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Agenda 12/08/2015 Item #16D1912/8/2015 16.D.19. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to approve the electronic submittal of a Project Application for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Aquatic Habitat Restoration / Enhancement Section Funding for the hydrologic modeling of Pepper Ranch Preserve. OBJECTIVE: To apply for $125,000 in funding assistance for hydrologic modeling at Pepper Ranch Preserve as the first step toward hydrologic restoration there. CONSIDERATIONS: Pepper Ranch Preserve is located north and west of Lake Trafford in Immokalee, Florida. The Conservation Collier Program's acquisition of Pepper Ranch in 2009 was recognized as an opportunity to protect water resource values of the wetlands associated with Lake Trafford. To improve upon a project developed by Conservation Collier to restore hydrology within Pepper Ranch, Conservation Collier is currently collaborating with area stakeholders and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to develop a more accurate Lake Trafford watershed basin delineation. Funding and technical assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Aquatic Habitat Restoration / Enhancement Section ( AHRES) is the next necessary component in restoring Pepper Ranch hydrology and working with SFWMD to protect water quality at Lake Trafford. To facilitate agricultural activities prior to the County's acquisition of Pepper Ranch, the hydrology of the ranch had been impacted by a network of canals and ditches intended to drain water quickly off the land and, in some places, into Lake Trafford. To restore hydrology, many of these ditches and canals must be filled or blocked. Hydrologic modeling of the ranch will allow engineers to determine the most effective restoration design that will also not negatively impact adjacent landowners. AHRES is responsible for managing, enhancing, and preserving aquatic habitat in Florida for the long- term well -being of fish and aquatic wildlife and the benefit of the people of Florida. AHRES biologists involved with the management of Lake Trafford have recommended that Collier County apply for project funding assistance through AHRES. Projects are developed in coordination with other FWC staff through teams developed to ensure a multi - disciplinary approach to habitat management. Additionally, Collier County staff will work closely with the Lake Trafford Management Team members to determine the best restoration design for the ranch. AHRES biologists have recommended that Collier County apply for multi -year funding. The first phase of the funding will be hydrologic modeling and project design, followed by permitting and restoration. If funding is awarded, AHRES will pay state contractors for work that will be performed on the Pepper Ranch Preserve property. No funds will be transferred to Collier County. AHRES biologists have indicated that if the County can provide matching funds, the project has a higher chance of being funded. In FY2015, Collier County was refunded $24,750 from the SFWMD after the withdrawal of the Pepper Ranch Preserve Mitigation Bank Permit Application. Staff is recommending that this amount be proposed as a match to the AHRES funding request. If AHRES funding is awarded, a budget amendment for $24,750 will be brought to the Board for approval. If this item is approved, staff will coordinate with FWC for the electronic submittal of the application. As such, Chairman signature of the application is not required. FISCAL IMPACT: The total cost of the project is $149,750. Collier County is requesting $125,000 in FWC AHRES contractor services. The County will provide a $24,750 cash match toward the hydrologic Packet Page -1443- 12/8/2015 16.D.19. modeling. County cash match is available within the current FY16 Conservation Collier Management Fund 174 operating budget. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: This proposal supports Goal 3 and Objective 7.3 of the Conservation and Coastal Management Element of the County Growth Management Plan, which require the County to protect its ground water resources to ensure the highest water quality practical and to continue to implement programs that conserve and protect endangered and threatened wildlife species. 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 electronic submittal of a Project Application for FWC AHRE Section Funding for the hydrologic modeling of Pepper Ranch Preserve. Prepared by: Melissa Hennig, Senior Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Division Attachments: 1) AHRE 16 -17 Project Application Long Fonn 2) AHRE adjacent lands - Map 3) AHRE project area - Map 4) Directions for Application 1617 5) Pepper Ranch NHD Map 6) Pepper Ranch- LIDAR- Map 7) Pepper Ranch Topo - Map 8) Pepper Ranch Road Map 9) SFWMD BCB letter 11 -15 -07 Packet Page -1444- 12/8/2015 16.D.19. COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 16.16.D.16.D.19. Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the electronic submittal of a Project Application for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Aquatic Habitat Restoration / Enhancement Section Funding for the hydrologic modeling of Pepper Ranch Preserve. Meeting Date: 12/8/2015 Prepared By Name: BetancurNatali Title: Operations Analyst, Parks & Recreation 11/9/2015 8:51:59 AM Submitted by Title: Environmental Specialist, Senior, Conservation Collier Name: HennigMelissa 11/9/2015 8:52:00 AM Approved By Name: HennigMelissa Title: Environmental Specialist, Senior, Conservation Collier Date: 11/9/2015 9:05:24 AM Name: Washburnllonka Title: Manager - Park Operations, Parks & Recreation Date: 11/9/2015 10:22:01 AM Name: WilliamsBarry Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation, Parks & Recreation Date: 11/10/2015 1:14:22 PM Name: TownsendAmanda Title: Division Director - Operations Support, Public Services Department Date: 11/15/2015 9:28:01 AM Packet Page -1445- 12/8/2015 16.D.19. Name: BelpedioJennifer Title: Assistant County Attorney, CAO General Services Date: 11/16/2015 8:45:30 AM Name: CarnellSteve Title: Department Head - Public Services, Public Services Department Date: 11/16/2015 8:53:05 AM Name: Joshua Thomas Title: Grants Support Specialist, Grants Management Office Date: 11/16/2015 10:58:21 AM Name: KlatzkowJeff Title: County Attorney, Date: 11/16/2015 11:15:18 AM Name: FinnEd Title: Management/Budget Analyst, Senior, Office of Management & Budget Date: 11/18/2015 4:52:09 PM Name: StanleyTherese Title: Manager - Grants Compliance, Grants Management Office Date: 11/19/2015 1:31:44 PM Name: KlatzkowJeff Title: County Attorney, Date: 11/19/2015 2:55:49 PM Name: CasalanguidaNick Title: Deputy County Manager, County Managers Office Date: 11/22/2015 11:08:32 AM Packet Page - 1446 12/8/2015 16.D.19. Project Application for Aquatic Habitat Restoration /Enhancement Section (AHRE) Funding FY 2016/17 Project Title (include resource area and project type): Pepper Ranch Preserve Hydrologic Modeling and Design FWC Requestor/Team: Melissa Hennig and Christal Segura Phone Number(s): 239 - 252 -2957 (Melissa) and 239 - 252 -2495 ( Christal) Alternate Contact(s): Alexandra Sulecki Phone Number(s): 239 - 252 -2961 AHRE Staff Contact: Jessica Griffith Water Body(s): Lake Trafford and Corkscrew Marsh (including Pepper Ranch Preserve) County(s): Collier Water Body Acreage: 8,815 (Lake Trafford — 1,568, Corkscrew Marsh — 5,000, and Pepper Ranch Preserve — 2,247) Project Acreage: 2,247 Site inspection Date: 10/28/15 Staff Present at Site Inspection (list affiliation): R. Hudson (AHRE), M. Madkour (FWC), M. Hennig (Collier County Conservation Collier), C. Segura Collier County Conservation Collier Management Project Proposals are required to answer questions 1 -16. Type of project assistance requested from AHRE (to be completed by non -AHRE staff only). ❑Funding only. Non -AHRE requestor will be responsible for all aspects of project development and implementation. Only minimal assistance from AHRE staff will be required. ®Funding and assistance from AHRE staff to develop scope of work, bid specifications, permit acquisition, etc. Requestor (or their staff) will be the on -site project manager. SCOPE OF WORK 1. Describe the significance of the resource area including biological and social /economic value. Why is your resource important? (Fishing effort, T &E species, tournaments, eco- tourism, etc.) Pepper Ranch Preserve provides aquifer recharge, natural flood protection, water purification, preservation of wildlife habitat, and public recreation. Various hiking and mountain biking trails allow visitors to become familiar with the area's distinctive natural communities: pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, sawgrass marshes, and pop -ash sloughs. Managed quota hunting for hog, deer, and turkey is allowed on Pepper Ranch Preserve during established seasons. Camping is allowed, with a permit. The preserve is located within Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Priority 1 Habitat for Florida panther (Puma concolor coryii). Florida panther sightings, wildlife camera data, telemetry points and the presence of prey species indicate the ranch is used by panthers. Additionally, many other native wildlife species have been documented on the preserve, and the ranch is included in lands considered to be strategic habitat areas for black bear and listed wading bird species (Cox, 1994). The following rare wildlife species have been observed at Pepper Ranch Preserve: American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) T (S /A) federal, SSC state; Limpkin (Aramus guaran) SSC state; Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) SSC state; White Ibis Packet Page -1447- 12/8/2015 16.D.19. (Eudocimus albus) SSC state; Southeastern American Kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus) T state; Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) T state; Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) T state; Woodstork (Mycteria americana) E federal and state; Audubon's crested caracara (Polyborus plancus audubonii) T federal and state; Florida panther (Puma concolor coryii) E federal and state. In 1990, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) purchased the lands that encompass the major wetland slough located west and northwest of Pepper Ranch. These lands are referred to as the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW). Through its adjacency to CREW project lands, Pepper Ranch is connected to several thousands of acres of preserved land in Southeast Lee County and northing Collier County, including diverse systems located in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Panther Island Mitigation Bank, other CREW lands, the Southwest Florida Regional Airport 7,000 -acre mitigation site and Conservation Collier's Caracara Prairie Preserve. Four state entities, including University of Florida, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission consider the CREW area a priority for conservation. The state's Florida Forever lists the CREW Project (encompassing the Pepper Ranch Preserve) as one of the 21 most important projects on its 2008 list that would: protect habitat for wildlife including the Florida panther and the Florida black bear, provide connections between conservations lands, protect pristine cypress swamps to maintain water flow, and provide passive public recreation opportunities. 2. Describe the significance of the project area to the resource area (how do enhancements to the project area enhance the resource area ?). The project area consists of the 2,247 acres of Pepper Ranch located north and west of Trafford Oaks Road. To facilitate agricultural activities within this area of the ranch, hydrology was impacted by a network of ditches intended to drain water quickly off the land. By identifying and blocking some of these key ditches, historically isolated wetlands will be isolated again and drainage of the property will be slowed, thus reducing point- source run -off into Lake Trafford and adjacent CREW lands and increasing seasonal hydro - periods within the entire ranch. Increased, seasonal hydro - periods will benefit listed wading bird species and other wetland dependant wildlife utilizing the ranch. 3. Describe need /problem (include background /history, justification for AHRE funds). Pepper Ranch Preserve has been identified by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Big Cypress Basin as an important location for groundwater recharge and an essential water quality buffer for Lake Trafford. A November 15, 2007 letter from the Director of the Big Cypress Basin to the County (attached) indicates that the purchase of Pepper Ranch would improve water quality and quantity of a local drinking water source. Specifically the letter states "If the agricultural water use of the ranch is eliminated, and the irrigation and perimeter ditches are removed, there will be more water to recharge the Water Table and lower Tamiami Aquifers. Conservation of the Pepper Ranch lands will also provide important buffer for filtering of nutrient runoff to Lake Trafford which will contribute toward better ecological health of the presently restored lake." After purchasing Pepper Ranch Preserve in February 2009 for $32,525,000 through its Conservation Collier Program (a tax -payer funded conservation land acquisition program), Collier County pursued the creation of a wetland mitigation bank in order to fund the hydrologic restoration of Pepper Ranch while off - setting the mitigation costs of County development projects. The request for creation of a mitigation bank was denied, and without the secure funding that would have be provided by a mitigation bank, hydrologic restoration of Pepper Ranch cannot be achieved with the limited management funding available for the preserve through the Conservation Collier Program. The management funds available for Pepper Ranch Preserve have been used, and continue to be used, for habitat management and public access. Since 2009, Collier County has spent $976,800 and secured another $125,000 in federal and state funding to remove invasive, exotic plants; create firebreaks and trails; and build and improve public use facilities. AHRE funding would allow Collier County to restore the hydrology of the preserve, while continuing the current level of habitat and public use management activities. 4. State the specific project objective(s) and timeframe. Include in your objective(s) the measurable change(s) you will make to the habitat. You may use the table in the directions to assist you in developing your project objectives. Packet Page -1448- 12/8/2015 16.D.19. The primary objective of this project is to restore water depth and duration to that appropriate for the target communities. Changes in water depth should be noticeable immediately after restoration. Both water depth and duration during the wet season (approx. July- November) should increase throughout the project area. Qualitative vegetation monitoring will also occur within wetlands presumed to be most affected by hydrologic restoration. Increased hydro - period should expand the extent of existing wetlands and may change the vegetation structure within the deeper portions of some wetlands. Changes to vegetation should be evident within the first rainy season after restoration. 5. Describe specific management activity proposed to address need /problem. If multi -year phase project, describe each year /phase. This project will be a multi -year project. Phase 1 (FY16/17) will be a data collection and design phase. During Phase 1, hydrologic modeling will occur to determine the annual fluctuations of the water within the ranch. Existing wells will be complimented with new strategically located wells throughout the ranch to measure water level depths and fluctuations. Data will also be gathered from other researchers currently measuring ground and surface water flow in and around Pepper Ranch. All data gathered will be used to determine and design the most effective restoration plan for the ranch. It is anticipated that restoration activities will primarily involve blocking and filling ditches with adjacent berm material. Depending upon the results from the modeling, restoration along the ditch leading to Lake Trafford may also include some type of engineered flap structure or weir to allow only a one way flow of water from Pepper Ranch to Lake Trafford. Wet season access areas may also be required to be built into the existing ranch road to ensure safe passage along the road during the wet season. Phase 2 (FY 17/18 and FY 18/19) will be a permitting and earthwork phase. The design generated from Phase 1 will be used to acquire all necessary permits and then to perform the restoration. 6. How will you evaluate success towards meeting your project objective(s)? Evaluation must address defined habitat changes and timeline of project. You may use the table in the directions to assist you in developing your method of assessment. Water depths will be measured using pressure -based water level loggers either at ground water level or surface water level and will be compared to target hydro - period ranges before, during and after restoration. Target ranges will be determined through modeling and design. Photo points will be established prior to restoration and photos will be taken every 6 months for a minimum of 5 years following restoration. 7. How long will the expected benefits from the management action last? If long term maintenance is required, what is the plan and who will be responsible? The benefits from this restoration are expected to last in perpetuity. As the vegetation throughout the ranch adapts to the new hydro - periods generated from the restoration, Collier County will monitor for any new populations of invasive, exotic vegetation and treat it quickly to avoid infestation. No other long term maintenance is anticipated. 8. List all staff and /or other Subject Matter Experts (SME) (include affiliation) you have consulted regarding project impacts (positive or negative). All comments must be verified through written documentation. Staff and /or other SME Contacted Comments Staff and /or other SME Contacted Comments Staff and /or other SME Contacted Comments Staff and /or other SME Contacted Comments Staff and /or other SME Contacted Comments Staff and /or other SME Contacted Comments Packet Page -1449- 12/8/2015 16.D.19. Staff and /or other SME Contacted I Comments 9. Project Timeline: enter activities, amounts and funding entities below. List total estimated monetary value of non -AHRE funds and /or in -kind services in e ' ';gIco,� Do not include salaries, overhead, administrative, etc. for established positions. Eligible in -kind services include surveying, engineering, permitting and construction, labor, material and equipment, etc. (costs which would otherwise be incurred by the Cooperator from out - sourced contractors). Consult participating AHRE biologist for types of in -kind services that are acceptable to count as partner contributions. FY Activities AHRE Fundino Other Funding Funding Entity(s) Total 16 -17 Hydrologic Modeling and Restoration Design $125,000 $125,000 16 -17 Hydrologic Modeling and Restoration Design $24,750 Collier County $24,750 $149,750 10. Enter the partner(s) contribution* ranging from 0% - 100 %. *Total of all non -AHRE funds divided by the project total x100. 16.6% 11. Is the project located on a FMA, WEA or WMA? No If yes, is FWC the lead agency on the WEA or WMA? 12. Maps Required: Attach a map that allows someone unfamiliar with the area to drive to the site (not written driving directions). http:Hmaps.google.com/ Instructions to attach a file: click on the insert tab, then click the down arrow next to "Object' and choose "object'. This takes you to a navigation box to choose "create new" or "create from file ". Choose create from file, browse to find the document you wish to attach. Be sure to check "display as icon" before selecting OK. PepperRanchRoadM ap. pdf Insert Google link. Packet Page -1450- Attach map with project area outlined (aerial images preferred). AHREprojectarea. pd f 12/8/2015 16.D.19. Provide GPS coordinates of the project work site. Project work site: 26.450579 °N; 81.510639 °W Pepper pepper_ranchtopo 13. Include any additional details or supporting documentation as necessary. Ranch- LiDAR.pdf map.jpg pepper ranch NHD SFWMD KB AHREadjacentLands. Map.jpg letterll- 15- 07.pdf pdf 14. Additional comments. ❑s Packet Page -1451- a „ III ■ ■ �i _ or 1 ■ �,# 9 t, ■ ■ ■ --1 r ■ ■ i ■ _ 3 ■.wa._■ ■ x ■®aa.■ ! 6 P s'' . a a � ■ ■ ■ j ■ ■ ■ ! r ■ 1 � ■ . . . . 0 i . ® 0 0 0'a . . a a ® 0 0 moo:: 7 Y �LQ 12/8/2015 16.D.19. Directions for FY16/17 Application Aquatic Habitat Restoration/ Enhancement Section (AHRE) Funding Background The Aquatic Habitat Restoration /Enhancement (AHRE) Subsection funds aquatic enhancement projects for the purpose of improving habitat conditions for Florida's freshwater fish and wildlife communities. This multi- disciplinary, team - oriented approach to aquatic habitat enhancement provides the agency with a broader, more holistic approach toward enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. Funded activities are limited to freshwater resources with public access. Applications for projects designed to enhance or restore freshwater aquatic habitat in Florida must be received by December 15, 2015 to be considered for funding in FY16 /17. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their projects with other FWC and non -FWC staff early enough in the application development process to ensure adequate time for exchange of information relating to impacts (positive and negative) to ongoing fish and /or wildlife research and management activities and sensitive fish and wildlife species. All applications must be developed in coordination with an AHRE biologist. M . ..xr.. AHRE Re /steal issues'WorkArea Office Mobi /e David Dou las Statewide 11 352.800.5022 ` 352.516.0120 Don Fox Statewide 863.824.4160 863.697.0280 Beacham Furse Statewide 863.824.4164 863.634.4441 Deanna Vinson Statewide 352.800.5020 l 352.636.3416 I P %sect Re /aced IssuesWorkArea..: Mobs /e B.J. Jamison Northwest Florida 1 850.410.0847 850.528.3915 Vance Crain Northwest Florida 850.410.0847 850.251.8919 i Jordan Hults Northwest Florida 850.410.0847 850.597.6106 Ed Ha es I Central Florida 352.800.5023 352.516.7101 LMegan Keserauskis Central /West Central Florida 352.357.2398 ! 352.630.7691 I Jessica Griffith Polk County /West Central Florida 863.648.3823 { 407.509.4468 Patrick McCord Orange Creek Basin /North Central Florida 352.620.7344 352.516.1551 �Bruce Jag ers i Dale Jones North Central Florida I Northeast Florida 352.800.5024 352.272.0595 352.516.0122 ! 352.272.0595 I Joel Andreas St. Johns River /East Central Florida 321.726.2862 321.624.9468 Tim Coughlin —4d'riene Landrum Kissimmee Chain of Lakes & Kissimmee Chain of Lakes 407.846.5191 407.846.5191 407.908.5296 d 1 407.508.8063 Kevin McDaniel Kissimmee Chain of Lakes 407.846.5191 s 321.624.9470 Steve Gornak South Florida /Lake Okeechobee /Lake Istok o a 863.824.4166 863.697.6256 Carly Althoff Lake Istokpoga /Highlands County 863.824.4168 863.697.6323 Brent Bachelder Lake Okeechobee /Southern Lake Wales Ridge 1863.824.4163 __F'8_63.697.2154 Alyssa Jordan Lake Okeechobee /SW Florida . 863.824.4167 863.697.2181 Stephanie Burkhardt ` Southwest Florida 1 941.613.0945 863.581.6898 Rodney Hudson Southeast Florida , 561.882.5751 863.697.0851 Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the AHRE Standing Team. This team is composed of FWC staff from disciplines associated with freshwater systems. The team conducts a biological review and ranking of each proposal. Projects deemed appropriate for AHRE funding and possessing biological merit are reviewed by Tallahassee staff and then compiled into a Work Plan. Only electronic applications will be accepted. Please find the applications and application links in the attached email. Packet Page -1454- To assist you in answering Question #1 (significance of the resource area), we are provic 12/8/2015 16.D.19. Aquatic Restoration Prioritization and Evaluation Tool ( ARPET). The ARPET document ano inauaeo ranKing tables were developed to assist in prioritizing Florida lakes for aquatic restoration funding based on their economic, ecological and management importance (i.e., the significance of the resource area). If you have specific questions, please contact Jessica Griffith, David Douglas or Beacham Furse. http: / /Porta12.fwc.state.fl.us/ sites /HSC /AHRE/ Shared%2ODocumentsl/ Forms/ AlIItems .aspx ?RootFolder= %2Fsites%2FHSC % 2 FAH RE% 2FShared% 20Documentsl% 2FAguatic% 20Restoration% 20Prioritization% 20and %20Eva1uation %20Tool %20 %28 ARPET %29 &FolderCT1 D= 001200012F31CA99D21174087D7E6DA2008A530 &View= {6F640575 -723 E- 4AA6 -9F2D- 731D75C2B6BF} To assist you in answering Questions #4 (project objective) and #6 (project assessment), you may refer to the table below to assist you in developing your objectives and assessment plan. Packet Page -1455- Packet Page -1456- 6. 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EIP 3 x # a NJi, k n. 1, w_ i x' z a ' s to , ' r a T r Jo rd Pepper Ranch Project Collier County FL i County, Sri, 14EP.E, DeL rme, 10a,pmylndis, u enSt eett�Ss ��nf inutwrs, and theGI Ls--r mmunity,UBC ThsNalbnali- Oap:Natl.' nal6cun dsriGs`Dataset,Nstiam.sl` Elevatidn L'staset, weag'Capniz Names Infysmatian SyBtem, T�sticnal Hydrpgra „pby - natLand vasterr'at - =4a Watianal Struatursi Data: -A, and Natiansl a yo ysto '.ado6cez Packet Page - 1460 -1 Datas _t, U.S. rlsys Hur�au - TIr ERL�n_, ? EFacsa oats N Z +rte I 3 011 6Z US 1S NI i F-11 l le 75 1 `�`° _ m _0 0 (6 0 w O LL ry W W Y Cu ^L, W Q Q Q� n 04"\ J 0 W w V Co O U Packet Page -1461- 12/8/2015 16.D.19. (IN S-IV3N dW w Iq U_ W W QJ Y O 0 m I-- 0 Y m J i Cn m 0 c I o m c� v o O m �) U V N� a) LL Q. L � Q. a m a_ a c m x x E o. E m 0 LI C m �I N d CL N d L U m N N A 0- Q •m N CL y D_ Q `m a K o o_ a � o � ZIo Q ._ U m m N N Q C-) o E U� ti 2 � � o � � U dL sr- 2 T > p 7 m N N U) 2r- 1- m m C) U U 0 12/8/2015 16.D.19. .., $1G CYPRESS BASIN SoLrrll VLOMDA WnTL - -;R itiTAh,SGLS1Ltir �15'I`RICT X-IL) Gold -1 Ga0.: ParLway, Suile' 205, N apLts. Pl. 34101 (239) � 11 3 -7615 SLUICO 721-7920 - Pax (239) 26 -5166 GOV 08 04 20 Novetubcr 15, 2007 Alexandra J. Sulecki Coordinator, Conservation Collier Land Accluisiliall Progr1�111 Collier CounLy Environmental Services Department 290D Notth I-tomeshoe Drive Naples FI, 34104 Dear Ms. SUlecki. '1'llank YOU far }bur recent inquiry regarding LhC Pepper Ranch Screening Report that suites the significance OFcOnserVitlg die, Ranch lands for bufferlog the wetlands of the CorLscre�A, Reglo11211 Ecosystem Mlatersberl (CREW) and preserving the groundlyater ir-charge poLe11Llal for drinking water supplies in the Lower Tarnilmi Aquifer in the hnmokalee area. The parcel ptvsclitly has ei Water Use Pertltit (WUP) renel,~,°al applicELLion Will) the DislrieL t1111t is in a'respolise deny' status, atld appears 10 trot lm'e a surface water rmnageinent.penitit or EnN,ironntenral T;esoucc� Periilit,(ERP), Thd o *n ,WUP h1clO #es \+ells ope'li to Water Table, Lower Tarniami and:Salidston� aq. 06 s, The Dis(tic( F.RP reviewers are not aware ofany podding ntitigatiolt I)roposals. The 1 }rolacl'ty is also identified by the Sautlai4esl Fiord F�sibility.Sittdy 0,4 potontiO,sife for ImbIic alctluisiti011. The venter levels of the Tower Tamiami Aquifer have been adversely impacted by catetlsive irrigation vt-ater Llse ill the Immokalce Qrea, If the Rgric11lttWa1 wnLer use Of IhC i'altch is eliminaletl, anti the ir6gation and perimeter ditches are removed, lhcrc 1 %rill be tztnre waLer Lo recharge the Waler Table and Lower Tamictini Aquifer Conservarion of fife l el per Ituncll laittls «i1.1 also pro icI inzpt rtant b tffei for i�ilteritig of mitrieait runtlff to [,At Trafford whiell will contribute toward better ecoiogicnl hea of diei presentl3r resMile . lake. The District Suppot•LS COIISeI'vatiOtt Collier's effbas of acquiring the envil•ttnmetttallyl sensitive lauds to protect titc wnte.r resotlrces of the regic,11, Sboultl you have any gtm!;tiom or Lit' d additional Illi•Ormation, please do n()t llcSJtrzte tO COMICt LES. -Si $. Tcars. Jz Director. Rig Cypress Basin CS`1''kt ltit C) rxj + kk:-tv C 11 t m 4 R( t {I) 121 LLI <7pt C11a7lV! J• MULL AV, Charr. A o%airh,- Lu C•-mA, nrtdl E- ALINIIl- firs Of { :Lvpif I ii=t l� ttlt: S��r�1ru6 ir�nw LI,�Yy,.� 5 7'eaLx Fr. JON) R SIWOV [it, 1717V C J-- :�':q'I I ibtyt Ani1ur >nn 1;nr,t. joiiC «5LZl+� t ;Pit'1.-.E'sy40 Packet Page -1462- 12/8/2015 16.D.19. Immokalee Master Plan and Visioning Committee Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory Board November 13, 2007 Alexandra J, Sulecki, Coordinator Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program Collier County Facilities Management Department 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Building W Naples, Fl, 34112 Re: Popper Ranch in Immokalee Area Dear Nis. Sulecki: During the regular October 17, 2007, joint meeting of the Immokalee Master Plan and Visioning Committee and the Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory Board, County staff informed both advisory bodies that an application was recently received by the Conservation Collier Program from the owners of the 2,500 -acre Pepper Ranch requesting consideration to sell this property for use in the Conservation Collier Program. After discussing what types of uses and recreational opportunities this may property may afford to the public and understanding that acquislition of the ranch might provide in- county mitigation opportunities for_ County projects, where mitigation enhancements and /or restoration of lands could benefit the citizens of Collier County, both advisory boards gated unanimousiy to recommend to Conservation Collier and to the Board of County Commissioners the following: To support the acguisidon of Pepper Ranch and to support any opportunity for mitigation dome by Collier County to be drone within Costlier County In closing, both advisory boards feel this is an excellent opportunity to protect the rural nature of Immokalee and the wonderful adjoining natural resources. Sin+ Immokalee Master Plan and Visioning Committee • Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory Board Packet Page -1463- 12/8/2015 16.D.19. sulecki a Prom: timmonsv4'iiliamsq.pol, net Sent: Monday, N©' ember 12, 2007 1,00 PM To: sulecki -a Subject• fie: Pepper Ranch biro! lists November 122, 2007 Conser''ation Collier Land Acquisition A(lvigt)ry Coaindt(ee, To Whom I ( Nday C oneem I would. urge The C:t?mmittee to purchase the Pepper Rich property. (have censused the ranch ox-er the last 15 years as part of die Audubon Society Christmas Bird Cmint, Mach of the prOpetry is in 9004 condidoil and represcnts biom es k)Fpine flaw -nods, wiIIoiv rs�vrsh, and cypress )vetiands. There are pLgtun. lands Lis t� el], but ovcra.11 (here is little invasion of exodo plart species. It soems that the land is a cxocllent. corridor henvccn the CREW lands (o die nofth and (he Corkscre%- Swamp Sarcarary in die w-es . '1110 property Would be a valuab1c asset in prescrving native tiara and faima and' pro(ec(ing (he - BaAaral hydrology of easlem Collier County. Sincerely, Richard K, Williams, M.D. Napfcs. FL �fi Ms. Sulecki i hopc this helps. If you i3eeded somerhing further, plc3;e lee nle Yuio vv, I f yon need an addre5a Cor rric rjr contact # (he, are 573 Ridge Drive, Naples, 34108 and 239-591-5031 (or 598-2903). Good luck. Ric-'k- Dear Cdr, Williams, I-hank you very much for sc:iding me the bird lists from Pepper Ranch] I! will . U'901 ha`mfomiatrrsn 1�:1hte report I arrt preparing on the ranch property. . If you think this is a worthy property fnr Canise vatic n Collier # r n0tlj your input vvill be valued by our 9- member citizens a6isdry. cornmitt eertr particularly bedausa yeti five been to so many parts of the ranch aver the years PIS asefeal free tti> mike , rpcarnrr +nda ►iartby_e- rirail:ind # Packet Page -1464 - I If" 13?/2007 12/8/2015 16.D.19. RECEIVED October 10, 2007 OCT 15 7007 fAGiLiTIES Paul Midney e0 N85AVAYIDH %WER 1807 Roberts Ave. Immokalce, FL 34142 Land acquisi don Advisory Corn mi ttee c/o Alexandra Sulecki Prograrn Coordinator. Conservation Collier Collier County Facilities Managemen.t Department 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Building W Naples, Florida -�, Lf tt'L -- Dear Committee _Members: I am 'Nrl .ting Lo urge yan to offer Whatever price is Teason -able to the olN mers of the Pepper Ranch, Deor Lake Trafford. For the pas[ several years my wrife and I surveyed the ranch for the Chrismas Audubon Bird Crum with Dr. and Mrs, Rick VY1111iams. The pwperTy is vital habitaE for a slumber of bird species which we observed there, especially sandhill crane; Turkey, wading birds, eag] es, ha,,vks, and Eastern ineado l.aT.k- It is also good pan -flier and black bear habitat. and connects carder nearby preserved areas. ]mmnolca It! e and Collier County will be much better places Lo livc 34 years front now, if narural areas, such as the Repper Punch properly are preserved, This is exactly the kind of purchase for which ire voters approved funding for Conservation Collier, Failure to act now could open the are: in back of Lake TratTord tip to development, and negatively aft'ect tht surrounding natural areas. 'We are fortunace now to have the opportunity to do sesnetEung really good for the County at a reasonable price. Sineerely You s,. Packet Page -1465-