GREENWAYS & NATURAL LANDS

Black Bear Wilderness Area Management Plan

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This site's approximately 1,600 acres in northwest Seminole County features a variety of wetland habitats within the floodplain of the St Johns River. Floodplain Marsh, Hydric Hammock and Cypress Swamps form a mosaic of habitat diversity which host wildlife such as the White-tailed deer, Swallow-tailed Kite and the Florida Black Bear. Its large size and proximity to other public lands make this site an important piece in a puzzle connecting natural areas between the Wekiva / St. Johns basins and the Ocala National Forest.This area's remote nature, views of the St. Johns River and diverse wildlife population promise to make it one of the Natural Lands program's flagship wilderness areas.

Primary management goals include preserving the natural and scenic qualities that exist today, while meeting citizens’ desires for a passive resource-based recreation experience.

Resource Management: As with all Seminole County Natural Lands the primary management objective is to preserve and/or restore the natural, ecological functions of the land while providing a passive resource based recreational experience for citizens. To accomplish our objectives several methodologies will be employed.

Prescribed Fire: Some of the communities on this site will require prescribed burns to restore and maintain their natural diversity. These burns also reduce fuel loads and the chance of damaging wildfires. Mechanical treatments may also be used to mimic the effect higher water levels and fire would have in preventing the invasion of woody species such as Salt Myrtle (Baccharis halimifolia).

Exotic Species: Many exotic (non-native) species of plants such as Air Potato and Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta) have become established and will be addressed with various methods of control.

Restoration: Restoration is used to enhance the habitat after a disturbance event.Restoration activities on this property may consist of removing exotic,invasive species and reintroduction of fire.

Habitat Management: A large portion of this site lies within the flood plain of the St. Johns River therefore the habitats present were historically maintained by rising and falling water levels as well as periodic fires. Over the years levees, ditches and diversions of water along the St. John's River have altered the natural extremes and lead to changes in these plant communities. Many exotic (non-native) species of plants such as Air Potato and Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta) have become established and will be addressed with various methods of control. Prescribed fire and mechanical treatments may also be used to mimic the effect higher water levels and fire would have in preventing the invasion of woody species such as Salt Myrtle (Baccharis halimifolia).

Monitoring: Monitoring land management activities is one objective of the Natural Lands Program. By periodically collecting data, the success of the land management activities can be assessed.