Research Findings

LIDAR maps, that are a first step in helping us identify social and ecological vulnerability to SLR, were produced. The Urban Land Stewardship group is using these maps to analyze the vulnerability of rare habitats to SLR. Harlem’s maps show: 1) the importance of lower elevation “transverse glades” in water flow patterns in the study site (Figure 1); 2) ( link to the mentioned Figures) the relationship of natural flow patterns to canal structures (Figures 2 and 3) ( link to the mentioned Figures); and the importance of understanding the role of these natural and man-made flow structures in predicting neighborhood and habitat vulnerability to SLR (Figures 4 and 5) (link again).

The network of natural areas protected under Miami-Dade’s Environmentally Endangered Land program is mostly restricted to the southern half of the County (Figure 6). Upland ecosystems (hardwood hammocks) are well represented, though most parcels are small (<20 ha). Coastal wetlands are also preserved within a large block in the southernmost part of the County. However, fresh water wetlands representative of the Transverse Glades are scarce within the network, due to the heavy agricultural use these areas received as Miami developed, followed by their modification for flood control and water use.

South Florida is not only extremely vulnerable to SLR, its biota occupy a unique, peninsular transition between tropical and temperate bioregions. Ecological theory suggests that such ecotonal regions will experience great biological turnover during periods of rapid climatic change, especially when combined with habitat loss and fragmentation. While Miami-Dade upland ecosystems are themselves threatened by SLR within a century or less, they also represent a potential short-term refuge for elevationally-challenged Keys taxa. Mike Ross, Joe O’Brien, and ULTRA-Ex collaborators from Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden recently concluded a review of ecological and societal issues associated with assisted colonization of species on low island ecosystems, which resulted in a submission to the journal Climatic Change. They expect to proceed further along this line of inquiry in the near future.