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| SPOIL ISLAND - Tampa Bay, Florida | |  | | Challenge | | | Spoil Island, a 60-acre preserve in Tampa Bay created by spoil dredging in 1969, was infested with exotic, invasive vegetation. After removal of unwanted material and grading of the land area, the entire island had to be re-planted with native vegetation communities, creating mangrove forests and shore bird habitats. Four planting zones were constructed: a mangrove area, a subtropical hammock restoration / enhancement area, an upland planting area and a water retention basin. |  | | | Solution | | Aquatic Plants grew and installed over 180,000 native plants and tree species. Trained crews delivered, installed, mulched and watered these plant species in the middle of Tampa Bay. In full compliance with permit requirements, Aquatic Plants worked to improve, restore and manage the island habitat for the benefit of wildlife, specifically for terrestrial-nesting colonial seabirds, whose numbers in the region had been declining in previous years. | |
| Outcome | | The project was begun in September 2002 and completed by mid-November 2002. A habitat had thus been created for terns, gulls, seabirds, waders, herons, ibis, and terrapins. This area now provides foraging and nesting locations for these species in a biologically appropriate setting. In addition, the salt-tolerant plants provide an excellent food source for all species residing on the preserve. | | | | | PENSACOLA BEACH RESTORATION - Santa Rosa Island, Florida | | | | Challenge | | Pensacola Beach incured devastating erosion with Hurricanes Erin and Opal in 1995, followed by Hurricane Georges in 1998 and tropical storms Hanna, Isidore and Lili in 2002.
The state of Florida clasified the Pensacola Beaches as critically eroded.
A $ 20 million dollar project was implemented by the State of Florida, Escambria County and Santa Rosa Beach Island Authority to restore 8.2 miles of these beaches. This large-scale restoration was planned and executed by Olsen Associates of Jacksonville, Florida. |  | | | Solution | The Stuyvesant -- the largest dredge in the U.S. -- created 8.2 miles of newly dredged sand dunes using over 4 million cubic yards of clean sand.
Aquatic Plants of Florida was selected to contract grow and install over 1.5 million salt-tolerant plants to revegetate the dunes. Plant composition included sea oats (Uniola paniculata), Panic grass (Panicum amarum), Saltmeadow Cordgrass (Spartina patens), and a wildflower mixture of Rail Road Vine, Beach Morning Glory and Sea Ox Eye Daisy. This planting aids in stabilization and also enhances the appearance of the beaches. Aquatic Plants also installed 8.2 miles of fencing to protect the new vegetation and to trap wind-bown sand, creating additional dunes. | |
| Outcome | | Aquatic Plants of Florida succesfully completed the large scale project 60 days ahead of schedule, starting in June and completing by September 2003. | | | | | WETLANDS RESTORATION - Florida Gaming Facility | | | | Challenge | | During construction of gaming hall facilities for Bingo and gaming casino expansion on a southern Florida tribal reservation, the adjacent prairie wetland habitat was inadvertently impacted.
The Tribe's Water Resource Management department submitted to South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) a plan to restore the habitat. Aquatic Plants of Florida, Inc. (APF) was subsequently engaged in December 1999 by the Tribal Council per resolution to perform consulting services and wetland restoration.
The goal set forth in the work plan submitted by the Tribe to SFWMD was to restore the area to its pre-impact conditions.
The restoration site was a wet prairie wetland that typically experienced a short seasonal hydroperiod, and was subjected to extended periods of drying. Project challenges included cool temperatures, short winter days, and sparse rainfall. |  | | | Solution | APF coordinated with environmental consulting firm, Milleson Environmental Consulting, Inc., who was first tasked with the initial removal of spoil material, re-grading, and surveying of the project site. Milleson provided detailed site maps indicating elevations, boundaries, and extent of the wetland impact.
APF utilized its extensive experience in wetland restoration and large nursery stock to set forth a planting plan for the Tribes re-vegetation project. APF's team suggested ideal plant species and estimated costs and time for installation/delivery. A May 2000 start date was chosen to improve the likelihood of re-planting success and narrow supplemental irrigation needs.
APF provided bare root plants to re-vegetate the target restoration area, based on planting on 3-foot centers.
Plants selected and installed included: Spartina bakeri; Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum, Xyris spp., Syngonanthus flavidulus, Rhynchospora tracyi., Iris hexagona, Junicus polyceogakys, and Aristia stricta. | |
| Outcome | | The project was successfully completed, accepted by the Tribal Council and approved by SFWMD. Today, the prairie wetland serves as habitat to native plant and animal species. | | | | | MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE - Hillsborough County, Florida | | | | Challenge | | This project was a cooperative effort initiated by the Surface Water Improvement and Management and MacDill Air Force Base.
The goal was to stabilize the southeastern interbay shoreline bordering Hillsborough County, which had experienced severe erosion. |  | | | Solution | Southwest Florida Water Management District contracted Aquatic Plants of Florida, Inc. (APF) to furnish and install plants in early January 2000. MacDill personnel helped prepare the site for planting.
Plants used in the project included: Spartina alterniflora, Spartina patens, Paspalum vaginatum, Spartina bakeri, Coccoloba uvifera, Ipomoea pes-caprae, and Heliathus debilis.
Students from Bloomingdale High School in Hillsborough County grew 14,000 Spartina grasses in their school nursery. As part of the cooperative effort, the Bloomingdale students planted their own plants alongside APF’s plants in April 2000. Planting of cordgrasses and other groundcover species helped to increase plant densities, especially in low marsh areas.
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| Outcome | | The project was successfully completed in May 2000. The plants now help to stabilize Hillsborough bay shoreline. | | | | | BOBBY JONES GOLF COURSE - Sarasota, Florida | | | | Challenge | | The Bobby Jones Golf complex is the only Municipal course in the Sarasota Area. They have three courses; the American, the British and the Gillespie executive nine. The original 18 holes were designed in 1926 by the famed course architect Donald Ross. Nine additional holes were constructed in 1952 and another nine were added in 1967. The John H. Gillespie Executive Course was completed in 1977. The 18-hole "British" course at the Complex features 6,467 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Ray Grady manages the course as the General Manager.
As part of an effort to both beautify and protect the waters in its group of lakes, the Golf Complex contracted Aquatic Plants of Florida, Inc. from 1998 - 2001 to perform initial maintenance and multiple-phase installation of herbaceous wetland plants on the British and American courses. |  | | | Solution | The Bobby Jones Complex Project was completed in several phases. APF carried out the initial spraying for weeds and mechanical removal of invasive vegetation prior to replanting with field-grown herbaceous plants.
Planting on the British course (Phase I) included the following species: Pontederia cordata (Pickerelweed), Canna flaccida (Yellow Canna), Nymphaea odorata (White Water Lily), and Bacopa caroliniana (Lemon Bacopa). Planting on the American course (Phase II) included the following species: Tripsacum dactyloides (Fackahatchee Grass), Eleocharis interstincta (Spikerush), Scirpus californicus (Giant Bulrush), Pontederia cordata (Pickerelweed), Spartina bakeri (Sand Cordgrass), and Sagittaria lancifolia (Lance Leaf Arrowhead). | |
| Outcome | | The project was successfully completed in March 2001. Today, the Bobby Jones Golf Complex features the aesthetic and environmental benefits of native plants in its lakes and ponds. | | | | | WATER QUALITY & HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - Winter Haven, Florida | | | | Challenge | | The Southwest Florida Water Management District, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, and the City of Winter Haven, initiated this project to provide wildlife and water improvements within Lake Howard.
The proposed project was intended to create a stormwater treatment facility, as well as a wetland park creation for public recreational and educational use. The stormwater treatment facility would require the excavation of 7.02 acres of herbaceous wetland and the dredging of 0.53 acres for a canoe pass in Lake Howard. Additional work would include the construction of a parking lot, pavilion, and boardwalks on the 12.5 acres designated for the park. |  | | | Solution | The city of Winter Haven contracted APF to furnish and install the above plants in March 2000. Weather was an issue; lack of rains delayed the project by impacting water levels necessary for the herbaceous plantings APF worked closely with engineers on the project to ensure the survival of the newly established herbaceous plants, shrubs, and landscape trees.
Plants used in the project included Sagittaria lancifolia (Lance Leaf Arrowhead), Pontederia cordata (Pickerelweed), Crinum americanum (Swamp Lily), Canna flaccida (Yellow Canna), Sagittaria subulata (Dwarf Arrowhead), Juncus effusus (Soft Rush), Sagittaria kurziana (Strapleaf Arrowhead), Vallisneria americana (Eel grass), Eleocharis interstincta (Spikerush), Spartina bakeri (Sand Cordgrass), Scirpus californicus (Giant Bulrush), Scirpus validus (Soft Stem Bulrush), Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress), Taxodium ascendens (Pond Cypress), Hibiscus grandiflorus (Swamp Hibiscus), Fraxinus caroliniana (Pop Ash), Myrica cerifera (Wax Myrtle), Acer rubrum (Red Maple), Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum), Magnolia virginiana (Sweet Bay), Quercus laurifolia (Laurel Oak), Quercus nigra (Water Oak), and Ulmus americana (Florida/American Elm).
OUTCOME
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| Outcome | | The project was completed in July 2001. | | | | | LAKE WALES FOREST MITIGATION SITE | | | | Challenge | | The October 2002 contract between ENSR International (on behalf of their client, Gulfstream Natural Gas System), and Aquatic Plants of Florida, Inc., required the planting of 100,613 seedling trees within the 128.3 acres of restored forested wetlands within the Kissimmee River watershed basin, which forms a contiguous corridor with Lake Wales State Forest and the Lake Wales Forest Ridge.
Among the challenges in successful establishment of the seedlings was the presence of dense groundcover vegetation and standing water on the site. |  | | | Solution | The hydric pine flatwoods community planting was included within the upland planting plan. Seedlings were the preferred method of restoring vegetation in this habitat type.
Mitigation activities on the property consisted of restoring areas that were historically forested wetland but had been drained and converted to pasture. Prior to this phase of the project, the pasture grasses were eradicated, followed by disking and rolling the terrain. Wetland trees species were then planted on 8 foot centers by APF.
Species installed included: Ulmus americana (American Elm), Persea pulastris (Swamp Bay), Gordonia lasianthus (Loblolly Bay), Magnolia virginiana (Sweet Bay), Nyssa biflora (Blackgum), Cephalantus occidentalis (Buttonbush), Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm), Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress), Ilex cassine (Dahoon Holly), Acer barbatum (Florida Maple), Fraxinus caroliniana (Pop Ash), Annona glabra (Pond Apple), Acer rubrum (Red Maple), Pinus elliotii (Slash Pine), Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), and Quercus laurifolia (Laurel Oak).
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| Outcome | | The project began in October 2002 and was completed in March 2003. | | | | | GLASS CULLET BEACH VEGETATION STUDY - Gumbo Limbo Nature Center | | | | Challenge | | | 2006 Research Project - To determine how coastal vegetation such as sea oats and panic grass respond to growth in recycled glass cullet sediment mixtures, a factor needed to evaluate the viability and effectiveness of alternative sediment mixtures in beach renourishment projects worldwide. |  | | | Solution | Recent studies have shown that recycled glass (cullet) contains the same properties as natural beach sand, and is a suitable alternative for beach restoration activities. This study investigates beach vegetation growth in a recycled glass cullet matrix.
The on-going research is being conducted by Coastal Planning & Engineering, Inc. (CPE) in cooperation with the Gumbo Limbo Native Center and Broward County. Aquatic Plants of Florida, Inc., a project sponsor, donates the dune vegetation. | |
| Outcome | Aquatic Plants of Florida's coastal plants have responded to growth in the recycled glass cullet matrix with success.
CPE plans to present this research at the Coastal Sediments '07 Conference, which will be held in New Orleans in May 2007. The research is expected to continue with additional experimental planting plots in more mixtures of cullet-natural sand.
CPE seeks to submit the above described experiment for journal review and publication.
| | | | | DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - Florida State Beach Parks | | | | Challenge | | In early 2006, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection began a project in the State’s coastal recreation areas to stabilize and rebuild beach structures and habitats damaged or destroyed during the active 2004 hurricane season.
State Park System - The state of Florida maintains 159 recreational and educational parks, ranking among the Country’s largest state park systems. These parks serve as protected habitats for wildlife and act as major attractions for visitors. Florida state parks (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/) have received multiple awards of excellence from the National Recreation and Parks Association.
Dune revegetation services were solicited from APF to provide suitable groundcover plantings and sea oats installations at five parks located in the Florida Panhandle. Parks included: Perdido Key State Park, 15 miles southwest of Pensacola, a 247-acre barrier island near Pensacola on the Gulf of Mexico; Grayton Beach State Park, located in Walton County; St Andrews Beach State Park, 3 miles east of Panama City Beach, across West Bay from Tyndall Air Force Base; St George Island, offshore from the town of Eastpoint in Franklin County, Florida; and St Joseph Peninsula State Park, located at the northern tip of a coastal barrier peninsula extending from Cape San Blas in Gulf County, Florida.
The scope of this project was larger than any other in the State's history; therefore, the project required significant preparation and planning. APF worked with the Bureau of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Division of Recreation and Parks, the Florida Park Service, and engineering and planning firm PBS&J.
Special project considerations included: a revised planting schedule, a new beach topography survey after the 2005 hurricane season - to adjust for position and elevation considerations due to storm impact, cold weather influences during the contract growing period, and Tropical Storm Alberto during the plant installation phase.
|  | | | Solution | Four coastal plant species were designated and contract grown by APF for planting in each of the five parks. These included: Uniola paniculata (Sea Oats), Panicum amarum (Panic Grass), Spartina patens (Marsh Hay Cordgrass or Salt Meadow Cordgrass), and Schizachyrium maritimum (Gulfcoast Bluestem).
APF's average, project installation rate was 40,000 plants per day, for a final total of 2,907,000 salt-tolerant plants installed. | |
| Outcome | The project began May 1, 2006 and was completed July 25, 2006, more than one month ahead of the August 31, 2006 scheduled completion date.
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