monitoring will allow identification of the management needs of each species. The monitoring will also provide a way to detect population trends and thereby evaluate the effectiveness of implemented management methods. Given the large number of endemics on the preserve, it may be unrealistic to set up monitoring for every rare species. However, it would be important to survey any areas proposed for prescribed burning and map the listed species to determine whether or not the populations are present or absent after a fire. Any disappearance of a species after burning would signal a need for greater emphasis on its management. A complete survey for listed plants and animals should be conducted and protection measures (hog fencing, raking area before burning, etc.) employed where necessary.

Surveys of the Florida scrub-jay populations should continue (including color banding) in the preserve. The Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem Working group should be utilized in all of these efforts for help in guidance and coordination. The park should continue its participation in the Jay Watch program, administered by the Nature Conservency. This program provides a unified framework for jay monitoring and involves volunteer participation for monitoring.

An emphasis in management of areas that are occupied or adjacent to areas that are occupied by jays should be pursued. Prescribed fire (as mentioned in the above section) should be utilized to maintain habitat for this listed species. Restoration efforts should be applied in order increase potential habitat available for jays. These efforts may include mechanical restoration measures such as chain sawing, roller chopping, mowing, and herbiciding.

Intact but overgrown Florida scrub-jay habitats in the park that lie on the boundary adjacent to privately owned pastures (suboptimal habitat) inhabited by scrub-jays should be top priorities for restoration. Two such areas are ~90 acres of Scrub in the northwest corner of Section 2, T29S, R28E and Scrubby Flatwoods along the north boundary of the Moneytree Tract (Section 19 of T29S and R28E).

The previously disturbed / overgrown area (mapped as scrub in this plan - Section 2 of T29S and R28E - about 450 acres) may need mechanical treatment before it will adequately carry fire under conditions that a burn permit can be obtained. Funding should be sought to do this. Based on results of a recently completed pilot project and to provide refuge from species potentially 24

harmed by mechanical treatment, these treatments should be applied in more-or-less evenly spaced strips through the vegetation, with total treated area equaling ~25-50 percent. If the applied treatment is roller chopping, care will be taken to minimize ground disturbance (e.g., by using a single pass only). If the applied treatment is mowing, care will be taken to not cut the vegetation too finely, which can produce thick layers of mulch that smother plants, are often difficult to ignite, and can increase potential for embers to blow across firebreaks.

Careful selection of trails and roadways is important since there are many listed plant and animal species that occur in the unit. Any negative impacts to rare populations of plants or animals should be avoided. Careful consideration should be given to minimizing impacts to the cutthroatgrass areas found in the seepage slope and wet flatwoods communities. These areas are extremely sensitive to hyrdological as well as mechanical disturbances. Exotic Species Control Exotic species are those plants or animals that are not native to Florida, but were introduced as a result of human-related activities. Exotics have fewer natural enemies and may have a higher survival rate than do native species, as well. They may also harbor diseases or parasites that significantly impact non-resistant native species. Therefore, the policy of the Division is to remove exotic species from native natural communities.

Plants. Several exotic plant species that are known to occur at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park have the potential to disrupt the integrity of natural communities; these include cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). With these aforementioned exceptions, the remainder of the exotic plant species at this unit are not species that threaten to form monocultures, but are instead persistent and widespread species that tend to encroach upon, but not exclude, native species. All the exotics are a threat to the integrity of the unit’s natural communities and are in conflict with the Division goal of preserving and maintaining examples of the natural Florida.

Of the exotic plant species that occur at the preserve, cogongrass poses the greatest threat, due to its ability to readily invade and disrupt natural communities. As a result, it has the highest priority for removal. The Rolling Meadows addition contains a considerable amount of this exotic species in the pastures. Efforts should be made to control this species in order to prevent the spread of it especially to nearby natural communities. Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) should be removed whenever it is encountered.

Several tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) plants were discovered within the preserve, adjacent to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) property. These plants should be removed as soon as possible, and the area checked periodically for new plants. In the pastures on the Rolling Meadows addition there are numerous tropical soda apple plants. A major effort is needed to remove these and prevent their spread to other areas of the preserve.

Several exotics can be found around an old homesite at the preserve. Some of these plants, namely centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides), Natal grass (Rhynchelytrum repens), life plant (Kalanchoe pinnata), Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) and Caesar-weed (Urena lobata) have the potential to invade into natural communities and should be removed as soon as possible.

A recent invader to the area that has moved up from the south is Old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum). Another invader that has moved down from the north is Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum). These two exotics have recently been found in the preserve 25 on the Rolling Meadows addition. They also have been found in several protected and unprotected lands in Polk County. These exotics are very invasive and an effort should be made to survey the preserve for this species and control it before it becomes a major problem.

When equipment for general maintenance as well as for ecological restoration projects is used, care must be taken to avoid introducing new exotics as well as spreading existing exotics. Efforts to ensure that the equipment is cleared of any debris and cleaned before use should be taken.

Animals. Feral hogs present the greatest known threat to the natural and cultural resources of the preserve from exotic species. Feral hog activity has resulted in significant damage to upland ground cover and rare plants, and has resulted in the destruction of at least one population of a federally listed plant species, Lewton’s polygala, at the preserve. Staff needs to continue and increase hog removal activities.

Other exotic animals known to occur at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park include nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Nine-banded armadillos should be removed whenever possible. Although a concerted effort to remove coyotes from the preserve is not advised, they should be opportunistically removed when possible. Problem Species Problem species are defined as native species whose habits create specific management problems or concerns. Occasionally, problem species are also a designated species, such as alligators. The Division will consult and coordinate with appropriate federal, state and local agencies for management of designated species that are considered to be a threat or problem.

At present, alligators are not a problem species at this preserve. However, as visitor use increases, efforts should be made to educate the public through interpretive signs or programs warning people not to feed the alligators. If removal is necessary, problem alligators are dealt with through a program directed by the FFWCC. Management Measures for Cultural Resources The management of cultural resources is often complicated because these resources are irreplaceable and extremely vulnerable to disturbances. The advice of historical and archaeological experts is required in this effort. Approval from Department of State, Division of Historical Resources (DHR) must be obtained before taking any actions, such as development or site improvements that could affect or disturb the cultural resources on state lands (see DHR Cultural Management Statement).

Actions that require permits or approval from DHR include development, site excavations or surveys, disturbances of sites or structures, disturbances of the substrate, and any other actions that may affect the integrity of the cultural resources. These actions could damage evidence that would someday be useful to researchers attempting to interpret the past.

The general objective for the management of the cultural resources of Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is to protect, preserve and interpret the prehistoric and historic resources. Because of the presence of recorded archaeological sites within the park, management measures for cultural resources should include monitoring the recorded sites, and drafting a proposal for an archaeological reconnaissance survey.

If the recommended archaeological reconnaissance survey locates and identifies any prehistoric 26

and/or historic sites, management measures for cultural resources should develop a phased plan for managing the resources in the context of their surroundings. This should include developing a workable written plan for the physical management of the identified resources. The plan should outline approved methodologies for executing the plan and training staff and volunteers in managing the cultural resources of the park.

The preserve currently has a sufficient number of staff who have been trained and certified as archaeological monitors. In the future, as the composition of staff changes over time, efforts should be made to insure that there is always at least one staff member who is a certified archaeological monitor. Research Needs

Natural Resources Any research or other activity that involves the collection of plant or animal species on park lands requires a collecting permit from the Department of Environmental Protection. Additional permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may also be required.

A survey of the initially purchased property can be found in Kelly (1993). The entire unit lacks a thorough survey and one needs to be carried out for rare plant and animal species. Monitoring programs should be set up for those species/populations that are most imperiled. Assistance for these projects should be sought from the Division of Forestry, Archbold Biological Station, Bok Tower Gardens, The Nature Conservancy, or graduate students from local universities. A residence/intern bunkhouse is needed in order to attract and house personnel for various resource management projects at the preserve.

Research is needed to determine past land uses and habitat characteristics by contacting previous owners/managers to better define past natural community type/condition, land uses, and management practices that affected current vegetation conditions. Primary areas of interest are: a) previously disturbed land in Section 2 of T29S and R28E, b) possible locations of more typical Sandhill community, and c) past characteristics of longleaf pine-turkey oak dominated ridge tops that are surrounded by Scrub (e.g., in Section 11 of T29S and R28E).

Florida scrub-jay families have been monitored by park staff and volunteers. These surveys should be continued (including color banding) in order to learn more about the population of this species. There is a need for a more in depth research on this species within the preserve.

Research looking into the restoration of scrub and sandhill areas on the preserve is needed. The pasture areas in the Rolling Meadows addition are other areas for possible upland restoration.

Hydrological research concerning Catfish Creek is needed in order to assess the potential for restoration. Additional restoration research would be helpful in order to restore the sod farm areas of the Rolling Meadows addition to former floodplain marsh. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has preliminary plans for restoring portions of the sod areas on their property adjacent to the preserve. The preserve staff and others in the Division of Recreation and Parks are working with the SFWMD to coordinate our restoration efforts. Cultural Resources In 1998, Melissa Memory and Christine Newman conducted a CARL archaeological survey at Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. The survey located and recorded two

27

sites. This has been the only archaeological survey within the current boundaries of Catfish Creek.

Fort Gardiner is listed in the site file as being located on the border of the preserve. The location though is quite vague. Research is needed to locate this site and find out whether it is actually in the preserve.

Recorded archaeological sites would benefit from further archaeological investigation and analysis to assess their significance. The entire preserve, including the new Snodgrass Island acquisition, would benefit from an archaeological reconnaissance survey. Therefore, staff should draft a proposal for an archaeological reconnaissance survey to locate, identify, preserve and protect any prehistoric and/or historic cultural resources on the park. Research is needed on environmental change and prehistoric adaptation, development of prehistoric settled communities and social complexity, and aboriginal cultural history. Research is needed on the history of the Lake Pierce and Catfish Creek area during the First Spanish Period, the British Period, the Second Spanish Period, Territorial Period, and the Second Seminole War. Research is need for possible evidence or documentation on the activities of cattle ranching, hunting, and the Smith Place, and the acquisition and operational history of Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. Resource Management Schedule A priority schedule for conducting all management activities that is based on the purposes for which these lands were acquired, and to enhance the resource values, is contained in Addendum 7. Cost estimates for conducting priority management activities are based on the most cost effective methods and recommendations currently available (see Addendum 7). Land Management Review Section 259.036, Florida Statutes, established land management review teams to determine whether conservation, preservation, and recreation lands titled in the name of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (board) are being managed for the purposes for which they were acquired and in accordance with a land management plan adopted pursuant to s. 259.032, the board of trustees, acting through the Department of Environmental Protection (department). The managing agency shall consider the findings and recommendations of the land management review team in finalizing the required update of its management plan. The park has not been subject to a land management review.

28 LAND USE COMPONENT

INTRODUCTION Land use planning and park development decisions for the state park system are based on the dual responsibilities of the Division of Recreation and Parks. These responsibilities are to preserve representative examples of original natural Florida and its cultural resources, and to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for Florida's citizens and visitors.

The general planning and design process begins with an analysis of the natural and cultural resources of the unit, and then proceeds through the creation of a conceptual land use plan that culminates in the actual design and construction of park facilities. Input to the plan is provided by experts in environmental sciences, cultural resources, park operation and management, through public workshops, and environmental groups. With this approach, the Division objective is to provide quality development for resource-based recreation throughout the state with a high level of sensitivity to the natural and cultural resources at each park.

This component of the unit plan includes a brief inventory of the external conditions and the recreational potential of the unit. Existing uses, facilities, special conditions on use, and specific areas within the park that will be given special protection, are identified. The land use component then summarizes the current conceptual land use plan for the park, identifying the existing or proposed activities suited to the resource base of the park. Any new facilities needed to support the proposed activities are described and located in general terms. EXTERNAL CONDITIONS An assessment of the conditions that exist beyond the boundaries of the unit can identify any special development problems or opportunities that exist because of the unit's unique setting or environment. This also provides an opportunity to deal systematically with various planning issues such as location, regional demographics, adjacent land uses and the park’s interaction with other facilities.

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is located within Polk County about five miles northeast of Lake Wales in the central part of the state. The populations of Polk County and the adjacent Osceola County have grown 28 percent since 1990, and are projected to grow an additional 20 percent by 2010 (BEBR, University of Florida, 2002). As of 2000, 21 percent of residents in these counties were in the 0-14 age group, 41 percent in the 15-44 age group, 22 percent in the 45-64 age group, and 17 percent were aged 65 and over, which reflects the state average for these groupings (BEBR, University of Florida, 2002). Over 2.6 million people reside within 50 miles of the park, which includes the cities of Orlando, Kissimmee, Melbourne and Lakeland (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2000). The park is also within 1.5 hour’s drive of many central Florida theme parks.

The park recorded 1,159 visitors in FY year 2002-03. By Division estimates, these visitors contributed over $93,907 in direct economic impact and the equivalent of 2 jobs to the local economy (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2003). Existing Use of Adjacent Lands Adjacent lands include agricultural, low density residential and conservation uses. Private agricultural operations include citrus groves, cattle ranching, dairy farming, and sod farming. Recent acquisitions have nearly doubled the size of the park, extending the boundary eastward toward Lake Kissimmee, and providing a buffer along the northeastern boundary of the park.

29 The latter area is managed by the South Florida Water Management District (WMD) and adds to their Kissimmee Chain of Lakes land holdings. The southeastern boundary is now formed by Camp Mack Road, which also defines the northwestern boundary of Lake Kissimmee State Park. Catfish Creek and Lake Kissimmee State Parks are administered jointly, with management based at the latter unit.

Lake Pierce forms a portion of the western boundary. The Future Farmers of America (FFA) operate the Leadership Training Center on a 126-acre site on Lake Pierce just outside the western boundary of the park. The Center is available for rental for meetings, retreats and conferences. Facilities include a 50-room lodge with conference and meeting space, dining area, swimming pool, pontoon boat cruises, and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and biking.

In addition to those previously mentioned, a variety of public and privately managed lands are located in proximity to the park that offer various resource-based recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and hunting. These areas include Tiger Creek Preserve, Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, Upper Lakes Basin Watershed, Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Babson/Hesperides Tract, Sumica/Lake Walk-in-the-Water Tract, Crooked Lake Preserve, and the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Refer to the Vicinity Map for locations of these properties. Planned Use of Adjacent Lands Lands adjacent to the park are designated Agriculture/Residential-Rural on the Polk County Future Land Use Map (Polk County, 2002). Development is limited to single family homes (1 DU/5 acres) and structures associated with agricultural operations. Lands adjacent to the park are not anticipated to undergo significant change in the near future. A dairy operation is planned on the Imagination Farms property north of the park. Density and use restrictions of existing land use designations have maintained a rural landscape that is compatible with the maintenance of resources and a quality visitor experience at the park. Population pressure from the urbanized Lakeland-Winter Haven area may result in the eventual conversion of adjacent lands to residential uses. PROPERTY ANALYSIS Effective planning requires a thorough understanding of the unit's natural and cultural resources. This section describes the resource characteristics and existing uses of the property. The unit's recreation resource elements are examined to identify the opportunities and constraints they present for recreational development. Past and present uses are assessed for their effects on the property, compatibility with the site, and relation to the unit's classification. Recreation Resource Elements This section assesses the unit’s recreation resource elements those physical qualities that, either singly or in certain combinations, supports the various resource-based recreation activities. Breaking down the property into such elements provides a means for measuring the property's capability to support individual recreation activities. This process also analyzes the existing spatial factors that either favor or limit the provision of each activity.

The park is situated within the Lake Wales Ridge, a remnant sand dune system stretching from Lake to Highlands County that contains uniquely high elevations (up to 300 feet) and one of the highest concentrations of rare plant and animal species in the United States. The

30 views afforded from the park’s higher elevations (up to 130 feet) are quite scenic and unique in Florida. The park currently encompasses nearly 8,250 acres and includes some of the finest remnants of scrub and sandhill habitat found in peninsular Florida. The topography of the landscape and the loose, sandy soils of these communities present challenges to visitors interested in exploring the interior of the park, and are not suitable for off-road bicycling. In addition to these natural communities, the park contains other high quality habitats that are considered imperiled, rare or uncommon in the state, including scrubby flatwoods, clastic upland lake, blackwater stream, flatwoods/prairie lake, and depression marsh.

A recent acquisition has significantly increased the size of this unit. The Rolling Meadows tract contains active sod farms and pasture lands that will require extensive restoration work before they reflect natural conditions, provide quality habitat and add to the recreation potential of the park.

The preserve harbors at least 12 plant species listed as endangered or threatened, and is considered a very important site for scrub endemics. The property is also known to support a variety of listed fauna, including numerous reptile species, the Florida mouse, Florida scrub- jay and bald eagles.

More than two miles of Catfish Creek flow through the southern portion of the preserve. This narrow, winding creek is quite scenic, but its location and associated wetlands makes it difficult to provide visitor access. There are numerous small to medium sized ponds and lakes scattered throughout the property, many of which are concentrated in the western portion of the park among hills and ridges. These waterbodies are quite scenic among the desert-like conditions of the surrounding scrub, some of which are shallow and may dry up during certain times of the year. The park also contains approximately 4,500 feet of heavily vegetated shoreline on Lake Pierce. The park’s ponds and lakes provide unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature study, fishing, and resting spots for trail users. Although it is recommended that fishing be allowed in the preserve, vehicular access to the various fishing sites is not recommended. Fishing in certain ponds may be prohibited or restricted for ecological reasons.

Cultural resources are limited to four sites listed in the Florida Master Site File. These include a prehistoric artifact scatter, a 19th century homestead, an American fort site (Fort Gardiner), and a burial mound. While the significance of these features is considered secondary to the natural resources of the park, they have the potential to add to park interpretive content.

With the exception of the Florida scrub-jay, many of the site’s unique flora and fauna are not highly visible or of obvious aesthetic merit. As a state preserve, the site will certainly attract individuals with an appreciation for the important, if subtle, biology of the region. As a whole, the biological attributes of the western half of the preserve are tremendous. This area provides outstanding examples of ecosystem components, patterns, and processes in a relatively pristine state. Given the preserve’s strategic location, delicate ecology, and wealth of rare species, park development should be approached with care, with an emphasis on low-impact recreational uses. Assessment of Use All legal boundaries, significant natural features, structures, facilities, roads, trails and easements existing in the unit are delineated on the base map (see Base Map). Specific uses made of the unit are briefly described in the following sections.

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At Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park scrub, sandhills, wet flatwoods, hydric hammocks, seepage slopes, clastic upland lakes, blackwater stream, flatwoods/prairie lakes, depression marshes, bay galls, and wet prairies have been designated as protected zones as delineated on the Conceptual Land Use Plan. The areas around active bald eagle, and Florida scrub jay nest sites, and known cultural sites are also considered protected zones. The protected zones account for over 61 percent of park acreage.

The lack of other suitable locations has necessitated placement of some proposed facilities within the scrub and sandhill natural communities. Therefore, small portions of these communities have been excluded from the protected zones. However, the conceptual siting of facilities has utilized existing disturbed areas, such as clearings and jeep trails, within these sensitive communities. Existing Facilities Recreation facilities are limited to a trailhead parking area off Fire Tower Road with stabilized parking, small picnic shelter and composting restroom. The trailhead provides access to roughly 14 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. A monument to Allen David Broussard is located along the trail system at one of the highest points of elevation. A park residence and shop compound are located a short distance further south. Fire Tower Road is a roughly 4.5-mile, county maintained paved road that provides public access to the western tract and the FFA camp. The Rolling Meadows tract has various residence and support structures remaining from sod farm operations. Refer to the Base Map for locations of park facilities.

Western Track

Trailhead

ƒ Stabilized parking Hiking trail (approx. 6.5 miles) ƒ Trail directional signage Equestrian trail (approx. 7.5 Miles) ƒ Small picnic shelter ƒ Composting restroom

33 Support Facilities Park residence (mobile home) Rolling Meadows Tract Pole barn Caretaker’s residence Storage building Mobile homes (2) Sod Farm maintenance & storage area

CONCEPTUAL LAND USE PLAN The following narrative represents the current conceptual land use proposal for this park. As new information is provided regarding the environment of the park, cultural resources, recreational use, and as new land is acquired, the conceptual land use plan may be amended to address the new conditions (see Conceptual Land Use Plan). A detailed development plan for the park and a site plan for specific facilities will be developed based on this conceptual land use plan, as funding becomes available.

During the development of the unit management plan, the Division assesses potential impacts of proposed uses on the resources of the property. Uses that could result in unacceptable impacts are not included in the conceptual land use plan. Potential impacts are more thoroughly identified and assessed through the site planning process once funding is available for the development project. At that stage, design elements, such as sewage disposal and stormwater management, and design constraints, such as designated species or cultural site locations, are more thoroughly investigated. Advanced wastewater treatment or best available technology systems are applied for on-site sewage disposal. Stormwater management systems are designed to minimize impervious surfaces to the greatest extent feasible, and all facilities are designed and constructed using best management practices to avoid impacts and to mitigate those that cannot be avoided. Federal, state and local permit and regulatory requirements are met by the final design of the projects. This includes the design of all new park facilities consistent with the universal access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). After new facilities are constructed, the park staff monitors conditions to ensure that impacts remain within acceptable levels. Potential Uses and Proposed Facilities As a preserve, the primary emphasis is placed on protection of the site’s resources. Potential recreational uses should be primarily low-impact, and must be compatible with resource preservation objectives. There is the potential to improve interpretation onsite through static displays aimed at educating users to the unique scrub environment. Primitive camping along the trail system is recommended to allow visitors the opportunity to experience overnight stays in an area of exceptional natural quality. Facilities are also recommended to provide non-motorized water access to Catfish Creek and Lake Pierce.

There is significant potential to expand recreation opportunities on the newly acquired Rolling Meadows tract. Hiking, biking and horseback riding, picnicking and equestrian camping are proposed recreation uses in this area. The full development of the recreation potential of this area is dependent on the cessation of an existing sod farm lease and results of restoration activity by the WMD and Division. Public access may be limited during the restoration phase of the property and it may be necessary to revise the proposed conceptual land use plan as restoration is pursued and wetland boundaries change. Recreational opportunities (trails, overlooks, wildlife observation points, etc.) should be considered as part of the development of restoration plans for former sod farm areas, particularly the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes

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evvix2he†sh2f‚y ƒƒe‚h2 QHHH Hx QHHH THHH peet gyxgi€„ ev2 ge„psƒr2g‚iiu2€‚iƒi‚†i €rep—red2˜yX2plorid—2hep—rtment2of2invironment—l2€rote™tion vexh2 ƒi2€vex ƒ„e„i2€e‚u hivision2of2‚e™re—tion2—nd2€—rks yffi™e2of2€—rk2€l—nning Tract. Changes to the uses and facilities as proposed in this plan necessitated by restoration activity will be coordinated with the Office of Park Planning and District 3 staff. Recreation Facilities Trails and Interpretation. As the primary means of access to the interior of the park, the existing trail system should provide opportunities to learn about the park’s unique natural resources. Interpretive displays and signage are particularly important to develop an appreciation for an ecosystem, such as scrub, that may appear uninviting or less than interesting to the casual visitor. An open-air interpretive kiosk is proposed at the western tract trailhead along with small interpretive displays at appropriate locations along the trail system. Other amenities recommended at the trailhead include a permanent restroom facility, potable water, an honor box fee collection station, and a sign-in station for visitors.

Scrub habitat provides minimal shade and can be extremely hot and inhospitable at certain times of the year. A rest stop is recommended on one of the scenic interior lakes at the existing site of a dilapidated hunt cabin. The cabin should be removed and a covered shelter with picnic tables constructed in its place. Consideration should be given to replacing the small dock with an overlook to provide a safe, controlled access point for views of the clear waters of the pond.

An extension of the trail system is proposed that would provide access to Catfish Creek. The proposed trail would add a roughly two mile loop for hikers and equestrians following existing jeep trails and service roads. A boardwalk and overlook are proposed on Catfish Creek linked to the proposed trail extension. This facility is significant in that it will provide the only upland access point to the namesake water feature of the park. The overlook provides an opportunity for interpretation, and is anticipated to be an attractive feature for trail users. A spur trail is recommended that would provide access to the park for visitors of the adjacent Future Farmers of America facility. The Division will coordinate with FFA staff in the management and education of FFA visitors to the park.

Future consideration will be given to establishing hiking trails on the parcel west of Fire Tower Road. It is recommended that a trail linkage be considered between proposed facilities on Lake Pierce and the existing trailhead. Trails in this area should use firebreaks and service roads to the greatest extent possible, and be developed in coordination with rare plant surveys to avoid affecting sensitive areas.

A trailhead and picnic area is proposed within a scenic hammock that has served as the site of the property’s caretaker residence. This site is proposed as the jumping off point for a network of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use on the Rolling Meadows tract. Trail layout will need to be coordinated with restoration efforts and may be adjusted over time as restoration proceeds. Parking for up to 30 vehicles, a portion of which should accommodate horse trailers, several picnic shelters, scattered tables and grills, trail directional signage, restroom and potable water are proposed to support visitor use. The former caretaker’s residence should be evaluated for use as a park residence or office that could serve as a point of contact for visitors to this area of the park. The existing mobile homes in this area should be removed or relocated to improve the visual character of the area. The existing access road should be rerouted so that visitors proceeding to the equestrian campground (see below) do not pass through the hammock.

There is the potential to develop a scenic drive that would provide access to former sod farm areas on the Rolling Meadows tract and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Tract (currently managed by the WMD). Once restored, these areas are anticipated to be attractive to wildlife and provide scenic vistas towards Lake Hatchineha. A natural surface road along the perimeter of restored 36 wetland areas, similar to the drives at Ding Darling or Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuges, is envisioned as a means of providing controlled access to more remote areas of the park. It is recommended that the feasibility of this concept be investigated as part of the restoration plan for this area.

Camping. Up to three primitive campsites, two for hikers and one for equestrians, are recommended along the existing trail system. Each site should accommodate up to eight persons at one time, and include fire rings. The site and the surrounding area should be burned prior to development of these facilities, with an effort made to preserve the existing tree canopy from destruction. Site specific vegetation surveys will be conducted for at least two years after the prescribed burn, to ensure that the proposed campsites do not adversely impact any endangered plants.

An equestrian campground is recommended on the Rolling Meadows tract situated within the tree line of a picturesque oak hammock. The site is outside the active sod lease and is accessible via the main unimproved road through the center of the parcel. A stable, campers bathhouse, watering and tie-up facilities for horses, potable water, and designated camping and parking areas to accommodate up to 20 trailer rigs are proposed. Future trail development will allow exploration of this area and link it to the western portion of the preserve.

Lake Pierce and Catfish Creek Access. A small day use area on Lake Pierce is proposed to expand recreational opportunities at the park. The proposed location is a scenic spot that includes a stand of bay trees along the shoreline, and is accessible via an existing dirt road off Fire Tower Road. Although Catfish Creek provides opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, there is no suitable location from which to launch a canoe into the creek from the preserve. A canoe launch and fishing platform are recommended at this site. Canoes and kayaks launched from this location can paddle down to the creek along the shoreline of Lake Pierce. A boardwalk structure will be needed to traverse the wetland along the edge of the lake and provide access to the proposed facilities. As a main use area at the park, it is recommended that an interpretive kiosk be incorporated into the development of this site. The existing access road should be improved to provide a surface suitable for public access. A medium picnic shelter, restroom with best available technology, and parking area for up to 15 vehicles are also recommended at this location.

Catfish Creek is a windy, narrow waterway with the potential for conflicts between canoes/kayaks and motorboats. To address public safety concerns, it is recommend that those portions of Catfish Creek within park boundaries be designated for access by watercraft with non-combustion engines only. Park staff will coordinate implementation of this designation with the county, relevant law enforcement and other agencies with jurisdictional authority over navigable waters. Support Facilities Both Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park and Lake Kissimmee State Park have a great need for assistance to accomplish flora and fauna surveys. A bunkhouse facility is recommended on the Rolling Meadows tract to encourage visiting researchers, interns and volunteers to stay at the park to help meet survey needs, provide other resource management assistance and conduct research that would benefit the management of these units. A structure big enough to house up to six individuals with restrooms and kitchen facilities is proposed in the vicinity of remaining storage and maintenance facilities associated with the sod farm.

An additional staff residence is also needed at the park. As previously discussed, it is 37 recommended that the former caretaker’s residence be evaluated for this purpose.

Existing barns, storage buildings and other related structures adjacent to the active sod farm should be evaluated for use as support structures to facilitate management of the preserve. Those structures in disrepair or determined to be of no practical use are recommended for eventual demolition and removal. Additional structures needed for storage, maintenance, administrative or residence needs on the Rolling Meadows tract are recommended to be located in this area.

The dirt road providing access to the Rolling Meadows tract is recommended for improvements to facilitate access for a variety of vehicle types to proposed public use areas.

Given anticipated levels of visitation, a standard entrance station is not considered practical at the preserve. Honor box fee collection stations are recommended at the primary use areas of the park as an alternative means of collecting entrance fees.

Facility design and prescribed fire. The planning and design of all park facilities will include, as a priority, the accommodation of prescribed fire as a primary resource management tool at this park. The construction of proposed facilities should not be allowed to interfere with plans to burn adjoining fire-adapted communities. Site design, building orientation and selections of building materials will respond to the fact that most natural communities in the park will be burned periodically. Where prescribed fire must be excluded from a development area, appropriate fire breaks will be incorporated in the design of the site, and the area to be excluded from burning will be the minimum area necessary to provide a safe, enjoyable and high-quality outdoor recreational experience for park visitors. Facilities Development Preliminary cost estimates for the following list of proposed facilities are provided in Addendum 7. These cost estimates are based on the most cost-effective construction standards available at this time. The preliminary estimates are provided to assist the Division in budgeting future park improvements, and may be revised as more information is collected through the planning and design processes.

Western Tract

Trailhead Interpretive kiosk Covered shelter Upgrade restroom Pond overlook Potable water Extend existing trail (approx. 2 miles) Honor box fee collection station Creek overlook

Pond Rest Stop Camping Remove hunt cabin Primitive campsites (3)

Lake Pierce Access Canoe/kayak launch Parking (up to 15 vehicles) Fishing platform Access road Interpretive kiosk Restroom Picnic shelter and scattered tables & grills Honor box fee collection station

38

Rolling Meadows Tract

Trailhead/Picnic Area Camping Parking (up to 30 vehicles) Equestrian campground Picnic shelters and scattered tables/grills Scenic drive Hiking/biking/equestrian trails Restroom and potable water Honor box fee collection station

Support Facilities Intern bunkhouse Staff residence Access road improvements Existing Use and Optimum Carrying Capacity Carrying capacity is an estimate of the number of users a recreation resource or facility can accommodate and still provide a high quality recreational experience and preserve the natural values of the site. The carrying capacity of a unit is determined by identifying the land and water requirements for each recreation activity at the unit, and then applying these requirements to the unit's land and water base. Next, guidelines are applied which estimate the physical capacity of the unit's natural communities to withstand recreational uses without significant degradation. This analysis identifies a range within which the carrying capacity most appropriate to the specific activity, the activity site and the unit's classification is selected (see Table 1).

The optimum carrying capacity for this park is a preliminary estimate of the number of users the unit could accommodate after the current conceptual development program has been implemented. When developed, the proposed new facilities would approximately increase the unit's carrying capacity as shown in Table 1. Optimum Boundary As additional needs are identified through park use, development, research, and as adjacent land uses change on private properties, modification of the unit's optimum boundary may occur for the enhancement of natural and cultural resources, recreational values and management efficiency. Identification of lands on the optimum boundary map is solely for planning purposes and not for regulatory purposes. A property’s identification on the optimum boundary map is not for use by any party or other government body to reduce or restrict the lawful right of private landowners. Identification on the map does not empower or require any government entity to impose additional or more restrictive environmental land use or zoning regulations. Identification is not to be used as the basis for permit denial or the imposition of permit conditions. At this time, no lands are considered surplus to the needs of the park.

The optimum boundary map reflects lands identified for direct management by the Division as part of the park. These parcels may include public as well as privately owned lands that improve the continuity of existing parklands, provide additional natural and cultural resource protection, and/or allow for future expansion of recreational activities.

Nearly 13,000 acres of land adjacent to the current boundary have been identified as 39

Table 1--Existing Use And Optimum Carrying Capacity

Proposed Estimated Existing Additional Optimum Capacity Capacity Capacity

One One One Activity/Facility Time Daily Time Daily Time Daily

Trails Hiking 33 66 20 40 53 106 Equestrian 60 60 16 16 76 76 Shared-use (Rolling Meadows) 100 200 100 200

Picnicking (Rollling Meadows) 128 256 128 256

Lake Pierce Use Area 45 90 45 90

Camping Primitive Camping 24 24 24 24 Equestrian Camping 30 30 30 30

TOTAL 93 126 363 656 456 782

optimum boundary. These lands proposed are needed to protect scrub endemics, provide areas for hydrological restoration, increase protection of Lake Pierce shoreline and Catfish Creek, provide additional uplands for recreation opportunities and a bridged connection between the eastern and western portions of the park. This area includes WMD lands known as the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Tract that are slated for restoration once the existing sod farm leases are terminated. The Division will consider leasing this area to manage as part of the state park. The optimum boundary also contains multiple outparcels located in the western tract.

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42 Addendum 1—Acquisition History

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Acquisition History

Sequence of Acquisition

The State acquired Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park to conserve, protect and manage the property for outdoor recreation, park historic and related purposes. Acquisition began in 1991, under the Conservation and Recreations Lands program.

On December 20, 1991, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Trustees) obtained title to the property which became Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. The Trustees conveyed the management authority to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Recreation and Parks (Division), under Lease No. 3962. The lease expires on August 5, 2042.

Since the initial purchase, the Trustees have acquired several additional parcels and added them to Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park.

There are no legislative or executive directives that constrain the use of this property. According to the lease, the Division will manage the property only for the conservation and protection of natural and historic resources, and for resource-based public outdoor recreation that is compatible with the conservation and protection of the property.

Title Interest

The Trustees hold fee simple title to Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park.

Special Conditions on Use

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is designated single-use to provide resource-based public outdoor recreation and other related uses. Uses such as, water resource development projects, water supply projects, stormwater management projects, linear facilities and sustainable agriculture and forestry (other than those forest management activities specifically identified in this plan) are not consistent with this plan.

Outstanding Reservations

Following is a listing of outstanding rights, reservations, and encumbrances that apply to Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park:

Instrument: Memorandum of Understanding Instrument Holder: The Nature Conservancy. Beginning Date: February 1, 1993 Ending Date: There is no specific ending date given Outstanding Rights, Uses, Etc.: DEP will, at its sole cost and expense:

A. Provide ingress and egress to and from Catfish to employees and agents of the conservancy for purposes as outlined in the memorandum of agreement. B. Permit the conservancy and its agents and assigns to use the cabins that are on the property if deemed necessary by the conservancy during the course of the inventory and management planning process.

A 1 - 1 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Acquisition History

C. Limit land alteration to that deemed necessary by DEP (DNR) for security and fire control purposes until completion of the management plan D. Involve the conservancy in producing a comprehensive management plan for Catfish, the objectives of which will be the preservation and enhancement of native species and their natural habitats, and to provide compatible recreation opportunities for the public.

Instrument: Easement Instrument Holder: Bowen Bros., Inc.. Beginning Date: December 8, 1993 Ending Date: There is no specific ending date given Outstanding Rights, Uses, Etc.: A non-exclusive easement for ingress and egress over and upon certain specified premises in Polk County, Florida.

A 1 - 2 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Lake Kissimmee State Park Advisory Group Members

The Honorable Randy Wilkinson, Chair David Birdsall, Senior Environmental Polk County Board of County Analyst Commissioners South Florida Water Management District Drawer BC01, Post Office Box 9005 1707 Orlando Central Parkway Bartow, Florida 33831-9005 Suite 200 Orlando, Florida 32809 Jim Keene, County Manager Polk County Lynn Collins, Director Post Office Box 9005 Central Florida Visitors & Convention 330 West Church Street Bureau Bartow, Florida 33830 Post Office Box 8040 Cypress Gardens, Florida 33884-0009 Represented by: Ms. Gaye Sharp Karen Kaplan, Chair 4177 Ben Durrance Road Sierra Club, Polk Group Bartow, Florida 33898 Post Office Box 7544 Winter Haven, Florida 33883 Alton C. Morrell, Park Manager Lake Kissimmee State Park Represented by: 14248 Camp Mack Road Mr. Chuck Geanangel Lake Wales, Florida 33853 92 Lake Otis Road Winter Haven, Florida 33884 Kevin Grimes, Chair Polk Soil and Water Barbara Gordon, President Conservation District Ridge Audubon Society 1700 Highway 17 South 200 North Crooked Lake Bartow, Florida 33830 Babson Park, Florida 33827

Mr. Dwight Myers Tricia Martin, Program Director Florida Fish and Wildlife Lake Wales Ridge Program Conservation Commission The Nature Conservancy 42 Blue Jordan Road P.O. Box 630 Frostproof, Florida 33843 Babson Park, Florida 33859

Mark Hebb, District Manager, Represented by: Lakeland District Office Ms. Tabitha Biehl Florida Division of Forestry 155 Pfundstein Road 5745 South Florida Avenue Babson Park, Florida 33827 Lakeland, Florida 33813 Ken Williams, Chair Represented by: Florida Trail Association Patrick Keogh, Forester Heartland Chapter Florida Division of Forestry 1042 Success Avenue 1700 U.S. Highway 17 South Lakeland, Florida 33803 Bartow, Florida 33830

A 1 - 3 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Lake Kissimmee State Park Advisory Group Members

Represented by: Mr. William Broussard Ms. Vicki Bailey 502 East New Haven Avenue 11212 W. Beach Parkway Melbourne, Florida 32901 Lake Wales, Florida 33898 Mr. Gary Bartley Rae Gayer, President Future Farmers of America Foundation Florida Sport Horse Club 5000 Firetower Road 2077 West Lake Hamilton Drive Haines City, Florida 33844 Winter Haven, Florida 33881 Represented by: Mr. Bill Drasdo Marjorie Chandler 33 N Lakeshore Blvd. 5000 Firetower Road Lake Wales, FL 33853 Haines City, Florida 33844

A 1 - 4 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Lake Kissimmee State Park Advisory Group Staff Report

The Advisory Group meeting to review the proposed land management plans for Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park and Lake Kissimmee State Park was held at the Lake Wales Public Library on June 27, 2003. Gaye Sharpe represented Mr. Jim Keene, Dwight Myers represented Larry Campbell, Patrick Keogh represented Mark Hebb, Chuck Geanangel represented Karen Kaplan, Tabatha Biehl represented Tricia Martin, Vicki Bailey represented Ken Williams and Marjorie Chandler represented Gary Bartley. The Honorable Randy Wilkinson, Kevin Grimes, Lynn Collins, and Barbara Gordon did not attend. All other appointed Advisory Group members were present. Attending staff were Larry Fooks, Donald Forgione, Erik Egensteiner, Tony Morrell, Pat Mitchell and Michael Kinnison. A handful of citizens also attended the meeting.

Mr. Kinnison began the meeting by explaining the purpose of the advisory group and reviewing the meeting agenda. He also provided a brief overview of the Division's planning process and summarized public comments received during the previous evening’s public workshop. He then asked each member of the advisory group to express his or her comments on the plan.

Summary Of Advisory Group Comments

Patrick Keogh indicated he was supportive of the plans’ timber management analyses and did not recommend any changes.

David Birdsall recommended discussing what management actions are anticipated on lands identified on the Optimum Boundary Maps so that members of the public is not surprised when the state acquires additional land in the area. An example would be mentioning possible long- term lease agreement between the Division of Recreation and Parks and the South Florida Water Management District on lands known as the Kissimmee Lakes tract currently managed by the District. Chuck Geanangel asked about the degree of interagency coordination between existing land managers. Eric Egensteiner discussed examples of interagency cooperation, such as staff participation in the Lake Wales Ridge ecosystem working group.

Tony Morell expressed excitement at the potential for future restoration of Catfish Creek. He also thanked all other land managing organizations that have assisted with burning and other resource management activities at the parks.

Bill Drasdo asked about the State Park funding process and the implementation of management actions. Mr. Kinnison and Larry Fooks discussed the legislative budget process, alternative funding sources for smaller projects, and the way projects are prioritized. Mr. Egensteiner discussed grants and cost sharing options. Donald Forgione explained that management plans are long-term in nature, and include facilities and uses considered to develop a park optimally.

Mr. Kinnison provided an overview of facilities and uses being considered for the new addition to Catfish Creek Preserve that were not currently identified in the draft plan, such as an equestrian primitive camp area, trails and picnic facilities. Dwight Myers stated that he felt the plans were sufficiently detailed and covered all major points.

A 1 - 5 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Lake Kissimmee State Park Advisory Group Staff Report

designation and that it is a statutory requirement to be discussed in the plan. Mr. Broussard discussed his experience with pasture restoration and recommended a gradual, small scale approach to restoration using grazing, burning, limited replanting and natural recovery.

Rae Gayer expressed appreciation to all public land managers for access for equestrians. She was happy to hear about the proposed equestrian camping area and asked for clarification on the different types of trails at Catfish Creek Preserve. Mr. Mitchell explained that existing roads were used for trails. Mr. Kinnison added that the park contains some hiking-only trails in addition to miles of shared use trails. Ms. Gayer asked if primitive equestrian camping was being considered at Lake Kissimmee. Mr. Morrell indicated that the trail system was not long enough to support back country camping. Ms. Gayer discussed the facility requirements for equestrians, and indicated that stables would be appreciated, but that a place to tie-up horses, restrooms and water were of primary concern. She referred to the South Florida Water Management District’s DePuis Management Area as an example of a popular equestrian camping area.

Mr. Geanangel asked staff to clarify the reference to using crooked wood. Mr. Egensteiner explained that harvesting crooked wood was a cottage industry that supplies florists and usually involves rusty lyonia. Mr. Morrell added that the trees die back after burning scrub and harvesting them is a possible revenue source for the park.

Larry Fooks expressed the Division’s interest in opening a dialogue with the South Florida Water Management District regarding restoration of sod farms on the Rolling Meadows tract. He indicated that partnering with the District could help facilitate the use of land use proceeds from active sod farms and asked for assistance from the District in acquiring mitigation funding for some of the work.

Ms. Chandler raised concerns about airboat traffic and public safety on Catfish Creek and recommended being proactive in planning for recreational boating use before the creek is restored. Mr. Morrell stated that he would like to see the creek eventually limited to canoe and kayaking only. The advisory group members all supported limiting boating traffic to canoes and kayaks. Mr. Kinnison responded that staff would discuss how to approach the issue in the plan.

Summary Of Public Comments

Martha Sehi expressed support for restricting airboats on Catfish Creek if they posed a threat to public safety. She presented her ideas about future use and protection of Snodgrass Island, including establishing an onsite staff presence, conducting educational tours, and constructing an archaeology research center. Ms. Sehi also requested that she be sent a copy of Advisory Group staff report.

Staff Recommendations

Staff recommends approval of the proposed management plans for Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park and Lake Kissimmee State Park as presented with the

A 1 - 7 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Lake Kissimmee State Park Advisory Group Staff Report

Chuck Geanangel suggested the plans include some indication of priorities. He recommended making restoration and planning on the new addition to Catfish Creek Preserve and the expansion of staff higher priorities than developing cabins at Lake Kissimmee. Mr. Egensteiner and Mr. Morrell responded that individual parks do create their own priority lists of projects for use in requesting funds. Mr. Morrell added that maintaining the existing facilities and quality of resources at both parks would be a high priority.

Gaye Sharp complemented staff on the description of resources and management objectives to maintain and restore them in the plan. She recommended strengthening the hydrology section of the plan, noting that there was limited discussion on the restoration of Catfish Creek. She also asked for an explanation of the state’s Outstanding Florida Water designation. Mr. Egensteiner explained that all waters within a park used to be listed automatically, but now land managers have to apply to have a waterbody designated. He indicated that the Division intended to pursue an OFW designation for park waters. Marjorie Chandler asked about the implications for having a waterway designated. Mr. Kinnison responded that he would research and provide more information on the OFW program and its significance. Ms. Sharp asked what type of wastewater systems were preferred at the parks. Mr. Morrell indicated that flush toilets were preferred when conditions permitted their use.

Ms. Chandler expressed some concerns about the proposed trail connection to the Future Farmworkers of America (FFA) facility. Mr. Kinnison explained that this was not intended as a link for public use but to provide access to the park by visitors to the FFA facility. Ms. Chandler noted that the Optimum Boundary Map includes the FFA facility but that it was unlikely that the FFA would ever be interested in selling. She asked for an explanation of the intern bunkhouse concept in the Catfish Creek Preserve plan. Mr. Egensteiner discussed unmet resource management needs that could be worked on by interns housed on the Rolling Meadows tract. Ms. Chandler urged the park to consider approaching the FFA for short-term resident needs.

Vicki Bailey indicated that she had nothing new to add to the discussion.

Tabatha Biehl complemented staff on the content of the Resource Management Component, but echoed the need for some degree of prioritization of management actions to help measure success. She urged caution when using mechanical treatment for upland restoration due to the potential for impacts to listed skinks and recommended discussing in the plan. She also recommended discussing Japanese climbing fern as a potential exotic problem at the park due to its invasiveness.

William Broussard expressed his overall support for the plans and asked about plans for timber management. Mr. Egensteiner clarified that timber management was discussed as a short-term, resource management tool to restore an area that had been overgrown with a dense stand of slash pines. Mr. Broussard supported the use of cattle on pastures but stated that all leases should prohibit the use of fertilizers. He recommends closing and restoring some of the roads and trails on the older portion of the Preserve. Pat Mitchell responded that some roads have been closed but staff need to keep most open for fire management until the use of prescribed fire becomes more manageable. Mr. Broussard asked for a clarification of the Area of Critical State Concern designation. Mr. Kinnison explained the significance of this

A 1 - 6 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Lake Kissimmee State Park Advisory Group Staff Report following recommendations.

Optimum Boundary Maps The optimum boundary text will be revised to discusses the potential for the Division entering into a lease agreement for future management of the area known as the Kissimmee Lakes tract currently managed by the Water Management District.

Hydrology Text will be added that expands on the current discussion of the potential restoration of Catfish Creek. However, until further research is complete a detailed discussion of restoration is not possible. Plans are currently being developed to hire a consultant to do a hydrological restoration plan for Catfish Creek and the surrounding area including the sod farm.

Trail Planning Text will be added that clarifies that the proposed trail connection with the FFA facility is to provide access for FFA visitors to the park trails and not for general public access to FFA property.

Mechanical Treatment of Uplands Text will be added that discusses the need to consider potential impacts to listed skink species when using mechanical treatment methods for uplands restoration.

Exotics Text will be added that mentions the potential for Japanese climbing fern to invade park lands.

Recreational Use of Catfish Creek Catfish Creek is a windy, narrow waterway with the potential for conflicts between canoes/kayaks and motorboats. To address public safety concerns, the plan will be revised to recommend designating those portions of Catfish Creek within park boundaries for access by watercraft with non-combustion engines only. Park staff will coordinate implementation of this designation with the county, relevant law enforcement and other agencies with jurisdictional authority over navigable waters.

Snodgrass Island The Division of Recreation and Parks has entered into agreement with the Division of State Lands to serve as interim manager of Snodgrass Island until a permanent manager has been identified. Park staff will continue to periodically patrol the Island and perform caretaker functions such as clean-ups, exotic control, and leading special guided visits. However, the development of additional facilities, including a residence, should be pursued in the future by a permanent management entity.

A 1 - 8

Addendum 2—References Cited

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park References Cited

Brooks, H. K., 1981a. Physiographic Regions. FL Coop. Ext. Serv., Inst. Food Agric. Sci., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Brooks, H. K., 1981a. Geologic Map of Florida. FL Coop. Ext. Serv., Inst. Food Agric. Sci., Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), University of Florida. 2002. Florida Statistical Abstract 2002. Gainesville, FL Carr, R.S., 1994. Memo on file. Florida Department of State: Florida Master Site File. Tallahassee, FL. Fernald, E. A. and D. J. Patton. 1984. Water Resources Atlas of Florida. Institute of Science and Public Affairs, Florida State Univ., Tallahassee, FL. Fitzpatrick, J.W., G.E. Woolfenden, and M.T. Kopeny. 1991. Ecology and development-related habitat guidelines of the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescesns coerulescens). Fla. Nongame Wildl. Prog. Tech. Rept., no. 8, Tallahassee, FL. 49 pp. Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 1998. Catfish Creek Preserve Unit Plan. Tallahassee, FL. Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 2002. Florida State Park System Economic Impact Assessment for Fiscal Year 2001/2002. Tallahassee, FL Florida Department of State. Florida Master Site File: 8PO3866, 8PO5447, 8PO5448. Tallahassee, FL. Johnson, E. D., 2001. Pitcher Plants and Their Habitats in the Florida State Park System; Resource Conditions, Trends, and Management Needs. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, FL Johnson, E.D. 2003. Draft Document: The Florida scrub-jay in Florida state parks, status, trends, and an ecosystem approach to management and restoration needs. Resource Management Evaluation Report. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks, Tallahassee, FL Kelly, E.M., 1993. Natural Areas Protection Plan for the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Preserve. Prepared for The Nature Conservancy by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Brooksville, FL. Memory, M. and C. Newman. 1998. Inventory and Assessment of Cultural Resources on the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Preserve, Polk County, Florida. C.A.R.L. Archaeological Survey, Tallahassee, FL. Polk County. 2002. Polk County Comprehensive Plan 2002. Polk County, FL Stanton, W. 2001. Memo on file. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, FL. USDA, 1990. Soil Survey of Polk County, Florida. U.S. Dept. of Agric., Soil Cons. Serv., in cooperation with Univ. of Florida, Agric. Exper. Stations. U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. 2000. U. S. Census 2000. USFWS, 1990. Recovery Plan for the Florida Scrub - Jay. USFWS, Atlanta, GA. 23pp. USFWS, 1999. South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan. USFWS, Atlanta, GA.

A 2 - 1 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park References Cited

A 2 - 2 Addendum 3—Soils Descriptions

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Soils Descriptions

Pomona fine sand (map unit 7) is a poorly drained soil found in broad areas on flatwoods. Permeability of the Pomona fine sand is moderately slow and the slope of this soil is 0 to 2 percent. The available water capacity is low. The natural vegetation is mostly saw palmetto, slash pine, longleaf pine, South Florida slash pine, pineland threeawn, chalky bluestem, fetterbush lyonia, gallberry, and low panicums.

Malabar fine sand (map unit 10) is a poorly drained soil found in low, narrow to broad sloughs on flatwoods. Slopes are smooth to concave and are 0 to 2 percent. The malabar soil has a seasonal high water table within 12 inches of the surface for 2 to 4 months during most years. The available water capacity is low and permeability is very slow in the lower parts of the subsoil. The natural vegetation is cabbage palm, scattered longleaf pine, South Florida slash pine, slash pine, cypress, live oak, water oak, laurel oak, saw palmetto, waxmyrtle, pineland threeawn, and maidencane.

Samsula muck (map unit 13) is a very poorly drained organic soil found in swamps and marshes. Slopes are smooth and less than two percent. This Samsula soil has a seasonal high water table at or above the surface except during extended dry periods. The natural vegetation is mostly loblolly bay, cypress, red maple, blackgum, and other water-tolerant trees.

Sparr sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (map unit 14) is a somewhat poorly drained soil found in areas of seasonally wet uplands and knoll on flatwoods. Permeability is moderately slow or slow and the available water capacity is low. The natural vegetation is mostly oak, hickory, magnolia, sweetgum, slash pine, South Florida slash pine and longleaf pine. The understory includes gallberry, waxmyrtle, scattered saw palmetto, and pineland threeawn.

Tavares fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slope (map unit 15) is a moderately well drained soil on broad uplands and knolls on flatwoods. Slopes are smooth to convex. This Tavares soil has a seasonal high water table at a depth of 40 inches to 80 inches for several months in most years. The natural vegetation is mostly South Florida slash pine, slash pine, longleaf pine, turkey oak, bluejack oak, and post oak and an understory of wiregrass, creeping bluestem, lopsided iniangrass, hairy panicums, low panicums, and purple lovegrass.

Smyrna and Myakka fine sands (map unit 17) consist of poorly drained soils in broad areas on flatwoods. The Smyrna and Myakka soils have a seasonal high water table within 12 inches of the surface for one to four months in most years. The natural vegetation is mostly longleaf pine, slash pine, South Florida slash pine, saw palmetto, runner oak, gallberry, wax myrtle, wiregrass, and lyonia.

Floridana muck fine sand, depressional (map unit 19) is a very poorly drained soil that is found in depressional areas mostly on flatwoods with a slope of 0 to 2 percent. The soil has a surface layer that is 15 inches thick. The upper is black mucky fine sand and the lower is black fine sand. Permeability is very slow or slow and the available water capacity is moderate. The natural vegetation is mostly cypress, blackgum, bay, red maple, myrtle, pickerelweed, sedges, and water tolerant grasses.

Immokalee sand (map unit 21) is a poorly drained soil in broad areas of flatwoods. This soil has a seasonal high water table within 12 inches of the surface for one to four months in most years. The natural vegetation includes longleaf pine, South Florida slash pine, saw palmetto, gallberry, wax myrtle, oak, lyonia, and wiregrass.

A 3 - 1 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Soils Descriptions

Pomello fine sand (map unit 22) is a moderately well drained soil on low, broad ridges and low knolls on flatwoods. Slopes are smooth to convex and are 0 to 2 percent. This soil has aseasonal high water table at a depth of 24 to 40 inches for 1 to 4 months in most years. The natural vegetation is usually various scrub oaks, longleaf pine, sand pine, South Florida slash pine, slash pine, saw palmetto, lyonia, tarflower, and wiregrass.

Ona fine sand (map unit 23) is a poorly drained soil in broad areas on flatwoods. Slopes are smooth to concave and are 0 to 2 percent. This soil has a seasonal high water table within 12 inches of the surface for 1 to 4 months in most years. The natural vegetation is mostly longleaf pine, slash pine, South Florida slash pine, longleaf pine, saw palmetto, runner oak, gallberry, wax myrtle, wiregrass, and lyonia.

Placid and Myakka fine sands, depressional (map unit 25) consist of very poorly drained soils in depressions in flatwoods. This Placid soil is ponded for at least six months during most years. The Myakka soil has a seasonal high water table that is above the surface for about six months during most years. Most areas of the Placid and Myakka soils are vegetated by bay trees, scattered cypress, blackgum, St. Johnswort, maidencane, and other water-tolerant plants.

Pompano fine sand (map unit 30) is poorly drained soil is on broad, low flatwoods. Slopes are smooth to concave and are 0 to 2 percent. This soil has a seasonal high water table within a depth of 12 inches for 2 to 4 months during most years. The natural vegetation consists of widely spaced cypress, South Florida slash pine, and slash pine with an understory of saw pametto, creeping bluestem, lopsided indian grass, wiregrass, cordgrass, and panicums.

Adamsville fine sand (map unit 31) is a somewhat poorly drained soil found on low ridges in flatwoods and in low area on uplands. It has a seasonal high water table at a depth of 20 to 40 inches for two to six months during the year. Natural vegetation includes longleaf pine, slash pine, laurel oak, water oak and an understory of saw palmetto, wiregrass, bluestem and panicums.

Kaliga muck (map unit 32) is a poorly drained soil that is found in marshes and swamps, with a slope that is 0 to 2 percent. The soil has a black muck surface layer about 9 inches thick. Permeability is slow or very slow and the available water capacity is very high. The natural vegetation is mostly sweetbay, cypress, blackgum, Carolina ash, and red maple with an understory of saw grass, lilies, reeds, sedges, and wax myrtle.

Holopaw fine sand, depressional ( map unit 33) is a very poorly drained soil that is found in wet depressions on flatwoods with a slope that is 0 to 2 percent. Permeability is moderately slow and the available water capacity is low. The natural vegetation is dominantly cypress with a few scattered slash pine and cabbage palm.

Anclote mucky fine sand, depressional (map unit 34) is a very poorly drained soil that is found in depressions mostly bordering lakes throughout the county with a slope that is 0 to 2 percent. The soil has a surface layer that is black mucky fine sand to a depth of about 8 inches. Permeability is rapid and the available water capacity is very low. The natural vegetation is cypress, bay, Carolina ash, scattered cabbage palm, maple, and rushes.

Hontoon muck (map unit 35) is a very poorly drained soil in swamps and marshes. It has a seasonal high water table that is at or above the surface except during extended dry periods. The natural vegetation is bay trees, red maple, blackgum, and cypress with a ground cover of

A 3 - 2 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Soils Descriptions sawgrass, lilies, reeds, ferns, greenbrier, and other aquatic plants.

Basinger mucky fine sand, depressional (map unit 36) is as very poorly drained soil found in wet depressions on flatwoods. This soil is ponded for more than six months during most years. The vegetation includes broomsedge bluestem, chalky bluestem, maidencane, cutgrass, St. Johnswort, wiregrass, cypress, and other water-tolerant trees.

Electra fine sand (map unit 38) is a somewhat poorly drained soil is on low ridges on flatwoods. This soil has a seasonal high water table at a depth of about 24 to 40 inches for 1 to 4 months during most years. The available water capacity is low. Permeability is slow or very slow in the lower part of the subsoil. The natural vegetation is sand live oak, longleaf pine, slash pine, South Florida slash pine, sand pine,, running oak, saw palmetto, chalky bluestem, and indiangrass.

St. Johns sand (map unit 41) is a poorly drained soil found on low, broad flats and in sloughs on flatwoods. It is also on toe slopes in the ridge areas. Slopes are smooth to concave and are 0 to 2 percent. This soil has a seasonal high water table within 12 inches of the surface for 3 to 6 months during most years. The natural vegetation is mostly longleaf pine, slash pine, and South Floida slash pine with an understory of saw palmetto, gallberry, wax myrtle, huckleberry, wiregrass, St. Johnswort, maidencane, and St. Peterswort. Cutthroat grass is in the seep positions at the base of the slopes.

Astatula sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes (map unit 46) is an excessively drained soil found on sandy upland ridges. This soil does not have a water table within a depth of 72 inches. Permeability is very rapid. The natural vegetation includes bluejack oak, turkey oak, longleaf pine, sand pine, rosemary, wiregrass, bluestem and paspalum.

Duette fine sand (map unit 70) is a moderately well drained soil on low ridges in flatwoods. It has a seasonal high water table at a depth of four to six feet for one to four months during most years. The natural vegetation is mostly myrtle oak, Chapman’s oak, sand live oak, turkey oak, sand pine, and slash pine. The understory includes saw palmetto, runner oak, and wiregrass.

Narcoossee sand (map unit 74) is somewhat poorly drained soil on low hammocks and ridges on flatwoods. The seasonal high water table is at 24 to 40 inches for four to six months during most years. The natural vegetation is mostly water oak, live oak, laurel oak, cabbage palm, scattered pines, greenbrier, saw palmetto, wiregrass, creeping bluestem, and panicums.

Satellite sand (map unit 77) is a somewhat poorly drained soil on low knolls and ridges in flatwoods. Satellite soil has a seasonal high water table within a depth of 12 to 40 inches for two to six months in most years. The natural vegetation is mostly slash pine, saw palmetto, sand live oak, and wiregrass.

Archbold sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (map unit 83) is a moderately well drained soil found on uplands and knolls on flatwoods. Slopes are smooth to concave. This soil has a seasonal high water table at a depth of 42 to 60 inches for one to six months in most years and at a depth of 60 to 80 inches for most of the rest of the year. Permeability is very rapid. The natural vegetation is mostly sand pine, Chapman oak, myrtle oak, sand live oak, scrub hickory, saw palmetto, pricklypear, and scattered wiregrass.

Felda fine sand, frequently flooded (map unit 82) is a poorly drained soil that is found on the floodplains of well defined creeks and streams with a slope that is 0 to 1 percent. Permeability is

A 3 - 3 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Soils Descriptions

moderately rapid and the available water capacity is moderate. The natural vegetation is mostly red maple, water oak, cabbage palm, scattered pines, and many water tolerant grasses.

Basinger fine sand (map unit 87) is a poorly drained soil found in sloughs or poorly defined drainageways in flatwoods. It has a seasonal high water table within 12 inches of the surface for two to four months in most years. The natural vegetation is mostly wax myrtle, St. Johnswort, wiregrass, and scattered cypress and pines.

A 3 - 4 Addendum 4—Plant And Animal List

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Plants

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for designated species)

Red maple Acer rubrum Mimosa* Albizia julibrissin Chalky bluestem Andropogon virginicus var. glaucus Coral vine; Queen's jewels * Antigonon leptopus Wiregrass Aristida beyrichiana Corkscrew threeawn Aristida gyrans Curtiss' milkweed Asclepias curtissii 13,14 Pinewoods milkweed Asclepias humistrata Fewflower milkweed Asclepias lanceolata Savannah milkweed Asclepias pedicellata Butterflyweed; Butterfly milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Bigflower pawpaw Asimina obovata Smallflower pawpaw Asimina parviflora Netted pawpaw Asimina reticulata Whitetop aster; Pinebarren aster Aster reticulatus Whitetop aster; Dixie aster Aster tortifolius Coastalplain honeycombhead Balduina angustifolia Pineland wild indigo Baptisia lecontii Tarflower Bejaria racemosa Beggarticks; Romerillo Bidens alba Toothed midsorus fern Blechnum serrulatum Florida lady's nightcap Bonamia grandiflora 13 Densetuft hairsedge Bulbostylis ciliatifolia Ware's hairsedge Bulbostylis warei Ashe's calamint Calamintha ashei 13,14 American beautyberry Callicarpa americana Florida scrub roseling Callisia ornata Coastalplain chaffhead Carphephorus corymbosus Vanillaleaf Carphephorus odoratissimus Scrub hickory Carya floridana Pignut hickory Carya glabra Madagascar periwinkle * Catharanthus roseus Common buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Florida rosemary; Sand heath Ceratiola ericoides Alicia Chapmannia floridana Pigmy fringetree Chionanthus pygmaeus 13 White fringetree; Old-man's beard Chionanthus virginica Scrubland goldenaster Chrysopsis subulata Sweet orange * Citrus sinensis Deermoss Cladonia sp. Sweetscented pigeonwings Clitoria fragrans 13 Tread-softly; Finger-rot Cnidoscolus stimulosus Whitemouth dayflower Commelina erecta Yellowleaf hawthorn Crataegus flava

* Non-native Species A 4 - 1 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Plants

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for designated species)

Rabbitbells Crotalaria rotundifolia Silver croton; Healing croton Croton argyranthemus Pinebarren flatsedge Cyperus retrorsus Feay's prairieclover Dalea feayi Hemlock witchgrass Dichanthelium portoricense Poor joe; Rough buttonweed Diodia teres Common persimmon Diospyros virginiana Common water-hyacinth* Eichhorina crassipes Spikerush Eleocharis sp. Tall elephantsfoot Elephantopus elatus Elephantsfoot Elephantopus sp. Centipedegrass * Eremochloa ophiuroides Longleaf wild buckwheat Eriogonum longifolium 13,14 Dogtongue wild buckwheat Eriogonum tomentosum Fragrant eryngo Eryngium aromaticum Coralbean; Cherokee bean Erythrina herbacea Mohr's thoroughwort Eupatorium mohrii Roundleaf thoroughwort Eupatorium rotundifolium Lesser Florida spurge Euphorbia polyphylla Slender goldenrod Euthamia caroliniana Cottonweed; Plains snakecotton Froelichia floridana Elliott's milkpea Galactia elliottii Eastern milkpea Galactia regularis Downy milkpea Galactia volubilis Garberia Garberia heterophylla 13,14,15 Dwarf huckleberry Gaylussacia dumosa Yellow jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens Loblolly bay Gordonia lasianthus Rough hedgehyssop Gratiola hispida Flattop mille graines* Hedyotis corymbosa Clustered mille graine Hedyotis uniflora Pinebarren frostweed Helianthemum corymbosum Florida scrub frostweed Helianthemum nashii Water thyme* Hydrilla verticillata Sandweed; Peelbark St. John's-wort Hypericum fasciculatum St. Andrew's-cross Hypericum hypericoides Myrtleleaf St. John's-wort Hypericum myrtifolium Atlantic St. John's-wort Hypericum reductum Fourpetal St. John's-wort Hypericum tetrapetalum Fringed yellow stargrass Hypoxis juncea Carolina holly; Sand holly Ilex ambigua var. ambigua Dahoon holly Ilex cassine Inkberry; Gallberry Ilex glabra Scrub holly Ilex opaca var. arenicola 14

* Non-native Species A 4 - 2 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Plants

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for designated species)

Cogongrass * Imperata cylindrica Carolina indigo Indigofera caroliniana Juba's bush Iresine diffusa Virginia willow Itea virginica Cathedral bells; Life plant* Kalanchoe pinnata Sandspur; Ratany Krameria lanceolata Carolina redroot Lachnanthes caroliniana Whitehead bogbutton Lachnocaulon anceps Small's bogbutton Lachnocaulon minus Nodding pinweed Lechea cernua 14 Dickert's pinweed Lechea deckertii Pineland pinweed Lechea sessiliflora Piedmont pinweed Lechea torreyi Florida gayfeather Liatris ohlingerae 14 Shortleaf gayfeather Liatris tenuifolia Gopher apple Licania michauxii Canada toadflax Linaria canadensis Apalachicola toadflax Linaria floridana Primrosewillow Ludwigia sp. Skyblue lupine Lupinus diffusus Southern club-moss Lycopodiella appressa Rose-rush Lygodesmia aphylla Rusty staggerbush Lyonia ferruginea Coastalplain staggerbush Lyonia fruticosa Maleberry Lyonia ligustrina Fetterbush Lyonia lucida Piedmont staggerbush Lyonia mariana Sweetbay Magnolia virginiana Climbing hempvine Mikania scandens Sensitive brier Mimosa quadrivalvis var. angustata Florida sensitive brier Mimosa quadrivalvis var. floridana Southern bayberry; Wax myrtle Myrica cerifera Britton's beargrass Nolina brittoniana 13,14 Spatterdock; Yellow pondlily Nuphar lutea ssp. advena American white waterlily Nymphaea odorata Swamp tupelo Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora Woodsgrass; Basketgrass Oplismenus hirtellus Pricklypear Opuntia humifusa Scrub wild olive Osmanthus megacarpus Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea 26 Feay's palafox Palafoxia feayi Coastalplain palafox Palafoxia integrifolia Cutthroatgrass Panicum abscissum 37,41,42 Fall panicgrass Panicum dichotomiflorum var. bartowense

* Non-native Species A 4 - 3 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Plants

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for designated species)

Maidencane Panicum hemitomon Paper nailwort Paronychia chartacea 14 Coastalplain nailwort Paronychia herniarioides Virginia creeper; Woodbine Parthenocissus quinquefolia Thin paspalum Paspalum setaceum Red bay Persea borbonia var. borbonia Silk bay, scrub bay Persea borbonia var. humilis 14 Swamp bay Persea palustris Guinea-hen weed Petiveria alliacea Golden polypody Phlebodium aureum Florida false sunflower Phoebanthus grandiflorus Oak mistletoe Phoradendron leucarpum Wild pennyroyal Piloblephis rigida Sand pine Pinus clausa Slash pine Pinus elliottii Longleaf pine Pinus palustris Florida needlegrass Piptochaetium avenacioides Narrowleaf silkgrass Pityopsis graminifolia Resurrection fern Pleopeltis polypodioides var. michauxiana Paintedleaf; Fire-on-the-mountain Poinsettia cyathophora Slenderleaf clammyweed Polanisia tenuifolia Baldwin's milkwort Polygala balduinii Tall pinebarren milkwort Polygala cymosa Lewton's milkwort Polygala lewtonii 13,14 Orange milkwort Polygala lutea Yellow milkwort Polygala rugelii Florida jointweed Polygonella basiramia 14 Hairy jointweed Polygonella ciliata Largeflower jointflower Polygonella fimbriata Small's jointweed Polygonella myriophylla 14 October flower Polygonella polygama Rustweed; Juniperleaf Polypremum procumbens Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata Pink purslane; Kiss-me-quick Portulaca pilosa Chickasaw plum Prunus angustifolia Scrub plum Prunus geniculata 14 Black cherry Prunus serotina var. serotina Wild coffee Psychotria nervosa Bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum Blackroot Pterocaulon pycnostachyum Flamevine * Pyrostegia venusta Chapman's oak Quercus chapmanii Sand live oak Quercus geminata Bluejack oak Quercus incana

* Non-native Species A 4 - 4 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Plants

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for designated species)

Scrub oak Quercus inopina Turkey oak Quercus laevis Myrtle oak Quercus myrtifolia Water oak Quercus nigra Running oak Quercus pumila Virginia live oak Quercus virginiana Pale meadowbeauty Rhexia mariana Maid marian Rhexia nashii Nuttall's meadowbeauty Rhexia nuttallii Winged sumac Rhus copallinum Rose natalgrass* Rhynchelytrum repens Brownhair snoutbean Rhynchosia cinerea 15 Sandyfield beaksedge Rhynchospora megalocarpa Wright's beaksedge Rhynchospora wrightiana Rougeplant Rivina humilis Carolina wild petunia Ruellia caroliniensis Scrub palmetto Sabal etonia Cabbage palm Sabal palmetto Shortleaf rosegentian Sabatia brevifolia Largeflower rosegentian Sabatia grandiflora American cupscale Sacciolepis striata Grassy arrowhead Sagittaria graminea Broadleaf arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia Tropical sage; Blood sage Salvia coccinea Hooded pitcherplant Sarracenia minor 41 Pinescrub bluestem Schizachyrium niveum 14 Sand spike-moss Selaginella arenicola Saw palmetto Serenoa repens Yellow bristlegrass; Yellow foxtail Setaria parviflora Piedmont blacksenna Seymeria pectinata Common wireweed Sida acuta Tough bully Sideroxylon tenax Jeweled blueeyed grass Sisyrinchium xerophyllum Earleaf greenbrier Smilax auriculata Saw greenbrier Smilax bona-nox Coral greenbrier Smilax walteri Tropical soda apple* Solanum viarum Chapman's goldenrod Solidago odora var. chapmanii Seaside goldenrod Solidago sempervirens Sand cordgrass Spartina bakeri Pineland scalypink Stipulicida setacea Showy dawnflower Stylisma abdita 14,15 Hairy downflower Stylisma villosa Yellow hatpins Syngonanthus flavidulus

* Non-native Species A 4 - 5 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Animals

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for all species)

INVERTEBRATES

White peacock Anartia jatrophae guantanamo 13,14,41 Red-banded hairstreak Calycopis cecrops 13,14,41 Zarucco Duskywing Erynnis zarucco 13,14,41 Little yellow butterfly Eurema lisa 13,14,41 Zebra swallowtail Eurytides marcellus floridensis 13,14,41 Zebra long wing butterfly Heliconius charitonius tuckeri 13,14,41 Ceraunus Blue Heriargus ceraunus antbubastus 13,14,41 Buckeye butterfly Precis coenia 13,14,41 Eastern tiger swallowtail Papilio glaucus australis 13,14,41 Palamedes swallowtail Papilio palamedes 13,14,41 White M hairstreak Parrhasius m-album m-album 13,14,41 Whirlabout Polites vibex 13,14,41 Northern cloudywing Thorybes pylades 13,14,41 Painted lady Vanessa cardui 13,14,41 Variable dancer Argia fumipennis 29,42,46/47 Amanda's pennant Celithemis amanda 29,42,46/47

FISH

Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella 46/47,49 Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas 46/47,49 Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus 46/47,49 Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus 46/47,49 Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides 46/47,49

AMPHIBIANS

Oak toad Bufo quercicus 13,14,42 Southern cricket frog Acris gryllus gryllus 29,42,46/47,53 Southern chorus frog Pseudacris nigrita nigrita 29,41,42 Florida gopher frog Rana capito aesopus 13,14,29,49 Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 46/47,53 Pig frog Rana grylio 46/47,53 Florida leopard frog Rana utricularia 46/47

REPTILES

Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus 13,14 American alligator Alligator mississippiensis 46/47,49,53 Florida scrub lizard Sceloporus woodi 13,14 Green anole Anolis carolinensis carolinensis All Brown anole * Anolis sagrei sagrei All Six-lined racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus 14 Ground skink Scincella laterale 13,14 Sand skink Neoseps reynoldsi 13,14

* Non-native Species A 4 - 7 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Animals

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for all species)

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus 8,13,14,15 Southern black racer Coluber constrictor priapus 13,15,41,42 Eastern indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi 13,14 Corn snake Elaphe guttata guttata 26,41 Eastern coachwhip Masticophis flagellum flagellum 13,14 BIRDS

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps 29,42,46/47 Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus 51 Anhinga Anhinga anhinga 42 Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias 42,46/47,53 Great Egret Ardea alba 42,46/47,53 Snowy Egret Egretta thula 42,46/47,53 Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea 42,46/47,53 Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor 42,46/47,53 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 29,42 Green Heron Butorides striatus 29,33 White Ibis Eudocimus albus 53 Wood Stork Mycteria americana 53 Black Vulture Coragyps atratus All Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura All Wood Duck Aix sponsa 33,53 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 51,53 Mottled Duck Anas fulvigula 46/47,51 Blue-winged Teal Anas discors 51 Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis 51 Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus 46/47,51 Osprey Pandion haliaetus 33,51 Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus 33,41,53 Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus 33,51 Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus 41,51 Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus 13,14,15,41 Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii 13,14,15,41 Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus 13,14,15,41,42 Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus 33 Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 13,14,15,41,42 Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway 81 American Kestrel Falco sparverius 13,14,15 Merlin Falco columbarius 42,81 Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus 13,14,41 Purple Gallinule Porphyrula martinica 53 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 42,53 American Coot Fulica americana 51 Limpkin Aramus guarauna 33,53

* Non-native Species A 4 - 8 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Animals

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for all species)

Florida Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis pratensis 29,42 Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 42 Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca 42,46/47 Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes 42,46/47 Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria 42,46/47 Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla 42 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 29,42 Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura 13,14,41 Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina 13,14,41 Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus 13,14,41 Eastern Screech-Owl Otus asio 13,14,15,41 Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus 13,33,41 Barred Owl Strix varia 13,14,33,41 Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor 13,14,41 Chuck-will's-widow Caprimulgus carolinensis 13,14,41 Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica 13,14,41 Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon 33 Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus 13 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius 13,14,41 Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens 13,14,41 Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus 13,14,41 Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 13,14,41 Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus 26,33,41 Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens 13,41 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris 13,33 Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens 13,33 Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe 13,14,81 Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus 13,14,41 Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus 81 Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus 14,81 White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus 13,14,15,33,41 Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons 26,33 Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius 13,26,33,41 Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus 26,33,41 Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata 13,14,15 Florida Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma coerulescens 14 American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos 13,14,15,41 Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus 33 Purple Martin Progne subis 42,81 Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor 42,51,81 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 42,51,81 Tufted Titmouse Parus bicolor 13,14,15,51 Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus 13,14,15,41,81 House Wren Troglodytes aedon 13,14,41

* Non-native Species A 4 - 9 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Animals

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for all species)

Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis 29,42 Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula 13,33,41 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea 13,33,41 Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis 41 Veery Catharus fuscescens 13,15 Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus 33,41 American Robin Turdus migratorius 26,33,41 Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis 14,33,41 Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 13,14,41,81 Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum 13,41 European Starling * Sturnus vulgaris 81 Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata 13 Northern Parula Parula americana 26,33,41 Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina 41 Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens 14,33,41 Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata 14,33,41 Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens 14,33,41 Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca 15 Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica 41 Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus 13,15,41 Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor 41 Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum 13,15,41 Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata 15 Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia 13,14,33,41 American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla 13,14,33,41 Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea 33 Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus 14,33,41 Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis 33 Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas 29,42 Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina 33,41 Summer Tanager Piranga rubra 41 Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus 13,14,15,41 Bachman's Sparrow Aimophila aestivalis 41 Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina 29,42,81 Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis 42,81 Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana 33,42 Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 13,14,15,41,81 Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus 29,42,51 Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna 42,81 Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula 14,81 Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major 42,81 Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula 41 American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis 13,41

* Non-native Species A 4 - 10 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Plants

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for designated species)

Bald-cypress Taxodium distichum Scurf hoarypea Tephrosia chrysophylla Florida hoarypea Tephrosia florida Goat's rue Tephrosia virginiana Ballmoss Tillandsia recurvata Southern needleleaf Tillandsia setacea Spanish moss Tillandsia usneoides Giant airplant Tillandsia utriculata Eastern poison ivy Toxicodendron radicans Bluejacket; Ohio spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis Longleaf spiderwort Tradescantia roseolens Greater marsh St.John's-wort Triadenum walteri Forked bluecurls Trichostema dichotomum Broadleaf cattail Typha latifolia Caesarweed* Urena lobata Old-man's-beard Usnea sp. Bladderwort Utricularia sp. Highbush blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum Darrow's blueberry Vaccinium darrowii Shiny blueberry Vaccinium myrsinites Deerberry Vaccinium stamineum White crownbeard; frostweed Verbesina virginica Muscadine Vitis rotundifolia Netted chain fern Woodwardia areolata Virginia chain fern Woodwardia virginica Tallow wood; Hog plum Ximenia americana Fringed yelloweyed grass Xyris fimbriata Yelloweyed grass Xyris sp. Spanish bayonet; Aloe yucca* Yucca aloifolia Adam's needle Yucca filamentosa Wild lime; Lime pricklyash Zanthoxylum fagara

* Non-native Species A 4 - 6 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Animals

Primary Habitat Codes Common Name Scientific Name (for all species)

MAMMALS

Florida black bear Ursus americanus 14,26,41 Raccoon Procyon lotor 41,26,53,81 Coyote* Canis latrans 13,14,41,81 Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus 13,14,41,81 Florida panther Puma concolor coryi 13,14,26,41 Bobcat Felis rufus 14,26,41 Gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 13,14,15,26,41,81 Sherman's fox squirrel Sciurus niger shermani 13,14,15,41 Cotton mouse Peromyscus gossypinus 14,15,41,42 Florida mouse Podomys floridanus 14 Hispid cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus 8,13,42 Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus 15,41,81 Wild pig * Sus scrofa 14,81 White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus 14,81 Nine-banded armadillo * Dasypus novemcinctus 14,81

* Non-native Species A 4 - 11 Habitat Codes

Terrestrial Lacustrine 1. Beach Dune 46. Flatwood/Prairie Lake 2. Bluff 47. Marsh Lake 3. Coastal Berm 48. River Floodplain Lake 4. Coastal Rock Barren 49. Sandhill Upland Lake 5. Coastal Strand 50. Sinkhole Lake 6. Dry Prairie 51. Swamp Lake

7. Maritime Hammock Riverine 8. Mesic Flatwoods 52. Alluvial Stream 9. Coastal Grasslands 53. Blackwater Stream 10. Pine Rockland 54. Seepage Stream 11. Prairie Hammock 55. Spring-Run Stream 12. Rockland Hammock 13. Sandhill Estuarine 14. Scrub 56. Estuarine Composite Substrate 15. Scrubby Flatwoods 57. Estuarine Consolidated Substrate 16. Shell Mound 58. Estuarine Coral Reef 17. Sinkhole 59. Estuarine Grass Bed 18. Slope Forest 60. Estuarine Mollusk Reef 19. Upland Glade 61. Estuarine Octocoral Bed 20. Upland Hardwood Forest 62. Estuarine Sponge Bed 21. Upland Mixed Forest 63. Estuarine Tidal Marsh 22. Upland Pine Forest 64. Estuarine Tidal Swamp 23. Xeric Hammock 65. Estuarine Unconsolidated Substrate

66. Estuarine Worm Reef Palustrine 24. Basin Marsh Marine 25. Basin Swamp 67. Marine Algal Bed 26. Baygall 68. Marine Composite Substrate 27. Bog 69. Marine Consolidated Substrate 28. Bottomland Forest 70. Marine Coral Reef 29. Depression Marsh 71. Marine Grass Bed 30. Dome 72. Marine Mollusk Reef 31. Floodplain Forest 73. Marine Octocoral Bed 32. Floodplain Marsh 74. Marine Sponge Bed 33. Floodplain Swamp 75. Marine Tidal Marsh 34. Freshwater Tidal Swamp 76. Marine Tidal Swamp 35. Hydric Hammock 77. Marine Unconsolidated Substrate 36. Marl Prairie 78. Marine Worm Reef

37. Seepage Slope Subterranean 38. Slough 79. Aquatic Cave 39. Strand Swamp 80. Terrestral Cave 40. Swale

41. Wet Flatwoods Miscellaneous 42. Wet Prairie 81. Ruderal Lacustrine 82. Developed

43. Clastic Upland Lake MTC Many Types 44. Coastal Dune Lake Of Communities 45. Coastal Rockland Lake OF Overflying

A 4 - 12 Addendum 5—Designated Species List

Rank Explanations For FNAI Global Rank, FNAI State Rank, Federal Status And State Status

The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Heritage Program Network (of which FNAI is a part) define an element as any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment, such as a species,natural community,bird rookery,spring,sinkhole,cave,or other ecological feature. An element occurrence (EO) is a single extant habitat that sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a population or a distinct,self-sustaining example of a particular element.

Using a ranking system developed by The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Heritage Program Network,the Florida Natural Areas Inventory assigns two ranks to each element. The global rank is based on an element's worldwide status; the state rank is based on the status of the element in Florida. Element ranks are based on many factors,the most important ones being estimated number of Element occurrences,estimated abundance (number of individuals for species; area for natural communities),range,estimated adequately protected EOs,relative threat of destruction,and ecological fragility.

Federal and State status information is from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (animals),and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (plants),respectively.

FNAI GLOBAL RANK DEFINITIONS

G1 = Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer occurrences or less than 1000 individuals) or because of extreme vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor. G2 = Imperiled globally because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences or less than 3000 individuals) or because of vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor. G3 = Either very rare and local throughout its range (21-100 occurrences or less than 10,000 individuals) or found locally in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction of other factors. G4 = apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range) G5 = demonstrably secure globally GH = of historical occurrence throughout its range,may be rediscovered (e.g.,ivory-billed woodpecker) GX = believed to be extinct throughout range GXC = extirpated from the wild but still known from captivity or cultivation G#? = tentative rank (e.g.,G2?) G#G# = range of rank; insufficient data to assign specific global rank (e.g.,G2G3) G#T# = rank of a taxonomic subgroup such as a subspecies or variety; the G portion of the rank refers to the entire species and the T portion refers to the specific subgroup; numbers have same definition as above (e.g.,G3T1) G#Q = rank of questionable species - ranked as species but questionable whether it is species or subspecies; numbers have same definition as above (e.g.,G2Q) G#T#Q = same as above,but validity as subspecies or variety is questioned. GU = due to lack of information,no rank or range can be assigned (e.g.,GUT2). G? = not yet ranked (temporary) S1 = Critically imperiled in Florida because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer occurrences or less than 1000 individuals) or because of extreme vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man- made factor. S2 = Imperiled in Florida because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences or less than 3000 individuals) or because of vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor. S3 = Either very rare and local throughout its range (21-100 occurrences or less than 10,000 individuals) or found locally in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction of other factors. S4 = apparently secure in Florida (may be rare in parts of range) S5 = demonstrably secure in Florida SH = of historical occurrence throughout its range,may be rediscovered (e.g.,ivory-billed woodpecker) SX = believed to be extinct throughout range SA = accidental in Florida,i.e.,not part of the established biota SE = an exotic species established in Florida may be native elsewhere in North America SN = regularly occurring,but widely and unreliably distributed; sites for conservation hard to determine SU = due to lack of information,no rank or range can be assigned (e.g.,SUT2). S? = not yet ranked (temporary)

A 5 - 1 Rank Explanations For FNAI Global Rank, FNAI State Rank, Federal Status And State Status

LEGAL STATUS

N = Not currently listed,nor currently being considered for listing,by state or federal agencies. FEDERAL (Listed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - USFWS)

LE = Listed as Endangered Species in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Defined as any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. PE = Proposed for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants as Endangered Species. LT = Listed as Threatened Species. Defined as any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the near future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. PT = Proposed for listing as Threatened Species. C = Candidate Species for addition to the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Defined as those species for which the USFWS currently has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threats to support proposing to list the species as endangered or threatened. E(S/A) = Endangered due to similarity of appearance. T(S/A) = Threatened due to similarity of appearance.

STATE

Animals (Listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - FFWCC)

LE = Listed as Endangered Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species,subspecies,or isolated population which is so rare or depleted in number or so restricted in range of habitat due to any man-made or natural factors that it is in immediate danger of extinction or extirpation from the state,or which may attain such a status within the immediate future. LT = Listed as Threatened Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species,subspecies,or isolated population which is acutely vulnerable to environmental alteration,declining in number at a rapid rate,or whose range or habitat is decreasing in area at a rapid rate and as a consequence is destined or very likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future. LS = Listed as Species of Special Concern by the FFWCC. Defined as a population which warrants special protection,recognition,or consideration because it has an inherent significant vulnerability to habitat modification,environmental alteration,human disturbance,or substantial human exploitation which,in the foreseeable future,may result in its becoming a threatened species.

Plants (Listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - FDACS)

LE = Listed as Endangered Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. Defined as species of plants native to the state that are in imminent danger of extinction within the state,the survival of which is unlikely if the causes of a decline in the number of plants continue,and includes all species determined to be endangered or threatened pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973,as amended. LT = Listed as Threatened Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. Defined as species native to the state that are in rapid decline in the number of plants within the state,but which have not so decreased in such number as to cause them to be endangered.

A 5 - 2 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Designated Species Plants

Common Name/ Designated Species Status Scientific Name FDA USFWS FNAI

Curtiss' milkweed Asclepias curtissii E Florida lady's nightcap Bonamia grandiflora E T S3 Ashe's calamint Calamintha ashei T MC S3 Pigmy fringetree Chionanthus pygmaeus E E S3 Sweetscented pigeonwings Clitoria fragrans E T S3 Longleaf wild buckwheat Eriogonum longifolium E T S3 Garberia Garberia heterophylla T Nodding pinweed Lechea cernua T S3 Florida gayfeather Liatris ohlingerae E E S3 Britton's beargrass Nolina brittoniana E E S3 Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea CE Cutthroatgrass Panicum abscissum E MC S3 Paper nailwort Paronychia chartacea E T S3 Lewton's milkwort Polygala lewtonii E E S3 Florida jointweed Polygonella basiramia E E S3 Small's jointweed; Woody wireweed Polygonella myriophylla E E S3 Scrub plum Prunus geniculata E E S3 Hooded pitcherplant Sarracenia minor T Pinescrub bluestem Schizachyrium niveum E MC S1 Showy dawnflower Stylisma abdita E S3 Giant airplant Tillandsia utriculata E

A 5 - 3 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Designated Species Animals

Common Name/ Designated Species Status Scientific Name FFWCC USFWS FNAI

AMPHIBIANS

Florida gopher frog Rana capito aesopus SSC S3

REPTILES

Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus SSC S3 American alligator Alligator mississippiensis SSC T(S/A) S4 Florida scrub lizard Sceloporus woodi S3 Sand skink Neoseps reynoldsi T T S2 Eastern diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus S3 Eastern indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi T T S3

BIRDS

Great Egret Ardea alba S4 Snowy Egret Egretta thula SSC S3 Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea SSC S4 Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor SSC S4 White Ibis Eudocimus albus SSC S4 Wood Stork Mycteria americana E E S2 Osprey Pandion haliaetus S3S4 Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus S2 Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus E E S2 Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T T S3 Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii S3 Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus S1 Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway T T S2 Merlin Falco columbarius S2 Limpkin A 5 - 4 Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Designated Species Animals

Common Name/ Designated Species Status Scientific Name FFWCC USFWS FNAI

Aramus guarauna SSC S3 Florida Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis pratensis T S2S3 Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus S3 Florida Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma coerulescens T T S2 American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla S2 Bachman's Sparrow Aimophila aestivalis S3

MAMMALS

Florida black bear Ursus americanus T S2 Florida panther Puma concolor coryi E E S1 Sherman's fox squirrel Sciurus niger shermani SSC S3 Florida mouse Podomys floridanus SSC S3

A 5 - 5

Addendum 6—Timber Management Analysis

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Timber Management Analysis

Prepared by: Michael M. Penn Senior Forester, Florida Division of Forestry

Purpose. This document is intended to fulfill the timber assessment requirement for Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park (CCSP) as required by Section 253.036, Florida Statutes. The goal of this Timber Assessment is to evaluate the potential and feasibility of utilizing silvicultural techniques in assisting managers in achieving objectives at CCSP.

Forest Resource Background and History. The property was originally purchased by the Nature Conservancy then sold to the State in 1991. The State has since purchased adjoining property and the park now consists of 3,968 acres. Historical records show timber on CCSP was harvested in the past. Cattle ranching was also a major use of this property prior to purchase by the Nature Conservancy.

While there are no legal statutes that constrain the use of CCSP, it is currently designated for single-use management with public outdoor recreation as the primary use. Other uses will be considered on a case-by-case basis as for compatibility with the parks recreation and resource preservation purposes.

This park is located on the eastern edge of the Lake Wales Ridge topographic region and contains many rare plant and animal species. These ecosystems are considered to be some of the most rare and unique communities in Florida and CCSP contains some of the largest, contiguous intact acreage of these scrub ecotypes.

Of the Goals and Objectives listed in the 1998 Unit Management Plan (UMP), only one relates directly to timber management. It is to, “Implement a prescribed burn program in an effort to restore fire-type communities”.

Prescribed burning has been the major management tool on the area since purchase by the state. Burning intervals are planned on various rotations depending on the vegetation type. The last several years has seen a dramatic increase in the use of prescribed fire for restoration purposes, especially in the scrub areas.

Scrub. Currently, 1,453 acres of CCSP are classified as scrub in the 1998 UMP. It appears that these areas are a mixture of true scrub and scrubby sandhills mixing inconspicuously. The scrub areas on CCSP are variable with regard to successional stage with a large portion existing as mature scrub with larger oak species occupying the overstory. Other areas contain a distinct sand pine component while others have a few longleaf pine scattered throughout. A considerable amount of this area has very little or no pine component making ecological distinctions difficult. The lacking overstory may be natural but also may be caused by one or combination of the following; unscrupulous timber harvesting, cattle grazing or many years of fire exclusion. Managers have actively been introducing prescribed fire into the area for the last 5 – 7 years and have been successful in returning some areas back to an early successional stage.

Timber Resources. Timber resources within the scrub communities are presently limited to a few small pockets of mature sand pine and in some instances, widely scattered longleaf pine. Estimates derived from aerial photos and GIS software show only 16 acres with merchantable size classes of sand pine. These are located south of Catfish Creek. There is also undetermined acreage of premerchantable sand pine within CCSP that have potential for future timber production if allowed to grow. Prior to implementation of any management activity within the scrub on CCSP, the presence of rare and endangered plant and animal species must be taken into account.

A 6 - 3

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Timber Management Analysis

Management Options

1) Do Nothing – Mature scrub will pretty much remain in the same climax condition as it is now unless some sort of natural disturbance (fire) occurs to reset the successional cycle back to zero. Other successional stages will continue to move toward ecological climax unless a natural disturbance occurs.

2) Timber Management Emphasis – Due to the distance from pulp mills and the relatively low quality of sand pine for wood fiber products, Timber Management would not be a reasonable option within this area. Managing the scrub on CCSP strictly for timber would also be incompatible with management objectives of the park. 3) Ecosystem Management (Restoration) Emphasis – The goal of this philosophy is to eventually achieve a mix of successional stages throughout the area to ensure habitat diversity. Managers must take into account the surrounding area and it’s biological make up to assess the best distribution and percentage of these habitat types while keeping in mind that they will always be changing. Options or tools to achieve this objective are many and none should be discarded arbitrarily. Prescribed fire is the most logical tool to set back successional trends but it may not always be effective, especially in the overgrown scrub. Mechanical methods, such as roller chopping in combination with prescribed fire may provide better results. Areas with a sand pine component can be allowed to mature and then brought back in succession through timber harvests. The desired percentage of each successional stage will determine when and where to cut. This management tool has the added benefit of producing revenue to the park for other management activities. Other management tools to consider are the use of herbicides, mowing, KG blading, and planting or direct seeding of desired species.

Since a large portion of the scrub is lacking pine trees, it may be prudent to attempt regeneration of longleaf and/or sand pine. One option would be to direct seed small strips or patches in areas recently prescribed burned. Reasons for seeding in strips and/or patches are two-fold. One, it can be used as a test to see if regeneration is successful and, two, the overall openness of the area can be maintained for scrub jay habitat. Areas that already have scattered longleaf pine and the turkey oak ridges would be suitable for longleaf pine while other areas being suitable for sand pine.

Sandhill. Currently 478 acres on CCSP are classified as sandhill in the 1998 UMP. These estimates are derived through aerial photo interpretation and GIS software. These areas are almost entirely late successional (mature oak with very little pine existing in the overstory). The acreage of sand hill could possibly be greater once closer on-the-ground inspections are conducted because it is difficult to discern mature scrubby sandhill from mature scrub from photos.

Management Options 1) Do Nothing – Mature sandhill will remain in the same climax condition as it is now unless some sort of natural disturbance (catastrophic fire) occurs to reset the successional cycle back to zero. 2) Ecosystem Management (Restoration) Emphasis – This is the only viable option for managing the degraded sand hills at the current time. Since introducing fire into this area may be impossible except in only the most extreme conditions due to the nonexistent ground cover, some type of mechanical or chemical treatment is necessary to control the oak overstory. Once the oak overstory has been controlled, ground vegetation will begin to rebound and longleaf pine regeneration can be initiated by planting or direct seeding. Prescribed fire then can be safely introduced into the system. It may be prudent to plan this restoration in stages rather than attempt to restore the entire area at one time.

Flatwoods (Scrubby, Mesic and Wet). The scrubby, mesic and wet flatwoods on CCSP often are difficult to discern as they have been altered by previous uses and often intermix inconspicuously. For these reasons, they will be discussed together. A 6 - 4

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Timber Management Analysis

Timber Resources. The following description of the timber resource within the flatwoods has been generalized due to time and manpower constraints. The reader should be aware that all acreage figures are “best estimates” using aerial photos and GIS software. Density estimates are based on a small number of sample points and do not withstand statistical scrutiny. A more intensive survey would be beneficial to more accurately portray the timber resource for long range planning purposes.

These community types comprise 2,087 acres on Allen David Broussard State Preserve Park as estimated in the 1998 UMP. Of these, 435 acres currently exhibit timber densities high enough to make timber harvests feasible. These higher density stands exist as small to large strands and pockets of timber (4 to 75 acres) located adjacent to marshes and river bottoms. These are mostly wet flatwoods and are composed of a moderate to dense overstory of South Florida slash pine. Understory vegetation varies from stand to stand depending on past fire regime. Pine basal areas range from 60-120 sq ft/acre with the average being 90 sq ft/acre. Volumes per acre are generally high, averaging well over 20 cords/acre. The product mix is heavy to sawtimber with pulpwood being mostly topwood and a few suppressed trees.

The less dense stands occur through out the park and appear to be in good ecological condition. Some of these stands have a ground cover of rare cutthroat grass. Densities range from 10-70 sq ft/acre basal area with the average being around 40.

Management Options Management of these areas with methods other than prescribed fire will be difficult at this time due to access problems and political concerns.

1) Do Nothing – Areas with higher densities of timber will continue to grow but at a much slower rate becoming more susceptible to insect, disease and wildfire. Wildfire is a major threat to the pine component of some of these areas due to the lack of fire and high fuel buildups. Eventually, the pine component will succumb to old age and will eventually disappear unless conditions at some point become favorable for natural regeneration. The less dense stands will continue to grow and increase in basal area, in time, becoming overstocked increasing potential for insect, disease and wildfire. 2) Timber Management Emphasis – There may be certain areas within the flatwoods communities that could be managed for timber revenue. This option will be discussed briefly as managing this vegetation type strictly for timber would conflict with objectives found in the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Preserve Park UMP. It is included here only to make the reader aware of the various alternatives available for managing the area. It is not expected or recommended that the pine communities be managed in this manner unless on a very small scale.

These stands will need to be thinned when live crowns in the majority of the dominant and co- dominant trees have been reduced to approximately 1/3 of their total height. This will help ensure a healthy stand of trees. These stands should be thinned back to 60 – 80 sq. ft. BA per acre each time they reach 100 sq. ft. BA per acre or more. An added benefit of opening up the canopy is that more sunlight will reach the forest floor increasing the amount of flora and fauna. Once the stand has reached maturity, it can be harvested then planted or naturally regenerated.

3) Ecosystem Management (Restoration) Emphasis – For the more dense stands this option is similar to the Timber Management Emphasis above, however, this strategy gradually transitions the stand back even further to 30-50 sq. ft. BA per acre through a series of thinnings. This strategy will increase the amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor, increasing the amount and variety of flora and fauna species. Over time, this method will increase the uneven-aged character of the stands, which will benefit native species. A variety of thinning methods can be utilized. Thinning A 6 - 5

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Timber Management Analysis options to consider are: normal thinning with relatively even spacing, group selection, group seed tree, or a combination of all three. Natural regeneration should become established without much difficulty after harvest if the ground becomes sufficiently scarified.

Miscellaneous Forest Products. There are areas within the scrub component at CCSP that have an abundance of Lyonia spp. These areas are currently on a prescribed burn rotation. This material, sometimes called “crooked wood” or “dragon wood”, is valued as stems for artificial trees and plants. Areas to be burned could be harvested prior to these operations and the revenue could be used to help offset management costs.

Access. Areas of timber located north of Catfish Creek are mostly inaccessible for a customary logging operation due to hilly topography and sandy roads. Major road reconstruction would be required to access most of the timber there. Issues with adjacent landowners are deterrents from accessing the timber south of Catfish Creek. One owner runs an ostrich farm and heavy truck traffic negatively affects his operation. Access to the southeastern corner of the property is good although there is currently very little merchantable timber. Improving the road system on the northern portion of the park will not only improve access for timber harvests, but also improve access for other management and recreational activities. Revenue from timber harvests could be used to pay for needed roadwork on CCSP.

Prescribed Fire. Prescribed fire is an important tool for ecosystem management in Florida. Before European settlement, natural fires occurred at regular intervals on an average of two to five years. These fires reduced the fuel load, produced a seedbed for pine regeneration and released nutrients back into the soil. Prescribed fire, coupled with a well-planned timber harvest, is often the most economical and responsible method for conducting ecosystem management. Managers at CCSP have been actively prescribed burning the area since it was purchased by the State and burns have taken place mostly in the scrub communities. Since there is already an active burn program in place on CCSP, this document will briefly discuss prescribed fire only as it relates to timber management.

Some flatwoods stands on CCSP exhibit unnaturally heavy fuel buildup due to lack of fire. These areas are generally found in the wet flatwoods areas and on the boundaries between mesic/scrubby flatwoods and wet flatwoods where fire has been less frequent due to higher moisture levels. This also occurs when fire has been excluded for many years. In these types of areas it would be risky to attempt burning without first implementing some kind of mechanical treatment. One option would be to thin the area first and then conduct a series of cool backing fires at frequent intervals (every 1-2 years) until it becomes safe to conduct more aggressive growing season burns. Again, a series of cool backing fires should be implemented until eventually the fuel loads become more manageable.

The major objective when prescribed burning in timber should be minimal mortality of the trees. Historic natural fires caused very little tree mortality except in small seedlings because they burnt mostly on the fine fuels of wiregrass and pine straw. South Florida slash pine is more intolerant to fire than longleaf pine, especially during the seedling stage when longleaf pine is in the grass stage. Both species are susceptible to fire caused mortality for several years after initiation of height growth. Therefore, burning intervals should be adjusted until the majority of the trees grow out of the susceptible stage. One study suggests that once seedlings surpass 1.5 inches diameter 6 inches above the ground, most will survive, providing the fire is cool. (Johansen, R.W. and Wade, D.D. 1987). When burning, even in mature timber, it must be kept in mind that not all fire is good. A hot fire may not initially kill trees, but will stress them enough to dramatically increase their susceptibility to insect and disease attack. This is especially true when combined with other stresses, such as drought or flood.

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Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Timber Management Analysis

Economics. It is difficult to predict with any certainty the amount of revenue that can be derived through timber harvests on Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park. Market conditions, harvest prescriptions, product mix, logging conditions and distance to manufacturing facilities all play a factor in stumpage prices. It becomes even more difficult when trying to predict what future timber markets will be. Although economics are hard to predict, they must be analyzed before making any management decision.

CCSP is located in east central Polk County and is approximately 3.5 hours to major wood processing facilities in Palatka, Florida. This is a long distance to haul timber, especially pulpwood. There are other wood processing facilities closer than Palatka but quotas are not as dependable. Stumpage prices are low at this time, especially for pulpwood. This is due in part to the flood of material into the markets the last several years from salvage fire and bug damaged wood. Even though the distance is great and the markets are low, it is reasonable to expect viable bids on this timber. This is due to the quality of timber on CCSP and by the fact that timber was sold on Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area in the last year. Three Lakes is about the same distance to Palatka as CCSP. When timber markets improve, restoration efforts on CCSP can be expected to become even more viable.

Summary. Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park has approximately 2,087 acres of flatwoods, of which, 435 exhibit stocking levels higher than what is considered healthy by ecological standards. It is possible to manage almost all the flatwoods (scrubby, mesic and wet) on CCSP in such a manner as to retain the natural appearance, meet objectives stated in the UMP, and produce revenue through timber harvests. The largest obstacle to preventing this at this time is poor road access for heavy truck traffic due to steep, sandy roads.

The scrub communities are currently in the process of being restored through prescribed fire. This process should continue but there are areas that mechanical methods may also be necessary due to the difficulty of burning these areas. There is opportunity to cut restoration expenses within the scrub communities by letting crooked wood cutters harvest usable Lyonia spp prior to scheduled prescribed burns. Pine trees, both longleaf and sand pine may be unnaturally absent from much of the area and regeneration of these species through direct seeding might be warranted.

The sand hill community is in severe need of restoration and like some of the scrub, mechanical and/or chemical treatments in conjunction with prescribed fire are necessary to begin the restoration process. Longleaf pine can then be reintroduced through planting or direct seeding.

Distance from wood processing facilities and current wood markets may make restoration activities on CCSP less than optimal but similar sales have showed there is still a valid monetary interest in timber from this distance.

Literature Cited

Johansen, R.W. and Wade, D.D. 1987. An insight into thinning young slash pine stands with fire, pp 103-106. In: Douglas R. Phillips (comp.) Proceedings of the Forth Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference; 1986 November 4-6; Atlanta, GA. USDA Forest Service Southeastern Forest Experiment Station General Technical Report, SE-42.

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Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Timber Management Analysis

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Addendum 7—Priority Schedule And Cost Estimates

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park Priority Schedule And Cost Estimate

Estimates are developed for the funding and staff resources needed to implement the management plan based on goals, objectives and priority management activities. Funding priorities for all state park management and development activities are reviewed each year as part of the Division’s legislative budget process. The Division prepares an annual legislative budget request based on the priorities established for the entire state park system. The Division also aggressively pursues a wide range of other funds and staffing resources, such as grants, volunteers, and partnerships with agencies, local governments and the private sector for supplementing normal legislative appropriations to address unmet needs. The ability of the Division to implement the specific goals, objectives and priority actions identified in this plan will be determined by the availability of funding resources for these purposes.

Resource Management

1. Continue a prescribed burn program in an effort to restore fire-type communities. 0-10 years. Estimated Cost: $ 20,000. 2. Implement inventory and monitoring programs for rare plants and animals. 0-2 years. Estimated Cost: $ 25,000. 3. Aggressively pursue the removal and monitoring of exotic species, in particular feral hogs, category 1 plants focusing on cogongrass as well as Old world climbing fern and Japanese climbing fern. 0-10 years. Estimated Cost: $ 30,000. 4. Encourage scientific research at the preserve. 0-3 years. Estimated Cost: $ 5,000. 5. Monitor and track the Florida scrub-jay population as well as other designated species (includes salary for half-time OPS biologist). Estimated Cost: $ 12,000/year reoccurring. 6. Establish perimeter firelines where needed (approximately 6.7 miles). 0-2 years. Estimated Cost: $ 20,000. 7. Increase reporting of wildlife observations and exotic removals. 0-2 years. Estimated Cost: $ 0.00. 8. Update the unit’s plant and animal lists. 0-10 years. Estimated Cost: $ 2,000. 9. Investigate the possibility and begin restoration of the sod farm areas within the Rolling Meadows addition. 5+ years. Estimated Cost: $ 100,000. 10. Prepare a plan for upland restoration and begin restoration of a portion of the pastures within the Rolling Meadows addition. 5+ years. Estimated Cost: $ 200,000. 11. Explore the possibility and develop a plan for restoration of Catfish Creek. 0-5 years. Estimated Cost: $ 50,000. 12. Protect and preserve Catfish Creek Preserve State Park’s cultural resources. 0-10 years. Estimated Cost: $ 1,000, plus $1,000/year in reoccurring costs. 13. Complete archaeological reconnaissance survey of the park, marking site locations with GPS technology. 1-10 years. Estimated Cost: $ 20,000. 14. Seek grant funding for a research project to document the prehistory and history of the park and surrounding area. 0-2 years. Estimated Cost: $ 1,000. 15. Develop and implement a written plan to protect and preserve the recorded archaeological sites from erosion, slumpage, animal burrowing, root damage and tree fall, and vandalism. 1-10 years. Estimated Cost: $ 5,000, plus $500/year reoccurring.

Administration

16. Establish a cattle lease on a portion of the pasture on the Rolling Meadows addition. 0-5 years. Estimated Cost: $ 200.

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Suppport

17. Seek funds for equipment for mechanical treatment and maintenance of burn zones (Tractor, Mower, Roller chopper). 0-2 years. Estimated Cost: $ 85,000. 18. Provide on-site equipment for daily operational activities. 0-2 years. Estimated Cost: $ 60,000.

Visitor Services/Recreation

19. Additional personnel resources to meet the demands of park operations, and information/education programs. 0-10 years. Estimated Cost: Approximately 48 hrs./week x 52 wks. @ $11/hr = $27,456 reccurring.

Total Estimated Cost: $1,034,760.00

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Item Quantity Unit Unit Price Multiplier Amount

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Camping Equestrian Campground 1.000 ea. $150,000.00 1.00 $150,000.00 Stabilized Tent Sites 24.000 ea. $500.00 1.00 $12,000.00

Lake Pierce Access 6 Ft. Elevated Boardwalk 100.000 LF $165.00 1.00 $16,500.00 Canoe Launch/Fishing Platform 1.000 ea. $20,000.00 1.00 $20,000.00 Interpretive Display / Kiosk 1.000 ea. $20,000.00 1.00 $20,000.00 Medium Picnic Shelter 1.000 ea. $36,000.00 1.00 $36,000.00 New Parking 1.500 per 10 $16,000.00 1.00 $24,000.00 Small Restroom 1.000 ea. $75,000.00 1.00 $75,000.00 Improve Road Access 0.700 mile $310,000.00 1.00 $217,000.00

Pond Rest Stop Demolish & Remove Hunt Cabin 1.000 LS $10,000.00 1.00 $10,000.00 Small Rest Shelter 1.000 ea. $36,000.00 1.00 $36,000.00

Support Facilities Intern Bunkhouse 1.000 ea. $150,000.00 1.00 $150,000.00 Ranger Residence 1.000 ea. $165,000.00 1.00 $165,000.00

Trails and Interpretation Interpretive Display / Kiosk 1.000 ea. $20,000.00 1.00 $20,000.00 Interpretive Signs 4.000 ea. $5,000.00 1.00 $20,000.00 Catfish Creek Overlook 2.000 ea. $18,000.00 1.00 $36,000.00 Small Restroom (existing & proposed trailheads) 2.000 ea. $75,000.00 1.00 $150,000.00 Medium Picnic Shelter (Rolling Meadows) 2.000 ea. $36,000.00 1.00 $72,000.00 Picnic Tables & Grilles (Rolling Meadows) 10.000 pair $500.00 1.00 $5,000.00 Parking (Rolling Meadows) 2.000 per 10 $2,500.00 1.00 $5,000.00 Stabilized Access/Scenic Drive 5.000 mi. $130,000.00 1.00 $650,000.00

Sub-Total $1,898,500.00 20 Percent Design, Permitting and Contingency Fee $379,700.00 Total $2,278,200.00

NOTE: These preliminary cost estimates, based on Divisions standards, do not include costs for site- specific elements not evident at the conceptual level of planning. Additional costs should be investigated before finalizing budget estimates. All items fall in the new facility construction category © of the uniform cost accounting system required by ch. 259.037 F.S.

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Item Quantity Unit Unit Price Multiplier Amount

NOTE: These preliminary cost estimates, based on Divisions standards, do not include costs for site- specific elements not evident at the conceptual level of planning. Additional costs should be investigated before finalizing budget estimates. All items fall in the new facility construction category © of the uniform cost accounting system required by ch. 259.037 F.S.

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