MATANZAS STATE FOREST
TEN-YEAR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
PREPARED BY
DIVISION OF FORESTRY
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
APPROVED ON
October 12, 2007
MATANZAS STATE FOREST TEN-YEAR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Land Management Plan Executive Summary...... 1 I. Introduction...... 2 A. General Mission, Goals for Florida State Forests, & Management Plan Direction ....2 B. Overview of the State Forest Management Program ...... 2 C. Accomplishments, Goals and Objectives ...... 3 1. Past Accomplishments...... 3 2. Future Goals and Objectives...... 3 II. Administrative Section ...... 8 A. Descriptive Information ...... 8 1. Common Name of Property...... 8 2. Location, Boundary, and Improvements...... 8 3. Legal Description and Acreage...... 8 4. Degree of Title Interest Held by the Board...... 9 5. Proximity to Other Public Resources...... 9 6. Aquatic Preserve/Area of Critical State Concern ...... 9 B. Acquisition Information ...... 10 1. Land Acquisition Program...... 10 2. Legislative or Executive Constraints...... 10 3. Purpose for Acquisition...... 10 4. Designated Single or Multiple-Use Management...... 11 5. Alternate Uses Considered...... 11 6. Additional Land Needs...... 11 7. Adjacent Conflicting Land Uses...... 11 8. Surplus Land Assessment ...... 12 C. Agency and Public Involvement ...... 12 1. Responsibilities of Managing Agencies...... 12 2. Public and Local Government Involvement ...... 12 3. Compliance with Comprehensive Plan...... 13 III. Resource Section ...... 13 A. Past Uses ...... 13 B. Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources...... 13 1. Soil Types...... 13 2. Archaeological and Historical Resources ...... 13 3. Water Resources...... 14 4. Fish and Wildlife...... 14 5. Endangered or Threatened Species...... 14 6. Beaches and Dunes...... 15 7. Swamps, Marshes, and Other Wetlands ...... 15 8. Mineral Resources...... 16 9. Unique Natural Features...... 16 10. Outstanding Native Landscapes...... 16 11. Timber Resources ...... 17
IV. Management Concepts by Natural Communities/Cover Types ...... 18 A. Existing and Planned Uses ...... 18 1. Property Boundary Establishment and Preservation...... 18 2. Soil and Water Protection ...... 18 3. Roads...... 18 4. Recreation Management ...... 19 5. Fire Management ...... 21 6. Silvicultural Guidelines...... 22 7. Research Projects/Specimen Collection...... 24 8. Law Enforcement...... 25 9. Fish and Wildlife Management...... 25 10. Non-native Invasive Species...... 26 11. Insects, Disease and Forest Health...... 27 12. On-Site Housing...... 28 13. Utility Corridors/Easements...... 28 14. Ground Disturbing Activities...... 29 15. Ground Cover...... 29 16. Restoration...... 29 17. Apiaries...... 31 18. Cattle Grazing ...... 31 B. Natural Communities/Cover Types & Proposed Management Activities...... 31 1. Mesic Flatwoods ...... 32 2. Basin Swamp ...... 34 3. Scrubby Flatwoods...... 35 4. Tidal Marsh...... 37 5. Maritime Hammock...... 38 6. Dome Swamp...... 38 7. Wet Flatwoods...... 39 8. Depression Marsh…………………………………………………………………….41 9. Wet Prairie...... 41 10. Mesic Hammock...... 43 C. Impact of Planned Uses on Property Resources ...... 43 1. Silviculture...... 43 2. Wildlife ...... 43 3. Water...... 44 4. Historical/Archaeological ...... 44 5. Recreation ...... 44 V. Management Summary ...... 44 A. Operations Infrastructure...... 44 B. Management Needs, Priority Schedule and Cost Estimates ...... 45 C. Plans to Locate Fragile, Non-renewable Natural and Cultural Resources ...... 47 D. Conformation to State Lands Management Plan ...... 47 E. Multiple-Use Potential - Income Producing Activities ...... 48 F. Potential Use of Private Land Managers...... 48 VI. References...... 48
MATANZAS STATE FOREST
TEN YEAR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
EXHIBITS
Location Map...... Exhibit A Proximity to Other Public Property Map...... Exhibit B Management Prospectus ...... …..Exhibit C Optimal Management Boundary Map...... …..Exhibit D Management Plan Advisory Group Summary...... …..Exhibit E Local Comprehensive Plan Compliance...... …..Exhibit F Soil Type Maps...... …..Exhibit G Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State Owned or Controlled Lands...... …..Exhibit H Wildlife Species List...... Exhibit I Wood Stork Management Plan…………………………………………………………...... Exhibit J Forest Cover Types Map...... …..Exhibit K Interior Roads Map………………………………………………………………………...... Exhibit L Environmentally Sensitive Areas Maps…………………………………………………...... Exhibit M Historical Natural Communities Map…...... …..Exhibit N
TABLES
Table 1- Accomplishment Summary…………………………………………………….... Page 3
Table 2- Acreage by Parcel………………………………………….……………………..Page 10
Table 3- Archaeological and Historical Sites on MaSF……………………………………Page 13
Table 4- Vegetation Types…………………………………………………………………Page 32
Table 5- Cost Estimates Organized by Uniform Cost Accounting Council Categories…………….…………………………………………………………. Page 47 LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Lead agency: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Forestry (DOF) Common Name: Matanzas State Forest (MaSF) Location: St. Johns County, Florida Acreage Total: 4,699.73
Acreage Breakdown: Historical Natural Communities Acreage Historical Natural Communities Acreage Mesic Flatwoods 2423 Wet Flatwoods 70 Basin Swamp 1071 Depression Marsh 56 Scrubby Flatwoods 357 Wet Prairie 17 Estuarine Tidal Marsh 298 Mesic Hammock 6 Maritime Hammock 275 Dome Swamp 127 ______TOTAL 4,700
Lease/Management Agreement: Nos. 4441 & 4469 Use: Single Multiple X_
Management Agencies Responsibility Division of Forestry General Forest Resource Management St. Johns River Water Management District Water Resource Protection & Restoration / Wood Stork Colony Management & Protection Division of Historical Resources Historical & Archaeological Resource Management Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Resources and Laws
Designated Land Use: Multiple-Use State Forest Sublease(s): None Encumbrances: None Type Acquisition: Florida Forever and St. Johns River Water Management District Funds Unique Features: A regionally significant Wood Stork rookery is located in the forest. Two and one-half miles of an estuarine tidal marsh which flows through Cedar Creek borders Matanzas State Forest to the east. Archaeological/Historical: Five (5) known sites. Management Needs: Restoration and maintenance of native ecosystems through prescribed burning, hardwood control, off-site slash and sand pine harvests and/or reforestation with native species. Non-native invasive species control. Thin longleaf and slash pine plantations for natural regeneration and to promote a healthier forest. Restore stream and wetland crossings using proper Best Management Practices (BMPs) with the installation of low water crossings and other techniques. Complete interpretive/forest education trails and exhibits, evaluate developing primitive camping sites. Replace and improve signage on boundary. Construct and maintain perimeter firebreaks. Complete and maintain a boundary maintenance plan, road plan, silvicultural plan, fire management and prescribed burning plan including mapping burn units. Acquisition Needs/Acreage: Adjacent parcels (629 acres) Surplus Lands/Acreage: None Public Involvement: Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, MaSF Liaison Committee, Equestrian Groups, Management Plan Advisory Group, and the Florida Audubon Society.
DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE (FOR DIVISION OF STATE LANDS ONLY)
ARC Approval Date______BTIITF Approval Date:
Comments:
1 I. INTRODUCTION
Matanzas State Forest (MaSF) is comprised of approximately 4,700 acres located in southeast St. Johns County and is named after the Matanzas River which forms the eastern boundary of the forest. MaSF is designated for multiple use management and is managed by the Division of Forestry (DOF) as part of the state forest system. This forest was acquired with Florida Forever and St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) funds.
The natural community types found on the forest include basin swamps, depression marshes, dome swamps, estuarine tidal marshes, maritime hammocks, mesic flatwoods, mesic hammocks, scrubby flatwoods, wet flatwoods and wet prairies. One of the forest’s more notable features is the wood stork nesting area. Significant species sighted on the forest include the wood stork, bald eagle, gopher tortoise, and sandhill crane.
Major recreational activities to be enjoyed at MaSF will include picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, off road bicycling, hunting, fishing, and wildlife and birding observations.
A. General Mission, Goals for Florida State Forests, and Management Plan Direction The DOF’s mission is to protect Florida and its people from the dangers of wildland fire and manage forest resources through a stewardship ethic to assure these resources will be available for future generations. Ecosystem management is the overall concept used to perpetuate the sustainability of the forest’s natural communities and biodiversity.
The goals of the DOF in managing Florida’s state forests are:
• To restore, maintain, and protect all native ecosystems; • To ensure long-term viability of populations and species considered rare, endangered, threatened, or of special concern; • To integrate compatible human use, not emphasizing any particular use over the others, or over restoration, maintenance and protection of native ecosystems; • To protect known archeological and historical resources; and • To practice sustainable forest management utilizing sound silvicultural techniques.
These overall goals are consistent with the goals for which this property was acquired.
This management plan provides general direction for management of MaSF. It is intended to meet the planning requirements of Florida Statute 253.034 and was prepared using guidelines outlined in Chapter 18-2.021 of the Florida Administrative Code. The management plan is neither an annual work plan nor a detailed operational plan, but a document that provides strategic guidance for the management of MaSF for the next ten years. It outlines the major concepts that will guide management activities on the forest.
B. Overview of the State Forest Management Program Matanzas Marsh (8,465 acres), a Northeast Florida Blueways Florida Forever project, was jointly acquired by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the SJRWMD
2 on March 24, 2003. Management of this property was split between DOF and Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) thus creating the Matanzas State Forest (4,668.33 acres) and an addition to Faver-Dykes State Park. Two additional parcels Gonzalez (20.03 acres) and Soddano (11.37 acres) have since been added to MaSF bringing the total acres to 4,699.73. The forest is primarily comprised of pine plantations. Restoration from primarily single use, industrial based timber management (Rayonier Timberlands), to implementing multiple use ecosystem management will be the focus for the future.
C. Accomplishments, Goals and Objectives
1. Past Accomplishments The table below has been prepared for this plan and summarizes the past accomplishments.
Table 1. Accomplishment Summary, Matanzas State Forest PROGRAM ACTIVITY FY 2003-04 FY 2004-05 FY 2005-06 Site preparation 0 0 0 Reforestation Pine reforestation 0 0 0 Prescription Burns Acres burned 0 18 220 Silviculture Annual forest inventory 4,688.33 acres --- -- FNAI survey and Ecology 4,688.33 acres --- -- community mapping Species and acres treated Chinese tallow/ Non-native Invasive Chinese tallow/ 0 2 acres Species 1 acre air potato/ 1 acre Boundary New boundary surveyed 17 miles 0 Roads maintained 5 miles 0 2 miles Road shoulders 0 0 9 maintained Roads/Trails Low water crossing 0 0 0 installed Gates installed 6 4 0 Recreation/Visitor Use Day use/Trail use 140 413 744 Tours, radio/TV spots, Other Activities 2 0 2 articles
2. Future Goals and Objectives The following goals and objectives provide direction and focus for managing resources over the next 10-year planning period. Agency priorities, funding and wildfires (or other natural disasters) will be influential in determining the degree to which these objectives are met.
3 GOAL 1: Restore, maintain and protect native ecosystems.
OBJECTIVE 1: Implement prescribed burn plans to decrease fuel loads, promote restoration, and maintain native community structure. The long-term objective of prescribed burning is to simulate, as much as possible, a natural fire regime in which the majority of acres are burned during the lightning season. The majority of the pine stands on the MaSF range in age from 3 to 24 years. These stands have never been prescribed burned and could be severely damaged or killed by a growing season fire. The goal is to re-introduce prescribed fire into the upland and flatwoods sites during the dormant season. After ground fuels have been initially reduced using dormant season burns, a growing season fire regime will be implemented. Areas already in longleaf pine or reforested with longleaf pine will be suitable for growing season fires. Along with the pine stands, other fire dependent communities will be prescribed burned as their needs dictate. The goal is to prescribe burn approximately 800-1500 acres annually, which translates into a two to four year burn rotation.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES: *Prescribe Burning Plan updated annually. *Number of acres burned by month.
OBJECTIVE 2: Explore all methods in order to decrease feral hog populations on MaSF.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Decrease in number of feral hogs on MaSF.
OBJECTIVE 3: Improve the health of native ecosystems through an aggressive program of prescribed fire in all fire-maintained natural communities.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Acres in each natural community treated with fire.
OBJECTIVE 4: Develop a Fire Management Plan during the first year and update as needed. Develop a burn unit map for MaSF.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES *Completion/updates of Fire Management Plan. *Complete/update burn unit map.
OBJECTIVE 5: Harvest off-site slash and sand pine and start restoration of longleaf pine/wiregrass on the scrubby flatwoods and mesic flatwoods sites.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES: *Number of acres of slash and sand pine harvested. *Number of acres of longleaf pine/wiregrass planted.
4 OBJECTIVE 6: Maintain forest boundaries.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Number of miles of boundary harrowed, repainted, and reposted.
OBJECTIVE 7: Develop and implement a non-native invasive species control plan with the assistance from the St. Johns River Water Management District's Invasive Plant Program, which will include guidelines for detection, monitoring, prevention, and treatment of such species.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Assessment of non-native invasive species and development of Non-native Invasive Species Control Plan. *Acres treated.
OBJECTIVE 8: Protect integrity of natural communities through acquisition of adjacent parcels within the optimal management boundary.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Acres acquired from willing sellers.
OBJECTIVE 9: Following the recommendations for fireline construction in the Silviculture Best Management Practices Manual, rehabilitate firelines to reduce channeling of water.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Miles of firelines treated.
GOAL 2: Ensure long-term viability of populations and species considered rare, endangered, threatened, or of special concern.
OBJECTIVE 1: Make sure hydrological management will not negatively affect the wood stork rookery. Provide assistance to SJRWMD on management of wood stork rookery as stated in wood stork management plan (Exhibit J).
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Number of meetings with SJRWMD regarding the wood stork rookery.
OBJECTIVE 2: In conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI), conduct fauna and floral inventories to identify presence and distribution of listed species.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES: *Animal survey and maps completed. *Plant survey and maps completed.
5 OBJECTIVE 3: Establish and update a series of photo plots that will be used to monitor sensitive areas and define management needs for these areas.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Number of photo plots established. *Photo plot updates at least once every five years.
OBJECTIVE 4: Protect sensitive habitats from undesired human use through installation and maintenance of boundary fence.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Feet of boundary fence repaired or installed.
OBJECTIVE 5: Protect environmentally sensitive communities and ecotones when preparing firelines and carrying out management work by maintaining current maps and providing staff training.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Research/Map sensitive areas and include as an update in the Fire Management Plan. *Staff training for protecting sensitive sites.
GOAL 3: Integrate compatible human use, not emphasizing any particular use over the others, or over restoration, maintenance, and protection of native ecosystems.
OBJECTIVE 1: Develop a Recreation Plan and public information brochure outlining recreational opportunities on the forest.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Recreation Plan completed. *Brochure completed.
OBJECTIVE 2: Develop and implement a Road Management Plan to provide fire protection, land management access, and public access for recreational use.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Road Management Plan completed and implemented. *Miles of road improved, upgraded, maintained, etc.
OBJECTIVE 3: Conduct annual road inspection to determine the need for installation or replacement of culverts and low water crossings, following the recommendations for culvert installation in the Silviculture Best Management Practices Manual.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Annual inspection and appropriate improvement completed.
6 OBJECTIVE 4: Develop and maintain equestrian trail systems including trailheads and parking areas.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES: *Miles of trails (by type) established and maintained. *Parking area developed.
OBJECTIVE 5: Construct primitive camping and large group camp sites.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES: *Primitive camping site completed. *Large group camp site completed.
OBJECTIVE 6: Conduct an annual organized activity or media promotion for State Forest Awareness Month.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: * A State Forest Awareness Month activity or article.
OBJECTIVE 7: Pursue revenue-generating possibilities through recreation fees or other opportunities (miscellaneous forest product sales) as appropriate.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Revenue received.
GOAL 4: Protect known archaeological and historical resources.
OBJECTIVE 1: Train personnel as archaeological monitors.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Number of personnel trained as monitors.
OBJECTIVE 2: Coordinate with the Division of Historical Resources (DHR) to perform a Cultural Resource Assessment.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Assessment report completed.
OBJECTIVE 3: Produce a “Sensitive Areas” map for use by MaSF, firefighting personnel, and law enforcement personnel; and inform crews where heavy equipment use should be avoided.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Map completed/updated and training conducted.
7 GOAL 5: Practice sustainable forest management utilizing sound silvicultural techniques. Management will produce an even-aged and/or all-aged, naturally regenerating forest.
OBJECTIVE 1: Continually update forest inventory as per State Forest Handbook.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Acres inventoried annually.
OBJECTIVE 2: Complete and implement a 5-Year Silviculture Plan including an annual harvest schedule including improvement thinning, off-site species removal, and reforestation.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Silviculture Plan completed. *Percentage of plan implemented.
OBJECTIVE 3: Protect water resources during management activities through the use of Silvicultural recommendations found in the Silviculture Best Management Practices Manual for public lands. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for public lands.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES: *Monitor with compliance evaluation.
OBJECTIVE 4: Conduct timber sales at appropriate times to promote forest health and ensure sustainability of the resources.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE: *Conduct timber sales sustainable to the timber resources of MaSF.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION
A. Descriptive Information
1. Common Name of Property The common name of the property is Matanzas State Forest (MaSF).
2. Location, Boundary and Improvements MaSF is located approximately ten miles south of St. Augustine in the southeast portion of St. Johns County, Florida. MaSF is situated between the Matanzas River (Intracoastal Waterway) to the east, US Highway 1 to the west, County Road 206 to the north and Faver-Dykes State Park to the south (Exhibit A). All acquired parcels are identified in Table 2. There are no improvements located on the property.
3. Legal Description and Acreage The state forest is located in sections 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20 & 21; Grants 37, 38, 39 & 47 of Township 9 South, Range 30 East. Detailed legal descriptions are located in the Division of State Lands office in Tallahassee and the MaSF headquarters. The total
8 acreage of the currently acquired parcels comprising the Matanzas State Forest is 4,699.73 acres. SJRWMD funded twenty-five percent of the purchase of the Rayonier property. The Florida Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Trustees) funded the remaining seventy-five percent as well as one hundred percent of the Soddano and Gonzales additions. The legal descriptions are found in lease agreements #4441 and #4469.
4. Degree of Title Interest Held by the Board The Trustees hold joint fee simple title with the SJRWMD to the 4,699.73 acres. The lease agreements can be viewed at the offices of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of State Lands in Tallahassee, and; the DOF, Forest Management Bureau in Tallahassee.
5. Proximity to Other Public Resources The MaSF is in close proximity to the following public lands (Exhibit B):
TRACT AGENCY DISTANCE Moses Creek Conservation Area SJRWMD Borders to the north Faver-Dykes State Park DRP Borders to the south Fort Matanzas National Monument NPS ½ mile SE Pellicer Creek Corridor Conservation Area SJRWMD 4 miles S Princess Place Preserve Flagler County 4 miles S Washington Oaks Garden State Park DRP 6 miles SE Anastasia State Park DRP 8 miles N Castillo de San Marcos National Monument NPS 10 miles N Fort Mose Historic State Park DRP 12 miles N Anastasia State Park DRP 8 miles N Deep Creek Conservation Area SJRWMD 14 miles W Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area SJRWMD 14 miles N Watson Island State Forest DOF 15 miles NW GTMNERR- Guana River Site DRP 15 mile N Turnball Creek Mitigation Area St. Johns County 17 miles NW Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine DRP 20 miles N Research Reserve Stokes Landing Conservation Area SJRWMD 20 miles N Deep Creek State Forest DOF 22 miles N Guana River Wildlife Management Area FWC 22 miles N
DRP – Division of Recreation and Parks DOF – Florida Division of Forestry NPS- National Park Service SJRWMD - St. Johns River Water Management District FWC – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
6. Aquatic Preserve/Area of Critical State Concern A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry (DOF) for the cooperative management of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas
9 National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) was executed on September 27, 2004 (FDACS Contract Number 009260). The area, under the agreement, is comprised of the National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR), and the Guana, Tolomato, and Matanzas (GTM) River systems. The purpose of the MOA was to help protect this estuarine ecosystem through promotion of research and education, while allowing public access in compliance with the environmental needs of the area (Department of Environmental Protection, 2004). This is a coordinated attempt between local, state, and federal governments in an effort to address the problem of current and potential degradation of coastal areas brought about by competition and competing demands for these resources.
B. Acquisition Information
1. Land Acquisition Program Following is a table indicating acquisition information by parcel.
TABLE 2. Acquisition History PARCEL DEED LEASE LEASE FUNDING NAME DATE DATE NO. SOURCE COUNTY ACRES Rayonier FL FOREVER 04-07-03 06-08-04 4441 St. Johns 4,668.33 Timberlands & SJRWMD Soddano 05-24-04 03-11-05 4469 FL FOREVER St. Johns 11.37 Gonzales 12-19-03 03-11-05 4469 FL FOREVER St. Johns 20.03 TOTAL ACRES 4,699.73
2. Legislative or Executive Constraints There are no Florida Statutes specifically directed toward management of MaSF however, use of the property is regulated in part by the following: The DOF makes every effort to comply with applicable statutes, rules, and ordinances when managing the forest. For example, when public facilities are developed on state forests, every effort is made to comply with Public Law 101-336, the Americans with Disabilities Act. As new facilities are developed, the universal access requirements of this law are followed in all cases except where the law allows reasonable exceptions (e.g., where handicap access is structurally impractical, or where providing such access would change the fundamental character of the facility being provided).
3. Purpose of Acquisition MaSF was acquired as part of the Northeast Florida Blueways Project. The forest was identified for acquisition by the SJRWMD in order to protect a regionally significant wood stork rookery, water resource, and ecological functions; and is recognized as a shared acquisition project with the Florida Forever acquisition program.
The Land Acquisition Selection Committee identified the following goals and objectives to serve as a guide during the preparation of the resource planning boundary for the Matanzas Marsh:
10 • Restore, maintain and protect in perpetuity all native ecosystems; • To integrate compatible human use; • To identify and preserve archaeological and historical sites; • To insure long-term viability of populations and species considered rare; • To provide research and educational opportunities related to natural resource and ecosystem management.
The overall management of the forest has been guided by the Management Prospectus for Matanzas Marsh Tract (Exhibit C).
4. Designated Single or Multiple-Use Management MaSF is designated for multiple-use management and is managed under authority of Chapters 253 and 589, Florida Statutes. According to Chapter 253.034 (2) (a), multiple- use means “the harmonious and coordinated management of timber, recreation, conservation of fish and wildlife, forage, archaeological and historic sites, habitat and other biological resources, or water resources so that they are utilized in the combination that will best serve the people of the state, making the most judicious use of the land for some or all of these resources and giving consideration to the relative values of the various resources.” One of the DOF’s primary goals in managing MaSF will be to implement ecosystem management. The forest will be managed so as to restore, protect, and manage ecosystems as well as to maintain biological diversity and ecosystem functions while allowing compatible public use. Multiple-use management includes, but is not limited to, silvicultural management, recreation, wildlife management, archaeological and cultural resource management, ecosystem restoration, environmental education, and watershed management. Only uses compatible with the conservation of MaSF and its ecosystems will be implemented. Compatible multiple uses may include such activities as hiking, hunting, fishing, primitive camping, picnicking, horseback riding, and bicycle riding.
5. Alternate Uses Considered The following uses were considered and determined not compatible: water resource development projects, water supply projects, storm-water management projects, linear facilities and communication towers and antennas, except as otherwise outlined in this plan.
6. Additional Land Needs Various parcels should be considered for acquisition if they become available for purchase. Highest emphasis for purchase should be given to privately owned property (in holdings) within the boundaries of MaSF. Properties that would facilitate restoration, protection, maintenance, and management of the natural resources on MaSF are included in the Optimal Management Boundary map (Exhibit D).
7. Adjacent Conflicting Land Uses Nearby developed areas, and adjoining highway systems including Interstate 95, US Highway 1 and County Road 206 may hinder prescribed burning due to smoke
11 management concerns. There has already been evidence of encroachment on to MaSF by neighboring residential property owners.
A recent survey identified populations of non-native invasive plant species found on adjacent properties that have spread or threaten to spread onto MaSF.
8. Surplus Land Assessment All land in this tract is suitable for its proposed use and none should be declared surplus at this time.
C. Agency and Public Involvement
1. Responsibilities of Managing Agencies The DOF is the lead managing agency, responsible for overall forest management, recreation, and security. The FWC, in cooperation with DOF, is responsible for the development and enforcement of hunting regulations, wildlife monitoring, and wildlife management activities. The FWC has established MaSF as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) starting the 2005-06 hunting season. The DOF will cooperate with the DHR regarding appropriate management practices on historical or archaeological sites on the property as stated in Section 267.061, Florida Statutes. DHR will be notified prior to the initiation of any ground disturbing activity by the DOF or any other agency involved with the forest. St. Johns County will provide assistance as appropriate. The SJRWMD will be consulted and involved in matters relating to water management, hydrological restoration, and the wood stork rookery on MaSF.
Management activities requiring coordination with other agencies:
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY COOPERATING AGENCY Biological Surveys FWC, SJRWMD, USFWS, FNAI Ground Disturbing Activities DHR, SJRWMD, DSL, FNAI Wetland/Hydrological Work SJRWMD Wildlife Surveys FWC Estuary Enhancement and Promotion GTMNERR, CAMA
DHR- Division of Historical Resources DSL- Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of State Lands FNAI- Florida Natural Areas Inventory USFWS- United States Fish and Wildlife Service GTMNERR- Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve CAMA- Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas
2. Public and Local Government Involvement This plan has been prepared by the DOF and will be carried out primarily by that agency. The DOF responds to public involvement through direct communication with individuals, user groups, and government officials. The plan was developed with input from the MaSF Management Plan Advisory Group through a process of review and comment. The advisory group conducted a public hearing and public meeting on May 14, 2007 to receive input from the general public. An additional public hearing was held on June 7, 2007.
12 A summary of the advisory group’s meeting and the public hearings is included in Exhibit E. The Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) public hearing and meeting serve as an additional forum for public input and review.
3. Compliance with Comprehensive Plan This plan was submitted to the Board of County Commissioners in St. Johns County (Exhibit F) for review of compliance with their local comprehensive plan.
III. RESOURCE SECTION
A. Past Uses Prior to state ownership MaSF was intensively managed for pine timber production by Rayonier Timberlands. Rayonier leased this property for hunting and cattle grazing many years before the state purchase of this property. The Gonzalez addition has also been in timber production but was not as intensively managed as Rayonier. The Soddano addition has very little timber on the property along the Intracoastal Waterway.
B. Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
1. Soil Types A soil survey of St. Johns County, done by the USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service, found that there are 33 different soil types on MaSF. A map along with soil descriptions can be found in Exhibit G.
2. Archaeological and Historical Resources Five historical and archaeological sites have been recorded on areas within MaSF and are listed in Table 3. A CARL Archaeological Survey will need to be completed by the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research indicating the location of these recorded archaeological and historical sites.
Table 3. Archaeological and Historical Sites on MaSF SITE ID SITE NAME SITE TYPE SJ03152 DOG STATION Campsite (Prehistoric) SJ03154 CEDAR LANDING Prehistoric shell midden SJ03155 CEDAR CREEK Building remains SJ03156 HAMILTON Prehistoric shell midden SJ03484 LUCKY STRIKE Specialized site for procurement of raw materials
The DOF will comply with all appropriate provisions of Florida Statutes §267.061(2). The DHR will be contacted before any significant ground disturbing activities are conducted on the forest. Ground disturbing activity is generally considered significant when it occurs below a depth of six (6) inches. See Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State-Owned or Controlled Lands (Exhibit H) for details on management procedures regarding these sensitive areas. The forester assigned to MaSF will be trained as an archeological site monitor through DHR’s training program for land managers.
13 3. Water Resources The surface waters on MaSF are classified as Class-III- recreation, propagation, and maintenance of a healthy, well-balance population of fish and wildlife under Rule 62- 302.400 of the Florida Administrative Code. Cedar Creek is the only flowing waterway through the forest. This creek flows from west to east into the tidal flow of the Matanzas River (Intracoastal Waterway.) A Florida DOT drainage ditch constructed in the 1940’s traverses part of the forest which accommodates storm water from US Highway 1 west of the forest and contributes surface water to this creek. Two borrow pits are also located on MaSF. In that regard, all silvicultural activities conducted in close proximity to water resource features will be in compliance with Florida’s Silviculture Best Management Practices Manual (BMPs) (FDACS 2004).
4. Fish and Wildlife Management on MaSF will be directed toward the maintenance of biological diversity and species composition consistent with existing natural community types. Wildlife management will be accomplished through habitat management. All biological resources will be managed to maintain diversity. Many game and non-game species inhabit the natural communities found throughout the forest (Exhibit I). A list of species observed by the DOF, FNAI, and FWC will be kept and updated as needed.
5. Endangered and Threatened Species A survey has been conducted by the FNAI for rare animals, plants, and natural communities on MaSF (FNAI 2004). The survey included a list of species, maps, and management recommendations for listed species on MaSF. Specialized forest management techniques will be used as necessary to protect or increase habitat for listed species. Species specific management plans will be developed when necessary. Technical assistance will be solicited from other governmental agencies and private interests to provide expertise for further surveys and identification of species. If any endangered species are found to occur in the future, measures for protection of such species will be implemented.
The DOF’s proposed management activities will not affect the flora and fauna that are found in the Matanzas River, which is down stream from the MaSF. Prescribed burning should rejuvenate fire dependent species on the forest.
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is listed as threatened (state), wood stork (Mycteria americana) as endangered (federal and state), and bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is listed as threatened (state). The habitat of gopher tortoises will be enhanced by restoration and regular prescribed burning. These practices may also benefit many other species which are not commonly observed on MaSF, but may migrate back to the forest as their habitats are restored.
A Wood Stork Management Plan specific to MaSF (Exhibit J) has been developed by the SJRWMD in conjunction with the DOF. It is the responsibility of the DOF to implement and maintain the habitat for the wood stork rookery. The Wood Stork Management Plan can be found at the SJRWMD main office in Palatka and at the MaSF office at the St.
14 Johns County Agricultural Center. The SJRWMD in cooperation with FWC is responsible for monitoring this rookery.
The following management practices are recommended to protect listed species that are present on the forest:
(1) Locate and map cover, food, critical resources, and breeding places for all listed species; (2) Protect and properly manage habitat important to rare and endangered species; (3) Implement other specialized management practices for listed species as deemed necessary. This includes designation of buffers for aquatic and wetland resources; (4) Establish a monitoring plan to ensure species populations are being maintained and to measure success of management practices.
6. Beaches and Dunes No beaches or dunes occur on the MaSF.
7. Swamps, Marshes, and Other Wetlands The eastern boundary of MaSF is a marsh community associated with the Matanzas River (Intracoastal Waterway.) This area has not been disturbed and is maintained in its natural state. The forest also contains other smaller isolated wetlands and strands of wetlands. Wetland systems also include dome swamps, depression marshes, and wet flatwoods, while the higher elevations within the swamp are occupied by pine islands. The transition area from the upland forest to the forested wetlands may host a variety of threatened or endangered species depending on the occurrence of fire. These areas should be allowed to burn as much as possible when prescribed burning is conducted in the adjacent uplands. Maintaining the integrity of the wetlands natural community is a high priority.
Cautious avoidance of activities that would threaten natural hydrology is vital. If it is necessary to conduct forestry activities such as salvage timber sales in the wetland areas, tracked or wide rubber tire equipment will be used. Herbicide application or mechanical site preparation will not be conducted prior to reforestation; natural regeneration will be the preferred reforestation method.
All forestry activities will be conducted in accordance with the “Silviculture Best Management Practices” guidelines (FDACS 2004).
The Florida Audubon Society has designated an Important Birding Area (IBA) along the marsh on the eastern boundary of MaSF. The Audubon's IBA program was created in response to a continued loss of habitat, and the subsequent reduction in Florida’s birdlife. The IBA program will assist other agencies in identifying areas that are the most important to maintaining bird populations. The main goal is to protect the habitats of rare species, as well as to “keep common birds common.” In addition, the IBA program will provide essential information for state land management agencies to properly manage habitats for birds, including the use of prescribed fire and limiting human intrusion during
15 the nesting season. The program will also result in the compilation of bird lists for most or all sites selected.
The water resources on Matanzas State Forest perform essential roles in the protection of water quality, groundwater recharge, flood control and aquatic habitat preservation. In the interest of maintaining these valuable resource functions, state forest management personnel will work with the Division of Forestry’s Hydrology Section to incorporate wetland restoration into the overall resource management program as opportunities arise, particularly where wetland systems have been impaired or negatively impacted by previous management activities or natural disasters.
Wetland restoration objectives on the state forest include erosion control; restoration of hydrology and/or hydro-period and restoration of wetland plant and animal communities. To achieve these objectives, restoration activities may involve road and soil stabilization, water level control structure removal or installation, exotic species control, site preparation and re-vegetation with native wetland species, and project monitoring. These activities may be conducted individually or concurrently; implemented by DOF personnel or by non-DOF personnel under mitigation or grant contractual agreements. Wetland restoration projects should be conducted in conjunction with other restoration activities indicated elsewhere in this plan.
To the extent possible, Matanzas State Forest, with assistance from the Division’s Hydrology Section, will pursue funding to develop and implement wetland restoration projects. In addition, cooperative research among the DOF, other state agencies, and the federal government will provide valuable information in determining future management objectives of wetland restoration.
Wetlands restoration will be coordinated with the SJRWMD. Any activities requiring permits from the water management district will be handled accordingly.
8. Mineral Resources No known mineral deposits of commercial value are known to exist on this property.
9. Unique Natural Features The undisturbed marsh lands are regionally significant, and an important contributor to the abundant birdlife found on MaSF. The Matanzas marsh is home to a significant wood stork colony.
10. Outstanding Native Landscapes MaSF has a continuous gradient of plant communities from scrubby flatwoods to salt marshes. The estuarine tidal marshes and maritime hammocks along the Matanzas River (Intracoastal Waterway) are particularly notable for their ecological, archaeological, and aesthetic values. Inclusion of MaSF in the GTMNERR underscores the significance of these ecosystems in protecting the regional estuarine environment. A portion of the Matanzas River has been designated as an Important Birding Area (IBA).
16
11. Timber Resources MaSF forest cover type consists of stands of planted pines (longleaf, slash, and sand pine) and natural hardwoods (Exhibit K). Prior to state acquisition MaSF was managed exclusively to maximize timber production. As a result, only a few older trees are left standing on the site. Most of the uplands have been planted to pine species which currently range in age from 3 to 24 years old. They were previously managed on an even-age basis.
Portions of the mesic flatwoods and scrubby flatwoods communities were clear cut in the past and were reforested with slash and longleaf pines. Efforts will be ongoing to restore longleaf pine to its proper sites.
Several small off-site slash and sand pine plantations exist on longleaf pine sites. These will also eventually be restored to longleaf pine. Both growing season and dormant season burns will be conducted to adequately control undesirable vegetation. Tree planting will be done to effectively establish stocking densities that allow for future sustainable silvicultural objectives.
Pine stands will be thinned as needed to maintain forest health. A regular prescribed burning program will be followed to ensure that off-site species are controlled. These sites will continue to be prescribed burned in both the dormant and growing seasons to reduce hardwood encroachment, promote healthy ground cover, and to encourage natural regeneration of longleaf pine.
Uneven-aged and even-aged management are methods utilized for managing pines on state forest lands. In either case, managing to increase the old growth component will be emphasized.
There are no plans to harvest any hardwood or cypress timber during this ten-year planning period.
DOF will implement silvicultural practices, including timber harvesting, prescribed burning, and reforestation, in an attempt to establish a healthy forest with an age distribution that best duplicates natural conditions. Well timed and executed timber harvests play an integral role in the health of ecosystems in the forest. Thinning dense forest stands helps to improve understory composition, forest health, and helps facilitate prescribed burns. Timber harvesting is also used in reestablishing native species by removing off-site species.
Within the State Forest System, the annual harvest volume on each forest will be determined by the forest health needs. Good stewardship and resource sustainability are essential goals for any proposed silvicultural activity. The health of the forest ecosystem is paramount in importance.
17 DOF practices sustainable timber management in the state forest system, which means annual harvest volume on each state forest is not to exceed the annual growth rate. This is accomplished by maintaining and updating accurate estimates of standing timber in order to assure that the timber resources retain their sustainability. All forestry activities will be conducted in accordance with the “Silviculture Best Management Practices” guidelines (FDACS 2004).
IV. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS BY NATURAL COMMUNITIES AND PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
A. Existing and Planned Uses The forest will be managed under the multiple-use concept. Management activities will include restoration, maintenance, and protection of all native ecosystems (prescribed burning, silvicultural management, wildlife management, soil, and water resources protection, etc.); integration of compatible human uses (recreation management); and ensuring long-term viability of populations and species considered endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Existing and planned uses are as follows:
1. Property Boundary Establishment and Preservation MaSF has over 17 miles of boundaries which were marked and posted as part of the initial acquisition survey. The state forest boundary lines are to be maintained by periodic clearing, repainting and reposting, and placement of state forest boundary signs by DOF personnel.
2. Soil and Water Protection Currently, there are no known soil or erosion problems present on MaSF. Management activities will be executed in a manner to minimize soil erosion. If problems do arise, corrective action will be implemented by DOF staff under the direction of DOF’s Forest Hydrology Section.
All silvicultural activities on MaSF will be conducted in compliance with the most recent edition of the Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMPs) Manual (revised 2004). Specific guidelines are outlined in the BMP Manual as well as applications for use on public lands. Copies of this publication are available upon request from the DOF Hydrology Section.
The MaSF falls within the jurisdiction of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). The DOF will coordinate with SJRWMD and/or DEP, as necessary, on activities pertaining to water resource protection and management. Any activities requiring water management district permits will be handled accordingly. The DOF will work with SJRWMD to ensure that levels and quality of ground and surface water resources are appropriately monitored.
3. Roads MaSF is bordered by two major roads in St. Johns County, US Highway 1 to the west and County Road 206 to the north. The interior portion of MaSF is accessed by
18 approximately 24.5 miles of roads (Exhibit L). Interior forest roads are made mostly of sand, clay, and shell. These roads are classified as primary, secondary, tertiary, or service roads. All state forest roads are maintained by DOF. Designated roads and trails are also available for use by hikers, bicycles, and equestrians. MaSF uses the guidelines and regulations (road closures, maintenance, etc.) outlined by the DOF Road Standards. A detailed Five-Year Road Management Plan for MaSF is being developed. Plans for the establishment of any new roads will be reviewed by the DOF State Office and processed through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to the Acquisition and Restoration Council.
Two shallow borrow pits are present on MaSF, and may be utilized as a source of fill dirt for road improvement projects. If borrow pits are needed as a source for fill dirt, applicable permits will be submitted to the St. Johns Water Management District prior to excavation. If expansion of the existing perimeter is necessary, the project will be submitted to the Division of Historical Resources and the Florida Natural Areas Inventory for review in keeping with the Division’s policy on ground disturbing activities.
4. Recreation Management The demand for dispersed resource-based outdoor recreation in Florida is expected to continue to grow in the next ten years. Because of its location in northeast Florida, MaSF’s natural environment should make the forest an increasingly important recreation destination for people seeking passive, dispersed, recreational opportunities. The DOF will continue to promote and encourage recreational use by the public while protecting resources and practicing multiple-use management. Recreational activities occurring on MaSF include hiking, hunting, off-road bicycling, horseback riding, primitive camping, picnicking, bird watching, and nature study. The MaSF staff will work to promote nature-based tourism in the area. Two shallow borrow pits located within MaSF could be conducive to recreation development in the future.
a. Public Access and Parking Access to MaSF is available to recreational users through an entrance off US Highway 1 with a parking area and kiosk. Dispersed recreation is encouraged from the parking area, which serves as a trail head for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Currently, no user fees are collected for day use activities, but will be initiated once trailhead and designated trail facilities are in place. The Five-Year Recreation Plan will outline proposed improvements to the state forest recreation system.
b. Recreational Trails Currently, the interior road system and firebreaks on MaSF provide trails for hikers, off-road bicyclists, and horseback riders. Equestrians are restricted to trails, fire lines, and woods roads. DOF will work with the DRP to develop the most functional trails available. Bicycling is allowed on all roads. Suitable locations are being explored for additional hiking trails. The construction, maintenance and improvements of nature and hiking trails will be on-going. Kayaking possibilities in the Cedar Creek area
19 will be explored. Efforts to provide trail linkages with adjacent public lands and the proposed St. John County multiple-use trail system will be pursued. c. Camping Three primitive campgrounds are proposed for MaSF. First, a walk-to camp site on the south side of Cedar Creek Landing will have four sites. Second, a drive-to camp site on the north side of Cedar Creek Landing will have five camp sites. Third, a large group area camp site will be located on the northeast portion of the forest in a heavily disturbed oak hammock area. Campsites will be equipped with fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. A large campfire circle will be constructed for the large group area. Sanitation facilities are not usually provided at primitive campsite, although it may be considered for the large group camp. MaSF requires that visitors obtain a use permit to stay in the campground areas. The need for additional primitive campsites will be looked into as demand indicates. d. Hunting and Fishing Hunting and fishing activities are regulated by FWC on this new Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Hunting began on the forest with the 2005-06 hunting season. Hunting pressure is limited via a quota hunt permit system for the archery, muzzleloading gun, family hunt, general gun, and spring turkey seasons. FWC also established the first family hunt format on MaSF, which requires adults to take youths on the area in order to hunt. The objective of the program is to help educate Florida’s youth and carry on the tradition of hunting. Fishing may also be available in the future at the borrow pit along US Highway 1 and Cedar Creek.
In an effort to increase harvest pressure on wild hogs, FWC, with concurrence from DOF, established a general gun hog season beginning in the 2007-08 hunting season. DOF will coordinate with FWC to monitor effects of harvest pressure and develop methods for reducing and controlling feral hog populations as appropriate. e. Environmental Education The MaSF environmental education program will include guided tours, self-guided tours, and hands-on events. f. Bird Watching Significant opportunities exist for bird-watching as indicated by the Important Birding Area designation. A birding checklist for MaSF and other enhancements, such as observation platforms and other interpretative efforts, will be developed in the future. g. Facilities Picnic tables and grills will be available for public use at primitive camp sites. Parking will be established at designated areas.
20 5. Fire Management New and existing firelines are to be harrowed. Any new or pre-suppression firelines will follow the recommendations for fireline construction in the Silviculture Best Management Practices Manual. New pre-suppression lines will not be created in wetlands or transition areas. The average two to four year fire return interval forest-wide translates into an annual prescribe burning goal of 800-1,500 acres per year. Perimeter firebreaks have been established around most of MaSF.
While 800-1,500 acres is the target prescribed burn acreage based on historical natural community classification, prescribed acreage during stages of restoration may be reduced until some of the younger plantations become older and more able to tolerate fire. Smaller burn blocks and additional, temporary, firelines may be utilized during the early stages of the fire restoration.
The DOF utilizes a total fire management program on state forests that includes wildfire prevention, detection, and suppression as well as prescribed burning. Wildfire prevention, detection, and suppression are the responsibility of the DOF’s Bunnell District (D-10), particularly the rangers assigned to this forest. The DOF’s approach to handling fire on MaSF is outlined in the Matanzas State Forest Fire Management Plan (available at the Bunnell District office). Emphasis is placed on prescribed burning, fire prevention, and education to help reduce occurrence of wildfires on the forest. The Incident Commander responding to wildfires on MaSF has three paramount considerations, listed in priority order protection of human lives (of both the firefighter and the public), protection of improvements, and protection of natural resources. The Fire Management Plan includes a sensitive areas map (Exhibit M), which identifies the types of areas fire crews must consider for special protection when conducting fire control, pre-suppression, and other activities in MaSF.
Based on an assessment of historical natural communities at MaSF, an estimated 69% of the forest or 3,243 acres are ecosystems maintained by frequent fire. Based on the number of acres in frequent fire-maintained ecosystems and the estimated fire return intervals for these ecosystems, 16% to 31% of the forest should be prescribed burned each year. The number of acres burned each year should range from about 800 to about 1,500.
Prescribed fire is the primary tool utilized for resource management on this forest. The long-term goal of prescribed burning is to simulate, as closely as possible, a natural fire regime in which the majority of acres are burned during the lightning season. Natural fire frequencies will be used when possible for each community in a maintenance status. Target fire frequencies may be shorter in areas that require restoration due to lack of fire. Such fires are needed to reduce the height and cover of woody shrubs, stimulate the recovery of the native herbaceous and grassy ground cover, promote the regeneration of native pines, reduce disease, and maintain and enhance populations of fire-adapted threatened and endangered species. Portions of the forest will be burned every two to four years; areas to be burned will be spread over the forest in a mosaic pattern. Lightning season burns will be utilized to the greatest extent feasible. Areas with heavy
21 fuel levels will receive one or more dormant season (December through March) burns until they can safely support growing season (May through August) burns. This, along with fire prevention education, will be used to limit wildfire occurrence.
In using prescribed fire in the various pyric communities on this forest, it is important to understand the ecological richness of the ecotones that divide them, especially those margins between wetland and upland communities. Every effort will be made to avoid the construction and/or maintenance of firelines in these environmentally sensitive areas. Staff will be trained to recognize sensitive areas and will be provided with guidelines for fireline construction. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural firebreaks will be used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. The biological diversity of these ecotones will benefit from prescribed fire being allowed to burn uninterrupted into the edges of the adjacent hydric communities. In this manner, fire also serves to limit the invasion of less fire-adapted, hydric species (e.g. loblolly bay) into the adjacent, more mesic communities.
Wetland communities, such as fresh water marshes and seasonal ponds, benefit from occasional fire which serves to limit peat accumulation and invasion of woody vegetation and helps to prevent the undesired transition to plant species associated with more mesic conditions. In addition, moderately intense fire in swamps can benefit cypress and retard invasion of less fire-adapted hardwood species. Where these wetland communities are not sufficiently hydrated to prevent undesirable fire intensity, consideration should be given to delaying prescribed fire. When proceeding with burning in these conditions, and fire lines are required, they should be located well out of the ecotone and up in the more mesic community type. Pre-suppression lines should avoid sensitive seepage slopes adjacent to swamps and in any other area that would disrupt the natural hydrology.
All guidelines as outlined in DOF’s Fire Management Policy will be used on the forest. The smoke screening system will be used as a smoke management tool and to minimize the adverse impact of smoke.
6. Silvicultural Guidelines and Forest Resource Management Objectives Timber is a valuable economic resource and timber harvesting for the purposes of biological restoration and improving forest health are recognized silvicultural objectives on state forests.
a. Objectives The objectives of these timber management guidelines are: 1. To restore health and vigor to the forest ecosystem through thinning, prescribed burning, and reforestation, both naturally and artificially with species native to the site, including longleaf pine and slash pine. 2. To maintain the forest over the long-term through natural regeneration, uneven- aged, and even-aged management. 3. To create a naturally regenerating forest with old growth characteristics that yields sustainable economic, ecological, and social benefits.
22 b. Silvicultural Operations The forest will be managed to promote and improve overall forest health. Restoration of native species, even-age and uneven age management of pine stands, selected thinning, removal of off-site species, and prescribed fire are all actions used to promote healthy forest stands. Mechanical and chemical treatments may be used to reduce hardwood competition where pine is desired. On sites with a heavy under growth of hazardous vegetative fuels, a “walk down” method of knocking down this vegetation will be used. This is where a farm tractor or a bulldozer drives over the vegetation, matting or knocking it down to manageable levels. Alternatively, mowing may be used to reduce the fuel buildup. The use of these methods will not remove the vegetation but make it easier and safer to burn. After the vegetation is knocked down, prescribe fire in the area will help remove the vegetation. This prescribed fire must occur within 18 to 24 months to prevent the conversion of the cut vegetation to duff, making prescribed burning more difficult. This method is a unique approach and an option for reducing the hardwoods without the use of herbicides. Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.
Prescribed fire and mechanical applications will be the primary methods of site preparation prior to tree planting. Artificial regeneration will be used to restore old sand pine plantations to productive longleaf communities. On sites where herbicides are necessary (due to past fire exclusion), applications will be limited to achieve the desired effects on all site species. Stands that have been treated with herbicides will leave behind residual oaks to benefit wildlife.
Thinning, group selection, shelterwood, and clear-cutting will all be necessary techniques for maintenance and restoration of timber stands and communities. There are no target rotation ages for pine stands on MaSF. c. Timber Inventory Control Within the State Forest System, the annual harvest volume on each forest will be determined by the health of the forest. To insure that the timber will not be depleted, an accurate estimate of the standing timber is documented. There are pine plantations on this state forest which are overstocked and have heavy fuel buildups making them susceptible to damage from wildfire, insects and disease. These stands require improvement thinning to allow more room for growth of residual trees. Thinning will help the trees regain their vigor and resistance to pathogens and will facilitate safe prescribed burning.
Selected stands on the forest will be re-inventoried each year, according to parameters established by the state lands staff. Overall volume will be determined using this inventory update data and the growth and yield model for the remaining stands. d. Timber Sales Normally, timber sales are advertised for competitive bids and sold on a lump sum basis. A sealed minimum acceptable bid is set prior to bids being opened. This price is based on the particular class of timber for sale, local stumpage prices, and logging
23 conditions. Salvage sales, where it is necessary to remove damaged timber rapidly, are normally sold on a per ton basis. With such sales, the mill receiving the wood furnishes weights of the timber, which will be acceptable for payment purposes. All timber sales are continually monitored by DOF personnel.
Timber is a valuable economic resource and will be harvested for the purposes of ecosystem maintenance, biological restoration, and improving forest health during the ten-year period covered by this management plan.
Timber harvesting guidelines will be developed for each sale on a site specific basis to minimize damage to sensitive resources. These guidelines will address the importance of snags for wildlife habitat, BMPs, specific needs of listed species, limitations on harvesting in wet periods, machinery use, road systems, protection of ground cover, and other items that may be pertinent to a specific site. These will be addressed in the timber sale contract. Silvicultural prescriptions will favor the development of larger and older trees. The use of natural regeneration will depend on the site and species characteristics.
Harvesting plans will be developed by state forest staff. All harvesting on lands adjacent to wetlands will be carried out in compliance with the public lands section of the BMP Manual, and will be conducted so as to meet or exceed these guidelines.
During the period that this ten-year plan is in effect, a more detailed Silviculture Management Plan will be developed. This plan will outline desired basal areas, size classes, ages, and silvicultural prescriptions for specific timber stands.
e. Reforestation Reforestation plans as part of an uneven-aged system will be developed for each under stocked site on a site-specific basis. Natural regeneration is the preferred method of reforestation but artificial regeneration will be used when there is an inadequate seed source. Stocking levels, species selection, and site preparation techniques will be addressed in the Silviculture Management Plan. Reforestation will be a key component in restoring the natural ecosystems. In preparing restoration areas for reforestation, site preparation techniques will be selected that have the least damaging impact on existing desired ground cover species. Fire will be the preferred technique; however, herbicide applications, mowing, and roller-chopping or combinations of the above may be necessary. Private vendors will be used whenever possible to implement silvicultural prescriptions.
7. Research Projects/Specimen Collection Research projects may be performed on certain areas of MaSF on a temporary or permanent basis for the purpose of obtaining information, which expands the knowledge of and assists in management of ecosystems. The DOF cooperates with other governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, whenever feasible, on this type of research. In accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement with DEP, where it is mutually beneficial for all parties included, the Guana Tolomato
24 Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve shall provide opportunities for long-term scientific research and environmental education projects.
Research projects that do not require specimen collection (observation only) may be conducted after obtaining a Bunnell District Special Use Permit. However, research projects that require specimen collections must be approved by the DOF Forest Ecologist before they are initiated. All requests for research projects should be submitted in writing to the MaSF Forester or to the Bunnell District Forest Resource Administrator to be forwarded to the Forest Management Bureau for approval. Requests must include a letter outlining the scope, methodology, and location of the proposed project. Requests are subject to review by DOF Biologists, the Forest Entomologist or the Forest Pathologist, as appropriate. Permission to conduct research will require that the investigator provide copies of all reports or studies generated from research projects to the state forest staff. The status of existing projects will be subject to periodic review by state forest staff.
8. Law Enforcement Primary law enforcement responsibilities will be handled by law enforcement officers from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement (OALE). Additional assistance is provided by officers of the FWC, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and DEP.
Special rules of the FDACS (Chapter 5I-4, Florida Administrative Code) have been promulgated for the public use of state lands and control of forest traffic and camping.
9. Fish and Wildlife Management Wildlife management will play an important role on MaSF. The forest is designated as a WMA and is monitored by the FWC for overall wildlife law enforcement. FWC is responsible for setting hunting seasons, establishing bag and possession limits, and overall wildlife and fish law enforcement. FWC will also provide technical support in the biological aspect of managing wildlife populations as needed. In order to assist the FWC with their goal of maintaining hunting activities at levels that can be produced and sustained through ecosystem management, the following guidelines will be used:
a. Managing Non-Game Wildlife Species Non-game wildlife species will be managed and protected through the maintenance and restoration of the native ecosystems. Research will provide valuable information in determining future management objectives for non-game wildlife species.
b. Sensitive Species Specialized forest management techniques will be used, as necessary, to protect or increase endangered and threatened species and species of special concern, as applicable for both plants and animals. Species-specific management plans will be developed when necessary. Continued biological surveys will be conducted to determine locations of these species. Management needs of sensitive species will be carried out as directed in the “Endangered and Threatened Species” section (III.B.5.) of this plan. The management goals that are outlined in the “Existing Conditions and
25 Management Direction” section (IV.B.1.) will benefit sensitive species by improving, restoring or maintaining native communities that provide critical habitat.
The following management practices are recommended to protect and preserve endangered or threatened species that are present on the forest:
1. Locate cover, habitat/foraging ranges and breeding areas used by rare and endangered species and include locations on a vegetation map.
2. Protect and properly manage habitat important to rare and endangered species.
3. Implement other specialized management practices for rare and endangered species as deemed necessary.
c. Hunting Hunting season dates, bag limits, and methods are established annually by FWC in cooperation with DOF. Access to the Matanzas Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is restricted to one designated entrance and vehicular traffic is limited to designated roads as outlined in the WMA brochures, printed annually.
d. Timber Management The following general forest management guidelines are observed to best meet the needs of both the wildlife and forest resources. Timber harvesting will be conducted in the manner specified in this plan. DOF recognizes the value of snags to wildlife management. Hardwood and pine snags will be left alone in their natural environment unless they are deemed to be a potential safety hazard. Timber salvages should occur due to natural disasters, as needed.
e. Prescribed Burning To the greatest extent possible, areas that are burned will be spread over the forest in a mosaic pattern. An all season burning program will be established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural barriers will be used as fire breaks for prescribed fires.
10. Non-native Invasive Species The practice of the DOF is to locate, identify, and eradicate or control non-native invasive species. Forest employees continually monitor the forest for non-native invasive species while conducting management activities. When such species are discovered, an eradication plan will be developed and implemented based upon the severity of the infestation and the availability of personnel and funding. Adjacent landowners who are known to have these species on their property will be approached in an effort to cooperate on control measures. The DOF will enlist support from the FWC in the effort to control non-native invasive animals.
In regards to the invasive plant populations on MaSF, personnel will be scheduled for training in the identification and control of invasive species as time and resources
26 permit. Non-native invasive plants training courses will be coordinated by the DOF’s Pest Plant Specialist. Control/eradication of non-native invasive species will be plant specific, and may require the use of treatments such as herbicides. The St. Johns River Water Management District's Invasive Plant Program will provide assistance with the control of non-native invasive plants on the Forest.
A survey of non-native invasive plants was completed in the summer of 2005 by the DOF Forest Health Section; the following listing of confirmed occurrences is based on that survey. A Five-year Invasive Plant Management Plan to address these occurrences is being drafted.
Non-native invasive species and their occurrence status on MaSF: Scientific Name Common Name Occurrence Status Trees Albizia julibrissin Mimosa Confirmed Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow Confirmed Melia azedarach Chinaberry Confirmed (also on adjacent property) Shrubs Lantana camara Lantana Confirmed Vines Dioscorea bulbifera Air potato Confirmed (also on adjacent property) Herbaceous Urena lobata Caesar’s weed Confirmed Sesbania punicea Purple sesban Confirmed (on adjacent property) Solanum viarum Tropical soda apple Confirmed (on adjacent property) Ferns Lygodium japonicum Japanese climbing fern Confirmed Grasses Imperata cylindrica Cogon grass Confirmed (also on adjacent property) Panicum repens Torpedo grass Confirmed (also on adjacent property) Arundo donax Giant-reed Confirmed (on adjacent property) Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass Confirmed Pseudosasa japonica Arrow Bamboo Confirmed (also on adjacent property) Fauna Sus scrofa Feral hogs Confirmed
Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) have caused significant damage to the ecology and timber components of MaSF. The management of this invasive species should be of high importance. DOF will coordinate with FWC to develop methods for reducing and controlling feral hog populations.
11. Insects, Disease and Forest Health Forest management practices will be conducted in such a way as to avoid insect and disease problems. If outbreaks do occur, operational and strategic plans will be implemented to control any infestations. Specific long range strategies to avoid and/or minimize losses to such outbreaks in the future will be the management objective.
27 State forest staff will consult with the Forest Health Section to develop scientifically sound responses and/or management prescriptions.
In compliance with Chapter 388.4111, Florida Statutes, all lands contained within this lease have been evaluated and subsequently designated as environmentally sensitive and biologically highly productive. Such designation is appropriate and consistent with the previously documented natural resources and ecosystem values and affords the appropriate protection for these resources from arthropod control practices that would impose a potential hazard to fish, wildlife, and other natural resources existing on this property. After approval of this plan, the local arthropod control agency will be contacted and will be provided a description of the management objectives for MaSF. The local arthropod control agency must then prepare a public lands control plan that is subsequently approved by the DOF, prior to conducting any arthropod control activities on MaSF.
12. On-Site Housing DOF may establish on-site housing (mobile/manufactured home) on Matanzas State Forest if deemed necessary to alleviate security and management issues. The need and feasibility specific for the state forest will be evaluated and established if considered appropriate by the center/district manager and approved by the DOF Director. On-site housing will only be available to individuals approved by the Director. This type of housing will not exceed three homes per location with the possibility of more than one on-site housing location occurring if considered necessary by the center/district manager and approved by the Director.
Prior to the occurrence of any ground disturbing activity for the purpose of establishing on-site housing, a notification will be sent to the Division of State Lands as well as packages to the Division of Historical Resources (DHR) and Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) for review and recommendations. The package will contain a description of the project (location, number of units, type and amount of ground disturbance, affected natural community type and nearby known archaeological or historical sites), maps (topographic and aerial) and photographs of the area.
13. Utility Corridors/Easements The use of state forest property for utility lines, pipelines, linear facilities, and transportation corridors will be discouraged to the greatest extent possible. The placement of these linear facilities in a forest fragments the natural communities. Requests for linear facility uses will be handled according to the Governor and Cabinet’s Linear Facilities Policy which can be found in Chapter 2 of the State Forest Handbook.
Florida Power and Light Company (FP&L) has a large electric transmission power line that runs north to south through the center of the tract and bisects the forest into two sections. TowerCom East Coast, LLC has an easement for a cellular tower that was constructed in 2004 adjacent to FP&L power line in the northern portion of the property. MaSF has two in-holdings with ingress and egress access easements, a forty
28 acre parcel (Lane) and an eighty acre parcel (Pringle). Florida Inland Navigational Department has a recorded easement on Smith Grade Road to access their spoil site (SP-1) along the Matanzas River. State Wide Paving Inc. has a 60 foot ingress and egress easement on Dupont Grade Road. The Department of Transportation has a 30 foot wide drainage easement in the Cedar Creek area.
The DOF does not favor the fragmentation of natural communities with linear facilities; consequently, easements for such uses will be discouraged. The DOF does not consider MaSF suitable for any new linear facilities. When such encroachments are unavoidable, previously disturbed sites will be the preferred location. The objectives, when identifying possible locations for new linear facilities, will be to cause no damage to sensitive resources (e.g., listed species and archaeological/historical sites), to avoid habitat fragmentation, and to limit disruption of management activities and resource- based recreation.
Collocation with existing corridors will be considered but will be used only where expansion of existing corridors does not increase the level of habitat fragmentation or disruption of management and multiple-use activities. The DOF will further encourage the use of underground cable where scenic considerations are desirable. Easements are subject to approval by the Trustees and will follow the procedure outlined in Chapter 18-2, Florida Administrative Code covering easements.
14. Ground Disturbing Activities Although the DOF’s approach to handling ground disturbing activities is identified in various sections of this plan, the overall approach to this issue is summarized here. The DOF recognizes the importance of managing and protecting sensitive resources, and will take all necessary steps to insure that ground disturbing activities will not adversely impact sensitive resources. This includes areas such as archaeological and historical sites, ecotones, wetlands, and areas containing sensitive species. The construction of new pre-suppression fire lines will be limited to the greatest extent practicable. When new pre-suppression firelines, recreational trails, or other low-impact recreational site enhancements are necessary their placement will be carefully reviewed by state forest staff and will be developed so as to avoid sensitive areas. The DOF will consult with the DHR and FNAI for other ground disturbing activities such as construction of buildings, parking lots, and new roads.
15. Ground Cover Management activities will be designed and conducted to protect and enhance the condition and integrity of the native ground cover. Management techniques, such as prescribed fire in the growing season, will be used to rejuvenate, recover, and maintain a diversity of native ground cover to the greatest extent practical.
16. Restoration Like many areas in Florida, fire and hydrology represent the key ecosystem processes. Thus, the MaSF restoration vision focuses on fire and hydrologic patterns. This restoration philosophy has produced the following three classes of restoration goals:
29 restoring proper fire regime, hydrology, and species composition. These goals often interact and build upon each other. Specific actions that will be taken to accomplish restoration goals are outlined in the natural community management section (IV.B.) of this plan. a. Fire Prior to European settlement, fires in Florida generally burned on a landscape scale until stopped by rain, a body of water, or other natural fire barriers. These fires were frequent and burned most often in the lightning season. The combination of pronounced wet/dry seasons and nutrient poor soils produced a pyrogenic flora rich in one-hour and waxy fuels.
Prescribed burning provides numerous benefits to the forest. Many plant and wildlife species are adapted to frequent fires. Wiregrass in particular is dependent on fire. Burning improves wildlife habitat by promoting the growth of tender new vegetation. This new vegetation is utilized by deer, rabbits, and many other animals, while quail and other birds prefer the seeds produced by recently burned plants. Burning opens up the forest and helps control competing vegetation. Prescribed burning also reduces the chances of detrimental wildfires by reducing the buildup of fuels.
Areas to be burned will be distributed throughout the forest in a mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program will be established utilizing existing information concerning prescribed fire practices. Whenever possible, roads and natural breaks will be utilized to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. Management techniques to mirror ancient fire processes that are used include conducting lightning season prescribed burns at frequent intervals, burning across ecotones and transition zones, and restoring fuels to carry fire where the understory has been eliminated. b. Hydrology A marked wet and dry season coupled with permeable soils and lack of topographic relief results in great extremes of flooding and drought in Florida.
Human habitation has made Florida rich in roads and canals, but has altered historic water flows. With the assistance of the DOF Hydrology Section, MaSF staff will evaluate the need for hydrologic management or restoration. Small-scale restoration of individual roads and firelines on the forest is achievable and productive. Any activities associated with hydrological restoration on MaSF will be implemented with the approval and coordination of partnering agencies involved with the management of the wood stork rookery, and under the direction of the Hydrology Section. c. Species Composition Ensuring that species vital to ecosystem processes are in place on MaSF is a restoration priority. A continuous pyrogenic ground cover in fire-adapted species is
30 important, as is the presence of longleaf pine. Juvenile longleaf pine tolerates fire earlier than other woody vegetation allowing a shorter fire return interval to coexist with silviculture.
The multiple-use management approach should maintain habitat conditions suitable for the array of species typically found within the various ecosystems. As restoration proceeds and the habitats on the forest are enhanced, monitoring will be conducted to determine whether there have been any changes in species composition on MaSF.
There are no current plans to reintroduce any species that are thought to have been extirpated from MaSF. However, habitat conditions for key species will be monitored and, if habitat conditions become suitable, the case for reintroduction will be examined and attempted if it makes sense ecologically and from the standpoint of species recovery.
Restoration also aspires to control non-native invasive species. Long-term monitoring is vital and will be conducted as staffing and funding allow.
This ten-year resource management plan represents the best knowledge of the DOF at this time. Since restoration is inherently experimental, it is important to periodically monitor and evaluate land management to ensure it meets our mission statement. Evaluations will both highlight unsatisfactory management practices as well as those practices that have succeeded.
17. Apiaries There are currently no apiary leases on MaSF and none are anticipated during this ten- year planning period. Any requests for apiary uses will be handled under guidelines previously approved by the Governor and Cabinet.
18. Cattle Grazing Cattle grazing can be a useful tool in fuel reduction planning and will be evaluated where appropriate.
B. Natural Communities/Cover Types and Proposed Management Activities In June 2004, FNAI completed an inventory and natural community mapping project on 4,447 acres of MaSF (Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2004). Some portions of the forest, primarily estuarine tidal marsh and some recent acquisitions were not mapped by FNAI. These were mapped by DOF and added to the acres determined by the FNAI mapping effort. An historic natural community type map (Exhibit N) was created by combining the area mapped by FNAI and by DOF staff. The following desired future conditions, existing condition descriptions, and management recommendations are taken from the FNAI survey and the Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida (FNAI and DNR 1990).
MaSF has been a highly disturbed tract of land for many years and will require years of thoughtful restoration efforts. Restoration during this ten-year period will begin with
31 prescribed burning and thinning of overly dense pine plantations. Through an adaptive management process, the results of these initial efforts will be monitored and more refined and detailed restoration plans will be made.
Table 4. Summary table with historical and current vegetation types, acreage, whether that type will be suitable for silvicultural management, and the fire return interval.
Acres Acres Silviculturally Burn Vegetation Type Mapped Mapped Productive Interval (Historic) (Existing) (Y/N) (Years) Mesic Flatwoods 2423 12 YES 2-4
Basin Swamp 1071 997 NO 5-150
Scrubby Flatwoods 357 0 YES 5-8
Tidal Marsh 298 60 NO N/A
Maritime Hammock 275 235 NO 26-100
Dome Swamp 127 86 NO 3-5
Wet Flatwoods 70 23 YES 3-5
Depression Marsh 56 87 NO ~25
Wet Prairie 17 0 NO 2-3
Mesic Hammock 6 10 NO N/A
Pine plantation 0 2889 YES 2-4
Other (Ruderal) 0 42 NO N/A
Baygall 0 4 NO N/A
Scrub 0 3 YES 20-80
1. Mesic Flatwoods
Desired Future Condition The desired future condition of mesic flatwoods is an open canopy forest of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) and, to a lesser extent, slash pine (Pinus elliottii) with little to no midstory hardwoods. The pines occur in clusters of different ages, including both old growth pines and patches of regeneration. The sparse canopy and subcanopy allow ample sunlight to reach the ground to support a diverse groundcover of long-lived native perennial grasses (with wiregrass (Aristida stricta) dominant), forbs and low shrubs. Small areas of scrubby flatwoods, wet flatwoods and wet prairie are included community types; the former occur as patches of understory scrub oaks in the low shrub layer on sandy rises within the mesic
32 flatwoods matrix. Wet flatwoods occur in depressions and may have scattered wetland shrubs in the midstory. Wet prairies also occur as inclusions in the mesic flatwoods matrix in elevational depressions and are characterized by a lack of trees and the presence of wetland forbs, grasses and sedges.
Existing Conditions Most of these areas have been bedded and planted to slash pine. Some areas have been harvested and replanted, while some small areas remain in natural stands. Due to the lack of fire, hardwood encroachment is a problem in most areas.
Restoration Mesic flatwoods should be maintained with prescribed fire; at least two winter burns (December through March) may be required to reduce the amount of fuels in the understory to allow for summer burns (April through July) every two to four years. Prescribed fire and thinning to open the overstory and midstory should be the most effective way of allowing sunlight to reach the ground and rejuvenate remnant native groundcover. Frequent prescribed fire is needed to maintain an open canopy and midstory, and to allow sunlight to reach the groundcover. Remnant areas of groundcover should not be further reduced or thinned by any mechanical treatments or harvests. It may become necessary to actively restore native groundcover in the future.
Restoration of natural hydrology may cause low-lying areas to become wetter and aid in restoration of lost acreages of wet flatwoods, wet prairie, dome swamp and basin swamp. With the assistance of the DOF Hydrology Section, MaSF staff will evaluate the need for hydrologic management or restoration, which will include small-scale restoration of individual roads and firelines.
Silviculture Silvicultural management will focus on creating an uneven-aged mixture of longleaf and slash pines. Timber in these areas will be harvested using different methods, including row thinnings, row thinnings with selective harvest in the leave rows, seed tree cuts, shelterwood cuts, and clear-cuts where necessary for stand conversion. Stocking densities and basal areas should be managed to allow adequate sunlight to maintain abundant graminoid groundcover (30-80 BA). Existing longleaf pines will be retained to allow for natural regeneration. Higher density merchantable stands and older stands should be thinned first to maintain healthy stands, prevent wildfires and allow reintroduction of prescribed fire as soon as possible. Timber harvest will be limited to drier periods to prevent rutting and damage to remnant groundcover.
Existing Condition Prescription for Restoration Older longleaf pine These stands should undergo fire restoration to a 2 to 4 year fire return stands, origin 1983- interval by undergoing fuel reduction burns followed by April to July 1986, about 5 acres burns. Natural regeneration should be encouraged within and adjacent to these stands. Thinning to the lower basal areas will also serve as a fuel reduction treatment to allow more frequent, less catastrophic fire.
33 Existing Condition Prescription for Restoration Older slash pine stands, Fire should be reintroduced into these plantations and natural stands at origin 1952-1969, about a 2 to 4 year fire return interval by undergoing fuel reduction burns 113 acres followed by April to July burns. Thinning should occur to reduce stand density and open up the tree canopy and benefit the groundcover. These thinnings should favor longleaf pines over slash pines. In stands where densities have been reduced and fire reintroduced, and where there are no longleaf pines, small patch clearcuts should be implemented and replanted with longleaf pine where a seed source is lacking and soil types allow.
Younger slash pine These stands should be burned and thinned to allow eventual plantations, origin 1988- conversion to uneven-aged or even-aged management. Existing 2003, about 2,270 acres longleaf pines should be retained to provide a seed source. Mowing may be necessary in young slash pine plantations to implement initial prescribed burns. These stands should be restored to predominantly longleaf pine through either stand conversion or replanting of small patches where soil types allow.
Clear-cuts (No These areas will be prescribed burned and planted to longleaf pine regeneration) where soil types allow. Single drum chopping and or band-spray herbicide treatments may be necessary in areas to facilitate survival of planted seedlings.
2. Basin Swamps
Desired Future Condition Basin Swamps are large, irregularly shaped forested wetlands occurring in isolated basins that are typically not associated with flowing systems. MaSF basin swamps have developed in ancient coastal swales that drain the ancient dune ridges. Dominant canopy species typical of MaSF are pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) and swamp tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora). The subcanopy is dominated by red maple (Acer rubrum), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), gordonia (Gordonia lasianthus), swamp bay (Persea palustris), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylanica), American elm (Ulmus americana) and occasionally slash pine (Pinus elliottii). The shrub layer exists in the shallower areas and typically consists of wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), shiny lyonia (Lyonia lucida), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Virginia willow (Itea virginica), and uncommonly, St. John’s wort (Hypericum spp.). Sparse herbs include Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), sawgrass (Cladium spp.), yellow-eyed grass (Xyris spp.), lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus), and hatpins (Eriocaulon spp.). Wood storks (Mycteria americana) are currently nesting colonially in this natural community at MaSF.
Included within the basin swamps at MaSF is a small area of floodplain swamp, located in the area that outflows into the Matanzas River near Cedar Landing. Here, there is a surficial flow of water with dominant canopy species such as tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), red maple, live oak (Quercus virginiana), sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), willow (Salix spp.), and pond cypress. Dominant subcanopy and shrub species are swamp
34 bay (Persea palustris), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and Virginia willow (Itea virginica). Common herbaceous species found here include sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), knotweed (Polygonum spp.), lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus), and netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolata).
A small amount of hydric hammock vegetation occurs as an included natural community type with the basin swamps on MaSF. The hydric hammock vegetation has a well-developed hardwood and cabbage palm forest with diverse understory shrubs and groundcover species. Hardwoods include live oak, red maple, and water oak (Quercus nigra). Common subcanopy and shrub species include cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), swamp bay, dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), possumhaw (Viburnum nudum), and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). Common vines include wild grape (Vitis spp.), greenbrier (Smilax spp.), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), and yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens). The herbaceous layer is sparse, rarely burns and includes species such as woodoats (Chasmanthium laxum), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), wild iris (Iris hexagona), and beaksedges (Rhynchospora spp.).
Existing Conditions The Basin Swamps at MaSF are generally in good condition, although most have some past history of disturbance. In particular, the ecotones between swamps and flatwoods have been disturbed by past silvicultural and fire management activities. There are some ditches and plow lines that may disrupt hydrology and the movement of fire across the ecotones.
Restoration The use of heavy equipment will be limited in the ecotones to avoid rutting and soil disturbance. Existing ditches and plow lines that interfere with the movement of fire across the ecotone may require restoration. With the assistance of the DOF Hydrology Section, MaSF staff will evaluate the need for hydrologic management or restoration, which will include small-scale restoration of individual roads and firelines. Hydrologic restoration projects, such as low water crossings and culvert installation and maintenance may occur on parts of this vegetation type. Some of these areas will become wetter as natural hydrology is restored.
As a general rule, ecotones and the edges of Basin Swamps should be burned in rotation with adjacent stands, allowing fire to creep into these areas and create ecotones as conditions allow. Existing fire breaks should be rehabilitated wherever possible, and new lines will be established only in extreme situations. There will be little or no long term timber management on most areas of this vegetation type. In the future, it may be desirable to replant cypress into some of the areas.
3. Scrubby Flatwoods
Desired Future Condition Scrubby Flatwoods are an upland community characterized by an open pine canopy with an understory dominated by scrub oaks and shrubs with many areas of bare sand. Scrubby
35 flatwoods support vegetation of both scrub and mesic flatwoods and represent a transition between these two community types. The soil is typically more xeric than that in mesic flatwoods, and scrubby flatwoods often occur as an inclusion natural community on small rises within the mesic flatwoods on MaSF. The understory is dominated by scrub oaks (Q. geminata, Q. chapmanii, Q. myrtifolia), rusty staggerbush (Lyonia ferruginea) and tarflower (Befaria racemosa) along with saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Grasses and herbs such as wiregrass (Aristida stricta), sandyfield beaksedge (Rhynchospora megalocarpa), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), and wild pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida) are found in the scrubby flatwoods at MaSF. Small patches of true scrub, which lack flatwoods species and are solely dominated by scrub oaks, possibly sand pine (Pinus clausa), and Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides) may occur in small patches on rises within the scrubby flatwoods.
Existing Conditions All areas denoted as scrubby flatwoods are planted on bedded rows with either slash pines (Pinus elliottii) or longleaf pines (Pinus palustris). These stands are fully stocked with approximately 700 trees per acre ranging in age between 3-23 years old. The understory consists of broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), sand live oaks and sparse clumps of saw palmetto and gallberry (Ilex glabra).
Restoration Scrubby flatwoods typically require less frequent fire than mesic flatwoods, which allows dense patches of scrub oaks to develop. Where scrubby flatwoods are adjacent to mesic flatwoods, the entire area will be managed for the mesic flatwoods, allowing fire to burn through or extinguish naturally within the scrubby flatwoods. When scrubby flatwoods are managed as a separate unit, an average fire return interval of five to eight years will be used for restoration and fuel load maintenance purposes. Existing fire breaks will be rehabilitated wherever possible. New firelines will be established only in extreme situations.
Silviculture Silvicultural management will focus on creating an uneven-aged mixture of longleaf and slash pines. Timber in these areas will be harvested using different methods, including row thinnings, row thinnings with selective harvest in the leave rows; seed tree cuts, shelterwood cuts, and clear-cuts where necessary for stand conversion. Stocking densities and basal areas should be managed to allow adequate sunlight to maintain abundant graminoid groundcover (30-80 BA). Existing longleaf pines will be retained to allow for natural regeneration. Higher density merchantable stands and older stands should be thinned first to maintain healthy stands and allow reintroduction of prescribed fire as soon as possible.
Existing Condition Prescription for Restoration Older longleaf pine These stands should undergo fire restoration to a 2 to 4 year fire return interval stands, origin1983- by undergoing fuel reduction burns followed by April to July burns. Separate 1986, about 15 acres scrubby flatwoods stands can be shifted to a 5 to 8 year burn rotation once fuels have been reduced. Natural regeneration should be encouraged within and adjacent to these stands.
36 Existing Condition Prescription for Restoration Older slash pine Fire should be reintroduced into these plantations and natural stands, either as stands, origin 1967- inclusions in mesic flatwoods or as separate stands, at a 2 to 4 year fire return 1986, about 167 interval by undergoing fuel reduction burns followed by April to July burns. acres Separate scrubby flatwoods stands can be shifted to a 5 to 8 year burn rotation once fuels have been reduced. Thinning should occur to reduce stand density and open the tree canopy and midstory to benefit the groundcover. These thinnings should favor longleaf pines over slash pines. In stands where densities have been reduced and fire reintroduced, and where there are no longleaf pines, small patch clearcuts should be implemented and replanted with longleaf pine. Younger slash pine These stands should be aggressively burned and thinned to allow eventual stands, origin 1993- conversion to uneven-aged or even-aged management. Existing longleaf pines 1996, about 6 acres. should be retained to provide a seed source. Mowing may be necessary in young slash pine plantations to implement initial prescribed burns. These stands should be converted to predominantly longleaf pine through either stand conversion or replanting of small patches. Historical scrubby These stands need to be evaluated to determine the steps necessary and the flatwoods identified feasibility of management as scrubby flatwoods. as current condition mesic flatwoods, about 170 acres
4. Tidal Marsh
Desired Future Condition Tidal marshes are found in the upper reaches of tidally influenced creeks and drainages that flow into the Matanzas River. They connect to freshwater drainages just downstream of the floodplain swamp in the Cedar Creek Landing area, and are at the base of bluffs and downstream drainages in the extreme eastern portions of MaSF. Black needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) and smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) are the dominant species here along with other salt-tolerant species such as glasswort (Salicornia perennis), saltwort (Batis maritima), and seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus).
Tidal Marshes are extremely important because of their storm buffering capacity and their pollutant filtering actions. The dense roots and stems hold the unstable soils together, reducing the impact of storm wave surge. The plants, animals, and soils filter, absorb, and neutralize many pollutants before they can reach adjacent marine and estuarine communities. These factors make tidal marshes an extremely valuable natural community.
Existing Condition The tidal marshes are in good condition and considered to be in their desired future condition.
Management Vegetation on tidal marshes is extremely sensitive to human disturbance. Current low levels of limited human access will be maintained for interpretive and hiking access. Management
37 activities and access will be designed to prevent further human disturbances to this natural community. The use of heavy equipment will be restricted to avoid rutting and soil disturbance. No ditches or firelines exist or are required on this stand.
5. Maritime Hammock
Desired Future Condition Oak dominated uplands on the ridges, slopes, and to a limited extent, the lowlands adjacent to the estuarine tidal marshes of the Matanzas River are considered a maritime hammock. This is a mature, densely canopied forest on well-drained sands. Canopy and subcanopy species include live oak, laurel oak, red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), basswood (Tilia americana), and southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). Common shrubs include saw palmetto, yaupon (Ilex vomitoria), Carolina indigo (Indigofera caroliniana), and smallflower pawpaw (Asimina parviflora). Herbaceous species are sparse, and include coastal bedstraw (Galium hispidulum), stinging nettle (Cnidoscolus stimulosus), panic grass (Panicum spp.), slender woodoats (Chasmanthium laxum), cutgrass (Leersia virginica), various nutrushes (Scleria spp.) and beaksedges (Rhynchospora spp.).
Existing Conditions The Maritime Hammocks are in good condition and considered to be in their desired future condition.
Management The vegetation of Maritime Hammocks is very sensitive to human disturbance. Current low levels of limited human access will be maintained for interpretive and hiking access. Management activities and access will be designed to prevent further human disturbances to this natural community. The use of heavy equipment will be restricted to avoid rutting and soil disturbance. No ditches or firelines exist or are required in these stands.
6. Dome Swamp
Desired Future Condition Dome Swamps are forested wetlands found in shallow depressions within the mesic flatwoods matrix at MaSF. They are usually isolated from surficial water drainages except during periods of flood. Dominant canopy species in dome swamps in MaSF are pond cypress, tupelo, with some slash pine and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Subcanopy trees consist of dahoon holly, loblolly bay, and red maple. Shrubs exist in the shallower areas and typically consist of wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), shiny lyonia (Lyonia lucida), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), and Virginia willow (Itea virginica). Herbaceous species include Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), netted chain fern, royal fern (Osmunda regalis), sawgrass (Cladium spp.), blue maidencane (Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum), yellow-eyed grasses (Xyris spp.), and hatpins (Eriocaulon spp.). In deeper portions of the domes swamps arrowhead (Sagittaria graminea) and pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) may be found. Many dome swamps at MaSF have been cut and have cypress stumps (some of which have re-sprouted and grown to over twenty feet tall).
38
Existing Conditions Feral hog damage appears to be retarding tree regeneration and is degrading the herbaceous vegetation in the dome swamps. Like basin swamps, dome swamps often have graminoid ecotones that are important for rare plants and animals; these ecotones have been disturbed by past silvicultural practices and a lack of fire.
Management Hydrologic restoration projects, such as low water crossings and culvert installation and maintenance may occur on parts of this vegetation type. Some of these areas will become wetter as natural hydrology is restored. Stands that have been harvested in the past are naturally regenerating and should be kept in their natural state. There will be little or no long term timber management on most areas of this vegetation type, however, it may be desireable to replant cypress in some domes.
Restoration Restoration of ecotones around Dome Swamps will require frequent prescribed fire, and limited use of heavy equipment to avoid rutting and soil disturbance. Some existing ditches and plowlines, if they interfere with the movement of fire across the ecotone, may require restoration. As a general rule, fire will be allowed to creep into these areas to increase and enhance ecotones as conditions allow. These areas may need more frequent fire to rejuvenate remnants of native groundcover. Existing fire breaks will be rehabilitated wherever possible, and new lines will be established only in extreme situations.
7. Wet Flatwoods
Desired Future Condition Wet Flatwoods are open, fire maintained pinelands on frequently saturated soils. Three pine species (Pinus elliottii, P. taeda, and P. palustris) occur in the canopy at MaSF in wet flatwoods. Water oak (Quercus nigra) and laurel oak are occasional. Subcanopy species include swamp bay, persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), and dahoon holly (Ilex cassine). Shrubs consist of wax myrtle, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum spp.), and to a lesser extent, saw palmetto. The herbaceous layer includes blue maidencane (Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum), Virginia chain fern, yelloweyed grass (Xyris spp.), Carolina redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana), wood sage (Teucrium canadense), rose gentians (Sabatia spp.) and meadow beauties (Rhexia spp.). Hooded pitcher plants (Sarracenia minor) occur at MaSF. Wet flatwoods grade into mesic flatwoods on their upland boundaries and can also occur as a transition zone between other wetlands such as basin swamps, dome swamps, and depression marshes.
Existing Conditions Nearly all of these areas were bedded and planted to slash pine in the six years prior to acquisition. There may be some remnant, small areas still in natural stands on the edges with other natural community types. Due to the lack of fire, hardwood encroachment is a problem in most areas.
39 Restoration Wet Flatwoods should be maintained with prescribed fire; at least two winter burns (December through March) may be required to reduce the amount of fuels in the understory to allow for summer burns (April through July) every two to four years. Prescribed fire and thinning to open the overstory and midstory should be the most effective way of allowing sunlight to reach the ground and rejuvenate remnant native groundcover. Frequent prescribed fire is needed to maintain an open canopy and midstory, and to allow sunlight to reach the groundcover. Remnant areas of groundcover should not be further reduced or thinned by mechanical treatments or harvests. It may become necessary to actively restore native groundcover in the future.
Groundcover Prescribed burning is the most effective way to rejuvenate remnants of native groundcover. Prescribed fires will be allowed to burn into the swamps to various extents depending on fuel and weather conditions to set back hardwood succession. It may become necessary to actively restore native groundcover in some stands.
Hydrology Restoration of natural hydrology may cause low-lying areas to become wetter and aid in restoration of lost acreages of wet flatwoods, wet prairie, dome swamp and basin swamp. With the assistance of the DOF Hydrology Section, MaSF staff will evaluate the need for hydrologic management or restoration, which will include small-scale restoration of individual roads and firelines.
Silviculture Silvicultural management will focus on creating an uneven-aged mixture of longleaf and slash pines. Timber in these areas will be harvested using different methods, including row thinnings, row thinnings with selective harvests in the leave rows, seed tree cuts, shelterwood cuts, and clear-cuts where necessary for stand conversion. Stocking densities and basal areas should be managed to allow adequate sunlight to maintain abundant graminoid groundcover (30-80 BA). Existing longleaf pines will be retained to allow for natural regeneration. Higher density merchantable stands and older stands should be thinned first to maintain healthy stands, prevent wildfires and allow reintroduction of prescribed fire as soon as possible. Timber harvest will be limited to drier periods to prevent rutting and damage to remnant groundcover. Special care must be taken during harvests, which should occur only during drier periods, to prevent rutting, compaction and erosion.
Existing Condition Prescription for Restoration Younger slash pine These stands should be burned and thinned to allow eventual plantations, origin 1998- conversion to uneven-aged or even-aged management. Existing 2000, about 70 acres longleaf pines should be retained to provide a seed source. Mowing may be necessary in young slash pine plantations to implement initial prescribed burns.
40 8. Depression Marsh
Desired Future Condition Depression Marshes are shallow, herbaceous wetlands found in the low-lying flatwoods. They are formed in the more vertically drained dissolution breaks of the underlying karst formations. The soil is usually acidic sand with deepening peat towards the center. Depression marshes are dominated by maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), cordgrasses (Spartina bakeri and S. patens), purple bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), and Virginia chain fern. Other common herbaceous plants found here are pipeworts (Eriocaulon spp.), yellow-eyed grasses (Xyris spp.), sundews (Drosera spp.), beaksedges (commonly Rhynchospora fascicularis and R. miliacea), and a diversity of milkworts (Polygala spp.). Many of the depression marshes found at MaSF have some component of dome swamp either regenerating or encroaching into the marsh.
Existing Conditions Depression marshes at MaSF are mostly dominated by broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), a weedy species that replaces characteristic native herb species following ground disturbance (e.g. feral hog damage and past forestry practices). Depression marshes at MaSF are also being encroached by woody species such as black gum (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora), dahoon holly, wax myrtle, loblolly pine, and gallberry (Ilex glabra).
Restoration Feral hog damage in this natural community is the most severe of any of the natural communities. Control of feral hogs, in addition to restoration of natural fire regime, will be important for restoration of this highly diverse natural community. The DOF will consult with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Water Management District to develop a hunting program that will establish some measure of control over the hog population.
Existing fire breaks should be rehabilitated wherever possible, and new lines will be established only in extreme situations. Hydrologic restoration projects, such as low water crossings and culvert installation and maintenance may occur on parts of this vegetation type. Some of these areas will become wetter as natural hydrology is restored.
9. Wet Prairie
Desired Future Condition Wet prairies are fire maintained grasslands on frequently saturated soils and occur in a few small areas, largely as the grassy, wet ecotones of basin swamps, domes swamps, and depression marshes. Species in these areas include wiry beaksedges (Rhynchospora spp.), blue maidencane (Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum), Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), yelloweyed grass (Xyris spp.), Carolina redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana), wood sage (Teucrium canadense), rose gentians (Sabatia spp.), meadow beauties (Rhexia spp.) and hooded pitcher plants (Sarracenia minor). There are few shrubs or trees.
41 Existing Conditions Some of the larger areas that were historically classified as wet prairie are currently young slash pine plantations bedded and planted in 1998 and 2000. Another wet prairie area has grown up with wetland hardwoods as the result of expansion of a basin swamp.
Restoration It is important that Wet Prairies be brought under fire management as soon as possible, which will involve cool season fuel reduction burns followed by burning from April to July. These burns should take place at 2 to 4 year interval. During the first thinnings of these stands, pines should be preferentially cut retaining only enough trees to assist in providing fuel for prescribed burning. If shrubs and trees have not been brought under control by burning, mechanical control may be necessary. Great care must be taken during any treatment to avoid rutting and compaction or the disruption of native groundcover remnants. Subsequent thinnings should remove most of the remaining overstory pines. It may become necessary and desirable to actively restore native groundcover in the future.
Groundcover Efforts will be focused on restoring the natural ground cover and native herbaceous plant communities to their wet prairie community type. The implementation of a stand conversion and the establishment of a natural fire regime, brought about through prescribed fire every 2- 4 years, will aid in the rejuvenation of groundcover vegetation and the native flora associated with the natural wet prairie community type.
Hydrology Hydrology is the most important physical factor along with fire that can alter the wet prairie community type. This community type is often seasonally inundated or saturated for prolonged periods throughout the year, although this period is much shorter than in other wetlands communities. This community type is split in several places by roads possibly affecting the hydrology. If it is determined by the DOF Forest Hydrologist that these roads are inadvertently obstructing the flow of water through this community, culverts or low water crossings will be installed to assist in the restoration of the hydrology.
Silviculture The wet prairie natural community type will be restored to a functioning ecosystem by reducing tree density to a basal area between 0 and 30 square feet per acre.
Existing Condition Prescription for Restoration Slash Pine plantation, Make sure that flatwoods stands with these inclusions are on a 2-4 year origin 1998-2000, prescribed fire rotation. Implement any hydrological restoration that may about 10 acres be necessary or beneficial. After reducing fuels with winter burning, shift to prescribed fire during April through July. During the first thinning of these stands, preferentially remove the pines from these areas if there will be sufficient fuel remaining to carry frequent (2-4 year) fires during April through July. Determine if mowing or some other mechanical treatment is needed to reduce shrubs. Retain the minimum pine density to carry fuels. Remove any remaining pines during subsequent thinnings of the adjacent flatwoods.
42 Existing Condition Prescription for Restoration Basin Swamp, about 7 Conduct fuel reduction burns in adjacent flatwoods stands, shift to 2 to 4 acres year fire return interval with burns primarily between April and July. Allow fires to burn into former wet prairie portion of basin swamp. Evaluate whether mechanical treatment such as mowing would be beneficial in restoring wet prairie.
10. Mesic Hammock
Desired Future Condition Mesic Hammocks are similar in structure to maritime hammocks but occur on less well- drained soils. They develop in upland areas that rarely, if ever, burn because of topographic influences (e.g., leeward sides of water bodies, wetland slopes). Soils are moist due to dense shading and thick humus layer but are underlain by thick sands. Live oaks and cabbage palms dominate the canopy along with southern magnolia, red cedar, sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), red maple, water oak, and American elm (Ulmus americana). Subcanopy and shrub species include swamp bay, wax myrtle, red mulberry (Morus rubra), swamp dogwood (Cornus foemina), and beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). Vines include wild grape, greenbrier, poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), and yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens). The herbaceous layer is sparse and includes woodoats (Chasmanthium laxum), cinnamon fern, royal fern (Osmunda regalis), nutsedges (Scleria spp.), witchgrasses (Dichanthelium spp.), and beaksedges (Rhynchospora spp.).
Existing Conditions The existing condition of these stands is near to the desired future condition.
Management Maintaining limited access and preventing further human disturbances to this stand are the key management actions. The use of heavy equipment will be restricted to avoid rutting and soil disturbance. No ditches or firelines exist or are required on this stand. There will be little or no long term timber management on most parts of this vegetation type.
C. Impact of Planned Uses on Property Resources The renewable resources will be protected as follows:
1. Silviculture – Guidelines outlined in previous sections of this plan will ensure a sustainable timber resource and diverse ecological resources for perpetuity.
2. Wildlife – Wildlife resources, both game and non-game species will be protected through various management techniques coordinated between DOF and FWC. The DOF and FWC manage these resources through law enforcement, silviculture, restoration techniques, and prescribed burning. Wildlife will be managed and protected through the maintenance of native ecosystems.
43 3. Water – Water resources will be protected through the use of Silviculture BMPs and/or other appropriate measures as deemed necessary by the DOF’s Forest Hydrologist and/or Watershed Specialist. Guidelines and activities as outlined in previous sections of this plan will insure and protect water resources on MaSF.
4. Historical/Archaeological – In the event of any significant ground disturbing activity, the DHR and FNAI will be contacted for review and comment. The DOF will follow the management procedures outlined in Exhibit H and will comply with all appropriate provisions of Section 267.061(2), Florida Statutes.
5. Recreation – Recreational uses will be monitored to evaluate impacts on the natural systems. Modifications to recreational uses will be implemented should significant negative impacts be identified.
V. MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
A. Operations Infrastructure The current annual budget (2006-07) for MaSF is $143,292, and is broken down as follows:
Salary & Benefits for Forester $44,683
Salary for OPS Park Ranger $22,568 for maintaining MaSF duties.
Expense $58,862 for routine road/trail/equipment maintenance, control of exotics, fuel, etc.
Operating Capital Outlay $2,456 for equipment (skid tank unit)
Operating Budget $14,099 vehicle operation, resource management, and utilities.
The equipment from Bakersville Work Center and the Dupont Tower Site are available to carry out resource management activities on the state forest as well as to maintain forest improvements such as trails, roads, and facilities. A ¾ ton 4x4 pickup truck was furnished for the Forester position. A John Deere 5545 farm tractor with front end loader and 26’ Crossley trailer have been purchased. A skid unit with 50 gallon tank was approved for purchase during the 2006-07 fiscal year.
The Dupont Tower Site serves as headquarters for the state forest. 50’x 60’ metal equipment storage shed to house the farm tractor, trucks, and trailers used on MaSF and a 12’x20’ aluminum shed for storing hand tools and other equipment were installed on the site in 2005. A former residence on the site is undergoing renovations to become an office for the Forester and rangers. The Forester’s office is temporarily located at the Bakersville
44 Work Center until the renovations are completed. A parking area and trailhead are nearing completion at the public entrance on Double Gate Road just off US Highway 1.
In order to supplement the staff assigned to MaSF, the Forester and Forest Area Supervisor will recruit volunteers for assistance in furthering the DOF’s mission. The MaSF Liaison Committee, composed of co-managing agencies, private citizens, representatives of forest user groups, elected county officials, and other governmental bodies has been formed and meets regularly. The purpose of having a liaison committee at MaSF is to facilitate communication and dialogue between the community in which the state forest exists and the DOF.
B. Management Needs, Priority Schedule and Cost Estimates A priority list of management activities and the estimated cost are listed below and summarized in Table 5. The majority of the management operations will be conducted by the DOF, although appropriate activities will be contracted to private sector vendors. All activities will serve to enhance the property’s natural resource or public recreational value. Cost estimates are provided where sufficient information is available to make projections. Costs for some activities cannot be estimated at this time. Other activities will be completed with minimal overhead expense by utilizing existing staff. An Operational Plan will be developed to address each of these items.
Priority 1
1. Prescribed Burning – Prescribed burning is the primary management tool for the forest. Approximately 74% of the acreage (roughly 3,500 acres) supports vegetative communities that are fire dependent, most of which will be burned on an average rotation of every 2 to 4 years. The Fire Management Plan will be updated as necessary. Eventually, the annual goal will be to prescribe burn 800 to 1,500 acres with the majority of the burning during the growing season. This will convert more acreage from the restoration stage to the maintenance stage. Cost estimates are based on the DOF’s contract burning rate. Manpower and equipment costs are included: Estimated Annual Cost: $10,000.00
2. Non-Native Invasive Plant Control – Control and monitor plant locations. Herbicides available through the DEP Herbicide Bank Program and application assistance through the SJRWMD will be utilized. Estimated costs: No DOF cost
3. Recreation Program – A. Construct two primitive camping areas with parking along Cedar Creek. Estimated costs: $4,000.00
B. Construct large group camping area with parking, fire rings, and BBQ grills. Estimated costs: $6,000.00
45 4. Forest Boundary Marking and Fencing – Post boundary with state forest boundary signage and initiate repainting of 17 miles of boundary line.
Average length completed per year (repainting) 1,500 ft Estimated annual cost $1,500.00 Fence boundary (1 mile/year) 32,000 ft (6.06 miles) Estimated annual cost $22,000.00 per mile Clearing boundary lines for fence 32,000 ft (6.06 miles) Estimated costs $2,000.00 per mile = $12,000.00
5. Road/Trail Restoration – Continue to maintain and upgrade roads, forest trails, wetland, and intermittent stream crossings. Road upgrades (stabilization materials) and maintenance per year $60,000.00 Trail establishment and maintenance per year $1,000.00
6. Forestry Tools/Heavy Equipment and Budget Items – Various tools and equipment necessary for the active management of MaSF are listed below. A four-wheel drive pick- up truck with a dump bed is needed for maintenance on MaSF.
6x4 ATV $9,600.00 15 gal water tank w/electric pump $600.00 4 gal per minute @ 3000 psi pressure washer $1,200.00 Backhoe with ditch bucket attachment $60,000.00 F-550 size pickup (4X4) with dump body bed $49,500.00 Total $120,500.00
Priority 2
1. Listed Species Survey, Occurrence Records and Mapping – Follow-up to the FNAI survey needs to be a cooperative, ongoing effort – employing private contractors, volunteers, FWC, etc. Biological surveys will include monitoring of listed species. Estimated costs: $10,000.00
2. Law Enforcement/Security – OALE officers to patrol the forest to monitor and enforce hunting rules, forest rules, stop illegal dumping, etc. This cost will be based on 15% use in MaSF. Estimated costs: $15,000.00
Priority 3
1. Forest Education/Forest Recreation Improvements – Following evaluation of visitor needs and resource compatibility, provide various recreation improvements and facility construction as discussed earlier in the plan. Hiking Trail signs/interpretative brochure $2,200.00 State Forest Awareness/ promotional efforts $400.00
46
Table 5. Estimated Expenditures Organized by Uniform Cost Accounting Council Categories CATEGORY PRIORITY 1 PRIORITY 2 PRIORITY 3 TOTAL Resource Management: -Exotic Species Control $0.00 $0.00 -Prescribed burning $10,000 $10,000 -Timber Management -Hydrological Management -Biological monitoring $10,000 $10,000 Administration: -Units/Projects -Staff/Housing Needs Capital Improvements: -New Facility Construction -Facility Maintenance $96,500 $96,500 -Tools/Equipment $120,500 $120,500 Visitor Services/Recreation: -Information/Education Programs $400 $400 -Operations $10,000 $2,200 $12,200 -Law Enforcement/Security $15,000 $15,000
TOTAL $237,000 $25,000 $2,600 $264,600
C. Plans to Locate Fragile, Non-renewable Natural and Cultural Resources Representatives of DHR and FNAI will be consulted prior to the initiation of any proposed significant ground disturbing activity by DOF or any other public agency. The DOF will make every effort to protect known archaeological and historical resources.
Trained archaeological monitors will oversee ground disturbing activities in which DHR recommends monitoring (DHR 1995). The DOF will utilize the services of DHR archaeologists, when available, to locate and evaluate unknown resources, and to make recommendations in the management of known resources. As information becomes available, and as staffing allows, any known archaeological and historical sites will be identified on maps to aid state forest and law enforcement personnel in patrolling and protecting sites.
Applicable surveys will be conducted by DOF staff or others during the process of planning and implementing ecosystem management activities. DOF personnel will remain alert for any environmentally significant resources (Exhibit M) and protective actions will be taken as necessary.
D. Conformation to State Lands Management Plan Management of the forest under the multiple-use concept, utilizing ecosystem management principles, complies with the State Lands Management Plan, and provides optimum balanced public utilization of the property.
Specific authority for the DOF’s management of public lands is derived from Chapters 253 and 589, Florida Statutes.
47 E. Multiple-Use Potential - Income Producing Activities Recreation – Day use permits are issued from the Bunnell District office. No honor fees are currently collected for day use activities. Sites for collection boxes will be addressed as road work, trails, and campsites are completed.
Rentals - There are no buildings or sites currently available for rental income.
Timber Sales - Amounts received from timber sales will vary due to product class, tract size, and market conditions. Several stands need thinning and most will reach thinning stage within the ten years covered by this plan. This will result in numerous timber sales being conducted on MaSF during the next ten years.
F. Potential Use of Private Land Managers The forest manager makes ongoing evaluations of use of private land managers, consultants, and/or contractors to facilitate the restoration or management of the forest. The opportunities for outsourcing land management work include or are anticipated to include:
Reforestation – As off-site slash and sand pine stands are harvested and restored to longleaf, contractual site preparation and planting will be considered.
Biological Assessments - FNAI (non-profit) hired to survey MaSF (completed initial survey).
Other Contractual Services – Future fencing is a possible contractual item.
Road Repair – Road stabilization materials delivery may be contracted as needed for upgrade and repair projects.
VI. REFERENCES
Division of Historical Resources. Revised 2007. Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State-Owned or Controlled Lands. Department of the State, Division of Historical Resources. Tallahassee, Florida.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Revised 2004. Silviculture Best Management Practices for Florida. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 2004. Memorandum of Agreement for Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Department of Environmental Protection. Tallahassee, Florida.
48 Florida Natural Areas Inventory. 2004. Natural Community Descriptions to Accompany a Natural Community Map of Matanzas State Forest. Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee, FL.
Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Department of Natural Resources. 1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee, FL and the Florida Department of Natural Resources [now the Florida Department of Environmental Protection], Tallahassee, FL.
49