Not yet. This is ongoing field documentation rather than a completed academic study. We work in partnership with researchers at the University of Florida's Reseed-Florida program and with private collaborators including Paradise Reserve and Case Effective Management. Some elements will likely be submitted for formal publication once data collection matures. Until then, we share field observations openly so other Florida wetland operators can benefit from what we're learning in real time.

Sheep and goats behave differently in wetland ecosystems. Goats prefer woody brush and will damage tree bark, climb structures, and impact native shrubs that wetland systems often depend on. Sheep selectively graze grasses, broadleaf weeds, and many invasive plants, while leaving woody natives largely alone. They're also calmer in sensitive habitat, which matters when working near nesting birds or amphibians. Sheep are better suited for the kind of selective management most Florida wetlands actually need.

Our observations to date suggest sheep effectively reduce dense growth of common Florida wetland invasives including Brazilian pepper seedlings, torpedograss, para grass, broadleaf weeds, and various grass-stage invasives. Effectiveness varies by species, growth stage, and how repeatedly the area can be grazed. Mature woody invasives like fully grown Brazilian pepper or melaleuca generally require mechanical removal first; sheep are most useful in preventing regrowth and managing seedlings after initial clearing.

The honest answer is that any livestock activity in a wetland carries risks that must be actively managed. Concerns include soil compaction in saturated areas, manure-related nutrient loading affecting water quality, disturbance to nesting or sensitive species, and accidental grazing of protected native plants. We mitigate by limiting flock size, rotating zones, avoiding the most ecologically sensitive areas, and monitoring water quality. Our study explicitly tracks these risks so the practice can be refined or constrained where appropriate. The rewards in most cases out way the risk when good stewardship is involved.

Legality depends on the specific wetland classification, ownership, and applicable jurisdictions. Privately-owned uplands and pasture-adjacent wetlands generally allow agricultural grazing under existing Florida law. Permitted activities on protected wetlands, conservation easements, or waters of the state may require specific authorization from agencies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or local water management districts. Anyone considering this approach should consult relevant agencies before beginning.

We currently track water quality indicators before, during, and after grazing periods, using standard monitoring approaches including pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and nitrogen and phosphorus levels. The goal is to identify whether sheep grazing causes net improvement, net degradation, or no measurable change in water quality compared to ungrazed control areas. Our hypothesis is that controlled grazing improves water quality over time by reducing invasive biomass that would otherwise decompose into the water column.

Possibly, but with caution. Florida wetland ecosystems vary significantly by region, hydrology, soil type, invasive species pressure, and adjacent land use. Practices that work in our Central Florida wetland edge may need adjustment for South Florida sawgrass marshes, Panhandle hardwood swamps, or coastal estuaries. The principles — selective grazing, careful zone management, and active monitoring — likely transfer; the specifics need to be tested locally. We welcome conversations with operators considering similar work.

We're open to collaboration with researchers studying targeted grazing, water quality, invasive species management, or sustainable agricultural practices. Agency staff at the county, state, or federal level can contact us to discuss site visits, data sharing, or pilot programs. Landowners considering similar work on their own property can reach out for an informal conversation about whether their specific situation is a fit. Email or phone contact is at the bottom of this page.