Clam Bay Committee Agenda 10/29/2013PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION
Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2013
THE CLAM BAY COMMITTEE OF THE PELICAN BAY SERVICES
DIVISION BOARD WILL MEET TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29 AT 1:00 PM AT
THE COMMUNITY CENTER AT PELICAN BAY, 8960 HAMMOCK OAK
DRIVE, NAPLES, FL 34108.
AGENDA
The agenda includes, but is not limited:
1. Roll Call
2. Audience comments
3. Agenda Approval
4. Approval of October 3 minutes
5. Latest draft of Chapter 4
6. Draft on passive recreation
7. Funding for Clam Bay - related work
8. Proposal to replace culverts with bridge
9. Raking South beach near Clam Pass
10. Adjournment
11. 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.
10/23/2013 10:38 AM
CLAM BAY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013
LET IT BE REMEMBERED that the Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services
Division Board met Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 3:00 PM at the Community Center at
Pelican Bay located at 8960 Hammock Oak Drive, Naples, Florida.
The following members were present:
Clam Bay Committee
Susan O'Brien, Chairman
Joe Chicurel
Tom Cravens
Pelican Bay Services Division Staff
W. Neil Dorrill, Administrator
Kyle Lukasz, Operations Manager
John Domenie
Mike Levy
Mary McCaughtry, Operations Analyst
Lisa Resnick, Recording Secretary
Moderators
Mohamed Dabees, P.E., Ph.D., Humiston & Moore Engineers
Tim Hall, Senior Ecologist & Principal, Turrell, Hall & Associates, Inc.
Clam Bay Stakeholders/Public Speakers
Marcia Cravens, Ted Raia, Linda Roth, Kathy Worley
Mr. Cravens motioned, Mr. Domenie seconded to app a as amended
/add 7.1 and 7.21 The Committee voted unaninAUNNEOnd the motion vas:
32
Clam Bay Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 3, 2013
APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 5 MINUTES
Mr. Cravens motioned, Mr. Domenie seconded to approve the September S Minutes as
amended [p. 31 "...as defined in the motion from the Joint meeting"]. The
Committee voted unanimously in avor and the motion passed.
PRESENT CONDITION OF CLAM PASS (ADD -ON)
Dr. Mohamed Dabees, Humiston & Moore Engineers, recommended that the Services
Division apply for a Nationwide 3 permit to dredge Clam Pass as a precautionary measure.
Mr. Dorrill would discuss obtaining $26,000 to pay for the application with the County.
Mr. Domenie motioned, Mr. Cravens seconded, to recommend the Board apply for a
Nationwide permit to dredge Clam Pass. The Committee voted unanimously in favor
and the motion passed.
OCTOBER 17 MEETING WITH ENGINEER
Dr. Dabees explained that the purpose of the October 17 meeting is to provide the
engineering guidelines for Mr. Hall to complete the inlet management plan including monitoring,
dredging triggers, and contingencies.
Mr. Tim Hall clarified that the Plan needs input regarding inlet history and dynamics, the
proposed dredging template and why it was chosen, what monitoring should be done, and
triggers to look for over the long -term in order to determine when the Pass needs to be dredged.
DRAFT OF CHAPTER 4 OF CLAM BAY MANAGEMENT PLAN
Mr. Hall explained that if surveys that are not necessary for inclusion in the Plan are
ADJOURN
Mr. Cravens motioned, Dr. Chicurel seconded, to adjourn. The G
unanimously in favor, the motion passed, and the meeting adjou
Susan O'Brien, Chairman Minutes b Lisa 0/2 8:20:40 AM
33
From: Tim Hall
To: Resnuckl isa
Subject: RE: Clam Bay meeting
Date: Friday, October 25, 2013 3:50:07 PM
Attachments: Chanter 4 revised 10 29.odf
Members of the Subcommittee,
You will see that the current version is different from the last one in that I added a little more detail to
some of the habitat descriptions but have relocated a lot of the mangrove and seagrass information to
appendices instead of having it all right in the report. I was concerned that the Section was starting to
look more like a History report than a description of what we currently have in the system. It is not my
intention to eliminate this information, only to reposition it as an appendix. It its most basic form I look
at a management plan as "Here's what we have, Here's what we want to do, and Here's how we are
going to do it ". Section 4 of the report is an attempt to show "Here's what we have" Section 6 then
describes the Here's what we want to do and how we will do it. The appendices can then be used to
show how we got to where we are and what we learned from it. We can still go back to the other
format if that is the Committee's pleasure but I think this will be simpler for the agency personnel to
follow when the permit applications are made.
The following web links will take you to the Collier and Lee County websites with multiple management
plans listed and you can hopefully get a feel for what I am getting at with this re- organization.
Collier Land Management Plans - http://www.collieraov.net/index.aspx?paae=546
Lee County Land Management Plans - http: / /www.conservation202O.org /Pages /stewardshiR lao ns.asp
Regards,
Tim Hall
Turrell, Hall & Associates, Inc.
Marine & Environmental Consulting
3584 Exchange Ave.
Naples, FL. 34104 -3732
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.
4.0
SOILS
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
Resource Description and Assessment
Based on the National Resource Conservation Service (MRCS) "Soil Survey of Collier
County Area, Florida" (MRCS, 1998) there are 2 different soil types (soil map units)
present within the NRPA boundary.
It is important to understand that where the soil survey shows mapping units named for
soil series, they represent the dominant undisturbed soils in that landscape that existed
predevelopment. They do not recognize or appropriately interpret the drastically
disturbed nature of urban landscapes created after the Soil Survey was completed.
Durbin and Wulfert mucks, frequently flooded (Map Unit #40), covers approximately
66% of the NRPA. These level, very poorly drained soils are most often found in
association with tidal mangrove swamps. Mapped areas can consist entirely of either
Durbin or Wulfert or any combination of the two soils. Individual areas are elongated
and irregular in shape and range from 50 to 1000 acres. The slope is 0 to 1 percent. The
permeability of the Durbin soil is rapid and the available water capacity is high. The
permeability of the Wulfert soil is rapid and the available water capacity is moderate.
The water table fluctuates with the tide and is within 12 inches of the surface most of the
year. The soil is subject to tidal flooding. The natural vegetation within these areas
consists of red, white and black mangroves.
Canaveral - Beaches Complex (Map Unit #42) covers approximately 9 % of the NRPA.
This map unit consists of the nearly level, moderately well drained Canaveral soil on low
ridges and beaches. Individual areas are elongated and irregular in shape and range from
20 to 300 acres. The slope is 0 to 2 percent. Typically, beaches consist of sand mixed
with shell fragments and shells and are subject to frequent wave action. The permeability
of the Canaveral soil is rapid to very rapid. The available water capacity is very low. In
most years, the seasonal high water table is at a depth of between 18 to 40 inches for 1 to
4 months. This soil is subject to tidal flooding under severe weather 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.
Insert Soils Map when Available
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Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
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 is 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 NoRAIALS GRAPH
110.0
100.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
.Jan Mal !.1 j;.,! Sep Nov
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/i
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
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 reflects a temperate climate with a narrow fluctuation in air
temperature.
Precipitation
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
January
1.85
542
645
74.7
February
2.10
66.8
66,9
76.9
Llarch
238
60 0
70.0
79.9
April
236
634
73 3
83 2
May
3.16
68 6
782
87 8
June
8 82
739
819
89.9
July
7.27
749
831
91.2
August
8 58
75 3
832
91 0
September
7 69
74.8
824
89 9
October
4 19
70.0
78 5
869
November
204
629
72 1
81 2
December
14,15)
570
66 8
76.6
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Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
Winds
Winds are predominantly easterly throughout the year, but with a tendency to become
northeasterly from October to April and southeasterly from May to September. Wind
speeds, not including storm events are, on average, below 10 knots. During the winter
months when fronts move through, for a day or two at a time, winds out of the northwest
to northeast may increase to about 25 knots.
Sea breeze
As the land surface around Naples and Clam Bay heats it in turn heats the air above it.
The warm air is less dense and tends to rise creating a lower air pressure over the land
than the water. The cooler air over the water then flows inland creating a sea breeze. In
the evening the reverse occurs and the cooler air over the land will flow back toward the
water creating a land breeze.
The incoming sea breeze acts as a lifting mechanism, resulting in the warmer air rising up
to higher altitudes. This creates cumulus clouds that begin to build which leads to the
development of afternoon showers and thunderstorms in the area.
Storms
Naples and Clam Bay specifically are within the Atlantic Tropical Cyclone basin. This
basin includes much of the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. On
average, six (6) to eight (8) tropical storms form within this basin each year. The
hurricane season lasts from June 1 st to December 1 st. The formation of these storms and
Saffir- Simpson Hurricane Scale
Category Wind
speed
Storm surge
rtPl-1
ft
(m)
all 56
(z25O)
{
"
131 -t 55
i3-1
(210 -249)
(4.
111-130
9 -12
Three
(178 -209)
(2.7 -3.7)
96 -110
6 -8
Two
(154 -177)
(1.8 -2.4)
74-95
4 -5
One
(119 -153)
(1.2 -1.5)
Additional classifications
Tropical
39 -73
0-3
storm
(63 -117)
(0 -0.9)
Tropical
0 -38
;' 0
depression
(0-62)
(0)
possible intensification into mature hurricanes takes
place over warm tropical and subtropical waters.
Eventual dissipation or modification, averaging seven
(7) to eight (8) days later, typically occurs over the
colder waters of the North Atlantic or when the storms
move over land and away from the sustaining marine
environment.
Due to the destructive nature of these storms, landfall
can result in significant damage to upland development
and facilities from storm surge, waves, and wind. A
good example of this would be Hurricane Wilma
which formed in 2005.
A tropical storm is defined by maximum sustained
winds from 35 -64 knots (40 -74 mph). A hurricane has
maximum sustained winds that exceed 64 knots (74
mph). Hurricanes are classified into different
categories according to the Saffir- Simpson scale.
Hurricanes can also spawn severe weather such as tornadoes as they move inland.
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r
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
The table below lists the number of tropical storms and hurricanes that passed through or
near Naples over the past 20 seasons including 1992 through 2012 as reported by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center and
Hurricane City (www.hurricanecity.com). Analysis of the available information indicates
that Naples, on average, is brushed or hit by a tropical storm or hurricane once every 2.71
years and is directly hit once every 7.05 years.
Table Number of Named Storms Passing through or near Naples
Year
# of Storms
Names
1992
1
Andrew
1993
0
1994
1
Gordon
1995
1
Jerry
1996
0
1997
0
1998
1
Mitch
1999
1
Harvey
2000
0
2001
0
2002
0
2003
0
2004
1
Charley
2005
1
Wilma
2006
0
2007
0
2008
1
Fay
2009
0
2010
0
2011
0 10/19/05 1 452
GOW132UY
2012
0
,
a � r
K
N'
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Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
NATURAL COMMUNITIES
In regards to this Section, a natural community refers to the mix of plant and animal
species that form the natural basis of the 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
Code
Community Description
Upland or
Wetland
% of Clam Bay
NRPA
181
Swimming Beach
Upland
322
Coastal Scrub
Upland
428
Cabbage Palm Hammock
Upland
541
Bas with connection to ocean
Wetland
612
Mangrove Forest
Wetland
642
Brackish Marsh
Wetland
651
Tidal Flat
Wetland
911
Sea grasses
Wetland
Several other components of the 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
windbome sand is transported landward until the wind speed drops below that needed to
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Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
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. 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 not 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 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.
INSERT LOCATION MAP FOR BEACH
FLUCFCS Code 322 - Coastal Scrub
Landward of the frontal zone area is the back dune zone (also often called the shrub or
scrub zone), a portion of the dune that is more stable, has greater organic matter, and
supports less salt tolerant grasses and shrubs as well as some trees.
Many of the woody species found in coastal scrub are low growing and shrubby due to
low nutrient and droughty conditions of sandy soils. Additionally, high winds and salt
spray often prune the terminal buds of the trees and shrubs growing on the dunes and
result in salt - pruned, windswept canopies.
Coastal scrub is represented by a conglomeration of coastal species generally found in a
narrow band between the Mangrove forest and the beach areas. Species common on the
beaches of the Clam Bay system include; Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), Cabbage palm
(Sabal palmetto), Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and Spanish bayonet (Yucca
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Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
aloifolia). This is an important habitat as it helps anchor the back dune sands and
provides habitat for several listed plant and animal species including the gopher tortoise
(Gopherus polyphemus).
This habitat has not been monitored as a part of the ongoing management of the system.
There are two main topics of concern in the coastal scrub, gopher tortoise habitat
management and exotic vegetation control.
FLUCFCS Code 428 - Cabbage Palm Hammock
This forested zone is composed of the more protected dune vegetation farthest from the
ocean. In the case of Clam Bay this is represented by Cabbage Palm Hammock. This
habitat is identified by the preponderance of cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto). It is
generally found in pockets located between the mangrove forest and the coastal scrub or
beach areas. Aside from the cabbage palms, sea grapes (Coccoloba uvifera),
buttonwood, and several other hammock species are common. A hammock is a habitat
that is densely shaded by a canopy of trees. Hammocks usually have a sparse
groundcover that leaves the forest floor mostly open for animals to travel through.
Hammocks also provide a reprieve from the sun for animals and humans alike. In Clam
Bay, this habitat is also susceptible to infestation by exotic vegetation such as Australian
pine and Brazilian pepper which are addressed further on in this Section.
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Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
As the majority of monitoring efforts were devoted to the mangrove plots and submerged
resources, the historical changes related to the status of this habitat has not been
documented. The historical emphasis on the health of the Clam Bay system and the
mangrove forest in particular resulted in most monitoring efforts being placed on the
indicators most affected by the pass. The primary management issue of this habitat is
exotic control and preventing destructive visitor access.
FLUCFCS Code 612 - Mangroves
Mangroves are salt tolerant trees that grow in tidal areas of the tropics and are legally
protected for their ecological value, with such functions as;
• Providing habitat for marine and terrestrial wildlife.
• Protecting coastal areas from storm surges and coastal erosion.
• 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.
Three species of mangrove are common in Florida as far north as Cedar Key and St.
Augustine, where cold winter temperatures limit their range. All have special biological
adaptations to cope with salt and unstable, mucky, low oxygen soils that result from the
tidal, hence continually waterlogged, environment. The dominance of mangroves in tidal
areas is a function of these adaptations and their ability to out - compete other wetland
plants. All three of the common species, red, black, and white mangroves are found
within the Clam Bay NRPA boundary.
Special attention has been given to the mangrove community in the past because of an
approximately 70 acre die -off which occurred between 1995 and 1997. Unprecedented
community involvement and support led to the creation of the first Clam Bay Restoration
and Management Plan and the implementation of that plan led to the recovery of the die -
off area. More details on this are provided in the Mangrove Appendix included with this
plan.
Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) are recognized by their tangle of reddish looking
prop roots, long cigar shaped seedlings (the propagules which can be seen in the summer
months) and their large, pointed evergreen leaves. They are typically the most seaward
of the three species with the prop roots and vertical drop roots providing support, small
pores on the trunks called lenticels allow oxygen exchange via air as the waterlogged
soils become rapidly oxygen depleted. Salt is excluded from the plants cells through a
process called ultra - filtration in the roots. The characteristic propagules germinate on the
parent tree and drop and float for up to a year, finally becoming heavier at one end so that
when encountering a suitable substrate they are ready to root upright. Good tidal flushing
is essential for healthy development of red mangroves, to prevent the build up of toxic
metabolic waste products in the mangrove soils. The mass of prop and drop roots forms
extensive surface area under water for attachment of sessile, filter feeding marine species
(such as sponges, tunicates and mollusks) as well as hiding places for juvenile fish.
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Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
Birds, butterflies, insects and mammals find home and food within the canopy. Leaf drop
and eventual breakdown of red mangrove leaves is the start of productive estuarine food
webs.
Red Mangroves and Propagules (inset)
Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) are typically found a little further inland and
key identification features include the snorkel like pneumatophores which radiate
upwards out of the soil from the base of the trunk, a grey -black rough bark and slightly
pointed, oval leaves which are silvery with salt deposits on the undersides. The
pneumatophores play an important role in oxygen exchange and unlike the red
mangroves, which keeps salt out of body cells through filtration in the roots; the black
mangrove excretes salt out of the backside of the leaves. They are also reliant on
adequate tidal exchange but lack the supporting prop roots that typify the red mangrove.
Small white flowers and lima bean shaped propagules are apparent during the summer
months. When these propagules fall from the parent tree, they are able to float for a short
period before rooting in the mucky soil.
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Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
Black Mangrove Pneumatophores
White mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) are the third mangrove species and are often
found further inland than the other two species (although zonations described are typical
they can frequently vary). Since they often occur in drier areas, white mangroves do not
exhibit the adaptations to soft, anaerobic soil of the other species. The bark is
characteristically grooved and furrowed and leaves are oval, mid -green and leathery with
two small glands on the petiole at the base of each leaf. White mangroves also flower in
the spring and early summer and the small seedlings have the shortest floating dispersal
stage of the three species. After the mangrove die -off, white mangroves were the initial
colonizer of the die -off areas. As time has progressed, red and black mangroves have
moved into the areas and started displacing the young whites. See the Mangrove
Appendix for more history on the die -off and subsequent recovery over the past 15 years.
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 here in Clam Bay.
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Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
Buttonwood and Seeds
Approximately 66% of the Clam bay NRPA is composed of this habitat type. The
community is composed of both riverine (along the creeks) and basin forest components.
Creeks
On the seaward 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 red mangroves is of great importance to many fish and the tidal creeks are
popular fishing spots.
INSERT PHOTOS OF CREEK
Forests
Much of Clam Bay is comprised of low -lying basin forests and the dominant species
varies between red, white, and black mangrove throughout the system. Tides inundate
these areas via small surface waterways. Subterranean sources of water are also
important. Tidal flushing allows nutrients to be distributed within the forest and provides
for the transportation of dead leaves, twigs, etc. As this material decays, it becomes food
for marine life. It is this mangrove detritus which is consumed by the many organisms at
the base of the food chain and which in turn create the next level of the food chain
necessary to support the fish populations that characterize the mangrove community.
Associated plants include the succulent groundcovers Saltwort (Batis maritime),
Glasswort (Salicornia cervicornis), (especially where a fallen tree provides a break in the
Page 12 of 34
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
canopy and light penetration to the forest floor) and, further inland and closer to
freshwater sources, the Leather fern (Acrostrichum danaefolia).
INSERT LOCATION MAP FOR MANGROVES
FLUCFCS Code 642 - Brackish Marsh
At the interface between forested mangrove areas and the water management berm are
depressional areas that have become colonized by aquatic freshwater plants such as
cattails (Typha latifolia), Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana), Bulrush (Scirpus
californicus), Needlerush (Juncus romerianus) and Leather fern (Acrostichum
danaeifolium). Wildlife such as otters (Lutra canadiensis), alligators (Alligator
mississippiensis), various turtles, and wading birds can be commonly observed. These
areas require regular maintenance to prevent the spread of nuisance and exotic plant
species and ensure optimal functioning and interface between the natural mangrove forest
and the development water management system.
INSERT LOCATION MAP FOR MARSH
FLUCFCS Code 651 - Tidal Flats
Tidal flats are defined as flat bottom, 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 the
bottom sits. 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. Substrates that
consist of sand and sand mixed with mud (mud is an admixture of clay- and silt -sized
particles) tend to be firm, supporting an epifauna, and typically have high sediment
porosity and permeability leading to well oxygenated interstitial fluids that can support a
diverse and deeply penetrating infauna. Substrates that consist of mud alone may be not
support a shelly epifauna and often have low porosity and permeability, prohibiting the
existence of an extensive infauna.
The sand and mudflats of Clam Bay are rich feeding grounds for many species of 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.
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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.
INSERT LOCATION MAP FOR FLATS
FLUCFCS Code 541— Bays open to the Ocean
The Clam Bay NRPA contains the three larger bays associated with Clam Pass (Outer,
Inner, and Upper) as well as the interconnecting waterways and small open water areas.
Second in extent of aerial coverage within the NRPA boundary, it is the bays and
interconnections which serve as the life blood of the estuary.
This open water habitat serves as the basis for many other communities. Seagrass beds,
oyster bars, clam beds, and other benthic communities can all be supported to varying
degrees with the open waters of the bays and interconnecting creeks. As outlined below,
several of these communities are present within the Clam Bay NRPA 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 channels has been seen as the
major contributing factor to the restoration of the mangrove forest community within the
system. ( Turrell 2008; Humiston & Moored Maintaining the flow of water through
the system will be a component of this Management Plan.
Tidal Passes
The Clam Bay system was originally part of a larger tidal system connected to the Gulf of
Mexico by three tidal inlets; Wiggins Pass, Clam Pass and Doctors Pass. During the
1950's and 60's this system was isolated from adjacent bays by the construction of
Seagate Drive to the south and the construction of Vanderbilt Beach Road to the north.
The practical effect was to leave Clam Pass as Clam Bay's only connection to the Gulf.
The exchange of seawater between Clam Bay and the Gulf is critical to the ability of the
mangrove forest to export organic matter, as well as excess salt and freshwater. It also
supplies oxygen rich water and nutrients from the Gulf. The greater the tidal amplitude
(or tidal prism) the greater the benefit to the mangroves — more needed resources are
delivered and more wastes are removed. Conversely, in the absence of surface water
circulation or tidal activity, mangroves slowly die due to deleterious changes in the
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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.
Add Tidal Exhibit from Clam Bay Monitoring Report
It can be seen that the health of mangrove forests is directly related to the efficiency of
the tidal passes. These are dynamic creeks whose location vary annually and, as
illustrated by Clam Pass, can periodically close such as has happened at least five times
in the last 25 years (Turrell 1995; Tackney 1996).
INSERT PHOTO ARRAY OF PASS FROM VARIOUS YEARS
Tidal creeks are passageways for fish and marine invertebrates between the open waters
of the Gulf and the protected embayments of Clam Bay. Manatees and turtles may also
use the passes. Scouring action of the fast flowing tide 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.
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 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.
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Shoal grass (Halodule wrightii) 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 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.
Management concerns related to seagrasses include direct impacts due to recreational use
and potential dredging templates, turbidity and water quality concerns related to flushing
and stormwater inputs, algal infestations due to nutrient increases or flushing decreases.
A history of the seagrass monitoring efforts in Clam Bay is included in the Seagrass
Appendix attached to this report.
INSERT SEAGRASS LOCATION MAP
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Other Benthic Habitats
Oyster Bars
Oysters (Croassostrea americana) are filter- feeding bivalves, which were once common
within the tidal creeks of Clam Bay (Tropical Industries _—). Oysters play a significant
role in shaping the environment in which they live by forming a hard structure upon
which an intricate biological community is built. Similar to coral reefs, oyster reefs are
`biogenic' (formed by the accumulation of colonial animals) and provide structure and
surface area for numerous other temporary and permanent species.
Providing complex habitat structure is the most fundamental of ecosystem services that
oysters provide. The structure provides a place for algae and non - mobile invertebrates to
attach, as well as a place for mobile invertebrates and fishes to be protected from
predators. Although the relationships between sportfish and oyster habitats are not as well
studied as in other estuarine habitats such as seagrass beds, they are considered essential
fish habitat.
The numerous ecosystem services provided by oysters can be summarized into three
general categories: habitat provision, water quality improvement, and shoreline
stabilization. Oyster reefs provide habitat to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The role
of oyster habitat to the estuarine food chain is highly significant, as discussed in the
previous paragraph. Through their feeding process oysters filter large quantities of water
which transfers energy and material from the water column to the benthic community,
subsequently reducing turbidity and water column nutrients. Through bio- deposition,
nutrients are made available to the flora and fauna which comprise the complex oyster
bar food web. Additionally, oyster reefs stabilize sediments, shorelines and adjacent
habitats by buffering wave energy, further aiding water quality.
Deteriorating conditions related to closure of Clam Pass is thought to have resulted in the
disappearance of oyster bars in the system; though some re- occurrence has been observed
to the south of the pass in the last few years during seagrass transect monitoring. Oysters
have been documented around the perimeter of Outer Clam Bay in past years monitoring
efforts.
A 2011 benthic habitat assessment conducted by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
found living oyster clusters in the upper reaches of Northern Clam Bay (a single cluster),
in the tributary between Outer and Inner Clam Bays (a single cluster), and throughout the
shoreline of Outer Clam Bay.
Management concerns related to oyster growth are similar to the seagrass concerns.
Protection from recreation users, water quality, and flushing.
INSERT LOCATION MAP FOR OYSTERS
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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.
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 300 feet
offshore from the Pass.
Management concerns related to this habitat include recreation use and potential turbidity
impacts resulting from dredging or other management activities within the NRPA.
INSERT LOCATION MAP
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Invasive, Non - native and Problem Species
In an ecological context, an invasive species is one that is aggressive in growth and
expansion of range and tends to dominate other appropriate native species. Its
establishment and dominance can cause widespread harm to an ecological system by
altering the species composition, susceptibility to fire and hydrology of an area. Non -
indigenous species (i.e., non - native or exotic species) are those that have been introduced
purposefully or accidentally to an area outside their normal range. The characteristics of
some of these species (high rate of growth/reproduction, no natural predators, easily
dispersed, able to out - compete native species) make them invasive. Some indigenous
species (a species whose natural range included Florida at the time of European contact
circa 1500 AD or a species that has naturally expanded or changed its range to include
Florida) may also become invasive. Invasions by native and non - native species often
follow an alteration to ecosystem function, disruption of the food web, large -scale
fragmentation of an ecosystem and /or disturbance (e.g., clearing, fire, drought, etc.) of an
area. While some native species may become invasive, the establishment and dominance
of non - native species is of particular concern. The exotic plant and animal species
documented within the NRPA and those that have a potential to occur within the NRPA
are discussed in the following sections.
Invasive and Problem Plant Species
The Florida Exotic Pest Plan Council (FLEPPC) maintains a list of exotic plans that have
been documented to (1) have adverse effects on Florida's biodiversity and plant
communities, (2) cause habitat loss due to infestations, and (3) impact endangered species
via habitat loss and alteration. To date, 9 non - indigenous plant species have been
detected within the Clam Bay NRPA which are listed by FLEPPC as Category I exotics.
FLEPPC defines Category I plants as those that alter native plant communities by
displacing native species, change community structures or ecological functions, or
hybridize with natives. Category II plants have increase in abundance or frequency but
have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species.
These definitions do not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the
problem, but rather on the documented ecological damage caused by these plants
(FLEPPC 2007). One of the objectives of the Clam Bay NRPA Management Plan will be
to maintain the lands free of both Category I and II exotic plants.
Methodology outlining the management activities that will be used to treat exotics is
found in Chapter 6 of this Plan.
PLANT SPECIES - List to be added based on FLUCFCS Mapping
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LISTED SPECIES
Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata)
A juvenile smalltooth sawfish was observed in 2008 in the connector creek between Inner
and Outer Clam Bays. Smalltooth sawfish are found in the tropical and subtropical
Atlantic Ocean. In the western Atlantic they have historically ranged from New York to
Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Habitat destruction and
overfishing have succeeded in eradicating the smalltooth sawfish from the majority of its
former range. Consequently, it survives in small pockets throughout its current range.
The last remaining population in U.S. waters is off south Florida, a small remnant of a
population that once ranged from New York to Texas.
This sawfish primarily occurs in estuarine and coastal habitats such as bays, lagoons, and
rivers. It does at times occur in deeper waters, however, and may make crossings to
offshore islands. It can tolerate freshwater. This fish is easily recognized by its flattened
body and wing -like pectoral fns. 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
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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 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.
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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 Pass NRPA is contained within the LOGG -N -27 segment
of this proposed critical habitat area.
Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
Gopher tortoises and their burrows are found along the coastal strand portions of the
Clam Pass 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 Pass 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
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Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, but summer sightings in Alabama, Georgia and
South Carolina are more common.
Manatees are large, gray aquatic mammals with bodies that taper to a flat, paddle- shaped
tail. They have two forelimbs, called flippers, with three to four nails on each flipper. The
average adult manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds.
They eat a large variety of submerged, emergent, and floating plants and can consume
10 -15% of their body weight in vegetation daily. Because they are mammals, they must
surface to breathe air. They rest just below the surface of the water, coming up to breathe
on an average of every three to five minutes. It is believed that one calf is born every two
to five years, and twins are rare. The gestation period is about a year. Mothers nurse their
young for one to two years, during which time a calf remains dependent on its mother.
Protections for Florida manatees were first enacted in 1893. Today, they are protected by
the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act and are federally protected by both the Marine
Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act
ANIMAL SPECIES
The following lists of species have been observed within the Clam Pass NRPA and
adjacent Pelican Bay development areas.
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
Lut anus 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
Lu Janus griseus
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Mullet
Mugil cephalus
Mutton snapper
Lu Janus anatis
Needlefish
Strongylura marina
Permit
Trachinotus falcatus
Pigfish
Orthopristus chrysoptera
Pinfsh
Lagodon rhomboides
Pipefish
Syngnathus spp.
Puffer
Sphoeroides parvus
Sailfin molly
Poecilia latipinna
Sand perch
Diplectrum bivittatum
Scaled sardine
Harengula pensacolae
Sea robin
Prionotus 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 peninsulae
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
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Ring- necked snake Diadophis punctatus
Yellow rat snake Elaphe obsoleta
American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis
Brown anole Anolis sagrei
Eastern glass lizard Ophisaurus ventralis
Green anole Anolis carolinensis
Southeastern five -lined skink Eumeces inexpectatus
Cuban treefrog
Osteopilus septentrionalis
Eastern narrow- mouthed toad
Gastrophryne carolinensis
Eastern spadefoot toad
Scaphiopus holbrookii
Giant marine toad
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
Florida box turtle
Terrapene carolina bauri
Florida softshell turtle
Apalone ferox
Gopher tortoise
Gopherus polyphemus
Green sea turtle
Chelonia mydas
Loggerhead sea turtle
Caretta caretta
Pond slider
Trachemys scripta
Striped mud turtle
Kinosternon baurii
Birds
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
American avocet
Recurvirostra americana
American coot
Fulica americana
American kestrel
Falco sparverius
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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
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Eastern screech owl
Megascops asio
Eurasian collared dove
Streptopelia decaocto
European starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Fish crow
Corvus ossiagus
Page 26 of 34
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
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
Morus bassanus
Northern parula
Parula americana
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
Page 27 of 34
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
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
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
Page 28 of 34
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
Virginia opossum
Didelphis virginia
Eastern mole
Scalopus aquaticus
Brazilian free - tailed bat
Tadarida braziliensis
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
Felis catus
Bobcat
Lynx rufus
West Indian manatee
Trichechus manatus
Bottle -nosed dolphin
Turciops truncatus
HYDROLOGY
The most critical factor for mangrove maintenance is the hydrological regime, sometimes
referred to as the surface water or surficial hydrology. This is because the surficial
hydrology has both horizontal and vertical components and provides key ecological
functions to the mangrove forest.
With respect to the horizontal component, incoming water (both tidal and surface water
run -off) into a mangrove wetland brings with it nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and
marginally lower salt concentrations. Conversely, the outgoing water leaving a
mangrove wetland (through tidal exchange) removes metabolic waste products (e.g.,
carbon dioxide and toxic sulfides) and excess salt. The vertical component refers to
incoming water that percolates down into the sediment and root zone, and the sediment
drainage, on a falling tide, which removes metabolic wastes and excess salt.
It is the inflow and outflow of sea water that is critical to the ability of the mangrove
forest to manage these two ecological functions and as such dissipate salts, organic matter
and freshwater. It follows that anything that affects the system and alters the ability of
the system to perform these functions, will, in most instances, cause stress to the system
and, at some point in time, result in the death of the system, or portions of it.
Page 29 of 34
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
The Clam Bay system was originally part of a larger tidal system connected to the Gulf of
Mexico by three tidal inlets; Wiggins Pass, Clam Pass and Doctors Pass. (Turrell 1996).
During the early 1950's this system was isolated form adjacent bays by the construction
of Seagate Drive to the south and the construction of Vanderbilt Beach Road to the north.
The practical effect was to leave Clam Pass as Clam Bay's only connection to the Gulf.
In 1976 culverts were placed under Seagate Drive to provide some exchange from
Venetian Bay (a residential sea wall bay system) and improve water quality in the
Doctors Pass area. One -way valves were placed on the pipes in 1999 but there was not
enough head differential to operate the valves and they ended up acting as plugs instead.
In October, 2002 these valves were removed to promote more flushing and water
exchange in this southern portion of the system.
Hydrologic studies indicate that the tidal flushing capacity of Clam Bay prior to the
restoration dredging was limited and almost insignificant in Upper Clam Bay. The
preliminary hydrographic assessment of the Clam Bay system prepared by Tackney &
Associates, Inc. (August 1996) demonstrated rather dramatically that there was a
significant reduction in tidal range between the middle boardwalk and Inner Clam Bay.
Tackney described the flow in that area as "measurably reduced" and "very inefficient ".
This connecting tidal creek is the key conduit for tidal input and outflow to the northern
reaches of the Clam Bay system. And its constriction and the ancillary constriction of
tributaries connection to it, impact the quantity and quality of the flushing that can occur
in Inner and Upper Clam Bay.
As noted earlier, it is the daily rise and fall of the tide and the exchange of seawater
between Clam Bay and the Gulf that are critical to the ability of the mangrove forest to
export both organic matter, and excess salt and freshwater as well as receive oxygen rich
water and nutrients. The greater the tidal amplitude (or tidal prism) the greater the
benefit to the mangroves — more needed resources are delivered and more wastes are
removed. Conversely, in the absence of surface water circulation or tidal activity,
mangroves can become stressed and, in certain instances, rapidly die due to deleterious
changes in the sediment or water levels. The consequence is that the root systems wither
and eventually the whole tree dies. Note that the tidal exchange mechanism that is
critical to the health of the mangrove forest was, within this ecosystem, seriously
constrained. (Turrell 1995). Another key aspect of the surficial hydrology is the vertical
location of the water level elevation relative to the mangrove sediment elevation.
Specifically, the mean low water (tide) elevation has to be sufficiently lower than the
mangrove sediment elevation in order for mangrove sediments to drain during low tide.
A persistent high surface water elevation stops sediment drainage and results in anoxic
sediment and the accumulation of toxic waste products.
It should be observed that the black mangrove forest does not require the kind of intense
flushing that is more typical of the red mangrove systems in order to maximize its
productivity. However, the total absence of meaningful exchange was certainly a
Page 30 of 34
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
contributor to the significant degradation of the mangrove system within Clam Bay.
( Tackney 1996; Lewis pers. comm. 2008).
In this context Tackney observed that even in the absence of rainfall, the average water
surface elevations for the inner and upper bays were higher than the average surface
elevation for the Gulf. Analysis of the tidal data indicated that average water surface
elevations in the Inner and Upper Clam Bays were both elevated above the average Gulf
water surface elevation by approximately 0.2 feet. This indicated that the tidal range in
Inner and Upper Clam Bays was muted and that the system was receiving significant
additional water through runoff and restricted capacity to drain additional inflow. In fact,
during portions of the Tackney study no tidal fluctuation was noted in the Upper Clam
Bay and only marginal tidal effects were observed in Inner Clam Bay.
The reduced tidal ranges were also accompanied by relatively large phase lags. The
phase lag is the average time delay measured in hours and minutes between the
occurrence of slack (high or low) water in the Gulf of Mexico and the measurement
stations. It is affected by both the distance between measurement stations and the amount
and quality of hydraulic resistance of the connecting channel. The longer the distance
and the higher the resistance, the more pronounced one would expect the phase lag to be.
In the upper bays, high and low waters generally occurred over three hours later than the
Gulf tides.
These conditions indicate that the tidal creeks connecting the interior bays are
hydraulically very inefficient. As a result, the upper bays are prone towards extended
periods of flooding as a result of freshwater runoff and the inability of the system to drain
efficiently. During Tackney's field studies of May 1996, rainfall of approximately 4
inches in three days was adequate to flood the Upper Clam Bay above high tide levels
and sustain this flooded condition for over two days. Accordingly, he concluded that the
creeks and bays that serve to connect the Inner and Upper Bays were significantly less
efficient in the ebb tide stage than they were in the flood stage. Studies undertaken by
both Lewis Environmental Services, Inc. and Turrell & Associates, Inc. would support
this conclusion. ( Turrell 1995).
Finally, an additional attribute of the system that is directly related to tidal prism and the
quantity of inflow and outflow is the question of inlet stability. Inlet stability refers to a
tidal inlet's capacity to adequately scour out deposited sediments and prevent inlet
closure. For a given wave environment, inlet stability is governed primarily by the
volume of water (tidal prism) carried by the inlet. To remain stable, an inlet must have
the characteristic that a temporary constriction in cross sectional area produces an
increase in current velocities adequate to scour out the constriction. To function without
mechanical intervention, the system must generate sufficient volume off water on the ebb
tide to scour out the inlet naturally, otherwise the inlet will, over time, continue to close.
This is particularly true during periods of high wave activity and low tidal ranges.
( Turrell 1995; Tackney 1996). The five 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).
Page 31 of 34
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
Freshwater Component
Under predevelopment conditions, much of the area's rainfall was held on the surface of
the land in sloughs and other low areas. This water would either slowly filter through the
soil to recharge the shallow aquifer or move through the mangrove community to the bay.
Less than ten inches of the approximately 53 inch average rainfall is estimated to have
been lost from the uplands east of Clam Bay as surface runoff. The storage capabilities
of the land thus moderated surface flows, preventing extremely high flow rates during the
rainy season and serving to maintain surface flow and groundwater flow during the dry
season. (FDER 1981).
In 1977 the Pelican Bay Planned Unit Development was established by Westinghouse
Communities, Inc. The development contains a mixture of residential, retail, commercial
and recreational facilities and lies east of Clam Bay. As a condition of development,
Clam Bay, the area that lies west of the Pelican Bay and consists of approximately 530
acres of mixed mangrove forest and wetlands was designated as the Pelican Bay
Conservation Area. As such, it was designated for conservation but with limited
recreational access. This area was eventually given to Collier County and is currently
classified as a Natural Resource Protection Area (NRPA).
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 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
Page 32 of 34
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
prior to development. The stormwater discharge exits the weir system for a final release
into Clam Bay.
Stormwater runoff from an additional 130 acres of watersheds, outside of Pelican Bay,
contributes an additional and significant volume of discharge to Clam Bay. This water
represents 7.9% of the total stormwater discharge to Clam Bay.
As the area of Pelican Bay to the east has undergone development, it has increased the
impervious surface area, with a concomitant increase in surface runoff, which is
eventually discharged to Clam Bay. The daily irrigation water volume enhances the
saturation of the uplands which reduces their ability to accommodate rainfall volume,
thus effectively increasing surface and groundwater discharge. Groundwater discharge
can be commonly observed throughout -the eastern side of Clam Bay and is discernable as
a very slight sheet flow. Where this water encounters a discharge system, even one that
is not operating at peak efficiency, such as Outer Clam Bay, excess water is effectively
removed from the system. However, in the northern section, sheet flow was not
efficiently removed due to lack of flow through the forest. Thus, it accumulated,
increasing soil saturation and raising the mean water table elevation, and apparently
overwhelming the black mangrove's anaerobic soil /gas exchange mechanisms.
Mangroves in these areas became stressed and died.
WATER QUALITY — More detail to be added from annual report
During the initial environmental permitting of Pelican Bay, the agencies required water
quality testing within the Pelican Bay subdivision and the Clam Bay estuary to help
evaluate the impact of development on Clam Bay. The water quality- testing program
was first implemented by Pelican Bay Improvement District (PBID) starting in the early
1980's. In 1991, PBID became the Pelican Bay Services Division (PBSD), a dependent
Division of Collier County. PBSD continued the testing program after 1991. PBSD is
currently the responsible entity for the testing program.
The water quality testing is performed at several sample points within Pelican Bay and
Clam Bay. The sample point locations are shown on Figure 1. There are currently ten
sampling locations within Pelican Bay and Clam Bay. Sample points W -7, W -6, W -1,
North Seagate, and Upper Clam Bay (UCB) are within Clam Bay, which are categorized
as Class II waters by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The
remaining five sampling points are PB -13, E PB -13, PB -11, Glenview, and St. Lucia, are
located in the stormwater treatment portion of the property (Class 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;
Page 33 of 34
Chapter 4 update for Oct. 29 Committee mtg.
• Field pH
• Field Temperature
• Field Salinity
• Field D.O.
• Ammonia
• Carbon- Total Organic
• Chlorophyll a
• Copper* (added to the parameter suite in 2013)
• Nitrate - Nitrite (N)
• Nitrite (N)
• Nitrogen- Total Kjeldahl
• Orthophosphate (P)
• Pheophytin
• Phosphorus- Total
• Residues- Filterable (TDS)
• Silica (Si02)
Add Sampling Station exhibit
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES — Waiting on information from Florida Master
Site File
INLET DYNAMICS — To be added from Engineer's report(s)
RECREATIONAL USE — See Mrs O'Brien's draft
Page 34 of 34
October 29, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
6. Draft on Passive Recreation (submitted by Susan O'Brien) Page 1 of 1
Passive Recreation (Draft by Susan O'Brien)
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 bay and provide access to the beach. Members of
Pelican Bay's homeowners association use the northern and middle boardwalks,
and the southern boardwalk is used by the public and is adjacent to a large parking
lot. 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 dock adjacent to
the parking lot at the south end of the bay, and there is also one within Pelican Bay.
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 use 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. The relatively shallow waterways of the system also limit the number of
motorized watercraft. The residents of the Seagate neighborhood immediately
south of Clam Bay have riparian rights to use motorized watercraft in Clam Bay as
long as they comply with the County ordinance. Violation of this ordinance is a
civil infraction for which a fine may be levied. Occasionally motorized vessels,
including ski -doos, have been reported to be in violation of this ordinance. Efforts
to identify and report violations of the County ordinance 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 restrictions on vessels with motors will be sought.
At this time the rental of ski -doos or similar equipment is not being done at Clam
Pass Park at the south end of Clam Bay or at Pelican Bay. For the safety and
enjoyment of all Clam Bay users as well as the health of the Clam Bay system, the
goal is to keep such activities out of Clam Bay.
October 29, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
6. Draft on Passive Recreation (Comments submitted by Tim Hall)
Page 1 of 2
From: Tim Hall
To: ResnickLisa
Subject: RE: 10/29/13 Clam Bay Committee Meeting Agenda Packets Available at Office
Date: Friday, October 25, 2013 4:17:40 PM
Attachments: Passive Recreation comments.doc
Lisa,
I think I am allowed to send this to Susan without violating Sunshine as it is only with her but then
thought I would send to you for forwarding to her if appropriate. I do not want to give it to the entire
committee unless Susan is OK with it.
Susan,
I made a few comments related to the Passive Recreational component you sent out. I have some
concerns with putting language into the plan about eliminating motorized vessels or restricting access.
I think that could open the plan up to challenge by the Seagate or City. I think I understand the
sentiment behind the words and tried to make a few changes for you to review and see what you
think.
Regards,
Tim Hall
Turrell, Hall & Associates, Inc.
Marine & Environmental Consulting
3584 Exchange Ave.
Naples, FL. 34104 -3732
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.
October 29, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
6. Draft on Passive Recreation (Comments submitted by Tim Hall)
Page 2 of 2
Passive Recreation (Draft by Susan O'Brien) Comments from Tim Hall
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 thepreserve and provide access to the beach. Members of Pelican
Bay's homeowners association use the northern and
southern
most boardwalk isppen to the public andgccessed 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.
Deleted: bay
Deleted: , and
Deleted: ,
Deleted: used by
Deleted: is adjacent to a large
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 dock adjacent to the parking lot at the
south end of the bay, and there is alsoj 12rkate launch or Pelican Bay residents tin the Deleted: one
northern boardwalk. The canoe/kayak trail is clearly designated by canoe trail markers Deleted: within
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.
Theo e ation of motorized watercraft in Clam Bay is restricted by Collier County Deleted: use
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
coniunction with the boardwalk heiehtslimits the-size and drafts of motorized watercraft. Deleted: also
The residents of the Seagate neighborhood immediately south of Clam Bay have riparian Deleted: number
rights to use motorized watercraft in Clam Bay but are still subject to the County _{ r,,,,*,,, long they
ordinance. Violation of this ordinance is a civil infraction for which a fine may be levied.
Occasionally motorized vessels, including iet -skis or ski -doos, have been reported to be
in violation of this ordinance. Efforts to identify and report violations of the County
ordinance 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 o tions will be x lored to eliminate these adverse Deleted: restrictions on vessels with motors
effects. Deleted: sought
At this time the rental of ski -doos or similar equipment is not being done at Clam Pass
Park at the south end of Clam Bay or at Pelican Bay. For the safety and enjoyment of all
Clam Bay users as well as the health of the Clam Bay system, the goal is to ake sure Deleted: keep
that no adverse impacts occur due to such activities within Clam Bay. Deleted: out of
October 17, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
6. Draft on Passive Recreation (Comments by Joe Chicurel)
Page 1 of 4
Clam Bay Natural Resource Protection Area Management Plan (DRAFT)
Tim,
I'll leave suggestions concerning grammar and /or changing isolated words or phrases
till the final draft (i.e. changing all references to the plan from Clam Pass to Clam Bay in
the title).
I would like, however, to suggest some content area inclusions:
1. add additional info in "2013" under Historical time line in 3.0 Historical Overview
2. add the section in the 2008 draft entitled "Conclusions and Discussions: Year by
year" and bring it up to date (below is my suggested 2013 entry)
3. reword Goal 4 (recreational uses) under 6.0 Management Goals and Objectives
Thank you and these are my suggestions: Joe Chicurel, PBSD Board
Member
3.0 Historical Overview
Time Line
2013
A single event emergency Nationwide Permit Number 3 is issued to dredge Clam Pass
to a 45 foot width at the bottom and 4.5 depth. In March the mechanical dredge work is
completed and Clam Pass is opened.
The newly opened pass closes shortly thereafter due to weeks of two consecutive cold
fronts with over 30 mph NW winds.
Clam Pass is reopened and more favorable weather conditions persist.
Development of a new management plan is initiated through invitation to stakeholders
for their input and multiple public meetings.
Conclusions and Discussions: Year by Year
( if you have reports after 2007 that could be added to the chronology add them)
✓ifw
Total closure of Clam Pass in December of 2012 necessitated an emergency dredging
permit be obtained (Nationwide Permit Number 3). Engineering analysis from dredges
in 2002 and 2007 determined that the maximum 80 foot dredge in 2007 yielded slower
water velocities, beach erosion, and an inadequate ebb jet with increased shoaling (ref.
H &M Jan. 16, 2013 report)
A mechanical dredge opened Clam Pass in March of 2013 only to have the pass close
after two strong cold fronts with 30 mph sustained winds (equivalent to tropical storm
winds) impacted the scouring effect of the outgoing tides (ref, H &M evaluation).
The pass was reopened to the design parameters and stayed open.
October 17, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
6. Draft on Passive Recreation (Comments by Joe Chicurel)
Page 3 of 4
September 5, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board
5. Watercraft violating County Ordinance 96 -16
Page 1 of 6
ORDINANCE NO. 96- 16
0
AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO VESSEL CONTROL AND WATEi -`;
SAFETY IN THE CLAM BAY SYSTEM: PROVIDING FOR INTENT
ZpY1 ND PURPOSE; PROVIDING TITLE AND CITATION; SETTING
14$19 TH APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR VESSEL SPEED
ti k Rf� jILATION; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING
PEM1ALTIF.S; PROVIDING FOR F.NFORCE,',IFNT; PROVIDING
Q��'�'``p. FOE(t'ONFI.IC'f AND SF.VE:RAI31LlTY; AND PROVIDING ,- �'
0e�,caAN E FF.CTIVF. DATE. �
r
rr, 43% r:
WHEREAS, Collier County, pursuant to Section 327,60, Florida Statutes, has the legal
authority to adopt this Ordinance to impose idle speed zones on waterways in the unincorporated
areas of the County, and
WHEREAS, the Collier County Manatee Protection Plan, adopted by the Collier County
Board of County Commissioners on May 23, 1995, has identified the Clam Bay System as an idle
speed zone, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary that the speed and operation of vessels located in the Clam
Bay System as specified herein be controlled in order to protect manatees and their habitat. and
WFIFREAS, the Clam Bay System has been designated as a Natural Resource Protection
Area in Collier County; and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest for The safety and welfare of the canoeing public,
kayakers, and small boat operators, that certain controls and regulations be enacted to reduce risk
and injury to the canoeing public, kayakers, and small boat operators and ensure the enjoyabtity of
these natural resources by the general public
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that
SECTION ONE: INTENTAND PURPOSE
It is the intent and purpose of this Ordinance to protect and promote the health, safety and
welfare of the public, includiing residents and visitors to Collier County and in particular to the
Clam Bay area by providing reasonable regulation to the operation of vessels as defined It is
further intended that this ordioance shall be 66crally construed to ef'ect such intent and purpose
SECTION TWO: TITLE AND CITATION
This Ordinance shall be known and be cited as the "Clam Bay System Water Safety and
Vessel Control Ordinance'
SECTION THREE: A PPL ICA BIL I T)'
This Ordinance shalt apply to and be enforced on all the waters of the following described
Restricted Areas
I The Clam Bay System including Upper Clam Bay, Inner Clam Bay, Outer Clam
Bay, and Clam Pass The restricted areas are as specified on the map attached hereto as 'Exhibit
A"
2 Reserved
October 17, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division
6. Draft on Passive Recreation (Comments by Joe Chicurel)
Page 4 of 4
September 5, 2013 Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division Board
5. Watercraft violating County Ordinance 96 -16
Page 2 of 5
.SEC71ON FOUR: VESSEL SPEED REtiU1.,MON
Except during an emergency or operation by an official of the government while engaged
in official business, the operation of any vessel in excess of idle speed, as defined herein, in or on
any waters of the Clam Bay System is hereby prohibited and is a violation of this Ordinance. Said
prohibition is effective and enforceable provided the 'no wake" area is designated by regulatory
marker, signage, buoy, or any other notice of the "no wake' status. The locations of such notices
shall be placed at the discretion of the County Staff. All such notices posted by the County are
official notices of the County. It is no defense to a violation of this Ordinance to allege that the
Defendant did not observe notice of the "no wake" status ofthe waters of the Clam stay System
SECTION FIVE. DEFIN177ONS
For the purposes of this Ordinance, the following words are defined as follows:
A. IDLE SPEED means the minimum speed through or over the surface of the water
that will allow the vessel operator to maintain steerage of the vessel..
OPERATE means to be in control of the speed of a vessel traveling over or in
water
C. VESSEL means a motor propelled and/or artificially propelled boat, sailboat,
barge, aarboat or other watcrcraii used or capable of being used as a means of transportation of
one (1) or more persons over or in the water, whether propelled by wind, propeller, or forcing
flow of water by propeller or impeller, or otherwise Vessel does not include a canoe, kayak, or
similar small minimum wake type vessels provided the vessel is then being propelled only by
paddle and not by motor, pump, or sail, "Vessel" does not include seaplane
SEC7IONSIX: PENALTIES
Each violation of this Ordinance is a civil infraction if a Citation of Violation is not
contested and is paid in full and on time, the fine shall be Fifty dollars (S50 00) for the first
violation within any six (6) month period, and one hundred dollars ($100.00) for a second
violation by the same person within any one (1) year period. If the fine is not paid in full and on
time, the Court may impose a fine of up to five hundred dollars (5500,00) plus court costs and
any other costs and/or fees authorized to be imposed by the Court by Florida Statutes As an
alternative means of enforcement, violations of this Ordinance may be referred to the Collier
County Code Enforcement Board
SECTIONSEVEN: ENFORCE.AfF,NT
The provisions of this Ordinance shall be enforced by any member of any duty authorized
law enforcement agency or officers having enforcement jurisdiction in Collier County, Florida
Civil Citations may be used to notify the defendant of allegations of violations of this Ordinance
SECTIONF.IGIIT.• CONFLICTANDSEVERARILITY
In the event this Ordinance conflicts with any other ordinance of Collier County or other
applicable law, the more restrictive shall apply. If any phrase or portion of the Ordinance is held
invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a
separate, distinct and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portion
SuyAA *+4ta
Passive Recreation (Draft by Susan O'Brien, Tim Hall, and Joe Chicurel)
b' �3rr�n
idl�g /i3
The Clam Bay system provides a variety of opportunities for passive recreation, such as
walking, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, and snorkeling.
Many Collier County residents and visitors enjoy the natural environment of the
preserve, and it is important that all who participate in passive recreational activities
do no harm to Clam Bay's unique habitat
Clam Bay's dense forest of mangroves significantly limits walking in the preserve.
Most walkers seeking to enjoy the rich natural environment of Clam Bay use the three
boardwalks that cross the preserve and provide access to the beach. Members of
Pelican Bay's homeowners association use the northern and middle boardwalks. The
southern boardwalk is open to the public and is 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, canoes, and paddle boards are used by those wanting to enjoy the natural
setting and serenity of Clam Bay's waterways. There is a public launching dock for
nonmotorized vessels adjacent to the parking dents on the northern boardwalk. Thethere
is also a private launch for Pelican Bay
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 and
the heights of the boardwalks limit the size and draft of motorized watercraft The
residents of the Seagate neighborhood immediately south of Clam Bay have riparian
rights to use motorized watercraft in Clam Bay but are subject to the County ordinance.
Violation of this ordinance is a civil infraction for which a fine may be levied.
Occasionally motorized vessels, including
• - c,have been reported to
be in violation of this ordinance. Efforts to identify and report violations of the County
ordinance will continue to insure that Clam Bay is not only a safe place for all its users,
but that its unique environment is protecte . In the future should any adverse effects
on Clam Bay's natural resources or water gtWity be found to be related to motorized
watercraft, additional options will be explored to eliminate ,these adverse. effects.
At this time th e rental oes or similar equipment is not being done at Clam Pass
Park at the south end of Clam Bay or at Pelican orhe safety
a goal d tolmake sure all
Clam Bay users as well as the health of the C Bay system,
that no adverse impacts occur due to such activities within Clam Bay.
Su,SA, ,4kd ty Mazra
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(0041(3
MARCIA CRAVENS <goldandrose @me.com >(f
Please see section on Mud vs Sand that Dr. Wanless wrote in his Peer Re
Tomasko's 2009 Clam Bay Data Collection & Analysis r.
October 29, 2013 12:49 PM
All,
It's difficult to single out any one section of the draft Clam Pass -Clam Bay NRPA
Preserve Management Plan (Clam Pass -Clam Bay Preserve Plan) as being more poorly
written, more omissive of content relevant to a management plan for the Clam Pass -
Clam Bay NRPA Preserve, or as having the most inaccurate content...
However, when it became apparent that the PBSD consultant was reiterating
inaccurate and misleading content that had occurred in the 2009 grossly flawed report,
"Clam Bay Data Collection and Analysis" -- with the current draft of the Clam Pass -
Clam Bay Preserve Plan content that dismisses tidal /mud flats substrates as supposedly
inferior to sandy substrates (frankly, I fail to understand how a management plan for
the Clam Pass -Clam Bay mostly consists of a mangrove swamp that thrives in water
and muck, could write such an inaccurate section on Tidal /Mud Flats ). I've included
Dr. Wanless' Peer Review of the PBS &J "Clam Bay Data Collection and Analysis" as an
attachment to this email and also provide an excerpt from the aforementioned
Wanless' Peer Review:
"Sand and gravel may have better pore water oxygen levels
and have less oxygen demand on the overlying water, but
they provide little to eat for deposit feeders. Sand and gravel,
having much less surface area, will always have less
pollutants, less contaminants, less organic matter, and less
food value than mud. Grainier, cleaner and more oxygenated
does not make it better. This was well established back in the
Marco /Rookery Bay years and should be restudied now. Dr.
Bernard Yokel pointed out that the black mangroves were a
fermenting ground for organic decay and high spring and
seasonal tides would reach into the black mangrove forests
and release this rich nutrient soup to the coastal waters.
These releases would trigger blooms and a dispersing food
pyramid bonanza that a hierarchy from fish to mammals
would time their reproduction around. What is to us this
black, rotting disgusting muck is, to many other organisms,
the essence of life.
It's also grossly inaccurate for the consultant to claim that 65% of the mangroves in
the NRPA are buttonwoods.... What the heck kind of reference material is he using ?
Didn't he use any data from the wealth of extensive material about Clam Pass -Clam
Bay habitats, species, and ecosystem antecedent to and /or as research done for the
1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan ? Is your consultant claiming that
there has been so much change to the Clam Pass - Clam Bay Conservation NRPA
Preserve from the more than ten years of "Restoration" activities that instead of
preserving the mangroves ecosystem of black, red, and white mangroves (with
relatively few buttonwood trees) -- that the "Restoration" activities actually caused an
increase of buttonwood trees and migration of buttonwood trees into areas previously
forested by red, black, and white mangroves ?
I hope that the PBSD Clam Bay Committee and full PBSD Board will respect the well -
established body of works that included, but not exclusively: PBSD's 1998 "Clam Bay
Restoration and Management Plan "; PBSD's various biologic and hydrologic reports
from roughly 1996 - 2008; the Turrell and Assoc. 1995 "Clam Pass Inlet Management
Plan" ( Interim to the the 1996 -1998 Clam Bay Restoration and Management Plan);
the 1995 Collier County Manatee Protection Plan; the 1994 Collier County Natural
Resources Dept. "Clam Bay Natural Resources Protection Area Report; and the Collier
County Natural Resource Dept. technical reports of the 1980s -1990 that resulted in the
comprehensive Collier County "Coastal Zone Management Plan of 1991" by directing
their consultant to provide reference to those works and incorporates some of the
elements from those works on Clam Pass -Clam Bay. I note that the two PBS &J reports
of 2007 and 2009 abruptly deviated from all prior works in that PBS &J's reports had a
very noticeable lack of content for how the undeveloped Clam Pass - Clam Bay NRPA
Preserve is an area of unique ecological functions. I hope the PBSD Clam Pass
Committee will direct its consultant to largely rewrite the existing draft management
plan to ensure it is clearly focused to proceed as a template that guides the Clam Pass -
Clam Bay NRPA in being managed and maintained in a manner that preserves its
character as an undeveloped coastal barrier resources system preserve that's protective
of habitats and wildlife therein that also provides the public with passive recreation
opportunities which doesn't degrade the ecosystem habitats or otherwise threaten the
wildlife uses of the NRPA Preserve.
Marcia
K cou, X413 P - � b � I �
Review of Clam Bay System Data Collection and Analysis by PBS &J, October,
2009, and Response to Comments RE: Clam Bay System Data Collection &
Analysis Report (October 2009) by PBS &J on November 17, 2009.
Harold R. Wanless, Ph.D., Registered Florida Professional Geologist #985
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Submitted January 4, 2010
Having reviewed the report and response, I find the efforts misleading and
many of the conclusions unwarranted.
Sand versus mud; high versus low oxygen
Although the `response' says it is not so, the executive summary paints a
picture of Clam Bay being bad and Moorings Bay as being better.
Sand and gravel may have better pore water oxygen levels and have less oxygen
demand on the overlying water, but they provide little to eat for deposit
feeders. Sand and gravel, having much less surface area, will always have less
pollutants, less contaminants, less organic matter, and less food value than
mud. Grainier, cleaner and more oxygenated does not make it better. This was
well established back in the Marco /Rookery Bay years and should be restudied
now. Dr. Bernard Yokel pointed out that the black mangroves were a
fermenting ground for organic decay and high spring and seasonal tides would
reach into the black mangrove forests and release this rich nutrient soup to the
coastal waters. These releases would trigger blooms and a dispersing food
pyramid bonanza that a hierarchy from fish to mammals would time their
reproduction around. What is to us this black, rotting disgusting muck is, to
many other organisms, the essence of life. These benefitting organisms may
not be living right there, but in adjacent waters waiting for the dispersal.
In evaluating the water and bottom nutrients, texture, redox and such, there is
no assessment of the role of nutrient drainage input from the adjacent
developed upland. It is also important to know the amount of historical erosion
(or growth) of mangrove swamps and release (or uptake) of organic detritus and
sediment as the result of the accelerated rise in sea level since 1930 or in
response to recent hurricanes or recent human activity (such as dredging).
The report implies it is bad when muddy sediment has come in to an area that
was artificially dredged to deeper depth. This is a severely poor conclusion.
�k. Cars �- ` .>fIV
There is lots of fine grained particulate material in the natural system and it will
fill in any area where there is insufficient energy to move it on. This results in
shallowing and usually an improvement in desirable ecological functionality.
The whole section on redox and anoxia in the sediment seems most
meaningless. The muddy sediment beneath the clear, well- oxygenated waters
of Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay is normally anoxic within a centimeter of the
surface. This will always be the case for muds which contain organic matter
which produce significant oxygen demand.
And most striking are the mud deltas forming in Lake Ingraham, in Cape Sable.
They are building at as much as 15 centimeters a year, contain as much as 35
per cent organic matter, have only a few millimeters of oxidized sediment at
the top - and are intensely burrowed by an abundant benthic community,
covered by a dense algal mat, and used by a great diversity of wading and water
birds for feeding and resting (Wanless and Vlaswinkel, 2005).
Mangroves and Seagrasses
The fundamental value of the Clam Bay systems is the abundant mangrove
wetland community and the seagrass and algal mat estuarine community and
the immense service that these provide to the benthic and bird communities
within the system and in the adjacent nearshore marine.
A pre - development report by Lugo (1976) stressed the need to preserve
majority of Clam Pass system in its natural state, highlighting the mature and
valuable black mangrove basin forest of this system. Even in a setting with
ephemeral connection with the sea through Clam Pass, the mangrove forest had
found a way to thrive using groundwater flow through the barrier island to
maintain flushing and drainage of elevated flood waters. There is no
comparison between a bulkheaded sea wall and a mangrove wetland with
respect to environmental value, yet this report seems to ignore the uselessness
of seawalls, and fails to mention that there have been ongoing attempts to rim
or replace them with rip rap as an improvement.
I should point out that the mangrove systems on the Vanderbilt Bay area was
doing fine until the flow through the sandy island barrier was cut off. The
mangrove die off then produced accelerating decay products that overwhelmed
the system forcing a need for stronger flushing via surface flow.
� c,�,,, Pax r� ��I
In my occasional visits to the Clam Bay system, I recall much more sea grass
than described in this report. In fact I there is a 2007 PBSJ report of "Clam Bay
Seagrass Assessment" which found 43 per cent occurrence of seagrass in
random sample sites in Outer Clam Bay (probably the same report that is
referenced as PBS &J, 2008, in the 'report'. Since that report, there was further
documentation of more species and coverage of seagrass in the Clam Pass
estuarine system along transects done in 2007 for the annual biologic
monitoring done by Turrell, Hall & Assoc. The apparent resurgence of
seagrasses continued to be reported in the 2008 Biologic Monitoring Report of
the Clam Pass System by Turrell, Hall & Assoc. Why are these recent results not
mentioned in this report, and why is the amount of seagrass observed in this
report so diminished? The report notes that the sea grass cover is even
diminished over observations in a'2008' PBS &J report (Is this the same as the
2007 draft report of observations made in 2007 ?) . It is irresponsible science to
ignore important literature results such as these. The current report paints a
very different picture of the Clam Bay system than is documented in previous
reports. That difference is cursorily dismissed as something to do with the
ephemeral nature or reproductive problems of the main species (Halophila).
Other reports document a fairly widespread occurrence of Halidule and a
persistence of Thalassia in some areas. It is wrong to so casually dismiss these
other more rigorous reports.
If these changes are real, then it is critical to assess the timing of loss so as to
determine the causes (I am aware that there have been recent dredging events).
If these changes are not real but the result of too `general' field observations,
then the quality of this research project should be called into question.
Ecology
This report presents data on aspects of the environment (the physical and
chemical characteristics of the coastal bay system). It provides no information
of substance on the organisms in these environments and no information of
substance on the ecology (the relation of the organisms to the environment).
Yet the report is constantly evaluating what is good and bad for the organism
communities. All of this undocumented speculation should be deleted. It
would be better to do a responsible literature evaluation of the ecological
relationships that have been established and published from the abundance of
research that has been done over the years in The Rookery Bay - Marco area.
A.C*tict's P. (0a t' f
0
The vibrance of the Clam Bay system is the rich mang rove- seagrass -algal base
which feeds a variety of small organisms which nurture a great abundance and
diversity of juvenile to adult fish. These relations were not recognized or
addressed in this report. The authors of this report have no business making
value comments on the ecology of the system as they have not documented the
biological components or the important relationships.
Circulation and Models
A report in Collier County's files by this author in the early 1990s documents
that the mangrove die off in northern Clam /Vanderbilt Bay was caused by the
road into the houses which cutoff an active drainage, flushing, and water
exchange through the pore waters in sand of the narrow beach. This was well
established with monitoring wells in which tidal fluctuation would move
through the island with a time lag but nearly undampened in amplitude (except
where blocked by the road structure which extended down through the sand
and into the underlying less permeable mangrove soil). It is impossible to
recreate a healthy environment when the causes for historical problems are not
properly identified
Additionally, as a major portion of the drainage, flushing, exchange and water
exchange of the coastal bays along this stretch of coast is through the narrow
barrier islands, any present or future modeling will be useless unless this
important component of coastal circulation is accurately empirically
documented so it can be properly incorporated into the models. This concern
also applies to the sandy landward margin to the bays and to the underlying
limestone (where its groundwater interfaces with surface flow of the bays).
Adequate Associated Information of Sampling Period
Only in the `response' was some information provided as to the nature of the
condition during the 2 day and 8 day sampling period in August, 2009. What
was the weather and hydrographic conditions (rainfall, winds, tides, air and
water temperatures, etc) for the several weeks prior to the sampling as well as
during sampling? This is critical for evaluating water levels, flow, circulation,
nutrient levels, and such. The `response' that certain things are not important
or were essentially normal is not for those writing the report to decide. Provide
all the information so those using the report can fully evaluate the study.
iii .C,"e evc)c e7 a 1 k-1
August can be a time of high temperatures, intense local rainfall, unique winds,
and higher than normal seasonal tides that do not represent conditions at other
times of the year. It is important for the reports sampling to be put in proper
perspective. For example, as mentioned earlier, the higher high tides of the
year reach into the black mangrove wetland soil and withdraw intensely rich
organic suspensions which circulate through the coastal bays and into the
nearshore marine waters. How do the tide elevations and ranges of the
sampling period compare with the rest of the year? A NOAA report documents
exceptional tides along a portion of the Atlantic coast during the summer of
2009 (as much as 60 centimeters above projected levels because of slowing of
Gulf Stream flow) and southeast Florida had tide levels running over 30
centimeters above projected levels into October. Was any of this elevated tide
occurring along the Collier County coast prior to or during the sampling
interval? These kinds of information are critical to put this study's data
collection interval into a meaningful perspective.
Description of Field Observations
The bottom of page 7 of the report says: "At each site, observations were made
of the general biological community structure and health." Exactly what does
this mean? Was some type of quadrants or profile lines used? How extensive
an area was surveyed? How did the methods in this report compare with that in
the reports mentioned in the mangrove and seagrasses section above? How
was `health' measured? How was 'community structure' measured? My copy of
the report did not have anything but an algae map and sea grass map in terms
of data? Where is the data? 1 am concerned that there is not much that is real
biological information here, just fancy words.
Water Quality Locations and Implications
The report suggests that Moorings Bay is better than the natural Clam Bay
system (Page V of Executive Summary). The logic of the report is ridiculous.
The writing implies that this problem is because of a variety of things in the
natural system including the decline in tidal amplitude and increased tidal lag
because of 'channel meandering, constrictions and friction losses in the
system.' Ridiculous logic. Then the Executive Summary states that 'Moorings
Bay, although subjected to extensive urban stormwater runoff, appears to have
water ecology conditions better than those found in Clam bay; this is supported
by the results of the Redox layer investigation.' What are those better water
ecologic conditions? Explain how Moorings Bay is better in providing a
functional habitat, environment, and nutrient release of this mangrove fringed
estuary system?
It looks as though the sampling sites in Moorings Bay are primarily channel
sites with strong flow. Why are there no sample sites in the more stagnant
backwater corners of the Moorings Bay maze? What is the water depth of
Moorings Bay?
Summary
I find that this report is at best a weak data set that is surrounded by too much
environmental and ecological speculation that is not tied to the pertinent and
thorough literature of southwest Florida estuarine dynamics and, ecology. At
worst, it has the tone that it was written for developers to give the green light
to have more sand and concrete. Since the early 1970s, southwest Florida has
seen too many reports like this that attempt to diminish the value of the natural
environment and put dramatically modified dredge and fill environments on an
equal footing.
Is it possible that this report is trying to set the stage for expanded future
dredging activities to `improve' the natural areas? It reads that way. I would
recommend that the County take a reverse approach. Moorings Bay is an
artificially deepened system to provide fill for bordering lots. The bottom is
too deep over most of the dredged area for sea grasses to live. The quality of
that Bay could be dramatically improved if those deeper areas not necessary for
navigation were shallowed either with blanket fill or with localized artificial
reefs. Shallowing the bays would provide conditions for increased sea grass
cover (more light to the bottom and higher oxygen levels); the artificial reefs
would provide habitat for oysters, sponges and such which further filter the
water and improve water clarity and light penetration. Complement that with
rip rap in front of seawalls, including some intertidal areas for re- establishment
of mangroves and you will have greatly enhanced the desired ecological
functionality of Moorings Bay. In the early 1980s, I did a study on the causes
for elevated turbidity in northern Biscayne Bay in Miami -Dade County. This bay
had been similarly modified by dredging and bulkheading. The
recommendations were as described above (Wanless et al., 1984). Since that
M. C.►a,,c40,s �• 9 v G (H
time the County has been persistently following a program of installing rip rap
and mangrove intertidal areas in front of sea walls and fill shorelines,
shallowing up deep dredge areas so seagrass can recolonize and, installing
numerous artificial reefs from clean construction debris. The Bay has
persistently improved in water clarity and ecological functionality, and the
artificial reefs have proved great fishing sites.
Many of these recommendations were put forth in a 1981 Diagnostic /Feasibility
Study for Moorings Bay which I believe was included as an appendix of the 1991
Coastal Zone Management Plan. Why is this not acknowledged and discussed
here?
In fact, there is a serious disregard for earlier research and recommendations
on this Vanderbilt /Clam Bay/ Moorings Bay system and on similar systems of
southwest Florida. The failure of this report to do a thorough literature review
would save the County from redundant studies or erroneous conclusions due to
missed historic data and missed scientific documentation and evaluation of
ecosystem dynamics. This absence further suggests that this report is not a
scientific report but more of a political- economic positioning paper.
References (not cited in `Report')
Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, 1981. Diagnostic /feasibility
study for Moorings Bay, Collier County, Florida, 12 p.
Lugo, A.E., 1976. Role and productivity of black mangroves, 31p in Southwest
Florida
Regional Planning Council Report: p. 74 -103 in provided
`General- 20080826083149.pdf'.
Wanless, H.R., Cottrell, D., Parkinson, R., and Burton, E., 1984. Sources and
Circulation of Turbidity, Biscayne Bay, Florida. Final report to Sea Grant and
Dade County, 499 p.
Wanless, H.R., and Vlaswinkel, B.M., 2005. Coastal Landscape and
Channel Evolution Affecting Critical Habitats at Cape Sable, Everglades National
Park, Florida. Final Report of Research Project to Everglades National Park, 197
p. (available online: http / /www nps gov/ ever /naturescience %cesires02 -1.htm )
-14 (f
u�. c s P.
2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted: Tab snips: 1.6V, Centered +
1.88", Left + Not at 3"
Table of Contents
LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................... ..............................2
LISTOF TABLES ......................................................................................................................... ..............................6
LISTOF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................... ..............................6
LISTOF APPENDICES ............................................................................................................... ..............................6
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... ..............................7
1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan .............................................................................. ..............................7
1.2 Location .................................................................................................................................... ..............................8
1.3 Regional Significance of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve .................................................. ..............................8
1.4 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources ..................................................... .............................10
1.5 Management Authority .......................................................................................................... .............................13
1.6 Public Involvement ................................................................................................................. .............................13
2.0 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES .................................................................... .............................13
2.1 Physiography ........................................................................................................................... .............................13
2. 1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ...................................................................................... .............................13
2.1.2 Geology ............................................................................................................................. .............................15
2.1.3 Soils ................................................................................................................................... .............................15
2.1.4 Hydrology /Water Management ......................................................................................... .............................17
2.2 Climate ..................................................................................................................................... .............................17
2.3 Natural Communities.....
2.3.1 Hydric hammock
2.3.2 Scrubby flatwood
2.3.3. Mesic pine flatwood
2.3.4 Floodplain marsh
17
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species ........................................................................................... .............................21
2.5 Listed Species .......................................................................................................................... .............................21
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species ........................................................................................................... .............................21
2.5.2 Listed Wildlife Species ...................................................................................................... .............................21
2.6 Invasive Non - native and Problem Species ............................................................................ .............................22
2.7 Forest Resources ..................................................................................................................... .............................22
Conservation Collier Program
P
2013 ( ated Lond Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted Tab stops 1.69 ", Centered +
1.88", Left + Not at 3"
2.8 Mineral Resources .................................................................................................................. .............................22
2.9 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources ............................................................. .............................22
2.10 Scenic Resources ................................................................................................................... .............................23
3.0 USE OF THE PROPERTY .................................................................................................... .............................23
3.1 Previous Use and Development ............................................................................................. .............................23
3.2 Current Public Use and Land Uses ....................................................................................... .............................23
3.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and
Maintenance of the Resource ........................................................................................... .............................23
3.2.2 Planned PublicUses and Assessment of Impacts .............................................................. .............................23
3.3 Adjacent Land Uses ................................................................................................................ .............................24
3.4 Potential Surplus Lands ......................................................................................................... .............................24
3.5 Prospective Land Acquisitions .............................................................................................. .............................24
3.6 Analysis of Mukiple -Use Potential ........................................................................................ .............................24
4.0 MANAGEMENT ISSUES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .................................................. .............................26
4.1 Program Framework and Goals ............................................................................................ .............................26
4. 1.1 CARL/Florida Forever Management Prospectus ............................................................... .............................26
4.1.2 FCT Management Commitments ....................................................................................... .............................26
4.1.3 Management Activities to Preserve, Enhance, Restore, Conserve, Maintain and Monitor the Resource ....... 27
4.1.4 Manager ............................................................................................................................. .............................27
4.1.5 Preserve Rules and Regulations ......................................................................................... .............................27
4.2 Desired Future Conditions ..................................................................................................... .............................27
43 Major Accomplishments during previous years .................................................................. .............................28
4.4 Goals and Actions for 10 years period 2007- 2016 ................................................................ .............................29
4.5 Prescribed Fire Program ....................................................................................................... .............................33
4.6 Public Use Facilities ................................................................................................................ .............................34
4.7 Operational Plan for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve ....................................................... .............................34
4.7.1 Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... .............................34
4.7.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources ................................................................. .............................34
4.7.3. Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors .. .............................36
4.7.4 Management Zones ............................................................................................................ .............................36
4.8 Partnerships and Regional Coordination ............................................................................. .............................36
4.8.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements .............................................................. .............................36
4.8.2 Cooperating Agencies and Organizations ........................................................................ .............................37
5.0 LITERATURE CITED .......................................................................................................... .............................37
Conservation Collier Program
�1. C- trb�,�tnS a • �2 oF- �
2013 t jxlated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Fomwtted: Tab stops: 1.59", Centered +
1.88", Left + Not at 3"
List of Tables
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status for .................................................... ...............................
7
'Fable 2: Nearby Public Lands and Desianated Water Resources ........................... .............................10
Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities .................................................. ...............................
18
Table 4: Bird Survey - March 1, 2006 .......................................................... ...............................
21
Table 5: Invasive Non - native Species Known to Occur at the Site .............. ...............................
22
Table 6: Analysis of Multiple -Use Potential ................................................. ...............................
24
Table 7: Major Accomplishments during previous years .............................. ...............................
28
Table 9: Potential Contracting for Activities ................................................. ...............................
36
List of Figures
Figure 1: Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Map - Existing Conditions ... ..............................8
Figure 2: ^vl- }i'it -{-' 't''•sa +l" -3^r? - ¢Y}t� — }r�t. �?- 4- �'tCa- gl4lsi-:'r-`,?t 1.�.,,.;a,-tsxtl- 741rf) xV .v!FTiui h s. °,k.i.:+...d
u -• u)ir + - + air, '14 4+1' ,.+-Surroundmp Conservation Lands in Collier
County......... .............................10
Figure 3: Elevation Map ( LIDAR) ......................................... .............................12
Figure 4: Soil Units at the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve ................ .............................14
Figure 5: Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification system (FLUCCS) Map......... 17
Figure 6: Historic distribution of vegetation communities in Collier County, Florida ........... 18
List of Appendices
Appendix 1
Appendix 2.
Appendix ;.1: Interdepartmental Agreement between Collier County Environmental Services
Department and Collier County Parks and Recreation Department for management
of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
Appendix 42: Legal Description
Appendix 3 Public Involvement Contact List
Appendix 4 Florida Natural Areas Inventory Managed Area Tracking Record and Element
Occurrence Summary-, FNAI ranking system explanation
Appendix ='5: March 1, 2006 Species Survey
Appendix 6: Plant Survey (2007)
Conservation Coiner Program
�1q , CAVl,►tf
2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
1.0 Introduction
The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is a 3.64 -acre urban preserve located in North Collier County,
off Immokalee Road, across from the Veterans Community Park, a Collier County Regional
Park. The Preserve protects small areas of several native plant communities and adds buffer
protection to the Cocohatchee Creek. Access to the preserve is from Veterans Park Drive, with
parking and restrooms available at the Veterans Community Park.
The Conservation Collier Program acquired the preserve in September 2002. Natural plant
communities represented include upland scrub, pine flatwood, riverine oak and cabbage palm
groves. The property was purchased with funds from the Conservation Collier Program and the
County holds fee simple title. The Conservation Collier Program manages this parcel under
authority granted by the Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002 -63, as amended, HAt) -4-3
with assistance from the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department under an
Interdepartmental Agreement signed April 6, 2006 (Appendix
Conservation, restoration and passive public use are the designated uses of the property.
Management activities allowed are those necessary to preserve, enhance, restore, conserve and
maintain environmentally endangered lands for the benefit of present and future generations.
Public use of the site must be consistent with these goals.
An initial site assessment of this property was conducted on August 20, 2003 and the property
was purchased by the Conservation Collier Program on September 10, 2004. Previously known
as the "Visnich" property, for the previous owners, George and Virginia Visnich, it was renamed
the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve in May 2005. Initial acquisition activities are identified in
Table 1 below.
Table 1: Acquisition Hetory and Status
Year
Benchmark
2003
Initial Assessment
2004
Purchase of Visnich Property
2004
Developed Interim Management Plan
2005
Renamed Visnich property Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
2005
Initial exotic plant and debris removal
2005
Installed trail with ADA section and park equipment (bench, table and 2 trash cans si e
2006
Developed Interdepartmental Agreement with Parks and Recreation Department
2006
Opened preserve to the public in March 2006
2006
Started quarterly exotics maintenance (contracted) and creek maintenance (County Trans/Road
Mamtenance/A uatic Plant Management)
2006
Completion of tFinal r e+x - nt Plan
2013
1 First Undated al Manwement Plan
1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan
The purpose and scope of this management plan is to provide management direction for the
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve by identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or
minimize and threats to the resources and integrity of the preserve. This plan is a working
document that establishes the foundation for the ten -year plan by identifying the appropriate
Conservation Collier Program 7
P . l3 vf- i �
Formatted: Tab stops: 1.69 ", Centered +
1.88", Left + Not at 3"
PA . CA)t 14) C. k Lk 13 � � �
2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted: Tab stops: 1.69 ", Centered +
L 1.88", Left + Not at 3"
management techniques necessary to preserve, enhance, restore, maintain and monitor the
resource. This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with passive public
recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs, listed species protection and
maintenance of the site free of invasive exotic plants and species (if applicable). This plan is
divided into sections that incorporate an introduction, descriptions of the natural and cultural
resources, projected uses of the property and management issues, goals and objectives.
This management plan shall be submitted to the Collier County Board of
County Commissioners (BCC) for its approval. When approved, this plan will replace the
h r —Final Management Plan prepared by -2' In t - t —1 r,,+ #i +i"---_S�ic=e
1 +� Conservation Collier -staff i., . tEi4; and- approved by the BCC on
a4,24i47une26. 2007.- aiii .,,r .. ,,,., ,i,.. ,,,, ek! b, «he i,,.,r, ,a„,,,igil r... , 2006.
1.2 Location
The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is located in North Naples, Collier County, Florida. It is
bounded on the west by Veterans Park Drive, on the north by Immokalee Road, on the east by
the Cocohatchee Creek (property line through the center of the creek), and on the south by the
Veterans Community Park (Figure 1). The legal description is attached at Appendix 4. The
surrounding land use is a blend of residential, commercial, conservation and County Park.
Across the creek from the Preserve, to the east, is a residential single - family development called
Southwind Estates. A conservation area belonging to the Southampton/Stonebridge
development exists along the southern boundary. Veterans Park Commons Planned Unit
Development (PUD) and Northside Medical Plaza PUD are directly
across Veteran's Park Drive.
1.3 Regional Significance of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
Despite having W;2877 000, or 6-68 %, of county lands
protected in conservation status (Florida Natural Areas
Inventory. February 2013) , Collier County has lost,
and is losing, many of its rare and unique habitats.
The Conservation Collier Ordinance identifies these
specific habitats and Via- ag ye preference to them in
acquisition evaluations. These habitats include, in
order of preference: tropical hardwood hammocks,
xeric oak scrub, coastal strand, native beach, riverine
oak, high marsh (saline) and tidal freshwater marsh.
The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve was purchased partly
because it contains remnant habitats of two of these Cocohatchee Creek —
Riverine Oak habitat
speck habitats, xeric oak scrub and riverine oak, in
addition to other native habitats, pine flatwood and cabbage palm groves.
The location of the
preserve in the urban area provides an opportunity for citizens, visitors and school age children
to view these habitat types without traveling far from home or school.
Conservation Collier Program 8