Tree Islands in the Arthur R

Tree islands in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge: patterns and responses to fire and hydrology.

Laura A. Brandt, Everglades Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 8003, Belle Glade, FL 33430. 561/996-3062 ext 126.

Jennifer Silveiria, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

Wiley M. Kitchens, USGS-BRD, Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, PO Box 110450, Gainesville, FL 32611. 352/846-0536.

Introduction Overview of objectives of this chapter synthesize what we know about tree islands in Loxahatchee focus on fire and hydrology as structuring forces discuss how studies of past change can assist management and restoration

Description of Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Position in the Everglades Ecosystem Underlying geology Soils Topography Vegetation communities Historic hydrologic patterns Current hydrologic patterns Management

Tree islands in Loxahatchee Synthesis of what we know about the following with summary table of studies that address each topic. Origin Types Distribution Patterns Trends

Fire and hydrology as structuring agents Fire History Conceptual model design Conceptual model output Hydrology (hydroperiod, depth, flow volume and direction) Historic and present Responses of vegetation Responses of tree island patterns (size, shape, distribution, orientation)

Summary

Implications for Management and Restoration