Natural Communities
Before extensive phosphate mining began in the 1960s, the
eastern portion of Tenoroc was part of a large wetland system at
the headwaters of Saddle Creek, the upper-most tributary of the
Peace River. The western portion of Tenoroc was part of a
wetland system associated with Lake Parker.
Phosphate mining significantly disrupted natural drainage
patterns by eliminating original wetlands and impounding water
in retention areas. Tenoroc currently exists as a mostly
mined-over site, with pit lakes, clay settling ponds, and sand
tailing areas. Only 17 percent (1,268 acres) is classified as
unmined/undisturbed.
On spoil mounds in the mined areas, trees such as live oak,
cabbage palm, red maple, sweet gum, and wax myrtle have become
established.
Several undisturbed areas of pine flatwoods, swamps, and
xeric oak are located in the Saddle Creek Tract and in scattered
spots elsewhere.
Upland vegetation surveys indicate that Tenoroc has over
2,000 acres of invasive non-native vegetation including cogon
grass, Brazilian pepper, and Japanese climbing fern. Managers
remove these species and replant with native vegetation.
Management
