Will allowing the Pines to replenish themselves endanger the rest of Florida?

Uncontrolled spreading of Australian Pines is no longer ignored in Florida, as it has been for 100 years. However, in a specific area such as at Fort Taylor, that doesn’t threaten the natural environment nor it’s agricultural productivity, controlled and monitored replenishing will insure that this special forest will be here for our children’s children.

What do Australian Pines offer other than shade?

The Australian Pines do a first class job of providing shade while still allowing significant light as well as the beautiful colors of the Key West skies to beam through. Their slender trunks allow the sea breezes to flow along the ground unhindered. They provide year round food for resident plus a variety of migrant birds. The soft sound of the wind singing through their limbs is unmatched by any other tree. They do not require supplemental watering or additional fertilizer. The “needles” that the Australian pines drop make a perfect matting around picnic tables and a treasure house full of surprises that captivate inquisitive children.

Is Ft. Taylor an important stopping point for migrating birds?

Australian Pines produce seeds for food as well as providing hiding places for insects, which attract resident birds year around. They also provide shade and ample food for many migrant birds that are passing through the area. These pines, as a food source, are even more reliable than indigenous seasonal sources, since seeds can be found on the ground even when seasonal plants are not producing food. Migrant seed-eating birds seen at the pine forest in Fort Taylor include: Savannah, Grasshopper, White-crowned and Bachman’s Sparrows, Rose-breasted, Blue and occasionally Black-headed Grosbeaks, Painted and Indigo Buntings, American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, Ruby-throated Hummingbird and a variety of colorful Wood warblers. One only has to spend a few moments under the pines at the park to hear the clear, uplifting songs of the resident birds.

Are Australian Pines more likely to topple than other large trees because of shallow roots?

Florida's Australian pines were introduced to the state more than a century ago to stabilize shorelines. It would seem that if these trees toppled so easily, they’d be gone - but they’re not. They’ve been here over a hundred years and they’re still as strong, majestic and cherished, as ever. At Fort Zachary Taylor there's been very little success in planting large native vegetation due to the nature of the ground which is marine consolidated substrate. Far more natives were lost to the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 than Australian pines.

Should all the Australian Pine Tree stands in Florida be treated the same - eradicate them?

Eradication of exotic plants in Florida is only required by law when “scientific data indicates that they are detrimental to the state’s natural environment or when the Commissioner of Agriculture finds that such plants or specific populations thereof are a threat to the agricultural productivity of the state;” Since the Australian Pines at Fort Zachary Taylor are actually a first growth forest, they are not invading any natural environment and should not be targeted under the Invasive Exotic Control Of Public Lands Act. Australian Pines should only be eliminated in areas where they are proven to be a threat.

Does state Law require Australian Pines be replaced with indigenous plants?

It is the intent of the Legislature to partially restore the original character of the original domain of Florida by planting native trees on state lands, and to this end all state lands shall have a portion of such lands designated for indigenous trees. Planting only a portion of Fort Taylor with indigenous trees fulfills the mandate. In addition, the statute further states, that if the primary managing agency (the state) determines that any state lands are unsuitable for this purpose, such lands shall be exempt from this requirement.

Are turtles getting trapped in pine roots on the beach at Fort Taylor?

Not one turtle has been trapped at Fort Taylor under the current park management. Information prior to the current period is not available, however, at Fort Taylor, there are no longer pine trees on the beach at all. We support control of pine tree growth in beach areas, close to the shoreline, to protect potential sea turtle habitats.