Page 16 - Strategic Plan

impede, or modify the movement of this freshwa- ter resource by changing surface water elevation. The South Florida Water Management District (SF- WMD) is responsible for the management, modi- fication, and improvements of this vast system of canals along with the Army Corps of Engineers with input from state, federal, and local communities. Water levels in the canals vary seasonally in or- der to balance water supply and storm protection. During the past 20 years, conflict among urban, natural-resource, and agricultural interests has af- fected natural ecosystems, agricultural lands, and urban areas. As climate change, sea level rise, and weather extremes intensify, new infrastructures, new management plans, and new technologies will be required to mitigate potential natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods, droughts, and storm surg- es).
In addition to agriculturally related sources of pol- lution, it is necessary to address urban sources of pollution (residential and city-urban). Hence, a more holistic approach to water quantity, and soil and water quality conservation needs to be imple- mented that includes all point and non-point sourc- es of pollution. The inclusion of watershed-based research and planning is vital to the future of natu- ral resources in south Florida.
Conservation of endangered plant species and un- derstanding plant competition in natural ecosys- tems is also becoming increasingly important in south Florida. Well known for its abundant plant species, south Florida is the only location with- in the continental United States where temperate flora intermingles with subtropical and tropical flo- ra of the Caribbean and Latin America. Currently, TREC personnel are involved in the conservation of native cycad and orchid species, the monitoring of rare plants, restoration in the Everglades Nation- al Park.
The role of arthropods in natural habitats near agri- cultural areas in south Florida is poorly understood, with many previously uncharacterized arthropod species. Studies on arthropod communities and their interactions in natural ecosystems to deter- mine whether arthropods should be protected are being conducted by TREC entomologists in agri- cultural areas surrounding the Everglades Natural Park. In addition, invasive vascular plants, alien in-
vasive arthropods, and plant pathogens threaten the native flora of south Florida.
South Florida benefits from a multibillion-dollar fishing and boating industry, which is directly de- pendent on the health of its bays. In addition to supporting fisheries and tourism, aquatic resourc- es provide additional ecosystem services. For ex- ample, coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds process nutrients and offer protection from storm events in addition to supporting fish and other ma- rine species. Conversely, the combined threats of urban development and environmental changes caused by increased nutrient loading and sea level rise will place additional stress on South Florida’s natural resources.
UF/IFAS/TREC is uniquely position among the many institutions and state agencies in south Flori- da with responsibility for natural resource research and extension. It is in the only institute mandated to conduct research and extension for both crop production and natural resources conservation in south Florida and maintains strong relationships with the local agricultural industry and conser- vations stakeholders, thus making it an ideal in- stitution through which complex and competing regional agricultural, municipal, and natural re- sources issues can be addressed.
Major Constraints
• Increased pressure on limited available water resources and quality.
• Contentious and challenging competing inter- ests from diverse stakeholders.
• Increased introduction of exotic plants, ani- mals, diseases, and insect pests that threaten native species.
• Increased need for more sustainable agricul- tural practices.
• Continued expansion of the urban corridor into natural areas.
Enabling Conditions
• Increased availability of funding to address nat- ural resource problems.
• Increased number of core disciplines (i.e., re- search and extension) in the natural resources area at TREC.
• OnlysouthFloridainstitutepossessingresearch and extension capability for both crop produc- tion and natural resources conservation.
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