Agenda 04/10/2018 Item #16D 304/10/2018
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the third extension of the Interim Management Plan for the
Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Preserve.
OBJECTIVE: To extend the Red Maple Swamp Preserve Interim Management Plan for an additional
two (2) years.
CONSIDERATIONS: The Red Maple Swamp Preserve is located north and west of Immokalee Road
within Unit 53 of North Golden Gate Estates. Acquisition of parcels within the preserve began in
September 2004.
Currently, the pattern of County ownership in Red Maple Swamp Preserve is scattered, except for two (2)
large contiguous blocks of parcels - one on the western side (53.9 acres) and the other on the eastern side
(39.3 acres). Since these contiguous blocks only comprise 30% of the entire area ultimately hoped to be
acquired, staff hesitates to prepare a Final Management Plan, as there are too many unknowns to start
planning for public access. An extended Interim Management Plan for Red Maple Swamp Preserve was
last approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on December 8, 2015 (Agenda Item
16D13).
With regard to Interim Management Plans, the Conservation Collier Ordinance No. 2002-63, as amended,
directs in Section 14.1 that “prior to the expiration of two (2) years, either a new management plan shall
be implemented or, by affirmative action of the Board, the interim plan shall continue.” The attached
interim plan has been updated and is proposed for continuation by the Board.
Changes include updated maps, updated property status information, and an addition to the exotic plant
list. Additionally, the plan now includes treatment and follow-up treatment within the contiguous eastern
39.3 acres and areas of high-density climbing fern infestations.
The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee reviewed the updated plan and
unanimously recommended approval at its public meeting held on March 12, 2018 (Agenda Item VG).
Tracked changes have been made so that Board members can quickly see the proposed changes. Any
formatting irregularities caused by tracked changes will be resolved in the final document.
FISCAL IMPACT: Additional acreage being treated for exotic plant infestation will increase the annual
cost of maintenance at the preserve by approximately $10,000 in FY19, with costs lesse ning over time.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) funding for exotic plant treatment will be
sought to offset exotic plant treatment costs. Funds are available within the Conservation Collier
Maintenance Fund (174).
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no Growth Management impact.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This Item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote
for Board approval. -JAB
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the attached proposed third extension of the Interim Management
Plan for the Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Preserve and directs staff to implement the updated
plan.
Prepared By: Melissa Hennig, Senior Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Division
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04/10/2018
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. RedMapleSwamp_IMP_2018 (PDF)
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COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.D.3
Doc ID: 5139
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the third extension of the Interim Management Plan
for the Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Preserve.
Meeting Date: 04/10/2018
Prepared by:
Title: Operations Analyst – Parks & Recreation
Name: Matthew Catoe
03/15/2018 12:26 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation – Parks & Recreation
Name: Barry Williams
03/15/2018 12:26 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Parks & Recreation Alexandra Sulecki Additional Reviewer Completed 03/16/2018 12:44 PM
Parks & Recreation Ilonka Washburn Additional Reviewer Completed 03/16/2018 1:28 PM
Parks & Recreation Barry Williams Additional Reviewer Completed 03/23/2018 4:32 PM
Operations & Veteran Services Sean Callahan Additional Reviewer Completed 03/23/2018 6:19 PM
Public Services Department Todd Henry Level 1 Division Reviewer Completed 03/26/2018 8:31 AM
County Attorney's Office Jennifer Belpedio Level 2 Attorney of Record Review Completed 03/26/2018 3:55 PM
Public Services Department Steve Carnell Level 2 Division Administrator Review Completed 03/27/2018 2:32 PM
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 03/27/2018 3:25 PM
Office of Management and Budget Valerie Fleming Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 03/28/2018 8:24 AM
Budget and Management Office Ed Finn Additional Reviewer Completed 03/29/2018 12:00 PM
County Manager's Office Leo E. Ochs Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 03/29/2018 3:48 PM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 04/10/2018 9:00 AM
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G:\CDES Planning Services\Land Development Services\Conservation Collier\Land Management\Red Maple Swamp Preserve\2015 2017 Update IMP\Red Maple Swamp IMP
Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Preserve
Extended Interim Management Plan
Second Third Extension
Prepared By:
Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program
Parks & Recreation Department
15000 Livingston Road3300 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Naples, FL 3410934116
December April 20152018
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Packet Pg. 720 Attachment: RedMapleSwamp_IMP_2018 (5139 : Red Maple Swamp Preserve Extended Interim Management Plan)
December April 2015 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim
Management Plan
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Table of Contents
1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan………………………… 3
2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities ……………………………….. 3
3.0 Interim Site Plan ………………………………………………………….… 3
3.1 Location and Site Description ………………………………………. 3
3.2 Signage……………………………….………………..……………. 4
3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases …………………………………… 4
3.4 Structures………………………………………………………..…… 4
3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses…………………………………. 4
4.0 Interim Management Objectives ………………………………………….… 4
4.1 Natural Resource Protection…………………………………….…… 4
4.2 Site Security……………………….………………………...………. 5
4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan……………….….. 5
4.4 Exotic Animal Plan
4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Resource Protection...……… 5
4.6 Public Access……………………………………….………….….... 6
4.7 Site Monitoring Plan………………………………………..…..…… 6
4.8 Partnerships…………………………………………………………. 6
5.0 Exhibits……………………………………………………………………..… 7
EXHIBIT 1: Location Map
EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map
EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table
EXHIBIT 4: Implementation Timeline
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1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan
Red Maple Swamp Preserve is one of two multi-parcel projects undertaken by the Conservation
Collier Program. The Red Maple Swamp Preserve project boundary encompasses 107 parcels
totaling 305.69 acres within North Golden Gate Estates (NGGE) Unit 53. As of July 2015April
2018, 72 75 parcels or 205.0209.11 acres (6768%) have been acquired by Conservation Collier
in a checkerboard fashion throughout the project area. Although the Board of County
Commissioners (BCC) approved the remaining 35 32 parcels totaling 100.6996.58 acres for
acquisition subject to land values and to being offered as a “very good deal,” acquisitions in
general by Conservation Collier were suspended in January 2011, and no additional properties
within this area have been acquired through fee simple purchase since that time. Conservation
Collier has not requested a market study and appraisal since 2009. Tin July 2017 that market
study and appraisal valued these parcels at $6,05,500 to $7,56,000 per acre. As of July
2015December 2017, the Property Appraiser is valuing parcels within NGGE Unit 53 at $3,200
3,520 per acre.
Conservation Collier will continue to pursue the acquisition of all approved parcels within the
Red Maple Swamp Preserve project area as means to do so present themselves. There is
currently no budget for outright acquisition; however, there are some three potential ways for
properties to come under County ownership:
• Outright acquisition
• Offsite alternatives to the Land Development Code’s Off-site native vegetation retention
requirements (LDC, Sec 3.05.07 H.1.f.iii.) offer a way for properties within multi-parcel
projects to be acquired and donated to Conservation Collier in lieu of developers
retaining vegetation onsite at development projects.
• Current proposals being considered as part of the County’s Watershed Management Plan
involve development of a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program and a
Watershed Mitigation Program in the North Golden Gate Estates, which could result in
some parcels being stripped of development rights and deeded to Conservation Collier.
If properties cannot be acquired using the above means, or if it becomes apparent that few
properties can be acquired in this manner, Conservation Collier staff will seek to exercise a
provision of the Conservation Collier ordinance (2007-65, Section 14.7) that allows for the
exchange of lands within and between multi-parcel projects in accordance with the goals of the
Program. The objective of any such exchanges will be to consolidate the areas owned by Collier
County under the Conservation Collier Program into one contiguous area. All acquired
properties will be managed only for conservation, protection and enhancement of natural
resources and for public outdoor recreation that will be compatible with the conservation,
protection and enhancement of the site and its surrounding lands. Public use of the site will not
be practical until more contiguous properties within the Red Maple Swamp Preserve project
boundary can be acquired.
This interim management plan is intended to update the key management priorities and issues
within the site and give direction for management through 20172020. This document is intended
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to be the precursor to a final management plan, which will provide more specific aspects of site
management once a contiguous block of 100 acquired acres can be assembled.
Key Interim Management Objectives
1. Protect and manage the native habitat on site
2. Explore opportunities for grant funding and partnerships
Action Plan
1a. Treat and manage invasive exotic plants within the 52.853.9 acres of contiguous County
owned land along the western boundary of the preserve, within the 39.3 acres of contiguous
County owned land along the eastern boundary of the preserve, and within any LDC
donation parcels.
1b. Treat and manage high density old world climbing fern populations located within any
acquired properties.
2a. Seek opportunities for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner Upland
Plant Management Program and US Fish and Wildlife Service Partners Program grant
funding
2b. Seek opportunities with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and
Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Land and Water Trust (CREW) for partnership
management assistance.
2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities
The Collier County Parks and Recreation Department will be solely responsible for managing
the Red Maple Swamp Preserve, but will seek to obtain grants and partnerships for management
activities.
3.0 Interim Site Plan
3.1 Location and Site Description
Red Maple Swamp Preserve is located north of Immokalee Road and west of Wilson
Boulevard in Section 8 Township 48 Range 27 within Collier County, Florida. It is
comprised of wetland hardwood forests. Approximately 205.0209.11 acres of the
305.69-acre unit are currently owned by Collier County. Red Maple Swamp Preserve is
located within the Golden Gate Estates boundary of Collier County.
3.2 Signage
Signs denoting parcels as Conservation Collier Land will be installed as contiguous
parcels of 20 acres or more are acquired.
3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases
There are sixty-foot (60’) platted Right of Way easements dedicated for public right of
way, including utilities, along 41st Ave. NE and Shady Hollow Blvd. No other
easements, concessions or leases currently exist within the site. In the future, well
easements may be proposed for locations along both of these roadways with pipelines to
be located in existing easements. The Conservation Collier Ordinance (2002-63)
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Packet Pg. 723 Attachment: RedMapleSwamp_IMP_2018 (5139 : Red Maple Swamp Preserve Extended Interim Management Plan)
December April 2015 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim
Management Plan
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prohibits use, infrastructure or improvements inconsistent with the purposes of the
program or not provided by an approved management plan. There are well easements
along Shady Hollow Blvd. for future alignment of wells with the Northeast Water
Treatment Plant. Preliminary studies indicated that these sites may be viable but currently
there are no wells in place. The location of well easements will be included in a future
management plan. There are no other easements, concessions or leases proposed for the
future, unless they further conservation objectives, such as a conservation easement.
3.4 Structures
No structures are present on the site at this time. No structures, except potentially
municipal well structures, will be erected within the time span of this interim
management plan.
3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses
Red Maple Swamp Preserve is adjacent to SFWMD lands to the north and west. A 43
acre Collier County-owned, un-restored, fallow agricultural, mitigation parcel also exists
to the north of the preserve. To the east, the preserve is bordered by Estates zoned
property that is mostly undeveloped and to the south by Phase II of the Twin Eagles
Development.
4.0 Interim Management Objectives
4.1 Natural Resource Protection
Existing Vegetation:
The following native plants have been observed within the preserve: red maple
(Acer rubrum), cypress (Taxodium distichum), willow (Salix spp.), bay (Persea
spp.), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) and dahoon holly (Ilex cassine). Invasive
exotic plants, Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), air potato (Dioscorea
bulbifera) and old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum, were also
observed on some of the parcels.
Unique Natural Features:
Red Maple Swamp Preserve is an excellent example of a wetland hardwood forest
community and contains many mature red maples in areas outside of those
historically farmed. Even previously farmed areas show significant red maple re-
growth.
Possible Listed Species:
Wild coco (Elophia alta) FDA threatened, royal fern (Osmunda regalis) FDA
commercially exploited and white ibis (Eudocimus albus) FFWCC species of
special concern have been observed within the acquired properties. Listed orchid
species, wood storks (Mycteria Americana) and snail kites (Rostrhamus
sociabilis) could potentially be found there.
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Packet Pg. 724 Attachment: RedMapleSwamp_IMP_2018 (5139 : Red Maple Swamp Preserve Extended Interim Management Plan)
December April 2015 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim
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4.2 Site Security
Staff has been advised that ATV riders use a trail along the west side of NGGE Unit 53,
accessing it by both 41st Avenue NW and Shady Hollow Blvd. Staff will post properties
where ATV use is occurring with “No Unauthorized Vehicles” signs and arrangements
will be made for law enforcement to occasionally visit and monitor activities. Fencing
will not be addressed unless trespass becomes a major issue and a contiguous block of
100 acquired acres can be assembled within the preserve.
4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan
Invasive exotic plant species observed include: Brazilian pepper (Schinus
terebinthifolius), creeping signalgrass (Urochloa plantaginea), air potato (Dioscorea
bulbifera) and old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum).
LDC donation parcels are initially treated for invasive, exotic vegetation prior to
donation, and a management endowment is included with each donation parcel.
Conservation Collier will only actively manage invasive, exotic vegetation within LDC
donation parcels, within the 39.3 acres of contiguous County owned land along the
eastern boundary of the preserve, and within and the 52.853.9 contiguous acres along the
western edge of the preserve that are adjacent to SFWMD lands until more contiguous
acreage can be acquired. All observed invasive exotic vegetation in this section will be
treated and managed. High density infestations of old world climbing fern will be treated
when located on any acquired property within Red Maple Swamp Preserve.
Staff will pursue grant funding for exotic plant maintenance.
4.4 Exotic Animal Plan
In March 2015, a SFWMD staff member observed a large black and white tegu lizard
(Salvator merianae) crossing Shady Hollow Blvd. Members of the SW Florida
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) attempted to trap the lizard,
but were unsuccessful. In July 2015, CISMA members set up camera traps on
Conservation Collier and SFWMD land adjacent to Shady Hollow Blvd., and in August
2015, the CISMA organized a tegu lizard rapid response survey for lands surrounding the
location of the initial sighting. Conservation Collier staff will continue to coordinate with
CISMA members to monitor and/or trap exotic animals within Red Maple Swamp
Preserve.
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Black and White Tegu Lizard – March 18, 2015, Shady Hollow Blvd.
Photo courtesy of Joe Bozzo
4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection
Red Maple Swamp Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological
probability, and no historical or archaeological sites appear to be present in the property.
The County will notify the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is
found to suggest any archaeological or historic resources are present on County-owned
lands. If such properties are identified on-site, staff shall cordon off the area, and a
professional survey and assessment shall be instituted. The archaeologist shall prepare a
report outlining results of the assessments and issue recommendations to County staff
about management of any sites discovered, per provisions of the Land Development
Code Section 2.2.25. This report shall be sent to the Division of Historical Resources.
The County shall cooperate fully with direction from the Division of Historical Resources
on the protection and management of archaeological and historical resources. The
management of these resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267, Florida
Statutes, specifically Sections 267.061 2 (a) and (b).
The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archaeological and historic sites within
the Red Maple Swamp Preserve will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been
obtained from the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of
State, Division of Historical Resources.
4.6 Public Access
The SFWMD Bird Rookery Swamp parking area and trails are located at 1295 Shady
Hollow Blvd., across the street and to the east of the 52.853.9 contiguous eastern acres
proposed for management in the Red Maple Swamp project area. During the Red Maple
Swamp Preserve final management plan development, County staff will meet with
CREW Land and Water Trust staff and SFWMD staff to determine whether it would be
feasible to create a seasonal trail within Red Maple Swamp Preserve that could be
accessed from the Bird Rookery Swamp parking area. The Bird Rookery Swamp portion
of the CREW Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) adjacent to Red Maple Swamp
Preserve is closed to hunting, Therefore, incorporating Red Maple Swamp Preserve into
the CREW WEA to facilitate hunting would not be feasible at this time.
4.7 Site Monitoring Plan
Monitoring of the site shall consist of a walk-through by staff at semi-annual intervals.
Conservation Collier shall be responsible for exotic plant treatment with tasks contracted
out as deemed necessary. Prior to any land management activities, photo monitoring
points will also be established at strategic locations within the project area to monitor
vegetation communities.
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4.8 Partnerships
SFWMD staff has indicated that they are open to the potential for expanding the CREW
project boundaries around NGGE Unit 53, or portions thereof, and there may be
opportunity for management assistance once a larger area of contiguous parcels is
acquired. County staff has also had discussions with CREW about the possibility of
CREW acquiring and conveying NGGE Unit 53 properties over to Collier County. A
letter went out to private owners within NGGE Unit 53 in 2012 from the CREW Trust
asking if there was interest in selling; however, no positive response was returned.
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5.0 Exhibits
EXHIBIT 1: Location Map
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EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map
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EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table
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Management Element Initial Cost Annual
Recurring
Costs
Comments
Exotics Control $714,000 -
$1428,000
Staff will seek FWC
funding for
maintenance of
invasive exotics
Conservation Collier
signs
$650 2 (2’X3’) with posts
and hardware
“No Unauthorized
Vehicles” signs
$150 2 (20” X 28”) signs and
posts
Total $800 $714,000-
$1428,000
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G:\CDES Planning Services\Land Development Services\Conservation Collier\Land Management\Red Maple Swamp Preserve\2015 2017 Update IMP\Red Maple Swamp IMP
EXHIBIT 4: Estimated Implementation Time Line
Monitoring Site
Visit
Seek
Partnerships
Exotic Plant
Treatment
Completion of final management plan (or update of
interim management plan if acquired parcels are
still scattered)
Jan-1618 x x
April-
1618
x x x
July-
1618
x
Oct-16 x
Jan-1719 x x
April-
1719
x x x
July-197 x
Oct-17 x
Jan-2017 x x x
April=20 x x
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