Upland Habitat Projects
In addition to providing research and scientific counsel, Upland
Habitat is responsible for essential ecosystem restoration and
management projects. Projects include the Native Ground Cover
Restoration Program, the Objectives-Based Vegetation Management
Program, a Cattle Grazing Land Impact study, a Flatwoods Ecosystem
Management study, a Natalgrass study, and a Scrub Ecosystem
Management study.
The OBVM program provides data that is essential to best manage,
protect, and restore ecological structure on FWC lands.
Upland Habitat scientists currently study the effects of cattle grazing on the vegetation of natural Florida ecosystems. Information from this research will help biologists manage cattle on state lands in a beneficial and sustainable manner.
In order to enhance wildlife habitat and ecosystem functions, the GCR program works to restore degraded habitat, pasture, and agricultural lands to native ground cover.
Upland Habitat scientists are currently involved in a study to control natalgrass ( Melinis repens ) on the Lake Wales Ridge.
Upland Habitat scientists evaluate vegetation management methods to determine the techniques that best maintain and restore flatwoods ecosystems. Land management strategies under evaluation include chop and burn, herbicide and burn, and burn-only.
Absence of fire on some FWC lands has resulted in so much vegetation overgrowth that using prescribed fire is not safe or practical. To restore and maintain pyrogenic ecosystems, Upland Habitat scientists study mechanical treatments on scrub communities.
Around the state, researchers are working to restore historic
native flatwoods communities.
View photos from upland habitat restoration projects around the
state.
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