Site Preparation Methods For Restoration Of Non-native Pasturelands To Native Upland Habitat

The flatwoods ecosystem of Florida has been heavily depleted over time but remains one of the most important systems to many threatened and endangered species. Areas that have been converted into non-native pastures may be restored to provide not only this invaluable ecosystem but also restore connectivity of the surrounding ecosystems. The pasture areas on The Disney Wilderness Preserve in central Florida were surveyed, and a conceptual plan for restoration was written in 1996. That same year a pilot study was developed to assess five methods for removing non-native pasture grasses. The treatments studied were single herbicide, single disc, multiple herbicide, multiple disc, and single herbicide with two disc treatments. All plots were monitored once a year for three years along non-permanent transects. Percent cover was estimated for seven variables and a species list was developed for each plot. The triple herbicide treatment had the best overall success in removal of non-natives and establishment of native species characteristic of flatwoods communities. This treatment also had the highest species richness. The results of this study were used to develop the long term restoration plan for the remaining pasture areas of the preserve. This information may also be useful to restore pastures that connect other important ecosystems being purchased and protected throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States