Agenda 01/21/2014PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION
Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014
THE CLAM BAY COMMITTEE OF THE PELICAN BAY SERVICES
DIVISION WILL MEET TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 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. Agenda Approval
3. Audience comments
4. Discussion of latest draft of chapter 6 on goals and objectives
5. Discussion of studies /costs recommended for Fiscal Year 2015,
Fiscal Year 2016, etc.
6. Discussion of ways to expand water quality section on pages
61 -63 of Jan. 3 draft
7. Topics for February 4 and 18 meetings
8. Other
9. Adjourn
ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK ON AN AGENDA ITEM WILL RECEIVE UP TO
ONE (1) MINUTE 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.
1/17/2014 1:29:32 PM
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6,version 3.1.01-10-14 prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 1 of 7
6.0 Management Plan Goals and Objectives
The following goals and objectives for the management of the Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection
Area were developed in accordance with the directives of the Collier County Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) and the Pelican Bay Services Division, which serves as an advisory board to the
BOCC. The goals and objectives were formed in conjunction with stakeholder input and are based on the
management issues present in the preserve as well as the purposes for which the land is held in public
trust. The document goals set forth in this plan should not appreciably change over time but the
management techniques and activities proposed may be modified based on ongoing coordination with
stakeholder and user groups or when management objectives are not being met.
Management concerns are addressed in the following sections along with the management techniques or
activities proposed for addressing those concerns. The ability to implement specific goals or objectives
presented in this plan will be based on funding and staffing availability. The following goals were
identified during the stakeholder and PBSD committee meetings. No prioritization was intended with the
order presented. All goals associated with this plan are deemed important and is why they are included
with the plan.
Goal 1 - Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA while
minimizing negative environmental impacts.
Goal 2 - Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities.
Goal 3 - Manage and improve water quality.
Goal 4—Protect the integrity of known archaeological sites within the system.
Goal 5 -Address recreational uses with emphasis on passive recreation.
Goal 6 -Improve public awareness and involvement.
GOAL 1 - Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA while
minimizing negative environmental impacts.
A. Establish conditions to help determine when dredging is necessary.
Monitoring of the Pass and internal waterways will provide information to determine if dredging
is necessary. Bathymetric surveys of cross-sectional areas of the Pass, tide gauge data, and
biological indicators can all be used to indicate when dredging is needed. Dredging for the tidal
exchange benefits necessary to maintain or improve environmental aspects of the system will be
done. Dredging for navigation or beach renourishment will not be done.
1) Conduct, at a minimum, annual (1 x/year) bathymetric surveys of the Pass. Additional
bathymetric surveys will be conducted prior to any dredging event or if conditions
necessitate additional analysis outside of the annual schedule.
2) Maintain primary and backup tidal gauges in good working order. Collect information
quarterly (4x/year) to insure gauges are working properly and data loss due to
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6,version 3.1.01-10-14 prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 2 of 7
malfunctioning equipment is minimized. Compile and analyze data annually for
inclusion in the annual report to PBSD.
3) Visually inspect interconnecting waterways between bays on an annual basis. Conduct
a baseline bathymetric survey within the interconnecting waterways for comparison
with later surveys described under Goal 1.C.1. below.
4) Collect annual biological information as outlined under Goal 2 for use in determining
when dredging activities might be warranted, and what impacts could be associated
with the dredging.
B. Minimize dredge footprint(s) to the least environmentally damaging practicable
alternative.
Dredging should be conducted only in those areas necessary to achieve the desired flow
improvements. While dredging smaller amounts may be less damaging in the short term, the
potential need to dredge more often may offset that benefit.
1) Collect current survey data and cross sectional areas before establishing the dredge
footprint for each dredging event.
2) Conduct floral and faunal monitoring within and adjacent to proposed dredge footprint
area(s). If unacceptable impacts will occur to floral or faunal communities, explore
options to modify footprint to achieve necessary flow characteristics while protecting
to the greatest extent possible the other floral or faunal components.
3) Develop a scope which balances the tidal exchange benefits while minimizing the
frequency of needed dredging events.
C. Provide for appropriate drainage of fresh water by maintaining internal creeks and hand
dug channels and modifying or augmenting hand dug channels as needed.
The original 1995 die-off of mangroves was due in large part to drainage problems in the upper
portions of the system. Maintaining the network of hand dug channels and the ability of the upper
reaches of the forest to continue to drain is important to protecting the restoration improvements
which have been realized to date.
1) Conduct annual monitoring of the hand dug channels. Prioritize maintenance needs
and undertake maintenance clean outs of as many areas as budget allows.
2) Conduct annual visual monitoring of the creeks connecting the three bays. Survey
sections as needed if visual inspections or tidal indicators document shoaling or
blockage sufficient to adversely impact flushing capacity. Compare surveys against
baseline taken as part of Goal 1.A.3 to determine extent of shoaling.
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6,version 3.1.01-10-14 prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 3 of 7
3) Coordinate with appropriate agencies as needed if conditions dictate maintenance
dredging is needed in interior creeks.
GOAL 2 -Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities
A. Establish baseline floral and faunal resource populations and monitor for changes over
time
Conduct floral and faunal surveys as needed, and as funding allows, to document baseline
conditions and establish parameters upon which future survey efforts can be compared.
1) Establish permanent vegetation monitoring plots or transects in identified habitats.
a) Coastal Scrub
b) Palm Hammock
c) Mangroves
d) Seagrasses
2) Establish reference photo points in identified habitats.
3) Create species lists to document floral components in each identified habitat.
4) Conduct periodic (annual) monitoring of plots and/or transects established under Goal
2.A.1.
5) Determine wildlife utilization within identified habitats and monitor for changes in
wildlife presence and use of the NRPA.
6) Conduct periodic investigations (3 to 5 years) of benthic organisms to compare against
2011 Conservancy of Southwest Florida findings.
B. Protect Listed Species
Identify listed species utilization of the NRPA. Provide buffers around nesting activities to prevent
adverse anthropogenic impacts during nesting seasons. Increase public awareness as necessary
through signage or other efforts to minimize adverse impacts.
1) Identify actual and potential locations of listed species.
2) Conduct species specific monitoring prior to any destructive management activity (i.e
dredging, exotic removal, etc.)to insure no protected species are present.
3) Develop educational information to make public aware of the presence of listed species
and what they can do to avoid adversely impacting them.
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6,version 3.1.01-10-14 prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 4 of 7
4) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University to further investigate floral and
faunal components of the system.
C. Protect and maintain vegetative communities
Regularly inspect habitats for invasive exotic and nuisance vegetation. Remove invasive exotics
(Category I as identified in the most current FLEPPC listing) and nuisance vegetation when
observed without damaging integrity of native communities. Conduct periodic monitoring of
habitats to track changes over time. Restore native plants as appropriate throughout the system.
1) Periodically inspect habitats utilizing transects, monitoring plots, and photo points
established under Goal 2.A.1 and 2.A.2 for consistency.
2) Remove invasive exotic and nuisance vegetation from all habitats as budget allows.
Utilize contractors familiar with local species and accomplished at conducting exotic
removal from the varied habitats. Conduct pre-work surveys to identify any protected
species in work area. Protect other native vegetation to the maximum extent
practicable during exotic removal activities.
3) Develop educational information to make public aware of exotic vegetation and what
they can do to help eliminate them.
D. Protect wildlife utilization of the NRPA
Conduct periodic monitoring of wildlife populations including nuisance wildlife within the NRPA
boundaries. Identify utilization priorities and insure protection as needed so that continued use is
viable.
1) Conduct periodic species or habitat specific surveys and monitoring to document
wildlife use of habitats within the Clam Bay NRPA.
2) Develop strategies to minimize impacts of nuisance wildlife on habitats and native
wildlife within the NRPA boundary.
3) When possible, explore habitat enhancements to promote wildlife utilization within the
Clam Bay NRPA. (e.g. bat houses, nesting boxes or platforms, limited or no entry
areas, etc.)
4) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University to enhance habitats for wildlife
utilization within the NRPA.
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6,version 3.1.01-10-14 prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 5 of 7
GOAL 3 -Monitor and manage water quality
A. Insure appropriate freshwater inputs and drainage
Freshwater inputs and drainage are an important factor in maintaining a healthy mangrove system.
Mangroves typically thrive in estuaries, where salt and freshwater mix. The reduced salinities
lessen the energetic burden involved in excreting or excluding salt while the presence of some salt
prohibits different aquatic vegetation from establishing and out-competing mangrove species.
Freshwater flows into this system provide valuable flushing activities in the northern reaches
where tidal exchange is decreased. Freshwater flows also contribute to the Pass stability by
adding outgoing flow which helps to keep the pass open. Proposed activities within the
development area which could affect flows into the system (i.e changes to stormwater
management system, changes to the berm, etc.)will be examined to insure that adequate flows into
the estuary are maintained.
B. Coordinate with adjacent upland developments to try to improve upstream inputs.
Adjacent developments will be made aware of the ongoing water quality conditions of the NRPA
and provided information on how they can help maintain or improve their stormwater
contributions into the system.
C. Develop a monitoring program to build on past data and provide basis by which to make
future water quality related decisions.
Develop a long term monitoring program to track water quality conditions within the system.
Include the means to track inputs into the system.
1) Continue monthly water quality data collection. Periodically examine suite of testing
parameters to determine if parameters should be added or deleted from testing regime.
Current Field Parameters being collected include:
a.) Dissolved Oxygen
b.) Temperature
c.) pH
d.) Salinity
Current laboratory parameters being collected include:
a.) Arsenic
b.) Cadmium
c.) Calcium
d.) Carbon—Total Organic
e.) Chlorophyll a
f.) Copper
g.) Hardness—Calculated
h.) Lead
i.) Magnesium
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6,version 3.1.01-10-14 prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 6 of 7
j.) Nitrogen
• Ammonia
• Nitrate-Nitrite
• Nitrite
• Total Kjeldahl
k.) Pheophytin
1.) Phosphorus
• Orthophosphate
• Total
m.)Silica
n.) TDS
o.) Zinc
2) Examine and review data on a quarterly basis. Attempt to identify any water quality
concerns in a timely manner rather than waiting for annual reviews.
3) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the FGCU or other
Universities to explore water quality concerns and opportunities within the Clam Bay
NRPA.
GOAL 4 -Protect archaeological sites within the system
A. Identify archaeological sites and protect them from adverse impacts.
Insure that archaeological sites identified by the Florida Master Site file are not adversely
impacted by management or recreational activities. .
GOAL 5 -Address recreational uses with emphasis on passive recreation
A. Maintain access to facilities for intended uses
Conduct periodic inspections of access points and visitors facilities. Trim vegetation as needed,
and as allowed by the permitting agencies, to maintain boardwalk access and open waterways for
canoe and kayak passage.
B. Maintain existing canoe trail
Conduct periodic (annual) inspections of canoe trail signage and markers. Replace or repair
permitted signage and support posts as needed. Develop and provide map of canoe trail for
paddlers.
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6,version 3.1.01-10-14 prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 7 of 7
C. Maintain existing signage relative to boater and swimmer use of the system.
Conduct periodic (annual) inspections of informational and regulatory signage. Replace or repair
Idle Speed/No Wake signage and supports as needed.
D. Promote knowledge and enforcement of regulatory restrictions within NRPA.
Coordinate with outside agencies (FWC or Sherriff's Dept.) to enforce regulatory "Idle Speed/No
Wake"restrictions.
E. Maintain existing signage or develop new programs to educate visitors on the unique and
important habitats of the NRPA
Maintain and develop site specific signage or handouts to educate visitors on plant identification
and general habitat information, included should be information on how to help preserve habitats
and prevent unwanted impacts to the plants and animals sharing the area.
F. Define responsibilities for vegetation and litter control in Clam Pass Park
Coordinate with Collier County Parks and Recreation to define individual and shared
responsibilities within the NRPA boundary.
GOAL 6 -Improve public awareness and involvement
Continue to foster stakeholder involvement through public meetings.
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6-Worley version prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 1 of 7
6.0 Management Plan Goals and Objectives
The following goals and objectives for the management of the Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection
Area were developed in accordance with the directives of the Collier County Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) and the Pelican Bay Services Division, which serves as an advisory board to the
BOCC. The goals and objectives were formed in conjunction with stakeholder input and are based on the
management issues present in the preserve as well as the purposes for which the land is held in public
trust. The document goals set forth in this plan should not appreciably change over time but the
management techniques and activities proposed may be modified based on ongoing coordination with
stakeholder and user groups or when management objectives are not being met.
Management concerns are addressed in the following sections along with the management techniques or
activities proposed for addressing those concerns. The ability to implement specific goals or objectives
presented in this plan will be based on funding and staffing availability. The following goals were
identified during the stakeholder and PBSD committee meetings. No prioritization was intended with the
order presented. All goals associated with this plan are deemed important and is why they are included
with the plan.
Goal 1 - Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities.
Goal 2—Protect the integrity of known archaeological sites within the system.
Goal 3 -Address recreational uses with emphasis on passive recreation.
Goal 4 -Improve public awareness and involvement.
GOAL 1 -Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities
A. Establish baseline floral and faunal resource populations and monitor for changes over
time
Conduct floral and faunal surveys as needed, and as funding allows, to document baseline
conditions and establish parameters upon which future survey efforts can be compared.
1) Establish permanent vegetation monitoring plots or transects in identified habitats.
a) Coastal Scrub
b) Palm Hammock
c) Mangroves
d) Seagrasses
2) Establish reference photo points in identified habitats.
3) Create species lists to document floral components in each identified habitat.
4) Conduct periodic (annual) monitoring of plots and/or transects established under Goal
2.A.1.
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6-Worley version prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 2 of 7
5) Determine wildlife utilization within identified habitats and monitor for changes in
wildlife presence and use of the NRPA.
6) Conduct periodic investigations (3 to 5 years) of benthic organisms to compare against
2011 Conservancy of Southwest Florida findings.
B. Protect Listed Species
Identify listed species utilization of the NRPA. Provide buffers around nesting activities to prevent
adverse anthropogenic impacts during nesting seasons. Increase public awareness as necessary
through signage or other efforts to minimize adverse impacts.
1) Identify actual and potential locations of listed species.
2) Conduct species specific monitoring prior to any destructive management activity (i.e
dredging, exotic removal, etc.)to insure no protected species are present.
3) Develop educational information to make public aware of the presence of listed species
and what they can do to avoid adversely impacting them.
4) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University to further investigate floral and
faunal components of the system.
C. Protect and maintain vegetative communities
Regularly inspect habitats for invasive exotic and nuisance vegetation. Remove invasive exotics
(Category I as identified in the most current FLEPPC listing) and nuisance vegetation when
observed without damaging integrity of native communities. Conduct periodic monitoring of
habitats to track changes over time. Restore native plants as appropriate throughout the system.
1) Periodically inspect habitats utilizing transects, monitoring plots, and photo points
established under Goal 2.A.1 and 2.A.2 for consistency.
2) Remove invasive exotic and nuisance vegetation from all habitats as budget allows.
Utilize contractors familiar with local species and accomplished at conducting exotic
removal from the varied habitats. Conduct pre-work surveys to identify any protected
species in work area. Protect other native vegetation to the maximum extent
practicable during exotic removal activities.
3) Develop educational information to make public aware of exotic vegetation and what
they can do to help eliminate them.
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6-Worley version prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 3 of 7
D. Protect wildlife utilization of the NRPA
Conduct periodic monitoring of wildlife populations including nuisance wildlife within the NRPA
boundaries. Identify utilization priorities and insure protection as needed so that continued use is
viable.
1) Conduct periodic species or habitat specific surveys and monitoring to document
wildlife use of habitats within the Clam Bay NRPA.
2) Develop strategies to minimize impacts of nuisance wildlife on habitats and native
wildlife within the NRPA boundary.
3) When possible, explore habitat enhancements to promote wildlife utilization within the
Clam Bay NRPA. (e.g. bat houses, nesting boxes or platforms, limited or no entry
areas, etc.)
4) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University to enhance habitats for wildlife
utilization within the NRPA.
E. Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA while
minimizing negative environmental impacts. Dredging for the tidal exchange benefits
necessary to maintain or improve environmental aspects of the system will be done.
Dredging for navigation or beach renourishment will not be done.
1) Establish conditions to help determine when dredging is necessary. Monitoring of the
Pass and internal waterways will provide information to determine if dredging is
necessary. Bathymetric surveys of cross-sectional areas of the Pass, tide gauge data,
and biological indicators can all be used to indicate when dredging is needed.
2) Conduct, at a minimum, annual (Ix/year) bathymetric surveys of the Pass. Additional
bathymetric surveys will be conducted prior to any dredging event or if conditions
necessitate additional analysis outside of the annual schedule.
3) Maintain primary and backup tidal gauges in good working order. Collect information
quarterly (4x/year) to insure gauges are working properly and data loss due to
malfunctioning equipment is minimized. Compile and analyze data annually for
inclusion in the annual report to PBSD.
4) Visually inspect interconnecting waterways between bays on an annual basis. Conduct
a baseline bathymetric survey within the interconnecting waterways for comparison
with later surveys described under Goal 1.C.1. below.
5) Collect annual biological information as outlined under Goal 2 for use in determining
when dredging activities might be warranted, and what impacts could be associated
with the dredging.
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6-Worley version prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 4 of 7
F. Minimize dredge footprint(s) to the least environmentally damaging practicable
alternative.
Dredging should be conducted only in those areas necessary to achieve the desired flow
improvements. While dredging smaller amounts may be less damaging in the short term, the
potential need to dredge more often may offset that benefit.
1) Collect current survey data and cross sectional areas before establishing the dredge
footprint for each dredging event.
2) Conduct floral and faunal monitoring within and adjacent to proposed dredge footprint
area(s). If unacceptable impacts will occur to floral or faunal communities, explore
options to modify footprint to achieve necessary flow characteristics while protecting
to the greatest extent possible the other floral or faunal components.
3) Develop a scope which balances the tidal exchange benefits while minimizing the
frequency of needed dredging events.
G. Provide for appropriate drainage of fresh water by maintaining internal creeks and hand
dug channels and modifying or augmenting hand dug channels as needed.
The original 1995 die-off of mangroves was due in large part to drainage problems in the upper
portions of the system. Maintaining the network of hand dug channels and the ability of the upper
reaches of the forest to continue to drain is important to protecting the restoration improvements
which have been realized to date.
1) Conduct annual monitoring of the hand dug channels. Prioritize maintenance needs
and undertake maintenance clean outs of as many areas as budget allows.
2) Conduct annual visual monitoring of the creeks connecting the three bays. Survey
sections as needed if visual inspections or tidal indicators document shoaling or
blockage sufficient to adversely impact flushing capacity. Compare surveys against
baseline taken as part of Goal 1.A.3 to determine extent of shoaling.
3) Coordinate with appropriate agencies as needed if conditions dictate maintenance
dredging is needed in interior creeks.
H. Insure appropriate freshwater inputs and drainage
Freshwater inputs and drainage are an important factor in maintaining a healthy mangrove system.
Mangroves typically thrive in estuaries, where salt and freshwater mix. The reduced salinities
lessen the energetic burden involved in excreting or excluding salt while the presence of some salt
prohibits different aquatic vegetation from establishing and out-competing mangrove species.
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6-Worley version prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 5of7
Freshwater flows into this system provide valuable flushing activities in the northern reaches
where tidal exchange is decreased. Freshwater flows also contribute to the Pass stability by
adding outgoing flow which helps to keep the pass open. Proposed activities within the
development area which could affect flows into the system (i.e changes to stormwater
management system, changes to the berm, etc.)will be examined to insure that adequate flows into
the estuary are maintained.
I. Coordinate with adjacent upland developments to try to improve upstream inputs.
Adjacent developments will be made aware of the ongoing water quality conditions of the NRPA
and provided information on how they can help maintain or improve their stormwater
contributions into the system.
J. Develop a monitoring program to build on past data and provide basis by which to make
future water quality related decisions.
Develop a long term monitoring program to track water quality conditions within the system.
Include the means to track inputs into the system.
1) Continue monthly water quality data collection. Periodically examine suite of testing
parameters to determine if parameters should be added or deleted from testing regime.
Current Field Parameters being collected include:
a.) Dissolved Oxygen
b.) Temperature
c.) pH
d.) Salinity
Current laboratory parameters being collected include:
a.) Arsenic
b.) Cadmium
c.) Calcium
d.) Carbon—Total Organic
e.) Chlorophyll a
f.) Copper
g.) Hardness—Calculated
h.) Lead
i.) Magnesium
j.) Nitrogen
• Ammonia
• Nitrate-Nitrite
• Nitrite
• Total Kjeldahl
k.) Pheophytin
1.) Phosphorus
• Orthophosphate
• Total
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6-Worley version prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 6 of 7
m.)Silica
n.) TDS
o.) Zinc
2) Examine and review data on a quarterly basis. Attempt to identify any water quality
concerns in a timely manner rather than waiting for annual reviews.
3) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the FGCU or other
Universities to explore water quality concerns and opportunities within the Clam Bay
NRPA.
GOAL 2-Protect archaeological sites within the system
Insure that archaeological sites identified by the Florida Master Site file are not adversely
impacted by management or recreational activities. .
GOAL 3 -Address recreational uses with emphasis on passive recreation
A. Maintain access to facilities for intended uses
Conduct periodic inspections of access points and visitors facilities. Trim vegetation as needed,
and as allowed by the permitting agencies, to maintain boardwalk access and open waterways for
canoe and kayak passage.
B. Maintain existing canoe trail
Conduct periodic (annual) inspections of canoe trail signage and markers. Replace or repair
permitted signage and support posts as needed. Develop and provide map of canoe trail for
paddlers.
C. Maintain existing signage relative to boater and swimmer use of the system.
Conduct periodic (annual) inspections of informational and regulatory signage. Replace or repair
Idle Speed/No Wake signage and supports as needed.
D. Promote knowledge and enforcement of regulatory restrictions within NRPA.
Coordinate with outside agencies (FWC or Sherriff's Dept.) to enforce regulatory "Idle Speed/No
Wake"restrictions.
E. Maintain existing signage or develop new programs to educate visitors on the unique and
important habitats of the NRPA
January 21,2014 Clam Bay Committee
(Chapter 6-Worley version prepared by Turrell Hall,received 1/17/2014)
Page 7 of 7
Maintain and develop site specific signage or handouts to educate visitors on plant identification
and general habitat information, included should be information on how to help preserve habitats
and prevent unwanted impacts to the plants and animals sharing the area.
F. Define responsibilities for vegetation and litter control in Clam Pass Park
Coordinate with Collier County Parks and Recreation to define individual and shared
responsibilitieswithin the NRPA boundary.
GOAL 4 -Improve public awareness and involvement
Continue to foster stakeholder involvement through public meetings.
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January 21, 2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
6. Discussion of ways to expand water quality section on pages 61 -63 of Jan. 3 draft
Page 1 of 3
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3, 2014
Ver. 3.1
in the same manner that it discharged stormwater prior to development. The stormwater discharge
exits the weir system for a final release into Clam Bay.
Stormwater runoff from an additional 130 acres of watersheds, outside of Pelican Bay, contributes an
additional and significant volume of discharge to Clam Bay. This water represents 7.9% of the total
stormwater discharge to Clam Bay.
As the area of Pelican Bay to the east has undergone development, it has increased the impervious
surface area, with a concomitant increase in surface runoff, which is eventually discharged to Clam
Bay. The daily irrigation water volume enhances the saturation of the uplands which reduces their
ability to accommodate rainfall volume, thus effectively increasing surface and groundwater discharge.
Groundwater discharge can be commonly observed throughout -the eastern side of Clam Bay and is
discernable as a very slight sheet flow. Where this water encounters a discharge system, even one that
is not operating at peak efficiency, such as Outer Clam Bay, excess water is effectively removed from
the system. However, in the northern section, sheet flow was not efficiently removed due to lack of
flow through the forest. Thus, it accumulated, increasing soil saturation and raising the mean water
table elevation, and apparently overwhelming the black mangrove's anaerobic soil /gas exchange
mechanisms. Mangroves in these areas became stressed and died.
WATER QUALITY
During the initial environmental permitting of Pelican Bay, the agencies required water quality testing
within the Pelican Bay subdivision and the Clam Bay estuary to help evaluate the impact of
development on Clam Bay. The water quality- testing program was first implemented by Pelican Bay
Improvement District (PBID) starting in the early 1980's. In 1991, PBID became the Pelican Bay
Services Division (PBSD), a dependent Division of Collier County. PBSD continued the testing
program after 1991. PBSD is currently the responsible entity for the testing program.
The water quality testing is performed at several sample points within Pelican Bay and Clam Bay. The
sample point locations are shown on the exhibit below. There are currently nine sampling locations
within Pelican Bay and Clam Bay. Sample points W -7, W -6, W -1, North Seagate, and Upper Clam
Bay (UCB) are within Clam Bay, which are categorized as Class II waters by the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The remaining five sampling points are PB -13, E PB -13, PB -11,
Glenview, and St. Lucia, are located in the stormwater treatment portion of the property (Class III
waters) within Pelican Bay.
Water quality sampling is conducted within the Clam Bay system on a monthly basis. The samples are
collected by PBSD staff and transported to the Collier County Pollution Control laboratory for
processing. Parameters sampled and collected, include;
• Field pH
• Field Temperature
• Field Salinity
• Field D.O.
61
January 21, 2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
6. Discussion of ways to expand water quality section on pages 61 -63 of Jan. 3 draft
Page 2 of 3
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3, 2014
Ver. 3.1
• Ammonia
• Carbon- Total Organic
• Chlorophyll a
• Copper* (added to the parameter suite in 2013)
• Nitrate - Nitrite (N)
• Nitrite (N)
• Nitrogen- Total Kjeldahl
• Orthophosphate (OPO4)
• Pheophytin
• Phosphorus- Total
• Residues- Filterable (TDS)
• Silica (S102)
Y`✓. I h .} � Fry a r.{
f
Sampling Locations
Water quality sampling results of nutrient loading seem to indicate that the development stormwater
management system is doing its job. No evidence of nutrient loading has been observed within the
Class II waters though several spikes and elevated nutrient (N and P) levels have been observed from
the testing locations along the berm. It is believed that the spikes observed are correlated with
fertilizer application within the community.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) conducted water quality sampling within
the Clam Bay NRPA in 2012. Based on their sample results, FDEP had made an initial determination
that Clam Bay could be impaired for both Dissolved Oxygen and Copper. Subsequent coordination
between FDEP, PBSD, the Pelican Bay Foundation, and involved consultants, FDEP made a
62
January 21, 2014 Clarn Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
6. Discussion of ways to expand water qualty section on pages 61.63 of Jan. 3 draft
Page 3 of 3
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3, 2014
Ver. 3.1
determination that the oxygen levels in Clam Bay were natural and the system was not listed as
impaired for DO.
FDEP did determine that the system was impaired for copper and was placing the system on the
Everglades West Coast verified list for copper with a medium TMDL priority (5 to 10 years for TMDL
development). Subsequent copper testing undertaken by PBSD has also shown periodic elevated
levels of copper within the Clam Bay Class II waters.
FDEP acknowledged that the Pelican Bay community was working on an upland stormwater and
nutrient management program that was designed to reduce nutrient and copper inputs into the
stormwater system. Once completed, this program can be given to FDEP for review and if satisfied
with the anticipated reduction of copper resulting from the implementation of the plan, the system
could be removed from the impaired list. While the upland nutrient management plan is not part of
this NRPA Management Plan, PBSD will work closely with the Pelican Bay Foundation to coordinate
and share information, and to integrate management decisions and activities into this Plan where
appropriate.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The Florida Division of Historical Resources Master Site File lists three known archaeological sites
within the Clam Bay NRPA boundary. All three are located with the mangrove forest habitat. Two of
the sites (CR476 and CR547) are located north of the Pass and south of Inner Clam Bay. The third site
(CR576) is located south of the Pass and north of the Clam Pass Park boardwalk.
Site CR476 is identified as a prehistoric campsite and shell midden possibly supporting the use of
several cultures dating from 8500 B.C. to A.D. 1700.
Sites CR547 and CR576 are identified as shell middens which were in use between 1000 B.C. and
A.D. 1700.
All three of the sites are within the mangrove forest and outside of the footprint of any previous or
future anticipated dredging activities.
Management concerns related to the archaeological resources include protection from vandals/looters
and protection from exotic species infestation.
63
l
ell a
At-d b
January 21.
2014
Initial Comments to the Clam Bay Committee on materials posted online for today's
agenda from Sierra Club Calusa Committee, submitted by Marcia Cravens.
The materials posted online at the PBSD website for today's PBSD Clam Bay
Committee meeting, for the most part, do not reflect the comments and
recommendations that were submitted by the Sierra Club Calusa Committee at the last
regular meeting or the sentiment of the stakeholders who attended that meeting.
There is a noticeable lack inclusion in these materials to reflect comments and
recommendations submitted and/or stated during Clam Bay Committee meetings
which is not consistent with the concept of a "collaborative effort" to update the existing
"Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan". Sierra Club Calusa Committee
represents members who are affected by management of the Clam Pass-Clam Bay
Natural Resources Protection Area Preserve. The comments and recommendations
provided to the Clam Bay Committee are based upon knowledge of this area's
historical uses and environmental protections that have been in place for the natural
resources of this area for greater than forty years.
It is hoped that at some point the Clam Bay Committee will truly incorporate the
comments and recommendations being made by the environmental conservation
organizations* representatives_
Please note that the intent and purpose of Sierra Club and others' comments and
recommendations is to build upon and improve the existing CBRMP so as to best
address current and anticipated management needs in ways that will ensure all
wildlife habitats of the entire undeveloped Clam Pass coastal barrier natural resource
system (see attachments) will be healthy and continue to retain its primary and
secondary functions ( a document that described Clam Pass-Clam Bay NRPA primary
and secondary functions was provided to the Clam Bay Committee some time ago).
P� I Flo
Clam Bay /Clam Pass Estuary Preserve:
A Natural Resources Protection Area (NRPA) for Wildlife
Essential and
Critical Habitats*
Need Protection
Not Alteration
Nearshore Hardbottont *
Mangroves Wetlands*
Seagrls' etlands*
Transitional Wetlands*
Undeveloped Barrier Beach*
Salt. Marsh Wetlands*
Shallow Tidal Creeks*
Algae and Algal Beds*
Dunes
Scrub Hammock
Mudflats
Freshwater Marsh
Many Diverse and Listed Species Use Clain Bay /Clam Pass NRPA to Survive /Thrive (1)
Mangrove crabs, Fiddler crabs- (key stone species) wetlands
Srmlltooth Sawfish, juveniles - (Endangered) sand/mudsubstrate
Fin/shell fish (see list) avoid predators, spawn, roan), and feed
Loggerhead Sea Turtles - nearshore and beach
West Indian Manatee - seagrasses and mangrove roots
Bottlenose Dolphin - nearshore, and interior waterways
Gopher Tortoises - back dune and scrub hammock
Alligators - freshwater, brackish water
Brown Basilisk, Cuban Night anole, other lizards - multi -sites
Mangrove Fox Squirrel - mangroves and uplands
Snakes-, Indigo (rare), mangrove, yellow rat shake, red racer
Birds shore /i8,adirrg/song/pwdator -(see list) forage, rest, roost
Sponges and Soft Corals -- nearshore hardbottom
Quahog, hard shell clams, other bivalves - multi sites
Coon oysters attach to mangroves. Atlantic oysters firm beds
Algae; multi species - attach to mangroves, float or form algal beds
Phytoplankton include Bioluminescent organisms -Outer Clam Bay
Otters- fresh and brackish water, niarshes
Raccoons. Marsh Rabbit - transitional wetlands, marshes
Bobcat periodically seen for many years - vegetative cover
Pig Frogs, wetlands, marsh
Mexican Freetail- other unidentified species roost/feed -multi sites
Clans Bay /Clam Pass NRPA is Habitat to Many Species of Birds (includes listed species)
Principle; C:ontribtitors Mary Boland, loin Cravens. Tirit I3aIL and Judy Joltarisen 3/3/09
American avocet - Recun•irostra amencana
American kestrel- Falco span-erias
American oystercawher- Haematopus palltamn
Anhmga- Antttngs anhinga
Rald Eagle - Fialiaectus leucocephalus
Barred owl- Strix varia
Belted Kingfisher- Megaceryle alcyon
Blank Skimmer- Rynchops niger
Black Vulture- Rynchops roger
Elaek- and -what Warbler- 1,im tilta varia
Black- bellied Plover - Pluvialts squatamla
1314ck- crowned Night Heron- tiycttc,rras moico;a%
Black- necked atilt- lltmantopus mextcanus
Blue Jay- (-Vanoclua crtstata
131ue -gray gnawechcr- Ptihopula caeruiea
Boat - tailed Grackle- •Quiscalus major
Brown Pelican- Pelecanus occtdenta €ts
Brown thrasher- roxostoma ri fum
Budgerigar- Mclopsittaous undulatus
Caspian Tem- Hydroprogne caspia
Cattle Egret- Bubulcus Ibis
Chuck- will's- widow - Caprimulgus carolmensts
Common Grackle- Quiscalus quiscula
Common Ground -Dove- Columbtna passerma
Comtnon € loorhen- Gallinula chloropus
Common nighthawk - C hmdcdes minor
Common snipe- Galltnago gall sago
Common Tcm- Sterna hirugdo
f'omm,,n `vAiowthtoat- Groduypts tneluis
t],xtbin-crested Cormorant- Phalacrocora-x auruus
k, wrtchgear Long-lit Red- €_trnnodrumcu sc ;Aopaceus
1?nwitchgcar Short- hil €ed- Limnodromus griseus
Downy ',Voodpeeker- Picotdes pubescests
Durtltn Calidris alpina
Eastern Screech Ow I- Mcgascops asu,
F1 irasran C'oilared Dave- Streptopeita dcca, :ct.t
6tzropean Starting- Stumus vulgarts
F tsh Crow- Corvvs cosstfragus
Forster's tem- Stems forstcn
Glossy ibis- Plegadis falctnellus
Gray Catbird- Dumetella carolinensts
Great Blue heron- Ardea herodias
Great Crested Flycatcher - Mviarchus crinttus
Great Egret - Ardea aiba
Great Horned Owl- Bubo virgimanus
Greater Yellowlegs- Trtnga mctan,,Icuca
Green Heron- Buttxtdes v escens
Carers- winged teal - Ana. crecca
Herring Gull- Larus argentatus
Herded Merganser- Lopltodytes cucullatus
house sparrow- Passer domeaucua
Killdeer- Charadnias vociferus
Laughing Gull- Leucophaeas atrtctl;a
Least sandpiper- Cithdris minuttila
Ltmpkin- Aramus guarauna
Little Blue Heron- Egretta cacrulea
Loggerhead Shrike- Lantus ludovtcianas
Magnificent Frigate bird Fregata nwgniticens
Mangrove Cuckoo- C t ccvzus min +,r
Merhn- Falco columbarius
Mockmi Btrd- 'vlimus t^ lyglottos
Monled Doak - Anas fu lv tgula
turning Dove - 7.eraida m.:c-r ura
MuJf�ov} Du&- Cairina moschata
Notthern Cardinal- C'ardinalis cardinatis
Northern Cratniet- `tones bassanus
Northern Patina- Paruta americana
Northern li-atertiuush- Seiurus n,,eveboraccusts
Osprey- Pandion haluieus
Painted Bunting- Passeritu ciris
Palm Warbler- Dendroica palmatum
P eregrinr Falon- Falco peregnnus
Pled- bitted grehr- t'odtlymbus podiceps
Pileated woodpecker- Dryocopus pileatus
Piping Plover- Charadrius melodus
Prairie warbler- Dendroica discolor
Purple gaihnule- Porphyrula tnartinica Calidris
�:anuttt-C
Red-bellied woodpecker- Melanerpes carolinus
Red - breasted merganser- Mergus setrator
Reddish Egret- Egretta rufeseens
Red - Shouldered Hawk- Buteo lineatus
kcd- tatted Hawk- Butco Jamaicensis
Red- winged blackbird- Agelaws phoeriecus
Rung- billed Gull- Larus delauarensts
Robin. Turdtcs migratortus
Roseate Spoonbill- Platalea uaja
Royal Tern- Sterna maxima
Rub% - throated Hummingbird- Archilochus colubrts
Ruddy 1 urnstone- Arenaria interpres
Sanderirng- Cohdris alba
Sa ndwich Tern- Sterna sandvwensis
Semipalmated Plover- Charadrius semipalmatus
Snowy ligret- Egretta Chula
Spotted Sandpiper- Actitis maeularta
Swallow- tailcd Kite- Wanoides thrtieatus
-Fri -col, +red Heron. Egretta tricolor
turkey Vulture- t'athartes aura
SVestern. Sandpiper -. r'.andrm mauri
Whac lbus- budctetmus albus
iA lute Pchoan, Pciccanus en° +.hrorhvnchos
i\ -dirt- Catoptrophorus semipalrrmtus
:Vaud St +xk- Scolopax minor
eilow- hclhcd Sap, sucker - Sphyrapicus vartus Yells u
(.'rowncd ",tight fitsttn- Nyctanassa vwlacea
Fellow- rumped Warbler- Dendroica cororats
1efhm .thn ated %Varbler- Dendroica domurica
(1) Southwest Florida Regional Plaiming Comwil tiles, Collie County Coastal Zone Mattagenient Plan -1991; Collier Count.
Natitrdl Resource Del)t Technical Reports-, Pelican liar Services Div, fitrreli.. Hall & Assoc, Ft. DGP websites-, anecdotal reports
Clam Pass - Clara Bay Estuary System:
A Conservation and Natural Resources Protection
Area ( RPA) Preserve* of the Undeveloped
Coastal Barrier Resource System of Clam Pass
* The Clam Pass -Clam Bay undeveloped Coastal Barrier Resource
System became a designated Conservation Area protected by
Conservation Covenants and Restrictions of Record (1982) and was
later identified, recommended and adopted as Collier County's first
NRPA ( 1995) as an action consistent with Collier County's
Comprehensive Plan Coastal and Conservation Element Goals and
Objectives related to Collier County's conservation, preservation,
and protection of its Coastal Barriers, and its Fisheries, Wildlife and
Wildlife Habitats.
** Protected habitats
(I) Compiled from Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council files. Collier Count}
Coastal Zone Management Plan-1991, Collier County Natural Resource Department
Technical Reports and Pelican Bay Service Division Clam Bay Biologic Monitoring Reports
Nearshore
Hardbottom
Mangroves
Seagrass
Transitional
Wetlands **
Wetlands **
Wetlands*
Undeveloped
Salt Marsh
Shallow Tidal
Algae and
Barrier
Beach* *
Wetlands **
Creeks **
Aral Beds **
g
Scrub
Intertidal
Freshwater
Beach Dune
Hammock
flats* *
Marsh
Wetlands * *
* The Clam Pass -Clam Bay undeveloped Coastal Barrier Resource
System became a designated Conservation Area protected by
Conservation Covenants and Restrictions of Record (1982) and was
later identified, recommended and adopted as Collier County's first
NRPA ( 1995) as an action consistent with Collier County's
Comprehensive Plan Coastal and Conservation Element Goals and
Objectives related to Collier County's conservation, preservation,
and protection of its Coastal Barriers, and its Fisheries, Wildlife and
Wildlife Habitats.
** Protected habitats
(I) Compiled from Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council files. Collier Count}
Coastal Zone Management Plan-1991, Collier County Natural Resource Department
Technical Reports and Pelican Bay Service Division Clam Bay Biologic Monitoring Reports
y 1)1JY
.f
LDC:
B. Natural resource protection area overlay district (NRPA).
1. Purpose and intent. The purpose and intent of the Natural Resource Protection Area Overlay
District (NRPA) is to: protect endangered or potentially endangered species by directing
incompatible land uses away their habitats; to identify large, connected, intact, and relatively
unfragmented habitats, which may be important for these listed species, and to support State and
Federal agencies' efforts to protect endangered or potentially endangered species and their habitats.
NRPAs may include major wetland systems and regional flow -ways. These lands generally should
be the focus of any federal, state, County, or private acquisition efforts. Accordingly, allowable
land uses, vegetation preservation standards, development standards, and listed species protection
criteria within NRPAs set forth herein are more restrictive than would otherwise be permitted in the
underlying zoning district and shall to be applicable in addition to any standards that apply tin the
underlying zoning district.
a. NRPA overlay areas. NRPAs are located in the following areas:
(1) Clam Bay Conservation Area (within Pelican Bay Planned Unit development);
(2) CREW (Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed),
(3) North Belle Meade,
(4) South Belie Meade,
(5) South Golden Gate Estates.
The NRPA lands within the Rural Fringe Mixed Use District to which the Section 2.03.08 C.
regulations apply (i.e. - numbers 3 and 4 above) are depicted by the following map:
b. NRPAS designated as RFMU sending lands within the RFMU district. NRPAs located in the
RFMU district are identified as RFMU sending lands and are further subject to the provisions,
conditions and standards set forth in section 2,03.08 (A)(4). Private property owners within these
NRPAs may transfer residential development rights from these important environmentally sensitive
lands to other identified "receiving" lands pursuant to eth specific provisions set forth in section
2.01.03 of this Code.
Development standards. Development within a NRPA shall adhere to the following standards:
(I) Vegetation Retention and Site Preservation -Native vegetation retention shall be as
required in Chapter 4.
(2) Permitted and conditional uses for all lands within a NRPA that are zoned CON and
for those lands within any NRPA that are publicly owned shall be as set forth in sections
2.03.05 (B)(1)(a), (b) and (c), respectively.
(3) For privately owned lands within a NRPA within the RFMU district, permitted and
conditional uses shall be those as set forth in the RFMU district Sending Lands (section
2.0108 AA.).
(4) For privately owned lands within a NRPA and designated Estates., permitted and
conditional uses shall be those as set forth in the Estates Designation within the Golden
Gate Area Master Plan. As these privately owned Estates Designated lands are acquired for
t-
. � j,
conservation purposes, the Comprehensive Plan and will be amended to change the
Designation to Conservation and the property will be rezoned to the CON district.
(5) There are approximately 15 sections of privately owned land within a NRPA that are
not designated Sending and are not located within the RFMU district, Eight (8) of these
sections, known as the " hole- i ri-t lie-dough n ut, " are located within the South Golden Gate
Estates NRPA and Surrounded by platted Estates lots, almost all of which have been
acquired by the State under the Florida Forever program as part of the Picayune Strand
State Forest. The remaining seven (7) sections are within all approved mitigation batik
located north and west of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. As these privately owned
Agricultural/Rural Designated lands are acquired for conservation purposes, the Plan will
be amended to change the Designation to CON district, Until such time as the designation
on these lands is change to CON district, permitted and conditional uses for these privately
owned lands shall be those set forth in underlying zoning district.
CCME (11)(111)(IV) Policy 7.2.3:
In order to protect manatees, marinas shall be discouraged in designated manatee critical habitat
unless other protective measures are provided (Reference Policy 10. 1. 5 of this Element). The
County shall maintain the manatee protection speed zones that were adopted in the Collier County
Manatee Protection Plan (NR-SP-93-01), May 1995 and make revisions as needed. The County
shall continue to work with appropriate State and Federal agencies to identity areas where the use
of propeller driven boats may be restricted or prohibited, or where speed zones may need to be
changed
FLUE (ixyxiii) C. Natural Resource Protection Area Overlay
The purpose of the Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA) Overlay designation is
to protect endangered or potentially endangered species and to identify large
connected intact arid relatively unfragmented habitats, which may be important for
these listed species. NRPAs may include major wetland systems and regional flow-
ways- These lands generally should be the focus of any federal, state, County or
private acquisition efforts
NRPAs are located in the following areas',
1. Clam Bay Conservation Area (within Pelican Bay Plan Unit Development),
2. CREW (Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed.),
3. North Belle Meade,
4. Belle Meade,
5, South Golden Gate Estates,
NRPAs located in the Rural Fringe Mixed Use District are identified as Sending Lands
Private property owners within these NRPAs may transfer residential development
rights from these important environmentally sensitive lands.
Natural Resource Protection Areas (NRPAs) shall have the following standards.
1. Vegetation Retention and Site Preservation - Calculated at the higher value of 90%
of the native vegetation present, or 90% of the total site area, or as may otherwise be
permitted under the Density Blending provisions of the FLUE Applicable standards
provided for in COME Policy 6.1.2 shall also apply,
2. Listed species protection shall be provided for as specified in COME Policy 7.12,
\:0
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3, Permitted and conditional uses for publicly owned lands within an NRPA Overlay
shall be those as set forth under the Conservation Designation.
(XIII) 4. For privately owned lands within a NRPA Overlay and designated Sending
Lands, permitted and conditional uses shall be those as set forth in the Rural Fringe
Mixed Use District for Sending Lands.
, G046
MARCIA CRAVENS <goidandrose(a-)mac com>*
report pages and map describing Clam Bay historical sites to avoid ( recommended for preservatson j from State Records of
Historic, Cultural, Archaeologic sites
October 9. 2013 6 52 PM
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Kathy Worley
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
kathyw(a,conservancy.or�
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VERSION SENT IN YOUR AGENDA PACKETS (Worley
version Tim Hall edited...) WAS TIM HALL'S VERSION OF WHAT I WROTE WAY
BACK WHEN WE WERE FIRST DISCUSSING MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WAS
WRITTEN TO SUGGEST THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN WRITING A
MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WAS NOT MY VERSION OF EXACTLY OF WHAT I
THOUGHT THE GOALS SHOULD BE. PLEASE SEE BELOW
The following section of the Clam Bay Management Plan was developed at the request of
the Pelican Bay Clam Bay Subcommittee (January 7`h 2014). It only contains goals 2 & 3 as
goal 1 is still under development.
Note: any highlighted text needs discussion for consensus.
6.0 Management Plan Goals
The Clam Bay NRPA is subject to increasing adjacent development, recreational use and
economic pressures that can directly or indirectly impact the resource, reducing the health and
viability of the ecosystem. Thus this area requires active management to ensure its long -term
health. The purpose of a the CBMP 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.
6.1 Introduction to Science Based Management
* Goals are broad statements of the purpose of the
management plan.
* Objectives are measurable statements that describe ways to
achieve the associated goal.
* Monitoring is a strategy that allows the manager to
collect information to assess progress (performance measure)
toward meeting the objective. Is the strategy working? If
not – revisit the objective and strategies and adjust if
necessary.
Management strategies in this plan are categorized as either Primary strategies that actively have
or will likely resources directed toward them, do not require additional resources or have an
identified funding source. Secondary strategies are beyond current financial abilities, but might
be implemented if partnerships or other opportune funding sources become available. It is not
necessary to implement every strategy, as long as the performance measures indicate progress
toward achieving the objective and hence the overall goal. Implementation of any strategy
identified in this management plan is dependent upon administrative and financial support.
While this management plan is designed to guide actions over the next 0 years, the
fundamental principles of adaptive management may require modification of specific objectives,
strategies or performance measures at any time. However, the goals will almost certainly remain
the same.
6.1.1 Priority Concerns
• Habitat and ecosystem processes
• Anthropogenic influences on estuaries
• Habitat conservation and restoration
• Species management
• Recreation
6.1.2 Areas of Importance or Concern:
• Mangroves
• Seagrasses
• Benthic Communities
• Dunes
i,
�
• Avifauna
• Fish
• Water Quality
• Flow
• Sedimentation
• Catastrophic Events (Hurricanes, Harmful Algal Blooms, Sea Level Rise, Climate Change)
6.2 Management Goals
Goal 1: Maintain, restore and protect the native floral and faunal communities thereby
ensuring natural resource protection and long -term sustainability.
UNDER DEVELOPMENT
PA
Goal 2: Protect archaeological sites within the Clam Bay NRPA
There are = known archaeological sites within the
Clam Bay NRPA boundary. Sites are primarily located
along the shell ridge of the shoreline and within the
mangrove forest (The Florida Division of Historical
Resources Master Site File, YEAR). Management concerns
related to the archaeological resources typically include
protection from vandals /looters and exotic species
infestation, natural degradation from wildlife, weather
related occurrences and sea level rise can influence
coastal erosion impacting the integrity of Clam Bay
cultural resources.
NOTE: All objectives and strategies must be checked
against the Florida Land Use Codes (FLUC Codes) and
other Federal, State and Local codes for consistency
and /or inclusion in the management plan.
Example of a Shell dd
. ,
r
Objective 1: Develop an effective monitoring approach to help maintain and conserve
known archaeological sites and their associated artifact assemblage from vandalism,
erosion and other forms of degradation.
Primary Strategies:
1. Monitor the condition of cultural resource sites through the use of photo station points every
_ Signs of degradation will be recorded and the source of the degradation identified if
possible.
2. Utilize data to develop management recommendations to protect cultural resources if
information from monitoring efforts warrant such actions (i.e. reports of exotic vegetation
infestation or vandalism).
3. Visiting scientists, in cooperation with the Florida Division of Historical Resources (DHR),
will be permitted to study the archeological sites. If such studies ever occur, results will be
made available to educate the public about these local resources.
Secondary Strategies:
1. In the event that a site has been invaded by exotic vegetation, efforts will be made to
maintain the cultural resource. Eradication of exotic vegetation by a licensed contractor will be
initiated, if the removal will not cause further damage to the site, and if funds can be secured.
2. Methods to discourage vandalism and /or other disturbances to the resource will be explored,
if warranted.
3. If a site is ever decimated by a natural event or is likely in danger of erosion from events outside
of human control (such as sea level rise) appropriate entities with a vested interest in cultural
3
resource management such as other governmental agencies, universities, private groups and
citizens will be notified in effort to seek solutions to preserving the cultural heritage of these
sites.
Performance Measures:
1. Monitoring reports will be sent to the DHR to update the DHR Master Site File list on the
condition of the I sites every 5 years.
2. Comparison of current site conditions to previous historical reports (on record with DHR or
interviews with historical archeological investigators, if possible) will be assessed to
determine if the site has deteriorated.
3. Track the number of instances of vandalism and report to DHR if serious damage occurs to
any of the cultural resource sites.
Goal 3: Ensure recreational activities are environmentally compatible (Address recreational
uses with emphasis on passive recreation)
Tourism and sport fishing are among the most important industries in Southwest Florida.
Therefore the economic values associated with sustaining the environmental health of the Clam
Bay NRPA are locally significant. These natural
resources attract residents and tourists, who
enjoy the fishing, eco- tourism, beaches and
recreational water activities. In addition, the
condition of the estuary is also indirectly tied to
property values since real estate values adjacent
to the NRPA tend to decrease if the resource
becomes polluted or a badly degraded
While public use is important, the
conservation of natural resources within the
NRPA is the primary management concern.
Public recreational use (Table 1) that results in
damaging or even destroying the natural
resources will occur as human interactions are
usually accompanied by some degree of
disturbance (littering, vandalism illegally cut
mangroves, seagrass impacts, illegal collection
of live shells, theft or damaging of signs and equipment, etc.). Therefore, efforts will be made to
reduce environmental impacts from anthropogenic recreational activities and CBMP will
explore contingencies to correct any deleterious effects that might occur overtime.
NOTE: All objectives and strategies must be checked against the Florida Land Use Codes
(FLUC Codes) and other Federal, State and Local codes for consistency and /or inclusion in the
management plan.
El
Objective 1:IEnable the public to make informed decisions when recreating within the
Clam Bay NRPA by increasing their ability and willingness to act responsibly when
enjoying this coastal community ecosystem.
Primary Strategies:
1. Inspect and maintain current and future permitted
signagel, publications2 and interpretive exhibits
that educate the public about best stewardship
practices and ensure that the public is aware of
the rules and regulations for visitors recreating
within the Clam Bay NRPA.
2. Coordinate with outside regulatory agencies
(Collier County Sherriff s Department, United
States Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife
Commission (FWC)) to enforce regulatory "Idle
Speed/No Wake" restrictions.
3. Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape
debris dumping in or near the Preserve.
Secondary Strategies:
2
3.
Promotion and encouragement of
traditional, low- impact recreational uses
including, but not limited to: bird watching,
nature photography, canoeing /kayaking,
wildlife viewing, recreational fishing and
shell - fishing as long as such activity is in
compliance with existing local, state and
federal laws and does not result in long-
term impact to the coastal and estuarine
resources.
Establish and enact effective methods for monitoring and quantifying public -use activities
and any associated damage to natural resources.
Utilize public access points such as Clam Pass Park Beach Facility as points of education
and interpretative opportunities that encourage coastal stewardship through the
application of "Leave No Trace" principles for visitors.
' Including but not limited to existing and future informational and regulatory signage relating to the
canoe trail, and boater and swimmer usage within the Clam Bay NRPA. (Collier County Ordinance:
'Develop and provide map of canoe trail for paddlers
R
Performance Measure:
1. Track trends in law enforcement citations and incompatible use incidents.
Objective 2: Promote active stewardship by increasing the communities understanding
of the value of coastal resources.
Primary Strategies:
1. Maintain and develop site specific signage or handouts to educate visitors on
plant and animal identification. Include general information on how to help preserve the
Clam Bay NRPA and prevent unwanted impacts to the plants and animals.
2. Utilize trained volunteers to provide additional public information dissemination (i.e. CSWF
boardwalk walking tours).
3. Plan and perform = volunteer clean -up efforts within the Clam Bay NRPA.
Secondary Strategies:
1. Methods to discourage vandalism and /or other disturbances to the resource will be explored,
if warranted.
2. Monitor and evaluate any resource damage caused by watercraft entering environmentally
sensitive areas.
3. Monitor and evaluate if mortality of, or injuries to, wading birds associated with
entanglement with monofilament line used in fishing is increasing (i.e. inquire at
CSWF wildlife hospital).
4. Produce Clam Bay Estuary brochures and distribute in rainproof box on site. Inspect monthly
and refill as necessary.
Performance Measures:
1. Track any incidents where public use results in harm to the resource. Develop and implement
strategies to eliminate or at least reduce similar future incidents.
2. Track number of brochures taken by the public from the rainproof box to evaluate the
effectiveness of this type of distribution.
Objective 3: Maintain opportunities for low impact public access and use of the Clam Bay
NRPA.
Primary Strategies:
1. Develop an Operational and Maintenance Plan for the Clam Bay NRPA that delineates
individual and shared maintenance and upkeep responsibilities with Collier County Parks and
Recreation.
31
2. Maintain access to public facilities by conducting inspections of access points and
visitor facilities. Notify the party responsible for upkeep and repair as needed.
3. Trim vegetation as needed, and as allowed by permitting agencies, to maintain boardwalk
access and clear waterways of debris for canoe and kayak passage.
Secondary Strategy:
1. Confer and seek assistance from the County in the event of access or facility blockage from a
natural or anthropogenic occurrence that results in excess damage or debris beyond the scope
or abilities of the PBSD to correct.
Performance Measures:
1. Public complaints concerning access will be reviewed - to determine if problems
concerning access are addressed in a timely manner ).
2. Monitor public access and visitor use to assess impacts to environmental conditions within
the Clam Bay NRPA, and use adaptive management methods to eliminate, avoid, or reduce
potential adverse impacts to natural resources.
7
Table 1: Recreation
Recreation
Resource
Visitor Experience Impacts
Type
Impacts
Shelling
❖
Loss of live shells
❖
Rule compliance
Wildlife Viewing
❖
Wildlife Disturbance
and Photography
❖
Habitat Disturbance
Sport Fishing
❖
Benthic Impacts (derelict tackle)
❖
Displacement to other recreation
❖
Rule compliance
activities
❖
Wildlife Entanglements (hooks and
monofilament line)
❖
Feeding wildlife
❖
Litter
•'•
Human Waste
Canoeing/Kayaking
❖
Trimming mangroves for access
.•.
Noise from groups of paddlers
❖
Wildlife disturbance
❖
Possible conflict with other user
❖
Increased access to remote areas
groups
increases the probability for impacts
❖
Safety
•'•
Litter
•'•
Human Waste
Boating/Jet Skiing
❖
Trimming mangroves for access
Noise (Engine)
❖
Wildlife disturbance
❖
Possible conflict with other user
❖
Benthic Impacts (seagrass scarring)
groups
❖
Increased access to remote areas
❖
Safety
increases the probability for impacts
❖
Rule Compliance (Speed Zones)
•'•
Litter
❖
Human Waste
❖
Oil and/or gas spills
6.2.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements
In addition to an 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 Gulf Coast University, Sierra
Club of Collier County, Florida Fish and Wildlife.
6.2.2 Cooperating Agencies and Organizations
The Clam Bay NRPA will be 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.
6.2.3 Citizen Support for the Clam Bay NRPA
Establishment of a local, non - profit community volunteer organization could help the PBSD
achieve management plan goals. Such an organization, if developed, could play an essential role
in some of the monitoring and education priorities and serve as a link to the local community.
This type of organization could provide volunteers to participate in stewardship activities, resource
monitoring and perhaps even fundraising to augment current County funding.
6.3 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources
Preliminary budget estimates for the Clam Bay NRPA include cost breakdowns associated
management. The funding sources identified for management activities is the -
Alternative funding sources, such as mitigation and grant funds, will be sought to supplement
existing funding. M details the activities planned and the initial and annual cost estimate of
each activity. Private conservation organizations may also provide funding for specific projects.
G
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
1.0 Introduction
Purpose and Scope of the Management Plan.
Overview of the Clam Bay NRPA
Personnel / Consultants Responsible
Role of Pelican Bay Services Division
2.0 Clam Bay Location and Setting
Maps, description of Pelican Bay and the estuary system
Natural history of the system and pass
3.0 Mstorical Overview
Historical time line
Original mangrove die -off Ouses__
Restored characteristics of Clam Bay
4.0 Resource Descriptions
Soils
Climate
Natural Communities
Species
Hydrology
Water Quality
Inlet Dynamics
5.0 Authorized Construction Activities
List of permits and work undertaken to date
Wdr�
1
`� lto1
A
6.0 Management Goals and Pbjective�
Management action/work required, performance criteria and monitoring, responsible
entities, timeframe O
61 Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA
while minimizing negative environmental impacts.
6.2 Maintain and protect the nativefloral and faunal communities
6.3 Manage and improve water quality{ _ _ _ _ _
6.4 Protect the integri4 of known archaeological sites within the Clam Bay AOrIV --
6.5 Address recreational uses (with emphasis on possive recreation!
-G 6.6 Improve public awareness and invoh,ement
0
O
O
Page 1 of 95
O
Comment [kl]: Since this management plan
should be applied to the entire system attributes and
not just mangroves the mangrove die-off causes and
"restored characteristics " should be under a sub
header under mangroves. If you are going to include
mangrove history here you should also include the
histories of the NRPA's other attributes. Also if you
are going to categorize restored characteristics you
should also have a "declined characteristic" section
here.
Since it is a given that the mangrove die-off-
restoration should be highlighted in this plan suggest
this be placed under in the appendix
Comment [k2]: No clear delineation between
goals. obiectives and strateeies.
Comment [k3]: This is a strategy used to achieve
the second goal. This is not a goal as the reason you
might do 6.1 is to achieve 6.2
Comment [k4]: this is an objective under 62 not
a goal — why do you want to do this? To achieve 62
so can't be a goal
Comment [k5]: The phrase —with emphasis on
passive recreation" is a comment and should be
addressed under the goal or objectives.
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPI_AN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Senices Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
1.0 Introduction
Purpose of the Management Plan
The purpose of this management plan will be to provide guidance and direction for the
management of the Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA). * plan will form Comment [ke]:. Revamped as was unnecessary
the basis b which future management decisions can be made b identifying the a ro riate opdyoushoemnotnseenegative (evroid)inyrour
Y g Y Yi g PP P opening statement.
management techniques necessary to preserve, enhance, restore, maintain and monitor the uses
and resources within the Clam Bay NRPA.
This plan, in addition to providing a brief historical pr�s{��tiTprospective of activities
undertaken within this system -411. ��� i] 1 i d e n t i f y m a n a g e m e n t g o a l s a n d
objectives; develop inethods to achieve these goals and
objectives; and develop implementation, assessment and
evaluation strategies that strive to balance resource protection
with recreational use. T h e 13 1 a n wiUp 1 a n will detail various tools including Clain Pass
monitoring and maintenance, restoration, water quality analysis, listed species protection,
education. The plan will draw from the 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan, input
from multiple interested stakeholders, and the findings of 15 years of biological and hydrographic
monitoring activities within the system to outline goals for future enhancements to, and
maintenance of, the ecosystems throughout Clam Oay. Comment [k7]: Moved this from the overview
since fits under purpose better
The knanagemen lan and any subsequent revisions shall be submitted to the Collier_„ Comment[ksk.Nomanagementplanis gnaP'
County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for its approval. When approved, this plan will
serve as f.%a tool used in future permitting and other management activities within the system.
Overview of the Clam Bay oystemL_
Comment [0]: Not just in this section but
throughout the document there is a lot of repetition
that can be avoided if this document is restructured.
The Clam Bay estuarine system is a 570 -acre area of sandy beaches, shallow bays, seagrass beds
l This would also allow the doctment to flow better. j
and mangrove forests on the coast of Collier County in southwest Florida. The community of
Pelican Bay abuts the northern and eastern edges of the system, while the Seagate and Naples
Cay communities abut the southern portion of the system. This system is an important natural
and recreational resource for local residents and visitors. The operation of motorized watercraft O
is limited to idle speed/no wake per Collier County Ordinance 96-16. It was designated a
Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA) by Collier County in 11994 This designation means
comment [k10]: warn t the anal approval - the
.....affords the area the following protections....
-- - - -
one with stipulations in 1995^
- -Comment
[kin]: Suggest move to another
;The Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan, 1998 ♦
(CBRMP)
location to prevent excessive repetition — appendix
onjust the dieoffand restoration saga would be
tracks better
A.
In 1992 a small area of dead black mangroves was first observed in the northern part of the
system. In 1995 a significant area (approximately 50 acres) of dead and dying mangroves was
reported (Turrell, 1996). Following the die -off, restorative dredging was proposed to increase
tidal flushing by opening up the pass and widening several tidal creeks within the system. The
CBRMP was prepared in conjunction with State and Federal environmental permits to carry out
the work, and consequently focused on management objectives_ which were proposed at that
time, namely,
I
O
`Comment [k12]: Define acronyms prior to use
Comment [k13]: Need to tie the paragraph to the
header. In response to a large mangrove die-off the
1995 Clam Hay ....... was developed to restore the
mangrove die-offareas . ........... this section is also
repetitive later on. Put the saga in one place. I kuow
at tunes you have to be repetitive to be clear but
should be avoided if possible.
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
- Restoring the estuary hydrology and tidal flushing provided by Clam Pass
• Dredging portions of the interior tidal creeks to improve flushing capacity
• Studying the potential for improvements in upland stormwater /freshwater management
• Installing flushing culverts under Seagate Drive
Insert what the seagrass goal was or at least the mitigation. L comment [kia]: Morew-,W
The Clan: Bay Natural Resource Protection Area ManagementPlan, 2014
This Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection Area Management Plan (CPMP, 2014) combines the
comprehensive outline and background provided in the original 1998 plan with lessons learned
during and Subsequent to its implementation. The goals of this Plan will be to direct the
management activities undertaken to enhance the estuarine and associated habitats in a manner
that maintains and contributes to the overall integrity of the Clam Bay ecosystem. Namely, the
activities �ndertaken under the Plan will:
Comment [ki5]: Are you talking about goals
-
bete? Activities should be what you are going to do
• Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA while
OC yOIn' tool bOC
ing negative environmental impacts
Comment [k16]: Strategy to achieve maintain
• Maintain and protect native floral and faunal communities
and protecting floral and faunal communities
Manage and improve water qualit
Comment [k17]: Goal
___
Protect the integrity of known archaeological sites within the NRPA
Comment [k19]: Strategy or objective dependant
_
Address recreational uses
on phrasing for maintain and protect floral and
faunal communities
Improve public awareness and involvement) L
Comment [k19]: goal
Comment [k20]: Kinda a goal needs
Personnel / Consultants Responsible
wordsmithing- awareness and involvement of
what. Problem is if educate the public on flora and
fauna it should be a strategy or objective depending
This CPMP has been prepared by the firm of Tturell, Hall & Associates, Inc., who, as project
on phrasing for maintain and protect native floral
managers for the restorative dredging and associated monitoring work has a long history with the
and faunal communities,
projeand ecosystem. Input and monitoring data has been incorporated from coastal engineers,
ct P g g
Comment [ with a Goal needs wordsmithing so
not confused with an objective
Humiston & Moore, Inc., as well as other interested stakeholders such as the Pelican Bay
Comment [k22]: There needs to be clear
Foundation, the Mangrove Action group, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, adjacent
delineations between goals, objectives and tools to
community associations, and the City of Naples. The ongoing support and assistance of the
achieve your objectives and goals
PBSD and Collier County is gratefully acknowledged. O
Pelican Bay Services Division Turrell. Hall & Associates
Tom Cravens — Chairman Tim Hall — Project Manager
801 Laurel Oak Drive, Suite 302 3584 Exchange Ave
Naples, FL 34108 Naples, Fl 34104
(239) 597 -1749 (239) 643 -0166
Humiston & Moore Engineers
Brett Moore — Project Manager O
5679 Strand Court
Naples, FL 34110 O
(239) 594 -2021
2
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O
CL" BAYNRPA MANA GEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Senrices Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Pelican Bay Services Division
In order for the management and enhancement of the Clam Bay NRPA to be successful,
coordination between a myriad of local, state, and federal agencies and concerned citizen's
groups is required. The Pelican Bay Services Division (PBSD) has undertaken that role for most
of the past fifteen years.
The PBSD is a dependent special district known as the Pelican Bay Municipal Services Taxing
and Benefit Unit. It was formed pursuant to Chapter 125 of the Florida Statutes and was
formally enabled by the Collier County Commission pursuant to Ordinance numbers 90 -111 and
91- 22--44tese. T h e s e ordinances were replaced in 2002 by Ordinance 2002 -27 which further
clarified the basis and role of the MSTBU and PBSD Board. This MSTBU was created to,
among other things, provide for the maintenance of conservation and preserve areas within
Pelican Bay. This responsibility was undertaken diligently from 1998 to 2009 and resulted in the
implementation of the previous Management Plan and the recovery of the mangrove die -off
area. The Collier County Coastal Zone Management Department assumed responsibility of
the Pass monitoring and maintenance from 2009 to 2012 while the PBSD continued to
monitor and maintain the mangrove communities within the system At the beginning of 2013,
the Collier County BOCC returned responsibility of the Pass to PBSD via Ordinance 2013 -19,
and it is under the PBSD's direction that this current management plan has been written.
As a dependent special district, the PBSD is an arm of local county government and as such does
not enjoy the ability to make decisions concerning the implementation of the Management Plan
independent of the desires of the Collier County BOCC. The PBSD budget, and therefore its
ability to undertake work projects, is controlled by the Collier County BOCC. In practical
application, this has not proved problematic, as the BOCC has routinely approved the mangrove
management undertakings of the PBSD and the BOCC has authorized the development of this
Management Plan. The PBSD implements County policy within the confined geography of the
Pelican Bay community and the defined responsibilities of the PBSD. The PBSD sets it own
budget and agenda and routinely submits same to the Collier County BOCC for approval. The
actual workings of the relationship suggest therefore, that the PBSD has experienced a
significant degree of practical autonomy and this is expected to continue in the implementation
of this Management Plan. The result is that the PBSD will be the official manager of this
The PBSD will direct this Management Plan and have the responsibility for its nnple ebAi
and operation over time. As such, the PBSD will plan and implement defined majp�agement
activities (with BOCC approval) whose purpose will be to protect, enhance anr%Tntain the
natural communities and ecological integrity of the Clam BayNRPA.
e,
O
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Page 4 of 95
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CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
The PBSD has several attributes which already make it a logical guiding force in the
management of Clam Bay. The PBSD:
• Is located within the Clam Bay drainage basin;
• Has an advisoryboard (appointed by the County Cominission) made up of
si�'�tit ',residential and business members within Pelican Bay;
• Gamers fiscal support collected from local assessments;
• Is accessible by the public due to its local governing board and advertised public monthly
meetings; and
• Has demonstrated a long -term commitment to the resource and its preservation and
enhancement over the past fifteen years.
These attributes give PBSD the knowledge and expertise in matters of local concern and, in
particular, the problems, opportunities and interests of local residents as they relate to the Clam
Bay ecosystem. Its relationship to the BOCC gives it an additional level of access to technical
expertise and oversight that will be necessary to assure that the Management Plan, as
contemplated in this document, is fully implemented in the field.
As part of its responsibilities, the PBSD will assemble and distribute various technical reports
and assessments as required under the Management Plan, as well as coordinate with the other
public and private groups interested in Clam Bay. The PBSD is organized for and designed to
maintain both its knowledge of the Clam Bay resources and to generate public support for the
same. PBSD will insure that the general public, residents in Pelican Bay, PBSD consultants, and
representatives from government agencies with jurisdiction over Clam Bay each have on -going
involvement and input into the Management Plan as appropriate.
k w
10
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Page 5 of 95
CLAM BAY1YRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
2.0 Clam Bay Location and
Setting
Maps, description of Pelican Bay and the estuary
i Comment [k23]: ?n?
Overview of the Clam Bay System
The Clam Bay estuarine system is a 570 -acre area of sandy beaches, shallow bays, seagrass beds
and mangrove forests on the coast of Collier County in southwest Florida. The Clam Bay
System is part of the Cocohatchee - Gordon River Transition, referred to by the DNR of CC as
Coastal Zone 11. It is one of the few estuarine systems remaining in the Cocohatchee- Gordon
River Drainage System, federally designated as an undeveloped coastal barrier system (Burch,
1990). Historically, Clam Bay was tidally connected to the Gulf of Mexico via Wiggins Pass to
the north, Doctor's Pass to the south and centrally located Clam Pass. The northern and southern
ends of Clam Bay became isolated in the 1950's when roads were constructed. Today, the system
consists of three primary bays; Outer Clam Bay (southernmost), Inner Clam Bay (central), and
Upper Clam Bay (northernmost), connected by a series of tidal creeks connected to the Gulf of
Mexico at Clain Pass. The community of Pelican Bay abuts the northern and eastern edges of
the system, while the Seagate and Naples Cay communities abut the southern portion of the
system. ). The surrounding area includes the Vanderbilt Beach Coastal Unit and the developments
of Vanderbilt Beach, Park Shore, Moorings, Seagate, Naples Cay and Pelican Bay (Benedict,
1984).
'Clam Bay was designated a Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA) by Collier County in
1994 (Collier County, 1991 filiis designation means .....affords the area the following
protections.......
The NRPN consists of approximately 420 acres of mangroves and some 115 acres of shallow,
open water bays, Clam Pass, as well as a 35 acre beachfront parcel (Clam Pass Beach Park).
,yo
Comment [k24]: How can you use a 1991
reference for a 1994 statement?? Whoops typo!!!
Comment [k25]: I believe the 1994 iteration of
the NRPA in the 1994 Rpt on NRPA (C.C. Nat Res)
recommended the NRPA footprint includes east of
the berm but then in 1995 the BCC passed the NRPA
with the new boundary and with stipulations.
Comment [k26]: suggest move to one location
as is repetitive and would track better elsewhere
Comment [k27]: This would track better if
follows the first paragraph in overview. If you kept
the intro to just the management plan comments and
moved the V paragraph under overview in the intro
Otis would track better
CLAM BAYNRPA MANA GEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
[Ile entire system receives runoff from adjacent upland and wetland areas. Upper Clam Bay is
connected to Inner Clam Bay by a winding narrow creek. Inner Clam Bay is connected to Clam
Pass through another narrow creek Outer Clam Bay is connected to the Gulf of Mexico by a
wider creek through Clam Pass. Some water also primarily flows south to Venetian
BayPeeterls-less through the culverts under Seagate Drive, albeit at times the water flows north
into a southern Seagate canal just east of Naples CaV. Comment [k28]: Belongs in a hydrology section
- doesn't fit in "location and setting" no lead in to
explain why is here
Clan Bay Vital Statistics
Total acres: Approx. 570 acres
Beaches: Approx. 3 miles
Mangrove: Approx. 420 acres
Open Water: Approx. 115 O
acres
Latitude and Longitude of Pass: N 26° 13' 11 ", W 81° 49' 01"
Sec. 4, 5, 8, & 9, Tw , Rug 25E
Water Body ID (WBID) :.........
Clam Pass
Page 6of�_
Clain Pass is a small, marginally stable inlet that has ated north and song the shore
over the years. Prior to dredging, average water depths of Clam Pass v 2. to -1.0', and its
width ranged from 30 -50' (Collier County, 1994). The Pass remains t ary source of tidal
exchange for the Clam Bay system, but it is restricted by sediment d is just inside the pass
and in the long meandering tidal creeks surrounded by mangrW#irests. The smaller
embayments located primarily to the north of the pass are not subject to normal tidal exchange
except during exceptionally high tides. Tidal range is restricted throughout the Clam Bay system
(Turrell 1995; Collier County Report 1996; Tackney 1996)Zw
v
Comment [k29]: Need to break up the following
paragraphs into subbeaders to improve organization
and flow: Le. Clam Pass, Lower Clam Bay, borer
Clam Bay and Upper Clam Bay, Etc
Also is it your intention to just talk about hydrology
here - if so then belongs in a section about
hydrology. Otherwise add in other things
Comment [k30]: This section reads like tidal
ranges are too low when in fact they are probably
faster than historically when it was a constantly
changing system i. e. What do you mean by
- normal- - what is normal historically ?? And what
is it now????
CLAMBAYJNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
Decetnber3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Tide gauges are installed and monitored on the County boardwalk at the north end of Outer Clam
Bay, the north and south Pelican Bay boardwalks, and in Upper Clam Bay. These gauges
indicate that the dredging done at the �ass� and in the interior creeks has drastically improved the
, --
Comment [k3l]: Mien -what do you mean by
tidal exchange throughout the system. Tidal ranges vary from 2 feet out in the Gulf to 1.5 feet in
g throughout g ry
drastically-
onditi ns i this your opinion that under current
conditions this is improvement given that you can't
the southern portion of the system down to about 0.5 feet at the northern end of the �yste�
fix the real impediment to flow at the north? Be
careful with words that are ambiguous
South of Clam Pass, a channel oriented north -south with water depths varying between -1.0' to -
Comment [k32]: in comparison to .... And say
why this is an improvement or just state this is what
4.0' leads to Outer Clam Bay (approx. 72 acres) which connects to the Venetian lagoon system
it was historically and this is what it is now without
via a three 24" concrete culverts under Seagate Drive. There are also three dead end canals from
judgment. Could say has increased without raising
the south end of Outer Clam Bay into the Seagate community.
an opinion.
North of Clam Pass, a long narrow (approximately 6,600') tributary leads to Inner Clam Bay
(approx. 32 acres). )Evidence in the literature suggests that oyster bars were once present in this
channel (Htunnr and Rehm, 1972). � further, narrow creek (5,400') leads north from Inner Clain — Comment [k33]: Disjointed —does aot flow
Bay to Upper Clain Bay (approx. 20 acres), the smallest and most isolated of the three primary
bays.
Historical aerials and anecdotal recollections from long -time County residents note a connection
of the system at Upper Clam Bay to Vanderbilt Lagoon and Wiggins Pass to the north via a small
creek (Collier County, 1994, Tropical BioIndustries, 1978). This connection was eventually
severed with the development of Vanderbilt Beach Road in the 1950s.
The Clam Bay system is bounded on the north by Vanderbilt Beach Road, to the south by
Seagate Drive, to the east by the Pelican Bay development and to the west by the Gulf of
Mexico.
Pelican Bay is predominately a residential community of private single - family homes, as well as
both high and low -rise condominium units. The community also includes a 27 -hole golf course,
common areas with meeting rooms, tennis courts, beach park facilities, emergency services
facilities, and commercial areas with shopping and hotels. The 2,104 -acre Planned Unit
Development (PUD) was approved in 1977 as a partnership between Collier Enterprises and
Westinghouse Communities. It was one of the first developments in Florida required to save
fragile coastal wetlands and associated ecosystems (Urban Land Institute, 1981). The
development of Pelican Bay had a limited impact on the wetlands themselves (approximately 94
acres in total with about 78 of those acres located in the northwestern corner of the property) I
Page 7 of 95
Comment [kMl: This section needs expansion
and structure
Comment [k35]: Doesn't flow here move to
when you discuss the location or in history section.
Also if you are going to discuss pelican bay in detail
you need to add in something about the other
conmmnities that impact the system such as Seagate
mid naples cay. I
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
leaving the mangrove forest intact and preserved around the bays. As mitigation for these
xvetland impacts, the 35 acre beach park was donated to Collier County.
Approximate extent of Clam Bay NRPA boundary.
bevelopment landward of the mangroves required a stormwater management system designed to
spread runoff along the eastern edge of the Clam Bay estuary (Collier County Report 1996). A
four to six foot high and 2 'V2 mile long berm separates the developed portion of Pelican Bay
from the estuary lying to the west of the development, but numerous culverts through the berm
discharge water to a Swale system along the eastern perimeter of Clam Bay. The eastern edge of
Pelican Bay is about 12 -14 feet above sea level at US 41, sloping in an east -west direction to
about 2 feet near the berm. Six drainage basins operate on a gravity system to slowly move
surface water into the receiving area of Clam Bay!
O
7 ��
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Comment "]: Bouncing back- to hydrology
here Also elaborate on the impacts this has on the
system Natural sheetaow -versus drainage today.
Discuss bay colony and its impacts to hydrology
CTAMBAY NRPAMANAGEMENT PLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Setvices Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Approximate locations of Drainage Basins within the Pelican Bay Development (photo is oriented with no44north up
and west to the left).
8
Page 9 of 95
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Vcr. 3.0
Natural History
Prior to development, the entire coastline of south Florida consisted of meandering mangrove
lined waterways buffering sandy barrier islands and terrestrial communities. Clam Bay is a
valuable resource, situated in the heart of the urban landscape, for wildlife (particularly juvenile
marine species and avifauna), as well as residents and visitors who enjoy recreational
opportunities the system offers such as kayaking, fishing, walking, swimming, bird watching, and
beach 6ini.
Comment [k37]: Since say such as this doesn't
mean you are listing all activities so you don't need
"and others"
The system is a mixture of mangrove -lined tidal creeks, mangrove forests, shallow bays and tidal
passes, seagrass beds, tidal flats, sandy beaches and brackish interior wetlands. (k man -made
water management berm now divides natural and developed portions to the east where
historically mangrove forest would have transitioned gradually into the mesic coastal hammocks
and upland pine scrubs that made up the now developed portions of the Pelican Bay community.L— Comment [k38]: Might want to say what it was
historically and what it is now instead of combining
the two also this could be put in section where you
A brief overview of these important habitat types, their key characteristics and value is provided discuss the berm
in the Resource Description Section of this Plan.
Pass History
Historically, Clam Pass was a small part of a large system of waterways extending from Lee
County to Doctors Pass. Knecdotal evidence suggests that small boating activities took place
within this area. The construction of Vanderbilt Beach Road in the early 1950's cut off any
�� Comment [k39]: Move to historical recreational
navigation from the north from what is presently called Vanderbilt Lagoon. Tidal connection
xeferene sumed this was anecdotal as not
with Vanderbilt Lagoon was eventually severed as well. Later, the construction of Seagate Drive
limited the amount of tidal flow from the south, the waterway presently called Venetian Bay
which connects to Doctors Pass
Comm ene [kao): This is repetitive of the location
-
Part and if wan t here need to connect it to the header
Prior to development, the natural stormwater (rain run -off) moved in a southwesterly direction
"Clam Pass" Assume you were driving at that there
is only one Pass now but need to make this clear as it
towards the coast via sheet flow. Water reaching the mangroves and bays of the Clam Bay
doesn't fit in this header as it is now
NRPA would flow out to the Pass. The upland stormwater flow pattern has since been
modified in direction, volume, and timing by the use of retention/detention basins, primarily in
the Pelican Bay development area.
O
The Clam Pass opening has moved over its lifetime up and down the shoreline, influenced bV
major storm events and by man's alteration of the tidal prism and drainage basin that feeds the
Pass. A detailed discussion of the Pass is provided in the Coastal Processes Element of this Plan j
Comment [k4l]: This all should be in a
—
hydrology section
o�
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Page 10 of 95
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
3.0 Historical Overview
Ome Lined — I didn't check this unless i
timeline so miiZht want to check with her
at me — Marsha did
1920
A dirt road is built by Forest Walker running from the nortli -east to south portion of Pelican Bay,
a forerunner of US 41.
1950
With 6,000 residents of Naples, Clain Bay is part of a connected system of barrier islands,
mangrove passes and waterways. The orientation of the beaches and passes would have changed
seasonally and with storms.
1952
Vanderbilt Road is constructed, eventually severing connection with the Wiggins Pass system to
the north.
1958
Seagate Drive is constructed as the Parkshore community is developed. Flow is blocked into
Venetian Bay to the south.
Circa 1960 Aerial Photograph
10
Comment [k44]: Need to reference your sources
for these comments. The statements above are not
enough although if you want you could just use
footnotes or list them all at the bottom
O` rage t t or ao
Comment [k42]: The header is not needed and if
To properly understand and successfully implement proposed management objectives, actions
us ed should notjust rifer to mangroves but the entire
and events which have lead to the current situation in Clam Bay should be described. This
system
chapter starts off with a time -line to clearly portray the system in its historical context. It is
intended as background information and as a factual recomrt based anecdotal evidence, �resS
Comment [k43]: If say personal experiences
reports, published and unpublished reports. The chapter finishes with an overview of the
then need to say whose personal experiences and
justify why you are just using this person. In other
mangrove die -off including causes, and the work that was undertaken as part of the 1998 Clam
words you are opening the door for a lot more
Bay Restoration and Management Plan to restore the system.
work!—
Ome Lined — I didn't check this unless i
timeline so miiZht want to check with her
at me — Marsha did
1920
A dirt road is built by Forest Walker running from the nortli -east to south portion of Pelican Bay,
a forerunner of US 41.
1950
With 6,000 residents of Naples, Clain Bay is part of a connected system of barrier islands,
mangrove passes and waterways. The orientation of the beaches and passes would have changed
seasonally and with storms.
1952
Vanderbilt Road is constructed, eventually severing connection with the Wiggins Pass system to
the north.
1958
Seagate Drive is constructed as the Parkshore community is developed. Flow is blocked into
Venetian Bay to the south.
Circa 1960 Aerial Photograph
10
Comment [k44]: Need to reference your sources
for these comments. The statements above are not
enough although if you want you could just use
footnotes or list them all at the bottom
O` rage t t or ao
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
1972
Tri- County Engineering produces reports:
• An Ecological Study of the Clam Pass Complex is published by Humm & Rehm
• Hydrographic Investigation of the Clam Bay System
Coral Ridge - Collier Properties, Inc. (a partnership between Westinghouse and Collier Properties)
acquired the property and initiated development of Pelican Bay.
1974
Pelican Bay Improvement District is formed to manage common property in Pelican Bay and
provide for long term sustainable infrastructure.
1976
Three, bi- directional 24 -inch culverts are placed under Seagate Drive to provide hydrologic
connection to Venetian Bay.
Report "Environmental Assessment for Development Approval" is prepared for Pelican Bay.
Clam Pass closed in and then was re- opened by dragline.
1977
Pelican Bay Planned Unit Development is approved, and construction commences.
1977 -1979
Gee & Jensen Hydrographic Engineers conduct a series of tidal studies within the system and
distribute "A hydrographic study of Clam Bay system" in 1978.
1978
Tropical Bio- Industries produce a report: Carbon Flows in portions of the Clam Pass estuarine
system. `b
Ecological assessment work by Tropical Bio - Industries for permitting of the north -west fill area,
notes a small area of stressed and dead mangroves close to Upper Clam Bay. O
1979 IV
Environmental Assessment of the northwest fill area is distributed. OIJ +0
Tropical Bio - Industries produce biological reports:
• A comparative study of the water and carbon flows of Upper Clam Bay
• Invertebrate Population Studies in the vicinity of Upper Clam Bay
1981
Clam Pass closed and was re- opened by dragline.
11
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Page 12 of 95
CLAMB_4YIVRPA MA NA GEMENT PLAN (DRA FT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
WCI, the developers of Pelican Bay, transferred title to Clam Bay to Collier County with the
stipulation that Clam Bay shall remain a conservation /preservation area in perpetuity.
1982
WCI deeded Clam Pass Park and Clam Bay to Collier County and in accordance with the Pelican
Bay PUD, required the County to seek approval of WCI or its successors for any modifications
to Clam Bay.
1983
Tropical Bio- Industries produce biological reports:
• Fish populations of tidal ponds west of Upper Clam Bay
1986
Collier County constructs a 2,900' boardwalk to provide access across Outer Clam Bay to the
countypark, south of Clam Pass.
1988
Clam Pass closes twice, first in the spring and again in the late fall after Tropical Storm Keith
(November 23, 1988).
1989
Small areas of stressed and dying mangroves are noted by residents in the basin west of Upper
Clam Bay and east of The Strand in Bay Colony. A DNR interdepartmental memo highlights
cause of the stress as "the lack of adequate water circulation resulting from the closure of Clam
Pass ".
First emergency dredging permit received from DNR to re -open clogged Clam Pass, following
memo by David Crewz to the DNR highlighting problems and danger if the pass was not re-
opened. 0
1990
Pelican Bay Improvement District comes under Collier County as the Pelican Bay Services O
Division. T
1992 01j+0
The area of dead mangroves is reported at 7 acres.
1994 I♦
20 acres of mangroves are reported dead.
1994
Clam Bay is approved by the Board of County Commissioners as Col County's first Natural
Resource Protection Area (NRPA). O
12 Page 13 of 95
O
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
1995
Emergency dredging permit issued allowing opening of the pass, but no work farther back than
600 feet.
1996
Permits to open Clam Pass received from DEP and USACE and work completed in April. In
summer and fall blasting and hand excavation was permitted and completed in 1997.
1996
Mangrove die -off area estimated at 50 acres.
1997
Clam Pass dredged again under modification to 1996 Permits.
1998
Ten year permits received from DEP and USACE for dredging Clam Pass and the interior
channels and Seagate culverts with associated monitoring work and storm and freshwater
studies.
1999
Dredging work associated with the CBRMP is completed in the spring by Ludlum Construction
Company.
Ellicott Series 370HP Pumping Sand out of Clam Pass (1999)
1999
Staff at The Conservancy of Southwest Florida commences a 3 -5 year study oO groves,
surface water level and elevation within the mangrove die -off area. S,
v
2002
Maintenance dredging of Clam Pass flood shoals completed to improveaal circulation.
O
13 Page 14 of 95
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CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
2004
Hurricane Charley comes ashore about 50 miles north of Clam Pass. A lot of sand was
redistributed but the pass did not close. Extensive limb and leaf loss was documented within the
mangrove forest.
2005
Hurricane Wilma comes ashore about 30 miles south of Clam Pass. More limb and leaf loss is
noted. Pass does not close.
Hurricane
mangroves along bay 2005
Same mangroves along bay 2007
2007
Maintenance dredging of Pass and entrance channel completed to 1999 specifications.
2008
Tropical Storm Fay comes ashore about 30 miles south of Clam Pass. The area received over 10
inches of rainfall. Pass not affected.
2009
1998 DEP and ACOE permits for maintenance of the pass expire after 1 -year extensions. O
2010
Permits issued to continue maintenance of hand -dug flushing channels throughout the system.
2011
White mangrove die -off was observed in central portion of the system and found to I& c&ised by a
bark beetle infestation of trees that had suffered cold temperature stress. ICSWF Clam Bay Natural
Resource Protection Area (NRPA) Benthic Habitat Assessment study was completed, which provided a
comprehensive mapping of benthic habitat distributions in Clam Bay; analyzed benthic habitat
compositions relative to the geographic location; and systematic benthic sampling was used to
characterize sediments and biological assemblages and their distribution within the Clam Bay system.; comment [k4S]: added
2012 0 -
Canoe trail markers and informational signage installed through+ Bay.
O
2004
14
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The mouth of the pass moves to the north near the Pelican Bay Beach Store. The northern shoreline of
the pass is temporarily reinforced with the installation of concrete barriers.
The pass closes in December.
2013
A single event permit is issued to dredge Clam Pass. In March dredge work is completed and the pass
is open.
Development of a new Management Plan is initiated through stakeholder input and multiple public
meetings.
[1992 Mangrove Die -off and
Related Cause
The majority of the original die -off occurred within the northerrinost black mangrove areas of the
system. Three defined processes of the black mangrove forest are applicable to the Clam Bay
ecosystem. These three processes are briefly reviewed here are:
Salt balance: Salt is available to the black mangrove forest from a variety of sources, but normal tidal
exchange is the most important. Black mangroves can tolerate slightly higher sediment salinity than
the other two mangrove species but can be affected adversely by an excess accumulation of salt. Black
mangroves have adapted to exclude salt ..... � a natural setting, toxic accumulation of salt is usuall
prevented by dilution and leaching due to rainfall and washout on outgoing tides. Accordingly, the
transport of dissolved and diluted salt back to the Gulf is critical to the health of the black mangrov
rmatter budget: Like the salt balance, the organic matter budget is intimately related to the
flushing component of the tidal cycle. It is generally recognized that even in the best of circumstances
only 60 -86% of the decomposing matter generated by a mangrove forest is consumed on site. The
balance has to be exported. This export is in the form of highly fragmented or dissolved organic
matter fractions and as such is also dependent upon tidal flushing.
Water budget: Water enters the Clain Bay system through rainfall, freshwater run -off and through
the influx of seawater. It leaves via evaporation from water surfaces, transpiration from leaves and
tidal out -flow to the Gulf. Since evapotranspiration rates within mangrove forests are relatively low 't
follows that the forest must freely drain or else water logging occurs that quickly leads to stress and
mortality.(- - ---- - -- --
Rainfall in South Florida contributes about 53 plus inches of water per year and most of that occurs in
the wet season (Ref). Additional freshwater inputs to this system occur from groundwater flow and
from irrigation in the developed portions of Pelican Bay. The irrigation amounts to about 26 to 28
inches (on average) of rainfall every year but can vary widely due to weather conditions. Less ??
inches that would have been attributed to natural sheetflow.... In a perfect world this irrigation
component would be entirely taken tip by the soil and plants but it is expected that some run -off is also
generated freaiiFFigafi,8*from irrigation. When this amount is
15 ��
O
Comment [k46]: under a mangrove header
otherwise need to address the 1999 -2000 seagrass
decline, benthic's etc — as this is an estuary plan
Comment [k47]: However, soil and its chemical
state are, in mm, affected by topography. tidal range
and sedimentation patterns, climate, and long -tern
sea level changes. When soils are inundated with
water, anaerobic conditions usually result. If
frequent flooding and drying out occurs, hypersaline
conditions may develop that negatively impacts
mangrove distribution and growth (Soto, 1984).
However, in mangroves located near developments,
freshwater inundation often occurs due to
stonuwater runoff. Both residential and commercial
developments are usually designed to prevent
flooding of roads and infrastructure. Buildings are
usually elevated above the surrounding area to allow
excess water to flow away from structures and roads.
Often this stonnwater runoff is directed into nearby
swales, culverts or directly into slonnwater systems,
and is more often than not directly shunted through
various discharge systems into nearby mangrove
communities. This results in large pulses of
freshwater entering the mangroves all at once, which
can cause flood levels in the mangroves to far exceed
natural freshwater accumulation during storm events.
hypersalinity is not a problem in dieoff, that receive
stormwater runoff from nearby developments. ). Soil
and water salinity concentrations, although definitely
higher in the Dieoff areas and hypersalme
periodically during the dry season, became inundated
by freshwater nmoff during the wet season at study
sites, negating long -term salt toxicity. A vertical
salinity stratification was present during the wet
season, due to specific gravity and density
differences between fresh and salt water as fresh
water entered the area front precipitation and nmoff.
Thus, hypersalinity was not considered a
contributing factor in the deterioration of mangroves
in die -offs that were adjacent to development and
subject to freshwater inflows. wide salinity
fluctuations in both the soil and water, while not
considered a problem for mangrove seedling
Comment [k48]: Soil redox potential and salinity
do not seem to play a role in the initial cause(s) of
die -offs, but are most likely a result of long periods
of inundation and dry down. See McKee's analysis.
Eli values vary with pH, the concentration (activity)
of oxidized and reduced species in the soil,
fluctuating water tables and the presence or absence
of organic matter (Vespraskas and Faulkner, 2001).
Comment [k49]: Mangroves have adapted to
regulate salt balance which allows them to habituate
to harsh brackish and saltvater habitats any
accumulated salt that was present dining the dry
season was subsequently negated during the
wetseason from hnpounded freshwater runoff from
Bay Colony and other sources.
Comment [k50]: Connect to die-off
Comment [k5l]: ht comparison to what? What
do you mean by relatively low?
Comment [k52]: Connect to die-off
Comment [k53]: There is no direct connection
indicated betveen the "three processes" and their
relation to the die -off header. These "processes" are
not the direct cause of the dieoffwhich is altered
hydrology that led to impoundment ofnmoffwater
higher than the pneumatophores that prevented
gaseous excbange for too long that then led to
mortality Mangrove die -offs are often the result o
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added to normal rainfall, the export capacity of the system to the Gulf becomes critical, especially
when considered in the context of the need to transport the organic matter and salt described above.: comment [k54]: Agai mined to eomme 1 ro topic
). Nutrient limitation nitrogen and phosphorus), soil waterlogging, and soil salinity have been
hypothesized as the principal factors controlling mangrove growth (Davis, 1940). Factors including
hydrology, tidal regimes, geology, and soil chemistry are important in understanding what drives
mangrove systems. Prolonged flooding in black mangrove systems can cause extended stress on aerial
roots resulting in mass mortality (Odum and McIver, 1990).The combination of �hese mangrove
species nd other intertidal vegetation makes mangrove forests extremely productive natural —f Comment [k55]: WHAT SPECIES?
resources, but their productivity depends on the right combination of tidal "flushing" (movement of
water and suspended material in and out of the estuarine wetland) and freshwater run -off to maintain
their ability to function. The freshwater input dilutes the high salinity of marine waters, thereby Comment [k56]: There are other factors that
reducing the effort needed by the mangrove to exclude or excrete salt. This allows more of the Omit productivity and nutrient limitation is one of if
not the most important factor. J
trees' energy to be directed to normal growth and � naintenance� c t ksz klak ark fr
Tidal flushing also allows nutrients to be distributed within the forest and provides for the
transportation of dead leaves, twigs, etc. As these materials decay, they become food for marine life.
It is this mangrove detritus which is consumed by the many organisms at the base of the food chain
and which in turn create the next level of the food chain necessary to support the fish populations that
characterize the mangrove community. It is the combined interaction of fresh and salt water through
tidal flushing that is critical to the ability of the mangrove forest to sustain itself. It follows therefore,
that anything that materially disrupts the maintenance of the flushing component threatens the long
term viability of the mangrove forest itself{
According to detailed field surveys performed in the early 1970's (Tropical BioIndustries
Company and Gee and Jenson 1978) tree densities ranged from 726 to 7,580 per acre and
maximum canopy height was 39 feet. Within the black mangrove dominated basin forests, 16% of
the trees or 8.8 acres of dead black mangroves were reported in the 1978 4ocumen(
Dead and stressed mangroves were again reported for Clam Bay in 1989 when David W. Crewz, a
biologist with the Florida Marine Research Institute, was asked to inspect Clam Pass Park by
Mary Ellen Hawkins, then a Collier County representative to the legislature (letter to Don Duden
dated April 3, 1989). Mr. Crewz concluded that the "dead and stressed mangroves were caused by O
lack of adequate water circulation resulting from the closure of Clam Pass.... allowing toxin all
salt buildup."
Westinghouse Consultants, Inc., employees in February 1992 noted additional mangrove le
north of Clam Pass Park on the west side of Upper Clam Bay. This area was inspected bypr. Eric
Heald, a consultant to WCI, and reported to WCI in April 1992, as probably due to alinity,
although 1991 was an above average rainfall year. The same conclusion was r by Robin
Lewis of Lewis Environmental Services, Inc., after an inspection in May 1 his time the
die -off area was approximately 6 acres. A widespread mortality of mangrov lorida Bay was
also reported in the summer of 1991 (Yarbro et a]. 1994) and it was A41ted, in part, to natural
drought conditions and unusual tidal inundation patterns. O
two
After above average rainfall in the summer of 1995, The Con cy, Inc.'s staff and residents in
Pelican Bay reported additional mangrove deaths which ed through 1995 and 1996. The
total area of the die -off through July 1999 was around
ommen [ ], es rt soun n e eshwater
is the answer when in some cases it's the problem
Comment [k58]: Although tidal flushing is
important it was not the real problem that caused the
altered hydrology which was the development that
diminished ground water flow toward the gulf and
shunted excess fresh water into the die -off area
curing impoundment , etc..
Comment [k59]: Too much emphasis is being
put on tidal flushing as if this was the cause of the
problem when it wasn't . It can be successfidly
argued that while important is not Une natural
solution. The removal of the excess water was the
solution to the die -off where as increasing the tidal
flushing was a choice not a nanual one as the
system back- in the 40's was slower moving but
much healthier.
Comment [k60]: Location cause ?' ? ? ??
16
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December 3, 2013
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Page 17 of 95
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The death of �L occurred around hyper salure ponds and is consistent with conditions caused by
periods of excessive inundation of freshwater followed by periods of continuous dry down, particularly
where the mechanism for flushing is impaired (Lugo 11970. During the period immediately
preceding the observed die off, and during the periods following, Clam Bay received record amounts
of rainfall. This rainfall, when coupled with an admittedly impaired circulation system and
intermittent pass closure, resulted in water levels that were high enough for a long enough period of
time to adversely impact the knangroves�-
It should be noted, however, that the death of trees around hyper saline ponds is a process that is now
occurring for a variety of reasons elsewhere in Florida and the Caribbean and is not necessarily
evidence that the forest is in a state of irretrievable decline. The presence of new seedlings confines
that these conditions may well be able to return. (Lugo 1976;). Presently the die -off areas appear to be
recovering as a result of the restoration work done to 4ate�
The remedial efforts described later in this Plan, in particular the dredging of Clam Pass, the opening
of several of the impacted tidal creeks, and the construction of approximately 13 miles of hand -dug
flushing channels, have had the desired effect of increasing circulation of tidal waters and draining
excess fresh water from the northern terminus of the system. ( Humiston, pers. comm. �007�.
Restored Characteristics of Clam Bay
Comment [k61]: IN ? ???
Comment [k62]: Warless describes die-offs
from peat collapse following hurricanes that caused
altered hydrology thus were the die-offs mentioned
by lugo natal? The development of hypersaline
ponds natural? If so they should not be equated to
the clam bay dieoff wbich was primarily due to
antbropogeuic causes.
Comment [k63]: Mangroves were stressed prior
to the rainfall which merely accelerated the process
of mortality
Comment [k64]: Negates the hypersalinity
comment in this case is water impoundment
Comment [k65]: Which ones? sounds like you
are talking about florida and the cambean
Comment [k66]: Solution to pollution is dilution
— which was essentially the course taken since there
was not enough support to correct the original
problem caused by development
hi assessing a variety of alternatives to the restoration of Clam Bay, the original need was not so much
to restore the system to a mangrove forest (although that remained the primary goal) as it was to
stabilize and restore the system as a thriving natural resource. It was recognized that with changes to
naturally induced flushing rates and hydrological regimes the estuarine inhabitants( would likely Comment [W]: Not iust mmgrovea
adjust by altering zonation patterns, species compositions, rates of growth and mortality, etc. (CBRMP
1998).
Clam Pass 0
In order to restore the health of mangroves in the die -off area the altered hydrology had to be correcte®
This was accomplished by draining the water impounding the mangrove die -off area through l
dug channels into upper clam bay and to increase the tidal flushing capacity of the system. (& Mo
2003; Worley, 2005; Humiston Lewis 2007; Turrell 2007). As has been discussed earlier, �s in
the upper reaches of Clam Bay were weak and variable and siibteffaiaiai subterranealrStitial
sheetflow to and from the Gulf of Mexico was greatly diminished by the Strand road. tmoff from
rainfall further reduced the interior tidal range and during Tackney's field stuetan �1 rainfall of
approximately 4 inches in three days was sufficient to flood Upper Clain extent that
tidal fluctuation was completely eliminated. During Hurricane Charley m surge and
rainfall far exceeded this 4 inch level and yet Upper Clam Bay was expe iectuations the
following day. The restoration efforts of dredging the pass, dred ' the interior channels, and
construction of the network of flushing cuts throughout the original d' area proved very effective
in maintaining the tidal exchange and drainage capability of the s en , we it did not address the
diminished ground water flow in the northwest corner of the est
In Outer Clam Bay, where the channel leading to Clam Pas ivel short, the tidal range was only Comment [k68]: In comparison to what? prior to
y g y development. If no comparisons can be made to a
50 % of its potential alu rs diminished exchan a ca ci was a direct result of the constricted Just slate what the range was without
p �• $ natural state' g
- - - - -- -- - - - - --
staimg ROY opinions.
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
nature of the inlet and its adjacent interior chalnrelsv
— comment [k69]: same as above and the
---- -
constriction in part was natural (oyster reef) and
should be pointed out that the slower Dow of the past
17
could not accommodate the anthropogenic
hydrologic alterations in the north and thus had to
a 18 of 95_
9�t_._
be increased to handle the anthropogenically
_ _ _ _ _ _
increased load
Comment [00]: In a typical scenario (Figure 1),
cotumercial audior residential development occurs
next to the mangroves, resulting in soil compaction
during building, which subsequently reduces natural
interstitial water flow — a situation of altered natural
hydrology. 'This situation is often accompanied by a
change in tidal flow and, or increased freshwater
runoff into the mangroves that can result in an
altered hydroperiod. Constant waterlogging results in
anoxic soil conditions that, in turn, can lead to a
buildup of toxins (i.e. hydrogen sulfide) that are the
products of soil redox reactions (i.e. sulfate
reduction). If the surface water levels rise
dramatically and do not drain or evaporate quickly,
the black mangrove pnemnatophores become
submerged, blocking gaseous exchange to the roots.
Under normal tidal conditions, oxygen
concentrations decline in the poemnatophores diving
high tide and recover quickly during loin tide
(Allaway, et. al., 2001). If extended periods of
inundation occur, oxygen storage and exchange
becomes compromised and oxygen in the root
system can decline sharply. Thus, if pneumatophores
are submerged for a prolonged period of time, black
mangroves figuratively `droRn' and the result is
mass mortality. Die -offs trigger belowground decay
of the extensive root system of the deceased black
mangroves, which intuitively should lead to soil
level subsidence and increased flooding during the
wet season.
Mass mortality in mangrove forests affects sediment
elevation dynamics (Cahoon, et. al., 2003). Soil
subsidence often follows mangrove die -offs due to
oxidation of peat and collapse of dense root mats
(Sherman, et. al., 2000). The potential for peat
collapse following a mangrove die -off. regardless of
cause (anthropogenic, burricane, or lightning), is
high for any mangrove system with a peat or organic
substrate. Peat collapse has been hypothesized to be
responsible for a black mangrove forest die-off
becoming a mudflat following the 1935 Labor Day
Hurricane and Hurricane Douna in 1960 (Wariless,
et. al., 1995). Over time, if accretion is less than soil
subsidence, the die-off could sink: becoming an
isolated pond or if soil accretion is greater than soil
subsidence, recolouization could occur.
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGE41ENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
During flood tides, sand is carried into the pass by tidal currents and settles out of the water colunm
where the current drops below the magnitude necessary to maintain the sediment in suspension. At
Clam Pass this has resulted in the gradual accumulation of sediment in the channels interior to the
inlet. Overtime, if not reversed, this sedimentation could reduce the hydraulic efficiency of
the channels and could result in diminished tidal ranges for the interior bays
In 1998, when the restoration activities commenced, the channels immediately interior to the pass were
so constricted that even when the pass was excavated, the interior tides remained muted- Efforts to
maintain the pass in an open condition were dramatically improved by enlarging the dredge area to
include not only Clam Pass, but also the critical areas of the adjacent interior channels. This action not
only augmented the volume of tidal flow through Clam Pass, but also reduced the likelihood of inlet
closure during adverse weather conditions. Currently, Outer Clam Bay's tidal range has been
increased by 4 to 6 niches as a result of the dredging activities and the increased self - maintenance
capability of the inlet. The dredging activities along with actions that drained off excess water that was
impounded within the mangroves effectively reversed the mangrove die -off, but it also resulted in a loss
of seagrass.
ausative factors of the Upper Clam Bay mangrove die off and lack of natural regeneration of
mangroves were freshwater impoundment and the inability of the existing tidal
flusl1i _i_±n{)_me�sllred in terms of tidal amplitude and its frequency of occurrence
to handle the excess freshwater inputs (CBRMP 1998, Roessler pers. comm.
2004). Tidal pumping refers to the hydraulic change in water pressure in mangrove sediment that is
controlled largely by tidal activity. Water ingress and egress occurs in the Clam Bay system in a
variety of ways including through Clam Pass, underground movement from the Gulf under the dunes
into the estuary, via rainfall and water runoff. When rising tides force a rise in the water table in
the sediment beneath mangroves, gasses (e.g., carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, methane,
ammonia) and various fluid wastes (including refractory and labile dissolved organic matter) are
expelled from the sediment- Since some of these compounds are toxic, particularly hydrogen
sulfide, their frequent (daily to twice daily) removal is critical to the health of the mangroves.
Conversely, on falling ties and a drop in the sediment water table, gases (e.g., oxygen) and nutrients
present in the over -lying water are drawn into sediment. The frequent renewal of sediment oxygen isl
particularly important because it is required in normal root respiration which, if stopped, taus
mortality. Thus in the absence of tidal pumping, metabolic wastes accumulate in the sediment and i
eventually turns toxic and anoxic, meaning no oxygen. It is important to note that this critical process
has nothing to do with the salinity, or absence thereof, or with the presence of absence of surface and
subsurface at . Freshwater ..... X
Because the tidal amplitude was wholly inadequate mainly due to the restricted ti�ulation and
tidal pumping within the Clam Bay system, and between the Clain Bay system an Tulf of Mexico,
the correction provided by the restoration activities has been critical to the cr d management of
conditions required to foster mangrove growth in addition to maintain quality within Clam
Bay. It is understood that increasing the flow has not eliminated apollutants that cause
impaired water quality in the system, but rather diluted the pollutant 1lushing them into the
Gulf of Mexico.
Interior Tidal Creeks
It is also important to recognize the interrelationship the maintenance of Clam Pass and the
Comment [k71]: Sedimentation can and has in l
the past been reversed by nature J
Comment [k72]: Soil redox potential and salinity
do not seem to play a role in the initial cause(s) of
die -offs, but are most likely a result of long periods
of inundation and dry down.
Both red and black mangroves have the ability to
aerate reduced soils near their toots, but when a die -
off occurs redox potential in the soil decreases
(Smith and Robblee,1994).
Black mangroves are more tolerant of salt (up to 90
ppt) than reds (up to 65 ppt), however the optimum
salinity of seedling growth is between 10 -20 ppt
(Clough, 1992). Soil and water salinity
concentrations, although definitely higher in the Die -
off areas and hypersatite periodically during the dry
season, became inundated by freshwater runoff
during the wet season at study sites, negating long-
term salt toxicity. A vertical salinity stratification
was present during the wet season, due to specific
gravity and density differences between fresh and
salt water as fresh water entered the area from
precipitation and runoff. Thus, hypersalinity was not
considered a contributing factor in the deterioration
of mangroves in die-offs that were adjacent to
development and subject to freshwater inflows. Wide
salinity fluctuations in both the soil and water, while
not considered a problem for mangrove seedling
recruitment in the die-offs, would certainly not be
ideal for optimum growth.
Comment [k73]: ). Water fluctuation and flow
is critical to the success of mangrove forest
ecosystems. While it is known that mangrove forests
reach their greatest extent in areas of significant
quantities ofuutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen)
from runoff (Lugo and Suedaker 1974), water
fluctuation (influenced primarily by tidal flux)
transports nutrients and clean water to the mangroves
while flushing out accumulations of toxic hydrogen
sulfide and salts from the sediment. Sediment
conditions are also a critical to maintaining
mangrove forests. Although mangroves are adapted
to living in soils with low oxygen concentrations,
totally anaerobic (no oxygen) conditions can
severely limit mangrove growth. Waterlogged soils
rapidly become anaerobic and the remaining bast,
Comment [k74]: Results indicated that there
were no significant differences in soil sulfide levels
among Reference, Die-off, and Transition areas or
between Reference and Die-off areas at the
Goodland or Clam Bay sites. Clam Bay results
became significant if en outlier (at station 1) was
removed. In this case, sod sulfide in the Reference
stations was significantly higher than in the Die-off
stations (ANOVA F = 11. 11). Season could not be
taken into account for soil sulfide levels due to
insufficient data.
Comment [k75]: lbgb salinity and sulfide levels 1
are usually positively correlated (Chowdhury, 2001)
and common in tidally, inundated mangrove forests,
as saltwater by its nature, is high in salinity and
sulfate. Sulfur is rarely responsible for limiting
vegetative growth in mangrove systems. Rathzr. I
since sulfate is reduced to sulfidz through microbial
intervention in anaerobic reduced soils, there is a
danger of having too much sulfide, which in the
form of hydrogeo sulfide can be toxic to plans
(Mitsch and Gosselink. 2000).
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
maintenance of the interior connecting tidal creeks. The tides in the upper reaches of Clam Bay were
weak and wariabl In the absence of rainfall, the tidal ranges of the Upper and Inner Clam Bay's were — Comment [k76]: In comparison to ? Result of
on the order of 15% to 19% of the Gulf tidal kang .- Run-off from rainfall uickl flooded the u er long tenn cut off of water to the north..... and .......
Comment [k77]: In contrast to ? ?? pre -
18 development
Page 19 of 95
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN(DRAFT)
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December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
bays and further reduced the interior tidal range. The reduced tidal range in the interior bays were due
to the restrictive condition of the interior connecting tidal creeks. (Tackney 1996; CBRMP 1998).
These restrictions not only super - elevated the average water surface elevation within the bays but also
retarded Orainage. The problem was exacerbated by the addition of pulsed water from the stonnwat Comment [k78]: oyster bars,.... While
cyst system and direct discharge. Water stored in detention/retention areas iS a110Wed restrictive were natural occurrences while the
�� isolation of Clam Bay was anthropogenic which
�charge into the bays, while storm water runoff from the Strand road and neighbor deve anent ` contnlmted to issues in the northern reaches of clam
.,a
eled directly into the Die -off area tlu-ough numerous overflow outfa (lo bay'
The constricted condition of the Formatted: Highlight
interior tidal creeks, coupled with the additional water being continuously discharged into the bays,
elevated the water surface elevation in the upper bays. Elevated surface water levels in combination
with the lower topography of the basin where the black mangroves resided led to extended periods of
flooding beyond the tolerance levels of black mangroves. (Turrell 1995; Tackney 1996; Lewis
2007).
The second restorative action of the plan required that three sections of interior tidal creek be dredged
open and in some cases enlarged in order to augment the transfer of water. Enlarging and deepening
these waterways allowed the increased inflow of water as well as enhancing the outflow of water.
These adjustments enhanced the flood tide ingress and allowed for increased volume to exit on the ebb
tide. The results of this work showed an almost doubling of the tidal amplitude in the upper reaches
of the system. While the amplitude is still far below the levels seen in the Gulf, it is still higher than the
pre - restoration �evelk
Comment [k79]: Same comments on word
improved The problem with this is that there is a
Interior Flushing Channels
tendency to think that this fix tutored natural
conditions and it did not _ What the restoration did
was allow the system to function again with the
The third restorative action of the original plan was the creation of a network of flushing cuts within
anthropogenic changes that have been imposed on
the system. We never "fixed ° the problems we
the mangrove forest and die -off areas. These cuts were dug by hand throughout the system the purpose
alleviated men`
of which was to connect depressional zones and areas subject to ponding to the main waterways of the
system. This allowed for tidal water to flow into and out of the forest areas much easier and further
enhanced the tidal exchange that could occur. Approximately 13 miles of these channels were
installed between 2000 and 2005.
Biological monitoring work over the past ten years has conclusively shown that the improved drainage
which has been achieved through excavation of these small flushing cuts within the forest basin, h�
greatly alleviated ponding and contributed to the observed improvements in the Clam Bay man
community.
During the course of the restoration project some lessons were learned: 01J*6
1. Albeit the flushing cuts helped to revitalize the die -off area, the cutting of the c tthrough the
root system of mature mangroves left these mangroves more vulnerable to from storms
and disease.
2. The initial dredging of part of the interior of the channel connecting Claps to Inner Clam Bay
increased tidal flow to the extent that caused erosion of the banks the system which led to
some mortality. X9
3. The same initial dredging increased the volume and flow in th t Noes to an extent that extended
flooding occurred in part of the western side of a primarily r grove area. This stressed the red
mangroves to the extent that a particularly lethal fungal in cytospora rhizophorae was able to
gain a foothold and killed 40% of the red mangroves
4. Seagrass decline..... O
CL A M B A Y NR PA M A NA G E M E N T P L A N (D R A F T)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Natural repropagation is more effective than plantings i -ei.e. Riley's experiment ........
etc.
19
Pape 20 of 95
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Ver. 3.0
4.0 Resource Description and Assessment
—GEOLOGY
The geology of the Clam bay area consists of the Anastasia Formation of the Pleistocene, the youngest
deposit in Collier County.(A) It is a thin formation of 10 ft or less, consisting of a fine to course
conglomeration of shells, elastics and sandstone (R) that may or may not have formed rock.(A)
Land forms are of geologic origin of sedimentary limestone foundations(FF). .........
SOILS
Collier County is located in the Western Flatlands soil region. Collier County soils are of marine origin
consisting of overmarls and limestone or calcareous sandstone (Gore 1984). Soils in this area are
comprised of poorly drained sands or loamy sands, often overlying limestone rock with elevations of only
30 to 40 feet (ECOSWF 1987). The soils are nearly level in most areas, moderate to poorly drained sand
or sandy sediments with alkaline subsoils. Soils are mainly acidic. The water table fluctuates widely,
rising during the wet season and dropping during the dry season.
In the dense mangrove forests adjoining Clam Bay, the sands are overlain by peat, formed from
accumulation of leaf litter and low wave energy to flush these organic accumulations away. These
spongy and fibrous peats trap inorganic materials such as pyrite, carbonate material and quartzes. These
soils allow for oxygenation of the soils at the shallow root zone and contribute to the health and
ecological success of mangrove species.
Based on the National Resource Conservation Service (MRCS) "Soil Survey of Collier County Area,
Florida" (MRCS, 1998) there are 2 different soil types (soil map units) present within the NRPA
boundary.
The soil survey shows mapping units named for soil series, which represent the dominant undisturbed
soils in that landscape that existed predevelopment. This survey does not recognize or appropriately
interpret the drastically disturbed nature of urban landscapes created after the Soil Survey was
Comment [k801: Got rid of the 'Yheys" so don't
have to explain them
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
swamps. Mapped areas can consist entirely of either Durbin or Wulfert or any combination of the two
soils. Individual areas are elongated and irregular in shape and range from 50 to 1000 acres. The
slope is 0 to 1 percent. The permeability of the Durbin soil is rapid and the available water capacity is
high. The permeability of the Wulfert soil is rapid and the available water capacity is moderate. The
water table fluctuates with the tide and is within 12 inches of the surface most of the year. The soil is
subject to tidal flooding. The natural vegetation within these areas consists of red, white and black
mangroves.
Canaveral- Beaches Complex (Map Unit #42) covers approximately 9 % of the NRPA.
This map unit consists of the nearly level, moderately well drained Canaveral soil on low ridges and
beaches. Individual areas are elongated and irregular in shape and range from 20 to 300 acres. The
slope is 0 to 2 percent. Typically, beaches consist of sand mixed with shell fragments and shells and
are subject to frequent wave action. The permeability of the Canaveral soil is rapid to very rapid. The
available water capacity is very low. In most years, the seasonal high water table is at a depth of
between 18 to 40 inches for I to 4 months. This soil is subject to tidal flooding under severe weather
20
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CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEVENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
conditions. Natural vegetation consists of sea oats, sea grape, cabbage palm, and salt grasses. They are
commonly invaded by exotics such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper.
Add in soil and nutrient dynamics as related to the estuary.....
CLIMATE
Clam Bay's climate falls within tropical classification, more precisely the tropical wet and dry or
savanna type, Aw under the Koppen system ( Reference). As a consequence, there are essentially
two seasons, the summer wet season and the winter dry season. Typical rainfall and temperature data
are provided in Tables 4.1 and 4.2.
In the summer the center of the trade winds shift north and moisture -laden breezes blow from the east
or south -east. In winter the trade winds shift southward and the winds are less constant. Weather is
then more influenced by fronts advancing from the northwest. This brings cooler conditions, although
temperatures rarely reach freezing, due to the fact that they are being moderated by the surrounding
waters. Cold fronts are typically preceded by winds from the southwest, which clock to the west then
northwest as the front passes, with strong winds of 20 -25 knots and cooler air. In general terms, winds
are predominantly southeast during the summer and northeast during the winter (reference).
Historical meteorology for Clam Bay is based on data collected for 30 years (from 1981 to 2010) from
the Naples Municipal Airport by the Florida Climate Center (NOAA & FSU). The following charts
present meteorological statistics for temperature and precipitation.
1981 -2010 TEMPERATOREAAD PRE. CIPITATIONNORMALS GRAPH
Add in a—
110.0
100.0
b' O. C1 • �� � y � M�+r+ , # •"n- -^ 1� ..ter.. + *w-.. qt - .....ice. � ,w,� � ""�.. � .��
^0.0
40,0
30.0
20.0
10.0 • .�... � ....�.- + - ..,.,.. +
Jan filar 1.13, Jui Ser No;
S
21
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Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
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CLAM BAYNRPA MANACEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
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December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Temperature
The monthly average temperatures range from 64.5 °F to 83.2 °F. The lowest monthly minimum
temperature is 54.2 °F while the highest monthly maximum temperature is 91.2 °F. The data reflect a
kemperate climate with a narrow fluctuation in air temperature (reference). comment [k811: 7Le climate specdies tropical
- -- so explain Maeace with temperate climate here
Precipitation
Average annual rainfall for the Naples Municipal Airport NOAA station is documented at 51.89
niches. The data in the table indicates the highest rainfall occurs during the summer months of June,
July, August, and September.
1981 -2010 TEMPERATUREAND PRECIPITATIoNNoRMALSCHART
January
1.85
54.2
U5 74.7
February
2.10
568
66.9 76.9
March
2.38
600
70.0 79.9
April
2.36
634
73.3 632
May
116
68.5
78.2 87.8
June
8.82
73.9
81.9 89.9
July
7.27
74.9
83.1 912
August
8.58
75.3
832 91.0
September
7.69
748
824 89.9
October
419
70.0
786 86.9
November
204
629
72.1 81.2
December
1.45
57.0
66.8 76.6
�uec.
0
22
0
10
IV
OPage 23 of 95
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Winds
Winds are predominantly easterly throughout the year with a tendency to become northeasterly from
October to April and southeasterly from May to September. Wind speeds, not including storm
events are, on average, below 10 knots. During the winter months when fronts move through, for a
day or two at a time, winds out of the northwest to northeast may increase to about 25 knots (reference).
Sea breeze
As the land surface around Naples and Clam Bay heats it in turn heats the air above �( The warm air is comment [k82]: Awkward sentence
less dense and tends to rise creating a lower air pressure over the land than the water. The cooler air
over the water then flows inland creating a sea breeze. In the evening the reverse occurs and the cooler
air over the land will flow back toward the water creating a land breeze.
The incoming sea breeze acts as a lifting mechanism, resulting in the warmer air rising up to higher
altitudes. This creates cumulus clouds that begin to build which leads to the development of afternoon
showers and thunderstorms in the area primarily during the summer.
Storms
Naples and Clam Bay specifically are within the Atlantic Tropical Cyclone basin. This basin includes
much of the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. On average, six (6) to eight (8)
tropical storms form within this basin each year. The hurricane season lasts from June 1st to December
151. The formation of these storms and possible intensification into mature hurricanes takes place over
Satl4- Simpson Hurricane Scab
Category VAnd speed Storm surge
mph ft
(kmm) (m)
Three 111 -130 9-12
(178 -209) (2.7-0.7)
Two 96-110 8 8
(154 -177) (1.8 -2.4)
ore 74 -95 4-5
(119 -153) (12 -1.5)
Additional classifications
warm tropical and subtropical waters. Eventual dissipation or
modification, averaging seven (7) to eight (8) days later, typically
occurs over the colder waters of the North Atlantic or when the
storms move over land and away from the sustaining marine
environment (reference).
Due to the destructive nature of these storms, landfall can result in
significant damage to upland development and facilities from sto
surge, waves, and wind. A good example of this would
Hurricane Wilma which formed in 2005.
A tropical storm is defined by maximum sustained win o 3 -
64 knots (40 -74 mph). A hurricane has maximum sus inds
that exceed 64 knots (74 mph). Hurricane are classi ed into
different categories according to the Saffl son scale.
Hurricanes can also spawn severe weather such adoes as they
move Oandl - - - - -- - - —
The table below lists the number of
that passed through or near Nal
including 1992 through 2012 as re.A
and Atmospheric Administrates
23 kx�
O
RAorms and hurricanes
ver the past 20 seasons
by the National Oceanic
Page 24 of 95
Comment [k83]: Spacing went wack -oduring
this paragraph
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
(NOAA) Coastal Services Center and Hurricane City (www.hurricanecity.com). Analysis of the
available information indicates that Naples, on average, is brushed or hit by a tropical storm or
hurricane once every 2.71 years and is directly hit once every 7.05 years.
Table Number of Named Storms Passing through or near Naples
Year
# of Storms
Names
Strength closest to Naples
1992
1
Andrew
Hurricane Cat. 3
1993
0
1994
1
Gordon
Tropical Storm
1995
1
Jerry
Tropical Storm
1996
0
1997
0
1998
1
Mitch
Tropical Storm
1999
1
Harvey
Tropical Storm
2000
0
2001
0
2002
0
2003
0
2004
1
Charley
Hurricane Cat. 3
2005
1
Wilma
Hurricane Cat. 2
2006
0
2007
0
2008
1
Fay
Tropical Storm
2009
0
2010
0
2011
0
2012
0
b 7
,r
24
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CLAMEAYNRPA MANAGE41ENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
NATURAL COMMUNITIES
In regards to this Section, a natural community refers to the mix of plant and animal species that
naturally associate with each other and their physical environment forming the basis of the Clam Bay
NRPA. A combination of factors including geology, climate, hydrology, soils, and anthropogenic
influences determines the specific types of plants found in any given area. These plants are a major
factor in what type of animal species that may be present. The Florida Department of Transportation's
Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System ( FLUCFCS 1999) has been used to identify the
plant communities found within the Clam Bay WA�
- Comment[KW84]:WhydidyouuseFDOT
% of Clam Bay
NRPA
codes instead of those FLUCCS codes use more
widely for mviroummud purposes by FWC, FDEP,
etc ????
Formatted Table -- —
FLUCFCS
Code
Community Description
Upland or
Wetland
** included in the Bays (54 1) category
Several other components of the Clam Bay NRPA ecosystem are also addressed below. These
components include offshore hardbottom, oyster and other benthic floral and faunal communities that
are not specifically addressed in the FLUCFCS classification system. Additional historical information
on the Clam Bay mangrove and seagrass habitats is included as appendices to the Plan.
' Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.11 ", Right: 0.03"
' - Comment [KW85]: or use 540 which covers
\ both as upper and inner clam bays are not directly
connected to du ocean
Comment [KW86]: Should be swamps not forest
Formatted: Right: -0.63"
FLUCFCS Code 181- Swimming Beach
Beaches form when offshore sand deposits are moved landward by wave action usually during 44ik
spring and summer. Sand, which is stirred up as the wave breaks on the shore, drops out of suspe
as the water moves up the beach face. Thus, the beach becomes gradually higher, wider, and st
In the wintertime, larger, higher energy waves associated with winter storms overflow the beach a
and stir up the sand deposited earlier in the year. The sand is pulled off the beach as the *des
and is deposited in an offshore sand bar. If these two forces are in equilibrium, the beach ar will be
stable from year to year. However, naturally occurring factors such as storm evits#ttoral drift
(lateral movement of sand because waves approach the beach at an angle), and 0 160 winds, upset
this equilibrium and result in the ever shifting nature of the beach environment.
Dunes form because of onshore wind action on beach sand_ Whel vind15rpeeds are sufficient,
individual grains of sand start to roll and bounce along the surface. This dborne sand is transported
landward until the wind speed drops below that needed to move the s oastal vegetation is critical
for slowing wind speeds and causing sand to be deposited.
25 ��
OPage 26 of 95
181
Swimming Beach
Upland
5.95
186
Community Recreation Facilities
Upland
0.40
322
Coastal Scrub
Upland
3.98
428
Cabbage Palm Hammock
Upland
0.45
41 -&542
Bays (with and without connection to
Wetland
23.16
612
642
Mangrove wam _-_
Saltwater Marsh
Wetland
Wetland
- -_ 4.61
0.04
651
Tidal Flat
Wetland
1.44
911
** included in the Bays (54 1) category
Several other components of the Clam Bay NRPA ecosystem are also addressed below. These
components include offshore hardbottom, oyster and other benthic floral and faunal communities that
are not specifically addressed in the FLUCFCS classification system. Additional historical information
on the Clam Bay mangrove and seagrass habitats is included as appendices to the Plan.
' Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.11 ", Right: 0.03"
' - Comment [KW85]: or use 540 which covers
\ both as upper and inner clam bays are not directly
connected to du ocean
Comment [KW86]: Should be swamps not forest
Formatted: Right: -0.63"
FLUCFCS Code 181- Swimming Beach
Beaches form when offshore sand deposits are moved landward by wave action usually during 44ik
spring and summer. Sand, which is stirred up as the wave breaks on the shore, drops out of suspe
as the water moves up the beach face. Thus, the beach becomes gradually higher, wider, and st
In the wintertime, larger, higher energy waves associated with winter storms overflow the beach a
and stir up the sand deposited earlier in the year. The sand is pulled off the beach as the *des
and is deposited in an offshore sand bar. If these two forces are in equilibrium, the beach ar will be
stable from year to year. However, naturally occurring factors such as storm evits#ttoral drift
(lateral movement of sand because waves approach the beach at an angle), and 0 160 winds, upset
this equilibrium and result in the ever shifting nature of the beach environment.
Dunes form because of onshore wind action on beach sand_ Whel vind15rpeeds are sufficient,
individual grains of sand start to roll and bounce along the surface. This dborne sand is transported
landward until the wind speed drops below that needed to move the s oastal vegetation is critical
for slowing wind speeds and causing sand to be deposited.
25 ��
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CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
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December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Landward of the highest tides, pioneer or frontal zone sites are stabilized by sand trapping action of
various rhizomatous grasses and low growing shrubs that are tolerant of salt spray. Only a few plant
species can tolerate the stresses of a dune environment, particularly frontal dune sites. Foredune plants
must be able to survive being buried by blowing sand, sand blasting, salt spray, salt water flooding,
drought, heat, and low nutrient supply. Coastal plants colonizing the dunes are key players in trapping
windblown sand and preventing coastal erosion as the first defense against heavy winds and surge of
tropical storms.
Many plant species that occur on dune areas have developed specific attributes to help them survive these harsh
environments. These include high growth rates, dense root systems, low profiles, and high flower and seed
production rates. Species common on the beaches of the Clam Bay system include; Sea oats (Uniola
paniculata), Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), and Railroad vine (Ipomoea pes- caprae).
In addition to the 35 -acre Clam Pass Beach Park, south of the pass, beach habitat also extends north all
the way to Wiggins Pass. There is approximately 6,250 linear feet of shoreline north of Clam Pass to
the south end of the Strand community and approximately 3,250 feet of shoreline south of the Pass to
the north edge of the Naples Cay community. Shorebirds feed on marine invertebrates such as coquina
clams and mole crabs at the water's edge and beaches are crucially important habitat for nesting sea
turtles.
This particular habitat has been monitored periodically in terms of width as part of the Collier County
Beach renourishment program though no conclusive statements can be made about the floral or faunal
details of the ecotone over the years. Large scale generalizations based on the annual aerial
photographs can be made that the overall size, composition, and health of the habitat have remained
relatively stable and, with the exception of the areas immediately adjacent to the Pass, are mostly
unaffected by the status of the pass.
PI
CLA I BAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
FLUCFCS Code 322 - Coastal Scrub
Landward of the frontal (Beach) zone area is the back dune zone (also often called the shrub or scrub
zone), a portion of the dune that is more stable, has greater organic matter, and supports less salt
tolerant grasses and shrubs as well as some trees.
Many of the woody species found in coastal scrub are low growing and shrubby due to low nutrient
and droughty conditions of sandy soils. H igh winds and salt spray often prune the terminal
buds of the trees and shrubs growing on the dunes and result in salt - pruned, windswept canopies.
Coastal scrub is represented by a conglomeration of coastal species generally found in a narrow band
between the Mangrove forest and the beach areas. Species common on the beaches of the Clam Bay
system include; Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), Cabbage palm (Sabal paltnetto), Buttonwood
(Conocatpus erectus) and Spanish bayonet (Yucca aloifolia). This is an important habitat as it helps
anchor the back dune sands and provides habitat for several listed plant and animal species including
the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphentus).
Add in the fauna that typically used this areal
This habitat has not been previously monitored as a part of the ongoing management of the system.
There are two main topics of concern in the coastal scrub, gopher tortoise habitat management and
Comment [k87]: Try to stay consistent if
possible on the topics you include in each of the
nahual cotmtnmities.
exotic vegetation control_ _ Comment [k881. Move tomanaeementsection
"b
ti
2%
Page 28 of 95
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December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
a r ,
Semb habitat within NRPA Boundary
FLUCFCS Code 428 - Cabbage Palm Hammock
This forested zone is composed of the more protected dune vegetation farthest from the ocean. In the
case of Clam Bay this is represented by Cabbage Palm Hammock. This habitat is identified by the
preponderance of cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto). It is generally found in pockets located between
the mangrove forest and the coastal scrub or beach areas. Aside from the cabbage palms, sea grapes
(Coccoloba uvifera), buttonwood, and several other hammock species such as .....are common. A
hammock is a habitat that is densely shaded by a canopy of trees. Hammocks usually have a sparse
groundcover that leaves the forest floor mostly open for animals to travel through. Hammocks also
provide a reprieve from the sun for animals and humans alike. In Clam Bay, this habitat is also
susceptible to infestation by exotic vegetation such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper?, C -nment "J: Make this section similar m the
others
JAs the majority of monitoring efforts were devoted to the mangrove plots and submerged resources,
the historical changes related to the status of this habitat has not been documented. The historical
emphasis on the health of the Clam Bay system and the mangrove forest in particular resulted in most
monitoring efforts being placed on the indicators most affected by the Pass. The primary management
issue of this habitat is exotic control and preventing destructive visitor access.
Palm habitat within NRPA Bound
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F
Comment [k90]: Move to the "missing' or data
gap discussion under management section _JI
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
LUCFCS Code 541 — Bays ) Maintaining
open to the Ocean
The Clam Bay NRPA contains the three larger bays associated with Clam Pass
(Outer, Inner, and Upper) as well as the interconnecting waterways and small
open water areas. Second in extent of aerial coverage within the NRPA
boundary, it is the bays and interconnections which serve as the life blood of the
estuary.
This open water habitat serves as the basis for many other communities.
Seagrass beds, oyster bars, clam beds, and other benthic communities can all be
supported to varying degrees with the open waters of the bays and interconnecting
creeks. As outlined below, several of these communities are present within the
Clam Bay NRPA I Comment [k91]: Keep similar to other sections
Multiple studies have indicated that the single most important thing that can be
done to restore the health of the mangroves within the Clam Bay system was to
balance water flow within the system. (Tackney, 1996; Lewis 1996; Wilson Miller,
et al 1996; Turrell 1996.) The dredging conducted within the Pass and the
interconnecting andhandchlgchannels was a major factor in the restoration of the
mangrove forest community ( Turrell 2008; Humiston & Moore)
Tidal Passes
Comment [KW92]: Deleted phrase - belongs in
! under a different section anyway _ J
Oe Clam Bay system was originally part of a larger tidal system connected to the Gulf of Mexico by
three tidal inlets; Wiggins Pass, Clam Pass and Doctors Pass. During the 1950's and 60's this system
Tides in the Gulf of Mexico are mixed, with the norm being two high tides and two ow tides
was isolated from adjacent bays by the construction of Seagate Drive to the south and the construction
the extent that it undercuts and erodes the mangrove
of Vanderbilt Beach Road to the north. The practical effect was to leave Clam Pass as Clam Bay's
only connection to the Gulf, altering the hydraulic heads and significantly altering the natural hydrology
are experienced twice per lunar month at filll and new moons when the gravitatio on the earth's
within these areas. The exchange of seawater between Clam Bay and the Gulf is critical to the ability _- -[Comment[KW93]:
Movetohistory
of the mangrove forest to export organic matter, as well as excess salt and freshwater. It also
supplies oxygen rich water and nutrients from the bul( _ he_ greater the _tidal amplitude (or tidal
Comment [KW94]: Most of the nutrients that
prism) the greater the benefit to the mangroves — more needed resources are delivered and more wastes
mangroves use are found locally and they also can
are removed. Conversely, in the absence of surface water circulation or tidal activity, mangrove
die due to deleterious in
export nutrients. Right now the scientific literature
is not consistent on this point Some say export some
say just use nutrients in the soil and don't export
slowly changes the sediment: 1) in the absence of oxygenated water, the
\,
Add Tidal Exhibitfiom Clam Bay Monitoring
�
sediments become anaerobic or anoxic, and 2) metabolic wastes and hydrogen sulfide accumulate in
much, others say import nutrients from freshwater
not the gnu.. so 1 wound either delete this or explain
and as such, Pass closures for an extended period of time can be detrimental to the system . rfhese are
the anoxic sediment (CBRMP, 11998E `.
the different scientific perspectives.
Comment [KW95]: Re word this as is a false
statement as there is a lint to increasing the flow to
Tides in the Gulf of Mexico are mixed, with the norm being two high tides and two ow tides
the extent that it undercuts and erodes the mangrove
experienced per day and normal amplitude (range) of approximately 2 feet. The higltes (springs)
shoreline causing mortality and preventing na ural�
succession within the system
are experienced twice per lunar month at filll and new moons when the gravitatio on the earth's
surface waters is eatest. Nea tides also occur rivice er lunar men the lanetar
P P P Y
=C.m.�tt [k96]: This section does not conform
rovided in other sections
(gravitational) influences of earth, moon and sun are perpendicular.
Comment
[KW97]: Need to tie this together- a
lot of good points but the now of them is jumbled
Add Tidal Exhibitfiom Clam Bay Monitoring
A—
One of the factors that affects the health of mangrove forests is related to the efficiency of water flow
and as such, Pass closures for an extended period of time can be detrimental to the system . rfhese are
dynamic creeks whose location vary annually and, as illustrated by Clam Pass, caq
( Comment [KW98]: in your original you jump 1
I
—
-
from pass to creel here - doesn't flow
-- — - - --
Comment [k99]: Move to hydrology - repetitivr
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Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Page 30 of 95
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEVENTPLAN (DRAFT)
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December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
periodically close such as has happened at least six times in the last 25 years (Turrell 1995; Tackney
1996).
INSERT PHOTO ARRAY OF PASS FROM VARIO US YEARS
Tidal creeks are passageways for fish and marine invertebrates between the open waters of the Gulf
and the protected embayments of Clam Bay. Manatees and turtles may also use the passes. Scouring
action of the fast flowing tide in the pass generally prevents colonization by seagrasses and other
benthic plants. The substrate is typically sand and shell with the finer sediments carried in
suspension and deposited just outside the mouth of the pass (the ebb shoal delta) or to the interior of
the system on the incoming (flood) tide.
Management concerns related to the bays and associated creeks include maintaining sufficient flow
to accomplish flushing needs of the system, without eroding the mangrove fringe or harming other
components of the NRPA. Educating recreational users of the NRPA is necessary to protect the 1
-- J
shallow water habitats and the communities located therein:, ; �- Comment [KW100]: Move to management
section _
FLUCFCS Code 612 _ Mangrove O
SIr•amnss
Mangroves are salt tolerant trees that grow in tidal areas of the tropics. In Florida, man over e
legally protected for their ecological value with such functions as; *v
Providing habitat for marine and terrestrial wildlife.
• Protecting coastal areas from storm surges and coastal erosion.
• Acting as a natural filter for land based freshwater rum -off.
Forming the basis of an incredibly productive estuarine food chaff ch includes many
commercially and recreational valuable species.
• Add in carbon sequestering (Blue carbon) O
Three species of mangrove are common in Florida as far north kar Key and St. Augustine, where' comment [twioi]: so Far t they seem to be
cold winter temperatures limit their range. All have special tcal adaptations to cope with salt marching north ward!!!!!@
30
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Ver. 3.0
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CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGE41ENTPLAN (DRAFT)
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Vcr. 3.0
and unstable, mucky, low oxygen soils found in a continually waterlogged, environment. The
dominance of mangroves in tidal areas is a function of these adaptations and their ability to out -
compete other wetland plants. Tidal flushing allows nutrients to be distributed within the forest and
provides for the transportation of dead leaves, twigs, etc. As this material decays, it becomes
food for marine life. It is this mangrove detritus which is consumed by the many organisms at the
base of the food chain and which in turn create the next level of the food chain necessary to
support the fish populations that characterize the mangrove community{. Associated plants include the
succulent groundcovers Saltwort (Batis maritime), Glasswort (Salieornia cervicornis), (especially
where a fallen tree provides a break in the canopy and light penetration to the forest floor) and, further
inland and closer to freshwater sources, the Leather fern (Acrostrichum danaefolia) [ Comment [KW 102]: Alight wait to talk about
------------------------ - - - - -- mangroves first and go from there to associates
All three of the common species, red, black, and white mangroves are found within the Clam Bay
]RPA �oundary. i Comment [KW103]: I know this is not the first
time you mention the species but might want to put
their scientific name in parenthesis the first time you
Special attention has been given to the mangrove community in the past because of an approximately use the common name in the document –and any
70 acre die -off that received much attention between 1995 and j1997___ U_ nprecedented community species referred to for matter
Co
involvement and support led to the creation of the first Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan , ��nepn>o5ttxety=cartedbef °re then
mment [KW 104]: It was noticed back in 1992
and the implementation of that plan led to the recovery of the die -off area. More details on the recent -- ------ ----- -
--------------------
history of the mangrove management are provided in Appendix 1 included with this plan. -- Comment [Kw105]: Move to history– stick to
— mangroves here
Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) are recognized by their tangle of reddish looking prop roots, long
cigar shaped seedlings (Red mangroves flower all year but they reach a maximum during the late spring
and early summer) and their large, pointed evergreen leaves. They are typically the most seaward of
the three species with the prop roots and vertical drop roots providing support, small pores on the
trunks called lenticels allow oxygen exchange via air as the waterlogged soils become rapidly oxygen
depleted. Salt is excluded from the plants cells through a process called ultra - filtration in the
roots. The characteristic propagules are viviparous, germinating on the parent tree and drop and float
for up to a year, finally becoming heavier at one end so that when encountering a suitable substrate
they are ready to root upright. Good tidal flushing is essential for healthy_ development of red 4--Corm;ment [KW10ti]:Belaborthispointwaytoo
mangroves, to prevent the build tip of toxic metabolic waste products in the mangrove soils. The
mass of prop and drop roots forms extensive surface area under water for attachment of sessile, filter
feeding marine species (such as sponges, tunicates and mollusks) as well as hiding places for juvenill
fish. Birds, butterflies, insects and marmnals find home and food within the canopy.
C
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Red Mangroves and Propagules (inset)
Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) are typically found a little further inland and key
identification features include the snorkel like pneumatophores which radiate upwards out of the soil
from the base of the trunk, a grey -black rough bark and slightly pointed, oval leaves which are silvery
with salt deposits on the undersides. The pneumatophores play an important role in oxygen exchange
and unlike the red mangroves, which keeps salt out of body cells through filtration in the roots; the
black mangrove excretes salt out of the backside of the leaves. They are also reliant on adequate tid
exchange but lack the supporting prop roots that typify the red mangrove. Small white flowers
lima bean shaped propagules are apparent !ypieaI!),jitFiHgtypically durim, the spring
early summer months. Black mangroves are cryptoviviparous as the embryo develops while on the par
within the fruit. When these propagules fall from the parent tree, they are able to float for a O'b0iriod
before rooting in the mucky soil.
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White mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) are the third mangrove species and are often found further
inland than the other two species (although zonations described are typical they can frequently vary).
Since they often occur in drier areas, white mangroves do not exhibit the adaptations to soft, anaerobic
soil of the other species. The bark is characteristically grooved and furrowed and leaves are oval, mid -
green and leathery with two small glands on the petiole at the base of each leaf. White mangroves also
flower in the spring and early summer and the small seedlings have the shortest floating dispersal stage
of the three species. White mangrove are semi - viviparous and germinate inside fruit during — five day
dispersal, but not while attached to the parent plant. After the mangrove die -off, white mangroves were
the initial colonizer in Clam Bay's die -off areas. As time has progressed, red and black mangroves
have moved into the areas and started displacing the young whites[ See the Mangrove Appendix for
more history on the die -off and subsequent recovery over the past 15 years,'
Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) is considered a mangrove associate, usually occurring even
inland than the white mangrove. Small, round, brown seeds give rise to the name. This is a
species, able to withstand the full sun, high temperatures and salty conditions of coal ,JA Fjeri a.
fi
Buttonwoods are present along the interface between the mangrove and palm hammock M ities
in Clain Bay.
Approximately 65% of the Clam Bay NRPA is composed of the three manpecies. The
mangrove communities are composed of both riverine (along the creeks) and 4 st components_
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Comment [k107]: Place this where discuss the
restoration as this paragraph should be devoted to
white mangroves. It might be useful to list the
adaptations each species has to survive in estuarine
conditions.. etc in each or the tree mangrove species
sections
Comment [KW 108]: Not needed here as this is
Reneral intro stuff
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Riverine (Creeks) Mangroves
On the waterward edges of small islands and the tidal creeks, passes and estuarine waterways that
make up the Clam Bay system, a fringe of red mangroves will be found growing up to 25 feet in
height. This zone can be just one or two trees in depth or extend landward for some distance,
depending on topography. The habitat provided by the prop roots of these red mangroves is of great
importance to many fish and other aquatic organisms.
INSERT PHOTO OF CREEK
Forests
The majority of the Clam Bay mangrove habitat is low -lying basin forest where the dominant
mangrove species varies between red, white, and black throughout the forest habitat. j
Mnrigrove `dbi fa wt m NRPA oundm-t
FLUCFCS Code 642 - Br-aekish
Saltwater Marsh
At the interface between forested mangrove areas and the water management berm are depress'
areas that have become colonized by aquatic freshwater plants such as cattails (Typha lati
Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana), bulrush (Scirpus californicus), needlerush (Juncos rofnerian s)
and 1 eather fern (Acrostichuni danaeifolium). Wildlife such as otters (Lutra canadiensi !Mors
(Alligator mississippiensis), various turtles, and wading birds can be commonly observed- areas
require regular maintenance to prevent the spread of nuisance and exotic plant sp a *and ensure
optimal functioning and interface between the nahlral mangrove forest and the pment water
management system.
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Comment [KW 109]: This appears to be a
general section which should go under the fluccs
code while the stuff above is about die -offs which
should probably be combined in a section devoted to
the dieoff and restoration. Anyway the flow is
choppy here and the flushing again is repetitive
Comment [KW110]: Insert key to map
coloration
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FLUCFCS Code 651- Tidal Flats
Tidal flats are flat bottomed, sub- or intertidal habitats that lack an oyster or seagrass community and
are located inside the outer coastal margin. The two most significant environmental characteristics that
control a flat's infaima (benthic organisms that live within the substrate) and epifauna (benthic animals
that live on the surface of a substrate) are: the height of the substrate relative to mean sea level and the
sedimentary consistency of the substrate. The position relative to mean sea level dictates whether the
habitat is emergent (in air) for part of a tidal cycle or how deep below the water it is. This latter
characteristic controls other physical water quality measures, such as dissolved oxygen, the frequency
and duration of hypoxic events, and light penetration. Firmness of the substrate affects the capacity to
support an epifauna by both supporting the organism on the substrate and permitting the burrowing of
the infauna.
F&tnment [KWlll]: Insert my to map
Colorations
The sand and mudflats of Clam Bay are rich feeding grounds for many species of fish and wading
birds. These organically rich sediments support a variety of mollusks, worms and invertebrates that
scavenge detritus or, in the case of many bivalve mollusks, extend siphons at high tide and filter vast
quantities of water. Birds such as a variety of herons, ibis, egrets and spoonbills pick through the
sediment for the invertebrate food sources. h!'b
The dredging of the pass associated with the 1998 Restoration and Management Plan resulted
increase of exposed tidal flats within the southern portion of the system. Increased tidal
resulting from the dredging allowed more area to be periodically exposed during the tidal cy le. So e
of the area that had supported seagrasses prior to the dredging work were converted into tWVjMIats
by the increased range and reduced phase lag. Management concerns related to the tidal flats include
the templates established for the dredging, the resultant currents that could be expected as a result of
dredging, and the frequency of disturbance. �V comment [KWi12]: Move to management
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FLUCFCS Code 911 - Seagrass Beds
and 643 submersed aquatic
C etation ,. Comment [KW113]: Might be a good place for
— - --
a general description of the other aquatic plant
species
Seagrasses are flowering marine plants or shallow, tropical regions and are recognized as a keystone
species in the estuarine environment (Livingston, et al., 1998; Fourqurean, et al., 2003; Dawes, et al.,
2004; and Lirman, et al., 2008).. With a creeping growth form connected by horizontal rhizomes they
serve to trap and anchor sediment. Both the grass blades themselves and the surface area they
represent provide food and attachment for marine species and seagrass beds are renowned for their
value as nursery _s
Shoal grass (Halodule wrightii) along interior channel so &Clam Pass
Several areas within the Clam Bay system host seagrass b ecifically Outer Clam Bay and
waterways just inside Clam Pass. Three species are commo nd in these Clam Bay waters; the
largest Turtle grass (Thalassia testudiuum) with flat str ed leaves, the smaller shoal grass
(Halodule wrightit) with narrow, flat blades and Paddl aIphila decepiens) with the smallest,
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paddle shaped leaves. Shoal grass is by far the most common though a small area of turtle grass has
persisted since the original 1998 dredging. Paddle grass is much more ephemeral in nature and
diligence is required to be able to locate it during the time frames when it is present.
Seagrasses rely on good light penetration to enable photosynthesis and are sensitive to reduced tidal
water quality. Growing in shallow regions they are also vulnerable to physical damage by boats. A
variety of marine algae can be associated with grass species, differing in the lack of a true rooting and
vascular system. Several species of both brown and green alga have been observed.
Seagrass coverage in Clam Bay has varied over time but has always been found predominately in
Outer Clam Bay and the waterway between this bay and the Pass. A 1994 Collier County report
estimated seagrass coverage at approximately 10 acres. Pre - dredge surveys conducted in 1999
estimated coverage at about 5.13 acres. Annual monitoring of seagrass beds along the monitoring
transects have estimated coverage from a low of approximately 1.2 acres in 2003 to the current
estimate of 2.85 acres from the 2013 survey. It should be noted that the coverage estimates are taken
from along the survey transects only and do not account for other scattered grasses that may be located
elsewhere in the �ystefr(
A history of the seagrass monitoring efforts in Clam Bay is included in the Appendix 2 attached to this
report.
Seagrass habitat within NRPA Bozo
O
Comment [k114]: List the importance of
seagrasses to an estuay
Comment [KW115]: Add in all studies: 1987,
Devlin, Gore and Proffitt; (Collier County Natural
Resources Department, 1991; 1999 to 2013, Turrefl,
\ Hall and Associates, CrHA): PBSRJ, 2008: PBS&J,
2009;CSwF, 2011 if going to list any here otherwise
T ve general info and put all this in the appendix
omment [KW116]: Put in management and
uggest leaving out the flushing as increased can be
st as bad in some circumstances
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(Comment [KW117]t year
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Other Benthic Habitats
645 Oyster Bars
Oysters (Croassostrea anfericana) are filter- feeding bivalves, which were once common within the
tidal creeks of Clam Bay (Tropical Industries Oysters play a significant role in shaping the
environment in which they live by forming a hard structure upon which an intricate biological
community is built. Similar to coral reefs, oyster reefs are `biogenic' (formed by the accumulation of
colonial animals) and provide structure and surface area for numerous other temporary and permanent
species.
Providing complex habitat structure is one of the most fundamental of ecosystem services that
oysters provide. The structure provides a place for algae and non - mobile invertebrates to attach, as
well as a place for mobile invertebrates and fishes to be protected from predators. Although the
relationships between sportfish and oyster habitats are not as well studied as in other estuarine
habitats such as seagrass beds, they are considered essential fish habitat.
The numerous ecosystem services provided by oysters can be summarized into three general
categories: habitat provision, water quality improvement, and shoreline stabilization. Oyster reefs
provide habitat to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The role of oyster habitat to the estuarine food
chain is highly significant, as discussed in the previous paragraph. Through their feeding process
oysters filter large quantities of water which transfers energy and material from the water column to
the benthic community, subsequently reducing turbidity and water column nutrients. Through bio-
deposition, nutrients are made available to the flora and fauna which comprise the complex oyster bar
food web. Additionally, oyster reefs stabilize sediments, shorelines and adjacent habitats by buffering
wave energy, further aiding water quality.
Deteriorating conditions related to closure of Clain Pass is thought to have resulted in the
disappearance of oyster bars in the system dReference�_; though sonme re occurrence has been observed Comment puwusl: also include others
_ - . -- - - _ ... . ---_- -- _ - -- - - - - -' brolen up during dredging in the cbcp
to the south of the pass in the last few years during seagrass transect monitoring. Oysters have been opinions --
documented around the perimeter of Outer Clam Bay in past years monitoring efforts.
A 2011 benthic habitat assessment conducted by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida found livif�
oyster clusters in the upper reaches of Northern Clam Bay (a single cluster), in the tributary be
Outer and Inner Clam Bays (a single cluster), and throughout the shoreline of Outer Clam Bay.
Management concerns related to oyster growth are similar to the seagrass concerns, namely protection
from recreation users, water quality, and flushing] . comment pcwu9l: move to management
-
INSERT LOCA77ONAMP FOR OYSTERS Comment olycha to w Tube - building or
— — - - - -� - -- -- -- mbiculous, polychaete worms were the dominant
biological assemblage in the Clam Bay complex
O
Hardbottont Communities therefore polychaetes should have a section here
Another important marine habitat marginally associated with the esttm* stem is the hard bottom
reef community found just seaward of Clam Pass. In about 10 -1 eetllwater a variety of sponges,
38 1XIC
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stony corals, gorgonians, fish and associated invertebrates can be found within a system of rocks and
ledges. Outcroppings of similar habitat type occur along the length of Collier County and are a little
known resource of regional significance.
Collier County has mapped this resource through side scan sonar surveys in 2005 and 2009 as part of
its beach renourishment project. The information received from the County shows that the landward
edge of this habitat is located approximately 250 to 300 feet offshore from the Pass. O
(Management concerns related to this habitat include recreation use and potential turbidity impacts
resulting from dredging or other management activities within the Clam Bay NRPAI 0 Comment [Kw121]: Move to management
� section__..
INSERT LOCATIONMAP
Invasive, Non - native and Problem Species
G'
In an ecological context, an invasive species is one that is aggressive in grow xpansion of range
and tends to dominate other appropriate native species. Its establishment dance can cause
widespread harm to an ecological system by altering the species composi ' usceptibility to fire and
hydrology of an area. Non - indigenous species (i.e., non - native or exoti ties) are those that have
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been introduced purposefully or accidentally 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 that 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 exotic plant and animal species documented within the NRPA
and those that have a potential to occur within the NRPA are discussed in the following sections.
Invasive and Problem Plant Species
The Florida Exotic Pest Plan Council (FLEPPC) maintains a list of exotic plans 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, 9 non - indigenous plant species have been detected within the Clam Bay NRPA which are listed
by FLEPPC as Category I exotics. FLEPPC defines Category I plants as those that alter native plant
communities by displacing native species, change community structures or ecological functions, or
hybridize with natives. Category II plants have increase 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 roblem, but rather on the documented
ecological damage caused by these plants (FLEPPC 200'7. One of the objectives of the Clam Bay
NRPA Management Plan will be to maintain the lands free of both Category I and II exotic plants.
Methodology outlining the management activities that will be used to treat exotics is found in Chapter
6 of this Plan. Comment iKw1221: Move In management
-- -- - - -
- - section
652 shorelines ...... r -- Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
marshes 641 Freshwater (since talk about the berm) ........ - - -
m - --
Foratted: Indent: Left: 0.25"
LISTED PECI
ESL__ _ _ Comment [KVI1123]: I Skipped this section for
now
Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata)
A juvenile smalltooth sawfish was observed in 2008 in the connector creek between Inner and
Clam Bays. Smalltooth sawfish are found in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Oc t e
western Atlantic they have historically ranged from New York to Brazil, including the Gu ico
and Caribbean Sea. Habitat destruction and overfishing have succeeded in eradicating the lltooth
sawfish from the majority of its former range. Consequently, it survives in small poc oughout its
current range. The last remaining population in U.S. waters is off south Florida, remnant of a
population that once ranged from New York to Texas.
This sawfish primarily occurs in estuarine and coastal habitats such a ys,, agoons, and rivers. It
does at times occur in deeper waters, however, and may make Gros * offshore islands. It can
tolerate freshwater. This fish is easily recognized by its flattened bod wing -like pectoral fins. The
mouth is located ventrally, the eyes are positioned dorsally. " is approximately 25% of the
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body's total length. It is widest at the base, with teeth more broad than long, and spaced apart. The tips
of the teeth are sharp, becoming blunt over time. Dorsally, it is brownish or bluish gray body with a
white underside. The maximum length recorded is 24.7 feet (7.6 m); however, a length of 18 feet (5.5
m) is considered average. The average lifespan for the smalltooth sawfish is unknown.
On April 1, 2003 the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service placed the smalltooth sawfish on the
Endangered Species List, making it the first marine fish species to receive protection under the
Endangered Species Act. Florida has also designated critical habitat areas to further protect its habitat.
Mangrove Rivulus ( Rivulus marmoratus)
This small fish has not been identified within the Clam Bay system in previous surveys or field work
but the mangrove habitat is appropriate and they could be present in the upper reaches of the mangrove
forest. The mangrove rivulus is primarily a saltwater or brackish water species, with limited
occurrence in freshwater. Within the Everglades and along Florida's west coast, this fish occurs in
stagnant, seasonal ponds and sloughs as well as in mosquito ditches within mangrove habitats. The
mangrove rivulus is able to survive in moist detritus without water for up to 60 days during periods of
drought, anaerobic, or high sulfide conditions.
This fish can reach a maximum size of 2 inches (5 cm) in length, however it is more commonly
observed at lengths between 0.4 -1.5 inches (1.0 -3.8 cm). The head and body are maroon to dark
brown or tan, with small dark spots and speckling on the body, particularly the sides. The dorsal
surface is always darker than the creamy ventral surface. The color of the body is reflective of the
habitat, with light coloration in areas of light colored sediments and darker coloration in environments
with dark leaf litter substrates. A large dark spot surrounded by a band of yellow is located at the upper
base of the caudal fin in hermaphroditic individuals. Males lack this dark spot and have a red - orange
cast to their flanks and fns.
The mangrove rivulus was once listed as a threatened species in the Gulf of Mexico. However, recently
additional surveys have revealed the existence of numerous populations. In Florida it has been
downlisted to a species of special concern. In 1999, it was submitted by the National Marine Fisheries
Service as a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act. As of yet, it has not been
officially listed as endangered or threatened.
The main threat to the survival of the mangrove rivulus is habitat degradation and destruction a
as exposure to pollutants. Disturbances that alter salinity and temperature as well as vegetation co
may also reduce naturally occurring populations.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta careua)
Loggerhead sea turtles have been documented nesting on beaches within the �ay NRPA.
Loggerheads are circumglobal, occurring throughout the temperate and tropical re f the Atlantic,
Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are the most abundant species of sea d in U.S. coastal
waters. In the Atlantic, the loggerhead turtle's range extends from New o d to as far south as
Argentina.
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During the summer, nesting occurs primarily in the subtropics. Although the major nesting
concentrations in the U.S. are found from North Carolina through southwest Florida, minimal nesting
occurs outside of this range westward to Texas and northward to Virginia. Adult loggerheads are
known to make extensive migrations between foraging areas and nesting beaches. During non - nesting
years, adult females from U.S. beaches are distributed in waters off the eastern U.S. and throughout the
Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and Yucatan.
Loggerheads were named for their relatively large heads, which support powerful jaws and enable
them to feed on hard- shelled prey, such as whelks and conch. The top shell (carapace) is slightly heart-
shaped and reddish -brown in adults and sub- adults, while the bottom shell (plastron) is generally a pale
yellowish color. The neck and flippers are usually dull brown to reddish brown on top and medium to
pale yellow on the sides and bottom.
In the southeastern U.S., mating occurs in late March to early June and females lay eggs between late
April and early September. Females lay three to five nests, and sometimes more, during a single
nesting season. The eggs incubate approximately two months before hatching sometime between late
June and mid- November.
Loggerheads occupy three different ecosystems during their lives: beaches (terrestrial zone), water
(oceanic zone), and nearshore coastal areas ( "neritic" zone). Because of this, NOAA Fisheries and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ( USFWS) have joint jurisdiction for marine turtles, with NOAA having
the lead in the marine environment and USFWS having the lead on the nesting beaches.
The loggerhead turtle was first listed under the Endangered Species Act as threatened throughout its
range on July 28, 1978. In September 2011, NMFS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed 9 Distinct
Population Segments of loggerhead sea turtles under the ESA. The population in our Northeast
Atlantic Ocean Segment is listed as endangered. The agencies are currently proposing Critical Habitat
designations on several areas which contain a combination of nearshore reproductive habitat, winter
area, breeding areas, and migratory corridors. The Clam Bay NRPA is contained within the LOGG -N-
27 segment of this proposed critical habitat area.
Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
Gopher tortoises and their burrows are found along the coastal strand portions of the Clam Bay NRP
The range of the tortoise includes southern portions or Alabama, South Carolina, Loui C
Mississippi, and Georgia as well as most of Florida.
Gopher tortoises are one of the few species of tortoise that dig burrows. These burrows can t5 ten
feet deep and 40 feet long, and are as wide as the length of the tortoise that made it. I�a dition to
providing the tortoise a home, it has been documented that as many as 350 other sp Iso use the
burrows including the indigo snake, Florida mouse, gopher frog and burrowing o
Gopher tortoises can live 40 to 60 years in the wild and average 9 to ll'W,#Ws in length. These
tortoises are superb earth - movers, living in long burrows from 5 to 45 f ong and up to 10 feet deep
that offer refuge from cold, heat, drought, forest fires and predators urrows maintain a fairly
constant temperature and humidity throughout the year and pr ct W gopher tortoise and other
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species from temperature extremes, drying out, and predators. The mating season generally runs from
April through June and gestation for the eggs is between 80 and 100 days.
The shell or "carapace" of the gopher tortoise is mostly brownish gray and the underside of the shell, or
"plastron," is yellowish tan. Their front legs are shovel -like which helps them when digging their
burrows.
The gopher tortoise has been regulated in Florida since 1972 and has been fully protected since 1988.
Despite the afforded protection, gopher tortoise populations throughout the state have declined. As a
response to the continuing decline of the species, a new management plan was drafted and approved in
September 2007 as a precursor to reclassifying the gopher tortoise from a "species of special concern"
to a "threatened species." The threatened status was approved and went into effect on November 8,
2007.
West Indian Manatee
Manatees have been sighted on numerous occasions within the Clam Bay NRPA boundaries. Manatees
can be found in shallow, slow- moving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals, and coastal areas —
particularly where seagrass beds or freshwater vegetation flourish. Manatees are a migratory species.
Within the United States, they are concentrated in Florida in the winter. In summer months, they can
be found as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, but summer sightings in Alabama,
Georgia and South Carolina are more common.
Manatees are large, gray aquatic mammals with bodies that taper to a flat, paddle- shaped tail. They
have two forelimbs, called flippers, with three to four nails on each flipper. The average adult manatee
is about 10 feet long and weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds. They eat a large variety of
submerged, emergent, and floating plants and can consume 10 -15% of their body weight in vegetation
daily. Because they are mammals, they must surface to breathe air. They rest just below the surface of
the water, coming up to breathe on an average of every three to five minutes. It is believed that one
calf is born every two to five years, and twins are rare. The gestation period is about a year. Mothers
nurse their young for one to two years, during which time a calf remains dependent on its mother.
Protections for Florida manatees were first enacted in 1893. Today, they are protected by the Flori 4
Manatee Sanctuary Act and are federally protected by both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and tV
Endangered Species Act IV
PLANT SPECIES -List to be added based on FLUCFCSGMapping Comment[KW124]: stdppeddwse for now
ANIMAL SPECIES
The following lists of species have been observed within the Clain Bay NRPA an �acent Pelican
Bay development areas. These lists are not all inclusive but represent a wide a species found
within and adjacent to the Clam Bay NRPA habitats.
Aquatic Invertebrates – Addfrom ConservancvReport
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Fish
COMMON NAME
Atlantic needlefish
Barracuda
Bay anchovy
Blacktip Shark
Blue crab
Cowfish
Flounder
Gray snapper
Great barracuda
Gulf killifish
Inshore Ii rs4Lizardfrsh
Killifish spp.
Leatherjacket
Longnose killifish
Mangrove snapper
Mullet
Mutton snapper
Needlefish
Permit
Pigfish
Pinfish
Pipefish
Puffer
Sailfm molly
Sand perch
Scaled sardine
Sea robin
Sheepshead
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Strongyhira marina
Sphyraena barracuda
Anchoa mitchilli
Carcharhimts lirnbatits
Callinectis sapidus
Acanthostracion quadricomis
Paratichthys alb!gutta
LuYanus griseus
Sphyraena barracuda
Funduhts grandis
Svnodus foetens
Funduhts spp.
Oligoplites saurus
Fundulus simitis
Lutianus griseus
Mugil cephalus
Lutjanus anatis
Strongylura marina
Trachinotus falcatus
Orthopristus chrysoptera
Lagodon rhomboides
Syngnathus spp.
Sphoeroides parvtts
Poecilia latipinna
Diplectrum bivittatum
Harengula pensacolae O
Prionotus scitttlus
Archosargus probatocephal O
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December 3, 2013
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Sheepshead minnow
Cyprinodon variegates
Silver jenny
Eucinostonuis gula
Smalltooth Sawfish
Pristis pectinata
Snook
Centropontus undecimalis
Spot
Leiostonnes xanthunts
Spotfin mojara
Eucinostomus argentetts
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Tidewater silverside
Menidia peninsulae
Triggerfish
Batistes capriscus
White grunt
Haemulon plumierii
Whiting
Menticirrhus tittoratis
Reptiles and Amphibians
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
Banded water snake
Black racer
Common garter snake
Eastern coachwhip
Mangrove salt marsh water snake
Mud snake
Red rat snake
Ring- necked snake
Yellow rat snake
Nerodia faciata faciata
Coluber constrictor
Thamnophis sirtalis
Mastieophis flagellum
Nerodia clarkii
Farancia abacura
Elaphe guttata guttata
Diadophis punctatus
Elaphe obsoleta
American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
Brown anole
Anolis sagrei
Eastern glass lizard
Ophisaurus ventralis
Green anole
Anolis carolinensis
Southeastern five -lined skink
Ettmeces inexpectatus
Brown basilisk lizard **
Basiliscus vittatus
Cuban knight anole**
Anolis equestris
Cuban treefrog Osteopilus septentrional'
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Eastern narrow - mouthed toad
Eastern spadefoot toad
Giant marine toad **
Green treefrog
Oak toad
Southern leopard frog
Southern toad
Squirrel treefrog
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
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December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Gastrophryne carolinensis
Scaphiopus holbrookii
Rhinella marina Oka Bufo marinus)
Hyla cinerea
Anaxyrus quercicus
Lithobates sphenocephalhfs
Bufo terrestris
Hyla squirella
Chicken turtle Deirochelys reticularia
Pond (yellowbelly) slider Trachemys scrpta scripts
Florida redbelly cooter Pseudemys nelsoni
Penninsula cooter Pseudemys peninsularis
Striped mud turtle Kinosternon bamzi
Florida box turtle Terrapene carolina bauri
Florida softshell turtle Apalone ferox
Florida snapping turtle Chelydra serpentine osceola
Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus
Green sea turtle Chelonia mydas
Loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta
Birds
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ki
American avocet Recurvirostra americana O
American coot Fulica americana IV
American kestrel Falco sparverius
American oystercatcher Haematopus palliatifs
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga G
Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Barred owl Strix varia O
Belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon
Black skimmer Rynchops niger O
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Black vulture
Rynchops niger
Black -and -white warbler
Mniotilta varia
Black-bellied plover
Pluvialis squatarola
Black- crowned night heron
Nycticorar nycticorax
Black - necked stilt
Himantopus mexicanus
Blue jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Blue -gray gnatcatcher
Polioptila caendea
Boat - tailed grackle
Quiscalus major
Brown pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Brown thrasher
Toxostoma rufum
Budgerigar
Melopsittacus undulatus
Caspian tern
Hydroprogne caspia
Cattle egret
Bubulcus ibis
Chuck - will's -widow
Caprimulgzrs carolinensis
Common grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
Common ground -dove
Columbina passerina
Common moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
Common nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Common snipe
Gallinagogallinago
Common tem
Sterna hirundo
Common yellowthroat
Geothlypis trichas Double -
crested cormorant
Phalacrocorax auritzrs
Dowitcher long - billed
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Dowitcher short-billed
Limnodromus griseus
Downy woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
Dunlin
Colidris alpina
Eastern screech owl
Megascops asio
Eurasian collared dove
Streptopelia decaocto
European starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Fish crow
Corms ossifi•agus
Forster's tern
Sterna forsteri
Glossy ibis
Plegadis falcinelhrs
Gray catbird
Dumetella carolinensis
Great blue heron
Ardea herodias
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Great crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus
Great egret Ardea alba
Great homed owl Bubo virginianus
Greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Green heron Butorides virescens
Green- winged teal Anas crecca
Herring gull Larus argentatus
Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatt s
House sparrow Passer domesticus
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla
Least sandpiper Calidris minutilla
Limpkin Aramus guarauna
Little blue heron Egretta caerttlea
Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus
Magnificent frigate bird Fregata magnificens
Mangrove cuckoo Coccyzus minor
Merlin Falco columbaritts
Mocking bird Mimus polyglottos
Mottled duck Anas fulvigula
Mourning dove Zenaida macroura
Muscovy duck Cairina moschata
Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
Northern gannet Monts bassanus
Northern parula Panda americana O
Northern waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Painted bunting Passerina ciris
Palm warbler Dendroica palmaru m
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus �♦
Pied - billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps
Pilleated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus O
Piping plover Charadrius rnelodus
Prairie warbler Dendroica discolor O
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December 3, 2013
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Purple gallinule
Porphyrula martinica
Red knot
Calidris canutus
Red - bellied woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
Red - breasted merganser
Mergus senator
Reddish egret
Egretta rufescens
Red - shouldered hawk
Buteo lineatus
Red - tailed hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Red - winged blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Ring billed gull
Larus delawarensis
Robin
Turdus migratorius
Roseate spoonbill
Platalea ajaja
Royal tern
Sterna maxima
Ruby - throated hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
Ruddy turnstone
Arenaria interpres
Sanderling
Calidris albs
Sandwich tem
Sterna sandvicensis
Semipalmated plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
Snowy egret
Egretta thula
Spotted sandpiper
Actitis macularia
Swallow - tailed kite
Elanoides forficatus
Tri- colored heron
Egretta tricolor
Turkey vulture
Cathartes aura
Western sandpiper
Calidris mauri
White ibis
Eudocnnus albus
White pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Willet
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
Wood stork
Scolopax minor
Yellow - bellied sapsucker
Sphyrapicus varius
Yellow - crowned night heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Yellow - romped warbler
Dendroica coronata
Yellow - throated warbler
Dendroica dominica
Mammals
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December 3, 2013
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COMMON NAME SCIENTIFICNAME
Virginia opossum
Didelphis virginia
Eastern mole
Scalopus aquaticus
Brazilian free - tailed bat
Tadarida broziliensis
Big brown bat
Eptesicus frtscus
Nine -banded armadillo
Dasypes novemcinctus
Marsh rabbit
Sylvilagus palustris
Eastern gray squirrel
Sciurits carolinensis
House mouse
Mus muscuhis
Roof rat
Rattus rattus
Gray fox
Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Black bear
Ursus americamts
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
River otter
Lutra canadensis
Feral domestic cat
Felis catus
Bobcat
Lynx rufus
West Indian manatee
Trichechus manatus
Bottle -nosed dolphin
Turciops truncates
HYDROLOGY ___ -- - - -. _ _ _ _ -- Comment [KW12S :suggest yonnwve all
_ _. previous hydrologic statements to this section. j
11 ydrologica) regime, sometimes referred to as the surface water or surficial hydrology and in comment [k1261: This should be general into
sir lPhstic tenns describes the long -term spatial variation in the water depths and period of oncb hydrology and not about mangrove
maintenance — talking about the estuary not just
inundation within a wetland system. This is because the surficial hydrology has both horizontal mangroves
and vertical components and provides key ecological functions to the mangrove forest. (Lewis, perO
comm. 2008)
With respect to the horizontal component, incoming water (both tidal and surface water rutafflinto a
�etlancbrings with it nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and maKnally lower salt i
Conversely, the outgoing water leaving the wetland (through tidal exchange) removes n
products (e.g., carbon dioxide and toxic sulfides) and excess salt. The vertical oc incoming water that percolates down into the sediment and root zone, and the
a falling tide, which removes metabolic wastes and excess salt. w
It is the inflow and outflow of sea water that is critical to the
these two ecological functions and as such dissipate salts, c
that anything that affects the system and alters the ability o]
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abolic waste
�ht refers to
drainage, on
o manage
It follows
unctions,
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Comment [k1271: estuary
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December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
will, in most instances, cause stress to the system and, at some point in time, result in the death of the
system, or portions of it.
The Clam Bay system was originally part of a larger tidal system connected to the Gulf of Mexico by
three tidal inlets; Wiggins Pass, Clam Pass and Doctors Pass. (Turrell 1996). During the 1950's this
system was isolated from adjacent bays by the construction of Seagate Drive to the south and the
construction of Vanderbilt Beach Road to the north. The practical effect was to leave Clam Pass as
Clam Bay's only connection to the Gulf Comment [ewl28]: RepetWve- m eist«y
In 1976 culverts were placed under Seagate Drive to provide some exchange from Venetian Bay (a
residential sea wall bay system) and improve water quality in the Doctors Pass area. One -way valves
were placed on the pipes in 1999 but after the initial dredging event of the CBRMP, there was not
enough head differential to operate the valves and they ended up acting as plugs instead. In October,
2002 these valves were removed to promote more flushing and water exchange in this southern portion
of the system.
- -- -- -
Hydrologic studies indicate that the tidal flushing capacity of Clam Bay prior to the restoration
dredging was limited and almost insignificant in Upper Clam Bay. The preliminary hydrographic
assessment of the Clam Bay system prepared by Tackney & Associates, Inc. (August 1996)
demonstrated rather dramatically that there was a significant reduction in tidal range between the
middle boardwalk and Inner Clam Bay. Tackney described the flow in that area as "measurably
reduced" and `very inefficient ". This connecting tidal creek is the key conduit for tidal input and
outflow to the northern reaches of the Clam Bay system_ And its constriction and the ancillary
constriction of tributaries connection to it, impact the quantity and quality of the flushing that can
occur in Inner and Upper Clam Bay.
As noted earlier, it is the daily rise and fall of the tide and the exchange of seawater between Clam Bay
and the Gulf that are critical to the ability of the mangrove forest to export both organic matter, and
excess salt and freshwater as well as receive oxygen rich water and nutrients. The greater the tidal
amplitude (or tidal prism) the greater the benefit to the mangroves — more needed resources are
delivered and more wastes are removed. Conversely, in the absence of surface water circulation or
tidal activity, mangroves can become stressed and, in certain instances, rapidly die due to deleterious
changes in the sediment or water levels. The consequence is that the root systems wither an
eventually the whole tree dies. Note that the tidal exchange mechanism that is critical to the health o
the mangrove forest was, within this ecosystem, seriously constrained. (Turrell 1995). Another key
aspect of the surficial hydrology is the vertical location of the water level elevation relative to the
mangrove sediment elevation. Specifically, the mean low water (tide) elevation has to be sufficiently
lower than the mangrove sediment elevation in order for mangrove sediments to drain during low tide.
A persistent high surface water elevation stops sediment drainage and results in anoxic sediment and
the accumulation of toxic waste products. A.r
It should be observed that the black mangrove forest does not require the kind of intense flushing that
is more typical of the red mangrove systems in order to maximize its productivity. However, the total
absence of meaningful exchange was certainly a contributor to the significant degradation of the
mangrove system within Clam Bay. (Tackney 1996; Lewis pers. comm. 2008).
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Comment [KW 1291: History - repetitive
Comment [KW130]: repetitive and same
comments as previously mentioned
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Ver. 3.0
In this context Tackney observed that even in the absence of rainfall, the average water surface
elevations for the inner and upper bays were higher than the average surface elevation for the Gulf.
Analysis of the tidal data indicated that average water surface elevations in the Inner and Upper Clam
Bays were both elevated above the average Gulf water surface elevation by approximately 0.2 feet.
This indicated that the tidal range in Inner and Upper Clam Bays was muted and that the system was
receiving significant additional water through runoff and restricted capacity to drain additional inflow.
In fact, during portions of the Tackney study no tidal fluctuation was noted in the Upper Clam Bay and
only marginal tidal effects were observed in Inner Clain Bay.
The reduced tidal ranges were also accompanied by relatively large phase lags. The phase lag is the
average time delay measured in hours and minutes between the occurrence of slack (high or low) water
in the Gulf of Mexico and the measurement stations. It is affected by both the distance between
measurement stations and the amount and quality of hydraulic resistance of the connecting channel.
The longer the distance and the higher the resistance, the more pronounced one would expect the phase
lag to be. In the upper bays, high and low waters generally occurred over three hours later than the
Gulf tides.
These conditions indicate that the tidal creeks connecting the interior bays are hydraulically very
inefficient. As a result, the upper bays are prone towards extended periods of flooding as a result of
freshwater runoff and the inability of the system to drain efficiently. During Tackney's field studies of
May 1996, rainfall of approximately 4 inches in three days was adequate to flood the Upper Clam Bay
above high tide levels and sustain this flooded condition for over two days. Accordingly, he concluded
that the creeks and bays that serve to connect the Inner and Upper Bays were significantly less efficient
in the ebb tide stage than they were in the flood stage. Studies undertaken by both Lewis
Environmental Services, Inc. and Turrell & Associates, Inc. would support this conclusion. ( Turrell
1995).
Finally, an additional attribute of the system that is directly related to tidal prism and the quantity of
inflow and outflow is the question of inlet stability. Inlet stability refers to a tidal inlet's capacity to
adequately scour out deposited sediments and prevent inlet closure. For a given wave environment,
inlet stability is governed primarily by the volume of water (tidal prism) carried by the inlet. To
remain stable, an inlet must have the characteristic that a temporary constriction in cross sectional area
produces an increase in current velocities adequate to scour out the constriction. To function without,
mechanical intervention, the system roust generate sufficient volume off water on the ebb tide to scour
out the inlet naturally, otherwise the inlet will, over time, continue to close. This is particularly true
during periods of high wave activity and low tidal ranges. ( Turrell 1995; Tackney 1996). The six
closures of Clam Pass that have occurred in the past twenty -five years indicate that stability of Clam
Pass is marginal. ( Turrell 1995; Tackney 1996, Hummiston 0010 rj� - Comment [k131j: need to restructure this whore
section to make it flow better
Component Comment [KW132]: ,a bydrology should be in
Freshwater Com
p � hydrology section and try to reduce redundancy HA
Under predevelopment conditions, much of the area's rainfall was held on the surface of the land in HA NOW IAbfREPEnTwE!lt!
sloughs and other low areas. This water would either slowly filter through the soil to recharge the
shallow aquifer or move through the mangrove community to the bay. Less than ten inches of the
approximately 53 inch average rainfall is estimated to have been lost from the uplands east of Clam
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Bay as surface runoff. The storage capabilities of the land thus moderated surface flows, preventing
extremely high flow rates during the rainy season and serving to maintain surface flow and
groundwater flow during the dry season. (FDER 1981). Comment[KW133]: combine with previous
stuff and keep under hydrology section - repetitive
�n 1977 the Pelican Bay Planned Unit Development was established by Westinghouse Communities,
Inc. The development contains a mixture of residential, retail, commercial and recreational facilities
and lies east of Clam Bay. As a condition of development, Clam Bay, the area that lies west of the
Pelican Bay and consists of approximately 530 acres of mixed mangrove forest and wetlands was
designated as the Pelican Bay Conservation Area. As such, it was designated for conservation but with
limited recreational access. This area was eventually given to Collier County and is currently —�
classified as a Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA) and is the subject of this Management Plan.___ Comment[KW13a]: history - not hydrology
section — -- — --
The development of Pelican Bay had limited fill impact to the Clam Bay system, but it did modify the
pattern of freshwater entering the Clam Bay system. (Wilson, Miller et _al. 1996). The stormwater
management system as designed, permitted and implemented at Pelican Bay employs a series of
detention ponds, swales and culverts to regulate the discharge of run -off into Clam Bay. Discharge
occurs almost continuously along the eastern perimeter of the conservation area. Run -off from the
northern end of Pelican Bay is collected and discharged into Upper Clam Bay. Irrigation water for 27
holes of golf and landscaping in Pelican Bay is approximately 3.0 MGD which approximates 26 inches
per year of additional rainfall equivalent, (Wilson, Miller et.-al., ]996). When added to the average
rainfall for South Florida of approximately 53 inches per year, the local area has an effective rainfall of
approximately 80 inches plus annually. This is significant, particularly when viewed in the context of
predictable stone events that have the potential for altering the amount of average rainfall entering the
Clam Bay system.
The "Pelican Bay Water Management System — Stormwater Detention Volume and Water Budget
Analysis" (Wilson, Miller, Barton & Peek, hnc. April, 1996) describes the water management system
as being divided into six watersheds or drainage systems. Rainfall, including irrigation, reaches the
ground and either seeps into the ground or nms off to a stormwater detention area within each system.
The stormwater detention plan for Pelican Bay has a standard, permitted design capacity to hold the
fast inch of stormwater during a 25 -year storm event. The stormwater is detained for flood protection
and water quality treatment. Stormwater discharge is controlled by a series of weirs designed such tha
the post- development stormwater run -off rate does not exceed pre - development rates. Stat
differently, the system is designed to discharge stormwater in the development portion of Pelic
in the same manner that it discharged stormwater prior to development. The stormwater discha
exits the weir system for a final release into Clain Bay. *%+*
Stormwater runoff from an additional 130 acres of watersheds, outside of Pelican Bay, c ntn`butes an
additional and significant volume of discharge to Clam Bay. This water represents of the total
- - --
stormwater discharge to Clam Bay- � Comment [KW135]: Does this include the
Strand Road and Bay Colony contn'butions?
As the area of Pelican Bay to the east has undergone development, it as ased the impervious
surface area, with a concomitant increase in surface runoff, which is ettua y discharged to Clam
Bay. The daily irrigation water volume enhances the saturation of T-,mds which reduces their
ability to accommodate rainfall volume, thus effectively increasing�trfnd groundwater discharge.
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Groundwater Discharge
Groundwater discharge can be commonly observed throughout -the eastern side of Clam Bay and is
discernable as a very slight sheet flow. Where this water encounters a discharge system, even one that
is not operating �t peak efficiency, such as Outer Clam Bay; excess water is effectively removed from
the system. wever, in the nort hern section, sheet mow was not etMc e fft y removed due to ere o�
gRMHOWNEWflow toward the Gulf and subsequent inability #.I
andw9pogenically caused rise in flow through the forest; Thus, it accumulated, increasing soil
saturation and raising the mean water table elevation, and apparently overwhelming the black
mangrove's anaerobic soil/gas exchange mechanisms. Mangroves in these areas became stressed and
died.
WATER (QUALITY
During the initial environmental permitting of Pelican Bay, the agencies required water quality testing
within the Pelican Bay subdivision and the Clam Bay estuary to help evaluate the impact of
development on Clam Bay. The water quality- testing program was first implemented by Pelican Bay
Improvement District (PBID) starting in the early 1980's. In 1991, PBID became the Pelican Bay
Services Division (PBSD), a dependent Division of Collier County. PBSD continued the testing
program after 1991. PBSD is currently the responsible entity for the testing program.
The water quality testing is performed at several sample points within Pelican Bay and Clam Bay. The
sample point locations are shown on Figure 1. There are currently ten sampling locations within
Pelican Bay and Clam Bay. Sample points W -7, W -6, W -1, North Seagate, and Upper Clam Bay
(UCB) are within Clam Bay, which are categorized as Class II waters by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP). The remaining five sampling points are PB -13, E PB -13, PB -11,
Glenview, and St. Lucia, are located in the stormwater treatment portion of the property (Class Itow
waters) within Pelican Bay.
W
IV
ater quality sampling is conducted within the Clam Bay system on a monthly basis. The p �s are
collected by PBSD staff and transported to the Collier County Pollution Control laIS for
processing. Parameters sampled and collected, include; .
• Field pH
• Field Temperature O
• Field Salinity
Field D.O.
Ammonia O
Carbon- Total Organic
• Chlorophyll a
• Copper* (added to the parameter suite in 2013
Nitrate- Nitrite (N)
• Nitrite (N) O
Comment [KW 136]: need a section on
groundwater flow as it was significantly altered by
strand road
Comment [KW137]: ref what was the historic
efficiency - if unlmown can't say not operating at
peal'. For that matter what is peak efficiency now —
probably is debatable due to anthropogenic
alterations — or make clear is not same as historical
conditions.....
— Comment [KW 138]: skipped this for now
Nitrogen- Total Kjeldahl
Orthophosphate (P)
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- Pheophytin
- Phosphorus- Total
- Residues- Filterable (TDS)
Silica (Si02)
Add Sampling Station exhibit
Summarize all water quality
data and reports — could be in
table form
ARCHAEOLOGICAL "SOURCES _ -. ---------------
Ceanment [KW1391: Slipped this for now
The Florida Division of Historical Resources Master Site File lists three known archaeological sites
within the Clam Bay NRPA boundary. All three are located with the mangrove forest habitat. Two of
the sites (CR476 and CR547) are located north of the Pass and south of Inner Clam Bay. The third site
(CR576) is located south of the Pass and north of the Clam Pass Park boardwalk.
Site CR476 is identified as a prehistoric campsite and shell midden possibly supporting the use of
several cultures dating from 8500 B.C. to A.D. 1700.
Sites CR547 and CR576 are identified as shell middens which were in use between 1000 B.C. and
A.D. 1700.
All three of the sites are within the mangrove forest and outside of the footprint of any previous or
future anticipated dredging activities.
Management concerns related to the archaeological resources include protection from vandals/looters
and protection from exotic species infestation
INLET DYNAMICS — To be added from Engineer's report(s)
RECREATIONAL USE
Comment [KW140]: nmve to management
section
k
O
Clam Bay's dense forest of mangroves significantly limits walking in the preserve. Most wal fb*8
seeking to enjoy the rich natural environment of Clam Bay use the three boardwalks that roTs the
preserve and provide access to the beach. Members of Pelican Bay's homeowners ass on use the
northern and middle boardwalks. The southern most boardwalk is open to the pub accessed
from the parking lot at the south end of the system. Trans are used on all the alks to transport
those choosing not to walk on the boardwalk to the kacbr
--------------- ---
Kayaks and canoes are used by those wanting to enjoy the natural settir� serenity of Clam Bay's
waterways. There is a public launching area adjacent to the parkin t a e south end of the bay, and
there is also a private launch for Pelican Bay residents on the no oardwalk. The canoe/kayak
trail is clearly designated by canoe trail markers from Outer C]�1� y to Upper Clam Bay.
A
O
Comment [k141I: suggest you don't delineate
between PB and public and put waUdag had as most
of the recreation is water driven. Also this kind of
suggests that boardwaas are good and yes they are
better than hying to plow through the estuary but
they are not good for the environment. Given that
additional bosrdwalla are currently being discussed
make sure there is no way that they can be perceived
as a good thing — like sand for the beach during
dredging dey are a byproduct of the tool not the
p>lliose
55
CLAM BAYNRPA MANACEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Page 56 of 95
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Fishing and swimming are also popular pastimes. Fishing can be done from the boardwalks and canoes
or by wading into the water. Swimming is usually confined to the beach areas, but some swimmers and
waders, if conditions permit, venture into Clam Pass.
The operation of motorized watercraft in Clam Bay is restricted by Collier County Ordinance 96 -16
that requires vessels with motors to travel at idle speed with no wake throughout the Clam Bay system.
The relatively shallow waterways of the system, in conjunction with the boardwalk heights, limit the
size and drafts of motorized watercraft. The residents of the Seagate neighborhood immediately south
of Clam Bay have historically utilized motorized watercraft in Clam Baybut this use is still subject to
the County ordinance. Violation of the ordinance is a civil infraction for which a fine may be levied.
Occasionally motorized vessels, including jet -skis or other personal watercraft, have been reported to be
in violation of the ordinance. Efforts to identify and report violators will con_ tinue to insure that Clam
Bay is not only a safe place for all its users, but that its unique environment is protected. In the future
should any adverse effects on Clam Bay's natural resources or water quality be found to be related to
motorized watercraft, additional management options will be explored to ameliorate these adverse
effects.
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Comment [KW142]: heremy
Comment [KW 143]: move to management
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
5.0 Authorized Construction Activities
List of permits for work undertaken to date and relevant legal framework
Eighteen years ago, Collier County processed a permit to dredge limited areas of Clam Pass to
facilitate the movement of tidal water in and out of Clam Bay. The FDEP permit for this activity was
issued on March 28, 1996 with the companion USACOE permit being issued on April 2, 1996. The
FDEP permit was modified on April 10, 1996 with the authorized work being undertaken and
completed on April 17'h, 1996. The practical effect of implementing this Permit was to reopen the
Pass, but it was clear that without a more comprehensive strategy, this effort, standing alone, would not
revitalize the Clam Bay ecosystem_
A permit to improve the channel flow within defined areas of the Clam Bay system by a combination
of blasting and hand excavation was issued on June 26, 1996. The work was undertaken and
completed in two segments. The first channels were opened in August 1996 and the second channels
were opened in November 1996. The results of these two initiatives were positive in that measurable
increases in tidal flow were discernible.
A permit was issued on January 5, 1997 to construct a portable pump and pipe system as an interim
measure to divert freshwater within the Clam Bay system to the Gulf while a more permanent solution
contemplated by the construction of an outfall structure was reviewed. Although this plan was never
implemented and is no longer considered, it envisioned two pumps that would be operational when the
water surface elevation within Clam Bay exceeded a specified threshold. The plan anticipated the
direct discharge of excess water into the Gulf with the expectation that this system would augment the
natural discharge through the tidal mechanism after severe storm events.
Subsequently, Collier County authorized the pursuit of a ten -year permit to allow the County, or its
designee (which in this case was the Pelican Bay Services Division), to maintain Clam Pass in an open
condition. The application, as filed, did not address any other issues affecting the operational
characteristics of Clam Bay and essentially mirrored the 1996 Permit described in the first paragraph
above. Agency comments and concerns which arose as part of the permit review led to the creation
the 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan. The Plan addressed agency concerns at
time and included provisions for adding flap gates to the Seagate culverts, dredging within
sections of the creek north of Clam Pass, a network of hand dug channels throughout the forest area
addition to the dredging of the Pass. This permit was issued in 1998 and the Management ated
in support of the permit has been the guiding document for the maintenance activities made the
Clam Bay system since then. _
It is anticipated that DEP and ACOE 10 -year permits will
Management Plan. The pennits will allow for ongoing in
continue along with occasional, modest removal of material 1
Pass in order to maintain the existing tidal regime within th
dredging scope or other new management initiatives will be r
57
this new
tivities to
a of Clam
submitted
i Collier
Page 58 of 95
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
County Commissioners before seeking any additional permit(s) which may be necessary for the
modified activities. Additional investigations which may be undertaken at a later date to look at for
example, faunal investigations, more in -depth water quality concerns, or other issues that may arise as
a result of stakeholder discussions could also necessitate permitting which will have to be reviewed by
the PBSD and BOCC prior to any such permit applications being submitted
The following list contains more details related to existing and historical permits issued for the Clam
Bay system.
_ _ - -- Comment [KW 144]: I yield to the sierra club to
p,,�,,����j - review this stuff as they have kept meticulous
""i!!lat' _ _ _ - -- records on this!
De artment of Environmental Regulation Construction Permit/Certification No.: 11 -50 -3769 comment [Kwilm However you might want
p to say who or what organization the permit was
Date of Issue: May 23, 1979 issued to
Expiration Date: May 15, 1984
Project Description: To provide construction sites for residential development in a planned community
by: placing approximately 700,000 cy of clean upland fill material onto approximately 94 plus acres
of submerged lands of waters of the state landward of the line of mean high water.
Department of the Anny Corps of Engineers Permit No.: 00754929
Date of Issue: November 18, 1981
Expiration Date: November 18, 1984
Project Description: This permitted the filling of 75f acres of mangrove wetlands north, east and west
of Upper Clam Bay and south of Vanderbilt Beach Road.
Department of Environmental Regulation Modification Permit No.: 11 -50 -3769
Date of Issue: December 23, 1981
Expiration Date: November 18, 1986
Project Description: This modification extended the expiration date of the permit to November 18,
1986.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No.: 79K -0282
Date of Issue: August 2, 1983 O
Expiration Date: November 18, 1986
Project Description: This was an extension of the permit authorizing the filling of 75f acres
mangrove wetlands north, east and west of Upper Clam Bay and south of Vanderbilt Beacl %plus
approximately 2 acres of mangroves at the existing Collier County beach access at Vanderu Beach
Road. The request was reviewed and no objections were raised to the proposed w schedule;
therefore, the completion date of the permit was extended for 2 years until November 1CV' 6.
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CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Department of Environmental Regulation Modification of Surface Water Management Permit No.:
11- 00065 -5
Date of Issue: December 15, 1983
Date of Expiration:
Project Description: Approved modifications to 1) Revise system V, drainage area 3. 2) Construction
and operation of water management system number VI.
Department of Environmental Regulation Permit/Certification No: 110974055
Date of Issue: September 12, 1985
Expiration Date: September 11, 1987
Project Description: To construct approximately 2900 linear feet of 10' wide public access elevated
boardwalk and pier with a 6' wide navigation access lift gate in Outer Clam Bay.
Department of Environmental Regulation Permit No.: 861PT -20328
Date of Issue: December 18, 1986
Expiration Date: December 18, 1991
Project Description: Discharge f2.3 acres of clean fill to construct an access road.
Department of Environmental Regulation Modification Permit No.: 11 -50 -3769
Date of Issue: January 7, 1987
Expiration Date: December 18, 1991
Project Description: This permit modification extended the expiration date and reduced the amount of
fill in the area extending south along the coastal edge from approximately 13 acres, as permitted, to
2.43 acres in order to construct a linear access road (for The Strand in Bay Colony).
Department of Environmental Protection Permit/Certification No: 112659015
Date of Issue: March 14, 1995
Expiration Date: March 14, 2000
Project Description: Re- establish the connection between the Gulf of Mexico to the Clam Bay system,
by dredging from the mouth of Clam Pass and spoiling the sand over an upland beach site.
Collier County Ordinance No: 96-16
Date of Issue: April 9, 1996 O
Expiration Date: n/a
Project Description: To impose idle speed/no wake zones in the Clam Bay system.
Department of Environmental Protection PennidAuthorizationNo .:0128463- 001 -JC
Date of Issue: July 06, 1998 .
Expiration Date: July 06, 2008
Project Description: This Permit authorized activities to improve the hydrod�of, and thus
restore and manage, the Clam Bay ecosystem. O
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CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No.: 199602789 (1P -CC)
Date of Issue: April 1, 1998
Expiration Date: July 08, 2008
Project Description: This Permit authorized the following works: 1) Replacement of Seagate Drive
Culverts and installation of one -way check valves on the culverts (pages 45 — 50 of the CBRMP). 2)
Clam Pass main channel dredging for Cuts 1, 2, 3 and 4 (pages 49 — 65 of the CBRMP). 3) Excavation
and maintenance of Interior Tidal Creeks (pages 65 — 71 of the CBRMP).
Department of Environmental Protection Permit Modification DEP Permit No.:0128463- 001 -JC
Date of Issue: December 15, 1998
Expiration Date: July 06, 2008
Project Description: This permit modification authorized: 1) an alternative to upland spoil disposal
area for Cut #1; 2) an increase in the width of the channel Cut #4 through Clam Pass; and 3) alternative
pipeline corridors between the dredge cuts and the disposal areas.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit Modification for Permit No: 0 128463-001 -JC
Date of Issue: February 16, 1999
Expiration Date: July 6, 2008
Project Description: Authorize minor revisions to the mangrove trimming procedures pursuant to site
verification.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Modification #1 for Permit No.: 199602789 (IP -CC)
Date of Issue: February 26, 1999
Expiration Date: July 08, 2008
Project Description: This application requested a modification to: 1) discharge the dredge material
from Cut #1 to new disposal area identified as an upland parking area; 2) increase the width of channel
Cut #4; 3) remove native vegetation and excavate a portion of upland Disposal Site #2; 4) remove
native vegetation and excavate a portion of upland Disposal Site #3. Issues 1 & 2 were found to be
insignificant and the permit was modified. The requests regarding issues 3 & 4 were not approved at
this time.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Modification #2 for Pennit No.: 199602789 (IP -CC)
Date of Issue: March 08, 1999 O
Expiration Date: July 08, 2008
Project Description: This application requested a modification to: 1) discharge the dredge mate
from Cut #1 to new disposal area identified as an upland parking area; 2) increase i of
channel Cut #4; 3) remove native vegetation and excavate a portion of upland Disposal 4)
remove native vegetation and excavate a portion of upland Disposal Site #3. T11e proposed
modification to widen channel Cut #4 is to be done without any additional seagrass ' 'R. Based on
the review and coordination with FWS, the permit was modified in accordance wit4iffigMequests.
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CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Department of Environmental Protection Permit Modification for Permit No: 0128463 -001 -JC
Date of Issue: May 19, 1999
Expiration Date: May 28, 1999
Project Description: Re -grade beach fill material during the marine turtle nesting season to remove
pockets of fine silty material and to remove an escarpment which may interfere with nesting marine
turtles.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission File No: 2003 - 0511 -016BS for Permit No: CO-
016
Date of Issue: March 24, 2000
Expiration Date: n/a
Project Description: This Permit granted approval for placement of canoe markers in Clam Bay.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers for Permit No: 200001076 (NW -EF)
Date of Issue: April 13, 2000
Expiration Date: February 11, 2002
Project Description: Approved the installation of 32 waterway markers for a canoe trail in the Clam
Bay system.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Modification #3 for Permit No.: 199602789 (IP -CC)
Date of Issue: May 05, 2000
Expiration Date: July 08, 2008
Project Description: This application requested modifications to the monitoring and reporting schedule
referenced on page 93 (Biological Monitoring) of DA Permit (CBRMP). The request was to submit
annual reports instead of semi- annual reports. The permit was modified as requested.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit for Permit No: CO -732
Date of Issue: October 25, 2002
Expiration Date: October 25, 2003
Project Description: Perform dune and beach restoration, and plant salt - tolerant native dune vegetation
in association with interim maintenance dredging event.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No.: 199602789 (IP -CC) Extension O
Date of Issue: May 8, 2008 Q
Expiration Date: July 08, 2009
Project Description: This Permit authorized the extension of the expiration date for a pelS%ne
year.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit/Extension No. 0128463 - 001 -JC
Date of Issue: June 5, 2008
Expiration Date: July 06, 2009
Project Description: This modification extends the expiration date for a p gocloe year.
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CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Department of Environmental Protection Permit No: 11- 0128463 -005
Date of Issue: December 17, 2010
Expiration Date: December 17, 2015
Project Description: Continue maintenance activities to the hand -dug channels in the Clam Bay
system originally permitted under Permit No. 0128463- 001 4C.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit No: 11- 0295193 -004
Date of Issue: November 2, 2011
Expiration Date: November 2, 2016
Project Description: Install 32 canoe trail markers and informational signage.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit No: 0296087- 001 -JC
Date of Issue: August 14, 2013
, - -" comment 1KW1461: was this 20127 To em: ??
Expiration Date: August 14, 2022
Project Description: Restore the alignment of Clain Pass to the previously approved location and
conducting periodic maintenance dredging of a portion of the Clam Pass Channel in order to maintain
tidal exchange between Clam Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No: SAJ- 1996 -02789 (NWP -WDD)
Date of Issue: February 28, 2013
—
comment [cw147]: Nationwide �irr
Expiration Date: March 18, 2017
Wasn't Wis a one ti� deal really aces it expire in
zov?7a
Project Description: Dredging from Clain Pass and tidal creek to restore tidal exchange into Clam
Bay.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit Modification to Permit No: 0296087 -002 -JN
—
comment 1KW1481: wasn't a,isjust a
Date of Issue: March 1, 2013
temporary moai&ation for the emagenq dredge 7
Expiration Date: August 14, 2022
Project Description: Modification to re -open Clam Pass
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CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Page 63 of 95
CLAMBAYNPPA MANAGEMENTPLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Clam Bay)VRPA ManagementPlan Amendments__ Comment [k149]: This section belongs at the
end of the management section of the plan.
Studies within the Clam Bay Estuary as well as in other similar local ecosystems are either ongoing or
expected to occur within the asked for time frame of this document. The Management Plan is not
expected to be a static document and ongoing research and data collection related to water quality;
hydrographic changes in the various areas of the system; benthic community health; mangrove
community health; exotic and nuisance vegetation control; and public education will be conducted
and/or collected. Conclusions, recommendations, or alternative management activities that come about
as a result of studies conducted outside of the scope of this management plan will be examined and
considered by the Pelican Bay Services Division. Those modifications that are found to be viable,
pertinent, and economically feasible alternatives or additions will be added to the plan. Those
changes in management activities or new work items that are outside of the scope of the Plan but
are considered important or practicable by the Pelican Bay Services Division and its consultants will
be submitted to DEP and the ACOE for consideration and inclusion into this Management Plan.
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CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
6.0 Management Plan Goals and ;Objectives
The following goals and objectives for the management of the Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection
Area were developed in accordance with the directives of the Collier County Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) and the Pelican Bay Services Division, which serves as an advisory board to
the BOCO
and objectives were formed in conjunction with stakeholder input and are based on the
mans ement issues present in the preserve as well as the purposes for which the land is held in public
trust. I The document goals set forth in this plan should not appreciable change over time but the
management techniques and activities proposed may be modified based on new scientific discoveries
related to estuaries, changing estuary conditions or other unforeseen circumstances such as
ongoing coordination with stakeholder and user groups or when management objectives are not being
met.
Management concerns are addressed in the following sections along with the management techniques
or activities proposed for addressing those concerns. The ability to implement specific goals or
objectives presented in this plan will be based on funding and staffing availability. The following
goals were identified during the stakeholder and PBSD committee meetings.
(Goal 1 - Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA while
minimizing negative environmental impacts.:
Goal 2 - Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities.
Goal 3 - Manage and improve water quality if found to be detrimental to
the productivity of the estuary or a threat to human uses.
Goal 4 — Protect the integrity of known archaeological sites within the system.
Goal 5 - Address recreational useS1_
Ooa16 - Improve public awareness and involvement
Comment [KW150]: Have clear Goal, strategies
to achieve the goal and performance measures to
assess success and/or failure
Comment [k151]: Insert purpose of the plan,
over arching goal, and the overaechiug strategic
approach to this estuaries management ( not
flushing!)List areas of priority and areas of
importance or concern
Comment [k152]: The permitting agencies will
consider that this was a working group that
developed this plan and in fact it was a plan
developed with the clam bay subcommittee as a
stakeholder which allowed public comment. Be
careful with this statement as this is one of the
reasons the last permit was looked at so closely by
the agencies and ultimately shelved by the ACOE
since CZM claimed the same thing which was
challenged by outside groups that were called
"stakeholders" when in fact theyjust had the CAC
members as "stakeholders" and allowed public
comment. The only true stakeholder working group
that recently occurred was the Wiggins pass one
which had a representative of each interested group
which actually sat at a table and wrote the plan
Comment [k153]: Strategy under Goal 2
Comment [k154]: Still would get rid of this —
you are opening the door for a backlash
Comment [KW 155]: This work better as a
strategy under the 3 remaining goals 1
GOAL 1 - Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA while
minimizing negative environmental �mpa Comment [k156]: Move to order goa1 2 under
strategies to amain goal 2
1_A. Establish to determine when dredging is necess - Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
ecological integrity and ProdUCtiVity (i.e. ensure a healthy ecosystem).
Monitoring of the Pass and internal waterways will provide informa � determine if
dredging is necessary. Bathymetric surveys of cross - sectional are Pass, tide gauge
data, and biological indicators can all be used to indicate when gds needed. Dredging
for the tidal exchange benefits necessary to maintain or improv vronmental aspects of the
system will be done. Dredging for navigation or beach renouris ill not be done.
a.) Conduct, at a minimum, annual surveys of the k
b.) Maintain tidal gauges in good m Orkin * Collect information periodically to
insure gauges are in good worki r and data loss due to malfunctioning
Formatted: Highlight
NOTE:WHEN I ADDED IN MY PLOTS GOT KINDA VERBOSE AND MESSY—NEED
TO REVAMP MY REVAMP!
A full year after the dredging work, no dramatic changes were apparent,some mangrove
plots had declined; others appeared in slightly better health. Seedling recruitment was
good throughout. Heavy rains in late 1999 were thought to have contributed to a dieback
in groundcover noted by Lewis Environmental Services.CSWF noted that was Formatted:Highlight j
a big crash between the fall of 1999 and the spring of 2000 in the die-off area by Bay
Colony,(negating earlier propagule re-establishment,most likely due to extended surface
water retention following a storm in November of 1999,when the area was undenvater for
almost a month. This event drowned ninety-nine percent of the seedlings that had
attempted to get established and stressed out the remaining white trees within plot 2. The
County responded by installing a flushing cut in 2001 in the area,in hopes of alleviating
water impoundment. in the upper reaches on the eastern side
north of Upper Clam Bay(Plot 9—stressed in 1999),many mature trees died during the
year 2000 when the mortality rate reached 24%. These trees were primarily red
mangroves. On the eastern side of Inner Clam Bay one of CSWF's plot(12—stressed in
1999)reported that there was evidence that this area once supported a large crop of black
mangrove trees, but only 1 black mangrove remained in the spring of 1999 and it
subsequently died in 2000, albeit the other species of trees in this area held their own.
Propagule mortality was the highest in 2000(58% of the seedlings) after dredging when
tidal currents within Plot 4 (relatively healthy in 1999 prior to restoration) went from
being very mild to very strong in an area located in the tributary between Clam Pass and
Inner Clam Bay: Alternatively, the other 8 areas monitored by
CSWF remained virtually unchanged (Worley and Payton,
2013). Turrel, Hall and Associates, Inc. reported no new
mangrove die-offs or expansion of stressed areas were noted in their
mo t
,monitoring. transects/plots???. Work planned for 2001 included the
experimental Riley encasement method for mangrove propagules.
O 4
Or
Main die-off area 2000
Riley encasements and flushing cut
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
equipment is minimized.
c.) Maintain backup gauges to minimize data loss due to malfunctioning equipment.
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CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
d.) Collect annual biological information as outlined under Goal 2 for use in
determining when dredging activities might be warranted, and what impacts could
be associated with the dredging.
B. Minimize dredge footprint(s) to the least environmentally damaging practicable
alternative.
Dredging should be conducted only in those areas necessary to achieve the desired flow
improvements.
a.) Collect current survey data and cross sectional areas before establishing the dredge
footprint for each dredging event.
b.) Conduct floral and faunal monitoring within and adjacent to proposed dredge
footprint area(s). If unacceptable impacts will occur to floral or faunal
communities, explore options to modify footprint to achieve necessary flow
characteristics while protecting to the greatest extent possible the other floral or
faunal components.
C. Maximize the dredge interval as much as possible while maintaining environmental
standards - - - ----------- - Comment [KWls7]: Explain standards
While dredging smaller amounts may be less damaging in the short term, the potential need to
dredge more often may offset that benefit. Develop a scope which balances the tidal exchange
benefits while minimizing the number of times dredging is needed.[
D. Provide for appropriate drainage of fresh water by maintaining internal creeks and
modifying hand dug channels as needed.
The original 1995 die -off of mangroves was due in large part to drainage problems in the upper
portions of the system. Maintaining the network of hand dug channels and the ability of the
upper reaches of the forest to continue to drain is important to protecting the restoration
improvements which have been realized to date.
a.) Conduct annual monitoring of the hand dug channels. Prioritize maintenance n4
and undertake maintenance clean outs of as many areas as budget allows. #4b,%
b.) Conduct annual visual monitoring of the creeks comiecting the three b ys. Survey
sections as needed if visual inspections or tidal indicators doc�Tshoaling or
blockage sufficient to adversely impact flushing capacity. S,
c.) Coordinate with appropriate agencies as needed if codndi� dictate maintenance
dredging is needed in interior creeks.
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Comment [KW 158]: 1.Fstablish adequate long-
term key biological and hydrologic benchmarks to
sustain a high degree of ecological integrity and
productivity (i.e. ensure a healthy ecosystem).
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENTPLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
GOAL 2 - Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities
A. Establish baseline floral and faunal resource populations
Conduct floral and faunal surveys as needed to document baseline conditions and establish
parameters upon which future survey efforts can be compared.
a.) Establish permanent vegetation monitoring plots or transects in all habitats.
b.) Establish reference photo points in all habitats.
c.) Create species lists to document floral components in each habitat.
B. Protect Listed Species
Identify listed species utilization of the NRPA. Provide buffers around nesting activities to
prevent adverse anthropogenic impacts during nesting seasons. Increase public awareness as
necessary through signage or other efforts to minimize adverse impacts.
a.) Identify actual and potential locations of listed species.
b.) Conduct species specific monitoring prior to any destructive management activity
(i-ei.e. dredging e�ietie Ferrer al, etc.) to insure no protected species are present.
d.} Develop educational information to make public aware of the presence of listed
species and what they can do to avoid adversely impacting them .1 _ ....... .... - _ _- comment pcwisel: Move to education or make
-- - - education a strategy not a goal
d.) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University to further investigate floral
and faunal components of the system.
C. Protect and maintain vegetative communities
Regularly inspect habitats for _ exotic vegetation. Remove _ exotics O
observed without damaging integrity of native communities. Conduct periodic monitoring
habitats to track changes over time. Restore native plants as appropriate throughout t 115
a.) Periodically inspect habitats utilizing transects, monitoring plots, and lihoto points
established under 2.A. for consistency. CO
b.) Remove exotic vegetation from all habitats as budget a tilize contractors
familiar with local species and accomplished at conducting tic removal from the
varied habitats. Conduct pre -work surveys to identify protected species in work
area. Protect other native vegetation to the max* extent practicable during
exotic removal activities.
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CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN (DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
c.) Develop educational information to make public aware of exotic vegetation and
what they can do to help eliminate them.
D. Protect and where possible enhance wildlife utilization of the NRPA
Conduct periodic monitoring of wildlife populations including nuisance wildlife within the
NRPA boundaries. Identify utilization priorities and enhance protection as needed to insure
that continued use is viable.
a.) Conduct periodic species or habitat specific surveys and monitoring to document
wildlife use of habitats within the Clann Bay NRPA.
b.) Develop strategies to minimize impacts of nuisance wildlife on habitats and native
wildlife within the NRPA boundary.
c.) When possible, explore habitat enhancements to promote wildlife utilization within
the Clain Bay NRPA. (e.g. bat houses, nesting boxes or platforms, limited or no
entry areas, etc.)
d.) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University to enhance habitats for
wildlife utilization within the NRPA.
GOAL 3 -Manage and improve water 4ualio Comment [KW1601: Move to stw gy or
- - — -
objective under goal — --
A. Insure appropriate freshwater inputs and drainage
Freshwater inputs and drainage are an important factor in maintaining a healthy mangrove
system. Mangroves typically thrive in estuaries, where salt and freshwater mix. The reduced
salinities lessen the energetic burden involved in excreting or excluding salt while the presence
of some salt prohibits different aquatic vegetation from establishing and out- competin
mangrove species. Freshwater inputs and thus salinity conditions limit some of the faun
components .......................... OU
Freshwater flows into this system provide valuable flushing activities in the nor rq&ches
where tidal exchange is decreased. Freshwater flows also contribute to the Pass st li by
adding outgoing flow which helps to keep the pass open. Proposed activitie within the
development area which could affect flows into the system (3 -ei.e. Chan stormwater
management system, changes to the berm, etc.) will be examined to insur dequate flows
into the estuary are maintained. O
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December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
B. Coordinate with adjacent upland developments to improve upstream inputs.
Adjacent developments will be made aware of the ongoing water quality conditions of the
NRPA and provided information on how they can help maintain or improve their stormwater
contributions into the system.
ADD INFORMATION FROM CH2 Work ??
C. Develop a monitoring program to build on past data and provide basis by which to
make future water quality related decisions.
Develop a long term monitoring program to track water quality conditions within the system.
Include the means to track inputs into the system.
a.) Continue monthly water quality data collection.
b.) Examine and review data on a quarterly basis. Attempt to identify any water quality
concerns in a timely manner rather than waiting for annual reviews.
c.) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the FGCU or other
Universities to explore water quality concerns and opportunities within the Clam
Bay NRPA.
GOAL 4 - Protect archaeological sites within the system
A. Identify archaeological sites and protect them from 1knpact� .__ ----------------- _ - Comment [KW161]: Expand on this section
Insure that archaeological sites ide
` Periodically monitor sites for invasive exotics and 'b
maintain the native vegetative community. Protect sites from vandals or looting as possible.
GOAL 5 - Address recreational uses with emphasis on passive recreation
IV O
A. Maintain access to facilities for intended uses **
Conduct periodic inspections of access points and visitors facilities. Trim vegetation as
needed, and as allowed by the permitting agencies, to maintain boardwalks and open
waterways for canoe and kayak passage.
B. Maintain existing canoe trail v
Conduct periodic inspections of canoe trail signage and mark eplace or repair permitted
signage and support posts as needed. Develop and provide Xpvanoe trail for paddlers.
68 k
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Ver. 3.0
C. Maintain existing signage relative to boater and swimmer use of the system
Conduct periodic inspections of informational and regulatory signage. Replace or repair
permitted signage and support posts as needed. Coordinate with outside regulatory
agencies (FWC or Sherriff s Dept.) to enforce regulatory "No Wake" restrictions.
D. Maintain existing signage or develop new signage to educate visitors
Maintain and develop site specific signage or handouts to educate visitors on plant
identification and general habitat information, included should be information on how to help
preserve habitats and prevent unwanted impacts to the plants and animals sharing the area.
E. Define responsibilities for vegetation and litter control in Clam Pass Park
Coordinate with Collier County Parks and Recreation to define individual and shared
responsibilities within the NRPA boundary.
Comment [KW1621: Under the education goal 1
GOAL 6 - Intprovepublic awareness and �nvolvemen ; - tP2.11"under mment [KW163]: what 1 Would do here is l
`— . —__ -- _-- _ __._-- ---- --._.._....____..._ -- _- -_._-- -- -- --- ---- ---.- -._ ---.. - this a strategy and not and individual goal and each of the other 3 goals.
Continue to foster stakeholder involvement through public meetings.
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Appendix Iii Comment[k164]:Suggest you start prior to this
/ and make this a past.recent and current history of
Recent History of Mangrove Management in Clam Bay clam bay mangroves to have it all in one place and
be sure to explain that in the recent past the focus of
management in clam bay was on restoring the
Provided below is a brief, annual summary of the overall health of the Clam Bay mangrove die-off and not on the estuary as a whole
which is why there is less information dble on
mangrove system. This recent history of the mangrove management spans from 1999 to the other estuarine components-that should
2013. These summaries include key events, such as major weather occurrences,flushing probably be said toward the beginning of the
channel construction and maintenance,as well as documentation of areas of improvement are mentioned n the reader than any other why neat. vas
P are mentioned wore than any other component.
and calculations of die-off acreages.
1992- 1995
mangrove die-off began getting attention ...concern for the forest...establishment of the
Clam_bay working group developed management plan to restore the die-off and got
permit
1222
Turrell, Hall and Associates, Inc.
' ,3 *'� �„ �ti '�'i:%''''.3...:.. identified a total estimate of 42.67
'; ,s '1 ;S acres dead or stressed mangroves
a ,,,, ;'''o't;;• -*, consisting of the main basin area
n' 1 j •\•?...„.....,:-..::' ' 1�-" � i adjacent to The Strand and several,
to «. 9 ;',l'g-A� ?, " v ., smaller, discrete areas possibly
'e'i ' ' t .� attributed to lightning strikes or
..s,' ,� .. ° where slight depressional areas
10 °" .7. j•-� „4• allowed ponding and/or
�°- ° 1--4 :' salinity/oxygen stress. Little change
`s • 1 le 4j ,T�.-1..1;V‘
, ∎ was noted later in the summer at
a .
ti $` 3 .,01- 41, r�ts4 1 the time-zero survey although
1 7 ,, t,`�y'it, ' most mangrove plots showed
.1g$..
‘�� . �' e+e�ls significant standing water. Coastal
tX. 'wa , &' I Ecology Group, the Conservancy
' �` r of Southwest Florida and Turrel, ■
• r�. Hall and Associates, Inc. ��Comment[k165]:I went in alphabetical order •
*• ' _ `� here so no one got offended tit"
• .0c1"'....:�° iti'�. �'; i established monitoring plots g
. and/or transects prior to
4.
• �±: i restoration work for the pul �
x?,, ? a ., of assessing baseline conditi
cj
• t° ../, ,1 ,g i ' and evaluating future h0nges
• W lthln the mangrove - Comment[k166]:No need to speculate here is I. t#V,•t•, r� l' in other sections
c 4.EEII s- '''44t,k O
",s � t} r r
I-
`
.. w a -
: ::o!I'' '.-J .'" 3^ .... ntt . 0 2 74+ Iv
CSWI Clam Bay Plot Locations ;' ��
L.,': -, cl.N.- .% ,. ,-:-.4.1". <G.
Source:Worley and Payton,2013.
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December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan Bibliography
1. Gee & Jensen Engineers, Architects and Planners, Inc., 1978, Hydrographic Study Clam Bay
System Collier County, Florida for Coral Ridge- Collier Properties Inc., report.
2. Tri- County Engineering, hlc., 1971, Tidal Datum Plane Determination for the Collier
Company.
3. Davis, R.A. Jr., Gibeaut, James C., 1990, Historical Morphodynamics of Inlets in Florida:
Models for Coastal Zone Planning, Technical Paper.
4. Department of Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering, Florida Engineering and Industrial
Experiment Station, University of Florida, 1970, Proposed Navigation Entrance to Clam Bay
on Marco Island, Collier County, Marco Island Development Corporation, technical paper.
5. February 1979, Environmental Assessment Northwest Fill Area for Pelican Bay, Turrell &
Associates, Inc., technical paper.
6. Devlin, Donna J., Gore, Robert H., Proffitt, C. Edward, 1987, Preliminary Analyses of Seagrass
and Benthic Infauna in Johnson and Clam Bays, Collier County, Florida, Natural Resources of
Collier County Florida, technical paper.
7. Devlin, Donna J., Collier County Beach Renourishment Project: A Survey of the Marine
Benthos, technical paper.
8. Heald, Eric J., Tabb, Durbin C., Roessler, Martin A., Beardsley, Gary L., Ward, Gerlad M.,
Durrance, Dallas H., Yeend, John S., 1978, Carbon Flows in Portions of the Clam Pass
Estuarine System, Collier County, Florida, Tropical BioIndustries Company and Gee and
Jenson, Engineers- Architects - Planners, Inc., technical paper.
9. 1994, Clam Bay Natural Resources Protection Area Management Plan Draft, Collier County
Natural Resources Department, technical paper. O
10. Worley, Kathy, Hennig, Markus, July 2000, Clam Bay Mangrove Projects: Interim Summary
of Statistical Results, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, technical paper. slj�%
11. Benedict, Mark A., Harvey, Judson W., Curran, Maura E., 1983, Part 1 Beach Managgement
Planning and Implementation Strategies at the Local Level, Natural Resources Mier
County Florida, teelmical paper. Aw
12. Benedict, Mark A., Harvey, Judson W., Curran, Maura E., 1983, P I�Beach in Collier
County: A Model in Southwest Florida, Natural Resources of Collounty Florida, technical
paper. A
70
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Ver. 3.0
13. Benedict, Mark A., Harvey, Judson W., Curran, Maura E., 1983, Part 3 A Resource
Management Program for the Coastal Barriers of Collier County Florida, Natural Resources of
Collier County Florida, technical paper.
14. October 1990, Collier County Sand Source and Environmental Report Phase H Hard Bottom
Characterization, Continental Shelf Associates, Inc., technical paper.
15. Hartwell, Richard W., Hatcher, James M., Grabe, Stephen, August 1994, Clam Bay Natural
Resources Protection Area (NRPA), Collier County Environmental Services Division,
Publication Series NR -SP- 94-01, technical paper.
16. Dean, R.G., O'Brien, M.P., December 1987, Florida's West Coast Inlets Shoreline Effects and
Recommended Action, Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering Department and Division of
Beaches and Shores Department of Natural Resources, technical paper.
17. Heald, E.J., Roessler M.A., Beardsley, G.L., 1979, Litter production in a Southwest Florida
Black Mangrove Community, Reprint from Proceedings of the Florida Anti- Mosquito
Association 50',' Meeting, Abstract.
18. May 1970, Coastal Engineering Study of the Proposed Clam Pass Improvement, The Collier
Company, Department of Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering, technical paper.
19. Sarkar, Chiranjib K., October 1972, Hydrographic Investigation of the Clam Bay System, Tri-
County Engineering, Inc., Technical paper.
20. June 1979, A Comparative Study of the Water and Carbon Flows of Upper Clam Bay, Tropical
BioIndustries and Missimer and Associates, Inc., technical paper.
21. Heald, Eric J., Roessler, Martin A., December 1979, Invertebrate Population Studies in the
Vicinity of Upper Clam Bay, Collier County, Florida, Tropical BioIndustries, technical paper.
22. Heald, Eric J., July 1983, Populations of Melamnus coffees and Cerithidea scalariformis West
of Upper Clam Bay, Collier County, Florida, Tropical BioIndustries, Inc., technical paper. O
23. Heald, Eric J., July 1983, Fish Populations of Tidal Ponds West of Upper Clam Bay Collier IV
County, Florida, Tropical BioIndustries, technical report. oij#6
24. Crewz, David W., 1989, Clam Pass Park mangrove damage, Department of Natural esources
Interoffice Memorandum. �•
25. Wanless, Harold R., Risi, J. Andrew, July 1996, Observations on Barri Stratigraphy and
Groundwater Flow in the Vicinity of the Mangrove Die Off Adjace t t trand, Pelican Bay,
Collier County, Florida, Collier CountyNatural Resources Depart, technical report.
26. Wanless, Harold R., February 1975, Report on the Beaches N s, Florida, technical report.
71
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Ver. 3.0
27. Hawkins, Mary Ellen, Obley, Ross P., "Pelican Bay -Visit and Revisit." Urban Land Vol. 40,
No 11., (December 1981) 21 -27.
28. Lorenz, William, D. Jr., January 1996, Clam Bay NRPA Nutrient Reduction Program Draft,
technical report.
29. Scott, Will, December 1993, "Water, Water... Everywhere what you may not know about
Pelican Bay's innovative water management system." Draft- memorandum, ABB.
30. Heald, Eric J., January 1972, Investigation of Fluctuations in the Clam Bay System, Tri- County
Engineering, Inc and Tropical Biohidustries, technical report.
31. Acquaviva, Daniel J., October 1993, Responses to Development of Regional Impact Questions
Number 14 and 17 Pelican Marsh Community North Naples Florida, ViroGroup Inc./Missimer
Division, technical paper.
32. Davis, Richard A Jr., Gibeaut, James, January 1990, Historical Morohodvnamics of Inlets in
Florida: Models for Coastal Zone Planning Department of Geology, University of South
Florida, technical report.
33. Knapp, Michael S., Bums, Wm. Scott, Sharp, Timothy S. Preliminary Assessment of the
Groundwater Resources of Western Collier County Florida. Technical publication #86 -1.
February 1986.
34. "Modification of Pemlit No. 11- 00065 -S Pelican Bay." Pelican Bay Improvement District Staff
Report. March 1983.
35. Preliminary Hydrographic Assessment Clam Bay Systems. Tackney & Associates, Inc., August
1996.
36. Hole, Montes & Associates, Inc., Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. Water Management
Plan Construction Permit ApDlication for Systems 4 and 5. Pelican Bay Improvement Distric O
September 1982.
37. Goodrick, Robert L. "Pelican Bay— Environmental Considerations, permit No. 11 -00�$&
Memorandum to file, January 15, 1982. "v
38. Hermanson, George H. "Proposed Modifications to Drainage Area 3, System N tHole,
Montes & Associates, Inc., January 28, 1988. 0
39. "Modification of Permit No. 11- 00065 -S Pelican Bay." Pelican Bay lm ment District Staff
Report, 1983.
O
72 ��
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Ver. 3.0
40. Florida. South Florida Water Management District. In Reply to Request for Modification of
Surface Water Management Permit No. 11- 00065 -S." October 19, 1978.
41. Stanley W. Hole and Associates, Inc., Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. Water
Management Plan Permit Application. Pelican bay Improvement District, April 1978.
42. Florida. Collier County Environmental Services Division Inlet Management Resources.
Bibliography.
43. Florida. South Florida Water Management District. Application No. 04718 -C for Surface Water
Management Permit Staff Report. August 1978.
44. Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. Consulting Engineers and Planners. Engineering Report
Water Management System VI for the Pelican Bay Improvement District February 1984.
45. Wilson, Miller, Barton & Peek, Inc. Pelican Bay /Clam Bay Water Management Svstem
Contributing Areas. CAD drawings. October 1998.
46. Coral Ridge- Collier Properties, Inc. Pelican Bay A Planned Residential Community,
47. Florida. Natural Resources of Collier County Florida. Part 5 Coastal Zone Management Units:
tlas. 1984.
48. Suboceanic Consultants Inc. Naples Beach Study Report. University of Florida Coastal
Engineering Archives. August 1980.
49. Wilson, Miller, Barton & Peek, Inc. Pelican Bay Mangrove Investigation Pelican Bay Water
Management System- Stormwater Detention Volume and Water Budget Analyses April 1996.
50. Continental Shelf Associates, Inc. Collier County Sand Source and Environmental Report
Phase I Hard Bottom Mapping. Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc, October 1990.
51. Collier County Pelican Bay Services Division. Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan. O
Florida Environmental Resource and Joint Coastal Permit Application, Federal Dredge and
permit Application. April 1997.
52. Missimer and Associates, Inc. Subsurface Water and Carbon Floes to Portions of the N Pdss
Estuarine System, Collier County, Florida_ Technical report, March 1979.
53. The Collier Company. Coastal Engineering Study of the Proposed Clam Paco/!, ovement.
Engineering and Industrial Experiment Station, College of EngineerinW ity of Florida.
May 1970.
54. Crewz, David W. Florida. Department of Natural Resources. Cl s Mangrove Damage
Interoffice Memo, May 1989.
73
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December 3, 2013
Ver. 3.0
55. Wilson, Miller, Barton & peek, Inc. Figure 1 Existing Stormwater Flows on an Outgoing Tide
(Diagrammatic). Map of Clam Bay.
56. Wilson, Miller, Barton & Peek, Inc. Figure 2 Proposed Expedited Conveyance Plan of
Stormwater Flows on an Outgoing Tide (Diagrammatic). Map of Clam Bay.
57. Acquaviva, Daniel J. Site Specific Investigations to Obtain Hydrologic Information for the
Design of Horizontal Well Systems at Pelican Bay. Naples Florida. Water Resource Solutions,
Inc., September 1999.
58. Hole, Montes & Associates, Inc. "Evaluation of an Onsite Irrigation Water Source." The
Pelican Bay Improvement District, April 1984.
59. Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. Hydrology and Geology of a Proposed New Well Field
Site in North Collier, Florida. For the Pelican Bay Improvement District, March 1978.
60. Obley, Ross P., letter to Jim Ward. July 1999.
61. Gee & Jenson Engineers, Architects & Planners, Inc. "Pelican bay System VI Drainage." April
1983.
62. Wilson, Miller, Barton & Peek, Inc. "Pelican Bay." Memo to file. May 1987.
63. Florida. "Aquatic Plant Management Annual Operations Report." Florida Department of
Environmental Protection Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management. January 1999.
64. Florida. "Agreement for Delivery and use of Treated Wastewater Effluent for Spray Irrigation."
Official record of Collier County, Florida. Interoffice Memo. August 1996.
65. Florida. Department of Environmental Protection. "Aquatic Plant Management Permit." 0 January 1999. O
66. Davis, Richard A., Hine, Albert C., Bland, Michael J. "Midnight Pass, Florida: Inlet Instabi
Due to Man - Related Activities in Little Sarasota Bay." Coastal Sediments `87 May 1987.
67. Metz, Charles. "More than Mangroves at Stake." April 1997. �*j
68. Florida. South Florida Water Management District. "Request for Modificati urface
Water Management Permit No. 11- 00065 -S." Staff Report. October 1
69. Florida. South Florida Water Management District. "Water Use PE�it. June 1998.
0
74
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Ver. 3.0
70. Hartman, P.K. "Excavation Permit No. 59.156." Collier County Water Management
Department letter, March 1983.
71. Fox, Lloyd II. "Collier County- DW Spray Irrigation- Unrestricted Public Access (Residential)
Groundwater Monitoring." Department of Environmental Regulation, State of Florida, letter.
May 1987.
72. Florida. South Florida Water Management District. "Water Use Permit Staff Report." June
1978.
73. Florida. South Florida Water Management District. "Surface Water Management Staff Review
Summary." April 1992.
75 k
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yy 1,.i
t > 'sr' d,,w .ti f 1 Sir ,� ;1
?$.'-'
Y -,* :w_-; -': s t w ti II L . 'V- t."" 9
:CM'.r 'll tk.. 'fir..*'Fl "�S�'�i;aa rh ` Y ��� r} ��."
..A.'�` ,- , , 14:' C } to S fi •�'.� xt'
°." �1`� :P,zP tY '''';144.`:4' ".Vi: fi1xf �,'�Tz s*4,40.6,.;','"e' .r t
�a ,r
The main die-off area(NW Clam Bay,adjacent to The d)199
Page 77 of 95
0
f ki%,,
•
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i: ,� .. r . �6 x'11 t ';. 111'...h'•
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2141
Page 79 of 95
2.441
Mapping of the die-off area was repeated and estimated to have increased in size,
spreading to the north, to encompass just under 50 acres. Additionally a few new
stressed areas were identified through aerial photographs. THA's individual plots
showed some additional tree losses but consistent seedling recruitment. Channel
construction in the main die-off area and close to Plot 7 is thought to have
contributed to the recovery process undenva', illustrated by extensive Batis and
dramatic seedling recruitment.post areas being monitored by CS' ''t"exlnibnted no major Formatted:Highilgnt
changes in status.However,there was an explosion of seedling recruitment in two of the
die-off areas east of the tributary between Inner and Upper Clam Bays. A total of 2555
propagules were tagged in a 6 meter diameter area(plot 3), of which 97.3%were white
mangroves in one plot, whereas a total of 699 propagules were recruited, of which 93%
were white mangrove seedlings in the other 6 meter area (plot 11) (Worley and
Payton, 2013)..
The observations generated sufficient concern amongst project managers in 2001 that a
suggestion for additional flushing channel construction in the die off area was made.
•
O
Main die-off area 2001 15.1
G'
otk
444*
044 w
Page 80 of 95
WIZ
Additional flushing channels were constructed in the die-off area during late 2001 and
results from the 2002 surveys show that these efforts appeared to have been successful
with a reduction of 12 acres made in the die-off area. Batis growth and seedling
recruitment was good.;This year in the CSWFAt s;`t re=o$plot 2 hit rock bottom w —{Formatted:Highlight
mortality rates exceeded recruitment rates.Whereas,die-off plots(3& 11)seedlings were
be eainoirtw to achieve tree status,while propagule recruitment rates declined due
to increased canopy cover and competition for resources. Plot 4 continued to exhibit signs
of major stress as 1/3 of the trees died from cytospora rhizophorae infestations and
mortality continued through 2006 until the infestation abated. The remaining plots had no
significant shifts in condition (Worley and Payton, 2 013 The problem of
exotic vegetation growth in many areas was highlighted and two new diffuse areas of
stressed trees were identified. The presence of standing water and bacterial mats
suggested lack of flushing was responsible. The one-way culverts installed at Seagate,
thought to have reduced tidal exchange in Outer Clam Bay, were removed in October to
determine whether tidal exchange between Venetian Lagoon and Outer Clam Bay could
be achieved without affecting Clam Pass.
444.^4 _ . t
•
O
Main die-off area 2002 with notable re-growth
AP.
la•
044
2442
Page 81 of 95
22.41
Stressed areas identified in 2002 were revisited and no changes were noted in 2003.
CSWF reported that by 2003, mangrove tree recruitment (primate white mangroves) `Formatted:Highlight
peaked in die-off plot 3 as many of the propagules attained sufficient height to reclassify
them as trees. Whereas, die-off plot 11 had dome dominated by wIEE mangrove trees
gs (WsikupthijitalALD One of the aerially depicted mangrove stress
locations was found, upon groundtruthing, to actually be an infestation of exotic plant
species. Of significance is a reduction in calculated die-off area to just over 17 acres
total with 14 acres in this main die-off region,now classified as recovering.
at
~ ..
r
=-.`rte. _ - -^.'
Main die-off area 2003
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2!!44
Die-off acreage was estimated at 18 acres total
4 • , �?.`, 'h ,. in 2004,with the addition of a new area adjacent
`'' :f. _ ;0 _--',"�-' '' ' to the Contessa condominium building in Bay
' ' Colony and several new small lightning strike
'�, ..— .,:v,,-. ",_,..,„ areas throughout the system. Plot 7 continues to
F �1, , ' s r1 �° ...`� show the most dramatic change of 'FHA's
._ - mangrove plots where most exhibit slow change
in existing tree number, some losses, some
- ,' ._: growth and size-class change, but consistent
l - !„ f 0.,_, seedling recruitment. Mangrove recruitment __-[Formatted:Highlight
. T4 4 ; i ■ continued within CSWF's die-off plots where as
other plots with the exception of plots 4 and 12 exhibited no major changes in their
stressed or relatively healthy status. Plot 4 was still suffering from the fimgal infection;
and Plot 12 which was stressed to begin with, was slowly dying. A relatively healthy
primarily black mangrove area located on the western side of Upper Clam Bay(plot I.;,
had a hand-dug channel cut through it in 2004 that caused some disturbance and mo `�Formatted:Highlight
as many of the mangrove roots were severed by the workers who cleared the ch,ill` ----(Formatted:Highlight
Vorley and Payton, 2013). Storm events in 2004 (Charlie, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne)
had minimal effects with some leaf loss and limb breakage. Additional flushing channels
were constructed during dry season of this year. Water level monitors put in place last
year were removed due to repeated equipment failures.
O O
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-�f f,„.r- 012 ... !� . ,)
oivi, A
i•110.*4;`!•:,.....'ft,,tt,,• . '.'0.4,..•,---it i. Ti4fs c�:,
y .ter`
yi f ` :,1... r '7 ,r e - r >; Mt4 F . ; � 1. t'tip ,
;1
Maul die-off area 2004
Page 82 of 95
Z44�
Page 83 of 95
Several stressed areas were noted as recovering this year including that adjacent to the
Contessa building where a drainage channel was in need of maintenance and clearing,
work which alleviated the problems. A new die-off area was identified near the County
boardwalk and it is suggested that clogging of channels due to Hurricane Charley may be
responsible.CSWF's plots were monitoredprior to Hurricane Wilma and at this point in Formatted:Highlight
die-off plot 2 some seedlings became tall enough to be classified as trees and tree
recruitment at least doubled each year through 2008 Whereas, in die-off p 1 o t 3
mangrove seedling mortality rates continued to increase as
competition for resources ensued. By 2005,mangrove trees peaked in die-off
plot 11 (primarily white mangroves)as many of the propagules attained sufficient height
to reclassify them as trees and is reflective of a young growing forest (Worley and
Payton,2013).Total die-off acreage in 2005 is estimated at 24.7 acres. Plot 7 and Plot
8 continue to show significant re-growth.
Hurricane Wilma in October of 2005 caused considerable leaf loss, limb breakage and
leaf browning throughout Clam Bay although the constructed flushing channels alleviated
extensive ponding that could have occurred pnd overall the system weathered the CFonnatted:Highlight
storm well. CSWF resorted that similar to THA's assessment the majority of the_areas _;.[Formatted:Highlight
they monitored survived with minimal losses.However one of the plots that in 1999 was
classified as relatively healthy(plot 2)was devastated as a tornado touched down right in
the middle of the plot. Another plot which also was classified as relatively healthy in
1999, lost a fair amount of trees that were situated next to a hand-dug channel that was
established in 2004.These old growth mature trees were unstable since their root systems
had been cut during channel installation and could not stand up to hurricane force winds.
Many of these mature trees fell over and took out healthy trees along with them. The
remaining old growth trees in this area that had not had their root systems trimmed or cut
survived the hurricane with minimal damage(Worley and Payton,2013).Work completed
in 2005 included the last component in flushing channel construction.
•
Main die-off area 2 t!'a
Page 84 of 95
2446
Stress damage from the 2005 hurricane season necessitated the need for a division of the
classification system currently used to define the status of the mangroves in the system.
Stressed mangrove zones are now classified as"die-off area"for mangroves stressed by
some factor other than storm events or"area of concern"for mangroves stressed by storm
events. It was estimated in 2006 there were 23 acres of recovery, 12.3 acres of stressed
areas of concern and 23.4 acres of die-off area present,bringing the total area of stressed
mangroves to 74.7 acres. Since the last mangrove channels were dug in 2004 and
dredging work continues when needed, most of THA's monitoring plots have shown
improvements and there has been a significant reduction of die-off in the original locale.
Many of the CSWF's plots `spayed an i ease in seedling reCn fitment regardless of Formatted:Highlight
condition, in response to increased resources available due to hurricane Wilma (Worley
and Payton,2013).
• rs
O■
Main die-off area 2006
0•
Qi
Q
O■
044
=I
Main die-off area 2007
Page 85 of 95
2.41.2
The storm damage of 2005 added a level of difficulty to subsequent classification of areas
within the system. Extensive defoliation and falling of individual trees meant that areas
that could be termed stressed by the flow issues thought to have been responsible for the
original die-off in Clam Bay were in fact affected by the high winds and storm surge.
Approximately 4.9 acres of formerly classified `die off area have been reclassified to
`recovered' this year. Stressed areas of concern that are likely not related to storm
damage total about 15 acres while areas of concern that we suspect are due to the storm
events have been estimated at about 25 acres. An additional 20 acres within the original
die off area has not yet fully recovered and so is also included in this category. A total of
10.6 acres of mangroves are still considered dead, a significant reduction from the
original die-off of over 50 acres in the late 1990's. This brings the total aerial estimate of
mangroves that are not at optimum health to about 70 acres jTHA,2??-11 pSWF's plot �(Formatted:Highlight
{Formatted:Highlight
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y .
classification system is adjusted annaW in response to condition.Since hurridik Wilma was
a natural event it did not initiate changes in the way the plots were classified, but rather
contributed as a cause of their status in 2007. For example, several of the plots forest
development has regressed to an earlier stage as mature red mangrove trees died and
recruitment shifted to primarily white mangroves. Higher recruitment of white often occurs
after a disturbance like Hurricane Wilma. Several areas of the forest has shifted from a more
mature grove to a young developing forest,reflected in lower average DBH and shifts from a
older red mangrove dominated to a young white mangrove dominated plot
fiki%•
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244$
The 2008 monitoring report by Turrell, Hall and Associates, Inc. was the final report
associated with the original 1998 restoration permits. Effects of the storms form 2005
still added a level of difficulty to the classification of areas within the system. While the
defoliation associated with the storms had mostly recovered, falling debris affected
several of the monitoring plots throughout the system.
Approximately 35.4 acres of forest area have been removed from the die-off
classification since the implementation of the project. Stressed areas of concern that may
still be related to storm damage total or may be due to other factors(such as ponding or
drying) add up to about 7.1 acres. Areas throughout the system that have not yet fully
recovered but that have flushing channels and have shown marked increases in mangrove
recruitment and new growth have been removed from this category(approx. 20 acres;
I 1111111111_ ____ rmatted:Highlight
A total of 7.3 acres of mangroves are still considered dead. This includes three main
areas,the initial die-off area east of the strand where there are about 5.5 acres still dead,
the damage from a tornado in the extreme north of the system accounts for about 0.8
acres, and the Hurricane Charley damage that resulted in a tidal restriction just south of
the Pass accounts for about 0.75 acres. Several lightening strikes and small discrete die-
( offs read throughout the estuary make up the remainder of the die-off acreage= .—(Formatted:Highlight
CSWF's_plots in 2008 for the most part continued to respond to hurricane Wilma, as Formatted:Highlight
propagule recruitment rates were still high in most of the plots, regardless of their
condition. It was during this timeframe that tree recruitment in plot 2 almost doubled as
seedling recruitment began to abate, where as plots 3 and 11 recruitment rates peaked
prior to the hurricane. These plots given their young age weathered the hurricane much
better than older trees that could not bend with the winds. Other plots had varvia ;
responses dependant upon tree age, location, condition prior to the hurricane,whether or
not the hydrology of the area was affected,etc(Worley and Payton,2013).
O
3
Dec.
East of the Strand Die-off area,2008
O
� Page 86 of 95
2009-2010
Main die-off area 2010 P*
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Page 87 of 95
I 2009-201!0
Even though the permit requirement for monitoring reports ended with the expiration of
the 1998 permits, the PBSD continued to monitor the mangrove health within Clam Bay
and document the positive results within the mangrove forest.Exotic eradication activities
were also continued to allow for natural regeneration of mangroves observed elsewhere
in the system (t f, __Formatted:Highlight
Construction of the last component of the flushing channels was completed in the 2005-
06 season. Inspection of these flushing cuts this year showed that they are still operating
as designed and are contributing to the continued growth of new mangroves within the
systemITHA,2???). _ .____—[Formatted:Highlight i
Stress in mangrove forest areas is still apparent,although in several areas this may still be
attributable to storm damage or to frost damage brought about by a couple of very cold
temperature nights. The spectacular recruitment of white mangrove seedlings,now 8 to
10 feet tall saplings, throughout the original die-off area is testament to the efforts
Iundertaken with the initial dredging and that work can be considered a success (THA, �.--(Formatted:Highlight
2???` '
CSWF reported that_plots 2,3,and 11 that were located in die-off areas in 1999, began to - ---(Formatted:Font color:Auto,Highlight
see a slow shift in species recruitment. Until 2009, white mangrove seedlings and
subsequently white mangrove trees dominated these plots. Competition for resources had
slowed the rate of new recruits and in 2009 red mangrove propagules began to establish
themselves. Where as the reverse is occurring in Plot 9, which had primarily of younger
red and mature black mangrove trees in 1999 and in 2009 white mangrove trees were
being recruited. In Plot 5,that were stressed in 1999,slowly was recruiting red mangrove
trees and there was a slow and steady rise in trees through 2013. Plots 8 and 10 which
were classified as stressed and relatively healthy respectively in 1999, originally were
primarily of younger red and mature black mangrove trees were still recruiting in
response to the hurricane(Worley and Payton,2013). Formatted:Font color:Auto
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2011-2012
An infestation of boring beetles was discovered in the early months of 2011.
Observations within the system and research into the life habits of many boring
beetles led to the conclusion that white mangroves stressed by the sustained cold
temperatures in December 2010 and January 2011 were most susceptible to the beetle
attack. Cold stress reduced the abilities of these trees to fight off the boring activities
and many trees succumbed to them. Yellowing leaves, leaf drop,and eventual death
of the tree was the result. The dead trees were easily visible in the rooftop photos
taken periodically from the Grosvenor and Montenero condominiums. Efforts to
hatch beetle larva led to the identification of at least two species, a round-headed
(Longhomed beetles)and a flat-headed borer(Metallic beetles). No further loss of
trees was documented after 2012 as a result of the borers(T HA,2???). fur
- r� i• t 7 4,...P h r .tie'
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CSWE plots 2 and 9.in 2011 and 2012 as inter and intraspecific competition for resources
began in earnest several trees began to show signs of stress and tree mortality began to rise.
Conversely,most of the other plots had become relatively stable and tree mortality due to
competition abated(Worley and Payton,2013)
2i1al
The lack of harsh weather occurrences, hurricanes and freezing temperatures, over the
past year seems to have allowed the areas impacted by the boring beetles to begin to
recover. A total of 4.02 acres of mangroves are still considered dead or stressed, a
significant reduction from the original die-off of over 50 acres in the late 1990's. Typical
flushing channel maintenance was conducted to ensure that the channels were operating
Ias designed and continue contributing to the growth of new mangroves within the system
(THA,2???).
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Main die-off area 2013
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Page 89 of 95
The Conservancy reported that 3 out of the 4 plots originally classified in a die-off area, plots
2, 3 and 11 are showing signs of recovery following restoration. These plots have been
reclassified from die-off areas to stressed areas that are showing promising signs of recovery.
These three plots began showing signs of recovery within five years of Collier County's
restoration project.Forest recovery in these emerging mangrove areas was only setback slightly
by natural disturbances, as the storms had less effect on young supple trees present in these
plots.Plot 6 is the only plot which started off classified as a die-off,as over 50%of its original
trees suffered a die-back prior to this study,and still remains in a state of relatively similar state
14 years later(Worley and Payton,2013).
—{Formatted:Indent:First line: 0"
Plot 2,in the 1980's,was a very old mature black mangrove forest(Addison and Ritchie, 1990)
and 1995 was completely wiped out.Plot 2 initially showed signs of recovery in the spring
of 1999, prior to any restoration attempts,but had a setback between the fall of 1999 and the
spring of 2000,post-restoration, when 237 of the 238 white and red mangrove seedlings that
tried to establish themselves died. The County responded by installing additional hand-dug
channels in the area to drain off standing water and by 2003 mangrove seedling recruitment
into the area commenced again. Plot 2 has shown significant improvement as a result of
restoration activities. Freshwater impoundment has decreased since the channels that were dug
in this area drained out the excess water that had drowned the trees in 1995.The plot gradually
filled up with white mangroves and numbers peaked and then receded as competition for
resources weeded out those mangroves that were not as fit. Today this plot is showing the
beginnings of a shift in mangrove species as more red and black mangroves have become
established. This plot is still very young as evident in the small average DBH value today.
Since the hand dug channels were put in to the west of plot 2 and the topography slopes
downward to the east into this plot,there is a tendency for standing water to accumulate during
heavy rains.The questions now are how saturated the soil will become,how heavy the rainfall
and runoff is and how long it takes to recede. The answers to these questions will in play a
significant role in whether or not this particular area will continue to recover (Worley and
Payton,2013).
Plot 3 has shown the most significant improvement as a result of restoration and is an excellent
example of a die-off due to development and altered hydrology whose demise can be reversed
by abating flood water levels and retention periods.Plot 3 started off dead as a doornail in the
spring of 1998 and within two years was flooded with white mangrove seedlings(over 2500 at
one point), some of which are now trees and by 2003 was recruiting red mangrove seedlings.
Today, some red seedlings have attained tree status and are slowly outcompeting the young
white mangrove trees over time. This plot exemplifies the process of mangrove regeneration
with basal area and canopy cover steadily increasing overtime. First, the area was naturally
seeded with white mangroves. White mangroves act as a pioneer species invading disturbed
areas,(this plot had a canal cut right through it). Since white mangroves grow quickly,putting
most of their energy into shooting upward(attaining tree height sometimes within 6 months),
tons of recruits inhabited this plot appearing as a multitude of thin tall stems with a few leaves.
The presence of so many white mangroves within a small area causes the individual trees and
seedlings to show signs of stress,(approximately 60%as of 2003)due to competition for space
and resources. The taller and healthier white mangroves quickly outcompete their siblings and
recruitment drops and mortality increases. In 2003.this plot began to show the early signs of
"succession"as red mangrove seedlings are becoming established in the area. Red mangroves
grow much slower as they put the majority of their energy into their roots systems and then
develop thick stems and a more bush like appearance and slowly inch their way up to treehood.
The current status of an abundance of white trees and seedlings is perhaps paving the way for
subsequent changes to a red mangrove dominated area and perhaps even overtime a
reemergence of the original black mangrove forest that was present prior to the die-off(Worley
and Payton,2013).
Plot 11, like plot 3, in the spring of 1999, was almost barren and overtime has successfully
recruited both white mangrove seedlings and trees. Actual numbers in plot 11 were not as
impressive as in plot 3,but the area is showing signs of recovery,although forest development
is occurring at a slower pace. Slowly white mangrove recruitment has shifted to red and black
mangrove propagule recruitment. Heavy white mangrove mortality in 2006, due in part to
Hurricane Wilma, lessened as seedling recruitment numbers leveled off. White mangroves are
currently the dominant species, which will likely shift to red and black mangrove forest mix
overtime(Worley and Payton,2013).
Plot 6 never got a chance to grow up:it is continually subjected to tidal surges,which naturally
keeps this area in check. Dredging events tend to exacerbate mangrove washout as the tidal
surge velocity often increases dramatically after a dredging event. More than 50% of the
individual trees and seedlings are in a constant state of stress and this area remains unchanged,
still classified as a die-off area(Worley and Payton,2013)..
Plots 5,8,9 and 12 have remained the same or have declined slightly following restoration.All
of these plots were initially classified as stressed areas prior to restoration and continue to be
classified as stressed after 14 years post-restoration. Plot 5 suffers less frequently from tidal
impact than its neighbor(Plot 6),and has a better chance at supporting mature trees.However,
over 50% of the trees remain stressed today and the plot remains in a state of arrested
development.Tree mortality over the years is similar and successful recruitment of mangroves
is very slow and consists primarily of red mangroves(Worley and Payton,2013).
In Plot 8 forest development has regressed to an earlier stage as mature red mangrove trees died
and recruitment shifted to primarily white mangroves.Higher recruitment of white often occurs
in disturbed areas like this plot after Hurricane Wilma. The forest has shifted from a more
mature grove to a young developing forest,reflected in lower average DBH and a young white
mangrove dominated plot(Worley and Payton,2013).
In plot 9, basal area remained fairly consistent throughout the early period of monitoring,
primarily due to the existence of a few mature black mangrove trees. Approximately 40% of
the remaining trees showed visible signs of stress after 5 years of monitoring(high numbers of
galls and heavy leaf and branch losses) and some trees have actually been knocked over by
construction debris. Development pressure from the surrounding residential neighborhood
contributes to the sorry state of this area and for the death of 17 trees.This plot,similar to Plot
8, suffered damage from Hurricane Wilma. As a result the canopy opened up and high white
mangrove recruitment occurred. Plot 9 regressed to a younger stage of development evident in
overall lower average DBH and the higher numbers of white mangrove trees becoming
established in this plot. This plot also has high fresh water inflow as evident in the
establishment of freshwater ferns within the area(Worley and Payton,2013).
In plot 12, freshwater plants are fast replacing the mangroves, seedling recruitment is
practically nonexistent and mangrove mortality is higher than recruitment rates.This plot is in
a steady state of decline reflected in the plethora of freshwater vegetation thriving in this area.
Although some restoration efforts have been attempted in this area, no positive results have
occurred as this area is headed toward total mangrove depletion unless freshwater inflows are
alleviated to stem the tide of freshwater immigrants(Worley and Payton.2013).
Plots 1,4, 7 and 10, initially classified as alive have been downgraded to a stressed condition
by 2013.Plot 1 was located within a very old mature black mangrove site and there has been
little change in this area since the 1980's(Addison and Ritchie, 1990). Black mangrove trees
were the dominant species and continued in the early years of monitoring to outlast other
competitors and invaders.Hurricane Wilma hit this area particularly hard as a tornado touched
down in center of plot 1 devastating it. Since the hurricane plot 1 has been inundated and has
not successfully shown signs of recovery. Today plot 1 is in a state of stress and continues to
decline as more of the mature black mangrove trees continue to die. There has been a recent
attempt at restoration to abate inundation in this area that will need to be evaluated overtime
(Worley and Payton,2013).
Plot 4 was a relatively healthy red mangrove dominated area until 2001,when the trees began
to die of an infestation of Cvtospora rhizophorae, which caused the death of a substantial
number of red mangrove trees. Following the dredging of the tributary that runs alongside this
plot, water levels, although tidal,remained within the area for a longer period of time, which
could have accounted for some of the increased stress to this plot. Slowly this plot has begun to
recover,but is still stressed today(Worley and Payton,2013)..
Plot 7 during the early years of monitoring was a relatively healthy plot of black and red
mangroves with a closed canopy. There has been minimal mortality in this plot,but over time
the canopy opened up after Hurricane Wilma allowing an influx of young red mangrove tress.
This plot is only slightly stressed today and the canopy appears to be filling in over time
(Worley and Payton,2013).
Plot 10 was a relatively healthy mature grove of black and red mangroves during the early
years of this study.Unfortunately placement of a channel through this plot to drain water out of
a die-off area to the west of this area and the felling of a large black mangrove directly through
the center of this plot during Hurricane Wilma severely stressed this plot. Installation of the
channel cut damaged the root system of adjacent mangroves. This caused the trees to fall over
during the hurricane due to their increased instability as other similar trees adjacent to these but
with an intact root systems easily weathered the storm. Today, Plot 10 is stressed and
attempting to recover as white seedlings and trees are being recruited (Worley and Payton,
2013). L (Comment[k167]:Copied verbatim ��
A eI1d1X -mment[KW168]:Didn't get to this yet
PP
Recent History of Seagrass presence in Clam Bay
The following annual summaries provide general observations of the presence of
seagrasses within Clam Bay.
The 1992 Collier County Seagrass Protection Plan stated that seagrass coverage in Clam
Bay was equivalent to approximately 60 acres though a later Seagrass Inventory report
from 1994 clarified that seagrass coverage in Clam Bay was approximately 10 acres.
Based on anecdotal information and on comparisons with other seagrass areas in the
County during the same time frame, it is not presumed probable that there was an 80%
decline in seagrass coverage during those two years but instead the 1992 report may have
over-estimated the coverage.
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SEAGRASSES APPROX 1004 AC a }
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Approximation of 1994 Seagrass Coverage
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iPage 90 of 95
1222
Prior to the initial dredging associated with the 1998 restoration and Management Plan,
seagrass acreage is estimated at 5.13 acres,restricted to Outer Clam Bay and the channel
leading to Clam Pass.
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SEAGRASSES APPRII 1 lo
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1999 Seagrass Coverage
;000-2004
Seagrasses show a slow decline during this time frame. Water quality testing within the O
system does not indicate chronic degradation. The decline is attributed to the increased
tidal range caused by the dredging work,which results in longer exposure at low tide of
the shallow areas where seagrasses were present. The one-way culverts install AI
Seagate, thought to have reduced tidal exchange in Outer Clam Bay, were remove
October 2002 to detennine whether tidal exchange between Venetian Lagoons ter
Clam Bay could be achieved without affecting Clam Pass. Seagrass bed in ost
portion of Outer Clam Begins to expand in 2003 after removal of flap ga
e Page 91 of 95
ZOO
An increase in the seagrass coverage within the channel transects was documented.
Increased density of the beds within the bay area east of Clam Pass is also noted.
Ali
Shoal grass patches are still present in ecologically significant densities within the
channel north of the County boardwalk and just inside Clam Pass mouth. Sea grass beds
in Outer Clam Bay are still reduced compared to the 1999 pre-dredge conditions, but
their steady improvement since 2004 seems to have continued into 2006. Approximately
3.6 acres of seagrasses are noted along the transects.
' SEAGRASSES APPRWC AC,
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Concerns related to the seagrass coverage within the bay were raised by adjacent property
owners this year and Collier County contracted an additional study by Post, Buckley,
Schuh, &Jernigan Inc. (PBS&J)to investigate seagrasses and nutrient inputs within not
only the Clam Bay System but also Venetian Bay, Moorings Bay and the entire Doctors
Pass area.
Some of the results of the PBS&J study relevant to the Clam Bay System were;
• That seagrasses were present within Outer Clam Bay. Paddle Grass (Halophila
engelmannii) was observed at 13 of the 30 randomly generated points within
Outer Clam Bay.
• That resident's concerns that seagrass coverage had declined from 60+ acres to
present were unfounded as early estimates of 60+acres were likely erroneous.
• That nutrient and chlorophyll-a levels within Outer Clam Bay,had increased over
the past 20 years but were still below median values for Florida estuaries.
Also as a result of these increased concerns regarding seagrasses, Turrell, Hall &
Associates expanded the annual seagrass survey to cover the entire bay and not just the
defined transects. Additional seagrass beds and macroalgae were observed in areas were
they had not previously been documented. Though all of THA observations were of
shoal grass,it was noted that all of the PBS&J observations were of paddle grass. It has
been observed in the past that paddle grass is very ephemeral in this system and it is
likely that the 2 months between the PBS&J and the THA surveys was enough time for
the paddle grass to disappear.
Z
This was the fmal monitoring event of the seagrasses associated with the 1998
Restoration and Management Plan permits.
Increases in seagrass coverage that were noted in 2007 continued through this year. A ��
small area of paddle grass was observed along Transect#2 which had been devoid of O
grasses in the past. Other transect areas that have been devoid of grasses until this year
include the western shoreline of the channel between Clam Pass and Outer Clam Bay
(Transect 5). Seagrasses had been present along this area prior to the dredging but were
replaced by black mangrove propagules when the increased tidal range led to ext �
drying times of the shoals where the grasses had been located. New grasses this
have been observed along the edges of the channel in areas that do not dry o0o.nuch
during low tides. e
In addition to the seagrasses, other observation made along transeicate that the
biological diversity of the macro-invertebrate fauna within the te3thas increased.
Several mollusk species including Florida horse conchs, southe d clams, stiff pen
shells,tulip snails,cockles,oysters,and several others were all ed.
iPage 93 of 95
2412
Seagrass coverage within Outer Clam Bay has continued to increase. The initial decline
noted immediately following the initial (1999) dredging activities appears to have been
reverse over the past 8 years.The decrease stabilized around 2004 and has reversed in the
past few years to where the grass beds are re-establishing previous areas and new areas
appropriate for the grasses (in terms of water depths and light penetration) are being
colonized. Approximately 4.43 acres of seagrasses were noted within the system this
year. Most of the seagrass observed was shoal grass though small patches of paddle grass
and turtle grass were also observed. Future monitoring of the seagrasses will be
conducted to see if this trend continues.
SEAGRASSES APPROX 4.27 AC '°
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2012 Seagrass Coverage
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1111
Seagrass coverage overall totaled approximately 4.43 acres along the monitored transects
within the Clam Bay system. What has been shown by the past thirteen years monitoring
is that there was a decrease in the monitored seagrass beds immediately following the
initial(1999)dredging activities.This decrease appears to have stabilized around 2004 or
2005 and has reversed in the past few years to where the grass beds are re-establishing
previous areas and new areas appropriate for the grasses (in terms of water depths and
light penetration) are being colonized. Future monitoring of the seagrasses will be
conducted to see if this trend continues.
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Page 95 of 95
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Please Note: Revisions and additions are highlighted in red; suggestions and
questions are in green. I feel it is very important to dispel the misinformation
persistently being brought up by Seagate, by addressing them clearly in the Plan.
1. Historical connection to Venetian/Moorings Bay;
2. Lateral markers;
3. Improve Moorings'water quality by dredging and flushing
I had to delete the photos, the species lists, and the Bibliography to reduce the file
size to a level acceptable for transmission. L.R.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction
Purpose of Management Plan.
Overview of the Clam Bay NRPA
Role of Pelican Bay Services Division
Personnel/Consultants Responsible
Reverse the order
2.0 Clam Bay Location and Setting
Maps, description of Pelican Bay and the estuary system
Natural history of the system and pass
3.0 Historical Overview
Historical time line of the system
Time Line of Clam Bay NRPA establishment
1995 mangrove die-off and related causes
Restored characteristics of Clam Bay
4.0 Resource Descriptions
Soils
Topography
Climate
Natural Communities
Exotic Species
Listed Species
Other Wildlife Species
Hydrology
Water Quality
Archaeological Resources
Inlet Dynamics
Recreational Use
5.0 Authorized Construction Activities
List of permits and work undertaken to date
6.0 Management Goals and Objectives
Management action/work required,perfonnance criteria and monitoring,responsible
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
entities,timeframe
6.1 Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities
6.2 Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA
while minimizing negative environmental impacts. (Reverse order of 6.1 and
6.2)
6.3 Manage and improve water quality
6.4 Protect the integrity of known archaeological sites within the Clam Bay NRPA
6.5 Address recreational uses with emphasis on passive recreation
6.6 Improve public awareness and involvement
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
1.0 Introduction
Purpose of the Management Plan
The purpose of this management plan will be to provide guidance and direction for the
management of the Clam Bay Natural Resources Protection Area (Clam Bay NRPA) by
identifying the goals and objectives necessary to avoid or minimize adverse impacts to the
natural resources and biological integrity of the ecosystem. This plan will form the basis by
which future management decisions can be made by identifying the appropriate management
techniques necessary to protect, preserve, enhance, restore, maintain, and monitor the uses and
the natural resources and their uses within the Clam Bay NRPA.
By creating the Natural Resources Protection Area (NRPA) designation over the Clam Bay
ecosystem, Collier County recognized the environmental importance of the preserve area.
As a preserve, the designated uses of the property should be focused towards protection,
conservation,restoration, and passive recreational uses.
The plan will attempt to balance resource protection with passive recreational use. It will
consider Clam Pay; monitoring and maintenance restoration of damaged or lost habitats needs,
water quality, listed species protection,Clam Pass monitoring and maintenance, education and
other issues as identified in the Plan's formulation process.
The final management plan and any subsequent revisions shall be submitted to the Collier
County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for approval. When approved, this plan will
form the basis for future permitting and other management activities necessary to preserve,
restore,maintain, and monitor resources within the system.
Overview of the Clam Bay NRPA
The Clam Bay NRPA is a 570-acre mangrove estuarine ecosystem consisting of Clam
Pass, sandy beaches, shallow bays connected by narrow meandering creeks, seagrass beds and
mangrove forests on the west coast of Collier County in southwest Florida. The community
of Pelican Bay abuts the northern and eastern edges of the system, while the Seagate and
Naples Cay communities abut the southern portion of the system. This system is an important
natural and recreational resource for local residents and visitors. The operation of motorized
watercraft is limited to Idle Speed/No Wake per Collier County Ordinance 96-16. It was
designated a Natural Resources Protection Area(NRPA)by Collier County in 1995 (See Section
3.0 for more details on the NRPA history).
This plan, in addition to providing a brief history of activities undertaken within this system,
outlines management goals, objectives and methods to achieve optimal functioning of the
delicate mangrove estuarine ecosystem. Drawing on the 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and
Management Plan, input from multiple interested stakeholders, and the findings of 15
years of biological and hydrographic monitoring activities within the system, this plan also
outlines the goals for future enhancements to, and maintenance of,the ecosystems throughout
Clam Bay.
1
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
The Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan (CBRMP), 1998
In 1992 a small area of dead black mangroves was first observed in the northern part of the
system. In 1996 a significant area (approximately 50 acres) of dead and dying mangroves was
reported (Turrell, 1996). Following the die-off, restorative dredging was proposed to increase
tidal flushing by opening up the Pass and widening several tidal creeks within the system. The
CBRMP was prepared in conjunction with State and Federal environmental permits to carry out
the work, and consequently focused on management objectives which were proposed at that
time, namely;
• Restoring the estuary hydrology and tidal flushing provided by Clam Pass
• Dredging portions of the interior tidal creeks to improve flushing capacity
• Studying the potential for improvements in upland stonnwater/freshwater management
• Installing flushing culverts under Seagate Drive
In the 10 years following the implementation of the CBRMP, the mangrove forest underwent a
substantial recovery in which over 80% of the die-off area was re-vegetated with new mangrove
growth. Permits acquired in conjunction with the CBRMP allowed for dredging of the Pass and
internal waterways as well as for the installation of several approximately thirteen
miles of small hand-dug flushing channels throughout the die-off area. The initial dredging
and subsequent maintenance of the Pass and hand-dug channels restored the flushing
component to the die-off area and allowed for the drastic regeneration observed.
Die-Off Area 2001 Die-Off Area 2013
The Clam Bay Natural Resources Protection Area Management Plan (CBNRPAMP), 2014
This Clam Bay Natural Resources Protection Area Management Plan (CBNRPAMP, 2014)
combines the comprehensive outline and background provided in the original 1998
CBRMP plan with lessons learned during and subsequent to its implementation. The goals
of this plan will be to direct the management activities undertaken to enhance the estuarine and
associated habitats in a manner
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January 3,2014
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that maintains and contributes to the overall integrity of the Clam Bay ecosystem.Namely, the
activities undertaken under the Plan will:
• Maintain and protect native floral and faunal communities
• Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA while
minimizing negative environmental impacts (Reverse the order)
• Manage and improve water quality
• Protect the integrity of known archaeological sites within the NRPA
• Address recreational uses with emphasis on passive recreation
• Improve public awareness and involvement
Personnel/Consultants Responsible
This section should follow "Role of the PBSD"
This CBNRPAMP has been prepared by the firm of Turrell, Hall & Associates, Inc., who, as
project managers for the restorative dredging and associated monitoring work has a long history
with the project and ecosystem. Input and monitoring data has been incorporated from coastal
engineers, Humiston & Moore, Inc., as well as other interested stakeholders such as the
Pelican Bay Foundation, the Mangrove Action group, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida,
adjacent community associations, and the City of Naples. The ongoing support and
assistance of the PBSD and Collier County is gratefully acknowledged.
Pelican Bay Services Division Turrell, Hall &Associates
Tom Cravens Leave Blank—Chairman Tim Hall—Project Manager
801 Laurel Oak Drive, Suite 302 3584 Exchange Ave
Naples, FL 34108 Naples,Fl 34104
(239) 597-1749 (239) 643-0166
Humiston& Moore Engineers
Brett Moore—Project Manager
5679 Strand Court
Naples, FL 34110
(239) 594-2021
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Role of the Pelican Bay Services Division
In order for the management and enhancement of the Clam Bay NRPA to be successful,
coordination between a myriad of local, state, and federal agencies and concerned citizen's
groups is required. The Pelican Bay Services Division(PBSD)has undertaken that role for most
of the past fifteen years.
As a dependent special district, the PBSD is an arm of local county government and as such does
not enjoy the ability to make decisions concerning the implementation of the Management Plan
independent of the desires of the Collier County BOCC. The PBSD budget, and therefore its
ability to undertake work projects, is controlled by the Collier County BOCC. In practical
application, this has not proved problematic, as the BOCC has routinely approved the mangrove
management the suggested undertakings of the PBSD and the BOCC has authorized the
development of this Management Plan. The PBSD implements County policy within the
confined geography of the Pelican Bay community and the defined responsibilities of the
PBSD. The PBSD sets it own budget and agenda and routinely submits same to the Collier
County BOCC for approval. The actual workings of the relationship suggest therefore, that the
PBSD has experienced a significant degree of practical autonomy and this is expected to
continue in the implementation of this Management Plan. The result is that the PBSD will
be the official manager of this Management Plan with delegated authority to be implemented
consistent with Ordinances 90-111, 2002-27, 2013-19, 2013-61 of Collier County.
Attach Ordinances 2013-19, 2013-61
The PBSD will direct this Management Plan and have the responsibility for its implementation
and operation over time. As such, the PBSD will plan and implement defined management
activities (with BOCC approval) whose purpose will be to protect, restore, preserve
and maintain the natural communities and ecological integrity of the Clam Bay NRPA.
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The PBSD has several attributes which already make it a logical guiding force in the
management of Clam Bay. The PBSD:
• Is located within the Clam Bay drainage basin;
• Has an advisory board made up of residential, and business members within Pelican
Bay(members elected by Pelican Bay property owners under the supervision of the
County Clerk of Courts, and appointed by the County Commission)made up of
residential, and business members within Pelican Bay;
• Garners fiscal support collected from local assessments (non-ad valorem taxes);
• Is accessible by the public due to its local governing board and advertised public monthly
meetings; and
• Has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the resource Clam Bay NRPA and a
successful track record in its preservation, restoration and
maintenance over the past fifteen years.
These attributes give PBSD the knowledge and expertise in matters of local concern and, in
particular, the problems, opportunities and interests of local residents as they relate to the Clam
Bay ecosystem. Its relationship to the BOCC gives it an additional level of access to technical
expertise and oversight that will be necessary to assure that the Management Plan, as
contemplated in this document, is fully implemented in the field.
As part of its responsibilities, the PBSD will assemble and distribute various technical reports
and assessments as required under the Management Plan, as well as coordinate with the other
public and private groups interested in Clam Bay. The PBSD is organized for and designed to
maintain both its knowledge of the Clam Bay resources and to generate public support for the
same. PBSD will insure that the general public, residents in Pelican Bay, PBSD consultants, and
representatives from government agencies with jurisdiction over Clam Bay each have on-going
involvement and input into the Management Plan as appropriate.
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January 3,2014
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2.0 Clam Bay Location and Setting
Maps, description of Pelican Bay and the estuary system
Clam Bay was designated a Natural Resources Protection Area by the Board of County
Commissioners of Collier County in 4-994 1995 (Collier County, 1995) and consists of
approximately 420 acres of mangroves and some 115 acres of shallow, open water bays, 1.5
miles of beaches, as well as a 35 acre beachfront parcel (Clam Pass Beach Park). The system
estuary consists of Clam Pass, three primary bays; Outer Clam Bay (southernmost),
Inner Clam Bay (central), and Upper Clam Bay (northernmost), connected by a series of
tidal creeks.
The entire ecosystem receives runoff from adjacent upland and wetland areas. Upper Clam
Bay is connected to Inner Clam Bay by a winding narrow creek. Inner Clam Bay is connected
to Clam Pass through another narrow creek. Outer Clam Bay is connected to the Gulf of
Mexico by a wider creek through Clam Pass. Some water also flows south to Doctor's Pass
through the culverts under Seagate Drive.
Clam Bay Vital Statistics
Total acres: Approx. 570 acres
Beaches: Approx.3. 1.5 miles
Mangrove: Approx. 420 acres
Open Water: Approx. 115 acres
Latitude and Longitude of Pass: N 26° 13' 11", W 81° 49' 01"
Section, Township, Range: Sec. 32 &33, Twp 48S, Rng 25E, &
Sec. 4, 5, 8, &9, Twp 49S, Rng 25E
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Clam Pass is a small, marginally stable inlet that has migrated north and south along the shore
over the years. Prior to dredging, average water depths of Clam Pass were -2.5' to -1.0', and its
width ranged from 30'-50' (Collier County, 1994). The Pass remains the primary source of
tidal exchange for the Clam Bay ecosystem, but it is restricted by sediment deposits just
inside the Pass and in the long meandering tidal creeks surrounded by mangrove forests. The
smaller embayments located primarily to the north of the Pass are not subject to normal tidal
exchange except during exceptionally high tides. Tidal range is restricted throughout the Clam
Bay ecosystem (Turrell 1995; Collier County Report 1996; Tackney 1996).
Tide gauges are installed and monitored on the County boardwalk at the north end of Outer Clam
Bay, the north and south Pelican Bay boardwalks, and in Upper Clam Bay. These gauges
indicate that the dredging done at the Pass and in the interior creeks as part of the CBRMP has
drastically improved the tidal exchange throughout the system. Tidal ranges vary from 2 feet out
in the Gulf to 1.5 feet in the southern portion of the system down to about 0.5 feet at the northern
end of the system.
South of Clam Pass, it an approximately 30 ft. wide channel oriented north-south with water
depths varying between -1.0' to - 4.0' leads to Outer Clam Bay (approx. 72 acres) which
connects to the Venetian higeee Bay System (northern part of the Moorings Bay/Doctors Pass
seawall system) via e three 24" concrete culverts under Seagate Drive. There are also three
dead end canals from the south end of Outer Clam Bay into the Seagate community.
The three culverts were installed in 1976. In 1975,the USEPA, concerned about the
deteriorating water quality in Moorings Bay, recommended that culverts be installed under
Seagate Drive to allow some exchange of water between Venetian Bay and Outer Clam Bay.
However,the USEPA suggested that the culverts be constructed to only allow flow to the north
and to set invert of the pipes of 1.0 ft msl to protect the seagrass meadows in Outer Clam Bay.
The invert elevation was achieved but water was allowed to flow both ways through the culverts,
and this two-way flow persists today. (Tackney 1966; Collier County 1966; Wilson Miller et.al.
1966)
North of Clam Pass, a long narrow (approximately 6,600') tributary leads to Timer Clam Bay
(approx. 32 acres). Evidence in the literature suggests that oyster bars were once present in this
channel (Humm and Rehm, 1972). A further, narrow creek (approximately 5,400') leads north
from Inner Clam Bay to Upper Clam Bay (approx. 20 acres), the smallest and most isolated of
the three primary bays.
Move the following 2 paragraphs to "Past History"
Historical aerials and anecdotal recollections from long-time County residents note a connection
of the system at Upper Clam Bay to Vanderbilt Lagoon and Wiggins Pass to the north via a small
creek (Collier County, 1994, Tropical Biolndustries, 1978). This connection was eventually
severed with the development of Vanderbilt Beach Road in the 1950s 1952. It is recognized that
the historical connection at this point was marginal at best, and while passable at times,it was
not uniformly and consistently navigable(CBRMP, 1998).
Similarly,historical aerials and old-timers indicate that prior to the construction of
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Venetian/Moorings Bay and Seagate Drive in the late 1950's,Outer Calm Bay was connected to
vast mangrove swamps to the south via shallow narrow meandering creeks leading into Doctor's
Bay and Doctor's Pass which was similar to Clam Pass. These creeks were navigable only by
canoes and small skiffs. The seawall Venetian/Moorings Bay community was developed
beginning in the late 1950's by demolishing all the mangrove forests, and dredging the shallow
wetlands to a depth of 8' to 15'. The construction of Seagate Drive in 1958 severed the
connection between Outer Clam Bay and the initial large-scale dredge and fill development to
the south. (see Naples Waterfront by Todd Tun-ell, 2009)
The Clam Bay e c o system is bounded on the north by Vanderbilt Beach Road, to the
south by Seagate Drive, to the east by the Pelican Bay development and to the west by
the Gulf of Mexico.
Pelican Bay is predominately a residential community of private single-family homes, as well as
both high and low-rise condominium units. The community also includes a 27-hole golf course,
common areas with meeting rooms, tennis courts, beach park facilities, emergency services
facilities, and commercial areas with shopping and hotels. The 2,104-acre Planned Unit
Development (PUD) was approved in 1977 as a partnership between Collier Enterprises and
Westinghouse Communities. It was one of the first developments in Florida required to save
fragile coastal wetlands and associated ecosystems (Urban Land Institute, 1981). The
development of Pelican Bay had a limited impact on the wetlands themselves (approximately 94
acres in total with about 78 of those acres located in the northwestern corner of the property)
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January 3,2014
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leaving the mangrove forest intact and preserved around the bays. As mitigation for these
wetland impacts, the 570 acre preserve area, including the 35 acre beach park, was donated to
Collier County.
Approximate extent of Clam Bay NRPA boundary.
Development landward of the mangroves required a stormwater management system designed to
spread runoff along the eastern edge of the Clam Bay estuary(Collier County Report 1996). A
four to six foot high and 2 1/2 mile long berm separates the developed portion of Pelican Bay
from the estuary lying to the west of the development, but numerous culverts through the berm
discharge water to a swale system along the eastern perimeter of Clam Bay. The eastern edge of
Pelican Bay is about 12-14 feet above sea level at US 41, sloping in an east-west direction to
about 2 feet near the berm. Six drainage basins operate on a gravity system to slowly move
surface water into the receiving area of Clam Bay.
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Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Approximate locations of Drainage Basins within the Pelican Bay Development(photo is oriented with north up and
west to the left).
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January 3,2014
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Natural History
Prior to development, the entire coastline of south Florida would have resembled the Clam Bay
e c o system with meandering mangrove lined waterways buffering sandy barrier islands and
terrestrial communities. Unique within the heavily developed coastal community of Collier
County, Clam Bay is a valuable resource for wildlife (particularly juvenile marine species and
birds) as well as residents and visitors to the area who enjoy the passive recreational
opportunities the system offers such as kayaking, fishing, walking, swimming, bird watching,
beach going, photography and others.
The system is a mixture of mangrove-lined tidal creeks,mangrove forests, shallow bays and tidal
passes, seagrass beds, tidal flats, sandy beaches and brackish interior wetlands. A man-made
water management berm now divides natural and developed portions where historically
mangrove forests would have transitioned gradually into the mesic coastal hammocks and
upland pine scrubs that made up the now developed portions of the Pelican Bay community.
A brief overview of these important habitat types, their key characteristics and value is provided
in the Resource Description Section(Section 4.0)of this Plan.
Pass History
Historically, Clam Pass Bay ecosystem was a small part of a large system of shallow
waterways amidst mangrove wetlands extending from Lee County to Doctor's Pass.A
limited amount of small boating activities took place within this area these waterways. The
construction of Vanderbilt Beach Road in the early 1950's 1952 cut off any navigation from•
the north from what is presently called _ _ - . •. . . . - - •. -
• .. _ . - . Later,4he conenRaction of Seagate Drive in 1955
limited the amount of tidal flow from the south,the waterway presently called Venetian Bay
which connects to Doctor's Pass.
Historical aerials and anecdotal recollections from long-time County residents note a connection
of the system at Upper Clam Bay to Vanderbilt Lagoon and Wiggins Pass to the north via a small
creek (Collier County, 1994, Tropical Biolndustries, 1978). This connection was eventually
severed with the development of Vanderbilt Beach Road in the 1950s 1952. It is recognized that
the historical connection at this point was marginal at best, and while passable at times, it was not
uniformly and consistently navigable(CBRMP 1998).
Similarly,historical aerials and old-timers indicate that prior to the construction of
Venetian/Moorings Bay and Seagate Drive in the late 1950's, Outer Calm Bay was connected to
vast mangrove swamps to the south via shallow narrow meandering creeks leading into Doctor's
Bay and Doctor's Pass which was similar to Clam Pass. These creeks were navigable only by
canoes and small skiffs. The seawall Venetian/Moorings Bay community was developed
beginning in the late 1950's by demolishing all the mangrove forests, and dredging the shallow
wetlands to a depth of 8' to 15'. The construction of Seagate Drive in 1958 severed the
connection between Outer Clam Bay and the initial large-scale dredge and fill development to
the south. (Naples Waterfront by Todd Turrell, 2009)
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January 3,2014
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Prior to the surrounding development, the natural stormwater(rain run-off) flow in this area was
by sheet flow in a southwesterly direction towards the coast. Water reaching the mangroves and
bays of the Clam Bay NRPA would flow out to the Pass. The upland stormwater flow pattern
has since been modified in direction,volume, and timing by the use of retention/detention basins,
primarily in the Pelican Bay development area.
The Clam Pass opening has moved over its lifetime up and down the shoreline, influenced by
major storm events and by man's alteration of the tidal prism and drainage basin that feeds the
Pass. A detailed discussion of the Pass, as well as aerial photographs of the Pass over time, is
provided in Section 4.0 of this Plan.
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January 3,2014
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3.0 Historical Overview
Original land use, development history, die-off and restoration work.
To properly understand and successfully implement proposed management objectives, actions
and events which have lead to the current situation in Clam Bay should be described. This
chapter starts off with a time-line to clearly portray the system in its historical context. It is
intended as background information and as a factual recount based on personal experiences and
comments, press reports, published and unpublished reports. The chapter finishes with an
overview of the mangrove die-off including causes, and the work that was undertaken as part of
the 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan to restore the system.
Time Line of important moments within the Clam Bay System
1920
A dirt road is built by Forest Walker running from the north-east to south portion of Pelican Bay,
a forerunner of US 41.
1950
With 6,000 residents of Naples, Clam Bay is part of a connected system of barrier islands,
mangrove passes and waterways. The orientation of the beaches and passes would have changed
seasonally and with storms.
1952
Vanderbilt Road is constructed, eventually severing connection with the Wiggins Pass system to
the north.
1958
Seagate Drive is was constructed as the D^ e Seagate community is was developed.
Flow is was blocked into the newly man-made Venetian Ba to the south.
o- " OSM-I1-4
MA
',�_. Outer Clam Bay .K.
-
-14� y
/IL fix" < ��� �c� :i► ` ';
"• t
Venetian Bay
lot r
4.11E41
Circa 1960 Aerial Photograph Circa 1952 Aerial Photograph
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Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
1972
Tri-County Engineering produces reports:
• An Ecological Study of the Clam Pass Complex i.s was published by Humm&Rehm
• Hydrographic Investigation of the Clam Bay System
Coral Ridge-Collier Properties, Inc. (a partnership between Westinghouse and Collier Properties)
acquired the property and initiated development of Pelican Bay.
1974
Pelican Bay Improvement District i. was formed to manage common property in Pelican Bay
and provide for long term sustainable infrastructure.
1976
Three, bi-directional 24-inch culverts are-w e r e placed under Seagate Drive to provide
hydrologic connection to Venetian Bay.
Report"Environmental Assessment for Development Approval"is was prepared for Pelican Bay.
Clam Pass closed in and then was re-opened by dragline.
1977
Pelican Bay Planned Unit Development is.was approved, and construction commences.
1977-1979
Gee & Jensen Hydrographic Engineers conduct a series of tidal studies within the system and
distribute"A hydrographic study of Clam Bay system"in 1978.
1978
Tropical Bio-Industries produce a report: Carbon Flows in portions of the Clam Pass estuarine
system.
Ecological assessment work by Tropical Bio-Industries for permitting of the north-west fill area,
notes a small area of stressed and dead mangroves close to Upper Clam Bay.
1979
Environmental Assessment of the northwest fill area is was distributed.
Tropical Bio-Industries produce biological reports:
• A comparative study of the water and carbon flows of Upper Clam Bay
• Invertebrate Population Studies in the vicinity of Upper Clam Bay
1981
Clam Pass closed and was re-opened by dragline.
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Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
WCI, the developers of Pelican Bay, transferred title to Clam Bay to Collier County with the
stipulation that Clam Bay shall remain a conservation/preservation area in perpetuity.
1982
WCI deeded Clam Pass Park and Clam Bay to Collier County and in accordance with the Pelican
Bay PUD, required the County to seek approval of WCI or its successors for any modifications
to Clam Bay.
1983
Tropical Bio-Industries produce biological reports:
• Fish populations of tidal ponds west of Upper Clam Bay
• Populations of Melampus coffeus and Cerithidea scalariformis west of Upper Clam Bay
1986
Collier County constructse d a 2,900' boardwalk to provide access across Outer Clam Bay to
the county park, south of Clam Pass.
1988
Clam Pass closesed twice, first in the spring and again in the late fall after Tropical Storm
Keith (November 23, 1988).
1989
Small areas of stressed and dying mangroves are were noted by residents in the basin west of
Upper Clam Bay and east of The Strand in Bay Colony. A Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) interdepartmental memo highlights cause of the stress as "the lack of
adequate water circulation resulting from the closure of Clam Pass".
First emergency dredging permit received from DNR to re-open clogged Clam Pass, following
memo by David Crewz to the DNR highlighting problems and danger if the pass was not re-
opened.
1990
Pelican Bay Improvement District comes under Collier County as the Pelican Bay Services
Division.
1992
The area of dead mangroves is was reported at 7 acres.
1994
20 acres of mangroves are were reported dead.
1995
Clam Bay is was approved by the Board of County Commissioners as Collier County's first
Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA).
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Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
1995
Emergency dredging permit issued allowing opening of the pass, but no work farther back than
600 feet.
1996
Permits to open Clam Pass received from DEP and USACE and work completed in April. In
summer and fall blasting and hand excavation was permitted and completed in 1997.
1996
Mangrove die-off area estimated at 50 acres.
1997
Clam Pass dredged again under modification to 1996 Permits.
1998
Ten year permits received from DEP and USACE for dredging Clam Pass and the interior
channels and Seagate culverts with associated monitoring work and storm and freshwater
studies.
1999
Dredging work associated with the CBRMP is- w a s completed (Mgmt by PBSD) in the
spring by Ludlum Construction Company.
One-way flow to the north flap gates were installed at the Seagate culverts.
Ellicott Series 370HP Pumping Sand out of Clam Pass(1999)
1999
Staff at The Conservancy of Southwest Florida commences a 3-5 year study of mangroves,
surface water level and elevation within the mangrove die-off area.
2002
Maintenance dredging of Clam Pass flood shoals (Mgmt by PBSD) completed to improve tidal
circulation.
Flap gates at Seagate culverts were removed due to insufficient head differential;the gates acted
as plugs.
2002
Canoe trail markers permitted and installed throughout Clam Bay ecosystem.
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Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
2004
Hurricane Charley comes ashore about 50 miles north of Clam Pass. A lot of sand was
redistributed but the Pass did not close. Extensive limb and leaf loss was documented within the
mangrove forest.
2005
Hurricane Wilma comes ashore about 30 miles south of Clam Pass. More limb and leaf loss is
was noted. Pass lees did not close.
Hurricane damaged mangroves along bay 2005 Same mangroves along bay 2007
2007
Maintenance dredging of Pass and entrance channel completed(Mgmt by CC CZM).
2008
Tropical Storm Fay comes came ashore about 30 miles south of Clam Pass. The area received
over 10 inches of rainfall. Pass not affected.
2009
1998 DEP and ACOE permits for maintenance of the Pass expired after 1-year extensions.
2010
Permits issued to continue maintenance of hand-dug flushing channels throughout the system.
2011
White mangrove die-off was observed in central portion of the system and found to be caused by a
bark beetle infestation of trees that had suffered cold temperature stress.
2012
Canoe trail markers and informational signage installed throughout Clam Bay.
The mouth of the Pass moves moved to the north near the Pelican Bay Beach Store. The northern
shoreline of the Pass is was temporarily reinforced with the installation of concrete barriers.
The Pass closer closed in December.
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January 3,2014
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2013
A single event permit is was issued to dredge Clam Pass. In March dredge work is «-as completed
and the Pass is open.
Development of a new Management Plan is initiated through stakeholder input and multiple public
meetings.
Time Line specific to the establishment of the Clam Bay NRPA
1976
Collier County Ord. 76-30 zoned coastal areas environmentally sensitive lands as ST(Sensitive
Treatment)
1977
Approval of the Pelican Bay PUD (Ord. 77-18)by Collier County. The PUD identified 98 acres of
coastal mangrove wetlands to be filled in for development while preserving 570 acres of ST lands as
the Pelican Bay Conservation Area. (35 acres in the south and 5 acres in the north would become parks
providing public beach access).
1981-82
Department of Army Permit(79K-0282) authorized the fill of the 78 acres of coastal wetlands(76
acres for residential development and 2 acres for public parking area). It required 570 acres including
Upper, Inner, and Outer Clam Bays, and their adjacent wetlands to be conveyed to Collier County and
to remain a conservation/preservation area for the use of the public in perpetuity. It also prohibited
dredging Clam Pass except to keep it open to the Gulf of Mexico.
1988
The Pelican Bay Conservation Area(570 Ac. acres)was approved and recorded as FL-64P by
Congress and became part of the Federal Coastal Barrier Resources System(CBRS).
1995
The Collier County Board of County Commissioners approved the County Natural Resources
Department's recommendation to establish the County's first Natural Resource Protection Area
(NRPA); stipulating that that it would have the same boundaries as the Pelican Bay Conservation Area
within the Pelican Bay PUD.
The Collier County Manatee Protection Plan is approved. It contains the recommendation to establish
an"Idle Speed/No Wake"zone throughout the Clam Bay/Clam Pass System.
1996
Collier County Ordinance 96-16: "The Clam Bay System Water Safety and
Vessel Control Ordinance"is approved. It establishes that the Clam Bay System is an"Idle Speed/
No Wake"zone.
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1998
The Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan(CBRMP) developed, implemented, and managed by
the PBSD.
FL Admin. Court Case No. 98-0324GM provided an interpretation that certain elements of the Collier
County Growth Management Plan(Conservation and Coastal Management Element)require
unequivocal protection of habitats within NRPAs which support existing and potential uses by wildlife.
2008
Public Law 110-419 was adopted identifying the Coastal Barrier Resource System, Clam Pass Unit,
FL-64P to be entirely located within the existing boundaries of the Clam Bay NRPA.
2013
Work begin began on new Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan under PBSD direction.
1995 Mangrove Die-off and Related Causes
The majority of the original die-off occurred within the northernmost black mangrove areas of the
system. Three defined processes of the black mangrove forest are applicable to the Clam Bay
ecosystem. These three processes are briefly reviewed here are:
Salt balance: Salt is available to the black mangrove forest from a variety of sources, but normal tidal
exchange is the most important. Black mangroves can tolerate slightly higher sediment salinity than
the other two mangrove species but can be affected adversely by an excess accumulation of salt. In a
natural setting, toxic accumulation of salt is usually prevented by dilution and leaching due to rainfall
and washout on outgoing tides. Accordingly, the transport of dissolved and diluted salt back to the
Gulf is critical to the health of the black mangrove.
Organic matter budget: Like the salt balance, the organic matter budget is intimately related to the
flushing component of the tidal cycle. It is generally recognized that even in the best of circumstances
only 60-86% of the decomposing matter generated by a mangrove forest is consumed on site. The
balance has to be exported. This export is in the form of highly fragmented or dissolved organic
matter fractions and as such is also dependent upon tidal flushing.
Water budget: Water enters the Clam Bay system through rainfall, freshwater run-off and through
the influx of seawater. It leaves via evaporation from water surfaces, transpiration from leaves and
tidal out-flow to the Gulf. Since evapotranspiration rates within mangrove forests are relatively low it
follows that the forest must freely drain or else water logging occurs that quickly leads to stress and
mortality.
Rainfall in South Florida contributes about 53 plus inches of water per year and most of that occurs in
the wet season. Additional freshwater inputs to this system occur from groundwater flow and from
irrigation in the developed portions of Pelican Bay. The irrigation amounts to about 26 to 28 inches
(on average) of rainfall every year but can vary widely due to weather conditions. In a perfect world
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this irrigation component would be entirely taken up by the soil and plants but in these non-perfect
conditions,it is expected that some run-off is also generated due to the irrigation. When this amount is
added to normal rainfall, the export capacity of the system to the Gulf becomes critical, especially
when considered in the context of the need to transport the organic matter and salt described above.
The combination of these mangrove species and other intertidal vegetation makes mangrove forests
extremely productive natural resources,but their productivity depends on the right combination of tidal
"flushing" (movement of water and suspended material in and out of the estuarine wetland) and
freshwater run-off to maintain their ability to function. The freshwater input dilutes the high salinity of
marine waters, thereby reducing the effort needed by the mangrove to exclude or excrete salt. This
allows more of the trees' energy to be directed to normal growth and maintenance.
Tidal flushing also allows nutrients to be distributed within the forest and provides for the
transportation of dead leaves, twigs, etc. As these materials decay, they become food for marine life.
It is this mangrove detritus which is consumed by the many organisms at the base of the food chain
and which in turn create the next level of the food chain necessary to support the fish populations that
characterize the mangrove community. It is the combined interaction of fresh and salt water through
tidal flushing that is critical to the ability of the mangrove forest to sustain itself. It follows therefore,
that anything that materially disrupts the maintenance of the flushing component threatens the long
term viability of the mangrove forest itself.
According to detailed field surveys performed in the early 1970's (Tropical Biolndustries
Company 1978, Gee and Jenson 1978) tree densities ranged from 726 to 7,580 per acre and
maximum canopy height was 39 feet. Within the black mangrove dominated basin forests, 16%of
the trees or 8.8 acres of dead black mangroves were reported in the 1978 document.
Dead and stressed mangroves were again reported for Clam Bay in 1989 when David W. Crewz, a
biologist with the Florida Marine Research Institute, was asked to inspect Clam Pass Park by
Mary Ellen Hawkins, then a Collier County representative to the legislature (letter to Don Duden
dated April 3, 1989). Mr. Crewz concluded that the "dead and stressed mangroves were caused by
lack of adequate water circulation resulting from the closure of Clam Pass.... allowing toxin and
salt buildup."
Westinghouse Consultants, Inc., employees in February 1992 noted additional mangrove die-offs,
north of Clam Pass Park on the west side of Upper Clam Bay. This area was inspected by Dr. Eric
Heald, a consultant to WCI, and reported to WCI in April 1992, as probably due to hypersalinity,
although 1991 was an above average rainfall year. The same conclusion was reached by Robin
Lewis of Lewis Environmental Services, Inc., after an inspection in May 1994. At this time the
die-off area was approximately 6 acres. A widespread mortality of mangroves in Florida Bay was
also reported in the summer of 1991 (Yarbro et al. 1994) and it was attributed, in part, to natural
drought conditions and unusual tidal inundation patterns.
After above average rainfall in the summer of 1995, The Conservancy, Inc.'s staff and residents in
Pelican Bay reported additional mangrove deaths which continued through 1995 and 1996. The
total area of the die-off through July 1999 was around 50 acres.
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The death of trees occurred around hyper saline ponds and is consistent with conditions caused by
periods of excessive inundation of freshwater followed by periods of continuous dry down,particularly
where the mechanism for flushing is impaired. (Lugo 1976). During the period immediately
preceding the observed die off, and during the periods following, Clam Bay received record amounts
of rainfall. This rainfall, when coupled with an admittedly impaired circulation system and
intermittent pass closure, resulted in water levels that were high enough for a long enough period of
time to adversely impact the mangroves.
It should be noted, however, that the death of trees around hyper saline ponds is a process that is now
occurring for a variety of reasons elsewhere in Florida and the Caribbean and is not necessarily
evidence that the forest is in a state of irretrievable decline. The presence of new seedlings confirms
that these conditions may well be able to return. (Lugo 1976;). Presently the die-off areas appear to be
recovering as a result of the restoration work done to date.
The remedial efforts described later in this Plan, in particular the dredging of Clam Pass, the opening
of several of the impacted tidal creeks, and the construction of approximately 13 miles of hand-dug
flushing channels, have had the desired effect of improving the circulation of tidal waters within the
system. (Humiston,pers. comm. 2007).
Restored Characteristics of Clam Bay
In assessing a variety of alternatives to the restoration of Clam Bay, the original need was not so much
to restore the system to a mangrove forest (although that remained the primary goal) as it was to
stabilize and restore the system as a thriving natural resource. It was recognized that with changes to
naturally induced flushing rates and hydrological regimes the mangroves would likely adjust by
altering zonation patterns, species compositions,rates of growth and mortality, etc. (CBRMP 1998).
Clam Pass
The single most important thing that has been done to restore the health of the Clam Bay system is to
improve the total tidal flushing capacity of the system. (Humiston&Moore 2003; Lewis 2007; Turrell
2007). As has been discussed earlier, the tides in the upper reaches of Clam Bay were weak and
variable. Runoff from rainfall further reduced the interior tidal range and during Tackney's field study
in 1996, total rainfall of approximately 4 inches in three days was sufficient to flood Upper Clam Bay
to such an extent that tidal fluctuation was completely eliminated. During Hurricane Charley in 2004,
storm surge and rainfall far exceeded this 4 inch level and yet Upper Clam Bay was experiencing tidal
fluctuations the following day. The restoration efforts of dredging the Pass, dredging the interior
channclb creeks, and construction of the network of hand-dug flushing cuts throughout the original
die-off area proved very effective in maintaining the tidal exchange and drainage capability of the
system.
In Outer Clam Bay, where the channel leading to Clam Pass is relatively short,the tidal range was only
50% of its potential value. This diminished exchange capacity was a direct result of the constricted
nature of the inlet and its adjacent interior channels.
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During flood tides, sand is carried into the pass by tidal currents and settles out of the water column
where the current drops below the magnitude necessary to maintain the sediment in suspension. At
Clam Pass this has resulted in the gradual accumulation of sediment in the channels interior to the
inlet. This sedimentation process reduces the hydraulic efficiency of the channels and results in
diminished tidal ranges for the interior bays.
In 1998,when the restoration activities commenced, the channels immediately interior to the Pass were
so constricted that even when the Pass was excavated, the interior tides remained muted. Efforts to
maintain the Pass in an open condition were dramatically improved by enlarging the dredge area to
include not only Clam Pass,but also the critical areas of the adjacent interior channels. This action not
only augmented the volume of tidal flow through Clam Pass, but also reduced the likelihood of inlet
closure during adverse weather conditions. Currently, Outer Clam Bay's tidal range has been
improved by 4 to 6 inches as a result of the dredging activities and the increased self-maintenance
capability of the inlet.
The single most critical causative factor of the Upper Clam Bay mangrove die-off and lack of natural
regeneration of mangroves was the relative absence of adequate tidal flushing, or tidal pumping,
typically measured in terms of tidal amplitude and its frequency of occurrence (CBRMP 1998,
Roessler pers. comm. 2004). Tidal pumping refers to the hydraulic change in water pressure in
mangrove sediment that is controlled largely by tidal activity. When rising tides force a rise in the
water table in the sediment beneath mangroves, gasses (e.g., carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide,
methane, ammonia) and various fluid wastes (including refractory and labile dissolved organic matter)
are expelled from the sediment. Since some of these compounds are toxic, particularly hydrogen
sulfide, their frequent(daily to twice daily)removal is critical to the health of the mangroves.
Conversely, on falling ties and a drop in the sediment water table, gases (e.g., oxygen) and nutrients
present in the over-lying water are drawn into sediment. The frequent renewal of sediment oxygen is
particularly important because it is required in normal root respiration which, if stopped, causes
mortality. Thus in the absence of tidal pumping, metabolic wastes accumulate in the sediment and it
eventually turns toxic and anoxic, meaning no oxygen. It is important to note that this critical process
has nothing to do with the salinity, or absence thereof, or with the presence of absence of surface and
subsurface water.
Because the tidal amplitude was wholly inadequate mainly due to the restricted tidal circulation and
tidal pumping within the Clam Bay system, and between the Clam Bay system and the Gulf of Mexico,
the correction provided by the restoration activities has been critical to the creation and management of
conditions required to foster mangrove growth in addition to maintaining water quality within Clam
Bay.
Interior Tidal Creeks
It is also important to recognize the interrelationship between the maintenance of Clam Pass and the
maintenance of the interior connecting tidal creeks. The tides in the upper reaches of Clam Bay were
weak and variable. In the absence of rainfall, the tidal ranges of the Upper and Inner Clam Bay's were
on the order of 15% to 19% of the Gulf tidal range. Run-off from rainfall quickly flooded the upper
bays and further reduced the interior tidal range. The reduced tidal range in the interior bays were due
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to the restrictive condition of the interior connecting tidal creeks. (Tackney 1996; CBRMP 1998).
These restrictions not only super-elevated the average water surface elevation within the bays but also
retarded drainage. The problem was exacerbated by the addition of pulsed water from the stormwater
management system, which by design stores water in its detention/retention areas and then allows it to
discharge into the bays. The constricted condition of the interior tidal creeks coupled with the
additional water being continuously discharged into the bay elevated the water surface elevation in the
upper bays and contributed to extending the periods of flooding beyond tolerance levels that
mangroves can accommodate, particularly the black mangrove. (Turrell 1995; Tackney 1996; Lewis
2007).
The second restorative action of the plan required that three sections of interior tidal creek be dredged
open and in some cases enlarged in order to augment the transfer of water. Removing the constrictions
present in these waterways allowed the increased inflow of water as well as enhancing the outflow of
water. These adjustments enhanced the flood tide ingress and allowed for increased volume to exit on
the ebb tide. The results of this work showed an almost doubling of the tidal amplitude in the upper
reaches of the system. While the amplitude is still far below the levels seen in the Gulf, it is still much
improved from the pre-restoration levels.
Interior Flushing Channels
The third restorative action of the original plan was the creation of a network of flushing cuts within
the mangrove forest and die-off areas. These cuts were dug by hand throughout the system the purpose
of which was to connect depressional zones and areas subject to ponding to the main waterways of the
system. This allowed for tidal water to flow into and out of the forest areas much easier and further
enhanced the tidal exchange that could occur. Approximately 13 miles of these channels were installed
between 2000 late 2001 and 2005.
Biological monitoring work over the past ten fifteen years has conclusively shown that the improved
drainage, which has been achieved through excavation of these small flushing cuts within the forest
basin, has greatly alleviated ponding and contributed to the observed improvements in the Clam Bay
mangrove community.
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4.0 Resource Description and Assessment
SOILS
Based on the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) "Soil Survey of Collier County Area,
Florida" (NRCS, 1998) there are 2 different soil types (soil map units) present within the NRPA
boundary.
It is important to understand that where the soil survey shows mapping units named for soil series,they
represent the dominant undisturbed soils in that landscape that existed predevelopment. They do not
recognize or appropriately interpret the drastically disturbed nature of urban landscapes created after
the soil survey was completed.
Durbin and Wulfert mucks, frequently flooded (Map Unit #40), covers approximately 66% of the
NRPA. These level,very poorly drained soils are most often found in association with tidal mangrove
swamps. Mapped areas can consist entirely of either Durbin or Wulfert or any combination of the two
soils. Individual areas are elongated and irregular in shape and range from 50 to 1000 acres. The
slope is 0 to 1 percent. The permeability of the Durbin soil is rapid and the available water capacity is
high. The permeability of the Wulfert soil is rapid and the available water capacity is moderate. The
water table fluctuates with the tide and is within 12 inches of the surface most of the year. The soil is
subject to tidal flooding. The natural vegetation within these areas consists of red, white and black
mangroves.
Canaveral-Beaches Complex (Map Unit#42)covers approximately 9% of the NRPA.
This map unit consists of the nearly level, moderately well drained Canaveral soil on low ridges and
beaches. Individual areas are elongated and irregular in shape and range from 20 to 300 acres. The
slope is 0 to 2 percent. Typically, beaches consist of sand mixed with shell fragments and shells and
are subject to frequent wave action. The permeability of the Canaveral soil is rapid to very rapid. The
available water capacity is very low. In most years, the seasonal high water table is at a depth of
between 18 to 40 inches for 1 to 4 months. This soil is subject to tidal flooding under severe weather
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conditions.Natural vegetation consists of sea oats, sea grape, cabbage palm, and salt grasses. They are
commonly invaded by exotics such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper.
TOPOGRAPHY
Topography is shown below using a Light Detecting and Ranging map(LIDAR) obtained from Collier
County. The elevations within the NRPA boundary range from +7.0 to -9.0 (Is this correct? Is
Clam Bay this deep?)NAVD 88 ( 988). The surrounding lands are generally higher than the
NRPA and generate the freshwater flows into the preserve.
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CLIMATE
Clam Bay's climate falls within tropical classification, more precisely the tropical wet and dry or
savanna type, Aw under the Koppen system. As a consequence, there are essentially two seasons
experienced. The wet season occurs in the summer, and the dry season occurs in the winter. Typical
rainfall and temperature data are provided in Tables 4.1 and 4.2.
In the summer the center of the trade winds shift north and moisture-laden breezes blow from the east
or south-east. In winter the trade winds shift southward and the winds are less constant. Weather is
then more influenced by fronts advancing from the northwest. This brings cooler conditions, although
temperatures rarely reach freezing, due to the fact that they are being moderated by the surrounding
waters. Cold fronts are typically preceded by winds from the southwest, which clock to the west then
northwest as the front passes,with strong winds of 20-25 knots and cooler air. In general terms, winds
are predominantly southeast during the summer and northeast during the winter.
Historical meteorology for Clam Bay is based on data collected for 30 years (from 1981 to 2010) from
the Naples Municipal Airport by the Florida Climate Center (NOAA & FSU). The following charts
present meteorological statistics for temperature and precipitation.
1981-2010 TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION NORMALS GRAPH
Table 4.1
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Temperature
The monthly average temperatures range from 64.5°F to 83.2°F. The lowest monthly minimum
temperature is 54.2°F while the highest monthly maximum temperature is 91.2°F. The data reflect a
temperate climate with a narrow fluctuation in air temperature.
Precipitation
Average annual rainfall for the Naples Municipal Airport NOAA station is documented at 51.89
inches. The data in the table indicates the highest rainfall occurs during the summer months of June,
July, August, and September.
1981-2010 TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION NORMALS CHART
Table 4.2
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Winds
Winds are predominantly easterly throughout the year, but with a tendency to become northeasterly
from October to April and southeasterly from May to September. Wind speeds, not including storm
events are, on average, below 10 knots. During the winter months when fronts move through, for a
day or two at a time,winds out of the northwest to northeast may increase to about 25 knots.
Sea breeze
As the land surface around Naples and Clam Bay heats it in turn heats the air above it. The warm air is
less dense and tends to rise creating a lower air pressure over the land than the water. The cooler air
over the water then flows inland creating a sea breeze. In the evening the reverse occurs and the cooler
air over the land will flow back toward the water creating a land breeze.
The incoming sea breeze acts as a lifting mechanism, resulting in the warmer air rising up to higher
altitudes. This creates cumulus clouds that begin to build which leads to the development of afternoon
showers and thunderstorms in the area.
Storms
Naples and Clam Bay specifically are within the Atlantic Tropical Cyclone basin. This basin includes
much of the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. On average, six (6) to eight (8)
tropical storms form within this basin each year. The hurricane season lasts from June 1st to December
1st. The formation of these storms and possible intensification into mature hurricanes takes place over
warm tropical and subtropical waters. Eventual dissipation or
modification, averaging seven (7) to eight (8) days later, typically
occurs over the colder waters of the North Atlantic or when the
storms move over land and away from the sustaining marine
environment.
Due to the destructive nature of these storms, landfall can result in
significant damage to upland development and facilities from storm
surge, waves, and wind. A good example of this would be
Hurricane Wilma which formed in 2005.
A tropical storm is defined by maximum sustained winds from 35-
64 knots (40-74 mph). A hurricane has maximum sustained winds
that exceed 64 knots (74 mph). Hurricanes are classified into
different categories according to the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Hurricanes can also spawn severe weather such as tornadoes as they
move inland.
The table below lists the number of tropical storms and hurricanes
that passed through or near Naples over the past 20 seasons
including 1992 through 2012 as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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(NOAA) Coastal Services Center and Hurricane City (www.hurricanecity.com). Analysis of the
available information indicates that Naples, on average, is brushed or hit by a tropical storm or
hurricane once every 2.71 years and is directly hit once every 7.05 years.
Table 4.4 Number of Named Storms Passing through or near Naples
Year #of Stones Names Strength closest to Naples
1992 1 Andrew Hurricane Cat.3
1993 0
1994 1 Gordon Tropical Storm
1995 1 Jerry Tropical Storm
1996 0
1997 0
1998 1 Mitch Tropical Stone
1999 1 Harvey Tropical Storm
2000 0
2001 0
2002 0
2003 0
2004 1 Charley Hurricane Cat.3
2005 1 Wilma Hurricane Cat.2
2006 0
2007 0
2008 1 Fay Tropical Storm
2009 0
2010 0
2011 0
2012 0
2013 0
Hurricane Wilma image
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NATURAL COMMUNITIES
In regards to this Section,a natural community refers to the mix of plant and animal species that form
the natural basis of the Clam Bay NRPA. A combination of factors including geology, climate,
hydrology,soils, and anthropogenic influences determines the specific types of plants found in any
given area. These plants are a major factor in what type of animal species that may be present. The
Florida Department of Transportation's Land Use, Cover, and Forms Classification System
(FLUCFCS 1999)has been used to identify the plant conununities found within the Clam Bay NRPA.
FLUCFCS Community Description Upland or % of Clam Bay
Code Wetland NRPA
181 Swimming Beach Upland 5.95
186 Community Recreation Facilities Upland 0.40
322 Coastal Scrub Upland 3.98
428 Cabbage Palm Hammock Upland 0.45
541 Bays(with connection to ocean) Wetland 23.16
612 Mangrove Forest Wetland 64.60
642 Brackish Marsh Wetland 0.04
651 Tidal Flat Wetland 1.44
911 Seagrasses** Wetland 0.84**
** included in the Bays(541)category
Several other components of the Clam Bay NRPA ecosystem are also addressed below. These
components include offshore hardbottom,oyster and other benthic faunal communities that are not
specifically addressed in the FLUCFCS classification system. Additional historical information on the
Clam Bay mangrove and seagrass habitats is included as appendices to the Plan.
FLUCFCS Code 181 -Swimming Beach
Beaches form when offshore sand deposits are moved landward by wave action usually during the
spring and summer. Sand, which is stirred up as the wave breaks on the shore, drops out of suspension
as the water moves up the beach face. Thus, the beach becomes gradually higher, wider, and steeper.
In the wintertime, larger, higher energy waves associated with winter storms overflow the beach area
and stir up the sand deposited earlier in the year. The sand is pulled off the beach as the wave recedes
and is deposited in an offshore sand bar. If these two forces are in equilibrium,the beach area will be
stable from year to year. However, naturally occurring factors such as storm events, littoral drift
(lateral movement of sand because waves approach the beach at an angle), and offshore winds, upset
this equilibrium and result in the ever shifting nature of the beach environment.
Dunes form because of onshore wind action on beach sand. When wind speeds are sufficient,
individual grains of sand start to roll and bounce along the surface. This windborne sand is transported
landward until the wind speed drops below that needed to move the sand. Coastal vegetation is critical
for slowing wind speeds and causing sand to be deposited.
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Landward of the highest tides, pioneer or frontal zone sites are stabilized by sand trapping action of
various rhizomatous grasses and low growing shrubs that are tolerant of salt spray. Only a few plant
species can tolerate the stresses of a dune environment, particularly frontal dune sites. Foredune plants
must be able to survive being buried by blowing sand, sand blasting, salt spray, salt water flooding,
drought,heat, and low nutrient supply. Coastal plants colonizing the dunes are key players in trapping
windblown sand and preventing coastal erosion as the first defense against heavy winds and surge of
tropical storms.
Many plant species that occur on dune areas have developed specific attributes to help them survive these harsh
environments. These include high growth rates, dense root systems, low profiles, and high flower and seed
production rates. Species common on the beaches of the Clam Bay system include; Sea oats (Uniola
paniculata), Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), and Railroad vine(Ipomoea pes-caprae).
In addition to the 35-acre Clam Pass Beach Park, south of the Pass,beach habitat also extends north.
all the way to Wiggins Pass. There is approximately X50 4,760 linear feet of shoreline north of
Clam Pass to the south end of the Strand community and approximately 3,250 feet of shoreline south
of the Pass to the north edge of the Naples Cay community. Shorebirds feed on marine invertebrates
such as coquina clams and mole crabs at the water's edge and beaches are crucially important
habitat for nesting sea turtles.
This particular habitat has been monitored periodically in terms of width as part of the Collier County
Beach renourishment program though no conclusive statements can be made about the floral or faunal
details of the ecotone over the years. Large scale generalizations based on the annual aerial
photographs can be made that the overall size, composition, and health of the habitat have remained
relatively stable and, with the exception of the areas immediately adjacent to the Pass, are mostly
unaffected by the status of the Pass.
Beach habitat within NRPA Boundary
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FLUCFCS Code 322 -Coastal Scrub
Landward of the frontal (Beach) zone area is the back dune zone (also often called the shrub or scrub
zone), a portion of the dune that is more stable, has greater organic matter, and supports less salt
tolerant grasses and shrubs as well as some trees.
Many of the woody species found in coastal scrub are low growing and shrubby due to low nutrient
and droughty conditions of sandy soils. Additionally, high winds and salt spray often prune the
terminal buds of the trees and shrubs growing on the dunes and result in salt-pruned, windswept
canopies.
Coastal scrub is represented by a conglomeration of coastal species generally found in a narrow band
between the Mangrove forest and the beach areas. Species common on the beaches of the Clam Bay
system include; Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), Cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), Buttonwood
(Conocarpus erectus) and Spanish bayonet (Yucca aloifolia). This is an important habitat as it helps
anchor the back dune sands and provides habitat for several listed plant and animal species including
the gopher tortoise(Gopherus polyphemus).
This habitat has not been previously monitored as a part of the ongoing management of the system.
There are two main topics of concern in the coastal scrub, gopher tortoise habitat management and
exotic vegetation control.
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Scrub habitat within NRPA Boundary
FLUCFCS Code 428- Cabbage Palm Hammock
This forested zone is composed of the more protected dune vegetation farthest from the ocean. In the
case of Clam Bay this is represented by Cabbage Palm Hammock. This habitat is identified by the
preponderance of cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto). It is generally found in pockets located between
the mangrove forest and the coastal scrub or beach areas. Aside from the cabbage palms, sea grapes
(Coccoloba uvifera), buttonwood, and several other hammock species are common. A hammock is a
habitat that is densely shaded by a canopy of trees. Hammocks usually have a sparse groundcover that
leaves the forest floor mostly open for animals to travel through. Hammocks also provide a reprieve
from the sun for animals and humans alike. In Clam Bay, this habitat is also susceptible to infestation
by exotic vegetation such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper which are addressed further on in
this Section.
As the majority of monitoring efforts were devoted to the mangrove plots and submerged resources,
the historical changes related to the status of this habitat has not been documented. The historical
emphasis on the health of the Clam Bay ecosystem and the mangrove forest in particular resulted in
most monitoring efforts being placed on the indicators most affected by the Pass. The primary
management issue of this habitat is exotic control and preventing destructive visitor access.
Palm habitat within NRPA Boundary
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FLUCFCS Code 541—Bays open to the Ocean
The Clam Bay NRPA contains the three larger bays associated with Clam Pass (Outer, Inner, and
Upper) as well as the interconnecting waterways and small open water areas. Second in extent of
aerial coverage within the NRPA boundary, it is the bays and interconnections which serve as the life
blood of the estuary.
This open water habitat serves as the basis for many other communities. Seagrass beds, oyster bars,
clam beds,and other benthic communities can all be supported to varying degrees with the open waters
of the bays and interconnecting creeks. As outlined below, several of these communities are present
within the Clam Bay NRPA (WBID 3278Q1) and will be considered when deciding on
management activities outlined within this Plan
Multiple studies have indicated that the single most important thing that can be done to restore the
health of the Clam Bay ecosystem is to improve the total tidal flushing capacity of the system
(Tackney 1996; Lewis 1996; Wilson Miller, et al 1996; Turrell 1996.). The dredging conducted
within the Pass, and the interconnecting channels,and as well as the hand-dug flushing cuts has have
been seen as the major contributing factor to the restoration of the mangrove forest community within
the system. (Turrell 2008; Humiston & Moore 2003) Maintaining the flow of water through the
system will be a component of this Management Plan.
Tidal Passes
The Clam Bay ecosystem was originally part of a larger tidal system connected to the Gulf of
Mexico by three tidal inlets; Wiggins Pass, Clam Pass and Doctors Pass. During the 1950's and 60's
this system was isolated from adjacent bays by the construction of Seagate Drive to the south and the
construction of Vanderbilt Beach Road to the north. The practical effect was to leave Clam Pass as
Clam Bay's only connection to the Gulf. The exchange of seawater between Clam Bay and the Gulf
is critical to the ability of the mangrove forest to export organic matter, as well as excess salt and
freshwater. It also supplies oxygen rich water and nutrients from the Gulf. The greater the tidal
amplitude (or tidal prism)the greater the benefit to the mangroves—more needed resources are
delivered and more wastes are removed. Conversely, in the absence of surface water circulation or
tidal activity, mangroves slowly die due to deleterious changes in the sediment: 1) in the absence
of oxygenated water, the sediments become anaerobic or anoxic, and 2) metabolic wastes and
hydrogen sulfide accumulate in the anoxic sediment(CBRMP, 1998).
Tides in the Gulf of Mexico are mixed, with the norm being two high tides and two low tides
experienced per day and normal amplitude (range)of approximately 2 feet. The highest tides (springs)
are experienced twice per lunar month at full and new moons when the gravitational pull on the earth's
surface waters is greatest. Neap tides also occur twice per lunar month when the planetary
(gravitational)influences of earth,moon and sun are perpendicular.
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It can be seen that the health of mangrove forests is directly related to the efficiency of the tidal passes.
Clam Pass and its associated waterway is a very dynamic creek whose location has varied over time.
Because of this, it is susceptible to outside events and can periodically close, such as has happened at
least six times in the last 25 years (Turrell 1995; Tackney 1996).
The following aerial photographs show how the Pass and its waterway have changed over the past 60
years.
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Tidal creeks are passageways for fish and marine invertebrates between the open waters of the Gulf
and the protected embayments of Clam Bay. Manatees and turtles may also use the passes. Scouring
action of the fast flowing tide generally prevents colonization by seagrasses and other benthic plants
and the substrate is typically sand and shell with the finer sediments carried in suspension and
deposited just outside the mouth of the pass (the ebb shoal delta) or to the interior of the system on the
incoming(flood)tide.
Management concerns related to the bays and associated creeks include maintaining sufficient flow
through them to accomplish flushing needs of the system, stabilization of the pass without harming
other components of the NRPA, and educating recreational users of the NRPA of the need to protect
the shallow water habitats and the communities located therein.
Open Water habitat within NRPA Boundary
FLUCFCS Code 612 -Mangroves
•
Mangroves are salt tolerant trees that grow in tidal areas of the tropics and are legally protected for
their ecological value,with such functions as;
• Providing habitat for marine,find terrestrial,and avian wildlife.
• Protecting coastal areas from storm surges, tsunamis, and coastal erosion.
• Improving water quality by acting as a natural filter for land based polluted freshwater run-off.
• Forming the basis of an incredibly productive estuarine food chain which includes many
commercially valuable species.
• Enhancing the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing greenhouse gas.
Three species of mangrove are common in Florida as far north as Cedar Key and St. Augustine, where
cold winter temperatures limit their range. All have special biological adaptations to cope with salt
and unstable, mucky, low oxygen soils that result from the tidal, hence continually waterlogged,
environment. The dominance of mangroves in tidal areas is a function of these adaptations and their
ability to out-compete other wetland plants. Tidal flushing allows nutrients to be distributed within the
forest and provides for the transportation of dead leaves, twigs, etc. As this material decays, it
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becomes food for marine life. It is this mangrove detritus which is consumed by the many organisms
at the base of the food chain and which in turn create the next level of the food chain necessary to
support the fish populations that characterize the mangrove community. Associated plants include the
succulent groundcovers Saltwort (Balls maritime), Glasswort (Salicornia cervicornis), (especially
where a fallen tree provides a break in the canopy and light penetration to the forest floor) and, further
inland and closer to freshwater sources,the Leather fern(Acrostrichum danaefolia).
All three of the common species, red, black, and white mangroves are found within the Clam Bay
NRPA boundary.
Special attention has been given to the mangrove community in the past because of the die-off which
occurred between 1991 and 1997. The die-off affected black and red mangroves initially but
eventually ended up encompassing some white mangroves as well.
Dead red and black mangrove trunks in Clam bay NRPA
Unprecedented community involvement and support led to the creation of the first Clam Bay
Restoration and Management Plan. The implementation of that plan over a -1-2W 15 year span led to
the recovery of the die-off area. Restoration work accomplished under the Plan included three
dredging operations (1999, 2002, & 2007) as well as the installation of approximately 13 miles of
hand-dug flushing channels throughout the die-off and other stressed areas. More details on the recent
history of the mangrove management are provided in Appendix 1 included with this plan.
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Red Mangroves
Red mangroves(Rhizophora mangle)are recognized by their tangle of reddish looking prop roots,long
cigar shaped seedlings (the propagules which can be seen in the summer months) and their large,
pointed evergreen leaves. They are typically the most seaward of the three species with the prop roots
and vertical drop roots providing support, small pores on the trunks called lenticels allow oxygen
exchange via air as the waterlogged soils become rapidly oxygen depleted. Salt is excluded from the
plants cells through a process called ultra-filtration in the roots. The characteristic propagules
germinate on the parent tree and drop and float for up to a year, finally becoming heavier at one end so
that when encountering a suitable substrate they are ready to root upright. Good tidal flushing is
essential for healthy development of red mangroves, to prevent the build up of toxic metabolic waste
products in the mangrove soils. The mass of prop and drop roots forms extensive surface area under
water for attachment of sessile, filter feeding marine species (such as sponges, tunicates and mollusks)
as well as hiding places for juvenile fish. Birds, butterflies, insects and mammals fmd home and food
within the canopy.
Red Mangroves and Propagules(inset)
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Black Mangroves
Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) are typically found a little further inland and key
identification features include the snorkel like pneumatophores which radiate upwards out of the soil
from the base of the trunk, a grey-black rough bark and slightly pointed, oval leaves which are silvery
with salt deposits on the undersides. The pneumatophores play an important role in oxygen exchange
and unlike the red mangroves, which keeps salt out of body cells through filtration in the roots; the
black mangrove excretes salt out of the backside of the leaves. They are also reliant on adequate tidal
exchange but lack the supporting prop roots that typify the red mangrove. Small white flowers and
liana bean shaped propagules are apparent during the summer months. When these propagules fall
from the parent tree,they are able to float for a short period before rooting in the mucky soil.
Black Mangrove Pneumatophores
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White Mangroves
White mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa)are the third mangrove species and are often found further
inland than the other two species (although zonations described are typical they can frequently vary).
Since they often occur in drier areas,white mangroves do not exhibit the adaptations to soft, anaerobic
soil of the other species. The bark is characteristically grooved and furrowed and leaves are oval, mid-
green and leathery with two small glands on the petiole at the base of each leaf. White mangroves also
flower in the spring and early summer and the small seedlings have the shortest floating dispersal stage
of the three species. After the mangrove die-off, white mangroves were the initial colonizer of the
die-off areas. As time has progressed,red and black mangroves have moved into the areas and started
displacing the young whites. See the Mangrove Appendix for more history on the die-off and
subsequent recovery over the past 15 years.
White Mangrove leaves and fruit
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Buttonwood
Buttonwood (Conocatpus erectus) is considered a mangrove associate, usually occurring even further
inland than the white mangrove. Small, round, brown seeds give rise to the name. This is a hardy
species, able to withstand the full sun,high temperatures and salty conditions of coastal Florida. These
characteristics also make it an excellent and attractive landscaping plant. Buttonwoods are present
along the interface between the mangrove and palm hammock communities in Clam Bay.
Buttonwood leaves and fruit
The mangrove communities are composed of both riverine (along the creeks) and basin forest
components. The species composition of mangroves within these two community components is very
distinctive. Riverine mangrove areas are almost exclusively composed of red mangroves within the
Clam Bay NRPA while all three species, along with buttonwood are found in the forest component.
Riverine (Creeks)Mangroves
On the waterward edges of small islands and the tidal creeks, passes and estuarine waterways that
make up the Clam Bay system, a fringe of red mangroves will be found growing up to 25 feet in
height. This zone can be just one or two trees in depth or extend landward for some distance,
depending on topography. The habitat provided by the prop roots of these red mangroves is of great
importance to many fish and other aquatic organisms.
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Forests
The majority of the Clam Bay mangrove habitat is low-lying basin forest where the dominant
mangrove species varies between red, white, and black throughout the forest habitat. This forest
community was the habitat affected by the mangrove die-off. The hand dug flushing channels were
constructed throughout this community to increase the flushing capacity through tidal inundation.
Approximately 65% of the Clam Bay NRPA is composed of the three mangrove species.
Mangrove habitat within NRPA Boundary
FLUCFCS Code 642-Brackish Marsh
At the interface between forested mangrove areas and the water management berm are depressional
areas that have become colonized by aquatic freshwater plants such as cattails (Typha latifolia),
Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana), Bulrush (Scirpus californicus), Needlerush (Juncus romerianus)
and Leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium). Wildlife such as otters (Lutra canadiensis), alligators
(Alligator mississippiensis), various turtles, and wading birds can be commonly observed. These areas
require regular maintenance to prevent the spread of nuisance and exotic plant species and ensure
optimal functioning and interface between the natural mangrove forest and the development water
management system.
Marsh habitat within NRPA Boundary
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FLUCFCS Code 651 -Tidal Flats
Tidal flats are flat bottomed, sub- or intertidal habitats that lack an oyster or seagrass community and
are located inside the outer coastal margin. The two most significant environmental characteristics that
control a flat's infauna (benthic organisms that live within the substrate) and epifauna(benthic animals
that live on the surface of a substrate) are: the height of the substrate relative to mean sea level and the
sedimentary consistency of the substrate. The position relative to mean sea level dictates whether the
habitat is emergent (in air) for part of a tidal cycle or how deep below the water it is. This latter
characteristic controls other physical water quality measures, such as dissolved oxygen, the frequency
and duration of hypoxic events, and light penetration. Firnmess of the substrate affects the capacity to
support an epifauna by both supporting the organism on the substrate and permitting the burrowing of
the infauna.
The sand and mudflats of Clam Bay are rich feeding grounds for many species of fish and wading
birds. These organically rich sediments support a variety of mollusks, worms and invertebrates that
scavenge detritus or, in the case of many bivalve mollusks, extend siphons at high tide and filter vast
quantities of water. Birds such as a variety of herons, ibis, egrets and spoonbills pick through the
sediment for the invertebrate food sources.
The dredging of the Pass associated with the 1998 Restoration and Management Plan resulted in an
increase of exposed tidal flats within the southern portion of the system. Increased tidal range
resulting from the dredging allowed more area to be periodically exposed during the tidal cycle. Some
of the area that had supported seagrasses prior to the dredging work were converted into the tidal flats
by the increased range and reduced phase lag. Management concerns related to the tidal flats include
the templates established for the dredging, the resultant currents that could be expected as a result of
dredging, and the frequency of disturbance.
Tidal Flat habitat within NRPA Boundary
FLUCFCS Code 911 -Seagrass Beds
Seagrasses are flowering marine plants of shallow, tropical regions. With a creeping growth form
connected by horizontal rhizomes they serve to trap and anchor sediment,clarify water, and
remove land based dissolved nutrients. Both The grass blades
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themselves and the surface area they represent provide food and nttachinent shelter for marine
species. Adid Seagrass beds are renowned for their value as nursery habitats, and are legally protected.
Shoal grass(Halodule beaudettei)along interior channel south of Clam Pass
Several areas within the Clam Bay system host seagrass beds, specifically Outer Clam Bay and
waterways just inside Clam Pass. Three species are commonly found in these Clam Bay waters; the
largest Turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) with flat strap shaped leaves, the smaller shoal grass
(Halodule beaudettei (fka wrightii)) with narrow, flat blades and Paddle grass (Halphila decepiens)
with the smallest,paddle shaped leaves. Shoal grass is by far the most common though a small area of
turtle grass has persisted since the original 1998 dredging. Paddle grass is much more ephemeral in
nature and diligence is required to be able to locate it during the time frames when it is present.
Insert photos of Turtle grass, and Paddle grass
Seagrasses rely on good light penetration to enable photosynthesis and are sensitive to reduced tidal
water quality. Growing in shallow regions they are also vulnerable to physical damage by boats. A
variety of marine algae can be associated with grass species, differing in the lack of a true rooting and
vascular system. Several species of both brown and green alga have been observed.
Seagrass coverage in Clam Bay has varied over time but has always been found predominately in
Outer Clam Bay and the waterway between this bay and the Pass. A 1994 Collier County report
estimated seagrass coverage at approximately 10 acres. Pre-dredge surveys conducted in 1999
estimated coverage at about 5.13 acres. Annual monitoring of seagrass beds along the monitoring
transects have estimated coverage from a low of approximately 1.2 acres in 2003 to the current
estimate of 2.85 acres from the 2013 survey. It should be noted that the coverage estimates are taken
from along the survey transects only and do not account for other scattered grasses that may be located
elsewhere in the system.
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Management concerns related to seagrasses include direct impacts due to recreational use and potential
dredging templates, turbidity and water quality concerns related to flushing and stormwater inputs,
algal infestations due to nutrient increases or flushing decreases.
A history of the seagrass monitoring efforts in Clam Bay is included in the Appendix 2 attached to this
report.
Seagrass habitat within NRPA Boundary
Other Benthic Habitats
Oyster Bars
Oysters (Croassostrea americana) are filter-feeding bivalves, which were once common within the
tidal creeks of Clam Bay (Humm and Rehm 1972). Oysters play a significant role in shaping the
environment in which they live by forming a hard structure upon which an intricate biological
community is built. Similar to coral reefs, oyster reefs are `biogenic' (formed by the accumulation of
colonial animals) and provide structure and surface area for numerous other temporary and permanent
species.
Providing complex habitat structure is the most fundamental of ecosystem services that oysters
provide. The structure provides a place for algae and non-mobile invertebrates to attach, as well as a
place for mobile invertebrates and fishes to be protected from predators. Although the relationships
between sportfish and oyster habitats are not as well studied as in other estuarine habitats such as
seagrass beds,they are considered essential fish habitat.
The numerous ecosystem services provided by oysters can be summarized into three general
categories: habitat provision, water quality improvement, and shoreline stabilization. Oyster reefs
provide habitat to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The role of oyster habitat to the estuarine food
chain is highly significant, as discussed in the previous paragraph. Through their feeding process
oysters filter large quantities of water which transfers energy and material from the water column to
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the benthic community, subsequently reducing turbidity and water column nutrients. Through bio-
deposition, nutrients are made available to the flora and fauna which comprise the complex oyster bar
food web. Additionally, oyster reefs stabilize sediments, shorelines and adjacent habitats by buffering
wave energy, further aiding water quality.
Deteriorating conditions related to closure of Clam Pass is thought to have resulted in the
disappearance of oyster bars in the system; though some re-occurrence has been observed to the south
of the Pass in the last few years during seagrass transect monitoring. Oysters have been documented
around the perimeter of Outer Clam Bay in past years monitoring efforts.
A 2011 benthic habitat assessment conducted by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida found living
oyster clusters in the upper reaches of Upper Clam Bay (a single cluster), in the tributary between
Outer and Inner Clam Bays (a single cluster), and throughout the shoreline of Outer Clam Bay.
Management concerns related to oyster growth are similar to the seagrass concerns, namely protection
from recreation users, water quality,and flushing.
Other bivalve mollusks
In addition to oysters,the 2011 benthic habitat assessment conducted by the Conservancy of Southwest
Florida also found two other bivalves within the Clam Bay system. The pointed Venus clam
(Anomalocardia auberiana) and the stout razor clam (Tagelus plebeius) were both observed. Turrell,
Hall and Associates benthic surveys found several beds of southern hard clams (Mercenaria
campechiensis)also present within the system.
These mollusks are generally found within the shoal and tidal flat areas of the system and could be
susceptible to impact during dredging or other disturbance operations. Management concerns would
be protection from recreational users,water quality, flushing, and dredging.
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Hardbottom Communities
Another important marine habitat marginally associated with the estuarine system is the hardbottom
reef community found just seaward of Clam Pass. In about 10-15 feet of water a variety of sponges,
stony corals, gorgonians, fish and associated invertebrates can be found within a system of rocks and
ledges. Outcroppings of similar habitat type occur along the length of Collier County and are a little
known resource of regional significance.
Hardbottom outcrop off of Clam Pass
Collier County has mapped this resource through side scan sonar surveys in 2005 and 2009 as part of
its beach renourishment project.The information received from the County shows that the landward
edge of this habitat is located approximately 250 to 300 feet offshore from the Pass.
Management concerns related to this habitat include recreation use and potential turbidity impacts
resulting from dredging or other management activities within the Clam Bay NRPA.
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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 other appropriate native species. 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(i.e.,non-native or exotic species)are those that have
been introduced purposefully or accidentally 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 that 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 exotic species documented within the NRPA and those that have
a potential to occur within the NRPA are discussed in the following section.
Invasive and Problem Plant Species
The Florida Exotic Pest Plan Council(FLEPPC)maintains a list of exotic plans 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, 9 non-indigenous plant species have been detected within the Clam Bay NRPA which are listed
by FLEPPC as Category I exotics. FLEPPC defines Category I plants as those that alter native plant
communities by displacing native species,change community structures or ecological functions, or
hybridize with natives. Category II plants have increase 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 rather on the documented
ecological damage caused by these plants(FLEPPC 2007). One of the objectives of the Clam Bay
NRPA Management Plan will be to maintain the lands free of both Category I and II exotic plants.
FLEPPC Category I plants observed within the Clam Bay NRPA boundary:
- Brazilian Pepper(Schinus terrebinthifolius)
- Melaleuca(Melaleuca quinquenervia)
- Australian Pine(Casuarina equisetifolia)
- Beach Naupaka(Scaevola taccada)
- Earleaf Acacia(Acacia auriculiformis)
- Shoebutton Ardisia(Ardisia elliptica)
- Air Potato(Dioscorea bulbifera)
- Lantana(Lantana camara)
- Old World Climbing Fern(Lygodium microphyllum)
Methodology outlining the management activities that will be used to treat exotics is found in Chapter
6 of this Plan.
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LISTED SPECIES
Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata)
A juvenile smalltooth sawfish was observed in 2008 in the connector creek between Inner and Outer
Clam Bays. Smalltooth sawfish are found in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean. In the
western Atlantic they have historically ranged from New York to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico
and Caribbean Sea. Habitat destruction and overfishing have succeeded in eradicating the smalltooth
sawfish from the majority of its former range. Consequently, it survives in small pockets throughout its
current range. The last remaining population in U.S. waters is off south Florida, a small remnant of a
population that once ranged from New York to Texas.
This sawfish primarily occurs in estuarine and coastal habitats such as bays, lagoons, and rivers. It
does at times occur in deeper waters, however, and may make crossings to offshore islands. It can
tolerate freshwater. This fish is easily recognized by its flattened body and wing-like pectoral fins. The
mouth is located ventrally, the eyes are positioned dorsally. The "saw" is approximately 25% of the
body's total length. It is widest at the base,with teeth more broad than long, and spaced apart. The tips
of the teeth are sharp, becoming blunt over time. Dorsally, it is brownish or bluish gray body with a
white underside. The maximum length recorded is 24.7 feet (7.6 m); however, a length of 18 feet(5.5
m) is considered average. The average lifespan for the smalltooth sawfish is unknown.
On April 1, 2003 the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service placed the smalltooth sawfish on the
Endangered Species List, making it the first marine fish species to receive protection under the
Endangered Species Act. Florida has also designated critical habitat areas to further protect its habitat.
Mangrove Rivulus (Rivulus marmoratus)
This small fish has not been identified within the Clam Bay ecosystem in previous surveys or field
work but the mangrove habitat is appropriate and they could be present in the upper reaches of the
mangrove forest. The mangrove rivulus is primarily a saltwater or brackish water species, with
limited occurrence in freshwater. Within the Everglades and along Florida's west coast, this fish
occurs in stagnant, seasonal ponds and sloughs as well as in mosquito ditches within mangrove
habitats. The mangrove rivulus is able to survive in moist detritus without water for up to 60 days
during periods of drought, anaerobic, or high sulfide conditions.
This fish can reach a maximum size of 2 inches (5 cm) in length, however it is more commonly
observed at lengths between 0.4-1.5 inches (1.0-3.8 cm). The head and body are maroon to dark
brown or tan, with small dark spots and speckling on the body, particularly the sides. The dorsal
surface is always darker than the creamy ventral surface. The color of the body is reflective of the
habitat, with light coloration in areas of light colored sediments and darker coloration in environments
with dark leaf litter substrates. A large dark spot surrounded by a band of yellow is located at the upper
base of the caudal fin in hermaphroditic individuals. Males lack this dark spot and have a red-orange
cast to their flanks and fins.
The mangrove rivulus was once listed as a threatened species in the Gulf of Mexico. However,recently
additional surveys have revealed the existence of numerous populations. In Florida it has been
downlisted to a species of special concern. In 1999, it was submitted by the National Marine Fisheries
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Service as a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act. As of yet, it has not been
officially listed as endangered or threatened.
The main threat to the survival of the mangrove rivulus is habitat degradation and destruction as well
as exposure to pollutants. Disturbances that alter salinity and temperature as well as vegetation cover
may also reduce naturally occurring populations.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle(Caretta caretta)
Loggerhead sea turtles have been documented nesting on beaches within the Clam Bay NRPA.
Loggerheads are circumglobal, occurring throughout the temperate and tropical regions of the Atlantic,
Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are the most abundant species of sea turtle found in U.S. coastal
waters. In the Atlantic, the loggerhead turtle's range extends from Newfoundland to as far south as
Argentina.
During the summer, nesting occurs primarily in the subtropics. Although the major nesting
concentrations in the U.S. are found from North Carolina through southwest Florida, minimal nesting
occurs outside of this range westward to Texas and northward to Virginia. Adult loggerheads are
known to make extensive migrations between foraging areas and nesting beaches. During non-nesting
years, adult females from U.S.beaches are distributed in waters off the eastern U.S. and throughout the
Gulf of Mexico,Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and Yucatan.
Loggerheads were named for their relatively large heads, which support powerful jaws and enable
them to feed on hard-shelled prey, such as whelks and conch. The top shell(carapace)is slightly heart-
shaped and reddish-brown in adults and sub-adults,while the bottom shell (plastron)is generally a pale
yellowish color. The neck and flippers are usually dull brown to reddish brown on top and medium to
pale yellow on the sides and bottom.
In the southeastern U.S., mating occurs in late March to early June and females lay eggs between late
April and early September. Females lay three to five nests, and sometimes more, during a single
nesting season. The eggs incubate approximately two months before hatching sometime between late
June and mid-November.
Loggerheads occupy three different ecosystems during their lives: beaches (terrestrial zone), water
(oceanic zone),and nearshore coastal areas("neritic" zone). Because of this,NOAA Fisheries and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)have joint jurisdiction for marine turtles, with NOAA having
the lead in the marine environment and USFWS having the lead on the nesting beaches.
The loggerhead turtle was first listed under the Endangered Species Act as threatened throughout its
range on July 28, 1978. In September 2011,NMFS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed 9 Distinct
Population Segments of loggerhead sea turtles under the ESA. The population in our Northeast
Atlantic Ocean Segment is listed as endangered. The agencies are currently proposing Critical Habitat
designations on several areas which contain a combination of nearshore reproductive habitat, winter
area,breeding areas, and migratory corridors. The Clam Bay NRPA is contained within the LOGG-N-
27 segment of this proposed critical habitat area.
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Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
Gopher tortoises and their burrows are found along the coastal strand portions of the Clam Bay NRPA.
The range of the tortoise includes southern portions or Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana,
Mississippi,and Georgia as well as most of Florida.
Gopher tortoises are one of the few species of tortoise that dig burrows. These burrows can be up to ten
feet deep and 40 feet long, and are as wide as the length of the tortoise that made it. In addition to
providing the tortoise a home, it has been documented that as many as 350 other species also use the
burrows including the indigo snake,Florida mouse, gopher frog and burrowing owl.
Gopher tortoises can live 40 to 60 years in the wild and average 9 to 11 inches in length. These
tortoises are superb earth-movers, living in long burrows from 5 to 45 feet long and up to 10 feet deep
that offer refuge from cold, heat, drought, forest fires and predators. The burrows maintain a fairly
constant temperature and humidity throughout the year and protect the gopher tortoise and other
species from temperature extremes, drying out, and predators. The mating season generally runs from
April through June and gestation for the eggs is between 80 and 100 days.
The shell or"carapace" of the gopher tortoise is mostly brownish gray and the underside of the shell, or
"plastron," is yellowish tan. Their front legs are shovel-like which helps them when digging their
burrows.
The gopher tortoise has been regulated in Florida since 1972 and has been fully protected since 1988.
Despite the afforded protection, gopher tortoise populations throughout the state have declined. As a
response to the continuing decline of the species, a new management plan was drafted and approved in
September 2007 as a precursor to reclassifying the gopher tortoise from a "species of special concern"
to a "threatened species." The threatened status was approved and went into effect on November 8,
2007.
West Indian Manatee
Manatees have been sighted on numerous occasions within the Clam Bay NRPA boundaries. Manatees
can be found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals, and coastal areas —
particularly where seagrass beds or freshwater vegetation flourish. Manatees are a migratory species.
Within the United States, they are concentrated in Florida in the winter. In summer months, they can
be found as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, but summer sightings in Alabama,
Georgia and South Carolina are more common.
Manatees are large, gray aquatic mammals with bodies that taper to a flat, paddle-shaped tail. They
have two forelimbs, called flippers,with three to four nails on each flipper. The average adult manatee
is about 10 feet long and weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds. They eat a large variety of
submerged, emergent, and floating plants and can consume 10-15% of their body weight in vegetation
daily. Because they are mammals, they must surface to breathe air. They rest just below the surface of
the water, coming up to breathe on an average of every three to five minutes. It is believed that one
calf is born every two to five years, and twins are rare. The gestation period is about a year. Mothers
nurse their young for one to two years, during which time a calf remains dependent on its mother.
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Protections for Florida manatees were first enacted in 1893. Today, they are protected by the Florida
Manatee Sanctuary Act and are federally protected by both the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the
Endangered Species Act.
PLANT SPECIES-List to be added based on FLUCFCS Mapping
ANIMAL SPECIES
The following lists of species have been observed within the Clam Bay NRPA and the adjacent Pelican
Bay development areas. These lists are not all inclusive but represent a wide array of the species found
within and adjacent to the Clam Bay NRPA habitats.
Aquatic Invertebrates—Add from Conservancy Report
HYDROLOGY
The most critical factor for mangrove maintenance in the Clam Bay NRPA is the hydrological regime,
sometimes referred to as the surface water or surficial hydrology. This is because the surficial
hydrology has both horizontal and vertical components and provides key ecological functions to the
mangrove forest. (Lewis,pers. comm. 2008)
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With respect to the horizontal component, incoming water (both tidal and surface water run-off) into a
mangrove wetland brings with it nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and marginally lower salt concentrations.
Conversely, the outgoing water leaving a mangrove wetland (through tidal exchange) removes
metabolic waste products (e.g., carbon dioxide and toxic sulfides) and excess salt. The vertical
component refers to incoming water that percolates down into the sediment and root zone, and the
sediment drainage, on a falling tide,which removes metabolic wastes and excess salt.
It is the inflow and outflow of sea water that is critical to the ability of the mangrove forest to manage
these two ecological functions and as such dissipate salts, organic matter and freshwater. It follows
that anything that affects the system and alters the ability of the system to perform these functions,
will, in most instances, cause stress to the system and, at some point in time, result in the death of the
system, or portions of it.
The Clam Bay system was originally part of a larger tidal system connected to the Gulf of Mexico by
three tidal inlets; Wiggins Pass, Clam Pass and Doctors Pass. (Turrell 1996). During the 1950's this
system was isolated from adjacent bays by the construction of Seagate Drive to the south and the
construction of Vanderbilt Beach Road to the north. The practical effect was to leave Clam Pass as
Clam Bay's only connection to the Gulf.
In 1976 culverts were placed under Seagate Drive to provide some exchange from between
Venetian Bay (a residential seawall bay cy;.;tcm) and Outer Clam Bay to improve water quality in
the Doctors Pass area system. One-way(to the north) valves were placed on the pipes in 1999 but
after the initial dredging event of the CBRMP, there was not enough head differential to operate
the valves and they ended up acting as plugs instead. In October, 2002 these valves were removed to
promote more water exchange. in this southern portion of the system. Hydrologic studies
done by Tackney&Associates, Humiston and Moore,and PBSJ/Atkins, show that the volume of water
exchanged at the culverts during a tidal cycle is over 80%of water flows from Outer Clam Bay into
Venetian/Moorings Bay, and less than 20%from Venetian/Moorings Bay into Outer Clam Bay.
Dewatering and decreasing of the tidal prism of Clam Bay which increases the instability of Clam Pass
is a concern.
Hydrologic studies indicate that the tidal flushing capacity of Clam Bay prior to the restoration
dredging was limited and almost insignificant in Upper Clam Bay. The preliminary hydrographic
assessment of the Clam Bay system prepared by Tackney & Associates, Inc. (August 1996)
demonstrated rather dramatically that there was a significant reduction in tidal range between the
middle boardwalk and Inner Clam Bay. Tackney described the flow in that area as "measurably
reduced" and "very inefficient". This connecting tidal creek is the key conduit for tidal input and
outflow to the northern reaches of the Clam Bay system. And its constriction and the ancillary
constriction of tributaries connection to it, impact the quantity and quality of the flushing that can
occur in Inner and Upper Clam Bay.
As noted earlier, it is the daily rise and fall of the tide and the exchange of seawater between Clam Bay
and the Gulf that are critical to the ability of the mangrove forest to export both organic matter, and
excess salt and freshwater as well as receive oxygen rich water and nutrients. The greater the tidal
amplitude (or tidal prism) the greater the benefit to the mangroves — more needed resources are
delivered and more wastes are removed. Conversely, in the absence of surface water circulation or
tidal activity, mangroves can become stressed and, in certain instances, rapidly die due to deleterious
changes in the sediment or water levels. The consequence is that the root systems wither and
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Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
eventually the whole tree dies. Note that the tidal exchange mechanism that is critical to the health of
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January 3,2014
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the mangrove forest was, within this ecosystem, seriously constrained. (Turrell 1995). Another key
aspect of the surficial hydrology is the vertical location of the water level elevation relative to the
mangrove sediment elevation. Specifically, the mean low water(tide) elevation has to be sufficiently
lower than the mangrove sediment elevation in order for mangrove sediments to drain during low tide.
A persistent high surface water elevation stops sediment drainage and results in anoxic sediment and
the accumulation of toxic waste products.
It should be observed that the black mangrove forest does not require the kind of intense flushing that
is more typical of the red mangrove systems in order to maximize its productivity. However, the total
absence of meaningful exchange was certainly a contributor to the significant degradation of the
mangrove system within Clam Bay. (Tackney 1996; Lewis pers. comm. 2008).
In this context Tackney observed that even in the absence of rainfall, the average water surface
elevations for the inner and upper bays were higher than the average surface elevation for the Gulf.
Analysis of the tidal data indicated that average water surface elevations in the Inner and Upper Clam
Bays were both elevated above the average Gulf water surface elevation by approximately 0.2 feet.
This indicated that the tidal range in Inner and Upper Clam Bays was muted and that the system was
receiving significant additional water through runoff and restricted capacity to drain additional inflow.
In fact, during portions of the Tackney study no tidal fluctuation was noted in the Upper Clam Bay and
only marginal tidal effects were observed in Inner Clam Bay.
The reduced tidal ranges were also accompanied by relatively large phase lags. The phase lag is the
average time delay measured in hours and minutes between the occurrence of slack(high or low)water
in the Gulf of Mexico and the measurement stations. It is affected by both the distance between
measurement stations and the amount and quality of hydraulic resistance of the connecting channel.
The longer the distance and the higher the resistance,the more pronounced one would expect the phase
lag to be. In the upper bays, high and low waters generally occurred over three hours later than the
Gulf tides.
These conditions indicate that the tidal creeks connecting the interior bays are hydraulically very
inefficient. As a result, the upper bays are prone towards extended periods of flooding as a result of
freshwater runoff and the inability of the system to drain efficiently. During Tackney's field studies of
May 1996,rainfall of approximately 4 inches in three days was adequate to flood the Upper Clam Bay
above high tide levels and sustain this flooded condition for over two days. Accordingly,he concluded
that the creeks and bays that serve to connect the Inner and Upper Bays were significantly less efficient
in the ebb tide stage than they were in the flood stage. Studies undertaken by both Lewis
Environmental Services, Inc. and Turrell & Associates, Inc. would support this conclusion. (Turrell
1995).
Finally, an additional attribute of the system that is directly related to tidal prism and the quantity of
inflow and outflow is the question of inlet stability. Inlet stability refers to a tidal inlet's capacity to
adequately scour out deposited sediments and prevent inlet closure. For a given wave environment,
inlet stability is governed primarily by the volume of water (tidal prism) carried by the inlet. To
remain stable, an inlet must have the characteristic that a temporary constriction in cross sectional area
produces an increase in current velocities adequate to scour out the constriction. To function without
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mechanical intervention,the system must generate sufficient volume eff of water on the ebb tide to
scour out the inlet naturally, otherwise the inlet will, over time, continue to close. This is
particularly true during periods of high wave activity and low tidal ranges. (Turrell 1995; Tackney
1996). The six closures of Clam Pass that have occurred in the past twenty-five years indicate that
stability of Clam Pass is marginal. (Turrell 1995; Tackney 1996,Hummiston 2010).
Freshwater Component
Under predevelopment conditions, much of the area's rainfall was held on the surface of the land in
sloughs and other low areas. This water would either slowly filter through the soil to recharge the
shallow aquifer or move through the mangrove community to the bay. Less than ten inches of the
approximately 53 inch average rainfall is estimated to have been lost from the uplands east of Clam
Bay as surface runoff. The storage capabilities of the land thus moderated surface flows, preventing
extremely high flow rates during the rainy season and serving to maintain surface flow and
groundwater flow during the dry season. (FDER 1981).
In 1977 the Pelican Bay Planned Unit Development was established by Westinghouse Communities,
Inc. The development contains a mixture of residential, retail, commercial and recreational facilities
and lies east of Clam Bay. As a condition of development, Clam Bay, the area that lies west of the
Pelican Bay and consists of approximately 530 acres of mixed mangrove forest and wetlands was
designated as the Pelican Bay Clam Bay Conservation Area. As such, it was designated for
conservation but with limited recreational access. This area was eventually given to Collier County
and is currently classified as a Natural Resource Protection Area(NRPA)and is the subject of this
Management Plan.
The development of Pelican Bay had limited fill impact to the Clam Bay ecosystem, but it did modify
the pattern of freshwater entering the Clam Bay system. (Wilson, Miller et.al. 1996). The
stormwater management system as designed, permitted and implemented at Pelican Bay employs
a series of detention ponds, swales and culverts to regulate the discharge of run-off into Clam
Bay. Discharge occurs almost continuously along the eastern perimeter of the conservation area.
Run-off from the northern end of Pelican Bay is collected and discharged into Upper Clam Bay.
Irrigation water for 27 holes of golf and landscaping in Pelican Bay is approximately 3.0 MGD which
approximates 26 to 28 inches per year of additional rainfall equivalent, (Wilson, Miller et.al., 1996).
When added to the average rainfall for South Florida of approximately 53 inches per year,the local
area has an effective rainfall of approximately 80 inches plus annually. This is significant,
particularly when viewed in the context of predictable stone events that have the potential for altering
the amount of average rainfall entering the Clam Bay ecosystem.
The "Pelican Bay Water Management System — Stormwater Detention Volume and Water Budget
Analysis" (Wilson, Miller, Barton & Peek, Inc. April, 1996) describes the water management system
as being divided into six watersheds or drainage systems. Rainfall, including irrigation, reaches the
ground and either seeps into the ground or runs off to a stormwater detention area within each system.
The stormwater detention plan for Pelican Bay has a standard, permitted design capacity to hold the
first inch of stormwater during a 25-year storm event. The stormwater is detained for flood protection
and water quality treatment. Stormwater discharge is controlled by a series of weirs designed such that
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Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
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the post-development stormwater run-off rate does not exceed pre-development rates. Stated
differently,the system is designed to discharge stormwater in the development portion of Pelican Bay
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January 3,2014
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in the same manner that it discharged stormwater prior to development. The stonnwater discharge
exits the weir system for a final release into Clam Bay.
Stormwater runoff from an additional 130 acres of watersheds, outside of Pelican Bay, contributes an
additional and significant volume of discharge to Clam Bay. This water represents 7.9% of the total
stormwater discharge to Clam Bay.
As the area of Pelican Bay to the east has undergone development, it has increased the impervious
surface area, with a concomitant increase in surface runoff, which is eventually discharged to Clam
Bay. The daily irrigation water volume enhances the saturation of the uplands which reduces their
ability to accommodate rainfall volume,thus effectively increasing surface and groundwater discharge.
Groundwater discharge can be commonly observed throughout the eastern side of Clam Bay and is
discernable as a very slight sheet flow. Where this water encounters a discharge system, even one that
is not operating at peak efficiency, such as Outer Clam Bay, excess water is effectively removed from
the system. However, in the northern section, sheet flow was not efficiently removed due to lack of
flow through the forest. Thus, it accumulated, increasing soil saturation and raising the mean water
table elevation, and apparently overwhelming the black mangrove's anaerobic soil/gas exchange
mechanisms. Mangroves in these areas became stressed and died.
WATER QUALITY
During the initial environmental permitting of Pelican Bay, the agencies required water quality testing
within the Pelican Bay subdivision and the Clam Bay estuary to help evaluate the impact of
development on Clam Bay. The water quality-testing program was first implemented by Pelican Bay
Improvement District (PBID) starting in the early 1980's. In 1991 1990, PBID became the Pelican
Bay Services Division (PBSD), a dependent Division of Collier County. PBSD continued the
testing program after 1990. PBSD is currently the responsible entity for the testing program.
The water quality testing is performed at several sample points within Pelican Bay and Clam Bay. The
sample point locations are shown on the exhibit below. There are currently nine sampling locations
within Pelican Bay and Clam Bay. Sample points W-7, W-6, W-1, North Seagate, and Upper Clam
Bay (UCB) are within Clam Bay, which are categorized as Class II waters by the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection(FDEP). The remaining five sampling points are PB-13, E PB-13, PB-11,
Glenview, and St. Lucia, are located in the stormwater treatment portion of the property (Class III
waters)within Pelican Bay.
Water quality sampling is conducted within the Clam Bay ecosystem on a monthly basis. The samples
are collected by PBSD staff and transported to the Collier County Pollution Control laboratory for
processing. Parameters sampled and collected, include;
• Field pH
• Field Temperature
• Field Salinity
• Field D.O.
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• Ammonia
• Carbon-Total Organic
• Chlorophyll a
• Copper* (added to the parameter suite in 2013)
• Nitrate-Nitrite(N)
• Nitrite(N)
• Nitrogen-Total Kjeldahl
• Orthophosphate(0PO4)
• Pheophytin
• Phosphorus-Total
• Residues-Filterable(TDS)
• Silica(Si02)
Sampling Locations
Water quality sampling results of nutrient loading seem to indicate that the development stormwater
management system is doing its job. No evidence of nutrient loading has been observed within the
Class II waters though several spikes and elevated nutrient(N and P)levels have been observed from
the testing locations along the berm. It is believed that the spikes observed are correlated with
fertilizer application within the community.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection(FDEP)conducted water quality sampling within
the Clam Bay NRPA in 2012. Based on their sample results,FDEP had made an initial determination
that Clam Bay could be impaired for both Dissolved Oxygen and Copper. Subsequent coordination
between FDEP,PBSD,the Pelican Bay Foundation, and involved consultants,FDEP made a
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January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
determination that the oxygen levels in Clam Bay were natural and the system was not listed as
impaired for DO.
FDEP did determine that the system was impaired for copper and was placing the system on the
Everglades West Coast verified list for copper with a medium TMDL priority(5 to 10 years for TMDL
development). Subsequent copper testing undertaken by PBSD has also shown periodic elevated
levels of copper within the Clam Bay Class II waters.
FDEP acknowledged that the Pelican Bay community was working on an upland stormwater and
nutrient management program that was designed to reduce nutrient and copper inputs into the
stormwater system. Once completed,this program can be given to FDEP for review and if satisfied
with the anticipated reduction of copper resulting from the implementation of the plan,the system
could be removed from the impaired list. While the upland nutrient management plan is not part of
this NRPA Management Plan,PBSD will work closely with the Pelican Bay Foundation to coordinate
and share information, and to integrate management decisions and activities into this Plan where
appropriate.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The Florida Division of Historical Resources Master Site File lists three known archaeological sites
within the Clam Bay NRPA boundary. All three are located within the mangrove forest habitat. Two
of the sites (CR476 and CR547)are located north of the Pass and south of Inner Clam Bay. The third
site(CR576) is located south of the Pass and north of the Clam Pass Park boardwalk.
Site CR476 is identified as a prehistoric campsite and shell midden possibly supporting the use of
several cultures dating from 8500 B.C. to A.D. 1700.
Sites CR547 and CR576 are identified as shell middens which were in use between 1000 B.C. and
A.D. 1700.
All three of the sites are within the mangrove forest and outside of the footprint of any previous or
future anticipated dredging activities.
Management concerns related to the archaeological resources include protection from vandals/looters
and protection from exotic species infestation.
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January 3,2014
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Archaeological sites within the NRPA Boundary
INLET DYNAMICS—To be added from Engineer's report(s)
RECREATIONAL USE
Clam Bay's dense forest of mangroves significantly limits walking in the preserve. Most walkers
seeking to enjoy the rich natural environment of Clam Bay use the three boardwalks that cross the
preserve and provide access to the beach. Members of Pelican Bay's homeowners association use the
northern and middle boardwalks. The southern most boardwalk is open to the public and accessed
from the parking lot at the south end of the system.Trams are used on all three boardwalks to transport
those choosing not to walk on the boardwalk to the beach.
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January 3,2014
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Kayaks and canoes are used by those wanting to enjoy the natural setting and serenity of Clam Bay's
waterways.There is a public launching area adjacent to the parking lot at the south end of the bay, and
there is also a private launch for Pelican Bay residents on the northern boardwalk. The canoe/kayak
trail is clearly designated by canoe trail markers from Outer Clam Bay to Upper Clam Bay.
Fishing and swimming are also popular pastimes.Fishing can be done from the boardwalks and canoes
or by wading into the water. Swimming is usually confined to the beach areas,but some swimmers and
waders, if conditions permit,venture into Clam Pass.
The operation of motorized watercraft in Clam Bay is restricted by Collier County Ordinance 96-16
that requires vessels with motors to travel at Idle Speed with No Wake throughout the Clam Bay
ecosystem. The relatively shallow waterways of the system, in conjunction with the boardwalk
heights, limit the size and drafts of motorized watercraft. The residents of the Seagate neighborhood
immediately south of Outer Clam Bay have historically utilized motorized watercraft in Clam Bay but
this use is still subject to the County ordinance. Violation of the Ordinance is a civil infraction for
which a fine may be levied.
Occasionally,motorized vessels, including jet-skis or other personal watercraft,have been reported to
be in violation of the Ordinance. Efforts to identify and report violators will continue to insure that
Clam Bay is not only a safe place for all its users,but that its unique environment is protected. In the
future should any adverse effects on Clam Bay's natural resources or water quality be found to be
related to motorized watercraft, additional management options will be explored to ameliorate these
adverse effects.
The safety and enjoyment of all Clam Bay users and the preservation of the Clam Bay NRPA,with
no adverse impact due to the use of motorized vessels including jet skis and other personal
watercrafts, are core goals of the Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan.
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January 3,2014
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5.0 Authorized Construction Activities
List of permits for work undertaken to date and relevant legal framework
Eighteen years ago, Collier County processed a permit to dredge limited areas of Clam Pass to
facilitate the movement of tidal water in and out of Clam Bay. The FDEP permit for this activity was
issued on March 28, 1996 with the companion USACOE permit being issued on April 2, 1996. The
FDEP permit was modified on April 10, 1996 with the authorized work being undertaken and
completed on April 4.7 17, 1996. The practical effect of implementing this Permit was to reopen
the Pass,but it was clear that without a more comprehensive strategy,this effort, standing alone, would
not revitalize the Clam Bay ecosystem.
A permit to improve the channel flow within defined areas of the Clam Bay ecosystem by a
combination of blasting and hand excavation was issued on June 26, 1996. The work was undertaken
and completed in two segments. The first channels were opened in August 1996 and the second
channels were opened in November 1996. The results of these two initiatives were positive in that
measurable improvements in tidal flow were discernible and with that have come improved
conditions for natural re-vegetation.
A permit was issued on January 5, 1997 to construct a portable pump and pipe system as an interim
measure to divert freshwater within the Clam Bay ecosystem to the Gulf while a more permanent
solution contemplated by the construction of an outfall structure was reviewed. Although this plan
was never implemented and is no longer considered, it envisioned two pumps that would be
operational when the water surface elevation within Clam Bay exceeded a specified threshold. The
plan anticipated the direct discharge of excess water into the Gulf with the expectation that this
system would augment the natural discharge through the tidal mechanism after severe storm events.
Subsequently, Collier County authorized the pursuit of a ten-year permit to allow the County, or its
designee (which in this case was the Pelican Bay Services Division), to maintain Clam Pass in an open
condition. The application, as filed, did not address any other issues affecting the operational
characteristics of Clam Bay and essentially mirrored the 1996 Permit described in the first paragraph
above. Agency comments and concerns which arose as part of the permit review led to the creation of
the 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan. The Plan addressed agency concerns at the
time and included provisions for adding o n e-w ay flap gates to the Seagate culverts, dredging
within three sections of the creek north of Clam Pass, a network of hand-dug channels throughout the
forest area, in addition to the dredging of the Pass. This permit was issued in 1998 and the
Management Plan created in support of the permit has been the guiding document for the maintenance
activities undertaken in the Clam Bay ecosystem since then.
It is anticipated that DEP and U S ACOE 10-year permits will be sought in conjunction with this
new Management Plan. The permits will allow for ongoing maintenance and event
restoration activities to continue along with occasional,modest removal of material by dredging
within a discreet area of Clam Pass in order to maintain the existing tidal regime within the system.
Any changes to the submitted dredging scope or other new management initiatives will be reviewed
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by the PBSD Board and Collier
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County Commissioners before seeking any additional permit(s)which may be necessary for the
modified activities. Additional investigations which may be undertaken at a later date to look at, for
example, faunal investigations, more in-depth water quality concerns, or other issues that may arise as
a result of stakeholder discussions could also necessitate permitting which will have to be reviewed by
the PBSD and BOCC prior to any such permit applications being submitted. This Management Plan is
specifically tasked to maintain the improvements and benefits already realized and to insure that the
restoration success observed to date is continued.
The following list contains more details related to existing and historical permits issued for the Clam
Bay system.
Permit Details
Department of Environmental Regulation Construction Permit/Certification No.: 11-50-3769
Date of Issue: May 23, 1979
Expiration Date: May 15, 1984
Project Description: To provide construction sites for residential development in a planned community
by: placing approximately 700,000 cy of clean upland fill material onto approximately 94 plus acres
of submerged lands of waters of the state landward of the line of mean high water.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No.: 00754929
Date of Issue: November 18, 1981
Expiration Date: November 18, 1984
Project Description: This permitted the filling of 75± acres of mangrove wetlands north, east and west
of Upper Clam Bay and south of Vanderbilt Beach Road.
Department of Environmental Regulation Modification Permit No.: 11-50-3769
Date of Issue: December 23, 1981
Expiration Date: November 18, 1986
Project Description: This modification extended the expiration date of the permit to November 18,
1986.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No.: 79K-0282
Date of Issue: August 2, 1983
Expiration Date: November 18, 1986
Project Description: This was an extension of the permit authorizing the filling of 75± acres of
mangrove wetlands north, east and west of Upper Clam Bay and south of Vanderbilt Beach Road,plus
approximately 2 acres of mangroves at the existing Collier County beach access at Vanderbilt Beach
Road. The request was reviewed and no objections were raised to the proposed work schedule;
therefore,the completion date of the permit was extended for 2 years until November 18, 1986.
69
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Department of Environmental Regulation Modification of Surface Water Management Permit No.:
11-00065-5
Date of Issue: December 15, 1983
Date of Expiration: ???
Project Description: Approved modifications to 1)Revise system V, drainage area 3. 2) Construction
and operation of water management system number VI.
Department of Environmental Regulation Permit/Certification No: 110974055
Date of Issue: September 12, 1985
Expiration Date: September 11, 1987
Project Description: To construct approximately 2900 linear feet of 10' wide public access elevated
boardwalk and pier with a 6' wide navigation access lift gate in Outer Clam Bay.
Department of Environmental Regulation Permit No.: 861PT-20328
Date of Issue: December 18, 1986
Expiration Date: December 18, 1991
Project Description: Discharge±2.3 acres of clean fill to construct an access road.
Department of Environmental Regulation Modification Permit No.: 11-50-3769
Date of Issue: January 7, 1987
Expiration Date: December 18, 1991
Project Description: This permit modification extended the expiration date and reduced the amount of
fill in the area extending south along the coastal edge from approximately 13 acres, as permitted, to
2.43 acres in order to construct a linear access road(for The Strand in Bay Colony).
Department of Environmental Protection Permit/Certification No: 112659015
Date of Issue: March 14, 1995
Expiration Date: March 14,2000
Project Description: Re-establish the connection between the Gulf of Mexico to the Clam Bay system,
by dredging from the mouth of Clam Pass and spoiling the sand over an upland beach site.
Collier County Ordinance No: 96-16
Date of Issue: April 9, 1996
Expiration Date: n/a
Project Description: To impose idle speed/no wake zones in the Clam Bay system.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit/Authorization No.: 0128463-001-JC
Date of Issue: July 06, 1998
Expiration Date: July 06,2008
Project Description: This Permit authorized activities to improve the hydrodynamics of, and thus
restore and manage,the Clam Bay ecosystem.
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Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No.: 199602789(IP-CC)
Date of Issue: April 1 May 14, 1998
Expiration Date: July 08, 2008
Project Description: This Permit authorized the following works: 1) Replacement of Seagate Drive
Culverts and installation of one-way check valves on the culverts (pages 45 —50 of the CBRMP). 2)
Clam Pass main channel dredging for Cuts 1, 2, 3 and 4 (pages 49—65 of the CBRMP). 3)Excavation
and maintenance of Interior Tidal Creeks(pages 65—71 of the CBRMP).
Department of Environmental Protection Permit Modification#1 DEP Permit No.:0128463-001-
JC Date of Issue: December 15, 1998 February 08, 1999
Expiration Date: July 06, 2008
Project Description: This permit modification authorized: 1) an alternative to upland spoil disposal
area for Cut#1; 2) an increase in the width of the channel Cut#4 (Segment B)through Clam Pass; and
3) alternative pipeline corridors between the dredge cuts and the disposal areas.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit Modification#2 for Permit No: 0128463-001-JC
Date of Issue: February 16, 1999
Expiration Date: July 6, 2008
Project Description: Authorize minor revisions to the mangrove trimming procedures pursuant to site
verification.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Modification#1 for Permit No.:199602789 (IP-CC)
Date of Issue: February 26, 1999
Expiration Date: July 08, 2008
Project Description: This application requested a modification to: 1) discharge the dredge material
from Cut#1 to new disposal area identified as an upland parking area; 2) increase the width of channel
Cut #4(Segment B); 3) remove native vegetation and excavate a portion of upland Disposal Site
#2; 4) remove native vegetation and excavate a portion of upland Disposal Site #3. Issues 1 & 2
were found to be insignificant and the permit was modified. The requests regarding issues 3 & 4
were not approved at this time.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Modification#2 for Permit No.:199602789 (IP-CC)
Date of Issue: March 08, 1999
Expiration Date: July 08, 2008
Project Description: This application requested a modification to: 1) discharge the dredge material
from Cut #1 to new disposal area identified as an upland parking area; 2) increase the width of
channel Cut #4 (Segment B); 3) remove native vegetation and excavate a portion of upland
Disposal Site #2; 4) remove native vegetation and excavate a portion of upland Disposal Site #3.
The proposed modification to widen channel Cut#4 (Segment B) is to be done without any additional
seagrass impacts. Based on the review and coordination with FWS, the permit was modified in
accordance with these requests.
71
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1122/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Department of Environmental Protection Permit Modification for Permit No: 0128463-001-JC
Date of Issue: May 19, 1999
Expiration Date: May 28, 1999
Project Description: Re-grade beach fill material during the marine turtle nesting season to remove
pockets of fine silty material and to remove an escarpment which may interfere with nesting marine
turtles.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission File No: 2003-0511-016BS for Permit No: CO-
016
Date of Issue: March 24,2000
Expiration Date: n/a
Project Description: This Permit granted approval for placement of canoe markers in Clam Bay.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers for Permit No: 200001076(NW-EF)
Date of Issue: April 13,2000
Expiration Date: February 11, 2002
Project Description: Approved the installation of 32 waterway markers for a canoe trail in the Clam
Bay system.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Modification#3 for Permit No.:199602789 (IP-CC)
Date of Issue: May 05, 2000
Expiration Date: July 08,2008
Project Description: This application requested modifications to the monitoring and reporting schedule
referenced on page 93 (Biological Monitoring) of DA Permit (CBRMP). The request was to submit
annual reports instead of semi-annual reports. The permit was modified as requested.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit for Permit No: CO-732
Date of Issue: October 25,2002
Expiration Date: October 25,2003
Project Description: Perform dune and beach restoration,and plant salt-tolerant native dune vegetation
in association with interim maintenance dredging event.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No.:199602789 (IP-CC)Extension
Date of Issue: May 8,2008
Expiration Date: July 08,2009
Project Description: This Permit authorized the extension of the expiration date for a period of one
year.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit/Extension No. 0128463-001-JC
Date of Issue: June 5,2008
Expiration Date: July 06,2009
Project Description: This modification extends the expiration date for a period of one year.
72
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Department of Environmental Protection Permit No: 11-0128463-005
Date of Issue: December 17, 2010
Expiration Date: December 17, 2015 5 year permit?
Project Description: Continue maintenance activities to the hand-dug channels in the Clam Bay
system originally permitted under Permit No. 0128463-001-JC.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit No: 11-0295193-004
Date of Issue: November 2,2011
Expiration Date: November 2,2016 5 year permit?
Project Description: Install 32 canoe trail markers and informational signage.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit No: 0296087-001-JC
Date of Issue: August 14,2013 (?) Is Segment A 80' wide in this
permit?
Expiration Date: August 14, 2022 10 year permit?
Project Description: Restore the alignment of Clam Pass to the previously approved location and
conducting periodic maintenance dredging of a portion of the Clam Pass Channel in order to maintain
tidal exchange between Clam Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No: SAJ-199602789 (NWP-WDD)
Date of Issue: February 28,2013 Is this the one-time dredge permit?
Expiration Date: March 18, 2017
Project Description: Dredging from Clam Pass and tidal creek to restore tidal exchange into Clam
Bay.
Department of Environmental Protection Permit Modification#?to Permit No: 0296087-002-JN?
Date of Issue: March 1,2013 Is Segment A 45' wide in this permit?
Expiration Date: August 14,2022 10 year permit?
Project Description: Modification to re-open Clam Pass
73
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
6.1 Management Plan Goals and Objectives
The following goals and objectives for the management of the Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection
Area were developed in accordance with the directives of the Collier County Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) and the Pelican Bay Services Division, which serves as an advisory board to
the BOCC. The goals and objectives were formed in conjunction with stakeholder input and are based
on the management issues present in the preserve as well as the purposes for which the land is held in
public trust. The document goals set forth in this plan should not appreciable change over time but the
management techniques and activities proposed may be modified based on ongoing coordination with
stakeholder and user groups or when management objectives are not being met.
Management concerns are addressed in the following sections along with the management techniques
or activities proposed for addressing those concerns. The ability to implement specific goals or
objectives presented in this plan will be based on funding and staffing availability. The following
goals were identified during the stakeholder and PBSD committee meetings.
Goal 1 - Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities.
Goal 2 -Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the
Clam Bay NRPA while minimizing negative environmental
Impacts. (Reverse the order of Goals 1 &2)
Goal 3 -Manage and improve water quality.
Goal 4—Protect the integrity of known archaeological sites within the system.
Goal 5 -Address recreational uses with emphasis on passive recreation.
Goal 6 -Improve public awareness and involvement.
GOAL 2 - Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA while
minimizing negative environmental impacts.
A. Establish guidelines to help determine when dredging is necessary.
Monitoring of the Pass and internal waterways will provide information to determine if
dredging is necessary. Bathymetric surveys of cross-sectional areas of the Pass, tide gauge
data, and biological indicators can all be used to indicate when dredging is needed.
Minimal dredging for the tidal exchange benefits necessary to maintain or improve
environmental aspects of the system will be done. Dredging for navigation or beach
renourishment will not be done. Dredging to flush out the Moorings Bay system which will have
adverse impacts to the Clam Bay NRPA will also not be done.
a.)Conduct, at a minimum, annual surveys of the Pass.
b.) Maintain tidal gauges in good working order. Collect information periodically to
insure gauges are in good working order and data loss due to malfunctioning
equipment is minimized.
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Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
c.)Maintain backup gauges to minimize data loss due to malfunctioning equipment.
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Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
d.) Collect annual biological information as outlined under Goal I for use in
determining when dredging activities might be warranted, and what impacts could
be associated with the dredging.
B. Minimize dredge footprint(s) to the least environmentally damaging practicable
alternative.
Dredging should be conducted only in those areas necessary to achieve the desired flow
improvements.
a.) Collect current survey data and cross sectional areas before establishing the dredge
footprint for each dredging event.
b.) Conduct floral and faunal monitoring within and adjacent to proposed dredge
footprint area(s). If unacceptable impacts will occur to floral or faunal communities,
explore options to modify footprint to achieve necessary flow characteristics
while protecting to the greatest extent possible the other floral or faunal
components.
C. Maximize the dredge interval as much as possible while maintaining environmental
standards.
dredge more often may offset that benefit. Develop a dredging scope that maximizes self-
scouring .• - .. - •- .. - - - - - -• - .. •-: to minimize the number
of times dredging is needed.
D. Provide for appropriate drainage of fresh water by maintaining internal creeks and
hand dug channels and modifying or augmenting hand dug channels as needed.
The original 1995 die-off of mangroves was due in large part to drainage problems in the upper
portions of the system. Maintaining the network of hand-dug channels and the ability of the
upper reaches of the forest to continue to drain is important to protecting the restoration
improvements which have been realized to date.
a.) Conduct annual monitoring of the hand-dug channels. Prioritize maintenance needs
and undertake maintenance clean outs of as many areas as budget allows.
b.) Conduct annual visual monitoring of the creeks connecting the three bays. Survey
sections as needed if visual inspections or tidal indicators document shoaling or
blockage sufficient to adversely impact flushing capacity.
c.) Coordinate with appropriate permitting agencies as needed if conditions
dictate maintenance dredging is needed in interior creeks.
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Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
GOAL I -Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities
A. Establish baseline floral and faunal resource populations
Conduct floral and faunal surveys as needed and as funding allows to document baseline
conditions and establish parameters upon which future survey efforts can be compared.
a.) Establish permanent vegetation monitoring plots or transects in all habitats.
b.) Establish reference photo points in all habitats.
c.) Create species lists to document floral components in each habitat.
Add items regarding faunal surveys
B. Protect Listed Species
Identify listed species utilization of the NRPA. Provide buffers around nesting activities to
prevent adverse anthropogenic impacts during nesting seasons. Increase public awareness as
necessary through signage or other efforts to minimize adverse impacts.
a.) Identify actual and potential locations of listed species.
b.) Conduct species specific monitoring prior to any destructive management activity
(i.e. dredging, exotic removal, etc.)to insure no protected species are present.
c.) Develop educational information to make public aware of the presence of listed
species and what they can do to avoid adversely impacting them.
d.) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University to further investigate floral
and faunal components of the system.
C. Protect and maintain vegetative communities
Regularly inspect habitats for invasive exotic and nuisance vegetation. Remove invasive
exotics and nuisance vegetation when observed without damaging integrity of native
communities. Conduct periodic monitoring of habitats to track changes over time. Restore
native plants as appropriate throughout the system.
a.) Periodically inspect habitats utilizing transects, monitoring plots, and photo points
established under Goal I.A. for consistency.
b.) Remove invasive exotic and nuisance vegetation from all habitats as budget allows.
Utilize contractors familiar with local species and accomplished at conducting
77
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
exotic removal from the varied habitats. Conduct pre-work surveys to identify any
78
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
protected species in work area. Protect other native vegetation to the maximum
extent practicable during exotic removal activities.
c.) Develop educational information to make public aware of exotic vegetation and
what they can do to help eliminate them.
D. Protect and where possible enhance wildlife utilization of the NRPA
Conduct periodic monitoring of wildlife populations including nuisance wildlife within the
NRPA boundaries. Identify utilization priorities and enhance protection as needed to insure
that continued use is viable.
a.) Conduct periodic species or habitat specific surveys and monitoring to document
wildlife use of habitats within the Clam Bay NRPA.
b.) Develop strategies to minimize impacts of nuisance wildlife on habitats and native
wildlife within the NRPA boundary.
c.) When possible, explore habitat enhancements to promote wildlife utilization within
the Clam Bay NRPA. (e.g. bat houses, nesting boxes or platforms, limited or no
entry areas, etc.)
d.) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University to enhance habitats for
wildlife utilization within the NRPA.
GOAL 3 -Manage and improve water quality
A. Insure appropriate freshwater inputs and drainage
Freshwater inputs and drainage are an important factor in maintaining a healthy mangrove
system. Mangroves typically thrive in estuaries, where salt and freshwater mix. The reduced
salinities lessen the energetic burden involved in excreting or excluding salt while the presence
of some salt prohibits different aquatic vegetation from establishing and out-competing
mangrove species.
Freshwater flows into this system provide valuable flushing activities in the northern reaches
where tidal exchange is decreased. Freshwater flows also contribute to the Pass stability by
adding outgoing flow which helps to keep the pass open. Proposed activities within the
development area which could affect flows into the system (i.e. changes to stormwater
management system, changes to the berm, etc.)will be examined to insure that adequate flows
into the estuary are maintained.
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Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
B. Coordinate with adjacent upland developments to improve upstream inputs.
Adjacent developments will be made aware of the ongoing water quality conditions of the
NRPA and provided information on how they can help maintain or improve their stormwater
contributions into the system. The highest priority for improving water quality in Clam Bay is to
reduce upland point and non-point source pollution.
C. Develop a monitoring program to build on past data and provide basis by which to
make future water quality related decisions.
Develop a long term monitoring program to track water quality conditions within the system.
Include the means to track inputs into the system.
a.) Continue monthly water quality data collection.
b.) Examine and review data on a quarterly basis. Attempt to identify any water quality
concerns in a timely manner rather than waiting for annual reviews.
c.) Explore partnership opportunities with outside sources such as the FGCU or other
Universities to explore water quality concerns and opportunities within the Clam
Bay NRPA.
GOAL 4-Protect archaeological sites within the system
A. Identify archaeological sites and protect them from impacts.
Insure that archaeological sites identified by the Florida Master Site file are not impacted by
management or recreational activities. Periodically monitor sites for invasive exotics and
maintain the native vegetative community. Protect sites from vandals or looting as possible.
GOAL 5-Address recreational uses with emphasis on passive recreation
Please insert here a paragraph stating that a survey soliciting to set goals and objectives of the Plan has
been done.The recipients should be named, and a statement made that the overwhelming response was to
have passive recreation in the NRPA. A statement should also be made that"To comply with the
overwhelming request by stakeholders for passive recreation within the NRPA,as well as to protect the
safety of all users, and the natural resources, a decision is made that only the existing permitted canoe
trail markers and informational signs shall be used and maintained in the NRPA; Lateral navigational
markers shall not be installed in the ecosystem."
80
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
A. Maintain access to facilities for intended uses
Conduct periodic inspections of access points and visitors facilities. Trim vegetation as
needed, and as allowed by the permitting agencies, to maintain boardwalk access and open
waterways for canoe and kayak passage.
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Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
B. Maintain existing canoe trail
Conduct periodic inspections of canoe trail signage and markers. Replace or repair permitted
signage and support posts as needed. Develop and provide map of canoe trail for paddlers.
C. Maintain existing signage relative to boater and swimmer use of the system
Conduct periodic inspections of informational and regulatory signage. Replace or repair
permitted signage and support posts as needed. Coordinate with outside regulatory agencies
(FWC or Sherriff's Dept.)to enforce regulatory"Idle Speed/No Wake"restrictions.
D. Maintain existing signage or develop new signage to educate visitors
Maintain and develop site specific signage or handouts to educate visitors on plant
identification and general habitat information, included should be information on how to help
preserve habitats and prevent unwanted impacts to the plants and animals sharing the area.
E. Define responsibilities for vegetation and litter control in Clam Pass Park
Coordinate with Collier County Parks and Recreation to define individual and shared
responsibilities within the NRPA boundary.
GOAL 6-Improve public awareness and involvement
Continue to foster stakeholder involvement through public meetings.
82
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan Amendments
Studies within the Clam Bay Estuary as well as in other similar local ecosystems are either ongoing or
expected to occur within the asked for time frame of this document. The Management Plan is not
expected to be a static document and ongoing research and data collection related to water quality;
hydrographic changes in the various areas of the system; benthic community health; mangrove
community health; exotic and nuisance vegetation control; and public education will be conducted
and/or collected. Conclusions,recommendations, or alternative management activities that come about
as a result of studies conducted outside of the scope of this management plan will be examined and
considered by the Pelican Bay Services Division and its consultants. Those modification that are
found to be viable,pertinent, and economically feasible alternatives or additions allowed under the
scope of this plan will be added to the plan. Those changes in management activities or new work
items that are outside of the scope of the Plan but are considered important or practicable by the
Pelican Bay Services Division and its consultants will be submitted to DEP and the USACOE for
consideration and inclusion into this Management Plan. This plan is designed as a dynamic document
that can be modified as needed to protect,preserve,restore, and maintain the health of the Clam Bay
NRPA.
83
Submitted by Linda Roth,received 1/22/14
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
84
dIa cjp4 Imo, (, -
CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
3.0 Historical Overview �! (,),0-1-Like,
Original land use, development history, die-off and restoration work.
To properly understand and successfully implement proposed management objectives, actions
and events which have lead to the current situation in Clam Bay should be described. This
chapter starts off with a timOine to clearly portray the system in its historical context. It is
intended as background information and as a factual recount based on personal experiences and
comments, press reports, published and unpublished reports. The chapter finishes with an
overview of the mangrove die-off including causes, and the work that was undertaken as part of
the 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan to restore the system.
Time Line of important moments within the Clam Bay System
1920 is
A dirt road i built by Forest Walker running from the north-east to south portion of Pelican Bay,
a forerunner of US 41.
1950
With 6,000 residents of Naples, Clam Bay is part of a connected system of barrier islands,
mangrove passes and waterways. The orientation of the beaches and passes would have changed
seasonally and with storms.
1952 ►5
Vanderbilt Road iv constructed, eventually severing connection with the Wiggins Pass system to
the north.
1958 t s t 44-11.4
Seagate Drive is constructed, as the Parkshore community is developed. Flow is blocked into
Venetian Bay tortlith. f s Sec'.$24)d,
n
I -
S -rt q-
`,,,
Vanderbilt Lagoon
k
,.�.. Outer Clam Bay r : `
Upper Clam Bay
re`
0„„,,
Venetian Bay } ,
_ t
.4 ``
Circa 1960 Aerial Photograph Circa 1952 Aerial Photograph
11
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
1972
Tri-County Engineering produces reports:
• An Ecological Study of the Clam Pass Complex is published by Humm&Rehm
• Hydrographic Investigation of the Clam Bay System
Coral Ridge-Collier Properties,Inc. (a partnership between Westinghouse and Collier Properties)
acquired the property and initiated development of Pelican Bay.
1974
Pelican Bay Improvement District is formed to manage common property in Pelican Bay and
provide for long term sustainable infrastructure.
1976
Three, bi-directional 24-inch culverts are placed under Seagate Drive to provide hydrologic
connection to Venetian Bay.
Report"Environmental Assessment for Development Approval"is prepared for Pelican Bay.
Clam Pass closed in and then was re-opened by dragline.
1977
Pelican Bay Planned Unit Development is approved, and construction commences.
1977-1979
Gee & Jensen Hydrographic Engineers conduct a series of tidal studies within the system and
distribute"A hydrographic study of Clam Bay system"in 1978.
1978
Tropical Bio-Industries produce a report: Carbon Flows in portions of the Clam Pass estuarine
system.
Ecological assessment work by Tropical Bio-Industries for permitting of the north-west fill area,
notes a small area of stressed and dead mangroves close to Upper Clam Bay.
1979
Environmental Assessment of the northwest fill area is distributed.
Tropical Bio-Industries produce biological reports:
• A comparative study of the water and carbon flows of Upper Clam Bay
• Invertebrate Population Studies in the vicinity of Upper Clam Bay
1981
Clam Pass closed and was re-opened by dragline.
12
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay-Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
WCI, the developers of Pelican Bay, transferred title to Clam Bay to Collier County with the
stipulation that Clam Bay shall remain a conservation/preservation area in perpetuity.
1982
WCI deeded Clam Pass Park and Clam Bay to Collier County and in accordance with the Pelican
Bay PUD, required the County to seek approval of WCI or its successors forfany modifications
to Clam Bay. C , .? aw,,,,14,4.1 t , .
1983 ina-WV-e43 lel 2 ralaie,
Tropical Bio-Industries produce biolo:iea reports: 1 2
C
• h populations of ti,. .. l. .1 e . - ..- -. a. H - _ _
- - _
• `Populations of Melampus c.ffeus and Cerithidea sc.,lariformis west of Upper Clani$ay
1986
Collier County constructs a 2,900' boardwalk to provide access across Outer Clam Bay to the
county park, south of Clam Pass.
1988
Clam Pass closes twice, first in the spring and again in the late fall after Tropical Storm Keith
(November 23, 1988). e
I'/1di- ��-tea
1989
Small areas of stressed and dying mangroves are noted by residents in the basin west of Upper
Clam Bay and east of The Strand in Bay Colony. A interdepartmental memo highlights
cause of the stress as "the lack of adequate water circu tion resulting from the closure of Clam
Pass". iog,.ri-.6,,-Q-.-e el9 Ilecir.^4
First emergency dredging permit received from DNR to re-open clogged Clam Pass, following
memo by David Crewz to the DNR highlighting problems and danger if the pass was not re-
opened.
1990
Pelican Bay Improvement District comes under Collier County as the Pelican Bay Services
Division.
1992
The area of dead mangroves is reported at 7 acres.
1994
20 acres of mangroves are reported dead.
1994' I Gi 9,
( lam Bay is approved by the Board of County Commissioners as Collier County's first Natural
4
source Protection Area(NRPA).
13
CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
1995
Emergency dredging permit issued allowing opening of the pass, but no work farther back than
600 feet.
1996
Permits to open Clam Pass received from DEP and USACE and work completed in April. In
summer and fall blasting and hand excavation wwz permitted and completed in 1997.
1996
Mangrove die-off area estimated at 50 acres.
1997
Clam Pass dredged again under modification to 1996 Permits.
1998 _
Ten year , is received-fr:gm-Mr and USACE for dredging Clam Pass and the interior
channels"aj Seagate culverts u associated monitoring work and storm and freshwater
studies.J' � G( e-t/L.,
1999
Dredging work associated with the CBRMP is completed (Mgmt by PBSD) in the spring by
Ludlum Construction Company. (i,k —;,d ff2,67, U -v 4 11 � j
Ellicott Series 370HP Pum'ing Sand out of Clam Pass(1999) &1; 4.4„..0
j �j 1 ' ti
+, , ® Iv,
will ckn.Q, .
tw fir' F-!.
IRS '
e.,.... ,
: : ,
. .
...
._., ,,,_
1999
Staff at The Conservancy of Southwest Florida commences a 3-5 year study of mangroves,
surface water level and elevation within the mangrove die-off area. -
2002 L
Maintenance dredging of Clam Pass flood shoals N1gmt by PBSD))completed to improve tidal
circulation.
r 1 a f aar 3 k ens a c.,--e A-124--,, d
—
Canoe trail rkers
permitted an installed throughout Clam Bay system. L,,,---.a-46 L/4 /424,,,e
14 di•F`' -
Gr
CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
2004
Hurricane Charley comes ashore about 50 miles north of Clam Pass. A lot of sand was
redistributed but the pass did not close. Extensive limb and leaf loss was documented within the
mangrove forest. -
2005
Hurricane Wilma comes ashore about 30 miles south of Clam Pass. More limb and leaf loss is
noted. Pass does not close.
• <E ▪ a a `
_. ▪ - _
-°a �
s - -
Hurricane damaged mangroves along bay
2005 Same mangroves along bay 2007
cr � 4 pt
2007
Maintenance dredging drys and gntrance channel completed(Mgmt—Gy EC C- M).
2008
Tropical Storm Fay comes ashore about 30 miles smith of Clam Pass. The area received over 10
inches of rainfall. Pass not affected.
2009
1998 DEP and ACOE permits for maintenance of the pass expire after 1-year extensions.
2010
Permits issued to continue maintenance of hand-dug flushing channels throughout the system.
2011
White mangrove die-off was observed in central portion of the system and found to be caused by a
bark beetle infestation of trees that had suffered cold temperature stress.
2012
Canoe trail markers and informational signage installed throughout Clam Bay.
Ct °
The mouth of the Pass moves to the north near the Pelican Bay Beach Store. The northern shoreline of
the pass is temporarily reinforced with the installation of concrete barriers.
The pass closes in December.
15
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
2013
A single event permit is issued to dredge Clam Pass. In March dredge work is completed)and the pass
is open.
Development of a new Management Plan is initiated through stakeholder input and multiple public
meetings.
Time Line specific to the establishment of the Clam Bay NRPA
1976
Collier County Ord. 76-30 zoned coastal areas environmentally sensitive lands as ST(Sensitive
Treatment)
•
1977
Approval of the Pelican Bay PUD (Ord. 77-18)by Collier County. The PUD identified 98 acres of
coastal mangrove'wetlands to be filled in for development while preserving 570 acres of ST lands as
the Pelican Bay Conservation Area. (35 acres in the south and 5 acres in the north would become parks
providing public beach access).
1981-82
Department of Army Permit(79K-0282)authorized the fill of the 78 acres of coastal wetlands (76
acres for residential development and 2 acres for public parking area). It required 570 acres including
Upper,Inner, and Outer Clam Bays, and their adjacent wetlands to be conveyed to Collier County and
to remain a conservation/preservation area for the use of the public in perpetuity.It also prohibited
dredging Clam Pass except to keep it open to the Gulf of Mexico.
1988 (A1142
The Pelican Bay Conservation Area(570 AT.)was approved and recorded as FL-64P by Congress and
became part of the Federal Coastal Barrier Resources System(CBRS).
1995
The Collier County Board of County Commissioners approved the County Natural Resources
Department's recommendation to establish the County's first Natural Resource Protection Area
(NRPA); stipulating that that it would have the same boundaries as the Pelican Bay Conservation Area
within the Pelican Bay PUD.
The Collier.County Manatee Protection Plan is approved. It contains the recommendation to establish
an"Idle Speed/No Wake"zone throughout the Clam Bay/Clam Pass System.
1996
Collier County Ordinance 96-16: "The Clam Bay System Water Safety and
Vessel Control Ordinance"is approved. It establishes that the Clam Bay System is an"Idle Speed/
No Wake"zone.
16
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
1998 - 15
The Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan(CBRMP eveloped, implemented,and managed by
the PBSD.
FL Admin.Court Case No. 98-0324GM provided an interpretation that certain elements of the Collier
County Growth Management Plan(Conservation and Coastal Management Element)require
unequivocal protection of habitats within NRPAs which support existing and potential uses by wildlife.
2008
Public Law 110-419 was adopted identifying the Coastal Barrier Resource System, Clam Pass Unit,
FL-64P to be entirely located within the existing boundaries of the Clam Bay NRPA.
2013
Work begins on new NRPA Management Plan under PBSD direction.
1995 Mangrove Die-off and Related Causes
The majority of the original die-off occurred within the northernmost black mangrove areas of the
system. Three defined processes of the black mangrove forest are applicable to the Clam Bay
ecosystem. These three processes are briefly reviewed here are:
Salt balance: Salt is available to the black mangrove forest from a variety of sources,but normal tidal
exchange is the most important. Black mangroves can tolerate slightly higher sediment salinity than
the other two mangrove species but can be affected adversely by an excess accumulation of salt. In a
natural setting, toxic accumulation of salt is usually prevented by dilution and leaching due to rainfall
and washout on outgoing tides. Accordingly, the transport of dissolved and diluted salt back to the
Gulf is critical to the health of the black mangrove.
Organic matter budget: Like the salt balance, the organic matter budget is intimately related to the
flushing component of the tidal cycle. It is generally recognized that even in the best of circumstances
only 60-86% of the decomposing matter generated by a mangrove forest is consumed on site. The
balance has to be exported. This export is in the form of highly fragmented or dissolved organic
matter fractions and as such is also dependent upon tidal flushing.
Water budget: Water enters the Clam Bay system through rainfall, freshwater run-off and through
the influx of seawater. It leaves via evaporation from water surfaces, transpiration from leaves and
tidal out-flow to the Gulf. Since evapotranspiration rates within mangrove forests are relatively low it
follows that the forest must freely drain or else water logging occurs that quickly leads to stress and
mortality.
Rainfall in South Florida contributes about 53 plus inches of water per year and most of that occurs in
the wet season. Additional freshwater inputs to this system occur from groundwater flow and from
irrigation in the developed portions of Pelican Bay. The irrigation amounts to about 26 to 28 inches
(on average) of rainfall every year but can vary widely due to weather conditions. In a perfect world
17
-( ' ) ► 1tit� lam'
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
4.0 Resource Description and Assessment
SOILS
Based on the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) "Soil Survey of Collier County Area,
Florida" (NRCS, 1998) there are 2 different soil types (soil map units) present within the NRPA
boundary.
It is important to understand that where the soil survey shows mapping units named for soil series,they
represent the dominant undisturbed soils in that landscape that existed predevelopment. They do not
recognize or appropriately interpret the drastically disturbed nature of urban landscapes created after
the soil survey was completed.
- . dY g v+'-rf •
x+542 7 e^(�a`y'' �f7 ct+ .ti.�._ ,�� ,-'°a t- � "g?' ""l'
4. � �a*� ., 'is Kr�JkVV ..,.='', _ - lira4
O5 19.
•
1 r
Durbin and Wulfert mucks, frequently flooded-(Map Unit #40), Covers approximately 66% of the
NRPA. These level,very poorly chained soils are most often found in association with tidal mangrove
swamps. Mapped areas can consist entirely of either. Durbin or Wulfert or any combination of the two
soils. Individual areas are elongated and irregular in shape and range from 50 to 1000 acres. The
slope is 0 to 1 percent. The permeability of the Durbin sail is rapid and the available water capacity is
high. The permeability of the Wulfert soil is rapid and the available water capacity is moderate. The
water table fluctuates with the tide and is within.12 inches of the surface most of the year. The soil is
subject to tidal flooding. The natural vegetation within these areas consists of red, white and black
mangroves.
Canaveral-Beaches Complex(Map Unit#42)covers approximately 9% of the NRPA.
This map unit consists of the nearly level, moderately well chained Canaveral soil on low ridges and
beaches. Individual areas are elongated and irregular in shape and range from 20 to 300 acres. The
slope is 0 to 2 percent. Typically, beaches consist of sand mixed with shell fragments and shells and
are subject to frequent wave action. The permeability of the Canaveral soil is rapid to very rapid. The
available water capacity is very low. In most years, the seasonal high water table is at a depth of
between 18 to 40 inches for 1 to 4 months. This soil is subject to tidal flooding under severe weather
22
I
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
conditions. Natural vegetation consists of sea oats, sea grape, cabbage palm,and salt grasses. They are
commonly invaded by exotics such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper.
TOPOGRAPHY
Topography is shown below using a Light Detecting and Ranging map (LIDAR) obtained from Collier
County. The elevations within the NRPA boundary range from +7.0 to -9.0 NAVD 0.88,0. The
surrounding lands are generally higher than the NRPA and generate the freshwater flows into the
preserve.
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23
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAM
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
CLIMATE
Clam Bay's climate falls within tropical class ification, more precisely the tropical wet and dry or
savanna type, Aw under the Koppen system. As a consequence, there are essentially two seasons
experienced. The wet season occurs in the summer, and the dry season occurs in the winter. Typical
rainfall and temperature data are provided in Tables 4.1 and 4.2.
In the summer the center of the trade winds shift north and moisture-laden breezes blow from the east
or south-east. In winter the trade winds shift southward and the winds are less constant. Weather is
then more influenced by fronts advancing from the northwest. This brings cooler conditions, although
temperatures rarely reach freezing, due to the fact that they are being moderated by the surrounding
waters. Cold fronts are typically preceded by winds from the southwest,which clock to the west then
northwest as the front passes, with strong winds of 20-25 knots and cooler air. In general terms,winds
are predominantly southeast during the summer and northeast during the winter.
Historical meteorology for Clam Bay is based on data collected for 30 years (from 1981 to 2010)from
the Naples Municipal Airport by the Florida Climate Center (NOAA & FSU). The following charts
present meteorological statistics for temperature and precipitation.
1981-2010 TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION NORMALS GRAPH
110.0
100.0
90.0 -
X0.0 .�." ` r r . s
70.0 t . — J i g 3, 4 .,.0
ova
60.0 -.e:
50.0 0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
t_
Jan Mar May Jul Sep Nov
O Precip(in) 0 Min Imp (`F) 0 Avg Trnp (`F} 0 Max Tmp (`F)
Table 4.1
24
I/ ,
F I
} I"
J .
t �yi 6yy/ �? G/ O CA; iii! 0,c:5 PLi+�3tG_a: a
CLAM BAY MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)42 3J( •4' 0(''3'' v' ,j .e4., t,°�.�Z, 4.'L. Pelican Bay Services Division
' January 3,2014
el otA eeikaii 1.9..A4" 7 Q f 6...61,, . Ver.3.1
Temperature
The monthly average temperatures range from 64.5°F to 83.2°F. The lowest monthly minimum
temperature is 54.2°F while the highest monthly maximum temperature is 91.2°F. The data reflect a
tempera climate with a narrow fluctuation in air temperature.
Precipitation
Average annual rainfall for the Naples Municipal Airport NOAA station is documented at 51.89
inches. The data in the table indicates the highest rainfall occurs during the summer months of June,
July,August, and September.
1981-2010 TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION NORMALS CHART
NM0 Precip(in) O Min Imp(°F) 0 Avg Tmp(°F) O Max Imp(°F)
January 1.85 54.2 64.5 74.7
February 2.10 56.8 66.9 76.9 ■
March 2.38 60.0 I 70.0 79.9
April 2.36 63.4 73.3 83.2
May 3.16 ; 68.6 78.2 87.8
f i
June 8.82 73.9 81-9 89,9
July 7.27 I 74.9 83.1
i 91.2
August 8.58 75.3 83.2 91.0
September 7.69 74.8 82.4 89.9
October 4.19 70.0 78.5 86.9
November 2-04 62.9 721 81.2
i
December 1.45 57.0 66.8 76.6
Table 4.2
25
V•
CLAM BAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(D.RAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
•
Ver.3.1
Winds
Winds are predominantly easterly throughout the year, but with a tendency to become northeasterly
from October to April and southeasterly from May to September. Wind speeds, not including storm
events are, on average, below 10 knots. During the winter months when fronts move through, for a
day or two at a time,winds out of the northwest to northeast may increase to about 25 knots.
Sea breeze - S.
As the land surface around Naples and Clam Bay heats it w-- = :�=._„- • ,,-• . The warm air is
less dense and tends to rise creating a lower air pressure over the land than the water. The cooler air
over the water then flows inland creating a sea breeze. In the evening the reverse occurs and the cooler
air over the land will flow back toward the water creating a land breeze.
The incoming sea breeze acts as a lifting mechanism, resulting in the warmer air rising up to higher
altitudes. This creates cumulus clouds that begin to build which leads to the development of afternoon
showers and thunderstorms in the area.
Storms
Naples and Clam Bay specifically are within the Atlantic Tropical Cyclone basin. This basin includes
much of the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. On average, six (6)to eight (8)
tropical storms form within this basin each year. The hurricane season lasts from June 1st to December
1st. The formation of these storms and possible intensification into mature hurricanes takes place over
warm tropical and subtropical waters. Eventual dissipation or
Safltr-Simpson Hurricane Scale modification avera g in g seven (7) to ei g ht (8) days later typically
Category Wind speed storm surge
occurs over the colder waters of the North Atlantic or when the
Mph n storms move over land and away from the sustaining marine
(krn/h) (m)
2156 environment.
Five
(x250) (>5.5)
131-155
Four 13-1 Due to the destructive nature of these storms, landfall can result in
(210-249) (4.o-5 significant damage to upland development and facilities from storm
Three 111-10 9 12
- (178-209) (2.7-3,7i surge, waves, and wind. A good example of this would be
Iwo 96-110 6 s Hurricane Wilma which formed in 2005.
(154-177) (1.8-2.4) A tropical storm is defined by maximum sustained winds from 35-
One 74-95 4-5 64 knots (40-74 mph). A hurricane has maximum sustained winds
(119-153) (12-1.5)
that exceed 64 knots (74 mph). Hurricanes are classified into
Additional classifications
Tropical 394ij •0-3 different categories according to the Saffir-Simpson scale.
storm, (63-117} (0-0.9) Hurricanes can also spawn severe weather such as tornadoes as they
I-Tropical 04 - 0 move inland.
depression ((l-62); (91i The table below lists the number of tropical storms and hurricanes
that passed through or near Naples over the past 20 seasons
including 1992 through 2012 as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
26
•
C'LAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
(NOAA) Coastal Services Center and Hurricane City (www.hurricanecity.com). Analysis of the
available information indicates that Naples, on average, is brushed or hit by a tropical storm or
hurricane once every 2.71 years and is directly hit once every 7.05 years.
Table 4.4 Number of Named Storms Passing through or near Naples
Year #of Storms Names Strength closest to Naples
1992 1 Andrew Hurricane Cat.3
1993 0
1994 1 Gordon Tropical Storm
1995 1 Jerry Tropical Storm
1996 0
1997 0
1998 1 Mitch Tropical Storm
1999 1 Harvey Tropical Storm
2000 0
2001 0
2002 0
2003 0
2004 1 Charley Hurricane Cat.3
2005 1 Wilma Hurricane Cat.2
2006 0
2007 0
2008 1 Fay Tropical Storm
2009 0
2010 0
2011 0
2012 0
2013 0
Hurricane Wilma image
10/19/OS 12000 24L HILNA
10/19/05 13452 8R6'-1T.WY.
9F � � _�
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pow .40 W T+qQ Lu+T±
27
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT'PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
NATURAL COIVIIVIUNITIFS
In Agai this Section,a natural community refers to the mix of plant and animal species that form
the natural basis of the Clam Bay NRPA. A combination of factors including geology,climate,
hydrology,soils,and anthropog.epic influences determines the specific types of plants found in any
given area. These plants are a major factor in what type of animal species that may be present. The
Florida Department of Transportation's Land Use,Cover,and Forms Classification System
(FLUCFCS 1999)has been used to identify the plant communities found within the Clam Bay NRPA.d
FLUCFCS Community Descri ''on Upland or %of Clam Bay
Code Wetland NRPA
181 Swimming Beach Upland 5.95
186 Community Re eation Facilities Upland 0.40
322 Coastal Scrub - Upland 3.98
428 Cabbage Pa Hammock Upland 0.45
54W/412..Bays (with/connection to ocean) Wetland 23.16
612 Mangrove Forest S4.14 r s Wetland 64.60
642 BoarkisheRrar,14-14.=✓W; Wetland 0.04
651 Tidal Flat Wetland 1.44
911 Seagrasses** Wetland 0.84**
**included in the Bays(541)category
(9"-f S J k i—► d are- Q v-91410-7,. – C At k. t J •
Several other components of the Clam Bay NRPA ecosystem are also addressed below.These
components include offshore hardbottom, oyster and other benthic faunal communities that are not
specifically addressed in the FLUCFCS classification system. Additional historical information on the
Clam Bay mangrove and seagrass habitats is included as appendices to the Plan.
FLUCFCS Code 181 e Swimming Beach
Beaches form when offshore sand deposits are moved landward by wave action usually during the
spring and summer. Sand, which is stirred up as the wave breaks on the shore, drops out of suspension
as the water moves up the beach face. Thus,the beach becomes gradually higher, wider, and steeper.
In the wintertime, larger, higher energy waves associated with winter storms overflow the beach area
and stir up the sand deposited earlier in the year. The sand is pulled off the beach as the-wave recedes
and is deposited in an offshore sand bar. If these two forces are in equilibrium, the beach area will be
stable from year to year. However, naturally occurring factors such as storm events, littoral drift
(lateral movement of sand because waves approach the beach at an angle), and offshore winds, upset
this equilibrium and result in the ever shifting nature of the beach environment.
Dunes form because of onshore wind action on beach sand. When wind speeds are sufficient,
individual grains of sand start to roll and bounce along the surface. This windborne sand is transported
landward until the wind speed drops below that needed to move the sand. Coastal vegetation is critical
for slowing wind speeds and causing sand to be deposited.
28
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Landward of the highest tides, pioneer or frontal zone sites are stabilized by sand trapping action of
various rhizomatous grasses and low growing shrubs that are tolerant of salt spray. Only a fewAlant
species can tolerate the stresses of a dune environment,particularly frontal dune sites. Foredime plants
must be able to survive being buried by blowing sand, sand blasting, salt spray, salt water flooding,
drought, heat, and low nutrient supply. Coastal plants colonizing the dunes are key players in tapping
windblown sand and preventing coastal erosion as the first defense against heavy winds and surge of
tropical storms.
•
Many plant species that occur on dune areas have developed specific attributes to help them survive these harsh
environments. These include high growth rates, dense root systems, low profiles, and high flower and seed
production rates. Species common on the beaches of the Clam Bay system include; Sea oats (Uniola
paniculata), Seagrape(Coccolobauvifera),and Railroad vine(Ipomoea pes-caprae).
In addition to the 35-acre Clam Pass Beach Park, south of the pass,beach habitat also extends north all
the way to Wiggins Pass. There is approximately 6,250 linear feet of shoreline north of Clam Pass to
the south end of the Strand community and approximately 3,250 feet of shoreline south of the Pass to
the north edge of the Naples Cay community. Shorebirds feed on marine invertebrates such as coquina
clams and mole crabs at the water's edge and beaches are crucially important habitat for nesting sea
turtles.
This particular habitat has been monitored periodically in tenns of width as part of the Collier County
Beach renourishment program though no conclusive statements can be made about the floral or faunal
details of the ecotone over the years. Large scale generalizations based on the annual aerial
photographs can be made that the overall size, composition, and health of the habitat have remained
relatively stable and, with the exception of the areas immediately adjacent to the Pass, are mostly
unaffected by the status of the pass.
r i-3IVc'r.*;PA,.'',4PVAWA',AUVI-4:Q-7.k:j._ia::;;dqi.W-i-NaiWAIP-ik";:::=r,rVfW,R.Frin
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,
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Beach habitat within NRPA Boundary
29
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
FLUCFCS Code 322-Coastal Scrub
Landward of the frontal (Beach)zone area is the back dune zone (also often called the shrub or scrub
zone), a portion of the dune that is more stable, has greater organic matter, and supports less salt
tolerant grasses and shrubs as well as some trees.
Many of the woody species found in coastal scrub are low growing and shrubby due to low nutrient
and droughty conditions of sandy soils. Additionally, high winds and salt spray often prune the
terminal buds of the trees and shrubs growing on the dunes and result in salt-pruned, windswept
canopies.
Coastal scrub is represented by a conglomeration of coastal species generally found in a narrow band
between the Mangrove forest and the beach areas. Species common on the beaches of the Clam Bay
system include; Seagrape (Coccoloba uv fera), Cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto)., Buttonwood
(Conocarpus erectus) and Spanish bayonet(Yucca alo folia). This is an important habitat as it helps
anchor the back dune sands and provides habitat for several listed plant and animal species including
the gopher tortoise(Gopherus polyphemus).
ro SA: r
;., • :-. - e. : : •: . a G,..- . . ... 4...8 'A0 o: 11: o- -m.
--rk, There-art two main epits-ef--eeiaeem in the coastal scrub*gopher tortoise habitat management and
exotic vegetation control.
7
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-Cf,,�. It p::, I� "e+i=•. i' 1 ;; . ,.11,p&\z 11..,..'
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2'3 .! �,- ic'.' .4. iii ;i1, tea, .c.„ =i' 1' j - f,4-",s 4 `f ,} ',1
f 1r 1� fi itr-4!,Vy' ,, �"� ASr 4 a�` 1 l 1,...; +� �i Itto0� ,4. /7' c .s-:` Ili :• 1
v--,,i,'1 4/411y.,,!(��; ",,.%t;(y . ( `:0 off, 1Lik ',1t . y f,(..` `�{'� `"r 1•'...la. L i:R ci'' •4a: . 'i f ...
30
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
,., :,,,,v,-,s,s,, ...:_z:.,N-N.o,,o,,,c, 1.,„.,,,,---, , ';'.";e.-i iI.,;os,Trk l'',, -""f., -- •elkr 'Q",[4:' I'Vt.ii-q*?, ,),i4.1■41
1.iVj,i1V:5,i'ly -ict-j.;."i .1,1■4.*V"?..'4:!-.:5614,1`.311,' il.,444:Z"ik,1 ' •' cg-4.6)1"-:.-ri::+:7ijil0..;:c - -14. Ni... I VC:':-4"riFiq'51;PI'
17.44;41'4P •elM1?.'--‘-t--C4C'';'it4-':V3 ?."4i.41114) itANlikt ' Yjei‘tj■l,'.%., 44.44U:: ::(CW4;t',e%`4.-A;';:lillP;
. , 9141;,40:-4',
iz.
1 ::_,.......,,,,, -,_,...,_,, -,,,,,, --,k. sre...,,T-„,.,-, „:„,..., ,...:k_...: ,,g74.*.: ,-.Wal ... ;.., . - '2 ' s;:4.•41,5," ' :," ..-,7,1..,,,,:o ef:1-11?.
oltp. 7 ., -5-4 -qtA,,,7,1 4Ma. -. .,-V.Lz1/4,!-;f:-.--,-;;.. .,4%Z:-"-t,--,,,L,: ;: Ilf,,,, 4,,,..:4: "..,... ...7:---A.".; -, 44 V, '-;.r
i,:il.r:::—r. , , ,.8,1-'1,6i- - A 1gr:4,v,--,---- .,....,, ,v ,. ,,,,, ,,,,,„,,,,,:,.,„,..-.:„.„ _ .....i? ,--a:-.,
, , ..—... .....410,. ......41.)..1....*;,..t...IX.--1,- N-... -
---.1;'-'.:..'.'"'e4-Pi:**:' 4"' ‘Nwit-s4-A--,v,.‘„,.. , --,1/4$at`1,-..-- . tini9::-5.1-'z're.,,7-%*=.,:.-::-',4;1..L7-;'t•Are.' 7 1.--;:‘ . raid
, _ .'.-,--t-ii4., -v -t-,..,..: i..../....c14,:i el,,a -,4.- '?--.'Y',7.-PS'i,;7,-,,...,
- j. ,,.. . :„, .; .41, I-V :,.41.., . .. .. g ,;b1 , .-.
v: ':ij 1_•4"- -,.; .4. ;-,-....!r ...4-...*-1,-;;.v1,,, .el,,k f- ..- sww.., ,ow4Z ..:5 :Yiv ■...-4.1 ,
,,■:,,f,n :-:,,L;k:„V4si. i,,,---:.•,--:..-i--_,:',-,:-.,_...,;:-:-; - ,,e;44:.:-.1.-;-SL.7, %, - .:,,PEk*.: .-A-:...4,:liAtli?-ial-.-....- 1'_, °. 111=4:,-I:, :4*.:'•'`'. ' ' ti
.,,...,\,_ .,_
...-;.. ..-2.'N.,:.,:,'4 ,f2C-1 .F.Par.k..775 t• . ' 40,,,.7.11 t,,,IF.I:.
-....,,,...,,..-4,,,,,w_-_,-„,„,...,„:i.- - ,..1,..; -o,,.4ta1.,.1i-
-.41771.,.......
•
Scrub habitat within 1VRPA Boundary
FLUCFCS Code 428-Cabbage Palm Hammock
This forested zone is composed of the more protected dune vegetation farthest from the ocean. In the
case of Clam Bay this is represented by Cabbage Palm Hammock. This habitat is identified by the
preponderance of cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto). It is generally found in pockets located betWeen -
the mangrove forest and the coastal scrub or beach areas. Aside from the cabbage palms, sea grapes
(Coccoloba tivilera), buttonwood, and several other hammock species are common. A hammock is a
habitat that is densely shaded by a canopy of trees. Hammocks usually have a sparse groimdcover that ,
leaves the forest floor mostly open for animals to travel through. Hammocks also provide a reprieve
from the sun for animals and humans alike. In Clam Bay, this habitat is also susceptible to infestation
by exotic vegetation such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper Which are addressed further on in
this Section.
the_ma.j.ozitry--e-f-ntertering cfierts-vrere-drarrve-vIrits-abmetted-resources, .
'- e historical changes related to the status of this habitat hag not been documented. The,histnrial
.
emphasis-e• -theizerh a - a - - .4 I ; . t, •• ,* .4. t ,O ,- .'s - trrartmularmstrifettinTm
nretnitailigabrIs-hei4.-o- : -a-.- o ----.11 •,. . ,0 rs ilia-A.. e- -.e. I 1-411- °• s. The primary management
iskelof this habitatei: exotic control and preventing destructive visitor access. •
c1/4r12.
rr..,,,.:‘:7-;,,,-W5-'- *;sV-1-k-,'1,c.--0"4 rk 11-0::74-.4,,-T- ...77t47:7----‘`:,.-6;,4x731.-TqtaltA- 't-Itc-'1•Fii.-w."7'%'-14-Wt:11-3VMA)tr
.1.40,4-,,,;;;,\.„-...,,t,-;f1.,;(4,..:,:villy.-,A..,v.pitt,,.7,---,crie..11-....-- ,-0,,,,,,..:1-,,;-.:,,,,. -4,, ,, • tyt,,,,,v,' ,-,,,...ir-,,,---:,.;-: 1.1
VIII 4.7.:r'i 1714 4,* . V''''..."'"--fAi‘crArlar%44.kiltf."7,-. CiEICTI,;. 6t4Fli5ffs:Pc-t4-%.'1- 4it.*:?-(4Ve.-4'N'if-s:--: ..-4...,,n1v.filir.L.:.1
rapplli, .,- . re;g..'ec., 4.',, ,-4.t..u,..,., ' I vi v:.-S-.4,rFlor :';'`IdA,:- 1` -.'0`•1-11 -1-; -.'''' ''' c--,:it'''.-'.-LI''''4--'-'D'I'''
,f.,:,..- .,.0),,r,i,_ -,troo• ..„,„4.1. ...,.4_1,,.., ,,... .,„..,!,, 1-...Aet .,‘ -:tr.....-%piy J ,,,,4:-,,,N.,.4-:-..,:ww, i.1,0-,..-ri.:4-44,--yitAw;v05,4
! •:'...,:::2,-}sk,:-.-4,-_: .,..,,,„:4 ,,, ,-„.„."‘„s*.v,„--,-,:::,'A •- .,,,,,tftw4Y.:,..%.,y04-.• \::'" -, :t7 :' ,.-...-1!-.1 ...:4.,-,-;e0-4---ic-..&;.'.r
ka,,I4M-nkt41,41,„;.4;..1.rR.-',..' '-'5" --..:,-
tilViAKALAP-i!MVA-.0ki, ,ft-...--ek.4. ; ., ,.;,,
kS,I.:." ..- 'n-1-A4p,01"N.; - .ig , lhon ,,.„.. .**.r.,....-.. .. ,,.v., .4..,,ri:,„4,:4,.:.<,.q,e-ne.i
'..1- `- 1-; Tilt,.--,,./•3:_‘4,-.Ork_ k ig-Ilza. .., r
k..-,44: ..v, -,-,...;„ - 'iki..- -4,,:FLPS •-- . Vkorr. t), L... " 'fiei IA... 4...,.4?,g,TM.---..t...,4:`,.. ..4h...I;.. '.',...`, •.**,. '5, ... '.
t,.-e-,•'-',,-‘,"'A-`t'-it-4r*If‘ '
- -, -,,..:-..tz-,-,--:::,_,:--._.. . -2...:.::::-,,t-,N,-,-067:4--.,,, *--,- •;,1-
' c. *-'-° 4. '- _:''.:,-:',' ,_,'-',''',:','' -',4-1,/, ,,::::k,,,Iti',. :'. ,'-','-•N' ; ,-- .. . _
t. :t%;.-i,5:, ..*-*....":.:2..,:i:.*•;:',:'-,t"k,''.,<,.i.:',. ...,t7:44'...:1-'..f). : ..-,.‘,"',.tr-',.,4',.-:?A. : ._._ __- ':',I,:'-pl:.-- -- 1
,‘.:.!.,-y;„.ti,-.1.4' ci,. .4*-.1,- •-*=*-°..*.°2 '' "'''.' -, °`'.-,,,:,.:.:t...-_,'':,..'....,•. '-',:-:,•;,...L."- ':.-.'. .° ,--
, .Y; ....„ '.... .*...t.. .. " ' :,...--' .,k...Z.'" .4.....4....--N4S ....'4: , :. . -7' r. ..`.•:- '..ilL::.'... • . I
Palm habitat within NRPA Boundary
3 1
. CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
FLUCFCS Code 541-Bays open to the Ocean
The Clam Bay NRPA contains the three larger bays associated with Clam Pass (Outer, Timer, and
Upper) as well as the interconnecting waterways and small open water areas. Second in extent of
aerial coverage within the NRPA boundary,14s the bays and interconnections which serve as the life
blood of the estuary. C .
i3f0 32-120 I/
This open water habitat se •es as the basis for many other communities. Seagrass beds, oyster bars,
clam beds,and other bent- c communities can all be supported to varying degrees with the open waters
of the bays and intercon . ,ting.creeks. As outlined below, several of these communities are present
within tl Clam Bay IsliltItk.and will be considered when deciding on management activities outlined
within this Plan F_.
p 4 c -(AA •f lti�+�r.
Multiple studies have indicated that the single most important thing that can be done to-r -c &'''''
health of the Clam Bay system is to i e the total tidal flushing capacity of the system-( a i .
1996; Lewis 1996; Wilson Miller, et al 1996; Turrell 1996.). The dredging conducted within the Pass
-
and the interconnecting channels has been seen as i; major contributing factor to the restoration of the ' _
��)� "mangrove forest community within the system. (Turrell 2008; Humiston&Moore 2003) Maintaining .
"td,t.1.,-,t flow of water through the system will be a component of this Management Plan. •
Tidal Passes ,. k
T h e-E l a m.Bay systely p a r t ofTl.r,_-_ •a... .ysta. connec e•- a -o e :.u; • s - <.- -a by
thr t
ee idal: inlets; Wiggins Ppss,Cja P-amass-a -Deter° '; -. s be - e• a - -m
as_iSOlated fro 2djncent-b. s • - -74 . ® ..,- i .o- .a . action
_ of Vanderbilt-Beach ' 1.4 II - ---. ®. 0,.. - : ec was •o eeave •am sass as am Nay's
on uhf The exchange of seawater between Clam Bray and the Gulf is critical to
the ability of the mangrove forest to export organic matter, as well as excess salt and freshwater. It
also supplies oxygen rich water and nutrients from the Gulf. The greater the tidal amplitude (or tidal
prism)the greater the benefit to the mangroves-more needed resources are delivered and more wastes
are removed. Conversely, in the absence of surface water circulation or tidal activity, mangroves
slowly die due to deleterious changes in the sediment: 1) in the absence of oxygenated water, the --
sediments become anaerobic or anoxic, and 2) metabolic wastes and hydrogen sulfide accumulate .. -v
the anoxic sediment(CBRMP, 1998). £) WJc
Tides in the Gulf of Mexico are mixed, with the norm being two high tides and two low tides , ? =4
experienced per day and normal amplitude(range)of approximately 2 feet The highest tides(springs) �.1�1.,
are experienced twice per lunar month at full and new moons when the gravitational pull on the earth's
surface waters is greatest. Neap tides also occur twice per lunar month when the planetary `''' - 4
(gravitational)influences of earth,moon and sun are perpendicular.
b
32 io
I
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFI)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
1 CLAM I3AY TIDAL RANGES
2 SO—
u.E.&-CaTATii1.4:
) i'
firs .1 1
•t
\ . q" cpaaoyaro fyr
1,0_,.. 9fr- ) :Matt
liCS:1:0.10k9AAMS
V.V.- iti....‘=9 ' ( ' ... u12000170111,0Z
1/
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bo1,01.1Z01RAMa
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sosamivoIRAtAs.
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rit
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GULF REGISTRY so ni WORTH UPPER
9 -1 ' Ink 1:6' Gage Location
...."), . .
It can be seen that the health of mangrove forests is directly related to the.efficiency of the tidal passes.
Clam Pass,and its associated waterway is a very dynamic creek whose location has varied over time.
Because of this, it is susoeptible to outside events and can periodically close, such as has happened at
least six times in-the last 25 years (Turrell 1995; Tackney 19%); . . .
The following aerial photographs show how the Pass and its waterway have changed over the past 60
years. : .
. .
sok -
,,, •1*0 ' 1 - 1•4••*-0.
.
11' di •
•''' k.•:,..:;0'
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, 1 • ' Ne.'• ,t,'. . .,,.'... i ir
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' - ..• ' -;- * 1` . *t' , .
, # 1!''' ,-.. 0 : A
.
,- . .:. .
33
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
-------
.it Oa r i. , , . •-"! I .. . il..-
',a,'•:-''; ; - • . , ,,
,',7-,' a.', a'•
• 747k • ' :
fr -. 0 -- „se
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,..... . ,i s ., . .... .-.;•, -.3.
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\ .
- . .. . -., - • ,...-e..•, •‘-,:t.-... •
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..: •,-.;•,. s.., -_-... :-.:vr • ,:-• •-::: • - _1 . - .,_
•,-0,ivits.,-:, . ,-;, .. N.' --I
- .. .... „i
CLAM • . , ‘...,'-,---..,,- ... .
PASS. . . •,..,
. --i'..i-;t:ic•'*'',.. ': * -,, '
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:• . • -.. - ;
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' '''':1 I-'' "' : 1 . : -....•• . ,. .
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[1985 ---. -'----: -- •.....
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i;*' — t '' 'L'i: . '.
..i."'l , 1.,>„-41-ti, : .",-... . . ...• . „ . . . .
; --'. - - . 7 •''
a .
CLAM
PASS,:ic...
, • e--• - - - - -'---
-, - , • 4* 0.1' ' ; ' • — : ''.. -,...
. .:,,,,,,...•
- . • .- .... • , -
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-:. 4.4:-........---:-. - . _ .:-.. -....• „%.„1
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.., ------- Y, !....erti`i..':rt.,:',-•,* ' -' -747P1
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•- ..V.-:.; ' 'N . '-- '
P'
. *' .2'''ill"" 4:'- ''' '''- ''' - ' P . ::t1C,-',:::. -:;' 4. - , •1 .-:
• ' i- 4- -.___. '...
W • • • .
..,':-r
:: V k ..'
. .-- '2:t...... '.--1*'` 1 _ ._ . .`..,--1-1:..-:-. - • .. ,,,
. .
CLAM • '.. ''''-' ' - - . -- ft,. . ::',.!LAM ... k:,;,,,,..','.- .-. . . -:••.. 2,„-t-','
PASS - -, '• : 2 . . t 27,, . •7?-,...1-ss,-. - t. .•••,...--•-:-....;• -,-,- : •• -- , • - ...,. .:
„• .
- •
. .. . 4-,•.,-., .:‘,
,•,----.--,
- . _-..... - .• 1 -.•.• •-•.-...,: .,,7, .• , e-...k,,..,c',,,,,-, .:,
. ...: .-• %,..:"Ae-, — . .. --..-. _.,, -;,. ' .4.104:,,....-, , -.,,, .
2012--- .cs. :,•Er,li`i: : ,I- : .:•.. ....„.•''-': . 1)4e2t.i.., .
34
' k
\44"9 riN ()Pt--C't Cfl.'a. CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
v" C);"- 6... ,..,...p ,-1.-- Pelican Bay Services Division
0 i I January 3,2014
71 ° kk ' cil J.
Doe'- b"-'11414-"v
Ver.3.1
\ Lisr` Irv--
Tidal creeks are passageways for fish and marine, invertebrates between the open waters of the Gulf
(
and the protected embayments of Clam Bay. Manatees and turtles may also use the passes. Scouring '
action of the fast flowing tide generally prevents colonization by seagrasses and other benthic plants
and the substrate is typically sand and shell with the finer sediments carried in suspension and
deposited just outside the mouth of the pass(the ebb shoal delta)or to the interior of the system on the
incoming(flood)tide.
---1
Management concerns related to the bays and associated creeks include maintaining sufficient flow
through them to accomplish flushing needs of the system, stabilization of the pass without harming
other components of the NRPA, and educating recreational users of the NRPA of the need to protect
the shallow water habitats and the communities located therein.
(
rt... . „ ,mitiv,,,tc, :..„ic,f, "0.::.,.. ,??.. .. ...,.,:, 1-. .,....:1,:teriR7? ,,, ..il.z.,,,xx...1. ,.,Itt.i.)..3, 7\r,,,A,14,.li-r.,:%1•‘1 q-I_C:Pe-r, 154"....:y.9..al
'...-AWt, .;,-;.'t 107,-.i
,.(i',4-=4;•:'. ..,8143.f., •t'' 4, .v„t• 4, 2W--,<-7,--,-,,, -7;-...,,,,. ,+.1 4
#17''''...!-,i," ,....erV;;---,c1.77i. _,TIv -,,,i--4-0.(N° A3....-— , sk,ti,-.-.-, . v-i,..— „,--;=!t...i
,: ,:g4;,.7,,,...,,t.,. -' tf',7,rt,'- r------.4,„_ :: .,* 7--. :%-cgek7Afri: 41,;*ar-- -',,, 4:7
Y4'Or',.,..'',.'(:*'''''''' 044111it- ,...'
;,e_.-;..;V‘'€,r-',,-1.Prk-a.:;,,,L:. ;.-k-.r:.±','-'-5;;-'''2f-'-''-, • ':1 '4‘......',-174- 1;T.1 -K,,- .+4.. 'r't'' ''''ife'kli :
i.0141-3-inz5.%;_t( ,.stt..11. l',1' ,,- ---,,--•.:.-to,!.-s2,:.,-,k,... .igiV*4,1, ..,
. .... . - ..,.,...!.. .:: ....,-; 4,..Y.1.1-1:111e7-2,1
• ...... - ' ”-•'- •'-''''L,.. 4:&.*.i''-6:4=.„,,,,
`"....•••••-"-st7t.......--..-
540
540
- _
Open Water habitat within NRPA Boundary _i
FLUCFCS Code 612-Mangroveik S wo.tpro
Mangroves are salt tolerant trees that grow in tidal areas of the tropics and are legally protected for
their ecological value,with such functions as; ,
• Providing habitat for marine)and terrestrial)wildlife. _ 4,-,
t
obi, Protecting coastal areas from storm surgescontrarelosion.
kd
1.-1,1 r)'--.4 cting as a natural filter for land basedrfiiihwater rut-off. '''''''' e 0'L----
. 1.
vbvie+1 ormirlg the basis of af in oppellisly productive estuarine food chain which includes many
, , ,
commercially valuable species. j , ,, I _
In.-D — c .- k ty.vc.,,,zi ctt, ...t -uy4-4-e, , d ma, .
LAil p1/4.1 S er bA-4--) CeVati)-1.... CI,cap cle. ..--1,- ItAirl
: Three-speeies-erfinangrovc are-commen-in-F4erida-a-s--far-noptllas-Gedar--Key,and-St—Augustine,where ciavlipt
(....,
cold--winter-te .. ; i -- 'a ; .-*.- •...!:,e. All have special biological adaptations to cope with salt
and unstable, mucky, low oxygen soils that result from the tidal, hence continually waterlogged, d
environment. The dominance of mangroves in tidal areas is a fimction of these adaptations and their
ability to out-compete other wetland plants. Tidal flushing allows nutrients to be distributed within the
\
forest and provided for the transportation of dead leaves, twigs, et-C. As this material decays, it
CL / t pcir:. IV Ki r
[
vi—c9i At -.fr.,A p,
% :11' ) 44 1
,, ,_ , 6i z‘vc 63.--ln.ze7 ifm.
L_
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
becomes food for marine life. It is this mangrove detritus which is consumed by the many organisms
at the base of the food chain and which in turn create the next level of the food chain necessary to
support the fish populations that characterize the mangrove community. Associated plants include the
succulent groundcovers Saltwort (Batis maritime), Glasswort (Salicorni'a cervicornis), (especially
where a fallen tree provides a break in the canopy and light penetration to the forest floor) and, further
inland and closer to freshwater sources,the Leather fern(Acrostrichwm danaefolia).
A<lLthr-ee-e€-the-eex en-species-,red, black„;and te-BaRagi •a -fated- it .-the clam Bay
NRPA b,: _- _
(Special attention has been gi,-n to the mangrove community in the past because of the d'6-off which
occurred between 1991 and '97. The die-off affected black and red mangrove- initially but
eventually ended up encompassing ,ome white mangroves as well.
� , ..f, � '� ,-
j ,_ , .. „ I ,, , , Al 1. , if 'xi/ A
i., ,
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.. '-':i .4...'"...-f .. ''' '. =-''' '$ '''' t'-''''7e.Z. 11 .. , ' 77-Qj)-V4 ci')
Dead red and black mange,ve trunks in Clam bay N' 'A
Unprecedented community involvement •r d support led to the creation of ' .e first Clam Bay
Restoration and Management Plan. The oplementation of that plan over a 12 574 r span led to the
recovery of the die-off area. Restoratio work accomplished under the Plan include 3 thr dredging
operations (1999, 2002, & 2007) as w l as the installation of approximately 13 mil: hand-du
flushing channels throughout the die-o f and other stressed areas. More details on the rec t s ory of
the mangrove management are provi d in Appendix 1 included with this plan.
36
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
tee.). !e'l�s.,.�r4?-&-k s '°f ii,„ ,,...„Le c,{f�G•/t ,,,,,January 3,2014
a1 . r F Ver.3.1
Red Mangroves (tr� 1A,.,„,.A.,\2,1
Red mangroves (Rhizop ora mangle) are recognized by their tangle of reddish looking prop roots,long
cigar shaped seedlings tli- s. . . 1 eeit—i e-- r—months) and their large,
pointed evergreen leaves. They are typically the most seaward of the three species with the prop roots
and vertical drop roots providing support, small pores on the trunks called lenticels allow oxygen
exchange via air as the waterlogged soils become rapidly oxygen depleted. Salt is excluded from the
plants cells through a process called ultra-filtration in the roots. The characteristic propagules
germinate on the parent tree and drop and float for up to a year,finally becoming heavier at one end so
that when encountering a suitable substrate they are ready to root upright. Good tidal flushing is
essential for healthy development of red mangroves, to prevent the build up of toxic metabolic waste
products in the mangrove soils. The mass of prop and drop roots forms extensive surface area under
water for attachment of sessile, filter feeding marine species (such as sponges,tunicates and mollusks)
as well as hiding places for juvenile fish. Birds,butterflies, insects and mammals find home and food
within the canopy.
M
el
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Red Mangroves and Propagules(inset)
37
c___.-
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
f p , Ver.3.1
Black Mangroves
Black mangroves (Avicenna germinans are typically found a little further inland and key
identification features include the snorkel a pneumatophores ich radiate upwards out of the soil
from the base of the trunk, a grey-black ro gh bark and slightl pointed, oval leaves which are silvery
with salt deposits on the undersides. The p euinatophores p y an important role in oxygen exchange
and unlike the red mangroves, which keep salt out of boy cells through filtration in the roots; the
black mangrove excretes salt out of the bac side of the 1 ves. They are also reliant on adequate tidal
exchange but lack the supporting prop roo that typify the red mangrove. Small white flowers and
p propagules
lima bean shaped are apparent during the s urnmer months.AlWhen these propagules fall
from the parent tree,they are able to float for a short period before r I s g in the mucky soil.
vAjt, cA -
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38
l -
al i-le, t4-6-4-,est,4,, Gov_ •
A6 .' - VI 11010.4-0/41
(,)„,a, 6I di,,,,,„: CLAM BAY NAPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
. Pelican Bay Services Division
clArvfh°441,1 el ve - ciAl an,Lrbt,3 v.,04- . January 3,2014
eh "Kt re-1/ 4st i 1-f 114 0 i-de pitt,dsz,
i Ver.3.1
White Mangroves i„..._ Cli 0- -ige-A?
White mangroves ( aguncularia racemosa) are the third m gt/ove species and are often found further
inland than the oth.r two species (although zonations des "bed are typical they can frequently vary).
Since they often ocs m drier areas,white mangroves not exhibit the adaptations to soft,anaerobic
soil of the other spe.'es. The bark is characteristically,grooved and furrowed and leaves are oval,mid-
green and leathery w th two small glands on the petio e at the base of each leaf. White mangroves also
flower in the spring . Id early summer and the smal seedlings have the shortest floating dispersal stage
of the three species. After the mangrove die-offf white mangroves were the initig-ZTEriiTerontie
''die-off areas. As time has progressed,red and black mangroves have moved into the areas and started
displacing the young whites. See the Mangrove Appendix for more history on the die-off and
subsequent recovery over the past 15 years.
-,,
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White Mangrove leaves and fruit
39
CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Buttonwood •
Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) is considered a mangrove associate,usually occurring even further
inland than the white mangrove. Small, round, brown seeds give rise to the name. This is a hardy
species, able to withstand the full sun,high temperatures and salty conditions of coastal Florida. These
characteristics also make it an excellent and attractive landscaping plant. Buttonwoods are present
along the interface between the mangrove and palm hammock communities in Clam Bay.
vlikk ,
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Buttonwood leaves and fruit
The mangrove communities are composed of both riverine (along the creeks) and basin forest
components. The species composition of mangroves within these two community components is very
distinctive. Riverine mangrove areas are almost exclusively composed of red mangroves within the
Clam Bay NRPA while all three species, along with buttonwood are found in the forest component.
Riverine(Creeks)Mangroves
On the waterward edges of small islands and the tidal creeks, passes and estuarine waterways that
make up the Clam Bay system, a fringe of red mangroves will be found growing up to 25 feet in
height. This zone can be just one or two trees in depth or extend landward for some distance,
depending on topography. The habitat provided by the prop roots of these red mangroves is of great
importance to many fish and other aquatic organisms.
40
-,/
aAm BAY NAPA 1VIANAGEMENT PLAN(D.RAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
---_____ Ver.3.1
. --- ___ _____
---------_,..‘
•
Forests
kird The majority of the Clam Bay mangrove habitat is low-lying basin forest where the dominant
k, mangrove species varies between red, white, and black throughout the forest habitat. This-forest
OPrv: coilummiTWENIte-habitat-affected-by-the-mangtoue-clie--off_Thediaaslug-flushing-Ghannels-mzere
-0, constracteLthroughout-this-eonanumity-to-increase-the-flushing-sapasity-through-ticlal-immszlatien.
0 s-
n .
Approximately 65%of the Clam Bay NRPA is composed of the three mangrove species.
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FLUCFCS Code 642-I_ .-..Marsh
At the interface between forested mangrove areas and the water management berm are depressional
areas that have become colonized by aquatic freshwater plants such as cattails (Typha latifolia),
Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana), Bulrush (Scirpus californious), Needlerush (Juncus romerianus)
and Leather fern (Acrostichun2 danaeifoliun2). Wildlife such as otters (Lutra canadiensis), alligators
(Alligator mississippiensis), various turtles, and wading birds can be commonly observed. These areas
require regular maintenance to prevent the spread of nuisance and exotic plant species and ensure
optimal functioning and interface, between the natural mangrove forest and the development water
management system.
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Marsh habitat within NRPA Boundary
4 1
CLAM BAY NAPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAF1)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
FLUCFCS Code 651 -Tidal Flats
Tidal flats are flat bottomed, sub- or intertidal habitats that lack an oyster or seagrass community and
are located inside the outer coastal margin. The two most significant environmental characteristics that
control a flat's infauna(benthic organisms that live within the substrate)and epifa-wia(benthic animals
that live on the surface of a substrate) are: the height of the substrate relative to mean sea level and the
sedimentary consistency of the substrate. The position relative to mean sea level dictates whether the
habitat is emergent (in air) for part of a tidal cycle or how deep below the water it is. This latter
characteristic controls other physical water quality measures, such as dissolved oxygen,the frequency
and duration of hypoxic events, and light penetration. Firmness of the substrate affects the capacity to
support an epifauna by both supporting the organism on the substrate and permitting the burrowing of
the infauna.
The sand and mudflats of Clam Bay are rich feeding grounds for many species of fish and wading
birds. These organically rich sediments support a variety of mollusks, worms and invertebrates that
scavenge detritus or, in the case of many bivalve mollusks, extend siphons at high tide and filter vast
quantities of water. Birds such as a variety of herons, ibis, egrets and spoonbills pick through the
sediment for the invertebrate food sources.
The dredging of the pass associated with the 1998 Restoration and Management Plan resulted in an
increase of exposed tidal flats within the southern portion of the system. Increased tidal range
resulting fi-om the dredging allowed more area to be periodically exposed during the tidal cycle. Some
of the area that had supported seagrasses prior to the dredging work were converted into the tidal flats
by the increased range and reduced phase lag. Management concerns related to the tidal flats include
the templates established for the dredging, the resultant currents that could be expected as a result of
dredging, and the frequency of disturbance.
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FLUCFCS Code 911 -Seagrass Beds A--d 6 ,c,-- p„,..ei,...e.,, , a Trt,„,„.1,
UT C--- a.ele .4 h,___.'
Seagrasses are flowering marine plants of shallow, tropical regions. With a creepg,gr• owth form
connected by horizontal rhizomes they serve to trap and anchor sediment - .h the grass blades
42 Cier,Pl;gg
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„ ,
,6,,- ) CLAM BAY NAPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(D.RAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
I.; :-7a,!— @! P.” - •=t.- +• 1,9.; t provide food and atkaehment for marine species,and-
.s.,„ agrass beds are renowned for their value as nursery habitats. c7-1—4 &kite bc
0 1 r."
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4-1.--:'',:"_i-,....-:-r_ • ,,,*---'1:.%:.,,;---,'.\''r.izilv..::.,e,..P -_e .,,---.,,-- ,,*,
.„,e
t--1:fr:..-.'4" 7:-''';''''--4-,!--`-' '-i'AisT;i-e---.‘z Y`.;;IP"-V., -: -./...9,g .-7,-,„;: „:;.,,,:,:,':.:,,z,::.-it...
5--*.iie-1-- -7--_..Te:=--- 44,A.:''4-,,le0.."'. ":;.,<410'4
--„,:-(..",.,,, ,.:-_5__T,_.....r.,...; :t ,''' i; ,,-i, ‘..,.., tii..- 1 4-.;,ZI:?-zi,;-.'-'''',. :fr.---,..,"2.. ;• •.Yi
r?.4: ;.•_---, -1 -.-.- V,'
Shoal grass(Halodule beaudettei)along interior channel south of Clam Pass
Several areas within the Clam Bay system host seagrass beds, specifically Outer Clam Bay and
waterways just inside Clam Pass. Three species are commonly found in these Clam Bay waters; the
largest Turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) with flat strap shaped leaves, the smaller shoal grass
(Halodule beaudettei (fla wrightiz)) with narrow, flat blades and Paddle grass (Halphila decepiens)
with the smallest,paddle shaped leaves. Shoal grass is by far the most common though a small area of
turtle grass has persisted since the original 1998 dredging. Paddle grass is much more ephemeral in
nature and diligence is required to be able to locate it during the time frames when it is present.
Seagrasses rely on good light penetration to enable photosynthesis and are sensitive to reduced tidal
water quality. Growing in shallow regions they are also vulnerable to physical damage by boats. A
variety of marine algae can be associated with grass species, differing in the lack of a true rooting and
vascular system. Several species of both brown and green alga have been observed.
Seagrass coverage in Clam Bay has varied over time but li always been found predominately in
zr
Outer Clam Bay and the waterway between this bay and t Pass. A 1994 Collier County report
estimated seagrass coverage at approximately 10 acres. Pre-dredge surveys conducted in 1999
estimated coverage at about 5.13 acres. Annual monitoring of seagrass beds along the monitoring
transects have estimated coverage from a low of approximately 1.2 acres in 2003 to the current
estimate of 2.85 acres from the 2013 survey. It should be noted that the coverage estimates are taken
from along the survey transects only and do not account for other scattered grasses that may be located
elsewhere in the system.
43
CLAM BAY NAPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Management concerns related to seagrasses include direct impacts due to recreational use and potential
dredging templates, turbidity and water quality concerns related to flushing and stormwater inputs,
algal infestations due to nutrient increases or flushing decreases.
A history of the seagrass monitoring efforts in Clam Bay is included in the Appendix 2 attached to this
report.
k
ry .i`rv('r.1'i';�\I •.�, �d S,1F T -;�_ :r�is'.-__,�.�"1 ju �{ -a rf'�'re`Y':T P. _.T'^f:�- t•�' ,`-?.-�
ti_a -+•: { t r`• o r' ? X r " - :',.. C I sv!;r' g r �!: • a, 4 s �� i}of
Lf:t. �,'f R�1 �.fP t Al ��' 1 5. -Vi' }; . C �' LCD 07 ivx{ f}'{tee , Yr l�
1,',: !'x,. c: * .4S,�r' r.' � r' _ ?'��Y``. 'Ir sir t,=-'aa.. 1.!"� 11, t^' I.• `•'" T-r
�i :5;'` �- �� � •.}• .• •.��=�' • - - �+. 1, r ,•.�,�...� , .�� ��_ •-`• �. .�I''�r' . ,
.I� t : tt ���ta^�1 UiA1.i,, I r.'�.- Z.. Ni; x ��'„r; 'I�a ".-t--4‘-13+-'
1 q a a4.T er ilei t,, 1,;—'-‘,.(14V-14‘4:f'.7',IC:4-41i-{ r) .f _iVA 4q{'i;: ,., t�4;,'!�it r j 4''---. ...... SY
f,+ �s 4 a ! p� 7i. -- t..gr-1 ! j f�4 ), ..`r y �A s� ' A {tY r 9
,r -u�`�^��.;�aj� q'+�v�y.�7,�}�'R','.;-qua .,,, alga'C"1`,:r.:::::.1. 7.� ' :'�y`� '' y ;+'�i`'�i' ;,',00' L� rj
7y1, + i ' t 4r t-c, 'Srq�} �+.1 k ,t,- 4t ,rte ti k'fit l ry
1 + rp �v. rat? \)n s iJ�, }' u 'd��� SL � 3 ac y d7 2yJ i n tt jc
1FM , .4 FLi ,4.t..
,+ GRASS
Seagrass habitat within NRPA Boundary
Other Benthic Habitats
Oyster Bars
Oysters (Croassostrea americana) are filter-feeding bivalves, which were once common within the
tidal creeks of Clam Bay (Humor and Rehm 1972). Oysters play a significant role in shaping the
environment in which they live by forming a hard structure upon which an intricate biological
community is built. Similar to coral reefs, oyster reefs are `biogenic' (formed by the accumulation of
colonial animals) and provide structure and surface area for numerous other temporary and permanent
species.
Providing complex habitat structure is the most fundamental of ecosystem services that oysters
provide. The structure provides a place for algae and non-mobile invertebrates to attach, as well as a
place for mobile invertebrates and fishes to be protected from predators. Although the relationships
between sportfish and oyster habitats are not as well studied as in other estuarine habitats such as
seagrass beds,they are considered essential fish habitat.
The numerous ecosystem services provided by oysters can be summarized into three general
categories: habitat provision, water quality improvement, and shoreline stabilization. Oyster reefs
provide habitat to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The role of oyster habitat to the estuarine food
chain is highly significant, as discussed in the previous paragraph. Through their feeding process
oysters filter large quantities of water which transfers energy and material from the water column to
44
•
- CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
the benthic community, subsequently reducing turbidity and water column nutrients. Through bio-
deposition,nutrients are made available to the flora and fauna which comprise the complex oyster bar
food web. Additionally, oyster reefs stabilize sediments, shorelines and adjacent habitats by buffering
wave energy,further aiding water quality.
Deteriorating conditions related to closure of Clam Pass is thought to have resulted in the
disappearance of oyster bars in the system;though some re-occurrence has been observed to the south
of the pass in the last few years during seagrass transect monitoring. Oysters have been documented
around the perimeter of Outer Clam Bay in past years monitoring efforts.
A 2011 benthic habitat assessment conducted by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida found living
oyster clusters in the upper reaches of Upper Clam Bay (a single cluster); in the tributary between
Outer and Inner Clam Bays(a single cluster), and throughout the shoreline of Outer Clam Bay.
Management concerns related to oyster growth are similar to the seagrass concerns,namely protection
from recreation users,water quality, and flushing.
r r - E y• r,.f `�j { L/q1r;\:—_�-.r .�a � •t � cr�wr t r:"?T` '.� �4 !
;
Yg
` !1.1C.44,:%.-‘ j r i -L . er� F. 11 r ' h +y t 1 i l l
it
e rn..• , t,.,�-' ; ' 5 * i l r ` ,fir. } 1..'45 } ,,,,0t` i hR2•'4-�C�l Xq.
. j� rltl :- ._ �r, t : \' �� ¢fly y -th•``ii:mow'.;tr x��-:••
r �+".'. _.. y '�`� _ ,5„S• It t ..;:F'•'---.7. 4.1 j_'' ''' '', ` y, p1 :341(1_1,"451.T pt1 �;•
r S�1 �,,, -- .`+t �.r*e`- `.s,, � . .. . `__ _�G,� 4"t�- s.-, .�'t A- r 1. e•• a,. ,,rr- S'� .• '1.. .z 4-"- Y' b Ma` i a t • t=7-1,- 1 'S t r 7
Y.... ,.� '• p`t • tom-� 1,`a S k �. L' 1 « 4 ,"� ..05,t I.W t "*,• v } ay. , ,,,. s !,-
j= -•Z..„1,,,,.-- {''' - vr.,'•In-fd`� it- .1 :_- •+...-, r f--‘•-r•-:-:!--,. j 1f..1 -fir 1Y- ...,,.,y�� Y -. +tv^i,L.-,-,‘� L'I: , s. ,•
rN
: ‘ < s;." MATE OYSTER• - t, - : _ :. *.
Other bivalve mollusks'
In addition to oysters,the 2011 benthic habitat assessment conducted by the Conservancy of Southwest
Florida also found two other bivalves within the Clam Bay system. The pointed Venus clam
(Anotnalocardia auberiana). and the stout razor clam (Tagelus plebeius) were both observed. Terrell,
Hall and Associates benthic surveys found several beds of southern hard clams (Mereenaria
campechiensis)also present within the system.
These Mollusks are generally found within the shoal and tidal flat areas of the system and could be I
susceptible to impact during dredging or other disturbance operations. Management concerns would I
be protection from recreational users,water quality,flushing,and dredging.
. 1
45
aAlif BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAF1)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
Hardbottom Communities
Another important marine habitat marginally associated with the estuarine system is the hard bottom
reef community found just seaward of Clam Pass. In about 10-15 feet of water a variety of sponges,
stony corals, gorgonians, fish and associated invertebrates can be found within a system of rocks and
ledges. Outcroppings of similar habitat type occur along the length of Collier County and are a little
known resource of regional significance.
,
1
,
1
i
Hardbottorn outcrop off of Clam Pass
Collier County has mapped this resource through side scan sonar surveys in 2005 and 2009 as part of
its beach renourishment project. The information received from the County shows that the landward
edge of this habitat is located approximately 250 to 300 feet offshore from the Pass.
r.re:;.■Y;,.,, - \-.,-. .:...-..w.,', " 77.... ---.-.777f-'!,it.', 4,7,1_,,W,i; -.,,,,--, ,,-,
,,-.,..4' - v"."'''.-',At,,r :.'14t,,,i)L ;lc ..-•,b r4)4 ',v....‘4-,--i0,1'"t--.:'L-,N.1.1, * , . 44,,kkgpti--,r. • ,I‘ .07; z4iiir
"VAri ..` ''.44,:i)o..- --2-':.."11;..5,11'1.-_:-,:i -; , ' --.-.- ,..-.41---. . 1i.c.".4.ki.,P- 4.::' .- 1- „.- ___-_,_. -- - • — .- ,.
7440,tf . - . - ..,,.
40 , , - ___.-_ -
_ .„.*, i... OUTER
4 . . .., ....... . CLAM BAY , a'
UPPER,,,,r.---xa ..,....,. ., ., C_I-AVI BAY -_ ' ' ' - :-
•
k•
6, fop, .,,,,..... --., -„,„,,-.....0.00 —000•1------ -...,. ,____..„...._____„.....,._ CLAM - .4
ti0 IP PASS *
---- ,i
.. __ _ _ GULF OF
MEXICO
Management concerns related to this habitat include recreation use and potential turbidity impacts
resulting from dredging or other management activities within the Clam Bay NRPA.
46
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT)
Pelican Bay Services Division
January 3,2014
Ver.3.1
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 other appropriate native species. 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 (i.e.,non-native or exotic species)are those that have
been introduced purposefully or accidentally 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 that 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 exotic species documented within the NRPA and those that have
a potential to occur within the NRPA are discussed in the following section.
Invasive and Problem Plant Species
The Florida Exotic Pest Plan Council(FLEPPC)maintains a list of exotic plans 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,9 non-indigenous plant species have been detected within the Clam Bay NRPA which are listed
by FLEPPC as Category I exotics FLEPPC defines Category. I plants as those that alter native plant
communities by displacing native species,change community structures or ecological functions,or
hybridize with natives. Category. II plants have increase 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 rather on the documented
ecological damage caused by these plants(FLEPPC'2007). One of the objectives of the Clam Bay
.. TRPA Management Plan will be to maintain the lands free of both Category I and II exotic plants.
FLEPPC Category I plants observed within the Clam Bay NRPA.boundary:
- Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terrebinthifo.lius)
Melaleuca(Metaleuca quinquenervia) •
- Australian Pine(Casuarina eq iset folia)
- Beach Naupaka(Scaevoia taccada)
- Earleaf Acacia(Acacia auriculiformis) •
- Shoebutton Ardisia(Ardisia elliptica)
- Air Potato(Dioscorea bulb fera)
- Lantana(Lantana camara) •
Old World Climbing Fern(Lygodium microphyllum)
Methodology outlining the management activities that will be used to treat exotics is found in Chapter
6 of this Plan.
47
•