Agenda 01/28/2020 Item #16D 4 (Conservation Collier - Interim Management Plan for the Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve)01/28/2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the Dr. Robert H. Gore III Interim Management Plan under the
Conservation Collier Program.
OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) for the Dr. Robert
H. Gore III Interim Management Plan (IMP).
CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance, No. 2002-63, as amended, Section 14(3),
requires that an Interim Management Plan be prepared for each newly acquired property and implemented
for two (2) years, prior to preparing a Final Management Plan (FMP), with review and input by the
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC).
Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve is comprised of 171.2 acres and is located approximately five (5) miles
south of Golden Gate Blvd W, adjacent to Desoto Blvd. The last parcel of the preserve was purchased by
Collier County in 2019. The preserve is not currently open to the public but is scheduled for opening in
2020.
The IMP includes property maps, plant and animal lists, defines int erim management objectives, and
anticipated costs for exotic plant removal. This IMP was approved by the CCLAAC on September 9,
2019.
FISCAL IMPACT: Initial exotic removal and trail development costs are estimated at $150,000 due to
the dense infestation of exotic, invasive Brazilian pepper throughout the preserve. Following initial
treatment, management costs for the subsequent three (3) years are estimated to be between $43,000 and
$75,000 to deplete the existing exotic seed bank and control regrowth. Management costs are expected to
reduce as management activities shift from initial restoration to the maintenance phase. An exhibit of the
projected ten-year anticipated costs will be provided in the upcoming Final Management Plan for the
preserve. Funds are available within Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund (174) 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. There is no specific growth
management impact associated with this Item.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance (No. 2002-63, as amended), in
Section 14, provides a legal framework for the development of management plans and for use of
environmentally sensitive lands. This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote.
-JAB
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the attached proposed Interim Management Plan for the Dr. Robert
H. Gore III Preserve and direct staff to implement the updated plan.
Prepared By: Molly DuVall, Environmental Specialist, Conservation Collier Program, Parks and
Recreation Division
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. (linked) Interim Management Plan_Robert_H_Gore_III_Preserve (DOCX)
16.D.4
Packet Pg. 1883
01/28/2020
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.D.4
Doc ID: 11245
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the Dr. Robert H. Gore III Interim Management
Plan under the Conservation Collier Program.
Meeting Date: 01/28/2020
Prepared by:
Title: Operations Analyst – Parks & Recreation
Name: Matthew Catoe
01/03/2020 9:54 AM
Submitted by:
Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation – Parks & Recreation
Name: Barry Williams
01/03/2020 9:54 AM
Approved By:
Review:
Parks & Recreation Barry Williams Additional Reviewer Completed 01/06/2020 1:47 PM
Parks & Recreation Summer BrownAraque Additional Reviewer Completed 01/07/2020 8:17 AM
Parks & Recreation Ilonka Washburn Additional Reviewer Completed 01/07/2020 10:39 AM
Operations & Veteran Services Kimberley Grant Level 1 Reviewer Completed 01/07/2020 11:38 AM
Public Services Department Todd Henry Level 1 Division Reviewer Completed 01/08/2020 8:18 AM
County Attorney's Office Jennifer Belpedio Level 2 Attorney of Record Review Completed 01/08/2020 9:07 AM
Public Services Department Steve Carnell Level 2 Division Administrator Review Completed 01/14/2020 1:23 PM
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 01/15/2020 11:53 AM
Grants Valerie Fleming Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 01/16/2020 10:00 AM
Budget and Management Office Ed Finn Additional Reviewer Completed 01/17/2020 9:51 AM
County Manager's Office Sean Callahan Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 01/20/2020 1:08 PM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 01/28/2020 9:00 AM
16.D.4
Packet Pg. 1884
Conservation Collier Program
Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
Prepared By:
Collier County: Parks and Recreation Division
Conservation Collier Program
3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples, FL 34116
September 2019
September 2019 Conservation Collier Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
2
Table of Contents
1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan ............................................................................ 3
2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities ......................................................................................... 4
3.0 Site Description ....................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 Location and Site Description ............................................................................................................. 4
3.2 Signage ................................................................................................................................................ 4
3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases ..................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Structures ........................................................................................................................................... 5
3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses ................................................................................................ 5
4.0 Interim Management Objectives ........................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Natural Resource Protection .............................................................................................................. 5
4.2 Site Security ........................................................................................................................................ 7
4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan ............................................................................ 7
4.4 Debris Removal ................................................................................................................................... 8
4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ............................................................... 8
4.6 Listed Species Protection .................................................................................................................... 8
4.7 Public Access ....................................................................................................................................... 9
4.8 Site Monitoring and Long-Term Management Plan ........................................................................... 9
4.9 Partnerships ........................................................................................................................................ 9
5.0 Exhibits .............................................................................................................................................. 10
EXHIBIT 1: Location ............................................................................................................................ 10
EXHIBIT 2: 2009 Aerial Map ............................................................................................................... 11
EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table ........................................................................................................ 11
EXHIBIT 4: Estimated Implementation Time Line .............................................................................. 12
September 2019 Conservation Collier Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
3
1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan
The Robert H. Gore III Preserve (Gore Preserve), composed of 5 parcels totaling 171.2 acres,
was acquired by the Collier County Conservation Collier Program on November 19, 2018 and
will be managed for the conservation, protection, and enhancement of natural resource and for
public outdoor recreation that will be compatible with the conservation, protection and
enhancement of the site and surrounding lands.
This Interim Management Plan is intended to identify the key management priorities within the
preserve and provide direction for management activities 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 and public use and undergo updating on a 5-year interval. The Final
Management Plan for this preserve is scheduled to be completed July 2021 and will replace this
Interim Management Plan once approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
Key Interim Management Objectives
1. Protect, manage and restore (as appropriate) the native plant communities on site.
Action Plan
1a. Map, treat, monitor, and manage invasive, exotic vegetation.
1b. Assess the need for exotic mulching activities on the perimeter of the property
1c. Assess the need for native vegetation restoration.
1d. Develop a preserve plant list and record notable species observations.
2. Determine necessary actions to provide recreational opportunities within the preserve.
Action Plan
2a. Map, ground truth, and develop Phase I portions of a greater conceptual trail
system within one year of acquisition.
2b. Determine suitability of various public use methods given trail conditions and
adjacent natural resources.
3. Collaborate with Cypress Cove Conservancy 501(c)(3) regarding preserve planning and
outreach/educational materials
Action Plan
3a. Develop and finalize a memorandum of agreement between Collier County
and the non-profit partner group, Cypress Cove Conservancy within one year
from the Cypress Cove Conservancy acquiring the private 10-acre parcel.
3b. Communicate and seek input regarding public use and trail system planning
with the organization.
3c. Collaborate on environmental, educational, and historical outreach information
and signage provided within the preserve.
4. Explore opportunities for grant funding and partnerships
Action Plan
4a. Explore possible exotic vegetation removal funding assistance opportunities
from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC) Upland Plant Management Section.
September 2019 Conservation Collier Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
4
4b. Explore possible acquisition funding assistance opportunities from the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Florida Communities Trust
Program.
5. Provide opportunities for community stakeholder discussion and feedback for the
preserve’s Final Management Plan
Action Plan
5a. Notify surrounding property owners and other potential stakeholders of the
purchase and meet with interested community members to receive input on
management plan.
5b. Coordinate with local community groups to assist in trail development and
preserve maintenance.
6. Preserve Use Ordinance
Action Plan
6a. The Preserve Use Ordinance No. 2011-38, passed by the Collier County Board
of County Commissioners, will apply to the Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve.
2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities
The Robert H. Gore III Preserve was officially named in November 2018. The Preserve is included
within the portfolio of properties assigned to the Collier County Conservation Collier Program
within the Collier County Parks and Recreation Division. Conservation Collier Program staff are
responsible for direct management of all preserve lands and will seek to cooperate and form
partnerships with local, state and federal agencies for management assistance and to obtain various
types of grant funding assistance for management activities when possible.
3.0 Site Description
3.1 Location and Site Description
The Gore Preserve is located adjacent to and directly west of Desoto Blvd in Section 33, Township
49S, and Range 28E within the Northern Golden Gate Estates. The properties may be accessed via
38th and 40th Ave SE. The total acreage is 171.2 acres. The property is composed of Pine Flatwood,
Dry Prairie, Mixed Wetland Hardwoods, Inland Ponds and Sloughs and Cypress.
Current parcel folios are as follows:
41500040008
41506600002
41616920009
41506800006
3.2 Signage
Temporary signs identifying the property as a Conservation Collier Preserve have been posted
along DeSoto Blvd. Once the parking area and Phase 1 trailhead have been developed, a formal
preserve name sign will be erected for visitors.
September 2019 Conservation Collier Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
5
3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases
No known easements exist at this time over 38th or 40th Ave SE. There are no concessions or leases
on the parcels or proposed for the future, unless they further conservation objectives, such as a
conservation easement.
3.4 Structures
There are currently no known wells, septic tanks or other type of structures on the property.
3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses
The Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve is located directly west of Desoto Blvd, between 36 Ave SE
and Interstate I-75. The property may be accessed via the planned public access trailhead located
off of 40th Ave SE. Single family homes exist along the northern, western, and eastern boundary
of the preserve as well as adjacent to interior preserve units. The non-profit Cypress Cove
Conservancy purchased an interior ten-acre parcel in the center of the Gore Preserve in June 2019 which
includes Dr. Robert H. Gore’s former residence. The environmental-education based non-profit plans to
repurpose the existing residence for use as an education center for the public and the centerpiece of
environmental programming and nature-based recreational opportunities on the property in the years to
come.
4.0 Interim Management Objectives
4.1 Natural Resource Protection
Existing Vegetation:
Eight types of intact native plant communities have been documented; including Pine Flatwoods,
Cabbage Palm, Inland Ponds and Sloughs, Mixed Wetland Hardwoods, and Cypress
Characterization of Plant Communities present:
FLUCCS Ground cover Midstory Canopy
411 – pine flatwoods grasses, palmetto
St. John’s-wort primrose
willow
twinflower
bachelor button
beautyberry
meadow beauty
goldenrod
musky mint
tickseed
wax myrtle
bay
saltbush
myrsine
shining sumac
slash pine
428 – cabbage palm grasses, ferns and forbs,
poison ivy
vines, wild coffee, dog
fennel
cabbage palm cabbage palm, slash
pine
616 - inland ponds and
sloughs
Swamp fern,
maidencane, pickerel
weed, sagittaria
hog plum, rag weed, salt
bush
pond apple, cypress, pop
ash
617- mixed wetland
hardwoods
Swamp fern, frog-
fruit,blue porterweed
Dog fennel, beauty
berry, myrsine
Red maple, pop ash, red
bay, laurel oak
621- cypress swamp fern, chain fern,
smilax
cabbage palm, salt
brush, stiff dogwood
cypress, cabbage palm,
red bay
September 2019 Conservation Collier Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
6
Unique Natural Features:
The site contains five observed native plant communities and outstanding examples of native
cypress communities. The Gore Preserve is atop a well-field protection zone and contributes to
both the Surficial and Lower Tamiami Aquifers.
Listed Plant Species
Listed plant species found on site include stiff-leaved wild pine (Tillandsia fasciculata), giant
airplant (Tillandsia utriculata) and reflexed wild pine (Tillandsia balbisiana).
Common Name Scientific Name Protection Status
FDACS
Royal fern Osmunda regalis Commercially Exploited
Stiff-leaved wild-pine,
Cardinal airplant Tillandsia fasciculata Endangered
Reflexed wild-pine,
Northern needleleaf Tillandsia balbisiana Threatened
Giant airplant Tillandsia utriculata Endangered
Giant sword fern Nephrolepsis biserrata Threatened
T: threatened, E: endangered C: commercially exploited
Wildlife Species Observed on Site:
Animal Common Name Scientific Name Protection Status
BIRDS mourning dove
Zenaida macroura
turkey vulture Cathartes aura
red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus
black vulture Coragyps atratus
wild turkey Meleagris gallopavo
common ground-dove Columbina passerina
red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus
downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens
blue jay Cyanocitta cristata
white-eyed vireo Vireo griseus
Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
great-crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus
blue-grey gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea
swallow-tailed kite Elanoides forficatus
pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus
house wren Troglodytes aedon
Caroline wren Thryothorus ludovicianus
little blue heron Egretta caerulea State-Threatened
great blue heron Ardea herodias
great egret Ardea alba
MAMMALS white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus
Florida black bear Ursus americanus
September 2019 Conservation Collier Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
7
Florida panther Puma concolor coryi Federally-Endangered
Eastern spotted skunk Spilogale putorius
raccoon Procyon lotor
Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana
nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus
hispid cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus
grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
REPTILES
Cottonmouth/ Water Moccasin
Agkistrodon piscivorous conanti
Crayfish Order Decapoda
brown anole Anolis sagrei
green anole Anolis carolinensis *Exotic
INSECTS queen butterfly
Danaus gilippus
zebra longwing
Heliconius charithonia
monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
gulf fritillary
Agraulis vanillae
green darner
Anax junius
Eastern pondhawk
Erythemis simplicicollis
\
4.2 Site Security
The Gore Preserve provides important wildlife corridor linkages with surrounding conservation
lands, therefore fencing that would impede wildlife movements through the preserve and
throughout the greater area would not be desirable. Due to the remote location of the preserve,
illegal dumping along the roadways is a potential concern. Preserve boundaries will be monitored
to limit illegal dumping and off-road vehicle trespass. All future public access trail planning will
consider opportunities to limit unwanted off-road vehicle trespass.
4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan
Exotic invasive plants present include Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), earleaf acacia
(Acacia auriculiformis), ceasar’s weed (Urena lobata), citrus (Citus spp.), air potato (Dioscorea
builbifera), lantana (Lantana camera), old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum),
Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum), arrowhead (Syngonium podophyllum), and
balsam apple (Momordica charantia).
The initial cost of exotic removal would be substantial due to the amount present and density of
the vegetation. Based on cost estimates provided by a contractor who routinely contracts with the
County for exotic removal, costs for the level of infestation observed would be about $80,000 -
$150,000 to treat exotics with herbicide in place and to mow along the proposed hiking trails. It
September 2019 Conservation Collier Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
8
would cost approximately $50,000 to mechanically mow the Brazilian pepper along the roadside
edges of the preserve boundary in selected locations to improve aesthetics and facilitate greater
access for land management activities. Costs for follow-up maintenance done an a bi-annual or
annual would remain similar for 1-4 years until the seed bank has been depleted and the
management units can transition into a maintenance treatment rotation schedule.
Staff may apply for federal and state funding assistance to assist in the costs of invasive, exotic
plant removal in areas of the preserve.
The Conservation Collier Program staff will hire contractors to treat the exotic vegetation on the
site. Staff will seek assistance from the surrounding community for potential volunteers to
supplement contracted exotic maintenance.
4.4 Debris Removal
Staff will monitor the preserve boundaries for signs of illegal dumping and erect educational
signage and work collaboratively with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) to address
repeat offenses. Currently, there is no indication of debris removal needs within the preserve
boundary. Staff will utilize volunteers and contractors to address debris removal issues as they
arise.
4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection
The Gore Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and no
historical or archaeological sites appear to be present on the property. While conducting pre-
acquisition site visits, staff were made aware of the presence of several “pointer trees” throughout
the property that may have indigenous cultural origins. The County will notify the Division of
Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any archaeological or historic
resources are discovered. 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 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).
4.6 Listed Species Protection
Staff will evaluate needs for protection if any listed wildlife species are found on the property. The
locations where listed species are routinely observed will be identified using a global positioning
system (GPS) device and mapped to allow staff to monitor them. Staff will also utilize passive
monitoring techniques of preserve usage by listed species to document occurrence.
Care will be taken when exotic removal treatment occurs to avoid areas with listed plants and to
avoid non-target damage with herbicides. Wildlife surveys will be carried out ahead of any major
site remediations to determine possible impacts to listed or nesting species.
September 2019 Conservation Collier Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
9
4.7 Public Access
Given the extent of the current Brazilian pepper infestation within the preserve, public access via
special request will be difficult to grant until the initial phase of hiking trails are in place. A
conceptual hiking trail plan is underway for the preserve and will by established through
development of a Final Management Plan. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements
and safety concerns will need to be met before the site can officially be open to the public. No
public hunting is allowed within the Gore Preserve due to the limited acreage and proximity of
adjacent homesites.
4.8 Site Monitoring and Long-Term Management Plan
Monitoring of the site shall consist of invasive exotic vegetation re-treatment and listed-species
population surveying. While fire dependent communities exist within the preserve, prescribed
fire will be not be utilized as an initial management tool for the preserve due to the proximity of
adjacent homesites and historic fire suppression in the surrounding area that has greatly elevated
fuel levels. Collier County shall be responsible for property maintenance with tasks contracted
out as deemed necessary and management partnerships sought with the surrounding community.
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.
4.9 Partnerships
Staff will seek out partnership opportunities for conservation, protection, education, and funding
opportunities. Staff will explore possible land management funding assistance programs for the
preserve. These may include but are not limited to grants offered by the USFWS South Florida
Coastal Ecosystems Program, USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (Conservation
Collier Cooperative Agreement Modification would be required), the U.S. Department of
Agriculture and/or FWC Upland Weed Management Working Group Funding.
Conservation Collier Program staff will continue to build a strong partnership with members of
the non-profit Cypress Cover Conservancy to enhance environmental education program offerings
and awareness of this up and coming resource for the residents and visitors of Collier County.
Staff will also coordinate with the Collier County Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts of the USA for
possible trail enhancement projects.
September 2019 Conservation Collier Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
10
5.0 Exhibits
EXHIBIT 1: Location
September 2019 Conservation Collier Robert H. Gore III Preserve
Interim Management Plan
11
EXHIBIT 2: 2009 Aerial Map
EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table
t.b.d. To be determined; cost estimates have not been finalized.
Management Element Initial Cost Annual
Recurring
Costs
Comments
Exotics Control $150,000 $75,000 Recurring costs are high due to the dense
areas of Brazilian pepper
Trash and Debris
Removal
$10,000 + n/a Estimate Only. Based on quote for debris
removal at Railhead Scrub Preserve
Total $160,000 + $75,000
EXHIBIT 4: Estimated Implementation Time Line
N
O
V
1
8
D
E
C
1
8
J
A
N
1
9
F
E
B
1
9
M
A
R
1
9
A
P
R
1
9
M
A
Y
1
9
J
U
N
1
9
J
U
L
1
9
A
U
G
1
9
S
E
P
1
9
O
C
T
1
9
N
O
V
1
9
D
E
C
1
9
J
A
N
2
0
F
E
B
2
0
M
A
R
2
0
A
P
R
2
0
M
A
Y
2
0
J
U
N
2
0
J
U
L
2
0
A
U
G
2
0
S
E
P
2
0
O
C
T
2
0
N
O
V
2
0
Explore exotic
vegetation grants
x x x
Determine what
actions necessary to
open site for public
use and develop
timeline for opening
x x x
Initial Invasive
Exotic vegetation
removal
x x x x x
Completion of final
management plan
x
• Exotics removal must be completed prior to determining what actions are necessary to open the site for public use.
Timing may also be dependent on whether grant funding is awarded to assist in removal costs.