Dear State Forester
I
look at the retention ponds along the Suncoast Parkway and wonder why
they look like a golf course or front lawn. There must be a
hundred thousand acres of land in those normally dry treatment and
detention areas, and along the low linear ditches that run from Tampa to
Crystal River. I’m not looking at the medians and the safety areas next to
the road, I understand they need to be clear for vehicles that leave the
pavement. But the far side of the ditches, and the areas in the
detention areas behind raised dykes and levies…are far beyond anywhere a
car could get- even airborne.
Now, why aren’t there trees in there? Water tolerant trees like Pond Cypress and Bald Cypress? Instead of mowing the areas, we could plant a giant Cypress Strand from Tampa to the Nature Coast. Cypress trees, that can stand and grow in water. Cypress trees that can sequester carbon, absorb and convert other vehicle origin pollutants into seeds and trees.
The State Forest Service must have a nursery for trees. Dozens of nature groups would love to help plant them. The Audubon Society and Arbor Day foundation would be so proud, and might help with trees and costs. Planting a few in each retention area this next dry season, and in 10 years….if that is all we do, the trees will seed the rest of the area. No more mowing, no more bare ground along the parkway that thousands take to spend eco-dollars in the Nature Coast businesses.
And while we are at it, our water quality board SWFTMD could suggest every business in their district do the same thing- Turn ugly unused space into a Cypress mini-dome. (Not change the rules to require it, but educate and encourage it!) Maybe the Cities that need somewhere to plant mitigation trees for those cut down, can turn to retention ponds and Cypress trees. If the State Forester gets behind this, and the State Nursery gives trees at cost, cypress trees can absorb noise, make shade, hide blighted areas from view, and help our backyard wildlife.
If
the DOT gets on board, many of the dry ponds along our Interstates can
also be cypress forests, half an acre at a time. Double duty for
our drainage and treatment ponds, and green to boot!
REPLY NUMBER ONE///////
On
behalf of the State Forester, Mr. James Karels, I am responding to your
e-mail correspondence dated July 22, 2012, where you are providing
suggestions/ideas to utilize certain open space areas (retention ponds)
of various state road thoroughfares by planting cypress trees.
First
of all we at the Florida Forest Service (FFS) do encourage and assist
other state agencies with tree planting projects across the state
through our Cooperative Forestry Assistance/Rural & Urban and
Community Forestry program’s. Many cities, municipalities, and rural
communities have benefited from numerous grant opportunities that we
administer to plant trees in open underutilized spaces. Tree canopy in
both the rural and urban setting is very important for many reasons
(some you have mentioned) such as carbon sequestration, air
purification, aesthetics, buffering the impact of storms, reduces costs
of maintenance, forest production, supports wildlife food and shelter
needs, etc…. . The Florida Forest Service is committed to make our
“rural & urban forests” of the state attractive and productive.
Additionally
the FFS works very closely with other state agencies (such as the
Florida Department of Transportation - FLDOT) by providing seedlings or
advising where to obtain containerized trees for tree planting projects
that are part of their planned projects and ongoing activities, however
we cannot speak specifically for these other agencies on how these
projects are regulated or governed. To properly address your retention
pond suggestion/ideas I believe that it would most appropriate for you
to contact the FLDOT Environmental Office to discuss this issue. I
suggest that you contact Jeff Caster, the State Landscape Architect, at
the FLDOT. Jeff’s e-mail is Jeff.Caster@dot.state.fl.us and his direct line phone number is 850-414-5267.
As
I stated before we at the Florida Forest Service are committed to all
aspects of forestry and the management thereof in the great state of
Florida. I appreciate your suggestion/idea and if it comes to fruition
the FFS will be a willing and working partner to make this become a
success.
I
hope that I have provided enough information here to you to assist with
keeping your idea moving forward and If I can be of any further service
to you please do not hesitate in contacting me either by phone or by
e-mail.
Sincerely,
State Lands Supervisor
Florida Forest Service
REPLY NUMBER TWO///////////////////////////////
Thank you for your very thoughtful and informative email about roadside pond landscapes.
Next
week, I will be meeting with FDOT Turnpike staff, and can discuss your
suggestion. We are always looking for ways to improve the turnpike
system, and minimize the cost of maintenance.
Thank you again.
Jeff
Jeff Caster
State Transportation Landscape Architect
Florida Department of Transportation
Environmental Management Office
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