BIRDS Red-winged blackbirds, egrets, herons, ibis, bitterns, kites

 REPTILES Water snakes, alligator

 Information on animals know to occur in specific ecological communities is
 in Appendix C.

LAND USE INTERPRETATIONS

1. Environmental Value as a Natural System

 The sawgrass marshes serve as filter systems for water. They protect
 natural bodies of water from eutrophication. Marshes will retain water
 during drought and also help slow down water at flood times. Their
 principal environmental values are related to water quality and quantity.

 Tall, dense sawgrass occurs in deep organic soils and requires water
 coverage of the rhizomes for most of the year. It also forms extensive,
 but shorter and less dense stands on marl soils in south Florida.
 Drainage, organic soils subsidence, and fires have reduced the amount of
 sawgrass and promoted the growth of other plants in many areas.

 The sawgrass community is one of the most resistant communities to change
 under natural conditions. Fires and water quantity reduction can
 completely alter the communities' characteristics within 10 to 20 years.

2. Wildlifeland

 This community provides excellent habitat for many birds, especially
 wading birds and water fowl. It is also well suited for alligators and
 snakes.

3. Woodland

 This community is not generally recommended for woodland.

4. Urbanland

 This community is subject to very high water tables and has severe
 limitations for urban development. Intensive and complex water management
 systems are required for urban uses. It is often difficult to establish
 vegetation on steep channel side slopes and infertile spoil. Special
 techniques are usually required in these situations. Without vegetation,
 erosion and sedimentation can become a problem. Much of the sawgrass
 marsh is now included in the Everglades National park and is not available
 for urban uses.

ENDANGERED AND THREATENED PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Threatened or endangered plants do not normally occur in this community.

Threatened or endangered animals that may occur in sawgrass marsh communities
included: