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RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 12/88 ill.-7. ~ P' ,- ,L. '. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SAND PINE SCRUB PRESERVE 11 AND 12, QUANTUM PARK, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA. 13 December 1988 by Donald Richardson, Ph.D. Ecological Consultants 7301 Summerbridge Drive Tampa, Florida 33614 ... @ " ......~~_....._-"'.........- ..- ,~..., r ':1" ~. \JJ. Ii ,p \ !j r 1 "1{ . ,...... ''''', .,i \' , ; ~ ~ . I .~.;W i '....... 2 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 (ORI) 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 11 is located north of N.W. 22nd Avenue and contains about 25.7 acres of sand pine scrub and abandoned dry prairie/pine flat~oods habitats (Figure 2). Approximately 14 acres of this site is dominated by sand pine scrub vevegation. Preserve 12 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 3). The remaining 12 acres of sand pine scrub needed to meet the 40 acre requirement will be selected from extant scrub areas and recreated or reclaimed scrub landscapes (Amendment ;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 11 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 cha~actcrized as young or early successional sand pine scrub with pcattered areas of dry prairie/pine flatwoods. A total of 119 plant species (41% are ob 1 i ga te to sand pi ne scrub) have been observed wi thi n 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 ove~story trees are dominated by widely spaced sand pine (pinus clausal (138 trees per acre) of at least two different age classes (10-20 years and 20-35 years) Tree core data from est a b 1 ish ed pe rma n en t plot sin die ate s t hat the a v era 9 e age 0 f .. 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 em dbh, reaching heights of 37-46 feet. The shrub layer is dominated by widely spaced scrub oaks 4 (Quercus myrtifo1ia, Quercus geminata), palafoxia feayi, jointweed (Po1ygonella polygama) and scrub mInt (Conradina grandiflora). Average stem densities were highest for rnirtle 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 em. One year f%om the initial sampling effo%t, stem densities -.: slightly decreased fo% both species of oaks, but showed some increase for jointweed (polygonella polygama) and Palafoxia feayi In the permanent sampling plots. Changes in shrub stem densities over time for the Quantum Park scrub communities is consistent with other scrubs in south Florida. Recent data collected from 10 year field plots at Jonathan Dickinson State Park indicate that scrub species composition remains fairly constant in mature scrub, however, .stem densities in oaks shows a 2-1 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 requlre 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 (Conradina grandiflora), tallowwood (Ximenia americana), and 5 jointweed (polygonel1a ciliata and ~ gracilis). probably the most dramatic change in the shrub i3jer 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 dd te, 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 re~resented by 92 species, including a large proportion (35%) of weed species , that have colonized disturbed areas (Le., brush piles, trails and even gopher tortoise mounds) The most common helus include broomsedge grass (Andropogon virginicus), Cyperus. retrorsus, D ichanthel ium sabulorum, innonence (Euphorbia E2lyphylla), and hairsedge (Bulbostylis ciliatifolia). Average percent cuver 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 tu a loss of broomsedge grass from the plots. Even though the percent cover decreased from 1987 to 1988, the number of speClt=S within the 4 sampl ing 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 fr.om 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 b?{ 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 Wi th time, these. areas within the preserve will eventually become recognizable scrub in the early stages of development 3nd 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 12 Historically, this tract of scrub vegetation shares a similar background wit'h the preserve north of N.W. 22nd Ave. in that the understory was cleared in the early 1980's. What's 7 interesting about this 14 acres is that regeneration of sand pine has been prolific. This indicates that the type of mechanical disturbance used to clear the understory vegetation in this portion of the scrub caused less disturbance of soil profiles when contrasted with 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. This type of clearing tends to remove a vast amount of underground roots and corms which would normally germinate with time. It appears that th~ 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 clallsd) 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 Idrger 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 ex isting seed bank r~serves and periodic release by mature trees has been prolific for this scrub. Seedling densities range from 280 to 340 trees per acre. The shrub layer is dominated by scattered sand live oak (Quercus geminata), rosemary (Ceratiola ericoidesl, Palafoxia feayi, jointweed (Polygonella polygama), saw palmetto (Serenoa 8 repens), and scrub mint (Conradina grandiflora) (Table 3). A large portion of the tract is covered with a dense mat of love v i n e ( Cas s y t h a f i 1 i for m is) w hi c h has kill ed man y s c rub m in t s . Most of the young rosemary appear to be about )-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 sdbulorum, prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa), Qatal grass (Rhynchelytrum repens), broomsedge grass (Andropogon virginicus), and sawbriar (Smilax auriculata) (Table)). 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). associates include dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), Caesar Other weed (Urena lobata), begger-ticks (Bidens alba), dwarf horseweed ( Con y z a can a den s is), Sid a cor d i f 0 1 i a, pe r i win k 1 e ( Cat h a ran t h us r 0 s e us) and Bra z i 1 i a n pe p pe r ( S chi nus t ere bin t h i f 0 1 ius) ( Tab 1 e 3) . 9 Within the disturbed vegetation, open sandy areas are dominated by a mixture of sand pine scrub species, most notably, sand live oak, jointweed, pawpaw (Asimina reticulat3J, fetter bush, prickly pear cactus, Palafoxia feayi, and tr~C:ld 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 (Harper 1915, 1927; Webber 1935; Laess1e 1958, 1967; Christensen 10 1981) and have virtually defied manls control efforts (Johansen and Coo pe r 1965; H 0 ugh 197 3) . 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 Florida for more than 30 years. The unpredictable nature of the s e fir e s, the i r i n fIe que n t 0 cc u r r e n c e , and the lac k 0 f information on conditions favorable for planned ign~tion in scrub habitats, have not allowed for the application of prescription burning. Except whe re sites were totally mechanicall y prepared and treated as slash burns as in the Ocala 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 Florida dominated by Pinus clausa var. clausa). Winter prescribed fires have been used extensively with much success in the Choctawhatchee sand pine communities (which are found in northern Florida dominated by Pinus clausa 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 prescribed burning in sand pine scrub is limited. Recently, Doren et. ale (1987) successfully burned two separate sand pine scrub preserves in Boca Raton using a modified fuel model to develop an effective prescription for burning sand 11 pine scrub under controlled conditions. The results of these controlled burns suggest that an effective, safe means exists to burn sand pine scrubs in a developed landscape, provIding this option is available without smoke management probl~ms and if weather conditions dictate prescription burning of the Quantum Park scrubs is possible. Management options for these two preserves range from a de cis ion 1) to don 0 t h i n g and 1 e t n at u r eta k e its co u r' s e ; 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 ~cosystem or c species management depends on the entity re'sponsitJle for management, type of preserve, management objectives, area of the preserve and the nature of the surrounding lands. Within the sand pine scrub preserves of Quantum Pdrk, the managemen t object i ves s hou Id focus on 1) ma i nten a nce u f norma 1 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 approdch 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 history characteristics of the sand pine (Pinus clausal and .. 12 rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides), a 38-S8 year burn cycle has been adopted for this study. This was based on the specific mortality traits of sand pine (senescence at 58-68 yeat:s) and rosemary (senescence at 28-38 years). To further age each preserve, tree core data was gathered from randomly selected sand pines scattered throughout each preserve (Table 4). Us i n9 th i s da ta, --.: 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) ( And e r son 1 9 82), was con sid e r ed sui tab lea s a bas e for d f: vel 0 pin g a fuel model for the sand pine scrub community in central and south Flor ida (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 woody materials. 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 burn in southeastern Florida was based on a number of restrictive 13 conditions relating to each scrub site: both preserves are surrounded by local or large scale development, preserve 11 is adjacent to a proposed city park, and preserve '2 will be surrounded by industrial or commercial lots and possibly a hotel to the north. For permitting purposes, the stagnation index was required to be below 7 (Florida Department of Agriculture 1976). Environmental parameters used to establish fire behavior predictions needed to provide for a reasonably inte~se fire in order to ensure that the sand pine scrub fuels would burn, yet be of moderate enough nature to be relatively cerrain 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%-60%; 1 hour dead fuel moisture < 11%; live woody fuel. moisture 25%-75%; dry bulb temperature 75-85 of; and cloud cover < 10%. Values outside of the indicated ranges were also tested in the model but found to be unacceptable (Doren et. ale 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 70, some site preparation will be considered necessary in order to ensure a successful burn and protect the values at risk. SITE PREPARATION 14 Three to four weeks prior to eacb burn, 10-20 m wide strips around each proposed burn site will be crushed using a small empty, 1 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 possibility of a fire escaping into adjacent development lots. All of the sand pines within the chopped area will be dropped into tbe site to pre-vent spotting and to crea te hot- spots to hel p prepare a seeq bed and open areas. Approximately 10-15 days will be required without rain in order to dry out the crushed fuels sufficiently and reduce fuel moisture to prescribed levels. Within Preserve II, 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 t he west by ba h ia grass, nut sedge, and Ceasar's weed. These three species indicate that soil conditions may not be suitable for longterm scrub survival since bahia grass will most likely out-compete early scrub colonizers. In an effort to eradicate these 15 troublesome species, areas of bahia grass will be herbicided and then mulched with ha y or other sui table mater ial sin 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 spec ies are scattered over other areas wi thi n 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 island. within ..ch of the finger.. 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 SA). 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 SA). In order increase diversity and to prevent the unaltered areas from ignition during the burn, these areas will be watered by a temporary sprinkler system at least one day pre-burn. This will 16 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 tqe burn. Head fires will be used were applicable to simulate the fire behavior (and effects) of naturally occurring 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 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. Preserve 12 was also divided into 2 separate burn areas 17 (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 a~ 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 11 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: Year Preserve 11 Tract I 123 Preserve 12 Tract . 1 2 1988 1993 1998 2003 2008 2013 2018 2023 2028 2033 2038 2043 2048 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 wa5 design to fit the existing age distribution within each sand pine parcel. The sand pines within Tract 11 of preserve .1 average about 30-35 years of age. Since this is the oldest portion of the scrub on this ridge, burning will occur in 18 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 approximately 30 years when the trees reach maturity. The dry prairie/pine f1atwoods 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 e~cluded in each subsequent burn will be decided by the City Forester or a private consultant prior to the prescribed burn. Sand pine within Preserve 12 range in age from 11-37 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 50 year rotation, beginning with tract 11 of preserve 12. Tract 12 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 of Forestry will be contacted to disk existing fire lanes or to 19 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 pr i vate agency such as Forest Resources Management, 1528 Hendry Street, Fort Myers, Fl. 33gel. Depending on the weather cond it ions on the day of the burn, the Flor ida Highway Patrol will be notified about possible smoke problems on 1-95. Crew size and equipment will be determined by the agency conducting the burn. The estimated cost, based on 1988 figures, for the above work will be about $8,eee.ee for burning le 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 $1,588 to $2,888 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 could iffect the longterm survival of these scrubs. The chopped 29 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 with 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 mana~ement plan, approximately 1.3 acres of ruderal vegetation wit:hin preserve .2 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 inches. Other trees such as sand live oak could also be planted " 21 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 wi th as few as 5 trees have been utilized as nesting sites by scrub j.ays. 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 12 would require a permit from the City Forester ana coordination with th. City of Boynton s..ch fir. departm.nt. 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 4). The eradication process will be extended to all non-scrub species throughout the preserve areas in order to reduce unwanted seed banks which may affect the long-term survival of the scrub 22 community. The above management plan provides a step-by-step program to fulfill the requirements of the Development order and the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. Modifications 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 . .i fl le'lI <J Ii ~g"rrtti~~ :. ',,~. i"~1 r < I Preserve ~.il fI1 ~-l I 'i ,/ , I .~ - ~ .,J < t J . ,\1 f- I, 1 fit eSel t: 1 ., ~ " I , \ )1/' I. ~DJ I'tb I ~--..;. .." ~ ';] r~~j,d \ . I ./ ~ 1 .-1 0::'-' ,. /,. ,"!, :~ ~ 1-'77~ ~ :"').....!-,:'t n D, n r I ,- ; II ~I:i: i,l: : ,-,' lJ' "II iii " 24 Figure 2. Aerial scrub, within photograph showing areas dry prairie, and the dry Preserve tl. of sand pine retention pond ~-r I' .. .,,- ..." .,.. ,. .. I '" ( . .,"'" r" # ....'\...... f " J. DRY PRAIRIE .' j-; f .-. :t. ' . ,f,) ~1':... .'.f-t \Q; ~\ ." ,. ,r' ,J ~r .. ~ I" ,--; j ;V " ." ..\ ~ ~. ,\.tl_~. -.--- ~.t.~. 1.:l.-, i.,;, l' # ,,"' ~, - ',' "\ I I I I / {r! ,'" "'" z 0". ...... .f' J-.. r ~ t:! lU ~ ..~ :. ,. ..., .f . {\ ., >- Q::: Q " , ~:. . . 1 '. ..., Ih \" 1 to ..... 7~ '. ' ...h ~:,\: ~1~ ' -:' ..; IA. . s,h' !, 'i" .., If '~t. 1- i I ;, , p;,rt, ... 25 Figure 3. Aerial photOgtaph showing areas of sand pine sctub and tuderal vegetation within preserve 12. I 'L , . ____~ _=__~ =~: _;~__ ~~ _~--s:.:,~' I \~I:I' ':'("k ','~ ..,' _1.<': ~ff -::L "\ D-,'" ill t .,' .-""7"Yiff:: _" "~I" .." 'JI: 'r.V/~~~' ~.. ." '.i'.ll(,.:j'fJ-.; 11" .~. <:". ' · ' 'I' . ~ :/'3.~: ~. . .,,,"~,, . ,l :J"" ..,.. _.~o':' - ~' , ' . . ..Ir, ..' ., " ' -'" ." - .. . ", ' . ...~~~ .....'. .:;". ~- ~~~.l .~_..~ . " . , ..~.- . . " .. ,. . ....: . "4.;: 1~ a' .,:. ~ '0<' .~ l ~, .... .--:-. .. .J!~.l- . :- '.; ..-; ~-,:,......- .~ -...,;, ~ ~ . .. ~ .. " I .' . . . ~, :_~j.r } " ~'~} , p .. al f) t' ( .,. ~ l, ~~ l. ~~ .~ Ii- . ~ . '. " ,.C . . ii' ~ - .' SAN '. ~.,~:;::'--~~~~~.",~.'j:, '\,{'! - . '.' , ' 1~7i~ ...";.. . I '~t tiH....."Mt1'\~_ " ~.r.~~~~ ' . '~ o Fo:rNE ~ /' ~ ~ \'A I ~jj ll; ~ : .J' !~ ~ .~~ "l' , ' ~~ ."1'~~: .~ ~ . .'- '. ~ ~r.,.~, f:l!.... ';;"~?j," . RUOe:RAI- ,'''' '11r-.,.A:~:" '. .... ',~4 ;~~. ~;;: . ,.~~''"'":i I : ~ > '~~. ~'I.h<!II" . ~ ~~.~ : ..L' . .;' ,.. ~.,~'r ~. . V: ..', €: ~..," . . " . .;!!j'......-: . .' . . . ..~ t (- ,~~:l . ~.. . . ~ I - ~ :. .>.' .~ ~'I" 1If;"'~.?. \, . . . .' ";.;:; ~ . :. .' ~_. ..'~ f . , . .' ." ~ . ..' '.'~ ..t.. ~~~~~ l.frIJ' . ,":'. ,': " ....~;-; . .' 1.. :" l{'~r . '; ~':" '~''', ..D ~~: . ';<' [';~:-~ n~ . ... ~.,.u:.;..1 '-i~~ . .'9(i:~~ .~~ - -:. . . i't ' ~. , .~..... [;:::2: II ;;. " ~]_~~.: ~ ~",,;~. ~~~T~~~' : _~I.S~~~,~ .' ~ I ':In r. 1;, '\.." '/~":"~ ..;~,,:,. . r. i~ ~ ,...:.I~ ..,d '. ~'c,:'h~\ ~ ~I'".~~"".., U.:; .\ ii7T1, ';.... . . ~ . . ~~ ~ :'f li ~ t' "~.' '", "fl' I. . ... .. .. " '" ~ ~-~U-':=' . ..~'. -~ . ....0 ".' 'l:1'l!<~ ,.;" ( =~~ ~ ' .,...,.., .... .' ,,,.... 1lWj~ .." .,. d , . I . ~J~' ",,' . . '\ .... . .. .. . ..' .. .. :v ..' , . ; ... , "'.' 'if'" ..1=., ,,"'- ". .' .. ~ . i-~~ ~ . .. . ~~ . '. ~ ....M. .n,' /i't~.. " ~ ~~~~rI;.i;~'\.: ~.-::N.~ ...~ "'11., ~:. . ~~J )"r. -'~, ..:a ~".':.)' __,'I::-...ta...r ."-'.:.......;..,;:.,~.. .zl ,....~/IL ~l\~~; ~~~~~~',u{.!.:.~... . oj ~ ',\ <...,. .~~,.. ~~ ~\:.... .~ l CA \t 'I' ~I";j' ,.~.~ . :'ff. ..'': -, ' .' (' ~~~ ;. .... ~~. ~} ~(~~-~ :-\~ ~1~\ ~~~ " ". .... ,""'. .,' .""," ~ ~'J ,J" .. .. 0; ," "'l."~' 11 .;r:J II . 0:;:" ~~!..~ 'i L ,~..,..~O\, Y i ~;> f'- ~-~:.. ') \ i'iJc.,'t,\ ~ I., . . 'I , ~. "1'- ' \ 1&1 .,' " ~;:.-.. ~.-. .ifi . "C(Ir' , \ ,-" " .0; ..~.1 -.;w' ;;.I;:r- ,t\" . A' _\on.; C':'} ~ "~ r':') If! ~~-~ ,.., D'~\.~ .~~ 1:. ~~.:.> ~ii ~ rt/.'" ~.., . 24 . . 2~' \"f. u~ ., "'.' ~. ... '~iu \ . 'I -~---~---- ---' ---~----- 26 'Figu-ce 41\- BU~n t~actS fO~ p~ese~ve Ii. -I ....- ' ,. . I ~ ('" .""" f. ;' . ..,."" " I I' fill ....r . .' ..,. -c. . ,; r .:. t"~ h fl:' #,.), :y .' <r ...~;~ to i . , .! ;- :..~ r,. ,. ... ,. '!or .. " .. ~...!. j! ~. t . -f!" . . '" '!! 1.:\ ~~. . i;.~:r ~! .4" \.:,....~~.~ · '\ . ........ ",\.:,:(l~' I i~ i ~/~~~ L.;" --;'.l ,/~' . .' .' , ., F ~ ~ .. ..... !"'~ TRACT 3 . '.. .;:. '\ . .. ~ t(~' .,. I ."..., ........ .,. ~ ,. . ~t.~, ..:-.... , ,.,. . ' !, ':'" .~. ".~ ..I. 'll. ..... ./.. - ~~ .. , {'<' t i-' # of . ~ .. ' r ,'~, , 'I ~ ,- v ,.Q. i ... 27 Figure 4B. Burn tracts for Preserve 12. ~' "~:t! ~ r.....:-.~. ~. ',G ~' j. ~:. ,I" "- t~ ,. ,..1" ~ .c ~ .. 0;... . ... i '":~.. OI.I'~' I ':t'. ~ . r. t tIJ;~. ~'" i' ~t.~~~~~~ I ./,t. !J ...., ,- ,', ,/" ;;,f: I , ...,..,.:." I' r ,~~ ;./. . . _ .;~. I i''''''1'Jt{.. · . '~. ('~~', " a : ..."< ~!t..': '}.~, ". ;~......:~ .' :0"',.-, ",,-.f", ....,,~ ," ~. ,.t:... .' ......' '( ". " .- ."li...... ~".. j':' ~'~:..I '" '.,." - , .J....' ~ ~: ~~;.$',~~{~.~~..;,tl' ,~~ '. :.:':J, ,.:.;,-.oo':"ti~j~...j11 ~..::=-It~ ~t "~:'f'tJII'''' '~~.'.'" ;t..;;-. O' I '" ,Ai. ....:.:.;- .:" t' ~ J'i -.. . :'!,. cl '. a~' ~~~'J:;io \ ,""l' I ., ,~/;' ~.~. :,;:,,,- . '\ .!. ....:';~ ~~ . ~'. ft., A "( "- ':. . ,". ~ ;I~' .'. ,. '" '. y , ; :(\. ~;'-, ; ii, .,', . . . I .~:=" ..to): ~.. ".. :-,"t...:":._. , .~':4' e','~~"..i ~.~l\.l~q~. 'I ... _. .~ ""'. t"'~'!'~'':'C ,.. ...... ( I 'f.rt ..~.'~i~'\I\,!,,:-~.I' ~:. ~tt ~ I. . of "-J~~ ~ i1 .'...:; .... .. ,,~ ~~~. '\~, l'.\. ," . It" " ~ '!\'-" ,-." ~ -(. '-" ".~;" .. ~ .~ ~ ..t. ;, ~ ....' I r.~ " ff:' t"'~ At. ,l. "PI J ~~. . t.:., ..' !~!;:..i! ,.-,~' .. \ I ~ ..,,;1.' . ~ t .. to( . , I ,,' ..., . ..~" .. I · Itt . . . . .. ...'. .. ,~ , ~ 'f:.', .,.'0.:, II' .~. ~I.';~_' .tt I '0 ~1'~ IS! ::'j. . J..i' ..,t ~.'~ ~,"'''' ..:' ~., ,i' I I t "", ,:'J ,.,,' ..f< 0 :...:tr ~~,. c\ ~:i~ - \. to') . ~ 4. ,. .,.. ~ , c .A.: ' . .1 I ~') ';' .. .. ~'" · r-1.. Tract 1 .: , l I " r .\ { ... ~ I ," ,t ~. )..'1', 1JR. fl.' ", .. .. ~I;l" , -: ,:% "'I" 28 Figure SA. Areas within preserve 11 that must be roller chopped (dia9onal lines) prior to the prescribed burn. -- _.-:-~ r ~ ., -. ".. .~ .... 'A:" '~~. ,.- , I- .. ., = f' ,.; ~ .J. ,,j I"'." ~ ,. .. .. ..... , . r' ..~ Roller chOP Trees up .. ~ ~,. .. . ... # -." 't. ',,~. ,.. .. . ~ .i::'.J ,....').. ~. 1 t;,.i. . .:'.;~ 1~1.;' ,1. 1. a .,... ..:........ ..... i >4"i. . , Roller choppec. Trees up Roller chopped Trees down r I''='" .I" .~ ; ,...1 ,. h ,f ;Ii ::- I , . naltered scrub . ,.~ t/!-. .1 \. .- .n .. "'. ^ (' " ,~ ... l' ~ ~Q ~' \0 1 r'~'\{ - Unaltered Scrub 29 Figure SB. Areas within preserve 12 that must be roller chopped (diagonal lines) prior to the prescribed burn. c.~~ "..... .~~ l"~l!~ 1\' m '1;",~S ! ',I I'" .;:' 0;. ~~. .-' ',,' ~>~rK~' ~,,,,;,,:\e ,," t. ,",:, .;.... '...~. ~ .l.. .' --,. ,.." ........... .",:. . :- ......" ( . . '" -\' ....... o...: j' ;:i ...; ....':'.:.... . 'A ~ 00 }.... ~ .. ,,~rJ,...~..;..~.~,../c.~..~ t.....~.... ,-;.:,.{"'i)":i,.;.u' ~!~. __ -:, t- f: ,. I"!. i, H \ ""...' <II .. ......,... " \ . '=' [ '.' , ~~. f ',."',,' , r,J" 6~~' .....' ,..1;':,- " RW ,'" "":.. i~~.' , ,....) .... . .. .. :c: '",;;', ~; , Roller chopped Trees up Una 1 teret . .~: scrub ~ .~' ~ct l>-: f Roller Chopped Trees up n naltered scrub Roller ~ chopped Trees dow .\ ~ \. ~ ~ ) 'r .) f, )'"t', 11$ ", : Una Hen scrub naltered Scrub ~. -::. l'~ "~ l~"l. I:. .:'~ ,.. ,~". ~ . .m~ - ~ . ;;, :~,Jf · ~~~ paller chopped Trees down r ~ ., ~ J ... ---.------------- 30 Table 1. Checklist of the vascular flora for the Sand Pine Preserve .1 at Quantum Park, Boynton Beach. Scientific Name COlpmon Name .:J/wJ ~ ~ ~..~ (J.I1.UA . ~~~~ ~~XJ- ~ Ai5 Trees Acacia auriculaeformis Ficus aurea Ilex cassine Melaleuca quinquenervia Pinus clausa Pinus elliottii Sabal palmetto Earleaf Acacia Strangler fig Oahoon holly Punk tree Sand pine Slash pine Cabbage palm Shrubs f Asimina obovata Asimina reticulata Befaria racemosa Ceratiola ericoides Conradina grandiflora Gelsemium sempervirens Ilex 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 Tarflower 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 31 Cassia nictitans Cassia occidentalis Cassytha filiformis Catharanthus roseus Cenchrus incertus Centrosema virginianum Chrysopsis scabrella Commelina erecta Conyza canadensis Crotalaria rotundifolia Croton glandulosus Crotonopsis linearis Cuthbertia ornata Cynodon dactyl on Cyperus haspan Cyperus planifolius Cyperus retrorsus Dalea feayi Dichanthelium dichotomum Dichanthelium sabulorum Digitaria serotina Diodia teres Eclipta alba Emilia fosbergii Eupatorium capillifolium Euphorbia milii Euphorbia polyphylla 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 Mollugo verticillata Momordica charantia Opuntia humifusa Paspalum notatum Paspalum setaceum Phytolacca americana Pityopsis graminifolia Polanisia tenuifolia Po1ygala incarnata polygonella ciliata Polygonella fimbriata Wild sensitive plant Coffee senna Love vine periwinkle Sand spur Butterfly-pea Goldenaster Dayflower Dwarf horseweed Rabbit-bells Croton Rushfoil Roseling Bermudagrass Nutsedge Blanket crabgr~ss Poor Joe Cupid's shavingbrush Dogfennel 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 32 polygonella gracilis polygonella polygama polypremum procumbens Portulaca pilosa pterocaulon virgatum Rhynchelytrum repens Rhynchospora megalocarpa Richardia brasiliensis Schrankia uncinata Scoparia dulcis Selaginella arinicola Setaria geniculata Seymeria pectinata Sida cordifolia 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 Wireweed 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 .. 33 Table 2. Tree core data for Preserve .1 and '2. <Sampling within Preserve .1 was based on four 28 x 28 m quadrats. Sampling within Preserve .2 was based on a random walk in an east-west direction along animal survey lines). Preserve . Quadrat . Density Avg. Avg. dbh age 1 1 6 18.7 18.6 1 2 18 14.5 1,7.8 1 3 13 15.7 16.3 1 4 9 25.6 21.8 1 Total avg. 46 18.6 18.3 2 Total avg. 19 24.1 19.5 ... 34 Table 3. Checklist of the proposed 14 acre sand pine preserve. Scientific Name 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 Sabal etonia Schinus terebinthifolius Serenoa repens Vaccinium myrsinites Ximenia americana PawPaw Rosemary Scrub mint Gallberry Gopher plum Fetterbush Staggerbush Palafoxia 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 ciliatifolia Cassytha filiformis Chamaecrista fasciculata Cnidoscolus stimulosus Croton glandulosus Cyperus retrorsus Dalea feayi Dichanthelium sabulorum Eupatorium capillifolium Euthamia minor Euphorbia polyphylla Galactia regular!s Hedoyotis procumbens Helianthemum nashii Heterotheca subaxillaris Broomsedge grass Wiregrass Curt i s mil kweed Hairsedge Love vine Partridge"pea Tread softly Croton Nut sedge Dogfennel Spurge Milkpea Innocence Camphorweed 35 Lechea cernua Lechea deckertii Lupinus diffusus 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 Tillandsia 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 Foxtail grass Blue-eyed grass Sawbriar Goldenrod Ball moss Wild grape ... .. 36 Table 4. Compar ison of fuel model par.ameters for Sand Pine Scrub and NFFL Hodel 4. Parametersa Sand Pine Fuel Hodela NFFL8 1 Hour (dead) fuel load (tons/acre) 18 hour (dead) fuel load (tons/acre) 108 hour (dead) fuel load (Tons/acre) Live herbaceous load (tons/acre) Live woody load (tons/acre) 1 hour fuel (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 factor 5.01 4.01 2.00 0."0 5.01 5.01 4.81 2 .08 0.88 5.01 20"8 28"0 8 8000 20 0.50 2808 2000 6 8000 20 ".60 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. "