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Agenda 02/18/2014 PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014 THE OF THE PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION WILL MEET TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 AT 1:00 PM AT THE COMMUN'TY CENTER AT PELICAN BAY, 8960 HAMMOCK OAK DR., NAPLES, FL. AGENDA The agenda includes, but is not limited: 1 . Roll call 2. Agenda Approval 3. Audience comments 4. Approval of January 21 meeting minutes 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan 6. Review of Clam Bay related expenses 7. Discussion of Turrell-Hall and Associates contract renewal 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://PELICANBAYSERVICESDIVISION.NET. 2/14/2014 9:25:59 PM CLAM BAY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY,JANUARY 21,2014 The Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division met on January 21 at 1 p.m., at the Community Center at Pelican Bay located at 8960 Hammock Oak Drive,Naples, Fl. The following Committee members attended: Clam Bay Committee Susan O'Brien, Chairman John Domenie Joe Chicurel Mike Levy Tom Cravens Pelican Bay Services Division Board Frank C. Dickson, II Scott Streckenbein Dave Trecker Pelican Bay Services Division Staff Neil Dorrill,Administrator Mary McCaughtry, Operations Analyst Kyle Lukasz, Operations Manager Lisa Resnick,Recording Secretary Also Present Tim Hall, Turrell-Hall and Associates Clam Bay Stakeholders Marcia Cravens Linda Roth Ted Raia Kathy Worley AGENDA 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 8.1 Update on conceptual design 9. Adjourn ROLL CALL All Committee members were present. 50 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division January 21, 2014 AGENDA APPROVAL Mr. Cravens motioned,Dr. Chicurel seconded, to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously. CHAPTER 6 ON GOALS AND OBJECTIVES,SURVEYS & COST ESTIMATES The Committee reviewed goals and objectives of the management plan and the estimated costs of activities. Costs would vary depending upon circumstances. Some surveys were to be done on an as-needed basis; other surveys were optional and dependent upon available funds. Mr. Hall estimated it would cost$25,000—50,000 to do an initial bathymetric survey. Mr. Dorrill would discuss funding these activities with the County's budget office. Mr. Cravens motioned,Mr.Domenie seconded, that the Clam Bay Committee recommend to the full Board that the Services Division spend$25,000-50,000 to do an initial bathymetric survey and additional surveys. The motion carried unanimously. The Committee discussed coordinating maintenance activities in Clam Pass Park with the County in lieu of a formal agreement, revising the Canoe Trail map, and agreed to reorder the goals and add a vision statement. Mr. Dorrill explained that throughout this process public participation has been poor; therefore,to avoid any appearance of impropriety, it was necessary to clarify the Stakeholders commenting process. Stakeholders should submit their comments directly to Mr. Hall because he is the professional in charge of this project. To complete the record, comments should be provided to the office as well. WAYS TO EXPAND WATER QUALITY SECTION PP.61-63 OF JAN 3 DRAFT Mr. Hall planned to revise this section to address areas of concern, dissolved oxygen and copper issues, and historical records as exhibits. TOPICS FOR FEBRUARY 4 & 18 MEETINGS The Committee planned to discuss the management plan engineering aspects and conceptual plans on February 4 and latest draft of the plan on February 18. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m. Susan O'Brien, Chairman 2/13/2014 3:35:29 PM 51 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan From: Lauren Gibson To: ResnickLisa Subject: RE:dam Bay Mgmt Plan Date: Friday,February 14,2014 1:20:35 PM Just a quick FYI to go along with that latest version...Tim wanted to let the committee know that he didn't make changes to the goals and objects. He was waiting for feedback on Kathy's comments. Thanks! Lauren Gibson Turrell, Hall &Associates, Inc. Marine&Environmental Consulting 3584 Exchange Ave. Naples, FL. 34104 Phone: (239) 643-0166 Fax: (239) 643-6632 Web: www.turrell-associates.com THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS TRANSMISSION IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY TO WHICH IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, WORK PRODUCT AND/OR EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. IF THE READER OF THIS MESSAGE IS NOT THE INTENDED RECIPIENT(OR THE EMPLOYEE OR AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING IT TO THE INTENDED RECIPIENT), YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT ANY DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION OR COPYING OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS COMMUNICATION IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY TELEPHONING US (COLLECT)AND RETURN THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE TO US AT THE ADDRESS ABOVE AT OUR EXPENSE. Save a tree. Consider the environment before printing this email. Original Message From: ResnickLisa [mailto:LResnickacolliergov.net] Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 1:07 PM To: Lauren Gibson Subject: RE: Clam Bay Mgmt Plan Thanks a lot Original Message From: Lauren Gibson (mailto:LaurenCa)turrell-associates.com] Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 11:55 AM To: ResnickLisa Subject: FW: Clam Bay Mgmt Plan Lisa, The latest version of the Management Plan is attached for distribution. Thanks. Lauren Gibson Turrell, Hall &Associates, Inc. Marine&Environmental Consulting 3584 Exchange Ave. Naples, FL. 34104 Phone: (239) 643-0166 Fax: (239) 643-6632 Web: www.turrell-associates.com <http://www.turrell-associates.com/> February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction Purpose of the Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan. Development of the Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan Role of Pelican Bay Services Division 2.0 Clam Bay Location,Setting,And Historical Overview Maps, description of Pelican Bay and the estuary system Natural history of the system and pass Historical time line of system Time line of Clam Bay NRPA establishment 1995 mangrove die-off and related causes Restored characteristics of Clam Bay 3.0 Resource Descriptions Soils Topography Climate Natural Communities Exotic Species Listed Species Other Wildlife Species Hydrology Water Quality Archaeological Resources Inlet Dynamics Recreational Use 4.0 Authorized Construction Activities List of permits and work undertaken to date 5.0 Management Goals and Objectives Management action/work required,performance criteria and monitoring, responsible entities, timeframe 6.1 Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA while minimizing negative environmental impacts. 6.2 Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities 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 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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). This plan will form the basis by which future management decisions can be made by identifying the appropriate management techniques necessary to protect, preserve, maintain and monitor the natural resources and their uses within the Clam Bay NRPA. This plan, in addition to providing a brief historical perspective of activities undertaken within this system, will identify management goals and objectives; develop methods to achieve these goals and objectives; and develop implementation, assessment, and evaluation strategies that strive to balance resource protection with recreational use. 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 Bay. The Clam Bay NRPA 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 serve as a tool for future permitting and other management activities necessary to protect, preserve, maintain, and monitor resources within the system. Development of the Management Plan Turrell, Hall& Associates served as the principal consultant for the management plan. This consultant firm has a long history of work in the Clam Bay NRPA and was responsible for the implementation the Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan(1998)that resulted in the successful restoration of Clam Bay's mangrove forest. The coastal engineering firm of Humiston& Moore, Inc. provided input and monitoring data for the 2014 Management Plan relative to the Pass and the dredging activities and templates. The Clam Bay Committee, which consists of five members of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board, an advisory Board to Collier County's Board of Commissioners, met regularly in 2013 and 2014 and provided input and direction to the consultants. Additional regular input was provided by representatives of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida;the Mangrove Action Group; and the local Calusa branch of the Sierra Club. All Committee and Board meetings were properly noticed, open to the public, and allowed audience participation. Input was also solicited via notices to about 35 area businesses, government officials and employees, condominium associations, and individuals who regularly use Clam Bay. These representatives were invited to participate in two meetings held in the spring of 2013. They were also notified in , 2014 that a draft of the management plan was available on the PBSD's 1 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 website and they were invited to send their comments to the PBSD's office. (A list of these area people/organizations is on p. .) 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 5679 Strand Court Naples, FL 34110 (239) 594-2021 2 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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. These 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. Per action by the Collier County commissioners, the responsibility for the monitoring and maintenance of Class Pass was given to the Collier County's Coastal Zone Management Department from 2009 to 2012. . In 2013, the Collier County BOCC returned responsibility of the Pass to PBSD via Ordinances 2013-19 and 2013-61. 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 Collier County government and makes recommendations to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners(BOCC). The PBSD implements its defined responsibilities within the Pelican Bay community; sets its own budget and agenda; and regularly submits them to the BCC for approval. The BCC has regularly approved the Clam Bay management activities related to mangrove restoration and authorized the development of the 2014 Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan. (2014). The PBSD's effective working relationship with the BOCC is expected to continue as the PBSD serves as the official manager of the 2014 Management Plan which is consistent with Ordinances 90-111, 2002-27, 2013-19, and 2013-61 of Collier County. 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, enhance and maintain the natural communities and ecological integrity of the Clam Bay NRPA. 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; • Garners fiscal support collected from local special assessments(non ad valorem taxes); • Is accessible by the public due to its local governing board and advertised public monthly meetings; and 3 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 • Has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Clam Bay NRPA and a successful track record regarding 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. 4 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 2.0 Overview of the Clam Bay NRPA The Clam Bay NRPA is a 570-acre estuarine system consisting of sandy beaches, shallow bays, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and Clam Pass on the west coast of Collier County in southwest Florida. The Clam Bay system is part of the Cocohatchee-Gordon River Transition, referred to by Collier County Department of Natural Resources as Coastal Zone II. It is one of the few remaining estuarine systems in the Cocohatchee-Gordon River Drainage System. 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(Collier County, 1994, Tropical Biolndustries, 1978). These connections were eventually severed with the development of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Seagate Drive in the 1950s. Today,the system includes three primary bays; Outer Clam Bay(southernmost), Inner Clam Bay (central), and Upper Clam Bay (northernmost), connected by a series of tidal creeks and connected to the Gulf of Mexico by Clam 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. 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. The Clam Bay system is bounded on the north by Vanderbilt Beach Road and the Bay Colony portion of the Pelican Bay development, to the south by Seagate Drive, and the Seagate and Naples Cay developments, to the east by the Pelican Bay development and to the west by the Gulf of Mexico and the Strand enclave of the Pelican Bay development. 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) 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 and eventually became the NRPA which is in place today. Development of Pelican Bay 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 5 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 near the berm. Six drainage basins operate on a gravity system to slowly move surface water into the receiving area of Clam Bay. Naples Cay is a high rise development consisting of 8 multi-story condominium buildings. The community also includes pools, tennis courts, approximately 33 acres of park and preserve areas, and two canoe and kayak launching piers. The first building started in Naples Cay in the late 1970's and the last was completed in 2002. Stormwater management is accomplished through several internal detention areas before water flows into Outer Clam Bay. The Seagate community is composed of single family residences. The community was first laid out in the 1950's and still has a few undeveloped lots. Because development of this community occurred so early, there is no community-wide stormwater management system in place. Seagate is the only community adjacent to the Clam Bay NRPA that is allowed under the County Manateee Protection Plan to have motorized vessels and the associated boat docks. Clam Bay was designated a Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA) by Collier County in 1995 (See below for more details on the NRPA history). The purpose of the NRPA designation is to protect endangered or potentially endangered species and to identify large connected intact and relatively unfragmented habitats, which may be important for these listed species (Collier County Growth Management Plan, Future Land Use Element). .vt v a 1- +t 70. y w „ i .3.� "[� 1�•�a7;„ �4"� *` Q! � } %"` �$$�k r.�.,� S l.h � i -�P! f/} ��y'irt t".t r}" * w 4 gv.. ix j s asp e' n'r w: i '+L..r; ." ,.., mc... s v � .,::`,-2,!:-= - ° 3�.}� �, t�- '4 �a as g i,-,,,,. � �a.� � �,a"` , -"`kems,. + 4C t. 44 �° `:ke: ivi"v4 -,,,,,..41:4:t. - tcTn'�:4:t ;. .. „.,..4.;.. ej '1. 7�,'±_,'y ,: r �.w' �- fi+.::� y'rkii�y, �, �y�+E'S..tw9 ?4,e , a6 '' 14,,f, ' , WS-.. "'""15‘P'` 1% -1(„P*_....,„4„'.--.1' ft*::',*,;,i0c4AA 1140-- '''' ,,,,VIS4: i , :,i 7.- ,,.:' tollat iroal � 0t: OUTER 4" = N� 4,--.}„. ? i ._ .` BAY w - ,;y,,r INNER le UPPER CLAM _',^ y t4 '' , CLAM BAY 1,.� BAY � �$ `t .fi, a +' ` ...;,\i.,,-Fe�� PASS GULF OF MEXICO 6 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Clam Bay NRPA Vital Statistics Total acres: Approx. 570 acres Beaches: Approx. 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 Water Body Identification(WBID) 3278Q1 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 system, but it is restricted by sediment deposits just inside the pass and in the long meandering tidal creeks surrounded by mangrove forests. 7 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM18, MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 �,Ile ANGER& z y_•- 's i s, �v�b 4 as �'<"' .7?a, IV:,., V4,::",:,,., R , A �"j� yr � �� • ; w moi` 6 �' a�4�r. a A., *Yew ,,R' 4:;71,,T '� • t " t '',\:',.,'" �' ,atk_ 4.4%,74,1d.,'' .„+ ,...t.,..„,.„4,•..Aj +' .n�d. s+ ,s, UPPEF i ytk = 'I I.�„ �1 - art e� t,,-‘-k- v ,l�Y�► ClAti' s g .,' ;rs''. s t ti, ':_. BAY ire: s, .tor , . t'C;y „' .k,*sh8 .+A4 *14 ).. ., 'e` s`,+ to c:,-+�' � ' 'i * � ” #Ew it 1 44 1.,,,,,, -4;.1,1,..,41, :41!,:tf.: :4 *..‘7*34- '-"',\,':"''' 1' g, i Mme, #. Avow.us. �Ta k ii... �♦ f t , - 4 N. .a tNN ER ! -,,"01.7‘ 1.7 , a a r p# GULF OF �lAht 4 `+�9 i ' > a , ',. ear�c4 ¢Av It .11 i83. 1 F r* ''''''.''''.4.3::*.:..1...„'.-.1.:::,.;I I:, ':::: '` t,...zz 1'1:l'::e.;:::',..: ' �..^ 1 { '4..=1 'ids ;- cLA PASS' «�';i� T '. t ^" t r�`A a y}A bUfiFR �� k '1'7:W b :,; $, �#1 E.�+GA E W. � + ��\t" 4 t'":"; Y ilAt, 3..„...t.,:.;,..e..., sr, -1 a A.S.'.e.Lt L, ' ' Approximate extent of Clam Bay NRPA boundary. 8 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Natural History Prior to development, the entire coastline of south Florida would have resembled the Clam Bay ecosystem 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 recreational opportunities the system offers such as kayaking, fishing, walking, swimming,bird watching, and beach going. 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. It consists of approximately 420 acres of mangroves and some 115 acres of shallow, open water bays, as well as a 35 acre beachfront parcel (Clam Pass Beach Park) and approximately 1.5 miles of sandy beach. A man-made water management berm now divides natural and developed portions 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. A brief overview of these important habitat types, their key characteristics and value is provided in the Resource Description Section(Section 3.0) of this Plan. Historical Overview Historically, Clam Pass was a small part of a large system of waterways and interconnecting wetland communities extending from Lee County to Doctor's Pass. Anecdotal evidence suggests that small boating activities took place within many of these interconnected areas. 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 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 3.0 of this Plan. 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. The following time lines are intended as background information and as a factual recount based on anecdotal evidence,press reports,published and unpublished reports. 9 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 Clam Bay is part of a connected system of barrier islands, mangrove forest, 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 from north to south Venetian Bay is severed. ! -•'r' ; DSM-11-9 Vanderbilt Lagoon Y , Outer Clam Bay �a Upper Clam Bay . any , , ILE:=1 444 I Circa 1960 Aerial Photograph Circa 1952 Aerial Photograph 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. 10 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 and was mechanically dredged by dragline to re-open the entrance; no records of quantities or dredge limits are available. 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 mechanically dredged by dragline to re-open the entrance; no records of quantities or dredge limits are available. 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. 11 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 1983 Tropical Bio-Industries produce biological reports: • Fish populations of tidal ponds west of Upper Clam Bay • Populations of Melampus co9eus (Coffee bean snail) and Cerithidea scalariformis (Ladder hornsnail)west of Upper Clam Bay 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). 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 Department of Natural Resources 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. Clam Pass was mechanically dredged to re-open. Approximately 700 cubic yards of material were removed from the mouth of the inlet and the south bend of the channel. Material was placed south of the pass. Multiple closures of the inlet occurred during the construction process. 1990 Pelican Bay Improvement District becomes a dependent district of Collier County called the Pelican Bay Services Division. 1992 The area of dead mangroves is reported at 7 acres. 1994 20 acres of mangroves are reported dead. 1995 Clam Bay is approved by the Board of County Commissioners as Collier County's first Natural Resource Protection Area(NRPA). 12 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Ellicott Series 370HP Pum•ing Sand out of Clam Pass(1999) ..;.I , 4. s 111 ,— ,I, ' 141061110k— Iiik7`-' '*".--! ., -,, .-: al _ MI. 2000 Hurricane Gordon impacts the area with no inlet closure. 2002 Hydraulic maintenance dredging of Clam Pass flood shoals between stations 3+10 and 18+00 (Mgmt by PBSD) completed to improve tidal circulation. The entrance of the pass was not dredged during this event. Flap valves on Seagate culverts removed due to insufficient head differential causing them to act as plugs instead of valves. Canoe trail markers permitted and installed throughout Clam Bay system. 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. 14 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT T) Pelican Bay ServPLANices Divi(DRAFsion February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 ksix : f Ilm' r> i tt,c+E �d{sj#z �.�� i s ki 1 q E Hurricane damaged mangroves along bay 2005 Same mangroves along bay 2007 2007 Hydraulic maintenance dredging of pass and entrance channel was conducted between Stations 0+00 and 18+00. The entrance of the pass was dredged at 80" width. (Mgmt by Collier County Coastal Zone Management Dept.). 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. 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. Benthic Habitat Assessment study completed within the Clam Bay NRPA by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Study provides comprehensive mapping of benthic habitat compositions and distribution throughout the Clam Bay NRPA. 2012 Canoe trail markers and informational signage installed throughout Clam Bay. The mouth of Clam 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. Impacts from tropical storms Debby and Iassic, along with numerous winter storm fronts caused the closure of the pass. 15 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 2013 A single event mechanical dredge is carried out in March under DEP and ACOE permits with an entrance cut of 45 feet. Beach compatible material is placed north and south of the pass above the mean high water line. 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 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. 16 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 2013 A single event mechanical dredge is carried out in March under DEP and ACOE permits with an entrance cut of 45 feet. Beach compatible material is placed north and south of the pass above the mean high water line. 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 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. 16 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 1998 The Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan(CBRMP) is developed, implemented, and managed by the PBSD and their consultants. 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 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 17 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 (on average) of rainfall every year but can vary widely due to weather conditions. In a perfect world 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 BioIndustries 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 (Yarboro et al. 1994) and it was attributed, in part, to natural drought conditions and unusual tidal inundation patterns. 18 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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, et. al. 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 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. 19 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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. 20 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 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 1999 and 2005. Biological monitoring work over the past 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. 21 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA FNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 3.0 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, the units represent the dominant undisturbed soils in that landscape that existed predevelopment. The unit descriptions do not recognize or appropriately interpret the drastically disturbed nature of urban landscapes created after the soil survey was completed. yy w. sex *' -- �r #.. . r - :. ,gy r s t a `)t /k r ♦w. b. 99 40 40 rw .f ..dna. tU0 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 22 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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 NAVD88. The surrounding lands are generally higher than the NRPA and generate the freshwater flows into the preserve. `f 1 i 4 i1 i t r I It e, 1' 7 Vi1 Z. .� (\ . ,, v ) t. f / \ )'1 "--7? qo /- - � — ____r,,,_,,, ----. r-- r r :y � IMIA v�\\ 1 S r, 1 1 ( 23 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 110. 0 100 0 70.0 • 40.x1 30.0 20. 1 0 0 OMROPM01 tl..0100 0110000 *011440100. --°°. Jar Jul Sep j V 0 Precip (in) 0 Min Tmp("F) i 0 Avg Tmp ( I 0 Max Tmp (`F) Table 4.1 24 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 humid subtropical 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 1 0 Precip fin) 0 Min Tmp(°F) 0 Avg Imp(CF) i 0 Max Tmp(`F) January 1 85 54.2 64 5 74.7 February 2.10 56.8 66.9 76.9 March 2 3 60.0 70.0 79.9 April 2 3 63.4 73.3 83.2 May 3 1 68.5 78.2 87.8 June 8.82 73.9 81.9 89.9 July 7.27 74.9 83.1 9t2 August 8.58 75.3 83 2 91 0 September 7 6 74.8 82.4 89.9 October 4 1 70.0 78.5 86.9 November 2.04 62 9 72.1 81 2 December 1.45 57.0 66.8 76,6 Table 4.2 25 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 warms, the air above is heated. 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 Saftir—Simpson Hurricane Scale modification, averaging seven (7) to eight (8) days later, typically Category wind speed Storm surge occurs over the colder waters of the North Atlantic or when the mph storms move over land and away from the sustaining marine (kms) (��) environment. 13"54 "X3-111 Due to the destructive nature of these storms, landfall can result in 01t significant damage to upland development and facilities from storm Three 111- 30 -312 sure waves, and wind. A exam le of this would be 7e-20s> (2.7- .r> surge, goodexample , ss- 10 s-s Hurricane Wilma which formed in 2005. (154-177) (1.8-2.4) One 74-95 4-5 A tropical storm is defined by maximum sustained winds from 35- (119-153) (1.2-1.5) 64 knots (40-74 mph). A hurricane has maximum sustained winds Additional classifications 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 � a � ' 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 26 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (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 1 Gordon Tropical Storm 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 *1 4L WILMA 10/19/'5 14 2 0088.12 3' aa i 1 t ovor 111111111111116. 27 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 NATURAL COMMUNITIES In 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 communities 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 0.45 540 Bays (with and without direct Wetland 23.16 connection to Gulf or Ocean) 612 Mangrove Swamp Wetland 64.60 642 Saltwater 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 28 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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. '' "v . ,� � s N ` p ,1 7it x rp t a ✓r 'raj i +. �Ws-✓k F we n`» ' { NA- +t t. - - t �" Y1 3 � '..�. $*x cra glr4-1,-,;,,-,.„,!-1,', 7, / . l i.. �<; .- kF ` s� q a * Beach habitat within NRPA Boundary 29 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 FLUCFCS Code 322 - Coastal Scrub Landward of the frontal (Beach) zone area is the back dune zone (also often called the shrub or scrub zone), a portion of the dune that is more stable, has greater organic matter, and supports less salt tolerant grasses and shrubs as well as some trees. Many of the woody species found in coastal scrub are low growing and shrubby due to low nutrient and droughty conditions of sandy soils. High winds and salt spray often prune the terminal buds of the trees and shrubs growing on the dunes and result in salt-pruned,windswept canopies. Coastal scrub is represented by a conglomeration of coastal species generally found in a narrow band between the Mangrove forest and the beach areas. Species common on the beaches of the Clam Bay system include; Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), Cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and Spanish bayonet (Yucca aloifolia). This is an important habitat as it helps anchor the back dune sands and provides habitat for several listed plant and animal species including the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). The primary management issues of concern in the coastal scrub are gopher tortoise habitat management and exotic vegetation control. r ` 4i : '° 47,'�`�' ,et 4. ,r e � ,-;: .$: ids-'Ui,,, s< t i, ,,,...,,,,,.. ., „,..,,, ,,,.....,,,, ,..,,,.. .‘,.. ..,..,.. , , ._ ,,,, , . : i .i,,..,.....r.,,,--;:t.-. , r ; ri.,,i4,!;;-' . s, r., .e."'* 4 4 , ,,. i‘ ,`',,. ' :. :':.'" t, ' ,., arivt� I n 'a i #'`a 11`, �` Sy a 1 S. -! a fir, � „0-4--.' , i'11411'4Y. '''''t fils'1.-.44.-itif,:',--.0 ---24 -.t t:fr:\--4- '"j4''' 'f* , '47 ,i' l'',01 .''1",`f -4,0'1, •••,•••,'. I4..... .'''s$4,....„‘'"'ili, • ..-:, 'ZIFriv ' 1,, _ , 'A, Iti • .P1 .t f i . ktii", Iiitr. r .-..,.,,_ , ,, .....,,,....: ,.. , ,!-; i .p.,,- :eP ' � ' ^t " �w�4` ;:r � me: ' ,i 'L �s4 ,*;<+f +.� •.!'.:t,:-'" �4 , L � . * a i < * r-' - v ; 41F 5p� , # } # % , th # i 4+A" St! t1 y ,...,-1,.....144 4� `yjP't j 4,30 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 *I' )' ''''"ifittptiorom : t-,-,i.?"---, --v...'w'ti":.-..t. ,k-A.' . sz° .+"� w ..- ., gyp.' + *.- -" fi',-°'•'S'r'i q r „,..s,:-,..,--. , t - .,h: �c d it \ '.;44` g y, § ,. a Sys , ..!-..-,-1:7.7,_;,"`,,, ,,,t` ,. + -as �E ....E �n t � +� } '-F:fiFor,',-_-,,,!4„,,,---4:'•'-'-'-:;;•,'''',7-'''''_''• :, --' - ,,,--.- .,,,,.-•,-----'--''''''' 3•4•‘-- - ''''''',ter-Tri,” ':-.-.4;--:i 4--f:-,4-:,,:,,',-.:.'-.,_s,-k4.„.t„...--a.'-.,-,-r-,'2-,,-,7,•. 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. The ,i.,,.::4•'i-'...:.i,,,,'u.,,:-.,:04i._'..,,.,,'.,-,.-.,,„,;l'.—,,*.1,,- Cabbage Palm Hammock habitat is identified by the preponderance of cabbage palms (Sabal e„,A*l--o,•,-pr'.•'-(•.i,.-?.,.„'4.l,,r,.....,k,.r!'„0;* ,4;,f-*•-'-.t,;:--,,'',?--„-:,„-:':„,k`'d„•1--i l,,,':-' 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 wax myrtle and myrsine 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. The primary management issues for this habitat are exotic control and preventing destructive visitor access. ss.. 'is-•":kv; *'s" ,a .. ,w -, <.�, wpa�s-” fid" wr �,i�" L , 1 4R a: e , •, °j i, a. Er: -'a' m .t - fie! ,' ", -.•,, .4w '7,;.0 '- ,c, ,7 ,.t0 ' ' , z eay'sa.. , q, -t S ,q. ,..3 S J ed h°d' £ J _r ,ng,,+ '.!:. 44l"l s t Y a�1': " tea$ \\ . ... r u,.,+.,,..adS,.w32 \ Lam, ..'?Y"Ya°<EYN, .- " , 1 ., a „ .,..' F1 Palm habitat within NRPA Boundary 31 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 FLUCFCS Code 540—Bays (with and without connection to the Gulf) 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 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 system 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 creeks, as well as the hand-dug flushing cuts, have been seen as the major contributing factors to the restoration of the mangrove forest community within the system (Turrell 2008; Humiston& Moore 2003). Tidal Pass Clam Pass is the only open water connection to the Gulf of Mexico for the Clam Bay NRPA. The exchange of seawater between Clam Bay and the Gulf is critical to the ability of the estuary to export organic matter, as well as to help regulate excess salt and freshwater. It also supplies oxygen rich water from the Gulf. In the absence of surface water circulation or tidal activity, estuarine habitats such as mangroves can 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. 32 5.FebruaryDiscussion 18,2014oflatest Clamdraft BayofmCommitteeanagement ofplathen Pelican Bay Services Division CLAM BAY NRPA LN ) Pelican BayMANAGEMENT ServPices Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 CLAM BAY TIDAL RANGES 2.50 •,jiQlli EG7GEAu ■1000112000RANGE INTI.O•'.40W0F00RAPCE IC607,00RA8GE e04.L61006RANRE •12.110!)1M RANGE ?.YJ ..._... ....... ...._ ........ e070149'tltRANGE e0541-11101 Rub£ 001424i02RA'GE 130,0T Mtl_RANGE o dr.Ct4&'tV RNGE. e 11!C4'SR4RADGE e05.V00100012AtkE IXOAl111r1,4RANGE m.V.0.03'OCRUGE N. 3 e▪c$.0300'Q. A L e 13 il W r .tId0a0?RAILF cJ 2 # tiOR,CYt 100?RA3GF Z e10.uGr1 OhRAfGE a I 11 ; ' If • / 1 ti g t z. [ tlfi 3 Ai to °'w R I ',1!-g YAS YT ] Y _. ll ' i 1 1, 1 1i 1 1 1 ',; iii I 7 i GULF REvi S`R4' SDU7N NOR'H IfPER Gage Location It can be seen that the health of mangrove forests is directly related to the efficiency of the tidal pass. Clam Pass and its associated waterway is a very dynamic creek whose location has varied over time (Turrell 1995; Tackney 1996). 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. The following aerial photographs show how the Pass and its waterway have changed over the past 60 years. 3eR� ** F i ,,,,,I; , ';‘.;4!' ,‘; ' :‘„ '';';'!'';''''''';':;:,[!;;:';';:!!:: '''''::::;::;t;Z.;‘;;;;:1;' ;:;:;-'i.';'.;-; ;'''' ''' ';;;' '; ;;'-' -4!!;i'll'.11;;;I: 33 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 s ''' ' , '-''',-','.' -- -le ,.:1'''''"r‘.,..* .11' A' af ° '^„_ mom, p 7 r x y C LAM y ” PASS . 2012 . ` '� 34 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 pass. 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. awn�°! "� y7 yy is � z Open Water habitat within NRPA Boundary FLUCFCS Code 612—Mangrove Swamps 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,terrestrial and avian wildlife. • Protecting coastal areas from storm surges and coastal erosion. • Improving water quality by acting as a natural filter for land based 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 gasses. Approximately 65%of the Clam Bay NRPA is composed of the three most common mangrove species in Florida. Namely, red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), black mangroves (Avicennia germinans), and white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) make up the mangrove forests within the Clam Bay NRPA. All three species have special biological adaptations to cope with salt and unstable, mucky, low oxygen soils that result from the tidal, hence continually waterlogged, environment. The 35 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. Special attention has been given to the mangrove community in the past because of the die-off which occurred between 1991 and 1997 (though stress in the community was documented as far back as the late 1970's). The die-off affected black and red mangroves initially but eventually ended up encompassing some white mangroves as well. More details on the recent history of the mangrove management are provided in Appendix 1 included with this plan. Red Mangroves Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) are recognized by their tangle of reddish looking prop roots, long cigar shaped seedlings and their large, pointed evergreen leaves. Red mangroves flower all year but reach maximum propagule production during the late spring and early summer months. 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. 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. 36 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14, Ver2014.4.0 '.,I ,fir "�, ,4 ,t , -.4 ,,,, ' ,,,,,,L.,,7,41.‘,,,,,,,tpl .,,,:r‘, „,_,,,,,„..„,,, . 174. ' ..,,:c N..,,,..11.,,, 14., . .. '' ';'"7-4':'''''':HI :14.4.;i4414- 4, :::::',::;i7,:'''":-*/:'' .,:4:1; r:, :':., y - , ,.'• . ” i�� "1 ,mo&. k 7,:!: :, sy ai +i C �\ ` " s . 4w � �w � �"�x '� 'a�-1 � '� kw. '4*:::.,,,, C4 ty � >*. e� R. "' . 1;,1'..,,''-.-:.-'..s;'---..-,'W,',•7--:- .4 ,;;ANZ--;;;41.47;i/0 47 -'.' 4. ,*.*''.* :4 V, ' Ill # g � -.74',..,<,,,, ! F -- r .gam 'c�`' s" s 64 ve41 "'"4"-" 4�- m+, `-..i.'",---,--- -7--' . meg. ,< _.. ,...mow.>. .. Red Mangroves and Propagules(inset) 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 lima bean shaped propagules are typically apparent during the late spring and early summer months. Black mangroves are cryptoviviparous as the embryo develops within the fruit while on the parent plant. When these propagules fall from the parent tree, they are able to float for a short period before rooting in the mucky soil. 37 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 1 y Ver.4.0 , .hvii t,,,,I, F ...Illy,- k t -, t AL, ,f.:i ,4 ''- ;-' f ',' :4 .7 1 ; t''..-."A*,, j....1.4'1,‘',.,: 4 7,,,,,,,-. . .,. ., ,,,, -..,. . 1, „:„,..„,, 2,.:,-; ,r, , 4, 1,, x -. , i .r, �4 ' irk K,,, ,;*,4,, I7, / ! t = # S $ �* a. . , �f . � y »f 4 - d;' i .i....,/,: ..,..j .• ., ` ` x e ti ,:t.. .....„4 $ a ` t err ,, -, It'i , 161 5 k };,,,, -,, it.'i,4 ws :4 - t; y' .-,s. eta` 's c,,,,,,,, . ..„,„..0...., ,' ,� r t "f , 9w. . ,. *+ � ` ... 0 ',\,-„,:,,,,,,,, �5'"� t�',t,..„...,,-.:2,44. /-.,,t4. °, y '",Z E'3 LL f' �, S 1,''''' ' c -,--.--:,,,,z...' .r„ t `"�' ze t ' -b �"�+�6aySi 4-.._ ^� t 4 s i ♦^ �t ) � +� �A � �{,9 g J� q'� t •� � `� '� ,�. �7 v.. �k ...sc..;,, " If'� I ,,..,:z":„.."'0„:;# ,,,...t--11 'lq.'"--; ' ' % It i ! 6`"' '' �� t3. i �+. �.. .r Yes Mt,,.— �a '� �` ',. • ` ''''-' 4 - ‘, - -*-:„--...1:p +yam' " Black Mangrove Pneumatophores 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 "./18,13,4;ksik,,,,„}„, .!, 1.4 v "-,'- 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 mangroves are semi-viviparous and germinate inside the fruit during the approximately five day dispersal,but not while attached to the parent plant 38 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Y R rte, 111 rtn "\ k A " a '$. e C''''' ''A' ' 4 44 s 4,A ' ! ':- ''1.4,et'li''' Ft a y 4 .0.- ' , -1, I White Mangrove leaves and fruit 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. 39 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 : � . a q s .;„,,,,,,,e.„, + tb 1•"..')f"*':* fie 'k ', :. tea",+t i-'" :"R ,74.or ., --""ir 7„0, ,., 0 e 17 '-.- - '1 ' ‘'''''''- lit, * „,,, ,,,fr:::, f 0* ,*.. ,,,_, ., 'i -t.';',0 - -,::---54---:37,--... {{ ,r 4;I � 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. 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 Aug flushing channels were constructed throughout this community to increase the flushing capacity through tidal inundation. Associated plants within the mangrove habitat include the succulent groundcovers Saltwort (Batis maritime), Glasswort (Salicornia cervicornis), (especially where a fallen tree provides a break in the 40 5. DiFebruaryscussion 18,2014oflatest Clamdraft BayofmCommittanagementee of theplan Pelican Bay Services Division CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 canopy and light penetration to the forest floor) and, further inland and closer to freshwater sources, the Leather fern(Acrostrichum danaefolia). 44.:41 .'''''''''''' t'' Friaik.,,,e,„,,..10,. ? .k( , } 1 �. +e» , 3 '�' • }'EY - r., W0:41:' .;.'.,'''',;=4.2"., itptil#A--4'z .1 7 I ° r ,..4.).!.., ° ° - '4,t4- -44 '''''''' '". %., ,.,,•-• - -A ,,c., , ....� '<"`"' ., .< ` • '1,--,,.,,,,,„i, ‘a-'' A Zit -..9 ,",. is s s mss, e; iii 1. ' z ��\ y zr SU:,," ,0 Mangrove habitat within NRPA Boundary FLUCFCS Code 642 -Salt 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 (Juncos 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. t 6 wsL6 A ' p T ' yp__ q_+�rw ,ap." ^" X3'1' Y 1? a - s ,,• v P 4 "Y^ +r.y {W'4! s - ,, .I.ja �, itb ,,, ,... sA,s'#.: -,141:017,14. " Ik' 1 � y � 7,6 „;.„,.. ... „,„,..... .7„st.,..._,, , . _ ..,,,t..„,„i,.„, ..,..,. ,... ,.„.... . ,. , ,,,,,,,,..,,,,,„,,,......,.,t,,,,:::,,,:04:.zio,,,,:::,-,1,--*,-:•-!:7--Y.:--;:,-f'''''''-: '.--,..4".:-,,-,-,z--n,..,-4,'...,'-4.. '� r S 44 Se' A $ eltair '..""Z°2,'-':-'r'..1'sfkr. . °A.:. .i---.1.(-,..i'" '''' ' ',. 7 .,:‘,..„.. .....,:::...:. _,, ,, , 4,„,„4......„:r.....s._s,.:4.4-..„:,,I,:t,,sirit.v...-:;:„.137:4::...,:::,:::,ii.,!..;:::,0„,;,..„„„:1,„:. 1.44,..,,4‘,4 , { �" ''' 3t4 c\ ti 5 .m ts. v -- ?,r ,, `t, 5mx - a �d �; bpi �''_._ ,� si, a s` >.��.. r,, :r,,, �,.ri �,:‘.1.'.,+°��s: ,.�”?.;it'`,-., , Marsh habitat within NRPA Boundary 41 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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 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. f:r;4's.t'f';14,Y417-iVit;* ,� 'r3c a Mfr-. s3 > �'tF` ' e "4‘f,„,\ :141 *�*. r • x • a "a..g` sa. � 'ter °' '4 1°mow y .y „� t ,- ea `.;. z; thea „�rl tom; $° i 1., say 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. Both the grass blades 42 February 18,2014 Clam Bayof Committeemanagement of theplan Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest d CLAMBAYNraftRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 themselves and the surface area they represent provide food and attachment for marine species and seagrass beds are renowned for their value as nursery habitats. X y �sW' � 1'+k 3"` " ms's" . a m� a�' -. za '4---.---;.--' + is' e 2 �� - �� r,fix ' a - 7 tr t,"' t 1:, ` gr :1 - e a 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 aka 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. 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 Clam 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 suryey transects only and do not account for other scattered grasses that may be located elsewhere in the system. 43 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Management concerns related to seagrasses include direct impacts due to recreational use and potential dredging templates, turbidity and water quality concerns related to flushing(too much or too little) and stormwater inputs, and algal infestations due to nutrient increases. A history of the seagrass monitoring efforts in Clam Bay is included in the Appendix 2 attached to this report. ,a 'Xs * .a wF aw , •'. "" w ; ,�,s. :„/:1° ,3tt t ,.' � 1s 4 .t 04, �:,:^' ?3 �'k �.�. #�'` i � �. �Jt � �° ` �i�" 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 (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 44 5. DFebruaryiscussion 18,2014oflatest Clamdraft Bayof Committee management of theplan Pelican Bay Services Division CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 (REFERENCE); 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 tributarybetween 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. s* M � ''''',!°2::2Z,:,'"'" 'r • at . .,.,,, i ;,:t, 4400/ '°.' . ,, i *-1 1 ., 1" ' . h ,7e , i -,.. s... ," m;.€ r. ! — , :b 3. fr ' " dr Y" e . b :•", t. #4 , .. $ ♦ ay . +' h?7,„ # �d` �} A a r `� w�*,.,„,„--„:i de�� t � 3$3`��.� ` � �� y . aA �., n 5�w 417, : e u�r APPS c. .1E_ OY TF LOCATIONS Other bivalve mollusks In addition to oysters,the 2011 benthic habitat assessment conducted by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida also found two other bivalves within the Clam Bay system. The pointed Venus clam (Anomalocardia auberiana) and the stout razor clam (Tagelus plebeius) were both observed. Turrell, Hall and Associates benthic surveys found several beds of southern hard clams (Mercenaria campechiensis) also present within the system. These mollusks are generally found within the shoal and tidal flat areas of the system and could ble susceptible to impact during dredging or other disturbance operations. Management concerns would be protection from recreational users, water quality, flushing, and dredging. Polychaete Worms per KW 45 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Hardbottom Communities Another important marine habitat marginally associated with the estuarine system is the hard bottom reef community found just seaward of Clam Pass. In about 10-15 feet of water a variety of sponges, stony corals, gorgonians, fish and associated invertebrates can be found within a system of rocks and ledges. Outcroppings of similar habitat type occur along the length of Collier County and are a little known resource of regional significance. ext ,,rya t 1 Hardbottom outcrop off of Clam Pass Collier County has mapped this resource through side scan sonar surveys in 2005 and 2009 as part of its beach renourishment project. The information received from the County shows that the landward edge of this habitat is located approximately 250 to 300 feet offshore from the Pass. °It 41,$i?..*A4.0411.1 Vci.'144 Vi 44,1t, 744,4y, C�.a BAY INNER � . UPPER CLAM BA', Y&Y* r — — CLAM , z r PASS 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 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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). 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. LISTED SPECIES 47 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 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 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 48 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 49 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 50 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 FL UCFCS 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 Fish COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Atlantic needlefish Strongylura marina Barracuda Sphyraena barracuda Bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli Blacktip Shark Carcharhinus limbatus Blue crab Callinectis sapidus Cowfish Acanthostracion quadricomis Flounder Paratichthys alb!gutta Gray snapper Lutjanus griseus Great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda Gulf killifish Fundulus grandis Inshore Iizardfish Synodus foetens Killifish spp. Fundulus spp. Leatherjacket Oligoplites saurus Longnose killifish Fundulus simitis Mangrove snapper Lutjanus griseus Mullet Mugil cephalus Mutton snapper Lutjanus anatis Needlefish Strongylura marina Permit Trachinotus falcatus 51 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Pigfish. Orthopristus chiysoptera Pinfish Lagodon rhomboides Pipefish Syngnathus spp. Puffer Sphoeroides parvus Sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna Sand perch Diplectrum bivittatum Scaled sardine Harengula pensacolae Sea robin Phonon's scitulus Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephal Sheepshead minnow Cyprinodon variegatus Silver jenny Eucinostomus gula Smalltooth Sawfish Pristis pectinata Snook Centropomus undecimalis Spot Leiostomus xanthurus Spotfin mojara Eucinostomus argenteus Spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus Tidewater silverside Menidia pen insulae Triggerfish Batistes capriscus White grunt Haemulon plumierii Whiting Menticirrhus tittoratis Reptiles and Amphibians COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Banded water snake Nerodia.faciata.faciata Black racer Coluber constrictor Common garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis Eastern coachwhip Masticophis flagellum Mangrove salt marsh water snake Nerodia clarkii Mud snake Farancia abacura Red rat snake Elaphe guttata guttata Ring-necked snake Diadophis punctatus Yellow rat snake Elaphe obsoleta 52 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis Brown anole Anolis sagrei Eastern glass lizard Ophisaurus ventralis Green anole Anolis carolinensis Southeastern five-lined skink Eumeces inexpectatus Brown basilisk lizard** Basiliscus vittatus Cuban knight anole** Anolis equestris Cuban treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis Eastern narrow-mouthed toad Gastrophryne carolinensis Eastern spadefoot toad Scaphiopus holbrookii Giant marine toad** Rhinella marina (fka Bufo marinus) Green treefrog Hyla cinerea Oak toad Anaxyrus quercicus Southern leopard frog Lithobates sphenocephalus Southern toad Bufo terrestris Squirrel treefrog Hyla squirella Chicken turtle Deirochelys reticularia Pond(yellowbelly) slider Trachemys scripta scripta Florida redbelly cooter Pseudemys nelsoni Penninsula cooter Pseudemys peninsularis Striped mud turtle Kinosternon baurii Florida box turtle Terrapene carolina bauri Florida softshell turtle Apalone ferox Florida snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina osceola Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus Green sea turtle Chelonia mydas Loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta Birds COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME 53 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 American avocet Recurvirostra americana American coot Fulica americana American kestrel Falco sparverius American oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Barred owl Strix varia Belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon Black skimmer Rynchops niger Black vulture Rynchops niger Black-and-white warbler Mniotilta varia Black-bellied plover Pluvialis squatarola Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax Black-necked stilt Himantopus mexicanus Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea 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 Caprimulgus carolinensis Common grackle Quiscalus quiscula Common ground-dove Columbina passerina Common moorhen Gallinula chloropus Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor Common snipe Gallinago gallinago Common tern Sterna hirundo Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Dowitcher long-billed Limnodromus scolopaceus Dowitcher short-billed Limnodromus griseus Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens 54 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Dunlin Calidris alpina Eastern screech owl Megascops asio Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto European starling Sturnus vulgaris Fish crow Corvus ossifragus Forster's tern Sterna forsteri Glossy ibis Plegadis.falcinellus Gray catbird Dumetella carolinensis Great blue heron Ardea herodias Great crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Great egret Ardea alba Great horned owl Bubo virginianus Greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Green heron Butorides virescens Green-winged teal Anas crecca Herring gull Larus argentatus Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatus House sparrow Passer domesticus Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla Least sandpiper Calidris minutilla Limpkin Aramus guarauna Little blue heron Egretta caerulea Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus Magnificent frigate bird Fregata magnificens Mangrove cuckoo Coccyzus minor Merlin Falco columbarius Mocking bird Mimus polyglottos Mottled duck Anas fulvigula Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Muscovy duck Cairina moschata Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Northern gannet Mortis bassanus Northern parula Parula americana 55 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Northern waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis Osprey Pandion haliaetus Painted bunting Passerina ciris Palm warbler Dendroica palmarum Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps Pilleated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Piping plover Charadrius melodus Prairie warbler Dendroica discolor Purple gallinule Porphyrula martinica Red knot Calidris canutus Red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator 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 alba Sandwich tern 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 Eudocimus albus White pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos 56 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Wood stork Scolopax minor Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Yellow-crowned night heron Nyctanassa violacea Yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata Yellow-throated warbler Dendroica dominica Mammals COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Virginia opossum Didelphis virginia Eastern mole Scalopus aquaticus Brazilian free-tailed bat Tadarida brariliensis Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Marsh rabbit Sylvilagus palustris Eastern gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis House mouse Mus musculus Roof rat Rattus rattus Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Black bear Ursus americanus Raccoon Procyon lotor River otter Lutra canadensis Feral domestic cat Fells catus Bobcat Lynx rufus West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus Bottle-nosed dolphin Turciops truncatus HYDROLOGY Hydrological regime, sometimes referred to as the surface water or surficial hydrology, in simple terms describes the long term spatial variation in the water depths and period of inundation within a wetland system. 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) 57 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 With respect to the horizontal component, incoming water (both tidal and surface water run-off) into an estuary 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 estuary 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. 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. Another key aspect of the surficial hydrology is the vertical location of the water level elevation relative to the sediment elevation. Specifically, the mean low water (tide) elevation has to be sufficiently lower than the sediment elevation in order for 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. The 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. 58 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 must generate a sufficient volume 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). 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., 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 59 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 predictable storm 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, 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 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 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. 60 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 1� , , ' = 2;11 c';9:,,..'..7. .a ,-,. ..i ?n a :117C4:1411.,1* ' ,O a,t te : t y 1,r,... ;,, , ,.,,,,,,,-..„,„, .'741,,,-1'. .,!-1,,,,;,-" '‘,4.4.4.-.' '''. .,1,4 1, 0. t, ._ 1„ ,, --,,.. -,,,,,,,,,,,,,...;,-**,,*:4,*P**-:7'V' '''.- 'c"tt,•. , '41f,,,:('100 ,/.4*- ,'SSii..-* cl) c.;..... ..,4" 'li*4• i r 1 1 i is Tqhs F1 1 .1iiii1 l' it t 7 6 s I t 1;''1/41,1,, '. :4.zt-r: Ai .,,,T,,,!*,,,--':':',-1 -,77,,4,:,*(' ,‘,.s. #� , " a ,,. , t f lF t .-., .„ . „. ,, ,,..„..,_. , 4,„;.....,,,,,,,,,,, -‘ +w. > ,,,,,c,,,...,-f11.' .4t4..e,:is,;',-43,-41,..,..„,,t,,,' t{* P .; 140., `PrP 51n, i ,... � 5 Alit ti' `t -• * ,' � 3 . t Approximate locations of Drainage Basins within the Pelican Bay Development (photo is oriented with north up and west to the left). 61 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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(from an engineering,not historical, standpoint), 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. • Ammonia • Carbon-Total Organic • Chlorophyll a • Copper* (added to the parameter suite in 2013) 62 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draftof management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 • Nitrate-Nitrite (N) • Nitrite (N) • Nitrogen-Total Kjeldahl • Orthophosphate(0PO4) • Pheophytin • Phosphorus-Total • Residues-Filterable(TDS) • Silica(SiO2) ,�'r r `r` Z t ` ''. r , 1 {.. t isx L 1 +� ± k� t � Y ; 7 i t. t t N,,,:t,-"icfl. ' �" Kr' a + b q r^r � � �4 1.- )?1tili4 t,9 & fi t-'16" i` g... '&41'401 � ." .; 40;',4.; ,.4:14#' •yy"` -,t ;� -'« m '' 3: . 0:!'i 4:4';'-.. ..,,, -141:1'-:-.11..;, *4. ,,,,; '�:, _ ,,,�e'` ate 1,1 ,,11.1' ' .' , ,';: '"—,'', '''''41:4::.,,,,I, .7 .b*� .mak" , 0%4, 1. rs,;'f1Yfixr--` dam`-;: y .�' ». ++�1C�p€,, "e.,=. 4. Fi 3 isrt.� �t !. ,,.. , _.% '*-44-.-;A,...:;;,ilit ligki.iiti..0,1; .' ,';',.',"4",,,T• °'''17.,I.t4C1111 jo.% 1 i„,/,„ ),-,„;4WIte,...-- — --- .--- , i , -- i��! tS�/ - ..KK f magyy'f'`Jw, ', T,4...1 f .,,2, ,,,, ,,, _ , -,,,,,-- . ifel, „ ,,.,:: ,.. . ' yam d Y .ern!`" s I a $: i r � s + .. ..; ,..".., ,. -. .... . 'i'" «a-,.... ori.,s,.,. d�. < 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 determination that the oxygen levels in Clam Bay were natural and the system was not listed as impaired for DO. 63 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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. Residents and guests of Pelican Bay residents 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. 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 64 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 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 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. 65 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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, 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 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 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 of the 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan. The Plan addressed agency concerns at the time and included provisions for adding one-way 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 system since then. It is anticipated that DEP and USACOE 10-year permits will be sought in conjunction with this new Management Plan. The permits will allow for ongoing maintenance and/or enhancement 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 by the PBSD Board and Collier County Commissioners before seeking any additional permit(s) which may be necessary for the 66 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 67 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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.: 86IPT-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. Depaitment 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. 68 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No.:199602789 (IP-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: 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 #1; 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; 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 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. 69 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 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. 70 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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-JC. 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 Expiration Date: August 14, 2022 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-1996-02789 (NWP-WDD) Date of Issue: February 28, 2013 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 Expiration Date: August 14, 2022 Project Description: Modification to re-open Clam Pass 71 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 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 - 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 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. 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. 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. c.) Maintain backup gauges to minimize data loss due to malfunctioning equipment. 72 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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 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 agencies as needed if conditions dictate maintenance dredging is needed in interior creeks. 73 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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.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 2.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 exotic removal from the varied habitats. Conduct pre-work surveys to identify any 74 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 75 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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 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. 76 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 77 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 ACOE for consideration and inclusion into this Management Plan. 78 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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, Inc., 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 Biolndustries 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. 10. Worley, Kathy, Hennig, Markus, July 2000, Clam Bay Mangrove Projects: Interim Summary of Statistical Results, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, technical paper. 11. Benedict, Mark A., Harvey, Judson W., Curran, Maura E., 1983, Part 1 Beach Management Planning and Implementation Strategies at the Local Level, Natural Resources of Collier County Florida, technical paper. 12. Benedict, Mark A., Harvey, Judson W., Curran, Maura E., 1983, Part II The Beach in Collier County: A Model in Southwest Florida,Natural Resources of Collier County Florida, technical paper. 79 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 II 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 50th 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 Biolndustries 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 Melampus coffeus and Cerithidea scalariformis West of Upper Clam Bay, Collier County, Florida, Tropical Biolndustries, Inc.,technical paper. 23. Heald, Eric J.,July 1983,Fish Populations of Tidal Ponds West of Upper Clam Bay Collier County, Florida, Tropical BioIndustries, technical report. 24. Crewz, David W., 1989, Clam Pass Park mangrove damage, Department of Natural Resources Interoffice Memorandum. 25. Wanless, Harold R.,Risi, J. Andrew, July 1996, Observations on Barrier Beach Stratigraphy and Groundwater Flow in the Vicinity of the Mangrove Die Off Adjacent to the Strand, Pelican Bay, Collier County,Florida, Collier County Natural Resources Department, technical report. 26. Wanless, Harold R.,February 1975, Report on the Beaches of Naples, Florida,technical report. 80 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 BioIndustries, 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 Morphodynamics of Inlets in Florida: Models for Coastal Zone Planning. Department of Geology, University of South Florida, technical report. 33. Knapp, Michael S., Burns, 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 Permit 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 Application for Systems 4 and 5. Pelican Bay Improvement District, September 1982. 37. Goodrick, Robert L. "Pelican Bay—Environmental Considerations, permit No. 11-00065-S." Memorandum to file, January 15, 1982. 38. Hermanson, George H. "Proposed Modifications to Drainage Area 3, System No. V."Hole, Montes & Associates, Inc., January 28, 1988. 39. "Modification of Permit No. 11-00065-S Pelican Bay."Pelican Bay Improvement District Staff Report, 1983. 81 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 System 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: Atlas. 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. Florida Environmental Resource and Joint Coastal Permit Application, Federal Dredge and Fill permit Application. April 1997. 52. Missimer and Associates, Inc. Subsurface Water and Carbon Floes to Portions of the Clam Pass Estuarine System, Collier County,Florida. Technical report, March 1979. 53. The Collier Company. Coastal Engineering Study of the Proposed Clam Pass Improvement. Engineering and Industrial Experiment Station, College of Engineering, University of Florida. May 1970. 54. Crewz, David W. Florida. Department of Natural Resources. Clam Pass Mangrove Damage. Interoffice Memo, May 1989. 82 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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." January 1999. 66. Davis, Richard A., Hine, Albert C., Bland, Michael J. "Midnight Pass, Florida: Inlet Instability Due to Man-Related Activities in Little Sarasota Bay." Coastal Sediments '87, May 1987. 67. Metz, Charles. "More than Mangroves at Stake." April 1997. 68. Florida. South Florida Water Management District. "Request for Modification of Surface Water Management Permit No. 11-00065-S." Staff Report. October 1978. 69. Florida. South Florida Water Management District. "Water Use Permit." June 1998. 83 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 84 ResnickLisa From: Susan O'Brien [naplessusan@comcast.net] Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 9:58 AM To: Tim Hall; ResnickLisa Subject: Fwd: Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan 4.0 Attachments: Clam_Bay_Mgmt_Plan_4.0_photos_deleted.rtf FYI. We'll discuss Linda's suggested revisions as well as others' suggestions at tomorrow's meeting. Thanks, Susan O'Brien Begin forwarded message: From: "lor3lor3@aol.com" <lor3lor3@aol.com> Date: February 17, 2014 3:53:01 AM EST To: naplessusan(cr�,comcast.net, nfn16799@naples.net, mikelevy@embargmail.com <mailto:mikelevy@embargmail.com> ,jchicurel@gmail.com, hobodory@comcast.net Cc: lor3lor3@aol.com Subject: Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan 4.0 Dear PBSD Clam Bay Committee Member, I am writing because I will be out of town for the next three days, and will not be able to attend the Clam Bay Committee meeting on Tuesday. Please see attachment. I would appreciate it very much if you would read the revisions I made on the Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan 4.0, and consider incorporating them in the Plan as I think they are important and would help PB. The attachment has only the pages with my revisions on them. As for the acronyms, it is not important if they are BCC or BOCC, DEP or FDEP, so on and so forth. However, they should be consistent throughout the document. There are a few questions regarding the permits, could you please ask Tim Hall for the answers? In my opinion,there is nothing more important than making this Management Plan clear, factual, precise, and concise; leaving no room for misinterpretation. Inconsistency and ambiguity in language allows for misinterpretation, and gives rise to costly disputes later on. A case in point is the ambiguous statement in the 1998 Management Plan regarding installation of markers in Clam Bay. This problem has cost PB a great deal of time, effort, and attorney fees. Silence or absence of language also allows for misinterpretation and disputes. An example of this is the original County ordinance providing PBSD the authority to manage the conservation/preserve areas in Pelican Bay. It seems to me the conservation/preserves areas include the mangrove forest, Clam Pass, beaches, etc., in other words, everything within the NRPA boundary. Apparently, this language was not as clear as it appears, requiring subsequent ordinances to amend and clarify it. Oftentimes, County Attorney Klatzkow, when asked by the Commissioners what a contract said about certain subject in question, would answer that the document was silent on the subject, meaning it could be open to interpretations. Therefore, I strongly feel that appropriately worded statements (possibly supported by reasons) about no Lateral (Red& Green)navigational markers will be installed in the Clam Bay NRPA; no dredging for flushing of Venetian/Moorings Bay; and there is no historical connection to Venetian/Moorings should be clearly expressed in the new Management Plan. These three issues surface repeatedly because no documents exist stating that they are not allowed, or not true. Additionally, the issue about the FDEP and USACE permits authorizing a dredge cut of 80 ft. wide at the entrance of Clam Pass is false. I have the official permit applications and authorizations from the regulatory agencies to substantiate this. It is time to stop perpetuating this unfortunate mistake made by H&M in 2006- 2007 at the request of the Coastal Zone Manager. There is no reason now to include this erroneous information in the new Management Plan or the new 10-year dredge permit . It can be misleading. Thank you for your kind attention and consideration. Sincerely, Linda Roth February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction Purpose of the Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan. Development of the Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan Role of Pelican Bay Services Division 2.0 Clam Bay Location, Setting,And Historical Overview Maps, description of Pelican Bay and the estuary system Natural history of the system and pass 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 3.0 Resource Descriptions Soils Topography Climate Natural Communities Exotic Species Listed Species Other Wildlife Species Hydrology Water Quality Archaeological Resources Inlet Dynamics Recreational Use 4.0 Authorized Construction Activities List of permits and work undertaken to date 5.0 Management Goals and Objectives Management action/work required,performance criteria and monitoring,responsible entities, timeframe Shouldn't the numbers below begin with 5.1, 5.2, etc. or Goal I, Goal 2, etc.? 6.1 Provide sufficient tidal exchange to maximize benefits to the Clam Bay NRPA while minimizing negative environmental impacts. 6.2 Maintain and protect the native floral and faunal communities 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 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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). This plan will form the basis by which future management decisions can be made by identifying the appropriate management techniques necessary to protect, preserve, restore, maintain and monitor the natural resources and their uses within the Clam Bay NRPA. This plan, in addition to providing a brief historical perspective of activities undertaken within this system, will identify management goals and objectives; develop methods to achieve these goals and objectives; and develop implementation, assessment, and evaluation strategies that strive to balance resource protection with passive recreational use. 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 enhanc h.cnt„ to management and maintenance of the ecosystems throughout Clam Bay. The Clam Bay NRPA 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 serve as a tool for future permitting and other management activities necessary to protect, preserve,restore,maintain, and monitor resources within the system. Development of the Management Plan Turrell, Hall &Associates served as the principal consultant for the management plan. This consultant firm has a long history of work in the Clam Bay NRPA and was responsible for the implementation the Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan(1998)that resulted in the successful restoration of Clam Bay's mangrove forest. The coastal engineering firm of Humiston& Moore, Inc.provided input and monitoring data for the 2014 Management Plan relative to the Clam Pass and the dredging activities and templates. The PBSD Clam Bay Committee,(delete comma)which consists of five members of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board, an advisory board to Collier County's Board of Commissioners, met regularly in 2013 and 2014 and provided input and direction to the consultants. Additional regular input was provided by representatives of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida; the Mangrove Action Group; and the local Calusa litreuell Group of the Sierra Club. All Committee and Board meetings were properly noticed,open to the public, and allowed audience participation. Input was also solicited via notices to about 35 area businesses, government officials and employees, condominium associations, and individuals who regularly use Clam Bay. These representatives were invited to participate in two meetings held in the spring of 2013. They were also notified in , 2014 that a draft of the management plan was available on the PBSD's 1 1 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 website and they were invited to send their comments to the PBSD's office. (A list of these area people/organizations is on p. .) Another Board member will be Chairman after 3/31/14. 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 5679 Strand Court Naples, FL 34110 (239)594-2021 2 2 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Role of the Pelican Bay Services Division In order for the management and enhancement maintenance 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 Pelican Bay is a dependent special district known as the Pelican Bay Municipal Services Taxing and Benefit Unit with PBSD as its governing body. 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. These ordinances were replaced in 2002 by Ordinance 2002-27 which further clarified the basis and role of the MSTBU and PBSD Board. This MSTBU/PBSD 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 (1998). and the recovery of the mangrove die-off areas. P e r action by the Collier County commissioners, the responsibility for the monitoring and maintenance of Cess Clans Pass was given to the Collier County's Coastal Zone Management Department from 2009 to 2012. In 2013, the Collier County BOCC returned responsibility of the Pass to PBSD via Ordinances 2013-19 and 2013-61. It is under the PBSD's direction that this current i\ianagement Plan has been written. As a dependent special taxing and benefit district, the Pelican Bay MSTBU/PBSD is an arm of Collier County government and makes recommendations to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners(BBCC). The PBSD implements its defined responsibilities within the Pelican Bay community; sets its own budget and agenda; and regularly submits them to the BCC for approval. The BCC has regularly approved the Clam Bay management activities - . - - . •_ . - . . and authorized the development of the 204-4 Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan. (2014). The PBSD's effective working relationship with the BOCC is expected to continue as the PBSD serves as the official manager of the 2014 Management Plan which is consistent with Ordinances 90-111, 2002-27, 2013-19, and 2013-61 of Collier County. 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, el:that:tee preserve, restore, monitor, and maintain the natural communities and ecological integrity of the Clam Bay NRPA. The PBSD has several attributes which already make it a logical guiding force in the management and maintenance 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; • Garners fiscal support collected from local special assessments (non ad valorem taxes); • Is accessible by the public due to its local governing board and advertised public monthly meetings;find 3 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 3 4 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Set-vices Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 • Has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Clam Bay NRPA and a successful track record regarding 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. 4 5 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 2.0 Overview of the Clam Bay NRPA The Clam Bay NRPA is a 570-acre estuarine system consisting of sandy beaches, shallow bays and creeks, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and Clam Pass on the west coast of Collier County in southwest Florida. The Clam Bay system is part of the Cocohatchee-Gordon River Transition, referred to by Collier County Department of Natural Resources as Coastal Zone II. It is one of the few remaining estuarine systems in the Cocohatchee-Gordon River Drainage System. 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 (Collier County, 1994, Tropical Biolndustries, 1978). These connections were eventually severed with the development of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Seagate Drive in the 1950s. Today, the system includes three primary bays; Outer Clam Bay(southernmost), Inner Clam Bay (central), and Upper Clam Bay (northernmost), connected by a series of tidal creeks and connected to the Gulf of Mexico by Clam 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. This system is an important natural and passive recreational resource for local residents and visitors. The operation of small motorized watercraft is limited to Idle Speed/No Wake per Collier County Ordinance 96-16. The Clam Bay system is bounded on the north by Vanderbilt Beach Road and the Bay Colony portion of the Pelican Bay development, to the south by Seagate Drive, and the Seagate and Naples Cay developments, to the east by the Pelican Bay development and to the west by the Gulf of Mexico and the Strand enclave of the Pelican Bay development. 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) leaving the mangrove forests 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 and eventually became the NRPA which is in place today. Development of Pelican Bay 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 '/z 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 5 6 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 near the berm. Six drainage basins operate on a gravity system to slowly move surface water into the receiving area of Clam Bay. Naples Cay is a high rise development consisting of 8 multi-story condominium buildings. The community also includes pools, tennis courts, approximately 33 acres of park and preserve areas, and two canoe and kayak launching piers. The first building started in Naples Cay in the late 1970's and the last was completed in 2002. Stormwater management is accomplished through several internal detention areas before water flows into Outer Clam Bay. The Seagate community is composed of single family residences. The community was first laid out in the 1950's and still has a few undeveloped lots. Because development of this community occurred so early, there is no community-wide stormwater management system in place. Seagate is the only community adjacent to the Clam Bay NRPA that is allowed under the County Manateee Protection Plan to have small motorized vessels and the associated boat docks along three seawall canals. Clam Bay was designated a Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA) by Collier County in 1995 (See below for more details on the NRPA history). The purpose of the NRPA designation is to protect endangered or potentially endangered species and to identify large connected intact and relatively unfragmented habitats, which may be important for these listed species (Collier County Growth Management Plan, Future Land Use Element). 6 7 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Clam Bay NRPA Vital Statistics Total acres: Approx. 570 acres Beaches: Approx. 1.5 miles Mangrove: Approx. 420 acres Open Water: Approx. 115 acres Beach Park: Approx. 35 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 Water Body Identification(WBID) 3278Q1 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 system, but it is restricted by sediment deposits just inside the Pass and in the long meandering tidal creeks surrounded by mangrove forests. 7 8 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan Natural History Prior to development, the entire coastline of south Florida would have resembled the Clam Bay ecosystem with meandering mangrove lined shallow waterways buffering sandy barrier islands and natural terrestrial communities. Unique within the heavily developed coastal community of Collier County, Clam Bay estuarine ecosystem 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 photography, kayaking, fishing, walking, swimming,bird watching, and beach going. 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. It consists of approximately 420 acres of mangroves and some 115 acres of shallow, open water bays, as well as a 35 acre beachfront parcel (Clam Pass Beach Park) and approximately 1.5 miles of sandy beach. 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 3.0)of this Plan. Historical Overview Historically, Clam Pass was a small part of a large system of shallow waterways and interconnecting wetland communities extending from Lee County to Doctor's Pass. Anecdotal evidence suggests that small boating activities took place within many of these interconnected areas. During the 1950's anis1-601s this system was isolated from adjacent natural mangrove lined shallow creeks and 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 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 3.0 of this Plan. 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. The following time lines are intended as background information and as a factual recount based on anecdotal evidence,press reports,published and unpublished reports. 9 9 9 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) 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 Clam Bay ecosystem is part of a connected system of barrier islands, mangrove forests, passes and shallow waterways. The orientation of the beaches and passes would have changed seasonally and with storms. 1952 Vanderbilt Beach Road is constructed as the Vanderbilt community is developed, eventually severing connection with the Wiggins Pass system to the north. 1958 Seagate Drive is constructed as the mere Seagate community is developed; flow from north to south is severed prior to excavation and construction of the deep man-made Venetian Bay/Moorings Bay seawall system. • Vanderbilt Lagoon ..... _ . Outer Clam Bay Upper Clam Bay Venetian Bay Circa 1960 Aerial Photograph Circa 1952 Aerial Photograph 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. 10 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 11 11 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 1983 Tropical Bio-Industries produce biological reports: • Fish populations of tidal ponds west of Upper Clam Bay • Populations of Melampus coffees (Coffee bean snail) and Cerithidea scalariformis (Ladder hornsnail)west of Upper Clam Bay 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). 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 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. Clam Pass was mechanically dredged to re-open. Approximately 700 cubic yards of material were removed from the mouth of the inlet and the south bend of the channel. Material was placed south of the Pass. Multiple closures of the inlet occurred during the construction process. 1990 Pelican Bay Improvement District becomes a dependent district of Collier County called the Pelican Bay MSTBU/PBSD. Services Division. 1992 The area of dead mangroves is reported at 7 acres. 1994 20 acres of mangroves are reported dead. 1995 Clam Bay is approved by the Board of County Commissioners as Collier County's first Natural Resource Protection Area(NRPA). 12 12 12 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Clam Pass closes following a winter storm event. Emergency dredging permit issued allowing opening of the Pass, but no work farther back than 600 feet. Mechanical dredging is undertaken removing approximately 5,000 cubic yards of material from the entrance of the Pass. 1996 Clam Pass closes following a winter storm event. Permits to open Clam Pass received from FDEP and USACE. Mechanical dredging event carried out at the entrance of the Pass. In summer and fall blasting and hand excavation were permitted and completed in 1997. Mangrove die-off area estimated at 50 acres. 1997 Clam Pass, on the verge of closing following a winter storm event is mechanically dredged again under modification to 1996 Permits. Interior portions of the flood shoal were dredged to station 6+10. 1998 Clam Pass was on the verge of closing again following a winter storm event. A mechanical maintenance dredging event was carried out under modification to 1996 Permits. Interior portions of the flood shoal were dredged to station 6+10. Ten year permits received from F DEP and USACE for dredging Clam Pass and the interior channels. Included adjustments to the Seagate culverts and installation of hand-dug channels throughout the system. Associated monitoring work and storm and freshwater studies were required. 1999 Dredging work associated with the CBRMP was implemented(Mgmt by PBSD) in the spring by Ludlum Construction Company. Hydraulic dredging of Cuts 1, 2, 3, and 4 were carried out. A 30 foot entrance cut was dredged. One-way northerly flow flap valves installed on Seagate culverts. 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. 13 13 13 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Ellicott Series 370HP Pumping Sand out of Clam Pass(1999) 2000 Hurricane Gordon impacts the area with no inlet closure. 2002 Hydraulic maintenance dredging of Clam Pass flood shoals between stations 3+10 and 18+00 (Mgmt by PBSD) completed to improve tidal circulation. The entrance of the Pass was not dredged during this event. Flap valves on Seagate culverts removed due to insufficient head differential causing them to act as plugs instead of valves. Canoe trail markers permitted and installed throughout Clam Bay system. 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 dee did not close. 14 14 14 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Hurricane damaged mangroves along bay 2005 Same mangroves along bay 2007 2007 Hydraulic maintenance dredging of Pass and entrance channel was conducted between Stations 0+00 and 18+00. The entrance of the Pass was dredged at 8022 (ft., not inches) width. (Mgmt by Collier County Coastal Zone Management Dept.). 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 FDEP and USACOE 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. Benthic Habitat Assessment study completed within the Clam Bay NRPA by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Study provides comprehensive mapping of benthic habitat compositions and distribution throughout the Clam Bay NRPA. 2012 Canoe trail markers and informational signage installed throughout Clam Bay. The mouth of Clam 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. Impacts from tropical storms Debby and lassic Isaac, along with numerous winter storm fronts caused the closure of the Pass. 15 15 15 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 2013 A single event mechanical dredge is carried out in March under F DEP and U S ACOE permits with an entrance cut of 45 feet. Beach compatible material is placed north and south of the Pass above the mean high water line. 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 in perpetuity for the use of the public in-pefpetttity. It also prohibited dredging Clam Pass except to keep it open to the Gulf of Mexico. 1988 The Pelican Bay Conservation Area (570 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. 161616 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 17 17 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 18 18 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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 P ass was excavated, the interior tides remained muted. Efforts to maintain the P ass 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 mPingreve 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. 20 19 19 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/1812014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 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 4440 late 2001 and 2005. Biological monitoring work over the past 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. 21 20 20 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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 (???) NAVD88. The surrounding lands are generally higher than the NRPA and generate the freshwater flows into the preserve. 22 21 21 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 22 22 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. 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 4.934 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 29 23 23 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 FLUCFCS Code 540—Bays(with and without connection to the Gulf) The Clam Bay NRPA contains the three larger bays associated with Clam Pass (Outer, Inner, and Upper) as well as the interconnecting waters shallow creeks 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 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 system 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 creeks, as well as the hand-dug flushing cuts, have been seen as the major contributing factors to the restoration of the mangrove forest community within the system (Turrell 2008; Humiston&Moore 2003). Tidal Pass Clam Pass is the only open water connection to the Gulf of Mexico for the Clam Bay NRPA. The exchange of seawater between Clam Bay and the Gulf is critical to the ability of the estuary to export organic matter, as well as to help regulate excess salt and freshwater. It also supplies oxygen rich water from the Gulf. In the absence of surface water circulation or tidal activity, estuarine habitats such as mangroves can 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. 32 24 24 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 Pass. 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—Mangrove Swamps 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,terrestrial and avian wildlife. • Protecting coastal areas from storm surges and coastal erosion. • Improving water quality by acting as a natural filter for land based 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 gasses. Approximately 65%of the Clam Bay NRPA is composed of the three most common mangrove species in Florida. Namely, red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), black mangroves (Avicennia germinans), and white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) make up the mangrove forests within the Clam Bay NRPA. All three species have special biological adaptations to cope with salt and unstable, mucky, low oxygen soils that result from the tidal, hence continually waterlogged, environment. The 35 35 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 36 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 37 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 38 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. Both the grass blades 39 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 41 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 themselves and the surface area they represent provide food and attachment for marine species. acid 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 (fra 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 Clam 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 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 must generate a sufficient volume 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). 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 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 59 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 59 60 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 61 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 62 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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(from an engineering,not historical, standpoint), 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 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 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. • Ammonia • Carbon- Total Organic • Chlorophyll a • Copper* (added to the parameter suite in 2013) 4323 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) 5.FebruaryDiscussion 18,2014oflatest ClamdraftBayofmanagemeCommitteent ofplan the Pelican Bay Services Division CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 • Nitrate-Nitrite(N) • Nitrite(N) • Nitrogen- Total Kjeldahl • Orthophosphate(0PO4) • Pheophytin • Phosphorus- Total • Residues-Filterable(TDS) • Silica(SiO2) _.,,,, ,I,...,..,:; .-.!lit:44;:!i-,7„ -Ilic.`4;=", '"..ArT.„7-.7", :„*.A.,...._,.....—..„—t—_--t..------.5.1-..7:77 ' ... •..:;:-‘---„,t4,-,f,V) 74--'''.':' ,,..,,,,.. r' .."rii: it- 'Aritz° , .•„:„t.1-,' ,R,Ait.t.,-',.4 4 1'''''X',,..il#1:4..rt4litt.. ;,,,.,,,, :iih 00:1; "',..)#,,,id,a1••••#$#",f.;•!:#;. ##--4 ;#. t ''' -::'*1 #4;.•: ?."------4.i.3 1, f, ''- '! •-*- .#.::'„ , ..,•_••••it.i.A,44. Ati - iioist: N-„,„,‘ , #.,.# tt -:r!fic#,, -.0.'' "4-, , •-.4 4. • 4. * ' $ 'q'T! r" ",j "S,r, j *� mss' adr'® n[8 # t x s> i 0 r . .it "'''..Q.:'q1 `M f . 1 a =, ra.E £ »'d r x £ e.° 1- ty dsyi t 4i,4 .hr'' • :a* ' $R,'.'� Y S a �tE .0 wni b ' # '`4`Ey � ' ;^ff t4 l7cA ,'tf1 '.q, ,it ' ', . '' i' �at ,#< 'ey� € a 4. �r +,,IkVac: d , D -° =een �.r '; • :SD, the Pelican B. _ + „ • mage a determination that the oxygen levels in Clam B -'3? ys em was not listed as impaired for DO. 63 64 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 65 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 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 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. 65 66 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 4.0 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, 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 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 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 of the 1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan. The Plan addressed agency concerns at the time and included provisions for adding one-way 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 system since then. It is anticipated that FDEP and USACOE 10-year permits will be sought in conjunction with this new Management Plan. The permits will allow for ongoing maintenance and/or enhancement 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 by the PBSD Board and Collier County Commissioners before seeking any additional permit(s) which may be necessary for the 66 67 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 68 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 BCC 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. Dredging for navigation, beach renourishment, or flushing of the bays to the south of the NRPA will not be done. 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. 67 69 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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. Is this the drawbridge? Department of Environmental Regulation Permit No. 86IPT-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. Dept tnient 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. 68 70 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No. 199602789 (IP-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 741 FDEP 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 (Sections B&C) 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 (Sections B&C); 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#1 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 (Sections B&C); 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 (Sections B&C) 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. 69 71 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 72 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 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 trail 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 443 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 Modification#3 for 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. Depaitulent of Environmental Protection Permit Modification#3 for Permit Emeilsieft 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. 70 73 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Department of Environmental Protection Permit No. 11-0128463-005 Date of Issue: December 17,2010 Expiration Date: December 17, 2015 (5 yrs) 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 yrs) 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 Expiration Date: August 14, 2022 (9 yrs) 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. Is the width of Section A 80'? Department of the Army Corps of Engineers Permit No. SAJ-1996-02789 (NWP-WDD) Date of Issue: February 28,2013 Expiration Date: March 18, 2017 Is this the one time permit? 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 Expiration Date: August 14, 2022 (9yrs) Project Description: Modification to re-open Clam Pass Is the width of Section A 45'? 71 74 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 5.0 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 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 - 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 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. Dredging for the tidal exchange benefits necessary to maintain or improve environmental aspects of the system will be done. Dredging for navigation, of beach renourishment or flushing of the bays south of the NRPA will 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. c.)Maintain backup gauges to minimize data loss due to malfunctioning equipment. 72 75 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 74 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BA YNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 75 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 5. Discussion of latest draft of management plan CLAM BAY NRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN(DRAFT) Pelican Bay Services Division February 14,2014 Ver.4.0 Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan Amendments Studies within the Clam Bay Estuary its well as in othcr 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 FDEP and the USACOE for consideration and inclusion into this Management Plan. 78 76 (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) (Submitted by Linda Roth received 2/18/2014) -I -II I -4S I -I -i -i -4 -4 -A -4 -I -4 -4HHHH -4 -I -1 -4 -1 -1 < O O C C O C C C 0 C O C C C C O C C C C C C C C C C C o -I -I K -1 KX 7 -4 70 -I 2 7 77 2 7 7 7 -4 23 2 27 73 77 71 77 77 7J 27 77 r r ) C r � M m r m r m m m m r m m m m m m m m m m m -� 13 r- r t/7rrrr rnrrrrrrrrrrrZ 00 m00 r D D 7 r ., rrrr Trrrrrrrrrrry 0 O Z Z O Z Z I 0 I 01111 0 I I I I I I I I I I 13 73 x D > m > > > > m D D D D D D D D D D D o Q] r 03 r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r -< g C) r -< 1- rrrr Zrrrrrrrrrrr T 0 c, 'v 0 z -I a o 0T D v r i N _ Co Z A A A A A A A A A A 0 XI A A A A A A A A A A A 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Z 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 71 0 0 o O 0_ _0 0_ 0_ -I o_ O_ 0_ 0_ 0_ 0_ 0_ 0_ 0_ 0_ 0_ *k 1 A- A rn A A A A A A A A '2, W CO CO W CO CO CO CO CO CO CO A A v N N N (n 6 (n (n (n DCO CO CO 0 CO CO CO CO CO (0 (0 6 (n 0 -> -> N O O O O C7 J v J v V v V ^l ^) v J O O CO (0 CO CO O O) O) 0) - W W W W CO CO 0) CO W W CO 0 CD Z --'' -� A W (n (n (n Cn CO CO CO CO CO CO CO (O CO (O CO C) _ ^1 J -a -S CO CO CO CO CO -A 70 WW W N 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N- N MM O (0 CC) Cfl (O (`) (`) (T C`7i'f2 (\ C` 2! 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CJ' O_ N O O N _. 4) (0 N N x 3 N = c c c -, m g. a < a v v m 3 co X 0 0 - 73 (rD 0 (Nn a N �. 7 O N (D COU O O U -O N N O O to m O N ^ 0 O o 0`G O O 5. ? can co ? -0 a 0 o n) (o "o • co v - D o m C� 7 rt '-'CU (� O 7 N (n CU o sU co 90 c 7 in" (n m Z no m m q N O 7 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 7.Discussion of Turrell-Hall&Associates contract renewal Page 1 of 2 TUZRELL, HALL & ASSOCIATES, INC. MARINE&ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING 3584 Exchange Avenue,Suite B•Naples,Florida 34104-3732•(239)643-0166•Fax 643-6632•thall@turrell-associates.com June 2,2011 RECEIVED JUN 07 2011 Pelican Bay Services Division PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION Mr.Kyle Lukasz 801 Laurel Oak Drive,Suite 605 Naples,FL 34108 Re: Proposal for Professional Environmental Services Clam Bay Biological Studies(Contract 10-5571)-Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Dear Mr. Lukasz: Turrell,Hall&Associates,Inc.is pleased to provide jou with this proposal for environmental services. Based on the Request for Proposal and the newly issued County contract(10-5571),we propose to continue annual biological monitoring of Clam Bay with the following scope of services. Task I-Annual Biological Monitoring to include sampling and photographs Lump Sum$22,250.00 Task II-Seagrass Monitoring of outer Clam Bay and nearby channels Lump Sum$4,680.00 Task III-Tidal Data Collection,Analysis and Hydrographic Reporting Lump Sum$28,750.00 Task IV-Water Quality Data Analysis to include coordination of data from PBSD,data input and annual analyses to compare past and present trends Lump Sum$5,520.00 Task V-Water Level Data Collection to include installation and downloading Lump Sum$9,770.00 Task VI- Annual Report Preparation and Submittal Lump Sum$11,215.00 Task VII- Annual Report Presentation Lump Sum$3,600.00 Task VIII-Hand Dug Channel Inspection and Maintenance to include both verifying channel stability and oversight of maintenance events if the channels are filling-in Lump Sum$10,400.00 Task IX-Additional consulting services,meeting attendance,site investigation and research field observation and reports Time and Materials(Not to Exceed)$15,000.00 Reimbursable Expenses $1,000.00 Lump Sum Total I $96,185.00 Time and Materials Total $16,000.00 February 18,2014 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division 7.Discussion of Turrell-Hall&Associates contract renewal Page 2 of 2 June 2,201 I Turrell,Hall&Associates, Inc. Page 2 TURRELL,HALL&ASSOCIATES,INC FEE SCHEDULE Principal!Professional Engineer $185.00!hr. Senior Ecologist $175.00 I hr. Senior Engineer $145.00/hr. Engineer III $105.00!hr. Staff Engineer(II) $ 95.00/hr. Project Manager $125.00/hr. Senior Biologist $105.00/hr. Senior Marine Biologist $105.00/hr. Staff Biologist $ 90.00/hr. Marine Biologist $ 90.00/hr. AutoCAD Technician $ 85.00/hr. Field Technician $ 75.00/hr. Project Coordinator $ 70.00/hr. Administrative Assistant $ 50.00/hr. Boat $45.00/hr. Expert Witness/Engineer $275.00!hr. Expert Witness/Biologist $250.00/hr. Aircraft $250.00/hr. Boat $45.00/hr. Gheenoe $20.00!hr. 4-Wheeler $20.00/hr. Mileage $0.45/mile Hypack $45.00/hr. Description Unit Price 81/2 X 11 Color Copies <10=$0.80; z 10=$0.60; ?100=$0.50 81/2 X 14 Color Copies 40=$1.25; >10=$1.00; >_100=$0.90 11 x 17 Color Copies <10=$1.60; >_10=$1.40; >_100=$1.20 24 X 36 Plot <10=$5.00; >_10=$4.00 24 X 36 Aerial Plot $15.00 ea. 24 X 36 Photo Paper Plot $20.00 ea. Other Items as billed by our Vendors: Conference Calling Postage Courier Service Overnight Deliveries Rev.12/6110 • 50.44 etli y 5 0 &se. 1. MAINTAN AND PROTECT THE NATIVE FLORAL AND FAUNAL M COMMUNITIES(TH) //NY a. Establish baseline floral and faunal resource populations and monitor for changes over time. b. Protect listed species c. Protect and maintain vegetative communities d. Protect wildlife utilization of the NRPA 1. MAINTAIN,RESTORE,AND PROTECT THE NATIVE FLORAL AND FAUNAL COMMUNITIES WITH THE CLAM BAY NRPA (KW) a. Maintain healthy native floral and faunal populations b. Protect listed species c. Remove exotic and nuisance flora and faunal d. Develop an integrated resource management strategy to interpret research results and configure modeling tools fro implementing a conservation strategy. 1 2.PROTECT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES WITH THE SYSTEM (TH) a. Identify archaeological sites and protect them from impacts. 2. PROTECT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES WITHIN THE CLAM BAY NRPA(KW) a. Develop an effective management approach to maintain and conserve known archaeological sites and their associated artifact assemblage from vandalism,exotic vegetation,erosion and other forms of degradation. 2 3. ADDRESS RECREATIONAL USES WITH EMPHASIS ON PASSIVE RECREATION (TH) a. Maintain access to facilities for intended uses b. Maintain existing canoe trail c. Maintain existing signage relative to boater and swimmer use of the system d. Maintain existing signage or develop new signage to educate visitors e. Define responsibilities for vegetation and litter control in Clam Pass Park. 3. ENSURE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITES ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY COMPATIBLE WITHIN THE CLAM BAY NRPA(KW) a. Enable the public to make informed decisions when recreating by increasing their ability to act responsibly when enjoying this coastal community ecosystem b. Increase active stewardship by promoting the value of coastal resources. c. Maintain opportunites for low impact public use. 3 4. PROVIDE SUFFICIENT TIDAL EXCHANGE TO MAXIMIZE BENEFITS TO THE CLAM BAY NRPA WHILE MINIMIZING NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS. (TH) a. Establish guidelines to help determine when dredging is necessary b. Minimize dredge footprint(s) to the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative. c. Maximize the dredge interval as much as possible while maintaining environmental standards. 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. 4. ENSURE THE ESTUARY HAS ADQUATE TIDAL AND FRESHWATER FLOWS TO MAINTAIN ECOLOGICAL HEALTH WITH THE CLAM BAY NRPA. (KW) a. Identify the minimum tidal flow necessary to ensure a healthy ecosystem. b. Ensure appropriate freshwater inputs and drainage. 4 5. MANAGE AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY(TH) a. Ensure appropriate freshwater inputs and drainage b. Coordinate with adjacent upland developments to improve upstream inputs. c. Develop a monitoring program to build onpast data and provide basis by which to make future water quality related decisions. 5. TO RSTSORE,ENHANCE,AND MAINTAIN THE WATER QUALITY WITH THE CLAM BAY NRPA. (KW) a. Develop a long-term water quality program that assesses physical, chemical and biological processes to ensure a sustainable healthy environment for all users. b. Promote comprehensive programs for controlling water pollution from point and nonpoint sources. 5 2.0 Overview of Clam Bay Description and Map The Clam Bay NPRA consists of approximately 420 acres of mangroves; about 115 acres of shallow bays connected by narrow meandering creeks; approximately 1.5 miles of beach; Clam Pass,and a 35-acre beachfront parcel known as Clam Pass Park. The Clam Bay system,located along the Gulf of Mexico in Collier County, Florida, is part of the Cocohatchee-Gordon River Transition,referred to by the Department of Natural Resources of Collier County as Coastal Zone II. It is one of the few estuarine systems remaining in the Cocohatchee-Gordan River Drainage system, federally designated as an undeveloped coastal barrier system (Burch, 1990). The estuary consists of Clam Pass and three primary bays: Upper Clam Bay(north); Inner Clam Bay(center); and Outer Clam Bay (south), connected by a series of tidal creeks. Clam Pass is a small,marginally stable inlet that has migrated north and south along the shore over the years. Prior to dredging,the average water depths of Clam Pass were-2.5 to-1.0 feet and its width ranged from 30-50' (Collier County, 1994). The Pass is the primary sources of tidal exchange for the Clam Bay system. South of Clam Pass is a channel about 30 feet wide that is oriented north-south with water depths between-1.0 to -4.0 feet that leads to Outer Clam Bay (approximately 72 acres). Outer Clam Bay connects to the Venetian Bay (northern part of the Moorings Bay/Doctors Pass seawall system) via three 24-inch concrete culverts under Seagate Drive. There are also three dead end canals from the south end of Outer Clam Bay into the Seagate community. North of Clam Pass is a long narrow(approximately 6600 feet) that leads to Inner Clam Bay (about 32 acres). A narrow creek(approximately 5400 feet) leads north from Inner Clam Bay to Upper Clam Bay (approximately 20 acres),the smallest and most isolated of the primary bays. 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. CLAM BAY NRPA MAP AND VITAL STATISTICS HERE.With beaches changes to 1.5 miles and Water Body ID (WBID) 3278Q1 added 5 Historical Highlights Tidal Connection Aerial photos taken prior to 1952 when Vanderbilt Beach Road at the north end of the Clam Bay system was constructed showed a connection of the system at Upper Clam Bay to Vanderbilt Lagoon and Wiggins Pass (Collier County, 1994,Tropical Bio Industries, 1978). It is recognized that the connection was marginal at best,and while passable at times, it was not uniformly and consistently navigable (Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan, 1998). Similarly aerial photos taken before Seagate Drive was built in 1958 showed that Outer Clam Bay was connected to the vast mangrove swamps to the south via shallow narrow meandering creeks leading into Doctors Bay and Doctors Pass . These creeks were navigable only by canoes and small skiffs. (Naples Waterfront by Turrell, 2009). In 1976 three culverts were installed under Seagate Drive because the United States Environmental Protection Agency, concerned about the deteriorating water quality in Moorings Bay, recommended the culverts to allow some exchange of water between Venetian Bay and Outer Clam Bay. The USEPA suggested that the culverts be constructed to only allow flow to the north and to set the 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 flowed both ways through the culverts. This two-way flow continues today(Tackney, 1996; Collier County, 1996;Wilson Miller et.al., 1996). Residential Development Pelican Bay,the 2104-acre Planned Unit Development (PUD) to the north and east of Clam Bay,was approved in 1977 as a partnership between Collier Enterprises and Westinghouse Communities (WCI). It was one of the first developments in Florida that was required to save fragile coastal wetlands and associated ecosystems. (Urban Land Institute, 1981). Its development had a limited impact on the wetlands using about 94 acres,including 78 acres in the northwest corner of the property near Clam Bay,leaving the mangrove forest and bays intact. As mitigation for the these wetlands,the title for the 570 acre preserve area,including the 35-acre beach park were transferred to Collier County in 1981 with the stipulation that Clam Bay shall remain a conservation/preservation area in perpetuity. In 1982 WCI deeded Clam Bay and Clam Pass Park to Collier County,and in accordance with the Pelican Bay PUD required Collier County to seek approval of WCI or its successors for any modifications to Clam Bay. The development of Pelican Bay required a stormwater management system designed to spread run-off along the eastern edge of Clam Bay (Collier County Report 1996). A four to six foot high and 2.5 mile-long berm separates the developed portion of Pelican Bay from the estuary,and numerous culverts through the berm discharge water to a swale system along the eastern edge of Clam Bay. 6 The eastern edge of Pelican Bay is about 12-14 feet above sea level at U.S. Highway 41 and slopes to the west where the berm the elevation is about two feet. Naples Cay,located south of Outer Clam Bay,is a high-rise development consisting of eight multi-story condominium buildings. Its development began in the late 1970's and was completed in 2002. The community has pools,tennis courts,about 33 acres of park and preserve areas,and two canoe and kayak launching piers. It stormwater management consists of several internal detention areas before water flows into Clam Bay. The Seagate community,immediately south of Clam Bay,consists of about 70 single- family homes located along three man-made dead-end canals leading from Outer Clam Bay. Development of the community began in the 1950's,and several undeveloped lots remain. Because of its early development,there is no community- wide stormwater management system. Clam Pass Park In 1986 Collier County constructed a 2900-foot boardwalk to provide access across Outer Clam Bay to Clam Pass Park for all County residents and visitors. The park is located at the south end of the Clam Bay NRPA and consists of 35 acres of mangrove forest,coastal dunes,and 3200 linear feet of beach along the Gulf of Mexico. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers free nature walks along the boardwalk and beach from December through April. Natural Resource Protection Area Clam Bay was designated a Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA) by Collier County in 1995. By making Clam Bay a NRPA, Collier County recognized the environmental importance of the preserve area. Designation as a NRPA affords the area the following protections... NEEDS ADD.TEXT Mangrove Die-off and restoration The mangrove die-off was first reported in 1978 (Tropical BioIndustires Company; Gee and Jenson). Reports of stressed and dead mangroves continued in the 1980's and 1990's. In 1995 a significant area (approximately 50 aces) of dead and dying mangroves was reported (Turrell, 1996). The Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan (1998) was developed to address the die-off of mangroves. The major objective of the plan was to improve the tidal flushing of the system, including tidal flow into and out of the forest areas.This was accomplished by dredging Clam Pass; dredging the interior channels of the system; and constructing a network of hand-dug flushing channels throughout the original die-off area. In the ten 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. 7 Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan 2014 In 2013 Collier County Commissioners returned the responsibility for advising the County on the dredging and maintenance of Clam Pass to the Pelican Bay Services Division. Clam Pass closed in December, 2012,so upon the recommendation of the PBSD,the County applied for and was granted a Nationwide one-event permit to dredge and reopen Clam Pass. The pass was opened in March, 2013,and development of the Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan began in April, 2013. Historical Timeline From Jan. 3 draft Timeline for Establishment of Clam Bay NRPA From Jan. 3 draft 8 ,..-, -,, ,,,,f 7,11---• _,'',•:;-'-.41!,r-- -.,,,t,- Iv; ,f-fi. --- .,4 ._.--,, 'L.A. --::;x..;,, ,. (• .. 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'I": ;,....,-,', .-i,,•...,... - ''.".., , ' . , ' , j! - ".e.'",-,,1 A• ' ' -- 1...\9845 Clam Bay\Drawings\SHEET\MANATEE-SIGNSI2013_MANATEE_SIGNS.dwg MANATEE ZONES 2/18/2014 RANDI.JONES 327.46 Boating-restricted areas.-- (1) Boating-restricted areas,including,but not limited to,restrictions of vessel speeds and vessel traffic,may be established on the waters of this state for any purpose necessary to protect the safety of the public if such restrictions are necessary based on boating accidents,visibility,hazardous currents or water levels,vessel traffic congestion,or other navigational hazards. (a) The commission may establish boating-restricted areas by rule pursuant to chapter 120. (b) Municipalities and counties have the authority to establish the following boating-restricted areas by ordinance: 1. An ordinance establishing an idle speed,no wake boating-restricted area,if the area is: a.Within 500 feet of any boat ramp,hoist,marine railway,or other launching or landing facility available for use by the general boating public on waterways more than 300 feet in width or within 300 feet of any boat ramp,hoist,marine railway,or other launching or landing facility available for use by the general boating public on waterways not exceeding 300 feet in width. b.Within 500 feet of fuel pumps or dispensers at any marine fueling facility that sells motor fuel to the general boating public on waterways more than 300 feet in width or within 300 feet of the fuel pumps or dispensers at any licensed terminal facility that sells motor fuel to the general boating public on waterways not exceeding 300 feet in width. c.Inside or within 300 feet of any lock structure. 2. An ordinance establishing a slow speed,minimum wake boating-restricted area if the area is: a.Within 300 feet of any bridge fender system. b.Within 300 feet of any bridge span presenting a vertical clearance of less than 25 feet or a horizontal clearance of less than 100 feet. c.On a creek,stream,canal,or similar linear waterway if the waterway is less than 75 feet in width from shoreline to shoreline. d.On a lake or pond of less than 10 acres in total surface area. 3. An ordinance establishing a vessel-exclusion zone if the area is: a.Designated as a public bathing beach or swim area. b.Within 300 feet of a dam,spillway,or flood control structure. (c) Municipalities and counties have the authority to establish by ordinance the following other boating- restricted areas: 1. An ordinance establishing an idle speed,no wake boating-restricted area,if the area is within 300 feet of a confluence of water bodies presenting a blind corner,a bend in a narrow channel or fairway,or such other area if an intervening obstruction to visibility may obscure other vessels or other users of the waterway. Page 1 of 2 2. An ordinance establishing a slow speed,minimum wake,or numerical speed limit boating-restricted area if the area is: a.Within 300 feet of a confluence of water bodies presenting a blind corner,a bend in a narrow channel or fairway,or such other area if an intervening obstruction to visibility may obscure other vessels or other users of the waterway. b.Subject to unsafe levels of vessel traffic congestion. c.Subject to hazardous water levels or currents,or containing other navigational hazards. d.An area that accident reports,uniform boating citations,vessel traffic studies,or other creditable data demonstrate to present a significant risk of collision or a significant threat to boating safety. 3. An ordinance establishing a vessel-exclusion zone if the area is reserved exclusively: a. As a canoe trail or otherwise limited to vessels under oars or under sail. b. For a particular activity and user group separation must be imposed to protect the safety of those participating in such activity. Any of the ordinances adopted pursuant to this paragraph shall not take effect until the commission has reviewed the ordinance and determined by substantial competent evidence that the ordinance is necessary to protect public safety pursuant to this paragraph.Any application for approval of an ordinance shall be reviewed and acted upon within 90 days after receipt of a completed application.Within 30 days after a municipality or county submits an application for approval to the commission,the commission shall advise the municipality or county as to what information,if any,is needed to deem the application complete.An application shall be considered complete upon receipt of all requested information and correction of any error or omission for which the applicant was timely notified or when the time for such notification has expired.The commission's action on the application shall be subject to review under chapter 120.The commission shall initiate rulemaking no later than January 1,2010,to provide criteria and procedures for reviewing applications and procedures for providing for public notice and participation pursuant to this paragraph. (2) Each such boating-restricted area shall be developed in consultation and coordination with the governing body of the county or municipality in which the boating-restricted area is located and,when the boating- restricted area is to be on the navigable waters of the United States,with the United States Coast Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. (3) It is unlawful for any person to operate a vessel in a prohibited manner or to carry on any prohibited activity,as defined in this chapter,within a boating-restricted area which has been clearly marked by regulatory markers as authorized under this chapter. (4) Restrictions in a boating-restricted area established pursuant to this section shall not apply in the case of an emergency or to a law enforcement,firefighting,or rescue vessel owned or operated by a governmental entity. History.--s.7,ch.63-105;s. 1,ch.65-361;ss.25,35,ch.69-106;s.23,ch.78-95;s.7,ch.81-100;s.27,ch.99- 245;s. 16,ch.2000-362;s.13,ch.2009-86. Page 2 of 2 s uk, b,k. ea/pc/a G�'o.-� S �u 1 Page 1 of 8 / T'rs b c/ c6-- co / f�. ' fZ °I v ick / *z � / /gyp U WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") ga Consolidated Joint Coastal Permit, Sovereign Submerged Lands Authorization and ( J 7 7 Variance No. 0128463-001-JC (Previously 113049919) (the"1998 DEP Permit") authorized the Pelican Bay Municipal Services and Benefit Taxing Unit known as the Pelican Bay Services Division (the"PB SD") as permittee to implement the Clam Bay It , Restoration and Management Plan (the"Plan"); Pi �. r WHEREAS, the 1998 DEP Permit and the Plan were designed to deal with the7 environmental degradation of Clam Bay that was occurring in 1998, and were not Cc designed to change the navigational characteristics of Clam Bay; al C/ WHEREAS, there is nothing in the 1998 DEP Permit specifically dealing with the installation of markers within Clam Bay, and, in fact, a careful review of the 1998 DEP Permit and all of the supporting findings of facts clearly indicates that the 1998 DEP `}.O Permit required only the following markers in all of Clam Bay: Section 3(h) (page 9/21 of the 1998 DEP Permit): "Permanent manatee Dec//_/.I. informational signs, such as those shown in the enclosed example sheets, shall be (9 installed and maintained at the canoe boat ramp at the southern end of Outer Clam Bay following completion of the initial dredging event." ).3 CC 141 eel Section 5 (page 9/21 of the 1998 DEP Permit): "The Clam Bay ecosystem contains waterways that are difficult to navigate due to shallow water depths and /O ` meandering channels lined with protruding mangroves branches and roots. To protect the significant natural resources and water quality of the Clam Bay ecosystem, and to provide protection to the public safety (boaters utilizing these waters), there shall be an idle speed/no wake restriction on motorized vessels used in the system (as stipulated in County Ordinance No. 96-16). The existing restrictions placed upon boating activities within the Clam Bay system by County Ordinance No. 96-16 shall remain active and enforceable for the life of this permit. Additionally, two Florida Marine Patrol approved signs that state: "Idle Speed-No Wake" and "Caution-Shallow Water and Natural Resources Present- Tilt Motor Up to Prevent Prop Dredge-Damage to Natural Resources Subject to Fines, Pursuant to Chapter 370, F.S." shall be placed at the following locations following completion of the initial dredging event: 1) One within the entrance to Clam Pass facing boaters entering the bays; 2) One at the entrance to Outer Clam Bay facing north and easily legible to boaters entering Outer Clam Bay; 3) One at the entrance to Inner Clam Bay facing south and easily legible to boaters entering Inner Clam Bay; 4) One at the entrance to upper Clam Bay facing south and easily legible to boaters entering Upper Clam Bay; and, 5) One within the upper reaches of Outer Clam Bay facing southeast and easily legible to boaters leaving Seagate." Page 2 of 8 WHEREAS, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (the "Corps") also issued a permit at the same time as the 1998 DEP Permit (the"1998 Corps Permit"). The Corps' Findings of Fact with respect to the 1998 Corps Permit also made it clear that the 1998 Corps Permit also did not contemplate any changes in navigation in Clam Bay. In its evaluation of recreation considerations under the Public Interest Section of its findings of Fact(Section 9.a(13), page 22/28), the Corps stated: "(13) Recreation: The proposed Plan will not change the current recreational use of the Bay, however, the Plan does contain a Recreational Component that will address appropriate notification, signage, and policing of the Bay." In its evaluation of navigation considerations under the same Public Interest Section of its Findings of Fact(Section 9.a(11), page 22/28), the Corps stated: (11)Navigation (33CFR320.4(o)): .... The original Plan sought to restrict the use of motorized boats within the bay, but public outcry for historic riparian rights for pc access to the bay caused a revision to the Plan to remove this restriction. However, existing regulation by Collier County limits motorized vessel , / throughout the bay to idle speed and no wake. In addition, the proposed Plan would implement a provision for evaluation of boat traffic and any adverse impacts to the Bay. The proposed Plan should not produce any significant changes in navigation in the Bay." WHEREAS, the foregoing two sections of the 1998 DEP Permit, Sections 3(h) and 5, and Section(13) of the Corps Findings of Fact with respect to the 1998 Corps Permit, contain the only mention of even signage in either the 1998 DEP Permit, the 1998 Corps Permit, or in any findings of fact issued by either agency in connection therewith (collectively, the"Permit Documents"). There is no mention of markers anywhere in the Permit Documents. WHEREAS, the Plan did directly deal with motorized boating in Clam Bay, in Section 3.3.2 dealing with the Proposed Recreational Component of the Plan: Plan, pages 36-38: "For the most part, Clam Bay remains inaccessible to the general public. . . . Canoeing of the waterways within Clam Bay remains a popular activity for those seeking a more intimate look at the estuary, and its wildlife or those seeking solitude in the upper reaches of the bay. Fishing is also a frequent undertaking from either the boardwalks or canoes. Swimming is confined to the beach area, although there is a reasonable amount of wading in Clam Pass and back into the estuary as much as 1,000 or so feet from the mouth of the Pass. The use of motorized watercraft is not prohibited, and evidence of periodic use of such is evident from observation. For the most part,the accumulation of Page 3 of 6 sediments and the shoaling that has taken place has resulted in physically limiting the accessibility of Clam Bay to deeper draft boats and particularly those equipped with engines. Most, if not all of the motorized boat traffic is believed to originate in the Seagate residential area and be confined to the area from Outer Clam Bay to Clam Pass. [emphasis supplied] The Management Plan would not anticipate any change to the recreational use characteristics of Clam Bay. The contemplated widening and deepening of Clam Pass and the interior channels leading into Outer Clam Bay will not measurably improve navigability. Earlier assumptions to the contrary have proved to be inappropriate as the channel itself remains very confined. Further, since no dredging of Outer Clam Bay is proposed, accessibility across the same will not be noticeable improved. [emphasis supplied] Presently, Collier County has enacted Ordinance 96-16 which Ordinance provides for the utilization of the Clam Bay area by motorized watercraft provided that they operate at no wake and idle speed. The Management Plan recommends no / change in that protocol. The PBSD will however, in cooperation with the County, vigorously enforce the existing Ordinance. Further, if significant adverse impacts to the natural resources and water quality of the Clam Bay system are confirmed by the Collier County Department of Natural Resources, the FDEP and the Corps environmental staffs to be directly attributable to the use of motorized boats within the Clam Bay system, then additional restrictions or adjustments in the use of motorized boats within the Clam Bay system shall be considered for imposition to ensure that the ecological integrity of the Clam Bay system is preserved. . . . Appropriate notification, signage and policing will be provided by the County and the PBSD to ensure compliance. The signage will be strategically placed both at the entrance to Clam Pass and in the areas around the boat ramp located at the southern end of Clam Bay. These are intended to ensure that persons accessing the Clam Bay system are informed of its unique ecological characteristics, the limitations of access resulting from variations in water depth, the existence of no wake/idle speed requirements for motorized boat operation and importantly, the importance of staying out of areas as having maturing seagrass beds and potential manatee habitat. Precise language to be included in the signage will be determined in cooperation with the agencies post permit issuance. [emphasis supplied] WHEREAS, the only mention of markers that occurs in any document connected with the Permit Documents is in the Plan, where, on page 38 and 39, the following sentence occurs: "Finally, the main channel will be marked in accordance with the requirements imposed by the United States Coast Guard to ensure that those who use the system clearly know where the channel is and the prohibitions of operating their water craft outside the same." [emphasis supplied] Page 4 of 8 WHEREAS, the foregoing clearly indicates that the purpose of the referenced markers was to protect maturing seagrass beds and potential manatee habitat in the main channel by ensuring that those who use the system know about the importance of staying out of such areas. [emphasis supplied] WHEREAS, the residents of the community known as Seagate("Seagate") have contended for several years that this single sentence in the Plan mandates the installation of red and green navigational markers in Clam Bay, not only in the"main channel," which is the only area that this sentence mentions to be marked, but also through Outer Clam Bay. WHEREAS, the PBSD, as the original permittee of the 1998 DEP Permit and the 1998 Corp Permit, and as the author of the Plan, is fully aware that neither the 1998 DEP Permit, the 1998 Corps Permit, nor the Plan contemplated the installation of red and green navigational markers anywhere in Clam Bay. 9e' y WHEREAS, the PBSD, as the original permittee of the 1998 DEP Permit and t e l 1998 Corp Permit, and as the author of the Plan, believes that the purpose of the referenced markers was to protect maturing seagrass beds and potential manatee habitat by ensuring that those who use the system know about the importance of staying out of such areas. WHEREAS, by the explicit terms of the 1998 DEP Permit and by the explicit terms of the Plan the Plan was designed as a dynamic document that can be modified over time: General Condition 1 of the 1998 DEP Permit: All activities authorized by this permit shall be implemented as set forth in the plans, specifications, and attached drawings approved as a part of this permit, and all conditions and requirements of this permit. The permittee shall notify the Department in writing of any anticipated deviation from the permit so that the Department can determine whether a modification of the permit is required. Plan, page 4: "It is recognized that as management protocols are implemented, monitoring conducted, and the demands on the natural ecosystem change, new challenges and opportunities will develop beyond those presented in this plan. The PBSD is aware that changes will occur and has development a Management Plan that is dynamic and can be modified through time while still meeting the PBSD's goals." Plan, page 5: "The Report has been used to select those management protocols that meet the goals established by the PBSD and related and interested stake holders. The long-term goal of the Management Plan is that it be used as a tool for evaluating new management options, as well as existing protocols as circumstances require. It should be used minimally, on an annual basis, for reviewing any new issues or options, as well as for evaluating existing operational Page 5 of 8 protocols. These analysis [sic] will assist in the prioritization for implementation in the next ensuing year. SAs new management issues develop and others are resolved or implemented, the Management Plan can be updated to reflect the current and future needs of Clam Bay." Plan, pages 5-6: "The goals established by the PBSD for the Clam Bay Management Plan are- develop operational protocols that allow the permit holder to respond to changing circumstances under defined parameters . . . ." Plan, page 8: "In the Section entitled the Role of the PBSD, the report discusses a framework for the PBSD to become not only a clearinghouse and coordinator for activities relating to Clam Bay, but also the primary manager of the implementation protocols." Plan, page 10: "As the official manager of the Management Plan,the PBSD will direct and have responsibility for its implementation and operation over time. A. s— such, the PBSD will plan and implement identified management protocols. The objectives of these management protocols will be to protect, enhance, and maintain the natural resources and the ecological value of Clam Bay. ---- WHEREAS, the PBSD has treated the Plan as a dynamic document and has made changes in implementation protocols over the life of the Plan, including, among other things, determining what markers are most appropriate for Clam Bay to protect maturing seagrass beds and potential manatee habitat by ensuring that those who use the system know about the importance of staying out of such areas. WHEREAS, the Chairman of the PBSD Board participated with representatives of the County, the City of Naples, the Pelican Bay Foundation, the Mangrove Action Group, the Sierra Club, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and Seagate on a Clam Bay Marker Working Group to attempt to determine what marking system is most appropriate for Clam Bay. WHEREAS, the Chairman of the PBSD Board and the Clam Bay Working Group, with the exception of the representative of Seagate, recommended the installation of canoe trail markers and informational signs in Clam Bay in order(i)to protect maturing seagrass beds and potential manatee habitat by ensuring that those who use the system know about the importance of staying out of such areas, and (ii)to provide notice to users of the system of the presence of shoals, and (iii)to provide notice to users of the system that the system is being used by a variety of watercraft. WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners for Collier County (the "BCC") considered on June 14, 2011 the recommendation of the Clam Bay Marker Working Group and approved and adopted this recommendation and instructed Collier County staff to seek to obtain a permit from the relevant authorities authorizing the installation of these canoe trail markers and informational signs. Page 6 of 8 WHEREAS,the Collier County Director of Coastal Zone Management applied for and obtained on September 9, 2011, a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission("FWL") for the installation of these canoe trail markers and informational signs. WHEREAS, on October 20, 2011, the Corps notified Collier County as follows: As long as the markers are consistent with Special condition 2 of the Corps permit no. SAJ-1996-02789 an additional permit is not needed because the markers are already authorized under this permit. The Corps will allow informational channel markers instead of coast guard approved markers. The intent of this condition within the Corps permit is to protect the resources while allowing safe passage. The markers shown in the attached application appear to satisfy this requirement and will bring the permit back in compliance. Please see the attached letter and make sure to submit the requested documentation once the work is completed. l`3 WHEREAS, on October 25, 2011, the USCG notified Collier County as follow This email is in response to the attached State of Florida, FWC permit 11-020 dated September 9, 2011 for the establishment of information marks in Clam Pass/Bay. The CG has no objection for the placement of the marks per the attached permit. WHEREAS, on November 2, 2011, the DEP gave notice of its intent to grant an exemption and a consent to use sovereign submerged lands for the installation of these canoe trail markers and informational signs. WHEREAS, the PBSD considers the Plan to have been de facto amended to provide for the installation of these canoe trail markers and informational signs by virtue of the foregoing actions. WHEREAS, in order to avoid any doubt regarding this fact, the PBSD Board wishes to make it clear that the Plan has been amended to provide for the installation of these canoe trail markers and informational signs. WHEREAS, the PBSD has in the past assessed the residents of Pelican Bay to fulfill its functions as the permittee under the Plan, and continues to assess the residents of Pelican Bay to fulfill the other purposes of the PBSD with respect to Clam Bay as outlined in Collier County Ordinance 2006-05, which include the"the maintenance of conservation or preserve areas, including the restoration of the mangrove forest preserve...." Page 7 of 8 WHEREAS, the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc. (the"Foundation")is the homeowners association representing each of the residents of Pelican Bay who are assessed by the PBSD. WHEREAS, the PBSD is a dependent district of Collier County. WHEREAS, the PBSD wishes to ensure that the residents who have been and are being assessed by the PBSD to pay for the design and implementation of the Plan and for ongoing matters involving Clam Bay being handled by the PBSD are represented in the lawsuit brought by Seagate. WHEREAS, the PBSD wishes to request that the Foundation intervene in the lawsuit brought by Seagate in order to represent the interests of such residents. NOW THEREFORE, the PBSD Board hereby resolves as follows: RESOLVED, that the Plan and the 1998 DEP Permit to the extent it incorporates the Plan have been amended in fact by the actions of(i)the Clam Bay Marker Working Group in recommending the installation of canoe trail markers and informational signs in Clam Bay, (ii)the BCC in approving and adopting this recommendation and in instructing Collier County staff to obtain a permit from the relevant authorities authorizing their installation, (iii) the FWL is permitting their installation, (iv)the Corps in approving their installation, (v)the USCG in approving their installation, and (vi)the DEP in providing a notice of intent to grant and exemption and consent to use sovereign submerged lands for their installation; and be it further RESOLVED, that in order to remove any doubt as to whether the Plan and the 1998 DEP Permit to the extent it incorporates the Plan have been amended in fact by the actions of(i)the Clam Bay Marker Working Group in recommending the installation of canoe trail markers and informational signs in Clam Bay, (ii)the BCC in approving and adopting this recommendation and in instructing Collier County staff to obtain a permit from the relevant authorities authorizing their installation, (iii) the FWL is permitting their installation, (iv)the Corps in approving their installation, (v)the USCG in approving their installation, and (vi)the DEP in providing a notice of intent to grant and exemption and consent to use sovereign submerged lands for their installation, the Plan and the 1998 DEP Permit to the extent it incorporates the Plan are hereby amended by deleting the sentence on pages 37 and 38 of the Plan that provides"Finally, the main channel will be marked in accordance with the requirements imposed by the United States Coast Guard to ensure that those who use the system clearly know where the channel is and the prohibitions of operating their water craft outside the same" and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "Finally, Clam Bay will be marked with the canoe trail marker and informational signs permitted by the FWL on September 9, 2011, and as are covered by DEP's notice dated November 2, 2011, of intent to grant an exemption and consent to use sovereign submerged lands for their installation; and be it further Page 8 of 8 RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the PBSD Board be and hereby is instructed to provide a copy of these resolutions duly adopted by the PBSD Board to the Collier County Attorney for such further action by the BCC as is deemed necessary and appropriate; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Foundation be and hereby is requested to intervene in the lawsuit brought by Seagate in order to ensure that the residents of Pelican Bay who have been and are being assessed by the PBSD to pay for the design and implementation of the Plan and for ongoing matters involving Clam Bay that are being handled by the PBSD are represented in the lawsuit brought by Seagate. w / Si-t5 f C J L Mart ca Ci'tt cza- czitrhelt hEd Clam 87 6444 MARCIA CRAVENS<goldandrose@mac.com>* Fwd: Recap of December 11-12 BCC meeting with copied/pasted excerpts of Agenda Items for PBSD to Manage Clam Bay per exclusive Advisory role to BCC, and TH&A work order change 7 February 16, 2014 10:23 PM Fd just a forward to myself of the email I sent Susan with copied and pasted excepts directly from the Recap record o the Dec. 11-12, 2012 BCC meeting. Begin forwarded message: From: MARCIA CRAVENS<oksiandls ise r&` a m ; ;_ > Subject: Recap of December 11-12 BCC meeting with copied/pasted excerpts of Agenda Items for PBSD to Manage Clam Bay per exclusive Advisory role to BCC, and TH&A work order change Date: February 16, 2014 10:21:39 PM EST To: Susan O'Brien < > Susan, I've sent to you a forward of what's known as the Clerk of Court's "Recap"for BCC Actions taken at a BCC meeting-- for the BCC meeting of December 11-12, 2012 (their very long agenda took 2 days to and some items were continued to January and later). All three of Commissioner Hiller's PBSD, Clam Bay, and Turrell, Hall &Assoc. work order Agenda items that she recommended are included in this Recap of that meeting. When you look at the number of pages for just the "Recap"of that BCC meeting, you'll understand the difficulty in finding each of these items and their backup documents in the many more pages of the regular BCC Board Meetings Records. However, I will try to take the time to find these 3 items in the regular December 11-12 2012 BCC meeting minutes and the companion backup documents for these items tonight before I sleep. You may recall that the BCC meeting of December 11 - 12 had included agenda items X, Y, and AC as recommended by Commissioner Hiller that were related to Pelican Bay MSTBU - PBSD being returned to their prior role of advisory and stewardship for the Clam Bay NRPA. In fact, agenda item X provided a somewhat greater role for the PBSD to exclusively advise the BCC on Clam Bay NRPA management issues, including dredging of Clam Pass. item Y included that an amendment to the Pelican Bay Ordinance of 2002-27, as amended, would be advertised for a future action by the BCC. Item AC was for the firm of Turrell, Hall and Associates to provide information for a change work order to the contract they have with the County for the PBSD --to include preparation of an update to the Clam Bay Management Plan. The exact language is as follows "to update the existing Clam Bay Management Plan to ensure the preservation of the Clam Bay system and compliance with this { preserve's Natural Resource Preservation Area(`NRPA")designation; and, to establish criteria as indicators for evaluation of dredging needs for the purpose of maintaining flushing for the environmental benefit of the Clam Bay system". I've copied and pasted the respective Action Items as they are recorded in the Clerk of Court's Recap that I received in response to my request for same by staff of the Clerk of Court(the full Recap record is attached here as a PDF and also was included in my earlier forward of the email I originally received from the Clerk of Court staff which I believe was a .doc format attachment). Marcia Time Certain (Per Agenda Change Sheet) This item to be heard at 2:30 p.m. Recommendation that effective immediately, Clam Pass be considered part of the ongoing management responsibilities of the Pelican Bay Services Division r ("PBSD")including but not limited to all monitoring components such as biological,tidal,and hydrographic data collection, and,inlet dredge permitting/construction;that PBSD,exclusively,sh 11 make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners as to when the inlet should be dredged, and make such other recommendations related to managing the unified Clam Bay system as it deems necessary; further,that Clam Pass,being an integral part of the Clam Bay system,is managed as such. This is a companion to Item#10Y. (Commissioner Hiller) Motion to accept evidence presented by Jim Hoppensteadt—Approved 5/0; Motion to accept evidence presented by Ted Rhea—Approved 5/0; Motion to Approve—Approved 5/0; Motion for Commissioner Hiller to send email to Linda Elligott with Army Corp of Engineers regarding dredging permit—Approved 3/2 (Commissioner Fiala and Commissioner Coyle opposed) Time Certain (Per Agenda Change Sheet) This item to be heard at 2:30 p.m.Request for authorization to advertise an ordinance for future consideration which would amend Ordinance No. 2002-27, as amended,relating to the Pelican Bay Municipal Service Taxingand Benefit Unit. This is a Companion to Item#10X. (Commissioner Hiller) Approved- 3/2(Commissioner Fiala and Commissioner Coyle opposed) Time Certain (Per Agenda Change Sheet) AC. This item to be heard at 2:30 p.m.Recommendation to direct Turrell,Hall&Associates,Inc. to prepare a work order under Contract#10-5571 to update the existing Clam Bay Management Plan to ensure the preservation of the Clam Bay system and compliance with this preserve's Natural Resource Preservation Area("NRPA")designation; and,to establish criteria as indicators for evaluation of dredging needs for the purpose of maintaining flushing for the environmental benefit of the Clam Bay system;to present such work order to the PBSD,the TDC,and the BCC at the first January, 2013 meeting of each of these respective boards. (Commissioner Hiller) Motion to direct staff to prepare a work order under Contract#10-5571—Approved 3/2 (Commissioner Coyle and Commissioner Fiala opposed) f)„, 12/11/2012 Item 10.X. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation that effective immediately, Clam Pass be considered part of the ongoing g management responsibilities of the Pelican Bay Services Division ("PBSD") including but not limited to all monitoring components such as biological, tidal, and hydrographic data collection, and, inlet dredge permitting/construction; that PBSD, exclusively, shall make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners as to when the inlet should be dredged,and make such other recommendations related to managing the unified Clam Bay system as it deems necessary; further, that Clam Pass, being an integral part of the Clam Bay system,is managed as such. OBJECTIVE: Effective immediately, that Clam Pass be considered part of the ongoing management responsibilities of the Pelican Bay Services Division ("PBSD") including but not limited to all monitoring components such as biological, tidal, and hydrographic data collection, and, inlet dredge permitting/construction; that PBSD, exclusively, shall make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners as to when the inlet should be dredged, and make such other recommendations related to managing the unified Clam Bay system as it deems necessary; further,that Clam Pass,being an integral part of the Clam Bay system, is managed as such. CONSIDERATIONS: The purpose of the maintenance permit for the dredging of Clam Pass is to provide adequate tidal flushing of the Clam bay system for environmental benefits. The health and welfare of the Clam Bay system relies on adequate flushing, which starts with the inlet, yet is closely related to the shoaling within the system, and that shoaling largely occurs from the sand entering Clam Pass, so the two are inextricably related. Therefore bifurcating the project, as it was originally designed and permitted for the Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan, into an inlet project and an interior environmental project resulting in two separately managed projects, is not the most efficient approach to managing this system. Clam Pass is an integral part of the Clam Bay system,and should be managed as such. Florida statutes and administrative rules require that sand dredged from the inlet be placed along the adjacent shorelines influenced by the inlet and experiencing erosion. The maintenance of Clam Pass should continue to address the erosion along the beaches with the immediate vicinity of Clam Pass and should not be considered part of the larger scale beach management program for Collier County. Over dredging Clam Pass for the purpose of obtaining additional sand for areas beyond the influence of Clam Pass can lead to additional localized shoreline and inlet stability problems in the immediate vicinity of Clam Pass. It is recommended that Clam Pass be considered part of the ongoing management responsibilities of the PBSD including all monitoring components such as biological, tidal, and hydrographic data collection. (The important tide monitoring portion of this plan has always remained under PBSD's jurisdiction). PBSD shall be responsible for the inlet dredge permitting/construction. PBSD, exclusively, shall make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners as to when the inlet should be dredged, and make such other recommendations related to managing Packet Page-959- 12/11/2012 Item 10.X. the unified system as is needed to preserve the environmental health of this Natural Resource Protection Area ("NRPA"). The PBSD's track record in being able to successfully manage the system through the highly successful mangrove recovery period is an indication that the PBSD is the right entity for the important responsibility of ensuring the preservation of the restored system. FISCAL IMPACT: None LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney,is legally sufficient,and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK. RECOMMENDATION: Effective immediately, that Clam Pass be considered part of the ongoing management responsibilities of the Pelican Bay Services Division ("PBSD") including but not limited to all monitoring components such as biological, tidal, and hydrographic data collection, and, inlet dredge permitting/construction; that PBSD, exclusively, shall make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners as to when the inlet should be dredged, and make such other recommendations related to managing the unified Clam Bay system as it deems necessary; further, that Clam Pass, being an integral part of the Clam Bay system, is managed as such. PREPARED BY: Commissioner Georgia Hiller Packet Page-960- 12/11/2012 Item 10.X. COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners l Item Number: 10.X. Item Summary: Recommendation that effective immediately,Clam Pass be considered part of the ongoing management responsibilities of the Pelican Bay Services Division ("PBSD") including but not limited to all monitoring components such as biological,tidal,and hydrographic data collection,and, inlet dredge permitting/construction;that PBSD,exclusively, shall make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners as to when the inlet should be dredged, and make such other recommendations related to managing the unified Clam Bay system as it deems necessary; further,that Clam Pass, being an integral part of the Clam Bay system, is managed as such. This is a companion to Item 10Y. (Commissioner Hiller) Meeting Date: 12/11/2012 Prepared By Name: BrockMaryJo Title:Executive Secretary to County Manager,CMO 12/5/2012 11:06:24 AM Submitted by Title:Executive Secretary to County Manager,CMO Name:BrockMaryJo 12/5/2012 11:06:25 AM Approved By Name: KlatzkowJeff Title:County Attorney Date: 12/5/2012 11:45:16 AM Name: OchsLeo Title:County Manager Date: 12/5/2012 1:41:19 PM Packet Page-961- 12/11/2012 Item 10.Y. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 Request for authorization to advertise an ordinance for future consideration which would amend Ordinance No. 2002-27, as amended, relating to the Pelican Bay Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit. OBJECTIVE: To obtain the Board of County Commissioners (Board's) authorization to advertize for future Board consideration the attached amendment to Ordinance No. 2002-27, as amended,which created the Pelican Bay Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit. CONSIDERATIONS: Collier County Ordinance No. 2002-27, as adopted on May 28, 2002, superseded, repealed, and consolidated priorr ordinances relating to the Pelican Bay Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit. The Board subsequently amended the Ordinance through its adoption of Ordinance Nos.2006-05 and 2009-05. The purpose of the ordinance is to amend the Pelican Bay Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit ordinance to clarify that the Unit will be solely responsible for advising the County on dredging and maintaining Clam Pass for the purpose of enhancing the health of the affected mangrove forest, and will manage such activities for the County; to add a non-voting member recommended by the Pelican Bay Foundation; and to create a system of rotating officers for this advisory board. FISCAL IMPACT: The cost for advertising the proposed ordinance is approximately$350.00. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: None. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The proposed ordinance was drafted by the County Attorney, and is legally sufficient for Board action. A simple majority vote is required to authorize its advertisement. -JAK RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners authorizes advertisement of the attached ordinance for future Board consideration which will amend Ordinance No. 2002- 27,as amended,relating to the Pelican Bay Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit. SUBMTTED BY: Commissioner Georgia A.Hiller.District 2 Packet Page-962- 12/11/2012 Item 10.Y. COLLIER COUNTY / j Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 10.Y. Item Summary: Request for authorization to advertise an ordinance for future consideration which would amend Ordinance No. 2002-27, as amended, relating to the Pelican Bay Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit. This is a companion to Item 10X. (Commissioner Hiller) Meeting Date: 12/11/2012 Prepared By Name: BrockMaryJo Title:Executive Secretary to County Manager,CMO 12/5/2012 11:08:04 AM Submitted by Title:Executive Secretary to County Manager,CMO Name: BrockMaryJo 12/5/2012 11:08:06 AM Approved By Name:KlatzkowJeff Title:County Attorney Date: 12/5/2012 11:45:24 AM Name: OchsLeo Title:County Manager Date: 12/5/2012 1:41:35 PM Packet Page-963- • 12/11/2012 Item 10.AC. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I/ g Recommendation to direct Turrell, Hall & Associates, Inc. to prepare a work order under Contract #10-5571 to update the existing Clam Bay Management Plan to ensure the preservation of the Clam Bay system and compliance with this preserve's Natural Resource Preservation Area ("NRPA") designation; and, to establish criteria as indicators for evaluation of dredging needs for the purpose of maintaining flushing for the environmental benefit of the Clam Bay system; to present such work order to the PBSD,the TDC,and the BCC at the first January,2013 meeting of each of these respective boards. OBJECTIVE: To update the existing Clam Bay Management Plan to ensure the preservation of the Clam Bay system and compliance with the preserve's NRPA designation; and, to establish criteria as indicators for evaluation of dredging needs for the purpose of maintaining flushing for the environmental benefit of the Clam Bay system. This shall be accomplished through a work order under Contract #10-5571 for a total cost not to exceed $34.000. The work order deliverables shall include the following: . Update the Clam Bay Management Plan to achieve the objective of `preservation' since the 'restoration' objective has been successfully achieved. Modify the State and Federal maintenance dredging permits to incorporate the revised Management Plan objective. . Develop and implement an updated Monitoring Plan consistent with the revised objective of the Management Plan. CONSIDERATIONS: The Clam Bay Management Plan has successfully achieved the restoration of the mangrove system within Clam Bay. The next management phase will entail preserving the restored mangrove system. To that end, the Clam Bay Management Plan shall be updated based on obtained monitoring data to incorporate the preservation objective. Inherent to the preservation of the mangrove system is the need to provide adequate flushing through maintenance dredging of Clam Pass to ensure the health of the mangroves. The update to the Management Plan shall include a recommendation that listed monitoring data. evaluated in totality, shall be the basis for future dredging considerations. The updated Management Plan guidelines shall serve as the basis for the modification of the State and Federal maintenance dredging permits. Clam Pass and Clam Bay shall be recognized and managed as a single unified system. rather than as bifurcated systems. given that both the pass and the bay constitute the NRPA and must be taken as a whole. Further, an updated monitoring plan shall be developed and implemented consistent with the objectives of the updated Management plan. FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for this work order shall be from the Tourist Development Tax Fund 1.95;the total cost shall not exceed$34,000. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, is legally sufficient.and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK Packet Page-1093- 12/11/2012 Item 10.AC. RECOMMENDATION: To update the existing Clam Bay Management Plan to ensure the pc5 ( preservation of the Clam Bay system and compliance with the preserve's NRPA designation; c and. to establish criteria as indicators for evaluation of dredging needs for the purpose of . / C maintaining flushing for the environmental benefit of the Clam Bay system. This shall be accomplished through a work order under Contract 410-5571 with TuneII, Hall &Associates for a total cost not to exceed $34,000. The work order deliverables shall include the following: . Update the Clam Bay Management Plan to achieve the objective of `preservation' since the `restoration' objective has been successfully achieved. . Modify the State and Federal maintenance dredging permits to incorporate the revised Management Plan objective. . Develop and implement an updated Monitoring Plan consistent with the revised objective of the Management Plan. Turell. Hall &Assoc. shall present the proposed work order to the PBSD.the TDC, and the BCC at the first January.2013 meeting of each of these respective boards. PREPARED BY: Commissioner Georgia Hiller Packet Page-1094- 12/11/2012 Item 10.AC. COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 10.AC. r IF Item Summary: Recommendation to direct Turrell, Hall&Associates, Inc.to prepare a work order under Contract#10-5571 to update the existing Clam Bay Management Plan to ensure the preservation of the Clam Bay system and compliance with this preserve's Natural Resource Preservation Area ("NRPA")designation; and,to establish criteria as indicators for evaluation of dredging needs for the purpose of maintaining flushing for the environmental benefit of the Clam Bay system;to present such work order to the PB5D,the TDC,and the BCC at the first January, 2013 meeting of each of these respective boards. (Commissioner Hiller) Meeting Date: 12/11/2012 Prepared By Name: BrockMar Jo Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager,CM() 12/5/2012 3:28:42 PM Submitted by Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager.CMO Name: BrockMarvJo 12/5/2012 3:28:43 PM Approved By Name: Klatzkowieff Title:County Attorney Date: 12/5'2012 3:38:49 PM Name: OchsLeo Title:Count Manager Date: 12"'2012 4:16:07 PM Packet Page-1095-