Protecting Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge From Invasive Species
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Florida by Veronica Kelly / USFWS
Everglade snail kite feeding on an apple snail at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR by Joaquin Paredes
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Florida is a haven for unique ecosystems, endangered species, and the largest intact cypress swamp in the Eastern Everglades ecosystem. At almost 145,000 acres and located in Palm Beach County, Loxahatchee is one of 14 Priority Urban Wildlife Refuges in the Refuge System and sees thousands of visitors every year. They come to see American alligators and the endangered Everglade snail kite, traverse almost 50 miles of trails, and watch more than 250 bird species. Loxahatchee NWR is an incredibly special national wildlife refuge and one that the Refuge System proudly shares with the State of Florida.
The Problem
Old World climbing fern suffocating native vegetation at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR by South Florida Water Management District
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is vulnerable to invasive flora and fauna. Rapid and fast-adapting plant species like the Old World climbing fern, Brazilian pepper, and Australian pine are of particular concern in the Loxahatchee NWR. Invasive species management is one of the primary goals of the Loxahatchee NWR, but it is a difficult task without sufficient staff capacity and funding to address the issue.
A Need for Staff & Funding
The Marsh Trail at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR, FL by Lance Warley
As part of the lease agreement between the National Wildlife Refuge System and the State of Florida, the Refuge System must contribute $2 million annually toward invasive species management to maintain the terms of the lease agreement. In order to do this, the Refuge System must use money from federal funds dedicated to invasive species management. The National Wildlife Refuge Association believes additional funding is needed from Congress so that Loxahatchee NWR and other national wildlife refuges throughout the country can adequately address the threat of invasive species through management.
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge relies on six full-time staff members, nowhere near the number needed to properly beat back invasive species around the national wildlife refuge. As public use demands on the refuge rise year after year, staffers are stretched thin and unable to focus on invasive species management. The National Wildlife Refuge Association advocates for increased permanent staffing at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge to mitigate the threat of invasive species.