GTM Research Reserve accomplishes resource management by physically conducting management activities on the resources for which it has direct management responsibility and by influencing the activities of others within and adjacent to its managed areas and within its watershed.

Management Focuses

• Listed Species Monitoring and Protection
  GTM Research Reserve has lead responsibility for daily monitoring of 5.2 miles of Atlantic beach for sea turtle nesting. Other listed species that are monitored include several species of wading and shore birds.
  
  
• Invasive and Nuisance Species
  The best strategy to protect GTM Research Reserve's natural resources from invasive species is prevention. Species of concern include feral hogs, feral cats and Asian green mussels. All invasive plant species are well under control.

• Protection of Non-listed Species.
  There have been isolated cases of harm or harassment of non-listed plant and wildlife species within GTM Research Reserve boundaries. All plants and animals within CAMA managed uplands are protected and cannot be collected without permission or a permit. The prevention of illegal removal of the natural resources of GTM Research Reserve requires a cooperative effort involving staff, local law enforcement and the public.
   
• Prescribed Fire
  GTM Research Reserve has reintroduced prescribed fire as a management and public safety tool for appropriate fire dependent natural communities. The objective is the restoration of the natural fire cycle to the pyrogenic communities within the reserve.
   
  
• Habitat Restoration
  In addition to prescribed fire, GTM Research Reserve is pursuing other habitat restoration activities such as removing pine that have invaded a freshwater marsh.
  
  
• Land Acquisition
  With the federal approval of its management plan, GTM Research Reserve expanded its boundaries and is pursuing land acquisition to better protect these core and buffer areas. The boundary expansion reflects the growth of publicly held land along its boundaries. Three parcels are targeted for future acquisition by the state.
   
  
• Shoreline Erosion Control
  Shoreline erosion is a serious problem at several locations. Erosion on the eastern shore of the Guana River was stabilized in 2006 with a demonstration project that included revegetation with native coastal plant species.
   
• Cultural Resource Protection
  There are 25 known archaeological sites at GTM Research Reserve. Some sites are in danger of feral hog damage or erosion. Human looting is not known to be a significant problem.