Agenda 10/23/2012 Item #16D 4 10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to accept the Conservation Collier Annual Report and provide
the Board of County Commissioners and public with an update on the Program's
past activities.
OBJECTIVE: To provide an update to the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on
the Program's current and past activities.
CONSIDERATION:
A November 2002 County-wide referendum approved the Conservation Collier Program
to acquire environmentally sensitive land. In December 2002, the Board approved
Ordinance 2002-63 (subsequently amended as Ordinance 2007-65) establishing the
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program and appointed a nine-member advisory
committee called the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee
(CCLAAC) to make recommendations on acquisitions and program policies and
procedures. A November 2006 County-wide referendum confirmed community support
for ad valorem tax funding of the Program for 10 years, through 2013.
The CCLAAC and staff have completed seven selection and approval cycles, one year
of cycle suspension and are currently in a second year of cycle suspension. Therefore,
there is no call to the public for proposals this year. Total cost of land acquisition to date
is approximately $104 million. Since beginning acquisitions in 2004, Conservation
Collier has acquired 4,055 acres in 19 different locations. Since the last Annual Report
to the Board on June 28, 2011, an additional 10 acres is in the process of being
acquired as a donation. Please see this Report for a map of property locations and a
complete report of past and current activities.
Eighteen (18) of the 19 acquired projects are now under Board-approved management
plans, both Interim and Final. Nine preserves (Cocohatchee Creek, Otter Mound, Logan
Woods, Freedom Park, Alligator Flag, Redroot, Caracara Prairie, Pepper Ranch
(limited), and Panther Walk) are currently open to the public. Preserve management
activities are ongoing for all acquired properties except one acquired project without
management access (Camp Keais Strand) and two multi-parcel projects (Red Maple
Swamp (NGGE Unit 53) and Winchester Head (NGGE Unit 65), where larger
contiguous areas must be acquired in order to provide cost effective management. A
contiguous block of 53 acres within the Red Maple Swamp Preserve was recently
acquired, after donation of two parcels from CREW Trust. Exotic plant removals will
begin in this area in FY13.
• At the July 9, 2012 meeting of the CCLAAC, members voted unanimously to forward the
attached 2012 Annual Report to the Board of County Commissioners, with minor
revisions. This agenda item was originally scheduled for the September 25, 2012 BCC
meeting (Agenda item 16D5), but was continued to the October 23, 2012 agenda to
resolve questions about interest rate assumptions for the Management Trust Fund
(174), a table shown within Section 3 (Program Financial Status) of the Annual Report.
Packet Page-1599-
10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
This table was revised by staff to reduce the potential interest earnings in an effort to
remain conservative about income projections. The CCLAAC reviewed the revised
table at its public meeting on October 8, 2012 and after vigorous discussion,
unanimously recommended approval of the revisions with the following understandings:
• The revised interest rates are extremely conservative; rates may increase or
there may be investment vehicles identified providing a better interest rate, and
• All potential sources for income may not be part of the analysis.
The CCLAAC will continue to examine budget projections and evaluate opportunities
and strategies to utilize Conservation Collier funds suitably and effectively.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact
associated with this item.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney.
The Conservation Collier Implementation Ordinance (Ord. No. 02-63, as amended)
requires "an annual public meeting for the purpose of updating the Board of County
Commissioners and the public and for soliciting proposals and applications."
Accordingly, this item is legally sufficient, and requires majority support for Board
acceptance of the report. -JAK
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board accepts the attached 2012 Annual Report as
presented.
PREPARED BY: Alexandra Sulecki, Principal Environmental Specialist, Parks and
Recreation Department
2
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.D.4.
Item Summary: Recommendation to accept the Conservation Collier Annual Report.
Meeting Date: 9/25/2012
Prepared By
Name: BetancurNatali
Title: Executive Secretary,Transportation Engineering&C
8/29/2012 12:27:01 PM
Submitted by
Title: Environmental Specialist, Senior,Facilities Manage
Name: SuleckiAlexandra
8/29/2012 12:27:03 PM
Approved By
Name:AlonsoHailey
Title: Operations Analyst,Public Service Division
Date: 9/12/2012 1:09:17 PM
Name: WilliamsBarry
Title: Director-Parks&Recreation,Parks&Recreation
Date: 9/13/2012 9:33:12 AM
Name: WrightJeff
Title: Assistant County Attorney,County Attorney
Date: 9/13/2012 10:46:47 AM
Name: CarnellSteve
Title: Director-Purchasing/General Services,Purchasing
Date: 9/14/2012 7:53:39 AM
Name: KlatzkowJeff
Title: County Attorney
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Date: 9/14/2012 10:18:40 AM Oft
Name:FinnEd
Title: Senior Budget Analyst,OMB
Date: 9/17/2012 6:29:02 PM
Name: OchsLeo
Title: County Manager
Date: 9/18/2012 10:49:27 AM
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Item 16.D.4.
10/23/2012
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 3
1. Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) 4
2. Program Lands Acquisition Status 7
A. Active Acquisition List-A-List Properties 7
B. Active Acquisition List-B-List Properties -North Golden Gate Estates I-75 Project 12
3. Program Financial Status 13
Table 1. Land Acquisition Fund 172 -Projected Revenues and Expenses 14
Table 2. Land Management Fund 174 - Projected Revenues and Expenses 15
4. Acquired Lands Management Status 16
Table 3. Preserve Management Plan Status 18
5. Management Activities 18
6. Partnerships Status 20
7. Grants status 21
Table 4. Management Grants 21
8. Proposed Objectives of the Program's Tenth Year 22
Exhibit A. 2012 Map of Conservation Collier Program Lands 23
Exhibit B. 2011 Approved Active Acquisition List 24
Appendix 1. Conservation Collier Program Public Amenity Work Plan-Revised 25
Appendix Exhibit A- Public Amenity Matrix 29
Appendix Exhibit B - Conservation Collier Public Amenity Priority List 31
Map 1 —Conservation Collier Preserves by Commission District 32
Nvo
2
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier ai Report 2012
Executive Summary
In accordance with the Conservation Collier Ordinance, as amended (2007-65, Section 12.6), there
will be an annual meeting to update the Board of County Commissioners (Board) and public on the
Conservation Collier Program. The following annual report is intended to serve as the update to the
Board and public.
The Conservation Collier Program is responsible for implementing the mandate of the electorate of
Collier County as provided by public referendum votes in November, 2002, and again in November,
2006 confirming that mandate, to levy a 0.25 mill ad valorem property tax for a period not to exceed
10 years for acquisition, protection, restoration, and management of environmentally sensitive lands
in Collier County for the benefit of present and future generations. A nine (9) member citizen's
advisory committee named the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee
(CCLAAC) was appointed in early 2003 to make recommendations to the Board of County
Commissioners on land purchases and program policies. Members are appointed for 3 year terms.
The CCLAAC currently has nine (9) active members, three (3) of whom have been previously
recognized by their fellow committee members and the Board for outstanding public service.
Conservation Collier has been implementing its mandate for 9 years. During this time 4,055 acres
have been acquired in 19 different locations for a cost of approximately $104 million. A total of
$47,332,251 has been bonded for use in property acquisition, via bonds in 2004 and 2008. Two
approved multi-parcel projects, Winchester Head (aka North Golden Gate Estates (NGGE) Unit 65)
and Red Maple Swamp (NGGE Unit 53), have been ongoing but are currently suspended. One
donated 10-acre parcel is going through probate and should be acquired by fall 2012.
Of the 19 acquired Conservation Collier properties, fourteen (14) have approved Final Management
Plans (FMP), four(4) have approved Interim Management Plans (IMP), and one (1) does not have a
plan as it is inaccessible for management. Nine (9) Conservation Collier preserves are open for
public use: Cocohatchee Creek, Otter Mound, Logan Woods, Freedom Park, Pepper Ranch
(seasonally), Caracara Prairie, Redroot, Panther Walk, and Alligator Flag Preserves - with signs,
trails and benches. Management activities for FY 2012 are anticipated to cost $3,011,700. This
funding is to accomplish management actions on acquired preserve properties as prioritized by the
CCLAAC and approved by the Board of County Commissioners at their 6/14/11 regular meeting
(Item 10G).
Staff has been active in grant writing for management since the beginning of the Program and has
received grant funding awards totaling $446,800. Several grants for land acquisitions have been
applied for, but none have been awarded. All awarded grants have been for land management
activities and equipment.
Like many public programs, Conservation Collier has been impacted by current economic
conditions. Lower property values and lower interest rates have been factors resulting in reduced
income for the Program. During the last fiscal year, although acquisition proposals were collected,
ranked by the CCLAAC and an Active Acquisition List (AAL) was approved by the Board,
acquisitions were halted while Program staff prioritized and planned future land management to
determine the necessary level of funding within the Management Trust Fund to assure it would be
self sustaining. No acquisitions are anticipated for the upcoming year.
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Conservation Collier Annual Report Ank
1. Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee
(CCLAAC)
The CCLAAC consists of 9 members appointed by the Board. The primary purpose of the
CCLAAC is to assist the Board in establishing an Active Properties Acquisition List with
qualified purchase recommendations consistent with the goals of Conservation Collier.
CCLAAC members serve in accordance with Ordinance 2001-55, as revised (Ord. 2009-16).
Membership of the CCLAAC is intended to be comprised of broad and balanced representation
of the interests of Collier County citizens, including:
• Environmental and conservation interests
• Agricultural and business interests
• Educational interests
• General civic and citizen interests throughout the county.
In 2004, the Board initiated a program via Resolution 2004-280 to recognize the outstanding
service provided by Advisory Committee Members and to honor and reward such service
through the Outstanding Advisory Committee Achievement Award. Members are nominated by
their fellow committee members and selected through the Human Resources Awards Committee.
Since its inception in 2004, eight (8) Conservation Collier Committee members have been
recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Five regular CCLAAC meetings and ten subcommittee meetings were held between January 1
and July 31, 2012.
The CCLAAC has 3 subcommittees:
Outreach
Typical tasks include development of informational brochures and working to interact with the
local community to encourage public interest in Conservation Collier Projects.
Lands Evaluation and Management
This sub-committee reviews all proposed land management plans and makes recommendations
to the full committee on land management activities and issues on acquired preserves.
Ordinance, Policy and Rules
This subcommittee meets as needed to discuss various program policies and procedures,
including any ordinance revisions. This subcommittee recently completed and recommended a
"Preserve Use" section for addition to the Parks and Recreation ordinance (Ord. 2011-38).
Currently serving members and their areas of expertise are:
• William Poteet,Jr.—Chairman. Re-appointed for a fourth Term in February 2011, Mr.
Poteet is a local Realtor and business owner who has been a member of the CCLAAC since its
inception in March 2003. He has serves as Chairman of the CCLAAC since August 2005 with
unanimous re-election as Chair each year. He also serves as a member of the Outreach
Subcommittee and as Chairman of the Ordinance, Policy and Rules Subcommittee. Mr. Poteet is
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
an outstanding leader, assisting with the development of many Program policies. He was
recognized as an Outstanding Advisory Committee Member of the month in March 2007.
• Clarence Tears, Jr. —Vice-chair. Appointed in February 2010, Mr. Tears has been the
Director of the Big Cypress Basin /South Florida Water Management District since October
1996, recently retired. He was responsible for the management of water resources for the
public's health, safety, and welfare in Collier and northwest Monroe Counties with experience
spanning more than 24 years. Mr. Tears has served in numerous positions of community
leadership including graduate of Leadership Florida, Chairman of Leadership Collier Class of
2001, Chairman Lake Trafford Restoration Task Force, and appointment to the Immokalee Area
Master Plan Committee and 951 Horizon Study. He an active member of the US Air Force
Reserves with more than 24 years of service. Mr. Tears also serves as Vice Chairman of the
Ordinance,Policy and Rules Subcommittee.
• Anthony Pires, Jr. —Re-appointed to a third term in February 2011, Mr. Pires is a long-
time local land use attorney bringing extensive experience in public and private land use and
planning projects to the CCLAAC. Mr. Pires has served on numerous County Advisory
Committees over the past two decades. He currently also serves as chairman for the Outreach
Subcommittee and member of the the Ordinance, Policy and Rules subcommittee, where his
legal expertise and sharp eye for detail are invaluable in assisting with ongoing development of
program policy. In February 2011, Mr. Pires was recognized as an Outstanding Advisory
Committee Member.
• Jeffrey Curl—Re-appointed to a second term in February 2011, Mr. Curl is a Registered
Landscape Architect by trade who brings with him expertise in land planning, business and the
graphic arts. Mr. Curl is presently serving on both the Ordinance Policy and Rules and Outreach
subcommittees, where he served as Vice Chairman. Mr. Curl interacts routinely with the
development and business community and brings resulting perspectives to the CCLAAC that
serve to keep Program policies fair, balanced and realistic. He is responsible for development of
the Conservation Collier logo. He serves as Committee Liaison for the Gordon River Greenway
Park Project where he has spent many hours reviewing plans and assisting with technical aspects
of the project. He also serves on the Project Design Team, a citizen stakeholder group making
design recommendations for the project. Mr. Curl's service was recognized by his selection as an
Outstanding Advisory Committee in October 2010.
• Jeremy Sterk— Re-appointed to a second term in March, 2012, Mr. Sterk is a biologist
with extensive local experience in permitting, species surveying and project management. He
Chairs the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee, where his environmental
knowledge and permitting experience are invaluable in review of proposed land management
plans. Mr. Sterk is also an accomplished photographer with a keen eye for wildlife whose
photographs have enhanced Program reports. He also serves as the Chairman of the Lands
Evaluation and Management Subcommittee.
• Lauren Gibson —Appointed in February, 2010, Mrs. Gibson graduated with a Bachelors
of Science in Biology and a minor in Computer Science from Florida Southern College. For the
past 4 years she has worked as a staff biologist for Turrell, Hall and Associates, Inc., Marine and
Environmental Consulting, where she performs wildlife and vegetation surveys, preserve
monitoring, environmental resource permitting and coordinates with various agencies on
company projects. Her knowledge of Florida ecosystems and permitting experience make her a
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
valuable member of the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee, where she serves as
Vice Chairman.
• Tracey Dewrell—Appointed in September 2011, Mr. Dewrell is a real estate and general
litigation attorney and the managing partner in Dewrell and Sacks, LLP. Mr. Dewrell has been a
member of the Florida Bar since 1998 and is also admitted to practice in GA, where he is a
registered arbitrator. He is the author of the Federal Bar Review of Florida(1998-2008) and the
Georgia Foreclosure Investors Report, a statewide publication of mortgage foreclosures with
investment analysis maintaining over 1800 monthly subscribers. He is also chairman and CEO of
U.S. Title Insurance Corp, a national provider of title insurance and escrow services. Mr.
Dewrell has experience in land appraisal, a strong interest in conservation and land management.
He also serves as a member of the Ordinance, Policy and Rules Subcommittee.
• John Hamilton Burton II — Appointed in February 2012, Mr. Burton is currently a
Broker Associate with Premiere Plus Realty in Naples. He is a Native Floridian, and has been a
local resident for over 30 years. His background is in commercial and residential real estate as
well as the landscape nursery industry. His skills include areas like contract negotiations,
construction and appraisals. He studied Agricultural Economics at the University of Florida,
Warrington College of Business and is active in the Naples Area Board of Realtors. Mr. Burton
also serves as a member of the Lands Evaluation and Management and Outreach Subcommittees.
• Todd Allen — Appointed in March 2012, Todd B. Allen is a Real Estate Litigation,
Condo and HOA Law, and Bankruptcy attorney practicing locally since 2009. Before joining a
local law firm, Todd represented homeowners facing foreclosure and bankruptcy in Collier and
ootoi
Lee Counties. As a result of his work, Todd has been featured in the national media with articles
in Fortune Magazine, USA Today, Housing Wire, Time Magazine, and the Huffington Post, to
name a few and has appeared on MSNBC and Fox News to discuss his work. Todd is originally
from Utah. He additionally serves as a member of the Ordinance, Policy and Rules and Lands
Evaluation and Management Subcommittees.
Ask
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
2. Program Lands Acquisition Status
Conservation Collier currently owns 4,055 acres in 19 different project locations throughout
Collier County (Exhibit A). In January 2011 acquisitions were halted while Program staff
prioritized and planned future land management to determine the necessary level of funding
within the Management Trust Fund to assure the Program would be self sustaining. An Active
Acquisitions List (Exhibit B) was approved at that time in case funding became available and to
demonstrate community interest in the event grant funding became available. The following
provides a description and status of A and B List properties.
A. Active Acquisition List-A-List Properties
Three properties are listed as A-List properties on the 2011 Acquisition List, pending landowner
wishes and changes in the Program that would enable acquisition of lands to resume.
1. CDC Land Investments, Inc. :,
(CDC): CDC Land Investments-7.51 acres
This parcel (in green on map) was
originally offered to Conservation :,. -"- ;
Collier in 2009. That acquisition cycle °`' ,.r �e # :41
was suspended and it was reoffered in ;�, -
2010. The property is contiguous with .$ °� �� ,�
the Conservation Collier section of the -- -
Gordon River Greenway Park. n --
Y: ni m
Parks n a Rivd er Green Recreat on .
One contemplated use for this parcel is . °`°
to provide a parking area and '
additional access point for the Gordon _ Gordon rreen� *'*
River Greenway Park. The Greenway ;� -� s-;"-z - °:4..4,"""*"
path is currently planned to exit the 1 z 0 .,
Conservation Collier portion at its
--
southeast corner onto an easement - , ` rk , ;:
granted by the Naples Airport along s:
the west side of the Airport property. "" '. ~-1.... r ,4 `
This easement pathway will connect to Legend
0 0.25 O 5 Mlles """(:)"'t '° CDC Parcel drawn
existing trails within the Airport's
cw.s.„„.. . m� ,F.—A-- 71 Gordon River Greenway
conservation area and potentially c .= . =Freedom Park
.._.....
G:.A!v1VM fi'.p.rt mra anay-q
connect via a bridge with the City of ' '
Naples property on the west side of the
Gordon River, the conceptual terminus of the Greenway pathway. While acquisition of the
CDC parcel is not necessary to provide access to southern sections of the Greenway, it would fill
in a landscape gap, provide additional parking and access along North Road and provide
potential for an additional public fishing platform along the Gordon River.
Status: Still offered for sale.
7
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
2. Barron Collier Investments LTD (BCI): A lek
These parcels were originally offered to Conservation Collier in 2009, subsequent to the Pepper
Ranch Agreement, which included an access easement for BCI through the Pepper Ranch
Preserve. The 2009 cycle was suspended and they were offered by BCI again in 2010. Should
Conservation Collier acquire both parcels, the BCI access easement through Pepper Ranch
would no longer be needed. If only Area I were acquired, the Pepper Ranch easement would
remain, and BCI would require, as part of the sale, an easement through Area 1 to reach its lands
within Area 2. If acquired, the owner offered two incentives. The first is to remove the invasive
exotic plants with its company crew, charging Conservation Collier only labor and herbicide
cost. The second is to provide favorable acquisition terms. A primary benefit to preserving the
offered lands in an undeveloped state would be protection of the Corkscrew swamp/marsh
complex and wetlands associated with Lake Trafford.
BCI Areas I and 2-Showing SSA Lands
CON AT ION
•WEN
N
•.4
VO ,=E r'
Calif er County
CaracaraPrairie t ibi 1 Immokalee
A i
;' Pepper Ranch I v 1.5 II :IA,s:.
_Preserve am
r, `'7
l -4r
��''yy g r , _sr.
r
Legend
alleaArtio
al 13C1 Area 2
°:/ l / �._. 7:....$Cmme( o t ecther Preen.
-Cnsennrmq
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1
- 41 SOON:CORN L0.N r.i xi'impair'Marsh Preserve t,/ 1 reate0 Pr c•5r ARA.()�mal,xi C.ul w
1 j 1 Y a s!n^a9icm Le ieWai C'cle e
14 I ___.,...__. 8r.41 1 Peon map.r 9arc.xi
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BCI Area 1 (in purple on the map) contains 235 acres and is contiguous with the Pepper Ranch
Preserve. Known locally as Big Hammock Island, it is an upland portion of an undeveloped
section of land and is not currently split out as a separate parcel. Roughly half is unimproved
pasture currently used for cattle grazing, with the remainder forested with pines, oaks and
wetland hardwoods. This property is not included within an SSA. There is an abandoned oil well
located on it. The oil, gas and mineral rights are owned by an entity that is different than the
land owner and are not included as part of the proposed sale. Area 1 property is not included
Adak
8
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
within SSA #13 and is a potential source for Panther Habitat Unit (PHU) credits. At this time,
no study has been done to determine the amount of credits that may be available.
BCI Area 2 (in red on the map) contains 799 acres which are not directly contiguous with the
Pepper Ranch,but which are currently included within Stewardship Sending Area(SSA)#13 and
contiguous with the Camp Keas Strand, a Rural land Flowway Stewardship Area. Roughly half
the offered property has been identified for extra credit as a restoration area; however, restoration
activities have not started. Some credit has been received by the owner already with the
remainder due upon completion of restoration. There is a known archeological site on this
property. A little more than half of the property is wetland forest located on the outer edges of
Big Hammock Island; the remainder being freshwater marsh wetlands. The offered property is
not currently split out as a separate parcel and oil gas and mineral rights are not included as part
of the proposed sale.
Status: Still offered for sale.
9
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
3. Multi-Parcel Projects:
Conservation Collier:Winchester Head Status',April 2011 tvN nT�ora 3
Y s • a 9 N
. £
....4(:)..,
l a� £1 NM 1 GM Feet
Legend
Ens*Need Seuneery
r Wit. Conservation Collier: NGGE Unit 53!Red Maple Swamp
June 2012
c. F
7 H MOlsOW BL D W".° �°
g
e ' J JJ i , .U„sJ tS .i sl J ..J }l ,-Ii t
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of 8 c n a i
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0 250 500 1.000 Feet Legend
11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Status of Properties S.SFWMD/CREW Lands
" AegUlredl E 'a Countyceweasture
Eal dty C a « Stu A.n1*t... -"st
C.!P Yq es:And De.i nnb'i[ 2 sM'210'I V,It 5
Krakow.ro 04.8Sia�4M.tJ r.;.,yl 2012A m1.:rown awl ad3ryi E Acquired
A./'Y12
The Conservation Collier Program has two formally designated Board approved multi-parcel
projects, Winchester Head (AKA portions of North Golden Gate Estates (NGGE) Unit 65) and
Red Maple Swamp Preserve (AKA all of NGGE Unit 53). Multi-parcel projects, comprised of
multiple lots and ownerships, have been a challenge for the Program. Challenges include: higher
prices for smaller lots, fluctuating values over multiple years of buying, unwilling sellers within
Amok
the project boundary, and lack of assurance that in-holding parcels can be acquired in the future -
10
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
a particular challenge of the willing-seller environment. Approximately 47% (75.11 acres out of
158.67 acres) has been acquired within Winchester Head, and approximately 66% (200.24 acres
out of 305.69 acres) has been acquired within NGGE Unit 53. Both multi-parcel projects are
currently suspended under Board direction, unless a "very good deal" is offered to Conservation
Collier, in which case, staff has approval to approach the Board.
The most recent appraisals for both projects were performed in October-November 2009. In
those appraisals, property values in both multi-parcel projects fell significantly from a September
2008 appraisal; in WH from $16,375 per acre in 2008 to $10,000 per acre in 2009 and in NGGE
Unit 53 from $15,842 per acre in 2008 to $7,500 per acre in 2009. No recent appraisals have
been performed. If additional funds are identified to resume purchasing within the multi-parcel
projects, new appraisals will be obtained before making offers. The multi-parcel projects within
North Golden Gate Estates are where Conservation Collier would be getting its best values in the
current market conditions. If funds can be identified for additional purchases it will benefit the
program by consolidating the acquired areas and permitting management to begin. Within
NGGE Unit 53, a 53-acre contiguous area has been acquired and exotic removals will begin in
FY 13. If no additional funds for acquisition are identified, Conservation Collier will pursue
trading parcels with owners within the project boundaries to consolidate its holdings. Trading
parcels within approved multi-parcel projects is permitted under the Conservation Collier
ordinance, 2002-63, as amended, Section 14.7.
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
B. Active Acquisition List-B-List Properties -North Golden Gate Estates 1-75 Aletik
Project
The I-75 project is a group of
C clam>,.>�c�t -'a.L contiguous and non-
""" I-75 Project *.._ contiguous parcels located
a � , - between the southern
' ' terminuses of Everglades
' n �� Blvd. and Desoto Blvd. in
�� _r ,
�'i. ' ` ` '� �,, � NGGE. These parcels are
� `. 5 '4,-,,....,),, 8 • within a Target Protection
Area (NGGE) and meet the Conservation Collier criteria.
, - ''4?:-4 t I' . '.+..' ' 0 �i Their acquisition would
provide wildlife habitat and a
14 significant natural area that
" _.i x ' � could accept surface flood
! 1 waters from other lands
.� �0 within the NGGE. The total
r7*Pi a une trait. 5 r Forest 7-,.. .
� . � , area covered by these lots is
,,, -c. .-- 243 acres, 196 acres of
-1/4' , i; which are mostly contiguous
�� .. lots owned by one
0 0,5 1 2 Miles Lege„a individual. There are a total
g.75 Warne titters asstCNt2007 of 13 owners who have
Uara s.as Parceb.Collar County PrePertY Aggro"'Glnd Uy;Fidgeter.aarageteelle �areHO, fl��
a filled out applications for
Omuta/01p COW.A.Boland „,natural Areas
ma'am Conservation Collier and
1751kapartangaaual flepart 201a pap.raad and 4pg
"''r"2`'2a'° who have gone through the
criteria review process. All
243 acres are currently approved on the 2010 Cycle 8 Conservation Collier Active Acquisition
List (AAL) as B-List properties, meaning they will bel automatically re-ranked in the next
acquisition cycle unless the owners withdraw or have sold them. Many of these parcels have
been on the B-List since 2007.
The Conservation Collier Committee recommended placing parcels in this project on the B-List
to determine if there is potential to partner with Transportation for acquisition of mitigation
parcels and to determine which lots in this area will be directly impacted by road work and what
the implications of the final alignment will be for conservation acquisitions in this location.
Status: The Gore properties (in orange) are on the market and being actively marketed. The
owner's agent has indicated he would accept fair market value with a portion of that cost offered
as a gift. The property has a home on it. The status of the remaining properties is not known at
this time.
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
3. Program Financial Status
Conservation Collier has invested approximately $103.9 million in the 9 years it has been in
existence, acquiring 4,055 acres in 19 different locations. Acquisition funds have been generated
from an ad valorem property tax of up to .2500 mils, or $25 for each $100,000 in taxable
property value, for property owners in Collier County. Levy authorization runs through 2013.
As funds are collected for the Program each year, a small percentage is taken by the Tax
Collector and the Property Appraiser for their services, 15% of the net levy is transferred into a
separate fund for management activities, and a portion is used for debt reduction (Bond Series
2004). On April 12, 2011 (Agenda Item 10F) the Board authorized early re-payment of Bond
Series 2008. Bond Series 2004 will be retired in FY 2013. Table 1 below shows the Land
Acquisition Fund's estimated revenue and expenditure projections from FY 2011 through FY
2013.
The goal of transferring 15% of the net levy annually was to accumulate sufficient funds within
the Management Trust Fund to generate interest to pay for public access improvements and
sustain land management activities in perpetuity. While 15% was the amount originally
provided in the ordinance for management, the actual amount needed could not be verified until
it was known what lands would be acquired and what public access amenities would be
provided. In 2010, after collecting projected management cost data, comparing it to revenue
forecasts for FY 2010 — FY 2013, and considering future interest rate projections, the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) advised staff that there would be insufficient funds in the
"Land Management Fund" to complete all currently approved and discussed public access
improvements while still managing all Conservation Collier preserves in perpetuity. As a result,
the Board approved transfers equaling an additional $10.3 M from the "Land Acquisition Fund"
to the"Land Management Fund"during FY2011 —FY2013 to minimize projected shortfalls.
Last year, subsequent updated projections from OMB indicated the possible need to move
additional Acquisition Trust Fund dollars into the Land Management Fund. As a result, in
January 2011, the Board suspended future acquisitions (with a few exceptions for parcels already
under contract) until staff returned to the Board for approval of a Master Plan that would ensure
sufficient future funds to manage all Conservation Collier Preserves in perpetuity. Conservation
Collier staff has worked with the CCLAAC and OMB to prioritize public access project
spending and to develop the Conservation Collier Public Amenity Work Plan (Appendix 1). That
was approved by the Board of County Commissioners at their 6/14/11 regular meeting (Item 10G).
Staff will continue to work with OMB to determine whether there will be any remaining funds
available to pursue properties on the current AAL. Conservation Collier is not currently
accepting acquisition proposals unless they are offered as "exceptional deals."
13
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Table 1. Land Acquisition Fund 172 - Projected Revenues and
Expenses ,4 ,4
(Thru 9/30/11) (Thru 9/30/12) (Thru 9/30/13)
ACTUAL FORECAST PROPOSED
TAX YR 2010 TAX YR 2011 TAX YR 2012
FY2011 FY2012 FY2013
Revenue
Carryforward(Beginning Fund Balance) $6,942,600 $656,300 $3,669,900
Revenue-Ad Valorem $5,984,413 $9,463,600 1 9,674,700 3
Revenue-Interest $52,953 $7,900 $36,400
Revenue-Other $0 $8,600 $0
Revenue-Misc $10 $100 $0
Revenue-Transfers&Contributions $63,829 $158,200 $62,000
Revenue-Reserve $0 $0 ($488,700)
Total Revenue $13,043,805 $10,294,700 $12,954,300
Expenditure
Expenditure-Personal Services&Operations $709,982 $387,300 $403,100
Expenditures-Capital&Remittances $213,400 $0 $0
Expenditure-Transfer to Fund 174 $4,193,900 5,980,500 $7,511,000 2
Expenditure-Other Transfers $198,196 $257,000 $294,800
Expenditure-Reserves $0 $0 $4,745,400
Expenditure-Debt Prepayment $7,076,800 $0 $0
Total Expenditures $12,392,278 $6,624,800 $12,954,300
Estimated Carryforward/Reserves $651,527 $3,669,900 $4,745;400: .� 3.x
Projected Amount to sweep from Fund 172 to Fund 174 at sunset of tax levy.
1-AN((($58,399,698,901'.1651y1000).96) 9,463,600
2-Assumes 15%$2,193,312 transfer to Maint.Fund 174 plus additional$5,317,688
3-AN($58,598,879,5521.1651/1000) 174,675
Millage Rates July 1st Proposed Tax
FY13 Taxable Value Dollars
Bond 05(272) 0.0849 58,598,879,552 4,975,045
Acq Fund 172 0.1651 58,598,879,552 9,674,675
0.2500 58,514,981,670 14,628,745
14
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Table 2. Land Management Fund 174 - Projected Revenues and
Expenses
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15
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Amok
4. Acquired Lands Management Status
Conservation Collier is required to prepare Interim Management Plans (IMPs) for
properties within 90 days of acquisition and Final Management Plans (FMPs) within 2
years of acquisition (Ord. No. 2007-65, Section 14). IMPs are designed to facilitate
initial management actions such as removal of exotics and trash, securing the asset
(i.e., fencing, if necessary) and planning for future management actions and public
access. FMPs provide direction for ten years and incorporate long term management
actions such as restoration, plant and wildlife monitoring and public access
infrastructure.
Of the 19 acquired Conservation Collier properties, fourteen (14) have approved FMPs
and four (4) have approved IMPs (Table 2). One (1) remaining property does not have
a management plan in place (Camp Keais Strand) as the parcels are inaccessible.
Both of the approved multi-parcel projects have IMPs in place but will not be actively
managed until a solid core of contiguous properties are acquired so that the most
efficient use can be made of management funds. Staff is planning to start management
activities for the western section of North Golden Gate Estates Unit 53 (AKA Red Maple
Swamp) where recent donations of two key parcels by CREW Trust have consolidated
a contiguous 53-acre block of land.
A number of Conservation Collier Preserves are open to the public, shortly to be
opened, and/or are accommodating public use. Nine preserves are currently open for
public use with signs, trails, benches and picnic tables. Cocohatchee Creek Preserve,
next to Veterans Community Park, was opened in March, 2006. Otter Mound Preserve,
on Marco Island, was opened in March, 2007. Staff has already conducted numerous
tours and educational programs for adults and children at these two preserves and
routinely observes members of the public visiting them. Logan Woods Preserve, on the
NW corner of Pine Ridge Road and Logan Blvd. was opened in October, 2009 with a
trail, benches, table and trash
receptacle installed.
$ ' Freedom Memorial Park was
+1" opened to the public in
° October, 2009, a portion of
which is within a 12-acre
�� Conservation Collier
Preserve. Alligator Flag
Preserve and Redroot
Preserve were opened to the
s public in April 2010.
1/4 tr
° .. ^ > The 2,512-acre Pepper
Ranch Preserve was opened
Staff Photo- to the public from 8:00 AM to
c January 2012 1:00 PM on non-hunt
Youth Hunt Saturdays November 5, 2011
Penner Ranch . .
through April 2 8, 2012. P
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Visitors were able to drive the ranch roads, a nearly 1-mile long hiking trail was
developed for visitor use near the lodge, ten (10) picnic tables were built and donated
as an Eagle Scout project, and historical photos were on display at the lodge.
Additionally, the ranch will continue to be open for managed public hunting during select
weekends through June 2013. Hunting will resume monthly in November 2012.
Caracara Prairie Preserve, off of Corkscrew Rd., was opened to the public via the
CREW Land and Water Trust Cypress Dome Trails on June 2, 2012.
... ,,,,--iti 'IA, li, - ,,O,' ' '4".. ' . ''''';':4
�`4 . Trail access gate
` Caracara Prairie
,� � ` Preserve
. ,. '. t Staff Photo •
• �' ; -g` y :, iy ,� �z ,rte � +
.1:.'1,,,,. '10,,''''''t ''''P' : ' A if*.ot,„ ' . .;/-", - ,
��
Marked hiking
Trail
Caracara Prairie
��
Preserve �' f .
Staff Photo � : �k
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Table 3. Preserve Management Plan Status
t
Property name FMP FMP IMP approved IMP under
approved under and in place review
and in review
place
1 Cochatchee Creek X
Preserve
2 Otter Mound Preserve X
3 Railhead Scrub Preserve X
4 Wet Woods Preserve X
5 Logan Woods Preserve X
6 Nancy Payton Preserve X
7 Red Maple Swamp X
(NGGE Unit 53)
8 Shell Island Preserve X
9 Alligator Flag Preserve X
10 Redroot Preserve X
11 Gordon River Greenway X
Preserve
12 Winchester Head X
13 Caracara Prairie Preserve X
14 Panther Walk Preserve X
15 Freedom Park X
16 Mcllvane Marsh X
17 Rivers Road Preserve X
18 Camp Keais Strand
19 Pepper Ranch Preserve X
* Property is inaccessible for management purposes.
5. Management Activities
Preserve Use Ordinance
A Preserve Use Section within the existing Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Chapter
98) was approved by the Board on October 11, 2011 (Agenda Item 8E) This section
identifies appropriate activities and regulations for Conservation Collier and Parks
preserve lands. Conservation Collier and Parks staff has been working together with
the CCLAAC to draft a user fee schedule for preserves that will be presented to the
Board for approval within the next year.
Collier County Hunt Program
A total of eleven hunts were conducted during the 2011-2012 hunting season: 6 public
hog hunts, 1 youth hog hunt, 1 public deer hunt, 1 youth deer hunt, 1 spring turkey
public hunt, and 1 spring turkey youth hunt.
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
A total of 9 deer (2 male: 7 female), 11 hogs (4 male: 7 female) and 3 male turkeys
were harvested during the 2012-2013 hunting season.
Last year, 36 Collier County residents applied for public hunts at Pepper Ranch. This
year, 64 Collier County residents applied for public hunts at the ranch. Because
demand for hunting at the ranch is increasing, staff has enacted a preference point
system for the 2012 — 2013 hunt season in order to allow hunt access to all interested
Collier County residents,. Hunters that apply multiple years in a row, but do not get
randomly chosen for hunts, will be given preference in the random draw each year until
they are chosen for a hunt.
Conservation Collier staff collaborated with the Parks and Recreation Department to
design and implement an internet based application system for the 2012-2013 hunting
season. Applications were available to the public on the Conservation Collier website
on August 6, 2012. As of August 30, 2012, 54 applications were received for 2012-13
hunts. Three youth hunts and six public hunts are anticipated for the 2012-2013 hunting
season.
Caracara Prairie Preserve is now established as part the Corkscrew Marsh Unit of the
CREW Wildlife Environmental Area (WEA). This will allow for Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commissioner regulated public hunting to occur within Caracara Prairie
Preserve beginning August, 4, 2012.
Caracara Prairie Preserve and Pepper Ranch Preserve Mitigation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) approved Panther Habitat Unit Mitigation
Credits (PHUs) will be utilized by the Solid Waste Department to mitigate for
development of the Resource Recovery Park. All agreements required for PHU
release, at Caracara Prairie Preserve are in place - with the exception of the Trust Fund
Agreement and Conservation Easement. County staff and County Attorney Office staff
have worked, and continue to work, closely with Collier County Clerk of Courts staff and
USFWS staff to resolve the issues that have delayed approval of Caracara Prairie
Preserve PHU use.
Because PHUs will be linked to wetland credits at Pepper Ranch Preserve, PHU
approval and release is dependent upon the Pepper Ranch Wetland Mitigation Bank
approval. Scheda Ecological Consultants, Inc. submitted an Environmental Resource
Permit Application for the Pepper Ranch Mitigation Bank on April 23, 2012. If approved,
Army Corps of Engineer wetland credits, South Florida Water Management District
wetland credits, woodstork biomass credits, and PHUs will be available at the Pepper
Ranch Mitigation Bank for County Departments required to mitigate for wetland and
listed species impacts.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Recreational/Educational Activities
GIS-based recreational activities in outdoor areas are growing in popularity as hobbies
in outdoor recreational areas. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea
is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share experiences ,..
online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of
community and support for the environment.
The public can enjoy GIS activities at Conservation Collier Preserves after completing a
Conservation Collier "GIS Activities Authorization Form". Conservation Collier approved
geocaches currently exist at Logan Woods Preserve and Otter Mound Preserve.
Prioritization of Preserve Amenity Development
Conservation Collier staff has worked with the CCLAAC to evaluate public access
needs and desires and to develop a recommendation for public access amenities and
prioritization of placement of those amenities on Conservation Collier Preserve lands.
This process has culminated in the Conservation Collier Work Plan
6. Partnerships Status
Conservation Collier is pleased to have developed both acquisition funding and land
management partnerships with a number of parties. These agencies and the nature of
their partnerships are listed alphabetically below:
Boy Scouts of America — 5 Eagle Scout projects have been completed in
Conservation Collier Preserves and 1 is currently underway
City of Marco Island — Management partnership — Otter Mound Preserve
Amok
City of Naples — Gordon River Greenway
Florida Division of Forestry— Prescribed fire within urban preserves.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Exotic Removal funding
(Conservation Collier staff coordinates the regional working group that distributes exotic
removal funding in south Florida) — Wet Woods, Logan Woods, Railhead Scrub, Shell
Island, and Pepper Ranch Preserves.; Pepper Ranch Preserve Youth Hunt partnership
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Rookery Bay NERR) —
Management partnership —working on formal agreements for Shell Island Preserve and
coordinating on Mcllvane Marsh management activities.
Naples Airport Authority— Gordon River Greenway
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — Exotics removal grants under the Partners Program
and Coastal Program for Otter Mound, Shell Island, Railhead Scrub, Pepper Ranch
Preserves and Mcllvane Marsh.
Florida Gulf Coast University — Research — Shell Island Preserve and Pepper Ranch
Preserve; Management— Caracara Prairie Preserve
Corkscrew Ecosystem Watershed Trust — Caracara Prairie Preserve - acquisition
and education
South Florida Water Management District — Caracara Prairie Preserve — property
management
Southwest Florida Land Preservation Trust— Gordon River Greenway
University of Florida — Logan Woods Preserve - exotic removal
Collier County Parks and Recreation Department— Freedom Park management
partnership —Management Plan approved through Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Auk
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Grant Program in place. Cocohatchee Creek Preserve management. Gordon River
Greenway Preserve - permitting, design, and planning with construction to start in FY13.
Collier County Solid Waste Department- Caracara Prairie Preserve - panther
mitigation credit (PHUs)for Resource Recovery Park.
7. Grants status
Conservation Collier has actively pursued a number of grants for both acquisition and
management purposes. Currently, there have been no awards for land acquisition, but
many for management, primarily for the removal of invasive, exotic species but also for
needed equipment and plant community restoration. Exotics removal grants have
come from state and federal government agencies, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Partners Program), the State of Florida through the Invasive Plant Species
Management Council, and the University of Florida. A grant from the private sector
(ESRI Corporation) for Global Positioning Systems / Geographic Information Systems
(GPS/GIS) for equipment and software in the amount of $10,000 was also awarded to
Conservation Collier. The table below shows the amount of grant funds obtained and
Conservation Collier management funds expended for specific preserves.
Table 4. Management Grants
Preserve Year Acquisition Gross Management Grant Funds Net
Acquired Price Funds expended Acquired Management
Funds
expended
Alligator Flag 2006 $4,950,000 $44,420 $0 $44,420
Caracara Prairie 2007 $5,032,000 $354,740 $0 $354,740
Cocohatchee Creek 2004 $476,200 $85,240 $0 $85,240
Freedom Park 2008 $56,300 $13,110 $0 $13,110
Greenway Preserve 2006 $2,075,000 $241,300 $0 $241,300
Redroot 2006 $440,000 $20,980 $0 $20,980
Logan Woods 2005 $711,983 $75,950 $34,400 $41,550
Mcllvane Marsh 2007 $2,802,900 $0 $0 $0
Nancy Payton 2005 $2,112,500 $112,710 $14,950 $97,760
Otter Mound 2004 $2,234,000 $197,430 $13,900 $183,530
Panther Walk 2007 $93,130 $5,370 $0 $5,370
Pepper Ranch 2009 $32,525,100 $765,500 $124,900 $640,600
Railhead Scrub 2004 $32,617,050 $375,240 $116,600 $258,640
Shell Island 2005 $4,750,000 $91,750 $84,350 $7,400
Wet Woods 2005 $2,160,000 $107,440 $57,700 $49,740
Total $2,491,180 $446,800 $2,044,380
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Ark
8. Proposed Objectives of the Program's Tenth Year
1. Continue to develop public access for acquired properties as directed by the
Conservation Collier Work Plan.
2. Secure grant funding wherever possible.
3. Prepare a preserve user fee schedule for the Preserve Use Section of the Parks
and Recreation Ordinance (Chapter 98) for review and approval by the Board. A
fee schedule will provide the framework for use of preserve lands and facilities
for private events such as weddings, reunions, and meetings.
4. Continue to conduct public meetings for ongoing development of Final
Management Plans.
5. Continue to implement land management practices at all preserves as outlined in
each management plan.
6. Continue to implement the Collier County Hunt Program at the Pepper Ranch
Preserve.
Arrk
22
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i
10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Exhibits
Exhibit A. 2012 Map of Conservation Collier Program Lands
CON ATION
"'E" Conservation Collier Program Lands - 2011
: coroit,Cnunry
r'
Preserve„. 'Pepper Ranch aracara Prairie PP
...,___. _._
r— -.
"�►; ...
Limpkin Marsh Preserve!
Red Maple Swamp Preserve
7 Panther Walk Preserve'.
Alligator Flag Preserve /
Winchester Head
Railhead Scrub Preserve) ‘4.
Wet Woods Preserve ` .—,--.-- Camp Keals Strand
. .4
Cocohatchee Creek' , , _ Rivers Road Preserve.
Preserve �
Viz_. ... � Logan Woods Preserve,
r
FreedomPark
' fi ',Nancy.Payton Preserve
1
Gordon River '°' —"
Greenway Preserve ?"- r
Shell Island Preserve
Mcllvane Marsh Project , .,
t
N
IA/ E s a
s
Otter Mound Preserve. , i
I
i
'cquisition Status
0 5 10 Miles Conservation Collier Acquired
B-List-1-75 Project
Data Source:Parcels-Collier County Property Appraiser
Created By,Facilities Management/Conservation Collier/A.Suectd State and Federal Conservation Lands
G:'Co rraervation CollierlmapslAcginred properties)
Acquired&Approved_Map April 2011 mod and.jpg
April 6,2011. Mitigation i+Conservation Easement
Lake Trafford
23
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Exhibit B. 2011 Approved Active Acquisition List otak
CCLAAC Cycle 8 Approved
Acquisition List
January 25,2011
Estimated Proposed Priority Designation
Estimated Value per List for"A"Category
NAME Value Size(ac) acre Category Properties
Barron Collier Investments
LTD-Area I "822,500 235.00 53,500 1
Barron Collier Investments
LTD-Area II 51,199,100 799.0€0 51,591 A 3
CDC Land Investments,Inc. $432,000 7.51 557,523 .a 1*
A-LIST,SUBTOTAL $2$5...1,699 ::°.;1041x51 .. :..
NGGE Unit 53 Multi-parcel $804115 123.71 $6,500
Project(remaining)** A n/a
Winchester Head Multi-
parcel Project(remaining)** $612,010 87.43 $7,000 A n/a
Cycle•8&14lu t1 parcel.Projects
total` • $1,416,125 211.14
~A,LIST IST TOTAL :S3,869,725 1252 65
ALAI 1,1,C 53:3„■(93 6.713 s5,111t3 B
' Vegas- S3525(1 7,05 55,1991 L
trigs(2 parcels; 534,7410 6.9.1 S5,0£30 B
All S15.9191 :1.18 55.000 It
Bcrm:an S€1,7€111 2.34 '5,41430 B
Blake 57.951) .1.54 $5,111111 0
aunt 514,2093 6.94 $5,000 0
ernandcr. S16,-50 3.35 X15,0013 0 " `''
(,ascon 511,7043 2.34 S5,000 0
(:;or'e S988.3(1(1 197.611 SS,0191 B
Nlava 533,500 11.711 55.4991 B
\41ohahir 533.500 41.70 S5,(991 Ii
L`ekr $33,8013 (),76 $5.4930 13
B-LIST SUBTOTAL.;,. $1,290,750 258.15
Gateway Shoppes II LLC S45,000 13.00 53,462 C
Paskanik 511,000 2.73 $4,029 C
Worthington-Collier LLC $1,200,000 662.80 51,811 C
C-LIST SUBTOTAL $1,256,000 678.53.
GRAND TOTAL $6,416,475 2189.33
*With the caveat that the acquisition of Parcel 2 is dependent upon the purchase of parcel 1.
**Blue parcels are conceptually but not specifically approved. On May 22,2007,Agenda Item
10P,the Board approved activating the Multi-Parcel Projects,with conditions relating to
appraised value,and they were placed on the"A"list.
24
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Appendix 1. Conservation Collier Program Public Amenity Work Plan -
Revised
Conservation Collier Program Public Amenity Work Plan - May 2011
(Updated July 2012)
Introduction:
The Conservation Collier Program is responsible for implementing the mandate of the
electorate of Collier County as provided by public referendum votes in November, 2002,
and again in November, 2006 confirming that mandate, to levy a 0.25 mill ad valorem
property tax for a period not to exceed 10 years for acquisition, protection, restoration,
and management of environmentally sensitive lands in Collier County for the benefit of
present and future generations. A nine (9) member citizen's advisory committee named
the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) was
appointed in early 2003 to make recommendations to the Board of County
Commissioners on land purchases and program policies. Members are appointed for 3
year terms. The CCLAAC currently has 9 active members.
Conservation Collier has been implementing its mandate for 9 years. During this time
period 4,046 acres have been acquired in 19 different locations for a cost of
approximately $104.2 million. A total of $47,332,251 has been bonded for use in
property acquisition, via bonds in 2004 and 2008. Two approved multi-parcel projects,
Winchester Head and North Golden Gate Estates Unit 53, have been ongoing but are
currently suspended.
Per the Conservation Collier Ordinance (2007-65, Section 2), the main objective of
Conservation Collier is to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vital and significant
threatened natural lands, forest, upland and wetland communities located in Collier
County, for the benefit of present and future generations. However, one ancillary
purpose of the Program is "to have the acquired sites available, with minimal risk to the
environmental integrity of the site, to educate Collier County's school-age population
and the general public about the uniqueness and importance of Collier County's
subtropical ecosystems and natural communities" (Collier County Ordinance 2007-65,
Section 4.10.). The following document is intended to be a tool that will guide the
construction of all future public access amenities within Conservation Collier Preserves.
After reviewing the public access land management activities that remain to be
implemented for each preserve, the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory
Committee (CCLAAC) categorized each preserve based upon its existing and proposed
public access amenities. The "Conservation Collier Preserve Public Amenity Matrix"
(Exhibit A) identifies all public amenities - existing and proposed - at all 19 Conservation
Collier Preserves, and categorizes each preserve into 1 of 5 categories. Additionally,
the CCLAAC created a "Conservation Collier Public Amenity Priority List" (Exhibit B).
This list represents not only the public amenities recommended at each preserve, but
also the priority in which these public amenities should be constructed.
With the exception Gordon River Greenway Preserve and Pepper Ranch Preserve,
which are anticipated to receive a high volume of public visitation, the improvements
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
proposed at each preserve represent the minimum amenities necessary to provide safe
and economically feasible public access.
Background:
As mandated by Collier County Ordinance 2007-65, 15% of ad valorem taxes received
through the Conservation Collier Program have been placed into a "Land Management
Fund" annually since FY 2003. This 15% transfer will continue annually until collection
of ad valorem taxes for the Program sunsets in FY 2013. The "Land Management
Fund" is separate and distinct from the Conservation Collier "Land Acquisition Fund"
and is intended to generate enough interest annually so that only the interest will be
used to fund recurring annual management activities at all Conservation Collier
preserves in perpetuity.
In June 2009, data gathered on management costs, coupled with revenue forecasts and
future interest rate projections, suggested that there would be insufficient funds in the
"Land Management Fund" to complete all Board approved land management activities
and potential public access improvements. CCLAAC budget workshops were held to
discuss long term maintenance funding for Conservation Collier preserves during the
July 13, 2009 and September 14, 2009, CCLAAC meetings. As a result of these
workshops, on May 25, 2010, Agenda Item 16E2, the Board of County Commissioners
authorized a transfer of up to an additional $10.3 million, above the ordinance mandated
15% of ad valorem taxes, from the "Land Acquisition Fund" to the "Land Management
Fund" during FY2011 — FY2013 to ensure land management funding in perpetuity.
In November 2010, the Collier County Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
recommended that projected future interest rates be revised downward. These
revisions severely impacted the projected "Land Management Fund" balance. Because
of this situation and in order to ensure sufficient management funds in perpetuity, on
January 25, 2011, Agenda Item 10B, the Board: directed the County Manager, or his
designee, to prepare a Public Amenity Master Plan for all Conservation Collier
preserves, suspended all Conservation Collier acquisitions until a Master Plan was
approved by the Board, and approved the Conservation Collier Cycle 8 Active
Acquisition List for purchase when funds are available. This Public Amenity Work Plan
represents the Master Plan drafted by Conservation Collier staff based upon
recommendations by the CCLAAC and approved by the Board on June 14, 2011
(Agenda Item 10G)
Preserve Categories:
Conservation Collier Ordinance 2007-65 defines natural resource-based recreation as,
"all forms of uses which are consistent with the goals of this program and are
compatible with the specific parcel. Such uses shall include but not be limited to hiking,
nature photography, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hunting and fishing."
To date, the Conservation Collier Program is responsible for 19 separate preserves
throughout the County, nine of which are officially open to the public. See Exhibit A.
Recreational opportunities offered at these open preserves are compatible and
appropriate to their location, hydrology and plant communities. Additionally, the natural
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resource-based recreational opportunities coincide with the approved Land
Management Plans of these preserves. The "Conservation Collier Preserve Public
Amenity Matrix" (Appendix Exhibit A) identifies all public amenities, existing and
proposed, at all 19 Conservation Collier Preserves, and categorizes each preserve into
1 of 5 categories. Category descriptions are provided below. Regardless of category,
preserves may be closed to the general public when deemed appropriate by staff (i.e.,
conducting a prescribed burn, after storm events, debris removal, levels of unusually
high water, days when hunting is permitted, etc.).
Category I — Primary Use Preserve
• Easily accessible and enough space to construct parking on or near the parcel
and other amenities such as restrooms may be available on or near the preserve.
• ADA accessibility (parking and trails)will be provided.
• May have a daily staff presence (as appropriate) and staff is available to conduct
interpretive tours of the preserve by request.
• Occasional field trips and/or educational programs may be provided.
• Natural resource-based recreational opportunities offered will correspond with
the preserve's approved Land Management Plan.
• Marked trails and interpretive materials will be available on-site.
• Capital improvements, such as boardwalks, canoe/kayak, launches, overlooks,
picnic benches, and bike racks will be provided for visitors where feasible.
• Will be open to the public during daytime hours, unless special arrangements are
made.
Category 2 - Intermediate Use Preserve
• Has space to provide limited parking on or near the parcel without degrading the
hydrology and plant communities and may be conducive to providing a primitive
trail system. In such cases, an unimproved trailhead may be provided.
• Additional natural resource-based recreational opportunities may be offered
where feasible and will correspond with the preserve's approved Land
Management Plan.
• Restrooms may be provided on or near the site where feasible.
• Will not have a daily staff presence but staff will be available to conduct
interpretive tours of the preserve by request.
• Interpretive signs, brochures, picnic tables and bike racks may be present.
• Will be open to the public during daytime hours, unless special arrangements
are made.
Category 3 - Neighborhood (Limited Use) Preserve
• Intended to be a "neighborhood" preserve. There is no space available for
parking for either ecological, access, or safety reasons. Members of the public
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
who would like to visit may have to walk or bike a distance from public parking Alow
areas.
• No restroom facilities will be available.
• Primitive trails will be provided.
• Interpretive signs, brochures, picnic tables and bike racks may be present.
• Additional natural resource-based recreational opportunities may be offered
where feasible and will correspond with the preserve's approved Land
Management Plan.
• Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary
for the proper management of the preserve.
• Staff will be available to conduct interpretive tours of the preserve by request.
• Will be open to the public during daytime hours.
Category 4 - Seasonal Use Preserve
• Parking may be available for the public on or near the site.
• Seasonal (usually winter months), marked, primitive trails will be available during
appropriate times of the year.
• Restroom facilities may be available.
• Interpretive signs, brochures, bike racks may be present.
• Additional natural resource-based recreational opportunities may be offered
where feasible and will correspond with the preserve's approved Land
Management Plan.
• Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary
for the proper management of the preserve.
• Staff will be available to conduct interpretive tours of the preserve by request.
• Will be open to the public seasonally and only during daytime hours. The public
is advised to check with Conservation Collier staff or on the Conservation Collier
website for up-to-date information.
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.
Amok
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
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Appendix Exhibit A- Public Amenity Matrix
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
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Preserve Public Amenity Priorities
Assuming current proposed revenue, interest, inflation, and management costs are
accurate; approximately $4.7 million is estimated to be available within the "Land
Acquisition Fund" in FY 2014 for a potential sweep into the "Land Management Fund" to
ensure all land management activities in perpetuity. See Report Table 1.
Because ad valorem tax revenue, interest rates, inflation rates, and management costs
are ever changing variables, a Conservation Collier Public Amenity Priority List was
created (Appendix Exhibit B). This list will guide staff to complete the preserve
amenities in the order of Board directed priority. It is possible that revenue and expense
variables may change in future years, causing a short-fall in the "Land Management
Fund" and resulting in fewer public amenities being constructed on Conservation Collier
Preserves. The Public Amenity Priority List will ensure that public amenities with the
highest importance are completed first in the event that some public amenities cannot
be constructed.
Once the Gordon River Greenway and Pepper Ranch construction costs are known,
proposed ad valorem tax revenue, interest rates, and inflation rates will be analyzed
again. If a large potential "Land Acquisition Fund" surplus is projected for FY 2014, the
CCLAAC will make a recommendation to either acquire land from the Board approved
Active Acquisition List or transfer the surplus to the "Land Management Fund" to ensure
land management activities in perpetuity.
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2012
Appendix Exhibit B - Conservation Collier Public Amenity Priority List
Estimated
year of
Priority Preserve Ammenities Estimated Cost construction
ADA parking, ADA bathroom with
showers, ADA trails, security gates,
1 Pepper Ranch $712,500 FY 2012
primitive camping, law enforcement
house
2 Gordon River Greenway ADA boarwalk, ADA trails, pedestrian $2,192,500
bridge
3 Nancy Payton ADA parking, ADA trails, primitive $71,400 FY 2013
trails
4 Mcllvane Marsh Signage $800
5 Red Maple Swamp Signage $800
6 Winchester Head Signage $800
ADA parking, ADA trails, primitive
7 Rivers Road $82,500 FY 2014
trails
ADA boardwalk and observation
8 Pepper Ranch -LAKE PLATFORM $95,500
platform overlooking Lake Trafford
9 Wet Woods Primitive trails $10,000
10 Railhead Scrub ADA parking, ADA trails, primitive $128,180 FY 2017
trails
Gordon River Greenway Bridge ADA bridge on City of Naples portion
11 $630,000 FY 2018
CITY OF NAPLES` of the Greenway
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10/23/2012 Item 16.D.4.
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Ask
Map 1 — Conservation Collier Preserves by Commission District
Conservation Collier Preserves by Commission District
Gt er County
5
Caracara Prairie Preserve I
3 Pepper Ranch I
Alligator Flag I ,
�, �.»,xr. �®r- ,, , rat ., 1
Railhead Scrub
° "' Panther Walk
>ods 0' � P Red liia ie Sv a 1
r 01'
Cocohatchee Creek �F. Qu Winchester Head I
lii1 � I '4 Rivers Road
11111111 ‘.:4 2 1 1 sg me I Freedom Park l , "` =0,1%15 A011ik
��' Nancy Payton
Gordon River i�
Greenway 5
Shell island t
i=iiil a Marsh m
IOtter Mound
Preserves Category 1 Preserve
N Roads Category 2 Preserve
/ . E 1
W�, 1111111 Conservation Collier Preserve . • Category 3 Preserve
ry
r Commission Districts
s
Category Catego 5 4 Preserve Preserve
0 10 20 Miles
Amok
Source:Parcels-2010 Property Appraiser Data
G:Conservation Callierlmaps/Acquired Property/Preserves by District.mxd
Create by M.Hennig
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