1. Babcock Ranch Preserve – Natural Resources
Forest Ecologist
January 13, 2016

2. BRP Statute and Management
Ch. 259 FS
This section authorizes the acquisition of the state’s portion of the Babcock Crescent B Ranch in order to protect and preserve for future generations the scientific, scenic, historic, and natural values of the ranch, including rivers and ecosystems; to protect and preserve the archaeological, geological, and cultural resources of the ranch; to provide for species recovery; and to provide opportunities for public recreation compatible with the working ranch and agricultural activities conducted on the property.
Provides specific framework for management
Resource management and ranch management are not mutually exclusive

3. BRP Natural Communities

4. Natural Community Management
Adaptive management at ecosystem level
No natural communities converted to pasture or other altered community types
Prescribed fire
Dormant and growing season
Benefits
Timber management
Understory/fuels
Invasive species management
Identify, map, treat, monitor
Internal and external funds

5. Topography & Soils Topography relatively flat
Elevations range 15’ – 60’ above MSL
Soils predominately hydric
Poorly drained
Acidic
Gives rise to plant communities on BRP
Any restoration designed to enhance ecological integrity
In conjunction with ranch management

6. Water Resources BRP water resources important: Everglades ecosystem
Caloosahatchee River and estuary
Designated 2 watersheds
Tidal Caloosahatchee
Trout Creek
Owl Creek
Telegraph Creek
Western Caloosahatchee
Fichter Branch
Cypress Creek
Spanish Creek
No Outstanding Florida Waters on BRP
All designated Class III
Various forested/non-forested wetland communities

7. Water Protection
Statutory requirement to protect water resources (Ch. 259)
Work with cooperators on water resources
Groundwater and surface water
SFWMD, FDEP, Lee Co., FDACS-OAWP
Dispersed Water Storage Project
Development of monitoring criteria and frequency for environmental impacts
Meet or exceed all standards of applicable Best Management Practices

8. Water Protection
Adaptive management approach to water resources and protection
Minimize soil erosion and wetland impacts
Identification of potential contamination sources
Maintain existing water control structures
No silvicultural activities in forested wetlands/riparian areas
Salvage exception

9. Wildlife Resources
Manage the natural communities on BRP to conserve and enhance:
Game and non-game wildlife
Plants
Rare, threatened, and endangered species
Close cooperation and coordination with FWC on wildlife
Monitoring of wildlife resources
Specialized management tactics as necessary

10. Wildlife Resources Close coordination and cooperation with FWC to:
Provide updates to FNAI inventory (2008)
Develop and implement species survey and monitoring protocols
Revise RCW management plan
Conduct RCW management activities
Improve RCW foraging habitat and protect RCW trees from fire where practical and prudent

11. Wildlife Resources Close coordination and cooperation with FWC to:
Seek funding for more thorough plant and animal surveys
Develop an overall imperiled species management strategy for BRP
Consistent with existing strategies
E.g., Florida panther, crested caracara
Wildlife BMPs for Agriculture and Silviculture
Maintain existing bat houses
All activities will involve cooperative efforts between FWC, FFS and the ranch managers

12. Questions?