Appendix E
Nutrient Reference Site Summary
Cypress Branch
STORET Station GLA630GS
Land Use
This station was considered to be a candidate reference site based on the Landscape Development Intensity
Index score of 1.21 suggesting benign human influences in the watershed. During the site visit, aerial
photographs were examined and direct observations confirmed that the majority of the watershed land use was
forest/natural, with areas of citrus and field/pasture observed beyond the forested buffer zone. There are no
point source discharges upstream of the site.
Aerial photograph of Cypress Branch (Station GLA630GS) showing watershed vicinity and landuse. The
stream originates in an area of prairie, flatwoods, and swamp.
Aerial photograph of Cypress Branch (Station GLA630GS) showing close-up of sampling site. An extensive
riparian forested zone is generally present on both sides of the system throughout the watershed, with a
minimum of a 75-100 m buffer.
Photographs of Cypress Branch (Station GLA630GS).
Habitat, Biological and Water Quality Data
Parameter Value
Habitat Assessment No data
Hydrologic Score 3
LDI Score 1.21
SCI Score No data
Total Phosphorus Geometric Mean (mg/L) 0.140
Total Nitrogen Geometric Mean (mg/L) 2.1
Because of low water (series of disconnected pools) invertebrates were not sampled, however, excellent
substrate availability and diversity were observed, indicating that habitat would score in the optimal range when
water returns.
Periphyton Community Composition
Algal Community Stricture % Composition
% Bacillariophyta No data
% Chlorophycota No data
% Cryptophycophyta No data
% Cyanophycota No data
Number of Taxa No data
Algae was not sampled due to low flow, however, minimal periphyton growth was observed at the site,
suggesting substrates would be usable by benthic invertebrate and fish communities. No problematic
filamentous algal growth was found.
Overall Reference Site Conclusion:
Experienced FDEP scientists conducted a series of observations and measurements (habitat assessment,
hydrology, and local land use) at Cypress Branch. Based on our analyses, the Department concludes that the
site is minimally disturbed by anthropogenic ecologic alterations or stressors, and thus nutrient concentrations
are expected to reflect natural background levels.