Lake Tarpon Management Area

Background

The Lake Tarpon Management Area is located in the East Lake region of unincorporated Pinellas County just east of Lake Tarpon. This part of the county has experienced dramatic changes over the years caused largely by urbanization. Remarkably, the natural communities within the management area have undergone very little change.

The property has remained relatively intact and untouched by forest cultivation and encroaching development. It provides unique insight into the natural characteristics of an old-growth, wetland forest. The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners acquired the land in 1997 and 1998. This natural area, which is closed to the public, is managed Parks & Conservation Resources.

Characteristics

Located within the Lake Tarpon Drainage Basin, the natural groundwater flow of this management area is governed by nearby Lake Tarpon and associated canals. Elevation ranges up to 10 feet above sea level. Low-lying areas within the region flood frequently. Soils are predominantly classified as mucks and represent a highly variable mix of sand, decomposed organics and peat accumulations. The natural communities are a tightly intertwined and complex mosaic of mature floodplain swamp, floodplain forest, and bottomland forest, depending upon subtle differences in the natural land features throughout the area.

The northwest corner of the property is slightly higher in elevation, perhaps as a result of the dumping of spoil when canals were dredged. Growth in that portion of the property is characterized by tall pines, low shrubs and grasses.

The management area sustains an impressive, diverse array of native plants, with a cathedral-like forest canopy and magnificently large old-growth trees. Species include pop ash, sweetbay magnolia, swamp tupelo, laurel oak, pond cypress and American elm.

Some disturbance has resulted from neighboring residences, which has encouraged the spread of invasive, non-native species such as air potato, skunkvine, Chinese tallow tree, carrotwood and guinea grass. Rare species found in the area include Virginia chain fern, netted chain fern, giant airplant, northern needleleaf and Florida butterfly orchid.

Management

Since assuming management of this area, the County has focused its efforts on the elimination of non-native plants, boundary protection and biological assessments. Extensive work has been conducted to remove non-native vegetation along the northern boundary, which was chemically treated to slow the establishment and re-establishment of invasive plants. Other areas are selectively treated to remove occasional exotics. As with all small, natural areas surrounded by development, nuisance growth will be an ongoing challenge.

The boundary of the Lake Tarpon Management Area is fenced with signage. Additional efforts in this management area may include conducting detailed studies of the water flow and monitoring the status of native species supported by this unique natural resource.

Value

While The Lake Tarpon 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.

The acreage represents a unique and irreplaceable natural resource in that it supports the last known old-growth wetland forest in the region. This management area also makes important contributions to the region’s natural water flow by improving the quality of surface water and promoting the refreshing of groundwater.

For additional information:

Parks & Conservation Resources
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774
Phone: (727) 582-2100
Fax: (727) 582-2550