Agenda 04/10/2018 Item #16D 404/10/2018
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the five (5) year update of the Final Management Plan for the
Conservation Collier Shell Island Preserve.
OBJECTIVE: To ensure Shell Island Preserve is managed in accordance with its Board of County
Commissioners (Board) approved Management Plan and the Conservation Collier Ordinance No. 2002-
63 (as amended, Section 14.3).
CONSIDERATIONS: The Shell Island Preserve was purchased by Collier County on June 10, 2005,
using funds from the Conservation Collier Program. The Conservancy of SW Florida also contributed
$125,000 above the appraised value to facilitate the purchase but does not hold the title. The property is
located within the urban boundary of Collier County in the southwest corner of Section 15, Township
51S, Range 26E, west of State Road (SR) 951, east of and surrounded on the north, west and south sides
by the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR). Shell Island Road transects the
southeast corner of the property. A Ten (10) year Management Plan was developed, approved by the
Board on June 28, 2011 (Agenda Item 16E8), and amended to the 2013 RBNERR Management Plan.
Section 14.3 of the Conservation Collier Ordinance No. 2002-63, as amended, directs that “Ten (10) year
Plans shall be updated at least every five (5) years.” The attached plan has been updated pursuant to that
direction.
Updates include a division change from Facilities Management to Parks and Recreation, additions to the
exotic plant list, and reduction of exotic plant treatments from annual to every two (2) years. The update
also revises the management budget to show future planned costs. The Shell Island Preserve Management
Plan references and is referenced in the 2013 RBNERR Management Plan. Species lists and detailed
environmental descriptions relevant to Shell Island Preserve are already included within the RBNERR
Plan, so the Shell Island Plan, as a companion plan, is somewhat abridged. Any additional future
cooperative agreement will be developed as a Memorandum of A greement and provided to the Board for
approval. All management authority remains with Collier County.
The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee reviewed the updated plan, requested
minor revisions, and unanimously recommended approval at its public meeting held on March 12, 2018
(Agenda Item VH).
Tracked changes have been made so that Board members can quickly see what those changes were.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no new Fiscal impact associated with approving this management plan
update.
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 five (5) year update to the Final
Management Plan for Conservation Collier’s Shell Island Preserve and directs staff to implement the
updated plan.
16.D.4
Packet Pg. 733
04/10/2018
Prepared By: Melissa Hennig, Senior Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Division
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. FMPupdateShellIsland_2018 (PDF)
16.D.4
Packet Pg. 734
04/10/2018
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.D.4
Doc ID: 5140
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the five (5) year update of the Final Management
Plan for the Conservation Collier Shell Island Preserve.
Meeting Date: 04/10/2018
Prepared by:
Title: Operations Analyst – Parks & Recreation
Name: Matthew Catoe
03/15/2018 12:33 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation – Parks & Recreation
Name: Barry Williams
03/15/2018 12:33 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Parks & Recreation Alexandra Sulecki Additional Reviewer Completed 03/16/2018 12:45 PM
Parks & Recreation Ilonka Washburn Additional Reviewer Completed 03/16/2018 1:29 PM
Parks & Recreation Barry Williams Additional Reviewer Completed 03/23/2018 4:33 PM
Operations & Veteran Services Sean Callahan Additional Reviewer Completed 03/23/2018 6:21 PM
Public Services Department Todd Henry Level 1 Division Reviewer Completed 03/26/2018 9:01 AM
County Attorney's Office Jennifer Belpedio Level 2 Attorney of Record Review Completed 03/26/2018 4:33 PM
Public Services Department Steve Carnell Level 2 Division Administrator Review Completed 03/27/2018 3:01 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 8:40 AM
Budget and Management Office Ed Finn Additional Reviewer Completed 03/29/2018 12:03 PM
County Manager's Office Leo E. Ochs Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 03/29/2018 3:44 PM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 04/10/2018 9:00 AM
16.D.4
Packet Pg. 735
1
Shell Island Preserve
Addendum Land Management Plan
April 2011 -20152018 - 2023
Managed by: Conservation Collier Program Collier County
Prepared by: Collier County Administrative Public Services Division Department
Facilities Management DepartmentParks and Recreation Division
Background: Collier County acquired the Shell Island Preserve in June 2005 using funds from
the County’s Conservation Collier Program, along with a donation from the Conservancy of
Southwest Florida that paid the difference between the appraised value, which Conservation
Collier paid, and the seller’s asking price. The Conservation Collier Program was established in
2003 to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vital and significant threatened natural lands,
forest, uplands and wetland communities located in Collier County, for the benefit of present and
future generations. This preserve is located directly adjacent to and surrounded on three sides by
the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR). This plan is intended to
serve as an addendum to the RBNERR Management Plan dated November 2010February 2013,
which is currently in the final stages of its approval process. Once approved, this plan will be
effective through 20152023, at which time it will be updated.
Preserve Manager and Contact Information: The site Preserve manager Manager for Shell
Island Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental Specialist who may be
contacted through electronic mail at ConservationCollier@Colliergov.net or by phone at 239-
252-2961.
Location and Site Description: The Shell Island Preserve (Property) is located within the urban
boundary of Collier County in the southwest corner of Section 15, Township 51S, Range 26E,
west of State Road (SR) 951, east of and surrounded on the north, west and south sides by
RBNERR, folio number - 00741960001. See map attached as Exhibit A. Shell Island Road
transects the southeast corner of the property. The 83.18-acre site contains mangrove forest,
freshwater marsh, and salt marsh plant communities. An historic roadbed, County Road (CR)
848, cuts diagonally across the property. Except for the roadbed, which contains approximately
6.31 acres, the Property is entirely wetlands and is completely flooded during rainy season.
Easements, Concessions or Leases: A 100’ Lee County Electric Cooperative easement exists
along the western property line. A 60’ Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
perpetual, non-exclusive, ingress/egress easement exists along the portion of Shell Island Road
that transects the preserve. This DEP easement includes the right to conduct hydrological
restoration, place culverts, backfill ditches, and conduct road reconstruction for use by
management and for access by the public. No other easements, concessions or leases currently
exist over or within the site or are proposed for the future, unless they further conservation
objectives, such as a conservation easement.
16.D.4.a
Packet Pg. 736 Attachment: FMPupdateShellIsland_2018 (5140 : Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan)
Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 2
Structures: Structures present on the site at this time are limited to those associated with the Lee
County Electric Cooperative easement and an unknown number of historic electricity poles that
still may be present along the old CR 848 roadbed.
Regional Significance of Shell Island Preserve: To date, existing local, state and federal
agencies protect and manage approximately 63% (more than 867,000 acres) of Collier County.
Included within that total are 164,327 acres owned, leased and cooperatively managed by
RBNERR, which itself surrounds the 83.18-acre Shell Island Preserve on its west, north and
south sides. If the Shell Island Preserve had not been acquired for conservation, the previous
owner planned to develop a condominium project on the fill remaining from the old roadbed.
Placing a condominium project within wetlands surrounded by sensitive state lands would have
put those lands at risk for undesirable impacts. In addition, this parcel provides a buffer for
preserved lands at RBNERR from development impacts associated with SR 951 and the
expanding urban fringe. On a resource level, the Preserve protects coastal marsh and mangrove
forest, provides habitat for many listed and non-listed native bird species, and provides for the
conveyance, storage and treatment for overland water flows entering Rookery Bay.
Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection:
The Shell Island Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability,
although the old CR 848 roadbed may contain historical artifacts. The County will notify the
Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any archaeological
or historic resources are present at the site. 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 Shell Island 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.
Management Plan Scope and goals: Conservation Collier’s preserve-use classification system
has designated the Shell Island Preserve as a Category 5 – a Resource Protection/Restoration
preserve, described below:
Category 5 - Resource Protection/Restoration Use Preserve
• Provide no public access. Public access may not be feasible due to the lack of physical and legal
access or where the land stewardship activities could create unsafe conditions for the public.
• No restrooms or marked trails will be offered.
• Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary for the proper
management of the preserve.
Within the scope of a Category 5 Resource Protection /Restoration Use Preserve, Conservation
Collier seeks to coordinate with overall RBNERR Management Plan goals. Specifically, this
16.D.4.a
Packet Pg. 737 Attachment: FMPupdateShellIsland_2018 (5140 : Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan)
Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 3
means to restore natural freshwater inflows, protect and restore natural ecological functions,
protect listed species, manage for compatible public use, increase understandings of key
ecological processes, increase enhance public awareness, promote community involvement,
provide for safe work environment and establish cost effective management strategies (RBNERR
Management Plan, November 2010February 2013). While overall goals will be coordinated with
RBNERR as practicable, specific site management and public use will be directed by the
Conservation Collier Site Preserve Manager, this addendum, and any future ordinance pertaining
to Conservation Collier lands, all under the authority of the Board of County Commissioners.
Public Involvement: Conservation Collier recognizes the importance of public involvement and
encourages involvement in preparation of land management plans. Conservation Collier is also
committed to meeting the requirements of the Florida Sunshine Law, F.S. 286.011. Key steps in
the development of this plan involved public meetings of the Conservation Collier Land
Acquisition Advisory Committee, its Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee, and the
Board of County Commissioners. Meetings were publicly noticed through posting on the
Conservation Collier website (www.Colliergov.net/ConservationCollier), publishing in various
local news outlets and e-mailing to a broad recipient list. Staff also met with neighborhood
associations and property managers of surrounding lands to gather input.
Acreage Breakdown:
General Vegetative Communities Acreage
Wetlands (92%)- Mangrove,
freshwater marsh, salt marsh and
open water body
76.87
Uplands (8%) old roadbed 6.31
TOTAL 83.18
Natural Resources:
Topography, geomorphology, geology, hydrology and climate for this property are included
within the RBNERR Management Plan, November 2010February 2013 (section 4.1.2. General
DiscussionDescription).
Natural Communities: Three different plant communities are present at the site; however, they
are not always distinct. Freshwater and saltwater species co-exist throughout the property. The
old CR 848 roadbed, which transects the property, contains a mix of vegetation.
The following is a general description of native vegetation communities present as classified by
Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS):
FLUCCS 612 – Mangrove Forest – red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), white mangroves
(Laguncularia racemosa) and black mangroves (Avicennia germinans). Other associated species
include: buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto).
FLUCCS 641 – Freshwater marsh - black rush (Juncus roemerianus), sawgrass (Cladium
jamaicense), spikerush (Eleocharis spp.), spider lilies (Hymenocallis sp.), cattails (Typha spp.),
16.D.4.a
Packet Pg. 738 Attachment: FMPupdateShellIsland_2018 (5140 : Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan)
Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 4
White-top sedge (Dichromena spp.), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), wax myrtle (Myrica
cerifera) and saltbush (Baccharus halimifolia)
FLUCCS 642 – Salt marsh – saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), sea purslane (Sesuvium
maritimum), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
The old roadbed contains wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), saltbush (Baccharus halimifolia),
buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto).
Native Animal Species: Native species present likely include large mammals traversing the
property, including Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), black bear (Ursus americanus
floridanus) and bobcat (Lynx rufus). Also present are a diverse assemblage of invertebrates,
reptiles and amphibians, wading birds and raptors including the bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus) osprey (Pandion haliaetus), roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) and reddish egret
(Egretta rufescens).
Listed Species:
Conservation Collier staff have observed the following listed species on the Shell Island
Preserve. A complete list of species that are present on adjoining RBNERR lands and
potentially also present at the Preserve is included within the RBNERR 2010 2013 Management
Plan (Appendix B.4.1). The Florida panther and Florida black bear are documented on
adjoining RBNERR lands and likely travel through the Preserve. American crocodiles are
present at the nearby Marco Island Airport and may also be present. This list includes rankings
at the state and federal level as well as those of the Florida natural Areas Inventory (FNAI).
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME FNAI* STATUS**
State Global State Federal
Plants
Leather Fern Acrostichum aureum N N T N
Re-flexed wild pine Tillandsia balbisiana N N T N
Banded wild pine Tillandsia flexuosa N N T N
Giant wild pine Tillandsia utriculata N N E N
Birds
wood stork Mycteria americana S2 G4 E E
white ibis Eudocimus albus S4 G5 SSC N
snowy egret Egretta thula S3 G5 SSC N
tricolored heron Egretta tricolor S4 G5 SSC N
little blue heron Egretta caerulea S4 G5 SSC N
Reptiles
American alligator Alligator mississippiensis S4 G5 SSC SAT
*Descriptions of the FNAI Global element rankings are included within the RBNERR
management Plan (Appendix B.6)
**State/Federal Status: N-Not Listed; T-Threatened; E-Endangered; CE-Commercially
Exploited; SSC-Species of Special Concern; SAT-Similarity of Appearance Threat
Problem Species:
A complete list of some of the problem species found on surrounding RBNERR lands and their
herbicide treatment rates is included within the 2010 2013 Management Plan (Appendix
16.D.4.a
Packet Pg. 739 Attachment: FMPupdateShellIsland_2018 (5140 : Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan)
Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 5
B.4.310). Although not directly observed, some or all of these may also be present on the Shell
Island Preserve. Problem plant species observed by staff on the Preserve include Brazilian
pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and , melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquinerva), lead tree (Leuceana
leucocephala), earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), old-world climbing fern (Lygodium
microphyllum),; and Peruvian primrosewillow (Ludwigia peruviana).
Management Goals and Actions:
Goal 1: Protect and manage the native habitat onsite.
Strategic Actions:
1. Treat and manage melaleuca, Brazilian pepper and any other Florida Exotic Pest
Plant Category I and II plants.
2. Seek to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for management with
RBNERR.
2. Seek partnering opportunities with RBNERR and the Conservancy of Southwest
Florida for invasive plant management grant funding.
3. Apply prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatment as needed to restore native
habitat.
Goal 2: Implement necessary hydrologic restoration
Strategic Actions:
1. Work with RBNERR to develop and implement projects to improve area hydrology.
2. Make the site available to students in university and post-secondary school science
programs for hydrologic restoration research.
3. Evaluate other actions to improve hydrology if/when proposed based on estimated
environmental benefits return and cost.
Goal 3: Facilitate and support research
Strategic Actions:
1 Contact universities, research institutions and schools to offer the site as an
environmental laboratory, with particular emphasis on projects that will assist in
hydrologic restoration.
Public Access:
Consistent with its classification as a Resource Protection/Restoration preserve within the
preserve-use classification system and due to potential unsafe conditions for the public, no
general public access, marked trails or restrooms will be offered. A public ½-mile long
boardwalk through similar habitat exists less than 1-mile west of the Preserve off Shell Island
Road. Public access will be limited to research and education projects and staff will be present
only periodically for site inspections and management purposes.
Operational Plan for the Shell Island Preserve:
This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Shell Island Preserve.
It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, possibilities for contracting the restoration
16.D.4.a
Packet Pg. 740 Attachment: FMPupdateShellIsland_2018 (5140 : Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan)
Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 6
activities, coordination, and other management issues. Management will consist primarily of
annual maintenance for exotic plants and application of prescribed fire.
Initial exotic plant treatments have been successful in removing 95% of invasive plant
infestations; however, resprouting of Melaleuca in marsh areas has been observed and Brazilian
pepper continues to sprout along Shell Island Road, SR 951 and adjacent to the pond in the
northwest corner of the Preserve. Follow-up treatments are occurring annually every 2 years
during the dry season. Recommended treatment for resprouting melaleuca is to hand pull
seedlings if small enough, or to treat with foliar, low volume spot application of 5% Rodeo.
Resprouting mature trees can be girdled and treated with triclopyr or glyphosate products.
Treatments for Brazilian pepper consist of basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Foliar
application of Garlon 4, Garlon 3A, Roundup Pro, Roundup Super Concentrate, or Rodeo,
according label directions may be used where appropriate. Glyphosate products are less effective
when used alone in spring and early summer. Rodeo should be used where plants are growing in
aquatic settings, such as around the pond in the northwest corner of the Preserve. Conservation
Collier will work in coordination as much as possible with RBNERR to perform exotic plant
treatments.
Conservation Collier will coordinate prescribed fire events with RBNERR, the Florida Division
of Forestry (DOF), the Collier County Isle of Capri Fire and Rescue District and surrounding
landowners when conducting prescribed burns. Please see the RBNERR 2010 2013 Management
Plan (Appendix B.8) for a full discussion of prescribed fire management and its application on
RBNERR lands. The Shell Island Preserve is included within burn units 15 and 16 as identified
in the RBNERR Prescribed Fire Plan (RBNERR 2010 2013 Management Plan Appendix B.8.
Figure 1 / Rookery Bay Burn Units). A system of notifying surrounding landowners in advance
of prescribed burns will be established (via email, phone trees, etc.) this system will be executed
by the Preserve Manager before each prescribed fire. The Preserve Manager will also send out a
news release to notify the newspaper, radio and news channels in addition to informing the
County Manager, County Commissioners and all local fire departments prior to any prescribed
burns.
When burning, photo points will be taken at established locations, facing north (0 degrees), east
(90 degrees), west (180 degrees) and south (270 degrees) pre-burn, 1-2 days post burn, 6 months
post burn and annually until the next burn.
Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources:
Table 1: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget (Amounts in Dollars)
Item QTY Cost 2011-
12
FY18
2012-
13
FY19
2013-
14
FY20
2014-
15
FY21
2015-
16
FY22
2016-
17
FY23
Exotic
Removal
(annual
events)*
83.18
ac
$53.50.
120.22
per ac.
$4,450 $4,450
10,000
$4,450 $4,450
10,160
$4,450 $4,450
10,753
Prescribed
Fire
(2-10 year
events)
75 ac $3,000
*
16.D.4.a
Packet Pg. 741 Attachment: FMPupdateShellIsland_2018 (5140 : Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan)
Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 7
Signs 1 $1,000
Hydrologic
Restoration
**
t/b/d***
*Estimated Costs based on Florida DOF cost estimates for 75-acre burns. Per acre cost adjusted for inflation after
FY19.
**Removal of portions or entirety of the old raised roadbed (CR 848). Depending on results of any hydrologic
studies, this is most likely to occur after 20152020.
*** To be determined
Literature Cited:
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.
Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, F.S. § 286.011. 1976.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan (Draft), November
2010February 2013
Exhibit A. Map of Shell Island Preserve
16.D.4.a
Packet Pg. 742 Attachment: FMPupdateShellIsland_2018 (5140 : Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan)
Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 8
16.D.4.a
Packet Pg. 743 Attachment: FMPupdateShellIsland_2018 (5140 : Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan)