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Restoration Of Starkey Preserve To Start

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: May 24, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - A three-year restoration project within the Starkey Wilderness Preserve will restore 951 acres of uplands, officials at Southwest Florida Water Management District said.

The remote hiking trail west of the power lines as well as the entire equestrian trail will close temporarily and be redirected to other areas.

Sand pine has taken over much of the area because of the lack of fire to consume debris.

The risk for uncontrollable wildfires has gone up as a result, according to Will Van Gelder, district senior land management specialist.

Controlled burns will return to the area.

Eventually, sunlight once again will shine on the forest floor. Grasses and wildflowers then will return to these areas. Grasses, wildflowers and acorns will provide food for wildlife.

Restoration will allow the shrubby oaks and larger turkey oaks in the sand hills to become the dominant canopy again. Sand pines currently repress these oak species.

The project will be conducted in phases over three years. All of the phases will occur south of the paved recreation trail, leaving the overwhelming majority of the park available for recreation.

The first two phases will take place west of the power lines and the last phase will be east of the power lines.

The first phase, located near the Aristida neighborhood, consists of logging and is expected to begin this week. The sale of the timber will offset the cost of the restoration project.

The remote hiking trail west of the power lines as well as the entire equestrian trail will close temporarily.

Hiking will be rerouted to the paved trail and will connect to remote trails east of the power lines.

Equestrian users will be directed to the Serenova entrance on S.R. 52 until the project is complete.

The 18,000-acre Starkey Wilderness Preserve encompasses:

•The Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, operated by Pasco County.

•The Serenova Tract.

•The Anclote River Ranch Tract.

Starkey Park patrons will be able to learn more about the project and what areas are under restoration by viewing an information poster located at a kiosk near the park's entrance.

For information about the recreation opportunities at the Starkey Wilderness Preserve, call 727-834-3247.

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