Existing Conditions

The Lowry Park shoreline consists primarily of a restored oligohaline riparian buffer. This system consists of a variety of native species including: leather fern (Acrostichum sp.), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), bulrush (scirpus sp.), saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia), sand cord grass (Spartina bakeri), cypress (Taxodium distichum), red maple (Acer rubrum) and several other beneficial species. Within the marsh habitat, approximately twenty percent of the cover consisted of exotic or invasive species including torpedo grass (Panicum repens) and cattails (Typha sp.). Adjacent to the seawall and rip-rap, the percent cover of cattails (Typha sp.) was approximately fifteen percent. Overall, the native species are large and dominant and it does not appear that the exotic species are becoming a nuisance. The slope of the shoreline is shallow and there is no evidence of litter.
In addition to the oligohaline riparian buffer, the southernmost boundary of the park consists of a concrete seawall, associated dock and boat ramp. Throughout the shoreline, there are several small isolated wooden seawalls that enclose a large riparian tree. The intention of these planters appears to be to eliminate the risk of losing the tree to erosion.
The shoreline is located adjacent to the Hillsborough River and a large park. The park contains both maintained grass areas and hammocks of native vegetation. The surrounding area provides habitat support for species that may utilize the shoreline. The river level was normal for this time of the year and is supporting the plant species within this habitat. It is anticipated that fish, wading birds, and amphibians utilize this shoreline.
The habitat quality of the oligohaline marsh was rated as optimal, and the seawall and rip-rapped areas as moderate. Lowry Park has a low exotic removal priority rating due to the percentage of nuisance species.

Existing Plans and Historical Plans

The City of Tampa completed Phase 1 of the restoration. Currently existing plans for Phase 1 are not available. In addition, The Tampa Bay Estuary Program funded a minigrant for bay cleanup.

Future Plans

The City of Tampa has identified Phase 2 of restoration as a high priority.

Recommendations

Short Term: 1) At this time exotic species are not a problem, and the park should be monitored to ensure that there is no further spread of nuisance species. 2) Stakeholder agencies partner with the City of Tampa in funding Phase 2 of shoreline restoration.

Links

Aquatic and Wetland Plants and Invasive Plants of Florida

Freshwater Fisheries Management

Field Guide to the Rare Plants and Animals of Florida Online

Florida's Breeding Bird Atlas

Lowry Park - City of Tampa

Lowry Park Zoo

Mammal Communities

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