2000-2001 - Florida Invasive Species Partnership

PART II 

Upland Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

This report was prepared to provide an annual assessment of the control achieved 

and funding necessary to manage nonindigenous upland plants on public 

conservation lands in Florida. The authority of the Department of Environmental 

Protection (department) as addressed in §369.251, Florida Statutes, extends to the 

management of all upland nonindigenous plants on all public conservation lands, 

including land owned by federal, state, and local government entities. The upland 

invasive exotic plant management program on Florida’s public lands involves 

complex operational and financial interactions between state, federal, and local 

governments, as well as private sector companies. Therefore, a summary of the 

entire management program on public conservation lands and associated funding 

contracted or monitored by the department during Fiscal Year 2000-2001 is included 

in this report.

Contents 

Introduction ................................................................................................... 2 

Florida’s “Least Wanted”............................................................................... 3 

Invasive Plant Management Trust Fund ........................................................ 4 

Upland Control Projects by Working Group 

Florida Keys Regional Working Group .............................................. 5 

Mosquito Coast Regional Working Group .......................................... 12 

Northeast Regional Working Group .................................................... 16 

Panhandle Regional Working Group .................................................. 18 

Southeast Regional Working Group .................................................... 28 

Southwest Regional Working Group .................................................. 39 

Sun Coast Regional Working Group ................................................... 46 

Treasure Coast Regional Working Group ........................................... 53 

West Central Regional Working Group............................................... 69 

Withlacoochee Regional Working Group ........................................... 71 

NPS Projects .................................................................................................. 76 

SFWMD Melaleuca Project ........................................................................... 95 

Research, Education, and Outreach ............................................................... 102 

Contract Management Assistance 

Division of Recreation and Parks ........................................................ 105 

Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas ................................... 108 

Office of Greenways and Trails ........................................................... 110 

Herbicide Bank .......................................................................................... 111 

Summary of Uplands Operations (1997-2001) ............................................. 112 

Volunteer Efforts in Weed Control ............................................................... 113

Introduction 

With its subtropical climate, an island-like topography, and the pressures of a rapidly expanding human 

population, Florida is especially vulnerable to invasion by foreign species. Coupled with this threat is 

a lack of awareness by citizens and tourists alike about the invasiveness ofnon-native or “exotic” 

plants introduced into the Florida environment. Invasive exotic plant species, lacking control by their 

native diseases and predators, spread explosively and may outcompete and replace vital native species 

on public and private land. An estimated 1.5 million acres of Florida’s remaining natural areas are 

infested with invasive exotic plant species that are rapidly degrading biological diversity. If not 

controlled, these infestations diminish wildlife habitat, decrease recreational resources, and negatively 

affect the natural health and economy of the state. 

Nearly one-third of the plants found growing naturally in Florida’s environment are introduced nonnative 

species; however, only about 10% are considered a threat to natural areas. These species comprise 

the 125 Category I and Category II invasive exotic plants on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s 

2001 List of Invasive Species. The 

major direct effect of exotic plant 

invaders on Florida’s ecosystems is 

the adverse alteration of native 

habitats. Such invaders change 

the composition, structure, and/or 

processes of native plant and animal 

communities, often with significant 

ripple effects throughout the 

larger system. Most easily observed 

are the obvious examples of 

displacement: the invader forms a 

dense one-species stand where 

once there was a rich assembly of 

native species, resulting in a 

loss of biodiversity. A number of 

populations of Florida’s rarest 

plants have been lost in this fashion. 

Other invaders modify habitat 

processes, for example, by 

changing the natural flow or 

percolation of water or by increasing 

the chance of fires in habitats not 

adapted to fire. Some exotic species 

have both effects. 

Photo: Seminole pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) on Lake Okeechobee. 

J.K. Small, 1925. Courtesy of the Florida State Archives. 

2

The 1997 Legislature charged BIPM with the task of creating a program to bring invasive exotic 

upland plant species under maintenance control. A maintenance control program, as defined in §369.22, 

F.S., is “a method for the control of exotic plants in which control techniques are utilized in a coordinated 

manner on a continuous basis in order to maintain the plant population at the lowest feasible 

level.” The Upland Invasive exotic Plant Management Program is a statewide cooperative program 

that coordinates upland invasive exotic plant management activities in a coordinated effort to halt the 

introduction and spread of invasive exotic plants, remove existing populations of pest plants, and 

assist in restoring Florida’s native plant communities on public conservation lands to a pre-invasion 

condition. 

Approximately $12 million are now needed each year to adequately manage upland exotic plants on 

Florida public lands. This consists of $10 million for initial control treatment, $1 million to sustain 

maintenance control, and $1 million to manage melaleuca as mandated by §§206.606(1)(a), F.S. The 

$1 million dollars provided for this last function for FY 00-01 from the CARL Trust Fund represents 

the minimum funding level to provide a meaningful, statewide control effort for melaleuca. It is 

important to emphasize that management plans are developed and contracts are in place to provide 

upland weed control; thus, any increase in funding is applied directly to control activities, not to 

administrative costs. 

Greg Jubinsky 

Program Administrator 

January 31, 2002 

Florida’s Top 10 1 

“Least Wanted” Invasive Exotic Plants for 2000 

Plant Acres Controlled % Total Acres 

Melaleuca 2 5827.68 34.28% 

Brazilian pepper 3807.77 22.40% 

Lygodium spp 2167.73 12.75% 

Australian pine 1730.46 10.18% 

Chinese tallow 1260.45 7.41% 

Ardesia 824.59 4.85% 

Wisteria 514.96 3.03% 

Chinaberry 488.04 2.87% 

Cogon grass 399.94 2.35% 

Air potato 338.67 1.99% 

1 by estimated acres controlled and % of total project acres for all species 

2 does not include melaleuca acres controlled by SFWMD (see page 95) 

3

Trust Fund Projects 

Funding for the Upland Invasive Exotic Plant Management Program is provided through the Invasive 

Plant Management Trust Fund as set forth in Section 369.252(4), Florida Statutes, which reads: “Use 

funds in the Invasive Plant Control Trust Fund as authorized by the Legislature for carrying out activities 

under this section on public lands. Twenty percent of the amount credited to the Invasive Plant Control 

Trust Fund pursuant to §201.15(6) shall be used for the purpose of controlling nonnative, upland, 

invasive plant species on public lands.” The trust fund provided $4 million to fund upland control 

projects for Fiscal Year 2000. 

The Cooperative Regional Invasive Plant Working Group (“working group”) brings together 

stakeholders in a geographic area for the purpose of combining expertise, energy, and resources to deal 

with common weed problems. It provides an open forum for expressing the concerns of citizens, 

landowners, and managers, and provides an effective mechanism to address those concerns. BIPM 

relies on the expertise within each working group to set regional control priorities based upon severity 

and potential threat to existing public conservation lands. This is accomplished by the working group 

reviewing and ranking control project proposals. BIPM has established 11 working groups, 

encompassing all 67 counties, which are made up of nearly 500 members representing federal, state, 

and local government public conservation land managers, non-governmental organizations, and private 

landowners across the state. Program liaisons have been designated for each working group to facilitate 

proposal review and coordination with the state program staff. 

The following projects, listed alphabetically by working group, were funded during FY00. 

Note: No projects were completed in the East Central Working Group during FY00. 

4

Coupon Bight/Key Deer Refuge Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Florida Keys County: Monroe 

PCL: National Key Deer Refuge PCL Size: 8,844 acres 

Site Manager: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

National Key Deer Refuge 

P.O. Box 430510 

Big Pine Key, Florida 33043 

Phone: 305-872-2239, Fax: 305-872-3675 

Project ID: FK-009 Project Size: 194.5 acres 

Fiscal Year 00/01 Project Cost: $130,769 

The National Key Deer Refuge includes habitat critical to survival of the endangered key deer. The 

refuge is home to a number of rare plants and animals, five of which are found nowhere else in the 

world. The project consists of treatment of Australian pine and Brazilian pepper on unplatted acreage 

parcels located on Big Pine Key on south US-1, and also publicly-owned lots in subdivisions scattered 

throughout other lands managed by USFWS. 

Target Plant(s) Common Name FLEPPC Rank Treatment Herbicide 

Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Category I basal Garlon 4 

Casuarina equisetifolia Australian pine Category I basal Garlon 4 

A severely degraded tract of land on Big Pine Key that required heavy equipment to remove 

hurricane damaged exotics. The site topography and hydrology was disturbed, allowing 

invasive exotics to out-compete native vegetation. 

5

Heavy equipment including dozers, excavators, and tub grinders are required to remove both exotics and the 

disturbed soils that allow colonization of exotics to occur in natural areas in the Keys. Removal of exotics 

with topographical and hydrological restoration is an effective use of funds in a long term strategy. 

6

With the exotics gone and the site topography restored to its original grade, exotic invasion will no 

longer be a problem and the site will re-vegetate naturally in a short period of time. 

7

Snake Creek Hammock Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area PCL Size: 1,809 acres 

Site Manager: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area 

2796 Overseas Highway, Suite 213C 

Marathon, Florida 33050 

Phone: 305-517-9395 



Snake Creek Hammock is a site on Plantation Key and is part of the Florida Keys Wildlife and 

Environmental Area. The hammock harbors rare and endemic species of plants and animals. The 

project area lies along US-1 and includes 2.9 acres of tropical hardwood hammock, 14.2 acres of 

mangroves, and 20.3 acres of disturbed area. The target plants are scattered throughout the project 

area. 




Leucaena leucocephala lead tree Category II basal Garlon 4 

8

National Key Deer Refuge US-1 Parcels Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: National Key Deer Refuge 



P.O. Box 430510 


Phone: 305-872-2239, Fax: 305-872-3675 

PCL Size: 8,649 acres 


Fiscal Year 00/01 Project Cost: $115,950.00 

The National Key Deer Refuge includes habitat critical to survival of the endangered key deer. Natural 

communities include tropical hardwood hammock, pine rocklands, freshwater wetlands, and mangrove 

swamp. The refuge is home to a number of rare plants and animals, five of which are found nowhere 

else in the world. The project consists of treatment of Australian pine and Brazilian pepper on scattered 

lots along U.S. Highway 1 on Big Pine Key. 




Before and after photo of a site on U.S. 1 on 

Big Pine Key. The site was a monoculture of 

Australian pine, resulting in a clear-cut once 

the project was finished. 

9

Coco Plum Beach Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Coco Plum Beach Park PCL Size: 23.4 acres 

Site Manager: City of Marathon 

11090 Overseas Highway 

Marathon, Florida 33050 

Phone: 305-743-0033 



Project ID: FK-013b Project Cost: $11,100.00 

Coco Plum Beach Park is a 23-acre county park on Fat Deer Key. The park contains 2,550 linear feet 

of beach shoreline. Habitat includes coastal hammock and salt marsh. The beach is a documented sea 

turtle nesting site. The project consists of treatment of Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, and lead tree 

throughout site. A followup project (013b) removed the debris created by the control project. 





Mechanical removal of pepper is a cost-effective method along Florida’s beaches. 

10

National Key Deer Refuge Invasive Exotic Plant Control Technician 


PCL: National Key Deer Refuge PCL Size: 8,649 acres 



P.O. Box 430510 


Phone: 305-872-2239, Fax: 305-872-3675 

Project ID: FK-014 Project Size: 8,649 acres 


This project involves using USFWS employees to apply herbicides on lands managed by the Refuge. 

The project site includes all lands within the boundaries of the Refuge, and has focused on the islands 

of Big Pine and No Name Keys. Two exotic plant control technicians work approximately 30 hours 

per week through the months of October-April treating invasive exotic plants on the refuge. Light to 

moderate infestations in natural areas and previously contracted sites are the primary target areas. 

The Florida Keys Environmental Restoration Trust Fund is providing $1,000 in direct funding and 

$1,000 as in-kind contribution. USFWS is assisting with equipment for this project. 




The exotics techs Matt and P.J. hard-at-it killing weeds. This program is a highly costeffective 

method of using DEP funds to control exotics and involves extensive costsharing 

between DEP and the USFWS. 

11

Sebastian Inlet SRA Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Mosquito Coast County: Brevard 

PCL: Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area PCL Size: 870 acres 

Site Manager: DEP Division of Recreation and Parks 

Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area 

9700 South A1A 

Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 

Phone: 321-984-4853 

Project ID: MC-011 Project Size: 20.48 acres 


The project area consists of two units within Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area, North Hammock 

and Cambell’s Cove. Cambell’s Cove is a mosquito impoundment dike bordering waters of the Indian 

River Lagoon. Target species are continuous along the 1.9-mile length of the dike, with Brazilian 

pepper densely occurring on two-thirds of the site. North Hammock consists of uplands bordered by 

3.4 acres of mangrove shoreline. Target species are scattered across the site, with Syngonium, snake 

plant, and life plant the most densely occurring. The other species occur individually or in small 

(

Pine Island Conservation Area Phase I Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Pine Island Conservation Area PCL Size: 872 acres 

Site Manager: Brevard County Parks and Recreation 

2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building B 

Viera, Florida 32940 

Phone: 321-633-2046, Fax: 321-633-2198 

Project ID: MC-012 Project Size: 99.8 acres 


Pine Island is an area of mesic pine flatwoods bounded by freshwater marshes, impoundments, and the 

Indian River Lagoon, located along the southern boundary of the Merritt Island National Wildlife 

Refuge. Other natural communities present are hydric hammock, estuarine marsh, and mangrove 

swamp, where Brazilian pepper occurs more densely than in the pine flatwoods. 


Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Category I basal/cut stump Garlon 4/Arsenal 

Treated Brazilian pepper on Pine Island. 

13

Archie Carr NWR/South Beaches Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: South Beach Regional Management Area 

Site Manager: Brevard County Parks and Recreation 

2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building B 

Viera, Florida 32940 

Phone: 321-633-2046, Fax: 321-633-2198 

PCL Size: n/a 

Project ID: MC-013 Project Size: 95 acres 


The South Beaches consist of public lands held by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of 

Florida, the St. Johns River Water Management District, and Brevard County. These lands in general 

share the mission of the Archie Carr National Sea Turtle Refuge to protect endangered sea turtles, their 

nesting beaches, and other coastal habitats. The Brevard beaches are globally important to the protection 

of loggerhead sea turtles. 

The project area consists of eight parcels ranging in size from

Jennings State Forest Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Northeast County: Clay 

PCL: Jennings State Forest PCL Size: 20,623 acres 

Site Manager: Division of Forestry (DACS) 

Jennings State Forest 

1337 Long Horn Road 

Middleburg, Florida 32068 

Phone: 904-291-5530, Fax: 904-291-5537 

Project ID: NE-008 Project Size: 150 acres 


Jennings State Forest (formerly Upper Black Creek CARL project) is a large expanse of intact sandhill 

with seepage slopes and deeply incised ravine creeks that are home to the endangered Black Creek 

crayfish. The project site contains bottomland swamps along North Fork Black Creek, an Outstanding 

Florida Water. 


Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow Category I basal Garlon 4 

Lygodium japonicum Japanese climbing fern Category I basal Garlon 4 

Cinnamomum camphora camphor tree Category I basal Garlon 4 

Exotic plant infestations interfere with every aspect 

of forest benefits, including recreation, nature 

appreciation, and timber production. 

16

Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Panhandle County: Leon 

PCL: Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park PCL Size: 670 acres 

Site Manager: City Of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation 

912 Myers Park Drive 

Tallahassee, Florida 32301 

Phone: 850-891-3975, Fax: 850-891-3976 

Project ID: PH-004 Project Size: 111 acres 


Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park lies on the shore of Lake Jackson and contains seepage ravines surrounded 

by upland mixed forest. Soccer fields that were part of the original property were purchased by the 

City, which manages the park and adjacent recreational facility. The project site includes 71 acres of 

City property and 40 acres of Northwest Florida Water Management District property. Target species 

occur more densely on the City property, but are scattered throughout the project site. The primary 

target plant is coral ardisia. 


Ardisia crenata coral ardisia Category I basal Garlon 4 



Ligustrum sinese Chinese privet Category I basal Garlon 4 

Nandina domestica heavenly bamboo Category I basal Garlon 4 

Melia azedarach Chinaberry Category I basal Garlon 4 

Lygodium japonicum Japanese climbing fern Category I foliar Roundup 

Aleurites fordii tung oil tree Category II basal Garlon 4 

18

Eglin Air Force Base Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Panhandle County: Okaloosa 

PCL: Eglin Air Force Base PCL Size: 463,448 acres 

Site Manager: Eglin AFB Natural Resources 

Jackson Guard 

107 Hwy. 85 N. 

Niceville, Florida 32578 

Phone: 850-882-4164, Fax: 850-882-5321 



Eglin Air Force Base is the largest forested military reservation in the United States. In addition to a 

large expanse of sandhill, there are thirty-four other natural communities present, including the most 

significant array of steephead seepage streams under a single ownership in Florida. The project area is 

mesic flatwoods that were partially treated for Chinese tallow in 1999. Target species occur scattered 

throughout the project site. The primary target plant is Chinese tallow, which occurs in light to heavy 

infestations on the site. 






Albizia julibrissin mimosa Category I basal Garlon 4 

19

Stony Bayou/St. Marks NWR Cogon Grass Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Panhandle County: Taylor 

PCL: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge PCL Size: 67,561 acres 

Site Manager: US Dept. of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service 

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge 

P. O. Box 68 

St. Marks, Florida 32355 

Phone: 850-925-6121, Fax: 850-925-6930 

Project ID: PH-006 Project Size: 8,557 acres 


St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge covers over 67,000 acres in three counties. Natural areas include 

estuarine tidal marsh, coastal hammock, mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, bottomland forest, and dome 

swamp, among others. The refuge has extensive artificial impoundments managed for waterfowl, 

which are used by many other bird species as well. The project area comprises 8,557 forested acres in 

the easternmost unit of the refuge. Cogon grass occurs on an estimated 30 acres of linear patches 

along dikes and roadway berms. 


Imperata cylindrica cogon grass Category I foliar Roundup Pro 

Lantana camara lantana Category I foliar Roundup Pro 

20

Lake Jackson Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Lake Jackson PCL Size: 4,710 acres 

Site Manager: Bureau of Invasive Plant Management (FDEP) 

3915 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 710 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 

Phone: 850-487-2600, Fax: 850-488-2216 



Lake Jackson experienced a natural drawdown in 1999. This recurring event offered a unique opportunity 

to address Chinese tallow tree infestations found scattered along the shoreline of the lake. With the 

absence of water, access to the infestations was greatly increased. A cooperative venture to control 

tallow on public lands around the lake was started in 1999 between the DEP, Leon County Public 

Works, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The DEP supplied herbicide, equipment and training, 

the Leon County Public Works Department supplied a vehicle and a crew supervisor, and the Sheriff’s 

Department supplied a 4-man inmate crew for labor. Work was conducted between August 1st and 

December 1st . The project cost was for herbicide and carrier oil only. 


Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow Category I basal bark Garlon 4 

With the exotics treated, the natural system 

can begin to recover. 

A lush green forest ...of exotics. 

21

USAF Hurlbert Field Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Panhandle County: Okaloosa 

PCL: Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field PCL Size: 6,634 acres 

Site Manager: US Department of Defense, Air Force 

USAF – Hurlburt Field 

16 CES/CEV 

415 Independence Road 

Hurlburt Field, Florida 32544-5244 

Phone: 850-884-4651, Fax: 850-884-2580 



Hurlburt Field encompasses 6,634 acres, of which 70% or 4,644 acres is wetlands. Natural areas 

include mesic flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, sandhill, baygall, wet prairie, dome swamp, floodplain 

swamp, and blackwater stream. A dozen rare plants and animals are recorded on Hurlburt Field, and 

it supports a large population of the flatwoods salamander. The project comprises several sites, adjacent 

to developed operational areas, that were partially treated for Chinese tallow in 1996. The primary 

target plant is Chinese tallow, although other exotics occur in light to heavy infestations on the sites. 

Target Plants Common Name FLEPPC Rank Treatment Herbicide 






Imperata cylindrica cogon grass Category I foliar Garlon 4 

Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle Category I stem Garlon 4 

Wisteria sinensis Chinese wisteria Category II stem Garlon 4 

22

St. Marks NWR Woody Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Panhandle County: Taylor 

PCL: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge PCL Size: 67,561 acres 

Site Manager: US Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service 

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge 

P. O. Box 68 

St. Marks, Florida 32355 

Phone: 850-925-6121, Fax: 850-925-6930 



St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge covers over 67,000 acres in three counties. Natural areas include 

estuarine tidal marsh, coastal hammock, mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, bottomland forest, and dome 

swamp, among others. The refuge has extensive artificial impoundments managed for waterfowl, 

which are used by many other bird species as well. The project area comprises infested sites throughout 

the refuge. Chinese tallow is the primary target among the many exotics to be treated. 

Target Plants Common Name FLEPPC Rank Treatment Herbicide 

Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow Category I basal/stem Garlon 4 


Melia azedarach Chinaberry Category I basal/stem Garlon 4 

Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle Category I cut stem Garlon 4 1 

Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle Category I foliar Roundup Pro 

Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Category I foliar Roundup Pro 

Dioscorea alata winged yam Category I dig Garlon 4 

Colocasia esculenta wild taro Category I dig Garlon 4 

Ardesia crenata coral ardesia Category I basal/stem Garlon 4 

Lygodium japonicum Japanese climbing fern Category I foliar Roundup Pro 

Lantana camara lantana Category I cut stem Garlon 4 

Lantana camara lantana Category I foliar Roundup/Arsenal 

Wisteria sinensis Chinese wisteria Category II basal/stem Garlon 4 

1 also used Garlon 3A/Roundup Pro mix 

23

Rocky Comfort/Joe Budd WMA Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Panhandle County: Gadsden 

PCL: Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area PCL Size: 10,539 acres 

Site Manager: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area 

5300 High Bridge Road 

Quincy, Florida 32351 

Phone: 850-627-9764, Fax: 850-875-4897 



The Rocky Comfort Unit is a 2,018-acre tract within the Joe Budd WMA. The site is co-owned and 

managed with the Division of Forestry. Uplands within the unit are primarily pine plantation, with the 

exotics mostly occurring along the plantation edges. Natural communities include steephead ravines 

and slope forest. The project area comprises infested sites throughout the unit. 


Melia azedarach Chinaberry Category I basal/stem Garlon 4 

Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle Category I cut stem Garlon 4 

Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle Category I foliar Roundup/Garlon 4 

Lygodium japonicum Japanese climbing fern Category I foliar/stem Roundup/Garlon 4 

Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Category I stem Roundup/Garlon 4 

Nandina domestica heavenly bamboo Category I basal/stem Garlon 4 

Pueraria montana kudzu Category I foliar/stem Veteran 720 

Dioscorea alata winged yam Category I stem Garlon 4 

Albizia julibrissin mimosa Category I basal/stem Garlon 4 



Ailanthus altissima tree-of-heaven n/a basal Garlon 4 

An ATV is an effective tool for covering large 

areas needing foliar application, as when 

treating Japanese climbing fern. 

24

Project map delineating approximate locations of invasive exotic plants by species and density on the 

Rocky Comfort Unit of the Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area, March 2000. 

25

Lake Jackson Mounds Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park PCL Size: 160.84 acres 

Site Manager: Division of Recreation and Parks (FDEP) 

Tallahassee/St. Marks Geopark 

1022 De Soto Park Drive 

Tallahassee, Florida 32301 

Phone: 850-922-6007, Fax: 850-488-0366 



Lake Jackson Mounds is a 106-acre tract known as one of the most important archaeological sites 

discovered in Florida. The site was once a large ceremonial center dating back to 1000 A.D.-1450 

A.D. The entire complex is composed of six earth temple mounds, part of the village and trading area. 

Much of the site today consists of secondary growth mesic hammock, upland hardwood forest, and 

steephead ravines. Coral ardisia and nandina occur in dense stands along nature trails and ravines. 

This a cost-share project with the Division of Recreation and Parks providing $11,100. 


Ardisia crenata coral ardisia Category I stem Garlon 4 

Lygodium japonicum Japanese climbing fern Category I foliar Roundup Pro/G4 

Nandina domestica heavenly bamboo Category I stem Garlon 4 

Albizia julibrissin mimosa Category I basal/stem Garlon 4 

Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow Category I basal/stem Garlon 4 


26

Loxahatchee Tree Islands Lygodium Treatment Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Southeast Florida County: Palm Beach 

PCL: Loxahatchee NWR PCL Size: 147,392 acres 

Site Manager: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge 

10216 Lee Road 

Boynton Beach, Florida 33437 

Phone: 561-732-3684, Fax: 561-369-7190 

Project ID: SE-010 Project Size: 309 acres 


The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (a.k.a. Water Conservation Area 1) is the 

last northernmost portion of the Everglades. The native tree islands in the refuge are particularly important 

to, and designated as critical habitat for, two endangered birds, Everglades snail kite and wood stork. 

Native vegetation found on tree islands includes red bay, Dahoon holly, wax myrtle, sawgrass, and a 

variety of native ferns. Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) threatens to disrupt the integrity 

of this unique community by displacing native vegetation and increasing the risk of crown fires by growing 

over the canopy of trees. This project consists of a second treatment of tree islands initially controlled for 

Lygodium in 1999. 


Lygodium microphyllum Old World climbing fern Category I foliar Rodeo 

Tree islands of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. 

28

Tree islands overgrown with Lygodium (light green). 

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (a.k.a. WCA 1) 

29

Loxahatchee NWR/Cypress Swamp Lygodium Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Southeast Florida County: Palm Beach 

PCL: Loxahatchee NWR PCL Size: 147,392 acres 

Site Manager: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge 

10216 Lee Road 

Boynton Beach, Florida 33437 

Phone: 561-732-3684, Fax: 561-369-7190 



The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (a.k.a. Water Conservation Area 1) is the 

last northernmost portion of the Everglades, with over 221 square miles of Everglades habitat. In any 

given year, as many as 257 species of birds may use the refuge’s diverse wetland habitats. The 400 acre 

Cypress Swamp Unit is the largest remnant of a former wetland community that stretched from the southeast 

corner of Lake Okeechobee through Palm Beach County and into northern Broward County along the 

eastern border of the Everglades. This remnant strand swamp lies on the eastern boundary of the NWR, 

near the refuge headquarters. The swamp is dominated by pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) and a 

variety of native ferns. 

Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) threatens to disrupt the integrity of the unique cypress 

swamp community by displacing native vegetation and increasing the risk of crown fires by growing 

vertically up the trunks of pond cypress, creating a flame ladder into the crowns of the trees. 

Target Plant(s) Common Name FLEPPC Rank Treatment Herbicide(s) 


Old World climbing fern overgrowing the canopy in Loxahatchee NWR. 

30

Volunteers help to remove invasive exotics found on the Loxahatchee NWR. 

[Photo: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service] 

Cypress Swamp 

Cypress Swamp 

Cypress Swamp is on the east side of Loxahatchee NWR. 

31

Oleta River State Park Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Southeast County: Miami-Dade 

PCL: Oleta River State Park 


Oleta River State Park 

3400 N.E. 163 

PCL Size: 1032.84 acres 

rd Street 

North Miami, Florida 33160 

Phone: (305) 919-1844, Fax: (305) 919-1845 



Bordering the north shore of Biscayne Bay, Oleta River State Park encompasses the mouth of its 

namesake, as well as hundreds of aces of mangroves and tidal swamp. The project site is Maritime 

Hammock that is infested with Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, and other exotics. 

Plants Treated Common Name FLEPPC Rank Treatment Herbicide 

Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Casuarina equisetifolia Australian pine Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Neyraudia reynaudiana Burma reed Category I foliar Rodeo 

Tradescantia spathacea oyster plant Category I hand pull n/a 

A tree feller-buncher removing Australian 

pines. 

A tree skidder collecting cut pines. 

32

Deering West Hammock Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Southeast County: Miami-Dade 

PCL: Charles Deering Estate PCL Size: 458 acres 

Site Manager: Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation 

275 N.W. 2nd Street 

Miami, Florida 33128 

Phone: (305) 755-7947, Fax: (305) 755-7951 

Project ID: SE-015 Project Size: 19.4 acres 


The Charles Deering Estate (a.k.a. The Deering Estate at Cutler) contains pine rockland, tropical 

hardwood hammock, bottomland forest, tidal swamp, salt marsh, and beach dune natural communities. 

The property hosts 23 listed animal and 61 listed plant species. All of the property except for the 

project site has received initial treatment for exotics in the past. The project site, Deering West 

Hammock, is infested with Brazilian pepper and several other exotic species. The hammock is 

composed of the typical subtropical hardwood species found in south Florida, such as poisonwood, 

red bay, gumbo limbo, strangler fig, cocoplum, and spicewood. A state-listed endangered plant, 

bitterbush (Picramnia pentandra), also occurs on the site. 



Abrus precatorius rosary pea Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Albizia lebbeck woman’s tongue Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Ardesia elliptica shoebutton ardisia Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Bauhinia variegata orchid tree Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Bischofia javanica bishopwood Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Dioscorea bulbifera air-potato Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Eugenia uniflora Surinam cherry Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Jasminum dichotomum Gold Coast jasmine Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Jasminum fluminense Brazilian jasmine Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Manilkara zapota sapodilla Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Neyraudia reynaudiana Burma reed Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Schefflera actinophylla Queensland umbrella tree Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Tradescantia spathacea oyster plant Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Adenanthera pavonina red sandalwood Category II cut stump Garlon 4 

Leucaena leucocephala lead tree Category II cut stump Garlon 4 

Ptychosperma elegans solitary palm Category II cut stump Garlon 4 

Sansevieria hyacinthoides bowstring hemp Category II cut stump Garlon 4 

Syngonium podophyllum arrowhead vine Category II cut stump Garlon 4 

Terminalia catappa tropical almond Category II cut stump Garlon 4 

Alpinia speciosa shell ginger n/a cut stump Garlon 4 

Carica papaya papaya n/a cut stump Garlon 4 

Carissa macrocarpa natal-plum n/a cut stump Garlon 4 

Mangifera indica mango n/a cut stump Garlon 4 

Premna odorata fragrant premna n/a cut stump Garlon 4 

33

Miami-Dade Natural Areas Management staff on a seek-and-destroy mission. 

Careful application kills the exotic tree (center) without harming the surrounding native vegetation. 

35

Pond Cypress Natural Area Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Southeast County: Palm Beach 

PCL: Pond Cypress Natural Area 

Site Manager: Palm Beach County 

Department of Environmental Resources Management 

3323 Belvedere Road 

West Palm Beach, Florida 33406 

Phone: 561-233-2400 


Project ID: SE-016 Project Size: 1,100 acres 


The Pond Cypress Natural Area consists of a mosaic of high quality pine flatwoods, wetlands, and 

other native plant communities. This property was purchased by Palm Beach County as the best 

remaining example of a flatwoods/wetlands complex in the central part of the county. Snail kite, wood 

stork, Florida sandhill crane, and twelve other listed animals are recorded for the site. Twenty-nine 

listed plant species are known from the site, including five orchids and seven ferns. 

This is a cost share project with Palm Beach County providing $148,000 in matching funds. 




Melaleuca quinquenervia melaleuca Category I cut stump Arsenal 


Ardisia elliptica shoebutton ardisia Category I foliar Rodeo 

Wedelia trilobata wedelia Category II foliar Rodeo 

36

Melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, and Australian pine trees are serious threats to natural cypress 

wetlands. Manual removal is often required for restoration. 

38

City of Naples/Anthony Park Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Southwest Florida County: Lee 

PCL: Anthony Park PCL Size: 6.64 acres 

Site Manager: City of Naples 

275 Thirteenth Street, North 

Naples, Florida 34102 

Phone: 941-434-4789, Fax: 941-262-5640 

Project ID: SW-004 Project Size: 0.5 acres 


The Charles C. Anthony Park is located on the Gordon River, near the center of Naples. Red mangroves 

along the river provide shelter for birds and aquatic animals. The park originated from a donation of 

4.84 acres to the city in the 70s. The city later added 1.8 acres of land and undertook improvement of 

the property, including two contracted removals of exotic species from the site. This is a cost-share 

project with BIPM paying $5,000 of a total project cost of $18,840. 


Casuarina equisetifolia Australian pine Category I mechanical n/a 

Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Category I mechanical n/a 

39

Lovers Key SRA Beach Dune Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Lovers Key SRA PCL Size: 872acres 

Site Manager: DEP-Division of Recreation and Parks 

Lovers Key State Recreation Area 

8700 Estero Boulevard 

Ft. Myers Beach, Florida 33931 

Phone: 941-463-4588, Fax: 941-463-8851 

Project ID: SW-009 Project Size: 24 acres 


Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Recreation Area consists primarily of four coastal barrier islands, 

Black Island, Lovers Key, Inner Key and Long Key, located between Ft. Myers Beach and Bonita 

Beach, specifically lying between Big Carlos Pass to the north and New Pass to the south. The park is 

comprised mostly of beach and beach dune communities with canals and tidal lagoons fringed by 

mangrove swamp on its east side, which is contiguous with the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 

Lovers Key is the westernmost island and contains the only Gulf beach in the park. The project area is 

an approximately one mile long stretch of beach dune. The total area of infestation is approximately 

24 acres with 70% coverage of Australian pine and 15% coverage of mature Brazilian pepper. 


Casuarina equisetifolia Australian pine, adult Category I girdle/spray Garlon 4 

Casuarina equisetifolia Australian pine, imm. Category I basal Garlon 4 


Native vegetation re-establishing under a thinning 

canopy of dead Australian pines. 

Treating Brazilian pepper. 

40

Estero Bay/Dog Key Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve 

Site Manager: DEP Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas 

Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves 

700-1 Fisherman’s Wharf 

Ft. Myers Beach, Florida 33931 

Phone: 941-463-3240, Fax: 941-463-3634 




Estero Bay is one of the most productive estuaries in the state. Much of the 8440-acre Estero Bay State 

Buffer Preserve is composed of mangrove swamps, salt marsh, and salt flats that front the Estero Bay 

Aquatic Preserve (11,300 acres). These wetlands help maintain the high water quality in the Preserve. 

Dog Key is a 24-acre shell mound and mangrove swamp island. The island rim is infested with 

Brazilian pepper and seaside mahoe, while the interior has minor infestations of guava, night-blooming 

cereus, and Brazilian pepper. 



Thespesia populnea seaside mahoe Category I basal Garlon 4 

Psidium guajava guava Category I basal Garlon 4 

Cereus undatus night-blooming cereus Category II basal Garlon 4 

Kalanchoe pinnata life plant n/a basal Garlon 4 

42

Charlotte Harbor/East Cape Haze Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Southwest Florida County: Charlotte 

PCL: Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve PCL Size: 43,614 acres 


Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserves 

122301 Burnt Store Road 

Punta Gorda, Florida 33955 

Phone: 941-575-5861, Fax: 941-575-5863 

Project ID: SW-012 Project Size: 4,074 acres 


Charlotte Harbor is one of the largest and most productive estuaries in the state. Much of the area is 

composed of mangrove swamps, salt marsh, and salt flats. The uplands are dry prairie and scrubby 

flatwoods. The area supports a diversity of wildlife, including the endangered Florida scrub jay, bald 

eagle, and the West Indian manatee. While much of the buffer preserve remains in a natural condition, 

melaleuca stands are dense in the disturbed areas. 


Melaleuca quinquenervia Melaleuca Category I cut stump Arsenal/Rodeo 

43

J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge PCL Size: 6,315 acres 


J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge 

1 Wildlife Drive 

Sanibel, Florida 33957 

Phone: 941-472-3700, Fax: 941-472-3065 



The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge abuts Pine Island Sound and encompasses the north 

side of Sanibel Island, a barrier island off the coast of Ft. Myers. Ding Darling NWR is well known as 

a birders’ paradise and is one of the most heavily visited refuges in the country, with approximately 

800,000 visitors each year. The island serves as nesting or roosting habitat to a wide array of rare 

species, as well as serving as an important stop along the migratory songbird flyway. Brazilian pepper 

threatens the upland communities of the Refuge, including some of the finest examples of West Indian 

tropical hardwood hammock and live oak hammock remaining in southwest Florida. 

The City of Sanibel is pursuing this project as part of its Island-wide Brazilian Pepper Eradication 

Program. The City is providing in-kind contributions of $32,843 in addition to the DEP funding of 

$85,296. 




Syzygium cumini Java plum Category I basal Garlon 4 


Agave sisalana agave Category II basal Garlon 4 

44

Shamrock Park Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Sun Coast County: Sarasota 

PCL: Shamrock Park PCL Size: 82 acres 

Site Manager: Sarasota County Parks and Recreation 

Shamrock Park and Nature Center 

3900 Shamrock Drive 

Venice, Florida 34293 

Phone: 941-486-2706, Fax: 941-486-2741 

Project ID: SC-000 Project Size: 24.92 acres 


Shamrock Park sits on the Intracoastal Waterway and contains coastal oak scrub, scrubby flatwoods, 

and freshwater swamp. Florida scrub-jays are found on the site. Brazilian pepper is scattered throughout 

the park, with dense infestation along two main drainage ditches. 



46

Terra Ceia/Haley Mansion Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Sun Coast County: Manatee 

PCL: Terra Ceia State Buffer Preserve PCL Size: 1,424.08 


Tampa Bay Aquatic & Buffer Preserves 

3804 Coconut Palm Avenue 

Tampa, Florida 33619 

Phone: 813-744-6100, Fax: 813-744-6090 

Project ID: SC-004b Project Size: 15 acres 


Haley Mansion is a 15-acre site within the larger Terra Ceia State Buffer Preserve in Manatee County. 

The property is owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and managed by the DEP 

Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas. This project entails chipping of plant debris, primarily 

Australian pine and Brazilian pepper trees, from a prior control project (SC-004). 



Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Category I mechanical n/a 

47

Wolf Branch Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Sun Coast County: Hillsborough 

PCL: Wolf Branch ELAPP Nature Preserve PCL Size: 1126.80 

Site Manager: Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation 

10940 McMullen Road 

Riverview, Florida 33569 

Phone: 813-672-7876, Fax: 813-672-7880 



Wolf Branch Creek, mangroves, and salterns are the natural features of this local preserve. The 1100acre 

project site was acquired by the Hillsborough County Environmental Lands Acquisition and 

Protection Program in 1993 with the specific intent to accomplish ecological restoration on the parcel. 

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has created and enhanced 315 acres 

of freshwater and estuarine wetlands on the property and removed exotic plants (primarily dense 

Brazilian pepper and Australian pine) from the remaining 275 acres of uplands. 

Funding for this project was provided by the SWFWMD Alafia River Basin Board, State of Florida 

SWIM Program, DEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management, the Environmental Protection Commission 

of Hillsborough County, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. BIPM funding was used to control 

Brazilian pepper on four areas of the site and Australian pine, which is widely scattered in two areas 

(general project area in yellow on lower photo at right). 




48

Lake Seminole Park Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Sun Coast County: Pinellas 

PCL: Lake Seminole Park PCL Size: 255 

Site Manager: Pinellas County Park Department 

10015 74th Avenue North 

Seminole, Florida 33777 

Phone: 727-549-6156, Fax: 727-549-6158 



Lake Seminole Park is a 255-acre tract of mostly pine flatwoods that is used for passive recreation. 

The park is infested with air-potato on at least 100 acres of flatwoods, with the vine also spreading to 

other pockets of scattered natural vegetation. 


Dioscorea bulbifera air-potato Category I basal/cut stem Garlon 4 

50

Egmont Key Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Sun Coast County: Hillsborough 

PCL: Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge PCL Size: 272.43 


U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

1502 SE Kings Bay Drive 

Crystal River, Florida 34429 

Phone: 352-563-2088, Fax: 352-795-7961 

Project ID: SC-009 Project Size: 40 acres 


Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge and State Park is a 350-acre barrier island located within Tampa 

Bay. The refuge was established in 1974 to preserve and protect barrier island habitat and historical 

structures of national significance. The island is owned by the USFWS and managed by the DEP 

Division of Recreation and Parks. Due to a lack of predators, Egmont Key has an unusually abundant 

population of Florida box turtle (Terrapene carolina baurii). 

This project is part of an ongoing effort to remove Brazilian pepper from the island. 



51

Emerson Point Australian Pine Removal Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Sun Coast County: Manatee 

PCL: Emerson Point Conservation Park PCL Size: 250.6 

Site Manager: Manatee County Conservation Lands Division 

2649 Rawls Road 

Duette, Florida 33834 

Phone: 941-776-2295, Fax: 941-742-5972 



The Emerson Point Conservation Park is a 198-acre property located in northwest Manatee County. 

The property is owned by the State of Florida and leased to Manatee county. This project will entail 

mechanical removal of Australian pine trees from within the park. The project area consists of seven 

parcels ranging in size from

Green Turtle Beach Pine Stump Removal Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Treasure Coast County: St. Lucie 

PCL: Green Turtle Beach PCL Size: n/a 

Site Manager: St. Lucie County Mosquito Control District 

2300 Virginia Avenue 

Ft. Pierce, FL 34954-0760 

Phone: 561-462-1685, Fax: 561-462-1940 

Project ID: TC-001b Project Size: n/a 


The St. Lucie beaches are important to the protection of endangered sea turtles, their nesting beaches, 

and other coastal habitats. This project consists of removing Australian pine stumps that were exposed 

by beach erosion. The stumps were remains of a prior control project in 1999 to treat Australian pines 

on the site. 



53

North Fork/Galleon Lane Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: North Fork St. Lucie River State Buffer Preserve PCL Size: 987.31 acres 


Southeast Florida Aquatic Preserves 

1801 SE Hillmoor Drive 

Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 

Phone: 561-398-2806, Fax: 561-398-2815 

Project ID: TC-010 Project Size: 81 acres 


Predominantly comprised of floodplain forest, hydric hammock, and basin marsh along the North 

Fork of the St. Lucie River, this buffer preserve also contains high quality mesic flatwoods and smaller 

areas of scrub and sandhill. 

The Galleon Lane site (see arrow on map) is composed of basin marsh and maritime hammock. Two 

tidal creek tributaries of the North Fork St. Lucie River cross the site. The creek banks are heavily 

infested with Brazilian pepper. Other exotics are lightly scattered throughout the site. 


Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Category I basal/cut stump Garlon 4 

54

Kings Island Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Kings Island Preserve PCL Size: 173 acres 

Site Manager: St. Lucie County 

Leisure Services 

2300 Virginia Avenue 

Ft. Pierce, Florida 34982 

Phone: 561-462-1685, Fax: 561-462-1565 



Hutchinson Island is a significant coastal barrier island and sea turtle nesting area. Kings Island 

Preserve (f.k.a. Fish House Cove) is a mosquito control impoundment containing mangrove swamp 

and maritime hammock. Hammock species include seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), cabbage palm (Sabal 

palmetto), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba), pigeon plum (Coccoloba 

laurifolia), torchwood (Amyris elemifera), and limber caper (Capparis flexuosa). 

St. Lucie County provided an in-kind match of $3,000 in herbicides and adjuvants for this project. 


Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Category I basal/cut stump Garlon 4 

56

Hobe Sound Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Treasure Coast County: Martin 

PCL: Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge PCL Size: 980.15 acres 


Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge 

P.O. Box 645 

13640 SE Federal Highway 

Hobe Sound, Florida 33455 

Phone: 561-546-6141, Fax: 561-545-7572 



Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge contains 2.5 miles of beach dune that is an important sea turtle 

nesting area, as well as mangrove swamp and coastal strand communities. The dunes are being invaded 

by beach naupaka (Scaevola sericea), which threatens the native Scaevola, inkberry (S. plumieri). 

The proposal called for the treatment of all invasive exotic plants, listed in the table below, on 2 miles 

of refuge beach tract north of the beach parking lot and including a 350-foot swath west of the primary 

dune (see area outlined in yellow on aerial photo). The contractor initially cleared dense thickets of 

Brazilian pepper and beach naupaka using both a Gyro-Trac and a bulldozer with front end mulching 

and chopping attachments. After initial treatments, ground crews treated Brazilian pepper, Australian 

pine, and beach naupaka using a basal bark or cut stump treatment followed by application of herbicide. 

Secondary treatments were completed by mid-2001 including planting of native inkberry. The contractor 

succeeded in opening up several native oak strands. Removal of the dense Brazilian pepper will make 

staff re-treatments cost effective and efficient. Refuge staff will continue to maintain the site free of 

invasive exotic plants. Recruitment of native dune vegetation and palmetto is occurring rapidly. 




Thespesia populnea seaside mahoe Category I basal Garlon 4 

Scaevola sericea beach naupaka Category I foliar Garlon 4 

Jasminum fluminense Brazilian jasmine Category I foliar Garlon 4 

Cupaniopsis anacardioides carrotwood Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

57

An area of dense Brazilian pepper cleared with a Gyro-Trac, a brushcutting track vehicle. 

58

Dense beach naupaka (Scaevola sericea) and other exotics prior to treatment… 

and after. 

59

Fort Pierce Inlet Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Fort Pierce Inlet State Recreation Area PCL Size: 1,140.77 acres 


Fort Pierce Inlet State Recreation Area 

905 Shorewinds Drive 

Ft. Pierce, Florida 34949 

Phone: 561-468-4007, Fax: 561-460-3646 



This barrier island park contains beach, dune, and coastal hammock communities, as well as a mangrove 

impoundment and a large spoil area. The beach is an important area for shorebirds. 


Imperata cylindrica cogon grass Category I foliar Roundup 



60

St. Sebastian River/Indian River Lagoon Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Treasure Coast County: Indian River 

PCL: St. Sebastian River State Buffer Preserve PCL Size: 21,944 acres 

Indian River Lagoon-Malabar to Vero Beach Aquatic Preserve 27,800 acres 


St. Sebastian River State Buffer Preserve 

1000 Buffer Preserve Drive 

Fellsmere, Florida 32948 

Phone: 407-953-5004, Fax: 407-953-5006 



The Buffer Preserve was originated to protect the St. Sebastian River, but has been expanded to protect 

a significant area of high quality uplands. Predominantly mesic pine flatwoods, natural communities 

also include sandhill, scrub, scrubby flatwoods, bottomland forest, strand swamp, basin swamp, and 

depression marsh. The Aquatic Preserve protects a portion of the Indian River Lagoon estuary, one of 

the areas of highest biodiversity in North America. 





Psidium cattleianum strawberry guava Category I foliar Garlon 4 

61

Danforth Creek Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Danforth Site PCL Size: 27 acres 

Site Manager: Martin County Parks and Recreation 

2401 S.E. Monterey Road 

Stuart, Florida 34996 

Phone: 561-288-5476, Fax: 561-221-1333 



This passive recreation site includes sand pine scrub, oak hammock, mesic pine flatwoods, and 

freshwater marsh. Florida sandhill cranes are a frequent visitor. 

Total funding was $33,000 from BIPM and $17,000 from Martin County’s ESL program. 



Rhodomyrtus tomentosa downy rose-myrtle Category I basal Garlon 4 

Melaleuca quinquenervia melaleuca Category I cut stump Arsenal 

Psidium cattleianum strawberry guava Category I foliar Garlon 4 



Invasive exotic plants such as climbing fern (left) 

reduce native biodiversity, but also detract from the 

scenic beauty of our native landscapes. A south 

Florida pine flatwoods is more appealing to people 

(and wildlife) after the exotics have been removed 

(below). 

62

Peck Lake Park Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Peck Lake Park PCL Size: 70 acres 




Phone: 561-288-5476, Fax: 561-221-1333 



This parcel, owned by the Florida Inland Navigation District, contains scrubby flatwoods, xeric 

hammock, hydric hammock, baygall, and mangrove swamp. 

Total funding was $35,000 from BIPM and $12,000 from Martin County’s ESL program. 



Abrus precatorius rosary pea Category I foliar Rodeo 


64

Climbing ferns (Lygodium spp.) have become a major problem throughout the state… 

and require an ongoing control effort to prevent reinfestation. 

65

Beachwalk Pasley Site Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: Beachwalk PCL Size: 17 acres 




Phone: 561-288-5476, Fax: 561-221-1333 



This passive recreation site stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River Lagoon and includes 

beach dune, coastal strand, maritime hammock, and mangrove swamp. The beach is a sea turtle 

nesting area. Total funding is $17,000 from BIPM and $10,000 from Martin County. 




Scaevola sericea beach naupaka Category I foliar Garlon 4 

Sanseverieria hyacinthoides bowstring hemp Category II basal Garlon 4 

Terminalia catappa tropical almond Category II basal Garlon 4 

Ricinus communis castor bean Category II basal Garlon 4 

66

Australian pines (left) are a common problem 

on beachfront properties. The trees prevent other 

vegetation from growing in the understory, so 

removal (below) is necessary for restoration. 

67

De La Bahia Island/St. Lucie River Invasive Exotic Plant Control 


PCL: North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve PCL Size: 6,100 acres 


Southeast Florida Aquatic and Buffer Preserves 

9737 Gumbo Limbo Lane 

Jensen Beach, Florida 34957 

Phone: 561-873-6590, Fax: 561-873-6599 

Project ID: TC-018 Project Size: 1 acre 


The project site is a spoil island in the St. Lucie River. Vultures nesting in Australian pines were 

creating a nuisance for a condominium across the river from the island. The condominium association 

agreed to a public/private partnership to remove the pines from the island, thus killing two birds with 

one stone, so to speak. 

Funding was $3,250 from BIPM and $3,250 from the De La Bahia Condominium Association. 



68

Highlands Hammock Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: West Central County: Highlands 

PCL: Highlands Hammock State Park PCL Size: 8,140.42 acres 


Highlands Hammock State Park 

5931 Hammock Road 

Sebring, Florida 33872 

Phone: 863-386-6099, Fax: 863-386-6095 

Project ID: WC-003 Project Size: 5 acres 


Highlands Hammock State Park hosts Florida’s oldest and most endangered natural community, Lake 

Wales Ridge sand pine scrub, as well as old growth hardwood hammock, pine flatwoods, scrubby 

flatwoods, cypress swamp, bayhead, and depression marsh. The Florida scrub-jay is also found on the 

park. 



Dioscorea bulbifera air-potato Category I foliar Garlon 3a 

69

LP Ranch/Lake Kissimmee Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: West Central County: Polk 

PCL: Lake Kissimmee State Park 


Lake Wales Ridge GEOpark 

14248 Camp Mack Road 

Lake Wales, Florida 33853 

Phone: 863-696-1112, Fax: 863-696-2656 

PCL Size: 5,933.95 acres 

Project ID: WC-004 Project Size: 896 acres 


Lake Kissimmee State Park is bordered on three sides by lakes and streams. Natural communities 

include pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, wet flatwoods, xeric hammock, hydric hammock, baygall, 

and floodplain marsh. The LP Ranch tract is a mix of pasture and wetland communities. This project 

was an in-kind share with DRP providing all labor and equipment, at a value of $4,072. BIPM provided 

the herbicide. 



Solanum viarum tropical soda apple Category I foliar Roundup 


The LP Ranch Tract at Lake Kissimmee State Park. 

70

Withlacoochee SF/Chinsegut WEA Cogon Grass Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Withlacoochee Region County: Hernando 

PCL: Withlacoochee State Forest–Croom Tract PCL Size: 21,639 acres 

Chinsegut Wildlife & Environmental Area 

Site Manager(s): 

PCL Size: 1179 acres 

Division of Forestry Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Withlacoochee Forestry Center 23212 Lake Lindsey Road 

15019 Broad Street Brooksville, Florida 34601 

Brooksville, Florida 34601 

Phone: 352-754-6777, Fax: 352-754-6751 

Phone: 352-754-6722, Fax: 352-540-6032 

Project ID: WR-012/013 Project Size: 70 acres 


The Withlacoochee State Forest is comprised of seven large tracts covering 147,893 acres in four 

counties. The Croom Tract is 21,639 acres of sandhill and riverine wetlands associated with the 

Withlacoochee River, an Outstanding Florida Water. The Withlacoochee State Trail passes through 

six miles of the tract. Two Wildlife and Environmental Areas (WEA) managed by the Fish and Wildlife 

Conservation Commission are contiguous with the Croom Tract: Chinsegut WEA (1179 acres) and 

Perry Oldenburg Mitigation Park WEA (380 acres). Both WEA are similar to the State Forest in 

natural community composition. 

The state trail (an old Rails-to-Trails project) and numerous highways cross-sectioning the state forest 

have encouraged invasion of the Category I weed cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) from road rightof-ways 

into adjacent natural areas. This project includes the retreatment (WR-012) of 35 acres of 

cogon grass throughout the Croom Tract, state trail, and two WEA, which was initiated in the prior 

fiscal year. The project also includes initial treatment and retreatment (WR-013) of another 35 acres 

of cogon grass, within the same general geographic area. 



71

Boulware Springs Park Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Withlacoochee Region County: Alachua 

PCL: Boulware Springs PCL Size: 108 acres 

Site Manager: City of Gainesville Recreation and Parks 

1024 NE 14th Street, Building A 

Gainesville, Florida 32602 

Phone: 352-334-2231, Fax: 352-334-2234 

Project ID: WR-014 Project Size: 108 acres 

Fiscal Year: 00/01 Project Cost: $12,549.61 

Boulware Springs Park serves as the trailhead of the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. The park is 

contiguous with Paynes Prairie State Preserve and Boulware Springs Run discharges into the preserve. 

The park contains mesic flatwoods, upland mixed forest, seepage stream, and spring run natural 

communities. Boulware Springs is a fourth-magnitude spring with an average discharge of 300,000 

gallons/day. 


Ardisia crenata coral ardisia Category I basal Garlon 4 

Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Category I basal Garlon 4 




Ligustrum lucidum glossy privet Category II basal Garlon 4 

Volunteers help with the Great Air Potato Roundup at Boulware Springs Park in Gainesville, Florida. 

72

Silver River Cogon Grass Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Withlacoochee Region County: Marion 

PCL: Silver River State Park 


Silver River State Park 

1425 NE 58 


th Avenue 

Ocala, Florida 34470 

Phone: 352-236-7148, Fax: 352-667-7150 



Silver River is a first magnitude spring-fed stream that flows into the Ocklawaha River. The park 

encompasses the river and over fourteen natural community types. Cogon grass is invading the high 

quality, endangered sandhill in the park. The project area covers 100 acres over which cogon grass 

occurs in various concentrations from relatively continuous coverage to small distinct patches. 



Although these patches appear quite dead, 

re-treatment is usually necessary. 

Cogon grass is considered by some to 

be the “world’s worst weed.” 

74

Cross Florida Greenway Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Working Group: Withlacoochee Region County: Marion 

PCL: Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway 

Site Manager: DEP Office of Greenways and Trails 

Star Route 1, Box 4 

Palatka, Florida 32178 

Phone: 904-329-3575, Fax: 904-329-3555 




The Cross Florida Greenway evolved from a proposed shipping canal to a proposed barge canal to a 

realized state recreation and conservation area. The Greenway is a 110-mile linear park that crosses 

four counties. The project area lies within an area excavated for the canal in Marion County. This area 

of “diggings” is ¾ mile long and 1 mile wide. The project area is comprised of several sites that total 

94 acres. 



75

National Park Service Projects 

National Park Service (NPS) units in Florida have been actively controlling invasive exotic plants 

since the 1960s. In 2000, NPS established four Exotic Plant Management Teams (EPMT) to control 

invasive exotic plants on federal conservation lands. The EPMT are modeled after the "strike teams" 

used by the U.S. Forest Service to fight forest wildfires. Each highly trained, mobile strike force of 

plant management specialists stands ready to assist the national parks in the control of invasive exotic 

plants. The EPMT were created through NPS' Natural Resource Challenge. 

While other EPMT rely on in-house crews, the efforts in Florida reflect the flexibility of the EPMT 

concept. All work in Florida is accomplished through a partnership with the Upland Invasive Exotic 

Plant Management Program, which resides in the state's Department of Environmental Protection. 

Through this program, the State of Florida matched each Challenge dollar spent to control exotic 

plants in Florida's eleven National Park units. Exotic plant control work in Florida is conducted under 

contractual agreement with private companies, allowing for reduced cost and increased efficiency. In 

FY 2001, control projects were conducted on 1,100 acres of Park lands. Due to the success of the 

Florida Partnership, this program is being expanded for FY 2002. 

The success of the EPMT concept will rely upon building public and private partnerships to efficiently 

prevent, control, and manage damaging exotic species now and into the future. Exotic weeds recognize 

no boundaries and cooperative efforts are critical to addressing invasive species and protecting public 

natural areas. The Florida Partnership EPMT is involved with over 100 federal, state, regional, and 

local cooperators, and is broadening its participation with others. For example, the EPMT helped 

organize the new South Biscayne Bay Exotic Plant Management Working Group, which includes 

representatives from Biscayne NP, the State of Florida, Miami-Dade County, the Nature Conservancy, 

and Florida Power and Light. The EPMT has also initiated two agreements with the South Florida 

Water Management District-one for monitoring exotic plants in south Florida and one that will allow 

District contractors to treat exotic weeds within Everglades National Park. And, the EPMT prepared 

a successful proposal to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on behalf of Everglades NP that has resulted 

in a five-year, $700,000 commitment from the Corps to fund exotic plant control in habitat of the 

federally endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow. 

More information can be found at the NPS EPMT web site: http://www.nature.nps.gov/epmt. 

Big Cypress/Turner River Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

National Parks County: Collier, Monroe 

PCL: Big Cypress National Preserve PCL Size: 729,000 acres 

Site Manager: National Park Service 

Big Cypress National Preserve 

33100 Tamiami Trail E. 

Ochopee, Florida 34139 

Phone: 941-695-4111, Fax: 941-695-3493 

Project ID: NP-001 Project Size: 15.69 acres 


76

Turner River is a meandering stream that originates in the mixed cypress swamp of the Big Cypress 

National Preserve and empties into Chokoloskee Estuary in Everglades National Park (ENP). Turner 

River is one of the most important natural resource features in Big Cypress. Hydrologically, it is a 

primary source of freshwater discharge to ENP. Ecologically, the channel meanders through a diverse 

mosaic of ecotypes in ENP and Big Cypress. Over the past decade, several actions have been taken to 

restore the river region, including adding roadbed culverts and plugging/filling roadside canals and 

removal of submerged and emergent exotic aquatic vegetation. The area is home to several federally 

listed endangered species including the Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi). It is a seasonal residence 

to the endangered wood stork (Mycteria americana) and supports the West Indian manatee (Trichechus 

manatus) that occurs in the southern portion of Turner River. 

This project is a 50%-50% cost-share, with the National Park Service contributing $14,121. 


Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Category I cut stump/basal Garlon 4 

Casuarina equisetifolia Australian pine Category I cut stump/basal Garlon 4 

Syngonium podophyllum arrowhead vine Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Psidium guajava guava Category I cut stump Garlon 4 


77

Biscayne National Park Casuarina Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

National Parks County: Miami-Dade 

PCL: Biscayne National Park PCL Size: 172,924 acres 


Biscayne National Park 

9700 S.W. 328th Street 

Homestead, Florida 33030 

Phone: (305) 230-1144, Fax: (305) 230-1190 

Project ID: NP-002 Project Size: 100 acres 


Biscayne National Park has approximately 42 islands or keys within the park boundaries. These keys 

make up the northern extent of the Florida Keys and are mostly oolitic limestone in origin. Some of 

the smaller keys are mangrove islands only. Most of the larger islands have a mangrove fringe with a 

sub-tropical hardwood hammock in the interior. The hammock is composed of the typical subtropical 

hardwood species found in south Florida, such as poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum), milkbark (Drypetes 

diversifolia), pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia), sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), and torchwood 

(Amyris elimefera). Additionally, a number of state threatened and endangered plants occur, including 

West Indian Mahogany (Swietenia mahogani, satin leaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme), silver palm 

(Coccothrinax argentata), red stopper (Eugenia rhombea), and joewood (Jacquinia keyensis). The 

federally endangered Schaus swallowtail butterfly (Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus) relies on 

torchwood and wildlime trees (Zanthoxylum fagara) as host plants for egg-laying and as a juvenile 

food source. Australian pine may be negatively impacting these species growth and distribution. 

Biscayne National Park has over 80 species of exotic plants within its boundaries. Of these, 27 species 

are listed on the Florida EPPC Category I list of most invasive exotic plants. Australian pine is one of 

the high profile exotics that the park has identified for control/management. 


Plant Treated Common Name FLEPPC Rank Treatment Herbicide 


78

Biscayne National Park/Elliott Key Invasive Exotic Plant Control 







Phone: (305) 230-1144, Fax: (305) 230-1190 




make up the northern extent of the Florida Keys and are mostly oolitic limestone in origin. Elliott Key 

and most of the larger islands have a mangrove fringe with a sub-tropical hardwood hammock in the 

interior. The hammock is composed of the typical subtropical hardwood species found in south Florida, 

such as poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum), milkbark (Drypetes diversifolia), pigeon plum (Coccoloba 

diversifolia), sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), and torchwood (Amyris elimefera). Additionally, a number 

of state threatened and endangered plants occur, including West Indian Mahogany (Swietenia mahogani, 

satin leaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme), silver palm (Coccothrinax argentata), red stopper (Eugenia 

rhombea), and joewood (Jacquinia keyensis). The federally listed Schaus swallowtail butterfly 

(Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus) and eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) inhabit 

the key and may be detrimentally affected by lather leaf invasion. 



Colubrina asiatica lather leaf Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Manilkara zapota sapodilla Category I girdle Garlon 4 


Tradescantia spathacea oyster plant Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Thespesia populnea seaside mahoe Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Sansevieria hyacinthoides bowstring hemp Category II cut stump Garlon 4 

80

Canaveral National Seashore Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

National Parks County: Brevard, Volusia 

PCL: Canaveral National Seashore 


Canaveral National Seashore 

308 Julia Street 

Titusville, Florida 32796 

Phone: (321) 267-1110, Fax: (321) 264-2906 




Canaveral National Seashore contains 24 miles of beach, dunes, maritime hammocks, and other coastal 

natural communities representing one of the least disturbed shorelines in Florida. The Seashore is an 

important sea turtle nesting area. The project area is a narrow corridor ¾ of a mile wide and 5 miles 

long, bounded by the Merritt Island National Wildlife refuge on the South and the beach access road to 

the North. Several dikes extend into the open water and swale areas. Australian pine and Brazilian 

pepper occur on several abandoned home sites, the dikes, and along the roadway. The upland areas 

provide habitat for the federally protected Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens coerulescens) 

and Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). Also present is the gopher tortoise (Gopherus 

polyphemus), a species of special concern. 



Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Category I basal bark Garlon 4 

Casuarina equisetifolia Australian pine Category I basal/cut stump Garlon 4 

82

De Soto National Memorial Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

National Parks County: Manatee 

PCL: De Soto National Memorial PCL Size: 26.84 acres 


De Soto National Memorial 

P.O. Box 15390 

Bradenton, Florida 34280 

Phone: (941) 792-0458, Fax: (941) 792-5094 

Project ID: NP-005 Project Size: 24.78 acres 


De Soto National Memorial was created as a unit of the National Park System in 1948 with the intent 

to memorialise the De Soto expedition of 1539-43 through the southeast portion of the United States. 

The Park preserves a setting along the Manatee River that is representative of the terrain first encountered 

by the Spanish in their trek. This includes a mangrove swamp, as well as a coastal beach environment. 

A small part of the park (2 acres) also preserves a portion of a typical palm/oak hammock habitat. 

Within the boundaries of the site, habitat is provided for two threatened and endangered species, the 

gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) and the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). 





Cupaniopsis anacardioides carrotwood Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Ruellia brittoniana Mexican petunia Category I cut stump Garlon 4 


Bischofia javanica bischofia Category I cut stump Garlon 4 


Asparagus densiflorus asparagus fern Category I foliar Rodeo 

Syngonium podophyllum arrowhead vine Category I foliar Rodeo 

Phoenix reclinata Senegal date palm Category II cut stump Garlon 4 


83

De Soto National Memorial project area (outlined in violet). 

84

Everglades/Royal Palm Hammock Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

National Parks County: Collier, Dade, Monroe 

PCL: Everglades National Park PCL Size: 1,507,850 acres 


Everglades National Park 

40001 SR 9336 


Phone: 305-242-7846, Fax: 305-242-7836 



In 1916, the Royal Palm State Park on Paradise Key was created as the first protected area in the 

Everglades Region. This 4,000-acre (1619 hectare) tract later became the nucleus of Everglades National 

Park. Until 1947, when the site was acquired by the National Park Service, numerous non-native 

ornamentals were planted. Many of these ornamentals have escaped and continue to expand, disrupting 

one of the last few remaining Tropical Hardwood Hammocks in Miami-Dade County, and the only 

hammock in the county in which the state-listed Royal Palm (Roystonea elata) naturally occurs. Royal 

Palm Hammock contains a diverse array of trees, including Coccoloba diversifolia, Nectrandra coricea, 

Lysiloma latisiliqua, Simaruba glauca, Bursera simaruba, Swietnia mahogani, Metopium toxiferum, 

Exothea paniculata, Mastichodendron foetidissimum, Ardisia escallonioides, Eugenia axillaris, and 

Psychotria nervosa. 




Ardisia elliptica shoebutton ardisia Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Manilkara zapota sapodilla Category I cut stump Garlon 4 


Eugenia uniflora Surinam cherry Category I foliar Garlon 3a 

Syngonium podophyllum arrowhead vine Category I foliar Garlon 3a 

Tradescantia fluminensis oyster plant Category I foliar Garlon 3a 

Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Category I foliar Garlon 3a 

Ficus microcarpa laurel fig Category I girdle Garlon 4 

Calophyllum antillanum mast wood Category I girdle Garlon 4 

Syzygium jambos rose-apple Category II cut stump Garlon 4 

Epipremnum pinnatum pothos Category II cut stump Garlon 4 

Epipremnum pinnatum pothos Category II foliar Garlon 3a 

Nephrolepis falcata fishtail sword fern n/a foliar Garlon 3a 

Selaginella willdenovii vine spike-moss n/a foliar Garlon 3a 

??? spp. running bromeliad n/a foliar Garlon 3a 

Furcraea cabuya Central American sisal n/a cut stump Garlon 4 

Citrus spp. citrus n/a cut stump Garlon 4 

Carica papaya papaya n/a hand pull n/a 

85

Gulf Islands National Seashore Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

National Parks County: Escambia, Santa Rosa 

PCL: Gulf Islands National Seashore PCL Size: 66,549.24 acres 


Gulf Islands National Seashore 

1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway 

Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561 

Phone: (850) 934-2617, Fax: (850) 934-2653 



Gulf Islands National Seashore contains 150 miles of beach, dunes, and other coastal natural 

communities stretching from Mississippi to Florida. The Seashore is also a sea turtle nesting area. 

Cogon Grass (Imperata cylindrica) has invaded several habitat types including secondary dunes and 

areas associated with disturbances such as coastal forts, campgrounds, and rights-of-way. Many of 

these areas are located adjacent to dunes areas. The dune habitat is important to a variety of species, 

including threatened or endangered species such as Perdido Key beach mouse and green sea turtle. 

Other species with declining populations such as Santa Rosa beach mouse, least tern, and snowy 

plover also depend on dune habitat within the Seashore. Eradicating dense stands of cogon grass will 

restore open areas preferred by these species. 

Cogon grass also threatens several state-listed plants, and a rare insect. Only a few populations of the 

recently discovered, solitary bee species Hesperapis oraria (Gulf Coast bee) have been found. The 

population of this ground nesting species identified in the Ft. Pickens area inhabits a relatively open 

area close to a stand of cogon grass. Patches of cogon grass occur along Highway 98, which bisects 

the Naval Live Oaks area of the Seashore for approximately 4 miles. The adjacent habitat is characterized 

by long leaf pines and supports populations of gopher tortoise. 

Chinese tallow occurs in and bordering wetlands in the Ft. Pickens area. Alligators, wading birds, 

peregrine falcon, and other species depend on these areas for habitat. Chinese tallow is also found 

near the borders of the Naval Live Oaks area, where it spread from lawns in adjacent residential areas. 

The Naval Live Oaks area is characterized by long leaf pine and supports gopher tortoises. 

This project is a 50%-50% cost-share, with the National Park Service contributing $10,171.93 


Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow Category I basal bark Garlon 4 


Melia azedarach Chinaberry Category I basal bark Garlon 4 

Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle Category I cut stem Garlon 4 

Lygodium japonicum Japanese climbing fern Category I cut stem Garlon 4 

Albizia julibrissin mimosa Category I basal bark Garlon 4 

Wisteria sinensis Chinese wisteria Category II cut stem Garlon 4 

87

Biscayne National Park Black Point/Convoy Point Invasive Exotic Plant Control 







Phone: (305) 230-1144, Fax: (305) 230-1190 



Biscayne National Park (BNP) has approximately 42 islands or keys within the park boundaries. BNP 

has over 80 species of exotic plants within its boundaries. Of these, 27 species are listed on the Florida 

EPPC Category I list of most invasive exotic plants. At Black Point Park (a county park), BNP owns 

and maintains a jetty where visitors regularly come for fishing and bird watching. This jetty was 

recently renovated and exotic plants were removed and representative native plants were planted. 

Currently, exotic plants are re-growing on this jetty. Exotic plants that are present and most invasive 

include, Thespesia populnea (seaside mahoe), Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian pepper), Colubrina 

asiatica (lather leaf), Casuarina equisetifolia (Australian pine), Neyraudia reynaudiana (Burma reed), 

and Scaevola sericea (half flower); all Category I species. Native species that are present include 

Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove), Avicennia germinans 

(black mangrove), Conocarpus erectus (buttonwood), Borrichia arborescens (seaside daisy), Borrichia 

frutescens (seaside oxeye), Dodonaea viscosa (varnishleaf), Coccoloba uvifera (seagrape), Sesuvium 

portulacastrum (seapurslane), Ipomea pescaprae (railroad vine), and Ficus aurea (strangler fig). 

Convoy Point is the site of the park headquarters, visitor center, and mainland maintenance facilities. 

The park maintains this area with native vegetation that would be representative of island communities. 

In 1994, BNP staff removed all exotic plants at Convoy Point. Since that time, exotic plants have regrown 

and re-sprouted. The same species of exotics and natives that occur at Black Point also occur at 

Convoy Point with additional planted native species. 






89

Biscayne National Park/Sands Key Invasive Exotic Plant Control 







Phone: (305) 230-1144, Fax: (305) 230-1190 




make up the northern extent of the Florida Keys and are mostly oolitic limestone in origin. Some of 

the smaller keys are mangrove islands only. Sands Key, like most of the larger islands, has a mangrove 

fringe with a sub-tropical hardwood hammock in the interior. These hammocks are composed of the 

typical subtropical hardwood species found in south Florida, such as poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum), 

milkbark (Drypetes diversifolia), pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia), sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera), 

and torchwood (Amyris elimefera). A number of state threatened and endangered plants also occur, 

including West Indian Mahogany (Swietenia mahogani), satin leaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme), silver 

palm (Coccothrinax argentata), red stopper (Eugenia rhombea), and joewood (Jacquinia keyensis). 

Additionally, the White-crowned pigeon (Columba leucocephala), a state threatened species, uses this 

island as critical habitat and may potentially nest on the island. Federally listed species may include 

the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi), and the Schaus swallowtail butterfly (Heraclides 

aristodemus ponceanus). 

Sands Key is invaded with a variety of exotic vegetation, predominantly including Casuarina 

equisetifolia (Australian pine), Colubrina asiatica (lather leaf), Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian 

pepper), Neyraudia reynaudiana (Burma reed), Scaevola sericea (half flower), and Thespesia populnea 

(seaside mahoe); all Category I species as identified by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. 







Scaevola sericea half flower Category I cut stump Garlon 4 

Neyraudia reynaudiana Burma reed Category I foliar Rodeo 

91

Big Cypress National Preserve Casuarina Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

National Parks County: Collier, Monroe 

PCL: Big Cypress National Preserve PCL Size: 729,000 acres 


Big Cypress National Preserve 

33100 Tamiami Trail E. 

Ochopee, Florida 34139 

Phone: 941-695-4111, Fax: 941-695-3493 



Big Cypress National Preserve (BCNP) has several remaining sites containing Casuarina spp. The 

purpose of this project to treat those remaining areas and bring Casuarina to a maintenance level 

within BCNP. These treatments will complement the ongoing melaleuca control efforts currently in 

effect within BCNP. Casuarina has invaded several upland communities, most often areas that have 

been cleared and used by people in the past. Casuarina previously was planted as a landscape element 

and may have persisted in such areas, or it may have seeded in to become the dominant tree canopy. 

These trees commonly invade disturbed areas and form dense monoculture stands that effectively 

exclude native plants. As many areas within the preserve have become disturbed through human 

activities (e.g., roadsides, canal banks, etc.), removing the remaining Casuarina will effectively eliminate 

seed sources within BCNP. This will help to allow native species to naturally colonize areas that offer 

opportunities for ruderal species recruitment. 

The project area is home to several federally endangered species, including the Florida panther (Felis 

concolor coryi), wood stork (Mycteria americana), and red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis). 

Florida panthers and red-cockaded woodpeckers partly depend on upland communities during some 

parts of their life histories. Uplands that have received some form of disturbance (e.g., drainage) are 

areas in which Casuarina may become successfully established. Removing this exotic seed source 

may help prevent compromises to these communities. 



Casuarina equisetifolia Australian pine Category I basal bark Garlon 4 

93

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94

Melaleuca Program 

Melaleuca Management—The District has been actively engaged in controlling nuisance vegetation in 

the Everglades Protection Area (EPA) since the canal and levees were constructed in the early 1950s. In 

1972, the Florida Conservation Foundation published in its monthly newsletter several paragraphs regarding 

the invasion of three exotic trees in Florida: melaleuca, Australian pine and Brazilian pepper. In 1975, two 

public interagency workshops sponsored by Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission were held to 

determine ways to control melaleuca in South Florida. A continuation of these workshops led to the formation 

of the Exotic Pest Plant Council in 1984, and the Melaleuca Task force in 1990. Subsequently, the District 

initiated a major melaleuca control program in the Everglades Conservation Areas. Melaleuca continues to 

be the primary target of the District’s exotic plant control operation within the EPA. 

District efforts to control melaleuca, along with those of other governmental agencies and private groups, 

are containing its spread within the Everglades Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) and the marsh of Lake 

Okeechobee. Melaleuca has been completely cleared from Water Conservation Area 2A, 3A, and 3B, north 

and south of Alligator Alley. These areas are now under “maintenance control.” Today, the melaleuca 

infestation is no longer increasing; in many areas it is being reduced. 

Funding—The District’s melaleuca control funding is derived from several sources (Table 1). In the past 

eleven years, $21,862,794 has been budgeted by the District to fight melaleuca infestations. Approximately 

$12,762,794 (58%) of this amount has come from sources other than District resources. These include the 

Florida Power and Light mitigation funds (FP&L), the Surface Water Improvement and Management fund 

(SWIM), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Florida Department of Environmental 

Protection’s (FDEP) cost-sharing program; with District ad valorem taxes providing the balance. SWIM 

and USACE funds are available for work in Lake Okeechobee only. Several of the current funding sources 

may be unable to continue supporting the project in future years. SWIM funding was lost in 1996 and the 

FP&L support ceased in 1994. Fortunately, the FDEP, the USACE, and the District are continuing to fund 

the project. Continued availability of funds is essential for the continued success of the melaleuca management 

program. At the current level of funding, melaleuca could be eliminated from the Everglades Water 

Conservation Areas and the marshes of Lake Okeechobee within the next ten years. 

FY FP&L FDEP MITIGATION SWIM USACE DISTRICT TOTAL 

91 $500,000 -- -- $300,000 -- $170,000 $970,000 

92 $500,000 -- -- -- -- $250,000 $750,000 

93 $500,000 -- -- $200,000 -- $800,000 $1,500,000 

94 -- $400,000 -- $200,000 -- $885,000 $1,485,000 

95 -- $1,000,000 -- $400,000 -- $885,000 $2,285,000 

96 -- $1,000,000 -- $400,000 $68,000 $885,000 $2,353,000 

97 -- $1,000,000 -- -- $300,000 $1,045,000 $2,345,000 

98 -- $1,000,000 $300,000 -- $244,794 $1,045,000 $2,589,794 

99 -- $1,000,000 $400,000 -- -- $1,045,000 $2,445,000 

00 -- $1,000,000 $300,000 -- -- $1,045,000 $2,435,000 

01 -- $1,100,000 $650,000 -- -- $1,045,000 $2,795,000 

Total $1,500,000 $7,500,000 $1,650,000 $1,500,000 $612,794 $9,100,000 $21,862,794 

Table 1. South Florida Water Management District’s melaleuca management funding sources (budgeted). 

The District continues to support, at $150,000 per year, the U. S. Department of Agriculture research for 

biocontrol of melaleuca. The District is also providing $60,000 to the Everglades National Park and $75,000 

to the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge, each year, for their melaleuca control programs (Table 2). 

95

Table 2. South Florida Water Management District melaleuca management expenditures. 

FY WCAs L. O. 1 MITIGATION BIOCONTROL SUPPORT 2 TOTAL 

91 $614,437 -- -- $75,000 $15,000 $704,437 

92 $823,552 -- -- $75,000 $75,000 $973,552 

93 $904,923 $211,159 -- $165,000 $75,000 $1,356,082 

94 $634,337 $538,841 -- $150,000 $135,000 $1,458,178 

95 $1,025,109 $573,859 -- $195,000 $135,000 $1,928,968 

96 $1,460,098 $1,064,216 -- $150,000 $135,000 $2,809,314 

97 $970,243 $1,042,037 -- $150,000 $135,000 $2,327,643 

98 $449,698 $1,074,813 $301,398 $150,000 $135,000 $2,450,888 

99 $640,886 $1,166,497 $384,524 $150,000 $135,000 $2,476,907 

00 $702,338 $1,119,369 $160,453 $150,000 $135,000 $2,267,160 

01 $1,035,911 $664,280 $258,790 $150,000 $135,000 $2,243,981 

Total $9,261,532 $7,455,071 $1,105,165 $1,245,000 $1,245,000 $20,613,768 

1. Lake Okeechobee 

2. Support to Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge and Everglades National Park 

Management Strategy—The integrated management of melaleuca requires a combination of control 

techniques to be effective; however, biological control methods are not completely available for melaleuca. 

The melaleuca snout beetle (Oxyops vitiosa) was released in WCA-3B near Holiday Park in Ft. Lauderdale, 

Florida in April of 1997. This insect is currently spreading and is successfully establishing itself within 

melaleuca populations in South Florida. Two more Australian insects will be released in the near future. 

District efforts in developing melaleuca control methods have concentrated on herbicidal control and the 

limited use of mechanical and physical control methodologies. The District first implemented melaleuca 

control strategies, developed by the MTF, in the southeast corner of WCA-3B in November 1990 (Laroche 

1994). The strategy for managing melaleuca is modified, as control methodologies are developed, to 

improve efficacy and cost effectiveness. The frill and girdle method, in which the bark around the circumference 

of each tree is completely removed to expose the cambium for application of the herbicide solution, is the 

primary tool used in the least infested areas. Aerial application is the most economical method for large 

melaleuca monocultures. The District has been actively involved in the investigation of control methods 

for mature and seedling trees. Research needs to continue to improve control methods at reduced costs. 

Effective melaleuca management requires knowledge of its biology. The reproductive potential of melaleuca 

is tremendous. A mature tree may retain millions of seeds, all of which may be released from their 

protective capsules following a stressful event such as desiccation, fire, frost, physical damage, or herbicide 

application (Meskimen 1962). Once released, 15-20% of the seeds will germinate. These new trees take 

approximately two years to mature and produce viable seeds (Woodall 1981a). Follow-up treatment 

within the second year after the initial treatment is essential to eliminate new seedlings before they can 

produce viable seeds. Under ideal conditions, melaleuca can be eliminated from an area within two years. 

The first phase of control targets all existing trees and seedlings in a given area. Using navigational 

equipment, crews return to the same site to remove any seedlings resulting from the control activities of 

the previous year. The District’s control operations consist of three phases: 

Phase I. This phase focuses on the elimination of all mature trees and seedlings present in an area. 

Phase II. Previously treated sites are revisited for follow-up treatment to control trees previously missed 

and remove seedlings that may have resulted from control activities of the preceding year. 

96

Phase III. This phase entails the long-term management of melaleuca, surveillance and inspection of 

previously treated sites to monitor the effectiveness of the melaleuca control program and maintain 

reinfestation levels as low as possible. 

The goal of the current melaleuca management program is to contain melaleuca on all District land and to 

maintain infestation levels as low as possible while minimizing impacts to non-target vegetation. The melaleuca 

management strategy is based on the quarantine strategy described by Woodall (1981a). The least infested 

areas (outliers) are addressed first, in order to stop the progression of the existing population. Frill and girdle 

application of an herbicide solution (25% Arsenal ® , 25% Rodeo ® and 50% water) is the primary method used 

to kill mature trees. However, the cut/stump application of herbicide is also very effective, but remaining 

stumps may create a navigation hazard for airboat traffic when the marsh is wet. This type of application is used 

only on trees with base stem diameter of less then three inches. Melaleuca seedlings in mixed communities are 

usually hand-pulled in an effort to minimize the impact of herbicides on non-target vegetation. Seedlings are 

left hanging on remaining vegetation or put in a pile to reduce the potential for regrowth. 

Until recently, aerial applications of tebuthiuron, hexazinone, triclopyr, imazapyr, and combinations of imazapyr 

and glyphosate have been used on an experimental basis only. This type of application is becoming essential as 

control operations are closing in on large areas of melaleuca monocultures. Acceptable results have been 

obtained using 3 quarts of Rodeo ® and 3 quarts of Arsenal ® with 4 quarts of methylated seed-oil surfactant in 20 

gallons total volume, in large-scale application. 

Regardless of the control method used, a comprehensive data collection and evaluation plan is essential for the 

success of melaleuca management initiatives. Record keeping is invaluable for making future management 

decisions. Data collection in the District’s program includes: longitude and latitude coordinates at each treatment 

site, date and time of control, type of control method, type of herbicide and amount, method of application, 

number of trees and seedlings or hectares treated at each site, and labor and equipment hours. This data is used 

to produce maps of treatment progress and to keep track of individual melaleuca control sites. 

Water Conservation Areas—Melaleuca occurred throughout all the WCAs, with degrees of infestation ranging 

from ten to greater than twelve thousand trees per hectares. The trees in WCA-2A were widely scattered 

compared to light to moderate infestation in WCA-3A and 3B. The infestation level in WCA-2B is severe, with 

nearly 30% of the area containing melaleuca. Much of this area is solid forest and individual tree treatment is 

not cost effective. Depending on accessibility and remoteness of control sites, a helicopter, airboats, and/or allterrain 

vehicles are used to transport crews and supplies. Once on site, crews perform melaleuca treatments 

with the use of the girdle or cut/stump method of herbicide application. Each crew may consist of three to eight 

people, depending on the density of the melaleuca infestation at the site being treated. 

The melaleuca control project began at the southeast corner of WCA-3B in November of 1990 and proceeded 

northward through WCA-3B, 3A, north and south of Alligator Alley, and 2A. These areas are currently under 

Phase III operations. From November 1990 to October 1999, approximately 12,270,643 trees and 26,876,912 

seedlings have been controlled within the WCAs at a total cost of $8,166,577 (Table 3). Phase I work will 

continue in WCA-2B during FY 02. Aerial applications in the WCAs are being performed on a limited basis for 

the control of large melaleuca monocultures. To date, a total of 1,491 hectares have been successfully treated by 

aerial application at a cost of $1,089,722 (Table 4). Aerial application will continue in WCA-2B to control 

large monocultures. Crews are also treating light infestations of Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, Java plum, 

and earleaf acacia along all the canal banks and levees within the WCAs. 

97

Table 3. Melaleuca control summary for ground based application in the Water Conservation Areas. 

FY TREES SEEDLINGS LABOR 1 COST/PLANT 2 91 156,001 1,103,073 3,970 h $0.48 

TOTAL COST 

$614,437 

92 388,324 547,448 8,775 h $0.88 $823,552 

93 1,391,095 12,142,900 26,241 h $0.07 $899,690 

94 1,571,535 5,439,843 24,000 h $0.09 $634,337 

95 1,336,394 1,603,997 29,045 h $0.33 $964,734 

96 1,551,969 1,877,654 47,241 h $0.39 $1,267,394 

97 1,671,106 884,093 33,709 h $0.30 $760,689 

98 976,132 267,264 22,243 h $0.36 $449,698 

99 1,482,493 1,054,197 22,588 h $0.29 $603,620 

00 924,518 1,768,247 28,884 h $0.27 $702,338 

01 821,076 188,196 17,365 h $0.44 $446,088 

Total 12,270,643 26,876,912 264,696 h $0.35 $8,166,577 

1. labor hours 

2. cost per trees and seedlings combined 

Table 4. Melaleuca Control Summary for Aerial Application in the WCAs and Lake Okeechobee, 1994-2000. 

Year Hectares treated Cost/hectares ($) Total cost ($) 

Water Conservation Areas 

July, 1995 101 $601.34 $60,375 

June, 1996 240 $679.39 $163,054 

November, 1996 41 $723.17 $29,650 

February, 1997 283 $740.47 $209,554 

January, 1999 49 $760.53 $37,266 

February, 2001 777 $759.09 $589,823 

Total 1,491 $710.67 $1,089,722 

Lake Okeechobee 

May, 1994 526 $285.32 1 $150,000 

July, 1995 81 $596.29 $48,300 

June, 1996 165 $677.15 $111,731 

February, 1997 121 $742.21 $89,808 

December, 1997 41 $777.09 $31,473 

March, 1998 607 $761.31 $462,114 

January, 1999 761 $760.53 $578,763 


February, 2001 576 $386.17 1 $221,815 

Total 3,687 $638.20 $2,307,020 

Mitigation Land 

Pennsuco Wetland 

February, 1999 61 $758.68 $46,052 


Cell 17/18 


Total 215 $742.11 $159,598 

TOTALS 5,393 $696.99 $3,556,340 

1. VELPAR was used 

98

Lake Okeechobee—The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers originally introduced melaleuca to Lake Okeechobee 

in the late 1930s (Bodle et al. 1994). These trees were planted on low-lying islands immediately lakeward of the 

levee to protect the levee system from storm generated wind and wave erosion. From these limited plantings, 

melaleuca spread into many thousands of hectares of marsh within the lake. There were two main areas of 

melaleuca infestation in Lake Okeechobee. The first area includes the levee and marsh zone near the original 

planting sites. These sites are characterized by large, mature, extremely dense monocultures. The second 

includes the shallow marsh region of the lake where trees have spread lakeward. Melaleuca infestations in the 

outer marsh typically consisted of outliers and small groups of trees (heads) of varying ages. The lake has been 

divided into seven management sections, each with varying degrees of infestation. 

Melaleuca control operations on Lake Okeechobee began in August 1993. The goal of the melaleuca 

management program on Lake Okeechobee is to first contain, then progressively reduce, populations 

within the littoral zone. To date, significant headway has been made on the outlier trees and heads in the 

outer marsh. From July 1993 to October 2000, a total of 12,865,540 trees and 9,774,927 seedlings have 

been eliminated in the lake at a total cost of $5,148,053 (Table 5). The USACE has removed melaleuca, 

Australian pine, and Brazilian pepper from the landward side of the rim canal near Moore Haven and from 

the Kissimmee River to the Okeechobee Pier. The USACE has also provided funds to the District to 

eliminate melaleuca trees along the lakeward side of the rim from Moore Haven to Belle Glades. Phase I 

work has been completed throughout the marsh. Crews are currently sweeping through all the previously 

treated areas to treat regrowth and remove any recurring seedlings. A total of 3,687 hectares of melaleuca 

monoculture in the Lake were treated by aerial application at a cost of $2,307,020 (Table 4). As in the 

WCAs, this program is primarily ground-based herbicide application, although the development and 

implementation of a safe and effective aerial application for melaleuca control is critical to this project. 

Table 5. Melaleuca control summary for ground based application in Lake Okeechobee. 

FY TREES SEEDLINGS LABOR 1 COST/PLANT 2 TOTAL COST 

93 523,461 1,134,468 9,292 h $0.07 $211,159 

94 1,751,510 4,473,004 22,011 h $0.06 $388,841 

95 2,871,825 1,537,966 24,742 h $0.12 $525,559 

96 3,214,546 1,288,292 43,726 h $0.21 $952,485 

97 2,141,026 562,569 43,724 h $0.34 $920,756 

98 1,663,744 181,910 28,312 h $0.33 $612,700 

99 318,690 313,294 28,273 h $0.93 $587,735 

00 224,086 122,504 25,075 h $1.46 $506,353 

01 156,616 160,920 21,150 h $1.39 $442,465 

Total 12,865,504 9,774,927 237,013 h $0.55 $5,148,053 



Mitigation areas—Mitigation funds are used to acquire and enhance lands within the Pennsuco project 

located in Dade County, and Cell 17/18 in Broward County, Florida. The benefits of utilizing these areas 

for mitigation include eradication of exotic vegetation to ensure the enhancement, preservation, and 

maintenance of these wetland systems. 

The eradication of melaleuca is the only wetland enhancement activity that is planned for these areas. The 

purpose of the exotic eradication effort is to effectively manage melaleuca by containing and progressively 

reducing melaleuca populations within these project areas. The control program consists primarily of a 

ground based herbicide application and some use of aerial application in the dense monocultures. 

99

A total of 2,400 hectares of melaleuca have been treated by ground application within the Pennsuco 

wetland. The exotic control consisted of hand pulling seedlings and girdle treatment for isolated individuals 

and smaller infestations. Approximately 7,452,289 trees and 4, 181,865 seedlings were treated at a cost of 

$875,366 (Table 6). A total of 142 hectares of dense melaleuca monoculture was treated by aerial application. 

However, no aerial applications were conducted within the Pennsuco wetland during FY 01. Approximately 

40 acres of dense melaleuca was treated by ground application within Cell 17/18 at a total cost of $70,200 

(Table 6), and a total of 73 hectares were treated by aerial application (Table 4). 

Melaleuca control in the mitigation areas will continue as the District buys more land for mitigation 

purposes. The use of prescribed burning will facilitate seedling control and hopefully reduce the need for 

Phase II control, as well as help to maintain a mosaic of vegetation types within the enhanced sawgrass 

community. 

Table 6. Melaleuca control summary for ground based application within mitigation areas. 

FY TREES SEEDLINGS LABOR 1 COST/PLANT 2 TOTAL COST 

Pennsuco 

98 3,412,548 1,757,502 13,175 h $0.06 $301,398 

99 3,533,758 2,008,282 14,485 h $0.06 $338,471 

00 192,916 346,860 3,967 h $0.18 $98,319 

01 313,067 69,221 4,752 h $0.36 $137,178 

Total 7,452,289 4,181,865 36,379h $0.17 $875,366 

Cell 17/18 

01 473,900 144,060 2,350 h $0.11 $70,200 

Total 473,900 144,060 2,350 h $0.11 $70,200 



Conclusion—The operational and experimental work accomplished to date demonstrates that melaleuca can 

be effectively and consistently controlled using an integrated management approach. The ultimate control of 

melaleuca throughout the District will depend primarily on the future availability of funds. The magnitude of 

the threat of melaleuca and the cost of current control efforts are enormous. However, at the current rate of 

treatment, melaleuca should be under maintenance control in the Water Conservation Areas and in Lake 

Okeechobee within the next ten years. 

The elimination of melaleuca from the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, and other District managed lands may 

cause a temporary disruption of the native flora; however, any sign of disturbance caused by control treatments 

usually vanishes within one to two years. This temporary adversity is an acceptable event in ridding these 

natural areas of an invasive exotic pest plant. Only through melaleuca eradication can we insure the sustainability 

of these treasured wildlands. 

100

Research and Outreach 

Melaleuca Weevil Introduction Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

Explorations for potential biocontrol agents from Australia resulted in the collection of >450 arthropods 

associated with melaleuca. Among the most promising candidates, the melaleuca snout beetle (Oxyops 

vitiosa) was the first agent selected for testing. The weevil was found to be sufficiently host specific 

for release and in 1997 it was introduced at 13 locations in south Florida. Nascent populations were 

established at 9 of the original 13 release sites. 

Adults and larvae of the melaleuca snout beetle feed on young foliage produced on both saplings and 

older, mature trees. The larvae are the most damaging life stage, feeding on one side of a leaf through 

to the cuticle on the opposite side, which results in a window-like feeding scar. This damage may 

persist for months, ultimately resulting in leaf drop. 

101

The absence of weevils in certain melaleuca dominated regions is a cause for concern. To ensure 

regional impacts of the biological control agent are realized, a combined redistribution effort has been 

organized among USDA/ARS, BIPM, SFWMD, and the UF Agricultural Extension Service. The 

intent of this project is to collect weevils from currently infested sites and redistribute them to targeted 

areas for control. Proposed treatment sites were chosen in consultation with DEP and SFWMD. The 

sites chosen (in priority order) are: Everglades Buffer Strip-US 27, Everglades Buffer Strip-Thompson 

Park, Picayune Strand State Forest, Everglades National Park, Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve, 

and Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve. 

This is a multi-year cooperative project with a BIPM cost for FY00 of $73,700. USDA/ARS is providing 

in-kind service of a supervisory scientist and a vehicle. SFWMD provides $150,000 annually to 

support the USDA/ARS biocontrol program, but none of these funds is applied to weevil wrangling. 

Educational Wall Murals 

The Bureau of Invasive Plant Management and the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University 

of Florida, collaborated in the production of two plant photo-murals for educational purposes. The 

funding contribution from BIPM was $26,500. 

This large photo-mural of invasive non-native plants in the U.S. includes 10 species found in Florida 

and 27 found elsewhere in the country. The mural was produced as a teaching tool for science classes 

and management agency training, and for homeowners’ forums, ecology clubs, environmental advocacy 

groups, and others concerned about the onslaught of non-native plants in the United States. It was 

produced by the Center and BIPM, with support from Sea Grant, and with printing support from 

Cerexagri. Additional printing support came from the national Aquatic Plant Management Society, 

the Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society, and from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville 

Office. There is also a photo-mural depicting native wetland plants. Information on both murals can 

be found at: http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/mural.html 

102

Grazing Suppression Demonstration Project Invasive Exotic Plant Control 

The intent of this project is to a) determine whether intensive grazing can control kudzu and other 

invasive exotics such as cogon grass, climbing ferns, and privet, and b) to establish specific practices 

for using this application. Intensive grazing is a vegetation management strategy developed in New 

Zealand. Sheep have been used to control leafy spurge (Eurphorbia esula) in pastures and along rivers 

in Montana. In some cases, continuous grazing by sheep resulted in significant reductions of leafy 

spurge stem density and viable seed bank. An added bonus is that sometimes the use of sheep for weed 

control does not cost anything to the landowner, because they provide free forage for the sheep. The 

initial test of grazing suppression on kudzu was conducted at Tom Brown Park in Leon County. Other 

sites included in the initial scope of work include Miccosukee Canopy Greenway and the River Island 

Natural Area. This is a cost-share project with Leon County ($75,000) and the City of Tallahassee 

($35,000). The BIPM cost is $75,000 over three years, or $25,000 each for FY99, FY00, and FY01. 

103

Contract Assistance 

Other state agencies and other divisions within DEP receive funding to conduct land management 

activities, which may include exotic species control, on properties where they are designated as the 

manager by the Board of Trustees. The Bureau provides free assistance to these agencies by offering 

the use of its established contract procedures and contractors to perform exotics control projects, thus 

avoiding a duplication of effort. The Bureau handles all of the processing of these projects except for 

the actual release of funds, which are disbursed by the managing agency. The following projects were 

funded by another state agency during FY00, with BIPM overseeing the contractual arrangements on 

behalf of these agencies. 

DEP Division of Recreation and Parks Projects 

DRP County: Pinellas 

PCL: Caladesi Island State Park 


Caladesi Island State Park 

#1 Causeway Boulevard 

Dunedin, Florida 34698 

Phone: 727-469-5943, Fax: 727-469-5703 


Project ID: RP-014 Project Size: 30 acres 


Caladesi Island is a barrier island with natural communities consisting of beach, dune, pine flatwoods, 

maritime hammock, mangrove swamp, and tidal marsh. The beach is a sea turtle nesting area. The 

project area covers 30 acres and is the final phase of pepper removal from an original 100-acre infestation. 



DRP County: Alachua 

PCL: San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park 


San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park 

4732 Millhopper Road 

Gainesville, Florida 32653 

Phone: 904-462-7905, Fax: 904-462-7297 




San Felasco Hammock encompasses a diverse array of natural communities, including upland mixed 

forest, mesic hammock, bottomland forest, sandhill, hydric hammock, hardwood swamp, and springs. 

The park also contains limestone outcrops, sinkholes, and significant changes in elevation. 


Colocasia esculenta wild taro Category I foliar Rodeo 



Cinnamomum camphora camphor-tree Category I basal Garlon 4 

Aleurites fordii tung oil tree Category II basal/cut stump Garlon 4 

104

DRP County: Suwannee 

PCL: Ichetucknee Springs State Park PCL Size: 2,276.65 acres 


Ichetucknee Springs State Park 

Route 2, Box 5355 

Fort White, Florida 32038 

Phone: 904-497-4690, Fax: 904-497-3095 



Ichetucknee Springs is a first magnitude spring with an outflow of over 200 million gallons per day. 

Natural communities in the park include hardwood swamp, bottomland forest, upland hardwood forest, 

sandhill, spring-run stream, and springs. The park also hosts endemic snails and native orchids. 


Lygodium japonicum Japanese climbing fern Category I foliar Roundup/Garlon 4 


Wisteria sinensis Chinese wisteria Category II basal Garlon 4 

DRP County: Alachua 

PCL: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park 


Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park 

Route 2, Box 41 

Micanopy, Florida 32667 

Phone: 352-466-8081, Fax: 352-466-4297 




Paynes Prairie is an area of ecological, geological, and archaeological importance and supports numerous 

rare species of plants and animals. Natural communities of the park include marsh, wet prairie, pine 

flatwoods, hammock, hardwood swamp, and ponds. 


Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow Category I basal/foliar Garlon 4 



105

DRP County: Madison 

PCL: Suwannee River State Park PCL Size: 1,924.43 acres 


Suwannee River State Park 

20185 County Road 132 

Live Oak, Florida 32060 

Phone: 904-362-2746, Fax: 904-362-1614 



This park encompasses the confluence of the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers and contains numerous 

springs. Seepage stream, aquatic cave, upland mixed forest, bottomland forest, floodplain forest, and 

sandhill are among the thirteen natural communities of the park. 




Lygodium japonicum Japanese climbing fern Category I foliar Roundup/Garlon 4 

DRP County: Hillsborough 

PCL: Hillsborough River State Park PCL Size: 3,413.53 acres 


Hillsborough River State Park 

15402 US 301 North 

Thonotosassa, Florida 33592 

Phone: 813-987-6870, Fax: 813-987-6773 

Project ID: RP-019 Project Size: 53.3 acres 


This park is one of Florida’s oldest, created in 1934, and contains both natural and cultural resources. 

Natural communities include hydric hammock, upland mixed forest, mesic pine flatwoods, cypress swamp, 

and marsh. The river within the park contains one of the few rapids in the state. 



Paederia foetida skunk vine Category I foliar Roundup 

Solanum viarum tropical soda apple Category I foliar Roundup 

Lygodium japonicum Japanese climbing fern Category I foliar Roundup 

Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow Category I foliar Roundup 

Dioscorea bulbifera air potato Category I foliar Roundup 

Abrus precatorius rosary pea Category I foliar Roundup 

106

DEP Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas Projects 

CAMA County: Citrus 

PCL: Crystal River State Buffer Preserve PCL Size: 38,000 acres 

Site Manager: Department of Environmental Protection 

St. Martin’s Marsh Aquatic Preserve Complex 

3266 N. Sailboat Avenue 

Crystal River, Florida 34428 

Phone: 352-563-0450, Fax: 352-563-0246 

Project ID: MR-001 Project Size: 5,760 acres 


This preserve encompasses much of the coastal area between the Homosassa and Crystal Rivers. It is 

contiguous with the St. Martin’s River Aquatic Preserve, together protecting an estuary important to 

fisheries, wading birds, manatees, and other wildlife. Natural communities include hydric hammock, 

upland mixed forest, scrub, sandhill, and thousands of acres of marine tidal marsh and swamp. The 

previously pristine marshes have been invaded by Brazilian pepper from seeds brought in by the “No 

Name Storm” of 1993. 





CAMA County: Brevard 

PCL: St. Sebastian River State Buffer Preserve PCL Size: 21,944 acres 

Site Manager: Department of Environmental Protection 

St. Sebastian River State Buffer Preserve 

1000 Buffer Preserve Drive 

Fellsmere, Florida 32948 

Phone: 407-953-5004, Fax: 407-953-5006 

Project ID: MR-003 Project Size: 118 acres 


The Buffer Preserve was originated to protect the St. Sebastian River, but has been expanded to protect 

a significant area of high quality uplands. Predominantly mesic pine flatwoods, natural communities 

also include sandhill, scrub, scrubby flatwoods, bottomland forest, strand swamp, basin swamp, and 

depression marsh. The Carson Platt tract is a 5,300-acre addition to the preserve. 

(table of plants on following page) 

107



Casuarina equisetifolia Australian pine Category I basal/cut stump Garlon 4 

Psidium cattleianum strawberry guava Category I basal/foliar Garlon 4 

Eugenia uniflora Surinam cherry Category I foliar Garlon 4 

Lygodium microphyllum Old World climbing fern Category I foliar Garlon 4 

Abrus precatorius rosary pea Category I foliar Garlon 4 

Psidium guajava guava Category I foliar Garlon 4 




Solanum viarum tropical soda apple Category I basal Garlon 4 


Bambusa vulgaris bamboo n/a foliar Garlon 4 

Callitris columellaris cypress pine n/a basal Garlon 4 

CAMA County: Charlotte 

PCL: Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve PCL Size: 43,614 acres 


Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserves 

122301 Burnt Store Road 

Punta Gorda, Florida 33955 

Phone: 941-575-5861, Fax: 941-575-5863 

Project ID: MR-004 Project Size: 992 acres 


Charlotte Harbor is one of the largest and most productive estuaries in the state. Much of the Aquatic 

Preserve is composed of mangrove swamps, salt marsh, and salt flats, while the State Buffer Preserve 

adds dry prairie and scrubby flatwoods. The area supports a diversity of wildlife, including the 

endangered Florida scrub jay, bald eagle, and the West Indian manatee. While much of the buffer 

preserve remains in a natural condition, dense patches of melaleuca seedlings and scattered trees occur 

throughout the disturbed areas on the property. 


Melaleuca quinquenervia Melaleuca Category I cut stump Arsenal/Rodeo 

108

DEP Office of Greenways and Trails Projects 

OGT County: Marion 

PCL: Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway PCL Size: 81,290 acres 


8282 SE Hwy 314 


Phone: 352-236-7143 

Fax: 352-236-7121 

Project ID: GT-001 Project Size: 43 acres 



realized state recreation and conservation area. The Greenway is a 110-mile linear park that crosses four 

counties. The project area comprises two sites, Santos and Colby Woods, which total 43 acres. The 

project consists of a Spring treatment of cogon grass. 



OGT County: Marion 

PCL: Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway PCL Size: 81,290 acres 


8282 SE Hwy 314 


Phone: 352-236-7143 

Fax: 352-236-7121 

Project ID: GT-002 Project Size: 43 acres 



realized state recreation and conservation area. The Greenway is a 110-mile linear park that crosses four 

counties. The project area comprises two sites, Santos and Colby Woods, which total 43 acres. The 

project consists of a Fall treatment of cogon grass. 



109

Herbicide Bank Report 

Herbicide was ordered for those projects, in the Upland Invasive Plant Management Program, that 

were completed any time between 1998 and 2001. The herbicide was ordered to further help land 

managers with the expenses associated in controlling and maintaining invasive exotic plants on natural 

lands. An Access database was created to organize and keep track of all Herbicide Bank information, 

including amounts and costs. 

Calculations for the amount of herbicide ordered for projects were based on 25 to 50 percent of original 

use summaries (the summaries of herbicide use are taken from the Daily Progress Reports turned in by 

the contractors). Twenty-five percent of the original herbicide usage was given when treatment included 

trees and/or shrubs, while fifty percent of original usage was ordered when treatment included grasses 

and/or vines. Occasionally more or less percentage was given based on request, and when the need 

seemed evident. The amounts of surfactant ordered were based on amount of herbicide and usually 

reflected label recommendations. 

The type of herbicide ordered for re-treatment was also based on the project summaries given by the 

contractors. Generally, the herbicide ordered was the same used in the initial treatment. Different 

herbicides were ordered upon request when the change seemed to benefit the overall outcome of the 

project. For requests of herbicides different from the original treatment, amount ordered was based on 

equal cost. 

The following is a summary of the Herbicide Bank progress for FY 2000-2001: 

Total Number of Bank Projects: 116 

Total Gallons of Herbicide Ordered: 15,946.55 gallons 

Total Dollar Value of Herbicides Ordered: $1,062,491.19 

Total Expenditure for Herbicides in the Bank: $972,000.00 

110

Upland Operations 

Upland Operations Summary FY 1997-2001 

Acres Controlled, Cost/Acre And Cost Range includes all projects processed through the program, 

including contract assistance projects. Operational data is compiled only from projects for which 

complete Daily Progress Reports were submitted. 

2000-2001 

Acres Controlled Cost/Acre Cost Range Hours/Acre Gal Product/Acre 

Trees 11503 $228 $17-$4918 4.91 0.30 

Vines 985 $472 $98-$5082 7.05 0.16 

Shrubs-Grasses 494 $534 $35-$1786 13.98 1.07 

TOTALS 12982 $258 $17-$5082 5.39 0.31 

1999-2000 


Trees 1964 $727 $60-$5576 18.75 1.14 

Vines 744 $675 $344-$5186 13.67 1.15 


TOTALS 3098 $725 $60-$5576 16.42 1.19 

1998-1999 


Trees 1677 $489 $32-$2696 18.01 1.03 

Vines 804 $354 $149-$1832 15.41 0.42 


TOTALS 3078 $389 $32-$2696 15.32 0.78 

1997-1998 


Trees 1112 $486 $422-$1167 25.25 0.39 

111

Volunteers 

Volunteer Efforts in Upland Weed Control 

The Upland Invasive Exotic Plant Management Program does not contain a volunteer element, since 

the projects it funds are all outsourced under contract. On the other hand, land managers such as at the 

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve have used volunteers to complement projects funded 

through the program. As demonstrated by the City of Gainesville [see page 72], a project can be built 

around a volunteer effort like The Great Air Potato Roundup. Some agencies, such as the water 

management districts, have their own exotics control programs and do not seek funding from BIPM. 

Some of the districts use volunteers on a limited basis. The US Forest Service has used volunteers to 

treat exotics on Forest land and adjacent private lands. On occasion, the Upland Weeds program has 

been able to supply herbicide for a project performed with volunteer labor. Unlike other types of 

volunteer projects, treating exotics with herbicides requires adequate training and safety precautions, 

and carries concerns of liability; thus, most volunteer work is directed at mechanical control of exotics. 

Volunteers play an important role in an integrated weed management strategy, but they should never be 

used to substitute for professional weed control operations on public conservation lands. 

Due to the limited staff and funding of the Upland Weeds program, only a certain number of the 

proposed projects can be completed each year. This makes volunteer efforts critical for the land 

manger whose project is not funded, as weeds continue to grow whether or not money is available to 

control them—“Weeds Won’t Wait.” Also, private conservation lands are not eligible for program 

funding, so the managers are especially dependent upon volunteers. The Nature Conservancy’s 

GreenSweep is an example of a non-profit volunteer weed control program. The following table 

shows the contribution of TNC volunteers in removing exotics last year, a cost-saving effort TNC 

values at $42,308. 

TNC GreenSweep Upland Weeds Volunteer Hours 

Management Areas Acres Hours 

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge 5 35 

National Key Deer Refuge 1 1317 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park 20 489 

Key Largo Hammocks State Park 20 380 

Windley Key State Park 10 80 

Curry Hammock State Park 5 160 

Blue Heron Hammocks State Wildlife Environmental Area 10 13 

Dove Creek State Wildlife Environmental Area 10 90 

Old Settlers County Park 5 24 

West Summerland Key County Lands 50 114 

Tropical Coral Reef County FCT Lands 3 149 

Crains County FCT Lands 3 32 

Indian Mound County FCT Lands 10 36 

Anglers Park County FCT Lands 15 17 

Bay Haven County FCT Lands 5 13 

Anne’s Beach City Park 8 73 

TOTALS 174 3,022 

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The following are examples of volunteer efforts in upland weed control on public conservation lands, 

as identified by an informal BIPM survey. This was by no means an exhaustive survey, but it 

demonstrates the potential value and successful control that can be achieved with volunteers. 

Information provided by land managers on cost savings is generally defrayed labor cost, which is 

estimated at $8-$15 per hour. Contracted services for exotics control funded by BIPM average 

approximately $25 per hour. 

The Division of Recreation and Parks receives an enormous amount of volunteer support for the 

state parks. While these volunteers perform a multitude of tasks, the following table addresses only 

exotic control efforts. The estimated savings given are based on salary of $5.15 per hour plus benefits 

of $2.28 per hour, for a total of $7.43 per hour in saved labor cost. 

Division of Recreation and Parks - Exotic Plant Removal Volunteer Summary 

Parks District One 

Number of Number of Estimated Number of List of areas: Wakulla Springs, Topsail 

Units hours savings acres Preserve 

2 28 $208.04 Not available 

Parks District Two 

Number of Number of Estimated Number of List of areas: Manatee Springs, Ichetucknee 

Units hours savings acres Springs, Homosassa Springs, Rainbow 

12 4428 $32,900.04 Not available Springs, Paynes Prairie, Yulee Sugar Mill, 

Crystal River, Peacock Springs, Suwannee 

River, Stephen Foster, Dudley Farm, 

Withlacoochee Trail 

Parks District Three 

Number of Number of Estimated Number of List of areas: Ravine Gardens, Wekiwa 

Units hours savings acres Springs, Rock Springs Run, Lower Wekiva 

6 1539 $11,434.77 Not available River, Silver River, Tomoka River 

Parks District Four 

Number of Number of Estimated Number of List of areas: Fakahatchee Strand, 

Units hours savings acres Highlands Hammock, Hillsborough River, 

13 17,606 $130,812.58 322 Lovers Key, Collier-Seminole, Oscar Scherer, 

Honeymoon Island, Werner-Boyce Salt 

Springs, Koreshan, Gasparilla Island, Cayo 

Costa, Paynes Creek, Myakka River 

Parks District Five 

Number of Number of Estimated Number of List of areas: The Barnacle, Cape Florida, 

Units hours savings acres Jonathan Dickinson, John U. Lloyd, John 

10 13,025 $96,775.75 171 Pennekamp, Key Largo Hammocks, 

Lignumvitae Key, Oleta River, St. Lucie Inlet, 

Savannas 

The Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) has received assistance from 

AmeriCorps, EarthWatch, and individual preserve volunteers, and inmate labor. The Charlotte Harbor 

Preserves had 21 AmeriCorps volunteers and 9 preserve volunteers participating in exotic control 

work during January-May, 2001. A total of 6,438 hours of volunteer labor during the prior fiscal year 

provided CAMA an estimated savings (at $10/hr) of $64,380. 

Management Areas Acres Hours 

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves 305 1538 

North Fork St. Lucie River Buffer Preserve/Southeast Florida Aquatic Preserves 6 408 

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve 83.5 4492 

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The Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) currently has an active upland exotic plant removal 

program for the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. The program has developed through 

grant funding from BIPM as well as funding through the OGT budget. The grant projects included 

volunteer efforts, but volunteers were not directly involved in “killing weeds.” The main target invasive 

exotic plant on the Greenway is cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica). Due to the chemical control 

methods used to eradicate this exotic, contractors were hired to do the spraying and volunteers were 

involved in putting up signs at trailheads, writing articles for magazines and assisting land managers in 

tracking resprouts and new infestations. 

The OGT has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Marion County Sheriffs 

Office that, through the establishment of an inmate work farm on the Greenway, is eradicating cogon 

grass from old pasture areas. The prisoners use farm practices and machinery to eradicate the cogon 

grass. Following eradication, the land is used to cultivate crops for the prison. The final phase of the 

project involves the prisoners assisting OGT in restoring the natural community. The agreement is 

based on a 5-year cycle. Once the process is complete, the crew will move into another infested 

remnant pasture and initiate a new cycle. 

Since 1996, the Southwest Florida Water Management District SWIM Program has been awarded 

six federal AmeriCorps volunteer teams to perform exotic plant control and other habitat restoration 

tasks at the 650-acre Cockroach Bay (Hillsborough County) and 1,700-acre Terra Ceia (Manatee County) 

restoration sites. Each team used both chemical treatment and hand-pulling methods to control a 

variety of exotic plants, including Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, castor bean, and lead tree. Other 

volunteer organizations have worked simultaneously to install native upland trees and shrubs to compete 

with any future exotic plant resprouts. 

In Lee County since January 25, 1999, the Department of Corrections Ft. Myers Work Camp has 

provided work crews, consisting of four to six inmates and a Corrections officer, to work on invasive 

plant control projects in Southwest Florida. Fifteen projects have been completed to date. BIPM 

funded the original purchase of the tools and safety equipment and pays for herbicides, fuel, and 

equipment maintenance. Lee County has provided a passenger van and trailer for transporting the 

crew and equipment. 

The total project costs from January 1999 through December 2000 are $21,825.93 for herbicides, 

supplies, and repairs. The total area treated in the fifteen projects is 764 acres. Species controlled 

include Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, melaleuca, earleaf acacia, guava, wedelia, java plum, air 

potato, rosary pea, pothos vine, arrowhead vine, and downy rose-myrtle. Sixteen projects have been 

ranked for the current fiscal year. The total project area of these sites is 2010.5 acres, with an estimated 

total project cost of $57,440. 

In Martin County volunteers have removed upland exotic vegetation from 780 acres of public natural 

areas. The total number to date of volunteer hours dedicated to exotic removal is 1,087 hours. The 

estimated dollar savings in labor costs is $61,930.50, based on the average hourly rate of the county’s 

exotic removal contractors. The nine managed areas that have benefited from volunteer efforts include: 

Peck Lake, Rio Nature, Halpatiokee, Twin Rivers, Pendarvis Cove, Bessemer, IRSP, Kiplinger, and 

Sundial. 

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The Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Department, Natural Areas Management (NAM) has 

a volunteer program called “Adopt A Natural Area.” The program began in 1991 and has been active 

since then. Several of the natural areas have volunteer work days scheduled every year. NAM offers 

free guided walks through pineland preserves for workday volunteers who come to help remove fastgrowing 

exotic pest plants and debris that threaten the urban forests. Volunteers also get free pineland 

posters and guidebooks. The workdays are from 9 a.m. to noon. All hand tools are provided. During 

the previous two volunteer seasons, 1999-2000 and 2000-2001, volunteer hours averaged 794 hours 

with an estimated annual savings of $6,650. 

Natural areas sites that have benefited from volunteer efforts include: Boystown Pineland Preserve, 

Rockdale Pineland Preserve, Florida City Pineland, Hattie Bauer Hammock, Ned Glenn Pineland, 

Highland Oaks Park, County Line Scrub Preserve, Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, Rolling Oaks 

Park, Big George Hammock, Little George Hammock, Seminole Wayside Park, Castellow Hammock, 

Oak Grove Park, Arch Creek Park, The Deering Estate at Cutler, and Matheson Hammock 

St. Lucie County has been using volunteers for about five years on lands jointly acquired with several 

funding partners. The “Pepper Busters” meet once a month for four hours, although they usually take 

the summer months off. Over the last few years, the county has used volunteers several times at five 

sites, usually using them in highly visible areas where a chipper is used (along nature trails, entrances, 

etc). The county on average gets about 300 hours per year of assistance from the general public and 

inmates, which is estimated to be an annual cost savings of about $3,000. Natural areas sites that have 

benefited from volunteer work include: Indrio Savannahs, Spruce Bluff, Coon Island, Ocean Bay, and 

Ancient Oaks. 

The Withlacoochee State Forest has used volunteers only with one project, the coral ardisia eradication 

effort on the Headquarters Tract of the state forest. The volunteers have all come from the Hernando 

County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. They have supplemented the treatment of this 

exotic by manual pulling of the weeds and collecting berries on five acres. There are two work days 

per year and about 10 people show up for each, working from about 9:00 am to about 1:00 pm. 

Additionally, other volunteers pull berries from time to time in preparation for spraying. Total volunteer 

hours for the last three years is approximately 320 hours with an estimated savings (at $8/hr) of $2,560. 

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2000-2001 - Florida Invasive Species Partnership

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