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SFNRC TECHNICAL REPORT 97-002 

Restoring Wetlands on Abandoned 

Agricultural Lands in Everglades 

National Park, a Strategic Plan for 

guiding the Research, Monitoring, and 

Management of the "Hole-in-theDonut" Restoration Program 

SFNRC, EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, 40001 STATE ROAD 9336, HOMESTEAD FL, 33035-6733 
RESTORING WETLANDS ON ABANDONED 

AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN 

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK 

A Strategic Plan for Guiding the Research, Monitoring, and 

Management of the "Hole-in-the-Donut" Restoration Program 

SOUTH FLORIDA NATURAL RESOURCES CENTER 

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK 
Doren, Robert F., D.L. Childers, T.V. Armentano, W.J. Platt, C. Horvitz, M. Norland, 

and B. Sparkman. 1997. Restoring Wetlands on Abandoned Agricultural Lands in 

Everglades National Park; a Strategic Plan for Guiding the Research, Monitoring, and 

Management of the "Hole-in-the-Donut" Restoration Program. South Florida Natural 

Resources Center Technical Report 97-002. 35 pp. 

717 /9712 : 52 PMC :I DA T A I DONUTlTARGETISC1PLA NI PLA N . DOCIM A STPLN5 . DOC 2 
Prepared by 

Robert F. Doren 

South Florida Natural Resources Center 

Everglades National Park 

National Park Service: 

40001 State Road 9336 

Homestead, Florida 33034 

Drafting Committee 

Robert F. Doren 

Thomas V. Armentano 

Michael Norland 

South Florida Natural Resources Center (SFNRC) 

Everglades National Park 

40001 State Road 9336 

Homestead, Florida 33034 

Florida International University: 

Dan Childers 

Barry Sparkman (Graphics) 

Southeast Environmental Research Program (SERP) 

Florida International University 

University of Miami: 

Louisiana State University: 

Approved: 

Miami, Florida 33199 

Carol Horvitz (Transition Model) 

Department of Biology 

University of Miami 

Coral Gables, Florida 

Bill Platt (Transition Model) 

Department of Biology 

University of Louisiana 

Baton Rogue, Louisiana 

7/5/976:21 PMC:IDA TA IDONUTI TARGETISCIPLANIPLAN .DOCIMASTPLNS.DOC 

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IN REPLY REFER TO: 

United States Department of the Interior 

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 

Everglades National Park 

and 

Dry Tortugas National Park 

4000 I Srare Road 93.'36 

Homestead. Florida 33034-6733 

In 1993, Everglades National Park, Dade County and the National Park Foundation, entered into a 

partnership to restore approximately 6,000 acres .of former agricultural land in Everglades National Park, 

known as the "Hole-in-the-Donut" (HID). Through cooperation with Dade County, the Florida 

Department of Environmental Protection and the US Army Corps of Engineers, the HID was established 

as a Mitigation Bank, the first in Florida. Using the mitigation funds from permitted development 

projects in Dade County, the Park is undertaking a precedent setting program of exotic removal and 

wetland restoration for the entire Hole-in-the-Donut. 

This restoration program has involved over a decade of development, planning, field experiments and 

reports, and permitting. Over approximately the next fifteen years the Park will implement this largescale wetland restoration program. This program is one of the largest and most ambitious wetland 

restoration projects in the world and when completed will not only restore about 6,000 acres of shorthydroperiod wetland, but also provide enormous benefit to the habitats surrounding the HID that are in 

serious jeopardy from Brazilian Pepper invasion. 

The National Park Service and Everglades National Park would never have been able to undertake nor 

afford a project of this magnitude on its own. Only through the tremendous cooperative spirit, support 

and desire to develop constructive and active partnerships by all the agencies and organizations involved, 

and in particular Dade County and the County's Department of Environmental Resources Managment, 

has the Park been able to achieve this milestone. The Park considers this program a model of cooperation 

and partnering among agencies that has lead to the implementation of a major element of Everglades 

Restoration. 

Through the HID science program described in this strategic plan, the Park will be able to use the 

scientific information from this program to enhance our understanding of restoration and many of the 

effects that people have on Everglades environments, and help adapt our management as information 

becomes available. And, through this program of mitigation and science, Everglades National Park and 

Dade County will be able to ensure a comprehensive and successful program of exotic plant control and 

wetland restoration for one ofthe most important habitats in the Everglades. 

This program is being implemented by the South Florida Natural Resources Center in Everglades 

National Park. Should you have any questions regarding the program please contact the Project Manager, 

Dr. Michael Norland at (305)242-7800 orby email at Mike_Norland@nps.gov. 

Sincerely, 

• 

7/5/976:20 PMC:IDATAIDONUTITARGETISCIPLANIPLAN.DOCIMASTPLN5.DOC 4 
RESTORING WETLANDS ON ABANDONED 

AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK 

EXECUTIVESU~ARY 

This strategic plan focuses upon the research, monitoring, and model~ng objectives that 

must be addressed to guide the management and restoration of the Hole-in-the-Donut 

(HID) and represents a synthesis of the scientific concepts and questions that relate to 

HID restoration. It is intended to provide structure and integration to the HID science 

program, and incorporate an iterative process for further refmement of the program and 

provide the framework, the protocol, and the process for implementing and directing HID 

restoration. 

The restoration program has five broad goals: 1) define and characterize the structure and 

function of native communities as reference systems; 2) permanently remove invasive 

exotics from the HID and restore a self-sustaining ecosystem; 3) integrate research, 

monitoring and management; 4) fund research relevant to restoration that may also be 

applicable to other restoration questions and programs; and 5) evaluate cost effective 

restoration alternatives. 

The objectives of the research element of the restoration program are: 1) determine the 

structure and function of the original ec,Osystem (reference condition); 2) given the 

reference condition, determine if "successful" restoration re-creates structure or function; 

3) if not, determine why not; and, 4) if not, determine what alternatives may be available 

to change "undesirable" trajectories. 

The purposes of this Strategic Plan are: (1) provide a document for investigators to use in 

developing scientific proposal for research related to HID restoration; (2) define the 

conceptual framework for developing a science plan for the HID; (3) guide the 

implementation of the science; (4) guide management of the restoration; (5) monitor the 

results of management; and (6) ensure feedback of research findings to the management 

decision-making process (adaptive management). The plan is intended for research 

. scientists, and Everglades National Park. It provides information and guidance to 

scientists who need to understand the program's objectives and framework in order to 

develop research projects; it establishes mechanisms for review and oversight to the 

science program and products resulting from it; and it outlines the process by which 

modifications to the HID restoration activities and management will be made in response 

to research findings. It also will provide information about the HID science and 

management program to Everglades National Park's scientists and managers so they can 

apply scientific findings in modifying the overall HID restoration program as appropriate. 

Key Words: Everglades National Park, Abandoned Farmland, Restoration, Strategic 

Plan, Hole-in-the-Donut, Wetlands 

717 / 9717.: 51 PMC:\DA TA \ DONUT\TARGET\SCIPLAN\PLAN .DOC\MASTPLN5.DOC 5 
EXECUTIVESU~ARY 

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE 

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK 

HID RESTORATION HISTORY 

SOIL COMPACTING - 1976 

TABLE OF CONJ'ENTS 

PINELAND REsTORATION - PINE PLANTING - 1973 llIROUGH 1977 

HARDWOOD PLANTING - 1978 llIROUGH 1982 

GRAMINOID RE-ESTABLISHMENT - 1972ll1ROUGH 1977 

"SLOUGH" RE-ESTABLISHMENT AND "HAMMOCK" CONSTRUCTION - 1976 

SCHINUS CONTROL AND REMOVAL 

SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES 

CENTRAL RESEARCH QUESTIONS 

CORE SUBJECT-MATTER AREAS 

RESEARCH PROGRAM 

PRIMARY GOALS 

MAJOR RESEARCH TOPIC AREAS 

INTERACTIONS OF STRUCTURE WIlli FuNCllON 

EXOTIC PLANT ESTABLISHMENT 

RESTORATION ALTERNATIVES 

VEGETATION DYNAMICS AND SUCCESSION 

RESTORATION PROGRAM 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES 

CURRENT REsTORATION PROGRAM 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 

THE PLAN 

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 

FuNDING 

71719712 : 58 PM C :IDA TA IDONUTITARGETISCIPLAN\ PLAN .DOCIMASTPLN5.DOC 

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LINKING RESEARCH AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT 

SCIENTIFIC INTEGRATION, REVIEW AND OVERSIGHT 

TARGET REsTORATION TEAM 

SCIENCE PEER REVIEW AND OVERSIGHT 

LITERATURE CITED 

7/71971Z: 58 PMC :IDA TA IDONUT\TARGETISCIPLANIPLAN .DOCIMASTPLN5.DOC 

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BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE 

Everglades National Park 

Everglades National Park is a 600,000 ha subtropical wilderness in the continental 

United States at the southern terminus of Florida's wetland complex known as the 

Everglades. The principal ecosystem types within the Park include shallow-water 

marine habitats (226,000 ha), saltwater wetland forests and marshes (182,000 ha), 

freshwater marshes and prairies (231,566 ha), and upland complexes of pine and 

hardwood forests (8,000 ha). 

One of the major factors controlling the distribution of the vegetation within the 

Everglades is the hydrological pattern, defined by the depth, timing, and duration 

of inundation as well as the quality and salinity of the source water. The flat 

topography, temporal distribution of rainfall, and proximity to the coast all 

interact to determine the hydrologic regime over the region. Surficial geology and 

overlying soil type also influence plant species composition and abundance. 

Disturbances, both natural (including fire, freezes, hurricanes, etc.) and 

anthropogenic perturbation (altered fire regimes, drainage, development, 

introduction of exotic pest plants) also have powerful effects on vegetation 

patterns. 

Loope (1992) considers the Everglades among the top four National Park 

locations in the US in terms of the severity of exotic plant invasion. At least 217 

introduced plant species (approximately 25% of the total flora) are known to 

occur in the Park (Whiteaker and Doren, 1990). Some of these, notably Schinus, 

are considered to be the most serious long-term threat to the Everglades 

ecosystem. 

Multiple factors appear to promote the success of exotic plant species in southern 

Florida. Humans have accelerated the rate of sp.ecies introduction by 

transplanting landscape ornamentals, and agricultural and medicinal plants. 

Southern Florida's island-like situation probably accounts for much of its 

susceptibility to exotic plant invasions (Myers, 1983; Loope and MuellerDombois, 1989; Loope, 1992). Although natural disturbances provide 

opportunities for weedy species to become established (Myers 1975, Wade et al. 

1980; Ewel et al. 1982) these opportunities have been amplified by human 

activities. The most successful invaders are so well adapted to an altered niche 

that they out-compete native species (Meador 1977; Ewel et al. 1982). 

'717 /9712: S2 PMC :IDA TA IDONUTI TA RGETISCIPLANI PLAN .DOCIMAS T PLNS.DOC 8 
HID Restoration History . 

A major site of exotic invasion within the Park is an area that was predominantly 

marl prairie now called The Hole-in-the-Donut (HID) (Figure 1). This area of 

approximately 2000 ha is virtually a monospecific stand of Brazilian pepper 

(Schinus terebinthifolius). Schinus is a major threat to the natural communities in 

the surrounding pine rockland savannas, mesic prairies and hammocks. Long 

Pine Key, habitat for numerous endemic and endangered species, represents the 

only intact habitat of South Florida Rock Ridge pine savannas left in the world. 

Control and removal of Schinus is critical to the restoration and long-term 

survival of this important habitat. 

The Park tried numerous methods in an attempt to restore the HID to native 

vegetation during and following final acquisition. However, the previous land-use 

of rock-plowing (a process that plows the surficial rock and breaks it up into a 

suitable substrate for farming) and farming, and the resulting invasion of Schinus, 

frustrated all efforts at restoration of the site. In 1975, Schinus was found in the 

HID in only one area of approximately 30 hectares. Schinus invasion became 

noticeable throughout the HID around 1980 - 1982, and became dominant around 

1985 - 1986 and remains dominant today. During the early 1970s and into the late 

1980s, the Park tested numerous methods to restore the HID and later to eliminate 

Schinus. These methods included: 

Soil Compacting - 1976 

An area of approximately 1 ha of farmed soil in former pineland was compacted--

with large 12-ton rollers--in 'an attempt to recreate the dense character of the 

native limestone rock substrate. Compacting rates and species composition were 

evaluated on compacted and uncompacted farmed substrate and on natural 

substrate. Compaction tests indicated no difference between compacted and 

uncompacted farmed substrate, and vegetation analysis showed no differences in 

species colonization. Growth rates of the plants on compacted soils were slightly 

slower for the first few weeks or months after compacting than growth rates for 

plants on uncompacted soils. Compaction did not consolidate the substrate. After 

rain re-moistened the soil, and sufficient plant growth occurred on the site, the 

compacting activity was found to have had virtually no residu~ effect. The 

investigators recommended that no further compaction trials be conducted. 

Compacting appeared unsuccessful since the structure of the rock-plowed soil did 

not lend itself to consistent or permanent recompressing of the material into a 

hardened matrix. 

717/9712:52 PMC: I DA fA IDONUTITARGETISCIPLANIPLA N.DOCIMASTPLN5.DOC 9 
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Pineland Restoration - Pine Planting - 1973 through 1977 

Prior to Schinus invasion, pineland restoration was tried using several alternatives. 

Pine were planted as seedlings (potted and bare-root), Speedlings®TM (seedlings 

grown in specially designed containers to aid tap root development), transplants, 

potted plants (l gallon containers with augured holes), and as seed. 

Approximately 30,000 pine plants were planted in various trials from 1972 

through 1'977. The management and follow-up Of the plantings generally included 

watering once per week (for six weeks up to six months depending on the trial) 

until established, mowing, disking, or herbicide treatments between plants to 

prevent weed competition. Management and monitoring of pine continued for up 

to two years after planting in most cases. Within the first six weeks, mortality was 

>99% for bare-root seedlings and transplants, >90% for Speedlings®TM, 

approximately 50% for potted seedlings, and < 20% for potted plants in augured 

holes. After two years of monitoring only some of the potted plants remained 

alive. While monitoring and management have not occurred since about 1977 -

1979, we have been able to document less than 15-20 surviving potted pines as of 

the last field survey in 1986. While no survey has been conducted since then, 

recent observations indicate that Hurricane Andrew may have removed most of 

the remaining survivors. Pine planting appeared unsuccessful because of the rapid 

growth of weeds and concomitant competition for light, space, water and 

nutrients. Most plants died prior to the end of the maintenance phase. This 

indicates that either the conditions even with maintenance were extremely 

unfavorable, or that site maintenance was not intense enough to ensure survival. 

Hardwood Planting - 1978 through 1982 

Approximately 20,000 hardwoods grown in 2 gallon containers were planted 

during this project. The. project involved clearing Schinus with bulldozers, 

planting of different native hammock species in augured holes, and watering the 

plantings for several months to allow the trees to become established. The intent 

of the project was to plant hardwood species in a pattern that would mimic 

hammock structure (with larger trees toward the center) and allow the native trees 

to develop a closed canopy thus preventing Schinus invasion into these sties. 

Maintenance of the areas between the trees continued for up to two years after. 

planting. Survival was not monitored after project completion. The last field 

survey of the sites occurred in 1986. Many of the trees survived but the areas 

between and around the trees are now dominated by Schinus. The trees are simply · 

isolated specimens in a matrix of Schinus. The canopy of hardwoods even where 

reasonably dense was insufficient to prevent Schinus invasion. This project was 

probably unsuccessful for two reasons. First, period of control of Schinus and 

other weeds in the areas between the trees may have been to short. Second, 

understory development, even with a longer-term maintenance schedule, 

ultimately included Schinus after maintenance stopped, which then developed into 

717 /9712: 52 PMC :\DA TA \DONUT\TA RGET\SCIPLAN\PLA N. DOC\ MASTPLN5 . DOC 11 
a matrix surrounding the planted trees. While many of the trees still survive, they 

had no effect on subsequent Schinus invasion. 

Graminoid Re-establishment - 1972 through 1977 

A number of graminoid species, including Cladium (Sawgrass) and Muhlenbergia 

(Muhly Grass), were planted in an attempt to reestablish the native graminoid 

communities present in the HID prior to farming. These plants were collected 

from the Park as seed and transplanted material. Numerous plots were established 

where seed, transplants, and sometimes both were planted. This project was 

carried out prior to Schinus becoming a noticeable threat and was seen only as a 

way of restoring natural features and vegetation. The plots were maintained for 

up to two years by watering and hand weeding. No germination or seedling 

establishment was recorded. Some transplanted graminoid clumps survived for 

several years after maintenance stopped. As of the last field survey in 1986, no 

surviving transplants were found in the plots that could be located. All known 

plot sites were completely dominated by Schinus or a mixture of Schinus with 

other woody plants (predominately Ludwigia and Baccharis). These projects 

appear to have failed because; 1) no germination occurred in seed that was placed 

in the sites (the reason for lack of germination is unknown), and 2) the gr~sses 

and sedges that were planted seemed ill suited to the disturbed substrate. Also, 

based on the locations of some of the plots, there may have been an insufficient 

hydroperiod when combined with the altered soil. 

"Slough" Re-establishment and "Hammock" Construction - 1976 

The first project that involved substrate removal was a "Hammock" construction 

project. The substrate from a small pineland transverse glade ("slough") was used 

to create a nearby mound of earth that was planted with hammock species. The 

purpose was to develop an "upland" environment where the hammock trees would 

develop. This project was done before Schinus was a noticeable threat to the area, 

and thus was seen only as a way of restoring natural features. While some of the 

trees are still surviving, the mound has been invaded by Schinus and the trees are 

predominantly isolated in a matrix of Schinus. However, the small transverse 

glade where the substrate was removed has remained free of Schinus since 1976, 

and is dominated by native wetland species. This site served as the first example 

for development of the current HID restoration project. 

71719712: 52 PMC :I DA TA I DONUTITA RG ETISC IPLA NIPLA N .DOCI M A STPLN5 . DOC 12 
Schinus Control and Removal 

Numerous attempts to control Schinus, often somewhat independent of other 

restoration activities, were made from about 1978 through 1989. These included 

mechanical and chemical control activities and fire, and involved several applied 

research experiments. These projects are too numerous to discuss at length here. 

However none succeeded in controlling Schinus. Detailed reports and records are 

available through the SFNRC, for most of the projects. Please refer to the 

Literature Cited and the HID Information Resource Directory (Appendix B of this 

plan) for more information. The HID Information Resource Directory contains a 

complete listing of all the available information on the HID project. 

SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES 

The objective of the research is to guide management actions towards the 

restoration goals of the project. Research, therefore, should also address 

alternative management options for restoring the site, and help managers set 

targets and measure the success of the project. 

Implicit in the restoration goal is. the intention to numnuze or eliminate 

anthropogenic processes harmful to the natural ecosystem. Absent from this goal 

is any intent to modify the natural functions or to enhance the prospects of any 

single native species to the detriment of any others. This perspective has guided 

us in developing the scientific goals and objectives described below. 

Scientific objectives and questions should be focused so that answers will provide 

guidance for restoration. Four key restoration questions are: 1) What is the 

structure, and resulting function, of the original ecosystem (reference condition)?; 

2) given the reference condition, does "successful" restoration re-create structure 

or function ?; 3) if not, why not?; and 4) if not, what course corrections could be 

taken to change "undesirable" trajectories? 

The above questions emphasize inquiry into concepts relating to: (1) ecological 

mechanisms that can transform disturbed vegetation assemblages to more natural 

communities and assemblages; (2) key interactions with areas outside the project 

area that control site characteristics and spatial heterogeneity (e.g. hydrology and 

landscape-scale movement of exotics); or (3) structural and functional 

characteristics of native communities. Alternatives could also include 

determination of: (4) appropriate assessment technologies and protocols for 

tracking success; or (5) alternative approaches to achieving restoration goals. 

Management options and capabilities should remain regional in context, and the 

7/7/9711: 5% PMC: I Dh TA IDONUTITARGETISCIPLANIPLAN .DOCIM ASTPLNS . DOC 13 
principal available options should relate to controlling physical or chemical 

factors (e.g., manipulation of water, fire, substrate, improved management 

practices, control of exotics, nutrient removal, etc.). In contrast, the success of 

restoration will be measured in biological terms. For example, the HID pilot 

restoration site has provided a new site frequently used by wading birds, ducks, 

and deer, and serves as edge habitat (primary habitat for deer and panther). 

Ecological functions such as these must serve as criteria for evaluating the success 

of HID restoration. Thus, interdisciplinary research must link physical and 

chemical factors to biological processes. 

Over the next several decades, the HID will provide an unparalleled opportunity 

to test hypotheses regarding succession, and biotic/abiotic interactions in a 

subtropical wetland ecosystem particularly prone to natural disturbance with many 

superimposed anthropogenic disturbances. These are concepts which the Park 

considers key to understanding and managing the Everglades. Many researchers 

have either tried to apply temperate concepts or models, or implied that there is no 

succession. The Park believes that such concepts or models are not appropriate to 

the Everglades. 

There also will be a need to integrate the science program temporally. In 10 years, 

as soil removal proceeds under the current restoration plan, there will be 10 sites 

of differing age since soil removal. Because these spatial and temporal 

increments of restored area will be experimental units, statistical analysis and 

modeling needs will be important considerations in experimental design. 

It is important that investigators understand the significance of developing 

proposals that answer questions which are fundamental to the restoration. 

Questions of primary importance developed in a carefully considered proposal 

will be competitive for funding while secondary or tertiary questions will 

generally not be. It is also important that investigators understand that their work 

will be performed in an adaptive management context. This means that activities 

and management alternatives may occur or cause site changes (prescribed fires, 

construction methods, etc.) with time and increased understanding. Investigators 

should be prepared for possible changes in the context and landscape in which 

they are collecting information, especially if your project may extend for 3 or 

more years. 

The HID program is, by design and implication, an entirely applied science 

program. Because its purpose is to restore natural structure and function to a 

highly disturbed area, any research conducted as part of this program must focus 

on the what, how, and why of the central restoration theme. Thus, a succinctly 

stated set of central research questions is needed to focus the individual and 

collective research studies from project inception to conclusion. Each proposal 

must speak to how the research project will; (1) incorporate the adaptive 

management approach and needs of the HID project; (2) integrate with other 

71719712: 52 PMC :I DA TA IDONUTITA RGETISCIPLA NI PLA N.DOCIMASTPLN5.DOC 14 
proposed and existing studies; (3) address the issues and approaches outlined in 

the HID science plan; and (4) address any of the central questions related to the 

overall restoration. As projects advance and new infonnation becomes available, 

it will be equally important to consistently review progress, and define any new 

directions and management applications using a consistent, yet pliant framework. 

Central Research Questions 

1. What environmental factors characterize or control the community and 

ecosystem development resulting from restoration? 

2. How do patterns and processes in restored wetlands (or other 

communities) compare to native wetlands (or other communities)? 

3. Can native or restored wetlands (or other communities) be kept free of 

exotics? 

4. How do restoration activities affect other habitats, and vice versa? 

5. What are the socioeconomic implications/values of restored (or natural) 

wetlands? 

Core Subject-Matter Areas 

1. General hydrological, meteorological, and physical data gathering and 

monitoring. 

2. Nutrient cycling and biogeochemistry. 

3. Macrophyte development (cover, richness, biomass, productivity, 

reproduction, etc.). 

4. Soils development (structure and function). 

5. Periphyton community dynamics (productivity, decomposition). 

6. Trophic dynamics, food webs, consumer population dynamics. 

7. Habitat utilization by species at different Trophic leyels. 

8. Energy flow, modeling, community and landscape-level synthesis and 

analysis. 

717 /9711: 51 PMC :I DA TA IDONUTITA RGETISCIPLANI PLA N. DOCI M ASTPLN 5. DOC 15 
RESEARCH PROGRAM 

Primary Goals 

Successful restoration will require long-term, goal-oriented research that 

integrates past and emerging results into the management decision-making 

process. The proposed research agenda, discussed in detail below, addresses 

several broad and complementary yet flexible research goals. This program will 

provide a basic understanding of: 1) the ecological factors controlling structure 

and function; 2) results of past efforts; 3) a means to predict results of 

management alternatives, and; 4) measures of success. Primary goals include the 

following: 

1) Determine what natural commumtIes existed prior to farming and rockplowing. The HID restoration area contained a heterogeneous array of plant 

communities, even though it was predominantly marl prairie (Krauss, unpublished 

report and vegetation maps, Everglades National Park), that provided a range of 

habitats for numerous species. A better understanding of those communities 

(developed from available historical information, and surrounding communities as 

examples), will help provide an "idealized" target for restoration. Although 

precise in situ restoration of native communities may prove impossible, an 

historical understanding provides a perspective on the extent and effectiveness of 

management restoration actions. 

2) Review and examine the restoration methods that were previously tried (and 

those that may be proposed in the future), and why they were or were not 

successful. While much of the information available is not well documented, nor 

appropriate for statistical analyses, it should be more thoroughly examined and 

compiled in a comprehensive report summarizing the results of previous work. In 

addition, a comprehensive literature review of wetland ecosystem restoration is 

needed to place the HID effort in the larger ecosystem restoration context. New 

restoration methods that may be proposed for experimentation should also be 

carefully designed to avoid past analyses and data problems, and evaluated for 

cost and efficacy. 

3) Understand anthropogenic effects within the context of natural system function 

and variation, and determine what factors are key in establishing a "preferred" 

restoration target. It is essential that we understand what ecological factors or 

forcing functions are causing the succession to wetland under the soil removal 

scenario and to Schinus where the soil is left. Farming was not solely responsible 

for causing the shift in succession from wetland to exotic forest. Areas farmed 

prior to the advent of rock-plowing or exotics returned entirely to native 

vegetation. Multiple factors appear to be involved. Separating anthropogenic ally7 / 7/ 9712: S2 PMC :I DA T A l OON UTITA RGETISCIPLA NIPLA N .DOCI MASTPLNS.DOC 16 
induced changes from natural system variation will provide critical information to 

understand why some perturbations--or other factors, such as presence or absence 

of propagules--result in Schinus, whereas others result in wetlands. 

4) Develop a basic understanding of the ecology of the evolving landscape by 

evaluating alternative hypotheses. Utilizing spatial and temporal data in- an 

experimental (statistical) design and modeling context will help us understand the 

factors (and their interactions) that cause change in the HID restoration area. 

5) Develop the capability to predict the response to perturbation of a subset of 

species or ecological processes that collectively may be considered indicators of 

key processes or functions of the HID restoration landscape. Restoration will 

require choosing among alternative management actions based on ecosystem 

responses. Relating the responses of these indicators to potential management 

alternatives is one way in which an ecological understanding becomes a key 

ingredient in the decision-making processes of agency managers. 

6) Develop a series of "success criteria" or "performance measures" to establish 

the desired future condition(s) for the site. Key measures need to be made in 

parallel natural communities that serve as reference sites for evaluating successful 

restoration. The early vegetation successional patterns in the pilot mitigation site 

more closely resembled abandoned farm fields than wetlands, in species 

composition. This difference was evident both annually and seasonally (i.e. from 

wet to dry season) during the first 3-5 years after construction. Currently, the pilot 

site resembles a more natural range of everglades wetland associations in 

composition, albeit not in abundance or frequency. Changes in species 

composition between wet and dry season has virtually disappeared, and the 

frequency of important wetland plants (such as Cladium) has significantly 

increased. 

Major Research Topic Areas 

Management decisions on restoration must be based on a scientific understanding 

of the principles that direct succession toward a 'preferred' state under one 

scenario and an 'undesirable' state under another. The ultimate 'preferred' state is 

closely linked to the pre-farming conditions. Understanding the fundamental 

nature of the changes the area has experienced, and the various natural and 

anthropogenic processes determining its present and future status, is probably key 

to developing a successful long-term restoration program. The following 

comprehensive topics describe the major gaps in our present understanding of the 

restoration area, our continuing data needs, and the necessity of improving our 

management and predictive capacity. Carrying out these specified tasks will 

provide answers to the critical questions if restoration is to advance on a 

717/9712: 52 PMC :\DA TA \ DONUT\ TA RGET\SCIPLAN\ PLAN .DOC\MASTPLN S.DOC 17 
scientifically sound basis. Investigators should consider the following as a guide 

for the basis of hypotheses or research questions. 

Much of the available scientific information focuses on pattern or structure of 

plant and animal communities. The processes that interact and interrelate with 

these patterns are often ignored. The Park believes it is crucial to develop 

linkages between process and pattern. Both are interrelated and neither can be 

isolated nor assumed to "drive" the other. If the HID research program is to 

provide an understanding of the forces associated with pattern and structure it 

must be able to link the processes and patterns, and describe their 

interrelationships. The following list of questions relating structure and function 

are considered to be the most important such questions facing the HID restoration 

program. Research proposals, individually or collectively should try to address a 

component of one or more of these broad questions that are broken out into 

topical areas. Within topical areas the questions are in lose priority. 

Interactions of Structure with Function 

1. How are structure and functionl related in newly created wetlands in 

general, and specifically in oligotrophic Everglades wetlands? 

2. 'Are "differences" in plant 'or animal communities/associations (i.e., 

species composition, occurrence, use, cover, dominance, richness, etc.), 

independent of function and state condition in newly created wetlands? 

3. Are plant or animal commumtIes and associations structural 

representations of function and state variables in newly created wetlands? 

4. How do the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors, including 

disturbance, determine the outcome of the restoration activity? 

5. Can manipUlation of the abiotic or biotic elements of the area redirect the 

outcome in a "preferred' way for a particular outcome? 

6. What are the preferred structures and functions for the restoration site? 

7. How do whole-system productivity and energy flow change as these newly 

created wetlands develop? 

1 By structure we mean the composition, distribution, and relative abundance of species as wen as the appropriate 

distribution of production and biomass and the key linkages among species. By function we mean the full set of 

hydrological and biogeochemical processes through which the flows of materials and energy support plant and 

animal assemblages. 

7 /719711:52 PMC:I OA TA IOONUTITA RGETISCIPLANIPLAN,OOCIMASTPLNS.OOC 18 
8. How important is spatial variabilitylheterogeneity in understanding the 

interaction of structure and function in newly created wetlands? 

Exotic Plant Establishment 

1. Are native or newly created wetlands more or less easily invaded by exotic 

pest plants? If so why and what makes them so? 

2. Why does alteration of the physical substrate by rock-plowing favor 

Schinus to the exclusion of almost everything else? 

3. What is the interaction between elevation, hydrology, and nutrients in 

influencing survival and persistence of Brazilian Pepper (and other exotics)? 

4. Do nutrients control establishment of Brazilian Pepper, or is it a 

combination of nutrients and other factors? 

Restoration Alternatives 

1. What role does the hydro-pattern play in achieving the biological objective 

of the restoration project? 

2. Could the biological objectives of the restoration project be achieved 

without removing the substrate? 

3. How does the chemistry of rock plowed substrate differ from unaltered 

substrate? Can the soil characteristics/chemistry of the altered substrate be 

changed and still lead to successful restoration? 

Vegetation Dynamics and Succession 

1. What are the characteristics of successional velocity and trajectory after 

soil removal and other major soil disturbances in newly created wetlands? 

2. Does germination and dispersal of propagules affect successional velocity 

or trajectory, and is this related to proximity of natural sites? 

3. What are the seed sources for re-colonization of newly created wetlands? 

7 / 7/9711 : 51 PMC:\DA TA \DONUT\ TA RGET\ SCIPLAN\ PLAN.DOC\MASTPLNS .DOC 19 
RESTORATION PROGRAM 

Ideally, initial restoration actions would be so successful as to require no further 

management. 

Program Objectives 

We have identified four objectives for an expanded restoration essential to ensure 

a fully integrated restoration program. All must operate in combination to ensure 

the program's success. The expanded restoration, which has already been 

initiated, is expected to take approximately 15 years. The larger restoration 

program, which is described in tbis document, includes: 1) research intended to 

improve the restoration process as it proceeds; 2) restoration activities; 3) a 

monitoring program and; 4) a mechanism for linking research results to the 

restoration process and management of the HID area. The four objectives are: 

1) to define and characterize the structure and functions of native 

Everglades communities that can be used as reference systems for the HID 

restoration. 

2) to permanently remove invasive exotics from the HID and to restore a 

self-sustaining ecosystem, preferably closely resembling the structure and 

function, as well as the temporal dynamics, of reference systems2 of the 

phytogeographic region (Brinson and Rheinhardt 1996). 

3) to integrate the research, monitoring, and management elements of the 

restoration program with each other in order to most efficiently and 

effectively restore and manage the HID site to ensure that the HID 

restoration program complements the broader south Florida ecosystem 

restoration efforts. 

4) to fund research that is relevantto management actions directed toward 

HID restoration and that may be applicable to broader restoration 

questions and programs elsewhere, and to apply scientific findings to 

modify and improve the restoration and management of the HID as the 

restoration process proceeds. It is anticipated that what we learn from this 

research may be applicable to restoration efforts elsewhere. 

1 Reference systems must have their biological structure(s) defined. By structure we mean the composition, 

distribution, and relative abundance of species as well as the appropriate distribution of production and biomass and 

the key linkages among species. By function we mean the full set of hydrological and biogeochemical processes 

through which the flows of materials and energy support plant and animal assemblages. Reference systems are 

preferred targets but are not required targets. 

717/971 %: 5% PMC: IDA T A IDONUTI T A RG ETISCIPLANIPLAN .DOCI MASTPLN 5.DOC 20 
Differentiating Objectives, Research Areas, and Research Questions 

Objectives have been stated for three principal sections of the restoration program. 

The plan discusses objectives for the overall Restoration Program (see page 20) of 

which the broader research program is a component. ' It also discusses the 

objectives, stated as Primary Research Program Goals, for the research program 

(see page 16) that include many aspects of this programs scientific endeavors (e.g. 

background monitoring, assessment of past restoration efforts, etc.) beyond the 

current solicitation for research. And, more specifically, it outlines the Scientific 

Objectives of the research initiatives anticipated as a result of this solicitation for 

proposals (see page 13). Within the Scientific Objectives, Central Research 

Questions direct the focus of scientific inquiry, including identiying Major 

Research Topic Areas and Core Subject-Matter Areas. The following diagram is 

intended to provide an explicit illustration of the relationship of the objectives, 

research questions, and their general hierarchy. 

OVERALL PRIMARY Central Research 

RESTORATION RESEARCH Questions 

PROGRAM PROGRAM 

OBJECTIVES GOALS 

Major Research 

Topic Areas 

Background SCIENTIFIC 

Monitoring, etc. OBJECTIVES 

Core Subject- Matter 

Areas 

Current Restoration Program 

As a result of the success of two previous restoration projects [the 1976 slough 

reconstruction project described above, and a mesic prairie restoration in Dade 

County (Dalrymple 1993)], an experimental project was implemented in. the Park 

in 1989 as off-site mitigation for private wetland development in Dade County. 

The project involved the complete removal of disturbed substrate (soil) on 18 ha 

and the partial ~emoval of the substrate on an adjacent 6 ha (Doren et al. 1990a) 

(Figure 2). The goal was to determine if substrate removal would lead to the 

restoration of native wetland species and wetland function(s), and if so, whether 

complete substrate removal was necessary. 

71719711: 52 PMC: I DA TA IDONUTITARGETISCIPLANIPLAN.DOCIMASTPLN5 . DOC 21 
Figure 2. Arial view of pilot HID restoration site and outline of current restoration site. 

07/17/971:47 PM PMC:IDATAIDONUTfTARGET/SCIPLANIPLAN.DOC 22 
In these small scale trials, only complete removal of the farmed substrate -- marl 

and rock-land plowed and pulverized by a process called rock-plowing, to a 

substrate suitable for agriculture -- has shown promise for restoration of native 

flora and fauna. However, we do not yet have enough scientific knowledge to 

understand the mechanisms involved in restoration through the removal of the 

substrate, or if other alternative mechanisms also might be successful, less costly 

or more efficient. 

Total substrate removal effectively eliminated invasive exotic vegetation 

(particularly Schinus and Ardisia) and restored wetland species (Figure 3), while 

the area of partial removal was rapidly re-colonized by Schinus (Figure 4) 

(Dalrymple 1994). Thus, convincing data from the 1989 test project site (Doren 

and Dalrymple, in prep.), the two previous soil removal sites within the HID, and 

several such sites in the East Everglades, indicate that the restoration of native 

wetland species is possible through the complete removal of the fundamental 

disturbance--the artificially created substrate--with concomitant hydrological 

improvement(s) (in areas where drainage has not undermined possible 

hydrological improvements). While substrate removal may prove to be only one 

of several alternatives for successful restoration, it is currently the only technique 

that has had positive results, and is currently the primary approach for the 

expanded restoration program for the entire HID area (see Doren et al. 1990b, 

Dalrymple 1989, Dalrymple 1994, Dalrymple et al. 1993). 

Our current understanding of the successional changes in the HID that have 

occurred or may be possible are reflected in Figure 5. This figure is a transition 

model that illustrates the community associations that were or are part of the HID 

area, and the transitions that have resulted as a consequence of the various 

activities that have occurred. While we know what activities have occurred, we 

still can only speculate as· to the fundamental causes, or to what future transition 

states may be possible. 

From the information available and from field observations, we propose two 

hypotheses that seem to explain the lack of re-establishment of Schinus on the 

sites where farmed substrate has been completely removed. First, (even though 

seed germination is common on the site) removal of the substrate appears to 

prevent the establishment and recruitment of Schinus seedlings. Two mechanisms 

appear to be involved: (1) The absence of substrate for root development, and (2) 

removal of nutrients with the substrate. Second, dry season and wet season 

extremes appear to result in complete mortality of Schinus seedlings. Two 

mechanisms appear to be involved: (1) the site is completely dry for 2-5 months, 

and drought seems to be a major factor in eliminating many remaining seedlings 

in the slightly higher elevations; and, (2) in areas of lower elevation containing 

moist native marl or peat soils remaining after soil removal, Schinus seedlings 

survive the dry season. However, when heavy rains occur these lower areas 

71719712: 52 PMC :IOA TA IOONUTIT A RG ETISCIPLA NIPLA N. OOCIMASTPLN5.00C 23 
Figure 3. This area of the pilot restoration site, where soil was completely removed, clearly 

shows coverage by wetland plant assemblages without Schinus development 

(September 1996). 

07/17/972:05 PM PMC:IDAT AlDONUTIT ARGET/SCIPLAN/PLAt;I.DOC 24 
Figure 4. This area of the pilot restoration site, where only a portion of the soil was removed, 

clearly shows a succession of woody plants with dominance toward Schinus, 

(September 1996). This experiment was performed to determine if all of the 

disturbed substrate must be removed for successful restoration. 

07/ 17/97 2:19 PM PMC:/DATAlDONUTfTARGET/SCIPLANIPLAN.DOC 25 
0-5 AFTER FARMING ACTIVITY 

ABANDOt MENT PRIOR TO ROCKPLOWING 

FARMING OCCURRED ONLY IN 

MARL PRAIRIE (FINGER GLADES) 

NO SCHINUS PRESENT 

:041---5 YEARS--

DISCING MOWING 

3-4 TIMESIYEAR 3-4 TIMESIYEAR 

Figure 5. Transition Model depicting current understanding of vegetation transition in the 

HID. These transitions incorporate a time frame beginning prior to fanrung 

activities (ca. 1900), to the present. The model describes the vegetation 

associations and communities, farming or management actions affecting those 

communities, and their subsequent transition through time. 

07/17/972:51 PM PMC:IDATAIDONUTffARGET/SCIPLANIPLAN.DOC 26 
rapidly fill up with water and the seedlings are quickly "drowned". Findings from 

the pilot study indicate that Schinus seed rain continues, leading to germination, 

but seedling mortality rates of 100% have, so far, been the outcome for the eight 

year study. 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 

The Plan 

This plan to guide the HID restoration program is a synthesis of the following: 1) 

a preliminary research outline developed by Everglades National Park's South 

Florida Natural Resources Center and the Target Restoration Team, (see page 31); 

2) a statement of work developed as part of the Request for Proposal for the 

construction and basic monitoring contract; 3) the Florida Department of 

Environmental Regulation Mitigation Bank Perinit, 4) the US Army Corps of 

Engineers Section §404 Clean Water Act Permit; 5) previous research (Dalrymple 

1994, Dalrymple 1993, Doren et al. 1990a, Doren 1990b, Ewel et al. 1982, Ewel 

1986, Krauss 1987, Loope and Dunevitz 1981, Whiteaker and Doren 1990, Azis, 

et al. 1994; and 6) three previous science planning meetings. (November 6, 1995; 

April 1 - 2, 1996; November 15, 1996) of the Target Restoration Team, and one 

joint meeting of the Target Team and the Science Oversight Panel, (see page 32) 

January 9, 1997. In addition to these project specific elements, this plan follows 

the conceptual framework for science planning and restoration related to the South 

Florida Ecosystem Restoration Initiative developed by the Federal Task Force on 

Everglades Restoration. It incorporates many similar organjzational, planning, 

and implementation protocols found in the Science P{an' 'jor Florida Bay, a 

science planning document provided to the interagency Working Group on 

Florida Bay, April 1994; and the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration: Scientific 

Information Needs, Science Sub-Group Report, September 1994. In preparing 

this plan,we intentionally incorporated all conceptual elements of these 

documents to maintain a uniform approach to science application and systematic 

implementation in the broader framework of the South Florida Ecosystem 

Restoration Initiative. 

The implementation of this plan is iterative, as is the whole restoration program. 

It is implicit to adaptive management that planning will also adapt and change as 

new information becomes available. The Park intends to adapt this plan to ensure 

its currency and applicability through, public input, scientific peer review, and 

periodic revisions. 

717 /9712: 52 PMC :I DA TA IDONUTI TA RG ETISCII!LAN IPLA N .DOCI M ASTPL N 5. DOC 27 
Administrative Responsibilities and Research Activities 

No single organization has sufficient management control or scientific expertise to 

independently answer the broad research questions raised by attempts to restore 

wetlands. Only through cooperation, collaboration, and peer review can we 

expect to make complementary contributions and encourage synergy in the 

scientific enterprise entailed in this precedent-setting project. Everglades National 

Park has the principal responsibility for leading deliberations on the . HID 

restoration planning, for setting research/restoration goals, and for coordinating 

the science programs. The Park intends to carry out this responsibility by 

encouraging and developing a collegial and integrated program of research 

leading to a comprehensive understanding of the scientific questions underlying 

the concepts of restoration. It will be the Park's job to develop this restorationresearch-management program, to implement it, to adapt it and to make it 

successful. This document describes several mutually inclusive and supportive 

approaches to develop an integrated and adaptive science program toward the 

successful restoration of the HID. 

Funding 

The expanded project will be funded in a manner similar to the pilot project--

through funds set aside as off-site mitigation for the loss of wetlands in other areas 

of southern Florida. In 1992 Dade County passed an ordinance establishing the 

Freshwater Wetland Mitigation Trust Fund to evaluate and manage growth and 

development in two areas of the County, the Bird Drive Basin and the North Trail 

Basin, within the Urban Development Zone. The Fund was created by the Dade 

County Commission for use in acquiring, restoring, enhancing, managing, 

monitoring, and studying freshwater wetlands within Dade County. Two-thirds of 

the funds (a cumulative total of approximately $44 million in 1992 dollars) from 

this trust are directed to the National Park Foundation (which, for this project, 

serves as fiduciary agent for Everglades National Park). The HID project area 

serves as the off-site mitigation bank for these two urban development zones and 

for other permitted wetland losses within the Mitigation Service Area. The HID 

project Mitigation Service Area was expanded in May, 1997, by the Florida 

Department of Environmental Regulation (through a minor permit modification) 

to include all of Dade County. The Park has a unique opportunity to work 

cooperatively with the Metropolitan Dade County Department of Environmental 

Resources Management (DERM), the Florida Department of Environmental 

Protection (DEP), and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), to restore 

approximately 2,000 ha of former wetlands within the Park. 

7/7/9711: 51 PMC :IDA TA IDONUTITA RGETISCIPLA NIPLA N .DOCIMA STPLN S.DOC 28 
LINKING RESEA..RCH AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

Adaptive Management 

Adaptive Management is a process whereby scientific information is used to 

support and adapt management/restoration actions within natural systems. 

Conceptually, this process is iterative. To support restoration, the science 

program must be adaptive, long-term, and goal-oriented. The results of 

management actions are continually monitored, and this information is again used 

to further adapt management and restoration activities, both linking and 

redirecting scientific inquiry as appropriate to support the long-term management 

of the natural system. Biological, administrative, and logistical considerations 

argue that restoration of the HID will be a long-term process, and that the first 

iteration must achieve significant restoration benefits. The system's inherent 

complexity also suggests that the best tactic for testing and evaluating alternatives 

is predictive modeling. Modeling is central to the process of linking research 

findings and restoration actions. Modeling must be a priori, and an active part of 

the research, rather than simply be a post hoc data collation exercise. 

The recommended scientific approach embraces a closely linked and integrated 

program of monitoring, research, modeling and adaptive management. Through 

monitoring we can track critical ecosystem functions and provide baseline data for 

model parameters. Using research, we can develop an understanding of the biotic 

and abiotic processes regulating succession, and their underlying causal 

relationships. Through modeling, we can develop predictive tools to assess 

system response to change, to hind-cast historical conditions, and to develop, 

adapt, and select management alternatives. 

It may appear that the science related to the restoration of the HID is, like the 

project itself appears, very site specific--to remove artificial substrate and monitor 

wetland response. However, the causal factors that lead to Schinus dominance 

under certain conditions and wetland restoration under others are neither 

understood nor evident. Understanding the interactions of biotic and abiotic 

factors that determine form and function is the key to successful restoration and 

management of disturbed systems. Although southern Florida appears to have a 

high ratio of undisturbed to disturbed habitats, it is important to understand that 

there are essentially no areas in southern Florida that can be characterized as 

anthropogenically undisturbed. This argues for the importance of restoration 

efforts system-wide, in sustaining and where possible, reclaiming natural lands. 

Existing Monitoring Framework 

As a result of the pilot project, a number of monitoring programs have been 

7/7/9711: 51 PMC :IDA TA I DONUTITARGETISCIPLANIPLAN.DOCIMASTPLNS.DOC 29 
implemented to provide a basic level of data as a "research context". These data 

include: 1) water level and duration data for the site from 1989 to present (water 

level and duration data for other hydrological wells in the surrounding areas are 

also available); 2) elevation data to approximately 2 m2 resolution; 3) vegetation 

data from existing 10 X 10 m2 plots; 4) Schinus occurrence and phenological 

data; and 5) meteorological data (rainfall, relative humidity, temperature, 

insolation, wind speed and direction). 

In addition, the HID Information Resource Directory (appendix B of this plan), an 

annotated outline of all information pertaining to the HID that is currently on file 

with the South Florida Natural Resources Center, Everglades National Park, or on 

the Everglades Information Network and Digital Library (EINDL) World Wide 

Web site is available. The HID Information Resource Directory includes 

information on: current monitoring and research project information, news 

clippings (1963 through present), memoranda, letters, notes, field notes, data, soil 

samples, maps (including project plot locations and site information), 

photographs, slides of all past research and current restoration activities, drawings, 

and digital images, published and unpublished reports, agreements, legislation, 

NEP A compliance documentation, permits, etc.. More recent publications 

including this Strategic Plan, Guidelines for Proposal Preparation (appendix A), 

the HID Information Resource Directory (appendix B), and other reports are 

available on the HID home page, in the EINDL World Wide Web site. The 

Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is: http://everglades.fiu.edul 

Scientific Integration, Review and Oversight 

Many scientists may be generally interested in the HID restoration program itself 

and others in actually conducting research needed to understand the biotic and 

abiotic processes that will result in successful restoration. In order to 

accommodate the identified interests and provide a sound framework for this 

scientific endeavor, the South Florida Natural Resources Center in Everglades 

National Park has identified four requirements for organizing the scientific 

process. First, integration of the scientific interests and individual research 

projects is critical to ensure the many scientists are working for a common goal 

and understanding. Second, peer review and scientific oversight of the individual 

and collective research are important to achieve integration and keep individual 

projects focused on the unified goals. Third, establish protocols for development, 

peer review, and acceptance of funding for research proposals [including a set of 

protocols for preparing, submitting, and approving research project proposals (see 

Guidelines for Proposal Preparation, appendix A)] to provide direction and focus 

for investigators. Fourth, establish a mechanism for synthesizing and 

incorporating scientific findings into the restoration and management of the HID. 

To accomplish this, the Park is coordinating with two groups of scientists: the 

Target Restoration Team and the Science Peer Review and Oversight Panel. 

71719712:52 PMC: \ DA TA \ DONUT\ TA RGET\SCIPLAN\ PLAN.DOC\ MASTPLN5.DO C 30 
Target Restoration Team 

This informal group consists of individual scientists and managers from 

Everglades National Park, other government agencies, and academia, who are 

either involved in managing some aspect(s) of the HID program, are providing 

technical support, or are performing research directly involved with the 

restoration. The primary purpose of the Target Restoration Team is to ensure that 

individual research projects are integrated. The Target Restoration Team concept 

also facilitates communication, coordination, and scientific collaboration ain.ong 

the individual scientists and managers, however they may be involved with HID 

restoration. The Target Team was initiated by the South Florida Natural 

Resources Center in April 1996. 

Coordination of scientific methods and data is critical if the restoration program is 

to be successful in synthesizing and applying scientific information. For example, 

plant taxa must be agreed upon by all investigators in order for data that are 

ultimately used by the Park to be consistent within and between projects. The 

Target Restoration Team plays a critical role in bringing scientists together to 

ensure consistency of data within and between individual projects. 

The Target Restoration Team will meet as needed, but probably no less than 2-3 

times per year. The members of the team will perform the following functions: 

1) Implement individual research projects as approved and/or funded by 

the Park (see Guidelines for Proposal Submission, Appendix A). 

2) Attend Team meetings to enhance information exchange and ensure 

continued integration of individual efforts into the overall science 

program. 

3) Provide information and data, as appropriate, to other HID science 

program collaborators who need such information in their research efforts 

(such as modeling, development of sampling protocols, environmental 

assessments, etc.). 

4) Occasionally serve as individual technical reviewers of research 

proposals [see Guidelines for Proposal Submission (Appendix A)], 

ensuring that technical elements of the proposals are rigorous and 

appropriate for the region, and are clearly relevant to research needs 

defined in the HID Science Plan. [Note: this review is for technical 

elements only; all proposals will undergo peer-review by scientists who 

are not competing for funding under this program.] 

5) Review the scientific progress of the overall program and of the 

individual research projects through science conferences. 

7/7/9712:52 PMC :\DA TA \ DONUT\ TARGET\SCIPLAN\PLAN.DOC\MASTPLN5.DOC 31 
6) Respond to the recommendations of the Science Peer Review and 

Oversight Panel. 

7) Respond to South Florida Natural Resources Center management 

decisions and issues. 

8) Obtain information updates on overall IDD program developments and 

changes, status of permits or other Park policy changes, site conditions, 

etc. 

Science Peer Review and Oversight 

The key challenge of the IDD restoration program is to produce applied research 

products that can be adapted for management. Support and recommendations 

from other experienced scientists and managers, particularly those familiar with 

other large-scale wetland research and restoration programs, are essential for longterm direction and oversight. So that . these recommendations have the most 

objectivity, value and continuity to the Park's IDD restoration program, the 

individual scientists who provide them are not eligible for research funding 

through this program. The Park has established a Science Peer Review and 

Oversight Panel of five independent scientists. 

We have identified six basic tasks of the individual members of the Science Peer 

Review and Oversight Panel. These elements are flexible and may be modified as 

appropriate. Each panelist provide their individual recommendations to the Park. 

1. Provide broad scientific review on major program elements, plans, 

research proposals, program modifications, and management decisions 

that the Park must make as the restoration program advances. 

2. Periodically make individual presentations to higher level agency 

management arid organizations (e.g., Federal Task Force, Task Force 

Working Group or Science Sub-group, applicable government agencies, 

university administration, etc.) at meetings where IDD restoration may be 

an important agenda item. 

3. Attend periodic science conferences regarding the HID restoration 

program, and provide recommendations for improving the development, 

organization, and structure of the program. 

4. Provide a leadership role for selected special topic workshops the Park 

may sponsor to address strategic research questions. 

71719711: 52 PM C :IDA TA IDONUTITA RGETISCIPLANIPLAN .DOCIMASTPLN5.DOC 32 
5. Occasionally be available for telephone or electronic mail consultations 

on special issues that would benefit from the Panel member's experience 

in other restoration programs. 

6. Maintain a flexible role that in the future may expand to cover a 

broader complement of ecological and biological research program 

oversight and review. While the HID restoration program is a major one, 

it is part of a larger South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, and the 

panelist's review would. be inherently valuable in a broader restoration 

context. 

The Science Peer Review and Oversight Panel shall be composed of individual 

scientists who have both fundamental and applied knowledge from at least one of 

the following scientific disciplines: 

Soils Science, Ecosystem Ecology, Wetland Ecology, Disturbance Ecology, 

Vegetation Ecology, Community Ecology, Ecological Modeling, Restoration 

Ecology of Wetlands or Agricultural wetlands, Population Biology, Autecology of 

wetland plants or animals, Aquatic Ecology, Tropical Wetland Biology, Wetland 

Microbiology, Ecophysiology or Physiological Ecology. 

These scientific disciplines cover the potential arena of scientific questions or 

issues that may arise from the research being planned for the HID restoration 

project. While it is not possible to reasonably cover all these disciplines, nor to 

anticipate every scientific question, those disciplines that are represented by the 

individual panelists should at least be representative of the key restoration 

questions that can be anticipated through research activities. 

717 / 9712:52 PMC: \ DA TA \DONUT\ TARGET\ SCIPLAN\ PLAN.DOC\ MASTPLN5,DOC 33 
LITERATURE CITED 

Aziz, T., D.M. Sylvia, and RF. Doren. 1995. Activity and species composition of 

arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi following soil removal. Ecological Applications, 

5(3): 776-784. 

Brinson, M. M., and R Rheinhardt. 1996. The role of reference wetlands in functional 

assessment and mitigation. Ecological Applications, 6(1): 69-76. 

Dalrymple, G.H. 1989. Ecological study of wetland mitigation in Dade County, Florida. 

FAU-FIU Joint Center for Environmental and Urban Problems. Unpublished 

manuscript, copy at Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida. 44 pp. 

(Electronic copy on the World Wide Web; URL [http://everglades.fiu.eduJ]. 

Florida International University, Miami, Florida.) 

Dalrymple, G.H., N.K. Dalrymple, and K.A. Fanning. 1993. Vegetation of restored 

rock-plowed wetlands of the east Everglades. Restoration Ecology 1 :220-225. 

Dalrymple, G.H. 1994. In-faunal study of wetland restoration in the Hole-in-the-Donut; 

Everglades National Park 1990-1992. Electronic copy on the World Wide Web; 

URL[http://everglades.fiu.edy[]. Florida International University, Miami, Florida. 

30 pp. Plus figures. 

Doren, RF., L.D. Whiteaker, G. Molnar, and D.M. Sylvia. 1990a. Restoration of former 

wetlands within the Hole-in-the-Donut in Everglades National Park, In Webb, F.J. 

(ed.), Proceeding of the Seventeenth Annual Conference on Wetland Restoration 

and Creation, Hillsborough Community College, Plant City, Florida. pp. 33-50. 

(Electronic copy on the WorldWide Web; URL [http://everglades.fiu.eduJ]. 

Florida International University, Miami, Florida.) 

Doren, RF., and L.D. Whiteaker. 1990b. Comparison of economic feasibility of 

chemical control strategies using basal bark treatments with triclopyr on differing 

age and density classes of Schinus terebinthefolius. Natural Areas Journal 

10(3): 107-113. 

Ewel, J. J., D.S. Ojima, D.A. Karl, and W.F. DeBusk. 1982. Schinus in successional 

ecosystems of Everglades National Park. South Florida Research Center Report T676.141 pp. . 

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