Dying Australian Pines

Why are the Australian Pines Dying?

When the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division entered into the lease with the State of Florida for the F.I.N.D. (Florida Inland Navigation District)-owned "Capone Island", there came with it specific management requirements. The Parks and Recreation Division is required to remove and manage non-native species (invasives) as part of the management agreement.

Over time, this had been an ongoing process with various Park employees doing what they could with minimal staff and effect. Some smaller invasives have been removed, but with the minimal staffing, the results were not noticeable.

Now that the Parks Division is set on creating a first class, exemplary, unique, ADA compliant, “urban wilderness”, the time has come for the removal of these majestic and graceful, but invasive, weeds.

They do not support the native botanical species nor the animals that inhabit the island. They occupy valuable growing areas, and the nature of their pine needles restricts native plant growth. As a state Critical Wildlife Area for Gopher tortoises (our protected species), it is important to provide habitat that supports the food they need. 

The Parks Division has hired a crew to kill the invasive trees to help restore the habitat. They use a chain saw to circumscribe a cut deep into the bark and into the cambium layer of the tree (girdling). This is the growing area and circulatory system of the tree. Application of arborcides like Triclopyr and basal oil into these deep cuts, will prevent the cambium layer from repairing itself. Once this is done, the tree will die.

Even though the trees die, they will still serve a purpose on the island. The dead trees will serve as roosts for our resident osprey, ibis, and other feathered friends, including the visiting graceful black and turkey vultures. Dead trees that are near boardwalk areas that may pose a danger to visitors will be cut down. The wood from the felled trees may be incorporated into other projects on the island.

Photos and Article submitted by Ira Wechterman