PREFACE 



This report is one in a series that provides an ecological description 

 of Florida's gulf coast. The region treated herein, with its myriad trop- 

 ical and subtropical communities, produces many benefits to man. The 

 maintenance of this productivity through enlightened resource management is 

 a major goal of this series. This report will be useful to the many parti- 

 cipants in the democratic process that governs the use of the natural 

 resources of this region. 



Any questions or comments about or requests for this publication 

 should be directed to: 



Information Transfer Specialist 

 National Coastal Ecosystems Team 

 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

 NASA SI i dell Computer Complex 

 1010 Gause Boulevard 

 Slidell, Louisiana 70458 



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