CROCODILE LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 

DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN 

AND 

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

Fish and Wildlife Service 

Southeast Regional Office 

1875 Century Boulevard 

Atlanta, Georgia 30345 

August 2005 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

SECTION A. DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN 

I. BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PLAN..............................................................................................2

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE...........................................................................................2

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM ..................................................................................3

LEGAL POLICY CONTEXT..........................................................................................................3

RELATIONSHIP TO STATE PARTNERS ....................................................................................4

ECOSYSTEM CONTEXT.............................................................................................................5

ECOLOGICAL THREATS AND PROBLEMS ...............................................................................5

Exotics.................................................................................................................................5

Public Use...........................................................................................................................6

Wetland Protection..............................................................................................................6

Water Quality ......................................................................................................................6

Contaminants......................................................................................................................6

Habitat Loss ........................................................................................................................6

Coastal Impacts ..................................................................................................................7

Lack of Knowledge..............................................................................................................7

Air Quality............................................................................................................................7

Land Use.............................................................................................................................7

Law Enforcement ................................................................................................................7

CONSERVATION PRIORITIES....................................................................................................7

II. REFUGE DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................9

REFUGE LOCATION ...................................................................................................................9

REFUGE PURPOSES..................................................................................................................9

ROLE OF CROCODILE LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE...............................................10

REFUGE ENVIRONMENT .........................................................................................................10

Fish and Wildlife Populations, including Federally Listed Species....................................10

Topography.......................................................................................................................12

Geology.............................................................................................................................12

Soils ..................................................................................................................................12

Minerals.............................................................................................................................12

Hydrology..........................................................................................................................12

Air and Water Quality........................................................................................................13

Habitats.............................................................................................................................13

Invasive Species ...............................................................................................................16

Cultural Resources............................................................................................................16

PARTNERSHIPS AND COORDINATION ..................................................................................17

RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL USE ON THE REFUGE...............................................17

CURRENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES..................................................................................17

WILDERNESS REVIEW.............................................................................................................19
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III. PLAN DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................................................21

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND THE PLANNING PROCESS.....................................................21

ISSUES AND CONCERNS ........................................................................................................21

Wildlife and Habitat Conservation.....................................................................................22

Land Protection and Conservation ...................................................................................22

Education and Visitor Services .........................................................................................22

Refuge Administration ......................................................................................................22

IV. MANAGEMENT DIRECTION.........................................................................................................23

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................23

VISION .......................................................................................................................................23

MANAGEMENT PLAN SUMMARY............................................................................................23

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES .............................................................................24

Goal 1 ...............................................................................................................................24

Goal 2 ...............................................................................................................................33

Goal 3 ...............................................................................................................................34

V. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................................................37

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................37

PROPOSED PROJECTS...........................................................................................................37

Project 1: Invasive exotic plant control ............................................................................37

Project 2: Invasive exotic pest control .............................................................................37

Project 3: Feral and free-roaming cat control ..................................................................37

Project 4: Crocodile nesting berm replenishment ............................................................38

Project 5: Habitat Restoration..........................................................................................38

Project 6: Woodrat artificial nest sites..............................................................................38

Project 7: Schaus swallowtail butterfly plants ..................................................................38

Project 8: Monitoring and population surveys..................................................................38

Project 9: Land Acquisition ..............................................................................................38

Project 10: Volunteer program.........................................................................................39

Project 11: Butterfly garden and interpretive materials....................................................39

STAFFING NEEDS ....................................................................................................................39

STEP-DOWN PLANS.................................................................................................................40

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ...........................................................................................40

MONITORING AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT......................................................................40

SECTION B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 

I. BACKGROUND................................................................................................................................41

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................41

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PLAN ...........................................................................................41

DECISIONS TO BE MADE ........................................................................................................41

PLANNING STUDY AREA .........................................................................................................42

PLANNING PROCESS AND ISSUES........................................................................................42

II. ALTERNATIVES..............................................................................................................................43

FORMULATION OF ALTERNATIVES .......................................................................................43

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES.........................................................................................43
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Alternative 1 - No Action ...................................................................................................44

Alternative 2 - Preferred Alternative ..................................................................................44

Alternative 3 - Limited Public Access................................................................................45

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED, BUT REJECTED...................................................................45

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES .........................................................................................45

III. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT..........................................................................................................63

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES .........................................................................................65

OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................65

ANTICIPATED IMPACTS...........................................................................................................65

Geology and soils..............................................................................................................65

Air Quality..........................................................................................................................65

Biological Resources.........................................................................................................66

Socioeconomic Issues ......................................................................................................66

Environmental Justice.......................................................................................................67

Traffic Circulation, Volume, and Parking...........................................................................67

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS............................................................................................................67

V. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION .......................................................................................69

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................69

Core Planning Team .........................................................................................................69

Biological Review Team....................................................................................................69

SECTION C. APPENDICES 

I. GLOSSARY .....................................................................................................................................71

II. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................77

III. RELEVANT LEGAL MANDATES....................................................................................................79

IV. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT................................................................................................................85

V. COMPATIBILITY DETERMINATIONS ............................................................................................87

VI. SECTION 7 INTRA-SERVICE CONSULTATION...........................................................................91

VII. REFUGE BIOTA............................................................................................................................97

VIII. LIST OF PREPARERS...............................................................................................................141
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LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 1. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge location................................................................11

Figure 2. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge habitat. ................................................................15

.Figure 3. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge land ownership...................................................35

LIST OF TABLES 

Table 1. Cost summary of projects.....................................................................................................39

Table 2. Comparison of alternatives...................................................................................................46
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SECTION A. DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN 

I. Background 

INTRODUCTION 

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, operating as a satellite of the National Key Deer Refuge, is 

on upper Key Largo in Monroe County, Florida, and was established under the Endangered Species 

Act of 1973 (as amended) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (as amended in 

1976). The refuge was established in April 1980 and currently covers 6,700 acres, including 650 

acres of open water. It contains a mosaic of habitat types including tropical hardwood hammock, 

mangrove forest, and salt marsh. These habitats are vital for hundreds of plants and animals, 

including six federally listed species. 

Crocodile Lake Refuge is unusual in that not all of the critical habitat areas are in a pristine, 

undisturbed condition. A large portion of the refuge was slated to become a residential development, 

complete with canals for boating access. The organic peat dredge-spoil from the canal system was 

piled up in berms on the banks of the canals and became an important nesting area for the federally 

listed American crocodile. American crocodiles are fairly widespread throughout the tropics; 

however, in the United States crocodiles are only found in south Florida and the Keys. 

The refuge protects one of the largest remaining tracts of tropical hardwood hammock, which is a 

globally threatened habitat type. These diverse forests are home to hundreds of plants and animals, 

including the federally listed Key Largo woodrat, Key Largo cotton mouse, Schaus swallowtail 

butterfly, Stock Island tree snail, and eastern indigo snake. These species require hammocks in 

order to survive. Unfortunately, most of the hammocks in Key Largo have been eliminated by 

development, which has led to considerable population declines in these already imperiled species. 

Management initiatives on the refuge include exotic plant removal and habitat protection. The refuge 

is closed to public access to protect critical habitat. A casual visitor might think that Key Largo is little 

more than a highly developed, tourist-oriented island. However, much of north Key Largo has been 

set aside as a natural area for the protection of threatened and endangered species and their 

habitats. Acre for acre, few places on earth harbor more threatened and endangered plants and 

animals than Crocodile Lake Refuge and the adjacent Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock 

Botanical State Park. 

The mix of pristine natural areas and disturbed areas on the refuge creates many management 

challenges. Natural areas are important to a multitude of species, as are the disturbed areas. 

Typically, habitat management strives to restore disturbed habitats to a pre-disturbance state. At the 

refuge, federally listed species, such as the American crocodile and the Key Largo woodrat, thrive in 

disturbed areas. Thus, management of the refuge must undertake actions that seem contradictory to 

the maintenance of ecological integrity. 

This Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and integrated Habitat Management Plan for Crocodile 

Lake National Wildlife Refuge were prepared to guide refuge management. A planning team developed 

a range of alternatives that best met the goals and objectives of the refuge. Following a public review 

and comment period on this draft plan, a final decision will be made by the Fish and Wildlife Service that 

will guide refuge management programs and projects over a 15-year planning period. 
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PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PLAN 

The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 established a clear legislative mission 

of wildlife conservation for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Activities were initiated in 1997 to 

complement the direction of this new legislation, including an effort to complete 15-year management 

plans (i.e., comprehensive conservation plans) for all refuges. These plans, which are conducted 

with full public involvement, help guide the management of refuges, including providing management 

direction for natural resources, as well as recreation and education programs. 

The Act states that each refuge shall be managed to: 

• fulfill the mission of the Refuge System; 

• fulfill the individual purposes of each refuge; 

• consider the needs of fish and wildlife first; 

• fulfill the requirement of developing a comprehensive conservation plan for each unit of the 

Refuge System and fully involve the public in the preparation of these plans; 

• maintain the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health (cumulatively referred to 

as “ecological integrity”) of the Refuge System; and 

• recognize that wildlife-dependent recreation activities, including hunting, fishing, wildlife 

observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation are 

legitimate and priority public uses of national wildlife refuges. 

The purpose of this plan is to identify the role the refuge will play in support of the mission of the 

National Wildlife Refuge System, and to provide guidance for managing the refuge through the next 

15 years. This plan is designed to fulfill the following: 

• provide a clear statement of the desired future condition of the refuge; 

• provide refuge neighbors, visitors, and partners with a clear understanding of the reasons for 

management actions on and around the refuge; 

• ensure that management of the refuge is consistent with mandates of the National Wildlife 

Refuge System; 

• ensure that refuge management is consistent with other federal, state, and county plans; 

• provide long-term guidance and continuity for refuge management; and 

• provide a basis for operation, maintenance, and capital improvement budget requests. 

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the primary federal agency responsible for the conservation, 

protection, and enhancement of the Nation’s fish and wildlife populations and habitats. Although the 

Service shares some conservation responsibilities with other federal, state, tribal, local, and private 

entities, it has specific trustee obligations for migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, 

anadromous fish, and certain marine mammals. 

The mission of the Service is: 

“Working with others, to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and 

their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” 
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NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM

As part of its mission, the Service administers the National Wildlife Refuge System, a national 

network of lands and waters for the management and protection of these resources. To date, the 

Refuge System encompasses more than 540 national wildlife refuges and more than 3,000 small 

waterfowl breeding and nesting sites that protect upwards of 95 million acres. It is the world’s largest 

collection of lands and waters specifically managed for conservation of fish and wildlife. The majority 

of these lands, 77 million acres, is in Alaska. The remaining acres are spread across the other 49 

states and several island U.S. territories. 

The mission of the Refuge System is: 

“To administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, 

management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant 

resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and 

future generations of Americans.” 

--National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 

The wildlife and habitat vision for national wildlife refuges stresses that wildlife come first; that 

ecosystems, biodiversity, and wilderness are vital concepts in refuge management; that the 

ecological integrity of refuges is maintained; that the growth of refuges and the Refuge System must 

be strategic; and that the Refuge System serves as a model for habitat management with broad 

participation from others. This broad participation includes local, state, and federal government 

partners; organizations; the local business communities; individuals; and volunteers. Volunteers 

continue to be a major contributor to the success of the Refuge System. In 2004, 6,349 volunteers 

supported 125 stations and contributed 293,937 hours with a value of more than five million dollars in 

the Southeast Region. 

The National Wildlife Refuge System hosts over 35 million annual visitors. Economists estimate that 

these refuge visitors contribute more than $400 million annually to local economies. In 2001, on 

conservation lands throughout the nation, approximately 37.8 million people participated in wildliferelated activities, most to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. These visitors represent nearly 40 

percent of the country’s adults who spent $108 billion on wildlife-related pursuits in 2001, according to 

the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (U.S. Department of 

Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau 2002). 

As visitation continues to grow on conservation lands and waters in general, and specifically on 

refuges, adjacent local communities are realizing significant economic benefits. 

LEGAL POLICY CONTEXT 

The administration of national wildlife refuges is guided by the mission and goals of the National 

Wildlife Refuge System, Congressional legislation, Presidential executive orders, and international 

treaties. Policies for management options of refuges are further refined by administrative guidelines 

established by the Secretary of the Interior and by policy guidelines established by the Director of the 

Fish and Wildlife Service. Management options are guided by a refuge’s establishing authorities; 

Public Law 104, Stat. 2957 ('108, H.R. 3338); and the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement 

Act of 1997 (see Appendix III for more information on legal and policy guidance for the operation of 

national wildlife refuges). 
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Key guidance and direction can be found in: 

• National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966; 

• Refuge Recreation Act of 1962; 

• Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations; 

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Manual; and 

• National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. 

 

Since refuges must be managed for wildlife first, the lands and waters within the National Wildlife 

Refuge System are closed to public uses unless specifically and legally opened under specified 

conditions allowing compatibility with the purposes of the refuges. All programs and uses of a refuge 

must be evaluated based on mandates set forth in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement 

Act, including those that: 

• contribute to ecosystem goals, as well as to refuge purpose(s) and goals; 

• conserve, manage, and restore fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats; 

• monitor the trends of fish, wildlife, and plants; 

• maintain ecological integrity; 

• manage and ensure compatible wildlife-dependent visitor uses as those uses which benefit 

the conservation of fish and wildlife resources and which contribute to the enjoyment of the 

public (these uses include hunting, fishing, observing wildlife, photographing wildlife, and 

participating in environmental education and interpretation); and 

• ensure that visitor activities are compatible with refuge purpose(s). 

RELATIONSHIP TO STATE PARTNERS 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to encouraging and maintaining partnerships with 

others to improve the environmental health of ecosystems and the National Wildlife Refuge System. 

Partnerships are recognized by the Service as vital to fulfill our mission and help share our advocacy 

for fish and wildlife resources. Some of our current partners include federal and state agencies, 

environmental organizations, outdoor sporting groups, industry, local governments, and private 

landowners. 

 

A provision of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 and subsequent agency 

policy provide that the Service shall ensure timely and effective cooperation and collaboration with 

other federal agencies and state fish and wildlife agencies during the course of acquiring and 

managing refuges. For Crocodile Lake Refuge, state fish and wildlife management is administered 

by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (http://www.myfwc.com/) and the Florida 

Department of Environmental Protection (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/). These state agencies are 

charged with enforcement responsibilities relating to migratory birds, trust species, and fisheries, as 

well as with management of the state’s natural resources. Both the Florida Fish and Wildlife 

Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection manage state 

lands and waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages 4.3 million acres 

of public lands and 220,000 acres of private lands for recreation and conservation purposes. The 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection manages 150 state parks covering nearly 600,000 

acres and 57 coastal and aquatic managed areas totaling over 5 million acres of submerged lands 

and coastal uplands. 
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Various agencies within the state government have also participated in a mix of refuge projects, 

including the planning process to develop a 15-year management plan for the refuge. The State of 

Florida’s participation and contribution throughout this comprehensive conservation planning process 

provide for ongoing opportunities and open dialogue to improve the ecological conservation of fish 

and wildlife in Florida. An integral part of the comprehensive conservation planning process is 

integrating common mission objectives, where appropriate. 

ECOSYSTEM CONTEXT 

Comprising one of 52 ecosystems around the country, the Fish and Wildlife Service’s South Florida 

Ecosystem encompasses more than 26,000 square miles, 19 southern Florida counties, and more 

than 7 million people. The South Florida Ecosystem has undergone numerous human disturbances, 

ranging from alteration of hydroperiods, fire history, and drainage patterns. Developing and dredging 

the Everglades canal system and expanding agricultural operations have eliminated and diminished 

natural systems. Exotic species such as Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, and lead tree are further 

contributing to wildlife population and habitat declines. Over the last 50 years, the South Florida 

Ecosystem has undergone dramatic changes, which are largely attributed to various human activities 

and economic growth. 

Despite the ongoing landscape alteration and rapidly growing economy, the scrub, hardwood 

hammocks, cypress swamps, salt marshes, mangrove islands, coral reefs, and seagrass beds of 

south Florida support one of the most ecologically diverse systems on the planet. The majority of the 

remaining wildlife and habitats of the South Florida Ecosystem are found on national interest lands, 

including sixteen national wildlife refuges, three national parks, one national preserve, and one 

national marine sanctuary. Despite tremendous economic development, the South Florida 

Ecosystem supports more than 600 rare or imperiled species, where 68 are federally listed as 

threatened or endangered, including 8 mammals, 13 birds, 10 reptiles, 2 invertebrates, and 35 plants. 

ECOLOGICAL THREATS AND PROBLEMS 

The following threats were identified by the South Florida Ecosystem Team and published in the 

Team’s plan in 1998. Not all of these threats and problems affect Crocodile Lake Refuge; however, 

they affect the South Florida Ecosystem as a whole, and are included here as a frame of reference. 

The threat topics are taken directly from the 1999 South Florida Ecosystem Team’s Ecosystem Plan 

section on Florida Keys issues, and all do not necessarily apply to the refuge.

EXOTICS 

Exotic (non-native) species of concern include Brazilian pepper, Old-world climbing fern, Australian 

pine, Asiatic colubrina, lead tree, knickerbean, and non-native grasses. In both Great White Heron 

and Key West Refuges, much of the affected area is on offshore islands where treatment is difficult. 

Much of the exotic vegetation on the highway connecting the Keys lies on private property, which 

makes treatment problematic. Past survey efforts concluded that roughly 500 acres of Crocodile 

Lake Refuge, National Key Deer Refuge, Great White Heron Refuge, and Key West Refuge lands 

were infested with exotic vegetation. Feral cats are the primary predators of the endangered Lower 

Keys marsh rabbit and may be impacting the Key Largo woodrat and cotton mouse. Imported fire 

ants attack young sea turtles and endangered endemic rodents. Black rats may eat the young of 

endangered rodents and outcompete them for habitat. 
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PUBLIC USE 

The public use carrying capacity of specific areas needs to be addressed. The high level of public 

use throughout all of the Keys (uplands, Florida Bay, reef tract) is the source of many other critical 

issues. Many problems are associated with illegal uses and commercial use, particularly in the lower 

Keys backcountry islands. Beach use causes disturbance to shorebirds and damages their loafing 

and feeding areas. Personal watercraft use, recreational fishing, parasailing, diving, and snorkeling 

continue to be increasing problems. Crocodile Lake Refuge, however, has always been a closed 

refuge and does not have problems with illegal public uses. The public uses mentioned above are 

primarily of concern elsewhere in the Keys. 

WETLAND PROTECTION 

There has been substantial restoration of wetlands, such as the Harrison Tract on Crocodile Lake 

Refuge and Port Pine Heights Mitigation Project within the National Key Deer Refuge. The potential 

for these areas to be hydrologically flushed needs to be restored. Freshwater areas are critical for 

mammal species. Saltwater wetlands are important nursery areas for reef fish, as well as feeding 

and roosting areas for wading birds. Although restoration of some areas is underway, much more is 

needed, such as filling of mosquito ditches and unused canals. Water wells associated with 

residential development are lowering the freshwater lens on Big Pine Key, making this water 

unavailable to wildlife and subject to saltwater intrusion. 

WATER QUALITY 

This area is affected by nearshore water quality issues of Florida Bay and the Keys reef tract. 

Alterations of historic water flow through this subregion create water quality problems ranging from 

loss of seagrass in Florida Bay to coral die-off in the sensitive reef tract. Hydrologic flushing of this 

area needs to be restored. Nearshore water quality is impacted by nutrient loading from upstream 

and local sources. Sewage treatment plants, septic tanks, cesspits, and live-aboard vessels 

represent the most common and widespread sources of pollution and water quality degradation in the 

Florida Keys. Boaters in shallow waters and divers stir up the sediments. 

CONTAMINANTS 

Mosquito spraying is not allowed on Crocodile Lake Refuge but it may be harming invertebrate 

populations in North Key Largo, such as the endangered Schaus swallowtail butterfly and Stock 

Island tree snail. Possible water table contamination from a landfill inholding at Crocodile Lake 

Refuge may be a problem. Lead from firearm ranges is also a known contaminant. 

HABITAT LOSS 

The primary threats to upland habitats in the Florida Keys are economic development, fragmentation 

by infrastructure, and invasion of exotic vegetation. Wetland restoration is helping to reverse existing 

habitat loss. At Crocodile Lake Refuge, loss of adjacent tropical hardwood hammock habitat for 

residential purposes is the largest problem. Losses of seagrass in Florida Bay and coral die-off in the 

reef tract are also problems associated with commercial and public uses. 
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COASTAL IMPACTS 

Some natural erosion has been exacerbated by human use and boat wakes, particularly on 

backcountry islands. Sea level rise could eventually affect wetlands and mangrove forests by altering 

tidal and hydrologic cycles. 

LACK OF KNOWLEDGE 

More information is needed on the public use carrying capacity for the Florida Keys, particularly for 

commercial use. Information is also needed on the extent of exotic plant invasions and the role of fire 

in pine rocklands in the lower Keys. Baseline data for water quality and faunal and floral inventories 

are also needed. 

AIR QUALITY 

This is not believed to be an issue as there are no major industries. 

LAND USE 

The primary problem is increased human population growth, with its subsequent residential and 

associated commercial development and landfill activities. In the backcountry waters and coral reef 

communities, a primary problem is increased competition for support and space between species, 

including humans, and the resulting damage and problems. 

LAW ENFORCEMENT 

The full scope of law enforcement activities should be performed to eliminate the unlawful take of 

migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and other native wildlife and plants. Traffic 

enforcement and prevention of illegal feeding of Key deer are critical to the survival of this species. 

CONSERVATION PRIORITIES 

The South Florida Ecosystem Team’s plan identified seven goals. Each goal was established by 

ecosystem team members to accomplish the tasks identified by the Interagency Task Force. The 

goals recognize refuges and other national interest lands as cornerstones of an ecosystem approach 

to resource conservation and management. Refuge land managers will consider landscapes beyond 

their respective boundaries and focus on the overall environmental health and biological integrity of 

the ecosystem. The conservation priorities for the South Florida Ecosystem are reflected in the 

following seven goals: 

1. Protect and manage units of the National Wildlife Refuge System and other national 

interest lands. 

2. Protect migratory birds and protect, restore, and manage their habitats. 

3. Protect, restore, and manage candidate, threatened, and endangered species and their 

habitats. 

4. Protect, restore, and manage wetlands and other freshwater habitats. 

5. Protect, manage, and restore fish and other aquatic species and their habitats. 
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6. Protect, restore, and enhance coastal and estuarine habitats. 

7. Protect, restore, and manage for biodiversity. 
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II. Refuge Description 

INTRODUCTION 

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in April 1980 to protect and preserve critical 

habitat for the American crocodile. The refuge is also home to five other indigenous species that are 

federally listed as threatened and endangered. The refuge and surrounding waters are habitat for 

more than 80 other wildlife and plant species that are listed by federal, state, or county agencies as 

threatened, endangered, candidate, or otherwise protected. The refuge was established under the 

authorities of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, as amended in 1976 (Public Law 

94-422) and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-295, 87 Stat. 884), as amended. 

The refuge was established in 1980 with an initial purchase of 85 acres at a cost of $41,250. 

Subsequent land purchases did not begin again until February 1981, at which time purchases 

proceeded at a steady pace until 1994 and resulted in an additional 6,475 acres being acquired. Also 

in 1994, the Service entered into a 99-year lease agreement with the State of Florida for 

approximately 125 acres that exist within the refuge acquisition boundaries. The last purchases, 

encompassing almost 2 acres, occurred in 1998, and put the total lands under refuge control at 6,688 

acres. 

The refuge serves as a satellite refuge of National Key Deer Refuge and was not staffed until 1997, 

when a refuge manager was hired. Over the years, refuge administration and management have 

been supplemented by staff from the National Key Deer Refuge, as well as interns, university 

researchers, and volunteers. 

REFUGE LOCATION 

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge is on North Key Largo in Monroe County, Florida, 

approximately 40 miles southwest of Miami (Figure 1). The refuge is a satellite of National Key Deer 

Refuge located 70 miles southwest on Big Pine Key. It is bordered on the east by County Road 905 

and on the south by U.S. Highway 1. Card Sound, Barnes Sound, and North Lake Surprise border 

the western shoreline of the refuge. The refuge is part of a complex of environmentally protected 

areas which include Everglades National Park to the northwest, Key Largo Hammock Botanical State 

Park to the east, and Card Sound Aquatic Preserve and Biscayne National Park to the north. 

REFUGE PURPOSES 

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established under authority of the Endangered Species 

Act of 1973 and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. The refuge was created specifically to protect 

critical habitat for federally listed species. The primary purposes from the enabling legislation are as 

follows: 

“... to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species or 

threatened species .... or (B) plants ... 16 U.S.C. ' 1534 (Endangered Species Act of 

1973).” 
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“... for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of 

fish and wildlife resources ...16 U.S.C. ' 742f(a)(4) ... for the benefit of the United 

States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing its activities and services. Such 

acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive or affirmative covenant, or 

condition of servitude ... 16 U.S.C. ' 742f(b)(1) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956).” 

ROLE OF CROCODILE LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge protects breeding and nesting habitat for the endangered 

American crocodile and other wildlife. The refuge is located in north Key Largo and is currently 

comprised of 6,700 acres including 650 acres of open water. It contains a mosaic of habitat types 

including tropical hardwood hammock, mangrove forest, and salt marsh. These habitats are critical 

for hundreds of plants and animals including six federally listed species. 

The refuge, in conjunction with adjacent state lands, protects the last large areas of habitat in north 

Key Largo. Several hundred acres of habitat could have been lost to economic development if the 

refuge was not established. Crocodile Lake Refuge is unique in that it is truly a refuge for wildlife. 

REFUGE ENVIRONMENT 

FISH AND WILDLIFE POPULATIONS, INCLUDING FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES 

Crocodile Lake Refuge is an important ecological niche for the conservation of several threatened 

and endangered species and their habitats. The refuge provides habitat for six federally listed 

threatened and endangered species, including the American crocodile, Key Largo woodrat, Key 

Largo cotton mouse, Schaus swallowtail butterfly, Stock Island tree snail, and eastern indigo snake. 

The refuge supports nearly 25 percent of the existing American crocodile population and is one of 

only three areas in the United States that provides nesting habitat for the species. Approximately 40 

percent of the Key Largo woodrat and Key Largo cotton mouse reside on the refuge, with the 

remaining populations confined to the adjacent Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. The 

inshore waters and mangrove creeks in and around the refuge provide habitat for the federally 

endangered West Indian manatee and five species of federally listed threatened and endangered sea 

turtles. The refuge is also a seasonal home to American bald eagles, white-crowned pigeons, and 

other migratory birds. More than 34 state-listed wildlife species also call the refuge home. 

The refuge is comprised of two globally endangered ecosystems: mangrove wetlands and tropical 

hardwood forests. Within the continental United States, these habitat types are found only in extreme 

south Florida and the Florida Keys. The tropical hardwood forests contain more than 120 native trees 

and shrubs, making this ecosystem one of the most diverse in the world. Nearly 80 percent of the 

plant species on the refuge are of West Indian origin. Many of the plant species are listed as 

threatened or endangered by the State of Florida, and are also protected by Monroe County. 

The mosaic of habitats at Crocodile Lake Refuge supports the federally threatened eastern indigo 

snake, as well as state-listed species including the mangrove terrapin, rim rock crowned snake, and 

Florida Keys mole skink. The terrapin and mole skink are subspecies restricted in distribution to the 

Florida Keys, while the rim rock crowned snake is a species that also occurs in the southern reaches 

of Dade County. These four species are found in several major habitat types, including mangroves 

(terrapin and indigo snake); hammock (mole skink, indigo snake, and rim rock crowned snake); and 

driftwood and tidal wrack along the shorelines and islands (mole skink). 
11

Figure 1. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge location. 
12 

The refuge’s mangrove wetlands serve as important nursery areas for a diversity of fish and shellfish, 

with many having recreational and commercial importance. The mangrove wetlands and hardwood 

forests of the refuge also support a large number of migratory bird species, including wading and 

water birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and neotropical migratory songbirds. 

TOPOGRAPHY 

The refuge is part of the geographic region of high coral keys with maximum elevations of 10 to 12 

feet above mean sea level. The intertidal, tidal, and submerged areas of this tract are less than 2 feet 

below mean sea level. Natural solution holes, created by the dissolution of the limestone by rainfall, 

form depressions in the limestone and can be more than 5 feet in depth. Some of the topography of 

the upland and submerged areas has been altered by human activity, such as dredging of deep 

canals and basins, filling wetlands and uplands to create adequate elevations for residential 

construction, and installation of roads. 

GEOLOGY 

The geologic formation of the refuge is Key Largo limestone. Built by coral polyps of ancient reef 

formations, these remains are similar to the present living coral reefs offshore. Sea level has 

fluctuated over time and the land mass of south Florida has been both exposed and submerged by 

water. Approximately 120,000 years ago, the sea level dropped close to its present level, exposing 

the coral and allowing for the formation of the islands of the Florida Keys. The ancient coral reefs 

were very large, as evidenced by Key Largo limestone as much as 145 feet thick in some areas of the 

Upper Keys. 

SOILS 

Five soil types have been identified on the refuge. They are Pennekamp gravelly muck, Rock 

Outcrop-Tavernier complex, Islamorada muck, Key Largo muck, and Udorthents-Urban land complex. 

Pennekamp gravelly muck is found in the upland hammock areas typically at the highest elevations. 

It is characterized by a thin layer of organic debris and leaf layer over the limestone rock. Soil in this 

unit is well drained. In the low intertidal area, the soil unit is Rock Outcrop-Tavernier complex. In this 

soil unit, the mangrove tidal swamps are subject to daily flooding by tides causing the soil to be poorly 

drained. The exposed limestone rock has weathered into smooth caprock pitted with solution holes 

filled with accumulated marl soil. The submerged shallow bottom in Dispatch Slough consists of fine 

mud of organic particles and calcareous sediments known as Islamorada muck. In addition to the 

Rock Outcrop-Tavernier complex, both Islamorada muck and Key Largo muck are associated with 

mangrove tidal swamps. The Udorthents-Urban land complex includes constructed upland areas 

where the land has been altered by dredging and filling for development. 

MINERALS 

Other than Key Largo limestone, there are no minerals on the refuge. 

HYDROLOGY 

Rain is the primary natural source of fresh water in the Florida Keys. Historically, early settlers 

collected rain water in cisterns or used water from wells and solution holes that tapped the small, 

shallow freshwater lenses. These lenses form from fresh water held in the ground above sea level 

during the rainy season. Until recently, nearshore freshwater upwelling, an extension of the Biscayne 
13

Aquifer, occurred in at least one location on northern Key Largo. Drainage of the Everglades and 

subsequent canalization of southeast Florida (including canals in the Florida Keys) resulted in 

saltwater intrusion into the Biscayne Aquifer and changed the regional hydrology. The Key Largo 

islands are composed of limestone that is very porous and does not lead to freshwater lens formation. 

However, the lower Key islands (e.g., Big Pine Key) are composed of oolite that is much less porous 

and retains rain water and forms freshwater lenses. 

AIR AND WATER QUALITY 

Air pollutants of major concern in Florida are carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, 

particulate matter and sulfur dioxide (Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection 1999a). The primary 

sources of these pollutants are vehicle emissions, power plants, and industrial activities. In 1999, all 

areas of Florida were air quality attainment areas (Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection 1999a). 

There are no major industrial operations in the Florida Keys and air quality is consistently good. On 

occasion, air quality is reduced briefly by smoke from wildfires in the Everglades. 

Water quality is generally good in the Florida Keys. However, near shore water quality is affected by 

storm water runoff and wastewater. On-site septic systems are abundant in the Keys and older 

systems do not effectively remove nitrogen and phosphorus from effluent, which leads to 

eutrophication of near shore waters. Similarly, storm water runoff contributes to near shore water 

quality degradation by flushing fertilizers, pesticides, contaminants, and pet waste into the water 

during rain events. Most of these negative contributions are directly associated with economic 

development. Crocodile Lake NWR has an overall beneficial effect for near shore water quality in 

north Key Largo because it protects land from economic development and the natural vegetation 

effectively traps nutrients and contaminants. 

HABITATS 

The refuge contains the following distinct habitat types (Figure 2), along with ruderal and developed 

areas: 

Tropical Hardwood Hammock 

The rockland forests of the refuge are part of the largest West Indian hardwood hammock in the 

continental United States. Despite disturbance from development, early settlers, and the construction 

of County Road 905 which bisects north Key Largo and separates Key Largo Hammock Botanical 

State Park from the refuge, the majority of the hammock is in relatively good condition. Diversity is 

high as a result of many successional stages. Mature wild tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliqua), mahogany 

(Swietenia mahagoni), gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba), poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum), and 

strangler fig (Ficus aurea) trees dominate the canopy. Understory trees include two rare species of 

stoppers: red stopper (Eugenia rhombea) and redberry stopper (Eugenia confusa), as well as white 

stopper (Eugenia axillaris), Spanish stopper (Eugenia foetida), milkbark (Drypetes diversifolia), wild 

coffee (Psychotria nervosa), soldierwood (Colubrina elliptica), lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum), and 

torchwood (Amyris elemifera). Several species of bromeliads and orchids, including dollar orchid 

(Encyclia boothiana), butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis), common wild pine (Tillandsia fasciculata),

twisted air plant (Tillandsia flexousa), silvery wild pine (Tillandsia paucifolia), reddish wild pine 

(Tillandsia polystachia), Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), and giant wild pine (Tillandsia 

utriculata) can be found on mature trees throughout the hammock. 

A number of solution holes in the hammock retain fresh water except under conditions of drought. 

These areas support moisture loving plants such as cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), pond apple 
14 

(Annona glabra), and ferns, including leather fern (Acrostichum aureum). The hammock grades into 

a narrow strand of transition vegetation found along the hammock margins in areas of lesser 

elevation. The hardwood forests in the refuge are host to several endangered animal species 

including the Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli), Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus 

gossypinus allapaticola), Schaus swallowtail butterfly (Papilio aristodemus ponceanus), eastern 

indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi), and the threatened Stock Island tree snail (Orthalicus 

reses reses). Hammock areas also provide important habitat for the state threatened white-crowned 

pigeon (Columba leucocephala). 

Coastal Rock Barren 

Coastal rock barren is a very rare community, occurring in scattered patches along a few shorelines 

in the Florida Keys. On the refuge, the coastal rock barren is in good to excellent condition and 

occurs between the rockland hammock and the coastal berm/marine tidal swamp. The substrate is 

exposed cap rock pitted with small solution holes. 

The coastal rock barren forms a zone of varying width on the Gulf side of the rockland hammock. 

Prior to refuge acquisition, more land was cleared at the southern end of the park for proposed 

development. As a result, the northern end of the refuge has a better developed coastal rock barren 

community. However, it occurs in areas that are closer to the marine tidal swamp, and therefore, 

during the extreme high tides in October, has been inundated with as much as 6 inches of water. 

This periodic inundation does not seem to adversely affect the plant species, which are adapted to 

harsh conditions. Plant species found in this community include: joewood (Jacquinia keyensis), black 

torch (Erithalis fruticosa), saltwort (Batis maritima), black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), white 

mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), saffron plum (Bumelia celastrina), Key thatch palm (Thrinax 

morrisii), Florida thatch palm (Thrinax radiata), wild dilly (Manilkara bahamensis), sea lavender 

(Limonium carolinianum var. angustatum), Christmas berry (Lycium carolinianum), prickly pear cactus 

(Opuntia stricta), limber caper (Capparis flexuosa), and buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus). Exposed 

branches of shrubs and small trees are covered with orchids and bromeliads, including dollar orchid 

(Encyclia boothiana), butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis), reflexed wild pine (Tillandsia balbisiana),

common wild pine (Tillandsia fasciculata), and silvery wild pine (Tillandsia paucifolia). The coastal 

rock barren at Key Largo Hammocks needs to be protected from development, the invasion of exotic 

species, and poaching of both plant material and driftwood. 

Coastal Berm 

A narrow coastal berm parallels the fringe of red mangroves along portions of the shoreline of the 

Port Bougainville Tract. This berm is characterized by a ridge of storm-deposited debris that is 

subjected to an accumulation of flotsam. The substrate is coarse calcareous sand which has 

accumulated to an elevation of 1 to 2 feet. A variety of plant associations develop on this ridge and 

include dense thickets of large shrubs, small trees, or sparse shrubby vegetation. Such species 

include: blackbead (Pithecellobium guadalupense), prickly pear cactus, Spanish stopper, 

poisonwood, sea oxeye (Borrichia arborescens), manchineel (Hippomane mancinella), and indigo 

berry (Randia aculeata). Unfortunately, this area has been invaded both in historical times and in 

recent times by exotic species, particularly seaside portia (Thespesia populnea) and lather leaf 

(Colubrina asiatica).
15

Figure 2. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge habitat.
16 

In the areas where the coastal berm occurs, the berm grades into coastal rock barren and marine 

tidal swamp. Because the coastal rock barren is an ecotonal community, plant species found in that 

community may also be present in the coastal berm community. 

Mangrove Forest 

Mangrove forests at the refuge are in excellent condition. Red mangroves are established along the 

shoreline with their prop-roots submerged in the water. Typical species found attached to or living 

near the red mangrove prop-roots include: snapper (Lutjanus sp.), mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis),

oysters (Isognomon alatus), barnacles (Lepas anatifera), mangrove crabs (Cardisoma guanhumi),

and fiddler crabs (Uca pugilator). Black mangroves are landward of red mangroves in the intertidal 

zone which is subject to tidal movement. To cope with saltwater inundation and salinity fluctuations, 

black mangroves extend pneumatophores above the surface of the soil to aid in gas exchange. 

White mangroves are often found in association with black mangroves, but prefer slightly higher 

ground that is not inundated by daily tides. 

Mangrove wetlands support many species of wading birds, such as wood stork (Mycteria americana),

white ibis (Eudocimus albus), white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), and roseate spoonbill 

(Ajaia ajaja), which frequent the area, particularly in winter months. Several species of raptors, 

particularly osprey (Pandion haliaetus), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), red-tailed hawk (Buteo 

jamaicensis), and an occasional bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), are seasonally observed 

over the wetlands, some of which nest in adjacent high hammock trees. 

Ruderal and Developed Areas 

Ruderal and developed areas can be found throughout the refuge. Ruderal areas include the 

abandoned Nike Missile Facility and the old Card Sound Road bed. Some development had taken 

place prior to the closure of the property, including a marina with docks, remnants of a fire station and 

a maintenance building, a helicopter pad, and several roads. 

INVASIVE SPECIES 

Florida Keys habitats are continually affected by invasive exotic species. Brazilian pepper, Australian 

pine, and lead tree are of particular concern since these plants are fast-growing and crowd out native 

vegetation. Many of the dense stands of exotics have been removed from the refuge, but controlling 

reestablishment is an ongoing management requirement. 

CULTURAL RESOURCES 

North Key Largo, which includes the refuge, has been a rich environment for both pre-historic peoples 

and early settlers. Prehistoric sites tend to be located near the water, and are chiefly composed of 

shell middens. Historical remains are somewhat more widely distributed and more diverse. The 

refuge does not have any identified archaeological sites. North Key Largo has been populated by 

diverse ethnic groups, including the Timucuan culture, the Caloosa, and settlers from the Bahamas 

prior to the influx of Europeans. The early history of north Key Largo shows that Native Americans 

inhabited the area between 1600 BC and 1200 AD. They capitalized on the rich seaside 

environment. Activities continued in the area until the mid-18th century, which corresponds to the 

arrival of the first European settlers. Cultural remains from the prehistoric period consist chiefly of 

Glades II and Glades III artifacts, indicating that this was the period of heaviest activity. 
17

Early formal references to north Key Largo include Bernard Romans, an English cartographer who 

visited the area in 1776. He commented on an apparent link of Key Largo to the mainland of Florida, 

and tried unsuccessfully to find a passage behind Key Largo into Florida Bay. 

Shipwrecks were a common occurrence in Key Largo since ships had to navigate treacherous waters 

through the dangerous coral reef line. A lightship was placed out at Carysfort Reef and became one 

of the most important navigational lights between St. Augustine and Key West. The lightship master, 

Captain John Walton, kept a farm house and a small garden with fruit trees at Garden Cove. Another 

early settler was Edward Bell, who operated the Carysfort Lighthouse which replaced the lightship. 

He purchased 700 acres near Basin Hills on north Key Largo. There he maintained crops that 

included pineapple, sapodilla, and Key lime, as well as other tropical fruits. A hurricane in 1876 

destroyed Bell’s plantation and others in the area. Today old cisterns, foundations, and remnants of 

the old fruit tree orchards are scattered throughout the hammock. Exotic vegetation, including 

species grown primarily for fiber such as sisal hemp (Agave sisalana) and bowstring hemp, is 

evidence of earlier settlement. 

PARTNERSHIPS AND COORDINATION 

The refuge has a 99-year lease to manage 125 acres of hardwood forests, mangrove wetlands, and 

disturbed areas owned by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and located within the 

boundaries of the refuge. The tract is managed in accordance with all applicable Florida statutes and 

administrative rules, as well as federal regulations governing management of national wildlife refuges. 

While the refuge does not have any other formal agreements or partnerships with any other agency 

or private organization, it does work closely with many federal, state, and local agencies, as well as 

private organizations and groups to address refuge goals and objectives. For example, research on 

refuge wildlife is routinely conducted by the University of Florida which helps further the Service’s 

knowledge of the refuge. Additionally, many projects are conducted in conjunction with the state park 

across Route 905 since the landscape level of the habitats crosses jurisdictional boundaries. 

RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL USE ON THE REFUGE 

The Florida Keys receives 3 to 4 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist 

destinations in the United States. Visitors are attracted to the warm weather and beauty of the natural 

resources in the Keys. Crocodile Lake Refuge is a closed refuge due to the extreme sensitivity of the 

endangered animals and habitats. However, an interpretive butterfly garden was completed in 2001 

adjacent to the refuge headquarters to provide limited public use and environmental interpretation and 

education. The butterfly garden serves as an outdoor classroom for local elementary schools as part of a 

Monroe County 4-H Butterfly Garden School Program developed by the refuge and refuge volunteers. 

CURRENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 

The refuge was established to preserve, protect, and manage habitat for a wide diversity of 

endangered species. Even though most available habitat critical for endangered species is now in 

public ownership, some endangered species including the Key Largo woodrat and Key Largo cotton 

mouse continue to decline for unknown reasons. To ensure the long-term survival of these important 

species, the refuge has implemented programs to reverse habitat loss and degradation through 

aggressive habitat restoration, protection, and enhancement and to reduce the secondary effects of 

fire ants, exotic plants, introduced black rats, and free-roaming cats. The South Florida Multi-Species 

Recovery Plan is used as a guide to develop management programs for the refuge. While 
18 

management focuses on listed species, recovery actions and activities also benefit other wildlife and 

fish species. 

Major wildlife management programs and projects completed on the refuge since 1997 include: 

• Annual population surveys for the American crocodile, Key Largo woodrat, Key Largo cotton 

mouse, Schaus swallowtail butterfly, and Stock Island tree snail. 

• The Service and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection purchased the last 

remaining tracts of land within the acquisition boundaries of the refuge that could be subject to 

development under existing Monroe County Land Use Regulations. These sites consist of 

approximately 3 acres and include the abandoned cockfighting arena (Corney Tract), the 

Gulfstream Trailer Park, and the Intus property. 

• Approximately 3⁄4-mile of Old Card Sound Road located on the refuge was removed; the area 

was restored to mangrove wetland; and two sand berms were constructed in the old road bed 

to serve as nesting habitat for American crocodiles. 

• Over 1,000 wild lime trees, an important larvae host plant for the Schaus swallowtail butterfly, 

were planted on the refuge and Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park to enhance habitat 

for this endangered species. The project is ongoing in cooperation with the University of 

Florida and Dr. Tom Emmel. 

• All mobile homes, structures, and debris were removed from the Gulfstream Trailer Park, with 

more than half of the area being restored to hardwood forest. The remaining cleared area is 

the site of the refuge headquarters, a shop/equipment area, and interpretive butterfly garden. 

• The crocodile barrier fence was removed along approximately 1 mile of Card Sound Road and 

C-905, and wing fences were installed at each of the crocodile culvert crossings. Due to the 

design of the barrier fence, crocodile road kills were a larger problem than before along these 

roads. The wing fences were installed to help direct crocodiles to the crossing culverts and 

appear to be working. 

• An interpretive butterfly garden was constructed adjacent to the refuge headquarters to 

provide limited public use and environmental education and interpretation. The garden 

includes an access path for the disabled, park benches, interpretive signs, and a display pond 

and waterfall. The garden is also used as an outdoor classroom for local elementary schools 

in the area. 

• The abandoned cockfighting arena was demolished and removed, thus allowing 

approximately 1 acre of hardwood hammock to recover. 

• Remnants of seven small support buildings were demolished and the debris pushed into piles 

to serve as nesting sites for woodrats. 

• The population of the Stock Island tree snail and its range were expanded through the 

establishment of four new populations on refuge and state lands in Key Largo and Plantation Key. 
19

• The three missile storage buildings and associated launch pads at the abandoned NIKE 

missile site were demolished and removed as part of an effort to restore the entire facility to 

hardwood forest. Removal of the three buildings will result in restoration of approximately 5 

acres of hardwood forest. 

FACILITIES AND STRUCTURES 

The refuge has limited support facilities to carry out daily operations. A double-wide, 3-bedroom 

trailer serves as the refuge office. Equipment, tools and supplies are kept in a secure fenced shop 

and equipment yard adjacent to the office. Within this fenced-in yard is the refuge’s intern/research 

facility consisting of a 2-bedroom mobile home with small office. All these structures are confined to 

less than 1⁄2-acre of the old Gulfstream Trailer Park. 

Several abandoned structures exist throughout the refuge. On the Port Bougainville Tract, which the 

refuge leases from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, stands the remnants of a 2-

bay maintenance facility, a 15-foot high concrete helicopter pad, and a boat basin with degrading 

boat docks. At the abandoned NIKE missile site, a missile maintenance building is still standing. 

Monroe County maintains a waste transfer station within the refuge acquisition boundary. This facility 

is located on the site of the old Key Largo Dump which was closed in 1983. The Department of 

Environmental Protection monitors several test wells on the site for any contamination. Due to the 

presence of trash and other debris, the waste transfer station attracts black rats, feral cats, fire ants, 

and exotic plants, all of which are detrimental to native wildlife populations on the refuge. 

WILDERNESS REVIEW 

Refuge planning policy requires a wilderness review as part of the comprehensive conservation 

planning process. The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines a wilderness area as an area of federal land 

that retains its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human 

inhabitation, and is managed so as to preserve its natural conditions and which: 

1. generally appears to have been influenced primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of 

man’s work substantially unnoticeable; 

2. has outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined type of recreation; 

3. has at least 5,000 contiguous roadless acres or is of sufficient size to make practicable its 

preservation and use in an unimpeded condition, or is a roadless island regardless of size; 

4. does not substantially exhibit the effects of logging, farming, grazing, or other extensive 

development or alteration of the landscape, or its wilderness character could be restored through 

appropriate management at the time of review; and 

5. may contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historic 

value. 

The lands within Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge were reviewed for their suitability in meeting 

the criteria for wilderness, as defined by the Wilderness Act of 1964. No lands in the refuge were 

found to meet these criteria. Therefore, the suitability of refuge lands for wilderness designation is 

not further analyzed in this plan. 
20 
21

III. Plan Development 

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND THE PLANNING PROCESS 

Preplanning activities for the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation 

Plan began in January 2003, with activities such as gathering data and information, meeting with 

refuge staff, meeting with intergovernmental partners, visioning, and preparing for the public scoping 

phase. The core planning team identified items such as existing and needed data, refuge resources, 

issues, concerns, affected members of the public, vision ideas, and public participation issues. As a 

group, the team prioritized the most critical issues to be addressed by the refuge over the 15-year life 

of the plan. 

The core planning team, comprised of Service employees and a state Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Commission representative, was assembled and meetings were held in preparation for conducting 

the planning effort in advance of public scoping. A notice announcing that the planning process had 

begun was published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2003. A public scoping meeting was held on 

September 3, 2003, at the Key Largo Public Library, and was successful for gathering input from the 

dozen members of the public in attendance. Additional information about the comprehensive 

conservation plan and public scoping was provided through informational flyers, a planning update, 

articles in the local newspapers, and postings on Fish and Wildlife Service websites. 

A letter that invited participation in the planning process through a variety of means, including public 

meetings, letters, faxes, telephone calls, e-mail messages, and personal visits, was mailed to 

individuals and organizations on the refuge mailing list. The invitation announced the time and 

location of the public scoping meeting, provided other information, and described the purposes of the 

refuge. After the public meeting was held, a refuge planning update newsletter was sent to mailing 

list recipients and meeting participants, and was also made available at the refuge headquarters. 

Members of the Service’s core planning team met periodically to review public comments, data, and 

information collected to write the draft plan. Professional reviews of the refuge were conducted to 

determine the status, trends, and conditions of refuge resources and facilities. Experts from the 

Service, State of Florida (including Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Department of 

Environmental Protection), Everglades National Park, and University of Florida participated in a 

biological review of the refuge. The information garnered from this review helped the planning team 

analyze and develop recommendations for this draft plan and environmental assessment. 

The Service will seek comments on the draft plan as the next stage of public involvement. 

Adjustments will be made to the draft plan accordingly, in preparation for the final plan. 

ISSUES AND CONCERNS 

During the preplanning and public scoping phases of plan development, a myriad of issues, 

concerns, and opportunities were raised by the public, the Service, and other public agencies. Issue 

identification is a major factor in determining management goals and objectives, and which projects 

the refuge will adopt. In addition to the general public scoping meeting, a series of meetings were 

conducted with federal, state, and local governmental agencies. Coordination with governmental 

partners and the public is essential to ensure support for the plan and identified projects. While some 

of the issues and concerns raised during scoping are significant to the future of the refuge, many are 

not within the Service’s management jurisdiction or authority, and some are completely outside of its 

control. Several opportunities raised during scoping are addressed by the Service in this draft plan. 
22 

A Service planning team evaluated the list of issues raised, identified the most significant issues to be 

addressed over the next 15 years, evaluated steps to rectify these issues and resource needs, and 

measured the impact of plan implementation. The core planning team then developed a list of goals, 

objectives, and strategies to shape the management of the refuge for the 15-year life of the plan. 

The significant issues are divided into four categories: wildlife and habitat conservation; land 

protection and conservation; education and visitor services; and refuge administration. The following 

list summarizes the comments and suggestions provided by the public at the scoping meeting and 

other public comments that were received: 

WILDLIFE AND HABITAT CONSERVATION 

• Needs of threatened and endangered species should be top priority. 

• Control of invasive exotic plants is essential. 

• Control of fire ants and feral cats is essential. 

• Restoration of habitats should be strengthened. 

• Consider habitat manipulation experiments to benefit wildlife. 

• Maintain closed status of the refuge. 

• Coordinate recovery activities with Service’s South Florida Ecological Services Office. 

LAND PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION 

• Purchase remaining land inholdings within acquisition boundary. 

• Investigate a “land swap” with the State of Florida to trade land within each agency’s 

respective boundaries. 

• Work with Florida Department of Transportation to minimize environmental impacts from 

proposed hurricane evacuation road project. 

EDUCATION AND VISITOR SERVICES 

• Request assistance from Florida Department of Transportation to provide a recreation path 

along Route 905. 

• Allow only staff-led tours of the refuge, if any at all. 

• Investigate the possibility of additional public use at the refuge’s headquarters. 

REFUGE ADMINISTRATION 

• Add an additional full-time biological technician position. 

• Continue and increase volunteer workers to assist with refuge projects. 
23

IV. Management Direction 

INTRODUCTION 

The Service manages fish and wildlife habitats with the primary focus being conservation of habitat 

and wildlife. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge was created for the purpose of protecting 

habitat for federally listed species. The American crocodile was the impetus; however, the refuge 

also harbors the Key Largo woodrat, Key Largo cotton mouse, Schaus swallowtail butterfly, Stock 

Island tree snail, and eastern indigo snake. Habitats are managed with these species in mind, as 

well as other wildlife species including migratory birds, wading birds, snakes, and butterflies. 

The Florida Keys is a global biodiversity hotspot and Crocodile Lake Refuge contains a diverse array 

of plant and animal species found nowhere else in the continental United States. This plan is 

intended to help guide management for the next 15 years in order to maintain and enhance refuge 

resources for continued vigor in the years to come. The goals and objectives in this plan provide a 

framework from which future management actions will be based. Conservation of federally listed 

species is the overriding priority of all management actions. 

All of the goals, objectives, and strategies are in keeping with the purposes of the refuge, and aim to 

ensure long-term viability of the fish and wildlife resources. 

VISION 

Crocodile Lake is an important area in north Key Largo for biodiversity of the Florida Keys and North 

America. The sensitive nature of the habitats and wildlife warrants keeping the refuge closed to 

general public use amidst a growing urban landscape. The refuge will be managed to be a true oasis 

of protected habitat in an area that has lost much of the habitats that once existed. 

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge will be a model refuge that exemplifies habitat management 

of hardwood hammocks, mangrove wetlands, and open water (unique habitats of the Florida Keys) 

for the benefit of federally listed threatened and endangered species. Focal species are the 

American crocodile, Key Largo woodrat, Key Largo cotton mouse, Stock Island tree snail, and 

Schaus swallowtail butterfly. Further, hundreds of other wildlife and plant species will benefit from 

refuge habitat conservation and restoration. 

MANAGEMENT PLAN SUMMARY 

Three goals were developed based on comments from the public and various non-profit and 

governmental agencies. Under the following goals, the objectives and strategies outline approaches 

to habitat management, exotics control, and coordination of efforts: 

 

1. Provide high quality habitat including nesting, resting, foraging, and nursery areas for the longterm survival of threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, and other wildlife. 

2. Expand on the existing knowledge and database regarding the ecology, biology, and behavior 

of threatened and endangered species and those factors affecting their status and long-term 

survival. 
24 

3. Develop and implement a comprehensive refuge program that includes providing sufficient 

staff, facilities, equipment, and volunteers to protect and manage the natural resources of the 

refuge. 

GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES 

The goals, objectives, and strategies presented in this plan are based on issues, concerns, and 

needs expressed by the planning team, refuge staff, and public. The intent is to achieve the 

mandates of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, the mission of the National 

Wildlife Refuge System, and the establishment purposes of Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. 

GOAL 1 

Provide high quality habitat including nesting, resting, foraging, and nursery areas for the long-term 

survival of threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, and other wildlife. 

Objective 1.1 

Maintain, restore, and enhance existing American crocodile nesting habitat. 

Discussion: Crocodile Lake Refuge provides for one of three major breeding sites for American 

crocodiles in south Florida, the other two sites being Turkey Point Power Plant and along the 

southern edge of Everglades National Park. The highest priority for Crocodile Lake Refuge is to 

restore and manage nesting habitat that has become less suitable in recent years. Another priority is 

to monitor the population by tracking road kills and vital data. However, these kills are considered to 

be of such low frequency that there is no need for extraordinary efforts, such as fencing, at this time. 

Strategies: 

• Control invasive vegetation on existing nesting berms to increase available nesting habitat. 

• Treat approximately 3 miles of nesting levee at the Harrison Tract with herbicide to control 

invasive vegetation. Herbaceous vegetation will be treated with Roundup Pro, or equivalent, 

and those plants with invasive roots or rhizomes will be tilled to make the substrate more 

pliable for nesting crocodiles. Woody vegetation will be treated with Garlon 4, or equivalent, 

through basal bark application and left standing to decompose naturally. Approximately 1⁄2-

mile of nesting levee will be controlled for exotics per year, with the entire nesting levee to be 

completed within 6 years of plan adoption. 

• Elevate low-lying areas on the existing nesting berms with supplemental nesting material to 

prevent saltwater intrusion and flooding of nests. 

• Construct 10 elevated nesting mounds along the nesting levee at the Harrison Tract. Mounds 

measuring 50′x30′x2′ high will be constructed of suitable nesting material to be determined by 

area crocodile biologists. Due to the inaccessibility of the nesting levees, suitable nesting 

material will be airlifted to the site by helicopter. Construction of the 10 nesting mounds will be 

completed within 5 years of plan adoption. Once constructed, the elevated mounds will be 

treated each year with herbicide to control invasive vegetation. Yearly monitoring of the sites 

for nesting activity will be conducted to evaluate the success of the program. 

• As part of future wetland restoration projects, create additional nesting habitat in restored 

wetland areas. 
25

Objective 1.2 

Restore suitable wetland habitat for American crocodiles. 

Strategies: 

• Remove fill from disturbed areas such as abandoned roads and fill pads, and restore these 

sites to historic wetland elevations where they can recover naturally. 

• Remove the remaining portion of the Old Card Sound Road located on the refuge south of the 

Card Sound Bridge. Restore the old road bed to historic wetland elevation and allow to 

vegetate naturally. This would not only restore the wetland but would eliminate the site from 

being used as a launch area for personal watercraft that may disturb crocodiles in the area. 

Set a target date of 10 years to complete this project. 

• Coordinate and cooperate with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District to initiate, 

implement, and complete the Jewfish Creek Restoration Project on property it owns near 

Jewfish Creek. This project would involve the removal of approximately 1 mile of old 

abandoned road that traverses mangrove wetlands. The road bed and all associated fill 

would be removed and the area restored to historic wetland elevation. A nesting berm would 

be placed in the road bed near a tidal creek to serve as a possible nest site for American 

crocodiles. A target date of 5 years would be set to complete this project. 

• Coordinate and cooperate with other governmental agencies, environmental organizations, 

and local landowners to purchase and restore 12 acres of filled and disturbed wetlands 

located north of Lake Surprise as part of the Lake Surprise Restoration Project. This project 

would involve removing the majority of fill and restoring the area to historic wetland elevation 

and creating additional habitat for crocodiles. A portion of the fill, approximately 2,000′x100′, 

would remain to serve as a base for the construction of nesting sites for American crocodiles 

and to support an access road to these sites. A target date of 10 years would be set to 

complete this project. 

• Create a sand/gravel nesting berm within the proposed Jewfish Creek Wetland Restoration 

Project. The nesting berm should be 50′x25′x3′ high and constructed of suitable nesting 

material to be determined by area crocodile biologists. 

• Create a nesting berm within the proposed Lake Surprise Wetland Restoration Project. The 

nesting levee should be 2,000′x50′x3′ high and constructed of suitable nesting material on 

existing fill within the project area. 

Objective 1.3 

Within 6 years of plan adoption, develop a nesting, nest production, population trend, and road 

mortality monitoring plan for the American crocodile. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with cooperative agencies, organizations, and groups, such as the Florida Fish 

and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the University of Florida, to develop and conduct 

population surveys of the American crocodile to determine distribution, abundance, and 

trends, as well as to determine the effectiveness of management programs and actions. 

• Continue to coordinate with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to complete 

nesting and hatchling surveys on the refuge each year. The Commission has conducted nest 

and hatchling surveys on the refuge for the past 27 years and maintains the database for all 

information. It will continue to take the lead in this program as long as its resources will allow. 
26 

• Continue to coordinate with the University of Florida to expand crocodile surveys on the 

refuge. This would include expanded surveys of the Harrison Tract, Crocodile Lake area, and 

the refuge shoreline of Lake Surprise, Barnes Sound, and Card Sound. The refuge would 

assist with this program by providing staff to help with the surveys both on- and off-refuge. 

The University would provide all other needed equipment and supplies. 

• Surveys of American crocodiles should include, but not be limited to, nest counts, hatchling 

surveys, and overall population censuses and should include all suitable habitats on the 

refuge, as well as portions of the Biscayne Bay Estuary such as Lake Surprise, Barnes 

Sound, and Card Sound. 

• Continue yearly crocodile nest surveys on the Harrison Tract and Card Sound Road 

Restoration area, as well as any new nesting areas created as part of future wetland 

restoration projects. These surveys provide important information on nest site preference and 

nesting success. 

• Continue yearly hatchling surveys within areas of the refuge where nesting has been 

documented. Attempts would be made to catch and mark each hatchling observed and to 

collect important data including length, weight, location of capture, etc. The data collected 

would provide important insights in recruitment, age class distribution, and movement patterns 

of crocodile populations on the refuge and surrounding areas. 

• Continue to assist the University of Florida with its quarterly crocodile surveys conducted 

along the refuge shoreline adjacent to Lake Surprise, Barnes Sound, and Card Sound. These 

quarterly surveys provide important information on population size/trends, recruitment, and 

movement patterns of crocodiles within the refuge. 

• With the assistance of the University of Florida, expand the monitoring program for crocodiles 

on the refuge to include quarterly surveys of the Harrison Tract and Crocodile Lakes area. 

• Continue to monitor and document crocodile road kills on U.S. Highway 1 and Card Sound 

Road in the Key Largo area. Collect data on each road kill including total length, snout/vent 

length, weight (if possible), location hit, date, marked or unmarked crocodile, and general 

condition of the animal. This would provide important information on movement patterns and 

population size/trends, as well as overall health of the population. All information would be 

provided to appropriate agencies. 

• Establish a standard protocol for data collection on crocodiles hit by vehicles. 

 

Objective 1.4 

Actively manage Key Largo woodrat habitat including nesting, resting, and foraging areas for the 

long-term survival of the species. 

Discussion: Crocodile Lake Refuge contains some of the last remaining tropical hardwood 

hammocks in Key Largo. The woodrat once ranged throughout Key Largo but is now restricted to the 

refuge and adjacent state lands due to loss of habitat. Recent sampling efforts revealed a drastic 

drop in the woodrat population. This led the Service’s South Florida Ecological Services Office to 

initiate a captive breeding program in order to prevent immediate extinction. The refuge role is to 

maintain and enhance habitat and assist the Ecological Services’ office with the ultimate release of 

captive-bred woodrats. 

 

Strategies: 

• Create artificial nest sites from coral rubble and other debris and place them in suitable 

woodrat habitat. 
27

• Use large concrete rubble or limestone boulders to create artificial nest structures in open 

areas of the refuge. Rubble piles should be a minimum of 6′ tall x 15′ wide so as to provide 

ample sources of possible nest sites. To avoid damage to existing hardwood forests, the 

rubble piles would be placed in disturbed areas of the refuge, such as the Port Bougainville 

Tract and the NIKE missile site. Twenty nesting structures would be constructed within the 

next 5 years. 

• Restore hardwood forests. Remove abandoned buildings and other structures at the Port 

Bougainville Tract and NIKE missile site and allow natural revegetation. 

• Demolish the maintenance building and concrete helicopter pad at the Port Bougainville Tract, 

and the missile maintenance building at the NIKE missile site. The construction rubble would 

remain on-site and be pushed into piles to serve as nesting sites for the endangered Key 

Largo woodrat. The restoration would result in approximately 1 acre of tropical hardwood 

forest to serve as important habitat for the Key Largo woodrat. Demolition of existing 

structures would be completed within 5 years. 

• Create hammock habitat by filling areas within historic hardwood forests that were dredged or 

mined. 

• Fill the 1.5-acre Keystone Pit and restore the area to its historic elevation. Fill can include 

concrete/concrete block, crusted limestone (marl), or any other suitable soil substrate. Due to 

the size of this project, it is expected to take 15 years to restore the Keystone Pit. 

• Restore and enhance habitat by controlling invasive exotic plants within the refuge and along 

public rights-of-way and easements. Coordinate with adjacent landowners to control exotic 

plants on non-refuge lands that may serve as habitat for woodrats, or those that may serve as 

a possible seed source for re-infestation of refuge lands. 

• Control exotic plants mechanically (pulled by hand) or chemically with the appropriate 

herbicide. Woody vegetation would be treated with Garlon 4, either as a basal bark 

application or cut stump application. Herbaceous vegetation would be treated with Roundup 

Pro, or other appropriate herbicide. In most cases the vegetation would remain on site to 

decompose naturally. 

• Continue follow-up control of exotic plants in problem areas including Port Bougainville Tract, 

Whiskey Bottle Pit/Keystone Tract, County auto salvage site, and the NIKE missile site. This 

would be done yearly until all exotics and associated seed sources are depleted (5-6 years). 

• Continue yearly maintenance control of exotics along County Road 905 and Card Sound 

Road rights-of-way that transect the refuge. These easements have been treated yearly since 

1999, and require minimal control to keep them exotic-free. 

• Coordinate and cooperate with the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative to control invasive exotic 

plants along its power line easement adjacent to the refuge. The refuge would provide staff 

time to assist the Cooperative in pulling or treating exotics within the easement. The 

Cooperative would provide the herbicide used for the treatments. 

• Survey and control exotics along the transitional upland corridor of the refuge (hardwood 

forest/wetland interface). Exotics identified in this area would be pulled by hand or treated 

with a basal bark application of Garlon 4. Initial application would be completed within 2 

years. 

• Enhance habitat by controlling fire ants within the refuge and along adjacent public rights-ofway and easements. 

• Continue with feral and free-roaming cat control. 

• Continue to investigate the effectiveness of controlling fire ants along County Road 905 using 

long-lasting broadcast baits such as Extinguish. Currently, the refuge is treating 9 miles of 

County Road 905 twice a year with Extinguish fire ant bait and initial results look promising. If 

Extinguish or other fire ant controls are effective, expand the control program to other areas 

that exhibit fire ant infestation. 
28 

• Expand fire ant surveys to include abandoned roads and other open areas to determine extent 

of fire ant infestation on the refuge. Areas on which to focus include Port Bougainville, 

Keystone/Whiskey Bottle area, County auto salvage site, and NIKE missile site. 

Objective 1.5 

Within 5 years of plan adoption, develop a nesting, nest production, and population trend monitoring 

plan for the Key Largo woodrat. 

Strategies: 

• Assist the Service’s South Florida Ecological Services Field Office with development and 

implementation of population surveys of the Key Largo woodrat to determine distribution, 

abundance, trends, and habitat preferences, as well as to determine the effectiveness of 

management programs and actions. The Ecological Services’ office has taken the lead on 

this program and, where practical, the refuge would provide support (e.g., supplies, 

equipment, housing, limited staff, and technical assistance) to help fulfill monitoring 

responsibilities. 

• Coordinate with Ecological Services to monitor the effects of habitat management programs 

and activities on woodrats. 

• Integrate extensive woodrat surveys developed and initiated by Ecological Services. This 

would include conducting woodrat surveys in conjunction with management programs such as 

fire ant/cat eradication, woodrat nesting structure development, and habitat 

modification/alteration in an effort to determine the most effective method to safeguard and 

improve habitat conditions for woodrats. 

Objective 1.6 

Actively manage Key Largo cotton mouse habitat including nesting, resting, and foraging areas for 

the long-term survival of the species. 

Discussion: The cotton mouse once ranged throughout Key Largo but is now restricted to the 

refuge and adjacent state lands due to loss of habitat. The cotton mouse inhabits tropical hardwood 

hammock but has broader requirements than the Key Largo woodrat and thus the population is 

steady. The refuge aims to manage habitats for the long-term survival of the species. 

Strategies: 

• Restore hardwood forests. Remove abandoned buildings and other structures at the Port 

Bougainville Tract and NIKE missile site and allow natural revegetation. 

• Demolish the maintenance building and concrete helicopter pad at the Port Bougainville Tract 

and the missile maintenance building at the NIKE site. The construction rubble would remain 

and be pushed into piles to serve as nesting sites for the endangered Key Largo cotton 

mouse. The restoration would result in approximately 1 acre of tropical hardwood forest to 

serve as important habitat for the Key Largo cotton mouse. Demolition of existing structures 

would be completed within 5 years. 

• Create hammock habitat by filling areas within historic hardwood forests that were dredged or 

mined. 

• Fill the 1.5-acre Keystone Pit and restore the area to historic elevation. Fill can include 

concrete/concrete block, crusted limestone (marl) or any other suitable soil substrate. Due to 

the size of this project, it is expected to take 15 years to restore the pit. 
29

• Restore and enhance habitat by controlling invasive exotic plants within the refuge and along 

public rights-of-way and easements. Also coordinate with adjacent landowners to control 

exotic plants on non-refuge lands that may serve as habitat for cotton mice, or that may serve 

as a possible seed source for re-infestation of refuge lands. 

• Exotic plants would be controlled mechanically (pulled by hand) or chemically with the 

appropriate herbicide. Woody vegetation would be treated with Garlon 4, either as a basal 

bark application or cut stump application. Herbaceous vegetation would be treated with 

Roundup Pro, or other appropriate herbicide. In most cases the vegetation would remain on 

site to decompose naturally. 

• Continue follow-up control of exotic plants in problem areas including Port Bougainville Tract, 

Whiskey Bottle Pit/Keystone Tract, County auto salvage site, and the NIKE missile site. This 

would be done yearly for a period of 5-6 years until all exotics and associated seed sources 

are extirpated. 

• Continue yearly maintenance control of exotics along the County Road 905 and Card Sound 

Road rights-of-way that transect the refuge. These easements have been treated yearly since 

1999 and require minimal control to keep them exotic-free. 

• Coordinate and cooperate with the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative to control invasive exotic 

plants along its power line easement adjacent to the refuge. The refuge would provide staff 

time to assist the Cooperative in pulling or treating exotics within the easement. The 

Cooperative would provide the herbicide used for the treatments. 

• Survey and control exotics along the transitional upland corridor of the refuge (hardwood 

forest/wetland interface). Exotics identified in this area would be pulled by hand or treated 

with a basal bark application of Garlon 4. Initial application would be completed within 2 

years. 

• Enhance habitat by controlling fire ants within the refuge and along adjacent public rights-ofway and easements. 

• Continue to investigate the effectiveness of controlling fire ants along County Road 905 using 

long-lasting broadcast baits such as Extinguish. Currently, the refuge is treating 9 miles of 

County Road 905 twice a year with Extinguish fire ant bait and initial results look promising. If 

Extinguish or other fire ant controls are effective, the program would be expanded to other 

areas that exhibit fire ant infestation. 

• Expand fire ant surveys to include abandoned roads and other open areas to determine extent 

of fire ant infestation on the refuge. Areas to focus on include Port Bougainville Tract, 

Whiskey Bottle/Keystone Tract, County auto salvage site, and NIKE missile site. 

Objective 1.7 

Within 5 years of plan adoption, develop a nesting, nest production, and population trend monitoring 

plan of the Key Largo cotton mouse. 

Strategies: 

• Assist the Service’s South Florida Ecological Services Field Office with the development and 

implementation of population surveys of the Key Largo cotton mouse to determine distribution, 

abundance, trends, and habitat preferences, as well as to determine the effectiveness of 

management programs and actions. Ecological Services would take the lead on this program 

and, where practical, the refuge would provide assistance (e.g., supplies, equipment, housing, 

limited staff, and technical assistance). 
30 

Objective 1.8 

Actively manage Schaus swallowtail butterfly habitat including nesting, resting, and foraging areas in 

order to increase the population size and ensure long-term survival of the species. 

Discussion: The Schaus swallowtail butterfly is a large dark brown and yellow butterfly that 

historically occurred in hardwood hammocks from south Miami to Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida. 

The loss of habitat to development has drastically restricted the current range to north Key Largo and 

south Miami. Schaus swallowtails are exclusively found in hardwood hammocks which contain plants 

essential for reproduction and feeding. Crocodile Lake Refuge is important since it protects one of 

the last large hammocks in the Keys and south Florida. Managing the refuge for this species also 

benefits other butterfly species such as Miami blue, hairsteaks, and skippers. Strategies for habitat 

restoration activities that are specifically defined for the Key Largo woodrat and cotton mouse are the 

same for Schaus swallowtail butterflies. Please refer to the aforementioned habitat strategies for 

more details about restoration of forests and control of exotics. 

Strategies: 

• Continue to prohibit the use of broad spectrum adulticides by the Florida Keys Mosquito 

Control District to control mosquitoes on the refuge. 

• Cooperate with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District in developing improved methods of 

mosquito control that reduce the need for broad spectrum adulticides and minimizes impacts 

to natural resources of the area. 

• Enhance habitat for the Schaus swallowtail butterfly by planting the larvae host plants of the 

butterfly. 

• Continue to plant wild lime and torchwood, two important larvae host plants for the Schaus 

swallowtail butterfly, along abandoned roads and other disturbed areas adjacent to suitable 

butterfly habitat. Sites to consider for future plantings include Port Bougainville Tract, the 

County auto salvage site, and the NIKE missile site. 

• Continue to coordinate plantings with the University of Florida which will provide wild lime 

trees and the labor needed to plant and establish the trees on the refuge. Set a target of 50-

100 trees established per year on the refuge for the next 5 years. 

Objective 1.9 

Within 10 years of plan adoption, develop a nesting, nest production, and population trend monitoring 

plan for the Schaus swallowtail butterfly. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with the University of Florida, cooperative agencies, organizations, and groups to 

develop and conduct population surveys of the Schaus swallowtail butterfly to determine 

distribution, abundance, and trends, and to determine the effectiveness of management 

programs and actions. 

• Continue to coordinate with the University of Florida to complete Schaus swallowtail butterfly 

surveys on the refuge each year. The University has conducted these surveys on the refuge 

since the early 1990s and maintains the database for all information. The University will 

continue to take the lead in this program as long as its resources will allow. 

• The refuge will expand surveys on the refuge for the Schaus swallowtail butterfly that will 

enhance and complement the work presently being done by the University of Florida. Areas 

to survey would include the Port Bougainville Tract, Harrison Tract, County auto salvage site, 

and NIKE missile site. 
31

• Surveys should include adult flight counts and egg/larvae surveys on suitable habitat 

throughout North Key Largo, including Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. 

• Both flight counts and egg/larvae surveys will be conducted along abandoned roads and 

disturbed areas of the refuge where wild lime trees have been planted. The lime trees not 

only attract female Schaus butterflies looking for host plants, but serve as important survey 

sites to monitor egg and larvae abundance. 

Objective 1.10 

Actively manage Stock Island tree snail habitat including nesting, resting, and foraging areas for the 

long-term survival of the species. 

Discussion: The Stock Island tree snail is an arboreal snail found in hardwood hammocks in the 

Florida Keys. The snail historically occurred on Stock Island and Key West where it has been 

virtually extirpated. Habitat loss and a significant decline in the original Stock Island population led 

snail collectors to move snails to other hammocks throughout the Keys. The translocation of snails 

successfully prevented extinction of the species, but several of the few remaining populations are at 

risk due to continuing habitat loss to development. Crocodile Lake Refuge contains one of the last 

established populations of the Stock Island tree snail. Strategies for habitat restoration activities that 

are specifically defined for the Key Largo woodrat and cotton mouse are the same for Stock Island 

tree snails. Please refer to the aforementioned habitat strategies for more details about restoration of 

forests and control of exotics. 

Strategies: 

• Continue to prohibit the use of broad spectrum adulticides by the Florida Keys Mosquito 

Control District to control mosquitoes on the refuge. 

• Cooperate with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District in developing improved methods of 

mosquito control that reduce the need for broad spectrum adulticides and minimizes impacts 

to natural resources of the area. 

Objective 1.11 

Within 10 years of plan adoption, develop a nesting, nest production, and population trend monitoring 

plan for the Stock Island tree snail. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with other cooperative agencies, organizations, and groups to develop and 

conduct population surveys of the Stock Island tree snail to determine distribution, abundance, 

and trends, and to determine the effectiveness of management programs and actions. 

• Continue to coordinate and cooperate with the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative in the 

identification of Stock Island tree snails found during routine power line corridor maintenance. 

 The Cooperative is knowledgeable in the identification of Stock Island tree snails and notifies 

the refuge immediately upon discovery of snails that have been displaced by their 

maintenance activities. The Cooperative also has expertise in the proper protocol for 

transplanting of displaced snails to adjacent trees. 

• Coordinate and cooperate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 

developing and implementing snail surveys for those populations relocated in 2000 on their 

Dove Creek and Snake Creek Management Areas located in Key Largo and Plantation Key. 

Due to the time needed for these populations to increase to a size large enough to be readily 

detected by surveys, this monitoring will not be initiated until 2005. 
32 

• Continue refuge surveys of Stock Island tree snails in the two locations where they are known 

to occur on the refuge. Continue to conduct exploratory surveys on other areas of the refuge 

that contain suitable tree snail habitat. 

• Surveys should include summer snail counts on areas of the refuge supporting known 

populations of Stock Island tree snails, and should be coordinated with Ecological Services to 

complete surveys of known tree snail populations off-refuge, including introduced populations 

on Key Largo and Plantation Key. 

• Snail surveys will be conducted each year during the summer months with emphasis on 

August-September, the wettest months of the year, when snails are most active and easiest to 

survey. 

Objective 1.12 

Actively manage eastern indigo snake habitat including nesting, resting, and foraging areas for the 

long-term survival of the species. Strategies for habitat restoration activities that are specifically 

defined for the Key Largo woodrat and cotton mouse are the same for eastern indigo snakes. Please 

refer to the aforementioned habitat strategies for more details about restoration of forests and control 

of exotics. 

Discussion: The eastern indigo snake is a large, black, non-venomous snake found in the 

southeastern United States and throughout Florida. It is believed that in Key Largo the snakes are 

restricted to north Key Largo hammocks, which are primarily found at Crocodile Lake Refuge and the 

state botanical park. Confirmed sightings of the snakes are rare and occur every 5 to 10 years. 

Refuge management and restoration of hardwood hammocks benefit this species since it is exclusive 

to hammocks. 

Objective 1.13 

Within 10 years of plan adoption, develop a nesting, nest production, and population trend monitoring 

plan for the eastern indigo snake. 

Strategies: 

• Due to the small population size of this species on the refuge and the difficulty in surveying 

snakes, no formal monitoring program will be developed for the eastern indigo snake. 

• Presence/absence data will be collected by documenting any road kills along public roads and 

through observations made by staff and other persons during routine refuge operations. 

• Coordinate with staff of the Key Largo Hammocks Botanical State Park and the Monroe 

County road maintenance crew to receive any reports on road kills of eastern indigo snakes 

along County Road 905 and Card Sound Road. The state park conducts road kill surveys 

along these roads and the county’s road crew conducts regular maintenance of these roads, 

making these two entities the ones most likely to discover and document road kills. 

Objective 1.14 

Coordinate habitat management activities with the Service’s South Florida Ecological Services Office 

to support threatened and endangered species recovery efforts. 

Strategies: 
33

• Coordinate and cooperate with Ecological Services in the review of refuge habitat 

management programs and actions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local 

regulations, and to ensure that these programs and projects contribute to the health and longterm survival of threatened and endangered species. 

• Submit all habitat management plans and actions to Ecological Services for review to ensure 

compliance with the Endangered Species Act and other Service regulations. Consult with the 

Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to ensure all management activities are in 

accordance with applicable federal and state regulations. 

• Where practical, provide assistance to Ecological Services in the form of supplies, equipment, 

housing, and staff support needed to identify and complete recovery actions for listed species. 

 

Objective 1.15 

Gather data and information necessary for ensuring sustainable white-crowned pigeon populations in 

and around the refuge in north Key Largo by 2010.

Strategies: 

• Determine nesting sites and evaluate their protective status with respect to access by 

predators and disturbance from recreationists. 

• Evaluate response of fruit-producing species and pigeon foraging to experimental habitat 

manipulations on Key Largo. 

Objective 1.16 

Acquire remaining privately owned lands within the refuge acquisition boundary (Figure 3).

Strategies: 

• Within 2 years of plan adoption, identify privately owned parcels within the refuge acquisition 

boundary and work with refuge partners to secure funding to acquire those parcels. 

• Develop a GIS database and related maps of all privately owned parcels within the refuge’s 

boundary. The database should include the names of the property owners, including 

addresses and phone numbers, parcel sizes, and habitat types found on the property. 

• Identify possible environmental foundations and organizations that might be sources of 

funding for future land acquisitions. Also, identify private citizens who might be sources of 

funding for future land acquisitions. 

GOAL 2 

Expand on the existing knowledge and database regarding the ecology, biology, and behavior of 

threatened and endangered species and those factors affecting their status and long-term survival. 

Objective 2.1 

Encourage research on the biology and life history of threatened and endangered species, including 

aspects of reproductive success, productivity, dispersal, and movement patterns. 
34 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with Ecological Services to conduct research on these species utilizing Service 

biologists, universities, and/or independent researchers. 

• Provide logistic support for research efforts by supplying equipment, supplies, housing, and 

limited staff, whenever possible. 

Objective 2.2 

Encourage research on habitat requirements and preferences of threatened and endangered 

species. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with Ecological Services to conduct research on wildlife habitats utilizing Service 

biologists, universities, and/or independent researchers. 

• Provide logistic support for research efforts by supplying equipment, supplies, housing, and 

limited staff, whenever possible. 

• Coordinate research with proposed habitat management programs and activities to determine 

impacts on threatened and endangered species. 

Objective 2.3 

Encourage research on captive breeding of Key Largo woodrats to improve the success of existing 

and future breeding efforts. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with Ecological Services to conduct research on woodrat husbandry utilizing 

Service biologists, universities, and/or independent researchers. 

• Provide logistic support for research efforts by supplying equipment, supplies, housing, and 

limited staff, whenever possible. 

GOAL 3 

Develop and implement a comprehensive refuge program that includes providing sufficient staff, 

facilities, equipment, and volunteers to protect and manage the natural resources of the refuge. 

Discussion: The refuge requires few staff since it is closed to public use and contains minimal 

infrastructure to maintain. The refuge is a satellite of the National Key Deer Refuge and receives 

maintenance and staff support on an as-needed basis. However, a full-time biological technician is 

necessary to assist with annual wildlife surveys, censuses, and habitat management. 

Objective 3.1 

Staff the refuge with a full-time manager, a full-time biologist, a full-time biological technician, and a 

seasonal biological technician to implement refuge programs and activities needed to fulfill the goals 

and objectives of the refuge. 
35

Figure 3. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge land ownership. 
36 

Strategies: 

• Secure refuge funding for a full-time biologist and a seasonal biological technician. 

Provide part-time and seasonal staff to assist with the completion of important refuge programs and 

activities 

Objective 3.2 

Develop and maintain an active volunteer program on the refuge. 

Strategies: 

• Continue to work with the refuge friend’s group, FAVOR, to provide assistance in the 

management and growth of the volunteer organization. 

• Develop and implement volunteer projects and activities that not only help fulfill refuge goals 

and objectives but also instill in the volunteers a sense of pride, accomplishment, and 

stewardship. 
37

V. Plan Implementation 

INTRODUCTION 

As required by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service will 

manage all refuges in accordance with an approved comprehensive conservation plan, which, when 

implemented, will achieve refuge purposes; help fulfill the National Wildlife Refuge System mission; 

maintain and, where appropriate, restore the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health 

of the refuge; and meet other mandates. 

PROPOSED PROJECTS 

The proposed projects reflect the basic needs identified by Service staff, the public, and planning 

team members for the management of fish and wildlife populations, habitats, visitor services, general 

administration, land protection, and conservation. Among these projects is a list of step-down plans 

to be developed. The refuge operates under a number of step-down plans which are individual and 

specific management plans. Some specific plans may need revisions, while others will need to be 

developed. 

Eleven projects were developed based on the strategies designed to achieve plan objectives. These 

projects are subject to revision at least every 15 years, but may be amended earlier based on 

updated information. Estimated costs of the projects have been included (Table 1). 

PROJECT 1: INVASIVE EXOTIC PLANT CONTROL 

The refuge has aggressively targeted invasive exotic plants for the past several years and has 

reached a general maintenance level. However, there is an ongoing need to monitor and remove 

exotics. Key Largo has a considerable seed source of Brazilian pepper, lead tree, and Australian 

pine that is continuously distributed by birds and raccoons. Further, exotic swamp fern needs to be 

periodically eradicated from crocodile nesting berms since it prevents successful nesting. The 

estimated recurring cost for this activity is $15,000 per year. 

PROJECT 2: INVASIVE EXOTIC PEST CONTROL 

Fire ants are an aggressive ant species introduced from South America that raid woodrat and cotton 

mouse nests and kill newborns. Nesting occurs along County Road 905 which runs through the 

refuge. Fire ant control is an ongoing management action that requires the use of an approved 

insecticide. Several treatments a year are required along approximately 12 miles of road on both 

sides. The estimated recurring cost for this activity is $5,000 per year. 

PROJECT 3: FERAL AND FREE-ROAMING CAT CONTROL 

Feral and free-roaming cats are of considerable concern on the refuge, since they prey on woodrats 

and cotton mice. Control efforts involve live-trapping and taking the cats to animal shelters. The 

refuge does not kill any cats. There are a few known hotspots for cat activity on the refuge and 

trapping efforts are undertaken when needed. The South Florida Ecological Services’ Field Office is 

the lead in this effort since the South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan (1999) requires this activity 

for the successful recovery of the Key Largo woodrat. Estimated recurring cost for this activity is 

$15,000 per year. 
38 

PROJECT 4: CROCODILE NESTING BERM REPLENISHMENT 

Nesting berms for crocodiles consist of organic peat that naturally decomposes over time. Currently, 

many of the berms have become unsuitable for nesting and require replenishment of the peat. 

Access to the berms is only available by water in shallow-draft boats. This makes transport of large 

quantities of peat extremely difficult. Using a helicopter with a transport bucket would be the most 

effective method to bring new peat to the berms. The estimated one-time cost is $75,000 with a 

recurring cost of $1,000 per year for maintenance. 

PROJECT 5: HABITAT RESTORATION 

The refuge has several areas that consist of cleared and disturbed habitats. Old roads, borrow pits, 

and the NIKE missile site are in need of restoration. Funding is typically the factor that delays 

restoration projects, since removal of fill and debris is expensive and labor-intensive. The refuge has 

accomplished a considerable amount of restoration but is not yet finished and plans to complete all 

restoration areas within 10 years of plan adoption. The estimated cost to complete all restoration is 

$500,000 with a recurring cost of $1,000 per year for 5 years after completion. 

PROJECT 6: WOODRAT ARTIFICIAL NEST SITES 

The Key Largo woodrat is a ground-nesting species that prefers to nest in rubble or brush piles. 

Woodrats also heavily utilize illegally dumped trash (e.g., cars, refrigerators, and washing machines) 

for nesting. However, once the thin metal cases of these items rust away the woodrats abandon the 

sites. The refuge has removed almost all of the dumped trash and plans to create artificial nesting 

sites for the woodrat using natural materials, such as coral rocks. The estimated initial cost is 

$50,000 with a recurring cost of $1,000 per year. 

PROJECT 7: SCHAUS SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY PLANTS 

The Schaus swallowtail butterfly requires specific plants for food and for egg laying. The refuge 

wants to plant more of these plant species in order to increase the butterfly population. These 

plantings will also benefit other butterflies on the refuge and assist with some restoration areas. The 

estimated initial cost is $30,000 with an estimated recurring cost of $1,000 per year. 

PROJECT 8: MONITORING AND POPULATION SURVEYS 

A systematic survey of the refuge’s threatened and endangered species will be conducted on a 

recurring basis in order to determine status and trends of the species. Periodic surveys of other 

species will also occur in order to determine if habitat management changes are needed. Monitoring 

and surveys are ongoing needs that warrant a dedicated biological technician for the refuge. The 

estimated recurring cost is $5,000 per year. 

PROJECT 9: LAND ACQUISITION 

A few land inholdings remain within the refuge acquisition boundary (Figure 3). The refuge would like 

to acquire these inholdings in order to complete the refuge and protect the lands from development. 

Land values change rapidly in the Keys, thus the estimated costs will change constantly. The faster 

the inholdings can be purchased, the lower the cost. The current estimated cost is $1,000,000 to 

$3,000,000 and increasing substantially each year. 
39

PROJECT 10: VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 

The refuge relies on volunteers for many of its annual management activities, such as crocodile 

nesting surveys, exotic control, and habitat management. The refuge wants to recruit more 

volunteers to assist with projects. Additional funding is needed to provide supplies for the volunteer 

program. The estimated recurring cost is $3,000 per year. 

PROJECT 11: BUTTERFLY GARDEN AND INTERPRETIVE MATERIALS 

Refuge volunteers developed a butterfly garden at the refuge headquarters to provide visitors with an 

interpretive experience. The garden is universally accessible and illustrates many of the plants found on 

the refuge. Additional interpretive signs and kiosks are needed to complete the project, and information 

needs to be updated periodically. The interpretive materials will help visitors understand why the refuge 

is closed to public access. The initial estimated cost is $5,000 with a recurring cost of $1,000. 

Table 1. Cost summary of projects. 

Project Initial cost Recurring costs per year 

Invasive exotic plant control 15,000 5,000

Invasive exotic pest control 5,000 5,000

Feral cat control 15,000 10,000

Crocodile nesting berm 

replenishment 75,000 1,000

Habitat Restoration 500,000 1,000

Woodrat artificial nest sites 50,000 1,000

Schaus swallowtail butterfly plants 30,000 1,000

Monitoring and population surveys 5,000

Land Acquisition 1,000,000 to 3,000,000

Volunteer program 3,000

Butterfly garden and interpretive 

materials 5,000 1,000

Full-time biologist (GS-11) ~80,000 60,000

Full-time biological technician (GS-9) ~70,000 50,000

Seasonal biological technician ~35,000 25,000

Full-time refuge manager (GS-12) 70,000

TOTAL 

1,000,000 to 3,600,000 

($880,000 without land 

acquisition)

238,000

STAFFING NEEDS 

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a satellite refuge of the National Key Deer Refuge with its 

headquarters on Big Pine Key. The refuge is staffed by a refuge manager who handles daily 

activities. To conduct large projects, National Key Deer Refuge staff travel to Crocodile Lake Refuge 

to provide assistance. However, since the refuges are 2 hours apart, it is not feasible to send staff on 

a daily basis. The addition of a full-time biologist, a biological technician, and a seasonal biological 

technician will be required for the refuge to achieve the goals and objectives outlined in this plan. 

The estimated cost for a full staff would be $205,000 per year. 
40 

STEP-DOWN PLANS 

Service policy (Fish and Wildlife Service Manual, Chapter 602 FW 4, Step-Down Management 

Planning) requires that specific management plans be developed for each refuge. Some plans 

require annual revisions; others are revised on a 5- to 10-year schedule. Refuge staff will continue to 

seek public and professional input in the development, revision, and implementation of step-down 

plans. Some of these plans are already in place, while others need to be developed. Step-down 

plans that require development, some level of modification, or updating to implement this plan are 

listed below: 

• Hurricane Evacuation Plan (2000) 

• Public Use Plan (2000) 

• Fire Management Plan (2000) 

• Habitat Management plan (included in this plan) 

• Law Enforcement Plan (2004) 

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 

To achieve the goals and objectives of this plan, maintaining existing partnerships and developing 

new ones with a variety of resource agencies, organizations, and individuals are essential. 

Partnerships help enable the refuge to fulfill plan objectives and reduce costs. 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is a key refuge partner since there is a state 

park directly across County Road 905. The state park shares the same habitats as the refuge and is 

essential in helping the refuge manage species such as the Key Largo woodrat and cotton mouse. 

Another major partner is the refuge friends group, FAVOR, which provides excellent volunteer help 

with numerous refuge projects. Without volunteer help, the refuge would struggle to complete refuge 

management projects. 

MONITORING AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT 

Monitoring the Service’s performance while implementing this plan will help ensure its success. 

Monitoring and evaluating allow the Service, other government agencies, the public, and partners to 

measure and progress. Following approval of the plan and public notification of the decision, the 

Service will begin implementing the outlined strategies. The Service will monitor, evaluate, and 

determine whether or not progress is being made towards achieving the refuge’s purposes, vision, 

and goals. Monitoring will address habitat or population objectives and the effects of management 

activities. Through adaptive management, evaluation of monitoring and research results may indicate 

the need to modify refuge objectives or strategies. 

The Service will review this plan annually to decide if it requires any revisions. The plan will be 

modified, along with associated management activities, whenever this review or other monitoring and 

evaluating determine that changes are needed to achieve planning unit purposes, vision, and goals. 

The Service will revise this plan when significant new information becomes available, or when there 

are changes in ecological conditions. At a minimum, plan revision will occur every 15 years. All plan 

revisions will follow the procedures outlined in current policy and will require compliance with the 

National Environmental Policy Act. The Service will continue to encourage public involvement 

regarding management of this refuge. 
41

SECTION B. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 

I. Background 

INTRODUCTION 

This Environmental Assessment for Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge has been prepared in 

compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. It discusses the purpose and need for a 

comprehensive conservation plan and provides an analysis of the expected impacts resulting from 

the proposed management actions. Ultimately, this analysis assists the Fish and Wildlife Service in 

determining if an Environmental Impact Statement or a Finding of No Significant Impact statement 

needs to be prepared. 

The Fish and Wildlife Service is the nation’s primary habitat and wildlife conservation and 

management agency. The Service administers the National Wildlife Refuge System which consists of 

more than 540 refuges encompassing over than 93 million acres. The focus is to manage resources 

for federally listed species, migratory birds, and plants. Crocodile Lake Refuge was created for 

protection of threatened and endangered species which is an emphasis for this draft plan. 

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR PLAN 

The purpose of the comprehensive conservation plan is to specify a management direction and 

provide long-term management guidance for Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Management 

guidance and direction are described in detail through a set of goals, objectives, and strategies in the 

comprehensive conservation plan. This environmental assessment discusses the purpose and need 

for the plan and provides an analysis of the impacts that could be expected under each of the 

outlined management alternatives. Also, this plan is needed to fulfill legislative mandates of the 

National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, which requires development of such plans 

for all national wildlife refuges. 

An environmental assessment is needed to determine and evaluate a range of reasonable 

management alternatives. Each alternative was generated with the potential to be fully developed 

into a final comprehensive conservation plan. Descriptions of each alternative outline predicted 

biological, physical, social, and economical impacts of implementing each alternative. Following 

public review and comment, the Service will select an alternative to be fully developed for the refuge. 

The Service identified issues, concerns, and needs through discussions with the public, conservation 

partners, and other agencies. The planning team evaluated the comments and suggestions received and 

identified a range of alternatives and evaluated possible consequences of implementing the alternatives. 

Alternative 2 was selected as the preferred alternative for managing the refuge over the next 15 years. 

DECISIONS TO BE MADE 

Based on the environmental assessment described in this document, the Service will (1) select an 

alternative that best serves the purposes of the refuge and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge 

System, and (2) determine if the selected alternative is a major federal action significantly affecting 

the quality of the human environment, thus requiring preparation of an Environmental Impact 

Statement. Assuming no significant impacts are found, a Finding of No Significant Impact will be 

prepared and the plan will be implemented. 
42 

PLANNING STUDY AREA 

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge is in Key Largo, Florida, approximately 30 miles south of 

Miami, Florida. The refuge currently manages about 6,700 acres and contains close to 400 acres of 

inholdings within the 7,100 approved acquisition boundary. The Service will continue to purchase 

inholdings when there is a willing seller. This environmental assessment identifies management 

actions that will only occur on refuge lands. The refuge has no legal jurisdiction for managing land 

that is not Service owned or officially managed through lease agreements. 

PLANNING PROCESS AND ISSUES 

Please refer to Section A, Chapter III, of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for a detailed 

summary of the planning process. 

The draft plan was developed following guidelines of the National Environmental Policy Act. Public 

comments and suggestions are essential to the planning process and were used in developing the 

draft plan. 
43

II. Alternatives 

FORMULATION OF ALTERNATIVES 

Alternatives are different approaches or combinations of management actions and activities designed 

to achieve the refuge purpose, vision, and goals identified in the comprehensive conservation plan; 

the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System; and the mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Alternatives are formulated to address significant issues, concerns, and problems identified by the 

Service and public during the public scoping process. 

The three alternatives identified and evaluated represent different approaches to provide permanent 

protection, restoration, and management of refuge resources with a focus on federally listed species. 

 Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the largest remaining contiguous areas of 

habitat in Key Largo, which includes tropical hardwood hammocks, mangrove forests, and coastal 

wetlands. Many of the threatened and endangered species found on the refuge once had a larger 

range but are now restricted to the refuge because of habitat loss due to development. Fortunately, 

most of the lands adjacent to the refuge are owned by the State of Florida and are protected from 

development. 

Refuge staff assessed biological conditions and analyzed external relationships affecting the refuge. 

This information contributed to the development of goals, objectives, and alternatives presented in 

this environmental assessment. Each alternative presents different objectives and strategies for 

attaining long-term goals. Each alternative was evaluated based on how much benefit it could 

provide and how it could address core habitat issues, problems, and concerns. 

Crocodile Lake Refuge was established as a closed refuge because of the sensitivity to disturbance 

of the American crocodile and other wildlife. Public scoping revealed that the public felt the refuge 

should mostly remain closed to general public access. However, it was suggested that limited public 

use of the refuge be allowed with the development of a nature trail and guided tours conducted by 

refuge staff. Alternative 3 addresses limited public use on the refuge. 

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES 

 

Serving as a basis for each alternative, a number of goals and sets of objectives and strategies were 

developed to help fulfill the purposes of the refuge and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge 

System. Objectives are desired conditions or outcomes that are grouped into sets, and for this 

planning effort, consolidated into three alternatives. These alternatives represent different 

approaches to managing the refuge while still meeting the purposes and goals. Plans will be revised 

at least every 15 years, or earlier, if monitoring indicates management changes are warranted. Goals 

are common for each of the alternatives, with objectives and strategies differing. A comparison of 

each alternative follows the general descriptions. 
44 

ALTERNATIVE 1 - NO ACTION 

Continuation of current refuge management that includes basic habitat management such as control 

of exotics and fundamental monitoring. 

This alternative represents no change from current management of the refuge and is considered a 

baseline. Management emphasis would continue to focus on maintaining biological integrity of 

habitats found on the refuge. Primary management activities include invasive exotic plant control, 

pest management, habitat restoration, and basic monitoring of threatened and endangered species. 

Alternative 1 represents the anticipated conditions of the refuge for the next 15 years assuming 

current policies, programs, and activities continue. The other two alternatives are compared to this 

alternative in order to evaluate differences in future conditions compared to baseline management. 

This alternative reflects actions that include supporting recovery efforts for federally listed species, 

restoring hammocks, restoring wetlands, and acquiring lands from willing sellers within the acquisition 

boundary. Monitoring of plants and animals would be limited due to staffing constraints and limited 

research interest. Habitat management actions are intended to benefit all wildlife by maintaining 

habitat integrity. 

Management coordination would occur between the refuge and the adjacent state botanical preserve. 

Coordination would be limited because of staffing constraints and remain focused on invasive exotics 

control, habitat restoration, and threatened and endangered species. Since the refuge is closed to 

the public, visitors would continue to be directed to the state botanical preserve. The preserve has 

infrastructure to accommodate visitors who want to experience being in a hardwood hammock or 

mangrove forest. 

The refuge would remain staffed with a refuge manager and periodic interns. Researchers would be 

accommodated when projects benefit the refuge. The refuge would remain closed to public and 

commercial access. 

ALTERNATIVE 2 - PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 

Increase management actions that focus greater attention on actively managing habitats to provide 

increased habitat value. 

This alternative is the preferred alternative for managing the refuge. Under this alternative, existing 

management activities would continue, and some activities would be expanded. This alternative 

proposes to add an additional full-time biological technician to allow for expansion of activities such 

as monitoring, exotics control, and restoration. The staff member would help support the additional 

activities proposed under this alternative. 

Increasing efforts related to exotics control, pest management, and monitoring are characteristic of 

this alternative. The increased management actions would help to achieve the long-term goals and 

objectives in a timelier manner than under the “no action” alternative. This alternative would result in 

a more ecosystem based management approach that views the refuge as a single system rather than 

separate habitat types. Federally listed species would still be of primary concern, but needs of other 

resident and migratory wildlife would also be considered. 

A more proactive approach to land acquisition would be taken in order to purchase remaining 

inholdings. The refuge would actively contact owners of inholdings and seek to acquire the parcels. 

There are roughly 400 acres of inholdings that the refuge wants to acquire in order to restore 
45

disturbed habitats on those parcels. Acquiring inholdings will also ensure that connectivity of refuge 

habitats is maintained. 

ALTERNATIVE 3 - LIMITED PUBLIC ACCESS 

Open refuge to limited public use and access while increasing management actions that focus greater 

attention on actively managing habitats to provide increased habitat value. 

This alternative is an expanded version of Alternative 2 in that it allows for opening the refuge to 

limited public use. The refuge was established as a closed refuge and the possibility of allowing 

public use was considered for this alternative. Restoration of habitats may provide an opportunity to 

incorporate nature trails that provide access to the refuge. These potential nature trails would need 

to be located in areas that would result in the no disturbance to wildlife since they would be located in 

areas that were disturbed. The trails would also provide interpretive signs to educate visitors about 

refuge resources. 

In addition to the nature trails, there would be a strengthening of the refuge friends group in order to 

provide guided tours of the refuge. Refuge staff would train volunteers to conduct tours of areas that 

are only accessible with a guide. This approach would open the refuge and allow visitors to 

experience the refuge while minimizing disturbance to sensitive wildlife areas. 

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED, BUT REJECTED 

Opening the entire refuge to general public use and access was rejected because it would create too 

much disturbance to sensitive wildlife. Additionally, a full-time refuge ranger and law enforcement 

officer would need to be added to the staff to handle the influx of visitors. The Florida Keys receive 

approximately 4 million visitors per year and even a fraction of a percent of those visitors stopping at 

the refuge would cause impacts of unacceptable levels. 

Active habitat manipulation to emulate natural disturbances (e.g., hurricane microbursts) was 

discussed at length during the biological review as a possible approach to increase preferred habitat 

for federally listed species. This alternative centered on clearing one to five acres of mature 

hardwood hammock to create disturbed areas. The planning team unanimously agreed that 

destroying intact hardwood hammock was too controversial to undertake. However, restoring existing 

disturbed areas (e.g., NIKE site) to a younger-aged hammock was agreed upon and incorporated into 

the preferred alternative. 

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES 

Table 2 on the following pages provides a side-by-side comparison of the three alternatives. The 

intent is to make the differences between alternatives readily apparent. Many times there may be no 

difference or only a slight difference between the alternatives. However, it should be clear that each 

alternative has a slightly different management approach to achieving the proposed goals and 

objectives. 
46 

Table 2. Comparison of alternatives. 

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Goal 1. Provide high quality habitat including nesting, resting, foraging, and nursery areas for the longterm survival of threatened and endangered species.

Objective 1.1 American crocodile nesting habitat 

Conduct annual maintenance of 

crocodile nesting berms. 

Maintain, restore, and enhance 

existing American crocodile 

nesting habitat. 

Maintain, restore, and enhance 

existing American crocodile 

nesting habitat. 

Strategy: 

• Control invasive vegetation 

on existing nesting berms to 

increase nesting habitat. 

Strategies: 

• Control invasive vegetation 

on existing nesting berms to 

increase nesting habitat. 

• Elevate low-lying areas on 

the existing nesting berms 

with supplemental nesting 

material to prevent saltwater 

intrusion and flooding of 

nests. 

• Augment existing nesting 

berms with additional peat. 

• As part of future wetland 

restoration projects, create 

additional nesting habitat in 

restored wetland areas. 

Strategies: 

• Control invasive vegetation 

on existing nesting berms to 

increase nesting habitat. 

• Elevate low-lying areas on 

the existing nesting berms 

with supplemental nesting 

material to prevent saltwater 

intrusion and flooding of 

nests. 

• Augment existing nesting 

berms with additional peat. 

• As part of future wetland 

restoration projects, create 

additional nesting habitat in 

restored wetland areas. 

Objective 1.2 American crocodile wetland habitat 

Restore wetland habitats for 

general wildlife use. 

Restore suitable wetland habitat 

for American crocodiles. 

Restore suitable wetland habitat 

for American crocodiles. 

Strategy: 

• Remove fill from disturbed 

areas such as abandoned 

roads and fill pads, and 

restore these sites to historic 

wetland elevations where 

they can recover naturally. 

Strategies: 

• Remove fill from disturbed 

areas such as abandoned 

roads and fill pads, and 

restore these sites to historic 

wetland elevations where 

they can recover naturally. 

• Where feasible, create berms 

of peat for additional 

crocodile nesting areas. 

Strategies: 

• Remove fill from disturbed 

areas such as abandoned 

roads and fill pads, and 

restore these sites to historic 

wetland elevations where 

they can recover naturally. 

• Where feasible, create berms 

of peat for additional 

crocodile nesting areas. 
47

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 1.3 American crocodile monitoring 

Continue with annual crocodile 

hatchling surveys conducted by 

University of Florida. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, population trend, and 

road mortality monitoring plan for 

the American crocodile. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, population trend, and 

road mortality monitoring plan for 

the American crocodile. 

Strategy: 

• Coordinate with cooperative 

agencies, organizations, and 

groups (i.e., Florida Fish and 

Wildlife Conservation 

Commission and University 

of Florida) to develop and 

conduct hatchling surveys of 

the American crocodile. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with cooperative 

agencies, organizations, and 

groups (i.e., Florida Fish and 

Wildlife Conservation and 

University of Florida) to 

develop and conduct 

population surveys of the 

American crocodile to 

determine distribution, 

abundance, and trends, as 

well as to determine the 

effectiveness of management 

programs and actions. 

• Surveys of American 

crocodiles should include, 

but not be limited to, nest 

counts, hatchling surveys, 

and overall population 

censuses and should include 

all suitable habitats on the 

refuge, as well as portions of 

the Biscayne Bay Estuary 

(i.e., Lake Surprise, Barnes 

Sound, and Card Sound). 

• Establish a standard protocol 

for data collection on 

crocodiles hit by vehicles. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with cooperative 

agencies, organizations, and 

groups (i.e., Florida Fish and 

Wildlife Conservation and 

University of Florida) to 

develop and conduct 

population surveys of the 

American crocodile to 

determine distribution, 

abundance, and trends, as 

well as to determine the 

effectiveness of management 

programs and actions. 

• Surveys of American 

crocodiles should include, 

but not be limited to, nest 

counts, hatchling surveys, 

and overall population 

censuses and should include 

all suitable habitats on the 

refuge, as well as portions of 

the Biscayne Bay Estuary 

(i.e., Lake Surprise, Barnes 

Sound, and Card Sound). 

• Establish a standard protocol 

for data collection on 

crocodiles hit by vehicles. 
48 

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 1.4 Key Largo woodrat habitat 

Continue with hardwood 

hammock habitat management 

that targets invasive exotics. 

Actively manage Key Largo 

woodrat habitat including nesting, 

resting, and foraging areas for 

the long-term survival of the 

species. 

Actively manage Key Largo 

woodrat habitat including nesting, 

resting, and foraging areas for 

the long-term survival of the 

species, plus development of 

hammock nature trails. 

Strategies: 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way 

and easements. Also 

coordinate with adjacent 

landowners to control exotic 

plants on non-refuge lands 

that may serve as habitat for 

woodrats, or that may serve 

as a possible seed source for 

re-infestation of refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by 

controlling fire ants within the 

refuge and along adjacent 

public rights-of-way and 

easements. 

Strategies: 

• Create artificial nest sites 

from coral rubble and other 

debris and place them in 

suitable woodrat habitat. 

• Restore hardwood forests. 

Remove abandoned 

buildings and other 

structures at the Port 

Bougainville Tract and NIKE 

missile site and allow natural 

revegetation. 

• Create hammock habitat by 

filling areas within historic 

hardwood forests that were 

dredged or mined. 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way 

and easements. Also 

coordinate with adjacent 

landowners to control exotic 

plants on non-refuge lands 

that may serve as habitat for 

woodrats, or that may serve 

as a possible seed source for 

re-infestation of refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by 

controlling fire ants within the 

refuge and along adjacent 

public rights-of-way and 

easements. 

Strategies: 

• Create artificial nest sites 

from coral rubble and other 

debris and place them in 

suitable woodrat habitat. 

• Restore hardwood forests. 

Remove abandoned 

buildings and other 

structures at the Port 

Bougainville Tract and NIKE 

missile site and allow natural 

revegetation. 

• Create hammock habitat by 

filling areas within historic 

hardwood forests that were 

dredged or mined. 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way 

and easements. Also 

coordinate with adjacent 

landowners to control exotic 

plants on non-refuge lands 

that may serve as habitat for 

woodrats, or that may serve 

as a possible seed source for 

re-infestation of refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by 

controlling fire ants within the 

refuge and along adjacent 

public rights-of-way and 

easements. 

• As part of hardwood 

hammock restoration, 

develop nature trails to 

include observation 

platforms. 
49

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 1.5 Key Largo woodrat monitoring 

Continue to rely on periodic 

researchers to conduct 

monitoring. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, and population trend 

monitoring plan for the Key Largo 

woodrat. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, and population trend 

monitoring plan for the Key Largo 

woodrat. 

Strategy: 

• Request through the 

Service’s South Florida 

Ecological Services Field 

Office that monitoring of the 

woodrat population be 

conducted at least every 5 

years. 

Strategies: 

• Assist Ecological Services 

with development and 

implementation of population 

surveys of the Key Largo 

woodrat to determine 

distribution, abundance, 

trends, and habitat 

preferences, as well as to 

determine the effectiveness 

of management programs 

and actions. Ecological 

Services would take the lead 

on this program and, where 

practical, the refuge would 

provide support (e.g., 

supplies, equipment, 

housing, limited staff, and 

technical assistance) to help 

fulfill their monitoring 

responsibilities. 

• Coordinate with Ecological 

Services to monitor the 

effects of habitat 

management programs and 

activities on woodrats. 

Strategies: 

• Assist Ecological Services 

with development and 

implementation of population 

surveys of the Key Largo 

woodrat to determine 

distribution, abundance, 

trends, and habitat 

preferences, as well as to 

determine the effectiveness 

of management programs 

and actions. Ecological 

Services would take the lead 

on this program and, where 

practical, the refuge would 

provide support (e.g., 

supplies, equipment, 

housing, limited staff, and 

technical assistance) to help 

fulfill their monitoring 

responsibilities. 

• Coordinate with Ecological 

Services to monitor the 

effects of habitat 

management programs and 

activities on woodrats. 
50 

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 1.6 Key Largo cotton mouse habitat 

Continue with hardwood 

hammock habitat management 

that targets invasive exotics. 

Actively manage Key Largo 

cotton mouse habitat including 

nesting, resting, and foraging 

areas for the long-term survival of 

the species. 

Actively manage Key Largo 

cotton mouse habitat including 

nesting, resting, and foraging 

areas for the long-term survival of 

the species, plus development of 

hammock nature trails. 

Strategies: 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way 

and easements. Also 

coordinate with adjacent 

landowners to control exotic 

plans on non-refuge lands 

that may serve as habitat for 

cotton mice, or that may 

serve as a possible seed 

source for re-infestation of 

refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by 

controlling fire ants within the 

refuge and along adjacent 

public rights-of-way and 

easements. 

Strategies: 

• Restore hardwood forests. 

Remove abandoned 

buildings and other 

structures at the Port 

Bougainville Tract and NIKE 

missile site and allow natural 

revegetation. 

• Create hammock habitat by 

filling areas within historic 

hardwood forests that were 

dredged or mined. 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way 

and easements. Also 

coordinate with adjacent 

landowners to control exotic 

plants on non-refuge lands 

that may serve as habitat for 

cotton mice, or that may 

serve as a possible seed 

source for re-infestation of 

refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by 

controlling fire ants within the 

refuge and along adjacent 

public rights-of-way and 

easements. 

Strategies: 

• Restore hardwood forests. 

Remove abandoned 

buildings and other 

structures at the Port 

Bougainville Tract and NIKE 

missile site and allow natural 

revegetation. 

• Create hammock habitat by 

filling areas within historic 

hardwood forests that were 

dredged or mined. 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way 

and easements. Also 

coordinate with adjacent 

landowners to control exotic 

plants on non-refuge lands 

that may serve as habitat for 

cotton mice, or that may 

serve as a possible seed 

source for re-infestation of 

refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by 

controlling fire ants within the 

refuge and along adjacent 

public rights-of-way and 

easements. 

• As part of hardwood 

hammock restoration, 

develop nature trails to 

include observation 

platforms. 
51

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 1.7 Key Largo cotton mouse monitoring 

Continue to rely on periodic 

researchers to conduct 

monitoring. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, and population trend 

monitoring plan for the Key Largo 

cotton mouse. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, and population trend 

monitoring plan for the Key Largo 

cotton mouse. 

Strategy: 

• Request through Ecological 

Services that monitoring of 

the cotton mouse population 

be conducted at least every 5 

years. 

Strategies: 

• Assist Ecological Services 

with the development and 

implementation of population 

surveys of the Key Largo 

cotton mouse to determine 

distribution, abundance, 

trends, and habitat 

preferences, as well as to 

determine the effectiveness 

of management programs 

and actions. Ecological 

Services office would take 

the lead on this program and, 

where practical, the refuge 

would provide support (e.g., 

supplies, equipment, 

housing, limited staff, and 

technical support) to help 

fulfill their monitoring 

responsibilities. 

• Coordinate with Ecological 

Services to monitor the 

effects of habitat 

management programs and 

activities on cotton mice. 

Strategies: 

• Assist Ecological Services 

with the development and 

implementation of population 

surveys of the Key Largo 

cotton mouse to determine 

distribution, abundance, 

trends, and habitat 

preferences, as well as to 

determine the effectiveness 

of management programs 

and actions. Ecological 

Services office would take 

the lead on this program and, 

where practical, the refuge 

would provide support (e.g., 

supplies, equipment, 

housing, limited staff, and 

technical support) to help 

fulfill their monitoring 

responsibilities. 

• Coordinate with Ecological 

Services to monitor the 

effects of habitat 

management programs and 

activities on cotton mice.
52 

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 1.8 Schaus swallowtail butterfly habitat 

Plant tree species that are 

beneficial to Schaus swallowtail 

butterflies when funding and labor 

are available and prohibit 

adulticide spraying. 

Actively manage Schaus 

swallowtail butterfly habitat 

including nesting, resting, and 

foraging areas for the long-term 

survival of the species. 

Actively manage Schaus 

swallowtail butterfly habitat 

including nesting, resting, and 

foraging areas for the long-term 

survival of the species, plus 

development of an interpretive 

butterfly trail. 

Strategies: 

• Enhance habitat for the 

Schaus swallowtail butterfly 

by planting the larvae host 

plants of the butterfly. 

• Continue to prohibit the use of 

broad spectrum adulticides by 

the Florida Keys Mosquito 

Control District to control 

mosquitoes on the refuge. 

Strategies: 

• Create habitat by filling areas 

within historic hardwood 

forests that were dredged or 

mined. 

• Restore hardwood forests. 

Remove abandoned buildings 

and other structures at the 

Port Bougainville Tract and 

the NIKE missile site, and 

allow natural revegetation. 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way and 

easements. Also coordinate 

with adjacent landowners to 

control exotic plants on nonrefuge lands that may serve 

as habitat for Schaus 

swallowtail butterflies or that 

may possibly serve as a seed 

source for re-infestation of 

refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by controlling 

fire ants within the refuge and 

along adjacent public rightsof-way and easements. 

• Cooperate with Florida Keys 

Mosquito Control District in 

developing methods of 

mosquito control that reduce 

the need for broad spectrum 

adulticides. 

• Enhance habitat for the 

Schaus swallowtail butterfly 

by planting the larvae host 

plants of the butterfly. 

Strategies: 

• Create habitat by filling areas 

within historic hardwood 

forests that were dredged or 

mined. 

• Restore hardwood forests. 

Remove abandoned buildings 

and other structures at the 

Port Bougainville Tract and 

the NIKE missile site, and 

allow natural revegetation. 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way and 

easements. Also coordinate 

with adjacent landowners to 

control exotic plants on nonrefuge lands that may serve 

as habitat for Schaus 

swallowtail butterflies or that 

may possibly serve as a seed 

source for re-infestation of 

refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by controlling 

fire ants within the refuge and 

along adjacent public rightsof-way and easements. 

• Cooperate with Florida Keys 

Mosquito Control District in 

developing methods of 

mosquito control that reduce 

the need for broad spectrum 

adulticides. 

• Enhance habitat for the 

Schaus swallowtail butterfly 

by planting the larvae host 

plants of the butterfly. 

• Create a nature trail that 

focuses on butterflies by 

placing the trail where host 

plants occur. 
53

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

• Plant host plants for the 

butterflies on the trail 

along with associated 

interpretive signs. 

Objective 1.9 Schaus swallowtail butterfly monitoring 

Continue to rely on periodic 

researchers to conduct 

monitoring. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, and population trend 

monitoring plan for the Schaus 

swallowtail butterfly. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, and population trend 

monitoring plan for the Schaus 

swallowtail butterfly. 

Strategies: 

• Request that Schaus 

swallowtail surveys be 

conducted by University of 

Florida and other universities. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with the University 

of Florida, cooperative 

agencies, organizations, and 

groups to develop and 

conduct population surveys of 

the Schaus swallowtail 

butterfly to determine 

distribution, abundance, and 

trends and determine the 

effectiveness of management 

programs and actions. 

• Surveys should include adult 

flight counts and egg/larvae 

surveys on suitable habitat 

throughout North Key Largo, 

including Key Largo 

Hammock Botanical State 

Park. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with the University 

of Florida, cooperative 

agencies, organizations, and 

groups to develop and 

conduct population surveys of 

the Schaus swallowtail 

butterfly to determine 

distribution, abundance, and 

trends and determine the 

effectiveness of management 

programs and actions. 

• Surveys should include adult 

flight counts and egg/larvae 

surveys on suitable habitat 

throughout North Key Largo, 

including Key Largo 

Hammock Botanical State 

Park. 
54 

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 1.10 Stock Island tree snail habitat 

Continue with hardwood 

hammock habitat management 

that targets invasive exotics and 

prohibits adulticide spraying. 

Actively manage Stock Island tree 

snail habitat including nesting, 

resting, and foraging areas for the 

long-term survival of the species. 

Actively manage Stock Island tree 

snail habitat including nesting, 

resting, and foraging areas for the 

long-term survival of the species. 

Strategies: 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way and 

easements. Also coordinate 

with adjacent landowners to 

control exotic plants on nonrefuge lands that may serve 

as habitat for Stock Island 

tree snails, or that may serve 

as a possible seed source for 

re-infestation of refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by controlling 

fire ants within the refuge and 

along adjacent public rightsof-way and easements. 

• Continue to prohibit the use of 

broad spectrum adulticides by 

the Florida Keys Mosquito 

Control District to control 

mosquitoes on the refuge. 

Strategies: 

• Restore hardwood forests. 

Remove abandoned buildings 

and other structures at the 

Port Bougainville Tract and 

NIKE missile site, and allow 

natural revegetation. 

• Create habitat by filling areas 

within historic hardwood 

forests that were dredged or 

mined. 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way and 

easements. Also coordinate 

with adjacent landowners to 

control exotic plants on nonrefuge lands that may serve 

as habitat for Stock Island 

tree snails, or that may serve 

as a possible seed source for 

re-infestation of refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by controlling 

fire ants within the refuge and 

along adjacent public right-ofway and easements. 

• Continue to prohibit the use of 

broad spectrum adulticides by 

the Florida Keys Mosquito 

Control District to control 

mosquitoes on the refuge. 

Strategies: 

• Restore hardwood forests. 

Remove abandoned buildings 

and other structures at the 

Port Bougainville Tract and 

NIKE missile site, and allow 

natural revegetation. 

• Create habitat by filling areas 

within historic hardwood 

forests that were dredged or 

mined. 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way and 

easements. Also coordinate 

with adjacent landowners to 

control exotic plants on nonrefuge lands that may serve 

as habitat for Stock Island 

tree snails, or that may serve 

as a possible seed source for 

re-infestation of refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by controlling 

fire ants within the refuge and 

along adjacent public right-ofway and easements. 

• Continue to prohibit the use of 

broad spectrum adulticides by 

the Florida Keys Mosquito 

Control District to control 

mosquitoes on the refuge. 

Objective 1.11 Stock Island tree snail monitoring 

Conduct sight surveys every 3 

years. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, and population trend 

monitoring plan for the Stock 

Island tree snail. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, and population trend 

monitoring plan for the Stock 

Island tree snail. 
55

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Strategy: 

• Coordinate with other 

cooperative agencies, 

organizations, and groups to 

develop and conduct sight 

surveys of the Stock Island 

tree snail. 

Strategy: 

• Coordinate with other 

cooperative agencies, 

organizations, and groups to 

develop and conduct 

population surveys of the 

Stock Island tree snail to 

determine distribution, 

abundance, and trends, as 

well as to determine the 

effectiveness of management 

programs and actions. 

Strategy: 

• Coordinate with other 

cooperative agencies, 

organizations, and groups to 

develop and conduct 

population surveys of the 

Stock Island tree snail to 

determine distribution, 

abundance, and trends, as 

well as to determine the 

effectiveness of management 

programs and actions. 

Objective 1.12 Eastern indigo snake habitat 

Continue habitat management 

focusing on invasive exotics 

control. 

Actively manage eastern indigo 

snake habitat including nesting, 

resting, and foraging areas for 

the long-term survival of the 

species. 

Actively manage eastern indigo 

snake habitat including nesting, 

resting, and foraging areas for the 

long-term survival of the species. 

Strategies: 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way and 

easements. Also coordinate 

with adjacent landowners to 

control exotic plants on nonrefuge lands that may serve 

as habitat for eastern indigo 

snakes, or that may serve as 

a possible seed source for reinfestation of refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by controlling 

fire ants within the refuge and 

along adjacent public rightsof-way and easements. 

Strategies: 

• Restore hardwood forests. 

Remove abandoned buildings 

and other structures at the 

Port Bougainville Tract and 

NIKE missile site and allow 

natural revegetation. 

• Create hammock habitat by 

filling areas within historic 

hardwood forests that were 

dredged or mined. 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way and 

easements. Also coordinate 

with adjacent landowners to 

control exotic plants on nonrefuge lands that may serve 

as habitat for eastern indigo 

snakes, or that may serve as 

a possible seed source for reinfestation of refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by controlling 

fire ants within the refuge and 

along adjacent public rightsof-way and easements. 

Strategies: 

• Restore hardwood forests. 

Remove abandoned buildings 

and other structures at the 

Port Bougainville Tract and 

NIKE missile site and allow 

natural revegetation. 

• Create hammock habitat by 

filling areas within historic 

hardwood forests that were 

dredged or mined. 

• Restore and enhance habitat 

by controlling invasive exotic 

plants within the refuge and 

along public rights-of-way and 

easements. Also coordinate 

with adjacent landowners to 

control exotic plants on nonrefuge lands that may serve 

as habitat for eastern indigo 

snakes, or that may serve as 

a possible seed source for reinfestation of refuge lands. 

• Enhance habitat by controlling 

fire ants within the refuge and 

along adjacent public rightsof-way and easements. 
56 

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 1.13 Eastern indigo snake monitoring 

Continue to rely on confirmed 

sightings of the snake by 

researchers studying other 

species on the refuge, and by 

road kill data. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, and population trend 

monitoring plan for the eastern 

indigo snake. 

Within 2 years of plan adoption, 

develop a nesting, nest 

production, and population trend 

monitoring plan for the eastern 

indigo snake. 

Strategies: 

• Due to the small population 

size of this species on the 

refuge, and the difficulty in 

surveying snakes, no formal 

monitoring program will be 

developed for the eastern 

indigo snake. 

• Presence/absence data will 

be collected by documenting 

any road kills along public 

roads, and through 

observations made by staff 

and other persons during 

routine refuge operations. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with other 

cooperative agencies, 

organizations, and groups to 

develop and conduct 

population surveys of the 

eastern indigo snake to 

determine distribution, 

abundance, and trends, as 

well as to determine the 

effectiveness of management 

programs and actions. 

• Surveys should include 

counts on areas of the refuge 

where previous sightings 

occurred. 

• Coordinate with the 

Department of Environmental 

Protection to complete 

surveys of known snake 

locations in the state botanical 

site. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with other 

cooperative agencies, 

organizations, and groups to 

develop and conduct 

population surveys of the 

eastern indigo snake to 

determine distribution, 

abundance, and trends, as 

well as to determine the 

effectiveness of management 

programs and actions. 

• Surveys should include 

counts on areas of the refuge 

where previous sightings 

occurred. 

• Coordinate with the 

Department of Environmental 

Protection to complete 

surveys of known snake 

locations in the state botanical 

site. 

Objective 1.14 Threatened and endangered species recovery efforts 

Continue with refuge habitat 

management that focuses on 

invasive exotics. 

Coordinate habitat management 

activities with the Service’s South 

Florida Ecological Services Office 

to support threatened and 

endangered species recovery 

efforts. 

Coordinate habitat management 

activities with the Service’s South 

Florida Ecological Services Office 

to support threatened and 

endangered species recovery 

efforts. 

Strategy: 

• Control invasive exotics on 

the refuge. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate and cooperate 

with Ecological Services in 

the review of refuge habitat 

management programs and 

actions to ensure compliance 

with federal, state, and local 

regulations, and to ensure 

that these programs and 

projects contribute to the 

health and long-term survival 

of threatened and endangered 

species. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate and cooperate 

with Ecological Services in 

the review of refuge habitat 

management programs and 

actions to ensure compliance 

with federal, state, and local 

regulations, and to ensure 

that these programs and 

projects contribute to the 

health and long-term survival 

of threatened and endangered 

species. 
57

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

• Where practical, the refuge 

would provide support (e.g., 

supplies, equipment, housing, 

and staff) needed to identify 

and complete recovery 

actions for listed species. 

• Where practical, the refuge 

would provide support (e.g., 

supplies, equipment, housing, 

and staff) needed to identify 

and complete recovery 

actions for listed species. 

Objective 1.15 White-crowned pigeon 

No management actions specific 

to white-crowned pigeons other 

than maintaining hardwood 

hammock. 

Gather data and information 

necessary for ensuring 

sustainable white-crowned pigeon 

populations in and around the 

refuge in north Key Largo by 

2010. 

Gather data and information 

necessary for ensuring 

sustainable white-crowned pigeon 

populations in and around the 

refuge in north Key Largo by 

2010. 

Strategy: 

Control invasive exotics found in 

hardwood hammocks.

Strategies: 

• Determine nesting sites and 

evaluate their protective 

status with respect to access 

by predators and disturbance 

from recreationists. 

• Evaluate response of fruitproducing species and pigeon 

foraging to experimental 

habitat manipulations on Key 

Largo. 

Strategies: 

• Determine nesting sites and 

evaluate their protective 

status with respect to access 

by predators and disturbance 

from recreationists. 

• Evaluate response of fruitproducing species and pigeon 

foraging to experimental 

habitat manipulations on Key 

Largo. 

Objective 1.16 Land protection and conservation 

Consider acquiring inholdings if 

owners contact the refuge and are 

willing to sell. 

Acquire remaining privately 

owned lands within the refuge 

acquisition boundary. 

Acquire remaining privately 

owned lands within the refuge 

acquisition boundary. 

Strategy: 

• Wait for owners of inholdings 

to contact refuge. 

Strategy: 

• Within 2 years of plan 

adoption, identify privately 

owned parcels within the 

refuge acquisition boundary 

and work with refuge partners 

to secure funding to acquire 

those parcels. 

Strategy: 

• Within 2 years of plan 

adoption, identify privately 

owned parcels within the 

refuge acquisition boundary 

and work with refuge partners 

to secure funding to acquire 

those parcels. 
58 

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Goal 2. Develop an education and visitor services program that will benefit refuge visitors and adjacent 

community school groups.

Objective 2.1 Education and visitor services 

The refuge was established as a 

closed refuge because of the 

sensitivity of the threatened and 

endangered species. 

The refuge was established as a 

closed refuge because of the 

sensitivity of the threatened and 

endangered species. 

By 2008, develop an outdoor 

informational kiosk and nature trail 

at the butterfly garden, a refuge 

general brochure and fact sheet, 

and two interpretive brochures to 

increase awareness of Crocodile 

Lake NWR. 

Strategy: 

• Closed refuge. 

Strategy: 

• Closed refuge. 

Strategies: 

• Develop interpretive materials 

to install along nature trails as 

part of hammock restoration 

projects. 

• Maintain and enhance the 

existing interpretive butterfly 

garden. 

• Develop a three-panel kiosk 

with brochure rack on or off 

site for public viewing after 

hours. Panels will have 

mission specific descriptions 

about the refuge and the 

Service. 

• With assistance from an 

interpretive writer, develop a 

threatened and endangered 

species brochure unique to 

the refuge. 

• Develop a refuge specific 

brochure and fact sheet. 
59

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 2.2 Education and Visitor Services 

The refuge was established as a 

closed refuge because of the 

sensitivity of the threatened and 

endangered species. 

The refuge was established as a 

closed refuge because of the 

sensitivity of the threatened and 

endangered species. 

By 2009, provide environmental 

education off-refuge to local civic 

groups, schools, and area 

organizations with existing staff, 

and by 2009, encourage the 

refuge friends group or volunteers 

to support environmental 

education programs 

Strategy: 

• Closed refuge. 

Strategy: 

• Closed refuge. 

Strategies: 

• Increase involvement and 

update local public (School 

board, Chamber of 

Commerce) on refuge 

activities 

• Increase awareness of 

Crocodile Lake NWR and the 

importance of its endangered 

habitats 

• Offer educational classes on 

wildlife observation 

opportunities and unique 

features of the area to local 

communities and civic groups 

• Develop an exhibit at the 

nearest Welcome Center 

featuring Crocodile Lake 

NWR 
60 

 

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Goal 3. Expand on the existing knowledge and database regarding the ecology, biology, and behavior of 

threatened and endangered species and those factors affecting their status and long-term survival.

Objective 3.1 Research 

Allow research on the refuge 

provided it provides data 

beneficial to the refuge. 

Encourage research on biology 

and life history of threatened and 

endangered species, including 

aspects of reproductive success, 

productivity, dispersal, and 

movement patterns. 

Encourage research on biology 

and life history of threatened and 

endangered species, including 

aspects of reproductive success, 

productivity, dispersal, and 

movement patterns. 

Strategy: 

• Allow research to be 

conducted on the refuge as 

long as requests provide data 

that are useful for refuge 

management. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with researchers 

to conduct research on 

refuge species. 

• Provide logistic support for 

research efforts by supplying 

equipment, supplies, 

housing, and limited staff, 

whenever possible. 

• Actively solicit research that 

will fill data gaps about refuge 

species. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with researchers 

to conduct research on 

refuge species. 

• Provide logistic support for 

research efforts by supplying 

equipment, supplies, 

housing, and limited staff, 

whenever possible. 

• Actively solicit research that 

will fill data gaps about refuge 

species. 

Objective 3.2 Threatened and endangered species research 

Allow research of threatened and 

endangered species if beneficial 

to the refuge. 

Encourage research on habitat 

requirements and preferences of 

threatened and endangered 

species. 

Encourage research on habitat 

requirements and preferences of 

threatened and endangered 

species. 

Strategy: 

• Allow research of threatened 

and endangered species to 

be conducted on the refuge if 

the research provides data 

that are useful for refuge 

management. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with Ecological 

Services to conduct research 

on wildlife habitats utilizing 

Service biologists, 

universities, and/or 

independent researchers. 

• Provide logistic support for 

research efforts by supplying 

equipment, supplies, 

housing, and limited staff, 

whenever possible. 

• Coordinate research with 

proposed habitat 

management programs and 

activities to determine 

impacts on threatened and 

endangered species. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with Ecological 

Services to conduct research 

on wildlife habitats utilizing 

Service biologists, 

universities, and/or 

independent researchers. 

• Provide logistic support for 

research efforts by supplying 

equipment, supplies, housing, 

and limited staff, whenever 

possible. 

• Coordinate research with 

proposed habitat 

management programs and 

activities to determine 

impacts on threatened and 

endangered species. 
61

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 3.3 Key Largo woodrat captive breeding 

Currently, the refuge is not active 

with woodrat captive breeding. 

Encourage research on captive 

breeding of Key Largo woodrats 

to improve the success of existing 

and future breeding efforts. 

Encourage research on captive 

breeding of Key Largo woodrats 

to improve the success of existing 

and future breeding efforts. 

Strategy: 

• Learn about captive breeding 

progress occasionally from 

Ecological Services’ updates. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with Ecological 

Services to conduct research 

on woodrat husbandry 

utilizing Service biologists, 

universities, and/or 

independent researchers. 

• Provide logistic support for 

research efforts by supplying 

equipment, supplies, 

housing, and limited staff, 

whenever possible. 

Strategies: 

• Coordinate with Ecological 

Services to conduct research 

on woodrat husbandry 

utilizing Service biologists, 

universities, and/or 

independent researchers. 

• Provide logistic support for 

research efforts by supplying 

equipment, supplies, housing, 

and limited staff, whenever 

possible. 

Goal 4. Develop and implement a comprehensive refuge program that includes providing sufficient staff, 

facilities, equipment, and volunteers to protect and manage the natural resources of the refuge.

Objective 4.1 Refuge staffing 

Continue to staff refuge with a 

refuge manager and periodic 

interns. 

Staff the refuge with a full-time 

manager, a fulltime biologist, a 

full-time biological technician, and 

a seasonal biological technician to 

implement refuge programs and 

activities needed to fulfill the goals 

and objectives of the refuge. 

Staff the refuge with a full-time 

manager, a fulltime biologist, a 

full-time biological technician, 

and a seasonal biological 

technician to implement refuge 

programs and activities needed 

to fulfill the goals and objectives 

of the refuge, plus a visitor 

services specialist. 

Strategy: 

• Maintain a refuge manager at 

the refuge. 

Strategies: 

• Secure refuge funding for a 

full-time biologist and a 

seasonal biological 

technician. 

• Provide part-time and 

seasonal staff to assist with 

the completion of important 

refuge programs and 

activities. 

Strategies: 

• Secure refuge funding for a 

full-time biologist and a 

seasonal biological 

technician. 

• Provide part-time and 

seasonal staff to assist with 

the completion of important 

refuge programs and 

activities. 

Secure funding for a fulltime visitor services 

specialist to handle public 

use trails and interpretation. 
62 

Alternative 1 (no action) Alternative 2 (preferred) Alternative 3 

Objective 4.2 Volunteer program 

Utilize refuge friend’s group to 

help with refuge projects. 

Develop and maintain an active 

volunteer program on the refuge. 

Expand volunteer program to 

take the lead on creating and 

maintaining visitor use trails, 

interpretive signs, and visitor 

contact station. 

Strategy: 

• Continue to work with the 

refuge friend’s group, 

FAVOR, to provide 

assistance in managing the 

existing volunteer program. 

Strategies: 

• Continue to work with the 

refuge friend’s group, FAVOR, 

to provide assistance in the 

management and growth of 

the existing volunteer 

organization. 

• Develop and implement 

volunteer projects and 

activities that not only help 

fulfill refuge goals and 

objectives but also instill in the 

volunteers a sense of pride, 

accomplishment, and 

stewardship. 

Strategies: 

• Expand the scope of the 

refuge friend’s group to 

manage visitor services on 

the refuge. 

• Train volunteers to qualify 

them to represent the refuge 

to visitors. 

• Continue to work with the 

refuge friend’s group, 

FAVOR, to provide 

assistance in the 

management and growth of 

the existing volunteer 

organization. 

• Develop and implement 

volunteer projects and 

activities that not only help 

fulfill refuge goals and 

objectives but also instill in 

the volunteers a sense of 

pride, accomplishment, and 

stewardship. 
63

III. Affected Environment 

Background information on Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge and a description of the 

environment affected by the proposed management activities can be found in Section A, Chapter II of 

the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan. 
64 
65

IV. Environmental Consequences 

OVERVIEW 

Chapter II described three alternatives for achieving the vision, goals, and objectives of the refuge. 

Alternative 1 is a continuation of existing management; Alternative 2 proposes proactive habitat 

management; and Alternative 3 proposes to open the refuge to limited public access in addition to 

proactive management. This section discusses the environmental impacts expected to occur from 

the implementation of each alternative. Alternative 1 is used as a baseline to which the other two 

alternatives are compared. 

ANTICIPATED IMPACTS 

The planning team selected the following six impact topics to analyze based on refuge resources: 

GEOLOGY AND SOILS 

As described in Chapter II of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan, the geologic formation of 

the refuge is Key Largo limestone, and the soils consist of five types. All three alternatives would 

have a neutral or positive impact on the refuge’s geology and soils. Management actions center on 

restoration of habitats that includes grading or filling sites to the proper elevation for wetlands. Proper 

soil types are used for these actions. Hammock restoration would eventually lead to an increase in 

the depth of organic soil layers through decomposition of leaf and branch litter. 

AIR QUALITY 

The Department of the Interior requires agencies under its direction to consider potential air quality 

and climate change impacts as part of long-range planning. The increase of carbon within the earth’s 

atmosphere has been linked to the gradual rise in surface temperature, commonly referred to as 

global warming. In relation to comprehensive conservation planning for national wildlife refuges, 

carbon sequestration constitutes the primary air quality and climate-related impact to be considered in 

planning. The Department of Energy defines carbon sequestration as “...the capture and secure 

storage of carbon that would otherwise be emitted to or remain in the atmosphere” (U.S. Department 

of Energy 1999). Vegetation is a tremendous force in carbon sequestration. Terrestrial biomes of all 

sorts (e.g., grasslands, wetlands, and forests) are effective in both preventing carbon emission and 

acting as a biological “scrubber” of atmospheric carbon monoxide. The Department of Energy’s 

report noted that ecosystem protection is important to carbon sequestration and may reduce or 

prevent loss of carbon currently stored in the terrestrial biosphere. 

Preserving natural habitat for fish and wildlife is the heart of any long-range plan for national wildlife 

refuges. The actions proposed in this plan and environmental assessment would preserve or restore 

land and water, and would thus enhance carbon sequestration and, subsequently, air quality. This, in 

turn, contributes positively to efforts to mitigate human-induced global climate changes. 
66 

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 

Water Quality, Wetlands, and Flood Plains. All alternatives would be neutral or positive for water 

quality. Positive impacts are anticipated from restoring and maintaining wetland function that filters 

storm water runoff, retains sediment, and minimizes non-point source pollution. The proposed 

management alternatives are not anticipated to have any adverse effects on the area’s wetlands and 

flood plains, pursuant to Executive Orders 11990 and 11988. Further, the refuge provides protection 

to lands and waters that would have been developed into commercial and residential uses had the 

refuge never been established. 

Vegetation and Wildlife. All of the alternatives involve habitat enhancement, restoration, and 

maintenance. Habitats on the refuge would be maintained such that all wildlife would have the best 

possible habitats to utilize for shelter, foraging, and breeding. Hardwood hammocks are important for 

migratory birds and other wildlife, and management activities strive to benefit as many species as 

possible. Restoration projects will carefully consider wildlife needs to guide selection of the most 

important plant species to provide. Alternative 3 could have a minimal effect since parking areas 

would need to be made; however, the parking would be in already disturbed areas. Alternative 3 

would impact vegetation and wildlife since developing trails would require parking areas and bring a 

continuing disturbance to birds and wildlife. 

Threatened and Endangered Species. The refuge was established under the Endangered Species 

Act in order to provide habitat for federally listed species. Six threatened and endangered species 

rely on the refuge for survival. American crocodiles inhabit wetland habitat, while Key Largo 

woodrats, Key Largo cotton mice, Stock Island tree snails, Schaus swallowtail butterflies, and eastern 

indigo snakes rely on hardwood hammocks. 

All of the alternatives consider the needs of threatened and endangered species above all else. The 

refuge is closed to public access to minimize disturbance to wildlife, and habitat management actions 

consider these species first. Alternative 3 is the only alternative that has the potential to impact listed 

species. Location of nature trails would be selected based on the least amount of impact and in 

locations that are part of restoration projects. Even though impacts to listed species would be 

minimal initially, the anticipated increase in tourism to the refuge ultimately could lead to 

unacceptable disturbance levels. 

Research and monitoring of threatened and endangered species is integral to each alternative. In 

conjunction with the South Florida Ecological Services’ Office, the refuge supports research and 

monitoring of these species. Based on the most recent findings, the refuge adapts management 

actions as necessary to provide maximum benefit to the species. For example, the proposed 

development of artificial nesting rubble piles for the Key Largo woodrat stems from recommendations 

of researchers (South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan 1999). 

SOCIOECONOMIC ISSUES 

The refuge is in north Key Largo, Florida, which is bordered to the north by the exclusive Ocean Reef 

Club and to the south by Key Largo. The refuge does not directly affect either group of residents 

because it currently does not have public access. Further, the refuge does not interfere with the public’s 

day-to-day activities. In fact, most people are likely unaware that there is a neighboring refuge. 
67

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE 

None of the management alternatives described in this environmental assessment will 

disproportionately place any adverse environmental, economic, social, or health impacts on minority 

or low-income populations. Implementation of any action alternative that includes public use and 

environmental education is anticipated to benefit minority and low-income citizens living in the vicinity 

of Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. 

TRAFFIC CIRCULATION, VOLUME, AND PARKING 

The refuge headquarters has a small parking area and a building that provides office space. There is 

also a small storage yard and a second trailer that provides housing for refuge interns and 

researchers. The location of these facilities used to be a trailer park that was barren of habitat. A 

small piece of the old park became headquarters while the rest of the site has been or is targeted for 

restoration. Since the refuge is closed to public access, there are not any other locations for parking. 

The refuge is bounded by U.S. Highway 1, County Road 905, and Card Sound Road. The state and 

county maintain their roads and keep traffic flow at required levels. Alternative 3 could affect traffic 

circulation or volume during the peak tourist season. 

Alternatives 1 and 2 would not require any additional parking. Alternative 3 proposes creating nature 

trails and would need to incorporate parking areas. Parking areas would be located in disturbed areas 

where possible and designed to reduce impacts. The anticipated result is that the additional parking 

would have a relatively small negative effect since habitat would be restored around the parking areas. 

CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 

Each alternative aims to maintain and improve refuge habitats. Cumulative impacts from 

development projects that existed on refuge lands prior to establishment are targeted to be reduced 

or eliminated. These included clearing of hardwood hammock and excavation of limestone that left 

large quarry pits. These areas had the cumulative effect of reducing available habitat in conjunction 

with other development in Key Largo. All the alternatives will focus management actions on 

ameliorating past impacts so that the refuge does not contribute to cumulative impacts. 
68 
69

V. Consultation and Coordination 

INTRODUCTION 

The Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge comprehensive conservation planning process involved 

a wide variety of participants, including federal, state, university researchers; private non-profit 

groups; friends of the refuge; and local residents. The diversity and input of participants helped guide 

development of the plan and this environmental assessment. A core planning team led the planning 

process, and a biological review team helped develop habitat and wildlife needs. 

CORE PLANNING TEAM 

The core planning team involved staff from Crocodile Lake Refuge, National Key Deer Refuge, and 

the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This team was the primary decision-making 

team for the comprehensive conservation plan. Key tasks of this group involved defining and refining 

the vision; identifying, reviewing, and filtering the issues; defining the goals; outlining the alternatives; 

and providing a reality check. The team members included: 

• Phil Frank, Ph.D., Project Leader, National Key Deer Refuge 

• Steve Klett, Refuge Manager, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge 

• Van Fischer, Natural Resource Planner, National Key Deer Refuge 

• Randy Grau, Manager, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Keys 

Wildlife and Environmental Areas 

BIOLOGICAL REVIEW TEAM 

The biological review team consisted of Service and state employees and invited research experts. 

The team provided recommendations for management actions based on the most current knowledge 

of refuge resources. Members of the biological review team included: 

• Chuck Hunter, Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4 

• Dean Demarest, Migratory Birds and State Programs, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4 

• Laura Brandt, Biologist, A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge 

• Britta Muiznieks, Biologist, Ecological Services, Fish and Wildlife Service 

• Ken Meyer, Ph.D., Researcher, Avian Research and Conservation Institute 

• Phil Frank, Ph.D., Project Leader, National Key Deer Refuge 

• Steve Klett, Refuge Manager, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge 

• Van Fischer, Natural Resource Planner, National Key Deer Refuge 

• Randy Grau, Manager, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Keys 

Wildlife and Environmental Areas 

• Tom Wilmers, Biologist, National Key Deer Refuge 
70 
71

SECTION C. APPENDICES 

I. Glossary 

Adaptive Management A process in which projects are implemented within a framework 

of scientifically driven experiments to test predictions and 

assumptions outlined within the comprehensive conservation 

plan. The analysis of the outcome of project implementation 

helps managers determine whether current management should 

continue as is or whether it they should modify it to achieve 

desired conditions. 

Alternative Alternatives are different means of accomplishing refuge 

purposes, goals, and objectives and contributing to the National 

Wildlife Refuge System. An alternative is a reasonable way to 

fix the identified problem or satisfy the stated need. 

Approved Acquisition Boundary A project boundary that the Director of the Fish and Wildlife 

Service approves upon completion of the detailed planning and 

environmental compliance process. 

Biological Diversity The variety of life and its processes, including the variety of 

living organisms, the genetic differences among them, and the 

communities and ecosystems in which they occur. The National 

Wildlife Refuge System focus is on indigenous species, biotic 

communities, and ecological processes. 

Biological Integrity The biotic composition, structure, and functioning at genetic, 

organism, and community levels comparable with historic 

conditions, including the natural biological processes that shape 

genomes, organisms, and communities. 

Canopy A layer of foliage; generally, the upper-most layer in a forest 

stand. It can refer to mid- or under-story vegetation in multilayered stands. Canopy closure is an estimate of the amount of 

overhead tree cover (also canopy cover). 

Categorical Exclusion A category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively 

have a significant effect on the human environment and have 

been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a 

federal agency pursuant to the National Environmental Policy 

Act of 1969. 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations. 
72 

Compatible Use A wildlife-dependent recreational use or any other use of a 

refuge that, in the sound professional judgment of the Refuge 

Manager, will not materially interfere with, or detract from, the 

fulfillment of the mission or the purposes of the refuge. A 

compatibility determination supports the selection of compatible 

uses and identifies stipulations or limits necessary to ensure 

compatibility. 

Comprehensive Conservation Plan A document that describes the desired future conditions of the 

refuge; provides long-range guidance and management 

direction for the Refuge Manager to accomplish the purposes, 

goals, and objectives of the refuge; and contributes to the 

mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and meet 

relevant mandates. 

Conservation Easement A legal document that provides specific land-use rights to a 

secondary party. A perpetual conservation easement usually 

grants conservation and management rights to a party in 

perpetuity. 

Cooperative Agreement A simple habitat protection action in which no property rights are 

acquired. An agreement is usually long-term and either party 

can modify it. Lands under a cooperative agreement do not 

necessarily become part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. 

Corridor A route that allows movement of individuals from one region or 

place to another. 

Cover Type The present vegetation of an area. 

Cultural Resources The remains of sites, structures, or objects used by people of 

the past. 

Deciduous Pertaining to perennial plants that are leafless for sometime 

during the year. 

Ecological Succession The orderly progression of an area through time in the absence 

of disturbance from one vegetative community to another. 

Ecosystem A dynamic and interrelating complex of plant and animal 

communities and their associated non-living environment. 

Ecosystem Management Management of natural resources using system-wide concepts 

to ensure that all plants and animals in ecosystems are 

maintained at viable levels in native habitats and basic 

ecosystem processes are perpetuated indefinitely. 

Environmental Health The composition, structure, and functioning of soil, water, air, 

and other abiotic features comparable with historic conditions, 

including the natural abiotic processes that shape the 

environment. 
73

Endangered Species A plant or animal species listed under the Endangered Species 

Act that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant 

portion of its range. 

Endemic Species Plants or animals that occur naturally in a certain region and 

whose distribution is relatively limited to a particular locality. 

Environmental Assessment A concise document, prepared in compliance with the National 

Environmental Policy Act, that briefly discusses the purpose and 

need for an action, alternatives to such action, and provides 

sufficient evidence and analysis of impacts to determine whether 

to prepare an environmental impact statement or finding of no 

significant impact. 

Fauna All the vertebrate or invertebrate animals of an area. 

Federal Trust Species All species where the Federal Government has primary 

jurisdiction including federally threatened or endangered 

species, migratory birds, anadromous fish, and certain marine 

mammals. 

Fee-title The acquisition of most or all of the rights to a tract of land. 

There is a total transfer of property rights with the formal 

conveyance of a title. While a fee title acquisition involves most 

rights to a property, the seller may reserve certain rights or sell 

them, including water rights, mineral rights, or use reservation 

(the ability to continue using the land for a specified time period, 

or the remainder of the seller’s life). 

Finding of No Significant Impact A document prepared in compliance with the National 

Environmental Policy Act, supported by an environmental 

assessment, that briefly presents why a federal action will have 

no significant effect on the human environment and for which 

the agency will not prepare an environmental impact statement. 

Fragmentation The process of reducing the size and connectivity of habitat 

patches. The disruption of extensive habitats into isolated and 

small patches. 

Goal Descriptive, open-ended, and often broad statements of desired 

future conditions that convey a purpose but does not define 

measurable units. 

Geographic Information System A computer system capable of storing and manipulating spatial 

data. 

Ground Story (flora) Vascular plants less than one meter in height, excluding tree 

seedlings. 

 
74 

Habitat The place where an organism lives. The existing environmental 

conditions required by an organism for survival and 

reproduction. 

Hardwood Hammock Forests comprised of hardwood plants of predominately West 

Indian origin. Species include gumbo limbo, mahogany, 

Spanish stopper, and Jamaica dogwood. 

Herbaceous Wetland Annually or seasonally inundated with vegetation consisting 

primarily of grasses, sedges, rushes, and cattail. 

Historic Conditions These are the composition, structure, and functioning of 

ecosystems resulting from natural processes that we believe, 

based on sound professional judgment, were present prior to 

substantial human related changes to the landscape. 

Indicator Species A species of plant or animals that is assumed to be sensitive to 

habitat changes and represents the needs of a larger group of 

species. 

In-holding Privately owned land inside the boundary of a national wildlife 

refuge. 

Issue Any unsettled matter that requires a management decision. 

Migratory The seasonal movement from one area to another and back. 

Monitoring The process of collecting information to track changes of 

selected parameters over time. 

National Environmental Policy Act Requires all agencies, including the Service, to examine the 

environmental impacts of their actions, incorporate 

environmental information, and use public participation in the 

planning and implementation of all actions. Federal agencies 

must integrate this Act with other planning requirements, and 

prepare appropriate policy documents to facilitate better 

environmental decision making. 

National Wildlife Refuge A designated area of land, water, or an interest in land or water 

within the National Wildlife Refuge System. 

National Wildlife Refuge System Various categories of areas administered by the Secretary of the 

Interior for the conservation of fish and wildlife, including species 

threatened with extinction, all lands, waters, and interests 

therein administered by the Secretary as wildlife refuges, wildlife 

ranges, game ranges, wildlife management areas, or waterfowl 

production areas. 

Native Species Species that normally live and thrive in a particular ecosystem. 

Neotropical Migratory Bird A bird species that breeds north of the United States/Mexican 

border and winters primarily south of that border. 
75

Objective An objective is a concise quantitative (where possible) target 

statement of what a plan will achieve. The planners derive 

objectives from goals and they provide the basis for determining 

management strategies. Objectives should be attainable and 

time-specific. 

Planning Area A planning area may include lands outside existing planning unit 

boundaries that are being studied for inclusion in the unit and/or 

partnership planning efforts. It may also include watersheds or 

ecosystems that affect the planning area. 

Planning Team A planning team prepares the comprehensive conservation plan. 

 Planning teams are interdisciplinary in membership and 

function. A team generally consists of the a planning team 

leader; refuge manager and staff biologists; staff specialists or 

other representatives of Service programs, ecosystems or 

regional offices; and state partnering wildlife agencies as 

appropriate. 

Preferred Alternative The alternative determined by the decision-maker to best 

achieve the refuge purpose, vision, and goals; contributes to the 

refuge system mission, addresses the significant issues; and is 

consistent with principles of sound fish and wildlife 

management. 

Purpose of the Refuge The purpose of the refuge is specified in or derived from the law, 

proclamation, Executive Order, agreement, public land order, 

donation document, or administrative memorandum 

establishing, authorizing, or expanding a refuge and refuge unit. 

Refuge Operating Needs System A national database that contains the unfunded operational 

needs of each refuge. Projects included are those required to 

implement approved plans and meet goals, objectives, and legal 

mandates. 

Refuge Purposes The purposes specified in or derived from the law, proclamation, 

executive order, agreement, public land order, donation 

document, or administrative memorandum establishing, 

authorizing, or expanding a refuge, refuge unit, or refuge 

subunit. 

Step-down Management Plans Step-down management plans provide the details necessary to 

implement management strategies and projects identified in the 

comprehensive conservation plan. 

Strategy A specific action, tool, or technique or combination of actions, 

tools, and techniques used to meet unit objectives. 

Threatened Species Species listed under the Endangered Species Act that are likely 

to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout 

all or a significant portion of their range. 
76 

Trust Species Species for which the Fish and Wildlife Service has primary 

responsibility, including most federally listed threatened and 

endangered species, anadromous fish once they enter the 

inland coastal waterways, and migratory birds. 

Understory Any vegetation with canopy below or closer to the ground than 

canopies of other plants. 

Wildlife Corridor A landscape feature that facilitates the biologically effective 

transport of animals between larger patches of habitat dedicated 

to conservation functions. Such corridors may facilitate several 

kinds of traffic, including frequent foraging movement, seasonal 

migration, or the once in a lifetime dispersal of juvenile animals. 

 These are transition habitats and need not contain all the 

habitat elements required by migrants for long-term survival or 

reproduction. 

Wildlife-dependent Recreation A use of a refuge involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, 

wildlife photography and environmental education and 

interpretation. The National Wildlife Refuge System 

Improvement Act of 1997 specifies that these are the six priority 

general public uses of the system. 
77

II. References 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 1999. Air Quality Monitoring Report. Tallahassee, 

Florida 

U.S. Census Bureau. 2004. 2002 Economic Census. U.S. Bureau of the Census, Washington, D.C. 

U.S. Department of Energy. 1999. Carbon Sequestration Research and Development. Washington, 

D.C. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998. South Florida Ecosystem Team’s Ecosystem Plan. South 

Florida Region. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999. South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan. Ecological 

Services, Vero Beach, Florida. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2001. National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated 

Recreation. Washington, D.C. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2004. Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Biological Review. In 

draft. Southeast Region, Atlanta, Georgia. 
78 
79

III. Relevant Legal Mandates 

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM AUTHORITIES 

The mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service is to conserve, protect, and enhance the Nation's fish 

and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service is the 

primary federal agency responsible for migratory birds, endangered plants and animals, certain 

marine mammals, and anadromous fish. This responsibility to conserve our Nation's fish and wildlife 

resources is shared with other federal agencies and state and tribal governments. 

As part of this responsibility, the Service manages the National Wildlife Refuge System. This system 

is the only nationwide system of federal lands managed and protected for fish and wildlife and their 

habitats. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of 

lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, 

wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and 

future generations of Americans. 

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of this system in accordance with the 

National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife 

Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962; Executive Order 12996 

(Management and General Public Use of the National Wildlife Refuge System); and other relevant 

legislation, Executive Orders, regulations, and policies. 

KEY LEGISLATION/POLICIES FOR PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 

 

The Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan describes and 

illustrates management-area projects with standards and guidelines for future decision-making, and 

may be adjusted through monitoring and evaluation as well as amendment and revision. The plan 

establishes conservation and land protection goals, objectives, and specific strategies for the refuge. 

This plan provides for systematic stepping down from the overall direction, as outlined, when making 

management decisions. This level involves site-specific analysis to meet National Environmental 

Policy Act requirements for decision-making. 

Antiquities Act (16 U.S.C. 431-433): The Act of June 8, 1906, (34 Stat. 225) authorizes the 

President of the United States to designate as National Monuments objects or areas of historic or 

scientific interests on lands owned or controlled by the United States. The Act required that a permit 

be obtained for examination of ruins, excavation of archaeological sites and the gathering of objects 

of antiquity on lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretaries of Interior, Agriculture, and Army, and 

provided penalties for violations. 

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918): Designates the protection of migratory birds as a federal 

responsibility. This Act enables the setting of seasons and other regulations including the closing of 

areas, federal or non-federal, to the hunting of migratory birds. 

Migratory Bird Conservation Act (1929): Establishes procedures for acquisition by purchase, 

rental, or gift of areas approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. 
80 

Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (16 U.S.C. 718-718j, 48 Stat. 452), as 

amended: The "Duck Stamp Act" of March 16, 1934 requires each waterfowl hunter, 16 years of age 

or older, to possess a valid federal hunting stamp. Receipts from the sale of the stamp are deposited 

in a special Treasury account known as the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and are not subject to 

appropriations. 

Historic Sites, Buildings and Antiquities Act (16 U.S.C. 461-462, 464-467): The Act of 

August 21, 1935, (49 Stat. 666) popularly known as the Historic Sites Act, as amended by Public Law 

89-249, approved October 9, 1965, (79 Stat. 971), declared it a national policy to preserve historic 

sites and objects of national significance, including those located on refuges. It provided procedures 

for designation, acquisition, administration and protection of such sites. Among other things, National 

Historic and Natural Landmarks are designated under authority of this Act. As of January 1989, 31 

national wildlife refuges contained such sites. 

Refuge Revenue Sharing Act (16 U.S.C. 715s): Section 401 of the Act of June 15, 1935, (49 Stat. 

383) provided for payments to counties in lieu of taxes, using revenues derived from the sale of 

products from refuges. Public Law 88-523, approved August 30, 1964 (78 Stat. 701), made major 

revisions by requiring that all revenues received from refuge products, such as animals, timber and 

minerals, or from leases or other privileges, be deposited in a special Treasury account and net 

receipts distributed to counties for public schools and roads. Public Law 93-509, approved December 

3, 1974, (88 Stat. 1603) required that money remaining in the fund after payments be transferred to 

the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund for land acquisition under provisions of the Migratory Bird 

Conservation Act. Public Law 95-469, approved October 17, 1978, (92 Stat. 1319) expanded the 

revenue sharing system to include National Fish Hatcheries and Service research stations. 

Payments to counties were established as follows: on acquired land, the greatest amount calculated 

on the basis of 75 cents per acre, three-fourths of one percent of the appraised value, or 25 percent 

of the net receipts produced from the land; and on land withdrawn from the public domain, 25 percent 

of net receipts and basic payments under Public Law 94-565 (31 U.S.C. 1601-1607, 90 Stat. 2662). 

This amendment also authorized appropriations to make up any difference between the amount in the 

fund and the amount scheduled for payment in any year. The stipulation that payments be used for 

schools and roads was removed, but counties were required to pass payments along to other units of 

local government within the county that suffer losses in revenues due to the establishment of Service 

areas. 

Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1948: This act provides funding through receipts from 

the sale of surplus federal land, appropriations from oil and gas receipts from the outer continental 

shelf, and other sources of land acquisition under several authorities. Appropriations from the fund 

may be used for matching grants to states for outdoor recreation projects and for land acquisition by 

various federal agencies, including the Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Wilderness Act of 1954: Public Law 88-577, approved September 3, 1964, directed the Secretary 

of the Interior, within 10 years, to review every roadless area of 5,000 or more acres and every 

roadless island (regardless of size) within National Wildlife Refuge and National Park Systems for 

inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. 

Fish and Wildlife Act (1956): Established a comprehensive national fish and wildlife policy and 

broadened the authority for acquisition and development of refuges. 

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (1958): Allows the Fish and Wildlife Service to enter into 

agreements with private landowners for wildlife management purposes. 
81

National and Community Service Act of 1960 (42 U.S.C. 12401:104 Stat. 3127): Public Law 101-

610, signed November 16, 1990, authorizes several programs to engage citizens of the United States 

in full- and/or part-time projects designed to combat illiteracy and poverty, provide job skills, enhance 

educational skills, and fulfill environmental needs. Several provisions are of particular interest to the 

Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 469- 469c): Public Law 86-523, 

approved June 27, 1960 (74 Stat. 220), and amended by Public Law 93-291, approved May 24, 1974, 

(88 Stat. 174), directed federal agencies to notify the Secretary of the Interior whenever a federal, 

federally assisted, or licensed or permitted project may cause loss or destruction of significant 

scientific, prehistoric or archaeological data. The Act authorized use of appropriated, donated and/or 

recovery, protection, and preservation of such data. 

Refuge Recreation Act of 1962: This Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to administer 

refuges, hatcheries, and other conservation areas for recreational use, when such uses do not 

interfere with the area's primary purposes. It authorizes construction and maintenance of recreational 

facilities and the acquisition of land for incidental fish and wildlife oriented recreational development 

or protection of natural resources. It also authorizes the charging of fees for public uses. 

Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (1965): Uses the receipts from the sale of surplus federal 

land, outer continental shelf oil and gas sales, and other sources for land acquisition under several 

authorities. 

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470-470b, 470c-470n): Public Law 89-665, 

approved October 15, 1966, (80 Stat. 915) and repeatedly amended, provided for preservation of 

significant historical features (buildings, objects and sites) through a grant-in-aid program to the 

states. It established a National Register of Historic Places and a program of matching grants under 

the existing National Trust for Historic Preservation (16 U.S.C. 468-468d). The Act established an 

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which was made a permanent independent agency in 

Public Law 94-422, approved September 28, 1976 (90 Stat. 1319). That Act also created the Historic 

Preservation Fund. Federal agencies are directed to take into account the effects of their actions on 

items or sites listed in, or eligible for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places. As of January 

1989, 91 such sites on national wildlife refuges are listed in this Register. 

National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 as amended by the National 

Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee (Refuge 

Administration Act): Defines the National Wildlife Refuge System and authorizes the Secretary of 

the Interior to permit any use of a refuge provided such use is compatible with the major purposes for 

which the refuge was established. The Refuge Improvement Act clearly defines a unifying mission for 

the refuge system; establishes the legitimacy and appropriateness of the six priority public uses 

(hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography and environmental education and 

interpretation); establishes a formal process for determining compatibility; established the 

responsibilities of the Secretary of the Interior for managing and protecting the System; and requires 

a Comprehensive Conservation Plan for each refuge by the year 2012. This Act amended portions of 

the Refuge Recreation Act and National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966. 
82 

National Environmental Policy Act (1969): Title I of the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act 

requires that all federal agencies prepare detailed environmental impact statements for “every 

recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major federal actions significantly 

affecting the quality of the human environment.” The 1969 statute stipulated the factors to be 

considered in environmental impact statements, and required that federal agencies employ an 

interdisciplinary approach in related decision-making and develop means to ensure that unquantified 

environmental values are given appropriate consideration, along with economic and technical 

considerations. Title II of this statute requires annual reports on environmental quality from the 

President to the Congress, and established a Council on Environmental Quality in the Executive 

Office of the President with specific duties and functions. 

Rehabilitation Act (1973): Requires that programmatic and physical accessibility be made available 

in any facility funded by the Federal Government, ensuring that anyone can participate in any 

program. 

Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544, 87 Stat. 884), as amended: Public Law 

93-205, approved December 28, 1973, repealed the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 

December 5, 1969 (P.L. 91-135, 83 Stat. 275). The 1969 act amended the Endangered Species 

Preservation Act of October 15, 1966 (P.L. 89-669, 80 Stat. 926). The 1973 Endangered Species Act 

provided for the conservation of ecosystems upon which threatened and endangered species of fish, 

wildlife, and plants depend, both through federal action and by encouraging the establishment of 

state programs. The Act authorizes the determination and listing of species as threatened and 

endangered; prohibits unauthorized taking, possession, sale, and transport of endangered species; 

provides authority to acquire land for the conservation of listed species, using land and water 

conservation funds; authorizes establishment of cooperative and grants-in-aid to states that establish 

and maintain active and adequate programs for threatened endangered wildlife and plants; authorizes 

the assessment of civil and criminal penalties for violating the Act or regulations; and authorizes the 

payment of rewards to anyone furnishing information leading to arrest and conviction of anyone 

violating the Act and any regulation issued thereunder. 

Executive Order 11988, Flood plain Management: The purpose of this Executive Order, signed 

May 24, 1977, is to prevent federal agencies from contributing to the "adverse impacts associated 

with occupancy and modification of floodplains" and the "direct or indirect support of flood plain 

development." In the course of fulfilling their respective authorities, federal agencies "shall take 

action to reduce the risk of flood loss, to minimize the impact of floods on human safety, health and 

welfare, and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by flood plains." 

Clean Water Act (1977): Requires consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for major 

wetland modifications. 

Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978: This Act was passed to improve the administration of 

fish and wildlife programs and amends several earlier laws, including the Refuge Recreation Act, the 

National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. It 

authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept gifts and bequests of real and personal property on 

behalf of the United States. It also authorizes the use of volunteers on Service projects and 

appropriations to carry out volunteer programs. 

Archaeological Resources Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 470aa - 47011): Public Law 96-95, approved 

October 31, 1979, (93 Stat. 721) largely supplanted the resource protection provisions of the 

Antiquities Act for archaeological items. This Act established detailed requirements for issuance of 

permits for any excavation for or removal of archaeological resources from Federal and Indian lands. 
83

 It also established civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized excavation, removal, or damage of 

any such resources; for any trafficking in such resources removed from Federal and Indian lands in 

violation of any provision of federal law; and for interstate and foreign commerce in such resources 

acquired, transported, or received in violation of any state or local law. Public Law 100-588, 

approved November 3, 1988, (102 Stat. 2983) lowered the threshold value of artifacts triggering the 

felony provisions of the Act from $5,000 to $500, made attempting to commit an action prohibited by 

the Act a violation, and required the land managing agencies to establish public awareness programs 

regarding the value of archaeological resources to the nation. 

Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986: This Act authorized the purchase of wetlands from 

the Land and Water Conservation Fund, removing a prior prohibition on such acquisitions. The Act 

also requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan, 

requires states to include wetlands in their Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans, and transfers 

to the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund an amount equal to import duties on arms and ammunition. 

Executive Order 12996, Management and General Public Use of the National Wildlife Refuge System 

(1996): Defines the mission, purpose, and priority public uses of the National Wildlife Refuge 

System. It also presents four principles to guide management of the system. 

North American Wetlands Conservation Act (103 Stat. 1968; 16 U.S.C. 4401~4412): Public Law 

101-233, enacted December 13, 1989, provides funding and administrative direction for 

implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Tripartite Agreement on 

Wetlands between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The Act converts the Pittman-Robertson 

account into a trust fund, with the interest available without appropriation through the year 2006, to 

carry out the programs authorized by the Act, along with an authorization for annual appropriation of 

$15 million plus an amount equal to the fines and forfeitures collected under the Migratory Bird Treaty 

Act. Available funds may be expended, upon approval of the Migratory Bird Conservation 

Commission, for payment of not to exceed 50 percent of the United States' share of the cost of 

wetlands conservation projects in Canada, Mexico, or the United States (or 100 percent of the cost of 

projects on federal lands). At least 50 percent and no more than 70 percent of the funds received are 

to go to Canada and Mexico each year. 

Environmental Education Act of 1990 (20 U.S.C. 5501-5510; 104 Stat. 3325): Public Law 101-

619, signed November 16, 1990, established the Office of Environmental Education within the 

Environmental Protection Agency to develop and administer a federal environmental education 

program. Responsibilities of the Office include developing and supporting programs to improve 

understanding of the natural and developed environment and the relationships between humans and 

their environment; supporting the dissemination of educational materials; developing and supporting 

training programs and environmental education seminars; managing a federal grant program; and 

administering an environmental internship and fellowship program. The Office is required to develop 

and support environmental programs in consultation with other federal natural resource management 

agencies, including the Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Federal Noxious Weed Act (1990): Requires the use of integrated management systems to control 

or contain undesirable plant species and an interdisciplinary approach with the cooperation of other 

federal and state agencies. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (1991): Prohibits discrimination in public accommodations and 

services. 
84 

Executive Order 13007, Indian Sacred Sites (1996): Directs federal land management agencies to 

accommodate access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites by Indian religious practitioners, 

avoid adversely affecting the physical integrity of such sacred sites, and where appropriate, maintain 

the confidentiality of sacred sites. 

National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (1997): Public Law 105-57, amended the 

National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-ee), and provided guidance for 

management and public use of the refuge system. The Act mandates that the refuge system be 

consistently directed and managed as a national system of lands and waters devoted to wildlife 

conservation and management. The Act establishes priorities for recreational uses of the refuge 

system. Six wildlife-dependent uses are specifically named in the Act: hunting, fishing, wildlife 

observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. These activities 

are to be promoted on the refuge system, while all non-wildlife-dependent uses are subject to 

compatibility determinations. A compatible use is one that, in the sound professional judgment of the 

Refuge Manager, will not materially interfere with, or detract from, fulfillment of the National Wildlife 

Refuge System Mission or refuge purpose(s). As stated in the Act, "The mission of the system is to 

administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where 

appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United 

States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans." The Act also requires 

development of a Comprehensive Conservation Plan for each refuge and that management is 

consistent with the plan. When writing a plan for expanded or new refuges, and when making 

management decisions, the Act requires effective coordination with other federal agencies, state fish 

and wildlife or conservation agencies, and refuge neighbors. A refuge must also provide 

opportunities for public involvement when making a compatibility determination. 
85

IV. Public Involvement 

PUBLIC SCOPING

A public scoping meeting was held on September 3, 2003, to solicit comments from the public 

regarding Crocodile Lake NWR. The meeting provided information about current refuge management 

and the CCP planning process. The meeting was well attended and many comments were received 

in the following weeks. 

Comment forms were made available at the scoping meeting and at the refuge headquarters. An 

October 2003 refuge planning update newsletter was also sent to individuals on the refuge mailing list 

that provided another opportunity for submitting comments. Comments were received via email, 

facsimile, and traditional mail. 

Comments received are summarized below. On the whole, comments were supportive of the refuge 

and management actions. These comments were used by the planning team to help guide 

development of the goals, objectives, and strategies found in the comprehensive conservation plan. 

• The needs of threatened and endangered species should get first priority. 

• Continue invasive exotic plant control. 

• Continue fire ant control. 

• Continue feral cat control on the refuge. 

• Acquire the remaining private land within the refuge acquisition boundary. 

• Keep refuge closed to public use 

• Add a staff position for habitat management and restoration. 

• Seek additional funding for refuge restoration projects. 

• Maintain a good working relationship with the State of Florida. 

• Strengthen the volunteer program to assist with refuge projects. 

• Prevent extinction of endangered species. 

• Continue and increase monitoring of refuge wildlife. 

• Is it time to start a captive breeding program for the Key Largo cotton mouse? 
86 
87

V. Compatibility Determinations 

DRAFT CROCODILE LAKE COMPATIBILITY DETERMINATIONS

Introduction

A compatibility determination documents the formal procedure used to determine if existing and 

proposed uses of national wildlife refuges are compatible with the purpose of each refuge and the 

mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Under the National Wildlife Refuge System 

Administration Act of 1966, the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, and the National Wildlife Refuge 

System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service may not permit public recreational uses on national 

wildlife refuges unless the uses are determined to be compatible. 

All lands of the National Wildlife Refuge System will be managed in accordance with an approved 

comprehensive conservation plan that guides management by identifying goals, objectives, and 

strategies that will ultimately achieve refuge purposes. Crocodile Lake NWR was established as a 

closed refuge because of the sensitivity to disturbance of the threatened and endangered species 

inhabiting the area. Thus, general public access to the refuge is not allowed except for the butterfly 

garden located at the refuge headquarters. Research of refuge resources is an ongoing priority and 

is allowed when it furthers knowledge of the refuge. 

The compatibility determinations that follow adhere to the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual for 

evaluating uses (Standard Exhibit 2, 603 FW 2). 

Refuge Name: Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge 

Establishing and Acquisition Authorities: Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-205, 

87 Stat. 884) as amended, Land and Water Conservation Act as amended in 1976 (Public Law 94-

422), and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956. 

Refuge Purposes: ... to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species or 

threatened species .... or (B) plants ... 16 U.S.C. ' 1534 (Endangered Species Act of 1973). 

... for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife 

resources ...16 U.S.C. ' 742f(a)(4)... for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in 

performing its activities and services. Such acceptance may be subject to the terms of any restrictive 

or affirmative covenant, or condition of servitude ... 16 U.S.C. ' 742f(b)(1) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 

1956) 

Refuge Uses: Crocodile Lake NWR has researched and collected data about refuge resources for 

many years. The refuge supports these activities and encourages long-term research studies. 

Research and monitoring is vital to the refuge and has negligible impacts to refuge resources. 

An interpretive butterfly garden was created at the refuge headquarters to provide a glimpse of the 

refuge to visitors. The garden contains native plants that attract butterflies and illustrates many plants 

found in the surrounding hardwood hammock. The garden resulted in a gain of habitat by restoring a 

previously scarified area adjacent to the headquarters. Also, the garden provides educational 

materials and directs visitors to the neighboring state park that has several nature trails that traverse 

the same habitat types that are found in the refuge. 
88 

Public Review and Comment: A compatibility determination has been prepared for the following 

uses: 

• Research and monitoring 

• Environmental education and interpretation 

Description of Use

Research and Monitoring

This use would allow university researchers, non-governmental researchers, and government scientists 

access to the refuge to conduct both short- and long-term research projects. Efforts would be made to 

expand partnerships to increase research associated with recovery of threatened and endangered 

species. All scientific research and monitoring on the refuge would be covered by this use. 

Availability of Resources

No additional fiscal resources would be needed to conduct this use. The existing refuge manager 

can administer permits and monitor use as part of routine management duties. 

Anticipated Impacts of Use

The outcome of research uses of the refuge would result in an increased knowledge and 

understanding of refuge resources. New information and current data would help guide management 

actions to adapt to changing conditions and needs of the resources. The anticipated impacts are 

minimal and should not adversely affect any species or habitats as a whole. Research projects are 

designed to minimize disturbance to organisms and the surrounding environment while addressing 

management needs. The increase of knowledge and continuation of long-term status and trends 

data are important and benefits the refuge. 

Determination (Check One Below)

___ Use is Not Compatible 

_X_ Use is Compatible with following stipulations 

Stipulations Necessary to Ensure Compatibility

Scientific research and monitoring would be evaluated and modifications to proposals would be 

made, when needed, prior to issuance of a special use permit to prevent of minimize disturbance to 

wildlife. The final decision to issue a permit to conduct research and monitoring should be left to the 

discretion of the project leader and refuge manager. 

Research projects involving federally-listed species would be critically reviewed prior to issuance of a 

special use permit. A Section 7 Biological Evaluation would be conducted through USFWS 

Ecological Services to review the proposed research and determine effects on listed species. 

Permits from Ecological Services would be required prior to starting research. 

Justification

Scientific research and monitoring have been conducted on refuges since the inception of the 

National Wildlife Refuge System. Annually, three to five projects are conducted at Crocodile Lake 

NWR with no long-term impacts to the species studied or associated habitats. The basis for most 

refuge habitat management practices is distilled from research, and long-term monitoring of many 

species is necessary to evaluate status and trends. The refuge protects unique habitats that allow for 

studies of plants and animals that could not be conducted elsewhere. Conservation and 

management of many organisms on the refuge and elsewhere will depend upon future research and 

monitoring. 
89

Mandatory 10-15-year re-evaluation______________________________________ 

Description of Use

Environmental Education and Interpretation

Environmental education and interpretation would include activities that seek to increase public 

knowledge and understanding of wildlife and contribute to wildlife conservation. The butterfly garden 

provides an opportunity to educate people about refuge resources and the National Wildlife Refuge 

System while causing negligible disturbance to the refuge. Students would also be able to use the 

garden for field-trips and outdoor learning experiences. 

Availability of Resources

The butterfly garden is maintained by the refuge friend’s group and the refuge manager. The garden 

requires general upkeep that has minimal associated costs. Updates to interpretive materials would 

occur as budget funding and educational grants are obtained. 

Anticipated Impacts of Use

The butterfly garden is located adjacent to the refuge headquarters and parking area. The location 

was a scarified area that had no habitat value prior to the planting of the garden. As such, the garden 

has created habitat that is used by many species of butterflies and other insects. Given the location 

of the garden, the occasional visitors and student groups do not adversely impact the refuge any 

more than the existing headquarters and parking area. The creation of the garden was actually a 

benefit to the area. 

Determination (Check One Below)

___ Use is Not Compatible 

_X_ Use is Compatible with Following Stipulations 

Stipulations Necessary to Ensure Compatibility

The only area of the refuge open to general public use would be the butterfly garden located at the 

refuge headquarters. Access to other parts of the refuge may be allowed only with refuge staff 

conducting a tour. Any staff-led tours would be conducted to minimize disturbance to habitats and 

wildlife. 

Justification

Crocodile Lake NWR is a closed refuge that exists in the very busy tourist destination of the Florida 

Keys. Even though the refuge is closed, there are visitors each year who arrive and want to learn 

more about the refuge. The butterfly garden was developed to fill the need for education and 

interpretation about the refuge to interested visitors. The garden has had a positive response from 

the local community too as evidenced by a greater understanding of the refuge and the habitats it 

protects. 

Mandatory 10-15-year re-evaluation______________________________________ 
90 

Approval of Compatibility Determinations

This approval is for the preceding compatibility determinations considered within the comprehensive 

conservation plan for Crocodile Lake NWR. 

Project Leader: _____________________ __________

 Signature Date 

Refuge Manager: _____________________ __________ 

 Signature Date 

Regional Compatibility _____________________ __________ 

Coordinator: Signature Date 

Refuge Supervisor: _____________________ __________ 

 Signature Date 

Regional Chief: _____________________ __________ 

 Signature Date 
91

VI. Section 7 Intra-Service Consultation 

INTRA-SERVICE SECTION 7 BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION FORM 

Originating Person: Dr. Phil Frank, PhD, Project Leader, Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges 

Telephone Number: 305-872-2239 E-Mail: phil_frank@fws.gov 

Date: April 7, 2005 

PROJECT NAME (Grant Title/Number): Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive 

Conservation Plan 

I. Service Program:

___ Ecological Services 

___ Federal Aid 

___ Clean Vessel Act 

___ Coastal Wetlands 

___ Endangered Species Section 6 

___ Partners for Fish and Wildlife 

___ Sport Fish Restoration 

___ Wildlife Restoration 

___ Fisheries 

_X_ Refuges/Wildlife

II. State/Agency: Florida/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

III. Station Name: Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge 

IV. Description of Proposed Action (attach additional pages as needed): Authorization of 

the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge by 

adopting the preferred alternative. Prior to implementation of identified management actions 

that affect listed species, the refuge will consult with Ecological Services. The Crocodile Lake 

CCP is intended to serve as a guidance document for future management of the refuge. 

V. Pertinent Species and Habitat:

A. Include species/habitat occurrence map: American crocodile, Key Largo woodrat, 

Key Largo cotton mouse, Schaus swallowtail butterfly, Stock Island tree snail, Eastern indigo 

snake. 
92 

B. Complete the following table: 

Species/Critical Habitat Status1 

American crocodile E 

Key Largo woodrat E 

Key Largo cotton mouse E 

Schaus swallowtail butterfly E 

Stock Island tree snail T 

Eastern indigo snake T 

1

STATUS: E=endangered, T=threatened, PE=proposed endangered, PT=proposed threatened, 

CH=critical habitat, PCH=proposed critical habitat, C=candidate species. 

VI. Location (attach map):

A. Ecoregion Number and Name: South Florida Ecosystem 

B. County and State: Monroe County, Florida 

C. Section, township, and range (or latitude and longitude): Sections T 58 S, T 59 S, 

and T 60 S; Ranges R 39 E, R 40 E, and R 41 E. 

D. Distance (miles) and direction to nearest town:

E. Species/habitat occurrence:
93

VII. Determination of Effects:

A. Explanation of effects of the action on species and critical habitats in item V.B. 

(attach additional pages as needed): 

Species/Critical Habitat Impacts to Species/Critical Habitat 

American Crocodile Authorization of the CCP and selection of the preferred 

alternative will have no effect on T&E species. ESA 

consultation will be initiated separately for implementation of 

any management actions that may affect T&E species. 

Key Largo woodrat Authorization of the CCP and selection of the preferred 

alternative will have no effect on T&E species. ESA 

consultation will be initiated separately for implementation of 

any management actions that may affect T&E species. 

Key Largo cotton mouse Authorization of the CCP and selection of the preferred 

alternative will have no effect on T&E species. ESA 

consultation will be initiated separately for implementation of 

any management actions that may affect T&E species. 

Schaus swallowtail butterfly Authorization of the CCP and selection of the preferred 

alternative will have no effect on T&E species. ESA 

consultation will be initiated separately for implementation of 

any management actions that may affect T&E species. 

Stock Island tree snail Authorization of the CCP and selection of the preferred 

alternative will have no effect on T&E species. ESA 

consultation will be initiated separately for implementation of 

any management actions that may affect T&E species. 

Eastern indigo snake Authorization of the CCP and selection of the preferred 

alternative will have no effect on T&E species. ESA 

consultation will be initiated separately for implementation of 

any management actions that may affect T&E species. 

B. Explanation of actions to be implemented to reduce adverse effects:

Species/Critical Habitat Actions to mitigate/minimize impacts 

American Crocodile 

Key Largo woodrat 

Key Largo cotton mouse 

Schaus swallowtail butterfly 

Stock Island tree snail 

Eastern indigo snake 

No mitigation is required at this stage of the 

CCP since authorization of the CCP will not 

affect T&E species. Prior to implementing 

CCP actions that may affect T&E species, 

ESA consultation will occur. 
94 

VIII. Effect Determination and Response Requested: 

Species/Critical Habitat Determination1 Response Requested1 

NE NA AA 

American Crocodile X Concurrence 

Key Largo woodrat X Concurrence 

Key Largo cotton mouse X Concurrence 

Schaus swallowtail butterfly X Concurrence 

Stock Island tree snail X Concurrence 

Eastern indigo snake X Concurrence 

1

DETERMINATION/RESPONSE REQUESTED: 

NE = no effect. This determination is appropriate when the proposed action will not directly, 

indirectly, or cumulatively impact, either positively or negatively, any listed, proposed, 

candidate species or designated/proposed critical habitat. Response Requested is optional, 

but a AConcurrence@ is recommended for a complete Administrative Record. 

NA = not likely to adversely affect. This determination is appropriate when the proposed 

action is not likely to adversely impact any listed, proposed, candidate species or 

designated/proposed critical habitat or there may be beneficial effects to these resources. 

Response Requested is a AConcurrence.@

AA = likely to adversely affect. This determination is appropriate when the proposed action is 

likely to adversely impact any listed, proposed, candidate species or designated/proposed 

critical habitat. Response Requested for listed species is AFormal Consultation.@ Response 

requested for proposed and candidate species is AConference.@
95

___________________________________ 

Signature (originating station) Date 

 ___________________________________ 

 Title 

IX. Reviewing Ecological Services Office Evaluation:

A. Concurrence ______ Non-concurrence _______

B. Formal consultation required _______

C. Conference required _______

D. Informal conference required ________

E. Remarks (attach additional pages as needed):

__________________________________ 

Signature Date 

__________________________________ 

Title Office

 
96 
97

VII. Refuge Biota 

FLORIDA KEYS NWR BIRD LIST 

Seasonal appearance: 

Spring - March to May 

Summer - June to August 

Fall - September to November 

Winter - December to February 

Seasonal abundance: 

c - common: commonly observed in proper habitat 

u - uncommon: uncommonly observed in proper habitat 

r - rare: rarely observed 

o - occasional: observed fewer than ten times 

* - confirmed breeding in checklist area 

Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 

LOONS 

Red-throated Loon o - o o 

Common Loon u - u u 

GREBES 

Least Grebe - - o - 

Pied-billed Grebe u u u u 

Horned Grebe o - - o 

SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS 

Greater Shearwater - o - - 

Sooty Shearwater o - o - 

Audubon's Shearwater - o - o 

Wilson's Storm-Petrel - o - - 

Band-rumped Storm Petrel 

(Key West Specimen) 

- - o - 

TROPICBIRDS 

White-tailed Tropicbird o - - - 

BOOBIES AND GANNETS 

Masked Booby o - o o 

Brown Booby r r r r 

Northern Gannet r - r u 

PELICANS 

American White Pelican - r r r 

Brown Pelican* c c c C 

DARTERS AND CORMORANTS 
98 

Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 

Double-crested Cormorant* c c c c 

Anhinga u r u u 

FRIGATEBIRDS 

Magnificent Frigatebird c c c c 

BITTERNS, HERONS, EGRETS AND ALLIES 

American Bittern o - - - 

Least Bittern* r r r r 

Great Blue Heron (dark morph)* c c c c 

Great Blue Heron (light morph)* c c c c 

Great Egret* c c c c 

Snowy Egret* u u u u 

Little Blue Heron* u u u u 

Tricolored Heron* c u c u 

Reddish Egret* c c c c 

Cattle Egret c c c c 

Green Heron* c c c c 

Black-crowned Night-Heron r - r r 

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron* c c c c 

IBISES AND SPOONBILLS 

White Ibis* c c c c 

Glossy Ibis o o o o 

Roseate Spoonbill u u r r 

STORKS 

Wood Stork - - o o 

FLAMINGOS 

 

Greater Flamingo o - o o 

DUCKS, GEESE, SWANS 

Fulvous Whistling-Duck o - o o 

Canada Goose - - - o 

Snow Goose - - o o 

Wood Duck - - o - 

Green-winged Teal r - r r 

White-cheeked Pintail o - - o 

Northern Pintail u - u u 

Blue-winged Teal c - c c 

Northern Shoveler u - u u 

Gadwall - - - o 

American Wigeon c - c c 
99

Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 

Ring-necked Duck u - u u 

Lesser Scaup u - u u 

Oldsquaw - - o - 

Black Scoter - - o o 

Hooded Merganser - - - o 

Common Merganser - - o o 

Red-breasted Merganser u r c c 

Masked Duck o - - - 

VULTURES 

Black Vulture - o o o 

Turkey Vulture* c c c c 

OSPREY, KITES, EAGLES AND HARRIERS 

Osprey* c c c c 

Swallow-tailed Kite r r r r 

Mississippi Kite - - o o 

Bald Eagle* u u u u 

Northern Harrier u - u u 

Sharp-shinned Hawk c - c c 

Cooper's Hawk r - r r 

Red-shouldered Hawk* u u u u 

Broad-winged Hawk c - c c 

Short-tailed Hawk r - c r 

Swainson's Hawk r - c r 

Red-tailed Hawk r - r r 

FALCONS 

American Kestrel c - c c 

Merlin u - c u 

Peregrine Falcon u - c u 

RAILS, GALLINULES, COOTS 

Black Rail u u u u 

Clapper Rail* u u u u 

Virginia Rail o - o o 

Sora Rail r - r r 

Purple Gallinule* r r r r 

Common Moorhen* u u u u 

American Coot* c r c c 

LIMPKINS 

Limpkin o o o O 

PLOVERS 

Black-bellied Plover c u c c 

American Golden Plover r - r r 
100 

Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 

Snowy Plover o - - o 

Wilson's Plover* c c c c 

Semipalmated Plover c - c c 

Piping Plover r - r r 

Killdeer* u r u u 

Mountain Plover - - - o 

OYSTERCATCHERS 

American Oystercatcher o - o - 

STILT AND AVOCETS 

Black-necked Stilt* u u u - 

American Avocet o - o o 

SANDPIPERS AND PHALAROPES 

Greater Yellowlegs u - u u 

Lesser Yellowlegs u - u u 

Solitary Sandpiper u - r - 

Willet* c - c c 

Spotted Sandpiper u - u u 

Upland Sandpiper r - r - 

Whimbrel r - r c 

Ruddy Turnstone c u c c 

Red Knot u r u r 

Sanderling c r c c 

Semipalmated Sandpiper r r r r 

Western Sandpiper c r c c 

Least Sandpiper c r c c 

White-rumped Sandpiper u - - - 

Pectoral Sandpiper r r r - 

Purple Sandpiper - - - r 

Dunlin u - c u 

Stilt Sandpiper r - r r 

Short-billed Dowitcher c u c c 

Common Snipe - - r r 

Wilson's Phalarope o - o o 

Red-necked Phalarope - o - - 

JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS AND SKIMMERS 

Pomarine Jaeger o - o o 

Parasitic Jaeger o - o o 

Laughing Gull* c c c c 

Bonaparte's Gull r - r r 

Ring-billed Gull c r c c 

Herring Gull u r c c 
101

Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 

Lesser Black-backed Gull - - r r 

Great Black-backed Gull r - r r 

Black-legged Kittiwake (specimen) - - - o 

Gull-billed Tern o - - - 

Caspian Tern u - u c 

Royal Tern c c c c 

Roseate Tern* - u - - 

Sandwich Tern* c - c c 

Common Tern u - u u 

Forster's Tern u - c c 

Least Tern* u c c - 

Bridled Tern r r r - 

Sooty Tern r r r - 

Black Tern r r - - 

Brown Noddy o o - - 

Black Skimmer - - - c 

ALCIDS 

Dovekie - - - o 

PIGEONS AND DOVES 

Rock Dove* c c c c 

White-crowned Pigeon* u c u u 

Eurasian Collared Dove* c c c c 

White-winged Dove* u u u u 

Mourning Dove* c c c c 

Common Ground-Dove* c c c c 

Inca Dove (nested 1963-80, Key West, 

probably extirpated) 

o - - - 

Ruddy Quail-Dove (1 captured, Key West) o - - - 

Scaly-naped Pigeon 

(2 specimens, Key West) 

o - o - 

CUCKOOS AND ANIS 

Black-billed Cuckoo r - r - 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo* u u u - 

Mangrove Cuckoo* u u r r 

Smooth-billed Ani r r r r 

OWLS 

Barn Owl - - o o 

Eastern Screech-Owl o - - - 

Burrowing Owl o - o o 

Barred Owl - o - - 
102 

Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 

Long-eared Owl - - o - 

Short-eared Owl - o - - 

GOATSUCKERS 

Common Nighthawk* c c c - 

Antillean Nighthawk* c c c - 

Chuck-will's Widow u u u r 

Whip-poor-will r - - r 

SWIFTS 

Chimney Swift r - u - 

Antillean Palm Swift - o - - 

HUMMINGBIRDS 

Black-chinned Hummingbird o - - - 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird u r u u 

KINGFISHERS 

Belted Kingfisher c u c c 

WOODPECKERS 

Red-bellied Woodpecker* c c c c 

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker u - u u 

Northern Flicker - - o o 

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS 

Olive-sided Flycatcher - - - o 

Eastern Wood-Pewee r u u - 

Eastern Phoebe r r r r 

Great Crested Flycatcher* u u u u 

LaSagra's Flycatcher - o - - 

Brown-crested Flycatcher o - - o 

Loggerhead Kingbird o - - - 

Western Kingbird u - u u 

Eastern Kingbird c c c - 

Gray Kingbird* c c c c 

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher u - u u 

SWALLOWS 

Purple Martin c c c - 

Cuban Martin o - - - 

Southern Martin - o - - 

Tree Swallow c - c u 

Northern Rough-winged Swallow r - r r 

Bahama Swallow o o - o 

SWALLOWS (continued) 

Bank Swallow r - r r 

Cave Swallow o - - - 
103

Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 

Barn Swallow c c c r 

Cliff Swallow - - - o 

JAYS AND CROWS 

Blue Jay o o - - 

American Crow o o o o 

Fish Crow r - r r 

WRENS 

Carolina Wren - - o - 

House Wren r - r r 

OLD WORLD WARBLERS AND THRUSHES 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - - - o 

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher c u c c 

Veery r u - - 

Gray-cheecked Thrush r r - - 

Swainson's Thrush r u - - 

Hermit Thrush - - - o 

Wood Thrush r - r - 

American Robin r - r r 

MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRASHERS 

Gray Catbird c - c c 

Northern Mockingbird* c c c c 

Bahama Mockingbird o o o - 

Brown Thrasher* u u u u 

PIPITS 

American Pipit o - - o 

WAXWINGS 

Cedar Waxwing c - c C 

SHRIKES 

Loggerhead Shrike - - - o 

STARLINGS 

European Starling* c c c c 

VIREOS 

White-eyed Vireo c c c c 

Bell's Vireo - - o - 

Solitary Vireo u - r r 

Philadelphia Vireo o - o - 

Yellow-throated Vireo u - u u 

Red-eyed Vireo c - c - 

Black-whiskered Vireo* c c r - 

WOOD WARBLERS 

Blue-winged Warbler r - r r 
104 

Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 

Golden-winged Warbler o - o - 

Tennessee Warbler u - u r 

Orange-crowned Warbler u r u - 

Nashville Warbler o - o - 

Northern Parula Warbler c - c c 

Yellow Warbler (Cuban Race)* u u u u 

Chestnut-sided Warbler o - o - 

Magnolia Warbler u - u r 

Cape May Warbler u - u u 

Black-throated Blue Warbler c - c - 

Yellow-rumped Warbler c - c c 

Black-throated Green Warbler u - c u 

Blackburnian Warbler u - u - 

Yellow-throated Warbler c - c c 

Pine Warbler o - o o 

Prairie Warbler* c c o c 

Palm Warbler o - o o 

Bay-breasted Warbler o - o - 

Blackpoll Warbler c - r - 

Cerulean Warbler - r r - 

Black-and-white Warbler c - c c 

American Redstart c - c u 

Prothonotary Warbler u - u - 

Worm-eating Warbler u - u r 

Swainson's Warbler o - o o 

Ovenbird c - c u 

Northern Waterthrush c - c u 

Louisiana Waterthrush r - r - 

Kentucky Warbler u - u - 

Connecticut Warbler r - r - 

Common Yellowthroat c - c c 

Hooded Warbler u - u - 

Wilson's Warbler r - r - 

Yellow-breasted Chat - - - o 

TANAGERS 

Summer Tanager u u r - 

Scarlet Tanager u - u - 

CARDINALS AND BUNTINGS 

Northern Cardinal c c c c 

Rose-breasted Grosbeak u - u - 

Blue Grosbeak u - u - 
105

Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 

Indigo Bunting u - c r 

Painted Bunting u - u u 

Dickcissel o - o o 

SPARROWS 

Rufous-sided Towhee - - - o 

Chipping Sparrow - - o o 

Clay-colored Sparrow - - o o 

Vesper Sparrow o - - o 

Lark Sparrow - - o o 

Savannah Sparrow u - u u 

Grasshopper Sparrow r - r r 

Le Conte's Sparrow - - - o 

Sharp-tailed Sparrow - - - o 

Swamp Sparrow - - r r 

White-crowned Sparrow - - - o 

Dark-eyed Junco o - - o 

BLACKBIRDS AND ORIOLES 

Bobolink c - c - 

Red-winged Blackbird* c c c c 

Tawny-shouldered Blackbird - - - o 

Yellow-headed Blackbird - - o o 

Brewer's Blackbird - - o - 

Common Grackle* c c r r 

Shiny Cowbird u - - - 

Brown-headed Cowbird - o o o 

Orchard Oriole c - c - 

Northern Oriole (bred once, Key West) c - c u 

FINCHES 

Pine Siskin (irruptive) r - r r 

American Goldfinch - - c u 

WEAVERS 

House Sparrow* c c c c 

LIST OF LEGALLY PROTECTED ANIMAL SPECIES IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

Taxon/Common Name Scientific Name State 

Statusa

Federal 

Statusa

Fish

Key silverside Menidia conchorum T 

Rivulus Rivulus marmoratus SSC 
106 

Taxon/Common Name Scientific Name State 

Statusa

Federal 

Statusa

Key blenny Starksia starcki SSC 

Amphibians and Reptiles

American crocodile Crocodylus acutus E E 

American alligator Alligator mississippiensis SSC T(S/A) 

Atlantic loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta caretta T T 

Atlantic green turtle Chelonia mydas mydas E E 

Atlantic hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata E E 

Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea E E 

Atlantic ridley turtle Lepidochelys kempi E E 

Key striped mud turtle Kinosternon bauri bauri E 

Eastern indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi T T 

Big Pine Key ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus acricus T 

Florida brown snake Storeria dekayi victa T* 

Florida ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus sackeni T* 

Miami black-headed snake Tantilla oolitica T 

Red rat snake Elaphe guttata guttata SSC* 

Florida Keys mole skink Eumeces egregius egregius SSC 

Birds

Roseate spoonbill Ajaia ajaja SSC 

Burrowing owl Speotyto cunicularia SSC 

Southeastern snowy plover Charadrius alexandrinus 

tenuirostric T 

Piping plover Charadrius melodus T UR1 

White-crowned pigeon Columba leucocephala T 

Little blue heron Egretta caerulea SSC 

Birds (continued)

Reddish egret Egretta rufescens SSC 

Snowy egret Egretta thula SSC 

Tricolored heron Egretta tricolor SSC 

Wood stork Mycteria americana E E 

Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis SSC 
107

Taxon/Common Name Scientific Name State 

Statusa

Federal 

Statusa

Least tern Sterna antillarum T 

Roseate tern Sterna dougallii T 

Black skimmer Rynchops niger SSC 

White ibis Eudocimus albus SSC 

Southeastern American kestrel Falco sparverius paulus T 

Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T E 

Arctic peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus tundrius E T 

Mammals 

Key deer Odocoileus virginianus clavium E E 

Lower Keys marsh rabbit Sylvilagus palustris hefneri E E 

Silver rice rat Oryzomys argentatus E 

Key Largo woodrat Neotoma floridana smalli E E 

Key Largo cotton mouse Peromyscus gossypinus 

allapaticola E E 

West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris E E 

Invertebratesb

Schaus' swallowtail butterfly Heraclides aristodemus 

ponceanus 

E E 

Florida tree snail Liguus fasciatus SSC 

Stock Island tree snail Orthalicus reses reses E T 

a E = endangered; T = threatened; T(S/A) = threatened due to similarity of appearance; SSC = species of special concern. 

Note: an asterisk (*) indicates that the listing only is applicable to the Lower Keys. 

b Excludes corals. 
108 

TERRESTRIAL INDICATOR SPECIES OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 

Terrestrial Indicator Species: Species were identified as candidates for monitoring because they 

are (1) indicator species for good habitat quality in the major Keys habitat types, (2) occur in habitats 

subjected to development, (3) are legally protected, (4) exhibit a functional response to development 

activities, and (5) are reasonably easy to monitor. 

Species/Status Range/Habitat Response 

Key Deer 

Odocoileus virginianus 

clavium

Endangered

All habitat types on Big Pine 

Key, No Name Key, Torch 

Keys, Ramrod Key, and 

adjacent offshore islands. Can 

be transient on adjacent 

islands. 

Vulnerable to habitat loss, vehicle 

mortality, habitat fragmentation via 

barriers to movement, predation by 

free-ranging dogs, and densitydependent disease. 

Lower Keys marsh rabbit 

Sylvilagus palustris hefneri

Endangered

High salt marsh, patchy 

distribution, Big Pine Key, 

Lower Sugarloaf Key, 

Saddlebunch Keys, Boca 

Chica Key. 

Vulnerable to habitat loss, habitat 

fragmentation, and predation by 

free-ranging domestic cats. Fire 

ants may impact nestling survival. 

Silver Rice Rat 

Oryzomys argentatus

Endangered

Mangroves and salt marsh, 

Torch Keys, Summerland Key, 

Cudjoe Key, Sugarloaf Keys, 

Saddlebunch Keys, some 

backcountry islands. 

Species appears to require large, 

contiguous wetland tracts, 

vulnerable to habitat loss, habitat 

fragmentation, and predation by 

free-ranging domestic cats. Fire 

ants may impact nestling survival. 

Black rats may be competitors. 

Key Largo Woodrat 

Neotoma floridana smalli 

Endangered

Hardwood hammocks on North 

Key Largo. 

Vulnerable to habitat loss, habitat 

fragmentation, and predation by 

free-ranging domestic cats. Fire 

ants may impact nestling survival. 

Black rats may be competitors. 

American alligator 

Alligator mississippiensis

Species of Special 

Concern

Fresh and brackish wetlands, 

primarily in the Lower Keys 

(can be wide-ranging in marine 

habitats). 

Vulnerable to habitat loss, habitat 

fragmentation, nest disturbance, 

poaching, and vehicle mortality. Fire 

ants may impact nestling survival. 

Lower Keys Striped Mud 

Turtle 

Kinosternon bauri bauri

Endangered

Freshwater marshes, ponds, 

mosquito ditches, brackish 

impoundments, and adjacent 

upland habitats throughout the 

Lower Keys. 

Vulnerable to habitat loss, habitat 

fragmentation, hydrological 

alterations, fire ant predation, and 

collecting. Fire ants may impact 

egg/nestling survival. 
109

Species/Status Range/Habitat Response 

Atlantic loggerhead turtle 

Caretta caretta caretta

Endangered

Nests on sandy beaches 

throughout the Keys. 

Vulnerable to habitat loss, habitat 

degradation, nest disturbance, 

pollution, hatchling disorientation, 

and poaching. 

Wading Bird Complex 

(Herons, Egrets, Ibises, 

Pelicans) 

Various Listings 

Keys-wide in marine habitats; 

nest primarily on offshore 

mangrove islands. 

Vulnerable to human disturbance, 

marine pollution, and water quality 

(forage). 

White-crowned pigeon 

Columba leucocephala

Threatened

Nests on offshore mangrove 

islands, forages in hardwood 

hammock, Keys-wide from 

Biscayne Bay west through the 

Marquesa Keys. 

Vulnerable to habitat loss, habitat 

fragmentation, disturbance to 

nesting colonies, predation by freeranging domestic cats. 

Florida Tree Snail 

Liguus fasciatus

Species of Special 

Concern

Hardwood hammocks from 

North Key Largo west to Torch 

Keys. Patchily distributed in 

remaining hammocks of larger 

size. 

Vulnerable to habitat loss, habitat 

fragmentation, mosquito spraying, 

fire ant predation, and collecting. 

Schaus' swallowtail 

butterfly 

Heraclides aristodemus 

ponceanus 

Endangered

Hardwood hammocks in 

Biscayne Bay and North Key 

Largo. 

Vulnerable to habitat loss, habitat 

fragmentation, mosquito spraying, 

fire ant predation, and collecting. 
110 

NATIVE PLANTS – FLORIDA KEYS 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Abildgaardia ovata Flatspike Sedge CYPERACEAE 

Abutilon permolle Coastal Indian Mallow MALVACEAE 

Acacia choriophylla Cinnecord; Tamarindillo FABACEAE 

Acacia farnesiana Sweet Acacia FABACEAE 

Acacia macracantha Porknut FABACEAE 

Acacia pinetorum Pineland Acacia FABACEAE 

Acalypha chamaedrifolia Bastard Copperleaf EUPHORBIACEAE 

Acanthocereus tetragonus Triangle Cactus; Dildoe Cactus; 

Barbed-Wire Cactus 

CACTACEAE 

Acrostichum aureum Golden Leather Fern PTERIDACEAE 

Acrostichum danaeifolium Giant Leather Fern PTERIDACEAE 

Agalinis fasciculata Beach False Foxglove OROBANCHACEAE 

Agalinis filifolia Seminole False Foxglove OROBANCHACEAE 

Agalinis harperi Harper's False Foxglove OROBANCHACEAE 

Agalinis maritima Saltmarsh False Foxglove OROBANCHACEAE 

Agalinis obtusifolia Tenlobe False Foxglove OROBANCHACEAE 

Agalinis purpurea Purple False Foxglove OROBANCHACEAE 

Agave decipiens False Sisal AGAVACEAE 

Ageratum maritimum Cape Sable Whiteweed ASTERACEAE 

Aletris bracteata Bracted Colicroot NARTHECIACEAE 

Alternanthera maritima Seaside Joyweed AMARANTHACEAE 

Amaranthus australis Southern Amaranth AMARANTHACEAE 

Amaranthus floridanus Florida Amaranth AMARANTHACEAE 

Ambrosia hispida Coastal Ragweed ASTERACEAE 

Ammannia coccinea Valley Redstem; Scarlet Ammannia LYTHRACEAE 

Ammannia latifolia Pink Redstem; Toothcup LYTHRACEAE 

Amyris balsamifera Balsam Torchwood RUTACEAE 

Amyris elemifera Sea Torchwood RUTACEAE 

Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus Bushy Bluestem POACEAE 

Andropogon longiberbis Hairy Bluestem POACEAE 

Andropogon tenarius Splitbeard Bluestem POACEAE 
111

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge Bluestem POACEAE 

Anemia adiantifolia Maidenhair Pineland Fern SCHIZAEACEAE 

Angadenia berteroi Pineland Golden Trumpet APOCYNACEAE 

Annona glabra Pond Apple ANNONACEAE 

Ardisia escallonioides Marlberry MYRSINACEAE 

Argemone mexicana Mexican Pricklypoppy PAPAVERACEAE 

Argusia gnaphalodes Sea Rosemary; Sea Lavender BORAGINACEAE 

Argythamnia blodgettii Blodgett’s Silverbush; Blodgett’s Wild 

Mercury 

EUPHORBIACEAE 

Aristida floridana Key West Threeawn POACEAE 

Aristida purpurascens Arrowfeather Threeawn POACEAE 

Aristida purpurascens var. tenuispica Hillsboro Threeawn POACEAE 

Aristolochia pentandra Marsh’s Dutchman’s-Pipe ARISTOLOCHIACEAE 

Aristolochia serpentaria Virginia Snakeroot ARISTOLOCHIACEAE 

Asclepias viridis Green Antelopehorn APOCYNACEAE 

Atriplex cristata Crested Saltbush AMARANTHACEAE 

Avicennia germinans Black Mangrove AVICENNIACEAE 

Ayenia euphrasiifolia Eyebright Ayenia MALVACEAE 

Baccharis angustifolia Saltwater Falsewillow ASTERACEAE 

Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Tree; Sea Myrtle ASTERACEAE 

Bacopa monnieri Herb-Of-Grace VERONICACEAE 

Basiphyllaea corallicola Carter’s Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Batis maritima Saltwort; Turtleweed BATACEAE 

Bidens alba var. radiata Beggarticks; Romerillo ASTERACEAE 

Bletia purpurea Pinepink ORCHIDACEAE 

Blutaparon vermiculare Samphire; Silverhead AMARANTHACEAE 

Boerhavia diffusa Red Spiderling; Wineflower NYCTAGINACEAE 

Boerhavia erecta Erect Spiderling NYCTAGINACEAE 

Borrichia arborescens Tree Seaside Oxeye ASTERACEAE 

Borrichia frutescens Bushy Seaside Oxeye ASTERACEAE 

Borrichia x cubana ASTERACEAE 

Bourreria cassinifolia Smooth Strongbark; Little Strongbark BORAGINACEAE 

Bourreria radula Rough Strongbark BORAGINACEAE 
112 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Bourreria succulenta Bahama Strongbark; Bodywood BORAGINACEAE 

Buchnera americana American Bluehearts OROBANCHACEAE 

Bursera simaruba Gumbo-Limbo BURSERACEAE 

Byrsonima lucida Long Key Locustberry MALPIGHIACEAE 

Caesalpinia bonduc Gray Nicker FABACEAE 

Caesalpinia major Hawaii Pearls; Yellow Nicker FABACEAE 

Caesalpinia pauciflora Fewflower Holdback FABACEAE 

Cakile lanceolata Coastal Searocket BRASSICACEAE 

Callicarpa americana American Beautyberry LAMIACEAE 

Calyptranthes pallens Pale Lidflower; Spicewood MYRTACEAE 

Calyptranthes zuzygium Myrtle-Of-The-River MYRTACEAE 

Calystegia sepium subsp. limnophila Hedge False Bindweed CONVOLVULACEAE 

Campyloneurum phyllitidis Long Strap Fern POLYPODIACEAE 

Canavalia rosea Baybean; Seaside Jackbean FABACEAE 

Canella winterana Pepper Cinnamon; Cinnamon Bark; 

Wild Cinnamon 

CANELLACEAE 

Caperonia castaneifolia Chestnutleaf Falsecroton EUPHORBIACEAE 

Capparis cynophallophora Jamaican Capertree BRASSICACEAE 

Capparis flexuosa Bayleaf Capertree BRASSICACEAE 

Capraria biflora Goatweed VERONICACEAE 

Capsicum annuum var.

glabriusculum 

Bird Pepper SOLANACEAE 

Capsicum frutescens Tabasco Pepper SOLANACEAE 

Cardiospermum corindum Faux Persil SAPINDACEAE 

Cardiospermum microcarpum Heartseed SAPINDACEAE 

Cassytha filiformis Love Vine; Devil's Gut LAURACEAE 

Catesbaea parviflora Smallflower Lilythorn; Dune Lilythorn RUBIACEAE 

Celosia nitida West Indian Cock's Comb AMARANTHACEAE 

Cenchrus brownii Slimbristle Sandbur POACEAE 

Cenchrus echinatus Southern Sandbur POACEAE 

Cenchrus gracillimus Slender Sandbur POACEAE 

Cenchrus myosuroides Big Sandbur POACEAE 

Cenchrus spinifex Coastal Sandbur POACEAE 
113

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Centella asiatica Spadeleaf ARALIACEAE 

Centrosema virginianum Spurred Butterfly Pea FABACEAE 

Chamaecrista lineata var. keyensis Narrowpod Sensitive Pea; Key Cassia FABACEAE 

Chamaecrista nictitans var. aspera Sensitive Pea FABACEAE 

Chamaesyce blodgettii Limestone Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce bombensis Dixie Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce conferta Everglades Key Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce deltoidea subsp.

serpyllum 

Wedge Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce garberi Garber's Sandmat; Garber's Spurge EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce hirta Pillpod Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce hypericifolia Graceful Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce hyssopifolia Hyssopleaf Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce maculata Spotted Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce mesembrianthemifolia Coastal Beach Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce ophthalmica Florida Hammock Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce pergamena Southern Florida Sandmat; Rocklands 

Spurge 

EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce porteriana Porter's Sandmat; Porter's Spurge EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce prostrata Prostrate Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chenopodium berlandieri Pitseed Goosefoot AMARANTHACEAE 

Chiococca alba Snowberry; Milkberry RUBIACEAE 

Chloris elata Tall Windmillgrass; Manyspike 

Fingergrass 

POACEAE 

Chromolaena frustrata Cape Sable Thoroughwort ASTERACEAE 

Chromolaena odorata Jack-In-The-Bush ASTERACEAE 

Chrysobalanus icaco Coco Plum CHRYSOBALANACEAE 

Chrysophyllum oliviforme Satinleaf SAPOTACEAE 

Cienfuegosia yucatanensis Yucatan Flymallow; Yellow-Hibiscus MALVACEAE 

Cirsium horridulum Purple Thistle ASTERACEAE 

Cissus trifoliata Sorrelvine; Marinevine VITACEAE 

Cissus verticillata Seasonvine; Possum Grape VITACEAE 

Citharexylum spinosum Florida Fiddlewood VERBENACEAE 

Cladium jamaicense Jamaica Swamp Sawgrass CYPERACEAE 
114 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Clusia rosea Pitchapple CLUSIACEAE 

Cnidoscolus stimulosus Tread-Softly; Finger-Rot EUPHORBIACEAE 

Coccoloba diversifolia Tietongue; Pigeon Plum POLYGONACEAE 

Coccoloba uvifera Seagrape POLYGONACEAE 

Coccothrinax argentata Florida Silver Palm ARECACEAE 

Coelorachis rugosa Wrinkled Jointtailgrass POACEAE 

Colubrina arborescens Greenheart RHAMNACEAE 

Colubrina cubensis var. floridana Cuban Nakedwood RHAMNACEAE 

Colubrina elliptica Soldierwood RHAMNACEAE 

Conocarpus erectus Buttonwood COMBRETACEAE 

Conoclinium coelestinum Blue Mistflower ASTERACEAE 

Conyza canadensis var. pusilla Dwarf Canadian Horseweed ASTERACEAE 

Corchorus siliquosus Slippery Burr MALVACEAE 

Cordia globosa Curacao Bush BORAGINACEAE 

Coreopsis leavenworthii Leavenworth's Tickseed ASTERACEAE 

Crossopetalum ilicifolium Christmasberry CELASTRACEAE 

Crossopetalum rhacoma Maidenberry; Rhacoma CELASTRACEAE 

Crotalaria pumila Low Rattlebox FABACEAE 

Crotalaria rotundifolia Rabbitbells FABACEAE 

Croton glandulosus Vente Conmigo EUPHORBIACEAE 

Croton humilis Pepperbush EUPHORBIACEAE 

Croton linearis Pineland Croton; Grannybush EUPHORBIACEAE 

Cupania glabra American Toadwood; Cupania SAPINDACEAE 

Cuscuta americana American Dodder CONVOLVULACEAE 

Cuscuta umbellata Flatglobe Dodder CONVOLVULACEAE 

Cynanchum angustifolium Gulf Coast Swallowwort APOCYNACEAE 

Cynanchum blodgettii Blodgett's Swallowwort APOCYNACEAE 

Cynanchum northropiae Fragrant Swallowwort APOCYNACEAE 

Cynanchum scoparium Leafless Swallowwort APOCYNACEAE 

Cyperus croceus Baldwin's Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus cuspidatus Coastalplain Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus elegans Royal Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus floridanus Florida Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 
115

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Cyperus fuligineus Limestone Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus ligularis Swamp Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus odoratus Fragrant Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus planifolius Flatleaf Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus polystachyos Manyspike Flatssedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus retrorsus Pinebarren Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus squarrosus Bearded Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus surinamensis Tropical Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyrtopodium punctatum Cowhorn Orchid; Cigar Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Dalbergia brownei Browne's Indian Rosewood FABACEAE 

Dalbergia ecastaphyllum Coinvine FABACEAE 

Dichanthelium aciculare Needleleaf Witchgrass POACEAE 

Dichanthelium dichotomum Cypress Witchgrass POACEAE 

Dicliptera sexangularis Sixangle Foldwing ACANTHACEAE 

Digitaria ciliaris Southern Crabgrass POACEAE 

Digitaria filiformis var. dolichophylla Caribbean Crabgrass POACEAE 

Digitaria insularis Sourgrass POACEAE 

Digitaria serotina Blanket Crabgrass; Dwarf Crabgrass POACEAE 

Distichlis spicata Saltgrass POACEAE 

Dodonaea elaeagnoides Smallfruit Varnishleaf; Keys Hopbush SAPINDACEAE 

Dodonaea viscosa Varnishleaf; Florida Hopbush SAPINDACEAE 

Drypetes diversifolia Whitewood; Milkbark EUPHORBIACEAE 

Drypetes lateriflora Guiana Plum EUPHORBIACEAE 

Dyschoriste angusta Pineland Twinflower; Pineland 

Snakeherb 

ACANTHACEAE 

Echinochloa paludigena Florida Cockspur POACEAE 

Echinodorus berteroi Upright Burrhead ALISMATACEAE 

Echites umbellata Devil's Potato; Rubbervine APOCYNACEAE 

Eclipta prostrata False Daisy ASTERACEAE 

Eleocharis cellulosa Gulf Coast Spikerush CYPERACEAE 

Eleocharis geniculata Canada Spikerush CYPERACEAE 

Encyclia tampensis Florida Butterfly Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Eragrostis elliottii Elliott's Lovegrass POACEAE 
116 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Eriochloa michauxii Michaux's Cupgrass POACEAE 

Eriochloa michauxii var. simpsonii Simpson's Cupgrass POACEAE 

Erithalis fruticosa Blacktorch RUBIACEAE 

Ernodea cokeri Coker's Beach Creeper; One-Nerved 

Ernodea 

RUBIACEAE 

Ernodea littoralis Beach Creeper; Coughbush RUBIACEAE 

Erythrina herbacea Coralbean; Cherokee Bean FABACEAE 

Eugenia axillaris White Stopper MYRTACEAE 

Eugenia confusa Redberry Stopper; Redberry Eugenia MYRTACEAE 

Eugenia foetida Spanish Stopper; Boxleaf Stopper MYRTACEAE 

Eugenia rhombea Red Stopper MYRTACEAE 

Eupatorium capillifolium Dogfennel ASTERACEAE 

Eupatorium serotinum Lateflowering Thoroughwort ASTERACEAE 

Euphorbia trichotoma Sanddune Spurge EUPHORBIACEAE 

Eustachys petraea Pinewoods Fingergrass POACEAE 

Eustoma exaltatum Marshgentian; Catchfly Prairie-Gentian GENTIANACEAE 

Evolvulus alsinoides Slender Dwarf Morning-Glory CONVOLVULACEAE 

Evolvulus grisebachii Grisebach's Dwarf Morning-Glory; 

Grisebach's Bindweed 

CONVOLVULACEAE 

Evolvulus sericeus Silver Dwarf Morning-Glory CONVOLVULACEAE 

Exostema caribaeum Caribbean Princewood RUBIACEAE 

Exothea paniculata Inkwood; Butterbough SAPINDACEAE 

Ficus aurea Strangler Fig; Golden Fig MORACEAE 

Ficus citrifolia Wild Banyan Tree MORACEAE 

Fimbristylis caroliniana Carolina Fimbry CYPERACEAE 

Fimbristylis cymosa Hurricanegrass CYPERACEAE 

Fimbristylis puberula Hairy Fimbry CYPERACEAE 

Fimbristylis spadicea Marsh Fimbry CYPERACEAE 

Flaveria linearis Narrowleaf Yellowtops ASTERACEAE 

Flaveria trinervia Clustered Yellowtops ASTERACEAE 

Forestiera segregata Florida Swampprivet OLEACEAE 

Gaillardia pulchella Firewheel ASTERACEAE 

Galactia elliottii Elliott's Milkpea FABACEAE 
117

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Galactia regularis Eastern Milkpea FABACEAE 

Galactia striata Florida Hammock Milkpea FABACEAE 

Galactia volubilis Downy Milkpea FABACEAE 

Gamochaeta antillana Caribbean Purple Everlasting ASTERACEAE 

Gaura angustifolia Southern Beeblossom ONAGRACEAE 

Genipa clusiifolia Sevenyear Apple RUBIACEAE 

Glandularia maritima Coastal Mock Vervain VERBENACEAE 

Gossypium hirsutum Upland Cotton; Wild Cotton MALVACEAE 

Gouania lupuloides Chewstick; Whiteroot RHAMNACEAE 

Guaiacum sanctum Holywood Lignumvitae ZYGOPHYLLACEAE 

Guapira discolor Beeftree; Blolly NYCTAGINACEAE 

Guapira obtusata Broadleaf Blolly NYCTAGINACEAE 

Guettarda elliptica Hammock Velvetseed RUBIACEAE 

Guettarda scabra Rough Velvetseed RUBIACEAE 

Gyminda latifolia West Indian False Boxwood CELASTRACEAE 

Gymnanthes lucida Crabwood; Oysterwood EUPHORBIACEAE 

Habenaria quinqueseta Longhorn False Reinorchid; Michaux's 

Orchid 

ORCHIDACEAE 

Halodule wrightii Shoalweed CYMODOCEACEAE 

Halophila decipiens Caribbean Seagrass HYDROCHARITACEAE 

Halophila engelmannii Engelmann's Seagrass HYDROCHARITACEAE 

Hamelia patens Firebush RUBIACEAE 

Harrisia simpsonii Simpson's Applecactus CACTACEAE 

Helianthus debilis East Coast Dune Sunflower ASTERACEAE 

Heliotropium angiospermum Scorpionstail BORAGINACEAE 

Heliotropium curassavicum Seaside Heliotrope; Salt Heliotrope BORAGINACEAE 

Heliotropium fruticosum Key West Heliotrope BORAGINACEAE 

Heliotropium polyphyllum Pineland Heliotrope BORAGINACEAE 

Herissantia crispa Bladdermallow MALVACEAE 

Heteropogon contortus Tanglehead POACEAE 

Hibiscus poeppigii Poeppig's Rosemallow MALVACEAE 

Hippocratea volubilis Medicine Vine CELASTRACEAE 

Hippomane mancinella Manchineel EUPHORBIACEAE 
118 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Hymenocallis latifolia Mangrove Spiderlily; Perfumed 

Spiderlily 

AMARYLLIDACEAE 

Hypelate trifoliata White Ironwood SAPINDACEAE 

Hypolepis repens Creeping Bramble Fern DENNSTAEDTIACEAE 

Hypoxis wrightii Bristleseed Yellow Stargrass HYPOXIDACEAE 

Imperata brasiliensis Brazilian Satintail POACEAE 

Indigofera miniata var. florida Florida Coastal Indigo FABACEAE 

Indigofera trita subsp. scabra Florida Keys Indigo FABACEAE 

Ipomoea alba Moonflowers; Tropical White MorningGlory 

CONVOLVULACEAE 

Ipomoea cordatotriloba Tievine CONVOLVULACEAE 

Ipomoea indica var. acuminata Oceanblue Morning-Glory CONVOLVULACEAE 

Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp.

brasiliensis 

Railroad Vine; Bayhops CONVOLVULACEAE 

Ipomoea sagittata Saltmarsh Morning-Glory CONVOLVULACEAE 

Ipomoea violacea Heavenlyblue Morning-Glory CONVOLVULACEAE 

Iresine diffusa Juba's Bush AMARANTHACEAE 

Iva imbricata Seacoast Marshelder ASTERACEAE 

Jacquemontia havanensis Havana Clustervine CONVOLVULACEAE 

Jacquemontia pentanthos Skyblue Clustervine CONVOLVULACEAE 

Jacquinia keyensis Joewood THEOPHRASTACEAE 

Juncus marginatus Shore Rush; Grassleaf Rush JUNCACEAE 

Kallstroemia maxima Big Caltrop ZYGOPHYLLACEAE 

Krugiodendron ferreum Black Ironwood; Leadwood RHAMNACEAE 

Laguncularia racemosa White Mangrove COMBRETACEAE 

Lantana involucrata Buttonsage VERBENACEAE 

Lasiacis divaricata Smallcane; Florida Tibisee POACEAE 

Leersia monandra Bunch Cutgrass POACEAE 

Lepidium virginicum Virginia Pepperweed BRASSICACEAE 

Leptochloa dubia Green Sprangletop POACEAE 

Leptochloa virgata Tropical Sprangletop POACEAE 

Liatris tenuifolia var. quadriflora Shortleaf Gayfeather ASTERACEAE 

Licania michauxii Gopher Apple CHRYSOBALANACEAE 

Limonium carolinianum Carolina Sealavender PLUMBAGINACEAE 
119

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Linum arenicola Sand Flax LINACEAE 

Linum medium var. texanum Stiff Yellow Flax LINACEAE 

Lobelia glandulosa Glade Lobelia CAMPANULACEAE 

Ludwigia curtissii Curtiss' Primrosewillow ONAGRACEAE 

Ludwigia microcarpa Smallfruit Primrosewillow ONAGRACEAE 

Ludwigia octovalvis Mexican Primrosewillow ONAGRACEAE 

Lycium carolinianum Christmasberry; Carolina Desert-Thorn SOLANACEAE 

Lysiloma latisiliquum False Tamarind FABACEAE 

Malvastrum corchorifolium False Mallow MALVACEAE 

Manilkara jaimiqui subsp. emarginata Wild Dilly SAPOTACEAE 

Maytenus phyllanthoides Florida Mayten CELASTRACEAE 

Mecardonia acuminata subsp.

peninsularis 

Axilflower VERONICACEAE 

Mecardonia procumbens Baby Jumpup VERONICACEAE 

Melanthera nivea Snow Squarestem ASTERACEAE 

Melochia pyramidata Pyramidflower MALVACEAE 

Melothria pendula Creeping Cucumber CUCURBITACEAE 

Mentzelia floridana Poorman's Patch; Stickleaf LOASACEAE 

Metopium toxiferum Florida Poisontree; Poisonwood ANACARDIACEAE 

Microgramma heterophylla Climbing Vine Fern POLYPODIACEAE 

Mikania scandens Climbing Hempvine ASTERACEAE 

Mitreola petiolata Lax Hornpod LOGANIACEAE 

Mitreola sessilifolia Swamp Hornpod LOGANIACEAE 

Monanthochloe littoralis Shoregrass; Keygrass POACEAE 

Morinda royoc Redgal RUBIACEAE 

Mosiera longipes Mangroveberry MYRTACEAE 

Muhlenbergia capillaris Hairawn Muhly POACEAE 

Muhlenbergia capillaris var. filipes Gulf Hairawn Muhle POACEAE 

Myrcianthes fragrans Twinberry; Simpson's Stopper MYRTACEAE 

Myrica cerifera Southern Bayberry; Wax Myrtle MYRICACEAE 

Najas guadalupensis Southern Waternymph HYDROCHARITACEAE 

Neptunia pubescens Tropical Puff FABACEAE 

Nevrodium lanceolatum Ribbon Fern POLYPODIACEAE 
120 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Ocimum campechianum Wild Sweet Basil; Wild Mosquitoplant; 

Ocimum 

LAMIACEAE 

Ocotea coriacea Lancewood LAURACEAE 

Odontosoria clavata Wedgelet Fern DENNSTAEDTIACEAE 

Oenothera laciniata Cutleaf Eveningprimrose ONAGRACEAE 

Opuntia corallicola Semaphore Pricklypear; Semaphore 

Cactus 

CACTACEAE 

Opuntia cubensis Bullsuckers CACTACEAE 

Opuntia humifusa Pricklypear CACTACEAE 

Opuntia stricta Erect Pricklypear; Shell-Mound 

Pricklypear 

CACTACEAE 

Opuntia triacanthos Spanish Lady; Keys Joe-Jumper CACTACEAE 

Oxalis corniculata Common Yellow Woodsorrel; Creeping 

Woodsorrel 

OXALIDACEAE 

Panicum amarum Bitter Panicgrass POACEAE 

Panicum dichotomiflorum var.

bartowense 

Fall Panicgrass POACEAE 

Panicum rigidulum Redtop Panicum POACEAE 

Panicum virgatum Switchgrass POACEAE 

Parietaria floridana Florida Pellitory URTICACEAE 

Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper; Woodbine VITACEAE 

Paspalidium chapmanii Coral Panicum; Coral Panicgrass POACEAE 

Paspalum blodgettii Coral Paspalum; Blodgett's Crowngrass POACEAE 

Paspalum caespitosum Blue Crowngrass POACEAE 

Paspalum laxum Coconut Paspalum POACEAE 

Paspalum monostachyum Gulfdune Paspalum POACEAE 

Paspalum setaceum Thin Paspalum POACEAE 

Paspalum vaginatum Seashore Paspalum POACEAE 

Passiflora multiflora Whiteflower Passionflower; WhiteFlowered Passionvine 

PASSIFLORACEAE 

Passiflora suberosa Corkystem Passionflower PASSIFLORACEAE 

Pecluma dispersa Widespread Polypody POLYPODIACEAE 

Pecluma plumula Plume Polypody POLYPODIACEAE 
121

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Pecluma ptilodon var. caespitosa Comb Polypody; Swamp Plume 

Polypody 

POLYPODIACEAE 

Pectis glaucescens Sanddune Cinchweed ASTERACEAE 

Pectis prostrata Spreading Cinchweed ASTERACEAE 

Pectis x floridana ASTERACEAE 

Pentalinon luteum Wild Allamanda; Hammock Viperstail APOCYNACEAE 

Persea borbonia Red Bay LAURACEAE 

Persea palustris Swamp Bay LAURACEAE 

Petiveria alliacea Guinea Hen Weed PETIVERIACEAE 

Phoradendron rubrum Mahogany Mistletoe VISCACEAE 

Phyla nodiflora Turkey Tangle Fogfruit; Capeweed VERBENACEAE 

Phyllanthus abnormis Drummond's Leafflower EUPHORBIACEAE 

Phyllanthus caroliniensis subsp.

saxicola 

Rock Carolina Leafflower EUPHORBIACEAE 

Phyllanthus pentaphyllus var.

floridanus 

Fivepetal Leafflower EUPHORBIACEAE 

Physalis angulata Cutleaf Groundcherry SOLANACEAE 

Physalis angustifolia Coastal Groundcherry SOLANACEAE 

Physalis pubescens Husk Tomato SOLANACEAE 

Physalis walteri Walter's Groundcherry SOLANACEAE 

Physostegia purpurea Eastern False Dragonhead LAMIACEAE 

Phytolacca americana American Pokeweed PHYTOLACCACEAE 

Pilea herniarioides Caribbean Clearweed URTICACEAE 

Pilea microphylla Artillery Plant; Rockweed URTICACEAE 

Pilosocereus polygonus Key Tree Cactus CACTACEAE 

Pinguicula pumila Small Butterwort LENTIBULARIACEAE 

Pinus elliottii Slash Pine PINACEAE 

Piriqueta cistoides subsp. caroliniana Pitted Stripeseed TURNERACEAE 

Piscidia piscipula Florida Fishpoison Tree; Jamaican 

Dogwood 

FABACEAE 

Pisonia aculeata Devil's Claws; Pullback NYCTAGINACEAE 

Pisonia rotundata Smooth Devil's Claws; Cockspur NYCTAGINACEAE 

Pithecellobium keyense Florida Keys Blackbead FABACEAE 

Pithecellobium unguis-cati Catclaw Blackbead FABACEAE 
122 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Pityopsis graminifolia Narrowleaf Silkgrass ASTERACEAE 

Pityrogramma trifoliata Goldenrod Fern PTERIDACEAE 

Platythelys latifolia Jug Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Pluchea carolinensis Cure-For-All ASTERACEAE 

Pluchea foetida Stinking Camphorweed ASTERACEAE 

Pluchea odorata Sweetscent ASTERACEAE 

Pluchea rosea Rosy Camphorweed ASTERACEAE 

Plumbago scandens Doctorbush PLUMBAGINACEAE 

Poinsettia cyathophora Paintedleaf; Fire-On-The-Mountain EUPHORBIACEAE 

Poinsettia heterophylla Fiddler's Spurge; Mexican Fireplant EUPHORBIACEAE 

Poinsettia pinetorum Pineland Spurge; Everglades Poinsettia EUPHORBIACEAE 

Polygala balduinii Baldwin's Milkwort POLYGALACEAE 

Polygala boykinii Boykin's Milkwort POLYGALACEAE 

Polygala incarnata Procession Flower POLYGALACEAE 

Polygala violacea Showy Milkwort POLYGALACEAE 

Polypremum procumbens Rustweed; Juniperleaf TETRACHONDRACEAE 

Pontederia cordata Pickerelweed PONTEDERIACEAE 

Portulaca rubricaulis Redstem Purslane PORTULACACEAE 

Priva lappulacea Catstongue; Velvetburr VERBENACEAE 

Proserpinaca palustris Marsh Mermaidweed HALORAGACEAE 

Prosthechea boothiana var.

erythronioides 

Dollar Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Pseudophoenix sargentii Sargent's Cherry Palm ARECACEAE 

Psychotria ligustrifolia Bahama Wild Coffee RUBIACEAE 

Psychotria nervosa Wild Coffee RUBIACEAE 

Pteridium aquilinum var. caudatum Lacy Bracken DENNSTAEDTIACEAE 

Pteris bahamensis Bahama Ladder Brake PTERIDACEAE 

Pteris x delchampsii Delchamps' Ladder Brake PTERIDACEAE 

Pterocaulon pycnostachyum Blackroot ASTERACEAE 

Quercus virginiana Live Oak FAGACEAE 

Randia aculeata White Indigoberry RUBIACEAE 

Rapanea punctata Myrsine; Colicwood MYRSINACEAE 

Rayjacksonia phyllocephala Camphor Daisy ASTERACEAE 
123

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Reynosia septentrionalis Darlingplum RHAMNACEAE 

Rhabdadenia biflora Rubbervine; Mangrovevine APOCYNACEAE 

Rhizophora mangle Red Mangrove RHIZOPHORACEAE 

Rhus copallinum Winged Sumac ANACARDIACEAE 

Rhynchosia cinerea Brownhair Snoutbean FABACEAE 

Rhynchosia minima Least Snoutbean FABACEAE 

Rhynchosia parvifolia Small-Leaf Snoutbean FABACEAE 

Rhynchosia swartzii Swartz's Snoutbean FABACEAE 

Rhynchospora colorata Starrush Whitetop CYPERACEAE 

Rhynchospora divergens Spreading Beaksedge CYPERACEAE 

Rhynchospora floridensis Florida Whitetop CYPERACEAE 

Rhynchospora microcarpa Southern Beaksedge CYPERACEAE 

Rivina humilis Rougeplant PETIVERIACEAE 

Ruellia succulenta Thickleaf Wild Petunia ACANTHACEAE 

Ruppia maritima Wigeongrass RUPPIACEAE 

Sabal palmetto Cabbage Palm ARECACEAE 

Sabatia grandiflora Largeflower Rosegentian GENTIANACEAE 

Sabatia stellaris Rose-Of-Plymouth GENTIANACEAE 

Sachsia polycephala Bahama Sachsia ASTERACEAE 

Sagittaria lancifolia Bulltongue Arrowhead ALISMATACEAE 

Salicornia bigelovii Annual Glasswort; Dwarf Glasswort AMARANTHACEAE 

Salvia micrantha Yucatan Sage LAMIACEAE 

Salvia serotina Littlewoman LAMIACEAE 

Samolus ebracteatus Water Pimpernel; Limewater 

Brookweed 

PRIMULACEAE 

Sapindus saponaria Soapberry SAPINDACEAE 

Sarcocornia perennis Perennial Glasswort; Virginia Glasswort AMARANTHACEAE 

Sarcostemma clausum White Twinevine APOCYNACEAE 

Savia bahamensis Bahama Maidenbush EUPHORBIACEAE 

Scaevola plumieri Beachberry; Inkberry; Gullfeed GOODENIACEAE 

Schaefferia frutescens Florida Boxwood CELASTRACEAE 

Schizachyrium gracile Wire Bluestem POACEAE 

Schizachyrium sanguineum Crimson Bluestem POACEAE 
124 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Schizachyrium scoparium Little Bluestem POACEAE 

Schizachyrium sericatum Silky Bluestem POACEAE 

Schoenus nigricans Black Bogrush CYPERACEAE 

Schoepfia chrysophylloides Graytwig OLACACEAE 

Scleria lithosperma Florida Keys Nutrush CYPERACEAE 

Scleria verticillata Low Nutrush CYPERACEAE 

Scutellaria havanensis Havana Skullcap LAMIACEAE 

Senna ligustrina Privet Wild Sensitive Plant FABACEAE 

Senna mexicana var. chapmanii Chapman's Wild Sensitive Plant FABACEAE 

Serenoa repens Saw Palmetto ARECACEAE 

Sesbania herbacea Danglepod FABACEAE 

Sesuvium maritimum Slender Seapurslane AIZOACEAE 

Sesuvium portulacastrum Shoreline Seapurslane AIZOACEAE 

Setaria macrosperma Coral Bristlegrass; Coral Foxtail POACEAE 

Setaria parviflora Yellow Bristlegrass; Knotroot Foxtail POACEAE 

Sida abutifolia Spreading Fanpetals MALVACEAE 

Sida acuta Common Wireweed; Common 

Fanpetals 

MALVACEAE 

Sida antillensis Antilles Fanpetals MALVACEAE 

Sida ciliaris Bracted Fanpetals; Fringed Fanpetals MALVACEAE 

Sida elliottii Elliott's Fanpetals MALVACEAE 

Sida rhombifolia Cuban Jute; Indian Hemp MALVACEAE 

Sideroxylon celastrinum Saffron Plum SAPOTACEAE 

Sideroxylon foetidissimum False Mastic SAPOTACEAE 

Sideroxylon reclinatum Florida Bully SAPOTACEAE 

Sideroxylon salicifolium Willow Bustic; White Bully SAPOTACEAE 

Simarouba glauca Paradisetree SIMAROUBACEAE 

Sisyrinchium angustifolium Narrowleaf Blue-Eyed Grass IRIDACEAE 

Sisyrinchium nashii Nash's Blue-Eyed Grass IRIDACEAE 

Smilax bona-nox Saw Greenbrier SMILACACEAE 

Smilax havanensis Everglades Greenbrier SMILACACEAE 

Solanum americanum American Black Nightshade SOLANACEAE 

Solanum bahamense Bahama Nightshade; Cankerberry SOLANACEAE 
125

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Solanum chenopodioides Black Nightshade SOLANACEAE 

Solanum donianum Mullein Nightshade SOLANACEAE 

Solanum erianthum Potatotree SOLANACEAE 

Solidago stricta Wand Goldenrod ASTERACEAE 

Sophora tomentosa var. truncata Yellow Necklacepod FABACEAE 

Sorghastrum secundum Lopsided Indiangrass POACEAE 

Spartina alterniflora Saltmarsh Cordgrass; Smooth 

Cordgrass 

POACEAE 

Spartina bakeri Sand Cordgrass POACEAE 

Spartina patens Marshhay Cordgras; Saltmeadow 

Cordgrass 

POACEAE 

Spartina spartinae Gulf Cordgrass POACEAE 

Spermacoce keyensis Florida False Buttonweed RUBIACEAE 

Spermacoce terminalis Everglades Key False Buttonweed RUBIACEAE 

Spermacoce tetraquetra Pineland False Buttonweed RUBIACEAE 

Spigelia anthelmia West Indian Pinkroot STRYCHNACEAE 

Spiranthes torta Southern Ladiestresses ORCHIDACEAE 

Spiranthes vernalis Spring Ladiestresses ORCHIDACEAE 

Sporobolus domingensis Coral Dropseed POACEAE 

Sporobolus pyramidatus Whorled Dropseed POACEAE 

Sporobolus virginicus Seashore Dropseed POACEAE 

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Blue Porterweed; Joee VERBENACEAE 

Stenaria nigricans var. floridana Florida Diamondflowers RUBIACEAE 

Stenotaphrum secundatum St. Augustinegrass POACEAE 

Strumpfia maritima Pride-Of-Big-Pine RUBIACEAE 

Stylosanthes calcicola Everglades Key Pencilflower FABACEAE 

Suaeda linearis Sea Blite; Annual Seepweed AMARANTHACEAE 

Suriana maritima Bay Cedar SURIANACEAE 

Swietenia mahagoni West Indian Mahogany MELIACEAE 

Symphyotrichum bracei Brace's Aster ASTERACEAE 

Symphyotrichum concolor Eastern Silver Aster ASTERACEAE 

Symphyotrichum dumosum Rice Button Aster ASTERACEAE 

Symphyotrichum subulatum Annual Saltmarsh Aster ASTERACEAE 
126 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Syringodium filiforme Manateegrass CYMODOCEACEAE 

Thalassia testudinum Turtlegrass HYDROCHARITACEAE 

Thelypteris augescens Abrupt-Tip Maiden Fern THELYPTERIDACEAE 

Thelypteris kunthii Widespread Maiden Fern; Southern 

Shield Fern 

THELYPTERIDACEAE 

Thrinax morrisii Brittle Thatch Palm; Key Thatch Palm ARECACEAE 

Thrinax radiata Florida Thatch Palm ARECACEAE 

Tillandsia balbisiana Northern Needleleaf; Inflated & 

Reflexed Wild Pine 

BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia fasciculata var. clavispica Cardinal Airplant; Common Wild Pine; 

Stiff-Leaved Wild Pine 

BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia fasciculata var. densispica Cardinal Airplant; Common Wild Pine; 

Stiff-Leaved Wild Pine 

BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia flexuosa Twisted Airplant; Banded Airplant BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia paucifolia Potbelly Airplant BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia recurvata Ballmoss BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia setacea Southern Needleleaf BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia usneoides Spanish Moss BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia utriculata Giant Airplant; Giant Wild Pine BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia variabilis Leatherleaf Airplant; Soft-Leaved Wild 

Pine 

BROMELIACEAE 

Tournefortia hirsutissima Chiggery Grapes BORAGINACEAE 

Tournefortia volubilis Twining Soldierbush BORAGINACEAE 

Toxicodendron radicans Eastern Poison Ivy ANACARDIACEAE 

Tragia saxicola Florida Keys Noseburn; Rocklands 

Noseburn 

EUPHORBIACEAE 

Trema lamarckianum Pain-In-The-Back; West Indian Trema; 

Lamarck's Trema 

CELTIDACEAE 

Trema micranthum Nettletree CELTIDACEAE 

Trianthema portulacastrum Desert Horsepurslane AIZOACEAE 

Trichostigma octandrum Hoopvine PETIVERIACEAE 

Tridens eragrostoides Lovegrass Tridens POACEAE 

Tripsacum floridanum Florida Mock Gamagrass; Florida 

Tripsacum 

POACEAE 

Typha domingensis Southern Cattail TYPHACEAE 
127

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Uniola paniculata Seaoats POACEAE 

Urochloa adspersa Dominican Signalgrass POACEAE 

Utricularia gibba Humped Bladderwort LENTIBULARIACEAE 

Vallesia antillana Tearshrub APOCYNACEAE 

Vanilla barbellata Wormvine Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Vernonia blodgettii Florida Ironweed; Blodgett's Ironweed ASTERACEAE 

Vigna luteola Hairypod Cowpea FABACEAE 

Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine VITACEAE 

Voyria parasitica Parasitic Ghostplant GENTIANACEAE 

Waltheria indica Sleepy Morning MALVACEAE 

Ximenia americana Tallow Wood; Hog Plum OLACACEAE 

Xyris caroliniana Carolina Yelloweyed Grass XYRIDACEAE 

Yucca aloifolia Spanish Bayonet; Aloe Yucca AGAVACEAE 

Zamia pumila Florida Arrowroot; Coontie ZAMIACEAE 

Zanthoxylum fagara Wild Lime; Lime Pricklyash RUTACEAE 

Zanthoxylum flavum West Indian Satinwood; Yellowwood; 

Yellowheart 

RUTACEAE 
128 

ENDEMIC FLORIDA KEYS PLANTS 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Agave decipiens False Sisal AGAVACEAE 

Amaranthus floridanus Florida Amaranth AMARANTHACEAE 

Argythamnia blodgettii Blodgett's Silverbush; Blodgett's Wild 

Mercury 

EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaecrista lineata var. keyensis Narrowpod Sensitive Pea; Key Cassia FABACEAE 

Chamaesyce conferta Everglades Key Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce deltoidea subsp.

serpyllum

Wedge Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce garberi Garber's Sandmat; Garber's Spurge EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce porteriana Porter's Sandmat; Porter's Spurge EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chromolaena frustrata Cape Sable Thoroughwort ASTERACEAE 

Coreopsis leavenworthii Leavenworth's Tickseed ASTERACEAE 

Echinochloa paludigena Florida Cockspur POACEAE 

Eriochloa michauxii var. simpsonii Simpson's Cupgrass POACEAE 

Glandularia maritima Coastal Mock Vervain VERBENACEAE 

Harrisia simpsonii Simpson's Applecactus CACTACEAE 

Indigofera miniata var. florida Florida Coastal Indigo FABACEAE 

Liatris tenuifolia var. quadriflora Shortleaf Gayfeather ASTERACEAE 

Linum arenicola Sand Flax LINACEAE 

Mecardonia acuminata subsp.

peninsularis

Axilflower VERONICACEAE 

Opuntia corallicola Semaphore Pricklypear; Semaphore 

Cactus 

CACTACEAE 

Phyllanthus pentaphyllus var.

floridanus

Fivepetal Leafflower EUPHORBIACEAE 

Poinsettia pinetorum Pineland Spurge; Everglades Poinsettia EUPHORBIACEAE 

Rhynchosia cinerea Brownhair Snoutbean FABACEAE 

Ruellia succulenta Thickleaf Wild Petunia ACANTHACEAE 

Schizachyrium sericatum Silky Bluestem POACEAE 

Spermacoce terminalis Everglades Key False Buttonweed RUBIACEAE 

Tragia saxicola Florida Keys Noseburn; Rocklands 

Noseburn 

EUPHORBIACEAE 
129

STATE OF FLORIDA LISTED PLANTS - FLORIDA KEYS 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Acacia choriophylla Cinnecord; Tamarindillo FABACEAE 

Acanthocereus tetragonus Triangle Cactus; Dildoe Cactus; 

Barbed-Wire Cactus 

CACTACEAE 

Acrostichum aureum Golden Leather Fern PTERIDACEAE 

Ageratum maritimum Cape Sable Whiteweed ASTERACEAE 

Aletris bracteata Bracted Colicroot NARTHECIACEAE 

Angadenia berteroi Pineland Golden Trumpet APOCYNACEAE 

Argusia gnaphalodes Sea Rosemary; Sea Lavender BORAGINACEAE 

Argythamnia blodgettii Blodgett's Silverbush; Blodgett's Wild 

Mercury 

EUPHORBIACEAE 

Aristolochia pentandra Marsh's Dutchman's-Pipe ARISTOLOCHIACEAE 

Basiphyllaea corallicola Carter's Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Bletia purpurea Pinepink ORCHIDACEAE 

Bourreria cassinifolia Smooth Strongbark; Little Strongbark BORAGINACEAE 

Bourreria radula Rough Strongbark BORAGINACEAE 

Bourreria succulenta Bahama Strongbark; Bodywood BORAGINACEAE 

Byrsonima lucida Long Key Locustberry MALPIGHIACEAE 

Caesalpinia major Hawaii Pearls; Yellow Nicker FABACEAE 

Caesalpinia pauciflora Fewflower Holdback FABACEAE 

Calyptranthes pallens Pale Lidflower; Spicewood MYRTACEAE 

Calyptranthes zuzygium Myrtle-Of-The-River MYRTACEAE 

Canella winterana Pepper Cinnamon; Cinnamon Bark; 

Wild Cinnamon 

CANELLACEAE 

Catesbaea parviflora Smallflower Lilythorn; Dune Lilythorn RUBIACEAE 

Celosia nitida West Indian Cock’s Comb AMARANTHACEAE 

Chamaecrista lineata var.

keyensis

Narrowpod Sensitive Pea; Key Cassia FABACEAE 

Chamaesyce deltoidea subsp.

Serpyllum

Wedge Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce garberi Garber’s Sandmat; Garber’s Spurge EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chamaesyce pergamena Southern Florida Sandmat; Rocklands 

Spurge 

EUPHORBIACEAE 
130 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Chamaesyce porteriana Porter’s Sandmat; Porter’s Spurge EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chromolaena frustrata Cape Sable Thoroughwort ASTERACEAE 

Chrysophyllum oliviforme Satinleaf SAPOTACEAE 

Cienfuegosia yucatanensis Yucatan Flymallow; Yellow-Hibiscus MALVACEAE 

Coccothrinax argentata Florida Silver Palm ARECACEAE 

Colubrina arborescens Greenheart RHAMNACEAE 

Colubrina cubensis var.

floridana

Cuban Nakedwood RHAMNACEAE 

Colubrina elliptica Soldierwood RHAMNACEAE 

Cordia globosa Curacao Bush BORAGINACEAE 

Crossopetalum ilicifolium Christmasberry CELASTRACEAE 

Crossopetalum rhacoma Maidenberry; Rhacoma CELASTRACEAE 

Croton humilis Pepperbush EUPHORBIACEAE 

Cupania glabra American Toadwood; Cupania SAPINDACEAE 

Cynanchum blodgettii Blodgett’s Swallowwort APOCYNACEAE 

Cyperus floridanus Florida Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus fuligineus Limestone Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyrtopodium punctatum Cowhorn Orchid; Cigar Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Dalbergia brownei Browne’s Indian Rosewood FABACEAE 

Digitaria filiformis var.

dolichophylla

Caribbean Crabgrass POACEAE 

Dodonaea elaeagnoides Smallfruit Varnishleaf; Keys Hopbush SAPINDACEAE 

Drypetes diversifolia Whitewood; Milkbark EUPHORBIACEAE 

Drypetes lateriflora Guiana Plum EUPHORBIACEAE 

Erithalis fruticosa Blacktorch RUBIACEAE 

Ernodea cokeri Coker's Beach Creeper; One-Nerved 

Ernodea 

RUBIACEAE 

Eugenia confusa Redberry Stopper; Redberry Eugenia MYRTACEAE 

Eugenia rhombea Red Stopper MYRTACEAE 

Evolvulus grisebachii Grisebach's Dwarf Morning-Glory; 

Grisebach's Bindweed 

CONVOLVULACEAE 

Exostema caribaeum Caribbean Princewood RUBIACEAE 

Glandularia maritima Coastal Mock Vervain VERBENACEAE 

Gossypium hirsutum Upland Cotton; Wild Cotton MALVACEAE 
131

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Guaiacum sanctum Holywood Lignumvitae ZYGOPHYLLACEAE 

Gyminda latifolia West Indian False Boxwood CELASTRACEAE 

Harrisia simpsonii Simpson's Applecactus CACTACEAE 

Hibiscus poeppigii Poeppig's Rosemallow MALVACEAE 

Hippomane mancinella Manchineel EUPHORBIACEAE 

Hypelate trifoliata White Ironwood SAPINDACEAE 

Indigofera trita subsp. scabra Florida Keys Indigo FABACEAE 

Jacquemontia havanensis Havana Clustervine CONVOLVULACEAE 

Jacquemontia pentanthos Skyblue Clustervine CONVOLVULACEAE 

Jacquinia keyensis Joewood THEOPHRASTACEAE 

Linum arenicola Sand Flax LINACEAE 

Manilkara jaimiqui subsp.

emarginata 

Wild Dilly SAPOTACEAE 

Maytenus phyllanthoides Florida Mayten CELASTRACEAE 

Microgramma heterophylla Climbing Vine Fern POLYPODIACEAE 

Mosiera longipes Mangroveberry MYRTACEAE 

Myrcianthes fragrans Twinberry; Simpson's Stopper MYRTACEAE 

Nevrodium lanceolatum Ribbon Fern POLYPODIACEAE 

Odontosoria clavata Wedgelet Fern DENNSTAEDTIACEAE 

Opuntia corallicola Semaphore Pricklypear; Semaphore 

Cactus 

CACTACEAE 

Opuntia stricta Erect Pricklypear; Shell-Mound 

Pricklypear 

CACTACEAE 

Opuntia triacanthos Spanish Lady; Keys Joe-Jumper CACTACEAE 

Paspalidium chapmanii Coral Panicum; Coral Panicgrass POACEAE 

Passiflora multiflora Whiteflower Passionflower; WhiteFlowered Passionvine 

PASSIFLORACEAE 

Pecluma dispersa Widespread Polypody POLYPODIACEAE 

Pecluma plumula Plume Polypody POLYPODIACEAE 

Pecluma ptilodon var.

caespitosa 

Comb Polypody; Swamp Plume 

Polypody 

POLYPODIACEAE 

Phoradendron rubrum Mahogany Mistletoe VISCACEAE 

Pilosocereus polygonus Key Tree Cactus CACTACEAE 

Pisonia rotundata Smooth Devil's Claws; Cockspur NYCTAGINACEAE 
132 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Pithecellobium keyense Florida Keys Blackbead FABACEAE 

Poinsettia pinetorum Pineland Spurge; Everglades Poinsettia EUPHORBIACEAE 

Prosthechea boothiana var.

erythronioides 

Dollar Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Pseudophoenix sargentii Sargent's Cherry Palm ARECACEAE 

Psychotria ligustrifolia Bahama Wild Coffee RUBIACEAE 

Pteris bahamensis Bahama Ladder Brake PTERIDACEAE 

Reynosia septentrionalis Darlingplum RHAMNACEAE 

Rhynchosia parvifolia Small-Leaf Snoutbean FABACEAE 

Rhynchosia swartzii Swartz's Snoutbean FABACEAE 

Sachsia polycephala Bahama Sachsia ASTERACEAE 

Savia bahamensis Bahama Maidenbush EUPHORBIACEAE 

Scaevola plumieri Beachberry; Inkberry; Gullfeed GOODENIACEAE 

Schaefferia frutescens Florida Boxwood CELASTRACEAE 

Schizachyrium sericatum Silky Bluestem POACEAE 

Scleria lithosperma Florida Keys Nutrush CYPERACEAE 

Scutellaria havanensis Havana Skullcap LAMIACEAE 

Senna mexicana var.

chapmanii 

Chapman's Wild Sensitive Plant FABACEAE 

Smilax havanensis Everglades Greenbrier SMILACACEAE 

Solanum donianum Mullein Nightshade SOLANACEAE 

Spermacoce terminalis Everglades Key False Buttonweed RUBIACEAE 

Spiranthes torta Southern Ladiestresses ORCHIDACEAE 

Strumpfia maritima Pride-Of-Big-Pine RUBIACEAE 

Stylosanthes calcicola Everglades Key Pencilflower FABACEAE 

Swietenia mahagoni West Indian Mahogany MELIACEAE 

Thelypteris augescens Abrupt-Tip Maiden Fern THELYPTERIDACEAE 

Thrinax morrisii Brittle Thatch Palm; Key Thatch Palm ARECACEAE 

Thrinax radiata Florida Thatch Palm ARECACEAE 

Tillandsia balbisiana Northern Needleleaf; Inflated & 

Reflexed Wild Pine 

BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia fasciculata var.

clavispica 

Cardinal Airplant; Common Wild Pine; 

Stiff-Leaved Wild Pine 

BROMELIACEAE 
133

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Tillandsia fasciculata var.

densispica 

Cardinal Airplant; Common Wild Pine; 

Stiff-Leaved Wild Pine 

BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia flexuosa Twisted Airplant; Banded Airplant BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia utriculata Giant Airplant; Giant Wild Pine BROMELIACEAE 

Tillandsia variabilis Leatherleaf Airplant; Soft-Leaved 

Wild Pine 

BROMELIACEAE 

Tournefortia hirsutissima Chiggery Grapes BORAGINACEAE 

Tragia saxicola Florida Keys Noseburn; Rocklands 

Noseburn 

EUPHORBIACEAE 

Trema lamarckianum Pain-In-The-Back; West Indian Trema; 

Lamarck's Trema 

CELTIDACEAE 

Tripsacum floridanum Florida Mock Gamagrass; Florida 

Tripsacum 

POACEAE 

Vallesia antillana Tearshrub APOCYNACEAE 

Vanilla barbellata Wormvine Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Voyria parasitica Parasitic Ghostplant GENTIANACEAE 

Zanthoxylum flavum West Indian Satinwood; Yellowwood; 

Yellowheart 

RUTACEAE 
134 

NON-NATIVE PLANTS – FLORIDA KEYS 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Abelmoschus esculentus Okra MALVACEAE 

Abrus precatorius Rosary Pea; Blackeyed Susan FABACEAE 

Abutilon hirtum Florida Keys Indian Mallow MALVACEAE 

Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf Acacia FABACEAE 

Acacia retinodes Water Wattle FABACEAE 

Acalypha amentacea subsp.

wilkesiana 

Wilkes' Copperleaf EUPHORBIACEAE 

Achyranthes aspera Devil's Horsewhip AMARANTHACEAE 

Adenanthera pavonina Red Beadtree; Red Sandalwood FABACEAE 

Agave sisalana Sisal Hemp AGAVACEAE 

Agdestis clematidea Rockroot AGDESTIDACEAE 

Aloe vera Aloe ASPHODELACEAE 

Alternanthera flavescens Yellow Joyweed AMARANTHACEAE 

Alternanthera paronichyoides Smooth Joyweed AMARANTHACEAE 

Alysicarpus vaginalis White Moneywort FABACEAE 

Amaranthus blitum subsp.

emarginatus 

Purple Amaranth AMARANTHACEAE 

Amaranthus crassipes Spreading Amaranth AMARANTHACEAE 

Amaranthus dubius Spleen Amaranth AMARANTHACEAE 

Amaranthus hybridus Slim Amaranth; Pigweed AMARANTHACEAE 

Amaranthus polygonoides Tropical Amaranth AMARANTHACEAE 

Amaranthus viridis Slender Amaranth AMARANTHACEAE 

Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel PRIMULACEAE 

Annona squamosa Sugar Apple ANNONACEAE 

Anredera vesicaria Texas Madeiravine BASELLACEAE 

Antigonon leptopus Coral Vine; Queen's Jewels POLYGONACEAE 

Ardisia elliptica Shoebutton MYRSINACEAE 

Asparagus aethiopicus Sprenger's Asparagus-Fern ASPARAGACEAE 

Asparagus officinalis Garden Asparagus ASPARAGACEAE 

Asystasia gangetica Chinese Violet ACANTHACEAE 

Avena fatua var. sativa Common Oat POACEAE 

Barleria lupulina Hophead Philippine Violet ACANTHACEAE 

Blechum pyramidatum Browne’s Blechum ACANTHACEAE 

Bothriochloa pertusa Pitted Beardgrass POACEAE 

Brosimum alicastrum Breadnut MORACEAE 

Bucida buceras Black Olive COMBRETACEAE 

Caesalpinia pulcherrima Pride-Of-Barbados; Dwarf Poinciana FABACEAE 

Cajanus cajan Pigeonpea FABACEAE 

Calophyllum antillanum Santa Maria; Galba CLUSIACEAE 
135

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Cannabis sativa Hemp; Marijuana CANNABACEAE 

Cardiospermum halicacabum Love-In-A-Puff SAPINDACEAE 

Carica papaya Papaya CARICACEAE 

Carissa macrocarpa Natal Plum APOCYNACEAE 

Casuarina cunninghamiana River Sheoak CASUARINACEAE 

Casuarina equisetifolia Australian-Pine; Horsetail Casuarina CASUARINACEAE 

Casuarina glauca Gray Sheoak; Suckering AustralianPine 

CASUARINACEAE 

Catharanthus roseus Madagascar Periwinkle APOCYNACEAE 

Ceratophyllum muricatum subsp.

Australe 

Prickly Hornwort CERATOPHYLLACEAE 

Cestrum diurnum Dayflowering Jessamine SOLANACEAE 

Cestrum nocturnum Nightflowering Jessamine SOLANACEAE 

Chamaedorea seifrizii Bamboo Palm ARECACEAE 

Chamaesyce mendezii Mendez’s Sandmat EUPHORBIACEAE 

Chenopodium murale Nettleleaf Goosefoot AMARANTHACEAE 

Chloris barbata Swollen Fingergrass POACEAE 

Citrullus lanatus Watermelon; Citron CUCURBITACEAE 

Citrus x aurantiifolia Key Lime RUTACEAE 

Citrus x jambhiri Mandarin Lime; Rough Lemon RUTACEAE 

Clerodendrum speciosissimum Javanese Glorybower LAMIACEAE 

Clitoria ternatea Asian Pigeonwings FABACEAE 

Cocos nucifera Coconut Palm ARECACEAE 

Colocasia esculenta Wild Taro; Dasheen; Coco Yam ARACEAE 

Colubrina asiatica Latherleaf; Asian Nakedwood RHAMNACEAE 

Commelina diffusa Common Dayflower COMMELINACEAE 

Cordia sebestena Largeleaf Geigertree BORAGINACEAE 

Cosmos caudatus Wild Cosmos ASTERACEAE 

Crescentia cujete Calabash BIGNONIACEAE 

Crotalaria pallida var. obovata Smooth Rattlebox FABACEAE 

Crotalaria retusa Rattleweed FABACEAE 

Cryptostegia grandiflora Palay Rubbervine APOCYNACEAE 

Cryptostegia madagascariensis Madagascar Rubbervine APOCYNACEAE 

Cyanthillium cinereum Little Ironweed ASTERACEAE 

Cyclospermum leptophyllum Marsh Parsley APIACEAE 

Cynodon dactylon Bermudagrass POACEAE 

Cyperus esculentus Yellow Nutgrass; Chufa Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus involucratus Umbrella Plant CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus iria Ricefield Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus lentiginosus Latin American Flatsedge CYPERACEAE 

Cyperus rotundus Nutgrass CYPERACEAE 

Dactyloctenium aegyptium Durban Crowfootgrass POACEAE 

Dalbergia sissoo Indian Rosewood FABACEAE 
136 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Delonix regia Royal Poinciana FABACEAE 

Desmanthus virgatus Wild Tantan FABACEAE 

Desmodium incanum Zarzabacoa Comun FABACEAE 

Desmodium scorpiurus Scorpion Ticktrefoil FABACEAE 

Desmodium tortuosum Dixie Ticktrefoil FABACEAE 

Dichrostachys cinerea 

subsp. africana 

Aroma FABACEAE 

Digitaria bicornis Asia Crabgrass POACEAE 

Dioscorea bulbifera Air-Potato DIOSCOREACEAE 

Diplotaxis muralis Annual Wallrocket BRASSICACEAE 

Duranta erecta Golden Dewdrops VERBENACEAE 

Eleusine indica Indian Goosegrass POACEAE 

Emilia fosbergii Florida Tasselflower ASTERACEAE 

Eragrostis amabilis Feather Lovegrass POACEAE 

Eragrostis ciliaris Gophertail Lovegrass POACEAE 

Eragrostis prolifera Dominican Lovegrass POACEAE 

Erucastrum gallicum Common Dogmustard BRASSICACEAE 

Eucalyptus robusta Swampmahogany MYRTACEAE 

Eugenia uniflora Surinam Cherry MYRTACEAE 

Euphorbia graminea Grassleaf Spurge EUPHORBIACEAE 

Euphorbia lactea Mottled Spurge EUPHORBIACEAE 

Evolvulus convolvuloides Bindweed Dwarf Morning-Glory; Dwarf 

Bindweed 

CONVOLVULACEAE 

Evolvulus glomeratus 

subsp. grandiflorus 

Blue Daze CONVOLVULACEAE 

Fatoua villosa Hairy Crabweed MORACEAE 

Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig MORACEAE 

Ficus microcarpa Indian Laurel MORACEAE 

Ficus religiosa Bo Tree; Sacred Fig MORACEAE 

Fimbristylis schoenoides Ditch Fimbry CYPERACEAE 

Gliricidia sepium Quickstick FABACEAE 

Glycosmis parviflora Flower Axistree RUTACEAE 

Gomphrena serrata Arrasa Con Todo AMARANTHACEAE 

Helianthus annuus Common Sunflower ASTERACEAE 

Hordeum vulgare Common Barley POACEAE 

Hura crepitans Sandboxtree EUPHORBIACEAE 

Indigofera spicata Trailing Indigo FABACEAE 

Indigofera tinctoria True Indigo FABACEAE 

Ipomoea batatas Sweetpotato CONVOLVULACEAE 

Ipomoea cairica Mile-A-Minute Vine CONVOLVULACEAE 

Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa Bush Morning-Glory CONVOLVULACEAE 

Ipomoea triloba Littlebell CONVOLVULACEAE 

Jacquinia arborea Braceletwood THEOPHRASTACEAE 

Jasminum dichotomum Gold Coast Jasmine OLEACEAE 

Jasminum fluminense Brazilian Jasmine; OLEACEAE 
137

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Jazmin De Trapo 

Jasminum sambac Arabian Jasmine OLEACEAE 

Jatropha integerrima Peregrina EUPHORBIACEAE 

Kalanchoe daigremontiana Devil's Backbone CRASSULACEAE 

Kalanchoe delagoensis Chandelier Plant CRASSULACEAE 

Kalanchoe laciniata Christmastree Plant CRASSULACEAE 

Kalanchoe pinnata Cathedral Bells; Life Plant CRASSULACEAE 

Kyllinga brevifolia Shortleaf Spikesedge CYPERACEAE 

Lablab purpureus Hyacinthbean FABACEAE 

Lagenaria siceraria Bottle Gourd CUCURBITACEAE 

Lantana camara Lantana; Shrubverbena VERBENACEAE 

Launaea intybacea Achicoria Azul ASTERACEAE 

Leonotis nepetifolia Lion's-Ear; Christmas Candlestick LAMIACEAE 

Leucaena leucocephala White Leadtree FABACEAE 

Lippia alba Bushy Matgrass VERBENACEAE 

Lonchocarpus punctatus Dotted Lancepod FABACEAE 

Macroptilium atropurpureum Purple Bushbean FABACEAE 

Macroptilium lathyroides Wild Bushbean FABACEAE 

Malvaviscus arboreus var.

drummondii 

Texas Waxmallow MALVACEAE 

Malvaviscus penduliflorus Mazapan; Turkscap Mallow MALVACEAE 

Manihot esculenta Tapioca EUPHORBIACEAE 

Manilkara zapota Sapodilla SAPOTACEAE 

Melia azedarach Chinaberrytree MELIACEAE 

Melicoccus bijugatus Spanish Lime SAPINDACEAE 

Merremia tuberosa Spanish Arborvine; 

Yellow Morning-Glory 

CONVOLVULACEAE 

Merremia umbellata Hogvine CONVOLVULACEAE 

Mirabilis jalapa Four-O'clock; Marvel-Of-Peru NYCTAGINACEAE 

Momordica charantia Balsampear CUCURBITACEAE 

Morinda citrifolia Indian Mulberry RUBIACEAE 

Mucuna pruriens Cowitch; Velvetbean FABACEAE 

Muntingia calabura Strawberrytree MUNTINGIACEAE 

Murraya paniculata Orange Jessamine RUTACEAE 

Musa acuminata Dwarf Banana MUSACEAE 

Musa x paradisiaca Common Banana MUSACEAE 

Nama jamaicensis Jamaicanweed HYDROPHYLLACEAE 

Nerium oleander Oleander APOCYNACEAE 

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Tex-Mex Tobacco SOLANACEAE 

Nicotiana tabacum Cultivated Tobacco SOLANACEAE 

Ochrosia elliptica Elliptic Yellowwood APOCYNACEAE 

Oeceoclades maculata Monk Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Oldenlandia corymbosa Flattop Mille Graines RUBIACEAE 

Opuntia cochenillifera Cochineal Cactus CACTACEAE 

Panicum maximum Guineagrass POACEAE 
138 

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Panicum repens Torpedograss POACEAE 

Parkinsonia aculeata Mexican Palo Verde; Jerusalem Thorn FABACEAE 

Parthenium hysterophorus Santa Maria Feverfew ASTERACEAE 

Paspalum fimbriatum Winged Paspalum; Panama Crowngrass POACEAE 

Passiflora x pfordtii PASSIFLORACEAE 

Peltophorum pterocarpum Yellow Poinciana FABACEAE 

Pennisetum setaceum Fountaingrass POACEAE 

Phaseolus lunatus Lima Bean FABACEAE 

Phyllanthus amarus Gale-Of-Wind; Carry-Me-Seed EUPHORBIACEAE 

Phyllanthus angustifolius Foliage Flower; Swordbush EUPHORBIACEAE 

Phyllanthus tenellus Mascarene Island Leafflower EUPHORBIACEAE 

Plumeria obtusa Frangipani APOCYNACEAE 

Polyscias guilfoylei Frosted Aralia ARALIACEAE 

Portulaca oleracea Little Hogweed PORTULACACEAE 

Pouteria campechiana Egg Fruit; Canistel SAPOTACEAE 

Psidium guajava Guava MYRTACEAE 

Psychotria punctata Dotted Wild Coffee RUBIACEAE 

Pteris vittata Chinese Ladder Brake PTERIDACEAE 

Rhynchelytrum repens Rose Natalgrass POACEAE 

Ricinus communis Castorbean EUPHORBIACEAE 

Rottboellia cochinchinensis Itchgrass POACEAE 

Ruellia malacosperma Softweed Wild Petunia ACANTHACEAE 

Russelia equisetiformis Fountainbush; Firecracker Plant VERONICACEAE 

Scaevola taccada Beach Naupaka GOODENIACEAE 

Scaevola taccada var. sericea Beach Naupaka GOODENIACEAE 

Schefflera actinophylla Australian Umbrella Tree; Octopus Tree ARALIACEAE 

Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian Pepper ANACARDIACEAE 

Senna occidentalis Septicweed FABACEAE 

Senna pendula var. glabrata Valamuerto FABACEAE 

Senna surattensis Glossy Shower FABACEAE 

Sesbania grandiflora Vegetable Hummingbird FABACEAE 

Sesbania sericea Silky Sesban FABACEAE 

Setaria rariflora Brazilian Bristlegrass POACEAE 

Setaria setosa West Indian Bristlegrass POACEAE 

Sida cordifolia Llima MALVACEAE 

Sida spinosa Prickly Fanpetals MALVACEAE 

Solanum elaeagnifolium Silverleaf Nightshade; White Horsenettle SOLANACEAE 

Solanum lycopersicum Garden Tomato SOLANACEAE 

Solanum tampicense Aquatic Soda Apple SOLANACEAE 

Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle ASTERACEAE 

Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby False Buttonweed RUBIACEAE 

Sphagneticola trilobata Creeping Oxeye ASTERACEAE 

Spondias purpurea Purple Mombin ANACARDIACEAE 

Sporobolus indicus Smutgrass POACEAE 
139

Scientific Name Common Name Family 

Sporobolus indicus var. pyramidalis West Indian Dropseed POACEAE 

Stictocardia tiliifolia Spottedheart CONVOLVULACEAE 

Stylosanthes hamata Cheesytoes FABACEAE 

Synedrella nodiflora Nodeweed ASTERACEAE 

Syngonium podophyllum American Evergreen ARACEAE 

Tabebuia heterophylla White Cedar BIGNONIACEAE 

Talinum fruticosum Verdolaga-Francesa PORTULACACEAE 

Talipariti tiliaceum Sea Hibiscus; Mahoe MALVACEAE 

Talipariti tiliaceum var.

pernambucense 

Yellow Mahoe MALVACEAE 

Tamarindus indica Tamarind FABACEAE 

Tecoma stans Yellow Elder; Yellow Trumpetbush BIGNONIACEAE 

Terminalia catappa West Indian Almond COMBRETACEAE 

Thespesia populnea Portia Tree MALVACEAE 

Tribulus cistoides Burrnut; Jamaican Feverplant ZYGOPHYLLACEAE 

Tridax procumbens Coatbuttons ASTERACEAE 

Triphasia trifolia Limeberry RUTACEAE 

Turbina corymbosa Christmasvine CONVOLVULACEAE 

Turnera ulmifolia Yellow Alder; Ramgoat Dashalong TURNERACEAE 

Urochloa distachya Tropical Signalgrass POACEAE 

Verbesina encelioides Golden Crownbeard; Skunk Daisy ASTERACEAE 

Vitex trifolia Simpleleaf Chastetree LAMIACEAE 

Youngia japonica Oriental False Hawksbeard ASTERACEAE 

Zeuxine strateumatica Soldier's Orchid; Lawn Orchid ORCHIDACEAE 

Zoysia matrella Manila Templegrass; Manilagrass POACEAE 

Zoysia tenuifolia Manila Templegrass; Mascarenegrass POACEAE 
140 
141

VIII. List of Preparers 

Steve Klett, Refuge Manager, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Key Largo, Florida 

Van Fischer, Refuge Planner, Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges, Big Pine Key, Florida 

Phil Frank, Project Leader, Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges, Big Pine Key, Florida