Mallory Swamp WRP Event in Florida

NRCS Regional Assistant Chief for the East Region Richard Coombe and Florida NRCS State Conservationist Niles Glasgow were on hand for a ceremony to recognize NRCS for its financial and technical assistance relative to the restoration effort on the Mallory Swamp Wetlands Reserve Project (WRP) in Lafayette County, Florida.

Florida is home to many wetlands but few are as unique as Mallory. Mallory Swamp is known as a "pocosin," an American Indian word meaning “Swamp on the Hill.”  Since hilltop swamps receive most of their water directly from rainfall, they are dynamic and experience extreme wet and dry cycles.  These cycles create special wetland ecosystems that are fire dependent and are home to many endangered plants and animals.

Beginning in the 1950s, land use in Mallory Swamp consisted of intensive timber production.  Roads, canals, and ditches were constructed and dense pine plantations were established.  These practices dried out the swamp and, when combined with fire suppression, caused a dramatic increase in fuel levels.  Reaching a peak in May 2001, when a wildfire raged out of control for weeks, with smoke drifting to Tampa and other cities hundreds of miles away.

In April 2002, the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) purchased nearly 30,000 acres of Mallory Swamp in an effort to restore its natural resources.  In 2003, NRCS and SRWMD entered into a Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) cooperative agreement that provided $1.9 million in funds to aid in this effort.  Since 2003, approximately 70 percent of project goals have been completed including the following work.
• 9,500 acres have been roller chopped or mowed and 7,500 acres have been prescribed burned to help meet vegetation restoration goals and reduce the risk of wildfires.
• 200 culverts and 7 flashboard risers have been installed to reconnect wetlands and inhibit artificial draining.
• 830 acres have been replanted to reforest areas destroyed during the 2001 wildfire.

From 2005 through 2007, NRCS and SRWMD entered into additional WRP agreements to more than $1 million in funding to finish projects on the original 30,000 acres and initiate efforts on 1,830 additional acres.

Through the continued success of these partnerships and the long-term commitment of NRCS and the SRWMD, the restoration of Mallory Swamp will benefit us all by protecting our water resources, reducing the risk of wildfire, providing habitat for special plants and animals, and providing a unique recreational place for people to enjoy.

Niles Glasgow, Florida State Conservationist accepted an award for his continued assistance to the Suwannee River Water Management District relative to their land and water acquisition goals.
Your contact is Bob Stobaugh, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 352-338-9565.
 

Links...
The following requires Real Player.
Listen To NRCS Regional Assistant Chief East Dick Coombe and Suwannee River Water Management District Deputy Executive Director Charles Houder describe the project.