Agenda 06/23/2015 Item #16D146/23/2015 16.D.14.
EXECUTI V E SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the Five -year update of the Final Management Plan for the
Conservation Collier Alligator Flag Preserve.
OBJECTIVE: To update the Alligator Flag Preserve Final Management Plan, as required by ordinance
No. 2002 -63, as amended, Section 14.3.
CONSIDERATIONS: The Alligator Flag Preserve, located on Immokalee Road 2 miles east of I -75, at
7875 Immokalee Road, has been in County ownership since July 28, 2006. A final Ten -year Management
Plan was developed and approved by the Board on April 14, 2009, Agenda Item 16E3. The approved plan
has been operational for the Alligator Flag Preserve since that time.
The Conservation Collier ordinance 2002 -63, as amended, in section 14.3, directs that "Ten -year Plans
shall be updated at least every 5 years." The attached plan has been updated pursuant to that direction.
Updates reflect the change in preserve name, division change from Facilities to Parks and Recreation,
includes updated maps, updated property status information, additions to plant or animal lists, status of
exotic plant infestations, added amenities, provide for streamlining of text, and revision of the
management budget to reflect the Board- approved Conservation Collier Financial Plan approved at the
4/8/14 Board meeting (Agenda Item 11.B.).
The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee reviewed the updated plan and
unanimously recommended approval at its public meeting held on April 6, 2015 (Agenda Item W.A.1).
Tracked changes have been made so that Board members and members of the public can quickly see what
changes have been made. This caused formatting challenges that will be resolved in the final document.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no new fiscal impact associated with approving this management plan
update. Management costs are consistent with the Conservation Collier Financial Plan approved at the
April 8, 2014 Board meeting (Agenda Item 11.B.).
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this
item.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote
for Board approval.- JAB
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners approves the attached proposed
five -year update to the Final Management Plan for Conservation Collier's Alligator Flag Preserve and
directs staff to implement the updated plan.
Prepared by: Alexandra Sulecki, Principal Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Department
Attachment: Five-year updated Final Management Plan for Alligator Flag Preserve
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6/23/2015 16.D.14.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.16. D. 16. D. 14.
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the Five -year update of the Final
Management Plan for the Conservation Collier Alligator Flag Preserve.
Meeting Date: 6/23/2015
Prepared By
Name: BetancurNatali
Title: Operations Analyst, Public Services Department
5/28/2015 1:48:41 PM
Submitted by
Title: Environmental Specialist, Principal, Public Services Department
Name: SuleckiAlexandra
5/28/2015 1:48:43 PM
Approved By
Name: SuleckiAlexandra
Title: Environmental Specialist, Principal, Public Services Department
Date: 5/29/2015 5:10:00 PM
Name: WilliamsBarry
Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation, Public Services Department
Date: 5/30/2015 9:36:33 AM
Name: WashburnIlonka
Title: Manager - Park Operations, Public Services Department
Date: 6/l/2015 3:24:47 PM
Name: TownsendAmanda
Title: Division Director - Operations Support, Public Services Department
Date: 6/2/2015 2:51:12 PM
Name: BelpedioJennifer
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6/23/2015 16.D.14.
Title: Assistant County Attorney, CAO General Services
Date: 6/2/2015 2:59:36 PM
Name: CarnellSteve
Title: Department Head - Public Services, Public Services Department
Date: 6/2/2015 3:35:45 PM
Name: KlatzkowJeff
Title: County Attorney,
Date: 6/2/2015 4:02:17 PM
Name: FinnEd
Title: Management/Budget Analyst, Senior, Office of Management & Budget
Date: 6/3/2015 5:39:55 PM
Name: CasalanguidaNick
Title: Deputy County Manager, County Managers Office
Date: 6/12/2015 8:08:20 AM
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6/23/2015 16.D.14.
Alligator Flag Preserve
Land Management Plan
Managed by: Conservation Collier Program
Collier County, Florida
April 2009 — April 2019 (10 -yr plan)
Revised November 2014
5 year update
Prepared by:
Conservation Collier Staff;
Parks and Recreation Department
Conservation Collier Program
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Alligator Flag Preserve
Land Management Plan Executive Summary
Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Conservation Collier
Program
Property included in this Plan: "Alligator Flag Preserve" 18.46- acres. Preserve
consists of two adjoining parcels of 9.23 -acres each in Section 21, Township 48, and
Range 26 of Collier County, Florida.
Folio Number
Legal Description
00186320002
2148 26 W/2 OF W '/2 OF SE 1/4 OF SE 1/4 , LESS R/W 9.23 AC
00186280003
21 48 26 E 1/2 OF W 1/20F SE 1/4 OF SE 1/4, LESS R/W 9.23 AC OR
519 PG 467
Management Responsibilities:
AQency: Collier County - Conservation Collier Program
Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource based recreation
Unique Features: cypress -pine- cabbage palm, cypress and pine flatwoods communities;
four listed plant species recorded to date; preserve is within the Corkscrew Swamp
Sanctuary Wood Stork Core Foraging Area
Management Goals:
Goal 1: Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and
fauna
Goal 2: Develop a baseline monitoring report
Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and
fauna
Goal 4: Determine if prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatments are feasible to
decrease woody invasion resulting from past fire exclusion; if so proceed
Goal 5: Restore and maintain native habitats
Goal 6: Develop a plan for public use
Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes
Conservation Collier Program 2
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Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
Public Involvement: Public meeting held in January 2009 to review this Final
Management Plan with residents and businesses from surrounding lands including staff
from the Laurel Oak Elementary and Gulf Coast High Schools.
Table of Contents
LandManagement Plan Executive Summary ................................. ............................... 2
Listof Tables ........................................................................................ ..............................4
Listof Figures ..................................................................................... ............................... 5
Listof Appendices .............................................................................. ............................... 5
1.0 Introduction ................................................................................... ..............................6
1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority .............. 6
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan ...................................................................... ............................... 7
1.3 Location of the Alligator Flag Preserve ................................................ ............................... 7
1.4 Regional Significance of the Alligator Flag Preserve .......................... ............................... 8
1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources ...................... ............................... 9
1.6 Public Involvement ................................................................................ ............................... 10
2.0 Natural Resources ......................................................................... .............................10
2.1 Physiography .......................................................................................... ............................... 10
2. 1.1 Topography and Geomorphol ogy ...................................................... ............................... 10
2.1.2 Geology ............................................................................................. ............................... 10
2. 1.3 Soils ................................................................................................... ............................... 11
2.1.4 Hydrology /Water Management ......................................................... ............................... 13
2.2 CIimate .................................................................................................... ............................... 13
2.3 Natural Plant Communities .................................................................. ............................... 14
2.3.1 Wetlands: Cypress- Pine - Cabbage Palm ............................................ ............................... 16
2.3.2 Wetlands: Cypress ............................................................................. ............................... 18
2.33 Uplands: Pine Flatwoods ................................................................... ............................... 19
2.3.4 Uplands: Australian Pine ................................................................... ............................... 20
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species .......................................................... ............................... 20
2.4.1 Plant Species ...................................................................................... ............................... 20
2.4.2 Animal Species .................................................................................. ............................... 20
2.5 Listed Species ......................................................................................... ............................... 22
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species ........................................................................... ............................... 23
2.5.2 Listed Animal Species ....................................................................... ............................... 25
2.6 Invasive, Non - native and Problem Species .......................................... ............................... 26
2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species .................................................. ............................... 26
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2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species .............................................. ...............................
28
3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses .........................32
3.1 Previous Use of the Preserve and Adjoining Lands ............................ ...............................
32
3.2 Current Land Uses ................................................................................. ...............................
33
3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ............ ...............................
34
3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years ................................ ...............................
34
4.0 Future Use of the Alligator Flag Preserveincluding Management Issues, Goals
andObjectives ..................................................................................... .............................35
4.1 Management Plan Framework ............................................................. ...............................
35
4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information ......................................... ...............................
35
4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts .................................. ...............................
36
4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration,
Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources .............................. ...............................
36
4.3 Desired Future Conditions ...................................................................... .............................36
4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008 -2018 ............................................... ...............................
36
4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Alligator Flag Preserve ........ ...............................
46
4.5.1 Maintenance ......................................................................................... .............................46
4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources .................................. ...............................
46
4.53 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors..
49
5.0 Literature Cited .......................................................................... ...............................
50
List of Tables
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Alligator Flag PreserveError! Bookmark not
defined.
Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Alligator Flag Preserve ................... ............................... 9
Table 3: Extent of Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System Designations from 1995
and 2001 on the Alligator Flag Preserve ................................................ ............................... 15
Table 4: Summary of Natural Communities on the Alligator Flag Preserve ............................... 15
Table 5: Faunal Species Recorded on the Alligator Flag PreserveError! Bookmark not
defined.
Table 6: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Corkscrew SW Quadrangle ............................. 22
Encompassing the Alligator Flag Preserve ................................................... ............................... 22
Table 7: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Alligator Flag Preserve ......... ............................... 23
Table 8: Invasive Plant Species at Alligator Flag Preserve .......................... ............................... 27
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Table 9: Major Accomplishments since the Acquisition of the Alligator Flag Preserve ........... 35
Table 10: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Alligator Flag PreserveFLEPPC
CategoryI species a ................................................................................. ............................... 40
Table 11: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget ............................... ............................... 47
Table 12: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities .............................. 49
List of Figures
Figure 1: General Location of Alligator Flag Preserve .................................. ............................... 7
Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County, Florida Including Lands Owned by Conservation
Collier........................................................................................................ ............................... 8
Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Alligator Flag Preserve .................. 10
Figure 4: Aerial View of the Alligator Flag PreserveShowing Delineation of Parcels ................ I I
Figure 5: Soil Units on the Alligator Flag Preserve ...................................... ............................... 12
Figure 6: Distribution of Natural Communities on the Alligator Flag PreserveA) 1995 FLUCCS
Layer, B) 2001 FLUCCS Layer .............................................................. ............................... 10
Figure 7: Extent of Plant Communities Currently Found on the Alligator Flag Preserve.... Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Figure 8: Initial Exotic Vegetation Treatment Map for the Alligator Flag Preserve ................... 28
Figure 9: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1973 of the Alligator Flag Preserveand Adjoining
Lands....................................................................................................... ............................... 32
Figure 10: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1996 of the Alligator Flag Preserveand Adjoining
Lands....................................................................................................... ............................... .
Figure 11: Photo Point Locations within the Alligator Flag Preserve ......... ............................... 39
Figure 12: Alligator Flag PreserveConceptual Master Plan ......................... ............................... 44
List of Appendices
Appendix 1: South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks for Plant Communities
Observed on the Alligator Flag Preserve
Appendix 2: Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Alligator Flag Preserve
Appendix 3: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Managed Area Tracking Record and
Conservation Collier Program 5
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Element Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation
Appendix 4: Existing and Proposed Preserves on the Terafina, Parklands and Mirasol Planned
Unit Developments.
Conservation Collier Program
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1.0 Introduction
The Alligator Flag Preserve is an 18.46 -acre natural area within the boundary of Collier County,
Florida. Native plant communities within the preserve include cypress - pine - cabbage palm,
cypress and pine flatwoods.
A site assessment to determine compliance with Conservation Collier's initial screening criteria
was conducted in February 2005 and the Conservation Collier Program purchased the property
on July 28, 2006. The County holds a fee simple title to the Alligator Flag Preserve. The
Conservation Collier program manages these lands under authority granted by Conservation
Collier Ordinance 2002 -63 as amended (2007 -65; available from www.municode.com). Initial
acquisition activities are summarized in table 1.
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Alligator Flag Preserve
Year
Benchmark
2005
Property nominated to the Conservation Collier Program
2005
Initial Criteria Screening Report accepted by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee
2006
Purchase approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and lands purchased
2006
Interim Management Plan completed and approved by BCC
2009
Final Management Plan completed
2010
Preserve Renamed the Alligator Flag Preserve
2014
Final Management Plan 5 year update
Conservation, restoration and natural resource -based recreation are the designated uses of this
preserve. Management activities allowed include those necessary to preserve, restore, secure and
maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the benefit of present and future generations.
Public use of the site must be consistent with these management goals.
Final management plans are considered living documents and can be updated at any time. All
management plans must be approved by both the CCLAAC and the Collier County BCC. The
original Final Management Plan was approved in 2009. This is the five -year update to the plan.
1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority
The Conservation Collier program was originally approved by voters in November 2002 and
subsequently confirmed in the November 2006 ballot referendum. Both voter - approved
referendums enable the program to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vital and significant
threatened natural lands, forest, upland and wetland communities located in Collier County,
Florida (Ordinance 2002 -63, as amended). Properties must support at least two of the following
qualities to qualify for consideration: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood control, water quality
protection, and listed species habitat. The BCC appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory
Committee to consider any selected or nominated properties that an owner has indicated a
willingness to sell. The committee recommends property purchases for final approval by the
BCC.
Lands acquired with Conservation Collier funds are titled to "COLLIER COUNTY, a political
subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier program." The BCC
established the Conservation Collier program to implement the program and to manage acquired
lands. As such, Conservation Collier holds management authority for the Alligator Flag
Preserve.
Conservation Collier Program 7
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1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan
The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction for Alligator Flag Preserve by
identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or minimize any threats to the
resources and integrity of the preserve. This text is a working document that establishes the
foundation of the ten -year plan by identifying the appropriate management techniques necessary
to restore and preserve the resource.
This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with natural resource -based
recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs, listed species protection and
maintenance of the site free of invasive, exotic plant and animal species. This plan is divided
into sections that incorporate an introduction, descriptions of the natural and cultural resources,
projected uses of the property, management issues, and goals and objectives.
1.3 Location of the Alligator Flag Preserve
Alligator Flag Preserve is located approximately 2.10 miles east of Interstate 75 (I -75) between
Preserve Lane and Preserve Circle on the north side of Immokalee Road (Figure 1). The
Alligator Flag Preserve is in northwest Collier County in Section 21, Township 48 and Range 26.
Figure l: General Location of Alligator Flag Preserve.
Conservation Collier Program 8
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1.4 Regional Significance of the Alligator Flag Preserve
Ecosystem services such as the protection of water resources, flood control, maintenance of
nutrient cycles, preservation of biological diversity, carbon sequestration, and the availability of
recreational lands are imperative for the well -being of the citizens of Collier County and may be
achieved through the preservation of natural areas. As of February 2013, approximately 68%
(over 877,000 acres) of all lands in Collier County were protected in conservation areas (Figure
2) and managed by private, local, state and federal agencies (FNAI 2013). Collier County's
Conservation Collier Program manages the 18.46 -acre Alligator Flag Preserve; it contains
cypress, cypress -pine- cabbage palm and pine flatwood communities. Specific information on
the plant communities found on the Alligator Flag Preserve may be found in section 2.3 (Natural
Plant Communities) of this document.
Collier County
Conservation Collier Program Lands
J Ceracam Prnlne P
Pepper Ranch Preserve
1, E_T1 1
" Rea Root Preserve
4 � Pannier NAlk Preserve
Railhead Scrub Preserve Rea Maple Svsmp Preserve
.-a - W..heeler Head
I
4Ve4 WOOtls � Alligator Gla9 , ^i�
Preserve Preserve ;,
P Camp Keais Strand Project
Creek pre.—
pretties Rivers Road Preserve
eserve G• •�
7 4
Lonnan Woods Preserve �l
free 6— Park Nancy Payton Preserve
Gordon River _ —
Greenway Preserve
D
Mcllvane harsh Protect � :a
Snell Intend Preserve Yr•y
r _
7
C 2 4 Nlfli,z Legend
rush
NCO s 'ati. d1 cquretl
!! Othe Aar C 'ation Latins
Fl i. �� •N, �11ricaton l cor,servaron Easements
Lake TratfoN
Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County, Florida Including Lands Owned by Conservation
Collier.
Conservation Collier Program 9
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1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources
Currently, the closest preserved, natural areas to the Alligator Flag Preserve are the adjoining
conservation easements to the north and west managed by Olde Cypress. Other preserves, in
order of increasing distance, are provided in table 2. Figure 3 shows the locations of these
preserves.
Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Alligator Flag Preserve
Name
Approximate
Distance miles
Direction
Type
Olde Cypress Conservation Area
0.00 (adjoining)
N & NW
Private
Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed
3.60
NE
State
Rivers Road Project
3.62
E /SE
Conservation Collier
Logan Woods Preserve
4.20
S
Conservation Collier
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
4.45
W
Conservation Collier
Unit 53 Acquisition Boundary
4.50
NE
Conservation Collier
Railhead Scrub Preserve
5.15
W/NW
Conservation Collier
Nancy Payton Preserve
5.60
S /SE
Conservation Collier
Wet Woods Preserve
5.80
W/NW
Conservation Collier
Delnor -Wiggins Pass State Park
7.15
W
State
Barefoot Beach Preserve
7.40
W/NW
County
%.onservauon Lanas In the vicinity
or the Am ator ria
I- reserve
5 JI:..'r EE1C�. PL
C kscrcwR 9a
�— —,
�
E,em w leranee 1I
-'
I.t
Con
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Barefoot Beach Nes-
I Red tvtaple',i
qi r>m•R
Swamp _ ..............
elnor -Wigg ms g Prk Sta
d a w« at a: Preserve
Alligator Flag
Preserve
Presery
n . __.....___....
�.–
,- Haney Pay,an Preserv4
R,ve Road
v –
0 1 2Miles Legend coN ATIDN�
�' �.-
ulrrs`
..£e Conservation Collier Program Lands _5;;:_tt Q NtY
State and Federal Conservation Land
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I
�
�
-'
I.t
Con
4 ooM1S '
FreeUmn Park �
C�
r�
,- Haney Pay,an Preserv4
G
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of
_j
Gorton Ricer Greemvay Park
-�
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�' �.-
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..£e Conservation Collier Program Lands _5;;:_tt Q NtY
State and Federal Conservation Land
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Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Alligator Flag Preserve
1.6 Public Involvement
Neighborhood involvement was sought through direct mailing notices for public meetings to
residents, other preserve managers and businesses within 1,00 feet of the preserve boundaries.
Official public notices were posted on the County website. Staff will seek to coordinate
management actions, such as exotic removal and prescribed fires with owners of adjoining lands.
Staff will also work together with the adjacent Homeowners Association of the Fairway Preserve
Condominiums, commercial property owners to the west and Olde Cypress to coordinate
management activities (e.g., exotic plant removal /treatment) and public access efforts.
2.0 Natural Resources
2.1 Physiography
Alligator Flag Preserve lies within the Floridian section of the Coastal Plain. The Coastal Plain
extends from New Jersey to Texas and was formed mainly from sedimentary rocks deposited in
marine environments (USGS 2004).
2. 1.1 Topography and Geomorphology
The site is located in the Southwestern Slope region of the South Florida Water Management
District. According to the Bonita Springs, Florida USGS Topographic Map, the topography of
the area is relatively level with an average elevation of five feet above sea level and slopes gently
westward toward the Gulf of Mexico. Surface water percolates directly into the uncovered
ground or it collects in natural depressions and man made ponds on adjacent properties.
2.1.2 Geology
The geology of northern Collier County, where the Alligator Flag Preserve is located, is
characterized by complex sequences of interbeded sands, clays, and limestone. Closest to the
surface is the Holocene aged Pamlico Sand Formation, approximately ten feet thick and
composed primarily of unconsolidated quartz sand and some silt. The Pamlico Sand
unconformably overlies the Pleistocene aged Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations,
which vary from a few feet to more than twenty feet in thickness and are characterized by shelly
and sandy limestone with vugs and solution cavities (Miller 1986).
Below the Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations are the Ochopee and Buckingham
Members of the Pliocene aged Tamiami Formation, which are at least 200 feet thick in the
surrounding areas (Oaks & Dunbar 1974). The Ochopee Limestone unconformably overlies the
Buckingham Limestone and/or the equivalent Cape Coral Clay. This unconformity marks the
bottom of the surficial aquifer separating it from the brackish underlying aquifer below. Then
the Hawthorn Formation, rich in phosphate and other heavy minerals (Scott 1988), overlies the
Consevation Collier Program 11
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Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone and Eocene age Ocala Limestone that form the Floridan
Aquifer System in Southwestern Florida. The Alligator Flag Preserve is located within the
Southwestern Slope. Geologically, this is the dominant feature of Collier County (Campbell
1990). Figure 4 provides a current aerial view of the Alligator Flag Preserve including the
delineation of the two parcels that make up the preserve.
Figure 4: 2014 Aerial View of the Alligator Flag Preserve Showing Delineation of Parcels
Conservation Collier: Alligator Flag Preserve
0 250 500 Feet
Legend
sue.•. AI1ioat018Ea_ preserve olic Plumbers. Alligator rla Pi'B5ECV@ !
y c�Y
1101 &- ;$OD03; 9019£_20002 9 9
2.1.3 Soils
Mapped soils on this parcel were identified as Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland
fine sands, Oldsmar fine sand, Holopaw fine sand and Basinger fine sand (Figure 5).
Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland fine sands underlies 46% of the Alligator Flag
Preserveand is a wetland soil association found in depressional areas typical of cypress swamps
and marshes. Under natural conditions, these soils are ponded for 6 months of the year. Natural
vegetation consists mostly of cypress, pickerelweed, rushes, Alligator Flag PreserveFlag
Preserve flag, sawgrass and willow (Liudahl et al. 1990).
Conservation Collier Program 12
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Oldsmar fine sand underlies 30% of the Alligator Flag Preserve and is the only non - hydric soil
mapped on this Conservation Collier property. Oldsmar fine sand is a nearly 'level and poorly
drained soil found in pine flatwoods. During extended dry periods, the water table may recede to
a depth of 40+ inches, but under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is between a
depth of 6 -18 inches. Flora typically associated with this soil type includes: South Florida slash
pine, cabbage palm, saw palmetto and wax myrtle (Liudahl et al. 1990).
Conservation Collier: Mapped Soils on the Alligator Flag Preserve
®r �� .,.,.�...
u ZbU buu reet
Extent of Soils I 1
BOCA, RIVIERA, LIMESTONE SUBSTRATUM AND COPELAND FS, DEPRESSIONAL (46 %)
OLD SMAR FINE SAND (NON- HYDRIC; 30 %) ``111Q8`°rF1-F.ImN—b-
wra a0003 G01 conz
HOLOPAW FINE SAND (23 %)
BASINGER FINE SAND (1 %) =Alligator Flag Preserve .- _r
Figure 5: Soil Units on the Alligator Flag Preserve
The hydric Holopaw fine sand underlies 23% of the Alligator Flag Preserve. This nearly level,
poorly drained soil is found in sloughs and poorly defined drainage ways. The permeability of
water through this soil is moderate to moderately slow and, under natural conditions, the
seasonal high water table is within a depth of 12 inches for three to six months. Water recedes to
a depth of 40+ inches during extended dry periods and, during times of high rainfall, the soil may
be covered with slowly moving water for approximately seven days. Flora typically associated
with this soil type includes South Florida Slash Pine, cypress, cabbage palm, saw palmetto and
wax myrtle (Liudahl et al. 1990).
Basinger fine sand underlies 1% of the Alligator Flag Preserve and is a hydric, nearly level,
poorly drained soil found in sloughs and poorly defined drainage ways. The permeability of
Conservation Collier Program 13
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� �x §
.n
®r �� .,.,.�...
u ZbU buu reet
Extent of Soils I 1
BOCA, RIVIERA, LIMESTONE SUBSTRATUM AND COPELAND FS, DEPRESSIONAL (46 %)
OLD SMAR FINE SAND (NON- HYDRIC; 30 %) ``111Q8`°rF1-F.ImN—b-
wra a0003 G01 conz
HOLOPAW FINE SAND (23 %)
BASINGER FINE SAND (1 %) =Alligator Flag Preserve .- _r
Figure 5: Soil Units on the Alligator Flag Preserve
The hydric Holopaw fine sand underlies 23% of the Alligator Flag Preserve. This nearly level,
poorly drained soil is found in sloughs and poorly defined drainage ways. The permeability of
water through this soil is moderate to moderately slow and, under natural conditions, the
seasonal high water table is within a depth of 12 inches for three to six months. Water recedes to
a depth of 40+ inches during extended dry periods and, during times of high rainfall, the soil may
be covered with slowly moving water for approximately seven days. Flora typically associated
with this soil type includes South Florida Slash Pine, cypress, cabbage palm, saw palmetto and
wax myrtle (Liudahl et al. 1990).
Basinger fine sand underlies 1% of the Alligator Flag Preserve and is a hydric, nearly level,
poorly drained soil found in sloughs and poorly defined drainage ways. The permeability of
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water through this soil is rapid and, under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is
within a depth of 12 inches for three to six months. Water recedes to a depth of 40+ inches
during extended dry periods and, during times of high rainfall, the soil may be covered with
slowly moving water for approximately seven days. Flora typically associated with this soil type
includes South Florida Slash Pine, cypress, cabbage palm, saw palmetto and wax myrtle (Liudahl
et al. 1990).
2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management
Near the surface, the aquifer is highly permeable and the groundwater flows toward the west.
However, penneability decreases downward from a porous limestone into poorly indurated
sandstone cemented by micrite. The aquifer grades from freshwater downward into brackish
water due to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the brackish water in the
intennediate aquifer made primarily of Miocene aged sediments. Below that, the Hawthorne
formation typically marks the upper boundary of the Floridian aquifer, which is contained within
the underlying Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone (Lodge 2005).
A benn runs along the southern boundary of the Alligator Flag Preserve just north of the
Cocohatchee Canal. This benn prevents most water from flowing southward consequently
holding water on the preserve for an artificially long period during the wet season. Some
outflow does occur from the Preserve to the Immokalee Road canal via a culvert, which is placed
fairly high in elevation. When surface water is high, and flows are occurring, the resulting
drainage pattern in the preserve has caused some erosion.
The Surficial Aquifer is an aquifer close to the surface and unconfined, typically associated with
the groundwater table. This aquifer is generally limited to smaller uses such as household or
small agricultural uses. The Lower Tamiami aquifer is below this aquifer and is recognized as
being useful for long -teen water needs. According to the South Florida Water Management
District's (SFWMD) technical publication 95 -02 (Fairbank & Holnler 1995), the Surficial
Aquifer recharge capacity on the Alligator Flag Preserve is moderate at 43 to 56 inches annually.
The Lower Tamiami Aquifer recharge capacity on the preserve is relatively low at 7 to 14 inches
annually.
2.2 Climate
The Alligator Flag Preserve is located in an area of Florida where humid subtropical and tropical
savanna climatic patterns overlap, with temperatures moderated by winds from the Gulf of
Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Sharply delineated wet and dry seasons and average monthly
temperatures greater than 64° Fahrenheit characterize a tropical savanna climate. Monthly
rainfalls may exceed ten inches during the wet season. On the other hand, humid subtropical
climates typically show less extreme rainfall fluctuations between wet and dry seasons and
average monthly temperatures is less than 64° Fahrenheit in some months.
The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75°
Fahrenheit. The wannest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during
these months but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures.
Two - thirds of the annual rainfall occurs in the wet season from May to October. Thunderstorms
are frequent during the wet season, occurring every two out of three days between June and
September. Rainfall records for the area indicate that there is not significant variation in the
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annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often occur during a
single year. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June through November with peak
activity occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are highest.
2.3 Natural Plant Communities
A plant community refers to the suite of floristic species that form the natural vegetation of any
place. In addition to anthropogenic influences, the combination of factors such as geology,
topography, hydrology, underlying soils and climate determine the types of plants found in an
area. These plants, in turn detennine the animal species that may be found there. The
description or classifications of these floral communities differ by agency and are based on an
agency's goals and objectives for identifying plant communities. As some categorizations are
broad (e.g., forest) while others are specific (e.g., mesic pine flatwoods), determining how each
organization classifies a community may be difficult. The South Florida Vegetation
Classification Scheme. Crosswalks (Gilbert 2005) provides a way to decipher the classifications
of plant communities across agencies. Appendix 1 provides the categorization of the plant
communities observed on the Alligator Flag Preserve based on the South Florida Vegetation
Classification Scheme Crosswalks; classifications from the Florida Natural Areas Inventory
(FNAI) are also included in this appendix.
The Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) created by the Southwest
Florida Water Management District in 1995 classifies plant communities and provides GIS
layers for users to overlay on property boundaries and aerial images to better determine the plant
communities found there. The FLUCCS designates three plant communities on the preserve:
Pine Flatwoods — Melaleuca Infested (FLUCCS 4119), Cypress — Melaleuca Infested (FLUCCS
6218), and Forested Mixed Wetlands (FLUCCS 630). Wilson Miller updated the FLUCCS data
layer in 2001. These data also indicate that there are three plant communities on the preserve,
however, the Pine Flatwood community is not identified, instead a Cypress (FLUCCS 621)
community is identified in addition to the Cypress- Melaleuca Infested community. Table 3
summarizes the plant communities mapped for the Alligator Flag Preserve in 1995 and 2001; it
shows the differences in the location and extent of land cover designations. Figure 6 visually
represents these land cover designations from 1995 and 2001. Given that the FLUCCS layers
were generated at a scale of 1:24,000 and created by different entities at different times, the
change in the types and extent of plant communities between the map layers may indicate a
Change in hydrology within the preserve or natural discrepancy generated when different entit3eS
perform the same task. It is unlikely that these data were around - truthed by the Water
Management District or Wilson Miller specifically on the Alligator Flag Preserve. however: both
lavers seem to be fairly accurate in other parts of the County.
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Table 3: Extent of Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System
Designations from 1995 and 2001 on the Alligator Flag
Preserve
FLUCCS CODE
Mapped Plant Community
1995
2001
4119
Pine Flatwoods — Melaleuca Infested
45%
0%
621
Cypress
0%
12%
6218
Cypress — Melaleuca Infested
43%
84%
630
Forested Mixed Wetlands
12%
4%
During site visits to the Alligator Flag Preserve, staff observed Cypress- Pine - Cabbage Palm
(FLUCCS 624), Cypress and Pine Flatwoods (FLUCCS 411) communities. These communities
were in varying states of exotic vegetation infestation. Additionally, a monoculture of Australian
pines (Casuarina spp.; FLUCCS 4370) was observed in the southeastern portion of the property.
Johnson Engineering ecologists conducting a preliminary wetlands and wildlife assessment of
the site in August 2004 reported observing similar vegetative communities. They categorized the
communities according to the degree of exotic infestation, described the pine flatwoods as
FLUCCS 4119 (disturbed) and noted that the cypress community contained scattered pine.
Given the discrepancy between the 1995 and 2001 FLUCCS digital layers (as they pertain to the
Alligator Flag Preserve) and the removal of exotic vegetation since the acquisition of the
property in July 2006, staff created a new digital layer showing the location and extent of the
native plant communities currently found on the preserve (Sept. 2008; Figure 7). Because the
removal of invasive, exotic plants began in April 2008, this new layer does not reference any
areas as infested with exotic plant species except for the stand of Australian pines in the
southeastern portion of the preserve. Specific information on the invasive, exotic species present
on the preserve is provided in section 2.6.1 of this document.
The vegetation classification scheme of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the
Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) (1990) are presented in table 4. This table is
based on the plant communities observed on the Alligator Flag Preserve. The following
subsections (2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3 and 2.3.4) provide information about the plant communities
observed on the preserve.
Table 4: Summary of Natural Communities on the Alligator Flag Preserve
FNAI Natural Community
Global
State
Type
Rank
Rank
Comments
Strand Swamp
G4
S4
Also called Flowing Water Swamps and Cypress
communities
Wet Flatlands
G4
S4
Also called Cypress- Pine - Cabbage Palm communities and
Hydric Pine Flatwoods
Mesic Flatwoods
G4
S4
Also called Pine Flatwoods
G4: Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range); S4: Apparently secure in Florida (may be rare in parts of range).
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Land Cover Designations (1995) on the Alligator Flag Preserve
0 200 400 Feet Legend
Alligator Flag Preserve Extent of Land Cover Designations ('95)
Pine Flatwoods - Melaleuca Infested
Cypress Melaleuca Infested
M
Wetland Forested mixed
B Land Cover Designations (2014) on the Alligator Flag Preserve
�l `
� �,
WIM *11, '4*'
A
F0,
3
_7
0 200 400 Feet Extent of Field Verified Land Cover on the Alligator Flag Preserve
Con =Alligator Flag Preserve
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M Pine Flatwoods-19%
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Figure 6: Distribution of Natural Communities on the Alligator Flag Preserve
A) 1995 FLUCCS Layer B) 2014 Field Verified FLUCCS Layer
2.3.1 Wetlands: Cypress- Pine - Cabbage Palm
A cypress - pine - cabbage palm community comprises approximately 57% of the Alligator Flag
Preserve and is located primarily in the center portions of the preserve. This community
dominates the western boundary of the preserve and occupies a little over two thirds of the
eastern boundary (Figure 7).
Also known as wet flatwoods, low flatwoods, hydric flatwoods (FNAI & FDNR 1990) and
hydric pine flatwoods (USFWS 1999b) the cypress - pine - cabbage palm community typically
includes a canopy of cypress, pine (Pinus spp.) and /or cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) in
combinations in which none of the species achieves dominance. This assemblage forms a
transition between hydric sites (e.g., cypress communities) and moist upland sites (e.g., mesic
pine flatwoods). This ecotonal community is unique to South Florida and functions as both a
wetland and upland at different times of the year. As such, both hydrology in the wet season and
fire in the dry season drive this dynamic system. As a result, this community is typically
dominated by a slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) overstory with a wetland plant understory.
The wetland understory can be any, or a variety, of wetland plant community types ranging from
wet prairie to hatrack cypress. Hydric pine flatwoods are distinct from mesic and xeric pine
flatwoods in the absence of understory dominance by saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and more
xeric species such as pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida), pawpaw (Asimina spp.), and prickly pear
(Opuntia spp.). The berm that runs along the southern boundary of the Alligator Flag Preserve,
just north of the Cocohatchee Canal, prevents water from flowing southward consequently
holding water on the preserve for an artificially long
period of time during the wet season. Its
The cypress- pine - cabbage palm community provides
r
4
important forested habitat for a number of species often, �.
found in wetlands and uplands. Wildlife species that
utilize this habitat include: the Florida black bear (Ursus
americanus floridanus). Florida panther, wood stork, red-
cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Everglades .. . t
snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus), the recently
de- listed bald eagle, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise
(Gopherus poll hemus), Big Cypress fox squirrel
(SClurus niger avicennia), Bachman's sparrow (Aimophila
aestivalis), bobcat (Lynx rufus), swallow- tailed kite
(Elanoides forfcatus), Florida weasel (Mustela frenata
peninsulas), Iimpkin (Aramus guarauna), northern harrier _
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within the Alligator Flag Preserve.
Photo by Annisa Karim
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(Circus cyaneus), southeastern kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus), eastern American kestrel (F. s.
sparverius) and the Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis). Additionally, this
community provides essential habitat to the breeding life cycle of aquatic and wetland- dependent
animals, and a major forest cover for cover - dependent species. Hydric pine flatwoods provide
aquatic habitat for both young and adult amphibians and adult tree frog climbing areas. Hydric
flatwoods serve as wading bird foraging areas, black bear foraging, denning, and travelways, and
essential red - cockaded woodpecker foraging and nesting habitat (USFWS 1999b).
Since the cypress- pine - cabbage palm community comprises a majority of the preserve, all soils
identified on the preserve (Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland fine sands, Oldsmar
fine sand, Holopaw fine sand and Basinger fine sand) are found within this community.
2.3.2 Wetlands: Cypress
A Cypress community dominates approximately 24% of the northern portion of the Alligator
Flag Preserve. One hundred percent of the northern boundary of the preserve contains this plant
community (Figure 7).
Also known as flowing water swamps (Gilbert
2005), cypress stands, stringers and strand swamps
(FNAI & FDNR 1990), these forested cypress
communities are shallow, seasonally inundated
and commonly found along and within drainage
channels (USFWS 1999a). Deeper parts of this
community may be characterized as a cypress
slough. The hydrology of an area drives the
formation of cypress communities (Sullivan
1994). Additionally, light surface fires every 30 to
200 years are essential to the maintenance of these
communities. Without these fires, invasion by
hardwoods and peat accumulation would degrade
this community.
Cypress Community within the Alligator Flag Preserve.
Photo by Chdstal Seoura
The canopy of the cypress community within the Alligator Flag Preserve is dominated by
cypress (Taxodium sp.) and contains popash (Fraxinus caroliniana), strangler fig (Ficus aurea)
and red maple (Acer rubrum). The midstory contains swamp dogwood (Cornus foemina), wax
myrtle (Myrica cerifera), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). Groundcover species include
Alligator Flag PreserveFlag Preserve flag (Thalia geniculata), swamp fern (Blechnum
serrulatum) and false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica).
In a landscape context, the presence of highly functioning cypress communities within a matrix
of other types of wetland and upland communities is imperative for many species of wildlife,
including listed species. Listed species that benefit with the presence of the cypress community
on the Alligator Flag Preserveinclude the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), wood stork
(Mycteria americana), Kirtland's warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii), and eastern indigo snake
(Drymarchon corals couperi). The recently de- listed bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is
also a species that benefits from the presence of cypress communities (USFWS 1999a).
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The bean that runs along the southern boundary of the Alligator Flag Preserve, just north of the
Cocohatchee Canal, prevents water from flowing southward consequently holding water on the
preserve for an artificially long period of time during the wet season. This results in deeper
water in the cypress area than is normally seen in other naturally functioning cypress areas. The
cypress community within the preserve is underlain with depressional Boca, riviera, limestone
substratum & Copeland fine sands and Basinger fine sand.
2.3.3 Uplands: Pine Flatwoods
A Pine Flatwood community dominates approximately 19% of the Alligator Flag Preserve. This
plant community is located in the southeastern portion of the property and comprises over 50%
of the southern boundary (Figure 7).
Pine flatwoods are one of the most wide - ranging terrestrial plant communities in Florida and
consequently one of the most influenced by anthropogenic activities (Abrahamson & Hartnett
1990). Fire strongly influences the community structure and composition of these communities.
The term pine flatwoods is a general categorization of areas that are dominated by various
species of pine (Pinus spp.) trees. Pine flatwoods may be found in mesic flatlands where the
landscape is made up of flat, moderately well drained sandy substrates with a mixture of organic
material, often with an underlying hard pan layer. An open canopy forest of widely spaced pine
trees with little or no understory but a dense ground cover of herbs and shrubs characterize
natural, mesic flatwoods that have been burned regularly (FNAI & FDNR 1990). The USDA
Soil Conservation Service classification system refers to these areas as South Florida flatwoods.
South Florida flatwoods are typically savannas, a type of plant community intermediate between
forest and grassland.
Mesic pine flatwoods are also called mesic flatwoods, pine savanna, cabbage palm savanna, and
pine barrens. Oldsmar fine sand and Holopaw fine sand underlies this part of the preserve. The
berm that runs along the southern boundary of the Alligator Flag Preserve, just north of the
Cocohatchee Canal, prevents water from flowing southward consequently holding water on the
preserve for an artificially long period during the wet season. As a result, this community holds
comparably more water than other naturally functioning mesic pine flatwoods. Common mesic
pine flatwood species such as saw palmetto, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifei-a), cabbage palm and
saffron plum (Sideroxylon celastrinum) are found in this portion of the preserve. Additionally,
species usually found in wet areas such as sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), swamp fern
(Blechnum serrulatum) and wiregrass (Aristida stricia var. beyrichiana) are found in the pine
flatwood portion of the Alligator Flag
�� - •� Preserve.
Y 4M C i
RbA
t
.BEN Mesic flatwoods provide essential forested
habitat for a variety of wildlife species
K
including Neotropical migratory birds, wide -
a , ranging large carnivores, mid -sized
carnivores, ground - nesting vertebrates, tree -
cavity dependent species, tree - nesting species
and non - aquatic plant life. "At the current
rate of habitat conversion, the mesic pine
flatwoods, once the most abundant upland
Mesic pine flatwoods within the Alligator Flag Preserve.
Photo by Christal Segura
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habitat in South Florida, is in danger of becoming one of the rarest habitats in South Florida"
(USFWS 1999c).
2.3.4 Uplands: Australian Pine
A stand of invasive, exotic Australian pines once comprised approximately 1% of the Alligator
Flag Preserve and its description is included in this section (2.3 Natural Plant Communities) to
provide a comprehensive assessment of the entire Alligator Flag Preserve. Invasive, exotic
species are discussed in more detail in section 2.6 (Invasive, Non - native and Problem Species) of
this document. The Australian pine monoculture was located in the southeastern portion of the
property on the eastern edge of the pine flatwood community. The smaller Australian pines were
removed in late April 2008 and the larger trees were removed in 2009. Figure 7 reflects the
extent of this community after the smaller trees were removed.
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species
A cypress - pine - cabbage palm community comprises the majority (57 %) of the 18.46 -acre
Alligator Flag Preserve. Smaller areas of the preserve are comprised of cypress (24 %) and pine
flatwoods (18 %) communities; a small stand of Australian pines (I%) also exists on the preserve.
This section discusses the flora and fauna found within these plant communities. The next
section (2.5) discusses all listed species in greater detail.
2.4.1 Plant Species
Initially, 63 plant species were recorded on the preserve. When Conservation Collier staff
conducted a preliminary floristic inventory in August and September 2008. Another survey
was conducted in March 2009, counting 80 species. There are likely more. The revised list has
been added to this plan (Appendix 2). Of these 80 species, 72 (90 %) are native - of which, three
are listed by the State of Florida (one is listed as endangered; one is listed as threatened; one is
listed as commercially exploited).
2.4.2 Animal Species
Due to the dearth of specific surveys for the occurrence of animal species (in contrast to plants)
and the lack of on -site staffing, little is recorded for actual occurrences of animals at the
Alligator Flag Preserve. Occurrences of fauna at the preserve are based on direct visual and
aural observations by staff during site visits or evidence of activity such as spoor, scat, or
burrows. and from the site information available in documents such as the site's initial criteria
screening report, the property's interim management plan and anecdotal information from
persons with knowledge of the site. Table 5 provides a comprehensive list of animals, both
native and non - native, recorded on the Alligator Flag Preserve thus far.
The Florida Breeding Bird Atlas (FFWCC 2003) lists 49 avian species that have been recorded
as confirmed, probable, or possible breeding in the vicinity of the site (Table 6). Tile Breeding
Bird Atlas documents breeding distributions of all bird species in Florida between 1986 and
1991. Some of these species may breed at the Alligator Flag Preserve.
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Other wildlife species that have not yet been recorded undoubtedly occur at the Alligator Flag
Preserve. During migration periods, transient bird species would be expected to utilize this area
for short periods of time. The developed character of the adjacent areas may inhibit transient use
by many mammal, reptile, and amphibian species, thus limiting the utilization of the preserve to
resident individuals or
Table 5: Faunal Species Recorded on the Alligator Flag Preserve
Common Name
Scientific Name
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Blue -gray Gnatcatcher
Polioptila caerulea
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Cedar Waxwing
Bomhvcilla cedrorum
Common Ground -Dove
Columbina passerina
Great Crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus crinitus
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Prothonotary Warbler
Protonotaria citrea
Red - bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
Red - shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineattts
White -eyed Vireo
Vireo griscus
Big Cypress fox squirrel
Sch(rus ni er
Florida Black Bear
Ursus americanusfloridanus
Racoon
Procyon lotor
Black racer
Coluber constrictor Priapus
Brown anole °
Anolis sogrei
Bluestripe Ribbon snake
Thamnophis sauritlls vitae
Water moccasin
Aakistrodon )iscivorus
Monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
Gulf Fritillary butterfly
Agl•a14i1s valllilUe,
Zebra Lonowing butterfly
Heliconius charitonius
Florida Ivory millipede
Chicobolus spinigerus
Crab -like Spiny Orbweaver spider
Gasteracantha cancriformis
Red imported fire ant °
Solenopsis invicta
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inhibiting the dispersal of
many species to and from
the preserve.
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Table 6: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Corkscrew SW Quadrangle
Encompassing the Alligator Flag Preserve
Common Name
Scientific Name
Common Name
Scientific Name
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Red - cockaded
Woodpecker
Picoides borealis
Yellow- crowned Night -Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Northern Flicker
Colaptes aurants
Wood Duck
Aix sponsa
Pileated Woodpecker
Drvocopus pileatus
Mottled Duck
Anas fulvigula
Great Crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus crinitus
Swallow- tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus
Loggerhead Shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
Red - shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus
White -eyed Vireo
Vireo griseus
Northern Bobwhite
Colinus virginianus
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
King Rail
Rallus elegans
Fish Crow
Corvus ossifragus
Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
Purple Martin
Progne subis
Limpkin
Aramus guarauna
Northern Rough- winged
Swallow
Stelgidopter: x
serri ennis
Killdeer
Charadrius vociferus
Tufted Titmouse
Baeolophis bicolor
Mourning Dove
Zenaida ntacroura
Carolina Wren
Th>7�othorus
ludovicianus
Common Ground -Dove
Columbina passerirta
Blue -gray Gnatcatcher
Polioptilio caerulea
*Rose -rived Parakeet
Psittacvla krameri
Northern Mockingbird
Minus polyglotios
Yellow- billed Cuckoo
Cocevzus americans
Brown Thrasher
Toxostoma rufunr
Barn Owl
Tvto alba
Northern Parula
Parula americana
Eastern Screech -Owl
Megascops asio
Pine Warbler
Dendroica pins
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Prairie Warbler
Dendroica discolor
Barred Owl
Strix varia
Common Yellowrthroat
Geothlypis trichas
Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Eastern Towhee
Pipilo
ervthro hthalmtts
Chuck - will's -widow
Caprimulgus carolinensis
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Red - headed Woodpecker
Alelanerpes erohrocephalus
Red - winged Blackbird
Agelaius plroeniceus
Red - bellied Woodpecker
Xlelanerpes carolinus
Eastern Meadowlark
Sturiiella magna
Downy Woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
Common Grackle
Ouiscalus guiscula
= 11011- 11arire species
Boat - tailed Grackle
Ouiscalus major
2.5 Listed Species
Official lists of rare and endangered species are produced at the federal level by the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service and at the State level by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services. FNAI produces a list of rare and endangered species, and maintains a
database of occurrences of these species in Florida. The Institute for Regional Conservation
(IRC) also ranks native plant species by conservation status in the 10- county area of South
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Florida. The following subsections (2.5.1 and 2.5.2) discuss the listed, rare and protected plant
and animal species found within and close to the Alligator Flag Preserve in detail.
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species
The Florida State Statute titled "Preservation of native flora of Florida" (Statute 581.185)
provides the following definitions:
a Endangered plants means species of plants native to the state that are in imminent
danger of extinction within the state, the survival of which is unlikely if the causes of a
decline in the number of plants continue, and includes all species determined to be
endangered or threatened pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended, Pub. L. No. 93 -205 (87 Stat. 884).
G:7 Threatened plants means species native to the state that are in rapid decline in the
number of plants within the state, but which have not so decreased in such number as to
cause them to be endangered.
Commercially exploited plants means species native to the state, which are subject to
being removed in significant numbers from native habitats in the state and sold or
transported for sale.
There are three (4) plant species at Alligator Flag Preserve that are listed by the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), one (l) as endangered, one (1) as
threatened, and one (1) as commercially exploited (Table 7). A brief description of these species
and their status is included in the following paragraphs.
Table 7: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Alligator Flag Preserve
Common Names
Scientific Name
State
Stiff - leaved wild -pine. Cardinal airplant
Tillandsia fascioulata
E
Reflexed wild -pine, Northern needleleaf
Tillandsia balbisiana
T
Royal tern
psmunda reoalis var. spectabilis
C
T: Threatened; E: Endangered; C: Commercially Exploited
Two of the three listed plant species found on the Alligator Flag Preserve are classified as
bromeliads. Bromeliads are members of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). While some of
these species may be found growing terrestrially, most native bromeliads found in Florida are
found growing attached to tree trunks and branches and may therefore be referred to as epiphytes
(a plant that lives upon other plants; from Greek "epi" = upon "phyte" = plant). The leaves
and /or roots of these airplants (depending on the species) absorb the water and nutrients they
need from the air and from the rain that falls through the canopy of the tree on which they are
found. Since epiphytes use their roots only to anchor themselves to another plant, they are
considered non - parasitic. Even though the three listed bromeliad species found on the Alligator
Flag Preserve are fairly common in the state, they are listed due to illegal collecting and the
destruction of the habitats in which they are found. Additionally, infestation by the introduced
Mexican bromeliad weevil (Alclamashis callisona) has been implicated in the decline of many
airplant populations around the state. Currently, there are no control measures in place however,
close research and monitoring is taking place.
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Stiff - leaved Wild Pine (Tillandsia fasciculata), is
also known as cardinal airplant and common wild
pine. T. fasciculata is listed as an endangered plant by
the State of Florida and has been in 24 counties
throughout Florida (Wunderlin & Hansen 2008). This
epiphyte was frequently found in South Florida before
the introduction of the Mexican bromeliad weevil.
Today, it may be found in hammocks, cypress swamps
and pinelands.
View of T. fasciculata with water in the "tank ".
Photo by Annisa Karim
6/23/2015 16.D.14.
Tillandsia fasciculata;
Photo by Annisa Karim
Like most of the other bromeliads in Florida, this species is often
referred to as a "tank" bromeliad because the leaf axils and central
stems form a "tank" or reservoir at the base of the plant. These
reservoirs capture and hold water, dead and decaying plant matter
(leaves, seeds twigs, etc.), and dead and drowning non - aquatic
insects; these trapped items provide nutrients for the plant (Larson
et al. 2006).
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as to make ropes and nets. Additionally, this species is believed to
have medicinal benefits; other parts of the plantmay have been used to Osmundaregalis var. spectabilis
treat wounds and broken bones, relieve sprains and to help alleviate Photo by Annisa Karim
coughs and diarrhea. In Florida, this species can be found in hydric areas such as wet flatwoods,
cypress swamps, floodplains, stream banks and bogs.
FNAI maintains a database of occurrences of rare, threatened, and endangered species in Florida.
An element is any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment, such as a species,
natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other ecological feature. An element
occurrence is a single, extant habitat that sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a
population or a distinct, self - sustaining example of a particular element.
These element occurrence data are built into biodiversity matrices. Each matrix encompasses
one (1) square mile and includes all species and natural communities tracked by FNAI, including
all federal listed species. The FNAI report for the matrix in which the Alligator Flag Preserve is
located identifies three likely elements and 18 potential elements. Of the three likely elements,
one has been observed on the preserve, namely mesic pine flatwoods (described in section 2.3.3
of this document). None of the 18 potential elements reported by FNAI have been detected
within the preserve. Appendix 3 provides the FNAI Managed Area Tracking Record and
Element Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity Matrix Report. Global and state
rankings are provided for each species as well as their federal and state status.
2.5.2 Listed Animal Species
Big Cypress fox squirrels have been observed on the preserve on multiple occasions. No other
listed wildlife species have been observed on the Alligator Flag Preserve, however, according to
a 2004 Preliminary Wetlands and Wildlife Assessment prepared by Johnson Engineering, the
property is within the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Wood Stork Core Foraging Area (18.6
miles), a documented wood stork rookery. The report also states that research of SFWMD
Permit 11-01232-S indicated that "The Woodlands" (the adjacent Olde Cypress preserve
property) at one time supported a viable population of Bia Cypress fox squirrels and provided
some nesting and foraging habitat for listed wading birds.
The wood stork (Mycteria americana)
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) and by the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list the wood stork as an endangered species. Also known
as the wood ibis or flint head, this species is one of the largest wading birds found in Florida and
the only stork in the United States. The wood stork is a tactile feeder and may be found in fresh,
brackish, and saltwater habitats. Because of its dependence on naturally functioning hydrologic
systems, the National Audubon Society refers to this wading bird as the "barometer of the
Everglades ". For this reason, the wood stork is an excellent environmental indicator of wetland
health (Mazziotti 2002).
The Big Cypress fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia)
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Several Big Cypress fox squirrels sightings have been recorded on the preserve. Also known as
the mangrove fox squirrel, the FFWCC lists this species as threatened in Florida. While the
species is widespread in eastern and central North America, the subspecies is endemic to
southwestern Florida — specifically in the Immokalee Rise, Big Cypress Swamp, and Devil's
Garden area in Collier County. Some areas of this range have become vacated, while many other
suitable areas are being altered or becoming isolated through development. The subspecies uses
most types of forest occurring in its range. However, dense interiors of mixed cypress- hardwood
strands seem to be avoided by Big Cypress fox squirrels due dense populations of gray squirrels
(Sciurus carolinensis) occupying these areas. Big Cypress fox squirrels have been reported in
cypress swamp, pine flatwood, tropical hammock, hardwood hammock, mangrove swamp, and
suburban habitats including golf courses, and residential areas in native vegetation. Big Cypress
fox squirrel densities appear to be quite low, and on this basis the subspecies can be considered
inherently rare (Humphrey & Jodice 1992).
Three wildlife species were reported as likely to occur (rare species likely to occur on the site
based on suitable habitat and /or known occurrences in the vicinity) and eleven species were
reported as potential occurrences (site lies within the known or predicted range of species) within
FNAI's Biodiversity Matrix for the Alligator Flag Preserve. Appendix 3 provides the FNAI
Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity
Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are provided for each species as well as their federal
and state status.
2.6 Invasive, Non - native and Problem Species
In an ecological context, an invasive species is one that is aggressive in growth and expansion of
range and tends to dominate others, its establishment and dominance can cause widespread harm
to an ecological system by altering the species composition, susceptibility to fire and hydrology
of an area. Non - indigenous species (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 ccosystein 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 preserve and those that have a potential to occur
within the preserve are discussed in the following sections.
2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species
The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) maintains a list of exotic plants that have been
documented to (1) have adverse effects on Florida's biodiversity and plant communities, (2)
cause habitat loss due to infestations and (3) impact endangered species via habitat loss and
alteration. To date, eight non - indigenous plant species have been detected within Alligator Flag
Preserve (Table 8), accounting for 13% of the plant species recorded there. Of the eight exotic
species, six are listed by FLEPPC (five Category I and one Category II). FLEPPC defines
Category I plants as those that alter native plant communities by displacing native species,
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change community structures or ecological functions, or hybridize with natives. Category II
plants have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant
communities to the extent shown by Category 1 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 2013).
Table 8: Invasive Plant Species at Alligator Flag Preserve
Scientific Name
Common Names
FLEPPC
Category
Acacia auriculiformis
Earleaf acacia
I
Casuarina s .
Australian pi ne
I
Cu anio sis anacardioides
Carrotwood
T
Melaleuca quinquenervia
Punk tree, Melaleuca, Paper bark
I
Schinus terebinthifolius
Brazilian pepper
I
lirena lobato
Caesarweed
II
Emilia fosber ii
Florida tassleflower
n/a
S ermacoce verticillata
Shrubbv false buttonweed
n/a
As of the acquisition of the Alligator Flag Preserve by the Conservation Collier program on July
28, 2006, the most problematic exotic, invasive plant species were melaleuca (Melaleuca
quinquenervia), Australian pine and earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis). A Collier County
approved contractor, started the initial treatment of these exotics on April 28, 2008. The
following paragraphs outline the methods they used to chemically treat these exotics dependent
on the species and location of treatment.
For the 75 -foot perimeter buffer (3.17 acres, Figure 8), all woody invasive species, primarily
melaleuca and earleaf acacia, were manually cut and the stem removed from the buffer. The cut
stems were stacked within the interior of the property, but outside of the perimeter buffer. The
remaining stumps were treated with a dye -laced herbicide. All saplings ( <3 feet tall) and
herbaceous, invasive species were killed -in -place (KIP) with a dye -laced herbicide.
In the interior of the property (14.21 acres; Figure 8), field crews used the frill- and - girdle (KIP)
method for large trees [ >4 inches DBH (diameter at breast height)] and small trees ( <4 inches
DBH) were cut and stacked within the interior of the property. The material was stacked in a
"log cabin" formation with each "cabin" being spaced at least 50 -75 feet apart. All trees frilled -
and- girdled and any remaining stumps were treated with a dye -laced herbicide. All saplings ( <3
feet tall) and herbaceous invasive species were killed -in -place with a dye -laced herbicide.
The smaller Australian pine trees in the southeast corner (1.08 acres; Figure 8) were cut by
chainsaw. All remaining stumps were treated with a dye -laced herbicide. The larger Australian
pine trees remaining on site are located on the extreme eastern edge of the Australian pine area.
These trees were very large ( >4 inches DBH) and were successfully removed in early 2009.
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Figure 8: Initial Exotic Vegetation Treatment Map for the Alligator Flag Preserve
2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species
Although Florida does not have an official exotic, invasive animal species list, at least 400 exotic
fish and wildlife animal species have been reported in Florida, and approximately 125 species
are established.
Two non- indigenous, invasive animal species have been documented on the preserve: red
imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicia) and brown anoles (Aeolis sagrei). Based on the natural
communities found within the preserve, proximity to residential areas and geographic location,
several more species (native and non - native) have the potential to impact the Alligator Flag
Preserve to varying degrees. Brief descriptions of documented and undocumented but
potentially problematic species are provided in the following paragraphs.
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Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta): documented within the Alligator Flag Preserve
r r These social insects were introduced into the U.S. from Brazil
into either Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida between 1933
and 1945 (Collins & Scheffrahn 2005) and have been detected in
_ the Alligator Flag Preserve. Red imported fire ants (RIFA) have
` l been documented to cause harm to humans and wildlife as well
m� 6i`. as economic harm (Stimac & Alves 1994; Collins & Scheffrahn
2005; Willcox & Giuliano, 2006). RIFAs are omnivorous, but
they prefer insects as their primary food source (Willcox &
Giuliano 2006). RIFAs have a number of impacts on wildlife; in
Solenopsis invicta, an invasive, non - indigenous many areas, they have eliminated native ant populations through
arthropod documented within the Milano competition and predation and have eradicated food sources
Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USDA. utilized by some wildlife species. Ground - nesting wildlife is
especially susceptible to RIFAs. Within the Alligator Flag
Preserve, RIFAs have the potential to affect ground- nesting birds; small mammals; reptiles,
native lizard and snake species, and native invertebrates (Willcox & Giuliano 2006).
Additionally, members of the public that come into contact with RIFAs may be harmed if stung.
Many people have anaphylactic reactions to the toxins released from RIFA stings.
Brown Anole (Anolis sagrer): documented within the Alligator
Flag Preserve
Also known as the Cuban anole, the
brown anole is native to Cuba, the
Bahamas, and neighboring islands w�v
(Schwartz & Henderson 1991). Like
other anoles from the islands this
species is a small, tropical, diurnal'`' "
arboreal, territorial, and insectivorous Anolis carolinensiis, an indigenous
lizard (Campbell 2001). The brown reptile documented in the Alligator Flag
Preserve. Photo courtesy of the
anole was first documented in the uses.
Anolis sagrei, an invasive, exotic Florida Keys in the late 1800s (Lee
reptile documented in the Alligator Flag 1985) and has since spread throughout Florida, into Georgia and into
Preserve. Photo courtesy of the
uses. two other southeastern states (Campbell 1996). The brown anole is a
habitat generalist and generally prefers the fairly open areas of
disturbed sites. It feeds on a wide variety of insects, amphipods, and isopods. Brown anoles also
prey on other small vertebrates including the hatchlings of the native Green anole (A.
carohnensiis; Campbell 2000).
Campbell (2000) showed that, in the absence of the exotic brown anoles, native green anoles
occupy perches from ground to the canopy of vegetation. However, in the presence of the exotic
anole, native anoles move higher in trees, occupying only the trunk and crown of trees. Dietary
overlap is high between both species, but the overall affects of the brown anole on the green
anole are still undetermined.
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Coyote (Canis latrans): undocumented within the Alligator Flag Preserve
Coyotes were introduced in very small numbers to Florida during the 1920's for sport hunting
with domestic dogs. This introduction did not lead to the establishment of coyote populations in
Florida. Concurrently, these canids expanded their range eastward across the United States and
Canada as a result of nonspecific needs in habitat and food, decreased competition from other
predators, large litter sizes and anthropogenic changes to the landscape. Since many species
naturally expand or change their home ranges in response to climate and resource availability,
the coyote may be considered native to Florida. This crepuscular (active mostly at dawn and
dusk) species is elusive and may travel individually or in groups of two or three (Coates et al.
1998). Coyotes commonly enlarge burrows made by other animals such as armadillos or gopher
tortoises to use as dens or use dense vegetation for cover. Coyotes may have a negative
influence on indigenous wildlife as direct predators or as potential competitors with predators
that may occur at the preserve such as foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) or bobcats (Lynx rufus
floridanus); however, this species may prove beneficial in controlling potential problem species
such as feral cats.
Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): undocumented
within the Alligator Flag Preserve
Like the Cuban anole, the Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the
" Bahamas, and neighboring islands. The first Cuban tree frogs
probably arrived in the Florida Keys as stowaways in shipping
crates originating from the Caribbean in the 1920's. Today, they
have established breeding populations as far north as Cedar Key on
71- :. Florida's Gulf Coast, Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast, and
Osteopilus septentrionalis, an invasive, Gainesville in north- central Florida. These hylids are the largest
exotic amphibian that has the potential to tree frog found in Florida and because of their ability to invade
occur at the Alligator Flag Preserve. Photo natural areas and prey on native invertebrates and small vertebrates
courtesy of the USGS.
(including native tree frogs) they are considered an invasive
species. Additionally, the tadpoles of this species inhibit the growth and development of the
tadpoles of the native southern toad (Bafo terrestris) and green tree frog (Hyla cinerea). Cuban
tree frogs thrive in residential and natural areas such as pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and
swamps. In residential settings, they are most commonly found on and around homes and
buildings, and in gardens and landscape plants. They are known to get into transformer boxes
and electrical switches causing power outages (Johnson 2007). Due to the natural communities
that are found within the Alligator Flag Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this
species has the potential of occurring in the preserve.
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Giant Marine Toad or Cane Toad (Bufo marinus): undocumented within the Preserve
The cane toad is a tropical
species native to the
Amazon basin in South
America and its range
�., extends through Central
w„
�,� .�„� .• America to extreme
southern Texas along the
' Rio Grande River. They
are used as a control agent
for insects that damage
Bufo marinus, an Invasive, exotic amphibian that Bufo terrestris, a native toad that looks similar to Sll ° arcane and
has the potential to occur at the Alligator Flag the exotic, invasive cane toad. Photo courtesy of a
Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. the USGS. consequently, are one of
the most introduced
amphibian species in the world. In 1936, an attempt was made to introduce this species into
Palm Beach County, FL. This attempt failed as did two subsequent efforts. Ironically, in 1955,
an accidental release by an importer at the Miami International Airport in Miami -Dade County,
FL proved successful. They have since been deemed an invasive species in Florida and are
currently found in urban areas of south and central Florida, and are rapidly expanding northward
(Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Many of this species' characteristics enable it to do well in south
Florida. Beetles, bees, ants, winged termites, crickets and bugs are a large part of the diet of the
adult marine toad. Additionally, they consume arthropods, mollusks, small vertebrates, plant
matter, pet food, carrion, household scraps, marine snails, smaller toads and native frogs, small
snakes, and even small mammals. Marine toads are prolific breeders and females can lay tens of
thousands of eggs in a single breeding season. They prefer forested areas with semi permanent
water nearby (Churchill 200' :)). The cane toad looks very similar to the native, southern toad, but
there are some distinct differences. The most obvious difference is adult body size (length of
body not counting the legs). Adult marine toads can reach lengths of 6 -9 inches while the native
southern toads only reach a length of 3.6 inches. Like other true toads, both possess poisonous,
parotid glands. The parotid glands of the cane toad are angled downward behind their head to
their shoulders. The southern toad has a kidney- shaped parotid gland behind each eye positioned
close to the spine. The southern toad also possesses cranial crests that start between the eyes
and often end in big knobs. While the parotid glands of all toads contain bufotoxins (poisonous,
milky fluids exuded as a defense mechanism). the chemicals released by the exotic. cane toad are
much more harmful to wildlife, pets and people (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Due to the natural
communities that are found within the Alligator Flag Preserve and its proximity to residential
areas, this species has the potential of occurring within the preserve. Adjoining residents of the
preserve should be encouraged to keep pet food and water containers indoors or empty at night.
Feral domestic cat (Fells catus): undocumented within the Alligator Flag Preserve
Domestic cats originated from an ancestral wild species. the European and African wildcat ( Felis
silvestris). Humans facilitated the global distribution of cats due to their highly efficient
predatory skills. Egyptians took cats with them on shipping vessels to keep rodent populations
down, and they likely introduced domestic cats to Europe. Subsequently the expansion of the
Roman Empire and European missionary missions facilitated the spread of domestic cats into
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Asia and beyond (Masterson 2007). Today, the impact of feral cats on wildlife is difficult to
quantify; however, literature (FFWCC 2001; Karim 2007; Masterson 2007) strongly indicates
that they are a significant factor in the mortality of small mammals, birds (including migratory
birds), reptiles, and amphibians in Florida. Because free - ranging cats often receive food from
humans, they may reach abnormally high numbers. An increase in the population of feral cats
may lead to increased predation rates on native wildlife. While no cats have yet been observed
on the Alligator Flag Preserve, there exists a high probability of their future presence on the
preserve due to the proximity of Milano to human residential areas. Adjoining residents of the
preserve should be encouraged to keep their cats indoors and staff should monitor the preserve
for the presence of feral cats.
3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses
3.1 Previous Use of the Preserve and Adjoining Lands
Aerial photographs taken in 1973 (Figure 9) and 1996 (Figure 10) accompanied by more recent
visits to the site show that development has never occurred on the site. Digital images were
downloaded from the Florida Department of Transportation's Aerial Photo Look Up System
(2008) and georeferenced in ArcMap 9.2 by Conservation Collier Staff.
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Figure 9: Historical
Aerial Photograph from
1973 of the Alligator
Flag Preserve and
Adjoining Lands
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Figure 10: Historical
Aerial Photograph
from 1996 of the
Alligator Flag Preserve
and Adjoining Lands
3.2 Current Land Uses
Conservation, restoration and natural resource -based recreation are the designated uses of this
preserve. Management activities allowed include those necessary to preserve, restore, secure and
maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the benefit of present and future generations.
Public use of the site must be consistent with these management goals and will be discussed in
section 4.4 of this document.
The Olde Cypress Planned Unit Development (PUD) adjoins the Alligator Flag Preserve to the
west, north and east. This PUD contains residential, commercial and conservation, lands;
specifically, a cypress slough under preservation is located to the northwest, north and northeast,
the Fairway Preserve Condominiums are to the east and commercial lands and a drainage tract
for the PUD are to the west of the Alligator Flag Preserve. Areas not contained within the PUD
include a grcenway trail, the Cocohatchee Canal and Immokalee Road (from north to south) to
the south of the preserve and Laurel Oaks Elementary School and Gulf Coast High School on the
south side of Immokalee Road (Figure 1 l ).
The proposed Terafina, Parklands and Mirasol PUDs are located to the north and east of the Olde
Cypress PUD and the Alligator Flag Preserve. Existing and proposed preserves for these PUDs
contiguous with the Alligator Flag Preserve are illustrated in Appendix 4.
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Figure 11: Areas Adjacent to the Alligator Flag Preserve
i..3 t_:uiturai, tiistoricai ano Areneoiogicai resource rrotecuuu
The Alligator Flag Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and
no historical or archaeological sites appear to be present on the property. The County will notify
the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any
archaeological or historic resources are discovered. If such resources are identified on -site, staff
shall cordon off the area, and a professional survey and assessment shall be instituted. The
archaeologist shall prepare a report outlining results of the assessments and issue
recommendations to C-ounty staff about malnageinent of any sites discovered, per provisions of
the Land Development Code Section 2.2.25. This report shall be sent to the Division of
Historical Resources. The County shall cooperate fully with direction from the Division of
Historical Resources on the protection and management of archaeological and historical
resources. The management of these resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267,
Florida Statutes. specifically Sections 267.061 2 (a) and (b).
3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years
Since the acquisition of the Alligator Fla,, Preserve in July 2006, major accomplishments have
been achieved (Table 9). Conservation Collier staff explored options of funding exotic removal
through grants from the Department of Environmental Protection before contracting this service
out. The invasive, exotic removal project was implemented throughout the site while staff
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concurrently established photo - monitoring points to better aid in the long -tenn management of
the preserve. Subsequently, the Collier County Sheriff's work weekenders removed large
amounts of debris. Given the discrepancy between the 1995 and 2001 FLUCCS digital layers (as
they pertain to the Alligator Flag Preserve) and the removal of exotic vegetation since the
acquisition of the property in July 2006, staff created a new digital layer showing the location
and extent of the native plant communities currently found on the preserve.
Table 9: Major Accomplishments since the Acquisition
of the Alligator Flag Preserve
Accomplishment
Year (s)
Established photo monitoring points
2008
Removed and treated the invasive, exotic plants species on the Preserve
2008
Sherriff De t.weekenders removed large amounts of miscellaneous debris from site
2008
Created an accurate FLUCCS Map of the Preserve
2008
Updated Plant Survey
2009
Worked with Dunkin Donuts to install bear proof dum ster
2012
4.0 Future Use of the Alligator Flag Preserve including
Management Issues, Goals and Objectives
This section describes the main management issues, goals, and objectives for the Alligator Flag
Preserve as well as the overall management framework. Central to the management of the
Preserve is the mission of the Conservation Collier Program, and the goals and objectives set
forth in this management plan.
4.1 Management Plan Framework
Each property purchased by Conservation Collier shall have its own management plan. At the
time the Alligator Flag Preserve as purchased, the Conservation Collier Ordinance required that
an "Interim" Management Plan be developed within 60 days of closing. Interim plans include
basic items such as removal of invasive exotics and trash, establishing site security, developing
management partnerships and planning for public access. The interim plan for this site was
officially approved in October 2006. The ordinance then requires a "Final" ten -year
management plan be developed within two years; the first draft of this management plan was
submitted to the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee in October 2008 and
subsequently to the CCLAAC and Collier County BCC. Once approved, the property
management plan must be reviewed every five years. Final management plans, however, are
considered living documents and can be updated at any time. All management plans must he
approved by both the CCLAAC and the Collier County BCC.
4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information
The site manager for Alligator Flag Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental
Specialist who may be contacted through electronic mail: Conservation CoIIier,'a-),Colliergov .net.
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4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts
Future planned use will be consistent with the primary goals of conservation, preservation,
restoration and maintenance of the resource. Details of planned uses for the Alligator Flag
Preserve and an assessment of their potential impacts are provided in the following sections.
4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration,
Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources
The Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002 -63 constrains the use of this property to "primary
objectives of managing and preserving natural resource values and providing appropriate natural
resource -based recreational & educational opportunities." Natural resource -based
recreation shall mean all forms of uses, which are consistent with the goals of this prograin, and
are compatible with the specific parcel. Such uses may include, but are not limited to hiking,
nature photography, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hunting and fishing (Ord.
No. 02 -63, as amended§ 5, 12- 3 -02). Additionally, no dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or
removal or destruction of natural or historical /archaeological resources will be pennitted within
the preserve. The goal is to allow limited, non - destructive public access to native plant
communities and animal species. The preserve rules are those identified in Collier County
Ordinance 2011 -3 8 (available from Aww.municode.com), as amended.
The following are consistent uses for this particular site: hiking, nature photography and bird
watching. Inconsistent uses include swimming, kayaking / canoeing, fishing, hunting and off
road vehicle use (ORV).
In addition, there are no existing easements, concessions, or leases at the Alligator Flag Preserve.
In accordance with the management goals of the preserve, no future easements, concessions, or
leases are appropriate in association with this site. other than conservation related easements.
4.3 Desired Future Conditions
This section includes a description of the proposed future conditions for the site's natural areas.
Management techniques to achieve these conditions are outlined in section 4.4.
After managers complete recommended management actions, Alligator Flag Preserve should
consist of cypress - pine - cabbage paten, cypress and pine flatwoods; these communities should
have a similar structure and composition to those that existed before non - indigenous people
settled the region and before the exclusion of fire. A measure of success will be that the site will
be vegetated with appropriate native flora that will provide suitable cover for a variety of wildlife
species.
4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008 -2018
A set of goals and objectives for Alligator Flag Preserve were developed in conjunction with the
drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically
for Alligator Flag Preserve based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired, the
condition of the resources present, and the management issues for the property. On -site managers
should be familiar with this entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the interim
management plan for the Alligator Flag Preserve were reviewed to detennine whether they
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should be included in this plan. The goals and objectives presented here reflect programmatic
goals and ideas of Conservation Collier personnel in charge of managing and protecting the area.
These goals shall not be modified, but specific application of management techniques may take
into consideration input by user groups and other stakeholders from outside the program,
accommodating user needs and desires where practicable and where overarching management
goals are not violated.
Management issues are discussed below in separate sections. Within each section, approaches for
dealing with these issues are described. The ability to implement the specific goals and
objectives identified in this plan is dependent upon the availability of funding sources. The
following goals have been identified for Alligator Flag Preserve:
Goal 1: Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and fauna
Goal 2: Develop a baseline monitoring report
Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna to
restore and maintain natural habitats
Goal 4: Determine if prescribed fire and /or mechanical treatments are feasible to decrease
woody invasion resulting from past fire exclusion if so proceed
Goal 5: Restore native vegetation
Goal 6: Facilitate appropriate public use
Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes
Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
GOAL]: ELIMINATE OR WGNIFICAATLY REDUCE HUMAN IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS
FLORA AND F<4 UNA
Action Item 1.1 Install a fence and access gate around the perimeter of the Alligator Flag
Preserve if needed.
Presently. staff does not recommend a fence around the property but if trespassing, chronic
dumping or other security issues arise, a field fence, four feet in height, will be installed along
the boundaries of the property where these issues occur. If this fence is installed, one or more
Qate(s), 12 feet in width and four feet in height will be installed (if needed) along the fence -
line to allow access to the Alligator Flag Preserve by authorized County staff and the fire
department.
Action Item 1.2 Install signs encouraging people to stay on public access trails situated
on the preserve.
Action Item 1.3 Identify locations of rare and listed native plant species.
The location of these species will be generally identified to allow staff to monitor them.
Public trails will be constructed to avoid areas where rare and listed species exist.
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Action Item 1.4 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash in or near the preserve.
Staff will monitor the trails on a regular basis and if excessive dumping or littering start to
occur, enforcement actions will be sought through the County Sheriffs Department. Staff
will also contact Gulf Coast High School across the street from the preserve to see if the
Biology/ Environmental department might want to assist with keeping the trails clean.
Action Item 1.5 Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take
steps such as locating visitor amenities away from animal nesting sites.
Action Item 1.6 Avoid non- target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare
species, during invasive, exotic plant treatments.
If the use of herbicides is appropriate during the removal of invasive, exotic plant species,
decisions on the types of herbicides utilized will be made on the best information available at
the time of exotic removal. Staff has prohibited the use of herbicides containing Imazapyr
(e.g., Arsenal) due to reports that these herbicides have potentially caused a great deal of non -
target damage throughout the state. Licensed County or State contractors have been (and will
be) monitored closely to ensure the proper herbicide applications are being utilized while
treating the site. In addition, close attention will be paid to identify listed epiphytes (Table 7)
that may be attached to invasive trees being cut down or removed. Plants of these species will
be relocated prior to removal. Special attention will be given to avoid damage to native
species in the vicinity of exotic removal activities. Hand pulling of exotic seedlings will be
done when possible.
Action Item 1.7 Note and research all site development occurring adjacent to Alligator
Flag Preserve to determine that the proper site development permits have been obtained
and that the site development complies with the permits.
Activities on adjacent lands may have an impact on the indigenous plant and animal life on
the Alligator Flag Preserve. As such, all existing local, state, and federal regulations should
be strictly followed and enforced during any site development adjacent to the preserve. It
shall be the responsibility of the developer to establish erosion control measures and
vegetation protection measures (i.e., protective fencing or barriers). If any site developer
working in areas adjacent to the preserve does not take the necessary control measures,
construction shall be immediately halted until control measures are put into place and
mitigation and /or remediation will be the sole responsibility of the developer.
GOAL 2: DEVELOP A BASELINE MONITORING REPORT
Action Item 2.1 Establish a long -term biological monitoring program and conduct
additional wildlife surveys.
Long -teen management of the preserve should be based on biological data. Changes
following baseline conditions should be assessed as negative or positive, and management
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strategies changed appropriately. This section discusses information needs and long -term
monitoring needs.
Conservation Collier staff has conducted a floristic inventory of the Alligator Flag Preserve;
these findings will comprise the baseline floristic data on which future actions will be based.
The site should be inspected by Conservation Collier Staff at least twice a year and thoroughly
inventoried at regular intervals (ca. 5 -10 years) to detect new invasions (by natives or exotics)
and extinctions. Areas undergoing extreme restoration should be assessed more frequently.
While some wildlife data has been collected, additional baseline data should be collected,
especially on invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The site manager may
contract this work out or enlist the assistance of local educators to coordinate student research
projects. Wildlife sampling, like plant sampling, on non - listed species only, should take place
at regular intervals (ca. 5 -10 years) to detect long teen trends.
Figure 11: Photo Point Locations within the Alligator Flag Preserve
Currently, six (6) photo points have been established throughout the preserve (Figure 1 l ).
Locations of photo points have been recorded with a GPS and all photographs taken at these
locations have been taken at a standard height and angle of view. During photo
documentations, one photo is taken in each of the cardinal directions (north, east, south and
west) and a 360 - decree panoramic photo is taken. These photos will help to monitor exotic
removal and native plant recruitment over time. if necessary, more photo points will be
established to aid in management decision activities. Future photo points will include photos
taken with a vegetation profile board to aid in the determination of what (if any) changes
occur over time.
GOAL 3: REMOVE OR CONTROL POPULATIONS OF INVASIVE, EXOTIC OR
PROBLEMATIC FLORA AND FA UNA TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN NATURAL HABITATS
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Action Item 3.1 Acquire services of Iicensed and qualified contractor(s) for the removal
of invasive, exotic or problematic plant species.
The following (Table 10) describes recommended controls (Langeland & Stocker 2001) of the
Category 1, invasive, exotic plant species recorded to date on the Alligator Flag Preserve.
These recommended control methods may be altered by site managers dependent on new
information and products available on the control of these species.
Table 10: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan
for the Alligator Flag Preserve FLEPPC Category I species °
Scientific Name
Common
Recommended Control(s)b
Name s
Hand pull seedlings or basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4 or cut-
Acacia auriculiformis
earleaf acacia
stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A.
Basal bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4 is very effective, as is a cut -
stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4. When basal
bark treatment is used on trees greater than I foot in diameter it may
Casuarina sp.
Australian pine
be necessary to slough off loose bark in the application area to prevent
the bark from trapping the herbicide. Broadcut or 4 -6 lb Velpar ULW
may be used when appropriate.
Hand pull seedlings or basal bark application of 100% Pathfinder II,
or 10 ° /o -20 °io Garlon 4 diluted with oil; or cut stump application of
Cupaniopsis anacardioides
carrotwood
10% Garlon 3A, 100% Brush- B -Gon, 100% Roundup Pro, 100%
Rodeo, or equivalent glyphosate containing product, or 100%
Pathfinder II.
For seedlings and saplings: (1) hand pull, being sure not to break plant
off of root system and remove or place in piles to help reduce the
chance that they will re -root or; (2) Treat with foliar. low volume spot
application of 5% Rodeo. For mature trees: (1) Fell large trees with
Melaleuca quinquenervia
melaleuca, punk
chain saw leaving a level surface, or fell small trees with machete and
tree, paper bark
treat with triclopyr or glyphosate products according to frill and girdle
directions on SUN. Use aquatic versions where standing water is
present. Monitor for resprouting and retreat as necessary. (3) Mature
trees are very difficult to control with foliar applications.
Hand pull seedlings or cut -stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A, 10 °N0
Garlon 4 or a basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Foliar
application of Garlon 4, Garlon 3A, Roundup Pro, Roundup Super
Schinus lerebinlhifolius
Brazilian pepper
Concentrate, or Rodeo, according label directions may be used where
appropriate. Glyphosate products are less effective when used alone in
spring and early summer. Use Rodeo where plants are erowing in
aquatic sites.
° FLEPPC 2007: Category 1 plants are those that alter native plant communities ny orspiacmg nauvc spccaes umuc
community structures or ecological functions, or hybridize with natives.
Laneeland & Stocker 2001
ACTION ITEM 3.2 Acquire services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) for the removal
of invasive, exotic or problematic animal species.
To date, two (2) introduced animal species have been documented on the Alligator Flag
Preserve, the RIFA and the brown anole. It is doubtful that the total eradication of these
species can be achieved. However, staff and /or contractors should take measures to remove
RIFA populations close to or on public access trails.
If feral cat colonies are found near the preserve, the elements that sustain the undesirable
population(s) should be identified and efforts made to ask property owners to eliminate them
(i.e., refuse bins, dumpsters, and supplementary feeding by humans). If any feral cats remain,
they will be trapped and taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services.
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ACTION ITEM 3.2 Coordinate the control of invasive plant and animal populations with
the Olde Cypress PUD preserve management entity.
GOAL 4: UTILIZE PRESCRIBED FIRE AND /OR MECHANICAL TREATMENTS TO
DECREASE WOODY INVASION RESULTING FROM PAST FIRE EXCLUSION.
Action Item 4.1 Develop a prescribed fire or mechanical treatment plan to mimic
natural fires within the Preserve.
Much of Collier County is comprised of plants that are dependent on fire to maintain species
composition and diversity. These species are the same ones that are prone to lightning strike
wildfires, and the controlled reduction of those fuels will prevent catastrophic wildfire
damage. Prescribed fires: reduce fuel loads and consequently decrease the threat of wildfires;
create open areas for wildlife to travel within; stimulate food and seed production; recycle
nutrients; alter the composition and density of forested areas; and aid in the control of invasive
plant species.
The structure and composition of the mesic pine flatwood community is dependent on
periodic fires. Fire probably occurred every 1 to 8 years during pre - Columbian times. A
majority of the flora and fauna found within this community are adapted to periodic fires;
several species depend on fire for their continued existence. Without relatively frequent fires,
mesic pine flatwoods succeed into hardwood - dominated forests whose closed canopy can
essentially eliminate herbaceous groundcover and shrubs. Additionally, the dense layer of
litter that accumulates on unburned sites can eliminate the reproduction of pine trees that
require a mineral soil substrate for proper germination (FFWCC 2002).
Fire is the ideal ecological tool for achieving a sustainable mesic pine flatwood community.
However, due to the proximity of the Alligator Flag Preserve to Immokalee Road, residential
and commercial areas and the size of the parcel, alternate manual or mechanical treatments
will be investigated in lieu of managing the lands through the use of fire.
Action Item 4.2 If fire is deemed appropriate, delineate fire management and rescue
access routes, and provide this information to the police department and emergency
services.
If fire is deemed an appropriate management tool on the Alligator Flag Preserve, the fire plan
and access routes to and within the preserve will be provided to the police department and
emergency services.
GOAL S: RESTORE NATITE VEGETATION
Action Item 5.1 Maintain a revised GIS map and description of FNAI natural
communities and disturbed areas on the property.
Maintaining updated maps will help to guide restoration efforts
Action Item 5.2 Plant native plant species in their appropriate habitats
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Periods following exotic removal and prescribed fire (or mechanical treatment) are essential to
the recruitment of native plants. If native plant recruitment is not sufficient from the
surrounding, intact seed source, efforts will be made to plant indigenous flora in appropriate
habitats. Natural area restoration of Alligator Flag Preserve should include only site - specific
native plant material that has been determined to be non - problematic at the site and whenever
possible, site - specific seed sources should be utilized. In addition, hardwoods that may
invade the natural areas (mesic pine flatwood area) should not be planted.
GOAL 6: DEVELOP A PLAN FOR PUBLIC USE
Action Item 6.1 Develop access and required facilities for intended public uses
A parking lot will not be constructed on site due to the amount of wetlands present and the
lack of vehicular access. The greenway trail just south of the property (north of the
Cocohatchee Canal and Immokalee Road) will serve as the path along which the public may
gain access to the southern portion of the preserve on foot or by bicycle. Conservation Collier
staff has developed a conceptual site plan (Figure 12) incorporating a raised boardwalk and a
seasonal trail. The planned trail system will be approximately 1 l 70 linear feet (LF) long and
the materials used will be based on funding sources available. The following paragraphs
describe the components of the trail system and the ideal lengths (option one) of each section.
Option One
■ A raised boardwalk may be considered if funding allows. Conceptually measuring
approximately 500 feet in length, if built it shall adhere to guidelines and standards
set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If pennitting for the
boardwalk goes forward, a review of ADA compliance should be done by the
County. The elevation of the boardwalk would allow for fluctuation of water levels
and the movement of small animals. The entrance of the boardwalk would be
located approximately 370 feet east of Preserve Lane. As depicted in the
conceptual site plan, the entrance of the boardwalk would feature an interpretive
sign. This sign would provide general information about Conservation Collier and
the characteristics of the Alligator Flag Preserve. The southern portion of the
walkway would be installed along the transition zone between the cypress -pine-
cabbage palm and pine flatwoods communities; this placement along the ecotone
n , +; n„ t ity + , + a, a
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allow visitors the best CpportUiiIL L o �'- Lhe plants and 1n71 1S
of both communities_ An interpretive sign would be placed along this portion of the
boardwalk to give specific information about the plant communities and associated
animals that may be seen form this portion of the boardwalk. The walkway would
then continue northward through the cypress- pine - cabbage palm community and
end at a platform. The route of the boardwalk was approximated from a 2008 aerial
image to take advantage of areas where impacts to the community would be
minimized. An engineering finn would be contracted to plan the design of the
boardwalk and would be requested to do so in the least impactful way possible. The
consulting, planning and permitting would be very expensive as well as the costs to
build a boardwalk. This process will also be very time consuming. It is estimated
that at least a year will be needed to complete the planning and permitting process.
Grants will be applied for in the lag time to assist in the costs associated with this
option.
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The optional seasonal walking trail measuring approximately 520 feet in length
would be installed dependent on the costs associated with the project and the status
of the budget after the construction of the boardwalk. This trail (closed to public
access during times of high water) would begin at the platform and allow visitors to
access the cypress area of the preserve. The route of the trail was approximated
from a 2008 aerial image to take advantage of areas where impacts to the plant
community would be minimized. The northern portion of this walking trail would
take advantage of an existing trail running northwest to southeast on the property.
As depicted in the conceptual site plan, a directional sign and trail markers will be
strategically placed to help visitors stay on this trail. Additionally, if funding
allows, an interpretive sign will be placed near the end of this trail.
Platform and associated components: As depicted in the conceptual site plan, the
platform would be located at the terminus of the boardwalk. The platform would be
ADA compliant and include a bench and interpretive sign. It would be accessible
from the south via the proposed boardwalk and would allow visitors access to the
seasonal walking trail via a gate and stairs. The gate would be locked during times
of high water.
Option Two
If a boardwalk proves to be cost prohibitive (no grant funding available), a seasonal
walking trail only may be provided. The path of this trail would mimic the entire
trail system illustrated in Figure 12. Plant signage can be installed as funding
allows As the name suggests, this trail would only be open to the public during the
dry season.
COnSOrVation Collier Program 44
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GOAL Z.-FACILITATE USES OF THE SITE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
Actions Item 7.1 Develop interpretive signage to educate preserve visitors.
Once a trail system is complete, site specific signage will be developed to educate visitors on
plant identification and general ecosystem information, as funding allows. A large sign with
a map of the preserve will be installed at the boardwalk or trail entrance and smaller, more
site specific interpretive signs, may be placed along the boardwalk or seasonal trail.
Action Item 7.2 Provide preserve brochures in rainproof box on site.
A brochure outlining the native plant communities and wildlife present at the preserve will be
created by County staff and kept in rainproof boxes near the preserve entrance. The preserve
manager will inspect these boxes monthly and refill as necessary.
GOAL 8: PROVIDE A PLAN FOR SECURITY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Action Item 8.1 Discourage any visitation to the park at night.
A sign designating park hours as 8:00 am to dusk has been installed at the entrance to the
preserve and adjacent landowners will be given an emergency phone number if they detect
human activity on the preserve after hours. If problems arise, the Collier County Sheriffs
Office will be contacted to patrol the area and site on a routine basis.
Action Item 8.2 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in
or near the preserve.
Currently, there is no vehicular access and dumping is not a problem. Monthly inspections
will determine if dumping becomes a problem. Staff will work with the Collier County
Sheriffs Office to address dumping if it becomes a problem.
Action Item 8.3 Survey trees along the trail and the perimeter of the property annually
for damage
Staff will utilize the services of a certified arborist to determine diseased, weak, or damaged
trees /limbs surrounding the trails that should be removed for safety reasons and prior to
hurricane season. This activity is intended to reduce the risk of visitor injury.
Action Item 8.4 Visit preserve within 48 hours after a storm event to assess damage.
Staff will take photos of damage and fill out appropriate Collier County Risk Management
Department forms. If damage is extensive, the preserve will be closed until public safety
hazards are cleared.
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Action Item 8.5 Promptly clear storm debris from preserve.
If necessary, a Collier County emergency debris removal contractor will be contracted as soon
as possible after the storm to schedule clean -up. Removal of debris and damaged or downed
trees along the trail system may be needed. Downed trees and limbs that do not appear to be a
public safety hazard will be cleared at the discretion of the Preserve Manager. As much
hurricane debris as possible will be chipped and retained on -site — to be used as mulch for the
trail.
4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Alligator Flag Preserve
This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Alligator Flag
Preserve. It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, the possibilities for contracting the
restoration activities, coordination, and other management issues.
4.5.1 Maintenance
The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include control of dumping and littering
within and around the preserve and trail. Particularly important are the security measures to keep
intruders out and the signage and fencing (if installed) in good conditions. Signs that effectively
convey the desired message provide an opportunity for increasing environmental education and
awareness.
4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources
Preliminary budget estimates for Alligator Flag Preserve include cost breakdowns associated
with resource restoration and management. The funding source identified for the restoration and
management activities is the Conservation Collier Program Management Trust Fund. Grants
will be sought to supplement existing management funds and specifically for the costs associated
with the potential construction of the boardwalk. Staff will also utilize the Collier County
Sheriffs Department weekenders program for certain labor projects and may also separately
involve the County Scout programs for trail creation and enhancement.
The budget in table 1 1 represents the actual and unmet budgetary needs for managing the lands
and resources of the preserve for the next ten years. The table shows the activities planned and
the initial and annual cost estimate of each activity. This budget was developed using data from
Conservation Collier and other cooperating entities, and is based on actual costs for land
management activities, equipment purchase and maintenance, and for development of fixed
capital facilities and long range funding plans approved by the board of County Commissioners
on April 8, 2014. Agenda Item I l B. The budget considers available funding and is consistent
with the direction necessary to achieve the goals and objectives for Alligator Flag Preserve.
Conservation Collier Program 47
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Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Update August 2014
4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors
A significant number of Alligator Flag Preserve management operations and restoration
activities can be considered for outsourcing. Restoration and management activities that can be
considered for outsourcing to private entities are listed in table 12.
Table 12: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Manage ent Activities
Activity
Approved
Conditional
Rejected
Prescribed fire and/ or mechanical treatment application
X
Minor fireline installation
x
Fireline, fence, and trail maintenance
X
Fence installation
X
Plant and wildlife inventory and monitoring
x
Listed species mapping and needs assessment
X
Restore /enhance encroachment and ruderal areas
X
Reduce exoticspecies
X
Literature development and printing
x
Interpretive signs development and installation
X
Trail and boardwalk installation
X
Law enforcement and patrol
X
Conservation Collier Program 50
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Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Update August 2014
5.0 Literature Cited
Abrahamson, W. G., and D. C Hartnett. 1990. Pine flatwoods and dry prairies. Pages 103 -149 in R. L.
Myers and J. J. Ewel editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando,
Florida.
Brandt, L. A. and F. J. Mazziotti. 2005. Marine toads (Bufo marinus). University of Florida Cooperative
Extension Service Document WECI L 4pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital
Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http: / /edis.ifas .ufl.edu /pdffiles/UW/TJW04600.pdf (accessed November 2007).
Campbell K. M. 1990. Soil survey of Collier County area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources
Conservation Service; Washington, D.C.
Campbell, T. 2001. The brown anole. Institute for Biological Invaders: Invader of the Month.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Available from
http: // invasions. bio .utk.edu /invaders /sac,rei.html (accessed November 2007).
Campbell, T. S. 1996. Northern range expansion of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, in Florida and
Georgia. Herp. Review 27:155 -157.
Campbell, T. S. 2000. Analyses of the effects of an exotic lizard (Anolis sagrei) on a native lizard (Anolis
carolinensis) in Florida, using islands as experimental units. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of
Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
Churchill, M. 2003. Giant marine toad (Bufo marinus) - Introduced Species Summary Project.
Columbia University, New York, NY. Available from http: / /www.columbia.edu /itc /cerc /danoff-
burg /invasion_ bio /inv_spp_summ /Bufo_marinus.html (accessed December 2007).
Coates, S. F., M. B. Main, J. J. Mullahey, J. M. Schaefer, G. W. Tanner, M. E. Sunquist, and M. D.
Fanning. 1998. The coyote (Canis latrans): Florida's newest predator. University of Florida
Cooperative Extension Service Document WECI24. 5pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension
Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available fi-om
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW12700.pdf (accessed November 2007).
Collins, L. and R. H. Scheffrahn. 2005. Red Imported Fire Ant, Solcnopsis invieta Buren (Tnsecta:
Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae). 9pp. Featured Creatures from the Entomology and
Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document EENY -I95. Institute of
Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Available from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN352
Fairbank, P. and S. Hohner. 1995. Mapping recharge (infiltration and leakage) throughout the South
Florida Water Managernent District. Technical publication 95 -20 (DRE # 327). SFWMD, West
Palm Beach, Florida.
Florida Department of Transportation. 2008. Aerial Photo Look Up System Available from
littp: / /www. dot. state. fl. us /surveyingandmapping /apac.slitin (accessed October 2008).
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2001. Impacts of feral and free - ranging
domestic cats on wildlife in Florida. Tallahassee, FL. Available from
littp : / /www.floridaconservation.org /viewing /articles /cat.pdf (accessed October 2007)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2002. A conceptual management plan for
Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area: 2002 — 2007. Tallahassee, FL. 218 pp. Available fi-om
http://myfwc.com/wma-
planning /CMP /Caravelle° o20Ranch %20WMA /Caravelle %20Ranch %20CMP %202002- 2007.pdf
(accessed December 2007)
Conservation Collier Program 51
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2003, January 6. Florida's breeding bird
atlas: A collaborative study of Florida's birdiife. http: / /www.myfw-c.com/bba/ (accessed July 2008).
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). 2008. Acres of conservation lands by county. Florida State
University, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee. FL. Available from
http: // www. fnai .org /pdf/MA_acres_counties.pdf (accessed August 2008).
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) 1990.
Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida
Department of Natural Resources.
Gilbert, T. 2005. South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks. Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, Office of Environmental Services. Available from
http: / /crocdoc. ifas. ufl. edu / crosswalk /index.php ?cw= ffwcclandcover (accessed June 2008).
Humphrey, S.R. and P.G.R. Jodice. 1992. Big Cypress fox squirrel. Pp. 224 -233. In S.R. Humphrey (ed.),
Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida. Mammals. University Presses of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Johnson, S. 2007. The Cuban treefrog (Gsteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida= Department of Wildlife
Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC218. 8pp. Florida Cooperative Extension Service,
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida. Available from
http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW259 (accessed December 2007)
Karim, A. 2007. Status and use of tropical hardwood hammocks and forested residential areas as habitat
for resident and Neotropical migratory birds in the Florida Keys. Master of Science Thesis.
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 61pp.
Langeland, K. A., and R. K. Stocker. 2001. Control of non- native plants in natural areas of Florida.
University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document SP 242. 34pp. University of Florida,
UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http: / /edis.ifas .ufl.edu /pdffiles /WG /WG2090O.pdf (accessed December 2007).
Larson, B. C., J. H. Frank, G. M. Allen, M. B. Main. 2006. Florida's native bromeliads. University of
Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular 1466. ] Opp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS
Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
littp: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW205 (accessed November 2007).
Lee, J. C. 1985. Anolis sagrei in Florida: Phenetics of a colonizing species I. Meristic characters. Copeia
1985:182-194.
Lodge, T. E. 2005. The Everglades handbook - Understanding the Ecosystem. 2nd edition. CRC Press,
Boca Raton, FL.
Liudahl, K., D.J. Belz, L. Carey, R.W. Drew, S. Fisher, and R. Pate. 1990. Soil survey of Collier County
area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Washington, D.C.
Masterson, J. 2007. Felis catus. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Fort Pierce, Florida.
Available from http: // www. sms .si.edu /IRLspee /Felis_catus.htm (accessed November 2007).
Maz_ziotti, F. J. 2002. Wood Storks (Afjveria aniericana). Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service document SSWISI2. 2pp. University of
Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/tJW065 (accessed November 2007).
Miller J. A. 1986. Hydrogeologic Framework of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and in parts of
Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. United States Geological Survey Professional Paper 1403 -
B. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Nelson, G. 2000. The ferns of Florida: a reference and field guide. Pineapple Press, Sarasota. FL.
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Alligator Flay Preserve Land Management Plan Update August 2014
Oaks, R. Q. and J. R. Dunbar. 1974. Post Miocene Stratigraphy of the Central and Southern Atlantic
Coastal Plain. Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah.
Schwartz, A. and R. W. Henderson. 1991. Amphibians and reptiles of the West Indies: descriptions,
distributions, and natural history. University of Florida Press, Gainesville.
Scott, T. M. 1988. Lithostratigraphy of the Hawthorne Group (Miocene). Florida Geological Survey
Bulletin No. 59, Tallahassee, Florida.
Stimac J. L., and S. B. Alves. 1994. Pest Management in the Subtropics: Biological Control A Florida
Perspective. (Rosen D, Bennett FD, Capinera JL, Ed.) pp. 353 -380. Intercept Limited, Andover,
Hants SP 10 1 YG, UK.
Sullivan, J. 1994. Cypress savanna. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available
from : http: / /www.fs.fed.us /database /feis/ (accessed July 2008)
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
species recovery plan — a species plan ... an
Compact Disk.
1999. Flowing water swamps. South Florida multi -
ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region,
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Hydric pine flatwoods. South Florida multi -
species recovery plan — a species plan ... an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region,
Compact Disk.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Mesic pine flatwoods. South Florida multi -
species recovery plan — a species plan ... an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region,
Compact Disk.
Willcox, E. and W. M. Giuliano. 2006. Red Imported Fire Ants and Their Impacts on Wildlife.
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 207. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida .
Available http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW242
Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2008. Atlas of Florida vascular plants. [S.M. Landry and K.N.
Campbell (application development), Floirda Center for Community Design and Research]. institute
for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. Available from
http. / /www.pl antatias.usf.edu /.
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DRAFT Five year update - Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan
AL¢a_tor Flaii Preserve: Preliminary Plant List
Flora recorded by: Christal Segura, Annisa Karim, Dr. George Wilder
Scientific Name
Common Name(s)
State
FLEPPC`
Acacia auriculi ormis°
Earleaf acacia
1
Acer rubrum
Red maple
Ambrosia artemisii olia
Common ragweed
Am hicar um muhlenber• ianum
Blue maidencane
Andro o on glomeratus
Busby bluestem
Annona glabM
Pond apple
Aristida stricta var. bevrichiana
Wiregrass
Baccharis halimifolia
Saltbush, Groundsel tree, Sea-myrtle
Bidens alba
Be garticks, Romerillo
Blechnum serrulatum
Swamp fern, Toothed midsorus fern
Boehmeria cvlindrica
False nettle, Bog hem
Cassvtha tli ormis
Lovevine. Devil's gut
Casuarina s .°
Australian pine
1
Centella asiatica
S adeleaf
Ce halanthus occidentalis
Common buttonbush
Chi-vsobalanus icaco
Coco plurn
Cladium jamaicense
Sawgrass, Jamaica swam sawgrass
Coreo sis leavenworthii
Leavenworth's tickseed
Cornus foemina
Swarnp dogwood, Stiff dogwood
Cu anio sis anacardioides°
Carrotwood
1
Cv erus has an
Has an flatsedee
Cv erus li ularis
Swarnp flatsedge
Dios vros vii iniana
Common persimmon
Emilia fosbergii °
Florida tassleflower
Enewlia tam ensis
Butterflv orchid
Eu atorium ca illifolium
Dog- fennel
Eustaclivs petraca
Common fingergrass, Pinewoods finvergrass
Ficus atn•ea
Strangler fig, Golden fig
Fuirena scir oidea
Southern umbrella sedge
Fraxinus caroliniana
Carolina ash. Water ash, Pop ash
Fuirena spp.
Umbrella sedge
Gamochoeta antillana
Caribbean purple everlasting
Heliotropiurn ";olvpl:vllum
Pineland heliotrope
Ilex cassine
Dahoon holly. Dahoon
Linaria canadensis
Canadian toadflax
111elaleuca cuin uenervia°
Punk tree, Me] aleuca, Paper hark
1
A4ikania scandens
Climbing hem vine
Mvrica cerifera
Wax myrtle, Southern bayberry.
Ywn hoides a uatica
Big floatingheart, Banana lily
Osmunda rcgalis var. s pectabilis
Roval fern
C
Oxalis spp.
Wood sorrel
Panicum herniionion
IMaidencane
Appendix 2 (continued). Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Alligator Flag Preserve.
Conservation Collier Program 55
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Appendix 2.
Preliminary
Floristic Inventory
of the Alligator
Flag Preserve.
6/23/2015 16.D.14.
DRAFT Five year update - Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan
Alligator Flag Preserve: Preliminary Plant List
Flora recorded by: Christal Segura, Annisa Karim, Dr. George Wilder
Pas alum monostachvum
Gulfdune as alum
Parietaria floridana
Florida pellitory
Persea borbonia
Red bay
Phlebodium aureum
Golden polypody
Phyla nodi ora
Turkey tangle fogfruit., Ca eweed
Pinus elliottii var. densa
South Florida slash pine
Piri ueta cistoides
Pitted stri eseed
Pluchea baccharis
Rosy camphor-weed
Psilotum nudum
Wisk fern
Poly gala violacea
Showy milkwort
Ra anea punctata
Myrsine, Colicwood
Rhvnchos ora inundata
Narrowfruit horned beaksedge: Inundated beak -rush
Rubus trivialis
Sothern dewberry
Sabal palmetto
Cabbage palm
Sa ittaria lati olia
Broadleaf arrowhead, Common arrowhead, duck potato
Sarcostemma clausum
Whtie twinevine
Serenoa re ens
Saw palmetto
Shinus terebinthofoliousa
BraziIIian pepper
I
Sideroxylon celastrinum
Saffron plLun, Bumelia
Smilax auriculata
Earleaf greenbrier
S ermacoce verticillata°
Shrubby false buttonweed
Taxodium spp.
Cypress
Thalia geniculata
Alligatorflap. Fireflaa
Thelypteris spp.
Shield fern
Tillandsia balbisiana
Reflexed wild- ine. Northern needleleaf
T
Tillandsia fasciculata
Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal air plant
E
Tillandsia usneoides
Spanish-moss
Tillandsia paucifolia
Potbelly airplant
Tillandsia recurvata
Ballmoss
Tillandsia setacea
southern need 1 el eaf
Toxicodendron radicans
Eastern poison-ivy
Urena lobata°
Caesai weed
Il
Vicia acutifolia
Fourleaf vetch
Viola lanceolata
Boa white violet
Vitis rotundifolia
Muscadine. Muscadine --rape
°,yon- native species that may or may not have FLEPPC designations
n State listed species: T = Threatened; E = Endangered; C = Commercially Exploited
`Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) 2007 designations
1: Invasive, exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing
structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives.
II: hwasive, exotics that have increased in abundance or .,f7 °eguency but have not yet altered Florida plan,
contnrtnrities to the extent shown by Category I species.
Appendix 3. Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Alligator Flag Preserve
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Florida Natural Areas Inventory
Biodiversity Matrix Query Results
UNOFFICIAL REPORT
Created 9/25/2008
FL�}4^)�rRiAA (Contact FNAI Data Services Coordinator
N A.V 4 rA1 ATeo s for an official Standard Data Report)
INVENTORY
NOTE: The Biodiversity Matrix includes only rare species and natural communities tracked by FNAL
Report for i Matrix Unit: 40546
Descriptions
DOCUMENTED - There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this
Matrix Unit.
DOCUMENTED- HISTORIC - There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community
within this Matrix Unit; however the occurrence has not been observed/ reported within the last twenty years.
LIKELY - The species or community is known to occur in this vicinity, and is considered likely within this Matrix Unit
because:
1. documented occurrence overlaps this and adjacent Matrix Units, but the documentation isn't precise enough to
indicate which of those Units the species or community is actually located in; or
2. there is a documented occurrence in the vicinity and there is suitable habitat for that species or community
within this Matrix Unit.
POTENTIAL - This Matrix Unit lies within the known or predicted range of the species or community based on expert
knowledge and environmental variables such as climate, soils, topography, and landcover.
Matrix Unit ID: 40546
0 Documented Elements Found
0 Documented - Historic Elements Found
3 Likely Elements Found
Matrix Unit ID: 40546
18 Potential Elements for Matrix Unit 40546
Global
State
Federal
State
Scientific and Common Names
Rank
Rank
Status
Listing
Mesic flatwoods
G4
S4
N
N
Mycteria americana
G4
S2
LE
LE
Wood Stork
G4T3
S3
N
LS
Puma concolor coryi
G5T1
S1
LE
LE
Florida Panther
Matrix Unit ID: 40546
18 Potential Elements for Matrix Unit 40546
Appendix 3 (continued). Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Alligator Flag Preserve
Global
Global
State
Federal
State
Scientific and Common Names
Rank
Rank
Status
Listing
Andropogon arctatus
G3
S3
N
LT
Pine -woods Bluestem
Athene cunicularia floridana
G4T3
S3
N
LS
Florida Burrowing Owl
Appendix 3 (continued). Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Alligator Flag Preserve
Global
State
Federal
State
Scientific and Common Names Rank,
Rank
Status
Listing
Corynorhinus rafinesquii G3G4
S2
N
N
Conservation Collier Program 57
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Rafinesque's Big -eared Bat
Drymarchon couperi
Eastern Indigo Snake
G3
S3
LT
LT
Elytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia
Narrow - leaved Carolina Scalystem
G4T2
52
N
N
Eumops floridanus
Florida bonneted bat
G1
S1
N
LE
Gopherus polyphemus
Gopher Tortoise
G3
53
N
LT
Lechea cernua
Nodding Pinweed
G3
S3
N
LT
Linum carteri var. smallii
Small's flax
G2T2
S2
N
LE
Mustela frenata peninsulae
Florida Long - tailed Weasel
G5T3
53
N
N
Nemastylis floridana
Celestial Lily
G2
52
N
LE
Picoides borealis
Red - cockaded Woodpecker
G3
S2
LE
LS
Polyrrhiza lindenii
Ghost Orchid
G 2G4
52
N
LE
Pteroglossaspis ecristata
Giant Orchid
G 2G3
52
N
LT
Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus
Snail Kite
G4G5T3 Q
52
LE
LE
Sceloporus woodi
Florida Scrub Lizard
G3
53
N
N
Sciurus niger avicennia
Mangrove Fox Squirrel
G5T2
52
N
LT
Ursus americanus floridanus
Florida Black Bear
G5T2
S2
N
LT*
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DRAFT Five year update - Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan
Disclaimer
The data maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory represent the single most comprehensive source of
information available on the locations of rare species and other significant ecological resources statewide. However, the
data are not always based on comprehensive or site - specific field surveys. Therefore, this information should not be
regarded as a final statement on the biological resources of the site being considered, nor should it be substituted for
on -site surveys. FNAI shall not be held liable for the accuracy and completeness of these data, or opinions or
conclusions drawn from these data. FNAI is not inviting reliance on these data. Inventory data are designed for the
purposes of conservation planning and scientific research and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for
regulatory decisions.
Unofficial Report
These results are considered unofficial, FNAI offers a Standard Data Request option for those needing certifiable data.
Conservation Collier Program 59
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