Existing Conditions

The Epps Park shoreline consists primarily of an oligohaline riparian buffer with scattered lengths of rip-rap. This system consists of a variety of native species including: cypress (Taxodium distichum), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), leather fern (Acrostichum sp.), sand cord grass (Spartina bakeri), maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) and arrowhead (Sagittaria sp.). Nuisance species along the shoreline include: torpedo grass (Panicum repens), creeping ox-eye (Wedelia trilobata) and cattails (Typha sp.). The entire shoreline is rip-rapped but the vegetation is covering all but the most waterward rocks.
The upland portion of the park is a narrow maintained lawn area adjacent to single-family homes. This area provides little functional support to the species that may utilize the shoreline. It is anticipated that the shoreline provides habitat for fish, amphibians and wading birds. The river level was normal for this time of the year and is supporting the plant species within this habitat. Litter is not a problem within this assessment area.
Overall, the habitat quality at Epps was rated as moderate for both the oligohaline marsh and the rip-rapped shoreline. The exotic removal priority rating for this park is low due to the percentage of nuisance species. Torpedo grass is the main nuisance species which is difficult to eradicate. With the exception of the torpedo grass, the shoreline consists primarily of a healthy diverse plant community. The removal of nuisance species will only slightly improve the overall quality of this area. However, additional plantings of riparian vegetation such as ferns, shrubs and trees may enhance wildlife usage along the shoreline.

Existing Plans and Historical Plans

No existing plans from any stakeholder agencies.

Future Plans

Currently, no future plans from any stakeholder agencies.

Recommendations

Short Term: No immediate need for short term activity.
Long Term: Use volunteers to occasionally monitor the park for percent cover by nuisance and exotic species.

Links

Aquatic and Wetlands Plants and Invasive Plants in Florida

Epps Park - City of Tampa

Field Guide to Rare Plants and Animals in Florida Online

Florida's Breeding Bird Atlas

Freshwater Fisheries Management

Marshes: Tidal and Non-Tidal

Oligohaline Areas in Tampa Bay Tributaries: Spatial Extent and Species List

Online Guide to the Snakes of Florida

Wildlife Viewing