Newsletter VOLUME 8 2018

Everglades Cooperative Management Area

TABLE OF CONTENTS

South Dade Wetlands: Not So 1 Boring After All! South Dade Wetlands (SDW) wildfire (Photo by Miami-Dade County). ’s Coneheadache 3

Scleria Rides the Waves of 4 South Dade Wetlands: Not So Boring After All! Infestation... by Robin Gray-Urgelles and Gwen Burzycki, Miami-Dade County A Peek at Peacock in 5 South Florida ave you ever driven the 18-Mile This area acts as a keystone, connecting All Eyes on the Spectacled 7 Stretch on US-1 from Florida City to a 3.5 million-acre contiguous wetland Caiman H the Keys and thought, “When am I going preserve representing most of the 2018 Nonnative 9 to get through this?! There’s nothing to remaining Everglades watershed Fish Round -Up/Bay Snook see!” You are passing through the 54,000- (including Loxahatchee National Wildlife Eradication acre South Dade Wetlands (SDW, aka Refuge, Everglades & Francis S. Taylor Removing Nonnative Lizards 10 Model Lands), a large wetland preserve Wildlife Management Area, Big Cypress from Florida’s Everglades that is being jointly acquired and National Preserve, Everglades National Ecosystem managed by the Miami-Dade County Park, the SGWEA) with Biscayne National National Invasive Species 12 Environmentally Endangered Lands Park (Figure 1). Awareness Week (2018) (EEL) Program and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Like the rest of the Everglades, SDW Friends of Everglades CISMA 14 Updates and Events SDW and the adjacent Southern has sweeping vistas of sawgrass prairie Glades Wildlife and Environmental dotted with tree islands. The cool stuff, Area (SGWEA) encompass the largest however, is in the details. On the 18- chunk of freshwater marl prairie outside Mile Stretch, kingfishers, kestrels, and and have red-shouldered hawks perch on power almost all the ecological values of their lines; bald eagles soar on thermals; and more famous next-door neighbor. wading birds feed in borrow pits which are remnants of Flagler’s railway to the Within one of the fastest growing urban Keys. And why is there all that fencing? areas, the EEL Program along with Special wildlife underpasses keep SFWMD has brought 20,600 acres under panthers, crocodiles, and alligators off public ownership since 1994. Most of that the road and cars on. is critically-important habitat for wading birds, waterfowl, raptors, migratory Get off the main roads to appreciate songbirds, as well as threatened and pockets of woodstorks, snowy egrets, endangered species such as the wood little blue herons, tricolored herons, and stork, Eastern indigo snake, and the roseate spoonbills as the wetlands dry occasional Florida panther. down and prey become concentrated. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 ECISMA NEWSLETTER VOLUME 8 2018 PAGE 2

South Dade Wetlands: Not So Boring After All! (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

Figure 1. Map of South Dade Wetlands Environmentally Endangered Lands Preserve Acquisition Project.

SDW is within the Atlantic flyway, The area, unfortunately, suffers Burmese python captured so far (18’ so during migration you will spot a from the same ills as the rest of the 6”) came from the SDW, and Old World variety of migratory songbirds flitting Everglades: overdrainage and invasive climbing fern has taken foothold and is amongst trees. In summer, swallow- species. Without help, it would be constantly finding new sites to colonize. tailed kites soar overhead while state too much to handle. Two Everglades SDW also has the Big Three: melaleuca, threatened white-crowned pigeons Restoration projects are aimed at this Australian pine, and Brazilian pepper, come up from Key Largo to munch area: the C-111 Spreader Canal and as well as that other nasty scourge, on oily fruits of poisonwood. the Coastal Wetlands shoebutton ardisia. This would all be Projects. These projects will improve overwhelming and insurmountable Get your boots muddy to find the ecological functions and increase the without ECISMA. bracted colic root (Aletris bracteata, height of the freshwater lens that is state endangered), Southern keeping saltwater at bay, improving SDW has been and is criss-crossed fogfruit (Lippia stoechadifolia, state resilience of this area against the with cooperative projects to map endangered), and a host of air effects of sea level rise. melaleuca (NPS, SFWMD), trap tegus plants (Tillandsia spp.). Elsewhere in (FWC, UF), sting swamp eels (USFWS), Florida, air plants have faced decline While those projects are being prod pythons out of hiding (SFWMD), from the invasive bromeliad weevil developed and implemented, ECISMA lose Lygodium (FWC-IPMS), and smash (Metamasius callizona), but they has been riding to the rescue on shoebutton ardisia (MDC-EEL). SDW seemingly take refuge here at the invasive species. The SDW and SGWEA is the Poster Child for why we need end of the peninsula. are Ground Zero for the Argentine ECISMA. So as you travel through, take black and white tegu, Florida’s largest a new look at the 18-Mile Stretch. PAGE 3 Florida’s Coneheadache by Sue Alspach, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)

f the title is any indication, Florida The largest infestations found to Iis dealing with yet another invasive date in Broward County have been species. This time, the culprit is a termite in heavily overgrown wooded areas, with a cone-shaped head, a huge royal indicating that natural spaces such family, and a voracious appetite for as state parks, Big Cypress National anything made of wood or cellulose. The Preserve, and Everglades National invasive conehead termite (Nasutitermes Park, are prime for conehead corniger) has moved into Broward colonization. Invasion in natural County, leading the Florida Department areas could spark a chain of negative of Agriculture and Consumer Services impacts to the native ecosystem and its partners on a mission to put a and ultimately impact the structural lid on the problem before it spreads to integrity of tree stands, making them forests and woody crops. more susceptible to blow overs.

The conehead termite has settled comfortably in Florida where the climate is much like its native range – the Caribbean basin, Central America, and northern South America. It is assumed that coneheads entered the state in wooden packing material from a boat that traveled through its native range and docked at a marina in Dania Beach. This termite lives aboveground, building Conehead termite nest on sabal palmetto (Photo by: Sue Alspach, FDACS). conspicuous nests and transportation tunnels on trees, shrubs, stumps, roots, and buildings (sometimes inside). Due Conehead termite soldiers from to the presence of multiple queens and Pompano Beach (Photo © B.L. Thorne). kings in each nest, the population in a colony grows rapidly. To feed its ever- expanding hungry horde, the colony’s foraging area spreads widely and quickly. Although the only known populations of this termite in the United States Conehead termites were first discovered currently reside in Broward County, in Florida in 2001 when a Broward they may be elsewhere. The County homeowner noticed a strange department is working diligently phenomenon inside their house. Long, to eradicate two populations of branching, dark brown tunnels covered conehead termites in Dania Beach and the walls. A pest control company Pompano Beach. Floridians can do confirmed that conehead termites were their part and notify the department building the tunnels. By that time, the of any suspicious tunnels or nests by adjacent marina was already heavily calling the hotline at 888-397-1517. infested. Coneheads were eating the For more information on the invasive trees, bushes, boats, and spreading conehead termite’s biology and to vegetation on nearby properties. pictures of the termite, their tunnels Typically in Florida, coneheads first infest and nests, visit FreshFromFlorida. vegetation on a property, then as their com and search “conehead.” With population grows, they scout nearby our homes and natural areas at risk, homes and businesses for new food your reports can help us stop this Conehead termite tunnels on a tree sources. ‘conehead’ache. (Photo by: Sue Alspach, FDACS). ECISMA NEWSLETTER VOLUME 8 2018 PAGE 4 Scleria Rides the Waves of Infestation into the River of Grass by Ryan Brown, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) new infestation was discovered not far from where it had been documented in 2011. The size and density of the infestation suggested the introduction was not recent. Because Wright’s nutrush had already gone to seed, the focus shifted to directly collecting seeds from the mature plants, bagging them and ensuring proper disposal. The established plants were then treated with herbicide to prevent further seed production. This seemed to successfully reduce the number of plants within the infested area in WCA3A North.

Given the size of WCA’s, it is entirely possible that there are undocumented infestations of Wright’s nutrush. Conducting more surveys is crucial Removing Scleria lacustris from WCA3A in 2015 (Photo by: SFWMD). to determining the extent of its occurrence in the Everglades. We are xotic Scleria species have been Wright’s nutrush has been making its still hopeful these infestations can be Ecreating waves in Florida lately. way down the Everglades watershed eradicated once they are located, but There are now four nonnative species and has found a suitable home in the until we know how much is present, of this that have naturalized Water Conservation Areas (WCA). The we can’t be sure whether containment in the state, all of which occur in the main causes of its spread are thought or eradication are possible. Greater Everglades Region. Two of to be foraging birds and airboats these species were first discovered in moving the seed to new bodies of Florida within the last two years. water. In 2011, we discovered it had reached WCA3B and more recently Scleria lacustris (Wright’s nutrush) is an it popped up in WCA3A North and annual sedge that grows in seasonally WCA3A South in 2015 and 2017, inundated marshes. Its home range respectively. The South Florida Water extends from the lower African Management District (SFWMD) and continent to the Greater Caribbean. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation While It is considered extremely rare Commission (FWC) have been in its home range, this plant has found working to routinely monitor and the ideal conditions to proliferate treat these areas. in Florida. It was first documented 3 decades ago in central Florida between Last summer, ECISMA members two wildlife management areas in Jane teamed up at the southern end of Green Swamp. Initially, it was listed WCA3B to methodically survey for as a Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Wright’s nutrush. Multiple state (FLEPPC) Category 2 species in 2005, and federal agencies, among other but once its displacive nature and volunteers, split up into small teams ability to alter the natural state of native on airboats were assigned to specific Scleria lacustris removed from WCA3B wetland plant communities became survey transects. in 2015 (Photo by: SFWMD). apparent, it was reclassification as a Category I species in 2009. As a result of the workday, a CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 PAGE 5

Scleria Rides the A Peek at in South Florida by Dennis J. Giardina, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Waves of Infestation Commission (FWC) (CONT FROM PAGE 4) ECISMA members will continue with systematic surveys in 2018. We aim to educate more members on field identification and survey techniques, while chipping away at the more than 660,000 acres making up the Everglades and Francis Taylor WMA (WCA’s 2 and 3).

Peacock Bass from South Florida (Photo by: Jovan Mendoza). oday it would be hard to imagine times per year with broods of two to Tmy agency, the Florida Fish and three thousand offspring. In Florida, Wildlife Conservation Commission they have been documented to grow (FWC), introducing an exotic species over 25 inches and up to 12 pounds, to South Florida because we are now making them a prized sportfish of dedicated to the eradication of new freshwater anglers. exotic species, and South Florida is where we allocate most of our effort By 1984, when FWC was given the ECISMA Scleria lacustris airboat survey and expense to do so. In the early green light to stock Peacock Bass, (Photo by: SFWMD). 1980s, FWC (formerly the Florida Game they had already been intentionally and Freshwater Fish Commission) introduced to freshwater systems Additionally, your help is necessary to developed a proposal to introduce in , , Puerto Rico and stay ahead of this aggressive marsh Peacock Bass, an exotic, piscivorous , and accidentally introduced in invader. If you work in or frequent (fish-eating) species to apply predator Panama. An important observation these areas, you are in a unique pressure upon other exotic fish species was the apparent ability of Peacock position to keep an eye out for Scleria like Spotted , which at that time Bass to coexist in Hawaii and Puerto lacustris during the Summer and Fall dominated the fish communities of the Rico where they were stocked months. It typically appears by July canals of Miami-Dade County east of together with , and sets seed by October. It prefers Krome Avenue (the core introduction Micropterus salmoides our premier open slough habitat, although it can area) and to improve urban freshwater native predator and sportfish. also be found growing in sawgrass. opportunities in southeast Areas near airboat trails are likely Florida canal systems. The introduction of Peacock Bass introduction points, as these vehicles in southeast Florida was originally can easily pick up and spread seeds. Peacock Bass, or Butterfly Peacock predicated upon the following Infestations should be reported on (), is one of 15 currently criteria: 1. Existence of a justifiable EDDMapS (http://www.eddmapps. recognized species of Cichla native to need. Native fish predators like org/ or IveGot1 app), a centralized the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins Largemouth Bass, were unable to depository for non-native species in South America. As their common stop the explosion of exotic fish occurrences. By reporting infestations names suggest, they are quite colorful species and interconnecting canals to EDDMapS, you can contribute and their meat is reportedly very good. provided an ideal environment to our growing knowledge of this They are a fecund, substrate-spawning for their proliferation, especially in problematic species. species that can reproduce multiple Miami-Dade County. 2. Presence CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 ECISMA NEWSLETTER VOLUME 8 2018 PAGE 6

A Peek at Peacock Bass In South Florida (CONT FROM PAGE 4) Based upon the data collected since their introduction thirty-four years ago, the case cannot be made that Peacock Bass have become “too abundant” or have had “unexpected detrimental effects.” In terms of “an available, effective means to limit or control the species,” the salt water to the East and South and the seasonally cold freshwater to the North and West are really the only means available. During the record cold temperatures of 2010 for example, Peacock Bass were severely impacted even in the core canal system of Miami-Dade. There is no evidence to suggest that Peacock Bass are too abundant. Although they have continued to expand their range at least temporarily within Everglades National Park, currently there are no data to suggest that they are too abundant in a more natural environment either.

In the proposal to introduce Peacock Bass was an interesting cautionary note: In the late 1960s, a different species of Peacock Bass, , was accidentally Figure 2. Map of targeted canal system for Peacock Bass in South Florida. introduced into the system. They quickly spread into of a vacant or underutilized niche Gatun Lake, the reservoir that forms Due to their presence alone, Peacock in a hospitable environment. Based the canal’s main channel and there Bass have reduced the number of upon population survey results, the they proliferated. This aquatic system exotic fishes throughout the targeted consensus was that only a fraction is very different from those of South canal systems of Miami-Dade, of the available exotic fish prey base Florida, most notably because Gatun Broward and Palm Beach Counties was being utilized, leaving room to Lake was created by the damming of with no measurable adverse impact. support an introduced fish predator. the Chagres River and was originally They have been able to colonize man- 3. Predictable beneficial effects without populated by riverine fish species made lakes and ponds, surrounding an unacceptable adverse impact. The with no top-level piscivorous species the targeted canal systems. They benefits to the public in terms of a in the mix. Unlike the introduction of have expanded well into Everglades novel freshwater fishing experience Cichla ocellaris in Florida, within about National Park and recently, perhaps and its aid to the local economy are five years following introduction due to a strong pulse of freshwater unquestionable. 4. Availability of an to Gatun Lake of Cichla monoculus, associated with higher than normal effective means to limit or control the two Smithsonian scientists were rainfall, schools of Peacock Bass have species if it becomes too abundant or able to document a 60% decline in been captured on camera traps in Joe has unexpected detrimental effects. native freshwater fish due to their Bay in northeastern where Based on research done at the time, predation. This research was one of the water salinity normally exceeds Peacock Bass would not be able to the first to demonstrate an impact their upper tolerance limit. They have persist beyond the core canal system. of this magnitude by an introduced also expanded West into the canal Most of the surrounding aquatic predatory fish species and in 2016 systems along I-75 and U.S. 41 and environs are subject to winter water their research was replicated, showing have been illegally introduced into temperatures that periodically drop a continued decline of native fish some of the canals and man-made below lethal temperatures and above populations. https://s.si.edu/2JbLm3s salinity limits for Peacock Bass. lakes of Collier County. PAGE 7 All Eyes on the Spectacled Caiman by Justin Dalaba, University of Florida (UF)

An adult spectacled caiman from Miami-Dade county (Photo by: Nick Scobel, UF). pair of large reptilian eyes followed prevented trade in American Overlapping in range, caiman could Aby rows of armor-like scales alligators as pets. Caiman were once compete with American alligators called scutes cruises past before a common item behind the glass of and federally threatened crocodiles stealthily slipping back below the many tourist shops, but eventually for food and space. Managing water’s surface. Is it the well-known found a way out of their confines and this caiman problem is especially Florida resident the American alligator into Florida’s ecosystem. challenging given their secretive (Alligator mississippiensis)? Or is it the nature. While they are generally less common South Florida native Caiman are now found (sometimes considered a “smaller” crocodilian, the American crocodile (Crocodylus predictably) within or adjacent to we have captured adults up to 7.5 acutus)? A closer look reveals there is two important Everglades restoration feet (~2.25 meters) in length in South yet another crocodilian resembling projects: the Biscayne Bay Coastal Florida. and living with these two residents in Wetlands and C-111N Spreader Canal. South Florida’s ecosystem that does Their core range is near Homestead With funding from the Florida not belong. Air Reserve Base (HARB), where Fish and Wildlife Conservation biologists uncovered some of the first Commission (FWC) and support from Appropriately named for sporting an evidence of breeding in 1974. Fast- the South Florida Water Management apparent pair of spectacles in front of forward nearly half a century and they District (SFWMD), the University of their eyes, spectacled caiman (Caiman still survive in this core area, with the Florida (UF) set out on a mission to crocodilus) first came to Florida from occasional appearance in other areas prevent the spread of caiman from Central and South America in the early of southern Florida (i.e. Palm Beach, their core distribution. This involves 1950s when protective legislation Broward, and Collier counties). regular weekly surveys and rapid

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 ECISMA NEWSLETTER VOLUME 8 2018 PAGE 8

All Eyes on the Spectacled Caiman (CONT FROM PAGE 7) Native or Nonnative?

Native American alligator

UF biologists with a captured adult spectacled caiman (Photo by: Nick Scobel, UF). response to opportunistic sightings. can we improve detectability based An evening of surveying involves two on observable trends such as weather UF biologists equipped with 8x42mm conditions, habitat preference, or binoculars, high-lumen headlamps time of year? and spotlights, alert eyes, and plenty of caffeine for long nights. Continued removal will help answer these questions and give a more In the past year, UF removed 26 complete picture of how caiman caiman from South Florida, bringing affect native wildlife. In studying the Invasive spectacled caiman the total removed to 126 since diet of removed caiman, UF biologists this effort began in 2012. Recent found seven native prey species, intelligence about caiman in a new representing only a snapshot of area came from a SFWMD python their complete diet. Some common elimination program participant prey leftovers found include insect and may indicate their potential to exoskeletons and reptile scales. become a more widespread problem Although, this excludes some remains in the Everglades. that digest more quickly.

Several important questions are A recent, yet notable discovery of still unanswered. First, how many mature follicles in an adult female Native American alligator (top) and caiman are out there and how in early June provides new insight invasive spectacled caiman (bottom) much area do they occupy? A better into caiman reproduction. With (Photos by: Jenna Cole, UF). estimate will provide a sense of consideration for limited data and whether we are removing enough a comparison to previous findings, If you see a nonnative caiman to detectably impact their this suggests females may reproduce crocodilian: core population. Second, do native almost a month earlier than in their 1. Take a photograph crocodilians respond to caiman native range. Learning more about 2. Note the location removals by reoccupying these the time of year caiman prefer to nest 3. Report your sighting by calling areas? We consistently observe new in South Florida could lead to more 1-888-IVE-GOT1, visiting www. caiman immigrating to areas where targeted search efforts and might ivegot1.org, or by using the free caiman removals occurred. Finally, increase removal rate, furthering our IveGot1 smartphone app knowledge of the species. PAGE 9 2018 Everglades Nonnative Fish Round-Up by Kelly Gestring, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

ith fishing rods and bows in hand An added bonus for some of the Wand eyes on the prize, sixty-four anglers was taking home dinner, as anglers head out for a day of friendly participants were encouraged keep competition. This is the 9th year The their catch for consumption. More Everglades CISMA has hosted the than 200 pounds of the total catch Everglades Nonnative Fish Round Up, was donated to a local food bank and which aims to raise public awareness some fish were donated to Flamingo about potential impacts of releasing Gardens wildlife sanctuary as food for nonnative fish into Florida waters. their captive . Anglers had 24 hours to remove as many nonnative freshwater fish species Competing team at the Davie weigh- This cooperative effort would not as possible from April 27th to 28th. in site with a stringer of Mayan have been possible without dedicated chichlids (Photo by: FWC). staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Participants this year reeled in a grand Conservation Commission, U. S. Fish total of 1,826 fish weighing 1,013 and Wildlife Service, Miccosukee pounds. This collective catch consisted Tribe Wildlife Program and several of 18 different nonnative fish species volunteers who ran the weigh-in that were brought into four weigh-in sites. A big thanks to Shea Bruscia of sites located in Miami-Dade, Broward, the National Park Service for all her Palm Beach and Collier counties. No work behind the scenes, and to our new species were collected this year sponsors who were instrumental in but some uncommon ones were the success of this event! caught including Green Severum, Yellowbelly and Pike Killifish. Results and winners are posted on Sorting catch at the Arches weigh-in the website at: site (Photo by: FWC). www.evergladescisma.org/roundup Bay Snook (Petenia splendida) Eradication by Kelly Gestring, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

Bay Snook (Petenia splendida) first Attempts to eradicate Bay Snook popped up on our radar in 2014 when were hampered by the presence of Jeff Kline of Everglades National Park large numbers of highly prized koi discovered them in an isolated series that visitors did not want harmed. of waterways in Pinecrest Gardens in Miami-Dade County. These large, fish Hurricane Irma provided an eating from Central America opportunity to remove the bay snook have since been a concern for the and other unwanted exotic fish, since Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation most of the koi were killed but the Commission (FWC). If they were to Bay Snook were left untouched. The escape into the wild, they could decision was made to renovate the potentially cause harm to South waterways containing Bay Snook Florida’s native fish communities. This using rotenone (a plant-based, concern triggered the first of several biodegradable compound commonly ECISMA nonnative fish removal efforts used to remove unwanted fish). Staff that used methods less destructive from FWC and USGS conducted the to the fish community but were FWC staff applying rotenone to renovation in November 2018. unsuccessful at eradicating Bay Snook. Pinecrest Gardens, November 2017 (Photo by: FWC). A total of 158 Bay Snook and 1,019

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 ECISMA NEWSLETTER VOLUME 8 2018 PAGE 10 Removing Nonnative Lizards from Florida’s Everglades Ecosystem by Eric Suarez, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

rgentine Black and White Tegus and private landowners continue to to conserving Florida’s native wildlife. A(Salvatore merianae) are a large trap and remove hundreds of tegus From 2011 through June 2017, invasive lizard to keep an eye out for. from south Miami-Dade County. In ECISMA partners removed 88 Nile These invaders from South America the 2018 tegu active season, 545 monitors from Palm Beach County. have become well established in tegus have been removed so far from From July 2017 through June 2018, localized parts of central and southern Miami-Dade County. the FWC removed 27 Nile monitors, Florida, and they have an appetite for for a total of 115 since management a wide variety of native plants and efforts began (51% removal rate). wildlife. South Florida is a particularly The FWC is experimenting with important area for tegu management different live trapping methodologies due to the proximity of these lizards to to determine an additional way to nesting sites of imperiled species, such remove monitors in this area. FWC is as American crocodiles (Crocodylus also closely monitoring a dwindling acutus), least terns (Sternula population of Nile monitors in Palm antillarum), white-crowned pigeons Beach County via camera trapping (Patagioenas leucocephala), gopher to determine abundance and target Argentine black and white tegu in management efforts on the remnants tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) and burrow (Photo by: Brittany Mason, UF). burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia). of that population. Nile monitors (Varanus niloticus) To date, ECISMA partners and private are another large invasive lizard, Water monitors (Varanus salvator) landowners have removed over 5,500 native to sub-Saharan Africa, with a FWC works with ECISMA partners tegus from the environment in hopes carnivorous appetite for many native to apply Early Detection and of minimizing adverse impacts on insects, mammals, birds, eggs and Rapid Response (EDRR) whenever the Everglades ecosystem. FWC has other reptiles. They are semi-aquatic confirmed, priority nonnative wildlife continued its trapping efforts along with a rudder-like tail and are likely species sightings occur throughout the eastern part of their introduced to be seen basking along the banks the state. FWC has received multiple range and has contracted with the of canals or other water bodies in Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) University of Florida (UF) to continue south Florida. Like the tegu, Nile reports within the ECISMA footprint trapping and removal efforts in monitors are effective nest predators since July 2017. Large water monitor the heart of their core range. Other and can potentially impact nesting lizards are similar to Nile monitors in ECISMA partners such as, the United sites of imperiled species in Florida. behavior and diet. Removal of these States Geological Survey, Everglades Active management of this species monitors takes precedence for FWC National Park, Florida Power and Light, through direct removal efforts is vital CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Bay Snook (Petenia splendida) Eradication (CONT FROM PAGE 9) other nonnative fish including Black The successful removal of Bay Snook Acara, and Walking before they had an opportunity to Catfish were recovered after the escape Pinecrest Gardens could treatment. No Bay Snook have been not have been accomplished found in follow-up electrofishing without the invaluable cooperation or visual inspections, leading to of Pinecrest Gardens and the the conclusion that the eradication partnership between the FWC and effort was a success. Pinecrest USGS. These partnerships allowed Gardens has now been restocked to for the detection and eradication Spotted tilapia (Tilapia mariae), Blue of a potentially harmful nonnative create a more desirable native fish Mbuna, and Bay Snook removed community. species before it had the opportunity from Pinecrest Gardens, November to become a problem. 2017 (Photo by: FWC). PAGE 11

Removing Nonnative Lizards (CONT FROM PAGE 10)

and humanely capture them. Since FWC took over the Python Patrol Program in November 2013, there have been 165 trainings with over 1,800 attendees.

In April 2017, FWC implemented a Python Removal Contractor Program. FWC currently employs 27 qualified individuals as Python Removal Contractors to remove pythons from designated public lands. Contractors are compensated for their survey time with hourly pay and additional payment per python removed and submitted. This program compliments the similar South Florida Water Management District Python Elimination Program. As of 1 Edward Mercer holds a gravid female Spiny-tailed igauna (Photo by: FWC). July 2018, FWC Contractors surveyed water monitor captured in Miami- over 1,600 hours and have removed Dade County (Photo by: FWC). 129 Burmese pythons (58 in 2017, 71 in 2018), including 32 viable (39 total) eggs from Big Cypress, Francis to prevent establishment of another volunteers and has recently added S. Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger species of Varanus lizard. To date, another location in Broward County. Wildlife Management Areas. the FWC has removed three water Removal efforts will continue for the monitors from Miami-Dade County, foreseeable future to ensure these In conjunction with the PRCP, FWC one of which was a small gravid imperiled species continue to thrive has also implemented an incentive- female containing 14 eggs. FWC is in this urban environment. based program called the Python currently closely monitoring with the Pickup Program. This program aims intent to remove one water monitor Python Programs (FWC) - FWC to encourage the public to remove in Monroe County and two in Broward continues to provide Python Burmese pythons in Florida and County. Patrol trainings with the goal of report removals to FWC. Burmese expanding a network of trained pythons can be removed year-round Spiny-tailed iguanas (Ctenosaura individuals throughout Florida who from private property with landowner similis) are large, invasive, omnivorous know how to identify and report permission and from various public lizards native to Central and South sightings of Burmese pythons. This lands listed in Executive Order (EO) America. They are excellent burrowers will ultimately help FWC respond 17-11 without a permit or hunting and eat a wide variety of prey, quickly when priority invasive license required. Members of the including birds. FWC’s Nonnative species are encountered. Python public that choose to remove and Fish and Wildlife Program and FWC’s Patrol training workshops include kill Burmese pythons can win prizes South Region Volunteer Coordinator information on Burmese pythons for their efforts by submitting a have been working with volunteers in Florida, rules and regulations, photograph of the humanely killed to help trap and remove spiny-tailed permits, python detection, species python with the date and GPS iguanas in Broward County from areas identification, data reporting, and location to FWC. Since the program’s where imperiled gopher tortoises safe capture techniques. Participants implementation, participants have and burrowing owls occur. From the also receive hands-on experience removed 80 pythons from the wild. start of the program in 2017 through catching wild Burmese pythons. June 2018, volunteers removed 65 Python Patrol training is for people For more information on the various iguanas from one location in Broward who work or recreate outdoors, are FWC python programs, please visit County. The volunteer program likely to encounter pythons, and are http://myfwc.com/python. has since grown in the number of interested in learning how to safely ECISMA NEWSLETTER VOLUME 8 2018 PAGE 12 National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) 2018

Group of students, ECISMA partners, and volunteers who took part in the Pine Jog work day (Left). Collecting and removing rosary pea seeds in the field (right). (Photos by: SFWMD).

Work Day at Pine Jog Elementary School by LeRoy Rodgers, South Florida Water Management District

n March 1st 2018, Everglades control of several aggressive After lunch, Kristi Moyer facilitated a OCISMA partners joined forces invasive plants including melaleuca, classroom learning activity with 28 with Florida Atlantic University’s Pine shoebutton Ardisia, rosary pea, fifth graders. The students first lent Jog Environmental Education Center earleaf Acacia, and more. Over the their ears for a presentation about (PJEC), for one of two invasive plant years, Kristi and her FAU colleagues invasive species then took to the removal efforts in recognition of have incorporated their invasive field for a group discovery of selected NISAW. plant management efforts into the species. After reporting their findings program’s environmental science to the larger group, Kristi, several The first of two events took place curriculum. PJEC staff members, the ECISMA crew at Pine Jog Elementary School, and all the students hiked back into which shares a campus with a 135- On the morning of the NISAW event, the field to collect rosary pea seeds acre natural area composed of pine members of ECISMA conducted from infestations slated for herbicide flatwoods, upland hammocks, and control efforts for various invasive treatments (students were closely freshwater wetlands. The campus plant species in an area with limited monitored and repeatedly reminded is a perfect setting for hands-on treatment history. Since the site that the seeds should not be eaten). environmental education to young was formerly a homestead of plant Many other random weeds were students in West Palm Beach. enthusiasts, a diversity of naturalized hand-pulled along the way. exotic plants have taken hold, until Like all South Florida natural areas, now. The crew swept the area, Special thanks to Ellen Allen, Christen invasive species are a continual chemically treating a medley of Mason, Ryan Brown (SFWMD) and stewardship challenge. Kristi Moyer, weeds including rosary pea, Caesar’s Bill Thomas (USFWS) for providing Facilities and Land Management weed, Brazilian pepper, umbrella supplies, hard labor, and sharing Coordinator & Pine Jog Fellowship tree, mango, Swiss cheese plant, and their knowledge with the Pine Jog Instructor at PJEC, has worked for earleaf Acacia. students. years to establish maintenance

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 PAGE 13 National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) 2018

Young catclaw vine with tuber. Notice Licaria triandra sapling with Licaria saplings in the foreground with the limestone rock characteristic characteristic coloration of new catclaw vine climbing a false mastic in of the rockland hammock habitat growth (Photo by: Gloria Antia). the background (Photo by: Gloria Antia). (Photo by: Gloria Antia). De“claw”ing Rare Plant Habitat in Miami by James Lange, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

team of volunteers brought their triandra). Additionally, the state- In this sensitive Licaria habitat, A work gloves and enthusiasm to listed liana and pokeweed relative, particular attention had to be paid to Simpson Park in Miami on March Hoopvine (Trichostigma octandrum) is removing the catclaw tubers without 1st, 2018, during National Invasive in abundance. damaging nearby plants. This of Species Awareness Week as another course is complicated by the jagged local-scale invasive species removal This natural remnant also harbors a limestone bedrock characteristic of effort. The Park is one of the last flourishing community of invasive the habitat that prevents easy access remnants of the historic Brickell plants. One of the targets of the to the spuds. Hammock in urban Miami-Dade. workday was hand removal of catclaw vine (Dolichandra unguis-cati) in an Volunteers tackled the challenge of This green jewel within a concrete area containing hundreds of young hand removal as best they could to metropolis hosts a rockland Gulf Licaria trees. Named for the help restore this natural preserve. By hammock home to several rare unique appearance of its tendrils, the the end of the day, several garbage species of trees, including some of catclaw vine roots into the soil and bags were filled with catclaw vine. the largest mainland specimens of smothers native saplings in a dense, This will be an ongoing effort, but for Redberry stopper (Eugenia confusa) suffocating mat until it finds a tree now the only wild population of Gulf and Bahama Strongbark (Bourreria to climb from which it can produce Licaria in the U.S. lives to fight another succulenta), as well as Florida’s only copious amounts of wind-dispersed day. Special thanks to National Park wild population of Gulf Licaria (Licaria seeds. staff who assisted with this effort. ECISMA NEWSLETTER VOLUME 8 2018 PAGE 14 Friends of Everglades CISMA, Inc. Updates and Events by Haley Hanson, President of Friends of ECISMA, Inc.

Our Goal If running just isn’t your thing, you can The primary goal of Friends of join us out at a local brewery. We are Everglades CISMA, Inc. (FOE) is to collaborating with Invasive Species raise funds to support Everglades Brewing in Fort Lauderdale to produce CISMA. We are registered as a 501(c) a brew just for FOE supporters. We will (3) and donations to FOE, Inc. are tax be joined by a few special guests talking Everglades Cooperative Invasive deductible. This status allows our funds about, and in some cases, doing some Species Management Area to be used as a more immediate and live demonstrations of invasive species. ECISMA was created to flexible source of funding to support formalize cooperation among We hope you’ll find many like-minded land management agencies projects that may require a quick folks to engage in some meaningful to improve the effectiveness response time. Rapidly responding to discussions and enjoy some good beer. of exotic species control by new invasions and managing current sharing information, innovation Event information will be released soon! and technology across borders invasive species threats are the best through a memorandum of tools we have in the ongoing battle As we have done in the past, FOE is understanding with the ultimate to protect the greater Everglades goal of helping to ensure the providing all the food and drink for the success of the Comprehensive ecosystem. 2018 Everglades Invasive Species Summit Everglades Restoration Plan. and Social, which will be held at Long Key What’s New? Nature Center in Broward County on July ECISMA We would like to thank Shea Bruscia for 17th and 18th. contact information: her dedication and service as president Tony Pernas of FOE. With her help, we have been Make a Donation U.S. National Park Service able to fund many projects and host If you’d like to donate to support Big Cypress National Preserve great events. She has stepped down, 33100 East Everglades CISMA invasive species Ochopee, FL 34141 and Haley Hanson was appointed management efforts in the Everglades (239) 695-1111 as President of FOE by the Board of Ecosystem, head to https://www. [email protected] Directors. Haley is a graduate student at friendsofecisma.org/donate/ Dennis J. Giardina the University of South Florida writing You can also support us on Amazon Smile Florida Fish & Wildlife her dissertation on vertebrate range (smile.amazon.com) by choosing Friends Conservation Commission expansions, and also works for the UF/ of Everglades CISMA Inc. under “charities”! 298 Sabal Palm Road IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program. Naples, FL 34114 (239) 229-5403 She hopes to bring her outreach and [email protected] event coordination experience to FOE Follow us on Twitter @ECISMA to increase community involvement https://twitter.com/ECISMA www.evergladescisma.org and awareness of the ECISMA mission. “Like” Everglades CISMA 2018 ECISMA Newsletter on Facebook Get Involved http://bit.ly/ECISMAFB Editor and Designer: Justin Dalaba, UF To raise additional funds this year, Agency/Organization Abbreviations we are planning to host our annual Fun Run/Walk Against Invasives 5K at DOI - Department of Interior Shark Valley in Everglades National ECISMA - Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area Park on February 23, 2019. This event EDDMapS - Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System EDRR - Early Detection and Rapid Reponse will kick off National Invasive Species EEL (Miami-Dade County) - Environmentally Endangered Lands Awareness Week, and we hope to bring FDACS- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services together experienced runners, nature FLEPPC - Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council FWC - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission enthusiasts, and everyone in between. NPS - National Park Service Bring your running shoes and we will PJEC - Pine Jog Environmental Education Center provide light refreshments, and of SFWMD - South Florida Water Management District UF - University of Florida course, a whole lot of enthusiasm. Keep USDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture an eye out for registration information USFWS - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the ECISMA Facebook page. USGS - U.S. Geological Survey