Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

TEN-YEAR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR THE

LAKE WALES RIDGE STATE FOREST

POLK COUNTY

PREPARED BY

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF FORESTRY

APPROVED ON

December 8, 2006

LAKE WALES RIDGE 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, and Management Plan Direction...... 2 B. Overview of State Forest Management Program...... 2 C. Past Accomplishments and Status of Previous Plan’s Goals/Objectives ...... 3 D. Goals/Objectives for Lake Wales Ridge for Next Ten Year Period...... 8 II. Administration Section...... 11 A. Descriptive Information ...... 11 1. Common Name of Property...... 11 2. Location, Boundaries and Improvements ...... 12 3. Legal Description and Acreage...... 12 4. Degree of Title Interest Held by the Board...... 13 5. Proximity to Other Public Resources...... 13 6. Aquatic Preserve/Area of Critical State Concern ...... 15 B. Acquisition Information ...... 15 1. Land Acquisition Program...... 15 2. Legislative or Executive Constraints ...... 16 3. Purpose for Acquisition ...... 16 4. Designated Single or Multiple-Use Management...... 17 5. Alternate Uses Considered...... 17 6. Additional Land Needs...... 17 7. Adjacent Conflicting Uses ...... 17 8. Surplus Land Assessment ...... 17 C. Agency & Public Involvement ...... 18 1. Responsibilities of Managing Agencies...... 18 2. Public and Local Government Involvement ...... 18 3. Compliance with Comprehensive Plan...... 18 III. Resource Section ...... 18 A. Past Uses ...... 18 B. Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources...... 19 1. Soil Types...... 19 2. Archaeological and Historical Resources ...... 20 3. Water Resources...... 21 4. Fish and Wildlife...... 22 5. Endangered or Threatened Species...... 22 6. Beaches and Dunes ...... 24 7. Swamps, Marshes, or Other Wetlands...... 24 8. Mineral Resources...... 24 9. Unique Natural Features ...... 24 10. Outstanding Native Landscapes...... 25 11. Timber Resources ...... 25 IV. Management Concepts by Natural Communities and Proposed Management Activities ...... 25 A. Existing and Planned Uses ...... 25 1. Property Boundaries Establishment and Preservation ...... 25 2. Soil and Water Protection ...... 26 3. Roads...... 26 4. Recreation Management ...... 28 5. Fire Management ...... 31 6. Silvicultural Guidelines & Forest Resource Management Objectives ...... 32 7. Research Projects/Specimen Collection ...... 34 8. Law Enforcement...... 34 9. Wildlife and Fish Management...... 34 10. Non-native Invasive Species...... 36 11. Insects and Disease ...... 37 12. Utility Corridors and Easements...... 37 13. Ground Disturbing Activities...... 37 B. Description of Natural Communities and Proposed Management Activities ...... 38 C. Impact of Planned Uses on Property Resources ...... 56 V. Management Summary ...... 56 A. Operations Infrastructure...... 56 B. Management Needs - Priority Schedule and Cost Estimates...... 58 C. Plans to Locate Fragile, Non-renewable Natural and Cultural Resources ...... 61 D. Conformation to State Lands Management Plan ...... 61 E. Multiple-Use Potential – Income Producing Activities...... 62 F. Potential Use of Private Land Managers...... 62 VI. References...... 62

TEN-YEAR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN LAKE WALES RIDGE STATE FOREST

EXHIBITS

Location/Boundary Map ...... Exhibit A Other Public Lands Map ...... Exhibit B Optimal Boundary Map ...... Exhibit C Management Plan Advisory Group Summary...... Exhibit D Compliance with Local Comprehensive Plan...... Exhibit E Soils Map ...... Exhibit F List of Fish & Wildlife Species Found on Lake Wales Ridge State Forest...... Exhibit G Threatened & Endangered Plant/Animal Species List...... Exhibit H Roads Map ...... Exhibit I Recreation Map...... Exhibit J Horse and Hiking Trail Map...... Exhibit K Natural Communities Cover Type Map...... Exhibit L Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State Owned or Controlled Lands...... Exhibit M

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Accomplishments for Fiscal Year 2001/2002 Through Fiscal Year 2005/2006 ...... Page 6 Table 2. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Acreage by Parcel...... Page 12 Table 3. Historical Sites Found on LWRSF ...... Page 20 Table 4. Estimated Annual Expenditures Organized by Uniform Accounting Council Categories ...... Page 60

LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Lead Agency: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry Common Name: Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Location: Polk County Acreage Total: 26,563

Acreage Breakdown: Natural Communities Acreage Natural Communities Acreage Mesic flatwoods...... 1,842 Floodplain swamp...... 116 Scrub...... 2,960 Basin swamp...... 21 Dry prairie ...... 2,901 Sandhill...... 4,864 Hydric hammock ...... 304 Scrubby flatwoods ...... 4,310 Strand swamp ...... 150 Baygall...... 2,911 Slough...... 82 Seepage slope ...... 685 Wet prairie...... 410 Xeric hammock ...... 7 Wet flatwoods...... 2,197 Depression marsh ...... 1,060 Bottomland forest ...... 1,182 Basin marsh ...... 170 Floodplain forest...... 390 Shell mound...... 1

Lease/Management Agreement No.: 3563 Use: Single___ Multiple X

Management Agency Responsibility Florida DACS, General Management of Forest Division of Forestry Resources, Recreation & Wildlife

South Florida Water Water Resource Protection & Management District Restoration

Southwest Florida Water Water Resource Protection & Management District Restoration

Florida Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Resources & Laws Conservation Commission

Division of Historical Historical and Archaeological Resources Resource Management

Designated Land Use: Multiple-use State Forest Sublease(s): Cattle (1), Citrus (1) Encumbrances: None Type Acquisition: CARL, Florida Forever, and Preservation 2000. Unique Features: Located on the Lake Wales Ridge, Scrub, Cutthroat Seeps, Sandhills, Dry Prairie Archaeological/Historical: Nine sites Management Needs: Restoration of native ecosystems, FNAI survey of new properties Acquisition Needs: Remainder of the Lake Wales Ridge CARL Project and Bombing Range Ridge Surplus Lands/Acreage: None. Public Involvement: Public Meetings, Polk County Planning Division, Lake Wales Ridge Liaison Committee, Management Plan Advisory Group ------DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE (FOR DIVISION OF STATE LANDS USE ONLY)

ARC Approval Date: BTIITF Approval Date: Comments:

I. INTRODUCTION

The Lake Wales Ridge State Forest (LWRSF) is located in four separate tracts on or near the ancient Lake Wales Ridge in southeastern Polk County (Exhibit A). This 26,563 acre state forest is part of the largest undeveloped piece of land on the Lake Wales Ridge. A portion of the state forest is located in the Kissimmee Valley which contains Florida dry prairie, a globally endangered natural community. The forest contains outstanding examples of naturally functioning ecosystems including: ancient scrub islands, flatwoods, seepage slopes, sandhills, seasonal ponds, dry prairie, and undeveloped lakes.

A. General Mission, Goals for Florida State Forests, and Management Plan Direction

The Division of Forestry's (DOF) mission is to protect Florida and its people from the dangers of wildland fire and manage the forest resources through a stewardship ethic to assure they are available for future generations. This will be accomplished by implementing sound multiple-use management principles, the objectives of which will be to:

• To restore, maintain, and protect in perpetuity all native ecosystems; • To ensure the long term viability of populations and species considered rare, endangered, threatened, or of special concern; • To integrate human use through a total resource concept, 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 goals are consistent with the goals for which the property was acquired.

This management plan provides the general direction for management of LWRSF. It is not an annual work plan or detailed operational plan, but provides general guidance for management of the LWRSF for the next ten years and outlines the major concepts that will guide management activities on the forest. The following information presented is consistent with the requirements of Section 253.034, Florida Statutes and was prepared using guidelines outlined in Chapter 18- 2.021 of the Florida Administrative Code.

B. Overview of State Forest Management Program

Due to the unique nature of many of the native ecosystems found on LWRSF the main management goal is to restore and manage these ecosystems. Restoring the native sandhill on the Walk-in-the-Water Tract and the degraded dry prairie on the Prairie Tract, removing the invading sand pines to allow the re-introduction of fire into ecosystems where fire was excluded, removing off-site trees that were planted by previous owners, and maintaining the intact ecosystems are some of the main management goals of the LWRSF.

C. Past Accomplishments and Status of Previous Plan Goals/Objectives

A compilation of management activities and public use on the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is completed quarterly and an annual report completed at the end of each fiscal year. These reports are available from the forest manager. A table has been prepared for this plan that summarizes, in numerical format, these accomplishments for each of the past five years.

The previous (1998) Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Five-Year Resource Management Plan includes a list of planned management activities and their completion status. The following lists those priorities as proposed in the plan and includes a brief statement as to the current status. Many of the goals set forth in the 1998 management plan were met on the tracts under management at that time. However, the acreage has doubled since then with many of the properties being very recent additions.

Priority I Activities: Activities that are considered paramount to carry out the DOF's mission.

1. Prescribed Burning - Prescribed fire is the primary management tool for the forest. Approximately 75% of the acreage supports fire dependent vegetative communities, most of which have fire applied every two to four years.

Status: 75% Complete. Due to major droughts from 1998 to 2001, prescribed burning objectives were not met. However, nearly 12,000 acres were burned in 2002 when conditions improved. Approximately 1/3 of the forest is scheduled to be burned each year and new areas that have historically been difficult to put fire into are being added whenever possible.

2. Exotic Species Control -Identify, map, eradicate/control and monitor.

Status: 50% Complete. The exotics program has been successful in locating, mapping, and managing the various exotics on the property. Four new Other Personal Services (OPS) positions have been added to treat exotics and to look for Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) which is a relatively new and serious problem occurring statewide. Known cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) sites are being treated semi- annually. LWRSF has been somewhat successful in preventing the spread of the grass. However, eradication success has been somewhat discouraging, and a “maintenance control” approach is under consideration for this species based on experiences of land managers statewide. Early results from the new methods of treating cogon grass seem to show this new method as being effective. All exotics are mapped using Global Positioning System (GPS) units and treatment records are kept in a Geographic Information System (GIS) activity layer.

3. Recreation –Plan implementation, maintenance of existing infrastructure, parking area installation and recreational facility improvements.

Status: 80% Complete. Campgrounds were established on the Arbuckle and Walk-in- the-Water (WIW) Tracts. Information kiosks were installed at all entrances, camping

areas, and horse trailer parking areas. Parking was added along School Bus Road, Old Avon Park Road, and around the perimeter of the main part of the WIW Tract. Several other recreation improvements were made during the past five years including: improvements to McLean Cabin, a nature trail near McLean Cabin, and an observation dock at Lake Godwin. Planning and development of recreational opportunities on the new tracts are in the process and new improvements for the older tracts continue.

4. Roads –Develop and implement a new road plan; maintain and improve existing roads.

Status: 75% Complete. A new road plan for the forest, including new acquisitions, is being developed. The target date for the plan is January 2006. Several roads have been improved on the LWRSF and maintenance is ongoing. Roads that are not needed or traverse through sensitive areas have been closed.

5. Shop/Office Complex -Site acquisition, plan development and construction.

Status: 100% Complete. The new office and shop were completed in April 2004.

6. Plant and Animal Monitoring -Monitor species of concern on the state forest.

Status: 70% Complete. Species of concern are monitored annually. Florida mouse surveys and a herpetology study have been completed. A scrub jay banding project has been completed.

7. Sandhill Restoration -Burning, monitoring, chopping, and planting/direct seeding of native grasses and pines.

Status: 5% Complete. A sandhill restoration plan has been started by the plant ecologist. Some difficulty burning the sandhill on Walk-in-the-Water has been encountered due to patchy groundcover and the presence of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum). New burning methods are being tried in addition to some mechanical treatments, early results have been favorable. A study has been started on the eradication of bahiagrass to allow for re- introduction of native grasses and pines which will improve the burning of the sandhill. The large scope of this project makes time allocation problematic for the plant ecologist.

Priority II: Activities which are also key to furthering the DOF’s mission.

1. Timber Harvest -Site identification, timber marking and cruising, and sale monitoring.

Status: 75% Complete. Two restoration timber sales were completed during this period. A restoration/salvage sand pine timber harvest was completed in the fall of 2005. Additional timber sales will be done in the future to remove off site north Florida slash pine. Timber inventory is continuing throughout the forest.

2. Reforestation – Site preparation and replanting with native tree species.

Status: 100% Complete. Reforestation of the two harvested areas to longleaf and South Florida slash pine was completed, however, due to low survival rates these areas need to be revisited to determine reforestation needs.

3. GIS/GPS Projects –Staff training, purchase equipment, hardware, and software.

Status: 100% Complete. New equipment and software were purchased. The LWRSF staff have been trained on the GPS unit and on ArcView.

4. Boundary Maintenance and Security -Surveying specific lines, marking, fence maintenance and installation and signage.

Status: 90% Complete. One disputed line on the Arbuckle Tract was surveyed and a new fence erected on the correct boundary line. Several additional areas require surveying on all tracts but the Prairie Tract.

5. Biological Survey, Forest Inventory and Vegetation Mapping.

Status: 20% Complete. The 4,863 acre Prairie Tract was acquired after the past resource management plan was approved. The tract is comprised of predominantly dry prairie, which contains a whole new suite of listed species, and is itself listed as endangered as the ancient scrub. Funding for contract surveys and vegetation mapping should be added during this ten year planning period. Due to changes in timber stand inventory procedures all areas inventoried prior to 2000 need to be re-inventoried. Timber stand inventory updates will be done on a cyclic basis in accordance to the DOF State Forest Handbook Chapter 6.3 (FDACS 2004a) where each year at least 10% of the pine stands will have their inventory updated.

Priority III: Activities which are considered significant to the DOF’s mission, but are less urgent.

1. Historical Research –DHR/CARL project office survey, oral history, recorded history and documentation.

Status: 10% Complete. A volunteer was working on the history of the property. The project was never completed.

2. Hydrological Plan -Needs assessment, plan development and implementation.

Status: 20% Complete. A precursory needs assessment was completed on the Arbuckle Tract. Due to the recent addition of several properties, more assessments are needed and a plan developed.

3. Environmental Education/Visitor Center

Status: 100% Complete. Maps, aerial photographs, brochures, and interpretive displays are located at the new office site.

Table 1. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest accomplishments for fiscal year 2001/2002 through fiscal year 2005/2006.

Program Activity FY 01/02 FY 02/03 FY 03/04 FY 04/05 FY 05/06 Total 5 yrs. Reforestation/ Longleaf 0 0 0 0 0 0 Restoration Pine (acres) S. Florida 0 0 0 0 0 0 Slash Pine Site Natural 0 0 0 0 0 0 Preparation Regeneration (acres) Artificial 0 0 0 0 0 0 Regeneration Exotic Species Ludwigia 1.9 0 0 0 0 1.9 Control peruviana (acres) Cogon Grass 16 29.1 53.5 28.7 98.3 225.6 (acres)

Brazilian 4 0 127 5 175 311 Pepper (trees)

Camphor 1 0 0 0 1 3 (trees)

Mimosa 1 2 0 1 3 7 (trees)

Star Grass 1.7 3.1 5 1.7 0.9 12.4 (acres)

Tropical 0 1 20 13 10 44 Soda Apple (spots)

Rosary Pea 0 2 6 6 33 47 (spots) Air Potato 0 0 0 3 12 15 (spots)

Lygodium 0 422 674 410 705 2211 survey (hrs) Lygodium 0 21 61 40 117 239 (spots)

Program Activity FY 01/02 FY 02/03 FY 03/04 FY 04/05 FY 05/06 Total 5 yrs. Recreation Day Use 3,491 3,606 933 819 12,427 Camping – 466 309 353 315 283 1,726 Reedy Creek Camping - 141 135 170 143 176 765 WIW Annual 0 0 11 4 4 19 Entrance Pass Special Use 115* 399* 29 46 51 640 Permits Fire Wildfire 0 1 0 2 0 3 (no.)

Wildfire 0 20 0 32 0 52 (acres)

Prescribed 1,344 11,554 2,130 4,079 3,001 22,108 Burning (acres) Roads & Roads 17 33 51 44.2 30 175.2 Bridges Graded (mi.)

Roads 0 0 0 0 0 0 Constructed (mi.) Roads .3 1.5 1.0 1.9 0.5 5.2 Rebuilt (mi.)

Bridges Built 0 0 0 0 0 0 (no.)

Bridges 0 0 0 0 0 0 Repaired (no.) Culverts 1 1 0 2 0 4 Installed (no.) Low Water 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cross. Inst. (no.) Boundary Miles 0 5 10 2 0 17 Maint.

I & E Programs/ 1 10 15 9 12 47 Activities Tours Radio – TV - 0 1 1 3 2 7 Articles Ed./ 9 9 10 11 13 52 Research Projects

Program Activity FY 01/02 FY 02/03 FY 03/04 FY 04/05 FY 05/06 Total 5 yrs. Other Inmate Work 677 747 350 25 0 1,799 Activities Crew (hrs.)

FL Trail 120 468 366 629 525 2,108 Association (hrs.) Boy Scouts 84 50 18 0 0 152 (hrs.)

Ridge 605 1,289 582 0 0 2,476 Rangers (hrs.) Scrub Jay 2 6 10 10 10 38 Monitoring (no.) FL Mouse 1 1 1 0 0 3 Monitoring (no.) Herp. 1 2 2 2 2 9 Trapping (no.) * Special Use Permit calculation technique differed among years.

D. Goals/Objectives for LWRSF for Next Ten-Year Period

The present plan has been prepared largely as a continuation of the above goals with some revision of incomplete objectives and with the addition of several new objectives. The following is a list of these new and revised goals/objectives for the next ten-year period.

Goal 1: Restore, maintain and protect in perpetuity all native ecosystems; including, the health and diversity of native biological communities (flora & fauna) associated with these natural areas.

Objective 1. Protect integrity of natural communities through acquisition of adjacent parcels within the optimal management boundary.

Performance Measures: Acres acquired from willing sellers.

Objective 2. Improve the health of native ecosystems through an aggressive program of seasonally based prescribed fire in all fire-maintained natural communities.

Performance Measures: Fire Management Plan updated annually. Acres in each natural community treated with fire.

Objective 3. Restore degraded areas to their natural ecosystem function and return natural fire return intervals by hiring a restoration specialist. Performance Measures: Career service restoration specialist hired.

Objective 4. Protect environmentally sensitive communities and ecotones when preparing firelines and carrying out management work by maintaining current maps and providing staff training.

Performance Measures: Research/map sensitive areas and include as an update in the Fire Management Plan. Hours of staff training (sensitive area identification, equipment use around sensitive areas, etc.) for protecting sensitive sites.

Objective 5. Protect sensitive habitat from undesired human use through replacement and maintenance of boundary fence.

Performance Measures: Feet of boundary fence repaired or replaced.

Objective 6. Maintain the health and vigor of the LWRSF with the development and implementation of an invasive species control plan.

Performance Measures: Invasive Species Plan completed. Percent of total invasive species acres/plants treated.

Objective 7. Contract to have vegetation mapping and biological surveys completed on all tracts. Performance Measures: Acres mapped. Acres surveyed.

Goal 2: Ensure long-term viability of populations of native species considered rare, endangered, threatened or of special concern.

Objective 1. Develop and implement a program for surveying and monitoring listed plant and animal species.

Performance Measures: Determine types of surveys needed. Number of surveys completed. Map prepared/updated locating known listed species, breeding areas and/or their habitat. Contract out vegetation mapping, and biological/plant surveys for Prairie Tract, as well as the remainder of WIW and Hesperides Tracts.

Goal 3: Restore, maintain and protect hydrological functions related to the quality and quantity of water resources and the health of associated wetland and aquatic natural communities.

Objective 1. With cooperation of SFWMD, prepare and implement a hydrological needs assessment/inventory that addresses site-by-site restoration of wetlands throughout the LWRSF; cooperate with SFWMD on proposed mitigation projects for the LWRSF.

Performance Measures: Completed Hydrological Assessment with DOF hydrologist. Number of mitigation projects completed.

Objective 2. With assistance of the DOF hydrologist, develop a restoration plan to improve the hydrological function of Otter Slough.

Performance Measure: Otter Slough Restoration Plan developed. Percent of restoration project completed.

Goal 4: Protect and preserve cultural resources, archeological and historical sites.

Objective 1. Protect cultural sites when preparing firelines and carrying out other ground- disturbing management work by Department of Historical Resources (DHR) compliance, site monitoring; maintaining current maps and providing staff training.

Performance Measures: Updated site map maintained in office files. Number of staff trained in compliance rules and site location. Number of staff trained as Archeological Site Monitors.

Objective 2. Have new properties surveyed by DHR archaeologists.

Performance Measure: Number of acres surveyed.

Objective 3. Add newly discovered cultural sites to the state site file.

Performance Measure: Number of site files submitted.

Goal 5: Restore and maintain forest health and productivity over the long term by practicing sustainable forest management utilizing sound silvicultural techniques to create an old growth forest that yields multiple ecological benefits.

Objective 1. Update and maintain current inventories of merchantable timber resources and forest growth in accordance to the DOF State Forest Handbook Chapter 6.3 (FDACS 2004a). Previously inventoried stands will be re-inventoried on a repeating cycle every 10 years or 10% per year. Stands that have had activity (i.e. harvesting, wildfire, beetle infestation, hurricane, etc.) will be re-inventoried as well.

Performance Measure: Maintain forest inventory current within five years including new purchases.

Objective 2. Remove off-site tree species and replant with endemic species.

Performance Measures: Five Year Silviculture Plan updated. Acres of off-site trees harvested. Acres of endemic trees replanted.

Objective 3. Continue to research the biological effects of sand pine harvesting on planned sales. Harvest sand pines from areas where fire has been excluded, provided no long term negative environmental effects are discovered.

Performance Measure: Research completed. Acres of sand pine removed.

Goal 6: Provide for compatible public access, integrating human use through a program of resource-based forest recreation, not emphasizing any particular use over the others, or over the restoration, maintenance and protection of native ecosystems.

Objective 1. Use photo plots and routine observation to compare sites over time.

Performance Measures: Number of new photo plots established. Percentage of photo plots revisited annually. Number of photos taken biannually.

Objective 2. Cooperate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to develop specific hunting season quotas; bag limits and address other hunting issues to be agreed upon at annual cooperator meeting between the DOF and FWC.

Performance Measures: Annual letter on agreed hunting issues. Updated rules posted on kiosks at all trailheads.

Objective 3. Enlist additional volunteers and volunteer organizations to assist with recreation and/or resource management.

Performance Measures: Number of volunteer hours.

Objective 4. Maintain hiking trails.

Performance Measure: Miles of hiking trails maintained.

II. ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION

A. Descriptive Information

1. Common Name of Property Lake Wales Ridge State Forest (LWRSF)

2. Location, Boundaries and Improvements LWRSF is located in southeastern Polk County, east of the city of Frostproof, as identified on the map in Exhibit A. It is comprised of four tracts, the Arbuckle Tract, the Walk-in-the-Water (WIW) Tract, the Hesperides Tract, and the Prairie Tract.

There are several improvements located on the property. Improvements on the Arbuckle Tract include: a ranger residence/temporary office compound area (a storage shed utilized as an office, restroom/storage facility, two storage sheds, and a mobile home site), a radio tower, a small portable equipment shed, a primitive campground, and a cow camp cabin and machine shed. WIW Tract improvements are: an eight acre forest headquarters site with a shop, a cow-camp cabin in poor condition at the Wood Duck Primitive Campsite, a primitive campground, and a seasonal hunter check station located on Old Vero Beach Road. Improvements on the Prairie Tract include: a citrus grove, improved and semi-improved pasture, and an abandoned home site.

3. Legal Description and Acreage The Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is made up of four separate tracts of land, the Arbuckle Tract (13,531 acres), the Walk-in-the-Water Tract (6,902 acres), the Hesperides Tract (1,267 acres), and the Prairie Tract (4,863 acres) totaling 26,563 acres. Legal descriptions of LWRSF are on file at the LWRSF office, DOF state office, and DEP state office and a general location shown in Exhibit A.

TABLE 2: Lake Wales Ridge State Forest acreage by parcel.

Tract Parcel Lease date Funding source Acres Arbuckle Akery 3/28/95 DOF P2000 19.68 Arbuckle Alico 2/2/85 CARL 10,697 Arbuckle Alico R&P 5/6/99 CARL 2,814 WIW Alico 3/28/00 CARL 294.99 WIW Alico 8/20/96 CARL 5,801.31 WIW Adams, Gerald 4/8/02 CARL 39.45 WIW Adams, Robert 4/8/02 CARL 11.04 WIW Cottrell 4/8/02 CARL 10.12 WIW Dawson 6/8/04 FL Forever 8.54 WIW Doebbler 10/20/99 CARL 38.5 WIW Hand 4/8/02 CARL 7.7 WIW Hoilett 9/11/02 CARL 16.58

Tract Parcel Lease date Funding source Acres WIW Kenemuth 8/18/97 CARL 157.8 WIW LeRoy 4/8/02 CARL 7.73 WIW Newell 3/28/00 CARL 356.51 WIW Saddlebag 3/28/00 CARL 55.13 WIW Underwood 6/8/04 FL Forever 20.6 WIW Zilahy/Comer FL Forever 75.67 Hesperides Babson 3/25/03 CARL 913 Hesperides Boy Scout 3/24/03 FL Forever 354.59 Prairie Kissimmee Groves FL Forever 4,410.64 5/18/04 – Parcel A Prairie Kissimmee Groves FL Forever 452.7 5/18/04 – Parcel B Total Acres 26,563.28

4. Degree of Title Interest Held by the Board The LWRSF is held under fee simple title, copies of which are available at the local forest office.

5. Proximity to Other Public Resources

Arbuckle Tract: The Arbuckle Tract is bordered on the east by Lake Arbuckle (a 4,300 acre lake, approximately 4.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide). Lake Arbuckle is almost entirely surrounded by publicly owned land (Exhibit B). Public access to the lake is available on the north end of the lake. Fishermen are the dominant users of this lake.

A seven-acre county park (Lake Arbuckle Park and Campground) is located at the end of Lake Arbuckle Road on the north end of the lake. Park facilities include picnic areas, 40 overnight campsites with electric and water hook-ups, public restrooms and showers, a boat ramp, and an RV dump station.

The Avon Park Air Force Range (Range), owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, borders the east side of Lake Arbuckle. The natural resources on this 106,210 acre Range are actively managed and include public recreation opportunities ranging from hunting to hiking.

The Avon Park Correctional Institution, a medium/minimum security state prison, is located within the Range. This facility provides inmate work crews on a regular basis to support state forest operations.

A paved road (State Road 64) leading to the Range divides the southern portion of the tract. Two other paved roads (Old Avon Park Road and Lake Arbuckle Road) border the tract on the west and the north respectively. Polk County has a road easement of approximately 1 mile on the north end of the property. This road (Rucks Dairy Road) provides access to a 640 acre inholding currently utilized as a dairy and as a citrus grove.

Walk-in-the-Water Tract: The northeast corner of the Walk-in-the-Water Tract borders Lake Weohyakapka, also known as Lake Walk-in-the-Water (7,200 acres), for approximately one mile. A county maintained public boat ramp is located adjacent to this area. A small picnic area is located next to the boat ramp.

Walk-in-Water Road runs north and south, bisecting the tract. County Road 630 borders the south end of the tract. These are both paved, county maintained roads. Sullivan Road and King Trail, both county maintained graded roads, cross a portion of the state forest and intersect Walk-in-Water Road in the northeast portion of the tract.

The Tiger Creek Preserve (4,778 acres), owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy, adjoins the tract on the northwest corner.

Hesperides Tract: The Hesperides Tract is comprised of two parcels; Babson and Boy Scout. State Road 60 bisects the tract running east/west. Walk-in-Water Road (which becomes Boy Scout Road as it continues north of State Road 60) runs along the western end of the tract.

Lake Walk-in-the-Water is near the southeast corner of the Babson Parcel.

Flaming Arrow Boy Scout camp is located to the west of the Boy Scout Parcel. Lake Kissimmee State Park is located about 7 miles northeast of the Boy Scout Parcel along Camp Mack Road.

Prairie Tract: State Road 60 runs along the south border of the Prairie Tract. The county-owned Sumica property is located just west of the tract on Lake Walk-in-the-Water. Lake Kissimmee State Park is located 7 miles northwest of the tract and Lake Kissimmee borders the tract to the northeast. The Otter Slough Parcel, managed by South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), borders the Prairie Tract to the northeast, and itself borders Lake Kissimmee.

Proximity to Other Public Resources Summary: DISTANCE TO NEAREST TRACT AGENCY LWR TRACT Avon Park Air Force Range DOD Adjacent- East Avon Park Correctional Institute DOC Adjacent- East Flaming Arrow Boy Scout Camp BSA Adjacent- East Otter Slough subunit of Lightsey SFWMD Adjacent- Northeast Management Unit Tiger Creek Preserve TNC Adjacent- Northwest Sumica Polk County Adjacent- South Lake Arbuckle County Park and Polk County .5 miles East Campground Hickory Lake Scrub County Park Polk County 3 miles West Lake Kissimmee State Park DRP 7 miles Northwest Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and FWC 8 miles South Environmental Area Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area FWC 12 miles East Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek DRP 15 miles North Preserve State Park

BSA – Boy Scouts of America DOD - Department of Defense DOC – Department of Corrections DRP - Division of Recreation and Parks FWC – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission SFWMD – South Florida Water Management District TNC - The Nature Conservancy

6. Aquatic Preserve/Area of Critical State Concern The property is not within an aquatic preserve. It is not a designated Area of Critical State Concern and is not under study for such designation. The Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern is approximately 20 miles to the northwest of the Walk-in- the-Water Tract.

B. Acquisition Information

1. Land Acquisition Program The LWRSF was acquired through several different purchases. The majority of the Arbuckle Tract (13,531 acres) was purchased under the Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) program (in the Other Lands category) between 1984 and July 1986 to provide multiple-use outdoor recreation, to maintain and improve habitat diversity, and to protect threatened and endangered species. The CARL Project Summary identifies the following potential uses: wildlife management and hunting, timber management, fishing, camping, bird-watching, boating, canoeing, picnicking, nature photography, horseback riding, and hiking.

In July 1994, Preservation 2000 funds were used to purchase an adjacent 20 acres containing the endangered plant, scrub ziziphus (Ziziphus celata). This species, once

believed to be extinct, only occurs in five known locations. LWRSF is the only public parcel hosting this species.

The Walk-in-the-Water Tract was purchased under the CARL program (in the Environmentally Endangered Lands category) in June 1995 and November 1996 to protect this unique land and the numerous threatened and endangered species from commercial or residential development and to simultaneously provide passive recreational and forestry uses. Acceptable public uses as identified in the CARL Project Assessment include: hunting, fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, nature appreciation, silvicultural activities to restore degraded forests and scrubs, and silvicultural management of pine flatwoods.

The Boy Scout, Underwood, and Dawson Parcels were all purchased in 2002 under the Florida Forever program. The Prairie Tract was also recently added in the fall of 2003 under the Florida Forever program. The Prairie Tract contains natural communities that are not found in other parts of the LWRSF and it is located in an area that will eventually allow for a wildlife corridor between the Avon Park Air Force Range, LWRSF, and DEP lands (Lake Kissimmee State Park and Catfish Creek Preserve).

The Division of Forestry (DOF) manages LWRSF under the authority of Chapters 253.034 and 589.04, Florida Statutes.

2. Legislative or Executive Constraints There are no Legislative or Executive constraints at this time.

3. Purpose for Acquisition This acquisition protects the threatened and endangered ecosystems such as scrub, southern ridge sandhill, dry prairie, and cutthroat grass seeps that are unique to the Lake Wales Ridge, Bombing Range Ridge, and the Kissimmee Valley. This acquisition connects existing conservation lands (Exhibit C) and provides corridors for plants and wildlife. The Florida Forever Annual Report for the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystems CARL project states the primary goals of management are:

• To conserve and protect environmentally unique and irreplaceable lands that contain native, relatively unaltered flora and fauna representing a natural area unique to, or scarce within, a region of this state or a larger geographic area;

• To conserve and protect significant habitat for native species or endangered and threatened species; and,

• To conserve, protect, manage, or restore important ecosystems, landscapes, and forests, in order to enhance or protect significant surface water, coastal, recreational, timber, fish or wildlife resources which local or state regulatory programs cannot adequately protect.

4. Designated Single or Multiple-Use Management The LWRSF is designated for multiple-use management with the DOF acting as the lead managing agency as stated in Multiple Agency Management Lease No. 3563. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in cooperation with the DOF, will assist in the management of fish and wildlife resources. The Department of State, Division of Historical Resources (DHR) will be responsible for any historical structures or archaeological sites located on the forest.

5. Alternate Uses Considered No alternate uses are being considered at this time. Other uses will be considered as requests are made and will be accommodated as appropriate if they are determined to be compatible with other uses and with the management goals and objectives of the forest. The following uses were considered and determined not compatible: water resource development projects, water supply projects, storm-water management projects, sewage treatment facilities, linear facilities, off highway vehicle use, and communication towers and antennas, except as otherwise outlined in this plan.

6. Additional Land Needs (Exhibit C) In addition to the remainder of this CARL project, three parcels have been identified as desirable for acquisition as additions to this state forest. Each parcel is described below:

1. A 28 acre parcel adjacent to the south of the WIW Tract is a natural area similar to the surrounding state forest. County Road 630 borders one side of the parcel and the state forest borders all other sides. The primary access for the western side of the WIW Tract is through this property. 2. A 640 acre in-holding of the Arbuckle Tract with an active dairy and citrus grove on it. 3. A 240 acre parcel adjacent to the west of the Arbuckle Tract is comprised of an active citrus grove surrounded by natural area. This parcel is bordered on three sides by the state forest and on the fourth side by the Old Avon Park Road. A major management access road crosses this property.

7. Adjacent Conflicting Uses There currently is a 640 acre in-holding on the Arbuckle Tract containing an active dairy and citrus grove. The inholding is heavily infested with non-native invasive plant species which are spreading onto the forest. Combating the spread of these exotics is an ongoing battle. The non-native plant species include: cogon grass, star grass, Brazilian pepper, and climbing fern.

8. Surplus Land Assessment No portions of LWRSF are considered suitable for surplus designation at this time.

C. Agency & Public Involvement

1. Responsibilities of Managing Agencies The DOF is the lead managing agency responsible for the overall management of LWRSF. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a cooperating agency, is responsible for enforcing hunting regulations, setting hunting season dates, and conducting other wildlife management activities on the Arbuckle Tract and the Walk-in-the-Water Tract.

The Department of State, Division of Historical Resources (DHR) provides expertise concerning the archaeological and historical resources on the forest. The DHR will be notified prior to the initiation of any ground disturbing activity by DOF or any other agency involved with this forest. Ground disturbing activities not specifically covered by this plan will be conducted under the parameters of the List of ARC/Division of State Lands Approved Interim Management Activities (on file at the LWRSF Office).

2. Public and Local Government Involvement The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, DOF is responsible for the development of this management plan and its implementation. Input was solicited from the SFWMD, SWFWMD, FWC, DHR, and FNAI. This plan was reviewed at a public hearing, on November 9, 2005 and by the LWRSF Management Plan Advisory Group at a public meeting on November 10, 2005, summaries of which are provided in Exhibit D. The Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) public hearing and public meeting served as an additional forum for public input and review. The DOF also responds to public involvement through communication with individuals, user groups, and government officials. The plan incorporates applicable comments from the October 7, 1998 Department of Environmental Protection Land Management Review Team Report.

3. Compliance with Comprehensive Plan This plan was submitted to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners (Exhibit E) for review of compliance with their local comprehensive plan.

III. RESOURCE SECTION

A. Past Uses

Arbuckle Tract Cattle grazed the property since 1913. The first official cattle leases were authorized by Atlantic Land and Improvement Company (ALICO) in the 1930’s. The land remained under cattle lease until purchased by the state in 1984.

The first major timber harvesting began in 1940 and was completed by 1945. One other harvest of seed trees and swamp pines occurred from 1949-1950. In 1952 approximately 3,500 acres were planted in north Florida slash pine. Many of those

trees remain today. A few pine stumps with turpentine cat faces have been located, indicating that naval stores were active on the site in the past.

A raised bed railroad was constructed in about 1944 to connect the Avon Park Air Force Range with the existing rail line at Frostproof. This line was discontinued in 1948 and has been dismantled. The raised bed with adjacent ditches remains. A large portion of it has been designated as a primary road (Tram Road).

Approximately 100 acres (located in Section 14, Township 32 South, Range 28 East) was cleared in 1963 but never planted to citrus. This site has been allowed to revegetate naturally.

A more detailed history of the Arbuckle Tract has been compiled through a study conducted by The Nature Conservancy (TNC 1989). This study is available for review at the LWRSF Office, the DOF's Lakeland District Office, and the Tallahassee State Office.

Walk-in-the-Water Tract Much of this tract has historically been under cattle lease. A majority of the west side of the tract was chopped and seeded with bahiagrass for range management purposes prior to state ownership. The exact date this occurred is unknown. Estimated dates range from the late 1980's to early 1990's. Two blocks (totaling 86 acres) were planted with north Florida slash pine approximately 30 years ago. Cattle lessees utilized prescribed fire for range management for several generations.

Hesperides Tract The primary past use of the Babson Parcel was for cattle. The landowners and cattle lessees fished on the small pond located on the western side of the parcel. The Boy Scout Parcel contains about 40 acres of abandoned citrus grove.

Prairie Tract The Prairie Tract has historically been used for cattle and is still being used for that purpose with the current cattle lease. There are also three old home sites and a few graves on the property. The citrus grove is still active.

B. Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

1. Soil Types The Soil Survey of Polk County, Florida (USDA 1990) identifies the soil types on LWRSF (Exhibit F). Soil coverages of all tracts are available at the state forest office on a GIS database. These soils are broadly grouped into five landscapes. Landscapes consist of one or more major soils and some minor soils. Soils making up one unit can occur in other units, but in a different pattern.

The Astatula-Tavares-Basinger landscape consists of nearly level to moderately sloping, excessively drained, moderately well drained, and very poorly drained soils

that are sandy throughout. This landscape occurs on Arbuckle, Hesperides and Walk- in-the-Water Tracts.

The Smyrna-Myakka-Immokalee landscape consists of nearly level, poorly drained soils that are sandy throughout. This landscape is found on the Walk-in-the-Water and Prairie Tracts.

The Samsula-Hontoon landscape consists of nearly level, very poorly drained, organic soils. Some are underlain by sand. This landscape occurs on all tracts.

The Archbold-Satellite landscape consists of nearly level and gently sloping, moderately well drained and somewhat poorly drained soils that are sandy throughout. This landscape is found on the Arbuckle and Hesperides Tracts.

The Pompano-Satellite-Immokalee landscape consists of nearly level, poorly drained and somewhat poorly drained soils that are sandy throughout. This landscape is found on the Arbuckle, Hesperides and Prairie Tracts.

2. Archaeological and Historical Resources The LWRSF hold ten known archaeological sites that are listed in the Florida Master Site File. These known sites consist of both prehistoric and historic components. A map showing them is kept on file for management purposes.

Ten sites on the LWRSF have been identified by DHR representatives as potential historical sites (Table 3). They are prehistoric shell middens, a cabin, farmstead and dipping vats to name a few. In response to recommendations made in the 1995 Interagency Resource Management Audit the dipping vat has been covered to reduce potential risk to wildlife that may utilize the vat as a water source.

The LWRSF and DHR CARL Project Office staff are working together to obtain more complete archeological/historical information about all tracts and identify new sites. This effort will continue throughout the management period. A volunteer historian was enlisted by the DOF in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy to research historical uses of the forest and to obtain interviews with those personally familiar with the more recent history. This volunteer position is currently vacant, however, a volunteer has recently expressed interest in continuing the project.

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.

Table 3. Historical Sites Found on LWRSF SITE ID SITE NAME SITE TYPE PO00010 Arbuckle Mounds Land-terrestrial PO04697 Meyer’s Midden Prehistoric shell midden PO05320 Wps Standard Lumber mill PO05321 Lake Godwin Dipping Vat Other

SITE ID SITE NAME SITE TYPE PO05322 Cabin Scrub Campsite (prehistoric) PO05323 McLean Cabin House PO05324 Arbuckle Road Dipping Vat Other PO05325 Sullivan Dairy Farmstead PO05446 Buzzard Roost Midden Site Lake/Pond-lacustrine PO03836 Keen Ranch Frame vernacular house

3. Water Resources Arbuckle Tract Lake Godwin (a 20 acre lake) is located in the interior of the forest. Two major creeks (Livingston and Reedy) join on the property and flow into Lake Arbuckle. A minor creek (Isabel) flows north from a large forested wetland to Livingston Creek. Arbuckle Creek, another major creek, constitutes most of the eastern boundary of the portion of the tract south of State Road 64. Another creek system begins on the state forest and flows into Bonnet Creek (south of the property). Lake Arbuckle borders the Arbuckle Tract to the east. All of these water bodies are considered Class III (Florida Administrative Code 62-302.400).

Walk-in-the-Water Tract Lake Weohyakapka borders the northeast corner of this tract. This is a Class III, shallow depressional lake with the dominant vegetation being cattails. There is currently a problem with hydrilla in the lake. It is being addressed by the Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division. Tiger Creek sheet flows from wetlands in the Tiger Creek Preserve and nearby private property across the extreme north end of the tract into Lake Weohyakapka. Tiger Creek is considered pristine by state and local water authorities.

The vast majority (~80%) of the land west of Walk-in-Water Road is characterized by an extensive system of sandhill and depressional marshes with small patches of scrub scattered throughout. Most of the marshes have sandy bottoms. Some have muck soils.

Hesperides Tract There is a small pond (<1 acre) on the western side of the Babson Parcel.

Prairie Tract Otter Slough flows from the western side of the tract to Lake Kissimmee. Several canals have been built on the tract for the purpose of irrigating the grove during droughts and removing excess water during the rainy season.

All Tracts The water resources on the LWRSF 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 hydroperiod 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.

Where applicable, LWRSF, 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.

Any changes to roads, parking areas, culverts, or bridges will be covered in the LWRSF Road Plan. These changes, in addition to fireline construction and maintenance, will follow the latest edition of the DOF's Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMP) (FDACS 2004b) (on file at the LWRSF Office) and appropriate water management district rules and permitting procedures.

4. Fish and Wildlife Lakes Arbuckle, Godwin, Kissimmee, and Weohyakapka as well as Arbuckle, Livingston, Reedy, and Tiger Creeks contain a number of fish species. Many game and non-game species inhabit the various natural communities found throughout the forest. Exhibit G lists the wildlife species identified on the forest and the fish species known to be associated with water bodies on the forest. Specific management guidelines, as they pertain to fish and wildlife, are outlined in Section IV.A.9. of this plan.

Forest management practices will be carefully planned and implemented to accommodate other multiple uses to the greatest extent possible but will have as their primary goal restoration and maintenance of native ecosystems.

5. Endangered or Threatened Species There are 33 plants and 36 animals on the LWRSF that are listed endangered, threatened, or species of concern by either the federal government (USFWS) or the state (FNAI, FWC, FDACS). These are listed in Exhibit H. Of the 19 scrub and sandhill plants federally listed as endangered or threatened (USFWS 1996, USFWS 1999), 16 occur at LWRSF. Newly acquired land parcels will be surveyed for listed species.

The presence and abundance of 22 of these species was first determined by a rare plant survey conducted by TNC in 1988-89 (TNC 1989). The Arbuckle Tract was re- inventoried by DOF biologists (September 1995-May 1996) utilizing TNC maps and data. Subsequent plant monitoring inventories indicate that the major populations of several of these species are still present in approximately the same (or greater) numbers. A survey of the WIW Tract is in progress.

LWRSF contains the only publicly owned population of one of the rarest plants in Florida, the scrub ziziphus. The 20 acre parcel on which it occurs was specifically purchased to protect this relict species. The parcel also contains 10 other federally listed species.

In September 1995 a plant ecologist was hired under the auspices of the DOF's Florida Statewide Endangered and Threatened Plant Conservation Program (FPCP) which is supported through U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Act recovery funds. The plant ecologist is responsible for developing monitoring protocols and management plans for the 16 federally listed species occurring on LWRSF. This task involves the mapping of populations of listed species using state- of-the-art GPS/GIS technology, annual field surveys of mapped populations to monitor fluctuations in population size, and various projects and studies to evaluate the biological and ecological requirements of these rare species. A new plant monitoring protocol was developed in 2005 by the LWRSF biologists. Areas are thoroughly searched and rare plant occurrences, if found, are individually mapped with a GPS after burns, management activity (e.g. timber harvesting), or stochastic events (hurricanes). These new locations are entered into a GIS that is overlaid on the prior locations from the 1989 survey. This GIS/GPS effort provides baseline information for the WIW, Hesperides, and Prairie Tracts, as well as the lake side of the Arbuckle Tract, none of which were surveyed in a systematic manner. Comparing the post-activity data to the baseline provides managers with information on the listed species’ response to management in addition to general population trends for all of the listed plant species. Should a dramatic population increase or decrease be noticed for a plant species then management actions can be adapted accordingly. Six of the listed species (P. myriophylla, H. cumulicula, Z. celata, Pl. lewtonii, L. ohlingerae, C. highlandensis) are being studied by researchers at Archbold Biological Research Station, Historic Bok Sanctuary, and the University of Central Florida.

There are 36 animal species occurring on LWRSF with federal or state legal status. This information is based on TNC's biological survey (TNC 1989), records in the FNAI database, information from the USFWS South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan (USFWS 1999) and site records by DOF and FWC field personnel or outside researchers. A census of the Florida scrub jay is being conducted quarterly on the LWRSF. Several key areas (on the Arbuckle and Walk in Water Tracts,) that were outlined in the 2002 Florida Scrub Jay (FSJ) Habitat Management Plan (Malatesta and Hardin 2002) have been restored with mechanical means and/or prescribed fire. Restoration efforts continue on the WIW Tract which contains two thirds of all of the FSJ

families on LWRSF. Restoration of this habitat is complicated, requiring a multi- faceted approach using mechanical treatment, prescribed fire, and multiple herbicide treatments to reduce bahiagrass. The habitat restoration is expensive and labor intensive. One of the primary management goals for LWRSF is to maintain and enhance ecosystems and organisms that are threatened, endangered, or species of special concern. Management and monitoring of these species is coordinated by the DOF District Biologist. The Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem Working Group (Working Group), composed of public and private organizations and individuals, forms the backbone of collaborative work done on the Lake Wales and Bombing Range Ridges. Through the Working Group, collaborative partnerships have been very effective in sharing ideas, and in cooperative endeavors in areas such as exotic species control, prescribed burning, rare plant research, and information and education. Because of the large extent of conservation work (in ecosystems similar to those on LWRSF) being conducted by other governmental and non-profit organization, collaboration with other area biological personnel is encouraged. Collaboration will add to the body of knowledge of all parties as well as help the sensitive ecosystems being managed.

6. Beaches and Dunes LWRSF is located in the center of peninsular Florida. No beaches or dunes occur on the state forest.

7. Swamps, Marshes, or Other Wetlands Forested wetlands, depressional and floodplain marshes, floodplain swamps, sloughs, cypress swamps and extensive dry prairie (which is seasonally inundated) constitute the wetlands distributed throughout the state forest. The western part of the WIW Tract is dominated by depressional marshes while the eastern portion contains extensive forested wetlands with small pockets of scrubby flatwoods. A small cypress dome is somewhat centrally located in the West Management Block of the WIW Tract.

8. Mineral Resources There are no known commercial mineral deposits on the Arbuckle, Prairie or Hesperides Tracts. The former owners of the WIW Tract had considered sand mining most of the West Management Block in the recent past but the proposed Conditional Use Permit failed to pass local zoning approval.

9. Unique Natural Features This state forest is the largest tract of Lake Wales Ridge sandy xeric upland habitat in public ownership. It comprises the largest area of ancient scrub under protection and occupies a keystone position in the network of protected sites (both proposed and existing) along the Lake Wales Ridge. Numerous stands of sand pine, oak, and rosemary scrub, varying in size, location, and proximity to one another, occur in a remarkably little disturbed and unbroken matrix of all the natural community types associated with the Lake Wales Ridge.

Florida dry prairie is considered as rare as ancient scrub by FNAI. USFWS estimates that nearly 98% of dry prairie has been converted to agriculture or residential uses. This unique system has its own suite of listed plants and animals, but differs from scrub in that it has not been well studied as a system. The extensive dry prairie found on the Prairie Tract varies in quality. It ranges from active citrus grove and improved pasture with few, if any, characteristic features to good native pasture to nearly pristine areas.

10. Outstanding Native Landscapes LWRSF contains fairly large areas (>3,000 acres each) of four globally imperiled rare ecosystems: ancient scrub, sandhill, dry prairie, and cutthroat seep.

11. Timber Resources DOF will implement sound silvicultural practices, including harvesting, thinning, prescribed burning and reforestation, 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 forest ecosystems by removing off-site trees to reestablish native species and thinning dense forest stands to improve understory habitat. This allows for less damaging prescribed burns and improved forest health.

The management of timber resources on the LWRSF will not seek to maximize short- term economic revenue but rather to achieve a wide array of long-term public benefits - many of which are intrinsic and not easily quantified. Good stewardship and resource sustainability are essential goals for any proposed silvicultural activity. The health of the forest ecosystem is paramount in importance.

IV. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS BY NATURAL COMMUNITIES AND PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

A. Existing and Planned Uses

1. Property Boundaries Establishment and Preservation

Arbuckle Tract Boundaries on the Arbuckle Tract are identified by state forest boundary signs and wildlife management area (WMA) boundary signs. There are several areas on the Arbuckle Tract that have disputed or unknown boundaries. These areas are currently being surveyed as budgets allow.

Approximately 300 acres that are contiguous to the northwest corner of the Arbuckle Tract have been purchased by DEP for mitigation of the Gulfstream Natural Gas Pipeline. This area consists of a large natural basin marsh, which is surrounded by uplands. This restoration project is scheduled for completion in the next 8-10 years. At the time of completion, the property will be turned over to DOF and become part

of the LWRSF. This property contains the endangered scrub ziziphus and several other listed plants.

Walk-in-the-Water Tract Most of the boundaries of the WIW Tract were marked, according to DEP-Division of State Lands requirements, by the surveyor, subsequent to final acquisition of the tract. Boundary lines that border parcels still under negotiation for purchase have not yet been marked. State forest boundary signs have been placed on this tract. Boundary markings will be maintained by state forest staff.

Hesperides Tract Most of the boundaries on the Hesperides Tract have been marked. One area on the eastern side of the Babson Parcel was not clearly indicated by the survey and will need to be re-surveyed before accurate boundaries can be ascertained. Both parcels in this tract have been posted for no hunting and are therefore not included in the WMA.

Prairie Tract Most of the boundary of the Prairie Tract has been marked and the remaining areas are being marked at this time. “No hunting” signs have also been posted on this tract. The decision of whether to allow hunting in the future and whether to add it to the WMA will be discussed during the ten-year period covered by this plan.

2. Soil and Water Protection Maintenance and restoration of native ecosystems is a high management priority. Properly managing the soil, water, and watershed resources of this forest are an integral part of accomplishing this objective. All silvicultural activities (including timber harvesting and reforestation) will be conducted in accordance with Florida's Silviculture Best Management Practices (FDACS 2004b) publication and/or other appropriate measures as deemed necessary by the DOF's Forest Hydrologist and/or Watershed Specialist.

The LWRSF falls within the jurisdiction of both the South and the Southwest Florida Water Management Districts. Water resource protection will be coordinated with the appropriate district. The DOF, through its Forest Hydrology Section, will work with the appropriate district to monitor levels and quality of ground and surface water resources. Any activities requiring water management district permits will be handled accordingly.

3. Roads (Exhibit I)

Arbuckle Tract There are currently five interior roads open for public vehicular use on this tract. Several woods roads are utilized as service roads to support management activities. Since the acquisition of this tract, several unnecessary roads have been closed and are being allowed to revegetate naturally. The main access roads, Rucks Dairy Road and School Bus Road, are clay-based graded roads. School Bus Road is maintained by

state forest staff and equipment. Rucks Dairy Road is county maintained. Five service roads have been designated for use by handicapped hunters during hunting season.

Walk-in-the-Water Tract Several parking areas on the exterior of the tract allow people to hike or ride their horses in and enjoy a measure of peace and solitude without any vehicles driving through the area. Due to the nature of the sandy to boggy rolling terrain of this tract, maintenance costs, and potential negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystems, all but three interior roads will be closed to public vehicular access. The main gate access road on the west side of Lake Walk-in-the-Water is open for a short distance to provide access to a primitive campground and a parking area which has been established in a disturbed cleared area along the old road bed for Old Walk-in-Water Road. The Old Vero Beach Road, which runs east from Walk-in-Water Road is open to provide access to the FWC hunter check station and parking area which has been established in another previously disturbed hunt camp site. The entry road to the new LWRSF Headquarters is open to the public. Parking areas for foot access have been established at four other designated entrances. The use of existing interior roads will be restricted to management and law enforcement use.

Hesperides Tract Walk-in-Water Road and State Road 60 provide public access to the Babson Parcel. A ¼ mile interior road leading to a small pond is being improved and two parking/picnic areas created near the pond in the interior of the parcel. The Boy Scout Parcel may be accessed by Boy Scout Road. Interior roads are not recommended due to its limited acreage.

Prairie Tract State Road 60 provides public access to the Prairie Tract. Kissimmee Shores Road provides a legal easement for three private landowners. Plans are to open the road up for public access after recreational plans are established. No other roads are currently planned for public use.

All Tracts A comprehensive road plan is being developed. This plan will focus on providing public access in the most efficient, cost-effective manner with minimal impact on the natural resources. The closing of unnecessary roads will be addressed in the plan. Development and construction of roads in newly acquired parcels will be kept to the minimum required to provide access for resource based recreational activities and to administer and manage the state forest.

All road planning, construction, drainage, and maintenance will be performed in compliance with Florida's Silviculture BMP’s (FDACS 2004) as well as the appropriate Water Management District’s rules and regulations and according to the List of ARC/Division of State Lands Approved Interim Management Activities.

4. Recreation Management (Exhibit J)

a. Public Access and Parking Arbuckle Tract Three paved roads provide access to the Arbuckle Tract and two improved clay roads bisect the tract on the eastern interior. Parking areas are provided every 1/3 of a mile on the main road (School Bus Road) running through the tract. There is a horse trailer parking area halfway up School Bus Road. There are several parking areas on the border of the tract that are being improved to handle parking needs during hunting season.

Walk-in-the-Water Tract County Road 630 runs east/west along the southern end of the tract. There are three parking areas along County Road 630 in addition to the parking available at the new LWRSF Headquarters which is at the southwestern end of the tract on County Road 630.

Walk-in-Water Road runs north/south through the eastern side of the tract. Parking is available at the Blue Jordan Check-in Station area on Old Vero Beach Road. The WIW Campground is located midway in the tract on the western side of the road with parking for campers and horse trailers.

Hesperides Tract Walk-in-Water Road/Boy Scout Road is the primary access road for both parcels on the Hesperides Tract. A parking area is being constructed on Walk-in-Water Road on the Babson Parcel. No parking areas are currently being planned for the Boy Scout Parcel.

There are several interior roads on each parcel. However, due to the smaller size of these parcels it is unlikely that public access roads will be added with the exception of the short (< ¼ mile) access road to the small pond on the Babson Parcel which is currently being improved.

Prairie Tract State Road 60 runs along the southern border of the tract allowing access to the main interior road, Kissimmee Shores Road. This improved shell rock road provides a road easement to two privately owned homes and a citrus grove. Plans are to use this road at some future date for public access.

b. Self Service Pay Stations There are seven self-service pay stations located throughout the state forest. Three pay stations are located on the Arbuckle Tract and four are located on the WIW Tract. Pay station sites will be located on newly acquired parcels and tracts as deemed necessary.

Fee collection has been authorized by Florida Statute 589.011(3) and Florida Administrative Code Section 5I-4.004(1). Fees for recreation have been set to be within the reach of the average visitor without putting an undue hardship on any segment of the population. Frequent visitors are encouraged to purchase an annual use pass from the state forest office. c. Recreation Facilities Arbuckle Tract The Arbuckle Tract has a primitive campground facility with 18 campsites located off of Rucks Dairy Road. McLean Cabin serves as the starting point for a nature trail, and during hunting season it serves as the check-in station for the Lake Arbuckle WMA. The Lake Godwin recreation area has a grill, fire ring, picnic table, and an observation dock which allows for wildlife observation, fishing and canoe launching.

There are three primitive campsites along the Arbuckle Tract Trail. These sites are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. The horse trailer parking is located off of School Bus Road just south of the McLean Cabin.

Walk-in-the-Water Tract The WIW Tract has a primitive campground facility with sites located off of Walk-in-Water Road. There is also a horse trailer parking area located at the WIW campground. There is one primitive campsite equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. The Blue Jordan Check-in Station serves the Walk-in-the-Water WMA and is located off of Walk-in-Water Road at Old Vero Beach Road.

All Other Tracts There are currently no improved recreation facilities located on the Hesperides or Prairie Tracts. Within this ten year period, a primitive camping/picnicking area will be established on the Hesperides Tract and its use will be allowed through issuance of special-use permits. Other types of recreation, where appropriate, will be considered as well. d. Recreational Trails (Exhibit K) Arbuckle Tract The Florida Trail Association (FTA) has installed and maintains over 22 miles of hiking trails within the Arbuckle Tract called the Arbuckle Tract Trail. This trail is part of the FTA Florida Trail system and is composed of two overlapping loops, approximately 11 miles each, intersecting a variety of ecosystems ranging from ancient scrub to forested wetlands.

A short (1 mile) interpretive trail beginning behind the McLean Cabin in the Godwin Flatwoods Management Block follows a short span of the Florida Trail diverging to loop back to the cabin.

Horseback riding is allowed on the Arbuckle Tract in compliance with state forest and WMA rules. Horses are allowed on all roads and firebreaks except those trails designated as single use hiking trails. Cross-country horseback riding is prohibited. The designated horse trailer parking area is located approximately midway on School Bus Road.

Walk-in-the-Water Tract Recreational hiking and horse trails have been completed for this tract. The DOF staff will work with local groups (Florida Trail Association, Florida Sport Horse Association, etc.) to ensure that trail development is accessible and convenient to users and to enlist volunteer assistance with new trail development and maintenance.

All Other Tracts There are currently no recreational trails located on the Hesperides or Prairie Tracts. Trails will be established in the future in areas that are appropriate for each tract.

The Prairie Tract contains natural communities not found on the other tracts of LWRSF. The dry prairie system contains a natural diversity and may lend itself to passive recreation such as bird watching and hiking. DOF will work with the cattle lessee to provide limited passive recreation to the public which will not conflict with restrictions outlined in the cattle lease. e. Camping Arbuckle Tract The Reedy Creek Primitive Campground is located off of Rucks Dairy Road. The campground is open year round and features eighteen sites, picnic tables, fire rings, portable toilets, and a dumpster. There are three primitive campsites for backpackers located at various points along the Arbuckle Tract Trail. There is one in the Reedy Creek Management Block, one along the shore of Lake Arbuckle, and one near the south entrance to the State Forest.

Walk-in-the-Water Tract A year round campground has been established off of Walk-in-Water Road featuring 10 sites, picnic tables, fire rings, portable toilets, and a dumpster. One primitive camp site for backpackers has been established along a designated hiking trail with others possible as demand increases.

All Tracts There are no existing developed camping areas (where ‘developed’ means electric and water hook-ups) on the state forest and none are proposed for the period covered by this plan. It is likely that one or more small primitive campsites will be established on additional parcels as they are added to the LWRSF. There is currently no need to construct improved campsites due to the existence of public campgrounds near each tract.

f. Hunting and Fishing Limited hunting is currently permitted on the Arbuckle Tract and portions of the WIW Tract. Hunting on these tracts is managed under the FWC as a WMA. Hunting on the forest is scheduled annually through a cooperative effort between the DOF and the FWC. Specific hunting seasons, quotas, and bag limits are agreed upon between the two agencies at the annual meeting held in the state office following a meeting and recommendations from local DOF/FWC staff.

g. Environmental Education/Ecotourism The DOF and its partners in the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem Working Group are committed to educating the public about the unique habitats on the Lake Wales Ridge. Staff conducted field trips and presentations on a variety of topics for the general public, school groups, and various user groups. Outdoor education opportunities are created each year with annual State Forest Awareness days and other social events.

h. Visitor Center An office/visitor center (with interpretive displays), community room, and public restrooms was completed April 2004. This complex serves as the main entrance to the state forest and is located off of County Road 630 on a previously disturbed site. Only native Florida landscape plant material will be utilized around the building structures.

5. Fire Management The DOF utilizes a total fire management program on state forests that includes prevention, detection, suppression and prescribed burning. Primary detection and suppression of wildfires are the responsibility of the DOF under the direction of the Lakeland District Manager. Personnel and equipment from the Lakeland District are utilized for pre-suppression practices, establishment and maintenance of firebreaks, rehabilitation of existing firelines, construction of new firebreaks (when necessary), maintenance of perimeter firebreaks, and prescribed burning. All firebreaks are maintained with disking, mowing, or with a hay rake. Firebreaks are constructed following procedures outlined in the LWRSF Fire Plan which is available at the state forest office.

Perimeter firebreaks have been established on the Arbuckle Tract and a majority of the perimeter of the WIW Tract. Additional perimeter lines will be installed in critical areas as deemed appropriate by state forest staff. Areas slated for perimeter lines will be inspected for threatened and endangered species and historical artifacts prior to installation.

All guidelines as outlined in the Fire Management Policy (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry Policy & Procedure 525) will be used on the forest. The smoke screening system will be utilized as a smoke management tool and to minimize the adverse impacts of smoke.

A comprehensive prescribed fire program is currently in place on the Arbuckle and Walk-in-the-Water Tracts. A plan for the remaining tracts will be developed and implemented during the first year of this ten year plan. Plans will be reviewed annually and amended as needed based on current resource and burning conditions. Pre-and post-burn evaluations, essential elements to a successful prescribed fire program, will be conducted by state forest staff. Monitoring levels will vary from burn to burn based on burn objectives.

Prescribed fire is the primary tool utilized for resource management on the state 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. 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, and maintain and enhance populations of fire-adapted threatened and endangered species. Lightning season burns will be utilized to the greatest extent feasible on both tracts. This, along with fire prevention education, will be utilized to limit wildfire occurrence.

Approximately 92% of the acreage (roughly 24,300 acres) supports vegetative communities that are fire dependent, most of which are burned on a two to four year rotation. Burn blocks are large and may include several different plant communities allowing for better application of fire to ecotones. Scrub communities located within the large burn blocks have the opportunity to burn when the block is burned. However, as in natural fire regimes, these blocks do not burn every time the surrounding communities burn. The natural make-up of fuels within the scrub area is the limiting factor lengthening the rotation of burns. An average of 9,000 acres per year is scheduled for prescribed fire. All forms of fireline construction will be conducted in accordance with Florida’s Silviculture Best Management Practices (FDACS 2004b) publication and/or other appropriate measures as deemed necessary by the DOF’s Forest Hydrologist and/or Watershed Specialist.

6. Silvicultural Guidelines & 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. The following objectives or strategies will be applied to silvicultural practices on LWRSF:

a. Maintain ecosystem quality through the use of prescribed fire. b. Restore and enhance sandhill and scrub communities using established methods and new methods developed through research. c. Improve, maintain, and protect in perpetuity all native ecosystems. d. Insure the long-term viability of populations and species considered rare, endangered, threatened, or of special concern e. Maintain a sustainable timber management program that enhances the natural diversity of the state forest with minimal environmental impact.

f. Restore native pine species and ground cover to ecosystems currently dominated by non-native grass species. g. Maintain and protect water quality and aquatic resources. h. Conduct a thorough survey of North Florida slash pine plantations in the cutthroat areas in order to map the location of all these areas and to identify the stand and understory parameters. The survey will enable DOF to prioritize and to establish appropriate strategies and a schedule for their removal in those specific areas. Develop and implement specific site plans for removal and replacement except in cutthroat grass seeps, as these are to be eventually restored to their historic density of <10-50 trees per acre. i. Establish management criteria for sand pine stands that will allow for the natural cycle of scrub/sand pine communities. j. Use appropriate site preparation treatments that ensure tree survival and stand establishment and also have the least negative impact on native plant communities.

Timber harvesting guidelines will be developed for each sale on a site-specific basis to minimize damage to sensitive resources. These guidelines address the importance of snags for wildlife habitat, BMP compliance, special considerations (related to rare and endangered species), limitations on harvesting in wet periods, machinery use, road systems, protection of ground cover, inspection of equipment to prevent exotic species dispersal in the sale area, hiking trail considerations, and other items pertinent to a specific site. These items are addressed in the timber sale contract. Silvicultural prescriptions will be developed so as to favor the development of larger and older trees. Natural regeneration would be dependent on the site and species characteristics.

Areas designated for timber harvests will be surveyed for all listed species in conjunction with the fieldwork necessary for timber sale preparation. State forest staff will develop timber harvesting plans and all timber harvesting will be conducted to meet or exceed the compliance guidelines set forth in the public lands section of the Silviculture Best Management Practices (FDACS 2004b) publication.

Normal timber sales will be advertised for competitive bids and sold on a lump sum or per ton basis. A sealed minimum acceptable price is set prior to bids being opened. This price is based on the particular class of timber for sale, local stumpage prices, and logging conditions. Salvage sales, where it is necessary to rapidly remove timber damaged by fire, insects, disease, or other natural disasters will be sold on a per ton basis.

Reforestation is a key component in restoring natural ecosystems. In preparing areas for restoration, where appropriate, site preparation treatments will be employed that ensure the best opportunity for tree survival and stand establishment but also have the least negative impact on desired ground cover species. Reforestation plans are developed for each site on a site specific basis. Existing plant communities, listed species, desired stocking levels, species to be planted, and site preparation techniques will be addressed for each site.

7. Research Projects/Specimen Collection Research projects may be performed on certain areas of LWRSF on a temporary or permanent basis for the purpose of obtaining information which expands the knowledge of the ecosystems on the state forest and assists in managing ecosystems. One such project researching the effects of logging on the vegetation and herpetofaunal communities is being conducted by the District Biologist and Plant Conservation Biologist. The DOF cooperates with other governmental agencies, non- profit organizations, and educational institutions, whenever feasible, on this type of research.

The DOF's Forest Ecologist must approve all research projects and specimen collections before they are initiated. Any requests for research projects should be submitted in writing to the LWRSF Biologist, Senior Forester, Forest Resource Administrator and Lakeland District Manager for forwarding to the Forest Management Bureau for approval. Requests must include a letter outlining the scope, methodology, and location of the proposed project. Requests are also subject to review by the DOF Entomologist or Pathologist, as appropriate. Researchers are required to obtain any additional State or federal permits needed. Permission to conduct research will require that the investigator provide copies of any reports or studies generated from research projects to the state forest staff. The status of existing projects will be subject to periodic review by the District Biologist.

8. Law Enforcement The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) will handle primary law enforcement responsibilities. A full time OALE officer is assigned to the state forest. Wildlife officers from FWC will enforce fish and wildlife regulations, and provide assistance in enforcing state forest rules. The Polk County Sheriff's Office provides additional law enforcement support.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Rule, Chapter 5I-4 (Florida Administrative Code) has been promulgated for the public use of state lands, restrictions of forest traffic and camping. This rule is on file at the LWRSF Headquarters, the DOF State Office, and online at http://fac.dos.state.fl.us/.

9. Wildlife and Fish Management The fish and wildlife resources of the LWRSF are significant. Under the terms of the management lease the DOF provides land management and general supervision following the multiple-use management concept. The FWC is responsible coordinating with DOF regarding setting hunting seasons, establishing bag and possession limits, and overall wildlife and fish law enforcement. DOF will continue working cooperatively with FWC to inventory, survey, manage and protect wildlife while providing compatible recreational opportunities.

The forest will be managed as two separately designated WMA's. The Arbuckle WMA consists of the Arbuckle Tract. The WIW Tract is managed as the WIW WMA.

Hunting on the Arbuckle WMA is limited to primitive weapon, special permit hunting. Game animals include deer, wild hogs, and other small game as outlined in the management area guidelines (available at the state forest office). A general gun hog season has been established to reduce hog populations and decrease damage to natural vegetation during the management period covered by this plan.

Hunting on the WIW WMA varies slightly from the Arbuckle WMA. Primitive weapon, special permit hunts are conducted on this WMA, a short general gun hog season is allowed, as well as a limited small game season. The hunting seasons are not concurrent. However, some overlap does occur.

Hunting on the Hesperides Tract will not be allowed due to the smaller size of its composing parcels and location of homes near the borders of the parcels. Currently hunting is not permitted on the Prairie Tract but hunting possibilities will be investigated further when the cattle lease expires in 2008.

Lakes Arbuckle, Godwin, and Weohyakapka represent the greatest opportunity for recreational fishing. Fishing is allowed year round. All state fishing laws apply.

In order to assist the FWC with their goal of maintaining hunting and fishing activities at levels that can be produced and sustained through management of natural ecosystems, the following guidelines are used:

a. Managing Non-Game Species Non-game species are managed and protected through the restoration and maintenance of native ecosystems found on the forest. Cooperative research among the DOF, other state agencies and institutions, the federal government, and members of the Lake Wales Ridge Ecosystem Working Group provide valuable information in determining future management objectives of non- game species.

b. Sensitive Species The non-game species on this state forest include many threatened and endangered species and species of special concern (Exhibit H). The DOF Biologist, in cooperation with FWC, will continue to locate and monitor Florida scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens), Florida mice (Podomys floridanus), gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), and herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) throughout this planning period. Monitoring goals are designed to keep track of these important indicator species over time, and to adjust management practices accordingly, to keep the populations of these animals at a viable level, and to ensure the health of the ecosystems they inhabit.

The newly acquired Prairie Tract presents new challenges in managing sensitive species. Surveys for the federally endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) in particular should be continued. The species is known in very few of the remaining dry prairie areas, and has been in decline. It has been confirmed on property adjacent to the Prairie Tract but surveys have not verified its occurrence on the tract. Audubon's crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), whooping crane (Grus americana), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) and several other mammal and reptile species are state or federally listed in this ecosystem. Monitoring priorities for these species will be set and carried out in the next planning period. FWC is conducting research on several of these species, and will be consulted for guidelines in managing these species on this tract.

c. Hunter Access Hunting season dates, limits and methods are established annually by the FWC in cooperation with DOF. Access on the Arbuckle Tract is restricted to designated roads as outlined in the WMA brochure, printed annually. The WIW Tract is closed to public vehicular access. Eight designated parking areas have been established at foot access points. Some of the roads on the Arbuckle WMA are accessible by vehicle during hunting season with an FWC Special Use Vehicle Permit. The permits are issued by FWC to individuals who qualify as permanently, physically disabled. The permit allows enhanced access to selected wildlife management areas, Arbuckle WMA in this case, for the purpose of hunting. Information regarding qualifying standards for Special Use Vehicle Permits, application forms, FWC rules and current WMA brochures can be obtained at the FWC website, http://myfwc.com .

d. Exotic Animal Species Special hog hunts are used to help control populations of feral hogs. (See section IV.A.10. for more details.)

10. Non-native Invasive Species The practice of DOF is to locate, identify, and control (eradicate if possible) non- native invasive species. LWRSF has an aggressive non-native invasive species program. In-house technicians survey, GPS, and control/eradicate all non-native plant species. New occurrences are treated immediately when found. Ongoing infestations are treated at the optimal season for that species every year. Monitoring continues throughout the year on areas that have been treated. Herbicide application is the primary method for controlling these species. Other methods will be considered where possible and applicable.

Feral hogs are a nuisance species. Damage to the land can be severe in areas where hog populations are not kept to a minimum. Feral hog hunting is allowed during all hunting seasons except spring turkey. Trapping is permitted with a special use permit. Hog populations will be kept as low as possible as the levels can change

rapidly over a short period of time. DOF will pursue coordinating with FWC and The Nature Conservancy on the development of a hog control plan.

All management activities and proposals are scrutinized for their connection to non- native invasive species. Those activities and proposals found to promote non-native invasive species will be eliminated or rejected.

11. Insect and Disease 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. State forest management staff will consult with the Forest Health Section to develop scientifically sound responses and/or management prescriptions.

12. Utility Corridors and Easements 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 LWRSF suitable for any new linear facilities. When such is 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 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 and 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 of the BTIITF and will follow the procedure outlined in Chapter 18-2, Florida Administrative Code covering easements.

No utility corridors exist on the Arbuckle Tract.

There is an existing right-of-way maintained by the Progress Energy Corporation on the WIW Tract. The DOF Biologist maintains a working relationship with Progress Energy's environmental staff to ensure that right-of-way maintenance activities (herbicides, cutting, etc.) are not detrimental to the state forest ecosystems.

There are no utility corridors through the parcels on the Hesperides Tract. There is a power line easement to two private homes and a grove along Kissimmee Shores Road.

13. Ground Disturbing Activities Although the DOF’s approach to handling ground disturbing activities is identified in various sections of this plan, the DOF’s 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. For other ground disturbing activities such as construction of buildings, parking lots and new roads the DOF will consult with the DHR and FNAI.

B. Description of Natural Communities and Proposed Management Activities

Existing Conditions and Management Direction

The predominant community types are shown in the natural community maps found in Exhibit L. Following is a brief description of the desired or targeted condition for each cover type, the current condition and the management techniques that will be applied to reach the desired condition.

Mesic Flatwoods - (1,842 acres)

Desired Future Conditions The overstory is characterized by small pockets of longleaf pine interspersed with scattered slash pine. The flatwoods pine density on the Arbuckle Tract will be no more than 50-100 mature trees (either slash (Pinus elliottii var. densa), longleaf (P. palustris), or both) per acre. The Prairie Tract has approximately 300 acres of mesic flatwoods, most of it adjacent to State Road 60. Where there is a matrix of cutthroat grass (Panicum abscissum) and wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana), the pine density could be as low as 10-50 mature trees per acre.

The presence of midstory shrubs and vines remain at a frequency and height that allows the formation and maintained health of continuous and diverse groundcover. The ground cover remains low enough and broken in nature, so it will not support stand altering type wildfires. It also allows faunal species such as gopher tortoises, fox squirrels (Sciurus niger), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and humans the opportunity to freely move throughout the plant communities. Enough light passes through the canopy to allow shade intolerant species such as longleaf pine to regenerate.

The groundcover is continuous, species rich, and composed of fine herbaceous plants and grasses that will facilitate low intensity fires under a wide range of burning conditions. Preferred species are native grasses and herbs adapted to frequent fire such as wiregrass, lopsided Indian grass (Sorghastrum secundum), blazing star (Liatris sp.), chaffhead (Carphephorus sp.), silkgrass (Pityopsis sp.), pine lily (Lilium catesbaei), etc.

Healthy and sustainable populations of flatwoods animal species such as red-headed woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), Bachman's sparrows (Aimophila aestivalis), red- cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis), brown-headed nuthatch (Sitta pusilla), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), white-tailed deer, raccoons (Procyon lotor), coachwhips (Masticophis flagellum), black racers (Coluber constrictor priapus), six lined racerunners (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) and cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus) are present throughout the flatwoods community.

There are natural ecotones between flatwoods and adjoining and embedded plant communities. The plant communities associated with the ecotones contain a higher diversity of plants and animals. Unfortunately, many ecotones on the state forest contain roads. The goal is to eliminate any ecotone roads whenever possible, thus allowing ecotones to remain elastic and continue to change in shape, location, and size depending upon environmental processes.

Nearly all the plants and animals inhabiting these lands are adapted to frequent fires; several species depend on fire for their continued existence. Natural fire frequency in the mesic flatwoods is every one to four years. Stem char, scorched needles and other visible features of fire-maintained ecosystems provide evidence of past fires. The occurrence of these fires is primarily during the growing season but burns may occur nearly any month of the year. Ongoing biological processes such as insect-plant interactions are evidenced by occasional dead trees, which become snags for use by wildlife.

Current Conditions On the Arbuckle Tract there are approximately 1,500 acres of low-quality (from a timber- producing standpoint) flatwoods that occur on a matrix of wiregrass and cutthroat grass. These were planted in 1952 with North Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii). Due to poor soil conditions, most of the timber is poor quality with a low basal area. These flatwoods have an understory of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), gallberry (Ilex glabra), grasses, forbs and shrubs. They have been well maintained by fire since the late 1980’s, with fire frequency averaging every three years.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition Prescribed burning will be conducted during the growing season as much as possible with a targeted fire return interval of two to four years. Timber sales will be conducted to reduce off- site and will be scattered over the forest so as to reduce aesthetic and other concerns. Longleaf and South Florida slash pines will be favored as residual leave trees during restoration timber sales. These residual trees will be left as a seed source to revegetate the flatwoods to a more natural pine density. Should the residual stocking density be inadequate to reforest the area naturally, artificial reforestation will be considered.

Scrub (2,960 acres)

Desired Future Conditions Scrub at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest includes sand pine scrub, oak and rosemary scrub and scrubby flatwoods. Scrubby flatwoods will be discussed separately, as it is considered a distinct community type by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). Each of these scrub types is

dominated by evergreen oaks (sand live oak [Quercus geminata], myrtle oak [Q. myrtifolia], Chapman’s oak [Q. chapmanii], scrub oak [Q. inopina]) and may or may not contain a slash or sand pine (Pinus clausa) overstory. The pine overstory, if present, is sparse– between 5-20 trees per acre. Sandy, open patches necessary for many listed plant and animal species are common throughout. Open patches of bare sand are common Other typical plants include Lyonia sp., rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides), saw palmetto, hog plum (Prunus umbellata), garberia (Garberia heterophylla), palafox (Palafoxia feayi), and other woody shrubs. Florida scrub-jay, Florida mouse, gopher tortoise, sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi), blue-tailed mole skinks (Eumeces egregius lividus), and scrub lizards (Sceloporus woodi) are some of the listed animal species present in the scrub. The shrub canopy remains relatively low with a height of one to nine feet. A disturbance regime of prescribed fire keeps the canopy height low and arrests succession, not allowing the transformation into mixed hardwood forest (xeric hammock) or a sand pine forest.

Current Conditions Arbuckle Tract The scrub on the Arbuckle Tract is currently in good condition, with a few exceptions. There are however, several scrub areas that have not had stand-replacing fire because: (1) they are too close to private property, (2) they have organic soils that are located within the scrub burn unit, (3) the area contains merchantable quality sand pines, and/or (4) of a past policy of keeping fire out of some scrubs. The endangered plant species that live in the open-sand gaps are maintained in good numbers. These include scrub hypericum (Hypericum cumulicola), scrub blazing star (Liatris ohlingerae), scrub plum (Prunus geniculata), sand lace (Polygonella myriophylla), and Florida short-leaved rosemary (Conradina brevifolia).

The Florida scrub-jay population on the Arbuckle Tract consists of 14 families, most of which are concentrated in the Sandhill Management Block (SHMB). Other families live in Bonnet Creek Management Block (BCMB) scrubs and in the Godwin Flatwoods Management Block (GFMB) scrubs. These two management units have seen the most improvement in the scrub habitat over the previous five year period. It is only a matter of time before jays disperse into some of these large, well-burned scrub patches.

The SHMB on the north end of the tract is a matrix of scrub, sandhill, seasonal ponds, and scrubby flatwoods. This has been burned three times since DOF took ownership. Much of the oak scrub and scrubby flatwoods are well maintained by fire and contain nine scrub-jay families. The sand pine scrub at the south end of SHMB is very overgrown. This area (SH08 & SH09) is targeted for a restoration harvest and burn as described in the LWRSF Florida Scrub-Jay Management Plan (Malatesta and Hardin 2002).

Walk-in-the-Water Tract and Hesperides Tract The Walk-in–the-Water Tract contains less scrub than the Arbuckle Tract. Much of the scrub on Walk-in-the-Water is located in the northern area of the tract in the Tiger Creek North (TCN) and Tiger Creek South (TCS) burn units. Both parcels of the Hesperides Tract, Babson and Boy Scout, contain significant scrub acreage. Much of the scrub in these parcels exists in a matrix of overgrown sandhill and scrubby flatwoods that has not seen fire in 30-50 years. Both tracts contain merchantable quality stands of sand pine timber.

Approximately 50 acres of very high quality scrub on the Boy Scout Parcel contains scrub morning glory (Bonamia grandiflora), scrub bay (Persea humilis), and many other endangered scrub plants. Other scrub areas on the parcel have had fire excluded and are overgrown with mature sand pine timber.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition Sand pine timber restoration sales and/or prescribed fire will be the primary management tools in this ecosystem. Some areas that have been targeted for restoration either for the Florida scrub- jay or endangered plants may be considered for sand pine harvest before being put on a burn rotation. The District Biologist and the Plant Ecologist have begun research projects on the effects of logging on the vegetation and herpetofaunal communities. After the logging has taken place, followed by burning, data will be collected and analyzed to determine the effects of logging. The ecology staff will also be consulted regarding access and will monitor the effects of logging on surrounding communities. Special care will be taken when harvesting to clean equipment so that cogon grass or other exotics will not be spread by the logging operation.

Dry Prairie (2,901 acres) Florida dry prairie is a natural community that is considered by FNAI as endangered as the ancient scrub and according to USFWS, 98% of this community has been converted to other uses. In the South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan (USFWS 1999) the USFWS also notes that this system is one of the four ecological communities containing large numbers of high- ranked animal species.

Desired Future Condition The term dry prairie is a misnomer for what are essentially several types of seasonally inundated, savannah-like grasslands. It is endemic to south central Florida, and has no similar communities in adjacent states. All types contain a mixture of upland and wetland plants which are dominated by wiregrass, runner oak (Quercus pumila), occasional low palmetto, with a high diversity of other grasses and forbs. Five different sub-types of dry prairie are described by USFWS, which differ slightly in soil and hydrologic regimes. These range from the xeric type, which contains nearly scrubby vegetation, to the most hydric, which is marsh-like. All are open and nearly treeless and require fire every one to four years.

Dry prairie contains a high diversity of wildlife and plant species. Resident and migratory avian species using this ecosystem include: Florida mottled duck (Anas fulvigula), common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna), redwing blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Florida grasshopper sparrow. Species that overwinter in the prairie include: northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), savannah sparrow (Passerculus sanwichensis), swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), Henslow’s sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii), and a variety of other songbirds. Other species include spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius), bobcat, oak toad (Bufo quercicus), rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus), Florida ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus), glass lizard (Ophisaurus sp.) and box turtle (Terrapene carolina). Some common shrubs are blueberry (Vaccinium sp.), lyonia, gallberry, and runner oak. In fire-maintained prairie, grasses such as wiregrass, bluestem (Andropogon sp.), lopsided Indian grass, carpet grass (Axonopus sp.), and several broomsedges (Andropogon sp.) dominate, along with a diversity of herbaceous species such as bog buttons (Lachnocaulon

sp.), meadow beauty (Rhexia sp.), blazing star, many asters, and even pitcher plants (Sarracenia sp.) and ground orchids.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) considers Florida dry prairie to be one of the four natural communities in Florida with a high concentration of listed animal species. These include the Florida grasshopper sparrow, Florida burrowing owl, peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), Florida sandhill crane (Grus Canadensis pratensis), whooping crane, Audubon’s crested caracara, short-tailed hawk (Buteo brachyurus), Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), Florida brown snake (Storeria dekayi victa), gopher frog (Rana capito) and eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), to name a few.

Several plant species have state listing such as the carnivorous blue butterwort (Pinguicula caerulea), yellow butterwort (P. lutea), hooded pitcher plant (Sarracenia minor), and the orchids – long-lipped ladies tresses (Spiranthes longilabris), wild coco (Eulophia ecristata), and grass pink (Calopogon multiflorus). Those last two plants, as well as the Catesby’s lily (Lilium catesbaei) also appear on the Arbuckle Tract in wet flatwoods.

Current Condition All of the five sub-types of dry prairie are represented on the Prairie Tract. The dry prairie on the Prairie Tract ranges from very high (nearly pristine) to very low quality (highly disturbed or completely converted). The extent of the system is indicated by the soil types and by the land cover map. The dry prairie on the Prairie Tract is drained and ditched and the hydrology altered. About 400 acres is planted in citrus, about 1,200 acres is in improved pasture, another 700 acres is native pasture, and about 550 acres is nearly pristine. The section on management actions will discuss each of these separately.

It is not known how many of the state or federally listed plants or animals are present on the dry prairie habitat at LWRSF. At the time of this writing only a cursory survey has been conducted. However, it is likely that many of these species are present as more than half of the dry prairie on the tract has not been severely altered.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition

Citrus Grove (411 acres) There is currently a five year lease on the citrus grove with a potential five year extension. Restoration of the grove to dry prairie would be costly, and would result in a loss of many thousands of dollars in revenue to the State. This type of ecosystem overhaul has not been attempted. In the plan period, LWRSF staff will determine how to best manage the grove and if restoration is feasible should the grove become unproductive due to diseases or killing freezes.

Improved Pasture (1,242 acres) The State derives $18,000 a year from the cattle lease on LWRSF. The improved pastures will be evaluated for restoration potential. Currently the technology and the mechanics of restoration have not been perfected and the cost is prohibitive, but all reasonable efforts to restore pasture to its native state will be made when the land is no longer being leased for cattle.

Native Pasture/Pristine Dry Prairie (1,248 acres) Very little is needed to maintain these areas. If grasshopper sparrows or other listed birds or plants are found, the burn season may be altered to a growing season burn regime. Periodicity of fire would enhance habitat for the grasshopper sparrow. However, this natural community type has not been studied extensively and not much data is available on optimal burn seasons. Exotic species removal and frequent prescribed fire would maintain these areas. As more dry prairie is purchased and more research is done in this system, other decisions on management should be made.

It should be noted that any restoration of the dry prairie at LWRSF will be somewhat limited by the activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE). The Prairie Tract is at the headwaters of the Kissimmee River, and the ACE will use locks in the river to hold water in the headwaters area in the dry season and release it in the wet season, causing a reversal of the natural dry- winter, wet-summer hydrological regime. This may affect the DOF’s ability to burn this property, and may affect overall management. The DOF should strive under these constraints to use the best science available to restore and maintain this unique and diverse system with all the components intact.

Hydric Hammock (304 Acres)

Desired Future Condition Hydric hammock at LWRSF is exclusively located on the Prairie Tract. This is characterized by mostly organic soils, often over a low hardpan. Vegetation consists of mostly live (Quercus virginiana) or water oaks (Q. nigra), shrubs such as myrtle, gallberry, holly, with little or no groundcover and fire occurrence as a rare event. Some animals found in this community include the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), barn owl (Tyto alba), turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), raccoon, armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), wild hog (Sus scrofa), southern black racer, oak toad, among others.

Current Condition This community type is currently in the above described condition, so no management actions need to be taken.

Strand Swamp (150 acres)

Desired Future Condition This community is characterized by slightly flowing water with pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) or bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) and occasional slash pine or willow (Salix sp.) in organic soil over a mineral substrate. Some birds such as the wood stork (Mycteria americana), ibis, and some other water birds and raptors use the strands. This community experiences fire as a rare occurrence.

Current Condition There are small cypress strands in the northwestern quadrant of the Prairie Tract. This community type is currently in the above described condition, so no management actions need to be taken.

Slough (82 acres)

Desired Future Condition Sloughs are broad shallow channels in organic soil over a mineral substrate. These are usually found within a larger marsh or wet prairie.

Current Conditions Otter Slough is a major slough that flows from the west/southwest to Lake Kissimmee. Some channels have been created which alter the natural hydrology of the slough and the wet prairie.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition With the assistance of the DOF hydrologist, a plan to improve the hydrological function of Otter Slough will be developed. The plan will incorporate activities that will compliment restoration efforts currently under way by SFWMD, east of the state forest boundary.

Wet Prairie (410 acres)

Desired Future Condition The wet prairie at LWRSF occurs on the Prairie Tract and is characterized as flatland with a sand substrate that is seasonally inundated and contains wiregrass, pitcher plants, St. John’s wort, some palmetto, and mixed herbaceous plants. Pine density is extremely low or non-existent and the fire return interval is annual or semi-annual. Many of the listed animals described in the above section on dry prairie are also found here.

Current Conditions The current condition of the wet prairie on the Prairie Tract is good and should be maintained with frequent burning. No management actions need to be taken at this time in this community type.

Wet Flatwoods (2,197 acres)

Note: Cutthroat grass-dominated flatwoods on LWRSF are considered wet flatwoods. They do not fit the FNAI description for wet flatwoods. However, because FNAI has no category for cutthroat grass flatwoods, they will be discussed here.

Desired Future Conditions Wet flatwoods at LWRSF are characterized as relatively open canopy forests of scattered pine trees or cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) with cutthroat grass, beak rush, carpet grass, bluestem, bog buttons, and yellow bachelor buttons and some woody shrubs such as gallberry, palmetto or lyonia. Pine lily (Lilium catesbaei) and grass pink (Calopogon multiflorus) are two state-listed plants that occur in these flatwoods. Pine density is low, usually 5-50 trees per acre. Some of the typical animals may include cricket frog (Acris crepitans), black racer, yellow rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata), Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), striped skunk

(Mephitis mephitis), bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), and white-tailed deer.

These areas occur on slightly lower elevations than the surrounding communities and are characterized by a mostly organic soil type. Water sheet-flows from surrounding uplands to the cutthroat grass flatwoods, creating a continuous seep.

Current Conditions This community type is located mostly on the Arbuckle Tract. These wet flatwoods maintain a mostly open aspect; some have a fairly dense shrub layer and others have a monoculture of cutthroat grass. Without the planted pines these monoculture areas would be considered cutthroat “lawns”, with virtually no trees. Approximately 90% of the ~2200 acres of wet flatwoods were planted in North Florida slash pine at a density of 300-600 trees per acre. Some of the stands in the interior of the tract in the Godwin Flatwoods Management Block (GFMB) have a higher tree density (~400-700 trees per acre) due to seeding in. The previous landowner used prescribed fire periodically and DOF has burned portions of these areas regularly over the past 17 years. The burn rotation averaged every 2-4 years during the last five year period. Most of the burns were conducted in the summer months, which promotes flowering of the cutthroat grass. The LWRSF staff has seen evidence of hardwood encroachment in most of the cutthroat areas.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition As discussed in the timber management section, LWRSF plans to harvest the North Florida slash pine from the wet flatwoods in a patchwork pattern across the landscape over the next 10 years. These harvests will proceed at the rate of one to two stands (stands average 100 acres in this community) every year. Native longleaf pines and South Florida slash pines will be favored as residual leave trees during restoration timber sales. These residual trees will be left as a seed source to revegetate the wet flatwoods to a more natural pine density. Should the residual stocking density be inadequate to reforest the area naturally, artificial reforestation will be considered. Prescribed burning in all cutthroat flatwoods will continue in the summer months every 1-3 years. It is essential that hot summer burns take place and are allowed to burn into the ecotones between the seeps, baygalls, and other swamps. These natural stands should be photo monitored to measure the encroachment of bay trees and the potential loss of plant diversity on these seepage slopes. A monitoring protocol has been developed for the cutthroat areas and will be implemented in this management period. To address hardwood encroachment the burn frequency in cutthroat areas will be increased. Staff will also consult with cutthroat experts at the Avon Park Air Force Range to develop plans for widening our burn season in the cutthroat to more effectively kill back some of the encroaching hardwoods.

Bottomland Forest (1,182 acres)

Desired Future Conditions Bottomland forest is characterized as a low-lying, closed-canopy forest of tall, straight trees with either a dense shrubby understory and little ground cover, or an open understory and ground cover of ferns, herbs, and grasses. Typical plants may include water oak, live oak, red maple

(Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidamber styraciflua), bald cypress, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), cabbage palm, loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), swamp tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), swamp dogwood (Cornus foemina), etc. Typical animals include five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus), eastern king snake (Lampropeltis getula getula), screech-owl (Ottus asio), great-horned owl (Bubo virginianus), ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus), cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), yellow-throated warbler (Dendroica dominica), opossum (Didelphis virginiana), flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), raccoon, gray fox, bobcat, and white-tailed deer.

Bottomland forest occurs on low-lying flatlands that usually border streams with distinct banks, such that water rarely overflows the stream channel to inundate the forest. They also occur in scattered low spots in basins and depressions that are rarely inundated, which allows typical upland species to survive. Soils are generally a mixture of organic materials. The water table is high but bottomland forests are inundated only during extreme floods or exceptionally heavy rains (i.e., not annually). Tree density and species diversity is relatively high. The canopy is dense and closed, except during winter in areas where deciduous trees predominate. Thus, air movement and light penetration are generally low, making the humidity high and relatively constant. Because of these characteristics, bottomland forests rarely burn.

Current Conditions Bottomland forest communities on LWRSF are present along the banks of Reedy, Arbuckle, Livingston, Isabel and Tiger Creeks. Tree density creates a closed canopy that is relatively constant. Species diversity is relatively high. The current condition of this community is generally consistent with the typical description mentioned above, except for two components, the presence of cypress stumps and climbing fern. The presence of cypress stumps indicates that most of the cypress was harvested many years ago. A fairly large stand (>2 acres) of Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) was recently discovered in this community along Isabel Creek on the Arbuckle Tract. It is likely that this non-native invasive species as well as Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) is present in other similar areas.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition Prescribed fire from adjacent pyric communities will be allowed to burn into the margins of this hydric community and fire lines will be avoided in this ecotone. Active management will primarily be limited to existing road maintenance and necessary erosion control.

Two technicians have been hired and Federal grant money has been obtained for a third in order to thoroughly survey all these remote areas of bottomland forest for climbing fern. Staff have enlisted the aid of local hunters in detecting this extremely invasive plant species. The detection and eradication efforts will increase in the next plan period in order that this community type can be kept functioning and intact.

Floodplain Forest (390 acres)

Desired Future Condition This community type is seasonally inundated and the substrate is sand or organic soil. At LWRSF this community is characterized by water oak, live oak, cypress, mixed hardwoods, and blue palmetto (Rhapidophyllum hystrix). Alligator, banded water snake (Nerodia fasciata fasciata), cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), osprey, wood stork, eastern big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii), and Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) are some of the animals that can be found in this community type. Fire is rare in the floodplain forest.

Current Condition This community, located mostly along the shores of Lake Arbuckle on the Arbuckle Tract, is in intact condition. Old World climbing fern has been located in several areas here and is being treated.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition It is imperative that surveys of the Lake Arbuckle floodplain forest continue in order to detect climbing fern. This fern could change the fire ecology of this community. There are significant infestations of this exotic plant across Lake Arbuckle at the Avon Park Air Force Range, so it is essential that LWRSF staff remain vigilant. Aside from these surveys, no action needs to be taken in the floodplain forest.

Floodplain Swamp (116 acres)

Desired Future Condition This community is characterized by bald cypress, some hardwoods, epiphytes, and ferns. It is usually inundated. It only burns in extreme drought conditions; even then, only rarely. Some animals found in the floodplain swamp are Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii), bald eagle, pileated woodpecker, Bachman's sparrow, wood duck (Aix sponsa), mink (Mustela sp.), river otter (Lontra canadensis), Florida black bear, and white-tailed deer.

Current condition This community occurs on the southeastern part of the Arbuckle Tract, along Arbuckle Creek. There are large (~0.7 meter diameter) cypress stumps, indicating that some logging took place in the past. This is a relatively intact system.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition Staff will survey the Arbuckle Creek swamp for climbing fern, as this is on the boundary between the Avon Park Air Force Range and the Arbuckle Tract. Otherwise, no action needs to be taken in the floodplain swamp.

Basin Swamp (21 acres)

Desired Future Conditions Basin swamp is generally characterized as a relatively large and irregularly shaped basin not associated with rivers, vegetated with hydrophytic trees and shrubs that can withstand an

extended hydroperiod. Dominant plants include blackgum (Nyssa biflora), cypress, and slash pine. Other typical plants include red maple, bay species, laurel greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), wax myrtle, moss (Lycopodium sp.), and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). Typical animals may include cricket frog, little grass frog (Pseudacris ocularis), striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii), ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus), scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides), cottonmouth, hawks, turkey, black bear, raccoon, river otter, bobcat, and white-tailed deer.

Infrequent fire is essential for the maintenance of cypress-dominated basin swamps. Cypress and pines are very tolerant of light surface fires, but muck fires burning into the peat can kill the trees, lower the ground surface, and transform a swamp into a pond or lake.

Current Conditions There is a small (15 acre) intact basin swamp on the Walk-in-the-Water Tract. The vegetative composition of this community is fairly consistent with the typical description provided above.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition Where smoke management practices will allow, prescribed fire from adjacent pyric communities will be allowed to burn into the margins of this hydric community. Firelines will be avoided in this ecotone.

Sandhill - (4,863 acres)

Sandhill is often associated with and grades into scrub, scrubby flatwoods, mesic flatwoods, upland pine forest, or xeric hammock. This community was once widespread throughout the southeastern Coastal Plain, but it is estimated that 95% of it has been destroyed by human impacts. On the Lake Wales Ridge the sandhill community has long been favored as prime land for citrus growing, explaining its relative rarity in this area. Today, many groves are being converted to housing developments. The importance of properly managing the remaining sandhill parcels is accentuated due to the conversion of these communities to other uses.

Desired Future Conditions Sandhill, or high pine, consists of widely spaced pine trees with a sparse understory of oaks and a fairly dense ground cover of grasses and herbs on rolling hills of sand. The most typical associations are dominated by longleaf pine, turkey oak (Quercus laevis), and wiregrass. Sandhill on the southern Lake Wales Ridge tends to be more scrub-like. Typical plants include bluejack oak (Q. incana), sand live oak, persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), winged sumac (Rhus copallinum), Indian grass, bracken fern (Pteridium sp.), and golden-aster. Typical animals include barking treefrog (Hyla gratiosa), gohpher frog (Rana capito), Eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii), gopher tortoise, blue-tailed mole skink, sand skink, indigo snake, pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), eastern diamondback rattlesnake, red-headed woodpecker, and fox squirrel. Endangered and threatened plant/animal diversity is very high in this community type.

Sandhill occurs on hilltops and slopes of gently rolling hills. These are important aquifer recharge areas because the porous sands allow water to move rapidly through with little runoff

and minimal evaporation. Temperature and humidity fluctuations are generally greater in sandhill due to the scattered overstory.

Fire is a dominant factor in the ecology of this community. Sandhill is a fire climax community, being dependent on frequent ground fires to reduce hardwood competition and to perpetuate pines and grasses. The natural fire frequency appears to be every 2 to 5 years. Without frequent fires, sandhill may eventually succeed to xeric hammock. Unburned sandhill may be dominated by turkey oak, scrub oak or sand pine on LWRSF.

Current Condition Arbuckle Tract This tract contains small scattered strands of sandhill totaling nearly 700 acres. The largest contiguous sandhill on the tract is GF14 at 75 acres. The other sandhill areas range in size from 55 acres to less than an acre. Most of these areas have a long history of fire exclusion, and have succeeded to xeric hammock. There is generally a scarcity of wiregrass, a low density of longleaf pine, and very low longleaf regeneration in the Arbuckle sandhill areas. This is probably due to several factors. Prior to state ownership mostly winter burns were conducted in sandhill, and thus failed to kill oaks. Since the state took ownership it has been difficult to burn these areas because of the large amount of oak litter. Also the shade from the oaks has inhibited grass and pine regeneration.

The SHMB contains 50-100 acres of sandhill in small strands. These strands have seen some fire over the years, and are gradually improving in structure. There is a large sandhill (about 30 acres) on the SHMB west boundary that has succeeded to xeric oak hammock. RCMB and GFMB both contain some pockets of sandhill, most of which have had fire excluded.

Walk-in-the-Water Tract This tract contains what is considered the largest contiguous parcel of southern ridge sandhill in public ownership. There are nearly 2,700 acres of sandhill on the Walk-in-the-Water Tract. Sandhill occurs in an unusual hill and swale topography on the main parcel, where it intergrades with seasonal ponds, scrubby flatwoods and large marshes. There are 900-1,100 acres of high pine in the northwest quadrant of the main parcel that still retains the aspect and structure of sandhill, even though bahiagrass is the prevalent grass cover. Sandhill on Walk-in-the-Water’s main parcel was roller chopped and aerially seeded with bahiagrass in the 1990's. However, the presence of pigeon wings (Clitoria fragrans), scrub morning glory, scrub plum, scrub buckwheat (Erigonum floridanum), scrub lizards, pine snakes, gopher frogs, sand skinks, and blue-tailed mole skinks in those hills indicates that this is still high quality sandhill habitat.

On some of the northern parcels such as Newell, Doebbler, and Kenemuth, the sandhill is overgrown with tall (50-70 ft.) sand pines, yet it still contains wiregrass and characteristic sandhill shrubs and forbs. Sandhill on the small parcels north of the main parcel and on the Alico/Saddlebag Parcel is mostly turkey oak barrens or xeric hammock with few longleaf and small amounts of wiregrass. Listed animal and plant species are still present in these areas.

On the west side of the Newell Parcel there is a 50 acre sandhill that contains what are believed to be virgin (or at least old growth) longleaf pines. Although fire has been excluded for some

time, this is a high quality sandhill, with longleaf over 200 years old and an abundance of wiregrass.

The longleaf pine density on Walk-in-the-Water Tract is high compared to the Arbuckle Tract. Although wiregrass is not present, some of the hills are still open and unshaded. Characteristic sandhill forbs and shrubs are present and excellent longleaf regeneration has been observed.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition DEP conducted an environmental audit of LWRSF in 1995 that targeted sandhill restoration as a key management goal. Although this audit was conducted prior to acquisition of the Walk-in- the-Water Tract and the other sandhill parcels, restoration applies to sandhills on all sites. This remains a high-priority goal today, and will for the next planning period. In 1996 the Plant Ecologist and the District Biologist instituted a sandhill monitoring protocol which is still being used in an expanded form. Since the sandhill areas are numerous and highly variable in size and restoration requirements, many actions need to be taken in this planning period. Management actions fall into three categories with regard to the sandhill ecosystems: monitoring, intervention (herbicide, mechanical treatment, and/or ground cover planting), and prescribed fire. Each sandhill will be treated with one or more of these actions.

Arbuckle Tract Monitoring has been conducted since 1996 in the two largest sandhill areas: GF14 and RC06. The monitoring consists of pre- and post-burn sampling of: four strata of vegetation structure, species, pine density, listed species and wiregrass cover. These data have also been collected in smaller plots in the SHMB and the Lake Arbuckle Management Block (LAMB). Herpetofaunal monitoring is also taking place in the Arbuckle sandhill areas as part of an ongoing inventory/ monitoring of these organisms in scrub and sandhill. The data should also provide an index of habitat quality in sandhill.

An experimental herbicide treatment is being conducted on the SHMB in a 30 acre xeric oak hammock. Velpar (herbicide designed to kill oaks) is being applied to scrub oaks in two 1/8 hectare plots. The effects on the canopy, subcanopy, shrub layer, and ground cover are being measured. This treatment may prove to be an important method for opening up the sandhills, suppressing oaks, and stimulating native ground cover, especially wiregrass. A more natural fire regime can then be introduced.

Prescribed fire was applied to Arbuckle's two largest sandhill units in 1996 (GF14 & RC06). GF14 was burned again in April of 2002. RC06 has been on the burn schedule for several years, but because of drought and other weather conditions it has not been burned yet. In other units with small pockets of sandhill such as the SHMB, the GFMB, prescribed fire has been applied regularly for the last ten years. There has been some improvement in the quality of the sandhill community in these units, indicated by the reduction of oak canopy, and an increase in bare ground. More burning in the spring should prove to further improve these areas.

Walk-in-the-Water Tract This tract will generally require monitoring, several forms of intervention, and prescribed fire as the sandhill communities it contains have been more disturbed and have a long history of fire exclusion.

Pre- and post-burn monitoring has been instituted and will continue. A pilot project testing the efficacy of various treatments on the sandhill has begun. Velpar plots have been set up and logging is being considered for some of the north parcels (Kenemuth and Newell). Prescribed burning will continue over this plan period.

It is important to monitor the effects of fire in the sandhill community on this tract as it is unlike the sandhill on the Arbuckle Tract. This tract presents unique challenges in prescribed burning that the Arbuckle Tract does not. Walk-in-the-Water Tract has bahiagrass, it has a large accumulation of duff, and it is closer to residential areas (the wildland urban interface). There are no large areas of homogenous fuel types similar to the Arbuckle Tract. The discontinuous fuel, the bahiagrass, and the smoke considerations from duff fires make this tract problematic for introducing the hot, stand-replacing fires that are initially required by sandhill system that has had fire excluded. Once fire has been reintroduced and the characteristic sandhill open structure is restored, frequent groundcover fire will be possible. Monitoring provides information on the best methods to overcome these logistical and ecological difficulties.

Two Velpar plots have been set up in the Big Bay (BB) burn unit. These are in a similar area to the Arbuckle plots, and are a part of that effort. If this method proves effective, it can be utilized in some of the small sandhill parcels north of the main tract, the Alico/Saddlebag Parcel, and the Babson Parcel.

In the North Pine (NP) burn units, sand pines have encroached in the sandhill. NP1 and NP2 still contain wiregrass, sandhill shrubs and listed plants are still present. The sand pines are large (>50 ft. tall) and access may be difficult. Sand pine removal is important ecologically and from a fire control standpoint. In this planning period, sand pines will be harvested in these areas if the research shows that logging is not detrimental to the listed fossorial herp species.

LWRSF will reintroduce prescribed fire on the Walk-in-the-Water Tract over the next 10-year planning period, as weather and safety allows. All of the LWRSF monitoring, experimental treatments and other interventions are designed to make this system easier and safer to burn, thus restoring the natural integrity of this imperiled community.

Scrubby Flatwoods (4,310 acres)

Desired Future Conditions Scrubby flatwoods are characterized as dense shrubland with widely scattered pines and occasional areas of open, white sand. This vegetation varies in height from one to three meters. Typical plants include slash and longleaf pine, sand live oak, Chapman's oak, myrtle oak, scrub oak, saw palmetto, staggerbush (Lyonia ferruginea) and wiregrass. Many of LWRSF's listed animals and plants occur in this community type including the Florida scrub-jay, scrub lizard,

Florida mouse, sand skink, scrub morning glory, scrub blazing star, scrub plum and many others. Most of the Florida scrub-jay families on LWRSF occur in scrubby flatwoods.

Current Condition The scrubby flatwoods on the Arbuckle Tract occur in a matrix with scrub, mesic flatwoods, cutthroat grass (wet) flatwoods, and sandhills. On the Walk-in-the-Water Tract, this community exists in strands between the seasonal ponds and the sandhill. The frequency of naturally occurring fire in the scrubby flatwoods is 3-10 years.

Most of the scrubby flatwoods on the Arbuckle Tract are in excellent shape, and occur in all areas. Due to an aggressive summer burning program in the past five years, these areas are well- maintained by fire.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition Fire will continue to be the predominant management tool in the scrubby flatwoods. Prescribed fire will be applied in the mesic flatwoods at a greater frequency and be allowed to burn into the scrubby flatwoods. Fuel conditions in the scrubby flatwoods will dictate fire frequency.

On the Walk-in-the-Water Tract, treatments and monitoring that enable burning the sandhill community will help to get the scrubby flatwoods areas burned as well.

Baygall (2,911 acres)

Desired Future Conditions These lands are generally characterized as densely forested, peat-filled seepage depressions, often at the base of sandy slopes. Tall, densely packed evergreen hardwoods such as sweetbay (Persea borbonia var. humilis), redbay (Persea borbonia var. borbonia) and loblolly bay dominate the canopy. Understory is more or less open with shrubs and ferns. Other plants include dahoon holly, wax myrtle, greenbrier (Smilax sp.), sweetgum and gallberry. Animals found here may include pig frog (Rana grylio), leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala), striped mud turtle, ringneck snake, scarlet kingsnake, crayfish snake (Regina alleni), cottonmouth, wood duck, turkey, great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), barred owl (Strix varia), pileated woodpecker, songbirds, gray squirrel, black bear, raccoon, mink, river otter, bobcat, and white- tailed deer. Baygalls are often associated with floodplain swamp and are dependent on seepage flow and a high water table. Baygalls rarely dry out enough to burn. The normal fire interval is probably fifty to one hundred plus years.

Current Conditions The baygall communities on LWRSF are in relatively good condition and are similar in plant composition to the above description.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition Prescribed fire will not be excluded from the baygalls unless drought conditions have created the potential for muck fires. The use of prescribed fire along the edges of the baygall will reduce their migration into adjacent communities and will maintain the ecotone.

Alterations to the hydrology could impact baygall communities; consequently, intensive uses will be kept out of this fragile community. Active management will be limited to existing road maintenance and erosion control.

Seepage Slope (685 acres)

Desired Future Condition Seepage slopes are wetlands located between upland or mesic communities and swamps. They are wet but not usually inundated. At LWRSF these are mostly located around the edges of the many bay swamps. Most of the LWRSF seepage slopes are cutthroat grass, along with other grasses and herbs or hydrophytic shrubs. Some animals found here may be pygmy rattlesnake, indigo snake, leopard frog, Florida swamp snake (Seminatrix pygaea), cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) and spotted skunk.

Current Condition Many of the seepage slope areas at LWRSF have been encroached by bay trees from the swamp or slash pines from the uplands. In the past three years, these have improved somewhat as hotter fires have been allowed to burn.

Japanese and Old World climbing fern have been found in small amounts on some of the seepage slope areas on the Arbuckle Tract. These have been treated and are being monitored.

Management Actions to Attain Future Condition It is important to continue the proactive prescribed fire program. Growing season burns will help to slow pine and bay encroachment. During the growing season, the swamps are wet enough that muck fires will not be a problem, and the bays and pines are more likely to be killed at that time. This will help to restore the seepage slopes to the desired condition.

It is essential that non-native invasive species surveys continue in these areas so the spread of the two climbing fern species from the seepage slopes and other wetlands can be stopped.

Xeric Hammock (7 acres)

Desired Future Conditions Xeric hammock is characterized as a multi-storied forest of tall trees with an open or closed canopy, often associated with and grading into scrub or sandhill. Typical trees include live oak, laurel oak, turkey oak and myrtle oak. Understory includes a mix of herbs and shrubs, which include staggerbush, sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum) and saw palmetto. Animals found here include coachwhip, black racer, raccoon, barred owl, screech owl (Otus asio), opossum, armadillo, and white-tailed deer. Relatively incombustible oak litter predominates on these sites and precludes most fires.

Note: There are many areas on LWRSF that are currently xeric hammock. These are either scrub-derived or sandhill-derived in general and exist in areas that have had fire excluded for long periods. Those have been discussed in other sections.

Current Conditions Two isolated pockets of xeric hammock exist at LWRSF. The historic McLean Cabin on the Arbuckle Tract is an old homesite that is currently a trail head and hunter check station. On the Walk-in-the-Water Tract there are some old hunt cabins in a xeric hammock on a large pond. This is used as a group campsite. Representatives of this community are in good condition and have a vegetative composition similar to the desired condition mentioned above. The cabin site at Walk-in-the-Water does have a small rosary pea and cogon grass infestation.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition Prescribed fire will not be excluded from the xeric hammocks; however, the composition and fuel load will likely result in fire exclusion. Silviculture management will not be emphasized in these areas.

Depression Marshes (1,060 acres)

Desired Future Conditions Depression mashes are typically shallow, rounded depressions with herbaceous vegetation often in concentric bands. These are similar to basin marshes but are generally smaller. Common plants include St. John's wort, spikerush (Eleocharis sp.), yellow-eyed grass (Xyris sp.), chain fern (Woodwardia sp.), willows, and other hydrophytic vegetation. Because of their isolation and small size, depression marshes support a different assemblage of species that those found in larger, more permanent wetlands. Depression marshes are considered extremely important in providing breeding and foraging habitat for numerous animals such as oak toad, cricket frog, pinewoods treefrog (Hyla femoralis), barking treefrog, squirrel treefrog (Hyla squirella), southern chorus frog (Pseudacris nigrita), ornate chorus frog (Pseudacris ornata), narrowmouth toad (Gastrophryne carolinensis), eastern spadefoot toad, gopher frog, wood stork, sandhill crane, white ibis (Eudocimus albus), tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor), great blue heron (Ardea herodias). Fire plays an important role in this community by restricting the invasion of woody shrubs and trees and by reducing the accumulation of peat. Fire frequency is usually greatest around the periphery of the marsh and decreases toward the center.

Current Conditions Depression marshes are found throughout the forest, primarily in the mesic flatwoods, and occur as remnants in the abandoned pastures. Several of these marshes have been altered by drainage and the invasion of shrub species including wax myrtle and saltbush (Atriplex pentandra). Previous fire history is unknown.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition When soil moisture permits, prescribed fire from the adjacent communities will be allowed to burn into the marshes to reduce the invasion of shrubs and trees. The fire interval is expected to be three to five years.

Basin Marsh (170 acres)

Desired Future Conditions

These marshes are generally characterized as herbaceous or shrubby wetlands, situated in a relatively large and irregular shaped basin. Typical plants include common reed (Phragmites australis), panicum, redroot (Lachnanthes caroliana), soft rush (Juncus effusus), buttonbush, elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), saltbush, American lotus (Nelumbo lutea), coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana), and dog fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium). Animals found here can include two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means), lesser siren (Siren intermedia), greater siren (Siren lacertina), cricket frog, pig frog, bull frog (Rana catesbeiana), green treefrog (Hyla cinerea), leopard frog, alligator, eastern mud snake (Farancia abacura abacura), green water snake (Nerodia floridana), banded water snake, bald eagle, great blue heron, great egret (Ardea herodias), snowy egret (Egretta thula), little blue heron (Egretta caerulea), northern harrier , tricolored heron. Fire maintains the open herbaceous community by restricting shrub invasion. The normal interval between fires is three to seven years.

Current Conditions Most of the basin marsh on LWRSF is found within the RCMB, to the east and south of RC06. These marshes have been relatively well maintained by prescribed fire. The last prescribed fire was in 1996.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition Fire is essential for the maintenance of this community and will be the primary management tool. The planned fire frequency is three to five years. Prescribed fire will not be excluded from these basin marshes, unless drought conditions have created the potential for muck fires.

Shell Mound (1 acre)

Desired Future Conditions Shell mounds are unusual among the biological communities in that they are largely a result of the activities of Indians, instead of natural physical factors. Shell mounds are generally characterized as elevated mounds of mollusk shells and aboriginal garbage on which hardwood, closed-canopy forests develop. Typical plants include cabbage palm, red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), live oak, and saw palmetto.

Because they are constructed of archaeological remains, shell mounds are vulnerable to damage by artifact-seekers and illegal archaeological excavations.

Current Conditions LWRSF contains one known shell mound located on the shore of Lake Arbuckle on the Arbuckle Tract. The site is relatively open with a heavy grass cover; some hardwoods and shrubs have become established. There is no known history of artifact digging or illegal disturbance.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition

No management activities are planned during this ten year period. Because its remote location makes protection from visitor abuse difficult, its exact location will not be publicized. This and all recorded archaeological sites are listed as sensitive areas in the fire management plan.

C. Impact of Planned Uses on Property Resources

1. Timber Guidelines outlined in Section IV.A.6. of this plan will insure a continuing renewable timber resource and diverse ecological resources for an indefinite time period.

2. Wildlife: The DOF and FWC will protect this resource through the application of various management techniques including hunting and fishing laws, timber harvesting and regeneration techniques, and prescribed burning. Non-game species will be managed and protected through management of native ecosystems on the property. Details have been outlined in Section IV.A.9. of this plan.

3. Water guidelines and activities as outlined in Section IV.A.2. of this plan will insure and protect water resources of the LWRSF.

4. Historical and archaeological resources are protected as outlined in Section III.B.2. of this plan.

5. Recreation: Management and protection of ecosystems will be considered in all recreational decisions. Periodic evaluations will be conducted to monitor recreational impacts on the natural system. Modifications to recreational uses will be implemented should significant negative impacts be identified.

V. MANAGEMENT SUMMARY

A. Operations Infrastructure The current annual budget (FY 2006/07) for LWRSF is $607,883*. This amount includes salaries, expense and operating capital outlay and is broken down as follows:

Operating Budget (general costs for fuel, supplies, parts, etc.) $106,253 Salaries $372,930 Expense (restoration, invasive species treatment, recreation enhancements, prescribe burning, etc.) $ 55,500 Other Personal Services (two ag. techs. & one mechanic) $ 57,200 Operating Capital Outlay (equipment) $ 16,000

*Does not include the Plant Conservation Program Biological Scientist II position which is funded through a USFWS grant.

To carry out the resource management work on the state forest as well as maintain forest improvements such as trails, roads and facilities the following equipment is assigned or is immediately available for work on LWRSF:

- 3 four wheel drive diesel pickup trucks - 2 type VI brush trucks - 1 type III military 6x6 engine - 2 type III bulldozers with transports - 1 four wheel drive Jeep - 1 type III overhead bulldozer - 2 farm tractors - 1 dump truck - 1 road grader - 1 four wheel drive all-terrain vehicle (atv) - 1 six wheel drive atv - 1 riding lawn mower - 1 Brown tree cutter - 1 farm tractor mowing deck - 1 hay rake - 1 atv mowing deck - 1 fireline disk - 1 small fuel trailer - 1 24' gooseneck trailer - 1 dump trailer - 2 utility trailers

A review of facilities and improvements on the forest that provide infrastructure support for staff and equipment include:

- 3,082 sq. ft. headquarters office/visitor center - 450 sq. ft. community room with seating for eighteen - (2) 140 sq. ft. public restrooms (women’s and men’s) - 5,500 sq. ft. shop building - 420 sq. ft. office shed on the Arbuckle Tract - 420 sq. ft. work shop on the Arbuckle Tract

Utilities serving the public and forest staff are as follows:

- well for potable water located 150 feet west of the Hidden Pond shop - one septic tank/drain field for the Hidden Pond office and one for the shop - well for potable water located 100 feet north of Arbuckle office building - one septic tank/drain field system at Arbuckle office site - six telephone lines (four for headquarters/administration; one fax line; and one Internet access line) provided by Verizon - electric service provided by Progress Energy

In order to supplement the staff assigned to LWRSF, the Senior Forester is responsible for recruiting interested volunteers that can bring needed experience and skills to assist with the management of the forest recreation program as well as resource management activities. Volunteers have been used for trail maintenance, vegetative inventories, and educational events.

Additional volunteer recruitment will be encouraged to assist with other activities to further DOF’s mission.

In addition, a state forest liaison committee (LWRSF Liaison Committee) composed of a cross section of local residents, community leaders and special interest group representatives (hunters, trail hikers, organized horse groups, etc.), environmental groups, and other public/private entities has been meeting three times per year. The LWRSF Liaison Committee’s purpose is to facilitate communication and dialogue between the community and the DOF.

B. Management Needs - Priority Schedule and Cost

The following management needs and priorities have been established for LWRSF:

1. Ecosystem restoration of extensive acres of degraded sandhill on WIW and improved pasture/prairie using experimental and proven techniques developed by land managers. The existing sandhill and scrub needs restoration using safe and effective methods. 2. Perimeter fence lines (approximately 5 miles) need to be added on forest boundary perimeters where appropriate. 3. High visibility by cooperating law enforcement agencies is needed to discourage littering, poaching, illegal trespass, forest use violations, illegal camping, etc. 4. Aggressive use of prescribed fire is needed to restore and maintain natural communities. 5. Develop strategies to monitor user impacts on threatened and endangered species.

Management activities on LWRSF during this management period must serve to conserve and protect the natural and historical resources and manage resource-based public outdoor recreation, which is compatible with the conservation and protection of this forest.

The management activities listed below will be addressed within this ten-year management period and are divided by priority levels:

Priority 1 - activities considered as paramount to carrying out DOF's mission. Priority 2 - activities key to furthering the mission. Priority 3 - activities considered significant to our mission, but less urgent.

Cost estimates are provided below for DOF services and contract services 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 and existing staff. Additional support may be requested from SWFWMD.

Priority 1

1. Prescribed Burning - Prescribed burning is the primary management tool for the forest. Approximately 92% of the acreage supports vegetative communities that are fire dependent, most of which should be burned on an average rotation of two to four

years. Cost estimates are based on DOF's contract burning rate schedule. Annual manpower and equipment costs are included.

Average Acreage Per Year: 9,000 Estimated Annual Cost (DOF): $72,000

2. Sandhill Restoration - Sites to be planted in longleaf pine will include prescribed burning, bahiagrass removal, and machine/hand planting.

Estimated Acreage Per Year: 200-500 Estimated Annual Cost: Approximately $600/acre

3. Exotic Species Control - Identification, mapping, eradication/control and monitoring of exotic species. (annual)

Average Acreage Per Year: 100-120 Estimated Annual Cost: $5,500 + $44,000 (four OPS employees)

4. Forest Inventory - Continue annual pine inventory work. DOF staff will conduct inventories. (annual)

Estimated Cost (DOF): $1,500

5. Recreation - Development and implementation, recreation facility improvements and maintenance of existing facilities as discussed earlier in the plan. Estimates are based on known needs and potential future improvements.

Estimated Total Cost to Complete: 1. Update all kiosks to include revised maps, rules, etc. (annual) $600 2. Upgrade internal recreation signs. (annual) $500 3. Upgrade three trail brochures and reprint. (annual) $1,500 4. Establish new kiosk at Boy Scout and Babson Parcels and Prairie Tract with information on exotic flora & fauna and birding trail information. (within 3 years) $4,000 5. Improve Reedy Creek Recreation Area (improve parking area, add picnic tables, fire rings and signage) (within 2 years) $3,500 6. Generate and/or update maps/brochures for camping and hiking trails (annual) $1,000 7. Establish primitive camping/picnicking area on Hesperides Tract (parking area, road, grills, fire rings and picnic tables). (within 1 year) $25,000. 8. Make repairs and replant trees in Reedy Creek Campground after hurricane damage. Put in potable water well and covered recreation area. (within 5 years) $35,000.

6. Boundary Marking and Security - Post boundary with state forest boundary signage and initiate replacement of five miles of boundary fence (where it serves to protect

against trespass and provide for needed protection of natural resources from adjacent land use) that is in poor condition. (annual/as needed)

Estimated Annual Cost (DOF): $5,000

7. Biological Survey and Vegetation Mapping –

Estimated Annual Cost (Contracted): $50,000

Priority 2

1. Fire Line/Trails - Improvements and maintenance.

Estimated Annual Cost (DOF & volunteers): $1,500

2. Roads/Inventory - Plan development, implementation and monitoring.

Cost estimates are dependent on needs identified annually in the road plan. Once inventory and plan are completed, it will be updated as needed. Implementation and monitoring will be as needed on an annual basis.

Estimated Annual Cost: $2,000

Priority 3

1. Hydrological Plan - Needs assessment and plan development. (within 5 yrs)

Estimated Annual Cost (DOF): In-kind

2. Mitigation Projects – A needs assessment and prioritization of projects will be developed. Assessment and prioritization are ongoing at this time.

Estimated Annual Cost (DOF): In-kind

Table 4- Estimated Annual Expenditures Organized by Uniform Accounting Council Categories

CATEGORY PRIORITY PRIORITY PRIORITY TOTAL 1 2 3

Resource Management: -Exotic Species Control $499,500 $499,500 -Prescribed Burning (incl. $142,000 $1,500 $143,500 fireline/trail maint.) -Timber Management $81,500 $81,500 -Hydrological Management In-kind -Other (wildlife mgmt., plant & $55,000 In-kind $55,000 animal survey and monitoring)

CATEGORY PRIORITY PRIORITY PRIORITY TOTAL 1 2 3

Capital Improvements: -New Facility Construction $63,500 $63,500 -Facility Maintenance (including $2,000 $2,000 roads)

Visitor Services/Recreation: -Information/Education Programs $7,600 $7,600

ANNUAL TOTAL $849,100 $3,500 $852,600

C. Plans to Locate Fragile, Non-renewable Natural and Cultural Resources

Representatives of SWFWMD, DHR and FNAI will be consulted prior to the initiation of any ground disturbing activity by DOF or any other public agency. The DOF will make every effort to protect known archaeological and historical resources. Ground disturbing activities not specifically covered by this plan will be conducted under the parameters of the List of ARC/Division of State Lands Approved Interim Management Activities.

The DOF will arrange for at least one staff member from LWRSF to attend a DHR Archaeological Monitor Training class. Trained monitors will oversee ground disturbing activities in which DHR recommends monitoring. The DOF will utilize the services of DHR CARL archaeologist to locate and evaluate unknown resources, and to make recommendations in the management of known resources. As information becomes available, and as staffing allows, known archaeological and historical sites will be identified on maps and training provided to aid state forest and law enforcement personnel in patrolling and protecting sites. These maps will not be made available to the public.

As mentioned above, all significant ground disturbing projects that are not specifically identified in an approved management plan will be sent to DHR for review. Recommendations outlined in the Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State Owned or Controlled Lands (Exhibit M) will be followed whenever and wherever appropriate.

DOF staff will consult with the State Lands Section of the Forest Management Bureau during the process of planning and implementing ecosystem management activities. The DOF and other assisting agencies will remain alert for any environmentally or archaeologically significant resources, and protective actions will be taken as necessary.

D. Conformation to State Lands Management Plan

Management and protection of ecosystems will be conducted utilizing the multiple-use concept, which complies with the State Lands Management Plan and provides optimum balanced public utilization of the property. Specific authority for the Division of Forestry's management of public lands is derived from Florida Statutes, Chapters 253 and 589.

E. Multiple-Use Potential - Income Producing Activities

The 411 acre citrus grove on the Prairie Tract is currently under a five year lease with an optional five year extension but may be considered for restoration in the future. Due to the highly disturbed nature of the grove area and the large investment in equipment and infrastructure on the site, returning the grove area to a natural state would be cost prohibitive and is not being considered at this time.

F. Potential Use of Private Land Managers

The forest manager makes ongoing evaluations of use of private land managers, consultants and contractors to facilitate the restoration or management of this state forest. Opportunities for such outsourcing of land management work have included or are anticipated to include: site preparation, tree planting, and exotic species control.

VI. References

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 2004a. State Forest Handbook. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry. 13 Chapters.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 2004b. Silviculture Best Management Practices. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry. 94 pp.

Malatesta, Anne and Dennis Hardin. 2002. Florida Scrub-Jay on the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest: Current Status, Desired Future Condition, Management Goals and Operational Plan. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry. 34 pp.

The Nature Conservancy. 1989. Resource Inventory and Land Management Recommendations for Lake Arbuckle State Forest, November 1989. The Nature Conservancy, Winter Park, FL. 47 pages plus appendices and maps.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1990. Soil Survey of Polk County, Florida. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Recovery Plan for Nineteen Central Florida Scrub and High Pineland Plants. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA. 134 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999. South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan. Atlanta, Georgia. 2,172 pp.