The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Central Gulf Coast Plain
General Description
This biosphere reserve is
situated on the coast of the northwestern part of the Florida Peninsula within
the Apalachicola River floodplain. It comprises Apalachicola Bay which is one of
the most productive estuarine systems in the northern hemisphere. There are
typical estuarine and coastal formations with river channels, slough,
backwaters, bay islands and swamp hardwood forests. The Apalachicola Basin has
the highest species density of amphibians and reptiles in all of North America
(north of Mexico).
The Apalachicola Reserve, which is part of the biosphere reserve, is involved in
various research and monitoring projects. It is also active in resource
management, particularly in land acquisition and a prescribed burning program to
restore upland areas.
Increased demand for water by large upstream cities and agriculture now puts
pressure on the floodplain ecosystem. People in the area make their living
mainly from fishing industry and tourism.
Last updated: 06/27/2005