Agenda 10/28/2008 Item #16E20
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28,2008
Page 1 of 12
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve an Interim Management Plan for the Freitas Property
under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program
OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval of the attached Interim Management Plan for the Freitas
Property and direction to the County Manager, or his designee, for its implementation.
CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance, 2002-63, Section 14(1), as
amended, requires that, no later than ninety (90) days from the date of acquisition, an Interim
Management Plan shall be submitted by County staff to the Conservation Collier Land
Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) for approval. Upon approval, the Plan shall be
submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval and shall be implemented
according to the Board's direction. Subsequent to the Interim Management Plan, a final plan is
to be presented to the Board within two (2) years.
.-
The 2.27 -acre Freitas property was purchased by Collier County in July 2008. It is located west
of Everglades Blvd on the south side of 62nd Ave NE in the North Golden Gate Estates. The
Interim Management Plan was reviewed and approved by the Lands Evaluation and
Management Subcommittee on September 8, 2008. On October 13, 2008, it was unanimously
approved by the full CCLAAC.
FISCAL IMPACT: The land management activity costs are estimated to be $4,200 for the first
year and $1,100 each subsequent year. Funds are budgeted within the Conservation Collier
Land Management Fund to accomplish these activities.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Management of Conservation Collier lands to support
appropriate public access is consistent with and supports Policy 1.1.6 and Objective 1.3 in the
Recreation and Open Space Element of the Collier County Growth Management Plan.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance (2002-63), as amended, in
Section 14, provides a legal framework for development of management plans and for use of
environmentally sensitive lands. The recommendation of the Freitas Interim Management Plan
by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee for Board approval falls within
this legal framework. The Interim Management Plan is legally sufficient for Board action. - JAB
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners approves the attached Interim
Management Plan and directs the County Manager, or his designee, to implement it for the
Freitas property.
PREPARED BY: Christal Segura, Environmental Specialist, Conservation Collier Program,
Department of Facilities Management
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Page 1 of 1
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28,2008
Page 2 of 12
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Item Number:
Item Summary:
16E20
Recommendation to approve an Interim Management Plan for the Freitas Property under the
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program.
Meeting Date:
10/28/2008 900:00 AM
Prepared By
Christal Segura
Environmental Specialist
Date
Administrative Services
Facilities Management
10/13/20082.25:20 PM
Approved By
MeHssa Hennig
::nvironmental Specialist
Date
Administrative Services
Facilities Management
10/13/2008 2:28 PM
Approved By
Skip Camp. C.F.M
Facilities Management Director
Date
Administrative Services
Faciiities Management
10113/20085:31 PM
Approved By
Len Golden Price
Administrative Services Administrator
Date
Administrative Services
Administrative Services Admin.
10/15/200812:08 AM
Approved By
Jeff Klatzkow
Assistant County Attorney
Date
County Attorney
County Attorney Office
10116120089:03 AM
Approved By
OMS Coordinator
Applications Analyst
Date
Administrative Services
Information Technology
101161200811:03 A,l\Il
Approved By
Mark Isackson
Budget A.nalyst
Date
County Manager's Office
Office of Management & Budget
10/16/2008 :; :38 PM
Approved By
James V. Mudd
County Manager
Date
Board of County
Commissioners
County' Manager's Office
1012GI2008 1 :03 PM
fi le://C :\Agenda T est\Export\ 115-0ctober%2028, %202008\ 16. %20CONSENT%20AGEN...
10/22/2008
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28, 2008
Page 3 of 12
Conservation Collier: Freitas Property
Interim Management Plan - Final Draft
Prepared By:
Collier County: Facilities Management Department
Conservation Collier Program
3301 Tamiami Trail Bldg W
Naples, FL 34112
October 2008
October 2008
Aaenda Item No. 16E20
- October 28, 2008
Conservation Collier.' Freitas Page 4 of 12
Interim Management Plan
Table of Contents
1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan............................ .. 3
2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities...................................... 3
3.0 Interilll Site Plan................................. ........................ ............. 3
3.1 Location and Site Description........... .............................. ..... 3
3.2 Signage..... ... ........ ....... ... ...... '" ..... ....... ...... ....... ...... ....... 3
3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases. . . ..... . .. .. . .... . ..... ... ., ...... . ...... 4
3.4 Structures. .. . .. . . .. . . . . .. .. . .. . .. .. . . . .. .. . ... . . .. ... . ....... .... . . .. . ..... . .... 4
3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses....... ...... ...... ...... ..... .... .. .. .. 4
4.0 Interim Management Objectives........... . ........................................ 4
4. 1 Natural Resource Protecti on. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. 4
4.2 Site Security..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . .. 5
4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan........................ 5
4.4 Debris Rellloval. . . . ... . . .. . .. .. . ..... . .. .. .. .. .. . . ...... ........ .. . ..... . ...... 5
4.5 CulturaL Historical and Archaeological Resource Protection............ 5
4.6 Listed Species Protection................................................. ..... 5
4.7 Public Access.................................................................... 6
4.8 Site Monitoring and Long Tenn Management Plan.................... .... 6
4.9 Partnerships...................................................................... 6
5.0 Exhibits................................................................................... 7
EXHIBIT I: Location Map
EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map
EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table
EXHIBIT 4: Implementation Timeline
')
October 2008
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28, 2008
Conservation Collier: Freitas Page 5 of 12
Interim Management Plan
1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan
The Freitas property (Folio: 38847240008) was purchased by Collier County in July 2008 with
funds from the Conservation Collier Program. The property will be managed for conservation,
protection, and enhancement of natural resources and for passive and compatible public outdoor
recreation.
This Interim Management Plan is intended to identify the key management priorities and issues
within the site and give direction for management for the next two years. This document is
meant to be the precursor to a Final Management Plan, which will outline more specific aspects
of site management. Since the Freitas Parcel is contiguous to the Oetting Preserve, both
Preserves will be incorporated into one, Final Management Plan. A new preserve name will be
assigned at that time to incorporate all continuous parcels.
Kev Interim Management Objectives
1. Protect, manage and restore (as appropriate) the native habitat on site
2. Take appropriate steps to open the site for public access
3. Explore opportunities for partnerships
4. Meet with community members who have an interest in this property and obtain feedback
for Final Management Plan
Action Plan
I a. Install temporary conservation land signs and/or no dumping / no trespassing signs
along property boundaries
I b. Treat, monitor, and manage invasive, exotic vegetation
2a. Determine possible location of future parking area
2b. Determine location of future boardwalk / trail system
2c. Evaluate need for a picnic table, benches, garbage receptacles and interpretive signage
along trail
2d. Send copies of Freitas Interim Management Plan to adjoining property owners and the
Estates Elementary School
3a. Contact adjacent property owners on a yearly basis for possible preserve expansion
4.. Develop Final Management Plan and hold Public Meeting(s).
2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities
The Collier County Conservation Collier Staff will be responsible for managing the Freitas
property, and may seek to obtain grants to assist in funding management activities.
3.0 Interim Site Plan
3.1 Location and Site Description
The 2.27-acre Freitas property (Folio: 38847240008) is located west of Everglades Blvd on
the south side of 62nd Ave NE. It is located in Golden Gates Estates Section 31, Township
47, Range 28. The entire property is high quality cypress wetland, which is part of the
Horsepen Strand Slough.
3
October 2008
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28, 2008
Conservation Collier: Freitas Page 6 of 12
Interim Afanagement Plan
3.2 Signage
Temporary signs identifying the property as a Conservation Collier Preserve will be posted
at the northern boundary of the site facing 62nd Ave NE. Temporary No Trespassing / No
Dumping signs may also be posted along the northern boundary if needed.
3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases
A 30-foot road easement exists on the north side of the property. No other easements,
concessions or leases exist on the parcel or are proposed for the future, unless they further
conservation objectivcs, such as a conservation easement.
3.4 Structures
There are no structures on the property.
3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses
The Freitas property is directly contiguous to Conservation Collier's Oetting Preserve to the
south. It is surrounded on the three sides by undeveloped estates zoned lots. The Estates
Elementary School is located across 60th Ave NW to the southeast of the Freitas and Oetting
Properties. The Oetting and Freitas Preserves are located 2.8 miles southeast of the
Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed.
4.0 Interim Management Objectives
4.1 Natural Resource Protection
Existing Native Vegetation:
Ground Cover: Groundcover vegetation includes, in order of abundance, native grasses,
dog fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium); swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum), musky mint
(H.vptis alala), hempweed (Mikania scandens); false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica).
These plants indicate a moist area. The abundance of dog fennel indicates drought
conditions. A number of vine species were present throughout the ground cover and
midstory. These include morning glories (Ipomea sp.), greenbriar (Smilax sp.), and white
twinvine (Sarcostemma clausum).
Midstorv: The midstory is sparse, consisting of scattered wax myrtle (^,~vrica cerifera),
saltbush (Baccahris ham ilifo lia), and myrsine (Myrsine jloridana). Strangler fig (Ficus
aurea) is minimally present in the midstory.
Canopy: The canopy is dominated by cypress (Taxodium distichum), but also includes
scattered cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), red maple (Acer rubrum), and laurel oak
(Quercus laurifolia). These tree species typically indicate upland/wetland transitional
areas and/or wetlands.
Unique Natural Features:
The cypress wetlands on site are of high quality, containing minimal invasive exotic
plants. The property is part of a larger slough system called Horsepen Strand. The
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) stated that the property contains
"wetlands of high quality and function" and are part of "a unique cypress system."
4
October 2008
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28,2008
Conservation Collier: FreitasPage 7 of 12
Interim Management Plan
Listed Plant Species
Listed plant species found on the Freitas property include common wild pine (Tillandsia
faseieulata) and reflexed wild pine (T balbisiana).
Possible Listed Wildlife Species:
No listed wildlife species were observed at the time of the site visit. The observed habitat
and location would support the presence of the following listed species: Everglades snail
kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus), limpkin (Aramus guarauna), and woodstork
(Myeteria amerieana). Florida black bear (Ursus amerieanus floridanus) and Big
Cypress fox squirrel (Sew'ius niger shermani), may also be present, forage in, or move
through this area as it is near known populations (Closing the Gaps, Florida Game and
Freshwater Fish Commission, 1994).
4.2 Site Security
Security shall be provided by the Collier County Sheriffs Office via routine patrols in the
area. Once plans for public access have been implemented, a sign will be posted at the trail
entrance denoting the times the property will be open for public access.
4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan
Conservation Collier staff will contract out the exotic vegetation removal and maintenance
using Conservation Collier management funds. The low exotic plant density on site does
not warrant applying for grant funding to aid in the cost of removal.
Invasive, exotic plants present primarily include Brazilian pepper (Sehinus terebinthifolius)
and ceasarweed (Urena lobata). Because there are only scattered areas of low-density
exotic plants, the plants in the ROW will be cut treated and physically removed from the
site and the remainder will be treated in place with an appropriate herbicide. F allow up
maintenance will occur after the water levels subside each subsequent year. The removal of
hardwood, invasive vegetation has already been initiated on the adjoining Oetting Preserve.
4.4 Debris Removal
There was no significant debris found on the property. If deemed necessary, "No Dumping"
signs and a fence may need to be installed along the northern property line to deter fuliher
dumping. Routine trash removal and trail maintenance can be accomplished by staff, the
Sheriff's office weekender crews, contracted, or volunteer labor.
4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection
The Freitas property is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and
no historical or archaeological sites appear to be present on the property. The County will
notify the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest that
any archaeological or historic resources exist on site. If such resources are identified on-
site, staff shall cordon off the area, and a professional survey and assessment shall be
instituted. The archaeologist shall prepare a report outlining results of the assessments and
issue recommendations to County staff about management of any sites discovered, per
provisions of the Land Development Code Section 2.2.25. This report shall be sent to the
Division of Historical Resources. The County shall cooperate fully with direction from the
5
October 2008
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28,2008
Conservation Collier: Freitas Page 8 of 12
Interim Management Plan
Division of Historical Resources on the protection and management of archaeological and
historical resources. The management of these resources will comply with the provisions of
Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, specifically Sections 267.061 2 (a) and (b).
Listed Species Protection
Conservation Collier staff will evaluate needs for protection if any listed species are found
on the property.
4.7 Public Access
The public may access the property from 62nd Ave NE. The potential of creating an
agreement for shared parking with the Elementary School across from the adjoining Oetting
Property exists. The creation of a permeable parking area will be explored especially if
adjacent parcels are able to be purchased.
Staff may work with the Transportation Department to create a crosswalk across 60th Ave
NE from the Estates Elementary School to the Oetting Preserve and therefore the Freitas
Preserve to make crossing the road safer.
Grant funding will be sought to fund the creation of a raised boardwalk. Conservation
Collier staff wi]] obtain any vegetation clearing pennits that may be required for boardwalk
creation.
Until standards can be specifically designed for conservation lands, public access for
Conservation Collier properties will be managed by the same standards as set forth within
Collier County Ordinance # 76-48, as amended, which regulates the use of County parks.
4.8 Site Monitoring and Long Term Management Plan
Monitoring of the site will consist of trash removal, boardwalk up-keep, and invasive exotic
vegetation re-treatment. Conservation Collier staff shall be responsible for property
maintenance with tasks contracted out as necessary and management partnerships sought
with neighboring agencies. The site will be monitored for exotic vegetation re-growth
semi-annually for two years following initial treatment. After two years, exotic vegetation
will be monitored on a yearly basis.
4.8 Partnerships
Conservation Collier staff will seek out and evaluate potential for partnerships for
conservation, protection, and education. We will work with the Estates Elementary School
to set up opportunities for environmental and science based educational programs and use.
Grants will be explored to assist in funding of educational signage and programs.
6
October 2008
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28,2008
Conservation Collier: Freitas Page 9 of 12
Interim Management Plan
EXHIBIT 1: Location Map
Conservation Collier FrettasLoeatlon Map
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6.2nd AVII HE
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Freitas Location
.. Ffefta~ 38847,?400D5
I,Aj\iii'.'l AcqUired COn!;erv&t!OI". CollIer Pwpoerl>es iOettingl
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7
October 2008
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28, 2008
Conservation Collier.' Freita'i?age 10 of 12
Interim Management Plan
EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map
Conservation Collier Freitas Aerial Map
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Freitas Aerial
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t,cqwred ConSBrvaHon Colher PrODeriler. (Oetting)
Cotjle~ C.;.Hlnt\1 Roads
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Do'. lk>u<<: eo' "'re"l~ and ::/0011 Aen." . Collier Count)' ............,,. App".I-
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8
October 2008
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28,2008
Conservation Collier.' FreitaJlage 11 of 12
Interim Management Plan
EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table
Management Element Initial Cost Annual Comments
Recurring
Costs
Exotics Control $3,200 $1 , 1 00 Based on figures for the Oetting Property
Parking Facility nla nla A parking area within the slough could be
difficult to permit
Access Trailsl ADA $800 nla Seasonal mulched foot trails may be
created through the Frietas parcel. This
would connect to a potential boardwalk
(ADA) on the Oetting parcels to the
south. The Sheriff's Department
weekend work program or local Boy
Scout troops can be utilized to create the
mulched trails. Estimate based on 625
linear feet, 5 feet wide, 3 feet thick at
$2.00 a bag.
Fencing nla $3.00 per foot field fencing; Gates - $250
ea
Trash Removal nla t.b.d. No solid waste observed
Signs $200 3' X 1.5' metal on post - uninstalled
$100 each
Total $4,200 $1,100
9
Agenda Item No. 16E20
October 28. 2008
Page 120' 12
EXHIBIT 4: Estimated Implementation Time Line
Management Activities OIN D J F M A' MI J J i A IS 0 N D J F M A'M J J Als
I ViE
CIO E A E A P A V UU E C 0 E A E A P A V V
T V C N B R R Y N L G P T V C N B R R Y N L Gjp
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 I I I 1 1 1 I 1
's 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 , 0 0 010 I 0 0 o 0
i I
lnstall signs I x I ! ! I I I i ! I I I
I I
Initial exotic vegetation treatment and maintenance x x I I : ! x x x : x I I ! X x i i
I Debris removal ! ! I I I I I , I
Send intetim management plan to neighbors and x x i I ! ! ! I I 1
i I
school upon approval bv BCC I i I I
I
Completion of final management plan (incorporate I I I I I I x ! I I I I I i
Oetting and Freitas Properties into one plan) ! , I ! I
I