Category: Environment

Deep Problems in Shallow Lakes: Why Controlling Phosphorus Inputs May Not Restore Water Quality (SGEF198/SG128)

Figure 1. Many processes affect phosphorus levels in a shallow lake.Florida’s thousands of lakes are shallower than most people realize, and some unique properties of shallow lakes make them challenging to restore if they have been degraded by nutrients or other pollutants.This 4-page fact sheet examines how water managers track nutrients as they cycle through Florida’s lakes. Written by Karl Havens, and published by the UF Department of Sea Grant, January 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg128

Classical Biological Control of Tropical Soda Apple with Gratiana boliviana (ENY865/IN971)

Figure 4. South Florida Water Management District staff member, Terri Torrens, releasing Gratiana boliviana adults on a tropical soda apple plant.Tropical soda apple is a prickly shrub native to South America. First reported in Glades Co., Florida in 1988, it later spread to Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It is a major problem in pastures and conservation areas. Negative impacts of tropical soda apple include reduction of cattle stocking rates, competition with native plants, and the costs associated with its control. Dense thickets of the weed also can disrupt the movement of wildlife. This 4-page fact sheet provides a summary of the major steps of the successful biological control program against tropical soda apple in Florida. The article covers the importance of the weed, identification and biology of the biological control agent, rearing and release efforts, establishment and impact, and efforts to communicate the outcomes of the program to stakeholders. Written by R. Diaz, J. Medal, K. Hibbard, A. Roda, A. Fox, S. Hight, P. Stansly, B. Sellers, J. Cuda and W. A. Overholt, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, November 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in971

Classical Biological Control of Air Potato in Florida (ENY864/IN957)

Figure 1. Air potato infestation at Snyder park in Fort Lauderdale. This is one of the release sites for Lilioceris cheni.Air potato was introduced to Florida in 1905. By the 1980s, its vines were growing in thickets, waste areas, and hedges or fencerows in many parts of south and central Florida. By 1999, it was recognized as transforming plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structure and disrupting ecological functions. The air potato leaf beetle is a rather large, orange-red Asian leaf beetle. It feeds and develops only on air potato. The USDA-ARS Invasive Plant laboratory in Fort Lauderdale acquired this beetle from China and has begun an ambitious release program aimed at controlling air potato. This 3-page fact sheet was written by T. D. Center and W. A. Overholt, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in957

Green lacewings (of Florida) Neuroptera: Chrysopidae (EENY534/IN965)

Figure 1. Dorsal view of head and pronotum, Plesiochrysa brasiliensis (Schneider).The Chrysopidae are one of the largest and economically most important families of the Neuroptera. There are about 1,300 currently recognized species included in about 87 genera and three subfamilies (Brooks and Bernard 1990) in the world. In Florida, there are 22 species in 9 genera, all placed in the subfamily Chrysopinae (Penny et al. 1997). The larvae are voracious predators of small, comparatively soft-bodied arthropods such as aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, thrips, insect eggs, and other prey (Muma 1959; Canard et al. 1984). For this reason they are used widely in biological control. The adults are usually predators, but a few species only feed on pollen. This 4-page fact sheet includes Key to the Genera of Green Lacewings of Florida. Written by Lionel A. Stange, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, November 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in965

How to Use Deterrents to Stop Damage Caused by Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard (WEC326/UW371)

Figure 6. Eyespot balloons can scare nuisance birds.Many of us try to attract particular types of wildlife to our yards so that we can observe them. We often select plants and other materials that we know provide food, cover, and water for those animals we like to watch. However, when unwanted wildlife visit your yard and cause damage, you might need to consider the use of tactics that could deter these unwanted species. This 8-page fact sheet was written by Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw371

How To Identify the Wildlife Species Responsible for Damage in Your Yard (WEC324/UW369)

Figure 6. Rooting and wallowing by wild hogs. Although many homeowners enjoy wildlife in their yards, there are situations where wildlife can become a nuisance. In some circumstances, wild animals can cause extensive damage to lawns and gardens. Learning to identify which species is responsible for this damage is the first step in finding a solution to the problem. This 6-page fact sheet provides images of wildlife damage in residential settings to help you determine which species may be causing similar problems in your yard. Written by Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw369

Overview of How to Stop Damage Caused by Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard (WEC323/UW368)

ArmadilloIn Florida, we are fortunate to have a wide variety of wildlife to watch and enjoy. Indeed, many homeowners attempt to attract particular types of wildlife to their yards to watch. However, wild animals can become a nuisance in some situations. This 4-page fact sheet is the first in a five-part series describing tactics you can use to cope with wildlife that have become a nuisance. Here we suggest a sequence of steps you can implement when wildlife are causing damage in your yard. These suggestions should help reduce wildlife damage in a practical, humane, and environmentally responsible manner. Written by Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw368

How to Modify Habitat to Discourage Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard (WEC325/UW370)

Bear stealing garbage (USDA Forest Service)Although often overlooked, habitat modification is the cheapest and most effective long-term solution to nuisance wildlife problems in residential landscapes. Removing the resources wildlife are seeking when they visit your yard can be a much more cost-effective solution than restricting access to those resources with physical barriers, scaring wildlife with hazing tactics, deterring wildlife with repellents, or removing wildlife by trapping or killing nuisance animals. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw370

How to Use Traps to Catch Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard (WEC327/UW372)

Figure 1. Wire cage trap.When wildlife become a nuisance in your yard, there are three general approaches you can take: make habitat modifications, use deterrents, or trap animals. In most residential settings, making habitat modifications or using deterrents will be both simpler and more effective than trapping. But trapping is warranted in certain situations when trying to solve conflicts between people and wildlife. This 6-page fact sheet provides information on stopping wildlife damage through the use of trapping. Written by Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw372

Multiple-Use Landscapes: Reclaimed Phosphate Mined Lands (SL374/SS575)

Figure 6. Herbaceous wetland restoration project at a phosphate mine in Hardee County.Phosphate mining is a temporary land use. The jobs and economic activity associated with mining depart an area once the resource is exhausted — but the landscape created as a result of mining and reclamation will exist in perpetuity. Communities affected by mining activities need to have reclamation result in lands with high potential to provide sustainable economic opportunities while maintaining ecosystem services and ecological functions. This 8-page fact sheet provides a brief overview of the landscapes being created as a result of phosphate mining and reclamation activities in Florida. Written by M. Wilson and E.A. Hanlon, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss575

Tobacco Budworm, Heliothis virescens (Fabricius) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (EENY219/IN376)

Figure 1. A closeup of an adult tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Fabricius).The tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Fabricius), is a native species and is found throughout the eastern and southwestern United States. It is principally a field crop pest, attacking such crops as alfalfa, clover, cotton, flax, soybean, and tobacco. Larvae bore into buds and blossoms (the basis for the common name of this insect), and sometimes the tender terminal foliar growth, leaf petioles, and stalks. This 6-page fact sheet was written by J. L. Capinera, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in376

Alligatorweed flea beetle Agasicles hygrophila Selman and Vogt (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Halticinae) (EENY462/IN831)

Figure 2. Adult alligatorweed flea beetle, Agasicles hygrophila Selman and Vogt, on a damaged leaf. Note characteristic feeding scars.Alligatorweed is an aquatic weed native to South America that began threatening Florida’s waterways in the early 1900s. Alligatorweed flea beetles kill the plant by destroying its stored food and interfering with photosynthesis by removing leaf tissue. This insect has been an extremely effective biological control agent in coastal regions of the southeastern United States. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Ted D. Center, James P. Cuda, Michael J. Grodowitz, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in831

The Economic Impact of the 2011 Florida BASS Federation Tournament to Osceola County and the EventĀ's Economic Value to Participants (FE916)

BASS logoThe Florida BASS Federation Nation is a chapter of a national organization whose goal is to stimulate public awareness of bass fishing as a major participant sport. Each the state Championship tournament attracts anglers to a competitive event in which participants seek to catch the largest cumulative weight of bass over two days. This article describes an assessment of the economic impact in Osceola County associated with the State Championship tournament. Findings from this analysis should help planners and other stakeholders of similar tournaments better estimate the economic benefits associated with such community activities. This 9-page fact sheet was written by Sherry Larkin, Jessica Georges, Alan Hodges, Michael Allen, and Dale Jones, and published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe916

Casuarina equisetifolia, Australian Pine (FOR298/FR366)

Figure 1. Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetfolia)Australian pine was originally planted in Florida in the late 1800’s as a windbreak and for shade. But soon thereafter it was spreading without help from humans. Today it is considered a category I invasive species in Florida, and the Division of Plant Industry strictly prohibits possessing, transporting, and cultivating this species. For those who find this tree in close proximity to their home, it’s a good idea to replace it since Australian pine is known to have a very low resistance to wind. Australian pine is commonly found growing on coastal shorelines since it thrives in salty, sandy environments. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr366

Florida Reclaimed Phosphate Mine Soils: Characteristics, Potential Uses, and Management Considerations (SL370/SS571)

Figure 1. Sand tailings disposal site with an overburden "cap," in Hamilton County, Florida. Note the difference in subsoil due to the overburden spoil pile on the left side of the picture.A critical nutrient for plant growth, phosphate helps sustain the world’s growing population. In 2010, seven mines in Florida produced approximately 10% of the world’s phosphate supply and more than 65% of the phosphate for the United States. But each year in Florida thousands of acres disturbed by strip-mining for phosphate rock must be reclaimed for other productive uses. This 11-page fact sheet provides a general characterization of the various soil types resulting from phosphate mine reclamation. Written by M. Wilson and E.A. Hanlon, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, October 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss571

Hippomane mancinella, Manchineel (FOR302/FR370)

Figure 1. All portions of the manchineel tree are poisonous.This poisonous tree is native to southern Florida, the Keys, many of the Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Central America. Though it is poisonous to humans and many animals, iguanas are eat the fruit and sometimes live among the tree’s limbs. It’s found along the seacoasts and in brackish swamps where it grows among mangroves. Each leaf has a small gland where the leaf joins the stem. The bark is reddish-to-grayish brown and cracked looking. Flowers inconspicuous, but the spikes or leafless stems that the flowers emerge from are visible. The fruit is bright-green and looks like a small apple. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu and Melissa H. Friedman, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr370

Forest Management in the Interface: Reducing Fire Risk (FOR179/FR249)

Figure 3. The best way to minimize risk of fire damage is to reduce fuels around the structure. Wildfire is one of the most serious and publicized challenges facing interface forest management. Wildfires can change forest vegetation, affect human health, and cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage to homes, businesses, timber, and tourism. This 5-page fact sheet outlines tips for the firewise community development, design of structures, landscaping and fuel reduction. Written by Bruce Hull, Sarah F. Ashton, Rien M. Visser, and Martha C. Monroe, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, August 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr249

Effects of Climate Change on the Eutrophication of Lakes and Estuaries (SGEF189/SG127)

Figure 1. A bloom of blue-green algae on the water surface in the St. Lucie Estuary, Fla.Recent research suggests that climate change will reinforce the negative consequences of man-made eutrophication and make it more difficult to improve water quality in lakes and estuaries.This 3-page fact sheet was written by Karl Havens, and published by the UF Department of Sea Grant, September 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg127

Landscaping in Florida with Fire in Mind (FOR71/FR076)

Figure 1. With careful management and preparation, fire can be a positive force in maintaining Florida's native forests.Fire is a powerful part of Florida’s landscape. It can maintain healthy natural ecosystems (Figure 1), but can also turn a home to ashes. Florida’s frequent lightning strikes and human carelessness guarantee that wildfire will continue to be a factor in both rural and suburban areas. Some homeowners may wonder if they are in danger of wildfire. Find out if you are at risk, and follow these guidelines to reduce the threat of wildfire. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Martha Monroe, Alan Long, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, September 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr076

Florida Bears and Beekeeping (ENY105/AA133)

Figure 2. Bear damage to frameThe Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) is a minor predator of beehives in Florida with the potential to cause major destruction. Large-scale urban and agricultural development inexorably reduces prime bear habitat each year. This habitat also contains excellent bee forage, and so bears and bees will sometimes come in contact, thus resulting in bear predation. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Malcolm T. Sanford and James D. Ellis, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, August 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/aa133