This project aims to restore native vegetation to state owned spoil islands in the Pinellas County and Boca Ceiga Bay Aquatic Preserves. Many of these islands have become overgrown with invasive exotic species. By removing these exotics and planting or allowing the regrowth of native vegetation, the spoil islands are able to provide a natural, native habitat with foraging grounds for a variety of wildlife including migratory songbirds. Spoil island erosion is also a concern. Removing exotic species that accelerate erosion (such as Australian pines) allows native species with coastal resilience to be able to thrive and stabilize the islands.
Parameters
Acreage, site location and in some instances, species composition and elevation mapping
Notes
Application
These data are utilized on an annual basis to maintain areas free of invasive exotic vegetation and to track treatment and re-treatment efforts.
