Existing Conditions

The Picnic Island Park shoreline is a diverse mixture of habitats including mangrove fringe, rip-rap, coastal dunes, coastal scrub and beach. The majority of the eastern shoreline was restored in the mid 1990s as part of a cooperative project with the SWFWMD SWIM Program. With the exception of a boat ramp, several small parking lots and an access road, the majority of this park has been left in a natural state. The shoreline provides habitat for wading birds, fish, amphibians and invertebrates. The south side of Picnic Island is a coastal system and supports a natural beach system. The coastal scrub and coastal dune systems are comprised of a variety of native species including: saltwater falsewillow (Baccharis angustifolia), railroad-vine (Ipomea brasiliensis), few-flower milkweed (Asclepias lanceolata), white and red mangroves (Languncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), cucumber-leaved sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius), and sea-oats (Uniola paniculata). There were no exotic species observed within these habitats. Within the area previously restored, rip-rap has been placed waterward of the existing shoreline, creating a tidally influenced lagoonal area. Within this area are crowngrass Paspalum sp., red and white mangroves, and saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). The northern edge of Picnic Island is a large mangrove swamp. The shoreline also contains a diversity of native species including: false-willow, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) and bushy broomgrass (Andropogon glomeratus). Brazilian pepper is scattered throughout the fringe but only makes up about ten (10) percent cover.
Overall, this shoreline is healthy and the previous restoration project has been highly successful. The upland park is maintained to facilitate use by the public but still provides some supporting habitat. The water level is appropriate in the various community types. All of the habitat types at Picnic Island are rated as optimal except the costal shrub portion which has a moderate rating. The exotic removal priority rating for this park is low due to the level of exotic species.

Existing Plans and Historical Plans

The restoration completed by SWIM involved over seven (7) to eight (8) acres of saltmarsh planting from Tampa Bay Watch. Tampa Bay Watch also installed 2,000 smooth cord grass plants in March 2004, and 250 oyster domes.

Future Plans

The City of Tampa is considering a mitigation project to correct severe erosion. An adjacent restoration of upland edges and mosquito ditches is currently in conceptual planning east of Picnic Island (205 acres). The plan will be to knock down exotics and restore more natural flow. The City of Tampa is considering it as a possible transportation mitigation. No funding has been identified. Volunteer exotic removal and planting is possible. Tampa Bay Watch has planned saltmarsh planting for Spring of 2005.

Recommendations

Short Term: Volunteers to monitor and remove re-growth of exotic species on a regularly scheduled basis.
Long Term: The City of Tampa desires a partner for funding the adjacent upland and mosquito ditch project.

Links

Aquatic and Wetland Plants and Invasive Plants in Florida

Field Guide to the Rare Plants and Animals of Florida Online

Florida's Breeding Bird Atlas

Freshwater Fisheries Management

Great Florida Birding Trail

Mangroves - why are they important?

Marshes:  tidal and non-tidal

Online Guide to the Snakes of Florida

Picnic Island Park

Tampa Bay Watch