Conservation Strategies for a Globally Imperiled and Hyper-Fragmented Ecosystem: Acquisition, Regulations, Incentives and Outreach in Miami Dade County

James Duncan,Janet Gil,Craig Grossenbacher,Jennifer Possley

doi:10.15365/cate.2020.130123

Abstract

Pine rocklands are a globally critically imperiled ecosystem with limited geographic range, characterized by a high biodiversity of endemic herbaceous plants and frequent fire intervals (2-5 years). In Miami-Dade County, approximately 2% of the forest outside Everglades National Park (ENP) remains. The County adopted a forest property tax program in 1979, passed a forest preservation ordinance in 1984, and created a land acquisition program in 1991. Outreach and filling in the gaps between preservation areas are critical for the survival of a number of species.

Highlights

Pine rocklands are a globally critically imperiled ecosystem with limited geographic range, characterized by a high biodiversity of endemic herbaceous plants and frequent fire intervals (2-5 years)
Outreach and filling in the gaps between preservation areas are critical for the survival of a number of species
In south Florida, pine rocklands evolved on a limestone formation called the North Atlantic Ridge

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Pine rocklands are a globally critically imperiled ecosystem with limited geographic range, characterized by a high biodiversity of endemic herbaceous plants and frequent fire intervals (2-5 years). The County adopted a forest property tax program in 1979, passed a forest preservation ordinance in 1984, and created a land acquisition program in 1991. The program proffers a property tax reduction in exchange for a voluntary, ten-year covenant This covenant transfers development rights and creates a management agreement for qualifying, privately held natural areas. In 1990, the citizens of the county adopted a referendum that imposed two years of an extraordinary millage on property taxes for the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Acquisition Program. In 2007, Fairchild launched the Connect to Protect Network This free program enlists homeowners and schools to include pine rockland plants into urban landscaping. A history of efforts culminated in the programs that preserve pine rocklands, including local ordinances, regulations, a referendum, and policies adopted in the County’s Comprehensive Development Master Plan. The federally and Miami-Dade county endangered Goulds sandmat (Euphorbia deltoidia ssp adhaerans)

KEY RESULTS

Findings

LITERATURE CITED