Proposed aerial treatment of Brazilian pepper in abandoned agricultural fields and other heavily infested areas in Big Cypress National Preserve

Areas in Big Cypress National Preserve (BICY) that supported agricultural activities prior to becoming conservation lands present a difficult challenge for exotic plant management this report outlines various management applications for the control and removal of exotic species at BICY. Six sites have been identified as suitable for aerial treatment of Brazilian pepper in the addition lands management unit: five sites are located north of Interstate 75 and one is located south of Plantation Island in the southwestern corner of the preserve. These sites, totaling approximately 358 acres represent some of the most severely infested areas in Big Cypress. Sites range in size from 18-106 acres (See attached maps). All sites are monocultural or dense (>50% cover) infestations of Brazilian pepper mixed with other undesirable vegetation. Damage to non-target species will be minimal and no threatened or endangered species are known to be present in the proposed treatment areas.