Kissimmee River Floodplain Vegetation (2003)

This polygon feature class defines the extent and type of vegetation in Pools A, B, C, and D of the Kissimmee River Floodplain circa 2003. Vegetation data were compiled at a scale of 1:6,000 from color infrared (CIR) aerial photography acquired in the 2nd quarter of 2003. The objective of this project was to produce spatially and thematically accurate maps of the vegetation as depicted during 2003 aerial images and to store data in a means that will allow immediate and future evaluation of vegetation communities. These data were compiled for South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) as part of the Kissimmee River Restoration Evaluation Program (KRREP) to document vegetation response to the Kissimmee River Restoration Project. The primary purpose was to prepare a comprehensive and detailed map of the floodplain plant communities of Pools A, B, C and D of the Kissimmee River 2003. Historically, the Kissimmee River meandered approximately 103 miles from Lake Kissimmee to Lake Okeechobee, through a 1-3 mile wide floodplain. The river and its flanking floodplain were comprised of a mosaic of wetland plant communities and supported a diverse group of waterfowl, wading birds, fish, and other wildlife (Toth 1993, Toth et al. 1995). The Ecological Basis of the Kissimmee River Restoration Plan Restoration Ecology 1995 Between 1962 and 1971, to prevent catastrophic flooding, the river was transformed into a 56 mile long, 30-foot-deep drainage canal that passed through 6 water control structures. The dam like structures created a series of 5 impoundments or pools that were held at stable levels to function as navigational steps between the two lakes and as reservoirs for the regulation of flow. Unintended impacts to the ecosystem included drainage of two-thirds of floodplain wetlands and drastic declines in wintering waterfowl, wading bird, and game fish populations as well as a general loss of wetland functions and values (Toth 1995).