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Can Everglades forested wetlands significantly reduce nutrient concentrations in surface waters?
Title
Can Everglades forested wetlands significantly reduce nutrient concentrations in surface waters?.
Creator
Cole, Dara Michelle., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
Abstract/Description
To improve water quality as part of a large restoration effort, constructed herbaceous wetlands will be used as filters of high nutrient water. In this study, I tested whether mixed forested wetlands could also be used as nutrient filters. I examined water quality parameters within a forested slough isolated from direct anthropogenic disturbance and within an impounded forest wetland receiving direct agricultural effluent. Among the water quality parameters, TP and K concentrations in the...
Show moreTo improve water quality as part of a large restoration effort, constructed herbaceous wetlands will be used as filters of high nutrient water. In this study, I tested whether mixed forested wetlands could also be used as nutrient filters. I examined water quality parameters within a forested slough isolated from direct anthropogenic disturbance and within an impounded forest wetland receiving direct agricultural effluent. Among the water quality parameters, TP and K concentrations in the forested slough were particular low. Although all nutrients, except TKN, were higher in the impounded wetland, nutrient concentrations within the wetland were lower at interior sites as compared to inflow water. Based on the use of chloride as a conservative tracer, this reduction resulted predominantly from biological and chemical processes, while physical processes played a minimal role. This study established that mixed forested wetlands can significantly reduce high nutrient levels in surface water.
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Date Issued
2001
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12772
Subject Headings
Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades, Restoration ecology--Florida--Everglades, Everglades (Fla )
Format
Document (PDF)
A habitat suitability model for wading birds in a large subtropical lake: linking hydrologic fluctuations and nesting
Title
A habitat suitability model for wading birds in a large subtropical lake: linking hydrologic fluctuations and nesting.
Creator
Botta, Richard A., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Anthropogenic hydrologic alterations can affect the quality of lake littoral zone habitats for wading birds, such as the great egret (Ardea alba), snowy egret (Egretta thula), and white ibis (Eudocimus albus). One such lake in Florida, Lake Okeechobee, has experienced a marked decline in wading bird nesting since the 1970’s, concomitant with changes in lake level management. It’s hypothesized that a reduction in foraging habitat has led to the nesting decline; however, there is little...
Show moreAnthropogenic hydrologic alterations can affect the quality of lake littoral zone habitats for wading birds, such as the great egret (Ardea alba), snowy egret (Egretta thula), and white ibis (Eudocimus albus). One such lake in Florida, Lake Okeechobee, has experienced a marked decline in wading bird nesting since the 1970’s, concomitant with changes in lake level management. It’s hypothesized that a reduction in foraging habitat has led to the nesting decline; however, there is little quantitative evidence of this link. A habitat suitability model was developed for Lake Okeechobee wading birds that incorporate the spatial and temporal dynamics of environmental factors that affect wading bird foraging and tests whether foraging habitat is linked to numbers of nests.
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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004082
Subject Headings
Birds -- Florida -- Lake Okeechobee -- Geographical distribution, Estuarine ecology -- Florida -- Lake Okeechobee, Restoration ecology -- Florida -- Lake Okeechobee, Water birds -- Habitat
Format
Document (PDF)
Fishes of the Kissimmee River floodplain, prior to proposed restoration
Title
Fishes of the Kissimmee River floodplain, prior to proposed restoration.
Creator
Overdorf, Tobin Rogers., Florida Atlantic University, Courtenay, Walter R. Jr.
Abstract/Description
The density and diversity of fishes of the Kissimmee River Floodplain have been affected by channelization of the Kissimmee River. Reduced hydrology, human encroachment, and overall loss of habitat appear to have reduced the level of fish diversity and density within the floodplain of the Kissimmee River. This landmark study collected vegetative habitat and fish population density and diversity data within the altered floodplain for baseline information prior to initiation of river...
Show moreThe density and diversity of fishes of the Kissimmee River Floodplain have been affected by channelization of the Kissimmee River. Reduced hydrology, human encroachment, and overall loss of habitat appear to have reduced the level of fish diversity and density within the floodplain of the Kissimmee River. This landmark study collected vegetative habitat and fish population density and diversity data within the altered floodplain for baseline information prior to initiation of river restoration activities in the form of dechannelization. Secondary studies included poecillid fecundity data as well as a localized rotenone study within the previously restored am of Pool B. Overall results of the study indicate that post restoration floodplain fish collection studies should reveal increased fish density and diversity within the expanded and restored floodplain habitat.
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Date Issued
1999
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15736
Subject Headings
Fishes--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed, Restoration ecology--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed
Format
Document (PDF)
Forest wetland response to nutrient enrichment on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation
Title
Forest wetland response to nutrient enrichment on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.
Creator
Jacobs, Alyssa B., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
The Big Cypress Swamp and the Everglades of South Florida are inherently oligotrophic ecosystems that in recent decades have been subjected to increasing agricultural nutrient inputs. While extensive research regarding deleterious effects of nutrient impacts has been conducted in the phosphorus-deficient Everglades, there is a lack of research in Big Cypress Swamp. This 12-month field study assessed the responsiveness of Taxodium distichum, Fraxinus caroliniana, and herbaceous vegetation to...
Show moreThe Big Cypress Swamp and the Everglades of South Florida are inherently oligotrophic ecosystems that in recent decades have been subjected to increasing agricultural nutrient inputs. While extensive research regarding deleterious effects of nutrient impacts has been conducted in the phosphorus-deficient Everglades, there is a lack of research in Big Cypress Swamp. This 12-month field study assessed the responsiveness of Taxodium distichum, Fraxinus caroliniana, and herbaceous vegetation to increased nutrient levels in Big Cypress Swamp. Six nutrient treatments (Control, N, P, K, 2K, and PxK) were applied to the soil surrounding these trees. F. caroliniana had higher photosynthetic rates with 2K treatments and higher growth rates with PxK treatments. T. distichum had higher Leaf Area Index in the P and PxK treatment but did not exhibit other responses to treatment. Herbaceous vegetation showed little response to treatments. This study concluded that potassium may be co-limiting in this ecosystem.
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Date Issued
2004
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13129
Subject Headings
Wetland ecology--Florida, Restoration ecology--Florida, Everglades (Fla ), Big Cypress Swamp (Fla ), Seminole Tribe of Florida, Discrimination learning
Format
Document (PDF)
Plant colonization on a newly restored floodplain of the Kissimmee River, Florida
Title
Plant colonization on a newly restored floodplain of the Kissimmee River, Florida.
Creator
Pinneo, Janet R., Florida Atlantic University, Gallagher, Jacqueline
Abstract/Description
This study focused on whether wetland vegetation could become re-established on a newly restored floodplain of the Kissimmee River if seasonal floodplain inundation were re-established. The wetland was re-created by back-filling a section of the Kissimmee Canal and diverting water flow into remnant river meanders. Seasonal flooding did occur during the study period. There were no other interventions to promote wetland plant growth. Ten vegetation quadrats were stratified between the back...
Show moreThis study focused on whether wetland vegetation could become re-established on a newly restored floodplain of the Kissimmee River if seasonal floodplain inundation were re-established. The wetland was re-created by back-filling a section of the Kissimmee Canal and diverting water flow into remnant river meanders. Seasonal flooding did occur during the study period. There were no other interventions to promote wetland plant growth. Ten vegetation quadrats were stratified between the back-filled canal and adjacent floodplain. These quadrats were monitored for 11 months. Of the 68 plant species recorded, 72% were obligate, facultative wetland or aquatic species. Diversity, richness, and percent cover of wetland plants increased with time. Coverage of broadleaf marsh habitat increased with increasing water depths. Vegetation at the end of the study period was similar to pre-channelized estimates. Restoration of hydrologic fluctuations appears sufficient to re-establish wetland habitat in this area of the Kissimmee River basin.
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Date Issued
2001
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12844
Subject Headings
Plant colonization--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed, Floodplain ecology--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed, Restoration ecology--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed
Format
Document (PDF)
Examination of the Use of Floating Individuals of Halodule wrightii (Ascherson, 1868) for Restoration
Title
Examination of the Use of Floating Individuals of Halodule wrightii (Ascherson, 1868) for Restoration.
Creator
Berninger, Jacob J., Hanisak, M. Dennis, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
The goal of this study was to develop an alternative approach to typical seagrass transplantation techniques that damage the donor bed. Floating individuals of Halodule wrightii were collected in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, during fall of 2013 and spring of 2014, with the fall collection planted in outdoor tanks. Only 25% of individuals collected in the fall survived the winter in the tanks. Individuals from both collections were deployed onto biodegradable mats in a capped dredge...
Show moreThe goal of this study was to develop an alternative approach to typical seagrass transplantation techniques that damage the donor bed. Floating individuals of Halodule wrightii were collected in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, during fall of 2013 and spring of 2014, with the fall collection planted in outdoor tanks. Only 25% of individuals collected in the fall survived the winter in the tanks. Individuals from both collections were deployed onto biodegradable mats in a capped dredge hole in the IRL in March, 2014. Approximately 66% of the mats survived the six-month experiment, and the area covered by seagrass quadrupled. Growth in shoot count, average height, horizontal spread, and biomass was similar for both fall and spring treatments. Thus, time and effort of overwintering had no benefit over spring harvesting. The use of floating individuals can provide a more practical, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transplanting for seagrass re storation.
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Date Issued
2015
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004482, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004482
Subject Headings
Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon) -- Environmental conditions, Restoration ecology -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Seagrass restoration -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Seagrasses -- Conservation -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon)
Format
Document (PDF)
Civic environmentalism: A model for Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida
Title
Civic environmentalism: A model for Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida.
Creator
Jabour, Teresa U., Florida Atlantic University, Lenz, Timothy
Abstract/Description
The Everglades restoration is now the centerpiece for environmental policymaking in South Florida. The 1991 settlement of the Everglades lawsuit marked a new era of environmental politics known as civic environmentalism. Concepts of civic environmentalism are used in this study to determine if policies developed since the 1991 lawsuit settlement support a successful Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida, a vital connection that ensures the socio-economic health of the built...
Show moreThe Everglades restoration is now the centerpiece for environmental policymaking in South Florida. The 1991 settlement of the Everglades lawsuit marked a new era of environmental politics known as civic environmentalism. Concepts of civic environmentalism are used in this study to determine if policies developed since the 1991 lawsuit settlement support a successful Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida, a vital connection that ensures the socio-economic health of the built environment as well as the environmental health of South Florida's unique ecosystems. Indicators reveal that legislation supports a democratic process, but a nonformal model of civic environmentalism demonstrates that there are weaknesses in many areas, especially on the local level. Results of the study suggest that even though civic environmentalism prevails in some cases, stronger policies that connect both the built and natural environment will be necessary to ensure a successful Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida.
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Date Issued
2003
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13014
Subject Headings
South Florida Water Management District (Fla), Restoration ecology--Florida--Everglades, Sustainable development--Florida, Environmental policy--Florida--Everglades
Format
Document (PDF)
Markers of Hypoxic Stress in Fishes of the Kissimmee River
Title
Markers of Hypoxic Stress in Fishes of the Kissimmee River.
Creator
Dirk, Lynda J., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description
The channelized Kissimmee River experiences seasonally low dissolved oxygen levels which have changed the ecosystem to favor air-breathing species, while gamefish populations have declined greatly. In 2001 , the central portion of the river (Pool C) was physically restored. To evaluate the usefulness of various stress markers and assess the success of the partial restoration, the stress responses were analyzed (brain monoamines, heat shock proteins, and plasma cortisol) of air-breathing fish ...
Show moreThe channelized Kissimmee River experiences seasonally low dissolved oxygen levels which have changed the ecosystem to favor air-breathing species, while gamefish populations have declined greatly. In 2001 , the central portion of the river (Pool C) was physically restored. To evaluate the usefulness of various stress markers and assess the success of the partial restoration, the stress responses were analyzed (brain monoamines, heat shock proteins, and plasma cortisol) of air-breathing fish (bowfin, Florida gar), versus gamefish (largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish). Fish were collected from hypoxic and normoxic water at three sites in the Kissimmee River. Statistical analysis (MANOV A) showed overall significantly higher stress response in hypoxic gamefish than those in normoxia, with higher hsp72 levels, DOPAC, and Dopamine turnover (DOPAC:DA). Hsp60 and cortisol was significantly higher only in hypoxic bass while serotonin and 5-HIAA were significantly higher in hypoxic bluegill sunfish. Air-breathers did not show higher stress levels during hypoxia.
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Date Issued
2006
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000747
Subject Headings
Kissimmee River (Fla )--Ecology, Restoration ecology--Florida--Kissimmee River Watershed, Adaptation (Biology), Fishes--Effect of stress on
Format
Document (PDF)
Post-fire Succession and Carbon Storage in the Northern Everglades
Title
Post-fire Succession and Carbon Storage in the Northern Everglades.
Creator
Reger, Lisa Marie, Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Fire plays a key role in the ecology of the Everglades and is a ubiquitous tool for managing the structure, function, and ecosystem services of the Greater Everglades watershed. Decades of hydrologic modifications have led to the alteration of plant community composition and fire regime in much of the Everglades. To create a better understanding of post-fire recovery in sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) communities, sawgrass marshes in the northern Everglades were studied along a chronosequence...
Show moreFire plays a key role in the ecology of the Everglades and is a ubiquitous tool for managing the structure, function, and ecosystem services of the Greater Everglades watershed. Decades of hydrologic modifications have led to the alteration of plant community composition and fire regime in much of the Everglades. To create a better understanding of post-fire recovery in sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) communities, sawgrass marshes in the northern Everglades were studied along a chronosequence of time since fire and along a nutrient gradient. Areas closer to a water nutrient source and with fewer mean days dry contained greater total and dead aboveground graminoid biomass whereas live graminoid biomass was greater in areas with less time since fire and with fewer days dry. Post-fire characteristics of sawgrass marshes can provide insight on the effectiveness of fire management practices in the maintenance and restoration of quality habitat in the northern Everglades.
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Date Issued
2016
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004625, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004625
Subject Headings
Everglades National Park (Fla.)--Environmental conditions., Swamp ecology--Florida--Everglades., Restoration ecology--Florida--Everglades., Forest fires--Florida--Everglades., Prescribed burning--Florida--Everglades., Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades.
Format
Document (PDF)
The Role Of Disturbance In The Genotypic And Morphological Diversity Of Halodule Wrightii
Title
The Role Of Disturbance In The Genotypic And Morphological Diversity Of Halodule Wrightii.
Creator
Tiling, Kathryn A., Proffitt, C. Edward, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Seagrasses are important foundation species in coastal ecosystems. Genetic diversity of seagrasses can influence a number of ecological factors including, but not limited to, disturbance resistance and resilience. Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida are considered to be highly disturbed due to frequent events, like algal blooms, that impair water quality, reducing available light for seagrass growth. Halodule wrightii is a dominant seagrass throughout the IRL, but its genetic...
Show moreSeagrasses are important foundation species in coastal ecosystems. Genetic diversity of seagrasses can influence a number of ecological factors including, but not limited to, disturbance resistance and resilience. Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida are considered to be highly disturbed due to frequent events, like algal blooms, that impair water quality, reducing available light for seagrass growth. Halodule wrightii is a dominant seagrass throughout the IRL, but its genetic diversity has only been quantified in a few Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay populations and little is known about its potential ecological consequences. I quantified the genetic variation of H. wrightii using microsatellite markers in the southern IRL to determine: (i) how disturbance history influenced genetic diversity, (ii) if morphology of clones was, in part, genetically controlled and related to disturbance history, and (iii) if genotypes showed phenotypic plasticity in response to disturbances. In the IRL, H. wrightii populations exhibited moderate genetic diversity that varied with disturbance history. The disturbance history of a population was classified by the variance in the percent occurrence of H. wrightii over a 16-year period. Genotypic richness and clonal diversity of H. wrightii increased with increasing disturbance histories. Other genetic diversity measures (e.g., allelic richness, observed heterozygosity) did not change with disturbance history. These findings suggest that impacts to seagrass coverage over time can change the genotypic composition of populations. When different genotypes of H. wrightii were grown in a common garden, differences in leaf characteristics among genotypes provided evidence that morphological trait variation is, in part, explained by genetic variance. The disturbance history of genotypes did not directly affect morphological traits. However, significant genotype x site (within disturbance history) interactions found greater variation in shoot density and below ground traits of H. wrightii genotypes from sites of intermediate disturbance history. Traits of H. wrightii were shown to be phenotypically plastic. Significant genotype x environment interactions for shoot density and height demonstrated that genotypes responded differently by increasing, decreasing, and not changing sizes in response to light reduction. Genetic diversity of H. wrightii has strong implications for ecological function in coastal communities.
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Date Issued
2016
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004661, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004661
Subject Headings
Indian River (Fla. : Lagoon) -- Enviornmental conditions, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (Fla.), Marine ecology -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Restoration ecology, Seagrasses -- Florida -- Indian River (Lagoon), Seagrasses -- Physiology
Format
Document (PDF)
Development, evaluation, and application of spatio-temporal wading bird foraging models to guide everglades restoration
Title
Development, evaluation, and application of spatio-temporal wading bird foraging models to guide everglades restoration.
Creator
Beerens, James M., Noonburg, Erik G., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
In south Florida, the Greater Everglades ecosystem supports sixteen species of wading birds. Wading birds serve as important indicator species because they are highly mobile, demonstrate flexible habitat selection, and respond quickly to changes in habitat quality. Models that establish habitat relationships from distribution patterns of wading birds can be used to predict changes in habitat quality that may result from restoration and climate change. I developed spatio-temporal species...
Show moreIn south Florida, the Greater Everglades ecosystem supports sixteen species of wading birds. Wading birds serve as important indicator species because they are highly mobile, demonstrate flexible habitat selection, and respond quickly to changes in habitat quality. Models that establish habitat relationships from distribution patterns of wading birds can be used to predict changes in habitat quality that may result from restoration and climate change. I developed spatio-temporal species distribution models for the Great Egret, White Ibis, and Wood Stork over a decadal gradient of environmental conditions to identify factors that link habitat availability to habitat use (i.e., habitat selection), habitat use to species abundance, and species abundance (over multiple scales) to nesting effort and success. Hydrological variables (depth, recession rate, days since drydown, reversal, and hydroperiod) over multiple temporal scales and with existing links to wading bird responses were used as proxies for landscape processes that influence prey availability (i.e., resources). In temporal foraging conditions (TFC) models, species demonstrated conditional preferences for resources based on resource levels at differing temporal scales. Wading bird abundance was highest when prey production from optimal periods of wetland inundation was concentrated in shallow depths. Similar responses were observed in spatial foraging conditions (SFC) models predicting spatial occurrence over time, accounting for spatial autocorrelation. The TFC index represents conditions within suitable depths that change daily and reflects patch quality, whereas the SFC index spatially represents suitability of all cells and reflects daily landscape patch abundance. I linked these indices to responses at the nest initiation and nest provisioning breeding phases from 1993-2013. The timing of increases and overall magnitude of resource pulses predicted by the TFC in March and April were strongly linked to breeding responses by all species. Great Egret nesting effort and success were higher with increases in conspecific attraction (i.e., clustering). Wood Stork nesting effort was closely related to timing of concurrently high levels of patch quality (regional scale) and abundance (400-m scale), indicating the importance of a multi-scaled approach. The models helped identify positive and negative changes to multi-annual resource pulses from hydrological restoration and climate change scenarios, respectively.
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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004078, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004078
Subject Headings
Everglades National Park (Fla.) -- Environmental conditions, Restoration ecology -- Florida -- Everglades National Park, Water birds -- Florida -- Geographical distribution, Water birds -- Habitat -- Florida -- Everglades National Park, Wetland restoration -- Florida -- Everglades National Park
Format
Document (PDF)
Historical analysis of development and its impact on the ecology of the Grassy Waters Preserve
Title
Historical analysis of development and its impact on the ecology of the Grassy Waters Preserve.
Creator
Yustin, Michael A., Florida Atlantic University, Gallagher, Jacqueline
Abstract/Description
The purpose of this thesis was to document human impacts to Grassy Waters Preserve and correlate that to environmental change. Aerial photographs and archives provided a history of human impacts. These impacts included roadways, canals/levees, development, and landfills. To determine if environmental change occurred vegetation maps were digitized and compared from three study areas using 1940 and 1999 aerial photography. These vegetation maps included open water, transitional marsh/prairie,...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis was to document human impacts to Grassy Waters Preserve and correlate that to environmental change. Aerial photographs and archives provided a history of human impacts. These impacts included roadways, canals/levees, development, and landfills. To determine if environmental change occurred vegetation maps were digitized and compared from three study areas using 1940 and 1999 aerial photography. These vegetation maps included open water, transitional marsh/prairie, cypress, upland forest and human feature categories. Within all study areas the vegetation maps indicated decreases in the open water community. Within two areas major increases in cypress and uplands occurred. Vegetative shifts varied based on the locations of features like canals and levees. Due to image quality differences statistical analysis of the maps was not possible. However, the magnitude of change suggests that Grassy Waters became more densely vegetated and forested over time.
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Date Issued
2006
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13355
Subject Headings
Habitat conservation--Florida, Grassy Waters Preserve (Fla), Natural history--Florida--Grassy Waters Preserve, Ecosystem management--Florida, Environmental policy--Florida, Restoration ecology--Florida--Planning, Sustainable development--Florida
Format
Document (PDF)