| The Loxahatchee Slough is the largest wilderness island refuge existing in Palm Beach County, Florida. Cultural impacts have altered the hydrology of the area. This study provides a database of historical and geographical information regarding the Slough. Aerial photography and satellite imagery from pre- and post-channelization dates are classified according to vegetation ecosystems. GIS analysis is used to compare these diverse data sets. Changes in hydroperiod are examined, using vegetation as an indicator. Results show a general trend toward dryer hydroperiod vegetation land cover. Since 1979, the Army Corps of Engineers has raised water levels back toward pre-channelization levels, in a portion of the study area known as the Historic Region. Results indicate a positive response, with a net increase of longer hydroperiod vegetation in this region since 1979. |
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