Agenda 05/14/20134�
� ECEIVE
PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION
Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2013
THE CLAM BAY SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION
BOARD WILL MEET TUESDAY, MAY 14 AT 1:00 PM AT THE COMMUNITY
CENTER AT PELICAN BAY, 8960 HAMMOCK OAK DRIVE, NAPLES, FL 34108.
AGENDA
The agenda includes, but is not limited:
1. Roll call
2. Audience comments
3. Input from Clam Bay stakeholders
4. Monitoring Clam Pass and seeking a Nationwide permit proposals
5. Proposed floating dock in outer Clam Bay
6. Adjourn
ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK ON AN AGENDA ITEM WILL RECEIVE UP TO THREE (3)
MINUTES PER ITEM TO ADDRESS THE BOARD. THE BOARD WILL SOLICIT PUBLIC
COMMENTS ON SUBJECTS NOT ON THIS AGENDA AND ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK
WILL RECEIVE UP TO THREE (3) MINUTES. THE BOARD ENCOURAGES YOU TO SUBMIT
YOUR COMMENTS IN WRITING IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING. ANY PERSON WHO
DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THIS BOARD WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE
PROCEEDING PERTAINING THERETO, AND THEREFORE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A
VERBATIM RECORD IS MADE, WHICH INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON
WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO
NEEDS AN ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING YOU ARE
ENTITLED TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE PELICAN
BAY SERVICES DIVISION AT (239) 597 -1749. VISIT US AT
HTTP:H PELICANBAYSERVICESDIVISION.NET.
5/9/2013 2:14:37 PM
May 14, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board
3. Input from Clam Bay Stakeholders - Tim Hall's stakeholders summary
Page 1 of 6
List of Stakeholders/Interested Parties:
Community Associations:
• Naples Cay Master Association — Brett Cohan, Edwin G. Saphar, Jr.
• Pelican Bay Foundation — James Hoppensteadt, Suzanne Minadeo, Mary McLean Johnson,
Robert Pendergrass
• Pelican Bay POA — Bill Klaube, Ted Raia, Joanne Smith
• Seagate POA — David Buser, Sarah Wu
• The Seasons at Naples Cay Condominium Assoc. — Keith Tompkins, George E. Bergeron
Conservation Groups:
• Collier County Audubon — Brad Cornell
• Conservancy of Southwest Florida — Andrew McElwaine, Kathy Worley
• Mangrove Action Group — Ted Raia
• Sierra Club — Marcia Cravens
Commercial Entities:
• Paradise Coast Paddlers Club — Jay Rose
• Southwest Florida Paddling Club
• Tall Tales Bait and Tackle
• The Ritz - Carlton Naples
• Waldorf Astoria Naples — Hunter Hansen, Donna Cox
Government Azencies:
• City of Naples — Michael R. Bauer, J.D., Ph.D.
• Collier County Natural Resources — Bill Lorenz
• Collier County Parks and Recreation — Maura Kraus, Barry Williams
• Fla. Dept of Environmental Protection — Lucy Blair
• Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission — Habitat & Species Conservation Div.
• Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission — Boating & Waterways Sec.
• National Marine Fisheries Service
• South Florida Water Management District — Laura Layman
• US Army Corps of Engineers — Tunis McElwain
• US Fish and Wildlife Service
Individuals:
• Diane Solomon Brown & Stuart Brown
• Anne Georger
• Diane Lustig & Leon Lustig
• Missy Travis
• Pat Travis
• Brandon Lampe
• The Doyle Family — Sandra J. Doyle
May 14, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board
3. Input from Clam Bay Stakeholders - Tim Hall's stakeholders summary
Page 2 of 6
List of Responders:
Community Associations:
• Naples Cay Master Association — Brett Cohan, Edwin G. Saphar, Jr.
• Pelican Bay Foundation — James Hoppensteadt, Suzanne Minadeo, Mary McLean Johnson,
Robert Pendergrass
• Pelican Bay POA — Bill Klaube, Ted Raia, Joanne Smith
• The Seasons at Naples Cay Condominium Assoc. — Keith Tompkins, George E. Bergeron
Conservation Groups:
• Conservancy of Southwest Florida — Andrew McElwaine, Kathy Worley
• Mangrove Action Group — Ted Raia
• Sierra Club — Marcia Cravens
Commercial Entities:
• Paradise Coast Paddlers Club — Jay Rose
Government Agencies:
• City of Naples — Michael R. Bauer, J.D., Ph.D.
• Collier County Parks and Recreation — Maura Kraus, Barry Williams
Individuals:
• Diane Solomon Brown & Stuart Brown
• Anne Georger
• Diane Lustig & Leon Lustig
• Missy Travis
• Pat Travis
• The Doyle Family — Sandra J. Doyle
May 14, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board
3. Input from Clam Bay Stakeholders - Tim Hall's stakeholders summary
• Page 3 of 6
Uses of the System Identified by Stakeholders:
Anthropocentric:
• Kayaking / Canoeing / Paddleboarding
• Nature Appreciation / Bird Watching
• Fishing
• Boating
• Swimming
• Sunbathing
• Shell Collecting
Natural / Environmental:
• Fish Habitat and Nursery
• Flood Protection
• Bird Rookery / Foraging Habitat
• Manatee habitat
• Water Quality filtering
These are items specifically identified by stakeholder responses. The list is by no means all inclusive but it does
indicate the importance of items as seen from stakeholder view points.
May 14, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board
3. Input from Clam Bay Stakeholders - Tim Hall's stakeholders summary
• Page 4 of 6
w Concerns for the System Identified by Stakeholders:
Concerns
• Mangrove Health
• Tidal Flushing
• Over Dredging
• Erosion
• Water Quality / Pollution
• Upstream Inputs
• Copper
• Seagrass Health
• Idle Speed not Enforced
o Jet -skis in system
• Fish Populations
• Shore nesting protection
• Sea Turtles
• Birds
• Political instead of Science Based Decision Making
o Emphasis on Recreation instead of Conservation
• Loss of Benthic communities
• All Stakeholders not treated equally
This list is ranked in terms of the number of times an item was mentioned in stakeholder responses. Mangrove
health was most often mentioned while stakeholder equality was the least mentioned.
May 14, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board
3. Input from Clam Bay Stakeholders - Tim Hall's stakeholders summary
• Page 5 of 6
Goals for the Management Plan as Identified by Stakeholders:
Goals
• Protect and maximize environmental health of the System
• Improve native floral and faunal communities (biodiversity)
• Keep areas natural
• Address entire system
• Keep Pass Open
• As much as possible, assure that quality, quantity, and timing of salt and fresh water is correct to
support and benefit the System
• Maintain access
• Protect fish hatchery
• Protect Wildlife
o Listed Species (sea turtles, fish, birds)
• Minimize Dredging
• Only do for health of System
• Keep sand within the System (Do not haul away)
• Not for beach renourishment (no sand mining)
• Not for navigation
• Improve Water Quality
o Coordinate with developments to improve upstream inputs
• Include Monitoring to establish basis for future decision making
• Appropriate to goals and objectives of final Plan
• Used as metrics to base success of management and maintenance activities.
• Ensure long term solutions and sustainability wherever possible
• Base activities and monitoring on best available science
• Minimize impacts and protect System and people from incompatible uses
• Protect Cultural Resources
• Incorporate ability to respond quickly to emergencies (i.e. pass closures)
• Clarify acceptable uses and restrictions within the System
• Ensure stakeholder representation in formulation of plan and in any future revisions.
• Make sure Plan is consistent with County and Agency overlays already in place.
• Address funding for both long and short term management and maintenance activities
This list is ranked in terms of the number of times an item was mentioned in stakeholder responses. Mangrove
health was most often mentioned while funding concerns was the least mentioned.
May 14, 20M3 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board
3. Input from Clam Bay Stakeholders - Tim Hall's stakeholders summary
Page 6 of 6
TURRELL HALL & ASSOCIATES INC.
MARINE & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING
3584 Exchange Avenue • Naples, Florida 34104 -3732 • (239) 643 -0166 • Fax (239) 643 -6632
MEMORANDUM
TO: Clam Pass Stakeholders
FROM: Tim Hall
DATE: May 10, 2013
RE: Clam Pass Management Plan
Stakeholders Meeting
This memo is being sent to notify you that the Pelican Bay Services Division is hosting a stakeholder input meeting
on May 23rd at 1pm at the Community Center at Pelican Bay - 8960 Hammock Oak Dr., Naples FL 34108.
Items to be discussed at the meeting will be input received to date from stakeholders as well as a discussion of the
next steps for the updated Clam Pass Management Plan.
Many thanks to those stakeholders that have provided comments. If you have any questions, or would prefer to have
future notifications emailed to you instead of receiving them by mail please do not hesitate to contact Lisa Resnick
by USPS or electronically at:
The Pelican Bay Services Division
c/o Ms. Lisa Resnick
801 Laurel Oak Dr, Ste 605
Naples, FL 34108
lresnickncolliergov.net
We look forward to working with you.
F3
Collier County Parks and Recreation
May 2, 2013 1:42 PM
BarryWilliams @colliergov. net and
First and foremost the Management Plan
Maintaining an open pass for tidal flushing
Minimal maintenance dredging of the pass Pass dredging and filling completed
to allow for adequate flow in and out of
Department
MauraKraus @colliergov.net
must be designed exclusively for
for mangrove health and water quality.
the pass with no environmental impacts. outside of sea turtle nesting season.
May 2, 2013 8:17 AM Pat and Missy Travis
missy.travis @gmail.com
fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, bird
watching
access, ecohealth
maximum access, maximum ecohealth,
longterm viability
PBPOA @pbpropertyowners.org on the health of the Mangroves and its
ptravis @deloitte.com
mangrove estuary.
as swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking
wide in order to function as a depository
waters.
missy.travis @gmail.com
fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, bird
access, ecohealth
maximum access, maximum ecohealth,
May 2, 2013 8:17 AM Pat and Missy Travis
ptravis @deloitte.com
watching
longterm viability
April 28, 2013 12:00 PM Doyle Family
Sandra J. Doyle, PO BOX 770208, Sunbathing, fishing
Naples, FL 34107
Mangrove health, Erosion, Pollution Dredge only for mangrove health and for
passage of kayaks and rowboats
The isolation of Clam Bay by the building
In addition to all of the above the PBPOA
of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Seagate
Drive has made this unique conservation
First and foremost the Management Plan
The pass must not be dredged for sand
A dredge should only mirror the
801 Laurel Oak Drive Suite #600, Naples, has been involved in protecting the
The Pelican Bay Property Owners
preserve totally dependent on the tidal
must be designed exclusively for
or for navigation. The waters should
equilibrium channel in all sections and
The PBPOA wants to thank you for the
B C be dredged
April 13, 2013 10:03 PM FL 34108, phone 239-566-9707, email - property values which are very dependent
Association
exchange of Clam Pass. For that reason
maintaining the health of the entire
encourage only passive recreation such
sections and must not
work you do in preserving Clam Bay.
PBPOA @pbpropertyowners.org on the health of the Mangroves and its
a management plan must always be in
mangrove estuary.
as swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking
wide in order to function as a depository
waters.
place in order to respond to the needs of
and paddling.
for sand for the beach.
the system especially in an emergency.
Email - tedraia @gmail.com, Mail - Ted In addition to all of the above MAG has
April 13, 2013 9:44 PM The Mangrove Action Group Raia, President, The Mangrove Action been actively involved in monitoring and
Group, 7117 Pelican Bay Blvd., Apt. 404, protecting the Clam Bay mangrove
Naples, FL 34108 estuary.
The isolation of Clam Bay by the building
of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Seagate
Drive has made this unique conservation
preserve has made it totally dependent
tidal exchange of Clam Pass. For that
reason a management plan must always
be in place in order to respond to the
needs of the system especially in an
emergency.
First and foremost the Management Plan
must be designed exclusively for
maintaining the health of the entire
mangrove estuary.
The pass must not be dredged for sand
or for navigation. The waters should
encourage only passive recreation such
as swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking
and paddling.
A dredge should only mirror the
equilibrium channel in all sections and
sections B and C must not be dredge
wide in order to function as a depository
for sand for the beach.
I have attached additional information that
should be included with this filing and sent
to Lisa Resnick. Thank you.
RECEIVED
F
CLAM PASS NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
USER GROUP QUESTIONNAIRE
(This sheet is being provided to help solicit comments on the upcoming Clam Pass Management I' ,,
Plan Update. Feel free to use this sheet (available electronically at
http:/ /pelicanbayservicesdivision.net or provide your own written comments)
Group !Individual Name:
Contact Information: (How do we get future information on the Management Plan to you? t k Edogce6
M to eS o U, Go
Lases of the system (i.e. bird watching, fishing, boating, kayaking, sunbathing, etc.):
jb ID E_
t5 ( ha K ',
E'n.narre %.• tha Cttetamt
t6a Monoaarnant Plant
Other comments:
Thank you for your interest in the Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA).
We hope you will take this opportunity to participate in this process. Your written
comments should be submitted before May Stn by USPS or electronically to:
The Pelican Bay Services Division
c/o Ms. Lisa Resnick
801 Laurel Oak Drive, Ste 605
Naples, FL 34148
lresnick(&colliergov.net
Flow kathy worlev
%: Resnockl ica
Comments on Developing Clam Bay "s Management Plan
DOw Saturday, May 04, 2013 3:59:16 PM
ALA cb management kw 2013.odf
What conditions triaaer a dredoina event.odf
Intpo+tsnOr: High
Hey Lisa,
Could you please forward the attached documents to the powers that be! Please excuse typo's and
grammer issues I was in a hurry!!!
Take care
Kathy Worley
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
.,
Kathy Worley '
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
1450 Merrihue Drive
Naples, Fl 34102
kathyw(&conservancy.orp-
239 - 403 -4223
Overarching Management Plan Objective (Goal):
The Clam Bay NRPA Estuary is subject to increasing development, recreation and economic
pressures, that can significantly impact the resource, either directly or indirectly, which can
reduce the health and viability of the ecosystem. Thus this area requires active management to
ensure its long -term health. The purpose of a the Clam Bay management plan is to incorporate,
evaluate and prioritize all relevant information about the estuary into a cohesive management
strategy, that allows for recreational activities within its boundaries, while protecting the long-
term health of the ecosystem and its resources.
Therefore the overall objective of this management plan should be to attain strategic
management and planning aimed at identifying a framework for estuarine sustainability by
accounting for long -term change; physical, chemical and biological interactions and system
response (including socio- economic interactions).
Strategic approaches to estuary management considers the estuary as a whole, managing within
the spatial context of not just the estuary, but all its inputs and outputs as well to preserve and /or
return areas to a good ecological status, while balancing anthropogenic compatible uses.
Areas of Priority:
• Habitat and ecosystem processes
• Anthropogenic influences on estuaries
• Habitat conservation and restoration
• Species management
• Recreation
Areas of Importance or Concern:
• Mangroves
• Seagrass
• Benthic Communities
• Dunes
• Avifauna
• Fish
• Water Quality
• Tidal Flow
• Sedimentation
• Catastrophic Events (Hurricanes, Harmful Algal Blooms, Sea Level Rise, Climate Change)
Management Objectives (Goals):
Natural Resource Management is used in direct response to unique local issues, where issues are
handled by integrating research, and stewardship strategies. Objectives are measurable,
monitoring evaluates progress and, when needed, methods are adaptively adjusted to achieve the
desired objective.
For example, declines in water clarity are detected by monitoring levels of turbidity and
chlorophyll, and the situation is "treated" by planting eroded shorelines and retrofitting
stormwater facilities. "Treatment' outcomes are observed and measureable and either sends you
back to the drawing board or you have "fixed" the problem.
In the management plan, each directive or issue should have goals, objectives, strategies and
performance measures associated with it.
Examples of issues that concern Clam Bay that should be addressed in the management plan:
1. Loss of native biodiversity and ecosystem integrity within the Clam Bay NRPA.
Goal: Improve native floral and faunal extent and biodiversity.
Biodiversity associated with native plant and wildlife communities is threatened by invasive non-
native plants and animals, pass closure, and the quantity, quality and timing of freshwater
releases into the estuary. Habitat restoration can be implemented through passive and/or active
methods from seed dispersal, to replanting native species and perhaps the most important,
perpetually fighting exotics.
Objective 1: Restore and sustain critical habitats and the species which use these resources.
It is essential to determine baseline conditions delineating habitat and wildlife populations in
order to evaluate, process and prioritize future management activities, while establishing metrics
that provide important qualitative and quantitative information for analyzing trends and guiding
future monitoring locations and protocols.
Ideally, biological monitoring should focus on multiple trophic levels (e.g., phytoplankton,
zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, reptiles, birds, fishes and marine mammals) and habitats
incorporating measures of species/habitat biodiversity and condition.
Future decisions should be guided by using monitoring data to link management activities to
outcomes.
Monitoring strategies for listed species should be in accordance with approved recovery plans
2
Strategies
1. Assess the Clam Bay estuary holistically at the ecosystem level, using biological elements,
together with physical, chemical and pollution elements present in the system.
2. Compile Historical Review of Studies to see what biological work has been done to date and
what insights these historic documents can reveal. (i.e. For example gather data and monitor
for changes in plant communities over time).
3. Use of Indicators to detect changes in the ecosystem and response(s) to that change. Identify
indicator species of fauna (frogs, fish, crustaceans, benthic flora and fauna, birds, etc.) and
determine their present status.
4. Determine the known factors that affect this estuary including: (1) Climate, 2) Salinity, 3)
Hydrology, 4) Turbidity, 5) Substrate, 6) Available Nutrients, 7) ETC., and the point at
which the factor causes negative impact(s) to the ecology of the Clam Bay system. Once
critical points have been determined, an early warning monitoring system can detect
deleterious changes in the environment that may or may not have corrective measures to
counteract or cause the system to revert back into balance.
5. Synopsis of biological and physical characterizations of the estuary, identify missing
components and plan future research to fill gaps.
6. Determine and monitor the status of critical habitats (e.g., sea - grasses, marshes, mangroves,
upland habitats, beach/dune communities, etc.).
7. Identify and quantify the most significant external and anthropogenic stressors (drivers) that
threaten mangrove and seagrass health within Clam Bay NRPA. (i.e. Examine factors
affecting the occurrence, extent and biology of harmful algal blooms, mangrove die -offs,
seagrass declines, and other biological phenomena that have occurred or are occurring within
the estuary. Once factors affecting occurrence have been determined initiate plans to alleviate
the stressors, if possible).
8. Develop an integrated resource management strategy to interpret research results and
configure modeling tools for implementing a conservation strategy.
9. Develop a program designed to assess key biological, physical /chemical, and hydrological
parameters, to restore and maintain natural conditions within ecological communities of the
Clam Bay estuary, thereby addressing management issues through coordinated estuarine
research within the system, focused at improving the understanding and management of this
area
10. Identify areas in need of restoration.
11. Monitor physical parameters, nutrients and other water quality parameters according to
FDEP protocols.
12. Collect weather data and analyze to determine whether or not trends or correlations exist
between variables including water quality, biological or hydrologic parameters.
13. Conduct sediment sampling to maintain baselines.
14. Establish surface elevation tables for monitoring and predicting sea level rise. Determine
locations that can be monitored for vegetation changes in key sensitive habitats located in
areas identified as vulnerable to sea -level rise. Monitor the influence of sea level rise on
estuarine habitat range and distribution through the establishment of vertical control, as well
as, updating habitat maps.
15. Implement principles of adaptive management including habitat restoration, habitat creation,
and habitat maintenance activities.
16. Identify sensitive areas that warrant more intensive monitoring and management.
3
17. Monitor indicator species of fauna for changes, indicating presence and/or increase of
stressors brought on by human activities.
18. Increase baseline coastal waterbird and fish monitoring to provide pre -event data collection
prior to occurrence of natural disasters (e.g. hurricanes, tropical storms) or human caused
events (e.g. oil spills).
19. Develop a plan and strategy for the identification and prioritization of stressed and /or dying
areas of mangrove forest within Clam Bay and use this plan to prioritize subsequent
mangrove restoration projects.
Performance Measures:
1. Reports detailing monitoring results and implications to management of the above strategies.
2. Measure and map identified areas of Critical Habitat and Species.
Objective 2: Reduce non - native (exotic) invasive plant and animal species.
Strategies
1. Conduct periodic floral and faunal surveys that will serve as a baseline of native and invasive
organisms.
2. Monitor changes in natural biodiversity in sensitive habitats due to invasive non - native plants
and non - native wildlife.
3. Remove and/or control Florida Exotic Pest Plants - Category I and Category II invasive exotic
plant species.
4. Remove and/or control non - native invasive wildlife species.
5. Implement preventative and protective measures to avoid or reduce the new establishment of
non - native species.
6. Proactively respond to new, non - native species invasions with the intention of their removal
and/or control.
Performance Measures:
1. Monitor nuisance animals that are negatively impacting imperiled species and develop future
management strategies.
2. Control nuisance wildlife species that are negatively impacting imperiled species.
3. Develop and initiate an "Exotic and Nuisance Animal Control Plan ".
4. Develop and initiate an "Exotic and Nuisance Vegetation Control Plan ".
5. Number of acres per year of exotic /invasive flora removed versus those that remain.
6. Number of invasive fauna reported and/or removed.
Objective 3: Protect state and federal listed species.
Strategies
1. Monitor beach/dune habitat acreage.
2. Monitor and evaluate the status of protected wildlife species.
in
3. Monitor and evaluate the status of protected plant species and habitat types.
4. Utilize data from research and monitoring efforts to develop management recommendations
for listed species of fauna.
5. Utilize data from research and monitoring efforts to develop management recommendations
for protected plant species.
6. Develop and initiate a "Species Management Plan' for Clam Bay starting with listed species
and provide management recommendations for supporting these species.
Performance Measures:
1. Number of incidents of protected species negatively impacted by nuisance species.
2. Incompatible uses of the NRPA and impacts to wildlife & habitat.
Goal: Ensure natural resource protection and long -term sustainability.
Objective 1: Minimize adverse impacts to natural resources from incompatible use.
Strategies:
1. Monitor populations of flora and/or fauna in sensitive habitats to determine the effects of
public use on population size, location, and, if possible, behavior.
2. Identify vulnerable resources located in sensitive areas that warrant more intensive scrutiny
and management.
3 Identify important wildlife habitats such as bird rookeries, seagrass areas, gopher tortoise
burrows and sea turtle nesting areas.
4. Increased management if the impacts of use are compounded by the effects of sea level rise.
Performance Measures:
1. Establish effective methods for monitoring and quantifying public -use activities and any
associated damage to natural resources.
2. Science -based management strategies to conserve natural biodiversity along with recreational
goals have been initiated and are being evaluated.
Objective 2: Maintain low impact public use of the natural resource by strengthening the
protection and management of the Clam Bay ecosystem.
Strategy: Encourage low - impact public uses such as recreational fishing, canoe/kayaking, bird
watching, nature photography, as long as the activity does not result in adverse impacts to natural
resources.
5
Performance Measures
1. Track any incidents where public use results in harm to the resource and implement strategies
to eliminate or at least reduce similar future incidents.
3. Hydrology: Adverse environmental impacts from past, current and future land use
resulting in negative environmental changes within the Clam Bay NRPA.
Changes in the land use within the watershed and adjacent coastal lands and waters resulted in
significant environmental changes within Clam Bay.
Goal: Minimize adverse environmental impacts from land use while restoring the ecosystem.
Ensure that the estuary has adequate tidal and freshwater flows to maintain ecological health. In
other words, to the greatest extent possible, restore natural flow -ways, tidal circulation and
freshwater hydroperiod to assure the correct quality, quantity and timing of fresh and salt water
is entering and exiting the Clam Bay estuary.
Objective 1: Identify the minimum tidal flow necessary to ensure a healthy environment and
develop mechanisms to determine hydrologic problems.
Strategies:
1. Establish adequate long -term key biological and hydrologic benchmarks to sustain a high
degree of ecological integrity and productivity (i.e. ensure a healthy ecosystem).
2. Establish protocols that "trigger" further investigation into whether or not Clam Pass should
be dredged for environmental purposes only. (See attached Trigger Document).
3. Attain a new 10 year dredging permit for Clam Pass from FDEP and the ACOE, which will
be incorporated into the management plan. This permit will be based on no more than a 45'
wide cut at the inlet and a design template that has the least environmental damage to the
estuary and species which use the estuary. Stakeholder meetings (similar to the Wiggins Pass
subcommittee — where all stakeholders had a seat at the table for discussions) will be
conducted pre, during and at all stages of permit development prior to submittal to the
County and the Permit Agencies for approval.
Performance Measures:
1. Progress has been made toward achieving long -term biological and hydrological
benchmarks.
2. Clam Pass remains self - scouring for X number of years.
Objective 2: Achieve a statistically significant decrease in freshwater pollutant loading that
enters the estuary from adjacent properties.
Strategies:
1. Reduce pollutants entering the estuary through best management practices geared at reducing
stormwater pollutant loads and monitor results through water quality analysis.
2. Eliminate and/or reduce the usage of Copper Sulfate to treat algal blooms in freshwater
stormwater lakes whose water ends up within the Clam Bay estuary.
3. Identify and determine adequate freshwater inputs, quality and timing necessary for long-
term conservation of the natural biodiversity within Clam Bay NRPA.
4. Identify watershed flow -ways and adequate buffers that protect water quality.
5. Determine how and to what degree water quality within Clam Bay is influenced by land use,
including hydrologic restoration.
Performance Measures:
1. Measured reduction in nutrient and /or pollution laden freshwater inputs.
2. Measure number of lakes that are no longer using Copper Sulfate.
3. Count the number of residential units who have initiated and maintained stormwater best
management practices.
7
• Once you have established management goals and answered all of the background questions you
need to design a monitoring program that will allow you to attain your management goals.
MONITORING PROGRAMS:
Functions of Ecological Monitoring
A monitoring design must be able to both detect a change in the environment and be able to
identify the cause(s) of a detected change.
IntorvanUons Input V Output •--------- - - - - -_
Ecosystem —3.; Function: ;
A 1 ,, ---------- - - - - -=
Monitoring program
•-- - - - - -- ----------------------------------- - - - - -- -----
--
policy -- --- - - - - --
& natum management Standards ;
Instruments & actions Decision making
------------------------------- ---- --------------------------------------- - - - - --
Figure 1. The role of an ecological monitoring program as part of a regulatory system. Meelis
and Ter Keurs (2000).
Figure 1 depicts a monitoring program that provides information on the relevant ecosystem
output which has aims or standards, which are set in relation to the desired functions of the
system involved. Where these standards are not met, either new standards can be set, or remedial
action can be undertaken. Subsequently, the information from the monitoring program can be
used to control the effectiveness of the measures taken, i.e., whether aims are reached.
The Framework
1. Purpose: the design of any monitoring program should start with the identification of the
purposes of the program.
2. Monitoring Objectives: To establish meaningful objectives (goals) one must first review all
known information about the estuary including past plans, studies, etc. This review will enable
monitoring designs that are geared at achievable outcomes, help to identify areas of concern,
gaps in monitoring, etc. Then, objectives can be set geared at establishing a holistic effort to
develop the best management plan possible for the health of the estuary. Objectives should be
quantifiable so that the monitoring program can be evaluated in terms of effectiveness: the "
degree to which a program meets the objectives.
2. Select Variables: Variables describe quantitative aspects of concern such as density which
estimates population size. Indicators are `surrogates' for `target' variables such as species
richness in one taxon as surrogate for total species richness. Output or valued endpoints, like
population size, is described with the term `final variables' such as numbers and densities per
species in the figure below describing different types of variables.
Variable selection is extremely important as variables chosen will determine analysis and
ultimately decisions made to manage the estuary. There are physical variables like salinity, soils,
hydrology, water quality etc. There are biological variables based on ecological importance such
as forest structure, benthic, fish and bird components, etc. Biological indicators are used to
reflect the state of the environment in response to human induced stresses and includes plants
and animals found in the ecosystem and changes in their presence /absence, condition, behavior
and numbers, which can provide information about the health of a the ecosystem. Discerning
biological patterns that occur in response to stress and investigations into the source(s) of that
stress, can lead to management of those problems for the estuaries future stability.
Biological assessment of a community depends on the ability to define, measure, and compare
the relative biological integrity or the condition of a community over time. Measures such as
community structure and function, including species richness, species abundance and indicator
species are often used to provide early warning of pollution or degradation of an ecosystem,
alerting managers to halt or mitigate the impact before critical resources are lost. Unlike physical
measures, which may only be useful during an impact, biological responses are cumulative and
observable after the event that caused them. Thus episodic impacts become apparent through
their lasting effects on the biota. Similarly, low intensity, chronic impacts (e.g. low -level
pollution) may be undetectable by physical or chemical measures but the cumulative biological
effects may be easily detectable.
Examples of Variables:
1. Abiotic Variables: The monitoring program should include physical measurements such as
measures pH, conductivity, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, water level and
atmospheric conditions. In addition the water quality program should collect monthly water
samples for analysis of nutrient and chlorophyll A, etc. Data should be entered into STORET.
2. Biotic Variables: Incorporate monitoring of organisms, such as benthic, nekton, plankton and
fish communities, and habitats into scheduled monitoring programs to quantify vegetation
patterns over space and time.
3. Landuse, Habitat Mapping and Change: Identify changes in coastal ecological conditions with
the goal of tracking and evaluating changes in coastal habitats and watershed landuse /cover and
evaluating links between watershed land use activities and coastal habitat quality.
Examples of Bioindicators:
1. Phytoplankton biomass
2. Seagrass productivity and algal epiphyte loads on seagrasses
4. Benthic invertebrates.
5. Fisheries or fish survey data.
6. Composition and structure of sessile communities on mangrove roots.
6. Various organisms, such as amphipods, birds, etc.
3. Sampling strategy: Once the objectives have been set, and the variables have been selected, a
general sampling strategy has to be set. This is the methods section: How are you going to collect
the variables, select sites for monitoring, select time intervals for monitoring variables, etc.
These methodologies are often dependant on what you want your analysis of the variables to
show and statistical tests needed to accomplish this.
As an example, one type of monitoring data collection strategy is described in Table 4 below by
Townend, 2002.
Table 4
Lewis of monitoring
Level
Measurement
Frequency
b
Extreme events (e.g., flood levels.
Ad hoc
defence failures)
I
Bathymetry /topography
Annual
Water levels at one or more locations
Continuous
(ideally with one near mouth)
2
Freshwater flows near tidal limits of
Daily
tributaries
Velocity measurements
Occasional
Sediment properties
occasional
Suspended sediment toad, salinity,
Daily/
temperature
seasonal
3
Water quality parameters, Benthic
Seasonal
samples, bird counts, vegetation
surveys
Boreholes, development records, user
Occasional
surveys, economic valuations
4. Data collection: What is the amount of sampling effort needed per target area, i.e., field
methods including sample area or plot size, sampling frequency (maybe on various time scales),
the number of sampling sites (maybe on various spatial scales), and the number of replications
on each sampling occasion and site. How can you fit current monitoring programs by different
organizations to work for you and how do you keep costs down? These and other questions need
to be answered to determine data collection protocols. Such optimization is often based on the
intended statistical analysis, using statistical power as an important measure of effectiveness.
Finally, for ecological monitoring systems meant to be operational for a long period, or even
permanently, a regular measurement of the quantities and spatial distribution of the distinguished
landscape units is necessary. For the long run, this would lead to a monitoring system which uses
remote sensing techniques to monitor quantities of landscape units, and field work to monitor
their ecological qualities.
10
5. Data handling: includes data storage, (statistical) analysis of the data, and interpretation and
presentation of the results. The methods for statistical analyses must be determined in advance to
check for compatibility with earlier choices concerning variables, sampling strategy, and data
collection.
For the early - warning system, analysis aims at detecting ecological change and formulation of
hypotheses concerning the possible causes of that change. Need to know how you are going to
use of the information; not only ecological change needs to be described, but also the possible
causes, and perhaps even the different management alternatives for remedial action.
6. Maintenance: Sampling strategy and design, data collection and data handling represent the
body of the monitoring program. A regular evaluation of protocols and quality control of the
monitoring program is necessary to maintain the quality of the program. During the design and
planning of a monitoring program, it should be established how quality control will take place.
11
Suggested table of contents for the Clam Bay Management Plan:
(The table of contents listed below is consistent with other Collier County Management Plans,
Rookery Bays Management Plan and adapted for this estuary. A lot of the historical and other
information is available in table and descriptive form in various reports and publications and can
be copied and pasted into the document)
Introduction
1. Management Plan Purpose and Scope
2. Location
3. General Description
The Clam Bay Area
A. Outer Clam Bay
B. Inner Clam Bay
C. Upper Clam Bay
4. Significance of the Clam Bay NRPA Estuary
5. Management Authority
6. Stakeholders
Clam Bay Estuary Natural and Cultural Resources
A. Physiography
1. Changes in Contour, Bathymetry, Topography and Geomorphology
A. Littoral Drift and Tidal Currents
B. Erosion and Steepening of the Nearshore Zone
C. Overwash and Spit Growth
D. Tidal Prism and Tidal Characteristics
E. Shoreline Changes Overtime
2.Geology
3.Soils
4.Hydrology and Hydrodynamics
A. Aquifers
B. Tidal Effects
C. Drainage
5.Water Management
B. Climate
C. Natural Plant Communities
1. Wetlands: Mangrove Swamps
2. Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
3. Dune & Scrub Systems
4. Other
D. Native Plant and Animal Species
1. Plant Species
2. Animal Species
3. Unknown or Incomplete Species Lists
E. Listed Species
12
1. Plant Species
2. Animal Species
3. Unknown or Incomplete Listed Species Lists
F. Invasive, Non - native and Problem Species
1. Plant Species
2. Animal Species
3. Unknown or Incomplete
G. Resources
1. Plant Resources
2. Water Resources
3. Mineral Resources
4. Archeological, Historical and Cultural Resources
5. Scenic Resources
Use of the Property
A. Historical Anthropogenic Uses
1. Recreation and Subsistence Fishing
2. Subsistence Clamming and Oyster Harvesting
3. Recreational Inner Bays and Tributaries (Canoeing, Kayaking, Small Watercraft
Usage, Small, Low Draft Motorboats, Sail Boats, Swimming,
4. Recreational Beach Activities, Dunes, Inlet (Clam Pass)
B. Current Anthropogenic Uses
1. Recreational Fishing
2. Birding
3. Recreational Inner Bays and Tributaries (Canoeing, Kayaking, Small Watercraft
Usage, Small, Low Draft Motorboats, Sail Boats, Swimming, Wading, Bird
Watching, etc.)
4. Recreational Beach Activities, Dunes, Inlet (Clam Pass)
C. Historical Development (In and Adjacent to the Estuary):
1. Seagate Community
2. Vanderbilt Lagoon Community
3. Ritz Hotel
4. Pelican Bay Community
5. Strand Road and Bay Colony
6. Boardwalks and Tramways
7. County Concession and Restroom Areas
8. Registry Hotel
9. County Parking Lot
10. Other
D. Desired Future Anthropogenic Uses
1. Consistent with historical use (i.e. Seagate homeowners grandfathered in for small
watercraft with low draft usage)
2. No additional uses or development
13
Management Programs
1. Historical Study Review
A. Physical
B. Biological
C. Other
Issues
2. Current Status of Ecosystem Science and Research
3. Monitoring Plans Existing
4. Monitoring Plans Future
5. Balancing Public Use and Ecology
6. Education and Outreach
1. Public Use
2. Habitat and Species Management
3. Cultural Resource Management
4. Land Use Impacts
5. Funding
Management Plan Goals and Objectives for the next 10 years
Methods to Accomplish Goals and Objectives
Performance Measures and Adaptive Management
Monitoring Programs
Operational Plan
14
What conditions should trigger a dredging event?
Dredging should occur when it is determined that the hydrologic exchange between the
Gulf of Mexico and the Clam Bay system has been reduced to the point where it has been
determined that the biological integrity of both the Clam Bay estuary and the mangrove
forest are at risk of impairment. Several conditions would have to become evident in
order for a dredging operation to be considered. Further, such conditions would have to
be deemed irreversible by the dynamics of the natural hydrological processes that
influence Clam Pass. The decision of when to dredge is not a straightforward process, but
rather carefully determined by assessing several hydrologic indicators of inlet dynamics
in concert with natural hydrologic forces and biological conditions within the entire
estuary.
Among the many factors that influence inlet dynamics are: inlet current patterns driven
by tides, waves and wind; severe weather; constantly variable inlet hydrodynamics that
are influenced by tidal prism, channel and estuary morphology, slope, elevation, sediment
type(s) and geological features; freshwater inflow; gross geometric variation, flow
velocity; tidal amplitude and phase; shoaling and scouring; and many other factors.
Realistically it is not practical or financially feasible to assess all of these factors. Several
critical factors should be investigated by instituting a monitoring program at locations
throughout the Clam Bay system that have been previously used for this purpose for over
10 years. This will enable comparisons of current and future hydrologic and ecological
indicators to past conditions and provide data for trending analysis overtime. Indicators
including minimum cross - sectional area of the inlet at the "gorge" (the narrowest part of
the inlet); tidal range and high and low tidal phase lag overtime; along with bathymetry
and mangrove forest overall vitality should be used to determine whether or not dredging
is necessary.
There are two different circumstances that could necessitate dredging.
1) Clam Pass completely closes due to a storm or natural event or is in eminent danger of
immediate closure following a weather driven event. This situation should be handled as
an emergency in order to prevent impoundment of water within the system. In this case
the inlet should be dredged as soon as possible.
2) The inlet has lost hydraulic efficiency that is not recoverable through natural processes
and the health of the estuary is in jeopardy. This determination is estimated primarily by
comparing current tidal hydraulic monitoring data and analysis, along with historical data
comparisons, current trends, and the present health of the mangrove forest.
Monitoriniz
The purpose of the monitoring program is to evaluate inlet characteristics on a
comprehensive long -term basis, with less emphasis on day to day, week to week changes,
or even month to month seasonal changes. It is not recommended that evaluations of
hydraulic indicators be based on the usage of short-term datasets as "snapshots" can yield
erroneous conclusions. A protocol of regular monitoring on a long -term basis needs to be
established. This methodology will prevent over - reacting to short term changes that could
revert or adjust themselves back to a state of dynamic equilibrium without resorting to
dredging. Many of the hydrologic parameters vary over short-term intervals and thus
long -term monitoring of these indicators is required.
The monitoring program will collect data to determine the minimum inlet cross - sectional
area, high and low tidal phase lag, tidal range and bathymetry.
a) Minimum inlet cross - sectional area: Determined on a yearly basis through
measurements collected at the critical cross - sectional areas previously identified in
Humiston and Moore Hydrologic Reports as Sections A (STA 0 +00 to STA 3 +00),
B (STA 3 +65 to STA 6 +10), and C (STA 6 +60 to STA 18 +00). If the cross -
sectional area is consistently measured at <200ft2 for at least a period of 3 -6 months
then this will trigger an evaluation of tidal phase lag and tidal range. The length of
the monitoring period is governed by weather dependent factors specific to the
current conditions (i.e. extreme spring tides, drought, floods, etc.). A cross sectional
area of less than 200ft2 was chosen to indicate that further investigation is
warranted, since it has been determined that this measurement is close to the
equilibrium cross sectional area (particularly at Sections A & B) as these areas tend
to fluctuate around the 200ft2 level.
b) Tidal Phase Lag & Tidal Ranges: Once it has been established that the minimum
cross - sectional area is <200 ft2 for a sufficient period of time and is assumed
unlikely to self correct, then the high and low tidal phase lag and tidal range will be
investigated. The magnitude of the high and low phase lag is an important indicator
of inlet dynamics. Tidal range can be used as an indicator of whether or not tidal
circulation throughout the system is being effected by inlet shoaling and whether or
not tidal flushing is adequate to prevent impoundment of water particularly in the
upper reaches of the system, which could adversely affect the mangrove forest. Tide
gauges at previously established locations (the Gulf of Mexico, registry, south and
north beach boardwalk facilities, and upper Clam Bay) will be maintained to
operate year -round enabling comparison to historical data. Data collected from
gauges will be used to determine high and low tidal phase lag and tidal ranges
within the Clam Bay system.
c) Bathymetry: Once the high and low tidal phase lag have been determined to have
increased and the tidal range has decreased to the extent that tidal flushing is in
jeopardy, and the mangrove system is likely to be adversely affected due to inlet
dynamics, then bathymetry will be performed. As in previous inlet evaluations, the
bathymetric monitoring of the inlet shoals will be evaluated in conjunction with
tidal data and phase lag in determining whether or not another dredging event
should be considered.
Data Assessment
For the purposes of evaluating hydrologic performance all historical data collected
beginning at the 1998 pre- dredge timeframe will be used for comparison to assess current
hydrologic performance. Particular emphasis will be placed on the pre 1998 dredge
conditions in evaluating the current status and trends in tidal range and high and low tidal
phase lag. What is important is whether or not the high and low phase lag and tidal range
data continues to show greater system hydraulic efficiency in comparison to 1998
conditions. If there is a very high probability that the inlet can not self - correct itself and
anthropogenic intervention is absolutely necessary to preserve the viability of the
mangrove system and estuary then dredging will be scheduled.
The attached Flowchart delineates the process that will be used to determine whether or
not a dredging event is necessary.
Sequence of Events that determine whether or not a dredging event is necessary to
alleviate Environmental Concerns in the Clam Bay NRPA.
WC
Monitor Cross - sections, High and Low Tidal Phase Lag, & Tidal Range
Is the minimum cross -
sectional area < 200 fe at NO
Segments A, B & C ?
I Continue to Monitor
YES
NO
Increased Tidal Phase AND Decreased Tidal
Lag ? 2 Range ? 2
YES
NO Is Dredging Necessary to Prevent Ecological Damage to the Mangrove System?
Does recent Bathymetric Surveys Indicate Significant Shoaling?
Is there a High Probability that the situation can not naturally rectify itself?
YES
Dredge Template
Design Phase
YES
Authorization by
Agencies to Proceed
YES I 1 YES
Seagrass Survey
Seagrass located within Dredging Template?
RING,
Begin Dredging
1 In the event that the Pass completely closes due to a storm or other natural event and is in eminent
danger of immediate closure this should be treated as an Emergency - proceed directly to Dredge
Template Design Phase to expedite the process.
'The length of the monitoring period is intuitively governed by weather dependent factors specific to
the current conditions (i.e. extreme spring tides, draught, floods, etc.). Conclusions are derived in the
context of overall long -term trends.
May 1, 2013
Pelican Bay Services Division
C/o Mrs. Lisa Resnick
801 Laurel Oak Drive, Suite 605
Naples, FL 34108
RE: Clam Pass Management Plan
WLE3
GAY
With Turrell, Hall & Associates beginning work on updating the Clam Pass
Management Plan, the property owners of Naples Cay, as significant
stakeholders in the Bay, place great importance on the protection and
maintenance of the environmental health of the Clam Bay System. This value,
above all other considerations, should drive the development of the Management
Plan.
When uses for the Clam Bay System are contemplated, the primary
consideration in the Management Plan should be the effect on the environmental
health of the Bay as a thriving estuary system. This includes water quality, sea
grass health and mangrove sustainability. All allowed uses must be in harmony
with these environmental objectives.
Compatible uses include bird watching, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding.
Accommodation for jet skis is problematic. If allowed they should be restricted to
idle speed in clearly marked channels as required of other motorized vessels.
The Management Plan should make provision for water quality testing, regular
sea grass evaluation, and mangrove monitoring.
Respectfully submitted,
e. sa'v'�� 0
Edwin G. Saphar, Jr.
President, Naples Cay Master Association Board
Naples Cay, Inc.
Forty Seagate Drive • Naples, FL 34103
239/262 -1568 - FAX 239/262 -0131
Group Name: Naples Gay Master Association
Contacts: Brett Cohan, Community Association Manager
Edwin Saphar, President, Naples Cay Master Association Board
nanlescay aZomail.com
239- 262 -1568
Board of Naples Cay Master Association
C/o Brett Cohan, Community Association Manager
40 Seagate Drive
Suite 1206
Naples, FL 34103
Uses of the system:
Canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, bird watching, nature studies and nature
appreciation activities.
Concerns for the system:
Not enough flushing with the Gulf to maintain estuary health.
Water quality for fish spawning, sea grass propagation and mangrove health
Goals for the Management Plan:
1. Water quality sufficient to reestablish thriving sea grasses
2. Adequate flushing to maintain the health of the mangroves
3. Clarify uses and provide appropriate restrictions that prevent environmentally
damaging incompatible uses.
4. Sand from any necessary dredging of the Pass should be distributed on
the adjacent beach with priority based on the area with the most significant
erosion.
Comments:
1. There should be provision made for on -going water testing of all relevant
variables affecting the health of the system.
2. Sea grass health and growth should be regularly monitored, and steps
taken to encourage their growth.
3. Jet skis in the Bay should be restricted to idle speed in designated
channels or eliminated entirely.
CLAM PASS NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
USER GROUP QUESTIONNAIRE
(This sheet is being provided to help solicit comments on the upcoming Clam Pass Management
Plan Update. Feel free to use this sheet (available electronically at
http :/ /peUcanbayservitudivisiou.net or provide your own written comments)
Group /Individual Name: �} i Owt,p l Yi G&UAr-d MrG
Contact InfgXmation: (How do we get €utum info )rmation on the Management Plan
Uses of the system (Le. bird watching, fishing, boating, kayaking, sunbathing, etc.):
Concerns for the system:
Goals for the Management Plan:
Other comments:
Thank you for your interest in the Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA).
We hope you will take this opportunity to participate in this process. Your written
comments should be submitted before May 5th by USPS or electronically to:
The Pelican Bay Services Division
do Ms. Lisa Resnick
801 Laurel Oak Drive, Ste 605
Naples, FL 34108
lresuick@wlliergov.net
A� I
A_
The Seasons at Naples Cay Condominium Association
Keith Tompkins, General Manager 2391 262 -4523, keithoseasonsnanles.com
Use of the system:
We are the newest building in Naples Cay with 43 condos. We live with Outer Clam Bay in our
front yard, Clam Pass in our side yard, and Clam Pass Beach in our back yard. We enjoy all the
features and opportunities provided by this unique ecosystem and want to see it protected and
enhanced for all stakeholders — including small boat access thru Clam Pass.
Concerns for the system:
1. Free flow of water thru Clam Pass & Doctors Pass is inadequate to insure the health of the estuary
system and insufficient to allow small shallow draft power boats to access the Gulf at idletho
wake speed.
2. The need for an appropriate beach and dune renourishment plan that insures that the public beach
at Clam Pass Park will be maintained.
3. A fear "The Management Plan" may not be based on best available science and engineering know
how.
4. The risk that the "process" may dint the views and rights of citizens south of the Pass and the
general public.
Goals for the Management Plan:
1. Base it on best available science and engineering. Support it with data including test results.
2. Support the issuance of all necessary local, state and federal permits.
3. A healthy eco system with free water flow thru both Clam Pass and Doctors Pass.
4. Provide for small boat access to Outer Clam Bay.
5. Provide for regular nurturing of the beach at Clam Pass Park with dredged sand.
Other comments:
We endorse the comments previously provided by the Naples Cay Master Association. We
are a member of that group.
These comments are presented by the owners of The Seasons at Naples Cay through its
Board of Directors.
St el
Y,
Georg . Bergeron, Presid t �~
81 Seagate Drive #3000, Naples, Florida 34103 (239) 262 -4523. Fax (239) 262 -4525
From: anne Georaer
To: ResnickLisa
Subject: Fwd: Delivery Status Notification (Failure)
Date: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 7:08:39 PM
Sent from my iPhone
> First and foremost I would like Clam Bay to be clean and free of copper.
> To accomplish this we need to start upstream of Clam Pass. Therefore, for
> me I would like the retention ponds cleaned up in pelican Bay -- littoral
> shelf plantings, floating islands, 15 foot no mow zones near retention
> ponds etc.
CLAM PASS NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
USER GROUP QUESTIONNAIRE
(This sheet is being provided to help solicit comments on the upcoming Clam Pass Management
Plan Update. Feel free to use this sheet (available electronically at
http:/ /pelicanbayservicesdivision.net or provide your own written comments)
Group / Individual Name: Leon Lustig (private person)
Contact Information: (How do we get future information on the Management Plan to you?
email preferred: Lustigl@ embarqmail.com; Address: 6350 Pelican Bay Blvd, 40513; Naples, FL 34108
Uses of the system (i.e. bird watching, fishing, boating, kayaking, sunbathing, etc.):
Daily: kayak/fish in Gulf or in the entrance waters to the back water system (estuary)
three times weekly: fishing with personal kayak or Foundation canoe in the estuary waters north of the north boardwalk
Concerns for the system:
When the pass is closed (water is not exchanged) fishing in the waters north of the north boardwalk stops almost immediately.
There is no tidal water exchange. The waters become dirty, clogged by algae, and do not sustain fish life. During the winter
months when the pass is open, in two hours, I have normally caught 10 -20 snook and a like number of ladyfish from the canoe in the north estuary.
This year, when the pass was closed and no water was flowing, I caught no (ZERO) fish in these waters. Even mullet, which
can survive in salt, brackish, or fresh water started dying off, and eventually ceased to occupy the interior estuary waters.
Large schools of baitfish in ALL areas of the estuary is a sign of healthy flow of water in these backwaters. This year, when
the pass was closed, bait fish absolutely ceased to exist in the interior system. With access closed, spawning is impossible.
Goals for the Management Plan:
Maintain world class back -water fishing system by ensuring clam pass is ALWAYS open through monitored dredging action which
allows for sufficient (measured) volume of water exchange such that even in the furthest north areas of the estuary system tidal
water is flowing. Indications of success in this goal will be the following: 1) in the summer months snook, redfish, and sea trout
will be observable in the areas waters inside the pass and near the mouth and tarpon will be seen in the north part of the estuary;
2) in the winter months, large numbers of snook and ladyfish will be seen in even the farthest north areas of the estuary system.
Other comments:
Water quality to sustain fish and wildlife and appropriate vegetation is mandatory for the life of the system. Focus on the "estuary"
as a whole!
Thank you for your interest in the Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA).
We hope you will take this opportunity to participate in this process. Your written
comments should be submitted before May 5, 2013 by USPS or electronically to:
The Pelican Bay Services Division
c/o Ms. Lisa Resnick
801 Laurel Oak Drive, Ste 605
Naples, FL 34108
lresnick(&colliergov.net
1"
Subject: Management Plan Additional Information
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2013 9:50:41 PM
Attachments: The Manarove Action Group is submittina the followina written statement as reauested by Tim Hall of
Turrell.docx
Lisa,
Attached and copied below is information that must be included with the information form I filed out on
line and submitted. Thank you.
Ted
The Mangrove Action Group is submitting the following written statement as requested by Tim Hall of
Turrell, Hall & Associates to be included in the preparation of a new ten year management plan for the
Clam Bay mangrove estuary. We have been identified as one of the players and at our public meeting
that was held on March 27, 2013 these comments were made and discussed.
The sole intent of the plan will be to protect Clam Pass /Clam Bay as a Natural Resources Protection
Area (NRPA) to preserve and protect the entire mangrove estuary system including the mangroves,
seagrass, benthic quality, water and wildlife. The process must follow the Federal Guideline to do "the
least environmentally damaging practicable alternative" especially in planning a dredge cut. We
categorically state, from the experience of the 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan, that
the optimal cross sectional area necessary to maintain a self- scouring equilibrium channel has been
established at between 165 and 220 square feet. We refer you to the series of Bathymetric and Tidal
Analysis Reports submitted by H& M Coastal Engineers. This channel should not be widened in Sections
B and C, not only because it is an unnecessary destruction of the mangrove roots, seagrasses and
benthic quality of the area, but because it performs as a depository for sand and diminishes the flow
velocity necessary to maintain scouring. The sole purpose of the 80 foot widened dredge done at the
entrance of the Pass in 2007 was to obtain sand for the Clam Pass Park Public Beach. This was
performed in violation of federal and state regulations. The H & M Reports clearly document that this
caused excessive erosion, was not the "least damaging practical alternative" and since the cost of
dredging is based on the number of cubic yards to be removed was more costly. This is a waste of tax
payers' dollars. Widened cuts should not be considered.
Clam Pass /Clam Bay NRPA is a nature preserve dedicated to passive recreation such as canoeing,
kayaking, paddling, wading, fishing, and wild life watching. To protect valuable benthic communities and
the public's safety, shallow -draft powerboats, including jet -skis, shall travel in the marked paddling trail
in "Idle Speed" as Clam Bay preserve is designated an "Idle Speed /No Wake" zone by County Ordinance
96 -16.
Ted Raia, M.D., President
The Mangrove Action Group
luftfimakv Stn ice's Division
From:
To:
Cc: iimh(apelicanbay.org; robDender(domail.com
Subject: Clam Pass Management Plan Update
Data: Monday, May 06, 2013 1:35:00 AM
Attachmaerts: Dredaina Design Width Memo.Ddf
PBF Response - Clam Pass NRPA Management Plan UDdate.docx
FDEP Itr re ClamBav 101212.Ddf
Hello Lisa,
Attached is the response to the User Group Questionnaire prepared on behalf of the Pelican Bay
Foundation. I will be participating along with Jim Hoppensteadt as a representative of the Foundation in
providing input, although my participation in meetings will be limited as I head north on May 22.
Also attached are two documents that are referenced in the response.
Sincerely,
Mary
Mary McLean Johnson
(239) 566 -7515 (Naples, FL)
(239) 248 -8546 (cell)
CLAM PASS NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
USER GROUP QUESTIONNAIRE
Group /Individual Name: Pelican Bay Foundation
Contact Information:
Jim Hoppensteadt
President and Chief Operating Officer
Pelican Bay Foundation
6251 Pelican Bay Blvd.
Naples, Florida 34108
Tel: 239.260.8460 Fax: 239.597.6927
Email: jimh @pelicanbay.org
Uses of the System
Mary McLean Johnson
Director
Pelican Bay Foundation
Email: mlmassocaicp @aol.com
Following are uses of value to the public, generally, and the Pelican Bay Community specifically:
Recreation and Relaxation
Kayaking and canoeing
Fishing
Swimming and wading (in Pass and Gulf)
Watching birds and other wildlife
Traversing berm and boardwalks
Experiencing nature
Beach combing
Sun - bathing
Storm and Hurricane Protection
Mangrove forest buffers Pelican Bay community from storm impacts
Environmental Conservation
Filtration of storm -water runoff into Gulf maintains water quality
Nursery ground for marine life
Habitat for wildlife
Aesthetic Values
Scenic views
Educational Value
Rare example of surviving mangrove estuary in urbanized Collier County, has teaching value
Economic Value
Promotes tourism, enhances property values
Concerns for the System
Risk of Pass closure, affecting the health of the Clam Bay estuary - -the mangrove forest and waterways
and the life they support (birds, fish, benthic organisms, sea grasses, etc.).
Over - dredging of Clam Pass beyond what is needed to maintain tidal flushing, raising the risk of beach
erosion, excessive turbidity, undercutting of interior channel banks and other negative environmental
impacts.
Potential water quality deterioration (nutrient pollution, copper accumulation, low dissolved oxygen,
fecal coliform) and need to prevent contamination from multiple sources (e.g., storm water run -off,
mixing of Clam Bay waters with more polluted waters to the north and south).
Increased power boating and associated impacts (noise, pollution, disruption of wildlife), with more and
larger boats entering the Pass now that 'non-navigable' designation has been removed from maps;
boats traversing middle and upper Clam Bay more often; and increased Jet Ski activity in Outer Clam
Bay.
Over -use of the system for recreational purposes to the detriment of conservation purposes.
Goals for the Management Plan
Establish environmental protection of Clam Bay through integrated management as the overall purpose
of the management plan.
Include protection of the entire Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA) within the scope of the plan,
encompassing both the County Park portion that is under the management of the County Parks and
Recreation Department and the portion known as the Conservation Area that is under the management
of the Pelican Bay Services Division.
Maintain adequate tidal flushing by periodically dredging Clam Pass based on what has worked well in
the past to stabilize the inlet and maintain tidal flow and tidal range throughout the system.
Manage other elements of system hydrology as needed to maintain overall health, including
maintenance of the interior drainage channels.
Adhere to science -based management principles, based on past monitoring records and ongoing
monitoring of Clam Pass management and maintenance.
Conduct regular, timely, consistent scientific monitoring to support management decisions, including
bathymetric surveys and hydrologic monitoring for the dredging program, biological monitoring to
assess ecosystem health, and water quality monitoring.
Include a comprehensive array of biological measures in monitoring the biological health of the system
(mangroves, sea grasses, other indicator species).
Monitor and manage exotic invasives.
Promote collaboration and data sharing in monitoring efforts.
Address need to develop a water quality management action plan to remove Clam Bay from the state's
Verified list for copper impairment as a medium TMDL priority (5 —10 years) per FDEP's letter of
October 2012, attached.
Address funding needs, so that Pelican Bay residents are not exclusively responsible for funding to
manage and maintain the Clam Bay system that is a conservation resource for all of Collier County.
Ensure adequate representation of Pelican Bay community and Pelican Bay institutions in decision -
making, as major stakeholders. Recognize PBSD's role as the County- designated agency for managing
and maintaining the Conservation Area. Recognize the Pelican Bay Foundation's stewardship role as the
declarant responsible for enforcing the protective covenants that established the Clam Bay conservation
area.
Other Comments
Water Quality Monitoring
Over the past two years, the Pelican Bay Foundation (PBF) has worked with Collier County's Coastal
Zone Management department to address Clam Bay water quality issues. This included development of
Numeric Nutrient Criteria for Clam Bay that have been adopted by state regulatory agencies for
assessing Clam Bay water quality. However, the monthly surface water sampling of locations in Clam Bay
that supported development of these criteria has been suspended with the transfer of authority from
Coastal Zone Management to the PBSD. This sampling needs to be resumed.
Also, as part of the PBF - Collier County collaboration, the PBF engaged the consulting firm of Cardno
Entrix to monitor and analyze dissolved oxygen levels, leading to FDEP's determination that the Clam
Bay system is healthy and, rather than being categorized as 4d- Impaired for dissolved oxygen, can be
categorized as 4c, indicating that low dissolved oxygen levels are naturally occurring and do not require
development of TMDLs. Regular monitoring of dissolved oxygen at key locations was instrumental in
arriving at this conclusion and likewise should be continued.
This collaboration also resulted in FDEP's decision to allow a five -ten year period to develop a water
quality management plan to address Clam Bay's copper impairment.
The monitoring regime that had been instituted for measuring nutrients and dissolved oxygen were the
basis for development of a water quality monitoring and management protocol that should be
evaluated for its relevance to the proposed long range management plan.
Dredging Parameters
This topic has been the subject of much debate. The recent presentations to the PBSD by the coastal
engineering firm of Humiston and Moore have included graphic depictions of modeling the flow and
velocity of water through Clam Pass based on different dredging widths: 35 feet, 80 feet, and the
"design width." Attached with this survey is a recent email exchange that specifies the "design width"
for the recent dredging was 45 feet and explains why that parameter was the preferred alternative. It is
important that the cumulative experience of scientific monitoring of the Pass over the years serve as the
basis for determining the dredging parameters.
Page 1 of 3
Subj: RE: Question for Mr. Dab*"
Date: 5/3/2013 7:18:34 A.M. Eastem Daylight Tim
From kh0humistonandmoore com
To: RILMAssocAMPOMI.com
CC: md(Mhumistonan moorerom, bdmOhumijtoni dmoore.com
Mary,
I have copied Dr. Dabees with this response to your question so you will have his email
for future reference, and in case he has anything to add since I was not in attendance at
his last presentation. The simple answer to your question is the design width we used
was 45 feet. I should explain that the width for all dredging projects is traditionally
measured at the bottom of the cut, which is toe to toe distance at the bottom of the
side slopes on the design dredge template. This means the width of the waterway at the
water surface will vary depending on the tide stage as well as precisely how the side
slopes adjust to a natural angle of repose. We used the 45' width at the toe of the slope
out of consideration for the range of conditions we can expect to encounter throughout
the lunar tidal cycle, and the 45 'dimension falls well within the expected envelope of
conditions. In coastal engineering we are almost always dealing with an "envelope" of
conditions, in this case it is largely dependent on the phases of the moon and may vary
considerably depending on the time of month, yet for the most part, the 45' design
width in conjunction with phases of the tide will provide sufficient scour velocities that
are desirable to achieve tidal currents strong enough to keep the inlet open.
When we make a presentation to the board we often try to give a brief historical recap
since implementation of the original Restoration and Management Plan in 1999,
because several different widths have been used at different times, but we believe from
the success in keeping the inlet open for more than ten years with that original plan,
and the measured inlet response to the different widths, that we have a lot of
information that helps us to understand how best to manage the system. I don't know if
Mohamed had time to go into any of that history, and we don't want to be overly
repetitious by presenting it at each meeting, yet we believe it is important not to lose
sight of all we have learned over the years. This is information we consider even though
we may not always talk about it during our presentations. As an example, we believe the
recent inlet closure could have been avoided if those who took over the project had
paid closer attention to the vast amount of data that has been accumulated since 1991,
in this case specifically the tide range and phase lag data. I mention this partly because I
understand someone recently brought up the fact that Dave Tackney had already
modeled the system back when he was working with Ted Brown on the first draft of the
Management Plan, probably more than 15 years ago. A lot has happened since then.
Dave is now retired, but I remain in close contact with him; I went to school with Dave;
he is actually the one who brought me to Naples to work with him on coastal projects.
Lately, however, Dave has become so impressed with Mohamed's work that he now
Monday, May 06, 2013 AOL: MLMAssocAICP
Page 2 of 3
talks with Mohamed more than he talks with me. But I think I can assure you that Dave
is quite impressed with the work Mohamed is doing, and approves of the way we are
proceeding toward an updated long range plan for the inlet. Mohamed is now using
much more detailed and sophisticated modeling procedures which were not even
available when Dave Tackney did the first modeling of the system, and at this point
Mohamed's modeling results are giving us confirmation that the 45' width is the proper
dimension, for the size of Clam Bay, and the range of tides we experience across the
monthly lunar cycle. Mohamed has the capability of modeling different phases of the
lunar cycle, which points up the importance of realizing that we are.dealing with a small
inlet that has a variable tide range across the monthly lunar cycle. In other words, if the
system was designed to be most effective during a neap tide the dimension would
theoretically be somewhat smaller, during spring tide, likely somewhat larger. It of
course is not practical, nor should it be necessary to go out with dredging equipment
several times per month and adjust the dimensions, because we endeavor to use a
design that will yield the best results over the range we are dealing with. All other things
being equal, which is another way of saying no significant storms that can, as you know,
be terribly disruptive.
I may have diverged a little in answering your short question, but this illustrates the
importance of considering the many variables that need to be incorporated in a
comprehensive design. We always welcome the opportunity to answer your questions,
so please do not hesitate to contact Mohamed or me at any time.
Kenneth K. Humiston, P.E.
Humiston & Moore Engineers
5679 Strand Court
Naples FL 34110
Work 239- 594 -2021
Cell 239 -825 -6525
Email kh @humistonandmoore.com
Web Site http: / /www.humistonandmoore.com
From: MLMAssocAICP44W c= [maifto:MLMAssocA CP@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 3:32 PM
To: Ken Humiston
Subject Question t`or W. Dabees
Hallo Ken,
I do not have Mr. Dabees emall, but perhaps you know the answer to this question or can forward it. 1 am looiang
at his Clam Pass slides presented to the PBSD on Apol 3, attached, that compare velocity and flow at three
Monday, May 06, 2013 AOL: MLMAssocAICP
widths: 35 feet, 80 feet and the "Design width." What is the design width?
Thank you for your ham.
Mary
Mary McLean Johnson
(239) 566 -7515 (Naples, FL)
(239) 248-8546 (cell)
Monday, May 06, 2013 AOL: MLMAssocAICP
Page 3 of 3
October 8, 2012
Mr. Daniel G. Hammond
Cardno ENTRIX
3905 Crescent Park Drive
Riverview, FL 33578
Dear Mr. Hammond:
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
BOB MARTINEZ CENTER
2600 BLAIRSTONE ROAD
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399 -2400
RICK SCOTT
GOVERNOR
JENNIFER CARROLL
LT. GOVERNOR
HERSCHEL T. VINYARD JR.
SECRETARY
Thank you for your comments regarding the draft assessments for the Everglades West Coast basin. It is
important that we receive input from interested stakeholders to ensure accurate assessments of Florida's
waters. This letter is in response to your comment letters received via e-mail dated July 25 and 31, 2012.
In the evaluation of these waterbodies, our assessment takes into consideration whether the results are
representative of the current conditions of the waterbody. Please keep in mind that the assessments you
commented on were conducted in June and all of the WaterBody IDentification assessment units
(WBIDs) identified in your letter will be reassessed using the most recent data available to produce
revised assessments. Your questions and/or comments are provided below, or excerpts when comments
included graphs and tables or were lengthy; with our response immediately following.
Carduo ENTRIX — Clam Bay Couaer comment: The current dataset used to evaluate Clam Bay
for copper conforms to the requirements of the Impaired Waters Rule (62 -303, F.A.C.); however the
existing data may not provide an accurate representation of current conditions with respect to copper
concentrations. Of the 12 exceedances observed in the samples, five have associated comments
stating that a small or moderate amount of particulate was observed in the sample. These comments
indicate that error may have occurred during sample collection. Since all of the exceedances were
observed in Middle and Upper Clam Bay, where flushing is lowest and potential re- suspension of
sediments is greatest, the potential for error during sample collection is also greatest.
The comments associated with the analysis state that the copper concentration was confirmed in the
undigested sample. While this may confirm that the preservative itself may not have contributed to
the copper concentration in the sample, it does not mean that sampler error didn't contribute to the
concentration. Since FDEP Standard Operating Protocols dictate the sample for copper be preserved
in the field with nitric acid, a proportion of particulate would be dissolved during preservation and
release copper into the water: Therefore, even in the undigested sample, the potential exists for
particulates in the bottle to result in an unrepresentative amount of copper observed during analysis.
Based on the comments associated with the copper analyses, it is appropriate to conduct further
sampling that include split field filtered and unfiltered samples to confirm observed copper
concentrations accurately reflect current conditions and are not associated with effects of sample
collection.
Daniel G. Hammond
Page 2
October 8, 2012
Aside from the potential issues with copper analysis, the Foundation and Collier County recognize
that the major freshwater inputs to Clam Bay are associated with stormwater discharge. In an effort
to identify the potential effect this discharge may have on Clam Bay, the Foundation and Collier
County are currently working together with Turrell, Hall & Associates, Inc. to develop a water
quality management action plan to identify potential water quality issues and implement solutions
where necessary. This plan includes four distinct management efforts: 1) Mapping the flow of water
through the developed areas to Clam Bay; 2) Soil analysis to improve fertilization techniques; 3)
Water quality monitoring to identify sources of potential contaminants and document improvements
following action plan implementation; and 4) Landscape management through the creation of a
guidebook providing protocols for fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide application.
This effort will allow for the identification of potential sources of copper to Clam Bay, provide and
implement source control solutions (if necessary) and monitor the effectiveness. Finalization of a
copper impairment in Clam Bay and development of a TMDL at this time may hinder or slow
current management plans designed to improve water quality in Clam Bay by diverting scarce water
resource management funds to a TMDL driven implementation plan from the current stakeholder,
locally driven water quality management effort.
In summary, the Pelican Bay Foundation, Collier County Coastal Zone Management Department
and Cardno ENTRIX request the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) allow
Clam Bay (WBID 3278Q1) to remain on the Planning List for copper during this cycle and allow
the affected stakeholders to implement the currently developed management action plan. Leaving
Clam Bay on the Planning List for copper would allow the affected stakeholders to work with
FDEP to implement a robust sampling plan to identify if the perceived impairment is representative
of actual conditions in Clam Bay or the result of sample collection efforts. In addition, stakeholders
will implement the management action plan, identify if copper is an issue in stormwater runoff,
propose and implement solutions (where necessary) and monitor the improvement to Clam Bay. If
an actual copper impairment exists in Clam Bay, the implementation of the management plan will
document improvement and allow the locally affected stakeholders to continue cost effective water
quality management and oversight of this key southwest Florida water resource.
FDEP Response - Clam Bay Copper: Clam Bay (WBID 3278Q1) is impaired for copper based on
meeting the requirements of the Impaired Waters Rule (IWR rule: 62 -303, F.A.C.) with 12
exceedances/25 samples during the cycle 3 verified period (January 1, 2005 — June 30, 2012). As you
state in your comment, of the 12 exceedances observed in the samples, five had comments stating a
small or moderate amount of particulate was observed in the sample. This comment was provided to
indicate that during the lab analysis particulates were observed in the samples; however, undigested
samples were analyzed and those results confirmed that copper was in fact dissolved in the water.
The relative percent difference between the undigested and digested results was less than 20%. Even
if these 4 samples were excluded from the assessment, Clam Bay would still be identified as impaired
for Copper based on 7 exceedances/20 samples. The seven other copper exceedances (with similar
results and no particulate matter observed in the samples) were well above the 3.7 pg/L threshold
indicating a copper impairment for Clam Bay.
A water quality management action plan designed to address stormwater discharges and other
potential sources of copper (including marinas and algaecide applications) could be used as the basis
for placing the waterbody in category 4e (Impaired, but recently completed or on -going restoration
activities are underway to restore the designated uses of the waterbody) or even Category 4b
(reasonable assurance). However, we need detailed documentation, and it seems highly unlikely that
Daniel G. Hammond
Page 3
October 8, 2012
a plan could be completed before the scheduled adoption of the Group 1 lists in December or January.
Based on meeting the verification requirements of the IWR, we plan to place Clam Bay on the Group
1 Cycle 3 Everglades West Coast verified list for copper with a medium TMDL priority (5 -10 years
for TMDL development). A medium priority for TMDL development will give stakeholders time to
develop a water quality management action plan that could potentially lead to the removal of Clam
Bay from the Verified list. FDEP requests that, once the water quality management action plan is
completed by stakeholders, it be provided to the Department for review and documentation of how
copper will be addressed in Clam Bay. FDEP has provided on the enclosed disk an example of the
support documentation used for placing Clam Bayou in category 4e (Ongoing Restoration Activiti °s),
and general guidance on reasonable assurance (category 4b).
Cardno ENTRIX — Clam Bay Dissolved Oxygen comment:
FDEP has proposed to list Clam Bay (WBID 3278Q1) as a category 4d impairment for DO as part of
the Group 1 Cycle 3 TMDL assessment. Category 4d listings are submitted to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and added to Florida's 303(d) list of impaired waters.
This listing would indicate Clam Bay is impaired for DO, but no causative pollutant could be
identified, and target the waterbody for further evaluation to identify a causative pollutant so a TMDL
could be developed. However, data and analysis provided here suggests that a category 4d listing is
not appropriate for Clam Bay. A more accurate category would be 4c, which would recognize that
Clam Bay does not meet the current DO criteria as a result of natural conditions, and not caused by a
pollutant, therefore eliminating the need for a TMDL.
FDEP has concluded that Estero Bay WBID 3258A represents natural conditions with minimal
anthropogenic influence and is an adequate reference waterbody (FDEP 2008). The data
provided in this Technical Memorandum indicate Clam Bay exhibits a statistically similar DO
regime to this reference estuary segment, therefore concluding Clam Bay DO also represents a
natural condition. FDEP does not intend to list marine systems with naturally low DO as
impaired and acknowledges that natural estuaries in areas surrounded by mangrove forests or tidal
marshes (of which Clam Bay is an example) are especially subject to low DO (FDEP 2012b and
Hendrickson et a12003).
Furthermore, biological evidence suggests Clam Bay functions as a healthy estuary. The
diversity of invertebrates recorded in the estuary, and the presence of indicator and oxygen
sensitive species indicate that the DO regime in Clam Bay is supporting a healthy biological
community.
Based on the data and analysis provided here, a category 4c listing for Clam Bay provides a
more appropriate water resource management goal than the proposed category 4d listing. The
Pelican Bay Foundation, Collier County Coastal Zone Management Department and Cardno
ENTRIX respectfully request FDEP change the proposed listing for Clam Bay (WBID
3278Q1) from a category 4d to a 4c listing. Upon finalization of the revised DO criteria for
marine waters, it will be appropriate for Clam Bay to be removed from the 4c category for DO
with the determination that the DO regime in Clam Bay meets the revised DO criteria.
FDEP — Clam Bay Dissolved Oxygen response: The Department has reviewed the Clam Bay
dissolved oxygen technical memorandum prepared by Cardno Entrix and based on the demonstration
that Clam Bay supports a healthy biological community and has a similar DO regime to the reference
Daniel G. Hammond
Page 4
October 8, 2012
waterbody Estero Bay (WBID 3258A1) we have determined that 4c is the appropriate assessment
category.
The Department appreciates Cardno ENTRIX taking the time to submit comments on the draft lists for
the Group 1 basin. Your input helps the Department in producing better assessments. If you have
additional questions about our response or the assessments, please contact the Environmental Manager for
the basin, David Tyler: (850)- 245 -8458, David.Tyler(aidepstate.fl.us or me: (850)- 245 -8416,
J die.Espy@dep.state.fl.us .
Sincerely,
Julie Espy
Environmental Administrator
Watershed Assessment Section
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration
2600 Blair Stone Rd, MS3560
Tallahassee, FL 32399 -2400
Fro
To..
Comments to PBSD for Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan Update with a companion file referenced
in the comments
DaW Monday, May 06, 2013 10:18:20 AM
AMmcl, -mss: Final Sierra Calusa Comments on Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan Updates submission to PBSD.Ddf
TIMELINE ESTABLISHING DESIGNATED USES OF CLAM PASS -CLAM BAY - submitted to PBSD by Sierra Calusa
Group odf
Lisa,
I had a problem with my final edits "saving" to the files of my comments for the Clam Pass -Clam Bay
NRPA Management Plan Update and a companion document, 'Timeline of Established Uses for Clam
Pass -Clam Bay" that I referenced in the comments. I finally was able to properly save the final version
and request that you include this email and attachments to the PBSD Board Clam Bay Subcommittee
members as hardcopy materials prior to their upcoming meeting. I will be providing referenced
Conservation Collier Land Management Plans as files on CD /DVD later today. I'm requesting that you
provide these files to Tim Hall for inclusion in his summary of comments to the PBSD.
Thank you for your assistance.
Marcia Cravens
Conservation Chair, Sierra Club Calusa Group
Florida Master Naturalist for Coastal Systems
(239) 594 -8256
goldandrose @mac.com
TO: The Pelican Bay Services Division
c/o Ms. Lisa Resnick
801 Laurel Oak Drive, Ste 605
Naples, FL 34108
lresnick @colliergov.net
Comments/ Recommendations for Clam Pass - Clam Bay Natural Resources
Protection Area Preserve Management Plan Update (Update)_
Group Name: SIERRA CLUB CALUSA GROUP
Sierra Calusa Board has delegated its Conservation Co -Chair Marcia Cravens to speak and submit
comments on its behalf to Collier County Commission and its appointed Advisory. Boards for
Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA Preserve issues.
Please send notices and related info to Marcia Cravens at 6075 Pelican Bay Blvd., unit 703,
Naples, FL and by email �oldandrose @ c.com
Sierra Calusa Group edited the "Clam Pass NRPA Management Plan Update User Group
Questionnaire" from the PBSD website for our initial comments to the Collier County. Pelican Bay_
Services Division t (PBSD)_
COMMENT # 1- The PBSD Board should make it clear that solicitation of comments is not
limited to those on a particular list. While it's understood that private property owners adiacent
and abutting to the boundaries of the Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA Preserve and certain identified
"User Groups" are more often affected by management and maintenance activities to protect,
preserve, and restore its natural resources or management of public access to it.— the FOCUS/
GOALS /OBJECTIVES of the UPDATES understandably cannot use public funds to further
private or special interests groups particular benefits, but instead must address public benefit and in
the process of addressing _public benefit should acknowledge and consider anv_private or special
interests groups activities that may conflict with or be incompatible to management of the Clam
Pass -Clam Bay NRPA Preserve.
However, the solicitation of comments appears to potentially defer to interests or benefits that
adjacent private proper owners or certain user groups may derive from the Clam Pass -Clam Bay
NRPA. Both the referenced "Invitation" and companion "User Group Questionnaire" have
omitted to inform recipients that there is an established urpose for the Clam Pass -Clam Bay
NRPA Preserve and that management of it must be consistent with the purpose inherent in the
delegation of NRPA and delegation of Conservation for the undeveloped Clam Pass -Clam Bay
coastal barrier resource area. Communications from the PBSD or its consultants must not
misrepresent or infer that Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA /Conservation Preserve "uses" are not
already well - established in the county's and other government records.
COMMENT # 2 (see "Timeline Establishing Designated Uses of Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA ":
The CLAM PASS -CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN and UPDATES TO IT —
must be consistently compatible with the NRPA concept for PROTECTION and
PRESERVATION of NATURAL RESOURCES that exceed protections of other lands (including
submerged lands). The stated intent in local state and federal records of Clam Pass -Clam Bay
permitting, management, and maintenance is consistent for the undeveloped Clam Pass Coastal
Barrier Natural Resources to be retained in their essentially natural conditions for their continued
natural functions. This intent has been consistently implemented over the past 40+ years by
increased monitoring and activities to restore / retain Clam Pass -Clam Bay natural resources in their
essentially natural condition for the benefit of current and future generations the PUBLIC)_
COMMENT #3 (Records being referenced in this comment will be provided upon request).-
ESTABLISHED PUBLIC USES: The Clam Pass -Clam Bay Natural Resources Protection Area
(NRPA has a long history of governmental adoption of PASSIVE PUBLIC USES which neither
improve nor lessen private uses that may be in conflict with or incompatible with such public
passive benefits. Existing PUBLIC USES have been established by official acceptance and
adoption of permit special conditions — most notably per CONDITIONAL APPROVALS OF
THE PELICAN BAY Development of Regional Impact (DRI) / Planned Unit Development
(PUD , CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, PROTECTIVE/RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.
Additionally_, Public Uses have been established by adoption of certain Collier County
Comprehensive Plan Conservation and Coastal Elements, the 1995 Manatee Protection Plan
1991 Coastal Zone Management Plan, various years of Collier County Atlas, the 1994 Clam Pass
NRPA Program Report, the 1995 Clam Pass Inlet Management Plan (Interim to 1998 CBRMP),
the 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan CBRMP , etc„
COMMENT # 4: (Conservation Collier Management Plans referenced are given as links are
available as pdf files on disk)
Clam Pass is a critical feature of the Clam Pass -Clam Bay Natural Resources Protection Area
Preserve. Clam Pass management should not be considered separately from the rest of the NRPA
Preserve, but rather as an integral part of the whole NRPA Preserve whereby its natural
characteristics are p ro
reserved and protected as Multi- Species habitats which also pvide
opportunities for compatible passive public recreation. An Inlet Management Plan would not be
agpWriate as the framework for the Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA Preserve Management Plan
because there is no natural navigation channel in the Clam Pass lagoon and creek complex to
sport motorized vessel transit. No dredging had ever occurred within the Clam Pass -Clam Bay
waters prior to Conservation Easements, Restrictions, and Protective Covenants were established
which prohibit dredging in Outer, Upper, Inner Clam Bays, their connecting creeks and Clam Pass
except to keep the waters open to the Gulf of Mexico. Hence, dredging has only occurred in the
Clam Pass system to maintain drainage and tidal exchange between the lagoon back bays and the
Gulf of Mexico for the health of the ecosystem. Vessel restrictions requiri ng motorized propellers
to only operate at idle speed with no wake were recommended in the 1995 Manatee Protection Plan
and later ado tp ed by Ordinance 1996 -16. The 1998 FDEP Clam Bay Restoration and Management
Plan Hermit for regulated activities identified in that Plan included a requirement to add sign_ge to
"Tilt Motor Up to Prevent Prop Dredge Damage..." (In 2008 PBSD was informed that signage
didn't conform to Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Uniform Waterways criteria and FDEP
indicated an Administrative Modification would allow signage revision). A Clam Pass Canoe Trail
was adopted and permitted in 2000, then in 2011 -2012 the permit for waterways Sign e was
revised for the Canoe/Kayak Trail to include Information signs for Local Knowledge Required,
Caution - Shoals,_, Caution- Seagrass Areas, etc. A canoe trail does not requires an Inlet
Management Plan for implementation or maintenance activities of the waterway where such trail is
located.
*Collier County's Conservation Collier Program includes comprehensive Manaagement
Plans individualized for each site. The Conservation Collier Management Plan Framework
consistentiv_provides for a comprehensive data set that's useful for monitoring and
assessment of activities necessary to �, rmy ,
restoration, and maintenance of the natural resources and also for compatible public
outdoor passive recreation at each site.
A similar framework for the Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA Preserve would include
restoration and preservation rather than enhancement and would include a greater level of
protection than occurs with Conservation areas. Goals and Objectives in the Collier
Conservation Management Plans are tvoically to identify and eliminate or minimize threats
to the resources and integrity of the Preserve. There is a list of eight Goals in the
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Land Management Plan httD: / /www.colIiergov.net/
Modules /ShowDocument.asax ?documentid =24276 (pp 26 -30 ) that could be easily
adapted and such framework easily allows additions to tailor such a Framework to the
Clam Pass -Clam Bay. NRPA Preserve. The Wet Woods Preserve Management Plan http://
www.colliergov. net / Modules /ShowDocument.aspx ?documentid =18810 has Goals
and Action Plans (Ep 41_57) and Appendices (p . 65_83) that may also be useful in being
adapted to Updates for the Clam Pass -Clam Bay, NRPA Preserve Management Plan.
Additionally, there may. be other Collier Conservation Management Plans materials that
could be adapted for Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA Updates,,
* PRIMARY GOALS FOR THE CLAM PASS -CLAM BAY NRPA PRESERVE
SHOULD BE THE SAME OR MORE PROTECTIVE THAN THOSE IDENTIFIED FOR
CONSERVATION COLLIER PRESERVES, e.g. Conservation, Preservation, Restoration,,
and Maintenance of the natural resources and Compatible Public Outdoor Passive
Recreation.
Comment # 5: (Information about site location and artifacts is mentioned in the 1994 NRPA and
a map of the sites is included in the Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan. Further data/info
will be provided to PBSD on request . Cultural and Archaeological Resources Protection must be a
thorough component of the Update as there are three known sites of important archaeologic cultural
sipificance within the Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA Preserve.
Comment # 6: Kathv Worlev, Conservancy of Southwest Florida's Co- Director of Biologic
Science, has developed a paradigm that should be included (although a particular cross section
measure in it may be revised from collated data). Sierra Calusa emphasizes that dredging of
Clam Pass -Clam Bay, waterway submerged bottoms must be done cautiously. and from the
perspective that removal of benthic substrate must be avoided to retain habitat functions.
Concerns for the Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA:
Excessive emphasis on theoretic numeric water quality measurements may lead to inappropriate,
unnecessary_, and biologically harmful actions. There should be a revision to water quality criteria
for the Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA Preserve which uses biologic data to evaluate the health of the
Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA ecosystem health. Private property owner's in the Seagate
Subdivision desire that the Clam Pass - Clam Bay NRPA Preserve be "improved:" by dredging
activity could lead to expanded dredging to create a navigation channel that provides increased
benefit to them by increased Gulf access to their promo erties (and substantially increase property
value) poses many direct, indirect,_primary_, secondary, and cumulative threats to natural resources.
City of Naples and Collier County interest in optimizing the quantity of dredged sand from Clam
Pass for being used in beach renourishment projects poses direct, indirect,_pdmary, secondary, and
cumulative threats to natural condition of Clam Pass and integrity of its benthic substrates.
Goals for the Management Plan:
Restated from Comment # 4 - PRIMARY GOALS FOR THE CLAM PASS -CLAM BAY
NRPA ARE CONSERVATION, PRESERVATION, RESTORATION, MAINTENANCE
OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND COMPATIBLE PUBLIC OUTDOOR USES.
Other Comments:
Any_proposed recommendations from Private Propel User Groups, or other User Groups uses
must not be incorporated in the Clam Pass -Clam Bav NRPA Management Plan Update if an
increase to conflicts of use or increase of incompatible uses would ensue from it.
Private uses should be allowed to continue (status quo) in a manner that does not alter, harm, or
otherwise degrade the historic documented habitats being retained in their essentially natural
conditions nor reduce existing or potential use by endangered, threatened, or species of special
concern flora/fauna.
TIMELINE ESTABLISHING DESIGNATED USES FOR CLAM PASS/CLAM BAY NRPA
MANAGEMENT PLAN, by Sierra Club Calusa Group
PRIMARY DESIGNATED USES: Public Records for Conservation, Preservation, and
Protection of Clam Pass -Clam Bay Natural Resources include_
1) In the 1970s- Collier County enacted zoning ordinances for the Coastal Area Planning District. Ordinance
76 -30 recognized environmentally sensitive lands (including wetlands, estuaries and water areas) and zoned
them as Sensitive Treatment (ST) with a process to discourage development by allowing increased
development of uplands IF ST areas were converted to Conservation /Preserve areas. The Pelican Bay Planned
Unit Development/ Development of Regional Impact (PUD /DRI) proceeded pursuant to having obtained
CONDITIONAL APPROVALS (1977) that allowed 98 acres of coastal mangroves wetlands to be filled for use in
the development by a required conversion of the remaining 570 acres of ST lands into a Conservation Area.
The requirement for the remaining 570 acres of undeveloped Clam Pass /Clam Bay coastal barrier segment to
remain in its natural condition and prohibit it from further development resulted in the Pelican Bay
Conservation Area being established by a Granted Deed with attached covenants and restrictions. It specified
that 35 acres at the South end of the Conservation Area would become a public park (accessed through the
preserve) that included a 3/4 acre public beach. Another five acres at the North end of the Conservation Area
was also specified for a park to provides public beach access.
2) Between 1981 and 1982- Related to State and Federal approvals required for the Pelican Bay PUD /DRI, a
Department of Army Permit (79K -0282) authorized fill of 98 acres of Clam Pass wetlands that was predicated
on Special Conditions of the remaining undeveloped 570 acres being converted to conservation/ preservation
in perpetuity. It specified inclusion of Upper, Inner and Outer Clam Bays, their connecting creeks, Clam Pass
and surrounding mangroves forests. It also prohibited dredging of Clam Pass except to keep it open to the
waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
3) In 1988 - The undeveloped segment of the Clam Pass coastal barrier island (Conservation Area within
Pelican Bay PUD's boundaries) was recommended to be added to the Federal Coastal Barrier Resources System
(CBRS) as an Otherwise Protected Area. It was originally approved and recorded as FL -64P by the US Congress
in 1988 and 1990. Additional related references in items 11 -12 below.
4) In 1991 -The Collier County Natural Resources Department (NRD) Coastal Zone Management Plan
(CZMP -1991) condensed a series of NRD Technical Reports into a comprehensive coastal zone planning
guide. Various chapters of it report the need to protect natural resources in the Clam Pass /Clam Bay
Conservation Area. The CZMP -1991 was adopted by the BCC as a resolution and later by ordinance during
1992 and 1993. Draft ordinances were recommended to the BCC by NRD staff to be consistent with specific
CZMP -1991 sections. Several included environmental protections in Clam Bay.
5) Ordinance 91 -111 created the Pelican Bay Municipal Services Taxing and Benefit Unit (MSTBU) in
conjunction with the Pelican Bay Services District (PBSD) and an Advisory Committee with dual role for the both
entities. Among the Pelican Bay MSTBU /PBSD responsibilities and benefits is the maintenance (and funding for
maintenance) of conservation and preserve areas within Pelican Bay boundaries. A boundary map was
attached which included the Conservation Area of the Clam Bays, connecting creeks and surrounding
mangroves forest. This ordinance was later repealed and replaced by successive ordinances that described the
Pelican Bay MSTBU /PBSD having the same purpose as earlier ordinances, but that it was changed from an
Independent District to a Dependent District.
6) In 1995- The BCC approved the NRD's recommendation to adopt Clam Bay as its first Natural Resources
Protection Area (NRPA). The BCC action stipulated that the Clam Bay NRPA had the same boundaries as the
existing Conservation Area within the Pelican Bay PUD.
7) Consistent with item # 6 above, Collier County's Future Land Use Maps adopted the additional NRPA
overlay onto the Conservation Area overlay established by Collier County's acceptance (as Grantee) of the 1982
Conservation Easement Deed from the developer /owners of the Pelican Bay PUD /DRI.
8) The Collier County 1995 Manatee Protection Plan (MPP) stated Clam Bay had the richest seagrass beds in
Collier County (critical for manatee survival). Accordingly, the MPP recommended an Idle Speed /No Wake
Zone throughout the Clam Pass waterway system.
9) In 1998, Joint Coastal pC) permits by FDEP and the USACE authorized the County's Pelican Bay Services
Division (PBSD) to begin long -term restoration of Clam Bay. The Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan
was attached to the JC permits.. The permits, management plan and implementation of authorized projects
were funded by voluntary Pelican Bay property assessments, an agreement by the WCI firm (successor to
original Pelican Bay developer /owners) to contribute up to one million dollars for Clam Bay restoration, and
included limited transfers of funds from the Collier County NRD Water Quality program and Exotic Vegetation
Removal program (Fund 111).
10) In 1998, a Florida Administrative Court Case No. 98- 0324GM ruling by Judge Meale interpreted certain
Conservation and Coastal Management Elements in Collier County's Growth Management Plan that NRPA's
required unequivocal protection of habitats which supported existing and potential uses within NRPA areas by
wildlife.
11) In 2005 there was clarification of the boundaries of the Conservation Easement within the Pelican Bay PUD
by the Collier County Natural Resources Department (NRD) Staff to US Fish and Wildlife Services ( USFWS) for
the Federal CBRS Clam Pass Unit fL 64 -P.
12) On October 15, 2008, Public Law 110 -419 adopted Florida Congressman Connie Mack's recommended
corrected map for Clam Pass unit of FL -64P. The corrected USFWS map identified the CBRS Clam Pass unit FL
64 -P to be located entirely within the existing boundaries of the Clam Bay NRPA and Conservation Area as the
Otherwise Protected Area (by Conservation Easement Deed) within the Pelican Bay PUD boundaries.
SECONDARY DESIGNATED USES: Public Records Related to Public Recreation include:
1) The 1991 Coastal Zone Management Plan's (CZMP -1991) Inlet Management chapter had a substantial
section describing Clam Pass and its bays, etc. It recommended no motorized boating as a protective measure
for the natural resources within those waterways.
2) In 1995, the Collier County Manatee Protection Plan was adopted and sent to the State. It reported on Clam
Bay's seagrass beds, canoe docks, very limited motorboat use, and conservation easement restrictions. The
MPP recommended against any marina facilities ever being permitted in Clam Bay.
3) In 1995, "The Clam Pass Inlet Management Plan" Interim Report No.1 was completed. It was submitted to
FDEP as reference material for a ten year Environmental Resource Permits to restore and maintain Clam Bay.
Said report stated Clam Pass was essentially non - navigable and small boat boats had limited use of it. The
shorelines of Clam Pass are identified to be "swimming beaches" in the section that provided Florida Land Use
Classification Codes (FLUCC) for Clam Pass and areas immediately contiguous to it.
4) Joint Coastal OC) permits were approved in 1998 by FDEP and the USACE for the County's Pelican Bay
Services Department (PBSD) to begin long -term restoration of the Clam Bay mangroves forest. The 1998 JC
permits had an attached Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan, by Collier County Commissioner
Hancock's Mangrove Task Force.
4) In the year 2000, the Clam Pass Canoe Trail permit was approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Commission (FWC). PBSD records indicate that such markers were consistent with the Clam Bay Restoration
and Management Plan tp mark the dredged drainage channels in a manner that benefited recreational use of
the Clam Pass /Clam Bay waterways consistent with preservation and protection of the Preserve to not increase
motorboat usage in it.
5) In 2010 a Consolidated Denial from Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and FDEP was issued that
rescinded an earlier temporary approval of lateral aids to navigation because bathymetry data was recognized
to show the waterways were too shallow for a motorboat navigation channel.
6) In 2011 a permit for Canoe /Kayak Trail and Informational Markers was approved by the County
Commission and issued by Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
1=Vj1 dLY uses. drnu mrier ununry purmic r ora in i uamg county environmental department statt reports and
correspondences includingi
1) On February 2, 2000, Collier County NRD Staff responded to Seagate property owner David Buser's inquiry
on dredging and installation of navigational markers in the Clam Bay system. The NRD letter informed him
that Clam Bay ranked low on all channel siting criteria, was not the type of area, had a conservation easement
that prohibited pilings and signage except some warning signs, and that dredging is prohibited in Clam Bay
except at the pass to maintain a connection to the Gulf of Mexico.
2) Collier County Boat surveys conducted periodically for the Parks and Recreation Dept. consistently
reported few motorboats in Clam Bay (docked in Seagate subdivision) Less than ten boats were identified at
Seagate docks in each survey. Mainly kayak and canoe use was consistently reported in Clam Bay. The 2010
boat survey identified no changed boat use in Clam Bay from prior reports.
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
Land Management Plan
Managed by:
Conservation Collier Program
Collier County
June 2007 — June 2017 (10 yr plan)
Prepared by:
Collier County Facilities Management Department
June 2007
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Land Management Plan Executive Summary
Lead Agency: Conservation Collier Program, Collier County Facilities Management
Department
Properties included in this Plan: Cocohatchee Creek preserve — Folio #00166680102
Acreage Breakdown: 3.64 acres
Management Responsibilities: Collier County Facilities Management Department has
oversight responsibility with day to day responsibilities shared by the Collier County Parks and
Recreation Department under an Interdepartmental Agreement attached as Appendix -3.
Agency — Collier County — Conservation Collier Program
Preserve Manager — Designated Collier County Environmental Specialist
Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource -based recreation
Unique Features: Adjacent to Cocohatchee Creek
Archaeological/Historical: N/A
Management Needs:
Exotic plant removal and maintenance in preserve and creek;
Monitoring of listed species (gopher tortoise) on site;
Periodic removal of trash from cans;
Maintenance of trail;
Site security.
Acquisition Needs: None
Surplus Lands: Potentially, a small strip adjacent to Southwind Estates, Lot 15, being
approximately 40 feet wide and 215 feet long, or roughly one fifth of one acre, lying north of the
thread of the Cocohatchee Creek ONLY if a conservation easement is placed on it by the
acquiring entity.
Public Involvement: Public meeting(s) to be held spring 2007 with residents from surrounding
developed areas, including: Southwind Estates, Northside Medical Plaza PUD, Veterans Park
Commons PUD, North Naples Fire Control and Rescue District, Southampton/Stonebridge, and
Collier County Parks and Recreation Department.
Conservation Collier Program
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Table of Contents
LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................... ..............................2
LISTOF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... ..............................5
LISTOF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................... ..............................5
LISTOF APPENDICES ............................................................................................................... ..............................5
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... ..............................6
1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan .............................................................................. ..............................6
1.2 Location .................................................................................................................................... ..............................7
1.3 Regional Significance of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve .................................................. ..............................7
1.4 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources ...................................................... ..............................9
1.5 Management Authority .......................................................................................................... .............................11
1.6 Public Involvement ................................................................................................................. .............................11
2.0 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES .................................................................... .............................11
2.1 Physiography ........................................................................................................................... .............................11
2. 1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ...................................................................................... .............................11
2.1.2 Geology ............................................................................................................................. .............................13
2.1.3 Soils ................................................................................................................................... .............................13
2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management ......................................................................................... .............................15
2.2 Climate ..................................................................................................................................... .............................15
2.3 Natural Communities ............................................................................................................. .............................15
2.3.1 Hydric hammock
2.3.2 Scrubby flatwood
2.3.3. Mesic pine flatwood
2.3.4 Floodplain marsh
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species ........................................................................................... .............................19
2.5 Listed Species .......................................................................................................................... .............................19
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species ........................................................................................................... .............................19
2.5.2 Listed Wildlife Species ...................................................................................................... .............................19
2.6 Invasive Non - native and Problem Species ............................................................................ .............................20
2.7 Forest Resources ..................................................................................................................... .............................20
Conservation Collier Program 3
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
2.8 Mineral Resources .................................................................................................................. .............................20
2.9 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources ............................................................. .............................20
2.10 Scenic Resources ................................................................................................................... .............................20
3.0 USE OF THE PROPERTY .................................................................................................... .............................21
3.1 Previous Use and Development ............................................................................................. .............................21
3.2 Current Public Use and Land Uses ....................................................................................... .............................21
3.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and
Maintenanceof the Resource ........................................................................................... .............................21
3.2.2 Planned PublicUses and Assessment of Impacts .............................................................. .............................21
3.3 Adjacent Land Uses ................................................................................................................ .............................22
3.4 Potential Surplus Lands ......................................................................................................... .............................22
3.5 Prospective Land Acquisitions .............................................................................................. .............................22
3.6 Analysis of Multiple -Use Potential ........................................................................................ .............................22
4.0 MANAGEMENT ISSUES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .................................................. .............................23
4.1 Program Framework and Goals ............................................................................................ .............................23
4. 1.1 CARL/Florida Forever Management Prospectus ............................................................... .............................23
4.1.2 FCT Management Commitments ....................................................................................... .............................23
4.1.3 Management Activities to Preserve, Enhance, Restore, Conserve, Maintain and Monitor the Resource ....... 24
4.1.4 Manager ............................................................................................................................. .............................24
4.1.5 Preserve Rules and Regulations ......................................................................................... .............................24
4.2 Desired Future Conditions ..................................................................................................... .............................24
4.3 Major Accomplishments during previous years .................................................................. .............................25
4.4 Goals and Actions for 10 years period 2007 - 2016 ................................................................ .............................25
4.5 Prescribed Fire Program ....................................................................................................... .............................30
4.6 Public Use Facilities ................................................................................................................ .............................30
4.7 Operational Plan for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve ....................................................... .............................30
4.7.1 Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... .............................30
4.7.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources ................................................................. .............................31
4.7.3. Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors .. .............................32
4.7.4 Management Zones ............................................................................................................ .............................33
4.8 Partnerships and Regional Coordination ............................................................................. .............................33
4.8.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements .............................................................. .............................33
4.8.2 Cooperating Agencies and Organizations ........................................................................ .............................33
5.0 LITERATURE CITED .......................................................................................................... .............................34
Conservation Collier Program 4
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
List of Tables
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status ......................................................... ............................... 6
Table 2: Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources .................... ............................... 9
Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities .............................. ............................... 16
Table 4: March 1, 2006 Bird Survey ...................................... ............................... 19
Table 5: Invasive Non - native Species Known ............................................... ............................... 20
Table 6 Analysis of Multiple -Use Potential .................................................. ............................... 22
Table 7: Major Accomplishments during previous period [or since acquisition ] ....................... 25
Table 8: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget ................................. ............................... 32
Table 9: Potential Contracting for Management Activities ........................... ............................... 32
List of Figures
Figure 1: Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Map — Existing Conditions ... ..............................8
Figure 2: Natural Preserves and Designated South Florida Water Management District
Conservation Easements Existing in Collier County ......... .............................10
Figure 3: Elevation Map ( LIDAR) ......................................... .............................12
Figure 4: Soil Units at the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve ................ .............................14
Figure 5: Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification system (FLUCCS) Map......... 17
Figure 6: Historic distribution of vegetation communities in Collier County, Florida ........... 18
List of Appendices
Appendix 1: Conservation Collier Ordinance, 2002 -63
Appendix 2: Collier County Parks and Recreation Ordinance 76 -48, as amended
Appendix 3: Interdepartmental Agreement between Collier County Environmental Services
Department and Collier County Parks and Recreation Department for management
of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
Appendix 4: Legal Description
Appendix 5: Public Involvement Contact List
Appendix 6: Florida Natural Areas Inventory Managed Area Tracking Record and Element
Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation
Appendix 7: March 1, 2006 Species Survey
Conservation Collier Program
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
1.0 Introduction
The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is a 3.64 -acre urban preserve located in North Collier County,
off Immokalee Road, across from the Veterans Community Park, a Collier County Regional
Park. The Preserve protects small areas of several native plant communities and adds buffer
protection to the Cocohatchee Creek. Access to the preserve is from Veterans Park Drive, with
parking and restrooms available at the Veterans Community Park.
The Conservation Collier Program acquired the preserve in September 2002. Natural plant
communities represented include upland scrub, pine flatwood, riverine oak and cabbage palm
groves. The property was purchased with funds from the Conservation Collier Program and the
County holds fee simple title. The Conservation Collier Program manages this parcel under
authority granted by the Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002 -63 (Appendix 1) with assistance
from the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department under an Interdepartmental
Agreement signed April 6, 2006 (Appendix 3).
Conservation, restoration and passive public use are the designated uses of the property.
Management activities allowed are those necessary to preserve, enhance, restore, conserve and
maintain environmentally endangered lands for the benefit of present and future generations.
Public use of the site must be consistent with these goals.
An initial site assessment of this property was conducted on August 20, 2003 and the property
was purchased by the Conservation Collier Program on September 10, 2004. Previously known
as the "Visnich" property, for the previous owners, George and Virginia Visnich, it was renamed
the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve in May 2005. Initial acquisition activities are identified in
Table 1 below.
Year
Benchmark
2003
Initial Assessment
2004
Purchase of Visnich Property
2004
Developed Interim Management Plan
2005
Renamed Visnich property Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
2005
Initial exotic plant and debris removal
2005
Installed trail with ADA section and park equipment bench, table and 2 trash cans, si na e)
2006
Developed Interdepartmental Agreement with Parks and Recreation Department
2006
Opened preserve to the public in March 2006
2006
Started quarterly exotics maintenance (contracted) and creek maintenance (County Trans/Road
Maintenance/Aquatic Plant Management)
2006
1 Completion of final management plan
1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan
The purpose and scope of this management plan is to provide management direction for the
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve by identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or
minimize and threats to the resources and integrity of the preserve. This plan is a working
document that establishes the foundation for the ten -year plan by identifying the appropriate
management techniques necessary to preserve, enhance, restore, maintain and monitor the
Conservation Collier Program 6
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
resource. This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with passive public
recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs, listed species protection and
maintenance of the site free of invasive exotic plants and species (if applicable). This plan is
• divided into sections that incorporate an introduction, descriptions of the natural and cultural
resources, projected uses of the property and management issues, goals and objectives.
This management plan shall be submitted to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners
(BCC) for its approval. When approved, this plan will replace the Interim Management Plan
prepared by the Collier County Environmental Services Department in August 2004, approved
by the BCC on September 21, 2004, and subsequently extended by the BCC through June 2006.
1.2 Location
The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is located in North Naples, Collier County, Florida. It is
bounded on the west by Veterans Park Drive, on the north by Immokalee Road, on the east by
the Cocohatchee Creek (property line through the center of the creek), and on the south by the
Veterans Community Park (Figure 1). The legal description is attached at Appendix 4. The
surrounding land use is a blend of residential, commercial, conservation and County Park.
Across the creek from the Preserve, to the east, is a residential single- family development called
Southwind Estates. A conservation area belonging to the Southampton/Stonebridge
development exists along the southern boundary. Veterans Park Commons Planned Unit
Development (PUD) and Northside Medical Plaza PUD (currently undeveloped) are directly
across Veteran's Park Drive.
1.3 Regional Significance of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
Despite having 867,000, or 64 %, of county lands
protected in conservation status, Collier County has
lost, and is losing, many of its rare and unique habitats.
The Conservation Collier Ordinance identifies these
specific habitats and gives preference to them in
acquisition evaluations. These habitats include, in
order of preference: tropical hardwood hammocks,
xeric oak scrub, coastal strand, native beach, riverine
oak, high marsh (saline) and tidal freshwater marsh.
The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve was purchased partly
because it contains remnant habitats of two of these
specific habitats, xeric oak scrub and riverine oak, in
addition to other native habitats, pine flatwood and
cabbage palm groves. The location of the preserve in the urban area provides an opportunity for
citizens, visitors and school age children to view these habitat types without traveling far from
home or school.
Conservation Collier Program 7
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Figure 1. Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Map — Existing Conditions
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve j Feet
Source: 2005 Aerials - Copier County Property Appraiser 0 75 150
G: lConservabonC *Nier',.andManagement'irail. revised.mxd
Conservation Collier Program
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
The riverine wetlands on the preserve parcel contain at least two (and possibly more) species of
state listed bromeliads, including Tillandsia pruinosa and T. fasciculata. American alligator,
(Alligator mississippiensis), a species that is state and federally listed, has been observed in the
creek although it is unlikely alligators will take up permanent residence due to the urban
location. Listed wading birds, such as little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) and snowy egret
(Egretta thula) are often observed foraging in streams and canals in surrounding area. Protection
and management of listed species is critical to their long term existence in Collier County and
globally.
1.4 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources
The closest preserve to Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is the Conservation Collier property
currently known as Watkins /Jones, a 28 -acre preserve located at the mouth of the Cocohatchee
Creek as it joins the Wiggins Pass Estuary, 2 miles to the Northwest. Other preserves, in order
of increasing distance are identified in Table 2. Existing natural preserves and designated South
Florida Water Management District conservation easements in Collier County are shown in
Figure 2.
Table 2: Public lands and designated water resources located near the Cocohatchee Creek
Preserve
Preserve
Distance miles
Direction
Type
Watkins /Jones property
2.0
N and W
Conservation Collier
Railhead Scrub Preserve
2.4
North
Conservation Collier
Delnor- Wiggins Pass State
Park
2.5
N and E
State
Barefoot Beach Preserve
3.6
N and E
Collier County
Imperial River Preserve
6.2
NW
Lee County
Future Gordon River
Greenway / Collier
Development Corp parcel
7.6
S and E
Collier
County /Conservation
Collier
Rookery Bay National
Estuarine Research Reserve
17
S and E
National
Conservation Collier Program
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Figure 2. Natural Preserves and Designated South Florida Water Management District
Conservation Easements Existing in Collier County
Natural Preserves and Conservation Easements
OKALOACOOCHEE SLOUGHWLDLIFE MANAGEMENT APE)
XMILE CVPRE;saSLOUGHPRESERVE i
XMILE Ci *S SLOUGH PRESERVE �
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I
X 1 }k - 6`PRESS SLOUGH PRESERVE
_I
!SRO BAY STATE BUFFER PRESERVE
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INSTATE HISTORIC SITE
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.'
CORKSCREW REGIMEC{+
110HICKORYISLAND PRESER t
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Folio Number: 001666$0102
� cofxier County
S `
Legend
i SFWMD Conservation Easements
Conservation Lands
i Physical County Boundary
0 19,50039,000 78.000 Feet
Data Source: Parcels - Collier County Property Appraiser
Created 6y: GIS 1 CDES 1 Environmental Services
G: %Conservation Collier %Land Management % Cocohatchee Creek Preserve %Management Plans %Maps and Exhibits2.mxd. and jpg.
Date: 617107
Conservation Collier Program 10
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
1.5 Management Authority
Lands acquired by Conservation Collier are titled to "COLLIER COUNTY, a political
subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier Program." Under the
Conservation Collier Ordinance, the Collier County Environmental Services Department holds
management authority for all Conservation Collier Program lands. The Collier County Parks and
Recreation Department assists with specific management tasks for the Cocohatchee Creek
Preserve, as identified in the Interdepartmental Agreement (Appendix 3).
1.6 Public Involvement
Neighborhood involvement will be sought through direct mailing notice for public meetings to
residents within the surrounding area and owners of properties that border the Preserve. Any
major changes or management activities that are likely to generate an intrusive aspect or in some
way affect neighboring properties will be reviewed with these contacts prior to conducting the
activity. Staff will also seek volunteers from surrounding areas through these contacts.
2.0 Natural and Cultural Resources
2.1 Physiography
The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve lies within the Gulf Coastal Lowlands physiographic province,
characterized by low elevations and poor drainage. The landforms that make up these coastal
lowlands include coastal and sand dune ridges and relic spits with intervening coast - parallel
valleys consisting of poorly drained swampy areas with little recharge.
2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology
The site is located in the Southwestern Slope region of the South Florida Water Management
District. Topography has been established using a Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) map
(Figure 3). The average elevation of the surrounding lands is 6 -8 feet NAVD (1988), with lower
elevations along the Cocohatchee Creek Channel as it flows to the Wiggins Pass Estuary.
Elevations of the Preserve property are lower than surrounding lands, ranging from 0 to 4 feet,
with 0 foot elevation along the primary creek channel, grading up to 2 feet in the riverine oak,
pine and cabbage plant communities, and to 4 feet in the upland scrub area along Veterans Park
Drive.
Conservation Collier Program 11
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Figure 3. LIDAR Map
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve LIDAR Map
15 a n
r, Q
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Date: 12.S.06
Conservation Collier Program 12
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
2.1.2 Geology
The geology of northern Collier County is characterized by complex sequences of
uncomformably layered, interbeded sands clays and limestones to a depth of approximately 230
feet. This depth marks the bottom of the surficial aquifer, with the bottom layer creating an
aquitard that separates the brackish underlying aquifer below (Miller, 1986) (Oaks and Dunbar
(1974) (Scott, 1988).
2.1.3 Soils
Soils data is based on the Soil Survey of Collier County, Florida (USDA/NRCS, 1990). Mapped
soils on this parcel include, in descending order of extent, Basinger Fine Sands (75 %) and
Satellite Fine Sands (24 %)(Figure 4). Basinger Fine Sands is an occasionally flooded slough soil
with natural vegetation including slash pine, palmetto, wax myrtle and St. Johnswort. This soil
type covers the creek bed and its immediate floodplain. Expected vegetation is present. Satellite
Fine Sands is an upland soil type with typical vegetation including sand live oak, rosemary, slash
pine and prickly pear cactus. These plants are present in areas mapped as Satellite Fine Sands.
These soil types consist of light grey, white or brown fine sands to a depth of 80 inches or more.
Hand auger borings performed onsite in 2001 by LAW encountered fine sand to about 4 to 5 feet
below natural grade, underlain by grey clayey sand.
Conservation Collier Program 13
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
4. Soil Units
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Soil Units Map
- HOLOPAiN- BASINGER COMPLEX
.�� Immokalee Rd.
BOCAFINE SAND
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Veterans Park l
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Folio Number: 00166680102
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Collier Country
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0 162.5 325 650 Feet O Satellite Fine Sands
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Created By, . GIS I CDES I Environmental Services
WConservation CellierlLand Management % Cocohatchee Creek Preserve %Management Plans % Maps and Exhibits.mxd. and jpg.
Date: 5123107
Conservation Collier Program 14
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management
Groundwater flow in the surficial aquifer and surface water of the Cocohatchee Creek is toward
the west and the coast. The aquifer grades from freshwater to brackish water due to the
proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Cocohatchee Creek flows in a northwesterly
direction and discharges into the Gulf of Mexico via the Wiggins Pass Estuary, named by the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection as an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW). The
volume of water in the creek itself rises and falls both seasonally and in response to tidal
changes.
Surface water management is related to regional water management strategy. A water control
structure maintained by the Collier County Road Maintenance Department exists just north of
the Preserve and south of Immokalee Road, along the Cocohatchee Creek. This is the
Cocohatchee East Branch AMIL Gate Weir, consisting of one (1) model D400 AMIL gate the
purpose of which is to automatically maintain upstream water levels at a control elevation of
4.0'. If upstream water elevations rise, the gate will automatically open to maintain control
elevation. Automatic gate control can be overridden by manual operations controlled by the
Collier County Road Maintenance Department. The Big Cypress Basin maintains an automatic
water level recorder gauge immediately upstream of the weir on the west bank of the creek. The
ability of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve's management to control the water level is limited or
non - existent.
2.2 Climate
The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is located in an area of Florida that is overlapped by a humid
subtropical climate and a tropical savanna climate in which temperatures are moderated by winds
from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. A tropical savanna climate is characterized by
sharply delineated wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures greater than 64°
Fahrenheit. Monthly rainfalls may exceed ten inches during the wet ,season. Humid subtropical
climates are characterized by less extreme rainfall fluctuations between wet and dry seasons and
average monthly temperatures less than 64° Fahrenheit in some months.
The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75°
Fahrenheit. The warmest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during these
months but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures.
Two - thirds of the annual rainfall occurs in the wet season from May to October. Thunderstorms
are frequent during the wet season occurring every two out of three days between June and
September Rainfall records for the area indicate that there is not significant variation in the
annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often occur during a
single year. The hurricane season extends from June through November with peak activity
occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are highest.
2.3 Natural Communities
The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve contains small areas of four different types of natural
vegetation communities, hydric hammock, scrubby flatwood, mesic pine flatwood, and
floodplain marsh (Table 3) (Figure 5). These communities are ranked by the Florida Natural
Areas Inventory (FNAI) (Ranking System Explanation — Appendix 6). A map of historic
Conservation Collier Program 15
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
distributions of native vegetation communities in Collier County is shown as Figure 6 (Duever,
2002). This map shows that the area where the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is located was
historically a mosaic of hydric flatwood, mesic flatwood, mesic hammock and hydric swamp
forest.
FNAI Natural Community Type
# Acres
% of
Area
Global
Rank
State
Rank
Comments
Hydric Hammock
.55 ac
15%
S4
Riverine Oak and Cabbage Palm
roves
Scrubby Flatwood
.73 ac
20%
G3
S3
9 gopher tortoise burrows located,
1 gopher tortoise obsvd.
Mesic Pine Flatwood
1.26 ac
35%
S4
Pine Flatwood areas
Flood lain Marsh
1.1 ac
30%
S2
Cocohatchee Creek flood lain
Conservation Collier Program 16
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Figure 5. Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCCS) Map.
Conservation Collier Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
Land Use Cover Map
°ala tsrss/ ! rsflf • 0f ■r Cswe1Y !r!lertY •lMais ar
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6ifier County
Conservation Collier Program 17
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Figure 6. Historic distribution of vegetation communities in Collier County, Florida (Duever,
2002)
QTR.
IAP
Conservation Collier Program 18
Cocohatche e
Creek
�V
Preserve Area
LJ
'4
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H.
Conservation Collier Program 18
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
2.3.1
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species
A native plant list is not currently available. Staff will contract with a botanist and append it to
this plan when completed. The Preserve is in a very urban setting and likely does not have
resident wildlife other than the Gopher tortoises(s). No wildlife has been observed in the upland
portions except for bird species. In addition to the bird list below, staff has observed Anhinga
fishing in the creek. Several Florida softshell turtles (Apolone ferox) have been observed in the
creek.
Table 4: Bird Survey — March 1, ,2006
Common Name
Latin Name
# Seen
Status
Comments
Northern Cardinal
4
Red-winged Blackbird
3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
2
Boat - tailed Grackle
2
Yellow -rum ed Warbler
6
Northern Mockingbird
1
Turkey Vulture
2
Gray Catbird
5
Red - bellied Woodpecker
1
Blue Jay
2
Woodstork
Mycteria Americana
1
E -USFWS (fed)
E -FWCC state
Seen overhead
American Crows
7
Seen overhead
Common Yellowthroat
1
Red - shouldered Hawk
1
2.5 Listed Species
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species
Staff will conduct a listed plant survey or contract with a botanist and append it to this plan
when completed.
2.5.2 Listed Wildlife Species
A listed wildlife species survey was done by staff on March 1, 2006 v
(Appendix 7). Listed wildlife species observed onsite or in the air
above the parcel include gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) a
species listed by the State of Florida as a "Species of Special Concern."
and Wood storks (Mycteria americana), a species listed as Gopher tortoise - Gopherus
"Endangered" by both the State of Florida and the federal government. volvphemus (State - SSC1
A map has been prepared by staff showing locations of existing Gopher tortoise burrows;
however, it is not appended to this plan to protect the animals from disturbance. One Gopher
tortoise has been routinely observed on site. Listed bird species may use the property in passing
but are not known to nest there.
Conservation Collier Program 19
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
2.6 Invasive Non - native and Problem Species
Table 5: Invasive Non- native Species Known to Occur at the Site
Scientific Name
Common Name
EPPC
Cat.
2005 list
County
Listed?
Degree Of
Infestation
Schinus terebinthi olius
Brazilian pepper
1
Yes - remove
<25%
Acacia auriculiformis
Earleaf acacia
1
Yes - remove
<10%
Ficus nitida
Indian laurel fig
n/a
Yes — prohibited to
plant
1%
Wedelia trilobata
wedelia
n/a
Yes — restricted
near preserves
25%
Abrus precatorius
Rosary pea
1
No
10%
Melaleuca quinquinerva
Melaleuca
1
Yes - remove
S2ygium cumini
Java plum
1
Yes - remove
2%
Pistia stratioites
Water lettuce
1
No
2% - creek only
Panicum re ens
Torpedo grass
1
No
In creek bed
Urochloa mutica
Para grass
I
No
All except
scrubby areas
Melinis repens
Rose natal grass
I
No
unconfirmed
Urena lobata
Ceasar weed
II
No
Scattered
throughout
2.7 Forest Resources
No commercial forests exist and timber extraction is not appropriate for this site.
2.8 Mineral Resources
No particular minerals are reported for this site and the extraction of minerals is not appropriate
for this site.
2.9 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources
A field visit was made to the site by Archeological Consultants, Inc. (Sarasota, Florida) in 2001
for the previous owner. No evidence of a significant prehistoric or historic resource was found.
The investigation conducted included background research, excavation of subsurface, shovel unit
tests and a visual reconnaissance of the entire parcel. Of particular interest was the elevated
"mound" area near the center of the parcel. Subsurface tests showed this feature to be comprised
of fill material including sand and limestone pebbles and boulders.
A request to the Florida Division of Historical Resources for a Township Range Section (TRS)
search in September 2006 resulted in no known archeological sites or historical structures
documented on this parcel.
2.10 Scenic Resources
The primary scenic resource of this preserve is the Cocohatchee Creek. Additionally, the natural
buffer created by the mature vegetation in the preserve provides a place for visitors to experience
the feeling of being alone in nature in a very urbanized area. Public access to the preserve is
facilitated by a trail approximately 700 feet long, that meanders along the creek, over a raised
mound and through the pine flatwood. Three- hundred and fifty (350) feet of the trail along the
Conservation Collier Program 20
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
north side is made of compacted limestone shell
materials and is accessible by wheelchair (compliant
with American Disabilities Act). The remainder of
the trail is made of mulch laid over a cleared 5' wide
trail. This end of the trail enters the preserve at the
south side, directly across from the Veteran's
Community Park shared parking area. (Figure 1).
3.0 Use of the Property
3.1 Previous Use and Development
A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment was done in 2001 by LAW Engineering and
Environmental Services (LAW). This report noted that a review had been done of aerial photos
and maps dating back to 1940, showing that the site has not been previously developed. Six
hand augur borings were done by LAW in 2001 on the raised mound area, finding no evidence of
buried waste, trash, soil staining or chemical /petroleum odors.
3.2 Current Public Use and Land Uses
The preserve is currently open to the public for use of walking
trails and picnic area. Small plant identification signs have
been placed within the preserve to identify native plant species.
These signs are intended to educate preserve visitors and
school age children about the native plants of the region.
3.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with
Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and
Maintenance of the Resource
Uses consistent with the above goals include walking, bird and wildlife watching,
picnicking, biking and potentially fishing, though no fish have been directly observed in
the creek.
3.2.2 Planned Public Uses and Assessment of Impacts
Easements, Concessions and Leases — There are no easements, concessions or leases.
Landscaping — No landscaping projects are planned.
Stormwater Facilities — There are no stormwater facilities on this parcel.
Trail Network — There is a trail meandering through the parcel along the creek through upland
vegetative communities approximately 700 feet in length, 350 feet of which is accessible by
wheelchair.
Conservation Collier Program 21
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
3.3 Adjacent Land Uses
Surrounding land uses include single - family residential on the north and east sides (Southwind
Estates), Planned Unit Development (PUD) conservation easement (Southampton/Stonebridge)
on the south side, Veteran's Park Blvd. roadway, a developed medical PUD and an undeveloped
medical PUD on the west, and to the southwest, the County's Veteran's Community Park.
3.4 Potential Surplus Lands
The parcel has an unusual polygon boundary that includes the west 40 feet of Southwind Estates,
lot 15. This portion is approximately 40 feet wide and 215 feet long, being roughly 115 acre in
size. In June 2005, the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC)
evaluated a proposal by the adjoining neighbors to purchase this portion of the Cocohatchee
Creek Preserve and place a perpetual conservation easement over it. The CCLAAC made a
recommendation not to sell this portion, and the petitioner decided not to forward the
request /proposal to the Board of County Commissioners. As this portion of the parcel is of small
size positioned in a way that makes it difficult for the public to use, and does provide a buffer for
the residential property, the issue of this portion being potential surplus lands may arise again in
the future. Conservation Collier could potentially sell this portion, as long as a perpetual
conservation easement was placed over it.
3.5 Prospective Land Acquisitions
There are no parcels adjacent to the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve available for acquisition.
3.6 Analysis of Multiple -Use Potential
Table & Analysis of Multiple -Use Potential
Activity
Approved
Conditional
Rejected
Protection of endangered and threatened species
Y
Ecosystem maintenance
Y
Soil and water conservation
Y
Hunting
N
Fishing
Y
Wildlife observation
Y
Hiking
Y
Bicycling
Y
Horseback riding
N
Timber harvest
N
Cattle grazing
N
Camping
N
Apiaries
N
Linear facilities
N
Off road vehicle use
N
Environmental education
Y
Citriculture or other agriculture
N
Preservation of archeological and historical sites
n/a
(Other uses as determined on an individual basis)
Conservation Collier Program 22
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
4.0 Management Issues, Goals and Objectives
4.1 Program Framework and Goals
The Conservation Collier Program considers properties of high natural resource value throughout
Collier County for acquisition from willing and voluntary participants. Properties must support at
least two of the following qualities: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood control, water quality
protection, and listed species habitat to qualify for further consideration. The Collier County
Board of County Commissioners appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to consider
any selected or nominated properties where an owner has indicated a willingness to sell. The
committee shall recommend property purchases for final approval by the County Commission.
This property shall be managed only for conservation, protection and enhancement of natural
resources and for public outdoor passive recreation that will be compatible with the conservation,
protection and enhancement of the site and its surrounding lands.
4. 1.1 CARL /Florida Forever Management Prospectus
Although the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve was acquired entirely with Conservation Collier
Program Funds, some other program properties may be acquired with funds from the
Conservation and Recreation Lands or Florida Forever programs. In these cases, the Board of
Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (BOT) holds title to the lands. The Governor
and Cabinet sit as the Board of Trustees and are responsible for state -owned lands. The BOT is
authorized to lease State lands for the use and benefit of the people of the State of Florida. Each
lease is for 50 years. Management authority for these properties is addressed in several
documents. In addition to the leases, authority and direction is provided by Chapters 253 and
259, Florida Statutes (FS) (Appendix 4, Chapters 253 and 259, Florida Statutes) (State of Florida
2006), and Chapters 18 -2, Florida Administrative Code (FAC), which addresses "Management
of Uplands Vested in the Board of Trustees" (Appendix 5, Chapter 18 -2, FAC) (FDEP 2006).
The plan is intended to be consistent with the State Land Management Plan. The content of this
plan is in accordance with the Acquisition and Restoration Council recommendations for
management plans and the guidelines provided by the staff of DSL.
These lands are designated for use as botanical sites with passive recreation use. They are to be
managed under the single -use concept and, as such, management activities should be directed
toward the preservation of resources. Long -range plans shall generally be directed toward the
restoration of disturbed areas and the perpetuation and maintenance of natural communities.
Management activities will also stress the protection of threatened and endangered species (2006
Florida Forever Five -Year Plan).
4.1.2 FCT Management Commitments
While the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve was acquired exclusively with funds from the
Conservation Collier Program, other properties within the program may have partial funding
from the Florida Communities Trust (FCT). In those cases, although these lands are managed
under Collier County's authority, the matching funds provided by FCT carry with them certain
obligations. This management plan ensures that the lands acquired with FCT funds will be
Conservation Collier Program 23
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
developed in accordance with the grant award agreement and in furtherance of the purpose of the
grant application. Additionally, management is guided by the purpose and intended use of the
land described in the land acquisition project selection process. Other statutes and rules also
control the use of the land. For lands acquired with FCT matching funds, an annual stewardship
report will be prepared and submitted to FCT each year. The annual report will evaluate the
implementation of this management plan.
The Florida Communities Trust, Florida Forever Program Rule 9K- 7.011, F.A.C. requires all
grant recipients to submit a Management Plan for approval prior to the release of grant funds.
The management plan is intended to describe how the recipient will manage a project site to
further the purposes of the grant application and meet the terms and conditions of the FCT grant
contract. It is hereby acknowledged that if grant funding from FCT is used to acquire these sites,
the management plan shall ensure that these sites will be developed in accordance with the grant
award agreements and in furtherance of the purpose of the grant application.
4.1.3 Management Activities to Preserve, Enhance, Restore, Conserve, Maintain and Monitor
the Resource
"Each property purchased by Conservation Collier shall have its own management plan. The
ordinance requires that an "Interim" Management Plan be developed within 60 days of purchase
and that a "Final" management plan be developed within 2 years. After that, property
management plans must be updated every 5 years. Interim plans shall be concerned with basic
items such as removal of invasive exotics and trash, establishing site security, developing
management partnerships and planning for public access. All management plans start in the
Lands Evaluation and Management subcommittee and must be approved by both the
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) and the Board of
County Commissioners."
4.1.4 Manager
The Program Coordinator for the Conservation Collier Program and Land Manager for this
property is:
Designated Conservation Collier Staff, Facilities Management Department. Telephone number:
239 - 213 -2961.
E -mail address: ConservationCollier @Colliergov.net.
4.1.5 Preserve Rules and Regulations
No dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or removal or destruction of natural resources shall
be permitted within the preserve. The goal is to allow limited nondestructive public access to
natural resource habitat and native plant communities and animal species. Currently, the
Preserve rules are those identified in Collier County Ordinance 76 -48, as amended (Appendix 2).
4.2 Desired Future Conditions
This section includes a narrative of proposed future conditions for the site's natural areas.
Management techniques to achieve these conditions are in section 4.5.
Conservation Collier Program 24
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Following recommended management actions, and using adaptive management, Cocohatchee
Creek Preserve will have a riverine oak canopy, upland scrub, pine flatwood, and cabbage palm
grove habitats that have a similar structure and composition to that which existed upon purchase
of the property.
The riverine oak canopy will be maintained by managing vines so they do not overtop oaks.
Periodic removal of vines from the canopy will accomplish this goal. The creek bank is
currently partially covered by wedelia (Wedelia trilobata), an invasive exotic plant, which
extends into upland areas. Management of this exotic will be by periodic foliar spraying.
Should the eventual removal of wedelia threaten the creek bank stability, measures will be taken,
including, but not limited to replanting with native plants or structurally securing the soils along
the creek bank. Cabbage palm groves will be maintained by removal of exotic plants.
Upland scrub areas on the site will not be fragmented by trails, but instead will form a
continuous unit of vegetation. No prescribed fire will be used in this location due to proximity of
homes and businesses. This habitat will be maintained by manual chopping or chemical
applications.
The pine flatwood will have an overstory of slash pine and an understory of native herbs and
grasses. Brazilian pepper and earleaf acacia are the primary exotics that need to be eradicated.
This area will be maintained by chemical and hand removal of exotics.
4.3 Major Accomplishments during previous years
Accomplishment Year(s)
Removal of vegetative and other types of debris from forest floor and creek bank 2005
Development of a 700 foot walking trail with a representative portion built to be wheelchair accessible 2005
Development of management agreement with Collier County Parks and Recreation Dept. 2006
Formal ceremony too en Preserve for passive public use 2006
Implementation of quarterly exotic maintenance program 2007
4.4 Goals and Actions for 10 years period 2007 -2016
A set of goals and objectives for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve were developed in conjunction
with the drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored
specifically for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve, based on the purposes for which the lands were
acquired, the condition of the resources present, and management issues for the property. On -site
managers should be familiar with the entire Management Plan, Goals and objectives from the
Interim Management Plan for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve were reviewed to determine if
they remain meaningful and practical and should be included in this plan. The goals and
objectives presented here reflect programmatic goals in addition to ideas of Conservation Collier
Program staff. Programmatic goals shall not be modified, but specific application of
management techniques may take into consideration input by user groups and other stakeholders
Conservation Collier Program 25
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
from outside the program, accommodating user needs and desires where practicable and where
overarching management goals are not violated.
Management issues are discussed below in separate sections. Within each section, approaches for
dealing with these issues are described. The ability to implement the specific goals and
objectives identified in this plan is dependent upon the availability of funding resources. The
following goals have been identified for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve:
Goal 1: Maintain the property in its natural condition.
Goal 2: Eliminate or reduce human impacts to indigenous plant and animal life.
Goal 3: Manage the property for the benefit of native and listed wildlife species.
Goal 4: Remove exotic plants to restore natural habitats and reduce fuel loads.
Goal 5: Restore native vegetation as appropriate and necessary.
Goal 6: Maintain the trail to provide a safe and pleasant visitor experience.
Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes.
Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
Goal 1: Maintain the property in its natural condition
The property was purchased due to specific natural features. In order to maintain these features,
periodic biological monitoring will be performed including the following actions:
• Conduct periodic wildlife surveys
• Install permanent vegetation monitoring plots in all habitats
• Install permanent photo points in all habitats
Goal 2: Eliminate or reduce human impacts to indigenous plant and animal life
Actions:
• Maintain bollards at north trail entrance to prevent unauthorized vehicle access
• Identify locations of rare native plant species.
• Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take steps such as
posting a sign, as with the "alligator in the creek" sign, or locating visitor amenities away
from animal nesting sites.
• Avoid off target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during
invasive exotic plant treatments.
• Require that domestic animals brought onto the preserve lands are leashed.
• All site development occurring adjacent to the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve will be noted
and the property manager will research to determine that the proper site development
permits have been obtained. All existing local, state, and federal regulations should be
strictly followed and enforced during any site development adjacent to the preserve. It
shall be the responsibility of the developer to establish and utilize turbidity and erosion
control measures (i.e., rock bags, silt fencing or barriers), and vegetation protection
measures (i.e., protective fencing or barriers). If any site developer working in areas
adjacent to the preserve does not take the necessary control measures, construction shall
be immediately halted until control measures are put into place and mitigation and/or
remediation will be the sole responsibility of the developer.
Conservation Collier Program 26
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Goal 3: Manage the property for the benefit of native and listed wildlife species.
Listed species known to occur on the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve include gopher tortoise
(Gopherus polyphemus), American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), and a variety of wading
birds including woodstorks (Mycteria americana). Other listed species (primarily bird species)
may also use the preserve for foraging and nesting. Many non - listed native bird species also use
this site for forage and nesting.
Management actions to protect native bird species are:
• Avoid off target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during
invasive exotic plant treatments.
• Require that any domestic animals brought onto the preserve lands are leashed.
Management actions for state and federally listed species are:
Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) (State - SSC)— A survey done on March 1,
2006 located 15 burrows (not designated active or inactive) on the property. No tortoises
were observed during the survey; however, staff has observed one tortoise on the
property at various other times. Tortoises have also been observed by staff and the public
crossing Veterans Park Drive from the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve site on the east side
to the undeveloped scrub habitat on the west side. As FFWCC guidelines for
management identify a viable population as consisting of 40 — 50 individuals requiring
25 -50 acres of appropriate habitat, the population on Cocohatchee Creek Preserve should
be considered a remnant population requiring access to surrounding lands for long term
viability. Staff recognizes that due to the small area involved, just under 2 acres, that
habitat protection alone on this site may not satisfy long term conservation goals for this
species.
The following management actions are based on recommendations by the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission' Nongame Wildlife Program Technical Report
No. 4, Ecology and Habitat Protection Needs of Gopher Tortoise. Populations Found on
Lands Slated for Large -Scale Development in Florida (1987) and through review with
Collier County Environmental Permitting Department staff.
• Management of exotic and native vegetation to maintain an appropriate open canopy
(less than 60 %) and sparse shrub cover habitat
• Evaluation for need for planting of the site with native herbaceous ground cover plant
species and grasses known to be food for tortoises
• Placement of signs designating a "gopher tortoise preserve area" along Veterans Park
Drive and a "wildlife crossing" across the roadway,
• Enforcement of preserve rules excluding potential predators (dogs) from the site.
Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) (State — SSC, Federal — T) — Alligators typically
move through an urban area and do not remain there. Management efforts to protect
habitat for this species will focus on the following:
• Posting signage to warn visitors not to feed or approach alligators
• Keeping creek free of exotic plants and debris
Conservation Collier Program 27
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
• Woodstorks (Mycteris Americana) (State — E, Federal - E)- Woodstorks may use the
property for occasional foraging. Management efforts to protect habitat for this species
include:
• Keeping creek free of exotic plants and debris.
Goal 4: Remove exotic plants to restore natural habitats and reduce fuel loads.
In general, Goal 3 will be accomplished by cutting, chemically treating and physically removing
vegetative debris for all shrub and tree -like species of Category I invasive plant species identified
on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's (FLEPPC) List of Invasive Species. Grasses and
herbaceous plants will be treated in place with appropriate herbicide applications. Plant species
targeted within the preserve will be updated to coincide with updates of FLEPPC's List.
Treatment of invasive exotic plant species will begin with more frequent treatments, such as
quarterly, and be reduced in frequency of treatment over several years to find the minimum re-
treatments necessary to keep exotic plant species under 5% of the existing vegetation. Specific
management actions are provided below for each habitat type:
• Pine flatwoods area (FNAI - Mesic Pine Flatwoods)
Earleaf acacia and Brazilian pepper are problem plants in the pine flatwoods areas, with a
few Java plums found scattered along Veterans Park Drive and ceasar weed scattered
throughout. In March 2007, a representative of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory
(FNAI) identified what he believed is rose natal grass but this has not been confirmed.
Any exotic plants will be cut and the debris removed from the preserve and the stumps
treated with appropriate herbicide. Appropriate herbicides for Brazilian pepper, earleaf
acacia and Java plum are Garlon 3 -A or Garlon -4 mixed with surfactant and applied to
the stump directly after cutting. Arsenal is also labeled for use in this type of area and
may be specifically useful for exotic grasses, but is less preferred as it can have non-
target damage. Ceasar weed is harder, with no known control techniques other than
prescribed fire, which is not an option in this small preserve. Staff will continue to
research and possibly apply manual removal techniques.
Riverine oak area (FNAI - Hydric hammock)
Brazilian - pepper and wedelia are the primary exotic plant problems in this area, which is
the creek bank area along the eastern side of the preserve. A few non - native ficus trees
were noted here. Poison ivy and rosary pea are also present and targeted for removal.
Native and non native vines, including smilax spp., poison ivy, grape vine and an
unidentified vine are climbing to the canopies of the oaks along the river. Most of these
species can be controlled by spraying with Garlon 3 -A or Garlon -4 mixed with surfactant
at their base and by periodically pulling them out of the oak canopies. The wedelia and
any exotic grasses on the creek bank can be treated with 2,4 -D and the banks monitored
for erosion. Herbicides that have higher non - target damage such as Velpar and Arsenal,
should be avoided in this area.
• Oak scrub area (FNAI - Scrubby Flatwood)
The upland scrub area contains several non - native plant species, including Brazilian
pepper, earleaf acacia and a Java plum or two. This area must be addressed carefully, as
Conservation Collier Program 28
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
it is habitat for at least one and perhaps several gopher tortoises. Exotics will be removed
entirely in this area, leaving no mulch or debris. Appropriate herbicides include Garlon
3 -A or Garlon -4 mixed with surfactant and applied to the stump directly after cutting.
This area also includes the raised mound. This area is covered with Muscadine grape
(Vitis rotundifolia), a native vine species. While Muscadine grape is not considered a
problem species, and is a low management priority, at some point management staff may
elect to remove some of it and restore with native plant species more useful for gopher
tortoise forage.
Creek and associated wetlands (FNAI — Floodplain Marsh)
Brazilian pepper, ceasar weed, and paragrass are problem species in this area. Brazilian
pepper was removed from the floodplain area in 2005 and re- growth has been primarily
weedy herbaceous species. An additional removal of a small area of Brazilian pepper
inadvertently left out of the 2005 initial removal was done in April 2007. Most exotics
have been entirely removed in this area, with the exception of the woody bases for
several large Brazilian pepper plants that are growing in the stream bed and could not be
accessed for physical removal. These have been killed in place with herbicides.
The property will be periodically examined and, if necessary, treated with herbicides
starting quarterly with frequency of treatment reduced over several years as the soil seed
bank is reduced and re- sprouting of exotics becomes less frequent. Quarterly treatments
are currently under contract for the period of September 2006 — September 2007. Unless
the area is completely dry, any herbicides used in this area should be labeled for use in
water, such as Rodeo. If the ground is completely dry, Arsenal can be used for paragrass
and torpedograss.
Goal S: Restore native vegetation as appropriate and necessary
Actions:
• Monitor creek, bank and if necessary, plant native vegetation to prevent erosion.
• Low priority: remove Muscadine grape from raised mound area and restore with native
plant species that can be used by gopher tortoises as forage.
Goal 6: Maintain the trail to provide a safe and pleasant visitor experience.
Actions:
Inspect trail monthly for tripping hazards and fix immediately.
Inspect trail monthly for overhead hazards such as broken or hanging tree limbs and fix
immediately.
Periodically, as needed, have pine needles blown off the shell portion of the trail.
Goal 7: Facilitate use of the site for educational purposes
Actions:
• Maintain plant identification signs.
• Maintain visitor caution sign for potential alligator in creek.
• If staffing allows, agree to provide trail tour for classes of school children upon teacher
request.
• Provide Preserve brochures in rainproof box on site. Inspect monthly and refill as
necessary.
Conservation Collier Program 29
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
Actions:
• Collier County Parks and Recreation Park Rangers make routine daily patrols of the
Preserve during the posted Preserve hours, 8:00 a.m. to dusk. A "Property Owner's
Agreement," allowing the Collier County Sheriff's Department to enforce trespass after
Preserve hours and make arrests for illegal activities occurring on the property has been
executed by staff and delivered to the North Naples Substation. Other actions shall
include:
• Do not allow vehicle use in the preserve unless management related and unavoidable.
• Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in or near the
Preserve.
• Clean the Preserve annually of fallen tree pieces or other debris that could become
airborne during a storm and cause damage to neighboring properties.
• After a storm event, staff will visit the Preserve within 48 hours to assess damages. The
first priority for action is the perimeter of the Preserve, where trees may have fallen from
Preserve lands onto a neighbor's property. These will be removed as soon as possible,
with highest priority of action for those that may have fallen onto a structure.
4.5 Prescribed Fire Program
No Prescribed Fire Program is planned for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve.
4.6 Public Use Facilities
Public Access /Parking /Handicap Facilities /Restrooms
There are two trail entrances to the Preserve, at the north and south ends of the property along
Veterans Park Drive. Visitor and handicapped parking is provided at Veterans Park. The trail
entrances are accessed via sidewalk from the Veterans Park parking lot. The south trail entrance
is closest to the parking lot. The north trail entrance is wheelchair accessible, in compliance with
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The site shall adhere to ADA standards
for pathways and facilities onsite. Restrooms are provided at Veterans Park.
4.7 Operational Plan for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
4.7.1 Maintenance
The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include monthly site visits to control
littering within and around the preserve, inspect exotic plant re- growth, maintain the trail in a
safe an aesthetically pleasing way, refill brochure boxes, inspect signs and equipment (bench,
table and trashcans) and review general site security. A maintenance agreement exists with
Collier County Parks and Recreation Department for routine patrols and trash removal from 2
trash cans. Other maintenance actions, such as blowing off the trail, may be requested on an ad
hoc basis; however, these must be paid for in addition to items identified in the agreement at
$20.00 per hour. Staff will coordinate with the Veteran's Community Park Manager to receive
Conservation Collier Program 30
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
updates as to problem issues or items noticed during Park Ranger patrols that the Preserve
Manager should address.
Photopoint photographs will be taken at monthly site visits. The Preserve Manager will keep an
electronic management log to record observations from the site visit, any contacts made or issues
raised. Ongoing projects such as exotic removal, debris removal, creek maintenance and planting
projects will be calendared periodically as identified in Section 4.0, Management Issues, Goals
and Objectives.
In order to educate neighbors as to what to expect living next to a Preserve, an annual meeting
shall be organized and printed materials (brochures) will be offered at those meetings or sent by
mail. Goals and objectives of annual meetings will be to inform citizens about the conservation
Collier Program, define what a "Preserve" is, provide relevant history of the site, solicit
volunteers if needed, and to educate residents about the habitats and species present and why
they are important.
4.7.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources
Preliminary budget estimates for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve include cost breakdowns
associated with resource restoration and management. The funding source identified for the
restoration and management activities is the Conservation Collier Program Management Trust
Fund. Alternative funding sources, such as mitigation and grant funds, will be sought to
supplement existing funding. Table 8 shows the activities planned for the next ten years and the
initial and annual cost estimate of each activity. Private conservation organizations may also
provide funding for specific projects.
Conservation Collier Program 31
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Table 8. Estimated Annual
Land Mana ement Budget
Resource Management
Activity
'07
108
109
610
111
`12
'13
114
`15
`16
`17
Exotic species control
$4,500
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
Cultural resource
management
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Tree Trimming
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
Debris removal
$500
$500
$500
$500
$500
$500
$500
$500
$500
$500
$500
Parks and Rec
Interdepartmental
Agreement
$1,040
$1,040
$1,040
$1,040
$1,040
$1,040
$1,040
$1,040
$1,040
$1,040
$1,040
Subtotal
$8,540
$7,540
$4,040
$3.040
$3,540
$2,540
$3,540
$2,540
$3,540
$2,540
$39540
Restoration
Planting Projects
0
0
0
0
0
0
$19000
0
0
0
0
Creek Cleaning
$2,000
0
$2,000
0
$2,000
0
$2,000
0
$2,000
0
$2,000
Subtotal
$2,000
0
$2,000
0
$2,000
0
$2,000
0
$2,000
0
$2,000
Capital Outla
Fencing
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Equipment (bench, table,
trashcans)
0
0
0
0
$2,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
Trail maintenance
$100
0
$5,000
$100
0
0
$300
0
$59000
$300
0
Signs
0
$29000
$200
$100
0
$100
0
$100
0
$100
0
Viewing platform over
creek (optional)
0
0
0
$15,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Subtotal
$100
$2,000
$5,200
$15,200
$2,000
$100
$100
$100
$5,000
$400
0
Visitors
services/Recreation
Information/Education
programs
0
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
Brochures
0
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
Subtotal
0
$ 200
$ 200
$ 200
$ 200
$ 200
$ 200
$ 200
$ 200
$ 200
$ 200
Law enforcement
Law enforcement services
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Subtotal
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
$10,640
$9,740
$11,240
$18,440
$7,740
$2,840
$7,040
$2,840
$10,740
$3,140
$5,740
4.7.3. Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors
ACtIVIty Approved Conditional Rejected
Trail maintenance x
Fence installation and maintenance X
Wildlife inventory and monitoring X
Native plant restoration X
Determine extent of hydrologic needs of preserve X
Restore hydrology via creek cleaning X
Reduce exotic species X
Education facilities, programs, and literature development and printing X
Conservation Collier Program 32
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
Education signs development and installation
X
Viewing latform installation (optional)
x
Law enforcement and patrol
X
4.7.4 Management Zones
Due to the small size of the preserve (3.64 acres), the entire Preserve is considered one
management zone.
4.8 Partnerships and Regional Coordination
4.8.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements
In addition to the Interdepartmental Agreement for specific management tasks with the Collier
County Parks and Recreation Department, other potential partnerships may include, but not be
limited to, surrounding residential and commercial property owner associations, the Conservancy
of Southwest Florida, The Audubon Society, Florida Wildlife Federation, Collier County
Schools, Collier County Sheriff's Office, North Naples Fire Department, Florida Division of
Forestry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service , Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
South Florida Water Management District, Big Cypress Basin, Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, and other County Departments, as some goals and purposes will be
similar.
4.8.2 Cooperating Agencies and Organizations
The preserve is managed in accordance with all applicable Florida Statutes and administrative
rules. Agencies having a major or direct role in the management of the preserve are discussed in
relevant portions of this plan. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FFWCC) may aid Conservation Collier with wildlife management programs, including the
development and management of Watchable Wildlife programs.
Conservation Collier Program 33
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Management Plan
5.0 Literature Cited
Duever, Michael. 2002. Southwest Florida pre - development vegetation map. 18 pp. and 1
map. http://www.eveEgladesplan.org/pm/studies/swfl/index.shtml.
Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (now Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission) Q. Cox, D. Inkely, R. Kautz) (1987). Nongame Wildlife Program Technical
Report No. 4. Ecology and habitat protection needs of gopher tortoise (Gopherus
polyphemus) populations found on lands slated for large -scale development in Florida.
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR)
1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and
Florida Department of Natural Resources.
Law Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. 2001. 3.6 Acres Veterans Park Blvd . Project
40340 -1 -0998.
Miller J. A. 1986. Hydrogeologic Framework of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and in
parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. United States Geological Survey
Professional Paper 1403 -B. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Oaks, R.Q. and Dunbar, J.R.. 1974. Post Miocene Stratigraphy of the Central and Southern
Atlantic Coastal Plain. Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah.
Scott, T. M. 1988. Lithostratigraphy of the Hawthorne Group (Miocene). Florida Geological
Survey Bulletin No. 59, Tallahassee, Florida.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
(USDA,NRCS). 1990. Soil Survey of Collier County Area. Collier Soil and water
Conservation District, Naples, Florida.
Conservation Collier Program 34
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Wet Woods Preserve
Land Management Plan
Managed by:
Conservation Collier Program
Collier County
May 2008 —May 2018 (10 yr plan)
Prepared by:
Collier County Facilities Management Department
Conservation Collier Staff
Conservation Collier Program
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manacement Plan ,_4
Wet Woods Preserve
Land Management Plan Executive Summary
Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Conservation Collier
Program
Property included in this Plan: Wet Woods Preserve (Folio #: 00154880008)
Acreage Breakdown:
General Ve(Tetative C01111111,111 I ties Acrcage
Wetlands 58% 15.53
Uplands 42% 11.24
TOTAL 26.77
Management Responsibilities:
A enc : Collier County - Conservation Collier Program
Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource based recreation
Unique Features: saltwater and freshwater marshes, mangrove forests, pine flatwoods,
active bald eagle nest, seven listed plant and two listed animal species detected to date
Management Goals:
Goal 1: Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and
fauna
Goal 2: Develop a baseline monitoring report
Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and
fauna to restore and maintain natural habitats
Goal 4: Determine if prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatments are feasible to
decrease woody invasion resulting from past fire exclusion; if so proceed
Goal 5: Restore native vegetation
Goal 6: Develop a plan for public use
Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes
Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
Public Involvement: Public meeting(s) to be held in early spring of 2008 with residents
and businesses from surrounding lands including Future Citizens Inc., Germain,
Cocohatchee Nature Center and the North Naples Civic Association.
Conservation Collier Program 2
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Table of Contents
LandManagement Plan Executive Summary .................................. ..............................2
Listof Tables
........................................................................................ ..............................4
Listof Figures ......................................................................................
..............................4
Listof Appendices ..............................................................................
5
...............................
1.0 Introduction
................................................................................... ..............................6
1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority .............. 7
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan ...................................................................... ............................... 7
1.3 Location of the Wet Woods Preserve ..................................................... ...............................
7
1.4 Regional Significance of the Wet Woods Preserve ............................... ...............................
9
1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources ...................... ...............................
9
1.6 Public Involvement ................................................................................ ...............................
12
2.0 Natural Resources ......................................................................... .............................12
2.1 Physiography ............................................................................................ .............................12
2. 1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ...................................................... ...............................
12
2.1.2 Geology ............................................................................................. ...............................
12
2.1.3 Soils ................................................................................................... ...............................
13
2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management ......................................................... ...............................
16
2.2 Climate ...................................................................................................... .............................16
2.3 Natural Plant Communities .................................................................... .............................16
2.3.1 Wetlands: Mangrove Swamps ........................................................... ...............................
19
2.3.2 Wetlands: Tidal Marsh ...................................................................... ...............................
20
2.3.3 Wetlands: Freshwater Marsh ............................................................. ...............................
20
2.3.4 Uplands: Mesic Pine Flatwoods ........................................................ ...............................
21
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species .......................................................... ...............................
22
2.4.1 Plant Species ...................................................................................... ...............................
22
2.4.2 Animal Species .................................................................................. ...............................
22
2.5 Listed Species ......................................................................................... ...............................
25
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species ........................................................................... ...............................
25
2.5.2 Listed Animal Species ....................................................................... ...............................
28
2.6 Invasive, Non - native and Problem Species .......................................... ...............................
30
2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species .................................................. ...............................
30
2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species .............................................. ...............................
32
3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses .........................36
3.1 Previous and Current Use ..................................................................... ...............................
36
3.2 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ............ ...............................
36
Conservation Collier Program 3
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
3.3 Adjacent Land Uses ............................................................................... ............................... 36
3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years ................................ ............................... 39
4.0 Future Use of the Wet Woods Preserve including Management Issues, Goals
andObiectives ..................................................................................... .............................41
4.1 Management Plan Framework ............................................................. ............................... 41
4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information ......................................... ............................... 41
4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts .................................. ............................... 41
4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration,
Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources .............................. ............................... 41
4.3 Desired Future Conditions .................................................................... ............................... 42
4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008 -2018 ............................................... ............................... 43
4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve ............. ............................... 57
4.5.1 Maintenance ....................................................................................... ............................... 57
4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources .................................. ............................... 57
4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors.. 60
5.0 Literature Cited .......................................................................... ............................... 61
List of Tables
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Wet Woods Preserve ................... ............................... 6
Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Wet Woods Preserve ........................ ............................... 9
Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities in the Wet Woods Preserve ..... ............................... 17
Table 4: Bird Species Recorded at the Wet Woods Preserve ........................ ............................... 23
Table 5: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Bonita Springs Quadrangle in the Vicinity of the
WetWoods Preserve ............................................................................... ............................... 24
Table 6: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Wet Woods Preserve ............. ............................... 25
Table 7: Invasive Plant Species at Wet Woods Preserve ............................... ............................... 31
Table 8: Major Accomplishments Since the Acquisition of the Wet Woods Preserve ............... 39
Table 9: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve Category I
species..................................................................................................... ............................... 46
Table 10: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget .............................. ............................... 58
Table 11: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities .............................. 60
List of Figures
Figure 1: General Location of and Directions to Wet Woods Preserve .......... ............................... s
Figure 2: Conservation Collier Preserves and Designated State and Federal Land or
Conservation Easements Existing in Collier County .............................. ............................... 10
Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Wet Woods Preserve ....................... 11
Figure 4: General View of the Wet Woods Preserve - Existing Conditions ............................... 14
Figure 5: Soil Units at the Wet Woods Preserve ........................................... ............................... 16
Conservation Collier Program 4
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
Figure 6: Distribution of Main Natural Communities in the Wet Woods Preserve ...................... 18
Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photographs courtesy of the State of Florida University System of
Floridawebsite ........................................................................................ ............................... 37
Figure 8: Areas Contiguous to the Wet Woods Preserve ............................. ............................... 38
Figure 9: Exotic Removal Partnership Areas ................................................ ............................... 40
Figure 10: Photo Point Locations Within Wet Woods Preserve ................... ............................... 46
Figure 11: Soils and FLUCCS Designations for the Wet Woods Preserve .. ............................... 51
List of Appendices
Appendix 1: Legal Description of the Wet Woods Preserve
Appendix 2: Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Wet Woods Preserve
Appendix 3: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Managed Area Tracking Record and
Element Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation
Appendix 4: Bald Eagle Protection Acts
Conservation Collier Program
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
1.0 Introduction
The Wet Woods Preserve is a 26.77 -acre natural area within the urban boundary of Collier
County, Florida. The preserve contains various native plant communities, including pine
flatwoods, mangrove forests, and both saltwater and freshwater marshes.
A site assessment to determine compliance with the Conservation Collier initial screening
criteria was conducted in July 2004 and the Conservation Collier Program purchased the
property on August 19, 2005. Previously known as the "Watkins- Jones" property, for the
previous owners, it was renamed Wet Woods Preserve by local school children in November
2006. The County holds fee simple title to the Wet Woods Preserve. The Conservation Collier
program manages these lands under authority granted by the Conservation Collier Ordinance
2002 -63 as amended (2007 -65) (available from www.municode.com). Initial acquisition
activities are summarized in Table 1.
The preserve consists of approximately 58% (±15.53 acres) wetland habitats and approximately
42% ( ±11.24 acres) upland habitat. Conservation, restoration and natural resource -based
recreation are the designated uses of this property. Management activities allowed include those
necessary to preserve, restore, secure and maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the
benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these
management goals.
This is the Final Management Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve. This 10 -year management plan
will be submitted to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for its approval.
When approved, this plan will replace the Interim Management Plan.
Conservation Collier Program
Year
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Wet Woods Preserve
Benchmark
2003
Environmental Assessment Report prepared by Southern Biomes, Inc.
2004
Property nominated to the Conservation Collier Program
2004
Initial Site Assessment by Conservation Collier Staff
2004
Acceptance of Initial Criteria Screening Report by the Conservation Collier Land
Acquisition Advisory Committee
2005
Phase I Environmental Assessment Conducted by ASC eosciences for Collier County
2005
Approved for purchase by the Board of County Commissioners BCC
2005
Purchase of the Watkins -Jones Property
2005
Developed Interim Management Plan
2006
BCC approved the Interim Management Plan
2006
Watkins -Jones property renamed Wet Woods Preserve
2007
Conducted Initial exotic plant treatment and removal rant funded
2008
Completed Final Management Plan
The preserve consists of approximately 58% (±15.53 acres) wetland habitats and approximately
42% ( ±11.24 acres) upland habitat. Conservation, restoration and natural resource -based
recreation are the designated uses of this property. Management activities allowed include those
necessary to preserve, restore, secure and maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the
benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these
management goals.
This is the Final Management Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve. This 10 -year management plan
will be submitted to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for its approval.
When approved, this plan will replace the Interim Management Plan.
Conservation Collier Program
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority
The Conservation Collier program was originally approved by voters in November 2002 and
subsequently confirmed in the November 2006 ballot referendum. Both voter - approved
referendums enable the program to acquire environmentally sensitive conservation lands within
Collier County, Florida (Ordinance 2002 -63, as amended). Properties must support at least two
of the following qualities to qualify for further consideration: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood
control, water quality protection, and listed species habitat. The Collier County Board of County
Commissioners (BCC) appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to consider any
selected or nominated properties that an owner has indicated a willingness to sell. The committee
recommends property purchases for final approval by the BCC.
Lands acquired with Conservation Collier funds are titled to "COLLIER COUNTY, a political
subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier program." The
Board of County Commissioners of Collier County established the Conservation Collier program
to implement the program and to manage acquired lands. As such, Conservation Collier holds
management authority for the Wet Woods Preserve.
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan
The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction for Wet Woods Preserve by
identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or minimize any threats to the
resources and integrity of the preserve. This text is a working document that establishes the
foundation of the ten -year plan by identifying the appropriate management techniques necessary
to preserve and/or restore the resource.
This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with natural resource -based
recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs, listed species protection and
maintenance of the site free of invasive, exotic plant and animal species. This plan is divided
into sections that incorporate an introduction, descriptions of the natural and cultural resources,
projected uses of the property, management issues, and goals and objectives.
1.3 Location of the Wet Woods Preserve
Wet Woods Preserve is located at 12815 Tamiami Trail N. in Naples, Florida (See Figure 1;
legal description in Appendix 1). It is in Collier County's northwest corner, immediately west of
U.S. Highway 41, south of Wiggins Pass Road in Section 16 Township 48 Range 25.
Conservation Collier Program
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Wet Woods Preserve Location Map
12815 Tamiami Trail. North
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Figure 1: General Location of and Directions to Wet Woods Preserve.
Conservation Collier Program
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
1.4 Regional Significance of the Wet Woods Preserve
To date, approximately 64% (more than 867,000 acres) of Collier County is protected in
conservation areas (Figure 2) and managed by private organizations and by local, state and
federal agencies. Collier County's Conservation Collier Program manages the 26.77 -acre Wet
Woods Preserve. This natural area contains saltwater and freshwater marshes, mangrove forests,
and pine flatwoods. The wetlands buffer and protect the Wiggins Pass Estuarine System,
designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, and support two listed plant and animal species. The
uplands support an active Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest and five listed plant and
animal species. Specific information on the wetlands and uplands found on the Wet Woods
Preserve may be found in section 2.3 (Natural Plant Communities) of this document.
1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources
Currently, the closest preserved, natural area to Wet Woods Preserve is Railhead Scrub Preserve,
another Conservation Collier Program property approximately 0.69 miles to the northeast. Other
preserves, in order of increasing distance, are provided in Table 2. Figure 3 shows the locations
of these preserves.
Located Table 2: Public Lands near
the Wet
Woods
Preserve
Distance
Name
(miles)
Direction
Railhead Scrub Preserve
0.69
NE
Conservation Collier
Delnor -Wiggins State Park
1.28
W
State
Barefoot Beach Preserve
1.36
W/NW
County
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
1.70
SE
Conservation Collier
Milano Property
5.81
SE
Conservation Collier
Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed
9.00
N/NW
State
Conservation Collier Program 9
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Preserves and Designated State
and Federal Land or Easements in Collier County
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Figure 2: Conservation Collier Preserves and Designated State and Federal Land or
Conservation Easements Existing in Collier County
Conservation Collier Program 10
Wet Wo d Preserve Lan J Management Pl a
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Wet Woods Preserve Land Manavement Plan
1.6 Public Involvement
Neighborhood involvement will be sought through direct mailing notices for public meetings to
residents and businesses within the surrounding area and to owners of properties that border the
preserve; official public notices will be posted on the County website. Staff will seek to
coordinate management actions, such as exotic removal and prescribed fires with owners of
adjoining lands. Staff will also involve the North Naples Civic Association and the Boy and Girl
Scout groups from within the County. Additionally, volunteers will be sought from all contacts
listed above.
2.0 Natural Resources
2.1 Physiography
Wet Woods Preserve lies within the Floridian section of the Coastal Plain. The Coastal Plain
extends from New Jersey to Texas and was formed mainly from sedimentary rocks deposited in
marine environments (USGS 2004).
2. 1.1 Topography and Geomorphology
The site is located in the Southwestern Slope region of the South Florida Water Management
District. According to the Bonita Springs, Florida USGS Topographic Map, the topography of
the area is relatively level with an average elevation of five feet above sea level and slopes gently
westward toward the Gulf of Mexico. Surface water percolates directly into the uncovered
ground or it collects in natural depressions and man made ponds on adjacent properties.
2.1.2 Geology
The geology of northern Collier County, where the Wet Woods Preserve is located, is
characterized by complex sequences of interbeded sands, clays, and limestone. Closest to the
surface is the Holocene aged Pamlico Sand Formation, approximately ten feet thick and
composed primarily of unconsolidated quartz sand and some silt. The Pamlico Sand
unconformably overlies the Pleistocene aged Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations,
which vary from a few feet to more than twenty feet in thickness and are characterized by shelly
and sandy limestone with vugs and solution cavities (Miller 1986).
Below the Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations are the Ochopee and Buckingham
Members of the Pliocene aged Tamiami Formation, which are at least 200 feet thick in the
surrounding areas (Oaks & Dunbar 1974). The Ochopee Limestone unconformably overlies the
Buckingham Limestone and/or the equivalent Cape Coral Clay. This unconformity marks the
bottom of the surficial aquifer separating it from the brackish underlying aquifer below. Then
the Hawthorn Formation, rich in phosphate and other heavy minerals (Scott 1988), overlies the
Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone and Eocene age Ocala Limestone that form the Floridan
Aquifer System in Southwestern Florida, Figure 4 provides a current aerial view of the Wet
Woods Preserve.
Conservation Collier Program 12
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
2.1.3 Soils
According to Liudahl et al. (1990), soils mapped at the Wet Woods Preserve include (in
descending order by extent) Durbin and Wulfert Mucks, Basinger Fine Sand, and Immokalee
Fine Sand (Figure 5).
Durbin and Wulfert Mucks are level, very poorly drained hydric soils that are found in tidal
mangrove swamps. They are very permeable and have a water capacity availability that is
moderate to high. The water table beneath the soils fluctuates with the tide and is within a depth
of twelve inches for most of the year (Liudahl et al. 1990).
Basinger Fine Sand is a nearly level and poorly drained hydric soil. It is found in sloughs and
poorly defined drainage ways. Under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is within
a depth of twelve inches for 3 -6 months during most years. During the other months, the water
table is below a depth of twelve inches, and it recedes to a depth of more than forty inches during
extended dry periods. During periods of high rainfall, this soil is typically covered by shallow,
slow - moving water (Liudahl et al. 1990).
Immokalee Fine Sand is non - hydric, nearly level and poorly drained. It is typically found in pine
flatwoods. Under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is at a depth of 6 -18 inches
for 1 -6 months during most years. During the other months, the water table is below a depth of
eighteen inches, and it recedes to a depth of more than forty inches during extended dry periods
(Liudahl et al. 1990).
Conservation Collier Program 13
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Figure 4: General View of the Wet Woods Preserve - Existing Conditions
Conservation Collier Program 14
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier:
Soils in Wet Woods Preserve
tv 0 125 250
+1 - I I
Data Source:. Parcels - Collier County Property Appraiser
Soils: NRCS via SFWMD
Created By! AKarimiConservation Collier
W.Conservation Collier\Land Managemenf
WetWoodsPreserveMetWoods., Soils-2007
Created 10.31.07
500 Feet
Conservation Collier Program 15
Wet Woods Preserve Soils
Wet Woods Preserve 00154880008
Soils
Non - hydric
Hydric CaliierCounty
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Figure 5: Soil Units at the Wet Woods Preserve
2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management
Near the surface, the aquifer is highly permeable and the groundwater flows toward the west.
However, permeability decreases downward from a porous limestone into poorly indurated
sandstone cemented by micrite. The aquifer grades from freshwater downward into brackish
water due to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the brackish water in the
intermediate aquifer made primarily of Miocene aged sediments. Below that, the Hawthorne
formation typically marks the upper boundary of the Floridian aquifer, which is contained within
the underlying Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone (Lodge 2005).
Groundwater levels have gone down during the recent decades due to drainage on a regional
scale and water management for development purposes. This trend may be very difficult to
control and will gradually reduce the extent of the preserve that floods during the summer
months and reduce the period of time the preserve wetlands are flooded during the year.
2.2 Climate
The Wet Woods Preserve is located in an area of Florida where humid subtropical and tropical
savanna climatic patterns overlap, with temperatures moderated by winds from the Gulf of
Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Sharply delineated wet and dry seasons and average monthly
temperatures greater than 64° Fahrenheit characterize a tropical savanna climate. Monthly
rainfalls may exceed ten inches during the wet season. On the other hand, humid subtropical
climates typically show less extreme rainfall fluctuations between wet and dry seasons and
average monthly temperatures is less than 64° Fahrenheit in some months.
The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75°
Fahrenheit. The warmest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during
these months but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures.
Two- thirds of the annual rainfall occurs in the wet season from May to October. Thunderstorms
are frequent during the wet season, occurring every two out of three days between June and
September. Rainfall records for the area indicate that there is not significant variation in the
annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often occur during a
single year. The hurricane season extends from June through November with peak activity
occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are highest.
2.3 Natural Plant Communities
A plant community refers to the suite of plant species that form the natural vegetation of any
place. In addition to anthropogenic influence, the combination of factors such as geology,
topography, hydrology, underlying soils and climate determine the types of plants found in an
area. These plants, in turn determine the animal species that may be found in an area.
The Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) notes two plant
communities on the preserve: mangrove swamps and pine flatwoods (Figure 6). A site visit by
Southern Biomes in September of 2003 revealed that the Wet Woods Preserve consists of
approximately 58% (±15.53 acres) wetland habitat and approximately 42% (±11.24 acres)
Conservation Collier Program 16
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
upland habitat. Collier County Staff noted that freshwater marshes and tidal marshes made up
portions of the wetland habitat. Therefore, the wetland habitats extant on the Wet Woods
Preserve consist of mangrove swamps, tidal marshes and freshwater marshes. The upland
habitat may be characterized as mesic pine flatwoods. Some of the transition zones between the
wetlands and uplands on the site have been invaded by non - indigenous species discussed in
section 2.6.
The vegetation classification scheme of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the
Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) (1990) are presented in table 3. This table is
based on the plant communities observed and mapped on the Wet Woods Preserve.
Table 3: Summary of
Natural
Communities in the Wet Woods
FNAI Natural
Global
State Comments
Community Type
Rank
Rank
Mangrove Swamps
G3
S3 Also called Tidal Swam
Tidal Marsh
G4
S4 Also called Saltwater Marsh
Freshwater Marsh
G4
S4
Pine Flatwood
G4
S4
Also called Mesic Flatwood
G3: Either very rare and local throughout its range (21 -100 occurrences or less than 10,000 individuals) or found
locally in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction from other factors;
G4: Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range);
S3: Imperiled in Florida;
S4: Apparently secure in Florida (may be rare in parts of range).
Conservation Collier Program 17
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
Conservation Collier:
Land Cover/ Land Use in Wet Woods Preserve
N 0 125 250 500 Feet
L I I
Data Source: Parcels and 2006 Aerials .
PLUCCS: SPWMD Via WOson Miller (01)
Created 6y: AKadmlConservation Collie
GAConservation CollierAand Mon&"me
WetW oodsPreserwlWetWoods_FLUCCS.
Created 11.05.07
Collier County Property Appraiser
ntt
mzdand.j" 1
Land Covert Land Use
Wet Woods Preserve 00154880008
_ Upland Forest
0 Wetlands CanerCoinity
Figure 6: Distribution of Main Natural Communities (based on SFWMD FLUCCS Codes)
in the Wet Woods Preserve
Conservation Collier Program 18
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
2.3.1 Wetlands: Mangrove Swamps
Mangrove Swamps are also called tidal forests, tidal swamp forests, mangrove communities, and
mangrove ecosystems (FNAI & FDNR 1990). This plant community occurs in the central and
southern portions of the Wet Woods Preserve (Figure 6) and contains small areas of tidal marsh.
The mangrove swamps on the preserve are dominated by native canopy species including: red
mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) white mangrove
(Laguncularia racemosa) and buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus). Native midstory species
include: saltbush (Baccharis angustifolia) and indigo berry (Randia aculeata) while ground
cover species include: giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium) and black needle rush
(Juncus roemerianus). Durbin and Wulfert Mucks comprise the majority of the substrate for this
community on the Wet Woods Preserve.
True mangrove species are viviparous (i.e., "live birth" - in the case of mangroves, the seed
germinates within the fruit, producing within the plant an established seedling that then falls into
the sediments) and have some physiological degree of root modification (such as aerial roots) to
deal with saturated, saline soils (Tomlinson 1986). Based on these definitions, three species of
true mangroves exist within the Wet Woods Preserve: red mangrove, black mangrove and white
mangrove. The buttonwood is often referred to as a "mangrove associate" because it is
associated with these species along the upland fringe of the mangrove ecosystem but it lacks root
modification and viviparity.
Mangroves are facultative
halophytes; they are able to grow in
freshwater environments but
because of their inability to compete
well with other flora found in
freshwater systems, they grow in
brackish waters. In addition to the
saline environments in which they
are found, the tidal fluctuation
enables mangroves to dominate
shorelines. Not only do the roots of
these tropical species protect
shorelines from erosion, they trap
sediments and recycle nutrients
from upland areas and tidal import.
This is part of the succession
process of island formation in south
Florida (FNAI & FDNR 1990).
Mangrove Swamp just south of the Wet Woods Preserve.
Photo by Christal Segura.
Mangroves are valued for their high productivity and serve as important nursery and refuge areas
for a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic organisms including: mammals, birds, reptiles, fish,
and invertebrates. Consequently, these forests are extremely important to the nutrient budgets of
adjoining estuaries and other coastal waters (Rey & Rutledge 2006). In fact, mangrove species
shed so many leaves and other plant parts that they can produce up to 80% of the total organic
material available in the aquatic food web (FNAI & FDNR 1990).
Conservation Collier Program 19
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
2.3.2 Wetlands: Tidal Marsh
tal Segura.
cordgrass (bpartina spp.). Buttonwood is scattered among the herbaceous plants. Durbin and
Wulfert Mucks comprise the substrate for this community on the Wet Woods Preserve.
Just as in mangrove swamps, tidal fluctuation in tidal marsh communities is an extremely
important ecological factor and makes this community one of the most biologically productive
systems on earth. A wide array of invertebrates and fish rely on these areas for parts or all of
their lives. A number of mammals, reptiles and avian species also rely on this plant community.
Additionally, tidal marshes are valued by humans for their ability to buffer storms and to filter
pollutants within them. While tidal marshes do not compose a large portion of the Wet Woods
Preserve, their presence is an essential component to the landscape.
2.3.3 Wetlands: Freshwater Marsh
The freshwater marsh is the third type of wetland plant community found within the Wet Woods
Preserve. These marshes are scattered among the upland, pine flatwoods community and may
therefore be referred to as flatwoods marshes. Saw grass (Cladium jamaicense), swamp lily
(Crinum americanum), giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium), and native wetland grasses
dominate the freshwater marshes; Basinger Fine Sand comprises the substrate of these marshes
in the preserve. Pond apple (Annona glabra) was also detected within these marshes.
Like tidal marshes, freshwater marshes are wetlands dominated by herbaceous flora. In Florida,
these marshes are influenced by their subtropical location, fluctuating water levels, frequency
and intensity of fire, organic matter accumulation and hard water (Kushlan 1990). These factors,
combined with the dominant species found within a marsh, dictate the category within which the
marsh is placed. Six major categories of freshwater marshes are recognized in Florida. The
marshes in the Wet Woods Preserve are within the "saw grass marsh" category. These marshes
usually have a moderate (flooded for 6 -9 months) hydroperiod, a moderate (about once in ten
Conservation Collier Program 20
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
years) frequency of fire and moderate to high (< 1 meter to > 1 meter) accumulation of organic
material (Kushlan 1990).
Many animal species may be found within or around the perimeter of marshes. Invertebrates
make up an important part of the food web and many avian species, especially wading birds, rely
on the invertebrates as a primary source of food. The freshwater marshes within the preserve
make -up a small portion of the total area but are valuable for the suite of species found there.
2.3.4 Uplands: Mesic Pine Flatwoods
Pine flatwoods are one of the most wide - ranging terrestrial plant communities in Florida and
consequently one of the most influenced by anthropogenic activities (Abrahamson & Hartnett
1990). Fire strongly influences the community structure and composition of these communities.
Mesic pine flatwoods are also called mesic flatwoods, pine savanna, cabbage palm savanna, and
pine barrens. On the Wet Woods Preserve, mesic pine flatwoods occupy the northern and
eastern portions of the property (Figure 6) and contain small areas of freshwater marshes.
Immokalee Fine Sand comprises the majority of the substrate and Basinger Fine Sand is a minor
component of the flatwood areas on the preserve. Native canopy species in the mesic pine
flatwoods areas of the preserve are dominated by South Florida slash pine (Pinus elliotti var.
densa) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto); native midstory species include: saw palmetto
(Serenoa repens), galberry (Ilex glabra), sumac (Rhos copallinum), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
and rusty lyonia (Lyonia fruticosa.). Native grasses and herbaceous plants dominate the
understory.
Conservation Collier Program 21
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Mesic flatwoods provide essential forested habitat for a variety of wildlife species including
Neotropical migratory birds, wide- ranging large carnivores, mid -sized carnivores, ground -
nesting vertebrates, tree -cavity dependent species, tree - nesting species and non - aquatic plant life.
"At the current rate of habitat conversion, the mesic pine flatwoods, once the most abundant
upland habitat in South Florida, is in danger of becoming one of the rarest habitats in South
Florida" (USFWS 1999).
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species
Mangrove swamps and mesic flatwoods comprise the majority of the 26.77 acre Wet Woods
Preserve. Small pockets of tidal marshes and freshwater marshes are also located within the
preserve. This section discusses the flora and fauna found within and close to the preserve. The
next section (2.5) discusses all listed species in more detail.
2.4.1 Plant Species
To date, 132 plant species have been recorded at the preserve (Appendix 2). A comprehensive
plant survey was conducted in January 2008 by botanist Keith A. Bradley of the Institute of
Regional Conservation. Another will be conducted in late summer of 2008 and the final list will
be added to this plan. Of these 132 species, 110 (83 %) are native to the site and 22 are exotic
(17 %). Of the 22 exotic species, 13 are listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (12
Category I and 1 Category II).
2.4.2 Animal Species
Due to the dearth of specific surveys for the occurrence of animal species (in contrast to plants)
and the lack of on -site staffing, little is recorded for actual occurrences of animals at the Wet
Woods Preserve. Occurrences of fauna at the preserve are based on direct visual and aural
observations by staff during site visits or evidence of activity such as spoor, scat, or burrows, and
from the site information available in documents such as:
the site's initial criteria screening report;
the property's interim management plan;
anecdotal information from persons with knowledge of the site.
Mammal species known to occur or individuals and/or evidence of activity directly observed
within the preserve include: Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), nine - banded armadillo
(Dasypus novemcinctus), marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris), and raccoon (Procyon lotor).
Reptile and amphibian species observed at the preserve include: brown anole (Anolis sagrei),
southern black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus), ring- necked snake (Diadophis punctatus),
box turtle (Terrapene carolina) and the green treefrog (Hyla cinerea).
Invertebrates observed include the following butterfly species: the gulf fritillary (Agraulis
vanillae), the white peacock (Anartia jatrophae), the zebra long wing (Heliconius charitonius),
and the cloudless sulphur (Phoebis sennae).
Several different bird species have been observed perching, foraging, or exhibiting nesting
behavior at the preserve (See Table 4).
Conservation Collier Program 22
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 23
Table 4: Bird Species
Recorded
Common Name
Scientific Name
CommonName
Scientific Name
Hooded Merganser
Lo hod tes cucullatus
Reddish Egret
E retta ru escens
Double- crested
Phalacrocorax auritus
Yellow- crowned
Nyctanassa violacea
Cormorant
Night Heron
Brown Pelican
Pelecanus
occidentalis
Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularius
Red - shouldered
Hawk
Buteo lineatus
Mourning Dove
Zenaidura macroura
Osprey
Pandion heliaetus
Red - bellied
Melanerpes carolinus
Woodpecker
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus
leucoce halus
Tree Swallow
Tachycineta bicolor
Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus
Gray Catbird
Dumetella
carolinensis
White Ibis
Eudocimus albus
Northern
Mimus polyglottos
Mockingbird
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
Blue Jay
C anocitta cristata
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Blue -gray
Polioptila caerulea
Gnatcatcher
Snowy Egret
Egretta thula
fellow- rumped
Dendroica coronata
Warbler
Little Blue Heron
E retta caerulea
Palm Warbler
Dendroica almarum
Tricolored Heron
E retta tricolor
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Green Heron
Butorides striatus
Conservation Collier Program 23
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manaeement Plan
The Florida Breeding Bird Atlas lists 44 bird species that have been recorded as confirmed,
probable, or possible breeding in the vicinity of the site (in the Bonita Springs USGS quadrangle;
Table 5). The Breeding Bird Atlas documents breeding distributions of all bird species in
Florida between 1986 and 1991. Some of these species may breed at the Wet Woods Preserve.
Source: Florida Breeding Bird Atlas, www.wildflorida.org /bba
Conservation Collier Program 24
Table 5: Breeding Bird Species Recorded Bonita
in the Vicinity of the Wet Woods Preserve
Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis Great Crested Myiarchus crinitus
Flycatcher
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Gray Kingbird
Tyrannus
dominicensis
Muscovy Duck
Cardin moschata
White-eyed Vireo
Vireo griseus
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Black- whiskered
Vireo altiloquus
Vireo
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
leucoce halus
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Florida Scrub -Jay
Aphelocoma
coerulescens
Northern Bobwhite
Colinus vir inianus
Fish Crow
Corvus ossi ra us
Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloro us
Purple Martin
Pro ne subis
Lim kin
Aramus guarauna
Tufted Titmouse
Baeolo his bicolor
Killdeer
Charadrius vociferus
Carolina Wren
Thryothorus
ludovicianus
Least Tern
Sternula antillarum
Blue -gray
Polioptilia caerulea
Gnatcatcher
Rock Pigeon (Rock
Columba livia
Northern
Mimus polyglottos
Dove )
Mockingbird
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
Brown Thrasher
Toxostoma ru um
Common Ground-
Columbina passerina
European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Dove
Eastern Screech -Owl
Megascops asio
Common
Geothlypis trichas
Yellowthroat
Barred Owl
Strix varia
Eastern Towhee
Pipilo
erythrophthalmus
Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Chuck - will's -widow
Caprimulgus
Red - winged
Agelaius phoeniceus
carolinensis
Blackbird
Red - bellied
Melanerpes carolinus
Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella magna
Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscu la
Northern Flicker
Cola tes auratus
Boat - tailed Grackle
Quiscalus major
Pileated Wood ecker
Dryocopus pileatus
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Source: Florida Breeding Bird Atlas, www.wildflorida.org /bba
Conservation Collier Program 24
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Other wildlife species that have not yet been recorded undoubtedly occur at the Wet Woods
Preserve. During migration periods, transient bird species would be expected to utilize this area
for short periods of time. The developed character of the adjacent areas may inhibit transient use
by many mammal, reptile, and amphibian species, thus limiting the utilization of the preserve to
resident individuals or inhibiting the dispersal of many species to and from the preserve.
2.5 Listed Species
Official lists of rare and endangered species are produced at the federal level by the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service and at the State level by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services. FNAI produces a list of rare and endangered species, and maintains a
database of occurrences of these species in Florida. The Institute for Regional Conservation
(IRC) also ranks native plant species by conservation status in the 10- county area of South
Florida. The following subsections (2.5.1 and 2.5.2) discuss the listed, rare and protected plant
and animal species found within and close to the Wet Woods Preserve in detail.
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species
There are seven (7) listed plant species at Wet Woods Preserve that are listed by the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ( FDACS), two (2) as Endangered, four (4) as
Threatened, and one (1) as Commercially Exploited. There are no species listed as Endangered
or Threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service within Wet Woods. In total there
are seven (7) plant species listed by FDACS at Wet Woods Preserve (Table 6). A brief
description of these species and their status is included in the following paragraphs.
E: Endangered, T: Threatened, C: Commercially Exploited
Conservation Collier Program 25
Table
Scientific Name
Acrostichum aureum
Detected at the Wet Woods Preserve
Common Name(s)
Golden leather fern
State
T
Lilium catesbaei
Catesb 's Lily
T
Osmunda re alis var. s ectabilis
Royal fern
C
Tillandsia balbisiana
Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf
T
Tillandsia asciculata var. densispica
Stiff - leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant
E
Tillandsia exuosa
Banded wild-pine, Twisted airplant
T
Tillandsia utriculata
Giant wild-pine, Giant airplant
E
E: Endangered, T: Threatened, C: Commercially Exploited
Conservation Collier Program 25
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
The Cardinal Airplant, also known as the Common
Stiff - leaved Wild Pine (Tillandsia fasciculata), is
Wild Pine or
an epiphytic
s listed as an
Reflexed Wild Pine
Photo by Melissa E. Abdo
Courtesy of the Institute for
Regional Conservation
mt Wild Pine
Rodger Hammer
of the Institute for
:onservation website
The Reflexed wild pine (Tillandsia balbisiana) and the Banded
wild -pine (Tillandsia flexuosa) are also fairly common epiphytes in
South Florida. Both species prefer moist forests and swamps and are
state listed as threatened. The reflexed wild pine
is equally well- adjusted to deep shade where
leaves grow long or to bright sunlight where they
are contorted and highly colored from gray -green
to blue- bronze or red. The banded wild pine
usually grows in the tops of trees in fairy sunny
situations. They can grow up to sixteen inches in
length, and are strongly recurved and twisted
(www.corkscrew.audubon.org).
Banded wild -pine
Photo courtesy of
www.corkscrew.audubon.org
Even though the four species listed above are fairly common in the state they are listed due to
illegal collecting and the destruction of the habitats in which they are found. Additionally,
infestation by the introduced Mexican bromeliad weevil (Metamasius callizona) has been
implicated in the decline of many air plant populations around the state. Currently, there are no
control measures in place however, close research and monitoring is taking place.
Conservation Collier Program 26
Golden Leather Fern
Photo by Shirley Denton courtesy of the
Institute of Regional Conservation
Catesby's Lily (Lilium catesbaei)
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Golden Leather Fern (Acrostichum aureum)
This large fern grows in wet areas along the coast of Florida
in tidal swamps and marshes. The fronds can reach about six
feet long and can be as broad as it is tall. It prefers wet to
moist, poorly drained to inundated organic brackish soils. It
can be found in the wet, marshy areas in the Wet Woods
Preserve that surround the mangrove swamps.
This herb is endemic to the U.S. southeastern coastal plain and is listed
as a threatened species in the State of Florida. It is found nearly
throughout Florida and has been recorded in 50 counties (Wunderlin &
Hansen 2004). In Collier County, it has only been recorded at Wet
Woods Preserve, Railhead Scrub Preserve, Big Cypress National
Preserve, Collier Seminole State Park, Florida Panther National
Wildlife Refuge, and Picayune Strand State Forest. Christal Segura and
Annisa Karim found it on the preserve on September 13, 2007. Christal
Segura also detected this species in two different locations on the
property in late September of 2007. All specimens were sighted in
mesic pine flatwoods areas of the Wet Woods Preserve.
Lilium catesbaei, an endemic lily
detected on the Wet Woods
Preserve.
Photo by Christal Segura.
Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis)
The royal fern can be found in the eastern US and throughout
Florida. It grows in swamps and similar moist to wet sites. It can
reach heights of up to six feet and grows with a thick creeping
rhizome. The roots can form a mass up to 60 cm tall. It is listed by
the State of Florida due to its commercial exploitation.
Photo by George D. Gann courtesy of
the Institute for Regional Conservation
Website
Conservation Collier Program 27
Wet Woods Preserve Land Mana ement Plan
FNAI maintains a database of occurrences of rare, threatened, and endangered species in Florida.
An element is any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment, such as a species,
natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other ecological feature. An element
occurrence is a single, extant habitat that sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a
population or a distinct, self - sustaining example of a particular element.
These element occurrence data are built into biodiversity matrices. Each matrix encompasses
one (1) square mile and includes all species and natural communities tracked by FNAI, including
all federal listed species. None of the plant species reported by FNAI have been detected within
the preserve. The golden leather fern (Acrostichum aureum) was documented within FNAI's
Biodiversity Matrix Unit 38350 and four (4) species were reported within FNAI's Biodiversity
Matrices 38350 and 38351 as likely (rare species likely to occur on the site based on suitable
habitat and/or known occurrences in the vicinity) including the nodding pineweed (Lechea
cernua) and pine -woods bluestem (Andropogon arctatus). Twelve (12) species were reported
within FNAI's Biodiversity Matrices 38350 and 38351 as potential occurrences (site lies within
the known or predicted range of species) including the many- flowered grass -pink (Calopogon
multiorus) and the Celestial lily (Nemastylis floridana). Appendix 3 provides the FNAI
Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity
Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are provided for each species as well as their federal
and state status.
2.5.2 Listed Animal Species
Listed wildlife species observed onsite or immediately adjacent include: wood stork (Mycteria
Americana), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) and
gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus).
The Wood stork (Mycteria americana)
This bird species, sighted on the property by Southern Biomes, Inc. in 2003 and by staff in 2007,
is listed as endangered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and by the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Also known as the wood ibis or flint head, this species
is one of the largest wading birds found in Florida and the only stork in the United States. The
wood stork is a tactile feeder and may be found in fresh, brackish, and saltwater habitats.
Because of its dependence on naturally functioning hydrologic systems, the National Audubon
Society refers to this wading bird as the "barometer of the Everglades ". For this reason, the
wood stork is an excellent environmental indicator of wetland health (Mazziotti 2002).
The Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Currently, there is an active bald eagle nest in the northwest corner of the property. According
to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, it has been active for many years
including 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008. The nest is designated by the agencies as nest Co-
0001. In the 2006 -2007 nesting season, the eagle pair built a new nest on the adjacent property to
the northeast and fledged three young. In late 2007, a pair was observed back on the Wet Woods
Preserve nest tree building up the nest; and the active nest was verified in February 2008. The
eagles were indeed nesting in the same nest tree again and two fledglings were observed. It is
Conservation Collier Program 28
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
unknown if the new parking lot that was built on the adjacent lot had an
impact on where the pair chose to nest this year.
This species was reported within FNAI's Biodiversity Matrices 38350
and 38351. On June 29, 2007, the Bald Eagle was officially delisted and
removed from the Endangered Species List in the lower 48 states.
However, according to the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird
Management, this bird of prey will continue to be protected by the Bald
and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act (See Appendix 4 for a fact sheet on remaining levels of
protection).
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Photo by Christal Segura
Juvenile Bald Eagle on the
Wet Woods Preserve Nest
Photo taken by:
R. L Caron on 3 -23-08
Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
This bird — a species of Special Concern in Florida -
is a permanent resident of the coastal marine
environment from central North America southward
to northern South America. Brown Pelicans are
found in shallow, warm coastal marine and estuarine
waters, particularly on sheltered bays (Shields 2002).
These birds were observed just south of the site along
the mangrove edge and most likely frequent the canal
along the western boundary of the preserve.
Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) This
medium - sized, native land turtle is listed by the State
as a Threatened Species. Gopher tortoises are
typically found in dry, upland habitats including
scrub, xeric oak hammock, sandhills, and dry pine
flatwoods. Burrows are created for protection from
weather, fire, and predators; they also provide refugia
for more than 300 other species of animals. Active
burrows exist on the adjacent property to the north.
One burrow was observed in the pineland in the
northwest corner of the preserve; however, it is
unknown if it is active or not. Now that the dense
Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
exotics have been cut and treated on site, Photo by Valerie Chartier, URS
it is likely that tortoises may start to increase in numbers in the preserve and at least use the
preserve for foraging. In order to increase the use of the site by the tortoises, a prescribed burn
needs to be conducted to reduce the understory and to increase the amount of grasses and forbs.
Staff will work with the Division of Forestry staff to determine if it would be safe to burn the site
due to its close proximity to the urban area and US 41. Additionally, staff will coordinate with
Conservation Collier Program 29
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
the Future Citizens property owners to include them in any possible controlled burns and gopher
tortoise management.
Nine (9) species were reported within FNAI's Biodiversity Matrices 38350 and 38351 as likely
(rare species likely to occur on the site based on suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the
vicinity) including: black- whiskered vireo (Vireo altiloquus) — a bird of conservation concern,
the mangrove fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia), and the gopher tortoise (Gopherus
polyphemus). Seventeen (17) species were reported within FNAI's Biodiversity Matrices 38350
and 38351 as potential occurrences (site lies within the known or predicted range of species)
including: the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), the gopher frog (Rana capito), the
red - cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), and the Florida bonneted bat (Eumpos
floridanus). Appendix 3 provides the FNAI Managed Area Tracking Record and Element
Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are
provided for each species as well as their federal and state status.
2.6 Invasive, Non - native and Problem Species
In an ecological context, an invasive species is one that is aggressive in growth and expansion of
range and tends to dominate others; its establishment and dominance can cause widespread harm
to an ecological system by altering the species composition, susceptibility to fire and hydrology
of an area. Non - indigenous species (a.k.a. non - native species, exotic species) are those that have
been purposefully or accidentally introduced to an area outside their normal range. The
characteristics of some of these species (high rate of growth/reproduction, no natural predators,
easily dispersed, able to out - compete native species) make them invasive. Some indigenous
species (a species whose natural range included Florida at the time of European contact circa
1500 AD or a species which has naturally expanded or changed its range to include Florida) may
also become invasive. Invasions by native and non - native species often follow an alteration to
ecosystem function, disruption of the food web, large scale fragmentation of an ecosystem and/or
disturbance (e.g., clearing, fire, drought, etc) of an area. While some native species may become
invasive, the establishment and dominance of non - native species is of particular concern.
The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) maintains a list of exotic plants that have been
documented to (1) have adverse effects on Florida's biodiversity and plant communities, (2)
cause habitat loss due to infestations and (3) impact endangered species via habitat loss and
alteration. To date, twenty-two invasive, non - indigenous plant species are known to occur
within Wet Woods Preserve. Although Florida does not have an official exotic, invasive animal
species list, at least 400 exotic fish and wildlife animal species have been reported in Florida, and
approximately 125 species are established. While only two invasive, non - indigenous animal
species have been documented within the preserve, other species also have a potential to occur in
Wet Woods and will be discussed in section 2.6.2.
2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species
To date, twenty -two (22) introduced plant species have been found at the Wet Woods Preserve,
accounting for 17% of the plant species recorded there (Table 7). Twelve (12) of the twenty-two
exotic, invasive species are considered Category I exotic, invasive species by FLEPPC and one
(1) is listed as Category 11. FLEPPC defines Category I plants as those that alter native plant
Conservation Collier Program 30
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
communities by displacing native species, change community structures or ecological functions,
or hybridize with natives. Category II plants have increased in abundance or frequency but have
not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These
definitions do not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but on the
documented ecological damage caused (FLEPPC 2007).
The most problematic exotic, invasive plant species at Wet Woods Preserve are melaleuca
(Melaleuca quinquenervia), Brazilian - pepper ( Schinus terebinthifolius), downy rose myrtle
(Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) and old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum). Downy rose
myrtle is the most prevalent in the upland area in the northwest quadrant. Melaleuca and old
world climbing fern are the most dense in the southwestern quadrant, and Brazilian pepper is
present in all areas excluding the southwest quadrant. Approximately 15 acres of uplands and
non - mangrove wetlands are affected to a significant degree by exotic vegetation infestation.
In September 2007, all invasive species received initial treatment. The dense exotic vegetation
along the eastern boundary that is visible from U.S. 41 was cut, stumps treated and the debris
was removed. Because the remainder of the site is difficult to access, the remaining exotic
vegetation throughout the property was treated in place using foliar, basal bark or frill and girdle
herbicide treatment techniques. The majority of the exotics in the upland area in the northwest
quadrant were cut up into small pieces and the bases were treated with herbicide. The entire
removal project was funded by the DEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management ($57,000).
Following initial treatment, contractors returned to the site twice to retreat the remaining exotics.
A contract will also be set up with a County approved contractor to start a maintenance treatment
program bi- annually. This will begin in late Spring 2008 or as soon as the bald eagle chicks
fledge and treatment will continue every six months for two years. Treatment will then occur
once a year in perpetuity.
Conservation Collier Program 31
Table 7: Invasive Plant
Scientifle Name
Species at Wet Woods Preserve
FLEPPC
Common Names „o
Acacia auriculi ormis
Earleaf Acacia I
Ardisia elli tica
Shoebutton Ardesia
I
Casuarina a uiseti olia
Australian Pine
I
Colocasia esculenta
Wild taro, Dasheen, Coco-yam
I
Dioscorea bulbi era
Air-potato
I
Ficus microcar a
Laurel fig, Indian laurel
I
Lygodium micro h llum
Old World Climbing Fern
I
Melaleuca quinquenervia
Melaleuca, Punk Tree, Paper Bark
I
Rhodom rtus tomentosa
Downy Rose Myrtle
I
Schinus terebinthi olius
Brazilian Pepper
I
Syzygium cumini
Java Plum, Jambolan
I
Urena lobata
Caesarweed
II
The most problematic exotic, invasive plant species at Wet Woods Preserve are melaleuca
(Melaleuca quinquenervia), Brazilian - pepper ( Schinus terebinthifolius), downy rose myrtle
(Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) and old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum). Downy rose
myrtle is the most prevalent in the upland area in the northwest quadrant. Melaleuca and old
world climbing fern are the most dense in the southwestern quadrant, and Brazilian pepper is
present in all areas excluding the southwest quadrant. Approximately 15 acres of uplands and
non - mangrove wetlands are affected to a significant degree by exotic vegetation infestation.
In September 2007, all invasive species received initial treatment. The dense exotic vegetation
along the eastern boundary that is visible from U.S. 41 was cut, stumps treated and the debris
was removed. Because the remainder of the site is difficult to access, the remaining exotic
vegetation throughout the property was treated in place using foliar, basal bark or frill and girdle
herbicide treatment techniques. The majority of the exotics in the upland area in the northwest
quadrant were cut up into small pieces and the bases were treated with herbicide. The entire
removal project was funded by the DEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management ($57,000).
Following initial treatment, contractors returned to the site twice to retreat the remaining exotics.
A contract will also be set up with a County approved contractor to start a maintenance treatment
program bi- annually. This will begin in late Spring 2008 or as soon as the bald eagle chicks
fledge and treatment will continue every six months for two years. Treatment will then occur
once a year in perpetuity.
Conservation Collier Program 31
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Under certain conditions, especially following soil disturbance or drainage, some native plant
species can become invasive. There are no native plant species at Wet Woods Preserve that are
currently a management problem on the site. Management actions may cause some species to
become problematic (see section 4.5.7).
2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species
Two (2) non - indigenous, invasive animal species have been documented on the preserve: red
imported fire ants and brown anoles. Based on the natural communities found within the
preserve, proximity to residential areas and geographic location, several more species (native and
non - native) have the potential to impact the Wet Woods Preserve to varying degrees. Brief
descriptions of documented and undocumented but potentially problematic species are provided
in the following paragraphs.
Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta): documented
within the Wet Woods Preserve
These social insects were introduced into the U.S. from Brazil " m
into either Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida between 1933
and 1945 (Collins & Scheffrahn 2005) and have been detected in
the Wet Woods Preserve. Red imported fire ants (RIFA) have t 1
been documented to cause harm to humans and wildlife as well
as economic harm (Stimac & Alves 1994; Collins & Scheffrahn
2005; Willcox & Giuliano, 2006). RIFAs are omnivorous, but
they prefer insects as their primary food source (Willcox & Solenopsis invicta, an invasive, non -
. RIFAs have a number of impacts on wildlife; in indigenous arthropod documented within the
Guiliano 2006). I� Wet Woods Preserve. Photo courtesy of
many areas, they have eliminated native ant populations through the USDA.
competition and predation and have eradicated food sources
utilized by some wildlife species. Ground- nesting wildlife is especially susceptible to RIFAs.
Within the Wet Woods Preserve, RIFAs have the potential to affect ground- nesting birds; small
mammals; reptiles such as gopher tortoise, native lizard and snake species, and native
invertebrates (Willcox & Giuliano 2006). Additionally, members of the public that come into
contact with RIFAs may be harmed if stung. Many people have anaphylactic reactions to the
toxins released from RIFA stings.
Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei): documented within the Wet Woods
Preserve
Also known as the Cuban anole, the brown anole is native to Cuba,
the Bahamas, and neighboring islands (Schwartz & Henderson 1991).
Like other anoles from the islands, this species is a small, tropical,
diurnal, arboreal, territorial, and insectivorous lizard (Campbell 2001).
The brown anole was first documented in the Florida Keys in the late
1800s (Lee 1985) and has since spread throughout Florida, into
Georgia and into two other southeastern states (Campbell 1996). The
brown anole is a habitat generalist and generally prefers the fairly
open areas of disturbed sites. In Florida; it feeds on a wide variety of
Conservation Collier Program 32
Anolis sagrei, an invasive, exotic
reptile documented in the Wet Woods
Preserve. Photo courtesy of the
USGS.
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
insects, amphipods, and isopods. Brown anoles also prey on other
small vertebrates including the hatchlings of the native green anole
(Anolis carolinensiis; Campbell 2000). Campbell (2000) showed
that, in the absence of the exotic brown anoles, native green anoles
occupy perches from ground to the canopy of vegetation. However,
in the presence of the exotic anole, native anoles move higher in
trees, occupying only the trunk and crown of trees. Dietary overlap
is high between both species, but the overall affects of the brown
anole on the green anole are still undetermined.
Anolis carolinensiis, an
indigenous reptile documented
in the Wet Woods Preserve.
Photo courtesy of the USGS.
Coyote (Canis latrans): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve
Coyotes were introduced in very small numbers to Florida during the 1920's for sport hunting
with domestic dogs. This introduction did not lead to the establishment of coyote populations in
Florida. Concurrently, these canids expanded their range eastward across the United States and
Canada as a result of nonspecific needs in habitat and food, decreased competition from other
predators, large litter sizes and anthropogenic changes to the landscape. Since many species
naturally expand or change their home ranges in response to climate and resource availability,
the coyote may be considered native to Florida. This crepuscular (active mostly at dawn and
dusk) species is elusive and may travel individually or in groups of two or three (Coates et al.
1998). Evidence of the presence of coyotes has been observed at the nearby Railhead Scrub
Preserve. Coyotes commonly enlarge burrows made by other animals such as armadillos or
gopher tortoises to use as dens or use dense vegetation for cover. Coyotes may have a negative
influence on indigenous wildlife as direct predators or as potential competitors with predators
that may occur at the preserve such as foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) or bobcats (lynx rufus
floridanus); however, this species may prove beneficial in controlling potential problem species
such as feral cats.
Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): undocumented within
the Wet Woods Preserve
Like the Cuban anole, the Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the
Bahamas, and neighboring islands. The first Cuban tree frogs
probably arrived in the Florida Keys as stowaways in shipping
crates originating from the Caribbean in the 1920's. Today, they
have established breeding populations as far north as Cedar Key on
Florida's Gulf Coast, Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast, and
Osteopilus septentrionalis, an invasive, Gainesville in north- central Florida. These hylids are the largest
exotic reptile that has the potential to tree frog found in Florida and because of their ability to invade
occur at the Wet Woods Preserve.
Photo courtesy of the USGS. natural areas and prey on native invertebrates and small vertebrates
(including native tree frogs) they are considered an invasive
species. Additionally, the tadpoles of this species inhibit the growth and development of the
tadpoles of the native southern toad (Bufo terrestris) and green tree frog (Hyla cinerea). Cuban
tree frogs thrive in residential and natural areas such as pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and
swamps. In residential settings, they are most commonly found on and around homes and
buildings, and in gardens and landscape plants. They are known to get into transformer boxes
Conservation Collier Program 33
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
and electrical switches causing power outages (Johnson 2007). Due to the natural communities
that are found within the Wet Woods Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species
has the potential of occurring in the preserve.
Giant Marine Toad or Cane Toad (Bufo marinus): undocumented within the Preserve
The cane toad is a tropical species native to the Amazon basin in South America, and its range
extends through Central America to extreme southern Texas along the Rio Grande River. They
are used as a as a control agent for insects that damage sugarcane and consequently, are one of
the most introduced amphibian species in the world. In 1936, an attempt was made to introduce
this species into Palm Beach County, FL. This attempt failed as did two subsequent efforts.
Ironically, in 1955, an accidental release by an importer at the Miami International Airport in
Miami -Dade County, FL proved successful. They have since been deemed an invasive species
in Florida and are currently found in urban areas of south and central Florida, and are rapidly
expanding northward (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Many of this species' characteristics enable it
to do well in south Florida. Beetles, bees, ants, winged termites, crickets and bugs are a large
part of the diet of the adult marine toad. Additionally, they consume arthropods, mollusks, small
vertebrates, plant matter, pet food, carrion, household scraps, marine snails, smaller toads and
native frogs, small snakes, and even small mammals. Marine toads are prolific breeders and
females can lay tens of thousands of eggs in a single breeding season. They prefer forested areas
with semi permanent water
nearby (Churchill 2003).
The cane toad looks very
similar to the native,
southern toad, but there are
some distinct differences.
The most obvious
distinction is adult body
size (length of body not
counting the legs). Adult
marine toads can reach Bufo marinus, an invasive, exotic amphibian Bufo terreshis, a native toad that looks similar
lengths of 6 -9 inches while that has the potential to occur at the Wet Woods to the exotic, invasive cane toad. Photo
Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. courtesy of the USGS.
the native southern toads
only reach a length of 3.6 inches. Like other true toads, both possess poisonous, parotid glands.
The parotid glands of the cane toad are angled downward behind their head to their shoulders.
The southern toad has a kidney- shaped parotid gland behind each eye positioned close to the
spine. The southern toad also possesses cranial crests that start between the eyes and often end
in big knobs. While the parotid glands of all toads contain bufotoxins (poisonous, milky fluids
exuded as a defense mechanism), the chemicals released by the exotic, cane toad are much more
harmful to wildlife, pets and people (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Due to the natural communities
that are found within the Wet Woods Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species
has the potential of occurring within the preserve. Adjoining residents of the preserve should be
encouraged to keep pet food and water containers indoors or empty at night.
Conservation Collier Program 34
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Feral domestic cat (Felis catus): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve
Domestic cats originated from an ancestral wild species, the European and African wildcat (Felis
silvestris). Humans facilitated the global distribution of cats due to their highly efficient
predatory skills. Egyptians took cats with them on shipping vessels to keep rodent populations
down, and they likely introduced domestic cats to Europe. Subsequently the expansion of the
Roman Empire and European missionary missions facilitated the spread of domestic cats into
Asia and beyond (Masterson 2007). Today, the impact of feral cats on wildlife is difficult to
quantify; however, literature (FFWCC 2001; Karim 2007; Masterson 2007) strongly indicates
that they are a significant factor in the mortality of small mammals, birds (including migratory
birds), reptiles, and amphibians in Florida. Because free - ranging cats often receive food from
humans, they may reach abnormally high numbers. An increase in the population of feral cats
may lead to increased predation rates on native wildlife. While no cats have yet been observed
on the Wet Woods Preserve, there exists a high probability of their future presence on the
preserve due to the proximity of Wet Woods to human residential areas. Adjoining residents of
the preserve should be encouraged to keep their cats indoors and staff should monitor the
preserve for the presence of feral cats.
Feral pig (Sus scrofa): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve
Hogs were first brought to Florida in the mid 1500's to provision settlements of early explorers.
Over the next four centuries, these animals were raised in semi -wild conditions and rounded up
only when needed. Their high rate of reproduction and their ability to adapt to Florida's natural
areas has led them to populate every county in the state. Today, Florida is second only to Texas
in its feral hog population (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a; 2005b). While feral pigs are able to
survive in a variety of habitats, they prefer large forested areas interspersed with marshes,
hammocks, ponds, and drainages; cover in the form of dense brush; and limited human
disturbance (Giuliano & Tanner 2005b). Dense cover is used as bedding areas and provides
protection from predators and hunters. Feral pigs are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders
consuming grasses, forbs, and woody plant stems, roots, tubers, leaves, seeds, fruits, fungi, and a
variety of animals including worms, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, small birds, mammals,
reptiles, amphibians, and carrion. Their propensity for digging for foods below the surface of the
ground (rooting) destabilizes the soil surface, resulting in erosion and exotic plant establishment.
Additionally, this behavior uproots or weakens native vegetation (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a;
2005b). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Wet Woods Preserve, this
species has the potential of occurring within the boundaries. As these animals are highly visible
outside of natural plant communities, adjoining residents of the preserve may be useful in the
early detection of this nuisance animal. Given the location of the preserve and its proximity to
residential areas, trapping would be the only viable solution if feral hogs were to invade Wet
Woods.
Conservation Collier Program 35
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses
3.1 Previous and Current Use
Aerial photography taken in 1944, 1953, 1962, 1975, 1985, 1994 and recent physical visits to the
site show that development has never occurred on the site. The photographs are available in the
public records and available at the Collier County Property Appraisers Office and online from
the State University System of Florida website (see Figure 7). A Phase I Environmental Site
Assessment was conducted on the site by ASCgeosciences dated May 25, 2005, before the
property was purchased by the Conservation Collier Program. This report revealed that no
evidence of recognized adverse environmental conditions exist on the property and is this report
is available as public county record.
Currently, there is no sanctioned public use of the site. The closest public road to the property is
US Hwy 41 (Tamiami Trail North). A drainage ditch running north and south is located on the
eastern edge of the property and separates the preserve from US Hwy 41. This ditch makes the
preserve virtually inaccessible at this time from US 41.
3.2 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection
The Wet Woods Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and
no historical or archaeological sites appear to be present on the property. The County will notify
the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any
archaeological or historic resources are discovered. If such resources are identified on -site, staff
shall cordon off the area, and a professional survey and assessment shall be instituted. The
archaeologist shall prepare a report outlining results of the assessments and issue
recommendations to County staff about management of any sites discovered, per provisions of
the Land Development Code Section 2.2.25. This report shall be sent to the Division of
Historical Resources. The County shall cooperate fully with direction from the Division of
Historical Resources on the protection and management of archaeological and historical
resources. The management of these resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267,
Florida Statutes, specifically Sections 267.0612 (a) and (b).
3.3 Adjacent Land Uses
The Wet Woods Preserve is adjacent to residential areas, undeveloped areas, commercial lands,
conservation easement lands, a canal, and a major thoroughfare- U.S. Highway 41 (Figure 8).
Two parcels are located along the northern boundary of the preserve. The Future Citizens, Inc.
parcel is located along the western portion of the northern border, while the Germain car
dealership lot is located along the eastern portion of the northern border. Both of these parcels
are mapped as pine flatwood areas. Currently, the Future Citizens, Inc. parcel is largely
undeveloped land used as a camping area for a number of youth organizations including girl
scouts and boy scouts. The most recent aerial images of the area show the Germain parcel as
undeveloped; however, this parcel was developed in 2007 into a paved parking lot and a small
conservation easement was preserved along the western boundary of the Germain property. A
drainage ditch running north and south is located along the eastern edge of the preserve property
and separates it from US Hwy 41. Mangrove swamps, under conservation easements, are
Conservation Collier Program 36
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
located along the southern border of the preserve and are owned by the Old Collier Golf Club.
• The Cocohatchee Nature Center is located just south of the conservation easement lands. The
Gulf Harbor canal runs north and south is located along the western boundary of the property and
separates the preserve from the Gulf Harbor Moorings subdivision.
Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photographs courtesy of the State of Florida University System
of Florida website
Conservation Collier Program 37
1944 aerial-
Land remained natural
wooded & undeveloped
1962 aerial —
Development started to occur
on the land surrounding the
preserve. Canal to the west
was constructed.
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Figure 8: Areas Contiguous to the Wet Woods Preserve
Conservation Collier Program 38
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years
Since the acquisition of the Wet Woods Preserve in August 2005, key accomplishments have
been achieved (Table 8). The facilitation of a partnership between the Partners for Wildlife
Program ( USFWS) and Future Citizens, Inc. for the removal and treatment of invasive, exotic
plant species on the Future Citizens, Inc. parcel furthered the relationship between Collier
County and the owners of this parcel while taking steps to eradicate the potential seed sources of
invasive, exotics from adjacent lands. Staff also facilitated a relationship between USFWS and
the Fire Department to help fund the exotic removal on a one -acre piece of land embedded in the
northern portion of the Future Citizens Property. Staff will also work with the County
Stormwater Department to assist them in exotic removal on their properties that exist along
Wiggins -Pass Road including removal of exotics along a small creek flowing into the Future
Citizens Property (Figure 9).
Conservation Collier Program 39
Table 8: Major Accomplishments Since the Acquisition
of the Wet Woods Preserve
Accomplishment
Developed an Informal Partnership with Future Citizens, Inc.
Year(s)
2006-2007
Acquired grant from the Bureau of Invasive Plant Management (BIPM)(FDEP)
for the initial removal and treatment of invasive exotic plant species
2006
Removed and treated the invasive exotic plants species from 14 acres of the
site- (implemented the BIPM Grant
2007
Facilitated a Partnership Between U. S. Fish and Wildlife, Future Citizens,
Inc., and the Collier County Fire Department for the Removal and Treatment
2007
of Exotic Invasive Plant Species on adjacent properties to the north
Contracted Services of Keith Bradley for a Complete Plant Inventory
First half of inventory conducted January 2008
2008
Conservation Collier Program 39
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Exotic Removal Project Area
Legend 0 250
1
500 1.000 Feet
I 1
Wet Wood Preserve Property (Conservation Collier)
FutureCitizens- 13.5 acres- Folio # 00154960009
FireDept -1 acre
N
\k
County_stormwater_mitigation site
F
0 Bald Eagle Nest Trees
S
LOjiT C'Y COTITCI`rj
Data Source: Pa reels and Aenals- Collier Caunty Prop erty Appraiser
Conservation C ollier4naps�acquno duvaty Astland man agementkombmedERpartnershipm ap.mxd
and jpg.
Created bp: Admn,S —lGn. rvation Collier Staff \CS
Daw 2A
Figure 9: Exotic Removal Partnership Areas
Conservation Collier Program 40
9
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
4.0 Future Use of the Wet Woods Preserve including
Management Issues, Goals and Objectives
This section describes the main management issues, goals, and objectives for Wet Woods
Preserve as well as the overall management framework. Central to the management of the
Preserve is the mission of the Conservation Collier Program, and the goals and objectives set
forth in this management plan.
4.1 Management Plan Framework
Each property purchased by Conservation Collier shall have its own management plan. The
Conservation Collier Ordinance at the time the property was purchased required that an
"Interim" Management Plan be developed within 60 days of closing. Interim plans include basic
items such as removal of invasive exotics and trash, establishing site security, developing
management partnerships and planning for public access. The interim plan for this site was
officially approved in January 2006. The ordinance then requires a "Final" management plan
covering 10 years be developed within two years. Subsequently, the property management plan
must then be reviewed every five years. Final management plans, however, are considered living
documents and can be updated at any time. Review of all management plans start in the Lands
Evaluation and Management subcommittee and must be approved by both the Conservation
Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) and the Board of County
Commissioners (BCC).
4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information
The Site Manager for Wet Woods Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental
Specialist who may be contacted through electronic mail: ConservationCollier(i�Collier oa v.net.
4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts
Future planned use will be consistent with the primary goals of conservation, preservation,
restoration and maintenance of the resource. Official public use of the site will not be possible
until safe public access trails can be created. However, citizens that desire to visit the site prior
to opening, can do so by signing a waiver which will allow them access at their own risk and
releases the liability of the County until safe access is established. Details of planned uses for
the Wet Woods Preserve and an assessment of their potential impacts are provided in the
following sections.
4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration,
Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources
The Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002 -63 constrains the use of this property to "primary
objectives of managing and preserving natural resource values and providing appropriate natural
resource -based recreational & educational opportunities." Natural resource -based
recreation shall mean all forms of uses, which are consistent with the goals of this program, and
are compatible with the specific parcel. Such uses may include, but are not limited to: hiking,
nature photography, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hunting and fishing (Ord.
Conservation Collier Program 41
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
No. 02 -63, as amended§ 5, 12- 3 -02). Additionally, no dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or
removal or destruction of natural or historical/archaeological resources will be permitted within
the preserve. The goal is to allow limited, non - destructive public access to native plant
communities and animal species. Currently, the preserve rules are those identified in Collier
County Ordinance 76 -48 (available from www.municode.com), as amended. An ordinance
specifically for "Preserves" is in the process of being drafted and is expected to be completed
and presented to the Board of County Commissioners for approval during 2008.
The following are consistent uses for this particular site: hiking, nature photography, bird
watching, kayaking / canoeing and fishing. Inconsistent uses include swimming, hunting and
off road vehicle use (ORV).
In addition, there are no existing easements, concessions, or leases at the Wet Woods Preserve.
In accordance with the management goals of the preserve, no future easements, concessions, or
leases are appropriate in association with this site, other than conservation related easements.
4.3 Desired Future Conditions
This section includes a description of the proposed future conditions for the site's natural areas.
Management techniques to achieve these conditions are outlined in section 4.4.
After managers complete recommended management actions, Wet Woods Preserve will consist
of mangrove forests interspersed with tidal marshes and mesic pine flatwood habitats
interspersed with freshwater marshes; these communities will have a similar structure and
composition to those that existed before non - indigenous people settled the region and before the
exclusion of fire. With the exception of a hiking trail and possible boardwalk, the site will be
vegetated with appropriate native flora that will provide suitable cover for a variety of wildlife
species.
• Mangrove forests interspersed with tidal marshes will be comprised of native
canopy species such as red mangrove, black mangrove, white mangrove, and
buttonwood. Native midstory will include: saltbush while ground cover species will
include marsh elder, sea oxy daisy, Christmas berry, black needle rush, cordgrass,
giant leather fern, and swamp fern.
Mesic pine flatwood habitats interspersed with freshwater marshes will be
comprised of native canopy species such as slash pine and cabbage palm. Native
midstory species will include: saw palmetto, galberry, sumac, wax myrtle, rusty
lyonia, and tarflower (Befaria racemosa). The understory will be comprised of saw
grass, swamp lily, giant leather fern, umbrella sedge (Fuirena spp.), a wide variety of
grasses (Agrostis, Andropogon, Aristida, Dichanthelium, Eragrostis, and Panicum
spp., etc.), pawpaws (Asimina spp.), gopher apple (Licania michauxii), legumes
(Cassia, Crotalaria, Galactia, Rhynchosia, Tephrosia spp., etc.), milkworts (Polygala
spp.), blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), composites (Aster,
Chrysopsis, Emilia, Eupatorium, Liatris, and Solidago spp., etc.) and native wetland
grasses that dominate the freshwater marshes (Distichlis spp. & Paspalum spp.).
Conservation Collier Program 42
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008 -2018
A set of goals and objectives for Wet Woods Preserve were developed in conjunction with the
drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically
for Wet Woods Preserve based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired, the condition
of the resources present, and the management issues for the property. On -site managers should
be familiar with this entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the interim
management plan for the Wet Woods Preserve were reviewed to determine whether they should
be included in this plan. The goals and objectives presented here reflect programmatic goals and
ideas of Conservation Collier personnel in charge of managing and protecting the area. These
goals shall not be modified, but specific application of management techniques may take into
consideration input by user groups and other stakeholders from outside the program,
accommodating user needs and desires where practicable and where overarching management
goals are not violated.
Management issues are discussed below in separate sections. Within each section, approaches for
dealing with these issues are described. The ability to implement the specific goals and
objectives identified in this plan is dependent upon the availability of funding sources. The
following goals have been identified for Wet Woods Preserve:
Goal 1: Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and fauna
Goal 2: Develop a baseline monitoring report
Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna to
restore and maintain natural habitats
Goal 4: Determine if prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatments are feasible to decrease
woody invasion resulting from past fire exclusion if so proceed
Goal 5: Restore native vegetation
Goal 6: Develop a plan for public use
Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes and
Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
GOAL]: ELIMINATE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE HUMAN IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS
FLORA AND FAUNA
Action Item 1.1 Develop a Memorandum of Understanding with Future Citizens, Inc.
organization for access to Wet Woods Preserve by groups visiting the Future Citizens,
Inc. parcel.
The Future Citizens, Inc. parcel is located along the western portion of the northern border of
the Wet Woods Preserve (Figure 8). Groups including children's groups often visit and camp
on their parcel. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), access to the Wet
Woods Preserve could be granted to these groups after they have signed a land access request
and release form. This form will serve as a liability waiver and will specifically include
Conservation Collier Program 43
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
verbage to indemnify, release and discharge the CCLAAC, the Collier County Facilities
Management Department and the BCC, their officers, agents, and employees against and from
any and all liability, claims, and right of action for the death, or injury to the signator or their
property. This MOU will also indemnify, release and discharge the above mentioned parties
for any other type of damage, which may occur at any time arising out of the granting of this
request whether or not any such damages are due to alleged negligence of any agent,
employee or other worker of the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee,
the Collier County Facilities Management Department or the Collier County Board of County
Commissioners and the County of Collier. Furthermore, the rules and regulations of the Wet
Woods Preserve will be included in the MOU. Finally, the MOU will contain information on
general preserve rules and regulations and information about specific listed or protected
species documented on the preserve. County legal staff will be involved in the approval of the
documents.
The Future Citizens property owners have also offered the program the use of their on site
bathroom facilities for school group and summer camper tours. They have also asked our
program to pursue the purchase of the one -acre fire department property to prevent it from
being developed. This would also open up more opportunities for public access.
Action Item 1.2 Install a fence and access gate between Future Citizens, Inc. parcel and
Wet Woods Preserve.
A field fence, four feet in height, will be installed along this boundary. Additionally, a gate,
12 feet in width and four feet in height will be installed along the fence -line to allow access to
the Wet Woods Preserve by authorized County staff, groups visiting the Future Citizens, Inc.
parcel and the fire department.
Action Item 1.3 Install signs encouraging people to stay on any future public access
trails situated on the Wet Wood Preserve.
Action Item 1.4 Identify locations of rare and listed native plant species.
The location of these species will be identified using a global positioning system (GPS)
device and mapped to allow staff to monitor them. Public trails will be constructed to avoid
areas where rare and listed species exist.
Action Item 1.5 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash in or near the preserve.
Staff will monitor the trails on a regular basis and if excessive dumping or littering start to
occur, enforcement actions will be sought through the County Sheriffs Department.
Action Item 1.6 Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take
steps such as locating visitor amenities away from animal nesting sites.
Conservation Collier Program 44
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Action Item 1.7 Avoid non - target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare
species, during invasive exotic plant treatments.
From 2008 on, staff will prohibit the use of Imazapyr containing herbicides such as Arsenal.
This type of herbicide has potentially caused a great deal of non - target damage throughout the
state. Licensed County or State contractors will be monitored closely to ensure the proper
herbicide applications are being utilized while treating the site. Also, close attention will be
taken to look for Tillandsia sp. (listed in Table 6) that may be attached to invasive trees being
cut down or removed. Plants of these species should be relocated prior to removal. It may
also be desirable to relocate these species to a wetland area before a prescribed fire.
Action Item 1.8 Note and research all site development occurring adjacent to Wet
Woods Preserve to determine that the proper site development permits have been
obtained and that the site development complies with the permits.
Activities on adjacent lands may have an impact on the indigenous plant and animal life on
the Wet Woods Preserve. As such, all existing local, state, and federal regulations should be
strictly followed and enforced during any site development adjacent to the Preserve. It shall
be the responsibility of the developer to establish erosion control measures and vegetation
protection measures (i.e., protective fencing or barriers). If any site developer working in
areas adjacent to the preserve does not take the necessary control measures, construction shall
be immediately halted until control measures are put into place and mitigation and/or
remediation will be the sole responsibility of the developer.
GOAL 2: DEVELOP A BASELINE MONITORING REPORT
Action Item 2.1 Establish a long -term biological monitoring program and conduct
additional wildlife surveys.
Long -term management of the preserve should be based on biological data. Changes
following baseline conditions should be assessed as negative or positive, and management
strategies changed appropriately. This section discusses information needs and long -term
monitoring needs.
Keith Bradley from the Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC) has been contracted to
conduct a thorough floristic inventory of the Wet Woods Preserve. His findings along with
those of Conservation Collier staff will comprise the baseline floristic data on which future
actions will be based. The site should be inspected by Conservation Collier Staff at least twice
a year and thoroughly inventoried at regular intervals (ca. 5 -10 years) to detect new invasions
(by natives or exotics) and extinctions. Areas undergoing extreme restoration should be
assessed more frequently. While some wildlife data has been collected, additional baseline
data should be collected, especially on invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and
amphibians. The site manager may contract this work out or enlist the assistance of local
educators to coordinate student research projects. Wildlife sampling, like plant sampling,
should take place at regular intervals (ca. 5 -10 years) to detect long -term trends.
Currently, four (4) photo points have been established within upland portions of the preserve
(Figure 10). Locations of photo points have been recorded with a GPS and all photographs
Conservation Collier Program 45
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manajzement Plan
taken at these locations have been
taken at a standard height and angle
of view. During photo
documentations, one photo is taken
in each of the cardinal directions
(north, east, south and west) and a
360 - degree panoramic photo is
taken. These photos will help to
monitor exotic removal and native
plant recruitment over time. If
necessary, more photo points will be
established to aid in management
decision activities.
Figure 10: Photo Point Locations Within Wet Woods Preserve
Staff will also attempt to work with the Florida Audubon and Florida Fish and Wildlife on
setting up an Eagle Camera. This will allow the County, all interested agencies, and Collier
County school children to remotely view the eagles nest. Grants could be sought to help to
cover the costs of the project as an educational and research based tool.
GOAL 3: REMOVE OR CONTROL POPULATIONS OF INVASIVE, EXOTIC OR
PROBLEMATIC FLORA AND FAUNA TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN NATURAL HABITATS
Action Item 3.1 Acquire services of licensed and qualified contractor(s) for the removal
of invasive, exotic or problematic plant species.
The following (Table 9) describes recommended controls of the majority of the Category I,
invasive, exotics by Langeland and Stocker (2001) as well as staff recommendations. These
recommended control methods may be altered by site managers dependent on new
information and products available on the control of these species.
Conservation Collier Program 46
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
In mesic pine flatwoods, vines - particularly muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) - may become
abundant after burns, mechanical treatments or exotic plant removal. This native vine, already
present in mesic flatwoods in low densities, can become invasive after disturbances - forming
Conservation Collier Program 47
Usually found in aquatic habitats where only aquatic herbicides
should be used. Large corms make control really difficult.
Colocasia
Wild taro
Less than 2 feet tall resembles alligator flag and elephant ear.
esculenta
Has a large tuberous root. Can manually dig up root and
remove from site or treat with foliar application 1 -1.5% aquatic
1 hsate (Rodeo) with an aquatic approved surfactant
A basal stem application of Garlon 4 is recommended although
cut -stem treatments with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4 are
also effective. If bulbils are present on vines, a basal bark
treatment should be used because it will translocate into the
Dioscorea
Air- potato
bulbils. Collect bulbils from the ground and remove from site.
bulbifera
Apply 10% Garlon 4 to stems emerging from tubers. Hand
pulling followed by treatment of re- sprouts has also been
effective. For foliar applications, use Garlon 1 % -2% 3A.
Several applications throughout the growing season may be
necessary.
Ficus
Basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Invade the interior
Laurel Fig
and ensure herbicide doesn't come into contact with host tree
microcarpa
or plant.
The most serious natural area weed in Florida. Control
immediately upon sighting. Thoroughly spray foliage to wet
with 1.25% Garlon 4 (4 pt per acre), 0.6% Roundup Pro
Lygodium
Old world climbing
(maximum 5 pt/acre), 1.0 % -3.0% Rodeo (maximum 7 pt per
microphyllum
fern
acre). Only Rodeo can be used if plants are growing in aquatic
site. Plants growing high into trees cut vines and treat lower
portions. Do not apply when plants are under environmental
stress. The poodle cut method may also be used.
For seedlings and saplings: (1) hand pull, being sure not to
break plant off of root system and remove or place in piles to
help reduce the chance that they will re -root or; (2) Treat with
foliar, low volume spot application of 5% Rodeo. For mature
Melaleuca
Melaleuca, Punk
trees: (1) Fell large trees with chain saw leaving a level
quinquenervia
tree, Paper bark
surface, or fell small trees with machete and treat with triclopyr
or glyphosate products according to frill and girdle directions
on SLN. Use aquatic versions where standing water is present.
Monitor for resprouting and retreat as necessary. (3) Mature
trees are very difficult to control with foliar applications.
Rhodomyrtus
Downy rose myrtle
Basal bark application of 10 % -20% Garlon 4.
tomentosa
Cut -stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A, 10% Garlon 4 or a
basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Foliar application of
Schinus
Garlon 4, Garlon 3A, Roundup Pro, Roundup Super
terebinthifolius
Brazilian pepper
Concentrate, or Rodeo, according label directions may be used
where appropriate. Glyphosate products are less effective when
used alone in spring and early summer. Use Rodeo where
plants are growing in aquatic sites.
Java plum,
Mature trees many take up to 9 months to die. Cut -stump
Syzygium cummi
JambOlan
treatment with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4, or use a basal
bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4.
In mesic pine flatwoods, vines - particularly muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) - may become
abundant after burns, mechanical treatments or exotic plant removal. This native vine, already
present in mesic flatwoods in low densities, can become invasive after disturbances - forming
Conservation Collier Program 47
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
dense colonies, killing hardwoods and palms, climbing into pines, and persisting for years.
Vitis sp. should be controlled with herbicides if its populations start to grow.
Action Item 3.2 Acquire services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) for the removal of
invasive, exotic or problematic animal species.
To date, two (2) introduced animal species have been documented on the Wet Woods
Preserve, the RIFA and the brown anole. It is doubtful that the total eradication of these
species can be achieved. However, staff and/or contractors should take measures to remove
RIFA populations close to or on public access trails.
If feral cat colonies are found near the preserve, the elements that sustain the undesirable
population(s) should be identified and efforts made to ask property owners to eliminate them
(i.e., refuse bins, dumpsters, and supplementary feeding by humans). If any feral cats remain,
they will be trapped and taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services.
If feral hog populations are found on the preserve, services of licensed or qualified
contractor(s) will be acquired to trap and remove these populations.
GOAL 4: UTILIZE PRESCRIBED FIRE AND /OR MECHANICAL TREATMENTS TO
DECREASE WOODYINVASION RESULTING FROMPAST FIRE EXCLUSION.
Action Item 4.1 Develop a prescribed fire or mechanical treatment plan to mimic
natural fires within the Preserve.
Much of Collier County is comprised of plants that are dependent on fire to maintain species
composition and diversity. These species are the same ones that are prone to lightning strike
wildfires, and the controlled reduction of those fuels will prevent catastrophic wildfire
damage. Prescribed fires: reduce fuel loads and consequently decrease the threat of wildfires;
create open areas for wildlife to travel within; stimulate food and seed production; recycle
nutrients; alter the composition and density of forested areas; and aid in the control of invasive
plant species.
The structure and composition of the mesic pine flatwood community is dependent on
periodic fires. Fire probably occurred every 1 to 8 years during pre - Columbian times. A
majority of the flora and fauna found within this community are adapted to periodic fires;
several species depend on fire for their continued existence. Without relatively frequent fires,
mesic pine flatwoods succeed into hardwood - dominated forests whose closed canopy can
essentially eliminate herbaceous groundcover and shrubs. Additionally, the dense layer of
litter that accumulates on unburned sites can eliminate the reproduction of pine trees that
require a mineral soil substrate for proper germination (FFWCC 2002).
A partnership will be formed with the Department of Forestry's Region 4 Urban Fire
Mitigation Team to address the need for fire in Wet Woods Preserve. This team has been
integral in the development of ongoing burn plans at the nearby Railhead Scrub Preserve.
Fire is the ideal ecological tool for achieving a sustainable mesic pine flatwood community.
However, due to the proximity of the Wet Woods Preserve to residential and commercial
areas and the size of the parcel, alternate manual or mechanical treatments will be investigated
in lieu of managing the lands through the use of fire.
Conservation Collier Program 48
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
As this land management plan is a working document, plans developed by Conservation
Collier Staff in partnership with the Region 4 Urban Fire Mitigation Team will be presented to
the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee, as they are prepared.
Action Item 4.2 Delineate fire management and rescue access routes, and provide this
information to the police department and emergency services.
Once a fire plan has been prepared, access routes to and within the preserve will be provided
to the police department and emergency services.
Action Item 4.3 Establish a system for notifying neighboring landowners in advance of
prescribed burns (via email, phone trees, etc.) and use this system before each possible
prescribed fire.
GOAL S: RESTORE NATIVE VEGETATION
Action Item 5.1 Maintain a revised GIS map and description of FNAI natural
communities and disturbed areas on the property.
Maintaining updated maps will help to guide restoration efforts
Action Item 5.2 Plant native plant species in their appropriate habitats
Periods following exotic removal and prescribed fire are essential to the recruitment of native
plants. If native plant recruitment is not sufficient from the surrounding, intact seed source,
efforts will be made to plant indigenous flora in appropriate habitats. Natural area restoration
of Wet Woods Preserve should include only site - specific native plant material that has been
determined to be non - problematic at the site and whenever possible, site - specific seed sources
should be utilized. In addition, hardwoods that may invade the natural areas (unforested
wetlands: freshwater marsh, tidal marsh) should not be planted.
GOAL 6: DEVELOP A PLAN FOR PUBLIC USE
Action Item 6.1 Develop access and required facilities for intended public uses
Staff will work closely with adjoining property owners to negotiate areas for the general
public to access the preserve. A parking lot is not planned to be constructed on the site due to
the amount of wetlands present. Three options are listed below that would facilitate public
access and use.
Option 1: A trail network access point could be created off of U.S. 41.
A trailhead into the preserve off of US 41 could be created. A few options have potential to
facilitate access from this area. The first is a footbridge connecting the sidewalk from US 41,
across the drainage ditch and into the preserve. This of .access into the preserve would lead
citizens into a trail network that would start with an information kiosk and a raised boardwalk
Conservation Collier Program 49
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
leading to a hiking trail through the upland area in the northwest corner. A bike rack will be
placed at the entrance to the trail -head off of US 41.
Figure 11 is based on FLUCCS and soil information from the South Florida Water
Management District. While this information is generally reliable, a site - specific wetland
survey will need to be done before the installation of any trail system. Permits from the
County, State and Federal Government would have to be obtained. The Wet Woods Preserve
contains uplands, jurisdictional wetlands, hydric soils and non - hydric soils (See Figure 11).
The upland areas with non - hydric soils would be the first choice for a trail or a boardwalk.
Upland areas with hydric soils may accommodate a walking trail to provide visitors a view of
the wetland areas. A raised boardwalk over some wetland areas similar to the Corkscrew
Swamp Sanctuary may be appealing to many; however, this would also be the most
ecologically impactful and costly.
Potential access features are depicted in the conceptual level master plan (Figure 12). The site
shall adhere to guidelines and standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) for the footbridge and the raised boardwalk. As permitting for each component of the
preserve goes forward, a review of ADA compliance should be done by the County. The
proposed raised boardwalk in the conceptual plan is approximately 550 ft -long and it would
follow existing trails and cleared areas previously infested with exotics to the extent possible.
The elevation of the boardwalk would allow for fluctuation of water levels within the upland
marshes and the movement of small animals. Additionally, the end of the boardwalk and the
beginning of the walking trail will include benches for wildlife viewing.
The proposed walking trail is approximately 1,100 ft -long. Portions of this upland hiking trail
may have to be closed to public access during times of high water. The property also contains
one bald eagle nest, and any future trail system would have to take associated rules and
regulations (buffer zone, etc.) into account when designing and installing any public access
system. USFWS and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) would
have to be consulted in regard to the bald eagle nest tree(s) in the vicinity. Any and all trails
must comply with the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines. The following has been
taken from these guidelines:
"Category F. Non - motorized recreation and human entry (e.g., hiking, camping, fishing,
hunting, birdwatching, kayaking, canoeing). No buffer is necessary around nest sites
outside the breeding season. If the activity will be visible or highly audible from the nest,
maintain a 330 foot buffer during the breeding season, particularly where eagles are
unaccustomed to such activity. " ( USFWS 2007)
To date, one bald eagle nest has been documented on the preserve; a 330 -ft buffer will be
maintained around this nest. As the nest continues to be active, portions of the trail system
within a 330 -ft buffer of the nest(s) will be cordoned off during breeding season. The
breeding season for these raptors in Florida is defined by the USFWS (2007) as September
through May.
An engineering firm would be contracted to plan the design and would be requested to do so
in the least impactful way possible. The consulting, planning and permitting would be very
expensive as well as the costs to build a boardwalk. This process will also be very time
consuming. It is estimated that at least a year will be needed to complete the planning and
Conservation Collier Program 50
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
permitting process. Grants will be applied for in the lag time to assist in the costs associated
with this option.
Attempts were made to possibly lease a few parking spots from the Germain dealership or
from a parking lot across of U.S. 41 however, the Collier County Planning Department had
confirmed that his would not be a legal option per County Land Development Code.
Conservation Collier: Soil and FLUCCS Designations - Wet Woods Preserve
Soils
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Figure 11: Soils and FLUCCS Designations for the Wet Woods Preserve
Option 2: Develop a partnership with the Cocohatchee Nature Center for Canoe and
Kayak Access
The Cocohatchee Nature Center has expressed interest in partnering with the Conservation
Collier Program. The Nature Center is located immediately to the west of US 41, south of the
Wet Woods Preserve at 12345 Tamiami Trail N. (See Figure 8). Their lot has 22 parking spaces,
and the Nature Center has a parking agreement with the Pewter Mug Restaurant located directly
to the east of U.S. 41. The Pewter Mug property can accommodate parking for approximately 84
vehicles and allows Nature Center patrons to utilize their lot anytime before 4 pm everyday. A
walkway exists under the adjacent U.S. 41 bridge which connects the Pewter Mug property to
Conservation Collier Program 51
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
the Nature Center. The Nature Center rents out canoes and kayaks to citizens and tourists. Staff
will develop a working agreement with the Nature Center to assist citizens who wish to access
the preserve via canoe or kayak. The Nature Center would facilitate them by renting equipment,
and they would receive information about the preserve and the program and a brochure and map
on how to access the site from the center. The Nature Center is currently for sale however, so
the future owners will have to agree with the partnership as well.
There is one access point to the Wet Woods Preserve from the Nature Center (See Figure 13).
This area is only easily accessible at high tide. This access point would lead people into the
mangrove wetland area. Due to the sensitivity of the mangrove wetlands, no trailheads will be
constructed, people will be able to view the property from their kayaks or canoes only. There is a
great opportunity for bird - watching and nature photography while using this access option.
The public would also have the option of walking from the Nature Center to the boardwalk area
via the sidewalk on the west side of U.S. 41; however, this highway is very busy and this may
not be the safest option. There would be an approximate 0.4 mile walk to the boardwalk.
A kayak trail was initially proposed that would allow citizens to paddle up into the canal system
that exists around the Gulf Harbor Moorings Community, which would lead paddlers along the
western border of the preserve property. A public meeting was held on March 20, 2008, and a
number of citizens from the Gulf Harbor Moorings Community attended to give their concerns
with this option. The concerns expressed included safety issues such as there is only one way
out of their canal system and paddlers have almost been hit by boats on several occasions. The
canal is also very narrow and it is hard for them to navigate around paddlers who already use
their canal. Also, the amount of crime has already increased in their neighborhood and
encouraging additional paddlers to come in would increase the amount of people who would be
able to see into the back of their homes. One other legal issue discussed at this meeting that was
also verified by County staff is that the canal is tidally influenced which means that the State has
legal control over the water itself, however, because both banks are owned by the Gulf Harbor
Moorings Community, if anyone were to step off their watercraft onto either bank that the water
touches, they would be trespassing. The County may need to obtain an easement in order to
pursue any type of dock or haul out area off of this canal. The Lands Evaluation and
Management Subcommittee met on March 26, 2008 to discuss the results of the public meeting
and voted unanimously not to pursue the paddling trail into the canal system or for any type of
haul out area.
Conservation Collier Program 52
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Wet Woods Preserve Land Manajzement Plan
Figure 13: Wet Woods Canoe and Kayak Access Points
Conservation Collier Program 54
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Option 3: Create a partnership agreement to schedule tours /nature walks
An agreement could be created between Collier County and the Future Citizens Inc. property
owners that would allow Collier County staff to utilize their property to facilitate tours of the
Wet Woods Preserve. Citizens or school groups scheduled for tours could park on the Future
Citizens Property and could be lead by Collier County staff or designated volunteers to the
established trails on the preserve property. All tours would be scheduled to avoid any conflicts
with the Scout Program schedules. Tours would be scheduled during the week or during non -
camping season. Access waivers may be required in advance to eliminate any liability issues
concerning the Future Citizens Property use. The County Attorney's office will be consulted as
to the legality of this option. If access option #1 is developed then this option could be utilized
mainly for school groups. Staff will continue to maintain a working relationship with the owners
of the Future Citizens Property to keep all possible access options open.
Option 4: Acquire property from the County Stormwater Department to the northwest of
the Future Citizens property to facilitate additional public access or to build a parking lot.
Conservation Collier Staff will work together with the County Stormwater Department to pursue
possibly purchasing a small single family lot (0.3 ac) at the south end of West Lane on the
western side. A small parking lot could be built here to facilitate access to the Wet Woods
Preserve and also possibly to the adjacent 13 -acre Stormwater property that runs north and west
from there south of Wiggins -Pass Road (see Figure 9). If this were to occur, an access easement
would have to be granted to Conservation Collier to traverse though a small portion of the
western side of the Future Citizens Property to access the Wet Woods Preserve.
GOAL 7: FACILITATE USES OF THE SITE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
Actions Item 7.1 Develop interpretive signage to educate preserve visitors.
Once a trail system is complete, site - specific signage will be developed to educate visitors on
plant identification and ecosystem information. Kiosks or large signs with a map of the trails
will be installed at each trailhead.
Action Item 7.2 Coordinate with Future Citizens Inc. to allow the children camping on
their site to access the Wet Woods Preserve for educational opportunities.
Conservation Collier staff will coordinate with the Future Citizens property owners to
encourage use of the preserve by children's groups that come to camp on their site such as
boy scouts, girl scouts and church groups. A fence will be installed by Conservation Collier
along the southern boundary of the Future Citizen's property to define the boundaries, to
protect the eagle's nest tree and to keep the public from entering the Future Citizens
Property. However, a gate will be placed in the middle to allow access into the preserve. A
small sign and brochures will be placed at the gate that will direct the children's groups to the
trail system and preserve rules will also be posted.
Conservation Collier Program 55
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Action Item 7.3 Provide preserve brochures in rainproof box on site.
A brochure outlining the native plant communities and wildlife present at the preserve will be
created by County staff and kept in rainproof boxes near the preserve entrances and also at
the Cochatchee Nature Center. These boxes will be inspected monthly by the Preserve
Manager and refilled as necessary.
GOAL 8: PROVIDE A PLANFOR SECURITYAND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Action Item 8.1 Discourage visitation to the park at night.
A sign designating park hours as dawn to dusk will be installed at the entrance to the
preserve and adjacent landowners will be given an emergency phone number if they detect
human activity on the preserve after hours. If problems arise, the Collier County Sheriff's
Office will be contacted to patrol the area and site on a routine basis.
Action Item 8.2 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in
or near the preserve.
Currently, there is no vehicular access and dumping is not a problem. Monthly inspections
will determine if dumping becomes a problem. Staff will work with the Collier County
Sheriff's Office to address dumping if it becomes a problem.
Action Item 8.3 Survey trees along the trail and the perimeter of the property annually
for damage
Staff will utilize the services of a certified arborist to determine diseased, weak, or damaged
trees /limbs surrounding the trails and kiosks that should be removed for safety reasons and
prior to hurricane season. This activity is intended to reduce the risk of visitor injury.
Action Item 8.4 Visit preserve within 48 hours after a storm event to assess damage.
Staff will take photos of damage and fill out appropriate Collier County Risk Management
Department forms. If damage is extensive, the preserve will be closed until public safety
hazards are cleared.
Action Item 8.5 Promptly clear storm debris from preserve.
If necessary, a Collier County emergency debris removal contractor will be contracted as soon
as possible after the storm to schedule clean -up. Removal of debris and damaged or downed
trees along the trail system may be needed. Downed trees and limbs that do not appear to be a
public safety hazard will be cleared at the discretion of the Preserve Manager. As much
hurricane debris as possible will be chipped and retained on -site — to be used as mulch for the
trail.
Conservation Collier Program 56
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve
This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Wet Woods Preserve.
It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, the possibilities for contracting the restoration
activities, coordination, and other management issues.
4.5.1 Maintenance
The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include control of dumping and littering
within and around the preserve and trail. Particularly important are the security measures to keep
intruders out and the fencing and signage in good conditions. Signs that effectively convey the
desired message provide an opportunity for increasing environmental education and awareness.
4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources
Preliminary budget estimates for Wet Woods Preserve include cost breakdowns associated with
resource restoration and management. The funding source identified for the restoration and
management activities is the Conservation Collier Program Management Trust Fund. Table 10
shows the activities planned for the next ten years and the initial and annual cost estimate of each
activity. Private conservation organizations may also provide funding for specific projects.
Funding already secured for management activities at Wet Woods Preserve includes a grant from
the state FDEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management ($57,500) to conduct the initial exotic
removal and/or treatment. Additional grants will be sought to supplement existing management
funding to possibly fund trail and/or boardwalk construction and signage. Staff will also utilize
the Collier County Sheriffs Department weekenders program for certain labor projects and may
also separately involve the County Scout programs for trail creation and enhancement. Sheriff's
workers will be limited to the eastern two- thirds of the property along the trail system and right -
of -way, and will be kept out of the bald eagle nesting buffer area and especially in areas where
children may be present.
The budget in Table 10 represents the actual and unmet budgetary needs for managing the lands
and resources of the preserve. This budget was developed using data from Conservation Collier
and other cooperating entities, and is based on actual costs for land management activities,
equipment purchase and maintenance, and for development of fixed capital facilities. The
budget below considers available funding and is consistent with the direction necessary to
achieve the goals and objectives for Wet Woods Preserve.
Conservation Collier Program 57
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4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors
A significant number of Wet Woods Preserve management operations and restoration activities
can be considered for outsourcing. Restoration and management activities that can be considered
for outsourcing to private entities are listed in Table 11.
Conservation Collier Program 60
Table 11: Potential Contracting Management
Approved Activity i
Prescribed fire and/ or mechanical treatment application X
Rejected
Minor fireline installation
X
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X
Fence installation
X
Plant and wildlife inventory and monitoring
X
Listed species mapping and needs assessment
X
Restore /enhance encroachment and ruderal areas
X
Reduce exoticspecies
X
Literature development and printing
X
Interpretive signs development and installation
X
Trail and boardwalk installation
X
Law enforcement and patrol
X
Conservation Collier Program 60
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
5.0 Literature Cited
Abrahamson, W. G., and D. C Hartnett. 1990. Pine flatwoods and dry prairies. Pages 103 -149
in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida
Press; Orlando, Florida.
Brandt, L. A. and F. J. Mazziotti. 2005. Marine toads (Bufo marinas). University of Florida
Cooperative Extension Service Document WECI 1. 4pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS
Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http: / /edis.ifas .ufl.edu/pdffiles /UW/UW04600.pdf (accessed November 2007).
Campbell, T. 2001. The brown anole. Institute for Biological Invaders: Invader of the Month.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Available from
http: // invasions. bio. utk. edu /invaders /sagrei.html (accessed November 2007).
Campbell, T. S. 1996. Northern range expansion of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, in Florida
and Georgia. Herp. Review 27:155 -157.
Campbell, T. S. 2000. Analyses of the effects of an exotic lizard (Anolis sagrei) on a native
lizard (Anolis carolinensis) in Florida, using islands as experimental units. Ph.D.
Dissertation, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
Churchill, M. 2003. Giant marine toad (Bufo marinus) - Introduced Species Summary Project.
Columbia University, New York, NY. Available from
http: / /www.columbia.edu/itc /cerc /danoff-
burg /invasion bio /inv spp_summ /Bufo — marinus.html (accessed December 2007).
Coates, S. F., M. B. Main, J. J. Mullahey, J. M. Schaefer, G. W. Tanner, M. E. Sunquist, and M.
D. Fanning. 1998. The coyote (Canis latrans): Florida's newest predator. University of
Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document WEC124. 5pp. University of Florida,
UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IJW/UW12700.pdf (accessed November 2007).
Collier County Environmental Services Department. January, 2006. Conservation Collier
Watkins -Jones Interim Management Plan
Collins, L. and R. H. Scheffrahn. 2005. Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren
(Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae). 9pp. Featured Creatures from the
Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service
Document EENY -195. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.
Available from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN352
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). 2007. List of Florida's invasive plant species.
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Available from
http://www.fleppc.org/list/07list—Ctrfld.pdf (accessed October 2007).
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2001. Impacts of feral and free -
ranging domestic cats on wildlife in Florida. Tallahassee, FL. Available from
http : / /www.floridaconservation.org /viewing /articles /cat.pdf (accessed October 2007)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2002. A conceptual management
plan for Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area: 2002 — 2007. Tallahassee, FL. 218
Conservation Collier Program 61
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
pp. Available from http://myfwc.com /wma-
planning/CMP/Caravelle%20Ranch%20WMA/Caravelle%2ORanch%2OCMP%202002-
2007.pdf (accessed December 2007)
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR)
1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and
Florida Department of Natural Resources.
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). 2006. Managed Area Tracking Record and Element
Occurrence Summary for Trailhead Scrub Preserve. FNAI, Tallahassee, Florida.
Gann, G. D., K. A. Bradley, and S. W. Woodmansee. 2002. Rare Plants of South Florida: Their
History, Conservation, and Restoration. The Institute for Regional Conservation, Miami,
Florida.
Giuliano, W. M., and G. W. Tanner. 2005. Control and management of wild hogs in Florida_
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 192. 7pp. Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS),
University of Florida. Available from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW221 (accessed December
2007).
Giuliano, W. M., and G. W. Tanner. 2005. Ecology of wild hogs in Florida. Department of
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 191. 7pp. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of
Florida. Available from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IJW220 (accessed December 2007).
Johnson, S. 2007. The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida' Department of
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC218. 8pp. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of
Florida. Available from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/M259 (accessed December 2007)
Karim, A. 2007. Status and use of tropical hardwood hammocks and forested residential areas as
habitat for resident and Neotropical migratory birds in the Florida Keys. Master of Science
Thesis. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 61pp.
Kline, W. N. and J. G. Duquesnel. 1996. Management of invasive exotic plants with
herbicides in Florida. Down to Earth 51(2):22 -28. http: / /www.fleppe.org/Misc /trtguide.pdf
Kushlan, J. A. 1990. Freshwater marshes. Pages 324 -363 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors.
Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida.
Langeland, K. A., and R. K. Stocker. 2001. Control of non - native plants in natural areas of
Florida. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document SP 242. 34pp.
University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database.
Available from http: / /edis.ifas .ufl.edu /pdffiles/WG /WG20900.pdf (accessed December
2007).
Larson, B. C., J. H. Frank, G. M. Allen, M. B. Main. 2006. Florida's native bromeliads.
University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular 1466. lOpp. University of
Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database, Available from
http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW205 (accessed November 2007).
Conservation Collier Program 62
Wet Woods Preserve Land Mana ement Plan
Lee, J. C. 1985. Anolis sagrei in Florida: Phenetics of a colonizing species I. Meristic characters.
Copeia 1985:182 -194.
Lodge, T. E. 2005. The Everglades handbook - Understanding the Ecosystem. 2nd edition.
CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.
Luidahl, K., D.J. Belz, L. Carey, R.W. Drew, S. Fisher, and R. Pate. 1990. Soil survey of Collier
County area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Washington, D.C.
Masterson, J. 2007. Felis catus. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Fort Pierce,
Florida. Available from http:// www. sms .si.edu/IRLspec/Felis_catus.htm (accessed
November 2007).
Mazziotti, F. J. 2002. Wood Storks (Mycteria americana). Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service document SSWIS12. 2pp. University
of Florida, OF /IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available
from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW065 (accessed November 2007).
Miller J. A. 1986. Hydrogeologic Framework of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and in
parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. United States Geological Survey
Professional Paper 1403 -B. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Oaks, R. Q. and J. R. Dunbar. 1974. Post Miocene Stratigraphy of the Central and Southern
Atlantic Coastal Plain. Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah.
Odum, W. E. and C. C. McIvor. 1990. Mangroves. Pages 517 -548 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel
editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida.
Odum, W. E., C. C. McIvor, and T. J. Smith I11. 1982. The ecology of mangroves of South
Florida: a community profile. United States Fish and Wildlife Service Off. Biol. Serv.
Technical Report OBS 81 -24.
Rey, J. R., and C. R. Rutledge. 2006. Mangroves. Entomology and Nematology Department,
Florida Cooperative Extension Service document ENY -660 (IN 195). 5pp. University of
Florida/IFAS, Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/inl95 (accessed October 2007).
Schwartz, A. and R. W. Henderson. 1991. Amphibians and reptiles of the West Indies:
descriptions, distributions, and natural history. University of Florida Press, Gainesville.
Scott, T. M. 1988. Lithostratigraphy of the Hawthorne Group (Miocene). Florida Geological
Survey Bulletin No. 59, Tallahassee, Florida.
Shields, M. 2002. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). The Birds of North America, No.
609 in A. Poole and F. Gill editors The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
Stimac J. L., and S. B. Alves. 1994. Pest Management in the Subtropics: Biological Control A
Florida Perspective. (Rosen D, Bennett FD, Capinera JL, Ed.) pp. 353 -380. Intercept
Limited, Andover, Hants SP10 1 YG, UK.
State University System of Florida. 2004 Publication of Archival Library and Museum
materials. Aerial Photography of Florida. http: / /www.uflib.ufl.edu /digital /collections /flap/
accesed January 2008.
Tomlinson, P. B. 1986. The botany of mangroves. Cambridge University Press, London.
Conservation Collier Program 63
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Mesic pine flatwoods. South Florida
multi- species recovery plan — a species plan ... an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast
Region, Compact Disk.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2007. National Bald Eagle Management
Guidelines. 23pp. Available from
http: / /www. fws.gov /pacific/ eagle/ NationalBaIdEagleManagementGuidelines .pdf
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 1958. Bonita Springs, Florida 7.5Minute Series
Topographic Quadrangle.
URS. 2007. Railhead Scrub Preserve Land Management Plan: managed by Conservation
Collier Program Collier County, FL. June 2007 — March 2017.
Willcox, E. and W. M. Giuliano. 2006. Red Imported Fire Ants and Their Impacts on Wildlife.
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 207. Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS),
University of Florida. Available http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW242
Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2004. Atlas of Florida vascular plants. [S.M. Landry and
K.N. Campbell (application development), Floirda Center for Community Design and
Research]. Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. Available
from http. / /www.plantatlas.usf.edu/.
Conservation Collier Program 64
Appendix 1. Legal Description of the Property
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
-t; 3871 PG; 3156
EXHIBIT "A"
PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 00154880008
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
COMMENCING AT THE EAST 1/4 CORNER OF SECTION 16,
TOWNSHIP 48 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, COLLIER COUNTY,
FLORIDA; THENCE ALONG THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF
SAID SECTION 16, SOUTH 88 °07'17" WEST, 3.14 FEET TO THE
INTERSECTION OF SAID 1/4 LINE WITH THE TANGENT TO
THE CURVE OF THE EAST RIGHT -OF -WAY LINE OF U.S. 41
(SR- 90- TAMAIMI TRAIL); THENCE ALONG SAID TANGENT AND
ALONG SAID EAST RIGHT -OF -WAY LINE, SOUTH 01 °00'30"
EAST, 1744.3 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 88 °59'30" WEST, 150 .0
FEET TO THE WEST RIGHT -OF -WAY LINE OF SAID U.S. 41
FOR A PLACE OF BEGINNING:
THENCE ALONG SAID WEST RIGHT -OF -WAY LINE
SOUTH 01 °00'30" EAST, 945.85 FEET TO THE SOUTH
LINE OF SAID SECTION 16; THENCE ALONG SAID
SOUTH LINE SOUTH 89 °13'26" WEST, 1238`.41 FEET TO
THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF GULF HARBOR AS
RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 4, PAGE 31 OF THE PUBLIC
RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA; THENCE
ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID GULF HARBOR NORTH
00 °42'36" WEST, 940.84 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88 °59'30"
EAST, 1233.52 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING
BEING PART OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE
SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 16, CONTAINING
26.77 ACRES MORE OR LESS
Conservation Collier Program 65
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Appendix 2. Preliminary Floristic Inventory Conducted by Keith Bradley, Institute for
Regional Conservation January 29, 2008*
Shen_ s _73-sw
M
Acacia auriculiformis
Coni�arna
Earleaf acacia
Introduced
I
Acrostichum aureum
Golden leather fern
Native
Threatened
S3
Acrostichum danaeifolium
Giant leather fern
Native
Aletris lutes
Yellow colicroot
Native
Andropoigonglorneratus, var, qlaucopsis
Purple bluestem
Native
Andro o on glomeratus var. pumilus
Common bushy bluestem
Native
Annona glabra
Pond-apple
Native
Ardisia elli tica
Shoe - button ardisia
Introduced
I
Aristida be richiana
Southern wire grass
Native
Aster bracei
Brace's aster
Native
Avicenna germinans,
Black mangrove
Native
Baccharis an ustifolia
Narrowleaved ground sel, Saltwater Falsewillow
Native
Bacchars glomeruliflora
Silverling
Native
Baco a monnieri
Water hyssop, Herb -of- race
Native
Blechnum serrulatum
Swam fem, Toothed midsorus fern
Native
Boehmeria c lindrica
Button-hemp, False nettle, Bog hemp
Native
Borrichia frutescens
Silver sea-oxeye-daisy, Bushy seaside oxeye
Native
Callicari a americana
American beautyberry
Native
Canavalia rosea
Beach -bean, Baybean, Seaside 'ackbean
Native
Carphephorus, corymbosus
Florida p aintbrush, Coastal lain chaffhead
Native
Cass ha filiformis
Lovevine, Devil's gut
Native
Casuarina a uisetifolia
Australian-pine, Horsetail casuarina
Introduced
Chiococca alba
Common snowberry, Milkberry
Native
Chiococca parvifolia
Pineland snowberry
Native
Cladium jarnaicense
Saw -grass, Jamaica swamp saw grass
Native
Colocasia esculenta
Wild taro, Dasheen, Coco-yam
Introduced
I
Conocarpus erectus
Buttonwood
Native
Crinum americanum
Swamp-lily, Seven - sisters, String-lily
Native
C nodon dact lon
Bermuda grass
Introduced
Cyperus odoratus
Fragrant flatsed a
Native
Cyperus retrorsus
Pinebarren flatsed a
Native
Dact loctenium aegyptium
Crow's -foot grass, Durban crowfoot rass
Introduced
Dalber.gia ecasta h Ilum
Coinvine
Native
Dichanthelium ensifolium var. unci h llum
Cypress witch grass
Native
Dichanthelium portoricense
Hemlock witch grass
Native
Dichanthelium stri osum var. glabrescens
Glabrescent rou hhair witch grass
Native
Dioscorea bulbifera
Common air-potato
Introduced
I
Drosera ca illaris
Pink sundew
Native
Ecli to prostrata
False-daisy
Native
Eleocharis baldwinit
Baldwin's s ikerush, road grass
Native
Era rostis elliotin
Elliott's love grass
Native
Erechtites hieracifolia
Fireweed, American burnweed
Native
Eri eron vemus
arly whitetop fleabane
Native
Eugenia axillaris
White stopper
Native
Eu atodum ca illifolium
Dog-fennel
Native
Eustach s petraea
Common fin er rass, Pinewoods fin er rass
Native
Euthamia caroliniana
Slender goldenrod
Native
Ficus aurea
Strangler fig, Golden fig
Native
Ficus microcar a
Laurel fig, Indian laurel
Introduced
I
Fimbrist lis c mosa
Hurricane sedge, Hurricane grass
Introduced
Fimbrist lis s adicea
Marsh firnbry
Native
Hed Otis uniflora
Clustered mille graine
Native
H drocot le verticillata
Whorled marshpennywort
Native
Hypericum tetra etalum
Four petal St. John's -wort
Native
Ilex cassine
Dahoon holly, Dahoon
Native
Ilex glabra
Gallberry, Inkberry
Native
Juncus roemerianus
Black needle rush, Needle rush, Black rush
Native
Lachnocaulon ance s
Whitehead bo button
Native
La uncularia racemosa
White mangrove
Native
Lilium catesbaei *
Catesb s Lily
Native
Threatened
Urnonium carolinianum
Saltmarsh- rosemary, Carolina sealavender
Native
Ludwig re ens
Creeping rimrosewillow
Native
L cium carolinianum
Christmasberry, Carolina desertthorn
Native
Lvqodium micro h Ilum
Small -leaf climbing fern
Introduced
I
L onia fruticosa
Coastal lain staggerbush
Native
Magnolia vir iniana
Sweet-bay
Native
Man ifera indica
Mango
I Introduced
Melaleuca quinquene rvia
Punktree
I Introduced
Conservation Collier Program 66
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Se3dn7 ar
Mikania scandens
G6fFi _ 67 ,r
Climbing hem weed, Climbin hem vine
N S s.
Native
'
Mollu o verticillata
Indian- chickweed, Green car etweed
Introduced
M rica cerifera
Wax myrtle, Southern Bayberry
Native
Ne hrole is multiflora
Asian sword fern
Introduced
I
Oeceoclades maculata
African round orchid, Monk orchid
Introduced
Osmunda re alis var. s ectabilis
Royal fern
Native
Commercially Exploited
Panicum hemitomon
Maidencane
Native
Panicum virgatum
Switch rass
Native
Parthenocissus quinguefolia
Virginia-creeper, Woodbine
Native
Persea palustris
Swamp bay
Native
Phlebodium aureum
Golden polypody
Native
Ph salis an ustifolia
Coastal groundcherry
Native
Piloble his r ida
Wild pennyroyal
Native
Pinus elliottii var. dense
South Florida slash pine
Native
Pluchea odorata
Sweetscent
Native
Pluchea rosea
Rosy cam horweed
Native
Psilotum nudum
Whisk -fern
Native
Pterocaulon pycnostachyum
Blackroot
Native
Ptifimnium ca illaceum
Mock bisho sweed, Herbwilliam
Native
Quercus laurifolia
Laurel oak, Diamond oak
Native
Quercus minima
Dwarf live oak
Native
Quercus purnila
Running oak
Native
Quercus virginiana
Virginia live oak
Native
Randia aculeata
White indigoberry
Native
Ra anea punctata
M rsine, Colicwood
Native
Rhabdadenia biflora
Mangrove rubbervine, Man rovevine
Native
Rhizo hora man le
Red mangrove
Native
Rhodom rtus tomentosa
Downy myrtle, Rose myrtle
Introduced
I
Rhus co allinum
Win ed sumac
Native
Rh nchos ora fascicularis
Fascicled Beaksed a
Native
Saba) palmetto
Cabbage palm
Native
Salicomia perennis
Perennial glasswort
Native
Sarcostemma clausum
Whitevine, White twinevine
Native
Schinus terebinthifolius
Brazilian-pepper
Introduced
Scleria ciliate
Fringed nutrush
Native
Serenoa re ens
Saw palmetto
Native
Siderox lon celastrinum
Saffron plum
Native
Siderox lonsalicifolium
Willow- bustic, White bully
Native
Smilax auriculata
Earleaf greenbrier
Native
Smilax bona -nox
Saw greenbrier
Native
Solida ostricta
Narrow - leaved goldenrod, Wand goldenrod
Native
S artina patens
Marshhay cord grass, Saltmeadow cord grass
Native
S ermacoce verticillata
Shrubby false buttonweed
Introduced
S irodela polyrhiza
Common duckweed
Native
Syzyqium cumin
Jambolan- lum, Java-plum
Introduced
I
Thelypteris kunthii
Southern shield fern
Native
Tillandsia balbisiana
Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf
Native
Threatened
Tillandsia fasciculata var. densis ica
Stiff- leaved wild-pine, Cardinal air plant
Native
Endangered
Tillandsia flexuosa
Banded wild-pine, Twisted air plant
Native
Threatened
S3
Tillandsia recurvata
Ball -moss
Native
Tillandsia usneoides
Spanish-moss
Native
Tillandsia utnculata
Giant wild-pine, Giant airplant
Native
Endangered
Toxicodendron radicans
Eastern poison-ivy
Native
Tri lochin sMata
Arrow grass
Native
Urena lobata
Caesarweed
Introduced
II
Vaccinium m rsinites
Shiny blueberry
Native
Verbesina virginica
Frostweed, White crownbeard
Native
Vitis rotundifolia
Muscadine, Muscadine grape
Native
Vittar/a lineata
Shoestring fern
Native
X ris ambi ua
Coastal lain yelloweyed grass
Native
X ris brevifolia
Shortleaf yelloweyed grass
Native
X ris elliottii
Elliott's yelloweyed grass
Native
X ris jupicai
Richard's yelloweyed grass
Introduced
Zeuxine strateumatica
Soldier's orchid, Lawn orchid
Introduced
ooserveo oy conservauon comer star in zuur
Conservation Collier Program 67
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Appendix 3. FNAI Report
FLORIDA
Natu rat Areas
INVENTORY
1018 Th...Alle I .d October 29, 2007
suite 200-C
Tallahassee, F1 32303
I. 8s0- 224 -8207 Christal Segura
Collier County Conservation Program
2201 Tamiami Trail Building W
Naples, FL 34112
Dear Ms. Segura,
Thank you for your request for information from the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). We have
compiled the following information for your project area.
Project: Wet Woods Preserve
Date Received: October 22, 2007
Location: Collier County
Element Occurrences
A search of our maps and database indicates that currently we have several Element Occurrences
mapped within the vicinity of the study area (see enclosed map and element occurrence table).
Please be advised that a lack of element occurrences in the FNAI database s not a sufficient
indication of the absence of rare or endangered species on a site.
The Element Occurrences data layer includes occurrences of rare species and natural
communities. The map legend indicates that some element occurrences occur in the general
vicinity of the label point. This maybe due to lack of precision of the source data, or an element
that occurs over an extended area (such as a wide ranging species or large natural community).
For animals and plants, Element Occurrences generalry refer to more than a casual sighting; they
usually indicate a viable population of the species. Note that some element occurrences
represent historically documented observations which may no longer be extant.
Likely and Potential Rare Species
In addition to documented occurrences, other rare species and natural communities may be identified
on or near the site based on habitat models and species range models (see enclosed Biodiversity
Matrix Report). These species should be taken into consideration in field surveys, land management,
and impact avoidance and mitigation.
FNAI habitat models indicate areas, which based on land cover type, offer suitable habitat for one
or more rare species that is known to occur in the vicinity. Habitat models have been developed
forapproximately 300 of the rarest species tracked by the Inventory, including all federally listed
o< " species.
gy�a FNAI species range models indicate areas that are within the known or predicted range of a
species, based on climate variables, soils, vegetation, and/or slope. Species range models have
F onm Re o es been developed for approximately 340 species, including all federally listed species.
and E -inrtu ul
Analysis Cerra
mslihtle of science
and Public AUf `
The Florida Stale University
7racicin9 ?(oricia s Biod ver�it�t
Conservation Collier Program 68
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Christal Segura Page 2 October 29, 2007
The FNAI Biodiversdy Matrix Geodatabase compiles Documented, Likely, and Potential species and
natural communities for each square mile Matrix Unit statewide.
The Inventory always recommends that professionals familiar with Florida's flora and fauna should
conduct a site - specific survey to determine the current presence or absence of rare, threatened, or
endangered species.
Please visit www.fnai.orgttrackinglist.cfm for county or statewide element occurrence distributions and
links to more element information.
The database maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory is the single most comprehensive source
of information available on the locations of rare species and other significant ecological resources.
However, the data are not always based on comprehensive or site - specific field surveys. Therefore, this
information should not be regarded as a final statement on the biological resources of the site being
considered, nor should it be substituted for on -site surveys. Inventory data are designed for the purposes
of conservation planning and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for
regulatory decisions.
Information provided by this database may not be published without prior written notification to the Florida
Natural Areas Inventory, and the Inventory must be credited as an information source in these
publications. FNAI data may not be resold for profit.
Thank you for your use of FNAI services. If I can be of further assistance, please give me a call at (850)
224 -8207.
Sincerely,
Lindsay Horton
Data Services Coordinator
End
7rac%in9 'F%rida r Siodiivemi
Conservation Collier Program 69
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
Conservation Collier Program 70
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
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1018 Thomasville Road ! i8
! Tall hassee, FL 32303 'Florida Naturg( lreRS 9nueniary Qty
(850) 224-8207
(850) 681 -9364 Fax Biodiversity Matrix Report
Na�itral A7-eas ' � s'
INVENTORY Global State Federal State
Scientific Name Common Name Rank Rank Status Listin
Matrix Unit ID: 38350
Documented
Acrostichum aureum Golden Leather Fern G5 S3 N LT
Haliaeetusleucocephalus Bald Eagle G5 S3 LT,PDL LT
Scrub G2 S2 N N
Likely
Chamaesyce cumulicola Sand -dune Spurge G2 S2 N LE
Dendroica discolor paludicola Florida Prairie Warbler G5T3 S3 N N
Estuarine tidal swamp G5 S4 N N
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Maritime hammock G3 S2 N N
Mycteria americana Wood Stork G4 S2 LE LE
Rynchops niger Black Skimmer G5 S3 N LS
Sciurus niger avicennia Mangrove Fox Squirrel G5T2 S2 N LT
Stema antillarum Least Tern G4 S3 N LT
Stema sandvicensis Sandwich Tern G5 S2 N N
Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 N LE
Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 N LE
Vireo altiloquus Black- whiskered Vireo G5 S3 N N
Matrix Unit ID: 38351
Documented
Haliaeetusleucocephalus Bald Eagle G5 S3 LT,PDL LT
Documented - Historic
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Likely
Andropogon arctatus Pine woods Bluestem G3 S3 N LT
Aphelocoma coerulescens Florida Scrub- ay G2 S2 LT LT
Chamaesyce cumulicola Sand -dune Spurge G2 S2 N LE
Dendroica discolor paludicola Florida Prairie Warbler G5T3 S3 N N
Estuarine tidal swamp G5 S4 N N
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Lechea cemua Nodding Pinweed G3 S3 N LT
Lechea cemua Nodding Pinweed G3 S3 N LT
Mycteria americans Wood Stork G4 S2 LE LE
Rynchops niger Black Skimmer G5 S3 N LS
Sciurus niger avicennia Mangrove Fox Squirrel G5T2 S2 N LT
Scrub G2 S2 N N
Scrub G2 S2 N N
Stema antillarum Least Tern G4 S3 N LT
Stema sandvicensis Sandwich Tern G5 S2 N N
Definitions: Documented -Rare species and natural communities documented on ornear this site.
Documented - Historic -Rare species and natural communities documenled, but not observed/repafed within the last twenty years.
10292007 Er6a1pe�Rate �earemungbuomypmtieeeHtdr euoccmo6! sfs(ytep pn suitable hab tat and or known occurrences in the vicinity.
P 9 P
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Conservation Collier Program 77
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
J0J8ThomasvilleRoad
ass. Tforiaia Nafura(Areas 9nvenlory
Tallahassee. FL 32303
(aso) 22a e2oT Biodiversity, Matrix Report �g
- : (e50) 68J -9364 Fax
_ "• ` . ; www.fiai.org a' 1851 ' •
ti. gjinn
Maraal ATeas
INVENTORY Global State Federal State
Scientific Name Common Name Rank Rank Status Lfstin
Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 N LE
Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 N LE
Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 N LE
Vireo altiloquus Black- whiskered Vireo G5 S3 N N
Potential from any /all selected units
Andropogon amtatus Pine -woods Bluestem G3 S3 N LT
Aphelocoma coerulescens Florida Scrub -jay G2 S2 LT LT
Ardea herodias occidentalis Great White Heron G5T2 S2 N N
Athene cunicularia floridana Florida Burrowing Owl G4T3 S3 N LS
Calopogon multiflorus Many - flowered Grass -pink G2G3 S2S3 N LE
Crocodylus acutus American Crocodile G2 82 LT LE
Drymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake G3 S3 LT LT
Elytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia Narrow- leaved Carolina Scalystem G4T2 S2 N N
Eragrostis pectinacea var. tracyi Sanibel Lovegrass G5T1 S1 N LE
Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill G3 S1 LE LE
Eumops floridanus Florida bonneted bat G1 S1 N LE
Forestiera segregata var. pinetorum Florida Pinewood Privet G4T2 S2 N N
Gymnopogon chapmanianus Chapman's Skeietongrass G3 S3 N N
Heterodon simus Southern Hognose Snake G2 S2 N N
Lechea cemua Nodding Pinweed G3 S3 N LT
Lechea divaricata Pine Pinweed G2 S2 N LE
Linum carted var. smalii/ Carter's Large - flowered Flax G2T2 S2 N LE
Matelea floridana Florida Spiny -pod G2 S2 N LE
Mesic flatwoods G4 S4 N N
Mustela frenata peninsulae Florida Long - tailed Weasel G5T3 S3 N N
Nemastylis floridana Celestial Lily G2 S2 N LE
Picoides borealis Red - cockaded Woodpecker G3 S2 LE LS
Pteroglossaspis ecristata Giant Orchid G2G3 S2 N LT
Puma concolorcoryi Florida Panther G5T1 S1 LE LE
Rallus longirostfis scottii Florida Clapper Rail G5T3? S3? N N
Rana capito Gopher Frog G3 S3 N LS
Rivulus matmoratus Mangrove Rivulus G3 S3 C LS
Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Snail Kite 34G5T3C S2 LE LE
Sceloporus woodi Florida Scrub Lizard G3 S3 N N
Trichechus manatus Manatee G2 S2 LE LE
Ursus americanus floridanus Florida Black Bear G5T2 S2 N LT'
Definitions: Documented -Ram species and natural communities documented on or near this site.
Documented- Histonc - Rare species and natural communities Documented, but not observedheported within the last twenty years.
10 29 200 >n suitable habitat andPor Imown occurrences in the vicinity.
P 4 P
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Florida Natural Areas Inventory Rank Explanations February, 2007
GLOBAL AND STATE RANKS
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) defines an element as any rare or exemplary component of the
natural environment, such as a species, natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other
ecological feature. FNAI assigns two ranks to each element found in Florida: the global rank, which is
based on an element's worldwide status, and the state rank, which is based on the status of the element
within Florida. Element ranks are based on many factors, including estimated number of occurrences,
estimated abundance (for species and populations) or area (for natural communities), estimated number
of adequately protected occurrences, range, threats, and ecological fragility.
GLOBAL RANK DEFINITIONS
Gl Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer occurrences or less than 1000 individuals) or
because of extreme vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor.
G2 Imperiled globally because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences or less than 3000 individuals) or because of vulnerability to
extinction due to some natural or man-made factor.
G3 Either very raze and local throughout its range (21 -100 occurrences or less than 10,0000 individuals) or found locally
in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction from other factors.
G4 Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range).
G5 Demonstrably secure globally.
G #? Tentative rank (e.g., G2 ?)
G #G# Range of rank; insufficient data to assign specific global rank (e.g., G2G3)
G #T# Rank of a taxonomic subgroup such as a subspecies or variety; the G portion of the rank refers to the entire species
and the T portion refers to the specific subgroup; numbers have same definition as above (e.g., GM)
G#Q Rank of questionable species - ranked as species but questionable whether it is species or subspecies; numbers have
same definition as above (e.g., G2Q)
G #T #Q Same as above, but validity as subspecies or variety is questioned.
GH Of historical occurrence throughout its range, may be rediscovered (e.g., ivory- billed woodpecker)
GNA Ranking is not applicable because element is not a suitable target for conservation (e.g. as for hybrid species)
GNR Not yet ranked (temporary)
GNRTNR Neither the full species nor the taxonomic subgroup has yet been ranked (temporary)
GX Believed to be extinct throughout range
GXC Extirpated from the wild but still known from captivity/cultivation
GU Umankable. Due to lack of information, no rank or range can be assigned (e.g., GUT2).
STATE RANK DEFINITIONS
Definition parallels global element rank: substitute "S" for "G" in above global ranks, and "in Florida" for
"globally" in above global rank definitions.
%rackny "C(oria(a s Biodivems
Conservation Collier Program 79
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Florida Natural Areas Inventory Rank Explanations February, 2007
FEDERAL AND STATE LEGAL STATUSES (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — USFWS)
PROVIDED BY FNAI FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
For official definitions and lists of protected species, consult the relevant state or federal agency.
FEDERAL LEGAL STATUS
Definitions derived from U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, Sec. 3. Note that the federal status given
by FNAI refers only to Florida populations and that federal status may differ elsewhere.
LE Listed as Endangered Species in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the provisions of
the Endangered Species Act. Defined many species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of its range.
LE,XN A non essential experimental population of a species otherwise Listed as an Endangered Species in the List of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. LE,XN for Grim americana (Whooping crane), Federally listed as
XN (Non essential experimental population) refers to the Florida experimental population only. Federal listing
elsewhere for Gras americana is LE.
PE Proposed for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants as Endangered Species.
LT Listed as Threatened Species, defined as any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
LT,PDL Species currently listed Threatened but has been proposed for delisting.
PT Proposed for listing as Threatened Species.
C Candidate Species for addition to the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, Category L Federal
listing agencies have sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threats to support proposing to list the
species as Endangered or Threatened.
SAT Threatened due to similarity of appearance to a threatened species.
SC Species of Concern, species is not currently listed but is of management concern to USFWS.
N Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants.
FLORIDA LEGAL STATUSES (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — FFWCC/
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — FDACS)
Animals: Definitions derived from "Florida's Endangered Species and Species of Special Concern,
Official Lists" published by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - FFWCC, 1 August
1997, and subsequent updates.
LE Listed as Endangered Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species, subspecies, or isolated population which is so
rare or depleted in number or so restricted in range of habitat due to any man-made or natural factors that it is in
immediate danger of extinction or extirpation from the state, or which may attain such a status within the immediate
future.
LT Listed as Threatened Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species, subspecies, or isolated population which is
acutely vulnerable to environmental alteration, declining in number at a rapid rate, or whose range or habitat is
decreasing in area at a rapid rate and as a consequence is destined or very likely to become an endangered species
within the foreseeable future.
LT" indicates that a species has LT status only in selected portions of its range in Florida. LT- for Ursus americans
floridanus (Florida black bear) indicates that LT status does not apply in Baker and Columbia counties and in the
Apalachicola National Forest. LT" for Neovison vison pop. 1 (Southern mink, South Florida population) state listed
as Threatened refers to the Everglades population only (Note: species formerly listed as Mustela vison mink pop. 1.
Also, priorly listed as Mustela evergladensis).
LS Listed as Species of Special Concern by the FFWCC, defined as a population which warrants special protection,
recognition, or consideration because it has an inherent significant vulnerability to habitat modification,
7rac�jn9 �%rticia s versif jt
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Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Florida Natural Areas Inventory Rank Explanations February, 2007
environmental alteration, human disturbance, or substantial human exploitation which, in the foreseeable future, may
result in its becoming a threatened species.
LS" Indicates that a species has LS status only in selected portions of its range in Florida. LS" for Pandion haliaetus
(Osprey) state listed as LS (Species of Special Concern) in Monroe County only.
PE Proposed for listing as Endangered.
PT Proposed for listing as Threatened.
PS Proposed for listing as a Species of Special Concern.
N Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for listing.
Plants: Definitions derived from Sections 581.011 and 581.185(2), Florida Statutes, and the Preservation
of Native Flora of Florida Act, 513- 40.001. FNAI does not track all state- regulated plant species; for a
complete list of state - regulated plant species, call Florida Division of Plant Industry, 352- 372 -3505 or
please visit: http: //DOACS. State .FL.US /Pl/images/RuleO5b.pdf
LE Listed as Endangered Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. Defined as species of plants native to
the state that are in imminent danger of extinction within the state, the survival of which is unlikely if the causes of a
decline in the number of plants continue, and includes all species determined to be endangered or threatened
pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
PE Proposed by the FDACS for listing as Endangered Plants.
LT Listed as Threatened Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. Defined as species native to the state
that are in rapid decline in the number of plants within the state, but which have not so decreased in such number as
to cause them to be endangered. LT' indicates that a species has LT status only in selected portions of its range in
Florida
PT Proposed by the FDACS for listing as Threatened Plants.
N Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for listing.
1018 Thomasville Road
Suite 200-C
Tallahassee, FL 32303
(850) 224 -8207
(850) 681 -9364 Fax
www.fnai.org
X 14 Mt A,5
INVENTORY
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Conservation Collier Program 81
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
Appendix 4. Division of Migratory Bird Management Fact Sheet on Laws Protecting the
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle: Other Protection following
Delisting under the Endangered Species Act of 1973
November 5, 2004 draft (revised January 4, 2007)
The Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act will continue to
protect the bald eagle following delisting under the
Endangered Species Act. Originally passed in 1940 to
protect bald eagles, the Eagle Act was amended in 1962 to
protect golden eagles as well, by prohibiting the take,
possession, sale, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or
barter, transport, export or import, of any bald or golden
eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg, unless
allowed by permit (16 U.S.0 668(a); 50 CFR 22). "Take"
includes pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture,
trap, collect, molest or disturb (16 U.S.C. 668c;
50 CFR 22.3).
A violation of the Eagle Act can result in a fine of $100,000
or imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense. An
organization may be fined $200,000. Penalties increase for
additional offenses. A second violation is a felony and can
result in two years' imprisonment and a fine of up to
$250,000 for an individual— or $500,000 for an
organization. People who provide information leading to an
arrest and conviction are eligible for a reward of up to half of
the fine.
The Lacey Act
Congress originally passed the Lacey Act in 1900 to help
States protect resident species by making it a Federal
violation to transport illegally taken wildlife across State
lines. Later amending the law, Congress extended its
prohibitions to importing, exporting, selling, acquiring, or
purchasing fish, wildlife, or plants taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of U.S. or Indian law or State
or foreign law. Prohibitions of the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C.
3371 -78) will continue to apply to the bald eagle including its
feathers, parts, nests, and eggs —as well as its products —
following delisting under the Endangered Species Act. The
Lacey Act also prohibits making false records, labels, or
identification of shipped wildlife; importing injurious
species; and shipping fish or wildlife in an inhumane manner.
Penalties include a maximum of five years in prison and a
$250,000 fine for felony convictions, a maximum $10,000
Conservation Collier Program 82
Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
fine for civil violations, and a $250 fine for marking
violations. The maximum criminal fine for an organization is
$500,000. People who provide information leading to an
arrest, criminal conviction, civil penalty, or forfeiture of
property are eligible for a reward. Fish, wildlife, and plants
involved in violations are subject to forfeiture. Vessels,
vehicles, aircraft, and other equipment used to aid in
importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving,
acquiring, or purchasing fish or wildlife or plants in a
criminal violation are subject to forfeiture upon a felony
conviction involving commercialization.
The Migratory Bird
Treaty Act
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is a Federal law that carries
out the United States' commitment to four international
conventions— with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. The
conventions protect migratory birds as an international
resource. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S. C 703-
712) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 21) provide
authority to conserve bird species such as the bald eagle,
even if Endangered Species Act protections are removed.
Except as allowed by permit (50 CFR 21.11), the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take,
capture, kill, attempt to take, capture or kill, possess, offer for
sale, sell, offer to purchase, purchase, deliver for shipment,
ship, cause to be shipped, deliver for transportation,
transport, cause to be transported, carry or cause to be
carried, receive for shipment, or export any migratory bird —
including eggs, parts, and nests. In addition, the Act
authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to
determine if, and by what means, the take of migratory birds
should be allowed and to adopt regulations permitting and
governing take —for example, hunting seasons for ducks and
geese.
Penalties include a maximum of two years' imprisonment
and a $250,000 fine for a felony conviction and six months'
imprisonment and $15,000 fine for a misdemeanor
conviction. A commercial activity is a felony, just as is take
with intent to sell. Maximum fines are doubled for any
organization convicted of a felony violation.
Conservation Collier Program 83
From,
DIANE SOLOMON
To:
ResnickLisa
Cc:
DIANE SOLOMON
Subject:
Survey
Date:
Wednesday, May 01, 2013 11:12:24 PM
We have lived in Bay Colony, Pelican Bay for 4 years. We enjoy kayaking in clam bay and nature
watching along the boardwalks.
We believe that maintaining a healthy mangrove should be the foremost goal when addressing clam
pass.
Please feel free to contact me at the email above or at my cell 301- 343 -5585.
Sincerely,
Diane Solomon Brown
Stuart Brown
May 14, 2013 Clam Bay Subcommittee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
4. Monitoring Clam Pass and seeking a Nationwide permit proposals (Humiston & Moore Engineers)
Page 1 of 6
HUMISTON
& MOORE
ENGINEERS
COASTAL
RiH11
ENGINEERING DESIGN
AND PERMITTING
April 30, 2013
MEMORANDUM
To: Neil Dorrill
From: Brett D. Moore
Regarding: Clam Pass — Interim Permit Coordination & Monitoring
HM File No. 13 -078/22-063
$679 STRAND COURT
NAPLES, FLORIDA 34110
FAX 239 594 2025
PHONE: 239 594 2021
At this point we recommend the following items be considered to remain proactive with the on-
going management of Clam Pass. This work is intended to be done while the PBSD is in the
process of developing a long range plan for the inlet. The following presents a Scope of Work and
related costs for proactive interim coordination with the state and federal agencies and monitoring
of the inlet.
1) Permits:
a. USACE: The authorized work under the existing nationwide permit from the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers has been completed. It is suggested that a new Nationwide permit be
filed with the USACE to allow for removal of sand from Section A in case of a storm
related sand deposition at the inlet entrance that could lead to inlet closure. H &M
proposes to provide support to Turrell Hall and Associates, Inc. who we understand
would take the lead with the USACE on the permitting. This scope allows for one
meeting with the Corps and development of permit drawings to support the request.
b. pLP_: A copy would be died with DEP to keep the state on notice that we are not
Intending to take the permit modification and extend that operation for 10 years, rather
that we want to be able to dredge If there is potential for closure from large storm events
before the 10 -year Plan is completed and filed. H &M would take the lead with the state
DEP on this request. Discussions with the DEP would also Include potential grading
authorization from the DEP under their existing permit above MHW if persistent
escarpments form exceeding the limitations in the DEP permit requiring coordination with
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or if sand builds up on the
north or south sides of the inlet and immediately adjacent shoreline from high wave
activity.
Permitting Budaet (Item 1): $►14,000 (T &M)
(Note: Item 1a does not include time from THA)
2) Monitoring:
H &M will analyze hydrographic survey data under the attached plan to be collected by
Agnoli Barber and Brundidge (ABB) for 3- months, 6- months, and 12 months since the
completion of the dredging of Clam Pass as of April 1, 2013. It is recommended that
annual hydrographic surveying program be continued annually thereafter to be conducted
and reviewed in concert with the tidal monitoring data. In addition, H &M will collect
current measurements within sections A, B and C at appropriate tidal conditions near the
timing of the hydrographic survey. This will include monthly oblique aerials.
a. 3 -Month survey and two page summary with comparative plots prior to, following
and 3 months following dredging.
Budget (ta): $16,160 (LS)
May 14, 2013 Clam Bay Subcommittee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
4. Monitoring Clam Pass and seeking a Nationwide permit proposals (Humiston & Moore Engineers)
Page 2 of 6
b. 6 -Month survey and two page summary with comparative plots prior to, following,
3- months and 6 -months following dredging.
Budget (2b): $16,160 (LS)
c. 12 -Month survey (April 2014) with a report of annual volumetric changes and
comparative plots and presentation of results. This report will include the results of
the current measurements as well.
Budget (2c): $26,290 (LS)
Total Monitoring Budget (Item 2): $58,610 (LS)
Total Permitting & Monitoring (Items 1 and 2):172,661.0.
Attached are a summary sheet of costs and an illustration showing the scope of survey.
May 14, 2013 Clam Bay Subcommittee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
4. Monitoring Clam Pass and seeking a Nationwide permit proposals (Humiston & Moore Engineers)
Page 3 of 6
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TURRRELL, HALL & ASSOCIATES, INC.
MARINE & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING
3584 Exchange Avenue, Suite B • Naples, Florida 34104 -3732 • (239) 643 -0166 • Fax 643 -6632• thall @turrellassociates.com
May 13, 2013
Mr. Neil Dorrill
Pelican Bay Services Division
5672 Strand Court, Ste 1
Naples, FL 34110
Re: Proposal for Permitting Services
Clam Pass Federal Maintenance Dredge Permitting- Contract No. 09- 562 -S2
Dear Mr. Dorrill:
Turrell, Hall & Associates, Inc. is pleased to provide you with this proposal for permitting services to Collier County, via
Pelican Bays Services Division (PBSD). Based on our discussions, it is our understand you would like to apply for a
Nationwide Permit to maintenance dredge Class Pass as- needed. The work proposed would be conducted by Turrell, Hall
& Associates, Inc. (THA) and our subcontractor, Humiston & Moore Engineers (H &M). Our scope of services would
be as follows to obtain a maintenance dredging permit:
Prepare and submit new Nationwide Permit application: THA and H &M will prepare updated design and permit
drawings at the direction of the Pelican Bay Services Division (PBSD) for the dredging of Clam Pass. The plans
will be based on updated hydrographic and beach profile data and on the most recent benthic resources surveys
conducted. THA and H &M will also provide background to the USACE, any new engineering required, submit
the Nationwide permit application, attend meetings (including pre-app) with the USACE staff, and provide
responses to commenting parties as a result of the new application ............... ............................... $18,100.00
2. Coordinate with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (LTSFWS): THA will coordinate and meet (if necessary) with
USFWS as to the applicability of the existing Biological Opinion (BO), as pertaining to this maintenance dredge
permit. (If the USFWS determines the existing BO is not applicable to this project, then a new proposal will be
given to move forward in its processing) .................................... ............................... ......................$1,400.00
We feel it is unlikely the USACE will issue a blanket Nationwide permit for an undefined dredge project. Normally they
will require dredge amounts, methods at construction and timeframe, all of which we would be unable to provide until
the dredging is needed. As such we strongly suggest a pre - application meeting be held with them before getting too far
into this process to make sure that Nationwide Permitting is the appropriate path.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
1
Tim Hall, Vice President