Who needs sand pine scrub? Florida Wildlife. Despite its seemingly harsh nature, many wildlife species depend upon the functions of sand pine scrub for a number of reasons throughout the natural course of ecosystem dynamics in the Ocala National Forest. Particularly the threatened scrub jay, among others makes the Ocala National Forest's sand pines scrub environs its home. Low-growing scrub oaks of the sand pine scrub unique to the area provide habitat and acorns that support them. The loose, sandy soil characteristic of scrub pine areas also serves as an escape from the cold and heat for burrowing species such as the gopher tortoise, mice and push-up beetles.

When fire essential to the health of the sand pine scrub ecosystem comes, inhabiting species take refuge in wet prairies. They serve as an island in a sea of burning scrub for a number of species. These two types of habitat, in conjunction with several others create an important circle throughout which many species reside and use its resources to ensure survival.

For more info online see the article: http://www.gainesvillesun.com/article/20080309/NEWS/549319607

Although the Ocala National Forest may boast protection of the largest area of sand pine scrub ecosystem in the world, species dependent upon such habitat, ranging from scrub to wet prairies to sand hills etc. do not live without some human-induced dangers to their vital habitats. The Ocala National Forest is characterized by a rich and diverse history, resulting in its modern perception by the local community as a "forest of contrasts," balancing between use of the forest's many resources for recreation and livelihood, as well as protection of those resources for sustainable future enjoyment and appreciation.

For more info online see the article: http://www.ocala.com/article/20071230/NEWS/712300354/1001/NEWS01

The Forest Service, Florida Trail Association and other organizations have sought to manage recreational and other types of activities in the forest to protect fragile habitats that are particularly susceptible to degradation as a result of traffic created by human recreation. "Traffic" here refers particularly to the use of OHV's (Off-highway vehicles) in certain areas of the forest, such as areas of deep sand associated with scrub and sandhills ecosystems, resulting in the destruction of sensitive habitat of native species. Of course OHV usage is not inherently bad, and there are several areas of the National Forest designated especially for welcome ATV and off-roading recreation. Unfortunately however, restrictions on more sensitive areas have been problematic for park staff to enforce proper off-road vehicle use in an area as large as the Ocala National Forest.

The short-hand version of the Final Route designation for the Ocala National Forest, issued by the U.S. Forest Service can be accessed online at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/news/documents/PressReleasePhaseII.doc

There are a number of projects geared toward helping out wildlife and plant habitat in the Ocala National Forest, such as those sponsored by the Florida Trail Association and the Sierra Club. Such projects involve help with OHV signs and buffers as well as a multitude of beneficial forest habitat management activities.

More info online at:

http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/brochure/08439A.asp

http://www.floridatrail.org/web/index.php

Chapter 7 of the BMP Manual (coming soon) deals with agricultural and working landscapes and their relationship to wildlife habitat and conservation in Florida. Here are a few introductory highlights from the chapter.

Agricultural areas and working landscapes in Florida have a unique relationship to the practice of conserving wildlife habitat. The culture, heritage, way of life and means of subsistence characteristic to Florida are as essential to its framework and cultural magnetism as its diverse array of flora, fauna and natural resources. Florida agriculture and the people who maintain and depend upon its ranches, prairies and forest lands remain an inextricable part of a rich cultural heritage and stewards of its natural resources.

A great deal of land use alterations and urban sprawl, such as conversion of formerly agricultural lands to residential and urban areas has been characteristic of the Florida agricultural landscape in recent years. Such practices have resulted in farming intensification and some detrimental practices employed to compensate for declining economic success in the wake of the spreading trend in development. Such conditions have led to an alarming degree of habitat degradation, fragmentation and even loss of wildlife habitat in many rural areas of the state, having severe effects on their populations. It is important to understand however, that it is indeed realistic and practical for agriculture and wildlife to exist together in mutual benefit.

As these two parts of the fabric of Florida's rural landscape require protection and conservation, so they stand positioned to effectively assist one another in maintaining habitat and helping farms to thrive. A number of tools are available for urban and regional planners, farmers and private landowners to promote natural habitats for wildlife in conjunction with continued economic viability for farming. Conservation-centered planning and management by rural and agricultural landowners in Florida can have a significant positive impact on a number of the state's natural habitat resources including rangelands, forests, soils, wetlands and water habitats.

Interesting Websites: 

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences sponsors a helpful informational website as part of their involvement with the Agriculture Extension Service.  The site contains a wealth of information regarding measures that farmers and landowners can take to implement and improve wildlife conservation strategies.

More info online: http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/

The University of Florida provides even more useful information regarding land management strategies at the wildlife and interface.

More info online:  http://wildlifeandag.wec.ufl.edu/

The Florida division of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides useful information on conservation services: cost-share and conservation easement opportunities for rural and agricultural landowners.

More info online: http://www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) has accomplished a great deal through encouraging participation in the Landowner Incentives Program (LIP).

More info online: http://myfwc.com/LIP/

Martin County was recently featured as an exemplary local government in their initiatives toward parks and conservation lands in rural and agricultural areas, helpful to wildlife and appreciators alike.

More info online: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/open-space-47030101