Needs & Products: In all of the above components of this program, the emphasis was on developing spatially-explicit models, to allow analysis of how changes in the landscape hydrology would affect these biotic components. The models use available data, as well as data being collected as part of other CESI-funded projects. Some of the models have been applied to Restudy and ModWaters assessments. First versions of others will be available within the next year. Version 1 of a spatially-explicit individual-based model snail kite model has been completed and applied to Restudy and ModWaters assessments (January 2000). A model of fish biomass dynamics as a function of hydrology has been developed as part of this project, expanded to a landscape model by the University of Tennessee, and used in Restudy and ModWaters assessments. Model studies indicate that fish biomass increases significantly when hydroperiod is increased beyond a threshold of about nine months (June 1997).Version 1 of a wading bird model has been parameterized for the wood stork. This is now being used to study the effects of changed amounts, timing, and spatial distributions of water on model wood stork colonies situated in various locations in the Everglades (April 1999).A model of a subcomponent food web consisting of reptiles and amphibians has been developed and used to calculate biomasses and productivities of key herpetological functional groups (June 2000).

Application to Everglades Restoration :

• Snail kite and fish landscape models have been used in C&SF Restudy assessments.
• Snail kite and fish landscape models have been used in ModWaters Project design.
• Wading bird, snail kite, and American crocodile models are critical for implementing the Multi-Species Recovery Plan.
• Wading bird, snail kite, American alligator, and American crocodile are all Specific Performance Measures for the Everglades restoration plan.