State 1
Non-Forested Wetlands

These communities are characterized by a dense understory of hydrophytic grasses and herbaceous species with the absence of overstory trees and shrubs.

Community 1.1
Graminoid Dominant Marshes

Figure 8. Wet prairie dominated by dense grasses grading into a pine flatwoods community.

These communities are continuously wet and seasonally inundated freshwater graminoid wetlands that will often consist of hydrophytic grasses and forbs. These areas will support a high amount of diverse species of grasses and forbs, with few herbaceous species due to the long hydroperiods. Subshrubs that are tolerant of extended hydroperiods may be present. Fire would historically enter these systems from pyrogenic uplands and would often attribute to the biodiverse herbaceous groundcover and stimulate flowering herbs. Factors contributing to this diversity include subtle spatial differences in moisture conditions across the wet prairie and temporal differences in fire and ponding frequencies from year to year, which favor different species and prevent any one species from excluding the others.

Forest understory. This area is typically dominated by dense wiregrass (Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana) in the drier portions, along with foxtail club-moss (Lycopodiella alopecuroides), cutover muhly (Muhlenbergia expansa), yellow butterwort (Pinguicula lutea), and savannah meadowbeauty (Rhexia alifanus).

In the wetter portions, wiregrass may occur with, or be replaced by, species in the sedge family, such as plumed beaksedge (Rhynchospora plumosa), featherbristle beaksedge (R. oligantha), Baldwin’s nutrush (Scleria baldwinii), or slenderfruit nutrush (S. georgiana), plus longleaved threeawn (Aristida palustris). Also common in wetter areas are carnivorous species, such as pitcher plants (Sarracenia spp.), sundews (Drosera spp.), butterworts (Pinguicula spp), and bladderworts (Utricularia spp.). Other characteristic species in this community include toothache grass (Ctenium aromaticum), pineland rayless goldenrod (Bigelowia nudata), flattened pipewort (Eriocaulon compressum), water cowbane (Oxypolis filifolia), and coastalplain yellow-eyed grass (Xyris ambigua), as well as many showy flowering herbs.

Community 1.2
Herbaceous Dominant Marshes

Figure 9. Basin Marsh community of grasses and herbaceous species.

These communities are regularly inundated freshwater herbaceous wetlands that will often consist of emergent herbaceous species. These areas will support submersed and floating-leaved vegetation as well as emergent herbaceous vegetation due to the extended long hydroperiods. Sparse scatter graminoids may be present.

Forest understory. Common species found in the floating-leaved zone of basin marshes include white waterlily (Nymphaea odorata), American lotus (Nelumbo lutea), and yellow pondlily (Nuphar advena).

The emergent zone may have pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), bulltongue arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolia), southern cattail (Typha domingensis), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), and softstem bulrush (Scirpus tabernaemontani).

Community 1.3
Depression Marsh

Figure 10. Depression marsh seasonally ponded during wet season.

Figure 11. Depression marsh seasonally dry during dry season. Standing water in the center are results from gator holes.

Figure 12. Aerial Google Earth photograph of depression marsh in Lee County within upland flatwoods community, a result of limerock collapse.

Depression Marshes occur as a shallow, usually rounded depression with herbaceous vegetation or subshrubs, often in concentric bands. The concentric zones or bands of vegetation are related to length of the hydroperiod and depth of ponding. Depression Marshes form when the overlying mineral soils slump into depressions dissolved in underlying bedrock. These communities may form within other wetland communities, but are most commonly seen as isolated depressions within upland landscapes.

Forest understory. Depression marshes will form concentric bands of vegetation based off slight changes in the ponding hydroperiod and water depth. Depending on depth and configuration, depression marshes can have varying combinations of these zones and species within each zone.

The outer, or driest, zone is often occupied by sparse herbaceous vegetation consisting of longleaf threeawn (Aristida palustris), beaksedges (Rhynchospora microcarpa, R. cephalantha, R. tracyi, R. filifolia, etc.), Elliott’s yellow-eyed grass (Xyris elliottii), the subshrub, myrtleleaf St. John’s wort (Hypericum myrtifolium), and patches of blue maidencane (Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum) or sand cordgrass (Spartina bakeri).

This sparse zone may be followed downslope by a sparse to dense zone of peelbark St. John’s wort (Hypericum fasciculatum), water toothleaf (Stillingia aquatica) and scattered herbs, such as fringed yellow-eyed grass (Xyris fimbriata), pipeworts (Eriocaulon compressum and E. decangulare), narrowfruit horned beaksedge (Rhynchospora inundata), and Baldwin’s spikerush (Eleocharis baldwinii).

The innermost, deepest zone is occupied by maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), bulltongue arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolia), or sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense). Floating-leaved plants, such as white waterlily (Nymphaea odorata), may be found in open water portions of the marsh, espically during the wet season when excessive surface water is present.

Community 1.4
Shrub - Scrub Wetland

Figure 13. Shrubby growth of willow in marsh center.

These wetlands are the result of the drawdown of the water table of a non-forested wetland that no longer reflects it natural hydroperiod. Deposition of seeds from aerial dispersion from birds or from other deposition events will provide the system with viable variable seedbank. These shrubs will consist of both true shrubs that never attain a greater height, and young trees of other species that may never obtain their maximum height due to the harsh environmental conditions. There will be no plants in the overstory, with a midcanopy of shrubs and young trees, and a dense to sparse understory of grasses and herbaceous species typical of the reference community it transitioned from.

Forest understory. Woody shrubs will be low-growing and densely packed, shading out the reference community understory species. These trees and shrubs will be less than 20 feet (6 meters) in height. Common species which will encroach and become established include inkberry (Ilex glabra), wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana), cypress (Taxodium), common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto). Sparse reference community understory grasses and sedges may be present.

Pathway 1.1a
Community 1.1 to 1.2

Graminoid Dominant Marshes

Herbaceous Dominant Marshes

This transition can be cause by an increase in the long term hydroperiod of a site, which may shift species composition from a graminoid dominant community to a herbaceous dominant community. With an increase in the hydroperiod and free standing water, the ability of fire to maintain species diversity is diminished.

Pathway 1.1b
Community 1.1 to 1.3

Graminoid Dominant Marshes

Depression Marsh

This transition is the result of a sinkhole formation in which the overlying sands slump into concave depressions dissolved in the underlying limestone.

Pathway 1.1c
Community 1.1 to 1.4

Graminoid Dominant Marshes

Shrub - Scrub Wetland

This transition is the result of hydrologic alterations and fire suppression that will allow for the encroachment of shrubs, shading the ground cover of grasses and herbaceous species and decreasing species diversity.

Pathway 1.2a
Community 1.2 to 1.1

Herbaceous Dominant Marshes

Graminoid Dominant Marshes

This transition can be cause by a decrease in the long term hydroperiod of a site, which may shift species composition from a herbaceous dominant community to a graminoid dominant community. With a decrease in the hydroperiod and less free standing water, the ability of fire to spread as graminoids become dominant will help maintain species diversity and composition.

Pathway 1.2b
Community 1.2 to 1.3

Herbaceous Dominant Marshes

Depression Marsh

This transition is the result of a sinkhole formation in which the overlying sands slump into concave depressions dissolved in the underlying limestone.

Pathway 1.2c
Community 1.2 to 1.4

Herbaceous Dominant Marshes

Shrub - Scrub Wetland

This transition is the result of hydrologic alterations and fire suppression that will allow for the encroachment of shrubs, shading the ground cover of grasses and herbaceous species and decreasing species diversity.

Pathway 1.3a
Community 1.3 to 1.4

Depression Marsh

Shrub - Scrub Wetland

This transition is the result of hydrologic alterations and fire suppression that will allow for the encroachment of shrubs, shading the ground cover of grasses and herbaceous species and decreasing species diversity.

Pathway 1.4a
Community 1.4 to 1.1

Shrub - Scrub Wetland

Graminoid Dominant Marshes

This transition is driven by the removal of shrubs to restore it to a graminoid dominant community. If the natural hydroperiod cannot be restored, the use of increased fire frequency may serve to supplement the hydroperiod. If fire is not a feasible practice for shrub removal; mechanical, biological, or chemical removal of shrubs may be utilized at the same to slightly less level of success.

Pathway 1.4b
Community 1.4 to 1.2

Shrub - Scrub Wetland

Herbaceous Dominant Marshes

This transition is driven by the removal of shrubs to restore it to a herbaceous dominant community. If the natural hydroperiod cannot be restored, the use of increased fire frequency may serve to supplement the hydroperiod. If fire is not a feasible practice for shrub removal; mechanical, biological, or chemical removal of shrubs may be utilized at the same to slightly less level of success.

Pathway 1.4c
Community 1.4 to 1.3

Shrub - Scrub Wetland

Depression Marsh

This transition is driven by the removal of shrubs to restore it to a graminoid dominant community. If the natural hydroperiod cannot be restored, the use of increased fire frequency may serve to supplement the hydroperiod. If fire is not a feasible practice for shrub removal; mechanical, biological, or chemical removal of shrubs may be utilized at the same to slightly less level of success.

State 2
Forested Wetlands

This state is characterized by a dense overstory dominated by hydrophytic trees and shrubs. The understory often consists of sparse herbaceous and grassy species during the dry season. In the wet season the understory will hold standing water and support both aquatic floating and submerged species. Arboreal epiphytes will be very abundant on overstory trunks and limbs. These areas can be identified as forested wetlands by specific physiological adaptations to roots (pneumatophores or "knees") and trunks (buttressing). Mosses and lichens growing on the bark of these species will serve as an indicator to seasonal ponding levels by growing to the water line.

Community 2.1
Dome Swamp

Figure 14. Exterior of a cypress dome, the oldest trees are in the center and youngest on the exterior, giving the cypress swamp a "dome" shape.

Figure 15. Interior of a cypress dome in the dry season. Marks on buttressed trunks indicate depth of water during wet season.

Figure 16. Aerial Google Earth photograph of dome swamp in Lee County with youngest trees along the edges and oldest trees in the center.

These are defined as an isolated, forested, depressional wetlands that are dominantly cypress. These swamps are generally small but may also be large and shallow, typically seen in conical depressions. These domes have thick layers of peat in the center which is able to hold water for the majority of the year, with the tallest, biggest trees in the center of the dome and smallest, youngest trees on the outskirts. Mineral soils will be present along the outer edges and will often be found in a complex with an organic soil found in the interior of the swamp. This gives the dome a distinctly rounded cross-sectional profile. Isolated freshwater marshes in the center of the dome can also give it a doughnut shape from aerial views.

Forest overstory. Pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) often dominates, but swamp tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora), may also form pure stands or occur as a co-dominant. Other canopy or subcanopy species include red maple (Acer rubrum), dahoon (Ilex cassine), swamp bay (Persea palustris), slash pine (Pinus elliottii), sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), or loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus). Cypress or tupelo will often be the most dominant tree with the other subcanopy species occurring as isolated to small patches. Arboreal epiphytes (Tillandsia), mosses (Sphagnum), and vines (Smilax) are often common in the overstory, attached to the trunks and limbs.

Forest understory. Shrubs are typically sparse to moderate and include Virginia willow (Itea virginica), fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), coastalplain willow (Salix caroliniana), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), and St. John's wort (Hypericum spp.). Herbaceous species can be dense or absent and include a wide variety of ferns, graminoids, and herbs including Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), royal fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), toothed midsorus fern (Blechnum serrulatum), maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), various species of beaksedge (Rhynchospora spp.), lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus), Carolina redroot (Lachnanthes caroliana), taperleaf waterhorehound (Lycopus rubellus), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), and knotweeds (Polygonum spp.). These species will often be seen in greatest dominance during the dry season when the soil is saturated but not inundated. These areas may have large patches of bare ground caused by animal species such as alligators, deer, and hogs.

During the wet season when standing water is present, the understory will be free of seasonal herbs and grasses and open with deeper water and floating and emergent species such as alligatorflag (Thalia geniculata), big floatingheart (Nymphoides aquatica), floating water spangles (Salvinia minima), duckweeds (Lemna, Spirodela, and/or Landoltia), and bulltongue arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolia).

Community 2.2
Basin Swamp

Figure 17. Interior of a basin swamp in the wet season. Cypress is the dominant overstory species with an open understory of grasses and herbaceous species with standing water present.

Figure 18. Aerial Google Earth photograph of a basin swamp in Lee County.

These are defined as connected, forested, depressional wetlands that are dominantly cypress. These swamps are highly variable in size and shape, reflected any type of large landscape depression that is dominantly ponded. These swamps will often be a mixed age stand of cypress, with the tallest, biggest trees in the center of the wetland and smaller, younger trees along the edges of the wetland. Mineral soils will be present along the outer edges and will often be found in a complex with an organic soil found in the interior of the swamp.

Forest overstory. While mixed species canopies are common, the dominant overstory trees are pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) and swamp tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora). Other typical canopy and subcanopy trees include slash pine (Pinus elliottii), red maple (Acer rubrum), dahoon (Ilex cassine), swamp bay (Persea palustris), sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), swamp laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), water oak (Quercus nigra), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), and American elm (Ulmus americana). Arboreal epiphytes such as resurrection fern (Pleopeltis polypodiodes) and airplants (Tillandsia spp.), and vines such as smilax may be attached to trunks and limbs of larger trees.

Forest understory. Density of shrubs and other understory species will depend on ponding frequency and duration and fire history. Common shrub species include Virginia willow (Itea virginica), swamp dogwood (Cornus foemina), swamp doghobble (Leucothoe racemosa), coastal sweetpepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), myrtle dahoon (Ilex cassine var. myrtifolia), fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), black titi (Cliftonia monophylla), and common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). The herbaceous layer is also variable and includes a wide array of species including maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), arrowheads (Sagittaria spp.), lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), beaksedges (Rhynchospora spp.), bladderworts (Utricularia spp.), and royal fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis). Seasonal grasses and herbaceous species will be present in the understory dominantly when the soil is saturated but there is little to no standing water. During the wet season, standing water will be dominant in the understory.

Community 2.3
Mixed Hardwood Swamp

This community describes the climax community of a cypress swamp. This community consists of a closed overstory of cypress and hardwood species such as bays, gums, elms, oaks, titi, and maple. Mixed hardwood swamps rely on the absence of fire for very long periods of time to allow for the accumulation of surficial organic matter which will raise the ground surface, decreasing the amount of standing water present with less water-level fluctuation. This community can often be identified by a higher density of these hardwood species in the overstory and increased peat accumulation. It may be common to see high seedling densities of these hardwood species, particularly bays, and may have an increased density of sphagnum moss beds due to high soil saturation but less frequent inundation.

Pathway 2.1a
Community 2.1 to 2.2

Dome Swamp

Basin Swamp

This transition is driven by swamp expansion. For this to occur, specific hydrologic and geomorphic conditions must be met. For ideal conditions for swamp expansion, the isolated dome swamp should be located within an existing depressional area. Dome swamps located within upland pyrogenic communities are less likely to expand into a basin swamp. By existing within a larger depressional area, hydrological conditions will be met to accumulate peat and exclude fire. Not only is this transition spatially dependent, but temporally dependent as these are slow expanding communities. Alteration to the natural landscape and hydroperiod may alter the expansion of dome swamps.

Pathway 2.1b
Community 2.1 to 2.3

This transition is driven by the decrease in long-term hydroperiod which may allow for the growth of hardwood species. This decrease in hydroperiod can occur from the absence of fire, which allows for greater peat accumulation, raising the ground surface. This will decrease the amount of standing water present with less water-level fluctuation, allowing for hardwood growth. Human alterations such as direct drainage or indirect drawdown of the water table may also allow for the establishment of these species. This transition can be identified when hardwoods such as bays, elms, tupelo, oaks, and maples have become codominant overstory species.

Pathway 2.2a
Community 2.2 to 2.3

This transition is driven by the decrease in long-term hydroperiod which may allow for the growth of hardwood species. This decrease in hydroperiod can occur from the absence of fire, which allows for greater peat accumulation, raising the ground surface. This will decrease the amount of standing water present with less water-level fluctuation, allowing for hardwood growth. Human alterations such as direct drainage or indirect drawdown of the water table may also allow for the establishment of these species. This transition can be identified when hardwoods such as bays, elms, tupelo, oaks, and maples have become codominant overstory species.

Pathway 2.3a
Community 2.3 to 2.1

This transition is driven by the removal of undesirable species and reestablishment of natural management strategies. Removal of undesirable hardwood species may be necessary to prevent rapid accumulation of organic matter and should be removed carefully to prevent disturbance to the surrounding community. Restoration and reestablishment of natural management strategies should include restoring the seasonal high-water table and ponding depths, which will assist in preventing further establishment of hardwood species that are less tolerant to extended hydroperiods. Return of the natural fire intervals may be necessary to prevent excess organic matter build up to prevent hardwood establishment.

Pathway 2.3b
Community 2.3 to 2.2

This transition is driven by the removal of undesirable species and reestablishment of natural management strategies. Removal of undesirable hardwood species may be necessary to prevent rapid accumulation of organic matter and should be removed carefully to prevent disturbance to the surrounding community. Restoration and reestablishment of natural management strategies should include restoring the seasonal high-water table and ponding depths, which will assist in preventing further establishment of hardwood species that are less tolerant to extended hydroperiods. Return of the natural fire intervals may be necessary to prevent excess organic matter build up to prevent hardwood establishment.

State 3
Grazed Rangeland

Rangelands are described as lands on which the indigenous vegetation is predominately grasses, grass-like plants, forbs, and possibly shrubs or dispersed trees. Existing plant communities can include both native and introduced plants. Primary export from Florida ranges are cattle and have been present in the state since their first introduction by Spanish explorers in 1521. Native forage production is very good with proper management in this community, with only a slight effect on the community. Proper management will often result in an increase of grasses and reduction of shrubs while also maintaining proper fire intervals. Rangelands provide a diversity of ecosystems and also provide a diverse and significant production of economic benefits and ecosystem goods and services. Livestock production along with sustainable wildlife populations provide for the major direct economic benefits, but also tourism, recreational uses, minerals/energy production, renewable energy, and other natural resource uses can be very significant. Vital ecosystem contributions include clean water, clean air, fish/wildlife habitat, as well as intangible considerations such as historical, cultural, aesthetic and spiritual values. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Resource Conservationist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations or prescribed grazing practices. Rangeland in this ecological site is described for the Non-Forested Wetland state, not for the Forested Wetland state. Non-Forested Wetland communities have higher percentages of forgeable species due to the natural community composition and structure and have commonly been used as rangeland since European settlement. Forested Wetlands may have some forgeable species in the understory but are not utilized primarily as rangeland. The major limitation to grazing species in these communities are extended hydroperiods represented by ponding conditions.

Community 3.1
Maidencane – Cutgrass- Toothache Grass – Blue Maidencane (RSG010 - Excellent)

This phase represents the representative phase of the natural community that has been converted to rangeland in excellent conditions. This phase will have an open canopy with an open or shrubby understory dependent on the reference state. In excellent condition maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea), toothache grass (Ctenium floridanum), and blue maidencane (Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum) species will provide the greatest portion of the forage production. These wetlands are often grazed in the winter months when there is little to no standing water in these communities and forage species will provide the greatest nutritional values. This community correlates with the Florida Legacy Range Site 155XY010FL – “Freshwater Marshes and Ponds” and 155XY011FL – “Slough”.

Resilience management. Proper range management of rotational grazing, burning, and hydrologic management may improve the condition of a range. Rotation of cattle on range is important mostly for the maintenance of the range resource to ensure areas are not overgrazed and ecological integrity is protected. Rotational burning is the oldest and perhaps the least expensive method to improve forage quality. The practice consists of burning different portions of the range at different times during the fall and winter and permitting cows to move to new burns. Burning should be consistent with natural fire return intervals of the community being grazed to prevent a shift in species composition. Burning and grazing can lead to range deterioration if not used properly. Forages must be allowed to regrow (no grazing) to restore vigor, and when cattle are allowed to graze regrowth, care must be taken to assure that these burned areas are not overgrazed, especially in May and June. Prescribed fire for range improvement will also benefit undesirable shrub control and improve wildlife habitat as well as hazardous fuel reduction. Rotation is essential to prevent overgrazing from cattle species in these freshwater marshes and prairies. Marshes that are subject to extensive grazing and cattle trampling will create open spaces devoid of native vegetation, changing competeive dynamics between plant species leading to shifts in wetland plant communities. These areas are highly succeptiable to invasion of weedy pasture grasses, espically where the surround community has been converted to pasture, with the wetland left as wildlife habitat and watering holes. Invasive pasture grasses may include carpet grass, centipede grass, bahiagrass, and the invasive West Indian Marsh Grass. One of the greatest limiting factor to grazing in these communities is the seasonal high-water tables, which may result in varying depths of ponding conditions during the summer months. Drainage or drawdown of the water table of these communities may lead to shifts in species composition and should be carefully managed.

Community 3.2
Typha spp – Pickerelweed – Torpedo grass- Threeawns (RSG010 – Poor to Fair)

This phase represents the transition of rangeland in excellent condition to poor or fair conditions. Duration of this phase is dependent on former and future management, use, and impacts. This poor to fair condition phase will most often consist of cattail species (Typha spp), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), torpedo grass (Panicum repens) and a variety of threeawns (Aristida spp.). This phase often transitions due to poor management, including overstocking and overgrazing, as well as mismanagement of the natural habitat. Other undesirable species may be present in this community that have not been mentioned,

Pathway 3.1a
Community 3.1 to 3.2

This pathway occurs when range management activities include overgrazing, overstocking, etc., natural succession of the once managed site leads to this stage.

Pathway 3.2a
Community 3.2 to 3.1

This pathway represents renovation of the unmanaged condition back to managed rangeland in excellent condition. Management activities likely include mechanical removal of the larger, woody vegetation followed by herbicide treatment and establishment of desired seeding mixtures, and correcting grazing management plans.

State 4
Managed Grassland / Pastureland

Pasture is a land use type having vegetation cover comprised primarily of introduced or enhanced native forage species that is used for livestock grazing. Pasture vegetation can consist of grasses, legumes, other forbs, shrubs or a mixture. The majority of these forages are introduced, having originally come from areas in other states or continents. Most are now naturalized and are vital components of pasture based grazing systems. Pasture lands provide many benefits other than forage for livestock. Wildlife use pasture as shelter and for food sources. Well managed pasture captures rainwater that is slowly infiltrated into the soil which helps recharge groundwater. Many small pasture livestock operations are near urban areas providing vistas for everyone to enjoy. It is especially important as livestock managers continues to experience extraordinarily high fuel and other input costs. Overgrazed pastures can lead to soil compaction and numerous bare spots, which may then become focal points of accelerated erosion and colonization sites of undesirable plants or weeds. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Resource Conservationist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations or prescribed grazing practices. This grassland / pastureland state correlates with the 2013 Florida Forage Suitability Group G155XB245FL (Sandy Over Loamy Soils on Stream Terraces, Flood Plains, or in Depressions). If the reference communities are drained and then converted to grasslands or pasture, then forage species and values correlating with the 2013 Forage Suitability Group G155XY241FL (Sandy Over Loamy Soils, on Flats on Mesic or Hydric Lowlands) should be utilized.

Community 4.1
Limpograss – Maidencane – Blue Maidencane (FSG245)

This community phase represents commonly planted forage species on pasturelands, haylands, and open grasslands found adaptive to the natural seasonal high-water table representative of this community. The suite of plants established on any given site may vary considerably depending upon purpose, management goals, and usage (e.g., horses vs. cattle). Most systems include a mixture of grasses and legumes that provide forage throughout the growing season. Warm season perennial forage species often include limpograss (Hemarthria altissima), maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), and blue maidencane (Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum). Warm season annual forage species often include Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta) and aeschynomene (Aeschynomene americana). Several additional plants and/or species combinations may be present depending on the objectives and management approaches of the land manager/owner.

Resilience management. These species are dependent on a high-water table, if the area is excessively drained, these soils may support a more diverse set of forage species and management practices seen in community 4.2.

Community 4.2
Bahiagrass – Bermudagrass – Bluestem (FSG241)

This community phase represents commonly planted forage species on pasturelands, haylands, and open grasslands found in drained and cultivated areas of this natural community. The suite of plants established on any given site may vary considerably depending upon purpose, management goals, and usage (e.g., horses vs. cattle). Most systems include a mixture of grasses and legumes that provide forage throughout the growing season. Warm season perennial forage species often include bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum), bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis), limpograss (Hemarthria altissima), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), purple bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis), yellow indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), lopsided indiangrass (Sorghastrum secundum), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), rhizoma perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata), and carpon desmodium (Desmodium heterocarpon).Warm season annual forage species often include browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), hairy indigo (Indigofera hirsuta), and aeschynomene (Aeschynomene americana). Cool season annual forage species often include annual ryegrass (Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum), oat (Avena sativa), rye (Secale cereale), wheat (Triticum aestivum), white clover (Trifolium repens) and Triticale (x Triticosecale rimpaui). Several additional plants and/or species combinations maybe present depending on the objectives and management approaches of the land manager/owner.

Resilience management. Soils in this state are similar to the Sandy Freshwater Isolated Marshes and Swamps managed grassland/ pasture state in all characteristics except the presence of a loamy sand subsoil at 20 to 40 inches. Total production of warm season forage species is expected to be more consistent than for the sandy site. Better production can be expected during the spring due to better water holding capacity of the subsoil, particularly in the southern half of the MLRA where temperatures should not be limiting to warm season grass growth. For this state, use of cool season forages such as annual ryegrass, oats, and wheat planted in a prepared seedbed can be more productive due to the better water holding capacity of the subsoil. Limited and sporadic rainfall during fall and winter months, particularly in the southern half of this MLRA, will still limit use of cool season annuals. Additionally in the southern portion of the MLRA, warm temperatures persisting into the fall and returning quickly in the spring greatly shorten the production period for cool season forages. Thus, in the southern portion of the MLRA, cool season forages generally will still only produce sufficient winter grazing in years with average and above average rainfall (El Niño winters) for specialized management uses such as creep grazing, early weaning, or purebred operations. While in more northerly locations in the MLRA, planting winter annual forages for use as a winter feed supply for the whole cow herd may be practical most years. Overseeding annual ryegrass on a bahiagrass pasture also is not recommended in the southern end of this MLRA, due to excessive competition from bahiagrass for soil moisture, but should be a better option in the northern portions of the MLRA. For similar reasons, winter legumes should be more productive, particularly in the northern portion of the MLRA. White clover, berseem clover, and ball clover should be considered on this FSG, particularly in the northern half of the MLRA. Grazing management and fertilization need to favor the legume component for persistence, productivity, and seed production when natural reseeding is desired. Grazing management for seed production also is important for white clover, normally considered a perennial species, functions more as an annual in Florida and thus is heavily dependent upon reseeding to persist. Due to bloat issue, clovers should be used only in mixtures with cool season grasses, overseeded on bahiagrass pastures, or when a bloat preventative supplement is fed. Initial growth of perennial warm season grasses and legumes or establishment of warm season annual grasses may be delayed in the spring due to low rainfall. Better water holding capacity of the subsoil should mitigate the effects of the typical April/May dry period. Once normal summer rainfall begins, plant production should resume. Warm season legumes such as aeschynomene and carpon desmodium can also be oversown onto warm season grasses in this forage suitability group, although fertilization (no N fertilizer) and grazing management needs to favor legume establishment and persistence. Additional lime may be needed to maintain a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. Improved grass varieties such as stargrass and limpograss may also be grown on these soils although stargrass is generally limited to the part of the MLRA south of the US I-4 corridor. Limpograss should be limited to soils where drainage has not been altered.

Community 4.3
Dogfennel – Bunchgrass– Wax Myrtle (Unmanaged)

This phase represents the succession of pastureland and/or open grassland to unmanaged conditions. Duration of this phase is dependent on former and future management, use, and impacts. The early pioneer shrub thicket phase will be dependent on the available seedbank present. This unmanaged phase will most often consist of the shrub wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) and dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), an aggressive native perennial that is characteristic of unimproved, unmanaged, or overgrazed pastures, where it adds the decline of forage yield and quality. Pasture grass present will enter a reproductive phase and have woody stems that are undesirable forage species. Other undesirable species may be present in this community that have not been mentioned,

Pathway 4.1a
Community 4.1 to 4.2

This pathway occurs when the natural grassland / pasture has been drained and the seasonal high-water table has been lowered, allowing for a greater variety of forage species and management practices.

Pathway 4.1b
Community 4.1 to 4.3

This pathway occurs when pasture management activities include overgrazing, overstocking, etc., natural succession of the once managed site leads to this stage.

Pathway 4.2a
Community 4.2 to 4.3

This pathway occurs when pasture management activities include overgrazing, overstocking, etc., natural succession of the once managed site leads to this stage.

Pathway 4.3a
Community 4.3 to 4.1

This pathway represents renovation of the unmanaged condition back to managed grassland / pasture in excellent condition. Management activities likely include mechanical removal of the larger, woody vegetation followed by herbicide treatment and establishment of desired seeding mixtures, and correcting grazing management plans.

Pathway 4.3b
Community 4.3 to 4.2

This pathway represents renovation of the unmanaged condition back to managed grassland / pasture in excellent condition. Management activities likely include mechanical removal of the larger, woody vegetation followed by herbicide treatment and establishment of desired seeding mixtures, and correcting grazing management plans.

State 5
Agricultural Commodities

The agriculture industry includes cultivated crops, aquaculture, and apiculture. Cultivated cropland includes areas used for the production of adapted crops for harvest. These areas comprises land in row crops or close-grown crops that are in a rotation with row or close-grown crops. Primary exports from Florida consist of fruits, greenhouse and nursery products, sugar cane, and the signature export of citrus. Aquaculture includes the cultivation and maintenance of aquatic plants, aquatic reptiles, crustaceans, food/ ornamental fish, shellfish, and other miscellaneous species for harvesting. Apiculture includes the maintenance of honeybees and hives to provide beeswax, honey/ other edible bee products, crop pollination services, and sales of bees to other beekeepers. These areas have been modified resulting in land clearing practices and hydrologic management to fit the growers needs. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Characteristics and indicators. Major natural resource concerns facing cropland include: (1) erosion by wind and water, (2) maintaining and enhancing soil quality, (3) water quality from nutrient and pesticides runoff and leaching, and (4) managing the quantity of water available for irrigation. For more specific information regarding cropland please contact your local NRCS office.

Community 5.1
Vegetables

This phase describes the growth and harvest of vegetables. Land conversion may be necessary to create fields suitable for crop growth. Common vegetables grown in these soils include Cabbage, Celery, Cucumber, Peppers, Irish Potatoes, Summer Squash, and Tomatoes. Due to the year-round warm climate Florida has, vegetables can often be harvested in both winter and summer seasons.

Resilience management. Selection of species and varieties is critical for vegetable production, as plants that are not adapted to local conditions will generally fail to produce regardless of how much care and attention they receive. Weather is perhaps the single most important factor that determines where crops can be grown. Winters may be too cold for some vegetables or too short for others. Still other crops may suffer from summer's heat and humidity. Consequently, species and varieties should be chosen on the basis of historical weather patterns. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Community 5.2
Non-Citrus Fruits

This phase describes the growth and harvest of fruits. Land conversion may be necessary to create fields suitable for crop growth. Common fruits grown in these soils include Strawberries and Watermelons. Due to the year-round warm climate Florida has, fruits can often be harvested in both winter and summer seasons. Selection of species and varieties is critical for fruit production, as plants that are not adapted to local conditions will generally fail to produce regardless of how much care and attention they receive. Weather is perhaps the single most important factor that determines where fruit crops can be grown. Winters may be too cold for some fruit or too short for others. Still other fruit may suffer from summer's heat and humidity. Consequently, species and varieties of fruits should be chosen on the basis of historical weather patterns. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers besought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Resilience management. Selection of species and varieties is critical for fruit production, as plants that are not adapted to local conditions will generally fail to produce regardless of how much care and attention they receive. Weather is perhaps the single most important factor that determines where fruit crops can be grown. Winters may be too cold for some fruit or too short for others. Still other fruit may suffer from summer's heat and humidity. Consequently, species and varieties of fruits should be chosen on the basis of historical weather patterns. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers besought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Community 5.3
Grasses/ Grain Crops

This phase describes the growth and harvest of grass-like agricultural products and grain crops used for silage. Land conversion may be necessary to create fields suitable for crop growth. Common species grown in these soils include Corn, Sweet Corn, Grain Sorghum, Improved Bermudagrass Hay, Sorghum Silage, and Sugarcane. Due to the year-round warm climate Florida has, these species can often be grown and harvested in both winter and summer seasons.

Resilience management. Selection of species and varieties is critical for grass and grain production, as plants that are not adapted to local conditions will generally fail to produce regardless of how much care and attention they receive. Weather is perhaps the single most important factor that determines where fruit crops can be grown. Winters may be too cold for some crops or too short for others. Still other crops may suffer from summer's heat and humidity. Consequently, species and varieties of crop should be chosen on the basis of historical weather patterns. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers besought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Community 5.4
Citrus Fruits

This phase describes the growth of citrus crops, dominantly identified as oranges and grapefruit within this ecological site area. This phase differs from other fruits and tree crops due to the intensive management and care needed for citrus groves. Citrus is one of the highest commercial agriculture products in the state of Florida.

Resilience management. Management should be based off individual groves, as different areas will require different management. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Agronomist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations.

Community 5.5
Abandoned Agriculture Fields

This phase describes the absence of management from agriculture fields, often resulting in overgrowth of woody shrubs and vines as well as invasive weeds. This community may occur when producers abandon a field due to any number of reasons. Many fields in the first seasons of abandonment will remain fallow until weedy and shrubby species become dominant. With proper management this community has the potential to support agricultural commodities.

Pathway 5.1a
Community 5.1 to 5.2

The conversion from vegetable crops to non-citrus fruit and nut crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.1b
Community 5.1 to 5.3

The conversion from vegetable crops to grasses/ grain crop would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.1c
Community 5.1 to 5.4

The conversion from vegetable crops to citrus crop would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.1d
Community 5.1 to 5.5

Many fields become abandoned when a producer doesn't maintain and harvest crops against pests, diseases, rising costs of labor, or any other reason that will lead to field abandonment.

Pathway 5.2a
Community 5.2 to 5.1

The conversion from non-citrus fruit and nut crops to vegetable crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.2b
Community 5.2 to 5.3

The conversion from non-citrus fruit and nut crops to grasses / grain crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.2c
Community 5.2 to 5.4

The conversion from non-citrus fruit and nut crops to citrus crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.2d
Community 5.2 to 5.5

Many fields become abandoned when a producer doesn't maintain and harvest crops against pests, diseases, rising costs of labor, or any other reason that will lead to field abandonment.

Pathway 5.3a
Community 5.3 to 5.1

The conversion from grasses and grain crops to vegetable crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.3b
Community 5.3 to 5.2

The conversion from grasses and grain crops to non-citrus fruit and nut crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.3c
Community 5.3 to 5.4

The conversion from grasses and grain crops to citrus crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.3d
Community 5.3 to 5.5

Many fields become abandoned when a producer doesn't maintain and harvest crops against pests, diseases, rising costs of labor, or any other reason that will lead to field abandonment.

Pathway 5.4a
Community 5.4 to 5.1

The conversion from citrus crops to vegetable crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.4b
Community 5.4 to 5.2

The conversion from citrus crops to non-citrus fruit and nut crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.4c
Community 5.4 to 5.3

The conversion from citrus crops to grasses / grain crops would require, if applicable, the harvest of the crop before converting the land for the desired crop production. Mechanical ground preparation and chemical applications may be needed to create the desired land use conditions for the new crop.

Pathway 5.4d
Community 5.4 to 5.5

Many fields become abandoned when a producer doesn't maintain and harvest crops against pests, diseases, rising costs of labor, or any other reason that will lead to field abandonment. Major diseases affecting citrus groves include citrus canker, an infection that causes lesions on the leaves, stems and fruits of citrus crops, as well as citrus greening, often spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, a sap-sucking hemipteran bug that causes trees to produce fruits that are green, misshapen and bitter, and unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or juice.

Pathway 5.5a
Community 5.5 to 5.1

The restoration of an abandoned field or grove to an active agriculture field often includes removal of the abandoned crop and weeds, converting the land if necessary, and replanting of desired species. Abandoned citrus groves that get converted to agriculture fields will often need complete removal of the citrus tree and the land to be flattened from furrows present in citrus groves. Once removal of undesirable species is complete and the land is converted to a flat field (if necessary), and new seedlings are planted, maintenance is required to keep the crop healthy until harvest.

Pathway 5.5b
Community 5.5 to 5.2

The restoration of an abandoned field or grove to an active agriculture field often includes removal of the abandoned crop and weeds, converting the land if necessary, and replanting of desired species. Abandoned citrus groves that get converted to agriculture fields will often need complete removal of the citrus tree and the land to be flattened from furrows present in citrus groves. Once removal of undesirable species is complete and the land is converted to a flat field (if necessary), and new seedlings are planted, maintenance is required to keep the crop healthy until harvest.

Pathway 5.5c
Community 5.5 to 5.3

The restoration of an abandoned field or grove to an active agriculture field often includes removal of the abandoned crop and weeds, converting the land if necessary, and replanting of desired species. Abandoned citrus groves that get converted to agriculture fields will often need complete removal of the citrus tree and the land to be flattened from furrows present in citrus groves. Once removal of undesirable species is complete and the land is converted to a flat field (if necessary), and new seedlings are planted, maintenance is required to keep the crop healthy until harvest.

Pathway 5.5d
Community 5.5 to 5.4

The restoration of an abandoned field or grove to an active citrus grove often includes removal of the abandoned crop and weeds and replanting of desired species. In citrus groves removal of abandoned citrus trees are often either completely pulled out of the ground or cut to the stump and new seedlings are planted next to the cut stumps. Once removal of undesirable species is complete and new resets are planted, maintenance is required to keep the crop healthy until harvest.

State 6
Silviculture

This state is important and used by silviculturists, landowners, land managers, and the public/private industry. Silviculture is land used in controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society such as wildlife habitat, timber, water resources, restoration, and recreation on a sustainable basis. These are forestry practices that include thinning, harvesting, planting, pruning, prescribed burning and site preparation, for managed goals such as wildlife habitat creation or harvesting. Because of the generally wet soil conditions associated with forested wetlands, some of these areas can be very sensitive to forestry activities, particularly during ponded or periods of soil saturation. For silviculture operations in general, wetlands are probably most susceptible to changes in hydroperiod, which can result from improper forest road construction, logging operations, and certain types of site preparation activities. Due to management concerns within these wetlands, the creation and planting of tree plantations is not recommended and should be managed for stand harvesting and regeneration All silviculture operations should follow state and federal best management practices (BMP) to mitigate extensive damage to harvested wetlands. These may include not significantly altering the natural drainage or flow patterns on forested lands, not conducting intensive mechanical site preparations such as bedding and fire line placement and avoiding road construction which may alter natural hydroperiods. For harvesting in these wetlands, specific criteria is used to prevent excessive damage to the natural system. These may include retaining leave trees for wildlife habitat and seeding, removing logging slash from the wetland system, minimizing heavy equipment operations which may cause extensive rutting, and only operating and harvesting in dry seasons/ periods or using specialized equipment in wetter conditions. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Resource Conservationist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations for silviculture practices.

Resilience management. This state is managed by silviculture prescriptions that will vary based on individual forest stand and management goals.

Community 6.1
Cypress (Taxodium spp.)

This phase represents the prevailing composition and/or association of the species occurring on this site. In general, this wet site is not very productive and species richness is generally low. Because tree diversity is low, regeneration of cut stands may result in pure stands of cypress or a mixed hardwood swamp consisting of cypress, bays, and maples. Additional complications arise from the difficulty of germination and seedling development due to excessively long hydroperiods. A dry cycle of several years may be the requirement for advancement of young seedlings in this environment. If the area is clear cut it may regenerate into a shrub – scrub wetland before transitioning into a forested wetland.

State 7
Invaded State

This state represents the dominance of one or multiple non-native or exotic species which outcompetes the native natural community and may significantly alter the composition and structure of the invaded stand by overshading the canopy and understory components and preventing regeneration of forest species.

Community 7.1
Melaleuca – Brazilian Peppertree – Torpedo Grass – Common Water Hyacinth

This phase describes the introduction and establishment of invasive species common to this ecological site; Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia), Torpedo grass (Panicum repens), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), and melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia). These are fire tolerant shrubs (Brazilian peppertree), grasses (torpedo grass), and trees (Melaleuca) that will outcompete native plants of this ecological site. These species are adapted to the stressors created by extended hydroperiods and will often outcompete native species in both non-forested and forested wetlands. Other undesirable species may be present in this community that have not been mentioned,

Resilience management. Restoring native habitat may be very difficult with these species. Specific management plans may be required to identify and manage these species. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Resource Conservationist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations or invasive control practices.

State 8
Reclaimed / Restored Wetlands

The reclaimed/ restored wetland state consists of non-forested and forested wetland communities which have undergone or currently undergoing transition from an altered state (agriculture field, pasture, mining land, urban areas) to a restored natural community. These reclaimed and restored natural communities will be managed to reflect the natural vegetation, management regimes, and hydroperiod of the reference community, with a history of land modification. This can often be accomplished through programs offered by the NRCS such as the Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), a voluntary program to help restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses. Restored wetlands will provide habitat to fish and wildlife, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity, and provide resilience to climate change. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Resource Conservationist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations for silviculture practices.

Community 8.1
Reclaimed / Restored Non-Forested Wetlands

This community described a reclaimed or restored non forested wetland community. Specific non-forested wetland community type will be dependent on local geomorphology, hydroperiods, fire regimes, and past management. While specific community type and species composition will depend on local factors, this community is unified through reclaimed or restored very poorly to poorly drained sandy over loamy soils which support non-forested wetlands in isolated depressions. Evidence of past management use (pasture/ agricultural uses) may be seen on the landscape. It may be common to see weedy or pasture forage species present in these areas along with native vegetation. These areas which have been converted back to non-forested wetlands are often under permanent or long-term (30 year) easement contracts. Restoration of a non-forested wetland is a long-term process to restore, protect, and enhance the restored wetland's function and values.

Community 8.2
Reclaimed / Restored Forested Wetlands

This community described a reclaimed or restored forested wetland community. Specific non-forested wetland community type will be dependent on local geomorphology, hydroperiods, fire regimes, and past management. While specific community type and species composition will depend on local factors, this community is unified through reclaimed or restored very poorly to poorly drained sandy over loamy soils which support forested wetlands in isolated depressions. Evidence of past management use (pasture/ agricultural uses) may be seen on the landscape. It may be common to see weedy or pasture forage species present in these areas along with native vegetation. These areas which have been converted back to non-forested wetlands are often under permanent or long-term (30 year) easement contracts. Restoration of a forested wetland is a long-term process to restore, protect, and enhance the restored wetland's function and values.

State 9
Human Altered and Human Transported Materials

These areas include soils that were intentionally and substantially modified by humans for an intended purpose, commonly for terraced agriculture, building support, mining, transportation, and commerce. The alteration is of sufficient magnitude to result in the introduction of a new parent material (human-transported material) or a profound change in the previously existing parent material (human-altered material). They do not include soils modified through standard agricultural practices or farmed soils with unintended wind and water erosion. When a soil is on or above an anthropogenic landform or microfeature, it can be definitely be associated with human activity and is assigned to a unique taxon, usually found as an "Urban land complex" within that communities' natural soil properties (e.g, Floridana mucky fine sand, ponded - Urban land complex, 0-1% slope).

Characteristics and indicators. Evidence of these areas include soils with manufactured items (e.g. artifacts) present in the profile, human altered-materials (e.g., deeply excavated or plowed soil) or human-transported material (e.g., fill), and position on or above anthropogenic landforms (e.g., flood-control levees) and microfeatures (e.g., drainage ditches). Detailed criteria regarding the identification of anthropogenic (artificial) landforms, human-altered materials, and human-transported material are in the "Keys to Soil Taxonomy" (Soil Survey Staff, 2014).

Community 9.1
Urban

This urban community consists of development for human use. Urban areas include a variety of land uses, e.g., inner city or urban core, industrial and residential areas, cemeteries, parks, and other open spaces; the overall function which may benefit the quality of human life. These often form an urban soil mosaic, where the natural landscape has been fragmented into parcels with distinctive disturbance and management regimes and, as a result, distinctive characteristic soil properties.

Resilience management. Within this community there are three different levels of urbanization, based off population dynamics, residential density, and intensity of development. These are labeled as low-intensity, medium-intensity, and high-intensity urban areas, which can eventually be split apart into its own separate state. Low-intensity urban areas may consist of single dwelling homes with little impact on the surrounding community which still somewhat represents the natural community (e.g., represents natural landscape, hydrology, and vegetation) , other examples of this are urban parks, cemeteries, or campgrounds with little urban development. Medium-intensity urban areas consist of larger urban dwellings with some natural features but have been modified to meet urban needs (e.g., towns). High-intensity urban areas are areas of heavily modified areas with complete alterations of the natural landscape, hydrology, and vegetation to support a very large population, which once constructed is permanently altered (e.g., metropolis areas/ active mines).

Community 9.2
Water Retention Areas

They will hold standing water and slowly release it through groundwater and surface runoff into surrounding natural communities. These may become devoid of water during the dry season and support a sparse to dense cover of hydrophytic grasses, shrubs, and trees. During the wet season when these areas hold standing water, floating emergent species are common.

Transition T1A
State 1 to 2

This transition is driven by an absence of fire from a shrub – scrub wetland allowing for the establishment and dominance of existing woody species to mature into the canopy. This may be seen as a mixed stand of hardwoods and cypress species in an even aged stand or a pure overstory of cypress with a shrubby understory. Trees will often be greater than 20 feet (6 meters) in height.

Transition T1B
State 1 to 3

This mechanism is driven by the introduction of livestock species to the natural system and implementing a planned grazing strategy. Use of a planned grazing strategy to balance animal forage demand with available forage resources. Timing, duration, and frequency of grazing are controlled, and some type of grazing rotation is applied to allow for plant recovery following grazing. It is strongly advised that consultation with State Resource Conservationist and District Conservationists at local NRCS Service Centers be sought when assistance is needed in developing management recommendations or prescribed grazing practices.

Transition T1C
State 1 to 4

Actions required to convert native habitat to pasture or forage production include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert native land to pastureland on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This site is extremely susceptible to soil compaction and erosion. The decision to proceed with this action may have occurred before the regulation of wetlands within the state of Florida. Conversion may still be allowed if the proper permits are gathered in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Transition T1D
State 1 to 5

Actions required to convert native habitat to agricultural land include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert native land to agriculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. The decision to proceed with this action may have occurred before the regulation of wetlands within the state of Florida. Conversion may still be allowed if the proper permits are gathered in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Transition T1E
State 1 to 7

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Transition T1F
State 1 to 9

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Transition T2A
State 2 to 1

This transition is driven by severe fire, usually occurring in periods of drought, or from anthropogenic decrease in the natural hydroperiod. If the roots were protected from fire, many species will rapidly re-sprout and form a shrub –scrub wetland. If the root systems were destroyed, these areas may be colonized by marsh grasses. The specific community of non-forested wetland will be dependent on local hydroperiods and geomorphic position of the area affected. Areas subject to removal of tree species via logging practices may be recolonized by a shrub – scrub wetland if not replanted and managed for its reference forested wetland community.

Transition T2B
State 2 to 4

Actions required to convert native habitat to pasture or forage production include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert native land to pastureland on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This site is extremely susceptible to soil compaction and erosion. The decision to proceed with this action may have occurred before the regulation of wetlands within the state of Florida. Conversion may still be allowed if the proper permits are gathered in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Transition T2C
State 2 to 6

This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. Decisions to convert native land to silviculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. The decision to proceed with this action may have occurred before the regulation of wetlands within the state of Florida. Conversion may still be allowed if the proper permits are gathered in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Transition T2D
State 2 to 7

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Transition T2E
State 2 to 9

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Transition T3A
State 3 to 1

This transition is driven by the removal of domesticated grazing species from the system and reintroduction of natural management strategies.

Transition T3B
State 3 to 4

Actions required to convert rangeland to pasture or forage production include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert rangeland to pastureland on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This site is extremely susceptible to soil compaction and erosion. The decision to proceed with this action may have occurred before the regulation of wetlands within the state of Florida. Conversion may still be allowed if the proper permits are gathered in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Transition T3C
State 3 to 5

Actions required to convert rangeland to agriculture include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert rangeland to agriculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This site is extremely susceptible to soil compaction and erosion. The decision to proceed with this action may have occurred before the regulation of wetlands within the state of Florida. Conversion may still be allowed if the proper permits are gathered in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Transition T3D
State 3 to 6

This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. Decisions to convert native land to silviculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. The decision to proceed with this action may have occurred before the regulation of wetlands within the state of Florida. Conversion may still be allowed if the proper permits are gathered in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Transition T3E
State 3 to 7

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Transition T3E
State 3 to 9

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Transition T4A
State 4 to 5

Actions required to convert pasture to agriculture include herbicide application, seedbed preparation, and the establishment of desired plants. Decisions to convert pasture to agriculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This site is extremely susceptible to soil compaction and erosion. The decision to proceed with this action should be done so in close communication with and guidance from local NRCS Service Centers.

Transition T4B
State 4 to 6

This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. Decisions to convert native land to silviculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. The decision to proceed with this action may have occurred before the regulation of wetlands within the state of Florida. Conversion may still be allowed if the proper permits are gathered in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Transition T4C
State 4 to 7

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Restoration pathway R4A
State 4 to 8

This restoration is driven by the reclamation and restoration of wetland habitats from an altered state. This often requires the establishment of natural hydroperiods and water flow as well as the replanting and management of native plant species. Re-establishment of the natural management regimes such as fire intervals will be necessary. All land management practices for the altered state should be suspended.

Transition T4D
State 4 to 9

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Transition T5A
State 5 to 6

This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. Decisions to convert native land to silviculture on this site should be made carefully and continuously evaluated before, during, and after conversion activities. This pathway consists of prescribed silvicultural activities specifically designed to meet stand compositional and production objectives. The decision to proceed with this action may have occurred before the regulation of wetlands within the state of Florida. Conversion may still be allowed if the proper permits are gathered in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Transition T5B
State 5 to 7

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Restoration pathway R5A
State 5 to 8

This restoration is driven by the reclamation and restoration of wetland habitats from an altered state. This often requires the establishment of natural hydroperiods and water flow as well as the replanting and management of native plant species. Re-establishment of the natural management regimes such as fire intervals will be necessary. All land management practices for the altered state should be suspended.

Transition T5C
State 5 to 9

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Transition T6A
State 6 to 7

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Restoration pathway R6A
State 6 to 8

This restoration is driven by the reclamation and restoration of wetland habitats from an altered state. This often requires the establishment of natural hydroperiods and water flow as well as the replanting and management of native plant species. Re-establishment of the natural management regimes such as fire intervals will be necessary. All land management practices for the altered state should be suspended.

Transition T6B
State 6 to 9

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Restoration pathway R7A
State 7 to 1

The establishment of, or a return to, natural habitat conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Restoration pathway R7B
State 7 to 2

The establishment of, or a return to, natural habitat conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Restoration pathway R7C
State 7 to 3

The establishment of, or a return to, altered land use conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Restoration pathway R7D
State 7 to 4

The establishment of, or a return to, altered land use conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Restoration pathway R7E
State 7 to 5

The establishment of, or a return to, altered land use conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Restoration pathway R7F
State 7 to 6

The establishment of, or a return to, altered land use conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Restoration pathway R7G
State 7 to 8

The establishment of, or a return to, altered land use conditions following a previous invasive / non-native / undesirable species infestation may be possible in some areas. Successful actions will require relentless efforts that include removal of the species via chemical or mechanical or biological means. In some extreme cases, restoration attempts could result in greater erosion and worsening of local conditions. Please consult with District and Soil Conservationists at local NRCS Field Offices for advice and guidance on land restoration attempts on invaded areas.

Transition T7A
State 7 to 9

This transition is driven by the alteration and/ or transportation of soil materials via anthropogenic means.

Transition T8A
State 8 to 7

This transition represents proliferation and dominance of an invasive species. Soil mechanical disturbances can compound this effect and create suitable conditions for invasive species.

Restoration pathway R9A
State 9 to 8

This restoration is driven by the reclamation and restoration of wetland habitats from an altered state. This often requires the establishment of natural hydroperiods and water flow as well as the replanting and management of native plant species. Re-establishment of the natural management regimes such as fire intervals will be necessary. All land management practices for the altered state should be suspended.