GREENWAYS & NATURAL LANDS

Econ River Wilderness Area Management Plan

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The 230 acre Econ River Wilderness Area lies on the Seminole County line southeast of the City of Oviedo, on the west side of the Econ River. You can find it by taking SR 434 (Alafaya Trail) to McColloch Road and turn east, follow to Old Lockwood Road and turn left (north) and proceed to the entrance on the right (east) side of the road. This site was purchased through the Seminole County Natural Lands Program which was put in place in 1990 by the Citizens Board of County Commissioners through recognition of the role conservation and natural resources play in promoting and protecting a quality community.

Southern Fence Lizard

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 the citizens. To accomplish our objectives several methodologies will be employed.

Prescribed Fire: Many of the communities on this site will require prescribed burns to restore and maintain their diversity. These burns also reduce fuel loads and the change of damaging wildfires.

Restoration: Restoration of this site will focus on the reintroduction of fire to resurrect the flatwoods and sandhill habitats, in turn improving the wildlife habitat. Attention will also be given to the bayhead to assure historic hydrology is not altered.

Preservation: The sandhill habitat is one of the least common habitats throughout the state and will be a focus of preservation on this site. Through the use of fire and continued monitoring this small patch of sandhill will be improved and maintained benefitting wildlife such as the gopher tortoise and sherman's fox squirrel, both listed species.

Monitoring: By the continuous collection of data over a period of time we are able to assess land management practices and make adjustments where necessary; determining if resource goals are being attained.