Allen’s Creek Management Area

Background

The Allen’s Creek Management Area, near the city of Largo, is divided into two sections. The 14-acre eastern section is at the end of Lancaster Drive, while the 19-acre western portion is near Rosery Road. The management area includes part of Allen’s Creek and connected uplands.

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners bought the land in 1998 and 2000, and Parks & Conservation Resources manages the property. Like all county management areas, it is closed to the public.

Historically, an equestrian riding and training stable was located on the eastern side, which caused a Bahia-dominated pasture to overtake and replaced native plants. In contrast, the western section has remained largely undisturbed. Urban development has changed the flow and quality of the water in Allen’s Creek.

Characteristics

Located in the Allen’s Creek Drainage Basin, the water in this management area is governed by Allen’s Creek, which is influenced by the tide and surface runoff. With elevations ranging up to 10 feet above sea level, some portions of this management area are permanently flooded. Soils are predominantly mucks and well-drained fine sands.

The western section of Allen’s Creek Management Area consists mostly of wetlands predominantly populated by mangroves, buttonwood, and rushes, with disturbed uplands dominated by exotic Brazilian pepper. The uplands in the eastern section are covered by exotic, or non-native, grasses, though the area does have an open canopy of mature oaks and pines. Restoration plantings in this area have promoted species such as dahoon holly, cabbage palm, marlberry, southern red cedar, wild coffee, American beautyberry, coontie, and muhly grass. The wetlands bordering Allen’s Creek have diverse natural communities and are dominated by mangroves and saltgrasses.

Management

Since assuming management of this area, the County has focused on major restoration projects. Together, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the County have worked extensively to improve the quality of the water entering Old Tampa Bay from this highly urbanized watershed.

The first phase of this project involved the creation of freshwater and brackish wetlands to provide critical, low-salinity nursery habitat for wildlife. The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council recognized this work in 2007 with a “Future of the Region Award.”

The second phase focused on the enhancement of adjacent uplands by removing non-native plants and replacing them with native species.

Now that it has been restored, a variety of wildlife has moved in. With improved flow, the area captures runoff from the surrounding neighborhoods so water can be cleansed through debris capture, sediment settling, and nutrient removal.

The fence and signs that protect the property are also maintained. As the restored uplands mature, the County will consider recreating a schedule of prescribed burning to this area. As with all natural areas located in an urban setting, the control of exotic vegetation will continue to be an ongoing effort.

Value

While the Allen’s Creek Management Area has special cultural significance to local residents and provides economic and environmental benefits to its neighbors, this natural space also provides valuable services to all residents and visitors to the region.

By protecting native biodiversity, it supports countless organisms ranging from microbes to mammals. For example, manatees now regularly use the created wetlands within this management area. This area also makes important contributions to the region’s water flow by improving the quality of surface water before it enters Old Tampa Bay and by promoting the recharge of groundwater.

For additional information:

Parks & Conservation Resources
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774

Phone: (727) 582-2100
Fax: (727) 582-2550
Web: www.pinellascounty.org/environment