Cow Branch Management Area

Background

The Cow Branch Management Area is in the Palm Harbor area of unincorporated Pinellas County directly south of Lake Tarpon. The region has experienced dramatic changes over the years. Historic aerial photographs show the management area was once part of a large wetland floodplain complex that drained from Lake Tarpon into Tampa Bay.

While some natural vegetation was cleared for citrus and other agricultural activities, other changes in this region were caused by extensive residential and commercial development. For example, in the late 1960s the Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal was built to help water flow from Lake Tarpon to Tampa Bay. The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners acquired the property in 1990 and 1993. This natural area, which is managed by Parks & Conservation Resources, is closed to the public.

Characteristics

Located within the Lake Tarpon Drainage Basin, this management area’s hydrology, or natural water cycle, is dominated by Lake Tarpon and the Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal. Spoils from the canal’s construction were piled on both sides to form berms that restrict the natural flooding of the area’s wetlands.

The topography of this area includes a small ridge with elevations ranging from 2 feet to 25 feet above sea level. The soils are generally fine sands and flooded mucks. The dominant natural communities include floodplain swamp with bald cypress, red maple and a variety of understory ferns as well as flatwoods with longleaf pine, hollies, bays, palmetto and American beautyberry.

Trash dumping and canal maintenance have encouraged the spread of invasive species, including Brazilian pepper, air potato, Boston fern, camphor tree and arrowleaf elephant ear. A variety of birds, white-tailed deer and other wildlife are found in this management area.

Management

Since assuming management of this area, the County has used chemical treatment to control exotic species. To date, this has involved small-scale projects, but eventually could include more extensive clearing along the canal and behind neighboring residences. As with all small, natural areas surrounded by development, control of non-native plants will be an ongoing challenge.

The boundary of the Cow Branch Management Area is not fenced. Although, signs are posted to identify the area. Conducting prescribed burns in the area is not a viable management strategy unless firebreaks are added and non-native vegetation is cleared away. Additional efforts to restore the Cow Branch Management Area may include improving the natural water system and planting native species.

Value

While The Cow Branch Management Area has special significance to local residents and provides economic and environmental benefits to its neighbors, this natural space provides valuable services to all residents and visitors to the region.

By enhancing native biodiversity, it supports countless organisms ranging from microbes to mammals. For example, a variety of birds, white-tailed deer, and other wildlife inhabit this management area. It also makes important contributions to the region’s water cycle and flow by improving the quality of surface water 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