Mariner’s Point Management Area

Background

The Mariner’s Point Management Area is in Tarpon Springs east of the Gulf of Mexico. Urbanization has dramatically transformed the surrounding area over the years; however, the natural communities protected by this management area appear to have changed little. Historic aerial photographs suggest the area has continued to support a diverse array of communities, including the now relatively rare sandhills favored for development. Hydrologic impacts have occurred, including the dredging of a freshwater marsh and a canal to St. Joseph Sound. A stormwater culvert and sump are in the southeastern corner of the property.

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners acquired the property in 1990. This natural area, which is closed to the public, is managed by Parks & Conservation Resources.

Characteristics

The natural flow of the groundwater in this management area, which is located in the Pinellas-Anclote River Basin, is governed by tidal action in the adjacent canal and estuaries. Elevation ranges up to 20 feet above sea level, and the nature of the terrain largely determines the type of vegetation and wildlife in each portion of the management area. Soils are diverse and range in classification from permanently flooded to well-drained fine sands.

The area supports a diverse array of natural communities, including tidal swamp dominated by mangroves, tidal marshes dominated by rushes, and flatwoods dominated by pines and saw palmetto. Also supported are extensive sandhills, a unique upland community dominated by longleaf pine, oaks, wiregrass and hog plum.

Disturbance has resulted in weedy and scrubby areas and has encouraged the spread of invasive plants, including Brazilian pepper, punk tree, guinea grass, and air potato. The spread of other exotics, such as carrotwood and camphor tree, has been promoted by surrounding landscaping in nearby residential areas. Rare native species that live in the area include gopher tortoises and bald eagles.

Management

Since assuming management of this area, the County has focused its efforts primarily on fire management and controlling exotic species through the use of chemical and mechanical treatments. While the uplands in this area would burn naturally, long-term fire suppression has resulted in overgrown conditions. This has increased the risk of wildfire and reduced biodiversity.

To alleviate these problems, extensive areas have been mechanically thinned. To maintain the health of these areas, they will be burned routinely using prescribed fire as conditions allow. Firebreaks have been installed to support fire management activities. As with all small, natural areas surrounded by development, exotics are an ongoing problem.

The boundary of the Mariner’s Point Management Area has been secured with fences and signs have been posted. Additional efforts at this management area may include restoring the natural groundwater flow and planting native vegetation.

Value

While The Mariner’s Point 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 wide variety of wading birds feed in the estuaries and gopher tortoises breed in the uplands. This management area also makes important contributions to the region’s hydrology by improving the quality of surface water before it enters the Gulf of Mexico 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