RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 4/88
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SAND PINE
SCRUB PRESERVE #1 AND #2, QUANTUM PARK,
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA.
27 April 1988
by
Donald Richardson, Ph.D.
Ecological Consultants
7301 Summerbridge Drive
Tampa, Florida 33614
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Introductibn
As per the Development order proposed by the Treasure Coast
Regional Planning Council and the City of Boynton Beach,
approximately 40 acres of sand pine scrub vegetation was set
aside as a nature preserve within the Quantum Park (DRI) project.
Since most of the scrub within the above referenced project had
been severely disturbed by sporadic understory clearing and
livestock grazing, the said 40 acres was divided into two
disjunct sand pine preserves (Figure 1). Preserve #1 is located
north of N.W. 22nd Avenue and contains about 25.7 acres of sand
pine scrub and abandoned dry prairie/pine flatwoods ~abitats
(Figure 2A). Approximately 14 acres of this site is dominated by
sand pine scrub vevegation. Preserve #2 is located west of High
Ridge Road and south of N.W. 22nd Avenue and includes a mixture
of 13.0 acres of sand pine scrub and 1.3 acres of disturbed
grassland (Figure 2B).
The remaining 12 acres of sand pine scrub needed to meet the
40 acre requirement is microsited on many of the commercial
development lots throughout the project (Figure 3).
The purpose of this report is to define the proposed
management philosophy and methodology for longterm preservation
of these two preserve sites.
BASIC MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY
The objective of the resource management plan is to
preserve, through management, a representative sample of an
original Florida ecosystem, thereby maintaining the natural
3
diversity of both plants and animals.
RESOURCE DESCRIPTION
PRESERVE #1
Disturbances to plant communities have long been viewed as
an outside threat to the normal functioning of the community. In
the sand pine scrub community, the resilency of most of the
indicator species has been attributed to recovery via sprouting
from preexisting root stocks, as very few species in the scrub
recover via seed (i.e., Ceratiola ericoides and Pinus clausa).
The vegetation of the preserve area is characterized as
young or early successional sand pine scrub with scattered areas
of dry prairie/pine flatwoods. A total of 119 plant species (41%
are obI igate to sand pi ne scrub) have been observed wi thin the
preserve (Table 1). Although clearing of the understory and
thinning of the sand pine occurred prior to 1983, community
recovery is rapidly occurring.
The overstory trees are dominated by widely spaced sand pine
(pinus clausal (138 trees per acre) of at least two different age
cl asses (1"'-2121 year sand 2'" -3 5 year s). Tree core data from
established permanent plots indicates that the average age of
sand pine is 18.34 years old, with the oldest trees (19-36 years)
in the northeastern corner of the preserve. There were no trees
greater than 38 years, however, hundreds of young sapling are
scattered throughout the preserve. Trees vary in size from 2.7-
36.7 cm dbh, reaching heights of 37-46 feet.
The shrub layer is dominated by widely spaced scrub oaks
4
(Quercus myrtifolia, Quercus geminata), palafoxia feayi,
jointweed (polygonella polygama) and scrub mint (Conradina
grandiflora). Average stem densities were highest for myrtle oak
(93.8 stems per 5 x 5 m quadrat) and sand live oak (79.8 stems
per 5 x 5 m quadrat), while average height was 21.3 - 68.5 cm.
One year from the initial sampling effort,0em densities
-slightly decreased for both spec ies of oaks ~ but showed some
/ increase for jointweed (Polygonella polygama) and palafoxia feayi
I
/
I in the permanent sampling plots.
I
/ Changes in shrub stem densities over time for the Quantum
Park scrub communities is consistent with other scrubs in south
J ~orida. Recent data collected from HI year
~> '~Jonathan Dickinson State Park indicate that
field plots at
scrub species
composition remains fairly constant in mature scrub, however,
~tem densities in oaks shows a 2-3 fold increase/ Changes in
shrub densities within the preserve may not change much over the
next few years since most of the understory was reduced to the
ground surface in 1983.
Seed inputs from existing oaks will
require longer intervals before new seedlings can be detected.
The overall diversity is much higher than compared with
other mature scrubs or other areas within Quantum Park
(Richardson et al. 1986).
Except for the oaks, other
characteristic shrubs have begun to germinate in the open areas
of the preserve.
These shrubs include rosemary (Ceratiola
ericoides), rusty lyonia (Lyonia ferruginea), scrub mint
( Con r ad in a g ran d i f lor a), talI 0 ww 0 0 d ( X i m en i a am e r i can a) , and
5
jointweed (polygonella ciliata and ~ gracilis).
probably the most dramatic change in the shrub layer has
been the establishment of Ceratiola. Rosemary often does not
germinate until 2-5 years postfire, and its seedlings do not
reach reproductive maturity for 10 to 15 years. To date, more
than 25 2 year old shrubs have been observed throughout the
preserve area. Johnson (1986) has shown that stand biomass
increases slowly from 2 to 4 years, rapidly from 4 to 10 years
and less rapidly between 10 and 35 years.
The herbaceous component of the preserve area is represented
by 92 species, including a large proportion (35%) of weed species
that have colonized disturbed areas (i.e., brush piles, -trails
and even gopher tortoise mounds). The most common herbs include
broomsedge grass (Andropogon virginicus), Cyperus retrorsus,
Dichanthelium sabulorum, innonence (Euphorbia polyphyl1a), and
hairsedge (Bulbostylis ciliatifolia). Average percent cover for
the 8 permanent 1 x 1 m2 plots was 34% in 1987 and 30% in 1988,
showing a slight decrease which was largely attributed to a loss
of broomsedge grass from the plots. Even though the percent
cover decreased from 1987 to 1988, the number of species within
the 4 sampl i ng plots increased from 15 to 19. Thi s change was
due to an increase in the number of scrub endemics that have
germinated throughout the preserve.
Some of the more notable
species include Bulbostylis, Lechea, Euphorbia, Dichanthelium,
Aristida, Croton, and Liatris.
Ruderal components have invaded the margins of the preserve
6
due to past disturbance from livestock. Several horses and goats
from the adjacent property have periodically entered the
preserve. This has resulted in some areas being completely
denuded from horses rolling in the sand for insect protection.
Also the adjacent properties have been disturbed for such a long
time that the ruderal components are well established and
potential seed banks are high.
SCRUB FINGERS OF PRESERVE #1
Approximately 4 acres of sand pine scrub was created in an
effort to increase the total number of acres within the sand pine
preserve. A soil mulching technique utilized by the phosphate
industry was used to recover 4 acres from former sand pine scrub
slated for development on the project.
To date, the establishement of scrub vegetation on these
newly created ridges has been slow because of invasion by local
pasture grasses and weeds, drought, and localized disturbance
from livestock. with time, these areas within the preserve will
eventually become recognizable scrub in the early stages of
development and may be used to eliminate an equivalent amount of
scrub from other commercial lots within the project. However,
since scrub reclamation is in its infancy, this process may take
many years before these areas are acceptable to all parties
involved.
PRESERVE #2
Historically, this tract of scrub vegetation shares a
similar background with the preserve north of N.W. 22nd Ave. in
7
that the understory was cleared in the early 19813's.
what's
~interesting about ~his 14 acres is thaT TPgpneration of sand pine
h~.!? been prolif ic. This indicates that the type of mechan ical
~isturbance used to clear the understory vpgPTaTion ;n this
-'---
portion of the scrub caused l~.~ aisturbsRcQ nf soil profiles
when contr~_eted wi~!t the area to the north or conditions were
more favorable for seed dispersal and/or germination.
Most of the area north of N.W. 22nd Ave. was cleared with a
root rake which caused severe mechanical disruption and
alteration of soil profiles.
Thi s type of clear ing tends to
remove a vast amount of underground roots and corms which would
normally germinate with time. It appears that the 14 acres south
of the N .W. 22nd AVe. was mowed, raked, or bulldozed in a
slightly different fashion since many more endemic species and
sand pine have germinated over the past 5-6 years.
The site is dominated by sand pine (pinus clausa) which
range in size from 15-41 cm dbh reaching heights of 16-17 meters.
Most of the trees lean to the west because of offshore sea
breezes.
Tree core data indicates that most of the larger sand
pine range in age from 21-45 years (Table 2). Existing sand pine
densities within the preserve average about 45 trees per acre.
Sand pine recruitment from existing seed bank reserves and
periodic release by mature trees has been prolific for this
scrub. Seedling densities range from 28/3 to 34/3 trees per acre.
The shrub layer is dominated by scattered sand live oak
(Quercus geminata), rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides), Palafoxia
8
feayi, jointweed (polygonella polygama), saw palmetto (Serenoa
repens), and scrub mint (Conradina grandiflora) (Table 3). A
large portion of the tract is covered with a dense mat of love
vine (Cassytha filiformis) which has killed many scrub mints.
Most of the young rosemary appear to be about 3-5 years old based
on nodal counts.
The herbaceous layer is composed of wiregrass (Aristida
gyrans), silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia), scrub sedge
(Rhynchospora megalocarpa), hairsedge (Bulbostylis ciliatifolia),
sand spike moss (Selaginella arenicola), Dichanthelium sabulorum,
prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa), natal grass
(Rhynchelytrum repens), broomsedge grass (Andropogon virginicus),
and sawbriar (Smilax auriculata) (Table 3).
Within the sand pine scrub preserve, approximately 1.3 acres
along the western edge of the site (Figure 2B) is best classified
as ruderal vegetation. It appears that these areas were once
utilized as dump sites for building and residential debris.
These areas support a thick grass layer composed of several weedy
or exotic species. The dominant species include bahia grass
(Paspalum notatum), broomsedge grass (Andropogon virginicus),
natal grass (Rhynchelytrum repens), wild grape (Vitis
munsoniana), and pokeweed (Phytolacca americana). Other
associates include dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), Caesar
weed (Urena lobata), begger-ticks (Bidens alba), dwarf horseweed
(Conyza canadensis), Sida cordifolia, periwinkle (Catharanthus
roseus) and Bra z i I i an pepper (Schi nus terebi nthi fol ius) (Table
9
3) .
within the disturbed vegetation, open sandy areas are
dominated by a mixture of sand pine scrub species, most notably,
sand live oak, jointweed, pawpaw (As imina reticulata), fetter
bush, prickly pear cactus, Palafoxia feayi, and tread softly
(Cnidoscolus stimulosus) (Table 3).
MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES
In the stated objectives for the management of the property,
there are major responsibilities for the longterm preservation of
the vegetation, wildlife, and soils, plus the area's natural
resources. In this role, the following comments are reasonable
judgements as to the management "state of the art", so that the
preserves will be sufficiently protected for the future and not
just short-term realities. Assessment of impact and management
recommendations are based on field observations, comparison of
past records, and a review of pertinent literature.
Fire Management
Fire has a necessary historical role in the perpetuation of
sand pine scrub and maintaining its diversity of vegetation.
Man's efforts to suppress fires and the development of firebreaks
provided by human activity (i.e., roadways) have created the need
for investigating prescribed burning programs to maintain sand
pine scrub.
Maintenance of sand pine forests fit a general
classification scheme where high intensity crown fires occur only
once in the lifetime of sand pine or about every 30-60 years
I,
10
(Harper 1915, 1927; Webber 1935; Laess1e 1958, 1967; Christensen
1981) and have virtually defied man I s control efforts (Johansen
and Cooper 1965; Hough 1973).
Plow-lines are ineffective and
actions of people, equipment and tools on the ground are usually
futile.
Due to the potential devastation of these types of
wildfires, attempts at fire suppression have been the norm in
F10r ida for more than 30 years.
The unpredictable nature of
these fires, their infrequent occurrence, and the lack of
information on conditions favorable for planned ignition in scrub
habitats, have not allowed for the application of prescription
burning.
Except where sites were totally mechanically prepared and
treated as slash burns as in the Oca1a National Forest, to date,
there are only a few examples of prescribed management fires that
imitate a control crown fire in sand pine scrub communities
(Cooper 1972) (which are found in central and southern F10r ida
/~
dominated by pinus c1ausa var. c1ausa). winter prescribed fires
h a v e bee nus e d e x ten s i vel y wit h laU c h s u c c e s sin the
Choctawhatchee sand pine communities (which are found in northern
Florida dominated by pinus c1ausa var. immuginata), as the
understory fuels associated with this community are light and
produce low intensity fires at this time of the year (Cooper
1972). However, wildfires continue to be the rule and literature
on 'n sand pine scrub is limited.
t. a1. (1987) successfully burned two
separate sand pin
rub preserves in Boca Raton using a modified
<;
11
fuel model to develop an effective prescription for burning sand
pine scrub under controlled conditions.
The results of these
contrQ11ed burns suggest that an effective, safe means exists to
---.--.-----
l:?_u~!!.-_ sand pine scrubs in a developed landscape, prov iding thi.s
option_~s available without smoke managpm~nt proh1pms and it
wea ther cond i-t io.ns_ .dic..t..ak-PL.e.s.cI: iption bUl;niD5iJ-....oL-the Quantqm
Park scrubs is possible.
Management options for these two preserves range from a
decision 1) to do nothing and let nature take its course; 2} to
manage for the maintenance of a viable scrub ecosystem, which
implies the natural biota, or 3} to focus management on the needs
of one or more species.
The decision to emphasize ecosystem or
species management depends on the entity responsible for
management, type of preserve, management objectives, area of the
preserve and the nature of the surrounding lands.
-X--Within the sand pine scrub preserves of Quantum Park. the
management objectives should focus on 1) maintenance of normal
ecosystem processes which include the perpetuation of endemic
scrub plants and animals,
2} the conservation of local soil
-
characteristics which support the vegetation; 3} maintenance or
-
.---
restoration of normal hydrologic conditions; and 4} the
-
prevention of establishment of exotic species.
Prior to the formulation of a step-by-step approach for the
maintenance of these two preserves, it has been decided that each
preserve will be divided into several smaller components in order
-----------.--
to provide mixed stands of different ages.
Based on the life
,
12
history characteristics of the sand pine (pinus c1ausa) and
rosemary {Ceratio1a ericoides~;-;:;;=~~ year burn ~been
adopted for this study. This was based on the specific mortality
traits of sand pine (senescence at 59-69 years) and rosemary
(senescence at 29-39 years). To further age each preserve, tree
core data was gathered from randomly selected sand pines
scattered throughout each preserve (Table 4).
Using this data,
the scrub community of each preserve was divided into definable
tracts that will be used to maintain the ecological diversity of
the scrub (Figures 4A and 4B) .
FUEL MODEL
The chaparral/high pocosin/mature shrub model (NFFL Model 4)
(Anderson 1982), was considered suitable as a base for developing
a fuel model for the sand pine scrub communi ty in central and
south Florida (Table 4). NFFL Model 4 presupposes a brush/shrub
fuel understory six or more feet high, flammable foliage, a
nearly continuous secondary overstory, with heavy loading of live
and dead fine wood y mater ia1 s.
Except for the more scattered
understory, this is very similar to the sand pine scrub of the
Quantum Scrub and seemed likely to be accurate in predictions of
fire behavior in these fuels.
Unlike some of the western brush
types, which can usually be burned quite successfully under less
than extreme conditions (Wright and Bailey 1982), sand pine has
been virtually impossible to prescribe burn, and rarely burns
except under the most extreme conditions (Cooper 1972).
Prescription parameter development for a sand pine scrub
13
burn in southeastern Florida was based on a number of restrictive
conditions relating to each scrub site: both preserves are
surrounded by local or large scale development, preserve #1 is
adjacent to a proposed city park, and preserve #2 will be
surrounded by industrial or commercial lots and possib1~ a hotel
--"-
to the north. For permitting purposes, the stagnation index~as
-.~
required to be below 7 (Florida Department of AgrIculture -1-9'76).
Environmental parameters used to establish fire behavior
predictions needed to provide for a reasonably intense fire in
order to ensure that the sand pine scrub fuels would burn, yet be
of moderate enough nature to be relatively certain of having
acceptable fire behavior and smoke conditions.
The following
ranges of prescription parameters will be used in the scrub
model: midflame windspeed of 3-7 mph; wind direction easterly-
southeasterly; relative humidity 45%-69%; 1 hour dead fuel
moisture < 11%; live woody fuel moisture 25%-75%; dry bulb
temperature 75-85 of; and cloud cover < 19%. Values outside of
the indicated ranges were also tested in the model but found to
be unacceptable (Doren et. al. 1987).
Fuels like the chaparral, which contain highly volatile
compounds (we considered sand pine scrub such a fuel), require
more preparation for prescribed burning than other fuel types
(Wright and Bailey 1982).
Because of the maximum spotting
distance of 0.4 miles (0.64 km) and a Probability of Ignition of
79, some site preparation will be considered necessary in order
to ensure a successful burn and protect the values at risk.
,
14
SITE PREPARATION
Three to four weeks prior to each burn, 10-29 m wide strips
around each proposed bu rn site will be cr ushed us ing a sma II
empty, roller drum-chopper (Model SL-7, Marden Manufacturing).
One pass over the vegetation, with drums set parallel to each
other, will be sufficient to produce a light slash, without
appreciable soil disturbance or fuel compaction. A narrow (2-4 m
wide) fire lane will be established around each preserve prior to
each burn in order to prevent the.Rorsibility of a fire escaping
/ i
into adjacent development lots. ~Of the sand pines within the
chopped area will be dropped into the site to prevent spotting
and to create hot-spots to help prepare a seed bed and open
areas. Approximately 10-l5 days will be required without rain in
order to dry out the crushed fuels sufficiently and reduce fuel
moisture to prescribed levels.
Within Preserve #1, the dry prairie/pine flatwoods areas
will be burned separately from the canopied areas of scrub. Due
to the nature of the dry prairie, it may be necessary to
herbicide some of the grass pre-burn in order to stimulate the
seeding of scrub species from the existing adjacent ridge.
The sand pine fingers will not be regularly burned for at
least 20 years except in areas now dominated by bahia grass. The
most southern finger has been invaded from the west by bahia
grass, nut sedge, and Ceasar's weed.
These three species
indicate that soil conditions may not be suitable for ~ongterm
scrub survival since bahia grass will most likely out-compete
'2
:3
4.
l5
\,
early scrub colonizers. In an effort to eradicate these
troublesome species, areas of bahia grass will be herbicided and
then mulched with hay or other suitable materials in order to
increase fuel loads. The area will then be burned and a thin
layer of scrub top soil will be broadcast over the burned areas.
This should help the establishment of scrub species.
Since these species are scattered over other areas within
the scrub fingers, herbicide without mulching will be used on a
local scale. The entire area will be seeded with sand pine which
can be purchased through the Division of Forestry. Small scrub
oaks and other nursery grown stock will be planted to form small
islands within each of the fingers.
Since the oldest trees occur in the northeastern corner of
the sand pine scrub of Tract #1, the interior core of the oldest
trees will be left standing for the burn. The sand pine around
the fringes will be dropped in place after the area is roller
chopped (Figure 5A). The remaining areas will also be chopped,
however, no sand pine will be felled. This will allow seed input
from the trees left standing as a result of seed release
following the fire.
Tract 2 will be roller chopped in a similar fashion to that
of Tract 1. Two small islands of vegetation will remain standing
with no mechanical alteration. The other areas will be roller
chopped and the sand pines dropped in place (Figure 5A). In
order increase diversity and to prevent the unaltered areas from
S ignition during the burn, these areas will be watered by a
16
temporary sprinkler system at least one day pre-burn. This will
increase the water content of the vegetation and make it
difficult to ignite. Burning will occur between the months of
December and February, following a wet month. If drought
conditions prevail prior to the scheduled burn and the drought
index is high, it should be postponed until conditions favor a
controllable fire. The exact firing pattern of the burn will be
decided by the burning agency (i.e., Division of Forestry,
private firms, or local government) on the day of the burn. Head
fires will be used were applicable to simulate the fire behavior
(and effects) of naturally occurr ing fires, and to ensure as
complete a burn of the vegetation as possible.
All existing structures (i.e., boardwalks, fence posts, etc)
that may have been constructed within the preserve at the time of
the burn should be protected by herbiciding in advance of the
burn and then raking down to mineral soil to remove debris from
around the structures. This would reduce the fine fuels
necessary to carry a ground fire.
Since the site is currently being utilized as a relocation
site for gopher tortoise and Florida mice, all burrows should be
~ flagged prior to roller chopping. If the preserve is fenced at
the time of the burn, access should be made to the closest point
7 of entry by removing a section of fence to reduce damage to the
remaining unburned areas and reduce soil disturbance. This can
be coordinated with the on-site property association and the City
of Boynton Beach.
17
Preserve #2 was also divided into 2 separate burn areas
(Figure 5B) based on the natural contours and the existing
disturbed areas within the preserve.
Each burn site will be
roller chopped in a similar fashion as Preserve #1 so that small
islands of standing vegetation remain (Figure 5B). All sand pine
on the margins of each tract will be dropped in place to prevent
spotting in nearby vegetated areas.
The fuel model and
prescription used on Preserve #l will also be utilized for these
burns.
A temporary watering system will also be utilized for
those areas that will not be burned.
BURN SCHEDULE
The following burn schedule will be utilized for the sand
pine preserves at Quantum Park:
Preserve #1
Tract #
123
Preserve #2
Tract #
1 2
Year
1988
1993
1998
2903
2008
2013
2018
2923
2028
2033
2038
2043
2948
2053
2058
2063
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
The burn schedule was design to fit the existing age distribution
within each sand pine parcel. The sand pines within Tract #1 of
preserve #1 average about 30-35 years of age. Since this is the
7
~
<1
10
fI
IJ.
l8
oldest portion of the scrub on this ridge, burning will occur in
20 years when the trees begin to reach senescence. Some of the
older trees will be left to reach old age without the effect of
burning. Seeding into the burned areas will occur from the
existing margins of the scrub. Tract #2 will be burned in
app rox imately 30 years when the trees reach matur i ty. The dry
~
prairie/pine flatwoods community will be burned every 5 years in
order to stimulate new growth of herbs and grasses for local
gopher tortoise populations. Areas within the prairie that are
invaded by scrub species will be excluded in the following burn
year. This will promote the development of scrub islands within
the dry prairie system. The exact areas to be excluded in each
subsequent burn will be decided by the City Forester or a private
consultant prior to the prescribed burn.
Sand pine within Preserve #2 range in age from ll-37 years
with an average age of 19.5 years. Since no age specific
distribution exists within this preserve area, the site was
randomly divided to be burned on a 30 and 59 year rotation,
beginning with tract #l of preserve #2. Tract #2 will be burned
in the opposite rotation sequence (50 and 30 years) to allow for
ecological diversity for local wildlife and plants.
AGENCIES AND MATERIALS FOR BURNING
Prior to each burn, a permit for burning will be obtained
from the city forester. The burning will be coordinated with the
city fire department who may be able to assist with fire
protection equipment at the time of the burn. The State Division
13
cY'\
DOY
19
of Forestry will be contacted to disk existing fire lanes or to
create new lanes depending on the conditions of the surrounding
fuels and vegetation.
If used, all fire plowing will be kept to
a minimum depth (3 to 6 inches). The burn will be conducted by a
private agency such as Forest Resources Management, 1528 Hendry
Street, Fort Myers, Fl. 33901.
Depend ing on the weather
conditions on the day of the burn, the Florida Highway Patrol
will be notified about possible smoke problems on I-95.
Crew size and equipment will be determined by the agency
conducting the burn. The estimated cost, based on 1988 figures,
(SCRvlo AR€Cl.)
for the above work will be about $8,000.00 for burning 10 acre
blocks.
The cost for burning less acreage may be slightly less,
however, mobilization costs will be very similar. The above cost
estimate includes any changes necessary to the burn plan,
chopping the site, coordination with local and state agencies,
man-power to conduct the burn, and permit acquisition from city
and state agencies. The cost, based on 1988 figures, for burning
the dry prairie will be about $l,500 to $2,000 for coordination,
permits, and on-site burning.
If burning turns out to be an unacceptable means for
maintaining the existing scrub, due to smoke management or
excessive explosive fuels, then mechanical means such as roller
chopping will be utilized.
This alternative method will require
an empty roller chopper that will bend and break the vegetation
near ground level, causing minimal soil disturbance.
The use of
a water filled chopper would cause severe soil disturbance which
20
could effect the longterm survival of these scrubs.
The chopped
.
vegetation would then be removed from the site to allow scrub
regeneration.
Since most of the seed trees would be removed,
these areas could then be seeded wi th sand pine by using the
methodology utilized in the Ocala National Forest.
Mechanically
seeding some areas and not other would provide scrubs of various
age classes, a benefit for longterm survival of many of the scrub
animals.
~
Implementation of the above management plan will require the
financial commitment from the local property association and the
commitment by the City of Boynton Beach.
In contrast to the above scrub management plan,
approximately 1.3 acres of ruderal vegetation within preserve #2
14,
should be immediately altered to allow the establishment of scrub
-
vegetation. These previously disturbed areas along the west edge
--
of the site should be herbicided, mulched as described above and
--
burned.
A thin layer of scrub soil could then be scattered over
the burn areas and then the area seeded with sand pine.
-
Prescribed burning would require the formation of a sandy
fire break between the existing scrub and the ruderal vegetation.
Burning should occur when the winds are out of the east to
prevent smoke management problems on the interstate highway.
This would force the flame front to the west, away from the sand
pine scrub vegetation.
Once the disturbed areas have been burned, sand pine seeds
should be broadcast and slightly trenched into the sand about 2
21
inches. Other trees such as sand live oak could also be planted
in these disturbed areas to simulate oak thickets which could be
utilized by scrub jays as suitable nesting sites.
Observations
from other scrubs indicate that oak thickets with as few as 5
trees have been utilized as nesting sites by scrub jays. Two
/) small oak thickets will be planted within the disturbed areas.
Each thicket will be planted with 5 field grown sand live oaks
which range in height from 5-7 feet. The trees will be placed in
a pattern to produce a dense canopy required for nesting.
~
The burning of the ruderal vegetation within Preserve #2
would require a permit from the City Forester and coordination
with the City of Boynton Beach fire department.
EXOTIC PLANT REMOVAL
One of the most serious threats to any native plant
community in south Florida is the invasion of exotic vegetation.
Exotics can modify normal ecological processes or relationships,
including predator-prey and herbivore-plant relationships,
nutrient and energy cycles, and soil-building and erosion
processes.
It has also been shown that the general stability of
Florida's natural communities is also reduced.
Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and punk tree
(Melaleuca quinquenervia) do occur within the preserve areas. An
on-going treatment program was initiated on the 20 May 1987 by
treating the base of each shrub or tree with herbicide (Garlon
I~
4) .
The eradication process will be extended to all non-scrub
(-
species throughout the preserve areas in order to reduce unwanted
22
seed banks which may affect the long-term survival of the scrub
community.
The above management plan provides a step-by-step program to
fulfill the requirements of the Development Order and the
Treasure Coast Reg ional Plann ing Counc i 1 . Modi f i cat ions to the
above plan may be in order as new information becomes available
concerning the fire ecology of the sand pine scrub community.
23
Figure 1. Location of Preserve #1 and Preserve #2
within the Quantum Park project, Boynton
Beach, Florida.
'\ ,'".l.,)
" ."'_.....-~. ,... .~- ~~ ---
( .~ i-."-
.,.:: 10
" I: .
, ~
Preserve #2
a ~.-
~D1:7
% .-k r:.! ()~ f\ ::'"};[}O .
~~:=fl" A~j '\ J::J 110
\.r t'C._ _.._ _
Figure
2A.
24
Aerial
scrub,
'w i t h i n
photograph showing areas
dry prairie, and the dry
Preserve #l.
of sand pine
retention pond
"
-.'0" \
, ':'-.0. ".""",f .......
~...., "" 0''''
.( " ,'t'i f<:'
"'--. ~.~ ,.;.I:'.,
r~
."
,..
" I
t . ~,;,c.
~.
"'t
J.(~:~"J ~t
~~J'or\
. r'!;"~'j
~ ..,~
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.j. t ..Ir.'/~;.:; .
" ,,~. ";.. '
. I' /' 'Jf.~.,
. " /
.. ,;. 'I, f I,
...
,..
(
, ,. ~,
'.~ \
'\r~'.!.
~r
.1 J ,!04;
.. ,
..
.~...
l~
DRY
PRAIRIE
.'.
'1J ..f,' "
. ./ ~ ,..
.1' ., ,. . .
~\~f ~ ~ )., 11 .'
-t;jl' ,,,,~,., .:
"1 t,~ (.n. ~f
. '~'~". l"~, .~~;.~\:" '..
1 ti.~~~,~
. 19 /~~t~
~~)~'~~{~
..," I,. ~
7~
l'"
ft' ~\
< .r
Ot..,;-':
.... ...,
.('~...~ \~
......... ~::; ,:..,,-!
L : ''',\", _.
....... Pr.".. _ f;..
~&,.i~1
~~~ ~I ~: ".J...t
I . . ..:-!-~"JI
~ ~.,....,
~ ?:.~
{.~.:.,
:'.r~..; !,_
I. .p;'~
/'.
<.
{~...
..
""
t '
f\.+,
~ '"f;.
\i.r:-;
" ~ It~
1
:',
.. t-
r"'(I,!,
25
Figure
2B.
Aerial photograph
scrub and ruderal
showing areas of sand pine
vegetation within Preserve
#2.
Figure 3. Microsited Areas that support sand pine scrub
. vegetat ion.
26
21
'f'igUt:e 41\.
BU~n ttactS to~ p~ese~~e '1.
.' ." ~
r"
,.
. ~
.
.
t"" .
r(:;;~~ J~f,
~~.:~~; ::
.~ '.'
~
~,t .,"
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.j.. f' ..,}Y,I';":'
, ,.;' "/ ",'
I. /,,'J; ,:,.~
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k.r ~,
':'[
J ~.
,I ~-j /.
~>... I
i
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~r
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;'
t,
."
, .
,<"':...::
2'"
,
.~
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~J; .~
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;~~ ,. ~ .,.t }\.\!
_'~"~ ," ,ti"~' .:
~ ~~ ti (.~. ~,
~,.,."'i"_~""JJJ .',
... ~" .,.}}"t"\' ..
A'\~~'~;~" . .,i;",,,
'J(~-. ;,41".
:J; ~~ I "!
1.'1"':;;"/'1
. ~:~:~' \:~.,
0:--'
!~
TRACT 3
.
.~..
,-
p~ ~.\
. ,r
~"'. ~'..
fY.l''', '
:~ _.r.
(~.._ I..
.~~~:; :.;!
'f{ ..t
~f":"!
,,:....,1.
$'~' t"',~...;'/
. .W!
;"
~.~. .
-;,ff.
r.r':.'
"~\ .i "...;
.' ,f..
~.'
?,',
"'5 t.J .i
<<
..
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... ".
I f~
~' ii.
, ,. .
1..
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,."",i~
-----
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....\...'
----..-..-.-----------
28
Figure 4B.
Burn tracts for Preserve i2.
~,
"
Tract 1
l
lJ
(
(.
,
';
..
If...
k
Figure SA
29
Areas within Preserve tl that must be roller chopped
(diagonal lines) prior to the prescribed burn.
~
r
. ,.
~
..
Roller chop
Trees up
r~).
...... t .....
, ...
~.
,.
"
;;.
r
., .
'{..i 11'",,, "
I
60,.'-1
,
, r ' 'I/.
,~
,..,
.f.
...
,..
'r
,'''~
..
..
i. .to ,
.,' 'I.~'
i ..'
I,~. :....:.
. . .t' .l'1.
<I .....": ......... ,,~
't \,',..tf: .
"1:;;'
Scrub
1""",~,,~,:,
~.~t!,. ..,'"it
l;,"':./ ,''''to
" 'f I
. ~ .
Roller chopped
Trees down
... {
~,' .
(':' .,..
../'I .;, _I
-,
!', 0-
f .. f' ~.
r;');~..~ ..
.. ''''r~
... f--
~.:.. ;~
naltered
Scrub
,
..,,~
'"i..1 ""
.....r...
. ~ .'
~'.'
~
"
., of
. '...
,,-,
,
:f',:;.
4 "1-
" ,."
,
,~ it,
J
.~
,\o~...:. ,-....
~ .
"'" '..,
r, ,
r~({ _
Unaltered Scrub
Figut:e 5B.
30
~<eas ~ithin p<ese<ve 12 that must be <olle< chopped
(diagonal lines) prlo< to the prescribed burn
...i~ ~ ,; ......
'l."~ke,. . ., J" :t
.V'~~\~, \ ,'( '" .;~' ,; I'
'.~' ~:1J' :<..;.. ,,:r :,. ,a
~; " ~.,.; j"''' 't.i!" ' (
,'. :~, ."\ ". ' '.. i.: I
.t.t.. ~. <_.. ..v." !o'\..~,.,... ...,',
..~ '~... ,.,;"",...../ ::.i;:..~' "'0"1." .
.....'.. ..~".i}.::......... fo ...'
,<;" ;'.$ .,.r'.;:'':''':''' ~ ' ....
~;:!':~,,\ ""I~.~{l\i\\"";'" ~i. '7--
t-1.~ ~ ;~;';!~:, ,f' 1 ,...r ~,
~ji,;' .~~.. ".~ ',';J /,' :.:i:
l'.'.' ~.., ~'.,I\: "..' ,',
f' ! ,f', I .....1 ,~"
.... , ~,. -:-.',~' ~
.. ):> ': '~.H'> ,
~) 00 ~ . ~~f~~"~~,i.,[~.~~~"~:~::, .. ~
. "'l~;'''' :~-,,,,.,)~ .;. ... . ,\~. ,,:',
. " ' .~~,... . ,. ,..,-' . '
I ",.., ~.I:':':"~"" '. ',...
b '.. "\b';1 ,.~ , '
r "'f,'\\t,~:"', !:.;.
~/'':J':~' !l;'" .. ,;\ "
\,K~!-4~:' A~;:}J. ~.\ L' ...,~ ': ~
.' ~ ':;0;;", " .:;!.~\~ .". ... n,l ~ ','
':-<v' .~ ," .,'0:.' ..
." . JFlt;" .... $'.... II: ...
...;,; . ".t--.:r ;:, . ).....;,:=,.. ~ ....'
'w .... I ''''. '. ..' .. ,).' ..".
;'" ...,,, .:1, .~ "_' ",. . lo' t
1"... ,\' '.." ~!\" "J"i-"
t,,'~..i''';<: <,\~....
,~~")~ .;. ,~.
\...~. ,:;.
{..i:t
{.
Ro11er
chopped
Trees up
": Una1ter
Scrub
..
'.
'~'
...
una1tered
scrub
~.',,~.
,.t"
'" \\,
),;1'4'
"g,(I' :
Unal tel
scrub
Ro 11 er choppe(
Trees down
Una1tered Scrub
Ro11er chopped tre
,..,",::,;t'
," '
"J~,
31
Table 1. Checklist of the vascular flora for the Sand pine
Preserve il at Quantum Park, Boynton Beach.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Trees
Acacia auriculaeformis
Ficus aurea
Ilex cassine
Melaleuca quinquenervia
pinus claus a
Pinus elliottii
Sabal palmetto
Earleaf Acacia
Strangler fig
Dahoon holly
Punk tree
Sand pine
Slash pine
Cabbage palm
Shrubs
Asimina obovata
Asimina reticulata
Befaria racemosa
Ceratiola ericoides
Conradina grandiflora
Gelsemium sempervirens
~lex glabra
Licania michauxii
Lyonia ferruginea
Lyonia lucida
Palafoxia feayi
Quercus chapmanii
Quercus geminata
Quercus myrtifolia
Rubus trivialis
Sabal etonia
Schinus terebinthifolius
Serenoa repens
Vaccinium myrsinites
Ximenia americana
PawPaw
PawPaw
Tarf10wer
Rosemary
Scrub mint
Yellow jassamine
Gallberry
Gopher plum
Rusty lyonia
Staggerbush
Palafoxia
Chapman's oak
Sand live oak
Myrtle oak
Blackberry
Scrub palm
Brazilian pepper
Saw palmetto
Huckleberry
Tallowwood
Herbs
Abrus precatorius
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Andropogon virginicus
Aristida gyrans
Aristida spiciformis
Aristida stricta
Asclepias curtissii
Aster tortifolius
Balduina angustifolia
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia
Cassia chamaecrista
Roasary pea
Ragweed
Broomsedge grass
wiregrass
Bottlebrush threeawn
wiregrass
Curtiss milkweed
White-topped aster
Yellow buttons
Hair sedge
Partridge-pea
Cassia nictitans
Cassia occidentalis
Cassytha filiformis
Catharanthu5 roseus
Cenchrus incertus
Centrosema virginianum
Chrysopsis scabrella
Commelina erecta
Conyza canadensis
Crotalaria rotundifolia
Croton glandulosus
Crotonopsis 1inearis
Cuthbertia ornata
Cynodon dactylon
Cyperus haspan
Cyperus planifolius
Cyperus retrorsus
Dalea feayi
Dichanthelium dichotomum
Dichanthelium sabulorum
Digitaria serotina
Diodia teres
Eclipta alba
Emilia fosbergii
Eupatorium capi1lifolium
Euphorbia milii
Euphorbia polyphyl1a
Euthamia minor
Froelichia floridana
Galactia regularis
Gelsemium sempervirens
Gnaphalium pensylvanicum
Hedyotis procumbens
Helianthemum nashii
Heliotropium polyphyllum
Heterotheca subaxillaris
Indigofera hirsuta
Lechea cernua
Lechea deckertii
Liatris chapmanii
Linaria canadensis
Mol1ugo verticillata
Momordica charantia
Opuntia humifusa
Paspalum notatum
Paspalum setaceum
Phytolacca americana
Pityopsis graminifolia
polanisia tenuifolia
Polygala incarnata
P6lygonella ciliata
Polygonella fimbriata
Wild sensitive plant
Cof fee -senna
Love vine
periwinkle
Sand spur
Butterfly-pea
Goldenaster
Dayflower
Dwarf horseweed
Rabbit-bells
Croton
Rushfoil
Roseling
Bermudagrass
32
Nutsedge
Blanket crabgrass
Poor Joe
Cupid's shavingbrush
Dogfenne1
Crown-of-thorns
Spurge
cottonweed
Yellow jassamine
Cudweed
Innocence
Heliotrope
Camphorweed
Hairy indigo
Blue toadflax
Indian chickweed
wild balsam apple
Prickly-pear cactus
Bahia grass
Thin paspalum
Pokeweed
S il kgrass
Procession flower
Wireweed
Sandhill wireweed
33
polygonella gracilis
pOlygonella polygama
polypremum procumbens
portulaca p ilosa
pterocaulon virgatum
Rhynchelytrum repens
Rhynchospora megalocarpa
Richardia brasiliensis
Schrankia uncinata
Scoparia dulcis
Selaginella arinicola
Setaria geniculata
Seymeria pectinata
Sida cordi folia
Sisyrinchium solstitiale
Smilax auriculata
Solanum americanum
Solidago chapmanii
Solidago stricta
Spartina bakeri
Spermacoce assurgens
Spermacoce verticillata
Stipulicida setacea
Tillandsia recurvata
Tillandsia usneoides
Tillandsia utriculata
Trichostema dichotomum
Urena lobata
Vitis munsoniana
wi reweed
Jointweed
Rustweed
pink purslane
Rabbit tobacco
Natal grass
Scrub sedge
Sensitive briar
Sweetbroom
Sand spike moss
Foxtail grass
Blue-eyed grass
Sawbriar
Common nightshade
Goldenrod
Goldenrod
Sand cordgrass
Ball moss
Spanish moss
wild pine
Forked blue-curls
Caesar weed
wild grape
34
Table 2. Tree core data for Preserve Il and 12. (Sampling
within Preserve #1 was based on four 29 x 29 m
quadrats. Sampling within Preserve 12 was based
on a random walk in an east-west direction along
animal survey lines).
Preserve I Quadrat I Density Avg. Avg.
dbh age
1 1 6 18.7 18.6
1 2 18 l4.5 l7.8
1 3 l3 15.7 16.3
1 4 9 25.6 21.8
1 Total avg. 46 18.6 l8.3
2 Total avg. 19 24.1 19.5
35
Table 3. Checklist of the proposed 14 acre sand pine preserve.
Scientific N"ame
Common Name
Trees
Acacia auriculaeformis
Brassaia actinophylla
pinus clausa
Pinus elliottii
Earleaf acacia
Schefflera
Sand pine
Slash pine
Shrubs
Asimina reticulata
Ceratiola ericoides
Conradina grandiflora
Ilex glabra
Licania michauxii
Lyonia ferruginea
Lyonia lucida
Palafoxia feayi
Polygonella polygama
Quercus chapmanii
Quercus geminata
Quercus myrtifolia
Saba1 etonia
Schinus terebinthifolius
Serenoa repens
Vaccinium myrsinites
Ximenia americana
PawPaw
Rosemary
Scrub mint
Gallberry
Gopher plum
Fetterbush
staggerbush
Pa1afoxia
Jointweed
Chapman's oak
Sand live oak
Myrtle oak
Scrub palmetto
Brazilian pepper
Saw palmetto
Huckleberry
Tallowwood
Herbs
Andropogon virginicus
Aristida gyrans
Asclepias curtissii
Bulbostylis ci1iatifolia
cassytha filiformis
Chamaecrista fasciculata
Cnidoscolus stimulosus
Croton glandulosus
Cyperus retrorsus
Dalea feayi
Dichanthelium sabulorum
Eupatorium capillifolium
Euthamia minor
Euphorbia polyphylla
Galactia regularis
Hedoyotis procumbens
Helianthemum nashii
Heterotheca subaxillaris
Broomsedge grass
Wiregrass
Curtis milkweed
Hairsedge
Love vine
Partridge pea
Tread softly
Croton
Nut sedge
Dogfennel
Spurge
Milkpea
Innocence
Camphorweed
36
Lechea cernua
Lechea deckertii
Lupinus diff.usus
Opuntia humifusa
Paspalum notatum
paspalum setaceum
Phytolacca americana
Pityopsis graminifolia
Polygonella ciliata
Polygonella gracilis
Polypremum procumbens
Rhynchelytrum repens
Rhynchospora megalocarpa
Selaginella arenicola
Setaria geniculata
Seymeria pectinata
Sida cordifolia
Sisyrinchium solstitiale
Smilax auriculata
Solidago stricta
Stipulicida setacea
Ti1landsia recurvata
Vitis munsoniana
Nodding pinweed
Blue lupine
Prickly pear cactus
Bahia grass
Thin paspalum
Pokeweed
Silkgrass
Wireweed
Wireweed
Rustweed
Natal grass
Scrub sedge
Sand spike moss
Foxta il grass
Blue-eyed grass
Sawbriar
Goldenrod
Ball moss
Wild grape
Table 4. Comparison of fuel model parameters for Sand pine scrut7
and NFFL Model 4.
parametersa'
Sand Pine Fuel Mddela NFFLa
1 Hour (dead) fuel load (tons/acre)
10 hour (dead) fuel load (tons/acre)
100 hour (dead) fuel load (Tons/acre)
Live herbaceous load (tons/acre)
Live woody load (tons/acre)
1 hour f ue 1
<Surface area to volume ratio, ft2/ft3)
Live woody surface area to volume ratio
(ft2/ft3)
Depth of fuel bed (feet)
Heat (BTU/ft2)
Moisture of Extinction (%)
wind adjustment fact~r
5.01
4.01
2.00
0.99
5.91
5.91
4.91
2.90
9.00
5.91
2009
2090
2099
8
8909
29
0.59
2999
6
8909
29
9.69
aAll measurements are given in standard units in the science of
fire behavior. Conversion to metric would not be appropriate for
the purposes of this paper.