RESTORATION OF DWARF CYPRESS AND WET SAVANNA HABITATS IN TATES HELL SWAMP, FLORIDA

摘要

Tates Hell Swamp extends over approximately 200,000 acres in Franklin and Liberty counties in the Florida Panhandle. The area was originally dominated by a diversity of wetland types, including wet savanna, flood plain and depressional cypress swamp, and mixed hardwood swamp. The hydrology of Tates Hell has been severely altered by a network of silvicultural drainage ditches and access roads constructed from the 1950s through the 1970s. A multi-agency program to restore natural wetland hydrology to selected portions of the area began in 1996. Hydrologic restoration has been completed on a 3,000-acre site dominated by dwarf cypress swamp and relict wet savanna. Water levels were raised and stabilized though construction of low water crossings―segments of roads lowered to natural grade to re-establish natural flow patterns―and associated ditch plugs. Although nearly 300 plant species, including many endemic and threatened species, were identified in these demonstration sites, disturbance of native plant communities due to impaired hydrology, fire exclusion, and logging activities was apparent throughout the area. Ongoing encroachment by upland and weedy species was observed even in the wettest habitats. Hydrologic restoration in combination with an appropriate fire regime and elimination of destructive logging practices are expected to reverse encroachment and encourage re-establishment of more natural plant communities.