Agenda 06/28/2011 Item #16E 4
Agenda Changes
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
.Iune 28, 2011
Withdraw Item 10F: Recommendation to approve a Resolution establishing an outdoor burning ban in
the unincorporated areas of Collier County in accordance with Ordinance No. 2009-23, the Regulation of
Outdoor Burning and Incendiary Devices during Drought Conditions Ordinance. (Statrs request)
Move item 16Bl to Hem 13A:
Recommendation for the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), acting as the Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA), to approve the relocation of Immokalee CRA Office, approve the master lease with Barron
Collier Partnership, LLLP, and authorize the Chairman to sign the master lease agreement. (3120 15th Street
North, Unit 2, Immokalee). (Commissioner Henning's request)
Move Item l6E7 to Item lOG:
Recommendation to approve a Final Management Plan for the Gordon River Greenway Preserve under the
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program and direct the County Manager, or his designee, to
implement the plan. (Commissioner Henning's request)
Move Hem 16A2 to Hem 10H:
Recommendation to approve the purchase of five (5) acres of unimproved property which will be required for
the construction of a stormwater detention and treatment pond for Phase II of the Vanderbilt Beach Road
Extension Project. Project No. 60168, Phase II (Fiscal Impact: $50,450) (Commissioner Hiller's request)
Move Hem 1601 to Hem 101:
Recommendation to approve a waiver pursuant to CMA #5311(M), to authorize the Parks and Recreation
Director's participation and service as a member of the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida, Inc.
Board of Directors. (Commissioner Hiller and Commissioner Coyle's separate requests)
Move Hem 16E3 to Hem 10J:
Recommendation to authorize the Chairman to execute a letter to the South Florida Water Management
District (SFWMD) giving Century Oil Inc., LLC permission to apply for a water use permit within the
Caracara Prairie Preserve. (Commissioner Hiller and Commissioner Coyle's separate requests)
Move Item 16A9 to Item 10K:
Recommendation to authorize the use of the newly adopted "Warehouse" Road Impact Fee rate for the
United Materials, Inc. expansion project, if the Building Permit for the proposed construction is applied for
prior to the effective date of September 1, 201 I for the new/revised land use rates. (Commissioner Hiller's
request)
Move Item 16E4 to Item 10L:
Recommendation to conduct the
Conservation Collier Annual Public
Meeting to provide the Board of County
Commissioners and public with an update
on the Program's past activities.
(Commissioner Coyle's request)
6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to conduct the Conservation Collier Annual Public Meeting to 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.
CONSIDERATIONS: 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.
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The CCLAAC and staff have completed seven selection and approval cycles and one
year of cycle suspension. Total cost of land acquisition to date is approximately $104.2
million. Since beginning acquisitions in 2004. Conservation Collier has acquired 4,046
acres in 19 different locations.
At the May 9, 2011 meeting of the CCLAAC, members voted unanimously to forward
the attached 2011 Annual Report to the Board of County Commissioners. Please see
this Report for a map of property locations and a report of past and current activities.
Eighteen (18) of the 19 acquired projects are now under Board-approved management
plans, either Interim or Final. Eight preserves (Cocohatchee Creek, Otter Mound, Logan
Woods, Freedom Park, Alligator Flag, Limpkin Marsh, Pepper Ranch (limited), and
Panther Walk) are currently open to the public. Preserve management activities are
ongoing for all acquired properties except one without management access and two
multi-parcel projects, where larger contiguous areas must be acquired in order to
provide cost effective management.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: Ordinance 2007-65, in section 12.6, requires staff to
conduct an annual public meeting for the purpose of providing a Past and Current
Activities Report to the Board. This Executive Summary has been reviewed by the
County Attorney's Office and is legally sufficient. -STW
-
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated
with this item.
Packet Page -1125-
6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board accepts the attached 2011 Annual Report as
presented.
Prepared By: Melissa Hennig, Principal Environmental Specialist, Department of Facilities
Management
Attachments: Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Packet Page -1126-
6/28/2011 Item 16.EA.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.E.4.
Item Summary: Recommendation to conduct the Conservation Collier Annual Public
Meeting to provide the Board of County Commissioners and public with an update on the
Program's past activities.
Meeting Date: 6/28/2011
Prepared By
Name: HennigMelissa
Title: Environmental Speciaiist, Principal,Facilities Management
6/7/2011 9:42:07 AM
Submitted by
Title: Environmental Specialist, Principal,Facilities Management
Name: HennigMelissa
6/7/201] 9:42:09 AM
Approved By
Name: SmithKristen
Title: Administrative Secretary,Risk Management
Date: 6/7/20] 1 10:08:43 AM
Name: CampSkip
Title: Director - Facilities Managcment,Facilities Manage
Date: 6/7/201] 10:23:21 AM
Name: SuleckiAlexandra
Title: Environmental Specialist. Senior.Faeilities Manage
Date: 6/13/2011 5:28:46 PM
Name: PriceLen
Title: Administrator - Administrative Services,
Date: 6/14/20] 19:51:54 PM
Packet Page -1127-
Name: WilliamsSteven
Title: Assistant County Attorney,County Attomey
Date: 6/15/2011 I :09:52 PM
Name: KlatzkowJeff
Title: County Attorney,
Date: 6/16/2011 ] 0:29:23 AM
Name: StanleyTherese
Title: Management/Budget Analyst. Senior,Office of Management & Budget
Date: 6/17/2011 11:04:54 AM
Name: OchsLeo
Title: County Manager
Date: 6/19/20116:]6:35 PM
Packet Page -1128-
6/28/2011 Item 16.EA.
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Packet Page -1129-
6/28/2011 Item 16. EA.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ........ ................................................................... ............................. 3
Conservation Collier Annual Report ................................................................................ 4
1_ Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) ..................... 4
2. Program Lands Acquisition Status ............................................................................. 6
A. Active Acquisition List - A-List Properties ............................................................6
B. Active Acquisition List - B-List Properties .......................................................... 11
3. Program Financial Status ........................................................................................ 13
4. Acquired Lands Management Status ....................................................................... 15
5. Management Activities .............................................................................................16
6. Partnerships Status ............................................................................................... ... 18
7. Grants status ............................................................................................................19
8. Proposed Objectives of the Program's Ninth Year ...................................................20
Exhibits...................................................................................... _................................... 21
Exhibit A. 2011 Map of Conservation Collier Program lands ..................................... 21
Exhibit B. 2010, Cycle 8 Approved Active Acquisition Lis!......................................... 22
Tables
Table 1. Land Acquisition Fund Projected Revenues and Expenses.................... 14
Table 2. Preserve Management Plan Status.......................................................... 16
Table 3. Management Grants ..........._....................................................................20
Appendix 1. Conservation Collier Program Public Amenity Work Plan - May 2011......23
2
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
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 eight (8) 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 8 years. During this time
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.
Of the 19 acquired Conservation Collier properties, ten (10) have approved Final
Management Plans (FMP), seven (7) have approved Interim Management Plans (IMP),
four (4) have FMPs under review, one (1) has an IMP under review and one does not
have a plan as it is inaccessible for management. Eight (8) Conservation Collier
preserves are open for public use: Cocohatchee Creek Preserve, Otter Mound
Preserve, Logan Woods Preserve, Freedom Park, Pepper Ranch Preserve (limited),
Limpkin Marsh Preserve, Panther Walk Preserve, and Alligator Flag Preserve - with
signs, trails and benches. Management activities for FY 2011 are anticipated to cost
$794,900. This funding is to accomplish management actions on acquired preserve
properties as prioritized by the CCLAAC.
Staff has been active in grant writing for management since the beginning of the
Program and has received grant funding awards totaling $394,970. 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 this fiscal year, although
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
acquisition proposals for cycle 8 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 will be self
sustaining.
Conservation Collier Annual Report
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.
The CCLAAC has 3 subcommittees:
Outreach
Typical tasks include development of informational brochures. facilitating partnership
projects with area schools and working to interact with the local community to
encourage public interest in Conservation Collier Projects.
Lands Evaluation and Manaaement
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. This committee is currently reviewing the Final Management Plan
for the Pepper Ranch Preserve.
Ordinance. Policv and Rules
This subcommittee met in the early stages of the program to develop a purchase policy,
to discuss various program policies and to review the ordinance to determine if and
what changes may be needed to successfully operate the program. Completed tasks
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
include a revision of the Conservation Collier Ordinance (2007-65), development of an
Exceptional Benefits Ordinance, changes to the Purchase Policy (Resolution 2007-300),
development of a recommended policy for the acceptance of properties conveyed under
the Transfer of Development Rights (TOR) Program and development of a
recommended policy to facilitate an off-site preserve option as defined in recent Land
Development Code revisions. This subcommittee is now in the process of developing a
recommended "Preserve Use" section for addition to the Parks and Recreation
ordinance.
Currently serving members and their areas of expertise are:
. William Poteet, Jr. - Chairman. Mr. Poteet is a Realtor and businessman, who
has been a member of the CCLAAC since its inception in March 2003. He was
originally appointed in 2003, reappointed in 2005, and again in January 2008 for a third
term. Mr. Poteet has been Chairman of the CCLAAC since August 2005; unanimously
re-elected to a second term as Chairman in 2008. Mr. Poteet is also active in two
subcommittees; Outreach, where he served as Chairman for several years and
Ordinance, Policy and Rules, assisting with the development of Program policy and
documents. Mr. Poteet was recognized as an Outstanding Advisory Committee
Member of the month in March 2007.
. Annisa Karim - Vice-chair. Appointed in April, 2009, Ms. Karim previously
served Conservation Collier as an Environmental Specialist through the Job Bank.
During her tenure with Conservation Collier, Ms. Karim conducted site visits to
properties, created maps, wrote land/resource management plans, assisted in land
management activities, wrote property screening reports, participated in public events
and prepared information for and presented such to the CCLAAC. Ms. Karim is
experienced in all of Conservation Collier activities, and is currently serving as a land
manager for Lee County Parks and Recreation, where she practices stewardship of
natural areas.
. Anthony Pires, Jr. - Appointed in January 2005, 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 has recently joined the Ordinance, Policy and Rules
subcommittee, where his legal expertise and sharp eye for detail will be invaluable in
assisting with ongoing development of program policy. In February 2011, Mr. Pires was
recognized as an Outstanding Advisory Committee Member.
. Jeffrey Curl - Appointed in January 2008, 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 Outreach and the Ordinance
Policy and Rules subcommittees where he served as temporary 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. Mr. Curl's
service was recognized by selection as an Outstanding Advisory Committee in October
2010.
5
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6/28/2011 Item 16.EA.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
. Jeremy Sterk - Appointed in February, 2009, Mr. Sterk is a biologist with
extensive local experience in permitting, species surveying and project management.
He has joined the Lands Evaluation and Management subcommittee, where his input
will be appreciated to assist that subcommittee in its review of proposed land
management plans, notably for the Pepper Ranch Preserve. Mr. Sterk is also an
accomplished photographer with a keen eye for wildlife whose photographs have
enhanced Program reports.
. Tom Sobszak - Appointed in February, 2009, Mr. Sobszak is a management
and communications consultant originally from Wisconsin, who has a passionate
interest in conservation of natural resources. He has participated in many activities
aimed at protecting and restoring the environment. Mr. Sobszak also serves on two
subcommittees: Lands Evaluation and Management and Outreach.
. Clarence Tears, Jr - Appointed in February 2010, Mr. Tears has been the
Director of the Big Cypress Basin ISouth Florida Water Management District since
October 1996. He is 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. Clarence has served in numerous positions
of community leadership including graduate of Leadership Florida, Chairman of
Leadership Collier Class of 2001. Director of St. Peter's Youth Group, Mentor in TSIC,
Chairman Lake Trafford Restoration Task Force, and appointment to the Immokalee
Area Master Plan Committee and 951 Horizon Study. Clarence is also an active
member of the US Air Force Reserves with more than 24 years of service. Clarence
holds an AA degree in Civil Engineering, a BS in Business Administration and an MBA.
. 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. She is a member of the
Florida Association of Environmental Professionals. trained in wetland delineation and is
a certified open-water diver.
2. Program Lands Acquisition Status
Conservation Collier currently owns 4,046 acres in 19 different project locations
throughout Collier County (Exhibit A).
A. Active Acquisition List - A-List Properties
Three properties have been approved as A-List properties on the current AAL
(Exhibit B): one 7.5-acre parcel adjacent to the Gordon River Greenway project
owned by Collier Land Investments, Inc.. and two properties owned by Barron Collier
Investments L TD (235 acres adjacent to the Pepper Ranch Preserve and 799 acres
under SSA-13 within the Camp Keais Strand). Additionally, the Winchester Head
6
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
and North Golden Gate Estates Unit 53 Multi-Parcel Projects remain on the A-List of
the current AAL.
1. CDC Land Investments, Inc. (CDC)
This parcel (in green on map) was originally offered to Conservation Collier in 2009.
That acquisition cycle was suspended, however, and it was reoffered in 2010. The
property is contiguous with the Conservation Collier section of the Gordon River
Greenway. Vegetation on the parcel includes mangroves, oaks and pines with
significant exotic plant infestation along the edges. The property lies within the
Airport Height Restriction Overlay and Naples Airport Authority has offered to remove
the Australian pines, a major portion of the exotic plants, in return for a conservation
easement over the property. Oil gas and mineral rights are included as part of the
proposed sale.
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Packet Page -1135-
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
6/28/2011 Item 16.EA.
One contemplated use for this parcel is to provide a parking area and additional
access point for the Gordon River Greenway. The Greenway path is currently
planned to exit the Conservation Collier portion at its southeast corner onto an
easement granted by the Naples Airport just to the west of the tear-shaped pond on
the map. The pathway would connect to existing trails within the Airport's
conservation area and potentially 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 planned by the Naples Airport (under
auspices of the Southwest Florida Preservation Land Trust) and the City of Naples, it
would fill in a landscape gap. provide additional parking and access along North
Road and potential for an additional public fishing platform along the Gordon River.
2. Barron Collier Investments L TD (BCI)
Bel Areas I and 2 - Showing SSA Lands
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
These parcels were offered to Conservation Collier subsequent to the Pepper Ranch
Agreement, which included an access easement for BCl through, the Pepper Ranch
Preserve. Should Conservation Collier acquire both parcels, the access easement
would no longer be needed. If only Area I were acquired, the easement would
remain, and BCI would require, as part of the sale, an easement through that Area 1
to reach its lands within Area 2. Area 2 is currently included within Stewardship
Sending Area (SSA) #13 and portions of Area 2 are further designated as restoration
areas, for which some stewardship credits have been received by the owner. Both
parcels were originally offered to Conservation Collier in 2009, but the cycle was
suspended and they were reoffered in 2010. If acquired, the owner has offered to
remove the invasive exotic plants with its crews (at cost) and to provide favorable
acquisition terms. Area 1 property (not included within SSA #13) is a potential
source for Panther Habitat Unit (PHU) credits. 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 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 iocated 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.
BCI Area 2 (in red on the map) contains 799 acres which are not directly contiguous
with the Pepper Ranch, but which are included in and contiguous with SSA #13 in the
Camp Keais Strand. 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.
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6/28/2011 Item 16.EA.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
3. Multi-Parcel Projects - Winchester Head and North Golden Gate Estates Unit
53:
Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Status - April 2011
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6/28/2011 Item 16.EA.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
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 the project
boundary, and lack of assurance that in-holding parcels can be acquired in the future
_ a particular challenge of the willing-seller environment. Conservation Collier has
two approved multi-parcel projects - Winchester Head (WH) and North Golden Gate
Estates (NGGE) Unit 53 (a.k.a. Red Maple Swamp). Approximately 47% (75.11
acres out of 158.67 acres) has been acquired within Winchester Head, and
approximately 62% (189.90 acres out of 305.69 acres) has been acquired within
NGGE Unit 53. Both multi-parcel projects are approved subject to land values, but
are currently suspended pending review of available funds for acquisition.
The most recent appraisals for both projects were performed in October-November
2009. 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. 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 is
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. 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.
B. Active Acquisition List - B-List Properties
1. North Golden Gate Estates 1-75 Project
The 1-75 project is a group of contiguous and non-contiguous parcels located
between the southern terminuses of Everglades Blvd. and Desoto Blvd. in NGGE.
These parcels are within a Target Protection Area (NGGE) and meet the
Conservation Collier criteria. Their acquisition would provide wildlife habitat and a
significant natural area that could accept surface flood waters from other lands within
the NGGE. The total area covered by these lots is 243 acres, 196 acres of which
are mostly contiguous lots owned by one individual. There are a total of 13 owners
who have filled out applications for Conservation Collier and who have gone through
the criteria review process. All 243 acres are currently approved on the Cycle 8
Conservation Collier Active Acquisition List (AAL) as B-List properties, meaning they
will be 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
11
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6/28/2011 Item 16.EA.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
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.
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12
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6/28/2011 Item 16.EA.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
3. Program Financial Status
Conservation Collier has spent approximately $104.2 million in the 8 years it has been
in existence, acquiring 4,046 acres in 19 different locations. Funds are 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, with levy authorization 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 and Bond Series 2008). 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. Last year, 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 cover projected
shortfalls.
This 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 Work Plan (Exhibit C). 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.
13
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Table 1. land Acquisition Fund Projected Revenues and Expenses
.
Carryforward Analysisrund 172
FY11-FY13with2ODBDebtSeries'Paid inFY11
BOND
PREPAYMENT
(Thru 9/30/11) (Thru 9/30/12) (Thru 9/30/13)
BUDGET PROPOSED PROPOSED PROPOSED
TAX YR 2010 TAX YR 2010 TAX YR 2011 TAX YR 2012
FY 2011 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013
Revenue
Carryforward (Beginning Fund Balance) $6.824,000 $6.942.600 $469,795 $3,969,593
Re\enue - Ad Valorem $6.233,700 55.883.500 510.131.400 3 510.131,400 3
Revenue -Interest $105,800 $61,095 $4,698 $39,696
Revenue - Transfers & Contributions 591,000 591.000 591.000 591.000
Revenue - Reser.e (5311,700) (5506,600) (5506.600)
Total Revenue 512,942,800 $12,978,195 $10,696,893 $14,231,689
Expenditure
Expenditure - Personal Seruces & Operations 5658.300 5509,400 $433.500 5509,400
Expenditures - Capital & Remittances 52.967.200 5213.000 50 5500.000
Expenditure - Transfer 10 Fund 174 $6.103.100 54.193.900 2 6.023.100 $6.023,100
Expenditure - Other Transfers $265.300 5265.300 $270,700 5270.700
Expenditure - Resel'\€s 52.948.900 $250.000
Expenditure - Debt Prepayment 57.076.800 4
Total Expenditures $12,942,800 $12,508,400 $6,727,300 $7,303,200
Estimated Carryforward 50 5469.795 $3.969.593 $6,928,500
Projected Amount for potential sweep from Fund 172 to Fund 174 at sunset of tax levy.
1 - ATV (($61,439.779.385"(.1008/1000)".95)
2 - Assumes 15% transfer to Maint. Fund 174. The add~ $3.900,000 not transferred due to bond prepayment
3 ~ ATV {($59,596,586,003*(.1700/1000) Assumes AN for FY12 at 3% down and FY13, flat.
4 ~ Estimated. Actual amount to be determined at prepayment.
Projected Millage Rates
FY12 & FY13
Bond 2005 O.OBOO
Bond 200B 0.0000
Acq Fund 172 0.1700
]4
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
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, ten (10) have approved FMPs,
seven (7) have approved IMPs, and four (4) have FMPs under review. Two (2)
remaining properties do not have management plans in place. See Table 2. An IMP
has been drafted for the Rivers Road preserve and staff is awaiting approval of the
Conservation Collier Work Plan before finalizing the IMP. No management plan has yet
been drafted for the Camp Keais parcels, as they 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.
A number of Conservation Collier Preserves are open to the public, shortly to be
opened, and/or are accommodating public use. Eight 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
opened to the public in October, 2009, a portion of which is within a 12-acre
Conservation Collier Preserve. Alligator Flag Preserve and Limpkin Marsh Preserve
were opened to the public in April 2010. The 2,512-acre Pepper Ranch Preserve was
opened to the public from 8:00 AM to 1 :00 PM on non-hunt Saturdays November 6,
2010 through April 23, 2011. 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 2011. Hunting will resume monthly in November
2011. The FMP for the Pepper Ranch is currently under final review until the
Conservation Collier Work Plan is approved. Once implemented, the FMP will guide
what types of visitor uses will be developed for the entire Preserve.
15
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Table 2. Preserve Management Plan Status
Property name FMP FMP IMP approved IMP under
approved under and in place review
and in place review
1 Cochatchee Creek Preserve X
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 X'
9 Alligator Flag Preserve X
10 Limpkin Marsh Preserve X
11 Gordon River Greenway X X
Preserve
12 Winchester Head X
13 Caracara Prairie Preserve X 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 X
'Conservation Collier is working with Rookery Bay NERR to develop appropriate
partnership documents.
.. Property is inaccessible for management purposes.
5, Management Activities
Preserve Use Ordinance
In December 2010, the Board directed staff to develop a Preserve Use Section within the
existing Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Chapter 98) in order to identify appropriate
activities and regulations for Conservation Collier and Parks preserve lands.
Conservation Collier staff, Parks staff, County Attorney Office staff and the CCLAAC
have been working together to draft a Preserve Use Section that will be presented to
the Board for approval.
16
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Collier County Hunt Program
Using public and agency input, staff prepared the "Pepper Ranch Preserve Quality
Wildlife Management Hunt Program" brochure that was approved by the Board at its
June 22, 2010 meeting (Agenda Item 16E2). In addition to public hunts, Conservation
Collier partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to
conduct youth hunts on the Preserve. A total of ten hunts were conducted during the
2010-2011 hunting season: 6 public hog hunts, 2 youth hog hunts, 1 spring turkey
public hunt, and 1 spring turkey youth hunt. Of the 36 public hunt applicants, 32 were
able to participate in public hunts. Of the 29 youth hunt applicants, 22 were able to
participate in youth hunts. A total of 7 hogs and 2 turkeys were harvested during the
2010-2011 hunting season.
Conservation Collier Staff is working with the County IT Department to design and
implement an internet based application system for the 2011-2012 hunting season.
Applications are anticipated to be available to the public on the Conservation Collier
website in August 2011. Three youth hunts and six public hunts are again anticipated
for the 2011-2012 hunting season. Dates for these hunts will be scheduled once the
2011-2012 FWC hunt regulations are released to the public.
Staff continues to coordinate with FWC to implement an interlocal agreement that will
incorporate the Caracara Prairie Preserve into the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem
Watershed Land and Water Trust (CREW) Wildlife and Environmental Area in order to
facilitate public hunting within the Caracara Prairie Preserve.
Caracara Prairie Preserve Short-term Protected Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site
In April 2011, FWC issued a Short-term Protected Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site
Permit to Collier County for the Caracara Prairie Preserve. This permit allows for the
relocation of up to 44 gopher tortoises to the preserve. Both private and public
development projects that occur within Collier County will have to option to relocate
tortoises to Caracara Prairie Preserve as outlined in the "Caracara Prairie Preserve
Short-term Protected Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Policy and Fee Schedule".
Caracara Prairie Preserve and Pepper Ranch Preserve Mitigation Banks
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) approved Panther Habitat Unit Mitigation
Credits (PHUs) that can be utilized by County departments developing infrastructure
within panther habitat are being sought at both the Caracara Prairie Preserve and
Pepper Ranch Preserve. All agreements required for Conservation Bank approval, and
subsequent PHU release, at Caracara Prairie Preserve are in place - with the exception
of the Trust Fund Agreement. 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 Trust Fund Agreement issues that have delayed approval of
the Caracara Prairie Preserve Conservation Bank.
Because PH Us will be linked to wetland credits at Pepper Ranch Preserve, PHU
approval and release is dependent upon the Pepper Ranch Wetland Mitigation Bank
17
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
approval. Scheda Ecological Consultants, Inc. has been gathering Pepper Ranch
Preserve environmental data for wetland mitigation bank permit application submittal
since June 2010. Once approved, Army Corps of Engineer wetland credits, South
Florida Water Management District wetland credits, wood stork biomass credits, and
PHUs will be available at the Pepper Ranch Mitigation Bank for County Departments
required to mitigate for wetland and/or 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. These activities include letter boxing, virtual caching
a.k.a. waymarking, and geocaching. Letterboxing is a variation on the ancient custom
of placing a rock on a cairn upon reaching the summit of a mountain. Someone hides a
waterproof box somewhere (in a beautiful, interesting, or remote location) containing at
a logbook and a carved rubber stamp. The hider writes clues to give directions to the
box and hunters in possession of the clues attempt to find the box. The hunter carries a
pencil, his personal rubber stamp, an inkpad, and a personal logbook. When the hunter
successfully deciphers the clue and finds the box, he/she stamps the logbook in the box
with his/her personal stamp, and stamps his/her personal logbook with the box's stamp.
The box's logbook keeps a record of all its visitors, and the hunters keep a record of all
the boxes they have found, in their personal logbooks. A virtual cache, also known as a
waymark, is a landmark or place targeted by someone using GIS coordinates and
published as a challenge for others to find on a waymarking website like
Waymarking.com. These locations are often places of natural beauty, or themed, like
movie or historical event locations. A participant hunts down the location using Gis
technology with the reward of succeeding in the challenge. Geocaching is a high-tech
treasure hunting game played 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 (Exhibit C).
6. Partnerships Status
Conservation Collier is pleased to have developed both acquisition funding and land
management partnerships with a number of agencies. These agencies and the nature
of their partnerships are listed below:
18
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
City of Marco Island - Management partnership - Otter Mound Preserve
City of Naples - Gordon River Greenway Project
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.
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
University of Florida - Logan Woods Preserve - exotic removal
Other Collier County Departments:
. Parks and Recreation - Freedom Park management partnership -Management
Plan approved through Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Grant Program in place.
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve management partnership. Gordon River
Greenway Preserve permitting, design, and planning partnership.
. Transportation Department - Caracara Prairie and Pepper Ranch Preserves -
panther mitigation credit (PHUs) for County projects. Pepper Ranch Preserve
management funding assistance in return for PHUs.
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.
19
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Table 3. Management Grants
Preserve Acquisition Gross Management Grant Funds Net
Price Funds expended Acquired I\lanagement
Funds expended
Alligator Flag $4,950,000 $39,270 $0 $39,270
Caracara Prairie $5,032,000 $280,960 $0 $280,960
Cocohatchee Creek 5476,200 $78,980 $0 $78,980
Freedom Park $56,300 $13,110 $0 $13,110
Greenway Preserve $2,075,000 $236.920 $0 $236,920
Limpkin Marsh 5440,000 $19,000 $0 $19,000
Logan Woods 5711,983 $72,890 $34,400 $38.490
McIlvane Marsh $2.802,900 $0 $21,000 $0
Nancy Payton $2,112.500 $94.650 $15.000 $79,650
Otter Mound $2.234,000 I $179.610 $11,920 $167,690
Panther Walk $93,130 S5.370 50 $5,370
Pepper Ranch $32.525,1 00 I $630.740 $75,000 $555,740
Railhead Scrub $32,617,Osor--- $315.1]0 i $95.600 $219,510
Shell Island S4,750.000 $87.300 I $84,350 $2,950
Wet Woods I 52,160.000 $95,340 I $57,700 $37.640
Total
$394,970
8. Proposed Objectives of the Program's Ninth 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 draft amendment to the Parks and Recreation Ordinance (Chapter 98)
regarding Preserve Use for review and approval by the Board.
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.
20
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Exhibits
Exhibit A. 2011 Map of Conservation Collier Program lands
Conservation Collier Program Lands - 2011
Cu~r c.olf.ltl;Y
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I State and Federal Conservation Lands
.-: Mitigation I Conservation Easement
_l-.!'_k~Tra!1:or,r!___...
Date Sourco:PnrCEll5 . COllier County P,-o~rty Appra<1ler
Created By Fucil<<ies MaNlg<lmentf ConselvlItlon CoIkeri A. Suled<i
G:\ConstlfVlltion Colhenmap5'AcqUl/<ld propenl~\
Ac:qu"oo&Approved_Map_Apfii2011 mxd and IPg
April 6. 2011
21
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Exhibit B. 2010 Cycle 8 Approved Active Acquisition List
CCLAAC Cycle 8 Approved
Acquisition List
January 25, 2011
l'~stlmall'd Il'ruposel.! rnorlty ul'slgnallOn
Estimutl>d YalUl' pl'f List for "A" Category
NAJ\lE ,'nine Sj1.(' (ae) acre C.ltl'gory Properties
-----
Barron Collier Investments
LTD - An'a I ~x:~: 500 :!35.UO S3.5110 \ '"
Barron Colli"r hnestments
LTn - Area II S 1. t9lJ.llJl~ 799,110 ~ 1.5111 \ 3
CDC Land Investments. Inc. S;.:f3:!.lHl~l 7.31 :!;:=;'i,:':!.\ \ I'
A-LIST SUBTOTAL $2....S3.6UH 1041.51
NC..GE Vnit 53 .Multi-parcel $8114,115 113.71 56.5011
Proicd (remain in!!)"" .\ nla
\\' mCIlt'Sler t1eaUj\'lUIU- S612.IJlII 87.43 S7,1I1111
parcel Projl'ct (remaining)'"" A n/a
Cycle 8 & Multi-parcel Projects ....... .'
total . $1.416.125 211.14 .
. ..' ..... .. .c'-...
. A-LISTTOTAL $3,869,725 1252.65 ....
\1..'\1 LIe S3J5H;' t, ~'( \::'.HW~ IJ
~ \ : - ~., ,I " :r:.:;::,.::5it -t'.- ,~.O\tj II
- \rL~"'I"l fl;l!'Ct.l... Sq::H;r (\.'!. \::..UII1 H
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- .\lllh;lhi: >335(,1 ;/.';'( ':'\Ohi "
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B- LIST SUBTOTAL $1.290.7511 258.15
Call',,":!" Shonncs n r ,LC S-t5.00n 13110 $3..I{i~ C
Pa"kanik Sl LOOO ~."73 Q.(11) ('
Worthill~ton-CtlJlicr LtC S1.1UO.Otl{l 661.80 SLHll C
C-LlST SUBTOTAL $1,156,000 678.53
GRA!\D TOTAL $6.416,475 1189.33
... 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
10F, the Board approved activating the Multi-Parcel Projects, with conditions relating to
appraised value. and they were placed on the "A" list.
2:?
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Appendix 1. Conservation Collier Program Public Amenity Work Plan - May 2011
Conservation Collier Proaram Public Amenitv Work Plan - Mav 2011
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 8 active members.
Conservation Collier has been implementing its mandate for 8 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 work plan that will guide the
implementation of public access land management activities 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.
23
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
With the exception Gordon River Greenway Preserve and Pepper Ranch Preserve,
which are anticipated to receive a high volume of public visitation, the improvements
proposed at each preserve represent the minimum amenities necessary to provide safe
and economically feasible public access.
BackQround:
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 is
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 Board requested Master Plan drafted by Conservation Collier staff based
upon recommendations by the CCLAAC,
Preserve CateQories:
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."
24
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
To date, the Conservation Collier Program manages 19 separate preserves throughout
the County, eight 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 resource-based
recreational opportunities coincide with the approved Land Management Plans of these
preserves. 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. Category descriptions
are provided below. Regardless of category, preserves may be closed to the general
public when deemed appropriate by staff (Le., conducting a prescribed burn, after storm
events, debris removal, levels of unusually high water, days when hunting is permitted,
etc.).
Cateaorv 1 - Primarv Use Preserve
o 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.
o ADA accessibility (parking and trails) will be provided.
o May have a daily staff presence (as appropriate) and staff is available to conduct
interpretive tours of the preserve by request.
o Occasional field trips and/or educational programs may be provided.
o Natural resource-based recreational opportunities offered will correspond with
the preserve's approved Land Management Plan,
o Marked trails and interpretive materials will be available on-site.
o Capital improvements, such as boardwalks, canoe/kayak, launches, overlooks,
picnic benches, and bike racks will be provided for visitors where feasible.
o Will be open to the public during daytime hours, unless special arrangernents are
made.
Cateaorv 2 - Intermediate Use Preserve
o 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 prirnitive
trail system. In such cases, an unimproved trailhead may be provided.
o Additional natural resource-based recreational opportunities may be offered
where feasible and will correspond with the preserve's approved Land
Management Plan.
o Restrooms may be provided on or near the site where feasible.
o Will not have a daily staff presence but staff will be available to conduct
interpretive tours of the preserve by request.
o Interpretive signs, brochures, picnic tables and bike racks may be present.
25
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
o Will be open to the public during daytime hours, unless special arrangements
are made.
CateGorv 3 - NeiGhborhood (Limited Use) Preserve
o Intended to be a "neighborhood" preserve. There is no space available for parking
for either ecological, access, or safety reasons. Members of the public who would
like to visit may have to walk or bike a distance from public parking areas.
o No restroom facilities will be available.
Primitive trails will be provided.
o Interpretive signs, brochures, picnic tables and bike racks may be present.
o Additional natural resource-based recreational opportunities may be offered where
feasible and will correspond with the preserve's approved Land Management Plan.
o Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary for
the proper management of the preserve.
o Staff will be available to conduct interpretive tours of the preserve by request.
Will be open to the public during daytime hours.
CateGorv 4 - Seasonal Use Preserve
o Parking may be available for the public on or near the site.
o Seasonal (usually winter months), marked, primitive trails will be available during
appropriate times of the year.
Restroom facilities may be available.
o Interpretive signs, brochures, bike racks may be present.
o 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.
o 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.
CateGorv 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.
o Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary for
the proper management of the preserve,
26
Packet Page -1154-
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Exhibit A - Conservation Collier Preserve Public Amenity Matrix
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Preserve Public Amenitv Priorities
Assuming current proposed revenue, interest, inflation, and management costs are
accurate; approximately $6.93 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 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 (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.
28
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Table 1 - Land Acquisition Fund Projected Revenues and Expenses
;f=Y1:1 ..FY13 with20DBDebtSe.ies1Paid.in :FY1~
BOND
PREPAYMENT
(Thru 9/30/11) (Thru 9/30/12) (Thru 9/30/13)
BUDGET PROPOSED PROPOSED PROPOSED
TAX YR 2010 TAX YR 2010 TAX YR 2011 TAX YR 2012
FY 2011 FY2011 FY 2012 FY 2013
Revenue
Canyforward (Beginning Fund Balance) $6,824,000 $6,942,600 $469,795 $3,969,593
Re-.enue - Ad Valorem $6,233,700 $5,883,500 $10,131,400 3 $10,131,400 3
Revenue -Interest $105,800 $61.095 $4,698 $39,696
Re...enue - Transfers & Contributions $91,000 $91,000 $91,000 $91,000
Re\.enue - Reserve ($311,700) ($506,600) ($506,600)
Total Revenue $12.942,800 $12,978.195 $10,696.893 $14,231,689
Expenditure
Expenditure. Personal Ser"'ces & Operations $658,300 $509,400 $433,500 $509.400
Expenditures. Capital & Remittances $2,967,200 $213,000 $0 $500,000
Expenditure - Transfer to Fund 174 $6,103,100 $4,193,900 2 6,023,100 $6,023,100
Expenditure - Other Transfers $265,300 $265,300 $270,700 $270,700
Expenditure - Reserves $2,948,900 S250,OOO
Expenditure - Debt Prepayment $7,076,800 4
Total Expenditures $12,942,800 $12,508,400 $6,727,300 $7,303.200
Estimated Carryforward $0 $469.795 $3.969.593 $6,928.500
Projected Amount for potential sweep from Fund 172 to Fund 174 at sunset of tax levy.
1 - ATV (($61,439,779,385'(,1008/1000)"95)
2 . Assumes 15% transfer to Maint. Fund 174, The add't $3,900,000 not transferred due to bond prepayment
3 _ ATV (($59,596,586,003'(,170011000) Assumes ATV for FY12 at 3% down and FY13, flat.
4 _ Estimated. Actual amount to be determined at prepayment.
Projected Millage Rates
FY12 & FY13
Bond 2005 0.0800
Bond 2008 0.0000
Acq Fund 172 0.1700
29
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Exhibit B - Conservation Collier Public Amenity Priority List
Estimated
year of
Priority Preserve Ammenities Estimated Cost construction
1 Gordon River Greenway ADA boarwalk, ADA trails, pedestrian $1,642,500
bridge
ADA parking, ADA bathroom with
2 Pepper Ranch showers, ADA trails, security gates, $712,500
primiti\.e camping, law enforcement FY 2012
3 Caracara Prairie Primitive trails that connect to $20,000
adjacent SFWMD trails
,
4 Nancy Payton ADA parking, ADA trail5, primiti\.e $37,100
trails
5 Mcllvane Marsh Signage $800 FY 2013
5 Red Maple Swamp Signage $800
5 Winchester Head Signage $800
8 Rive rs Roa d ADA parking, ADA trails, primiti\.e $82,500 FY 2014
trails
9 Pepper Ranch - LAKE PLATFORM ADA boardwalk and observation $95,500
platform o\.eriooking Lake Trafford
10 Wet Woods Primiti\.e trails $10,000
11 Railhead Scrub ADA parking, ADA trails, primitive $128,180 FY 2017
trails
Gordon River Greenway Bridge - ADA bridge on City of Naples portion
12 CITY OF NAPLES of the Greenway $630,000 FY 2018
30
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.4.
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2011
Map 1 - Conservation Collier Preserves by Commission District
Conservation Collier Preserves by Commission District
eolfre.,. County
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Camp Keais
Freedom Park
Nancy Payton
Gordon River
Greenway
1
Shell Island
Mcllvane Marsh
Otter Mound
Preserves
- Category 1 Preserve
- Category 2 Preserve
Category 3 Preserve
- Category 4 Preserve
- Category 5 Preserve
"
W+E
S
- Roads
_ Conservation Collier Preserve
IY~~~'i!+:;1 Commission Districts
o
10
I
20 Miles
Source: Parcels - 2010 Property Appraiser Data
G:Conservation Collier/maps/Acquired PropertylPreserves by Districtmxd
Create by MHennlg
31
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