Agenda 11/15/2016 Item #16A34 16.A.34
11/15/2016
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of concurrence for the Big
Cypress National Preserve's proposed Burmese python capture program.
OBJECTIVE: Request that the Board of County Commissioners authorize its chairman to sign a
letter of concurrence for the Big Cypress National Preserve's proposed Burmese python capture
program.
CONSIDERATIONS: Burmese pythons have been increasing in numbers in south Florida including
Collier County and have the potential to seriously impact native fauna. As a result, Big Cypress National
Preserve is contemplating establishing a Burmese python authorized agent (volunteer) program. The
program will train authorized agents that will survey roads within the boundaries of Big Cypress National
Preserve, including several Collier County roads, such as Birdon, Turner River, Lower Wagon Wheel,
upper Wagon Wheel and portions of Loop Road. Prior to the establishment of the program, Big Cypress
National Preserve wants to be assured that Collier County concurs with their proposed python program.
Trained authorized agents will capture Burmese pythons, as well as other invasive/exotic reptiles. All
animals will be captured live, either by hand or using manually operated tools, such as a snake hook,
snake tongs, noose poles, or similar tools that are not expected to injure animals. Authorized agents are
not allowed to use unattended traps. All captured animals will be secured and transported to established
drop boxes, i.e. lockable, ventilated containers, at the Big Cypress National Preserve Headquarters in
Ochopee or at the Oasis Visitor Center. No captured animals will be transported outside the Preserve.
Agents are required to comply with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requirements
whenever transporting pythons to drop boxes(i.e. have a transport permit,keep the animal double-bagged
and inside a locking container labeled"dangerous reptiles ").
FISCAL IMPACT: There would be no fiscal impact to Collier County.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS:
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There would be no growth management impact to Collier
County.
RECOMMENDATION: To authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of concurrence for the Big
Cypress National Preserve's proposed Burmese python capture program.
Prepared by: Travis Gossard,Director,Road Maintenance
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. 20161021 Whittington Ltr to Comm Nance -Python Program (PDF)
2.Letter of Concurrence (DOCX)
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16.A.34
11/15/2016
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.A.34
Item Summary: Recommendation to authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of concurrence for
the Big Cypress National Preserve's proposed Burmese python capture program.
Meeting Date: 11/15/2016
Prepared by:
Title: Supervisor-Operations—Road Maintenance
Name: Diane Lynch
11/08/2016 3:04 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Superintendent-Roads&Bridges—Road Maintenance
Name: Jonathan Vortherms
11/08/2016 3:04 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Road Maintenance Travis Gossard Additional Reviewer Completed 11/08/2016 3:15 PM
Growth Management Department Leo E.Ochs Level 1 Division Reviewer Skipped 11/09/2016 1:29 PM
Growth Management Department Leo E.Ochs Level 2 Division Administrator Skipped 11/09/2016 1:30 PM
County Attorney's Office Leo E.Ochs Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Skipped 11/09/2016 1:30 PM
Office of Management and Budget Leo E.Ochs Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Skipped 11/09/2016 1:31 PM
County Manager's Office Leo E.Ochs Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 11/09/2016 1:34 PM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 11/15/2016 9:00 AM
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�= United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL
PARK
NATIONAL PARK SERVICESERVICE
aq Big Cypress National Preserve
100H 3 ' 33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, Florida 34141
IN REPLY REFER TO: E
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October 21,2016 a
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County Commissioner Tim Nance, District 5
Board of County Commissioners
3299 Tamiami Trail E
Bldg F, Suite 303
Naples,FL 34120 M
Dear Commissioner Nance:
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Burmese pythons have been increasing in numbers in south Florida including Collier County and a.
have the potential to seriously impact native fauna. As a result, Big Cypress National Preserve is o
contemplating establishing a Burmese python authorized agent(volunteer)program. The
program will train authorized agents that will survey roads within the boundaries of Big Cypress a.
National Preserve,including several Collier County roads, such as US 41, Birdon,Turner River,
Lower Wagon Wheel,upper Wagon Wheel and portions of Loop Road. Prior to the
establishment of the program, Big Cypress National Preserve wants to be assured that Collier
County concurs with our proposed python program. Below is a brief summary of the proposed o
program. U
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Trained authorized agents will capture Burmese Pythons, as well as other invasive/exotic
reptiles. All animals will be captured live, either by hand or using manually,operated tools, such o
as a snake hook, snake tongs,noose poles,or similar tools that are not expected to injure
animals. Authorized agents are not allowed to use unattended traps. All captured animals will
be secured and transported to established drop boxes, i.e. lockable,ventilated containers, at the
Big Cypress National Preserve Headquarters in Ochopee or at the Oasis Visitor Center. No N
captured animals will be transported outside the Preserve. Agents are required to comply with o
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requirements whenever transporting c
pythons to drop boxes (i.e. have a transport permit,keep the animal double-bagged and inside a
locking container labeled"dangerous reptiles").
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Please let us know if you have any concerns with our proposed program.
Sincerely,
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Tamara Whittington
Superintendent
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November 18,2016
Ms. Tamara Whittington, Superintendent
Big Cypress National Preserve
33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, Florida 34141 E
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RE: Burmese Python Authorized Agent(Volunteer)Program d
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Dear Ms. Whittington: a
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Collier County supports the Big Cypress National Preserve's efforts to protect the native fauna E
of south Florida. We concur and support your proposed python capture program and ask that
you include safety training for work in county right of ways and the proper use of equipment. m
We recommend protocols that include the use of required roadway signage, safety vests,
vehicular lights, and other protective gear. These additional measures will ensure a successful
and safe program for the preserve, the residents, and the visitors of Collier County. Also we a>
recommend that you seek the concurrence of the Florida Department of Transportation for any a
proposed survey work on US 41.
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We truly appreciate you making the effort to obtain our concurrence before such an important 0
undertaking. o
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Sincerely,
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Donna Fiala, Chairman
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Collier County Board of County Commissioners Q
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