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Agenda 05/27/2014 Item #16D 3 5/27/2014 16.D.3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to approve the five-year update of the Final Management Plan for the Conservation Collier Cocohatchee Creek Preserve. OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) for the 5-year update for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Final Management Plan, along with direction for its implementation. CONSIDERATIONS: the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve, located in North Naples, has been in County ownership since 2002. A Final Ten-year Management Plan was developed and approved by the Board on 6/26/07, Agenda Item 16E4. The approved plan has been operational for the Cocohatchee Creek 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 Department from Facilities to Parks and Recreation, include 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. The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee reviewed the updated plan and unanimously recommended approval at its public meeting held on 11/18/13 (Agenda Item VLA.1.). FISCAL IMPACT: There is no new fiscal impact associated with approving this management plan update. Management costs are consistent with the Board-approved Conservation Collier Financial Plan. 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 approves the attached proposed Five-year Final Management Plan for Conservation Collier's Cocohatchee Creek 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 Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Packet Page -1016- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 16.16.D.16.D.3. Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the five-year update of the Final Management Plan for the Conservation Collier Cocohatchee Creek Preserve. Meeting Date: 5/27/2014 Prepared By Name: BetancurNatali Title: Operations Analyst, Beach &Water 4/25/2014 12:26:26 PM Submitted by Title: Environmental Specialist, Principal, Conservation Name: SuleckiAlexandra 4/25/2014 12:26:27 PM Approved By Name: SuleckiAlexandra Title: Environmental Specialist,Principal, Conservation Date: 4/25/2014 2:35:45 PM Name: TownsendAmanda Title: Director-Operations Support,Public Services Division Date: 5/1/2014 9:19:46 AM Name: WilliamsBarry Title: Director-Parks&Recreation. Parks &Recreation Date: 5/2/2014 11:05:22 AM Name: WashburnIlonka Title: Manager-Park Operations,Parks &Recreation Date: 5/6/2014 4:26:17 PM Name: AlonsoHailey Packet Page -1017- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. Title: Operations Analyst,Public Services Division Date: 5/8/2014 2:05:44 PM Name: BelpedioJennifer Title: Assistant County Attorney, CAO General Services Date: 5/9/2014 11:05:04 AM Name: CarnellSteve Title: Administrator-Public Services, Public Services Division Date: 5/13/2014 10:55:57 AM Name: FinnEd Title: Management/Budget Analyst, Senior, Transportation Engineering&Construction Management Date: 5/13/2014 3:17:03 PM Name: KlatzkowJeff Title: County Attorney, Date: 5/14/2014 3:52:33 PM Name: OchsLeo Title: County Manager, County Managers Office Date: 5/19/2014 10:15:51 AM Packet Page -1018- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Land Management Plan Updated 2013 3�;4 t� � e`� z� ,,,�; r''''''''' � ! t2..Y: .s ,y reI r",1,-7'4,.!.—/.''hS' ''' ph 4 y�" 3 }qy5 7 +eons 1 , __,.. ,,,,,,_ ,,, ......4,7aft ...„. ,.,,,,,,,,,,..„.Virliil . ' ,a e d"r� ` r3`i a •t z• 3 ,„=4..,,,,, d P AAtt '� ' ,3 , 4 : Y a§' $ tir , s x. p 4:%'''"-� Managed by: Conservation Collier Program Collier County June 2007—June 2017 (10 yr )lan) Prepared by: Collier C . . 1b Collier County Parks an Recreation Department e August 20042013 Packet Page-1019 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve (Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Land Management Plan Executive Summary Lead Agency: Conservation Collier Program, Collier County facilities Mane ment Parks and Recreation Department Properties included in this Plan: Cocohatchee Creek pPreserve—Folio#00166680102 Acreage Breakdown: 3.64 acres Management Responsibilities: Collier County Facilities ManaeementConservation Collier Program Department has oversight responsibility with day to day responsibilities shared by the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department under an Interdepartmental Agreement attached as Appendix -3. Agency—Collier County Parks and Recreation Department—Conservation Collier Program Preserve Manager—Designated Conservation Collier County Environmental Specialist Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource-based recreation Unique Features: Adjacent to Cocohatchee Creek Archaeoloeical/Historical: N/A Management Needs: Exotic plant removal and maintenance in preserve and creek; Monitoring of listed species(gopher tortoise)on site; Periodic removal of trash from cans: Maintenance of trail; Site security. Acquisition Needs: None Surplus Lands: Potentially, a small strip adjacent to Southwind Estates, Lot 15,being approximately 40 feet wide and 215 feet long,or roughly one fifth of one acre, lying north of the thread of the Cocohatchee Creek ONLY if a conservation easement is placed on it by the acquiring entity. This section of land is not surveyed as a separate parcel and the potential for surplusine it is very low. Public Involvement: A public meeting was held in spring 2007 with residents and neiehborine businesses invited from surrounding developed areas, including: Southwind Estates,Northside Medical Plaza PUD, Veterans Park Commons PUD,North Naples Fire Control and Rescue District, Southampton/Stonebridge, and Collier County Parks and Recreation Department. A contact list for ncighborineproperty owners is maintained and Conservation Collier Program 2 Packet Page -1020- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - :Formatted:Tab stops: 1.59",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" periodically. contact is made to advise of land manaeement actions or issues and to request feedback. Conservation Collier Program 3 Packet Page -1021- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69^,Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Table of Contents LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 LIST OF TABLES 6 LIST OF FIGURES 6 LIST OF APPENDICES 6 1.0 INTRODUCTION 7 1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan 7 1.2 Location 8 1.3 Regional Significance of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 8 1.4 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources 10 1.5 Management Authority 13 1.6 Public Involvement 13 2.0 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES 13 2.1 Physiography 13 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology 13 2.1.2 Geology 15 2.1.3 Soils 15 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management 17 2.2 Climate 17 2.3 Natural Communities 17 2.3.1 Hydric hammock 2.3.2 Scrubby flatwood 22.3.3.Mesic pine flatwood 2.3.4 Floodplain marsh 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species 21 2.5 Listed Species 21 25.1 Listed Plant Species . 21 2.5.2 Listed Wildlife Species �1 2.6 Invasive Non-native and Problem Species 22 2.7 Forest Resources 22 Conservation Collier Program 4 Packet Page -1022- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatehee Creek Preserve - � Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered + 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 2.8 Mineral Resources 22 2.9 Archaeological,Historical and Cultural Resources 22 2.10 Scenic Resources 23 3.0 USE OF THE PROPERTY 23 3.1 Previous Use and Development 23 3.2 Current Public Use and Land Uses 23 3.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation,Enhancement,Restoration,Conservation and Maintenance of the Resource ,3 32.2 Planned PublicUses and Assessment of impacts '13 3.3 Adjacent Land Uses 24 3.4 Potential Surplus Lands 24 3.5 Prospective Land Acquisitions 24 3.6 Analysis of Multiple-Use Potential 24 4.0 MANAGEMENT ISSUES,GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 26 4.1 Program Framework and Goals 26 4.1.1 CARL/Florida Forever Management Prospectus 26 4.1.2 FCT Management Commitments 't6 4.1,3 Management Activities to Preserve,Enhance.Restore,Conserve,Maintain and Monitor the Resource 27 4,1.4 Manager 17 4.1.5 Preserve Rules and Regulations '7 4.2 Desired Future Conditions 27 4.3 Major Accomplishments during previous years 28 4.4 Goals and Actions for 10 years period 2007-2016 29 4.5 Prescribed Fire Program 33 4.6 Public Use Facilities 34 4.7 Operational Plan for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 34 4.7.1 Maintenance 34 4.7.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources 34 4.7.3. Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors 36 4.7.4 Management Zones 36 4.8 Partnerships and Regional Coordination 36 4.8.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements 36 4.8.2 Cooperating Agencies and Organizations 37 5.0 LITERATURE CITED 37 Conservation Collier Program 5 Packet Page -1023- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - (Formatted:Tab stops: 1.6s^,Centered + 1.88",Left+Not at 3" List of Tables Table 1:Acquisition History and Status for 7 Table 2. Nearby Public Lands and Desienated Water Resources............... Table 3:Summary of Natural Communities 18 Table 4:Bird Survey-March 1,2006 21 Table 5: Invasive Non-native Species Known to Occur at the Site 22 Table 6:Analysis of Multiple-Use Potential 24 Table 7:Major Accomplishments during previous years 28 Table 9:Potential Contracting for Activities 36 List of Figures Figure 1:Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Map-Existing Conditions 8 Figure 2: -. . • • :. `, . • . . Conservation Easements Existin,Surrounding Conservation Lands in Collier County .10 Figure 3:Elevation Map(LIDAR) 12 Figure 4:Soil Units at the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 14 Figure 5: Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification system (FLUCCS) Map 17 Figure 6:Historic distribution of vegetation communities in Collier County, Florida 18 List of Appendices Appendix 1: Conservation Collier Ordinance, 2002 63 Appendix 2: . . - - :, - •'. . • - _ . . Appendix 31: Interdepartmental Agreement between Collier County Environmental Services Department and Collier County Parks and Recreation Department for management of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Appendix 42:Legal Description Appendix 53 Public Involvement Contact List Appendix 4s4 Florida Natural Areas Inventory Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary; FN AI ranking system explanation Appendix 75:March 1,2006 Species Survey Appendix 6:Plant Survey(2007) Conservation Collier Program 6 Packet Page-1024- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve r Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 1.0 Introduction The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is a 3.64-acre urban preserve located in North Collier County, off Immokalee Road, across from the Veterans Community Park, a Collier County Regional Park. The Preserve protects small areas of several native plant communities and adds buffer protection to the Cocohatchee Creek. Access to the preserve is from Veterans Park Drive, with parking and restrooms available at the Veterans Community Park. The Conservation Collier Program acquired the preserve in September 2002. Natural plant communities represented include upland scrub, pine flatwood, riverine oak and cabbage palm groves. The property was purchased with funds from the Conservation Collier Program and the County holds fee simple title. The Conservation Collier Program manages this parcel under authority granted by the Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63, as amended. (-Appendix 1) with assistance from the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department under an Interdepartmental Agreement signed April 6,2006(Appendix mil). Conservation, restoration and passive public use are the designated uses of the property. Management activities allowed are those necessary to preserve, enhance, restore, conserve and maintain environmentally endangered lands for the benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these goals. An initial site assessment of this property was conducted on August 20, 2003 and the property was purchased by the Conservation Collier Program on September 10, 2004. Previously known as the "Visnich" property, for the previous owners, George and Virginia Visnich, it was renamed the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve in May 2005. Initial acquisition activities are identified in Table 1 below. Table 1:Acquisition History and Status-for Year Benchmark 2003 Initial Assessment 2004 Purchase of V isnich Property 2004 Developed interim Management Plan 2005 Renamed Visnich property Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 2005 Initial exotic plant and debris removal 2005 Installed trail with ADA section and park equipment(bench,table and 2 trash cans.signage) 2006 Developed Interdepartmental Agreement with Parks and Recreation Department 2006 Opened preserve to the public in March 2006 2006 Started quarterly exotics maintenance (contracted) and creek maintenance (County Trans/Road Maintenance/Aquatic Plant Management) 2006 Completion of 1Final rani Management sPlan 2013 First Updated Final Planagement Plan 1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan The purpose and scope of this management plan is to provide management direction for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve by identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or minimize and threats to the resources and integrity of the preserve. This plan is a working document that establishes the foundation for the ten-year plan by identifying the appropriate Conservation Collier Program 7 Packet Page -1025- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" management techniques necessary to preserve, enhance, restore, maintain and monitor the resource. This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with passive public recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs. listed species protection and maintenance of the site free of invasive exotic plants and species (if applicable). This plan is divided into sections that incorporate an introduction. descriptions of the natural and cultural resources, projected uses of the property and management issues,goals and objectives. This management plan. including any updates, shall be submitted to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for its approval. When approved, this plan will replace the Interim--Final Management Plan prepared by the Collier County Environmental Services DepartmentConservation Collier -staff in August 200 land, approved by the BCC on September 21.200thine 26. 2007., . - .. 'Nan-Kit-xi by the BCC through June 2006. 1.2 Location The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is located in North Naples. Collier County, Florida. It is hounded on the west by Veterans Park Drive, on the north by Immokalee Road, on the east by the Cocohatchee Creek (property line through the center of the creek), and on the south by the Veterans Community Park (Figure 1). The legal description is attached at Appendix 4. The surrounding land use is a blend of residential. commercial. conservation and County Park. Across the creek from the Preserve, to the cast. is a residential single-family development called Southwind Estates. A conservation area belonging to the Southampton/Stonebridge development exists along the southern boundary. Veterans Park Commons Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Northside Medical Plaza PUD (currently undevelopcdt are directly across Veteran's Park Drive. 1.3 Regional Significance of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Despite having . 877,000, or 6468%, of county lands t , protected in conservation status (Florida Natural Areas s � Fr � " Invcnton. February 2(113), Collier Count}' has lost :.;`r� �t 1',4A" and is losing, many of its rare and unique habitats a The Conservation Collier Ordinance identifies these specific habitats and _ive., gave preference to them in acquisition evaluations. These habitats include, a ` ,• €- ' in order of preference: tropical hardwood r,. + hammocks,xeric oak scrub.coastal strand,native beach - -:� riverine oak, high marsh (saline) and tidal freshwater , ,ttk kr marsh. The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve was purchased . partly because it contains remnant habitats of two of these Cocohatchee Creek-Riverine Oak habitat specific habitats, xeric oak scrub and riverine oak, in addition to other native habitats, pine flatwood and cabbage palm groves. The location of the preserve in the urban area provides an opportunity for citizens, visitors and school age children to view these habitat types without traveling far from home or school. Conservation Collier Program 8 Packet Page-1026- • `ti *5/247/2014 16.D.3. • 1 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ l 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Figure 1.Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Map—Existing Conditions ...._ .. ; s, s: ' u4wnlit: a raacy e ess be)' - .. ° .. :Existng mulch trail property boundary i -r w s }5 ,' , ' ` ' . Bench locations . t • 4 a; i b.r 'Picnic table location : i '' * Trait Entrance zee! Rf� 9 >t z' , .---.‘ s 4 LL ti X" ff n �. � N�erarrs�— , ,, r 0 ;Cc+meaunf y,' r., , f y 1 f �1 l I W e f - r . � } Nit§ !1, i 1 ". "'��. r„ C ----1;;"C`"""' .— Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Feet Source.2WS A5sse.-GOit+nr COUnit'PrownF Apa[aiaar 0 75 150 G'LOnsw',non:olor LantiManagemant ea(i ravuso.nrC Conservation Collier Program 9 Packet Page -1027- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 1 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 4- `Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ j 1.88",Left+Not at 3" The riverine wetlands on the preserve parcel contain at least two (and possibly more) species of state listed bromeliads, including Tillandsia pruinosa paucifolia and T. fasciculata. An American alligator, (Alligator mississippiensis) has been seen by residents in the creek on occasion although it is unlikely alligators will take up permanent residence due to the urban location. The American Alligator is classified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as"similarity of appearance to a threatened taxon."- This listing has been adopted by the State of Florida. -a - - . . Listed wading birds, such as little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) and snowy egret (Egretta thula) are often observed foraging in streams and canals in surrounding area. Protection and management of listed species is critical to their long term existence in Collier County and globally. 1.4 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources The closest preserve to Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is the Conservation Collier property currently known as WaikinsllonesWet Woods Preserve, a 28-acre preserve located at the mouth of the Cocohatchee Creek as it joins the Wiggins Pass Estuary, 2 miles to the Northwest. Other preserves, in order of increasing distance are identified in Table 2. Existing natural preserves and designated South Florida Water Management District conservation easements in Collier County are shown in Figure 2. Formatted: Heading 3,Left,Don't adjust Table 2:Public lands and designated water resources located near the Cocohatchee Creek ,space between Latin and Asian text Preserve Preserve Distance (miles) Direction Type Watkins'Jones propcnvWet 2.0 N and W Conservation Collier Woods Preserve Railhead Scrub Preserve i 2.4 North Conservation Collier _ Delnor-Wiggins Pass State 2.5 N and E State Park Barefoot Beach Preserve ' 3.6 N and E Collier County Imperial River Preserve 6.2 NW Lee County Future Gordon River ' 7.6 S and E Collier Gre,.mva■ Callir County/Conservation Development Corp Collier aeee Gordon River Greenwav Park and Preserve Rookery Bay National 17 5 and E National ; Formatted Table Estuarine Research Reserve Conservation Collier Program 10 Packet Page-1028- • 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - ' Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Figure 2. Natural Preserve: and Designated South Floridc Water Management District Conservation Casements Lsi,tin6urroundine Conservation Lands in Collier County Conservation Collier Program 11 Packet Page -1029- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Conservation Collier Program Lands and Surrounding Conservation Areas ,t Caracam Frame Preserve - _ ,' _ IX26rH Pepper Ranch Preserve Pi 1 1--['-] I IL,, I l — r �E ,., 1,... p „_]Red Root Preserve y!Red Maple Swamp h+r CREW sa„cr„ r v ' Preserve _'1, ( [Panther Walk Preserve 1 \ Railhead Scrub Preserve -4' rt E'' st. - y- \\ i V4Snchestee Head Wet Woods t Alhgator Ftag Preserve Preserve _ _ 4- i-"1".-- I ., `Camp Keats Strand Protect Cocohatchee -,`I r,. - _ - 4 �-;Rivers Road Preserve Creek Preserve 4 ,_, o-„, 1 I t Logan Woods Preserve triip_� indll[Freedom Park Nancy Payton Preserve ■ FL Panther M.WR Gordon River 1 . Greenway Preserve mir u - 4 4- I:J I i ti t Pica,,one Strand en's _ -� State Forest �x a r1 1 o r sf rlr+5 �9 i -3` S Shell Island Pre serve hi b Mcltvane Marsh Project '4,r,— • 11 1 N �OtterMound Preserve -- Legend 0 2.5 5 Miles CON AT ION ��.�,,.....�.... �- LLIER Conser,'anon Collier Acgueed p4'0 I other agency Censervatlon Lance Cara So 'xe >ks.,:pc,ser }y f MAigatlon l Conservation Easements Fh F mrwi C >.:..c rue a Lake Trafford cc=s urr ne p e,.t., *`sr D u im � �/ e c'rn .J Cocohatchee ka>a - �• r; y,,,., ... Conservation Collier Program 12 Packet Page -1030- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 1.5 Management Authority Lands acquired by Conservation Collier are titled to "COLLIER COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier Program." Rude.the Conservation Collier Ordinance. tThe Collier County Environmental Services DeparunentConservation Collier Program. under the Parks and Recreation Department holds management authority for all Conservation Collier Program lands. The Collier County Parks and Recreation Department assists with specific management tasks for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve, as identified in the Interdepartmental Agreement (Appendix 3). 1.6 Public Involvement Neighborhood involvement will be sought through e-mail or direct mailing notice for public meetings to residents within the surrounding area and owners of properties that border the Preserve. Any major changes or management activities that are likely to generate an intrusive aspect or in some way affect neighboring properties will be reviewed with these contacts prior to conducting the activity. Staff will also seek volunteers from surrounding areas through these contacts. 2.0 Natural and Cultural Resources 2.1 Physiography The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve lies within the Gulf Coastal Lowlands physiographic province, characterized by low elevations and poor drainage. The landfonns that make up these coastal lowlands include coastal and sand dune ridges and relic spits with intervening coast-parallel valleys consisting of poorly drained swampy areas with little recharge. 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology The site is located in the Southwestern Slope region of the South Florida Water Management District. Topography has been established using a Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) map (Figure 3). The average elevation of the surrounding lands is 6-8 feet NAVD (1988), with lower elevations along the Cocohatchee Creek Channel as it flows to the Wiggins Pass Estuary. Elevations of the Preserve property are lower than surrounding lands, ranging from 0 to 4 feet, with 0 foot elevation along the primary creek channel, grading up to 2 feet in the riverine oak, pine and cabbage plant communities. and to 4 feet in the upland scrub area along Veterans Park Drive. Conservation Collier Program 13 Packet Page-1031- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Figure 3.LIDAR Map CON , TION L11.1t Cocohatchee Creek Preserve v.-f LIDAR Map Collier Cotnnty F., "1-T>E CaAal 4 :8 7 8 5 s _Can - - 1._Immokalee Road \ 1 t > I I),1 i1 9 s 9 0 - 8 rn ,•t t4 - Stream _ 6 Lake A \ 7 �``-�' d7 6- cb 9 .,6 i` 6' \Strea y : . Q1 ii L > l t\Y ii l.,/ — NRte: Legend , „-_ ' t Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Boundary ' / hL ,'1 Elevation in NAVD 88 I ■ i ■ 1 I I — 1 Foot 0 125 250 500 Feet 2 Feet Data Source:Parcels-Collier County Property Appraiser 2012 Aerials 3 Feet Created Sy:GIS'Conservation Collier/A3 4 Feet G COES Planning Servicestland Development Services/Conservation Co llierlLand Management ---- 5 Feet tCochatchee Creek PreservelManagement Plans ----- 6 Feet 2013 FMP Revisions?Maps!LIDAR Date:6111113 r I SurfacelNater LIDAR-Light image Detecting Radar NAVD 88-North American Vertical Datum 1988 Conservation Collier Program 14 Packet Page -1032- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Undated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - ,Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 2.1.2 Geology The geology of northern Collier County is characterized by complex sequences of uncomformably layered, interbeded sands clays and limestones to a depth of approximately 230 feet. This depth marks the bottom of the surficial aquifer, with the bottom layer creating an aquitard that separates the brackish underlying aquifer below (Miller, 1986) (Oaks and Dunbar (1974) (Scott. 1988). 2.1.3 Soils Soils data is based on the Soil Survey of Collier County. Florida(USDA/NRCS, 1990). Mapped soils on this parcel include, in descending order of extent, Basinger Fine Sands (75%) and Satellite Fine Sands(24%)(Figure 4). Basinger Fine Sands is an occasionally flooded slough soil with natural vegetation including slash pine, palmetto, wax myrtle and St. Johnswort. This soil type covers the creek bed and its immediate floodplain. Expected vegetation is present. Satellite Fine Sands is an upland soil type with typical vegetation including sand live oak, rosemary, slash pine and prickly pear cactus. These plants are present in areas mapped as Satellite Fine Sands. These soil types consist of light grey. white or brown fine sands to a depth of 80 inches or more. Hand auger borings performed onsite in 2001 by LAW encountered fine sand to about 4 to 5 feet below natural grade, underlain by grey clayey sand. Conservation Collier Program 15 Packet Page -1033- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 1 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - j Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Figure 4. Soil Units Map cor< .anon j Formatted: Centered wen Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Collier Counts Soils Map 0.-I,r S '. Immokalee;Road At] .. .. ri, .. . , _ . . , , . id . . . . Stream . . , .. ., . ... . . ., , ., , . Stream ', Veteran's ,, Park Wetland Legend I Co cohatchae Creak Praseree Boundary 0 125 250 LOG Feet Surfa ceV�titer Data Source:Parcels-Collier County Property Appraiser 2012 Aerials Soil Type Created By:GIS/Conservation Collier/AS BASIfJGER FINE SAND-Slough IS COES Planning Servicesiland Development Services/Conservation Collier/Land Management Eli BOCA FINE SAND-U pland iCochetchee Creek Preserve/Management Plans SATELLITE FINE -Upland 12013 FMP Revisions/Maps/Soils Date:6111113 Conservation Collier Program 16 Packet Page -1034- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69^,Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management Groundwater flow in the surficial aquifer and surface water of the Cocohatchee Creek is toward the west and the coast. The aquifer grades from freshwater to brackish water due to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Cocohatchee Creek flows in a northwesterly direction and discharges into the Gulf of Mexico via the Wiggins Pass Estuary, named by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW). The volume of water in the creek itself rises and falls both seasonally_ and in response to tidal changes. and in response to weir controls. Surface water management is related to regional water management strategy. A water control structure (weir) maintained by the Collier County Road Maintenance Department exists just north of the Preserve and south of Immokalee Road, along the Cocohatchee Creek. This is the Cocohatchee East Branch AMIL Gate Weir, consisting of one (1) model D400 AMIL gate the purpose of which is to automatically maintain upstream water levels at a control elevation of 4.0'. If upstream water elevations rise, the gate will automatically open to maintain control elevation. Automatic gate control can be overridden by manual operations controlled by the Collier County Road Maintenance Department. The Big Cypress Basin maintains an automatic water level recorder gauge immediately upstream of the weir on the west bank of the creek. The ability of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve's land nano meni manager to control the water level is limited or non-existent. 2.2 Climate The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is located in an area of Florida that is overlapped by a humid subtropical climate and a tropical savanna climate in which temperatures are moderated by winds from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. A tropical savanna climate is characterized by sharply delineated wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures greater than 64° Fahrenheit. Monthly rainfalls may exceed ten inches during the wet season. Humid subtropical climates are characterized by less extreme rainfall fluctuations between wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures less than 64°Fahrenheit in some months. The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75° Fahrenheit. The warmest 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 annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often occur during a single year. The hurricane season extends from June through November with peak activity occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are highest. 2.3 Natural Communities The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve contains small areas of four different types of natural vegetation communities, hydric hammock, scrubby flatwood, mesic pine flatwood, and Conservation Collier Program 17 Packet Page-1035- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69 Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" floodplain marsh (Table 3)(Figure 5). These communities are ranked by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory(FNAI)(Ranking System Explanation—Appendix 6). A map of historic distributions of native vegetation communities in Collier County is shown as Figure 6(Duever, 2002). This map shows that the area where the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is located was historically a mosaic of hydric flatwood, mesic flatwood, mesic hammock and hydric swamp forest. Table 3:Summary of Natural Communities FNA1 Natural Community Type #Acres %of Global State Comments Area Rank Rank Hydric Hammock .55 ac 15% 54 Riverine Oak and Cabbage Palm groves Scrubby Flatwood .73 ac 20% G3 S3 9 gopher tortoise burrows located, I gopher tortoise obsvd. Mesic Pine Flatwood 1.26 ac 35% S4 Pine Flatwood areas Floodplain Marsh 1.1 ac 30% S2 Cocohatchee Creek floodplain Conservation Collier Program 18 Packet Page-1036- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69^,Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Figure 5.Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCCS) Map. CON A7I01,- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve ..,_ Ltlflr a '` , Florida Land Use and Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) ,,: Coiner County Map a" YE s , Immokalee Road .., ..... ., .. , . .. , , . A c t t ... ..„. . . ., . .....,, , . . .. .. . . . ... . „ f . . . .. i., . . r I..r. . . . .. .. .. . . d3 h' y�'¢p iii '4.. ., . ::.,....,,,, . ...... ,.,„,,.......,,,,. ,, , ::: ,„„,,,,,,,,„:„.„,,,,,,,,,„,,,,..„\\ ....,:„...,,, . - ,,,,„„:-..--. ..:-, ,,..., if-,..„.„,-,-„...„-,,,,,,,,,,..,..,„,,,,,, :.&-:..„4„,,,....,.., - . ......,,' !-., t ,..,:,*„..,,,lt....„..,..„..„.„4„..„,,„,.,...,,N- .-A,",,',.--„, t-. r i.•- 1 x rte'' r d t :s fi��' e : �£ .e veteran's- ,.. •'+ . 9 "'Legend con e¢cn ee Gree V;Preaerre BRUn de t)• 0 125 250 500 Feet LU.ODE Data Source:Parcels-Collier County 1t 1G Fuea Sln.gie Fam.n'anrts Property Appraiser 2012 Aerials igiff 1400:em meroaI ana Services Created By:GIS'Conservation Collier/AS ,. :lnstitullonal Cr COES Planning Servicesiiand Development ServiceOnservation Collier/Land Management :... 1G5G Parks ana-iii s�'C ICochatchee Creek Preserve/Management Plans 1M 6770 411aed Vvellana Hard wrads 12013 FMP Revisions/Maps/FLUCCS 1 61'21.1 met!Sruos Date:6111/13 _81d9 Roads ana Hianvsys Conservation Collier Program 19 Packet Page -1037- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Presetnre j Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered + 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Figure 6. Historic distribution of vegetation communities in Collier County, Florida (Duever, 2002) - v 7-- L 1 1.„t Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Area 1 r cuuor , N5E1Ct■ soin�nxrn nonru nrae.rar+,�.�,vrrn.nwµ.r w � _... .._ 1111. .,..:;...1:..... -17.1:1—':::":---.- Conservation Collier Program 20 Packet Page -1038- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69^,Centered+ j 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 2.3.1 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species A native plant list i,not currentl availablewas developed in 2007 and is attached as Appendix 8 Staff will contracted with a botanist and append it to this plan when completedto develop this list. The Preserve is in a an urban setting and likely does not have resident wildlife other in than theaddition to Gopher tortoises(s) includes raccoons. armadillos. turtles. frogs. fish and bird species. No vv ildhfe An eastern corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) has beenvvas observed in the Formatted: Font:italic upland portions except for bird species area in 2012. In addition to the bird list below, staff has observed Anhinga fAnhinpa anhinga)iishina in the canals. Great Ecrets(Ardea alba) and Scverat Formatted: Font:Italic Florida softshell turtles(Apolone ferox)have been observed in the creek. Formatted: Font:Italic Table 4:Bird Survey—March 1,2006 Common Name Latin Name #Seen Status Comments Northern Cardinal 4 Red-winged Blackbird 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 Boat-tailed Grackle 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler 6 Northern Mockingbird 1 Turkey Vulture 2 Gray Catbird 5 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 2 Woodstork AlvcreriaAniericana 1 E-USFWS(fed) Seen overhead E-FWCC(state) American Crows 7 Seen overhead Common Yellowthroat 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 2.5 Listed Species 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species when completedhnown listed plants at Cocohatchee Creek Preserve include Formatted: Font:Italic .faciculata. T balbisiana. and T utriculata. (See plant list.Appendix 81. 2.5.2 Listed Wildlife Species A listed wildlife species survey was done by staff on March 1, 2006 (Appendix 7). Listed wildlife species observed onsite or in the air 4 ,rte above the parcel include gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphenazrs) a species listed by the State of Florida as a"Species of Special Concern." s �° and Wood storks (Mycteria americana), a species listed as Gophertonoise-Gopherus "Endangered" by both the State of Florida and the federal government. Polyphemus(State-SSC) A map has becnMaps are prepared and updated by staff showing locations of existing Gopher tortoise burrows: however, it icthev are not appended to this plan to protect the animals from Conservation Collier Program 21 Packet Page -1039- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - i Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Idisturbance.As of June 2013,sixteen(16)active burrows were located on the property. Listed bird species may use the property in passing but are not known to nest there. 2.6 Invasive Non-native and Problem Species Table 5: Invasive Non-native Species Known to Occur at the Site Scientific Name Common Name EPPC County Degree Of Cat. Listed? Infestation (2445 2011 list) Schinus terehinihi{alies Brazilian pepper 1 Yes-remove <250,losvmone Acaciaaurtculijonnis Ear leaf acacia I Yes-remove 152,,lowinone 1,,,:,o rats loo 5 ft-1i Yes prr.hrbrted to -loo glum Iredelia trilobata wedelia nia Yes —restricted 235_°e near preserves moderate/low Ahnts preen toms Rosary pea I No -N4=6lowinone 11�l.r;;u.< ri+ny+errar s Alelaleuca I- Yea—remove S_t'cremr,avntw lava plant A Ye: .erix•e Pima sontiaites Water lettuce I No 34.--creek only: low Panicum repens Torpedo grass I No In creek bed-_ moderate I irochloa minim Para grass I No .55 exxpt scrubbt areaalowinone .1 td7rm:ratxae• Pest,taoral era_: I- ,.,ice...,.-.,-a /mperata cvhntirica Coaon crass I No low I irena lohata Ceasar weed II No Seattereel tbrouOu nttlow 2.7 Forest Resources No commercial forests exist and timber extraction is not appropriate for this site. 2.8 Mineral Resources No particular minerals are reported for this site and the extraction of minerals is not appropriate for this site. 2.9 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources A field visit was made to the site by Archeological Consultants. Inc. (Sarasota, Florida) in 2001 for the previous owner. No evidence of a significant prehistoric or historic resource was found. The investigation conducted included background research, excavation of subsurface, shovel unit tests and a visual reconnaissance of the entire parcel. Of particular interest was the elevated "mound" area near the center of the parcel. Subsurface tests showed this feature to be comprised of fill material including sand and limestone pebbles and boulders. A request to the Florida Division of Historical Resources for a Township Range Section (TRS) search in September 2006 resulted in no known archeological sites or historical structures documented on this parcel. Conservation Collier Program 22 Packet Page -1040- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Undated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered + 1 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 2.10 Scenic Resources The primary scenic resource of this preserve is the Cocohatchee Creek. Additionally, the ' natural buffer created by the mature ' vegetation in the preserve provides a place for visitors to experience the feeling of being �t �"rr alone in nature in a very urbanized area. '= .. Public access to the preserve is facilitated by = � � a trail approximately 700 feet long, that meanders along the creek, over a raised - - mound and through the pine flatwood. - Three-hundred and fifty (350) feet of the trail along the north side is made of compacted limestone shell materials and is accessible by Trail made of compacted limestone shell wheelchair (compliant with American Disabilities Act-ADA). In 2012. An Eagle Scout project added a small ADA seating area and 2 benches at the north trail access. The remainder of the trail is made of mulch laid over a cleared 5' wide trail. This endThe mulched portion of the trail enters the preserve at the south side, directly across from the Veteran's Community Park shared parking area. (Figure 1). 3.0 Use of the Property 3.1 Previous Use and Development A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment was done in 2001 by LAW Engineering and Environmental Services (LAW). This report noted that a review had been done of aerial photos and maps dating back to 1940, showing that the site has not been previously developed. Six hand augur borings were done by LAW in 2001 on the raised mound area, finding no evidence of buried waste,trash,soil staining or chemical/petroleum odors. 3.2 Current Public Use and Land Uses - 1 The preserve is currently open to the public for use of walking t i trails and picnic area. Small plant identification signs have . been placed within the preserve to identify native plant species. "a These signs are intended to educate preserve visitors and school age children about the native plants of the region. Picnic area 3.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of the Resource IUses consistent with the above goals include walking, bird and wildlife watching, picnicking, i Formatted:Indent Left 0",First line: o biking and potentially fishing.though no fish have been directly observed in the creek. 3.2.2 Planned Public Uses and Assessment of Impacts Easements, Concessions and Leases—There are no easements, concessions or leases. ENE Formatted: Font:Italic Conservation Collier Program 23 Packet Page -1041- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69 Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Landscaping-No landscaping projects are planned. ima,Formatted: Font: Italic - ------ Stormwater Facilities-There are no stormwater facilities on this parcel. gm,'Formatted: Font: Italic Trail Network - There is a trail meandering through the parcel along the creek through upland l Formatted: Font Italic vegetative communities approximately 700 feet in length, 350 feet of which is accessible by wheel chair. 3.3 Adjacent Land Uses Surrounding land uses include single-family residential on the north and east sides(Southwind Estates), Planned Unit Development (PUD) conservation easement (Southampton/Stonebridge) on the south side,Veteran's Park Blvd.roadway, a developed medical PUD and an undeveloped a developed medical PUD on the west, and to the southwest, the County's Veteran's Community Park. 3.4 Potential Surplus Lands The parcel has an unusual polygon boundary that includes the west 40 feet of Southwind Estates, lot 15. This portion is approximately 40 feet wide and 215 feet long, being roughly 1/5 acre in size. In June 2005, the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) evaluated a proposal by the adjoining neighbors to purchase this portion of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve and place a perpetual conservation easement over it. The CCLAAC made a recommendation not to sell this portion, and the petitioner decided not to forward the request/proposal to the Board of County Commissioners. As this portion of the parcel is of small size positioned in a way that makes it difficult for the public to use, and does provide a buffer for the residential property, the issue of this portion being potential surplus lands may arise again in the future. Conservation Collier could potentially sell this portion, as long as a perpetual conservation easement was placed over it. 3.5 Prospective Land Acquisitions There are no parcels adjacent to the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve available for acquisition. 3.6 Analysis of Multiple-Use Potential Table 6:Analysis of Multiple-Use Potential Activity Approved Conditional Rejected Protection of endangered and threatened species y Ecosystem maintenance Soil and water conservation y Hunting N Fishing y Wildlife observation - y Hiking y Bicycling y Horseback riding N Timber harvest N Cattle grazing N Camping Apiaries N N Linear facilities N Conservation Collier Program 24 Packet Page-1042- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Off road vehicle use 1\ ' Environmental education y Citriculture or other apiculture )\ Preservation of archeological and historical sites j n/a (Other uses as determined on an individual basis) Conservation Collier Program 25 Packet Page -1043- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 4.0 Management Issues, Goals and Objectives 4.1 Program Framework and Goals The Conservation Collier Program considers properties of high natural resource value throughout Collier County for acquisition from willing and voluntary participants. Properties must support at least two of the following qualities: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood control, water quality protection, and listed species habitat to qualify for further consideration. The Collier County Board of County Commissioners appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to consider any selected or nominated properties where an owner has indicated a willingness to sell. The committee shall recommend property purchases for final approval by the County Commission. This property shall be managed only for conservation, protection and enhancement of natural resources and for public outdoor passive recreation that will be compatible with the conservation, protection and enhancement of the site and its surrounding lands. 4.1.1 CIRL/F/orida Forever Management Prospectus Ahhoueh the Cocohatchee (-reek Preserve was acquired entirely with Conservation Collier Program Funds. sonic other program properties may be acquired with Muds from the Ttusicee of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (ROT) holds title to the land;. The Governor authorized to lea.e State land: for the use and benefit of the people of the State of Florida. Each {ease is for 50 years. Management authority for these properties is addressed in see eral- documents. In addition to the lease:;. authority and direction is provided by Chapters 25.1 and 254. Florida Statute: (FS)(\rpendix 'L Chapter_ 25= and 25f. Florida Statutes) (State ofFlorida of Upland: A dsted in the Board of l ruetees"(Appendix 5.Chapter 15 2.FAC ([DIIP 201)63. The plan is intended to be consistent with the State Land Management Plan. The content of this plan is in ace( .. _ ._, management plans and the guidelines pros ided he the staff of DSL. These land.; arc designated for use as hotanical sates with paseive recreation use. They arc to be managed under the single nec concept and, as such. management aeuv dies should be directed Mauagene4et aetivitie_: will also circa.:the protection of threatened and endangered species (2006 1 ' - " eively with funds from the Conservation Collier Program. othe— +ties within the program ma) have partial funding from the Florida Communities Trust (FCT). In those cases. although these lands are managed under Collier County's authority. the matching funds provided by FCT earns with them certain Conservation Collier Program 26 Packet Page-1044- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - (Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" • . ... ." - :rant award agreement and in furtherance of the purpose of the gran: application. .ldciitiunell.v,. manascmen; is Guided b; the purpose and intended use of the the and acquisition project selection process. Other statute: and rules also . . ._ . ; atciting funds. an annual stewardship repw° \\ill be prepared and submitted to FCT each year. The annual repo-: will evaluate, the impktmentation of thi: management plan. The Florida Communities. Trust. Florida Forever Program Rule 9I: 7.011. F.A.C. require: all •_rant recipients to submit a Nlanaeement Plan for approval prior to the release of :•ant funds. ' ' nanagc a project site to• further the purpose: of the Grant application and meet the : : - -CT :rant contract. It is hereby acl:nowled_ed that if cram fttnding from FCT is used to acquire these site:. 4.1.3—LManagement Activities to Preserve, Enhance, Restore, Conserve. Maintain and Monitor the Resource "Each property purchased by Conservation Collier shall have its own management plan. The ordinance requires that an "Interim" Management Plan be developed within 60 days of purchase and that a "Final" management plan be developed within 2 years. After that, property management plans must be updated every 5 years. Interim plans shall be concerned with basic items such as removal of invasive exotics and trash, establishing site security, developing management partnerships and planning for public access. All management plans ttart in the i.ands Evaluation and Management subcommittee and must be approved by both the Conservation Collier ?,and ,lequi:,ition Adsisory Committee I-CUT_"..NCt and the Board of County Commissioners." 4.1.4 Manager The Program Coordinator for the Conservation Collier Program and Land Manager for this property is: Designated Conservation Collier Staff, Facilities Alana:ementParks and Recreation-Department. Telephone number: 239-2-1-3-252-2961. E-mail address: ConservationCollierr"a?Colliergov.net. 4.1.5 Preserve Rules and Regulations No dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or removal or destruction of natural resources shall be permitted within the preserve. The goal is to allow limited nondestructive public access to natural resource habitat and native plant communities and animal species. eurrenth_ the Preserve rules are those identified in Collier County Ordinance-2011-38. Regulations for Use of Preserve Lands.76 18. as amended I \ppendin 2}_. 4.2 Desired Future Conditions This section includes a narrative of proposed future conditions for the site's natural areas. Management techniques to achieve these conditions are in section 4.5. • Conservation Collier Program 27 Packet Page -1045- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered + 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Following recommended management actions, and using adaptive management, Cocohatchee Creek Preserve will have a riverine oak canopy, upland scrub, pine flatwood, and cabbage palm grove habitats that have a similar structure and composition to that which existed upon purchase of the property. The riverine oak canopy will be maintained by managing vines so they do not overtop oaks. Periodic removal of vines from the canopy will accomplish this goal. The creel, bank is the creek bank. Cabbage palm groves will be maintained by removal of exotic plants and periodic removal of plant debris. Upland scrub areas on the site will not be fragmented by trails, but instead will form a continuous unit of vegetation. No prescribed fire will be used in this location due to proximity of homes and businesses. This habitat will be maintained by manual chopping or chemical applications. The pine flatwood will have an overstory of slash pine and an understory of native herbs and grasses. a - •-- , .., - ._ - . ,. _ _ . This area will be maintained by chemical and hand removal of exotics. The creek will he maintained free of exotic plant species. Chemical creek maintenance was begun in 2012 to remove water lettuce and it has been successful. Currently, the creek does Formatted: Font: italic have duckweed (Lenuza spl in it and control efforts have been made. hut this is not as concerning. A native plant restoration project in 2009 added approximately 300 native herbaceous plants alongoini Formatted: Font: Italic the creek. including: bull rush /Scirpus validus). swamp Lilly (Crinum americanum) and leather fern(Achrostichum daneifoliunz). The bull rush and swamp lilies did not do well. due tomma Formatted: Font:Italic the occasional influx of brackish water.but the leather fern is thriving. mom Formatted: Font:Italic 4.3 Major Accomplishments during previous years Table 7:Major Accomplishments during previous years Accomplishment Year(s) Removal of vegetative and other types of debris from forest floor and creek bank 2005 Development of a 700 foot walking trail with a representative portion built to be wheelchair accessible 2005 Development of management agreement with Collier County Parks and Recreation Dept. 2006 Formal ceremony to open Preserve for passive public use 2006 implementation of quarterly exotic maintenance program _ 2007 Creek Restoration Plantine Protect 2009 Earle Scout Seating Area Protect 2012 Conservation Collier Program 28 Packet Page -1046- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Zpdated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 4.4 Goals and Actions for 10 years period 2007-2016 A set of goals and objectives for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve were developed in conjunction with the drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve, based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired, the condition of the resources present, and management issues for the property. On-site managers should be familiar with the entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the Interim Management Plan for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve were reviewed to determine if they remain meaningful and practical and should be included in this plan. The goals and objectives presented here reflect programmatic goals in addition to ideas of Conservation Collier Program staff. Programmatic 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 resources. The following goals have been identified for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve: Goal 1: Maintain the property in its natural condition. Goal 2: Eliminate or reduce human impacts to indigenous plant and animal life. Goal 3: Manage the property for the benefit of native and listed wildlife species. Goal 4: Remove exotic plants to restore natural habitats and reduce fuel loads. Goal 5: Restore native vegetation as appropriate and necessary. Goal 6: Maintain the trail to provide a safe and pleasant visitor experience. Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes. Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness Goal 1: Maintain the property in its natural condition The property was purchased due to specific natural features. In order to maintain these features, periodic biological monitoring will be performed including the following actions: • Conduct periodic wildlife surveys - Install permanent photo points in all habitats Goal 2: Eliminate or reduce human impacts to indigenous plant and animal life Actions: - Maintain bollards at north trail entrance to prevent unauthorized vehicle access • Identify rare native plant species. • Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take steps such as posting a sign, as with the"alligator in the creek" sign, or locating visitor amenities away from animal nesting sites. - Avoid off target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during invasive exotic plant treatments. - Require that domestic animals brought onto the preserve lands are leashed. Conservation Collier Program 29 Packet Page -1047- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve r Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" • All site development occurring adjacent to the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve will be noted and the property manager will research to determine that the proper site development permits have been obtained. 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 and utilize turbidity and erosion control measures (i.e., rock bags, silt fencing or barriers), 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 3: Manage the property for the benefit of native and listed wildlife species. Listed species known to occur on the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve include gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemush American alligator (.111!gator mississippiensis), and a variety of wading birds including woodstorks (Mvcteria americana). Other listed species (primarily bird species) may also use the preserve for foraging and nesting. Many non-listed native bird species also use this site for forage and nesting. Management actions to protect native bird species are: • Avoid off target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during invasive exotic plant treatments. - Require that any domestic animals brought onto the preserve lands are leashed. Management actions for state and federally listed species are: - Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) (State - SSC)— A survey done on March 1. 2006 located 15 burrows (not designated active or inactive) on the property. No tortoises were observed during the survey: however. staff has observed one tortoise on the property at various other time tortoises have al:;o bees observed 14y staff and the public 4-o-the undeveloped scrub habitat on the wese. A gopher tortoise survey done in June 2013 found 17 burrows, with all but one appearing active. As FFWCC guidelines for management identify a viable population as consisting of 40 —50 individuals requiring 25-50 acres of appropriate habitat, the population on Cocohatchee Creek Preserve should be considered a remnant population requiring access to surrounding lands for long term viability. Staff recognizes that due to the small area involved, just under 2 acres, that habitat protection alone on this site may not satisfy long term conservation goals for this species. The following management actions are based on recommendations by theylorida Fish Formatted: Hightight and Wildlife Conservation Commission=4 • '' • ••• -. � - imm,, Formatted: Highlight Collier Count=y Fs i et a-1 • revised Gopher Tortoise Management Plan (approved Sept 5.2012). Conservation Collier Program 30 Packet Page -1048- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - I Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" • Management of exotic and native vegetation to maintain an appropriate open canopy (less than 60%) and sparse shrub cover habitat • Evaluation for need for planting of the site with native herbaceous ground cover plant species and grasses known to be food for tortoises • Placement of signs designating a"gopher tortoise preserve area" along Veterans Park Drive and a"wildlife crossing" across the roadway, • Enforcement of preserve rules excluding potential predators (dogs) from the site unless leashed. - Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) (State — SSC, Federal — T) — Alligators typically move through an urban area and do not remain there. Management efforts to protect habitat for this species will focus on the following: - Posting signage to warn visitors not to feed or approach alligators • keeping creek free of exotic plants and debris Woodstorks (Mvcteris Americana) (State — E, Federal - E)- Woodstorks may use the property for occasional foraging. Management efforts to protect habitat for this species include: • Keeping creek free of exotic plants and debris. Goal 4: Remove exotic plants to restore natural habitats and reduce fuel loads. In general. Goal 3 will be accomplished by cutting. chemically treating and physically removing vegetative debris for all shrub and tree-like species of Category I invasive plant species identified on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's (FLEPPC) List of Invasive Species. Grasses and herbaceous plants will be treated in place with appropriate herbicide applications. Plant species targeted within the preserve will be updated to .coincide with updates of FLEPPC's List. Treatment of invasive exotic plant species will begin with more frequent treatments, such as quarterly, and be reduced in frequency of treatment over several years to find the minimum re- treatments necessary to keep exotic plant species under 5%of the existing vegetation. Specific management actions are provided below for each habitat type: - Pine flatwoods area (FAA'-Mesic Pine Flatwoods) Earleaf acacia and Brazilian pepper are-were problem plants in the pine flatwoods areas, with a few Java plums initially found scattered along Veterans Park Drive and ceasar weed scattered throughout. In March 2007, a representative of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) identified what he believed is rose natal grass but this has not btienwas never confirmed. Any exotic plants will be cut and the debris removed from the preserve and the stumps treated with appropriate herbicide. Appropriate herbicides for Brazilian pepper, earleaf acacia and Java plum are Garlon 3-A or Garlon-4 mixed with surfactant and applied to the stump directly after cutting. Arsenal will not be used in the preserve due to potential for non-target damage.Arsenal is also labeled for uee in this type of area and may be spcciticall-. useful for exotic grasses. but is less preferred as it can have non target damage. esasar weed i; harder, with no known control technique:; other than pr. crihed fire, which is not an option in this small preserve. Staff will continue to research and posf;ibly apply manual removal techniques. Conservation Collier Program 31 Packet Page -1049- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" • Riverine oak area(FNAI-Hydric hammock) Brazilian-pepper and wedelia are were the primary exotic plant problems in this area, which is the creek bank area along the eastern side of the preserve. A few non-native ficus trees were noted here but have been removed. Poison ivy and rosary pea are also present and targeted for removal. Native and non native vines, including smilax spp., poison ivy, grape vine and an unidentified vine are—were initially found climbing to the canopies of the oaks along the river. but have since been removed for the most part. Most of these species can be controlled by spraying with Garlon 3-A or Garlon-4 mixed with surfactant at their base and by periodically pulling them out of the oak canopies. The wedelia and any exotic grasses on the creek bank can be treated with 2,4- D and the banks monitored for erosion. Herbicides that have higher non-target damage such as Velpar and Arsenal,should are to be avoided in this area. • Oak scrub area (FNAI-Scrubby Flatwood) The upland scrub area contains several non-native plant species, originally including Brazilian pepper, earleaf acacia and a Java plum or two. These plants have since been removed. This area must be addressed carefully, as it is habitat for at least one and perhaps several gopher tortoises. Exotics will be removed entirely in this area, leaving no mulch or debris. Appropriate herbicides include Garlon 3-A or Garlon-4 mixed with surfactant and applied to the stump directly after cutting. This area also includes the raised mound. This area is covered with Muscadine grape (Pitis rotundifolia), a native vine species. While Muscadine grape is not considered a problem species, and is a low management priority, at some point management staff may elect to remove some of it and restore with native plant species more useful for gopher tortoise forage. Arsenal will not he used. • Creek and associated wetlands (FNAI—Floodplain Marsh) Brazilian pepper, ceasar weed, and paragrass are were the oricinal problem species in this' area. Brazilian pepper was removed from the floodplain area in 2005 and re-growth has been primarily weedy herbaceous species. An additional removal of a small area of Brazilian pepper inadvertently left out of the 2005 initial removal was done in April 2007. Most exotics have been entirely removed in this area, with the exception of the woody bases for several large Brazilian pepper plants that are growing in the stream bed and could not be accessed for physical removal. These have been killed in place with herbicides. The property will be periodically examined and. if necessary, treated with herbicides starting quarterly with frequency of treatment reduced over several years as the soil seed bank is reduced and re-sprouting of exotics becomes less frequent. Quarterly treatments are currently under contract for the period of September 2006—September 2007. Unless the area is completely dry, any herbicides used in this area should be labeled for use in water, such as Rodeo. If the ground is completely dry, Arsenal can be used for paragrass and torpedograss. Goal 5: Restore native vegetation as appropriate and necessary Actions: Conservation Collier Program 32 Packet Page -1050- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - I Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered + 1.88",Left+Not at 3" • Monitor creek, bank and if necessary, plant native vegetation to prevent erosion. • Low priority: remove Muscadine grape from raised mound area and restore with native plant species that can be used by gopher tortoises as forage. Goal 6: Maintain the trail to provide a safe and pleasant visitor experience. Actions: • Inspect trail monthly for tripping hazards and fix immediately. - Inspect trail monthly for overhead hazards such as broken or hanging tree limbs and fix immediately. - Periodically. as needed, have remove pine needles blown oftfrom the shell portion of the trail. Goal 7: Facilitate use of the site for educational purposes Actions: • Maintain plant identification signs. - Maintain visitor caution sign for potential alligator in creek. • If staffing allows, agree to provide trail tour for classes of school children upon teacher request. • Provide Preserve brochures in rainproof box on site. Inspect monthly and refill as necessary. Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness Actions: • Collier County Parks and Recreation Park Rangers make routine daily patrols of the Preserve during the posted Preserve hours, 8:00 a.m. to dusk. A "Property Owner's Agreement," allowing the Collier County Sheriffs Department to enforce trespass after Preserve hours and make arrests for illegal activities occurring on the property are executed by staff and delivered to the North Naples Substation annually. Other actions shall include: - Do not allow vehicle use in the preserve unless management related and unavoidable. - Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in or near the Preserve. • Clean the Preserve annually of fallen tree pieces or other debris that could become airborne during a storm and cause damage to neighboring properties. • After a storm event, staff will visit the Preserve within 48 hours to assess damages. The first priority for action is the perimeter of the Preserve, where trees may have fallen from Preserve lands onto a neighbor's property. These will be removed as soon as possible, with highest priority of action for those that may have fallen onto a structure. 4.5 Prescribed Fire Program No Prescribed Fire Program is planned for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve. Conservation Collier Program 33 Packet Page -1051- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 4.6 Public Use Facilities Public Access/Parking Handicap Facilities/Restrooms There are two trail entrances to the Preserve, at the north and south ends of the property along Veterans Park Drive. Visitor and handicapped parking is provided at Veterans Park. The trail entrances are accessed via sidewalk from the Veterans Park parking lot. The south trail entrance is closest to the parking lot. The north trail entrance is wheelchair accessible, in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The site shall adhere to ADA standards for pathways and facilities onsite. Restrooms are provided at Veterans Park. 4.7 Operational Plan for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 4.7.1 Maintenance The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include monthly site visits to control littering within and around the preserve, inspect exotic plant re-growth, maintain the trail in a safe an aesthetically pleasing way, refill brochure boxes, inspect signs and equipment (bench, table and trashcans) and review general site security. A maintenance agreement exists with Collier County Parks and Recreation Department for routine patrols and trash removal. Other maintenance actions. - , � ', - .•-.- - - . - hoc basis: however. the e& must be paid for in addition to item:, identified in the agreement at SC1.00 per hour. Staff will coordinate with the Veteran's Community Park Manager to receive updates as to problem issues or items noticed during Park Ranger patrols that the Preserve Manager should address. Phbtopoint photographs will be taken monthly site visit esemi-annually. The Preserve Manager will keep an electronic management log to record observations from the site visit, any contacts made or issues raised. Ongoing projects such as exotic removal, debris removal. creek maintenance and planting projects will be calendared periodically as identified in Section 4.0, - Manaoement Issues, Goals and Objectives. • Gcalsand objective.; of annual nteetin e, will he to inform citizen- about the conservation Collier Program. define what a -Preserve- is. provide relevant hi:aory of the :Me, solicit volunteer.; if . - :- they are m-mrtant. 4.7.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources Preliminary budget estimates for the Cocohatchee Creek 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. Alternative funding sources, such as mitigation and grant funds, will be sought to supplement existing funding. Table 8 shows the activities planned for the next five years and the initial and annual cost estimate of each activity. Private conservation organizations may also provide funding for specific projects. Conservation Collier Program 34 Packet Page-1052- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Table 8 Actual and Estimated Annual Land Management Budget Conservation Collier Program 35 Packet Page -1053- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 1 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve -- f Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" 1 1_ I I i _Resource Management Activity 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 xotic Species "ontrnl $400 $300 $ 0 $300 $800 dultural Resou°ce Management $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Tree Trimming 5250 $ 10 5250 500 Debris Removal $400 $5 0 $400 40U • Ir. ",iii ",iiM"115ii ii • Iii —Subtotal r $1,400 $1,950 $2 ,000' $1,950 $2,200 Restoration Planting projects $0 $500 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal $0 $500 $0 $0 $0 Capital Outlay Equipment- benches,trash cans $0 $0 $500 $600 $400 Trail Maintenance $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Signs $1,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal $1,000 $0 $500 $600 $400 Visitor Services/Recreation Brochures $100 $100 $100 $100 $100 Subtotal $100 $100 $100 $100 $100 Total - $2,500 $2,550 $2,600 $2,650 $2,700 4.7.3. Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors Table 9:Potential Contracting for Activities Activity I Approved Conditional Rejected Trail maintenance I X Fence installation and maintenance X Wildlife inventory and monnorine i X Native plant restoration X Determine extent of hydrologic needs of preserve 1 X Restore hydrology via creek cleaning X Reduce exotic species X Conservation Collier Program 36 Packet Page-1054- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. Education facilities,programs, and literature development and printing X Education signs development and installation X Viewing platform installation(optional) X Law enforcement and patrol X 4.7.4 Management/'Jana Zones Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserve - I Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered + g 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Due to the small size of the preserve (3.64 acres), the entire Preserve is considered one management zone. 4.8 Partnerships and Regional Coordination 4.8.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements In addition to the Interdepartmental Agreement for specific management tasks with the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department, other potential partnerships may include, but not be limited to, surrounding residential and commercial property owner associations, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, The Audubon Society, Florida Wildlife Federation, Collier County Schools, Collier County Sheriffs Office, North Naples Fire Department, Florida Division of Forestry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service , Florida Department of Environmental Protection, South Florida Water Management District, Big Cypress Basin, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Collier Program 37 Packet Page -1055- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan-Cocohatchee Creek Preserve I Formatted:Tab stops: 1.69",Centered + 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Conservation Commission, and other County Departments. as some goals and purposes will be similar. 4.8.2 Cooperating Agencies and Organizations The preserve is managed in accordance with all applicable Florida Statutes and administrative rules. Agencies having a major or direct role in the management of the preserve are discussed in relevant portions of this plan. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) may aid Conservation Collier with wildlife management programs, including the development and management of Watchable Wildlife programs. . 5.0 Literature Cited Duever, Michael. 2002. Southwest Florida pre-development vegetation map. 18 pp. and 1 map. http://www.evereladesplan.ore/prn/studies/swfl/index.shtml. Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (now Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) (J. Cox,D.Inkely, R.Kautz) (1987).Nongame Wildlife Program Technical Report No.4. Ecology and habitat protection needs of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations found on lands slated for large-scale development in Florida. 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. Law Engineering and Environmental Services,Inc.2001. 3.6 Acres Veterans Park Blvd.Project 40340-1-0998. 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. Conservation Collier Program 38 Packet Page -1056- 5/27/2014 16.D.3. 2013 Updated Land Management Plan- Cocohatchee Creek Preserne - Formatted:Tab stops: 1.59",Centered+ 1.88",Left+Not at 3" Oaks, R.Q. and Dunbar,1.R.. 1974. Post Miocene Stratigraphy of the Central and Southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. Utah State University Press, Logan.Utah. Scott, T. M. 1988. Lithostratigraphy of the Hawthorne Group(Miocene). Florida Geological Survey Bulletin No. 59,Tallahassee. Florida. United States Department of Agriculture,Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA.NRCS). 1990. Soil Survey of Collier County Area. Collier Soil and water Conservation District,Naples,Florida. Conservation Collier Program 39 Packet Page -1057-