Rocky Brushy Creek Watershed Mgmt. Plan (2007) -- Part 2

CHAPTER 8enhance drainage for rows of trees adjacent to the wetland. In the case of wetlands located inpastures, pasture grass is planted and cattle graze up to and through the wetland itself.Consequently, wetlands have no protective buffer zones; they are invaded by pasture grassspecies and other non-wetland plants; and they are the receiving waters for stormwater andirrigation runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers. Many wetlands are remnants of once largerhabitats.Native uplands and wetlands have been replaced by urban land uses (residential + commercial)and by agricultural land uses (Figures 8-3 and 8-4).Table 8-4Change of Uplands and Wetlands in the Rocky/Brushy Creek WatershedAcres in 1950 Acres in 2004 Acre Reduction % ReductionUplands 19,351 2,060 17,291 90%Wetlands 11,065 7,728 3,337 30%8.4.5 Prioritization of Restorable Habitat TypesUplandsBased on the ecological value and rarity within the watershed currently, Longleaf pine-Xeric oak(FLUCFCS 412) was identified as a priority upland habitat for re-establishment.WetlandsBased on their ecological value, Stream and Lake Swamp (FLUCFCS 615), Cypress (FLUCFCS621), Mangrove Swamp (FLUCFCS 612), and Saltwater Marsh (FLUCFCS 642) were identified ashigh priority for restoration.8-17Rocky/Brushy Creek Watershed Management Plan