Hydrology and Ecology of Freshwater Wetlands in Central Florida - A Primer

Factors that influence the hydrologic recovery of wetlands in the Northern Tampa Bay area, Florida

“…The numerous wetlands in the Northern Tampa Bay area provide important environmental functions in regards to the contribution and maintenance of baseflow to streams, recharge to the groundwater system, flood control, waterquality enhancements, and wildlife habitat and breeding grounds (Haag and Lee, 2010). In the rapidly developing area of Northern Tampa Bay, the hydrology and ecology of these wetlands have been affected by anthropogenic activities such as urban and agricultural development, construction of roadways and ditches, and large groundwater withdrawals in surrounding areas.…”

“…Much of the recharge to the study area occurs along these sand ridges and terraces (Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1993). Hundreds of lakes, wetlands, and marshes are interspersed throughout the study area, and range from less than 1 acre to more than 2,500 acres in extent (Haag and Lee, 2010). The majority of residential and commercial land use is concentrated along the coast and in the southern part of the study area near Tampa Bay, whereas the majority of the freshwater wetlands are scattered throughout the central and eastern regions of the study area (Metz and others, 2007).…”

“…In many places, wetlands are surrounded by uplands, forming a mosaic of contrasting environments. These wetlands typically contain unique wildlife habitat that is often adjacent to dense human development (Haag and Lee, 2010). The relatively small size and vast numbers of wetlands challenge efforts to characterize them collectively as a statewide water resource (Lee and Haag, 2006).…”

Creating a monthly time series of the potentiometric surface in the Upper Floridan aquifer, Northern Tampa Bay area, Florida, January 2000-December 2009

“…The rate of the vertical groundwater flow, in turn, is governed by the elevation difference and the permeability of the intervening confining unit. The water table in the surficial aquifer is not mapped in central Florida, but the water-table elevation approaches land surface in wetland-dominated landscapes (Haag and Lee, 2010). For this reason, the vertical height of the potentiometric surface above or below the land surface can provide a comparable measure of the hydrologic condition of the imbedded surface-water features (Lee and others, 2009).…”

Flooded area and plant zonation in isolated wetlands in well fields in the Northern Tampa Bay Region, Florida, following reductions in groundwater-withdrawal rates

“…Freshwater wetlands are a dominant feature of the landscape in west-central Florida and many wetlands in the area are small and isolated (Haag and Lee, 2010). Isolated wetlands in this area are supplied with water primarily from rainfall and runoff; rainfall patterns in the region have a substantial influence on the extent and duration of wetland inundation (Lee and others, 2009).…”