1. CREW Management Area Steve Coughlin, Section Administrator Land Stewardship Section

2. Location and Adjacent Conservation Lands

3. Southern CREW Project Area  Click to add text

4. Remove berms Cut roads and fill ditches north of Kehl Canal and east of Vincent Road Southern Crew Project Area

5. Location and Regional Watershed

6. Plant Communities 33% Cypress Swamp 26% Hardwood Forested Wetlands 24% Slough and Depression Marsh 9% Flatwoods

7. CREW Wildlife Classified as a Priority Wetland for Listed Species and Biodiversity Hotspot by FWC. 122 bird species documented to date 22 mammals 18 listed species

8. Land Management Activities Primary Management Activities Hydrologic restoration Prescribed burning Exotic plant control

9. Hydrologic Restoration Ditch plugs utilized to improve hydrology on over- drained conservation lands, 9-Gems.

10. Exotic Plant Control   Target species include Lygodium, Melaleuca, and Brazilian pepper   Treat 3400 – 4400 acres annually for exotic vegetation   Largest single operational cost within the CREW budget

11. Prescribed Fire Cost-effective land management practice Necessary for maintenance of fire dependent plant communities Desired burn frequency is plant community specific Pine flatwoods and marsh, 3-5 years Prescribe burn goal of 2500 acres

12. Recreation Management Area had an estimated 15,800 visitors in FY13 Popular recreational activities include hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, camping, equestrian use and hunting

13. Partnerships Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed acquisition and land management partners: Audubon Lee County Collier County CREW Land & Water Trust Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission State of Florida

14. Questions?