FL 6. Hickstown Swamp. Acreage: 6000. 



Location: Madison County; 7 miles W of Madison. 



Description: The most extensive and least disturbed cypress swamp still found in 

 northern Florida. Islands of pond and bald cypress were cut over around 1900, 

 but trees have now regrown to 12-18 inches dbh. In the undergrowth there oc- 

 curs considerable vegetation of a more northern affinity. Floristically, the area 

 differs considerably from the more semi-tropical aspect of the cypress swamp in 

 southern Florida. In open water between the islands is found a luxuriant growth 

 of aquatic species — water lilies, pickerel weed, and grasses. Golden club 

 (Orontium aquaticum) occurs in great abundance. Bird life is abundant, espe- 

 cially egrets. Other animal species include alligator, otter, raccoon, White Ibis, 

 American Bittern, Cattle Egret, Wood Stork, Osprey, Black Vulture, and Tur- 

 key Vulture. 



Encroachments: Some water is used for irrigation. A major highway has been 

 proposed across the area. 



Ownership: Private. 



Data source: Larry Shanks, Chief of River Basins, Florida Game and Fresh 

 Water Fish Commission; W. A. Niering, Box 1511, Connecticut College, New- 

 London, Conn. 06320. 



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