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Agenda 11/09/2010 Item #16D 4 . "1604 '9,2010 P8Jt1of10 . EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ':( '~i~ " 1" ~tion for approval and authorization for the chairmain to sign . Coastal Partnership '.Iff.'" (01) grant application to the Department of Environmental Protection for a Dune Resto......;bOject in the Clam Bay Park area. . - , OBJECllY.Ii. To submit a Coastal Partnership Initiative grant application to the Department of Environmental ProtectiOn to fUnd a Dune Restoration Project in the Clam Bay Park area. CONSID~1l0NS: Coastal Zone Management staff is applying for a FIorida:iDepartment of Environmental Protection, Coastal Partnership Initiative grant. This grant will allow-staff to remove exotic plants from the dune line landWard 150 feet throughout the Clam Pass Pirk ."..' The proposed Dune Restoration Project is a twofold project. This project will enhance and restore the beach dune system by first removing all no&-native invasive plant species and, ~ly, by planting native species after the invasive plant species have been removed.. Non-native plant species such as Scaevola (Scaellf1l1l taccada), Australian Pine(Casuarina equisetifolia) and Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifoliustl) are enaoaching upon and' smothering the native plant species within the Clam Pass Park area. shallow rootsfroin non-native plants do not allow for chmes to beoomc stable and cause sand loss, ~'Ioss and beach erosion. Once the existing invasive plant specicshave been removed, native plants such as Sea Oats, Beach Elder and Beach Morning Glory will be planted along the beach front landward 15 feet. Areas behind the 15 foot planted zone will allow for natural recruitment of native plant species. . FISCAL IMPACT: The total amount requested is $53,000, if awarded, Collier ColDlty will provide $38,000 in cash match and $15,000 in non-cash match for a total project cost of $106,000. The $38,000 cash match will be provided from the $75,000 annual Exotic RemovallDube Restoration Grant from me Fund 195. GROWTH MANAGEMEN{ ~ACT: The grant money will support the Conservation and Coastal Management Element of the County Growth Management Plan. ' LEGAL CONSIDEIL\TIONS: This item has been. reviewed by the County's Attorney's Office and is legally sufficient for Board action. -CMG RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation for approval and authorization for the chairmain wsign a Coastal Partnership Initiative (CPI) grant application to the Department of Environmental Pn>tection for a Dune Restoration Project in the Clam Bay Park area. PREPARED BY: Pamela Keyes, EnVironmental Specialist, Coastal Zone Management Department '- Agenda Item No. 1604 November 9, 2010 Page 2 of 10 . COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Item Number: Item Summary: 1604 Recommendation for approval for a Coastal Partnership Initiative (CPI) grant application to the Department of Environmental Protection for a Dune Restoration Project in the Clam Bay Park area. Meeting Date: 11/9/2010 9:00:00 AM Prepared By Pamela Keyes Environmental Specialist Date Public Services Division Coastal Zone Management 10/25/20102:36:44 PM Approved By Marla Ramsey Administrator - Public Services Date Public Services Division Public Services Division 10/26/2010 1 :00 PM Approved By Kathy Carpenter Executive Secretary Date Public Services Public Services Admin. 10/26/20103:00 PM Approved By . Gary McAlpin Director - Coastal Management Programs Date Public Services Division Coastal Zone Management 10/27/201012:49 PM Approved By Colleen Greene Assistant County Attorney Date County Attorney County Attorney 10/29/201010:00 AM Approved By OMB Coordinator Date County Manager's Office Office of Management & Budget 10/29/2010 2:01 PM Approved By Sherry Pryor Management! Budget Analyst, Senior Date Office of Management & Office of Management & Budget Budget 10/29/20102:46 PM Approved By Jeff Klatzkow County Attorney Date 11/1/20104:01 PM . Approved By Leo E. Ochs, Jr. County Manager Date County Managers Office County Managers Office 11/2/20103:33 PM Agenda Item No. 1604 November 9.2010 Page 3 of 10 COASTAL PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE www.deo.state.fl.us/cmp/grants/index.htm . GRANT APPLICATION Refer to Rule Chapter 62S-4, Florida Administrative Code, available at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/cmp/grants/index.htm for information on funding requirements and evaluation criteria. Eligible applicants for the Coastal Partnership Initiative are local governments of the 35 coastal counties and all municipalities within their boundaries required to include a coastal element in the local comprehensive plan. Florida colleges, community colleges, state universities, regional planning councils, national estuary programs and non-profit groups may also apply, as long as an eligible local government agrees to participate as a partner. Submittal Requirements 1. One application per applicant may be submitted per grant cycle (i.e., one application per county, city, or other eligible applicant.) 2. Applicants may request: a) no more than $30,000 and no less than $10,000 for planning, design and coordination . activities; and b) no more than $60,000 and no less than $10,000 for construction projects, habitat restoration, invasive exotic plant removal, and land acquisition. These projects cannot involve planning/coordination tasks or components. 3. Non-profit groups are not eligible to receive funds for construction projects, invasive exotic plant removal, habitat restoration, or land acquisition. Applications submitted by non-profit groups that propose these activities (as listed in 62S-4.004(2)(c)) will be disqualified. 4. Funding is available only for project work initiated and completed during a l2-month period beginning July 1 and ending June 30. 5. One original, signed application must be submitted along with four copies of the application and one CD/DVD copy of the application. 6. All applications must be submitted on the CPI Application Form. 7. Applications must be submitted in person, by certified or registered mail or by courier service by 4:00 p.m. on the date identified in the notice of availability of funds to: Department of Environmental Protection Florida Coastal Management Program, MS 47 ATTN: cpr Applications 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000 Faxed. electronic. or late applications will not be considered and will be disqualified. . Form 62S-4.004(5) Effective 9/2/10 Agenda Item No. 1604 . A. Tf.I"LE PAGE Project Title: Collier County Dune Restoration Proiect CPI Initiative Priority Area(s): Coastal Dune Applicant Name and Name of Partner Entity (if applicable): Collier County Board of County Commissioners Official Contact Name: Pamela Keyes Title: Environmental Specialist Phone/Fax: 239-252-2980/239-3532950 Email Address:Pamelakeyes@colIiergov.net Postal Address: 3301 East Tamiami Trail W. I-Iarmon Turner Bld~. Suite 103 Naples. FL 34113 Applicant DUNS Number: 076997790. Proposed Project Manager Name: Pamela Keves Email: Pamelakeves@colliergov.net Certification Statement . "By signing this title page, the undersigned certifies that: a. This application is in all respects fair and submitted in good faith without collusion or fraud; b. If selected through this application process, the recipient will work in good faith and in partnership with the Florida Coastal Management Program to manage its subgrant in a timely and accurate manner; c. Any funds awarded as a result of this application process will not be used to supplant or replace any state or local funds; d. Any funds awarded as a result of this application process will not be used as matching funds to apply for or receive other federal funds; e. No federal funds will be used as match for funds awarded as a result of this application process; f. The applicant local government's adopted comprehensive plan has been found to be in compliance with Chapter 163, Part II, F.S.; g. [If construction is proposed) The applicant has conducted preliminary consultation with appropriate federal, state, regional and local regulatory agencies regarding any construction proposed in the application and has documented the results of the consultation in the Permitting Requirements section of the Work Plan; h. [If construction projects, habitat restoration or invasive species removal are proposed] The property on which these activities will take place is owned or leased by the applicant or the applicant holds a sufficient easement; and i. The undersigned has full authority to bind the applicant." Signature Name & Title Date If applicant is a Florida college, community college, state university, regional planning council, national estuary program or non-profit group, include the signature, name, and title of contact for partnering entity; the name of the eligible county or city partner; and the date. . Signature of Partner &~~~it'1i9 P~~~ Date DWIGHT E. BROCK. ClerIc By, Form 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2/10 , Page 4 of 10 Agenda Item No. 16D4 November 9.2010 Page 5 of 10 B. PROJECT LOCATION MAP Include a project location map no larger than 8W' x 11". (10 pts.)* Collier County Dune Restoration Project ::y Native PIcr1tings will occur along the entire 11.000 feet of Dune Habitat D Clam_Pass_Park_Area PLACE LOCATION MAP ON TillS PAGE . NOTE: The maximum number of points for scored application components is indicated in each section. 2 Fonn 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2/10 . . . Agenda Item No. 1604 November 9,2010 Page 6 of 10 c. WORK PLAN (Expand text boxes as needed, keeping within the 10-page Work Plan limit) . This section describes the project and cannot exceed 10 single sided pages or 5 double sided pages. If letters of support or other materials are submitted to address the Work Plan components below, these items will count toward the maximum 10 pages of the application Work Plan; any additional pages or Appendices will be discarded and not considered in the evaluation of the application. The Title Page, Location Map, Budget and Budget Narrative do not count toward the lO-page limit of the Work Plan. 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION. a. Describe in detail the activi or work to be conducted; include ro'ect location information. (15 ts.) Collier County, located in southwest Florida, has over 40 miles of coastal beaches and coastal dune habitats. The Proposed Dune Restoration project is located in the Clam Pass Park area in northern Collier County. Clam Pass Park is one of Collier County's most heavily visited parks. Over 115,000 visitors per year enjoy the park, amenities, scenic beaches andClam Pass. The Park is separated by Clam Pass, an extremely narrow, shallow pass that can be walked across. The proposed project encompasses over 27.55 acres or 8,000 linear feet of exotic plant removal and 11,000 feet of native plant restoration. . Collier's coastal dune habitats are vital not only for keystone species such as the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), but also for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), and shore birds such as the piping plover (Charadrius melodus) and least tern (Stemula antillarum). Native plant species such as railroad vine (Ipomoea pes- caprae), sea oats (Uniola paniculata), and beach elder (Iva imbricate) are also found in the project area and are critical for stabilizing and building the dune system. Currently, these native species are being crowded out and overrun by the exotic invasive species. The proposed Dune Restoration Project is a twofold project. This project will enhance and restore the beach dune system by fIrst removing all non-native invasive plant species and, secondly, by planting native species after the invasives have been removed. Non-native plant species such as Scaevola (Scaevola taccada), Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) and Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifoliusa) are encroaching upon and smothering the native plant species within the Clam Pass Park area. Shallow roots from non-native plants do not allow for dunes to become stable and cause sand loss, habitat loss and beach erosion. Once the existing invasive species have been removed, native plants such as Sea Oats, Beach Elder and Beach Morning Glory will be planted along the beach front landward 15 feet. Areas behind the 15 foot planted zone will allow for natural recruitment of native plant species. Two types of monitoring will occur after the native plants are planted. First, County Staff will monitor the beaches and dunes for any exotic plant re-growth. If any invasive species are found to be reseeding and growing, County Staff will immediately remove these plants. Second, County Staff will also monitor the new native plantings to ensure their healthy growth. Once the native species are planted, the root systems from these native plants will immediately begin to help stabilize and build the dune system. . b. Describe specific project objectives, tasks, and deliverables and related timelines for each. Objectives and tasks should clearly relate to the project description. 3 Form 62S-4.004, F AC, Effective 9/2/10 Agenda Item No. 1604 November 9.2010 Page 7 of 10 (20 ots.) Collier County staff has received a quote from Earth Balance, a company that specializes in ecosystem restoration, for the removal of all species listed on the 2009 Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's "List of Invasive Plant Species." The invasive plants species found throughout the 27.55 acres include Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifoliusa), Scavola (Scaevola taccada) and Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia). The quote from Earth Balance is for $53,000 to remove all exotic plants within the 27.55 acres. Collier County will provide the dollar and in-kind match through native plantings, staff time and vehicle on-the-beach permit costs. . The treatment and removal of invasive plant species will begin on the westernmost dune vegetation and will go landward 150 feet. All woody species and shrubs within the 50 to 75 feet of the beach will be cut into 4-foot to 6-foot pieces and scattered or piled inside the thicker vegetation out of sight of the beach. All remaining targeted invasive species landward and not visible from the beach will be killed-in-place with an approved herbicide. Immediately after the invasive species are removed, Collier County staff will begin to replant native plants such as Sea Oats, Railroad vine, and Beach Elder along the front of!he beach dune and back 15 feet. This will encompass a total of 7,000 feet of planted area along the beach dune system. Plants will be planted on I-foot centers, using a hydro gel to ensure survival throughout the winter. Collier County will plant a total of 69,000 plants in the Clam Pass Park area. Collier County has Earth Balance on contract to complete this work for .55 a plant for a total of $38,000 in plants. In addition, to the proposed project Collier County will also supply the ropes, posts and educational signs to keep people off the newly planted plants as in-kind match. Although Earth Balance will be hired to plant the majority of the plants, a volunteer day will be conducted to assist planting the plants around the Park boardwalk. Collier County staff has led very successful volunteer . projects before in partner with the Collier County Sea Grant Agent. Education about beaches, dunes, erosion, exotic plants and invasive species will also be provided to all volunteers. Please see the timeline below; Award Vehide Permits Bidding! Award Exotic Removal Native Planting Volunteer Project Exotic Monitoring July Aug. Sept. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May June x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Final Report x 2. PROJECT NEED AND BENEFIT. a. Ex lain the demonstrated need, which the ro'ect addresses. (25 ts. Exotic invasive plants thrive in their new location because without factors such as severe seasonal weather, disease or insect pests that keep them under control in their native range, the plants will keep reproducing and growing, displacing and out-competing the native plants species. This leads to a reduction in biodiversity. . This reduction adversely impacts wildlife and alters natural processes. The Clam Pass area is a place where exotic invasive plants are adversely impacting native plant species by choking the native plant growth. This, 4 Form 625-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2/10 . . . Agenda Item No. 1604 November 9,2010 Page 8 of 10 in turn, prevents stable dune growth. The proposed Dune Restoration Project will remove the invasive exotic plants from 27.55 acres. This removal will occur from the dune line landward 150 feet. Once the exotic invasive plants are removed, Collier County will provide the match to replant the front of the dune system. Each year Collier County is allocated $75,000 for planting native plants throughout the entire County beach dune system. This has greatly improved the health of Collier County's beach dune systems. Unfortunately, the funding allocated each year by Collier County is not sufficient to fully restore the extensive beaches and dunes in the County. The proposed Dune Restoration Project within the Clam Pass Park area has never been planted nor had any exotic removal completed. Collier County has not had the funding available to remove the exotic plants from the Clam Pass Park area. County Staff feels that removal of the invasive exotic plants needs to occur fIrst in order to remove the continual "seed source and provide room for native plants. ose of at least one CPI area. (10 ts.) The proposed Dune Restoration Project will meet Coastal Resource Stewardship CPI area. This will be a community-based project that will involve Collier County staff working together with volunteers'and community organizations interested in restoring and preserving our beaches. The Coastal Zone Management of Collier County will oversee this project and ensure that the community and all volunteers are integral part of this project. Collier County staff knows the importance of educating the public about the signifIcance of dune habitat. County staff will coordinate and lead, with the help of the Collier County Sea Grant Agent a "dune planting day." This day will be publicly advertised at the County's coastal parks, Collier County's website and local news stations. Staff will educate the volunteers on dune systems and how to create a healthy dune as well as preserve one. Volunteers, along with County staff, will plant sea oats around the Park's most heavily populated areas. Involving the local community through volunteers helps educate the public, create more awareness and provides for more public "buy in" to restoring our dunes. c. Discuss the extent to which the project will improve the management and protection of coastal resources. (25 ts. The proposed Dune Restoration Project will greatly improve management of the Clam Pass Park area's dune system. Currently, invasive exotic plants are overwhelming native plants in the Clam Pass Park area. These exotics do not create the necessary biodiversity to support a healthy dune system. If allowed to continue, the invasive exotic species will completely overwhelm the native plants. Once removed, native plant species will be able to thrive which will allow for a more diverse plant and wildlife environment. Clam Pass Park has over 115,000 visitors yearly and was voted one of the top 20 beaches in the United States. The park offers a %-mile long boardwalk through the mangroves and Clam Bay estuary. The park also provides visitor amenities such as restrooms and a concession stand. Planting native plants in and around the Parks amenities will help protect the County's and the Public's assets as well as educate the public on the importance of a healthy dune system. A healthy dune system is an important fIrst barrier against the influence of storm systems, winds, waves and tides. Removing exotic invasive plants and replacing them with native vegetation will greatly increase the chances of not only creating a more diverse habitat, but also protect Clam Pass Park area from severe erosion and loss of more beaches and dunes. 5 Fonn 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2/10 Agenda Item No. 16D4 November 9,2010 Page 9 of 10 d. Discuss how project is feasible and can be completed within one year. (10 Pts.) Removal of the exotic species within the 27.55 acre site will be completed within one year. Once the grant is awarded, Collier County will move quickly to bid the project and apply for vehicle on-the-beach permits. Both these items will take one month to complete. . Once the funding is obtained, the Contractor will be able to commence with the exotic removal. This removal should be completed in one month. As soon as the removal has been completed, planting can occur. In this way the proposed project will be completed well prior to the grant allotted time limit. BUDGET and BUDGET NARRATIVE (15 Pts.) Type dollar amounts only in applicable categories (round to nearest dollar; no cents) and leave other categories blank. A recipient will be required to provide 100% (1: 1) matching funds, cash or in-kind. No more than one-half (50%) of match can be provided by a third party. Budeet Cateeorv 1. Salaries 2. Fringe Benefits 3. Travel 4. Equipment 5. Supplies 6. Contractual Services FCMP Funds MATCH Funds $10,000 7. Other Expenses $3,000 . $1.000 $53,000 $38,000 $1.000 8. Indirect Charges FCMP Total $53,000 Match Total $53,000 Total FCMP & Match Funds $106,000 Ifbudget exceeds the amount shown on the "Total" line above, indicate the total project cost: $ BUDGET NARRATIVE: Describe line items for each applicable budget category shown above. Provide sufficient detail to show cost relationship to project activities for both FCMP and match items. Indirect costs are not allowed as match. Total FCMP Funds Requested $53,000 . Salaries: 6 Form 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2/10 Agenda Item No. 1604 November 9.2010 Page 10 of 10 . Fringe Benefits: Travel: Equipment: Supplies: Contractual Services: The FCMP funding will fund for the hiring of a contractor, in the amount of $53,000 to remove the invasive exotic plants. Other Expenses: Indirect Charges: Total Match Funds: $53,000 Salaries: County staff will need to be on-site supervising both the exotic plant removal and native planting, supervising volunteers as well as assisting the contractor in getting vehicle on-the-beach permits. Staff needs to ensure the correct tools, herbicides etc, are being used. Currently, staffs time including benefits is 33.60. At times multiple staff will need to be on-site. Fringe Benefits: Travel: Equipment: County staff will need to use County equipment such as trucks and gators to access the beach. . Equipment costs will include the cost of gas. Supplies: County staff will need to purchase the ropes, posts, and educational signage to keep the public off the newly planted dunes Contractual Services: Collier County has Earth Balance on contract to plant the native plants. This contract allows for plants to be purchased at a base rate of 55 cents a plant. Other Expenses: Vehicle on the beach permits will need to be acquired through the County Growth Management Department. The County will pay for the permits at a cost of $250 per vehicle. NOTE: Project costs will be evaluated for reasonability, and the application is eligible for up to 10 points based on the evaluation of costs. . 7 Form 62S-4.004, FAC, Effective 9/2/10