Eglin Air Force Base Ecological Monitoring Program
Abstract
The Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) tested indicators of sandhill ecological condition, confirming the usefulness of some groundcover (graminoid, Solidago odora, woody vine, and legume density, and herbaceous cover) while discarding others (Hypericum gentianoides). The results highlighted the need for revision of Tier 1 sandhill criteria, and the features of groundcover that may be useful to do this. Further collection of groundcover data and the incorporation into a comprehensive sandhill monitoring program is recommended. Additional groundcover metrics were recommended for monitoring. A robust, base-wide sampling design was used. FNAI narrowed the list of rare plant species on Eglin to 32 recommended for monitoring. These were classed into S priority groupings that should receive one of three basic levels of monitoring. Monitoring protocols for two rare species, Cladonia perforata and Matalea alabamensis were written. Baseline data for Cladonia perforata was collected. Although most communities on Eglin will become conservation targets, prioritizing them is necessary in order to effectively implement a monitoring program. FNAI reviewed communities on Eglin, prioritized them according to rarity, importance to biodiversity, and degree of threat. FNAI selected eight communities that should receive high priority for monitoring and proposed preliminary metrics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA387101
Entities
People
- Ann Johnson
- Carolyn Kindell