Project Summary

1. Project ID
Name	Florida GEMS Management Issue Prospectus —Exotic Plant Management
Region	Gulf of Mexico Region
State	FL
Location
Date of this update

2. Problem(s) addressed (check one or more)

Habitat Restoration/Protection
Wetlands
River systems
Beaches/Dunes
Offshore areas
Mangroves
Assisting Species at Risk
Pollution Mitigation
Non-Point Source Pollution
Other:		Invasive plant management

3. Project description (100 words or less)

A. Description of the Issue to be Resolved by the Project

With the exception of watershed development, exotic plants are perhaps the greatest coastal management challenge in Florida. Left unchecked, exotic plants can quickly displace native species. This results in:

• reduction of habitats
• loss of diversity
• alteration of ecosystem function
• alteration of hydrology

Melaleuca, for example, through its root structure and production of biomass, can dry wetlands, significantly altering hydrology and habitat.

The State of Florida has aggressively pursued the acquisition of the remaining natural areas of the state to protect those habitats and the watershed of key coastal systems. Of these 91,536 acres have been designated as GEMS. Exotic plant infestations in these areas have been identified and management plans developed. Control efforts of varying extent are underway at all sites. Unfortunately management funds are limited and sufficient only to provide maintenance. They are not sufficient to reduce the standing crop. Numerous agencies with resource management responsibilities have realized the extent of the problem and are making some funds available. CAMA has utilized funds from DEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management, several water management districts, several counties, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service and Sanctuaries and Reserves Division. CAMA, using these grants as well as, partnerships, mitigation and volunteer efforts, has made significant progress. During FY 97-98 CAMA controlled 1,800 acres at a cost of $2.5 million for an average cost per acre of $1,365.

B. Description of the Proposed Project

The following table summarizes current estimates of exotic coverage and control costs:

* EPA - Gulf of Mexico priority Water

While the extent of exotic plants on coastal uplands and wetlands in these areas are well known, the extent of exotic plants infesting submerged lands is unknown and has not yet been addressed. A thorough survey of these areas is needed.

This prospectus requests EPA, Gulf of Mexico Program participation in this multi-agency effort. This request would address 5% of the current standing crop of exotic plants and would initiate a survey of the submerged lands to document exotic plant infestations. These activities would be accomplished over a two year period.

CAMA has vehicles, boast, GPS and GIS resources to support the survey effort. Federal funds to the extent required.

4. Goals/Benefits (quantify where possible using measures of success list) Was a cost-benefit study conducted for this project? yes/no If yes, provide a summary of findings.

5. Partners (include each participant's responsibilities - funding, permitting, etc.)

6. Funding/Contributions (organization and amount)

Cash

Federal

Non Federal

State government

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas

Local government
Private industry
Public interest groups

Total


In-Kind Services (hours, equipment, or other forms of assistance and estimated dollar value)

Volunteers (number of people and hours, and estimated dollar value)

7. Legislative authorities used by each participant

8. Value added by Coastal America Partnership including Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) goals achieved through this collaboration (500 words or less)

9. Project Status

• Initiation date:
• Completion date:
• Current stage (Initiated - I, Underway - U or Completed - C)

10. Contacts

11. Any additional information/comments