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CCLAAC Agenda 10/12/2020 CONSERVATION COLLIER LAND ACQUISITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE October 12, 2020 Commission Boardroom W. Harmon Turner Building (Building "F"), Third Floor AGENDA I. Roll Call II. Approval of Agenda III. Approval of January 12, 2020 Meeting Minutes IV. Old Business V. New Business A. Gore Memorandum of Understanding VI. Coordinator Communications A. BCC Items B. Acquisitions C. Referendum Education D. Miscellaneous Items VII. Subcommittee Reports A. Lands Evaluation & Management— Chair, Bill Poteet— No meeting 1. Alligator Flag 10-year update - Christal 2. Camp Keais Strand 5-year extension - Summer 3. Mcllvane Interim Management Plan Extension - Molly 4. Red Root 10-year Update - Christal 5. Red Maple Swamp Interim Management Plan Extension - Molly 6. Wet Woods 10-year Update - Molly 7. Winchester Head Interim Management Plan Extension - Christal B. Outreach —Chair, Michael Seef— Last meeting September 18, 2020 C. Ordinance Policy and Rules, Chair, Pat Sherry— No meeting D. Referendum and Acquisition Plan Task Force, Chair, Bill Poteet— No meeting VIII. Chair and Committee Member Comments IX. Public General Comments X. Staff Comments XI. Next Meeting —January 11, 2021 XII. Adjourn Committee Members: Please notify Summer Araque at 252-2979 no later than 5:00 p.m. Thursday, October 8, 2020 if you cannot attend this meeting or if you have a conflict and will abstain from voting on an agenda item. January 13, 2020 1 MINUTES OF THE CONSERVATION COLLIER LAND ACQUISITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Naples, Florida, January 13, 2020 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 A.M. in REGULAR SESSION at Administrative Building “F”, 3rd Floor, Collier County Government Complex Naples, Florida with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: Bill Poteet VICE CHAIRMAN: Pat Sherry Susan Calkins Michael Seef Gary Bromley Brittany Patterson-Weber Michele Lenhard Thomas J. Iandimarino Hannah Rinaldi ALSO PRESENT: Summer Araque, Conservation Collier Program Coordinator Jennifer Belpedio, Assistant County Attorney Molly DuVall, Environmental Specialist Christal Segura, Environmental Specialist January 13, 2020 2 I. Roll Call Chairman Poteet called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M. Roll call was taken and a quorum was established. New Members Thomas Iandimarino and Hannah Rinaldi were welcomed to the Committee. II. Election of Chair and Vice Chair Ms. Calkins moved to appoint William Poteet as Chairman of the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee. Second by Mr. Seef. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. Mr. Seef moved to appoint Pat Sherry as Vice Chairman of the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee. Second by Ms. Calkins. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. III. Approval of Agenda Ms. Sherry moved to approve the Agenda subject to the addition of Item V.B.1 – Otter Mound Preserve. Second by Ms. Calkins. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. IV. Approval of October 14, 2019 minutes Ms. Sherry moved to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2019 meeting as presented. Second by Mr. Seef. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. V. New Business A. Application(s) for Re-appointment Ms. Sherry moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners re-appoint William Poteet and Michael Seef to the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee. Second by Ms. Lenhard. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. B. Review of Land Management Plans 1. Otter Mound Preserve Ms. Duvall presented the “Otter Mound Preserve Land Management Plan” for consideration. She noted the Committee previously approved the document as a 5-year plan, but upon further review Staff noted the plan requires a 10-year review. There will be a public meeting for input on the plan, as well as updating of the plant species list. Committee discussion occurred on the process for reviewing management plans and whether the public meetings should be held before the Committee considers the plans. Staff noted the process is under review, however, if any significant changes occur to the plan based on the public’s input, they’re returned to the Committee for review. Ms. Sherry moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners adopt the “Otter Mound Preserve Land Management Plan,” as a ten-year plan. Second by Mr. Seef. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. 2. Cocohatchee Creek Ms. Duvall presented the “Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Land Management Plan – Updated 2019” for consideration. She noted the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee recommended the plan be approved and provided an overview of the changes, including the following updates: • Relevant dates, projects and activities. January 13, 2020 3 • Wildlife and plant species as necessary. • Goals and cost projections. • A plant list revision scheduled for 2020. Ms. Sherry moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners adopt the “Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Land Management Plan – Updated 2019 subject to the following changes:” • Section 2.3.1 line 6 – from “…and Florida Soft Shell…” to “…Florida Soft Shell • Section 2.4 last sentence – from “…both the Federal Government…” to “…the Federal Government…” Second by Mr. Seef. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. 3. Logan Woods Ms. Duvall presented the “Logan Woods Preserve Land Management Plan – Updated 2019” for consideration. She noted the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee recommended the plan be approved and provided an overview of changes, including the following updates: • Relevant dates, projects and activities • Wildlife, plant and invasive species as necessary • Goals, budgets and cost projections • A plant list revision scheduled in 2020 Mr. Seef moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners adopt the “Logan Woods Preserve Land Management Plan – Updated 2019.” Second by Ms. Sherry. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. 4. Nancy Payton Ms. Segura presented the “Nancy Payton Preserve Land Management Plan – Revised 2019” for consideration. She noted the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee recommended the plan be approved and provided an overview of the changes, including the following updates: • Relevant dates, maps, projects and activities • Wildlife, plant and invasive species as necessary • Goals, budgets and cost projections • A revision to the plant list is scheduled for 2020 Ms. Calkins moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners adopt the “Nancy Payton Preserve Land Management Plan – Revised 2019.” Second by Ms. Sherry. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. C. Burdis application – Winchester Head Ms. Araque presented the Memorandum “Burdis Property Application Winchester Head” dated January 6, 2020 noting: • An agreement has been reached with the owner for the County to acquire the parcel for the appraised value of $16,600. • The acquisition will be funded from monies in the off-site preservation program via a standard real estate contract. January 13, 2020 4 • If there are any deviations from a standard contract, the item may be returned to the Committee for review. Ms. Lenhard moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve the purchase of the Burdis property located in the Winchester Head multi-parcel project area. Second by Mr. Seef. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. VI. Old Business A. Ballot Language 1. Review three language options Ms. Araque presented the document “Conservation Collier ballot language proposed options for November 2020 ballot” noting the Committee provided a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners on the referendum language, however, following a review by the County Attorney, the bonding option is proposed to be amended to include a specific dollar amount for any funding. Additionally, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has proposed amending the language for any referendum put forth. Chairman Poteet noted the Committee recommended that language to be put forth to the voters to not include bonding options. Speakers Gladys Delgado, Conservancy of Southwest Florida reported they engaged a consultant to conduct a survey and reviewed other jurisdictions language for similar referendums (in Florida and the US). The polling by the consultant and other reviews found it would be beneficial to add certain key words (i.e. drinking water, water quality, etc.) to improve the chances of the proposal being approved by the voters. She displayed their proposed version, which includes these words for the Committee’s consideration. Ellen Goetz reported there will be a public campaign to support approval of the referendum and a PAC has been formed to help in the matter. The Committee discussed adding words as proposed by the Conservancy, noting certain key words may be beneficial. The Committee took the following actions after the discussions: Ms. Sherry moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve the following ballot language: “REESTABLISH FUNDING FOR CONSERVATION COLLIER TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY, WATER RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE HABITAT Shall Collier County reestablish the levy of a .25 mil ad valorem tax for 10 years for the purpose of continuing to acquire, preserve and manage environmentally sensitive lands, as well as provide compatible public access wherever applicable to such lands, for the protection of water quality, water resources, wildlife habitat, and public open space in perpetuity?” Second by Carried unanimously 9 – 0. See amended motion for this option at end of item VI.A.2 removing wording “as well as.” Ms. Sherry moved for the Board of County Commissioners to only consider the language as approved above and not propose bonding options in the referendum. Second by Ms. Lenhard. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. January 13, 2020 5 2. Provide recommendation regarding bonding The Committee reiterated they do not recommend the option, but if put forth, the language be as follows: Ms. Sherry moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners utilize the following language for the referendum should the bonding option be proposed: “REESTABLISH FUNDING FOR CONSERVATION COLLIER TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY, WATER RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE HABITAT Shall Collier County reestablish the levy of a .25 mil ad valorem tax for 10 years, with option to bond up to [$insert amount] dollars payable from this levy, bearing interest not exceeding maximum legal rate, for the purpose of continuing to acquire, preserve and manage environmentally sensitive lands and provide compatible public access wherever applicable to such lands, for the protection of water quality, water resources, wildlife habitat, and public open space in perpetuity?” Second by Ms. Patterson-Weber. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. The Committee chose to not provide a recommendation on the dollar amount for the proposed funding. Amended Motion for Non Bonding Option Referendum Language It was noted the wording “as well as” was removed from the bonding option language referenced above in order to meet the 75 word limitation requirement for the referendum and the original option approved without a provision for bonding should be amended to provide consistency between the proposals. Ms. Lenhard moved to amend the original motion and recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve the following ballot language: “REESTABLISH FUNDING FOR CONSERVATION COLLIER TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY, WATER RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE HABITAT Shall Collier County reestablish the levy of a .25 mil ad valorem tax for 10 years for the purpose of continuing to acquire, preserve and manage environmentally sensitive lands and provide compatible public access wherever applicable to such lands, for the protection of water quality, water resources, wildlife habitat, and public open space in perpetuity?” Second by Mr. Iandimarino. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. Ms. Belpedio reported the final language approved will be reviewed by the Supervisor of Elections for sufficiency before being placed on the ballot. 3. Provide recommendation on spending for amenities Ms. Araque queried if the Committee wished to provide a recommendation on allowing the use of up to 10 percent of the allocated of acquisition funds (75 percent in total) for provision of amenities in the preserves. Committee discussion occurred noting the intent is to utilize the funds for boardwalks, parking areas, kiosks, etc. and not for other County agencies to use for improvements outside the lands controlled by the program (roadways accessing preserve lands, etc.). January 13, 2020 6 Ms. Lenhard moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve the use of 10 percent of funds collected for land acquisition for provision of amenities in the preserves. Second by Ms. Sherry. Carried unanimously 9 – 0. VII. Coordinator Communications A. BCC Items Ms. Araque provided the following updates: 11/12/19 – The program’s Future Acquisition Strategy was approved, including removing the reference to prioritized areas. 12/10/19 – The referendum language was approved to move forward and the new information will be heard at the January 28th Meeting. B. Veterans Memorial Blvd. Extension Update Ms. Araque provided an email from Bee Thao from Collier County Transportation Department – “Subject: Presentation to CCLAAC January 13, 2020” dated December 3, 2019 which provided an update on the construction schedule for the new high school noting the project is in the permitting stages and the school is anticipated to open in 2023. C. Miscellaneous Items Ms. Duvall presented the PowerPoint “Wildlife Camera Update” and “Conservation Collier Current Rules and Regulations for Invasive Species” for informational purposes. The presentations included photos of wildlife activity on the preserves obtained by Tom Mortenson and procedures for invasive wildlife species found on preserve lands. VIII. Subcommittee Reports A. Lands Evaluation & Management – Chair, Bill Poteet – December 9, 2019 scheduling of LEMS meetings for 2020 Chairman Poteet reported the Subcommittee reviewed the management plans considered today and a new meeting will be scheduled by Staff via a “Doodle poll.” Ms. Rinaldi was added as a new Member to the Subcommittee. B. Outreach – Chair, Michael Seef – Last meeting November 6, 2019 Mr. Seef reported the program’s banner is on display at the Naples Preserve and work continues on distributing brochures and rack cards. C. Ordinance Policy and Rules – Chair, Pat Sherry – No meeting Mr. Iandimarino was added as a new Member to the Subcommittee. D. Referendum and Acquisition Plan Task Force, Chair, Bill Poteet – No meeting None IX. Chair Committee Member Comments None X. Public General Comments None XI. Staff Comments None January 13, 2020 7 XII. Next Meeting – April 13, 2020 There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the chair at 11:14 A.M. Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee ____________________________________________________ Bill Poteet, Chairman These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on _________________ as presented________ or as amended ___________. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN COLLIER COUNTY AND CYPRESS COVE LANDKEEPERS, INC. This Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is entered into this _____ day of _________________, 2020 between COLLIER COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida (“COUNTY”) and CYPRESS COVE LANDKEEPERS, INC. (“CYPRESS COVE”). Recitals WHEREAS, on July 10, 2018 COUNTY acquired the properties identified on Exhibit “A” from The Robert H. Gore III Inter Vivos Trust, dated July 25, 1986, for public use in COUNTY’s Conservation Collier Program (COUNTY’s PROPERTY or DR. ROBERT H. GORE III PRESERVE); and WHEREAS, on January 28, 2020the County approved the Interim Management Plan for the DR. ROBERT H. GORE III PRESERVE; and WHEREAS, June 7, 2019 CYPRESS COVE acquired the properties identified on Exhibit “B” from The Robert H. Gore III Inter Vivos Trust, dated July 25, 1986 for public use as nature center (“CYPRESS COVE’s PROPERTY” OR “NATURE CENTER”); and WHEREAS, the COUNTY and the CYPRESS COVE wish to provide for coordination and cooperation of environmental, educational, and historical outreach information and signage on the properties for the benefit of the citizens of Collier County and others that may visit the properties. NOW THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows: 1. Authority. This MOU is entered into pursuant to Conservation Collier Ordinance No. 07-65, as amended (Section 4, Paragraph 12) and the Action Plan set forth in COUNTY’s Interim Management Plan. 2. Duration. This MOU shall remain in effect until it is terminated in writing by either party upon 30 days written notice to the other party. 3. Effect of Recitals. The recitals set forth above are adopted as findings of fact and incorporated into this MOU. 2 4. COUNTY PROPERTY – DR. ROBERT H. GORE III PRESERVE. A. The County agrees to use the DR. ROBERT H. GORE III PRESERVE in accordance with the Interim Management Plan, as it may be amended or become a Final Management Plan, as amended (“Management Plan”). B. As with all Conservation Collier Property, the Preserve Management Ordinance No. 11-38, as it may be amended or otherwise modified or replaced applies at the DR. ROBERT H. GORE III PRESERVE. C. No pets will be permitted in on the COUNTY’s Property unless the Management Plan indicates that pets are allowed. D. COUNTY will install a lime-rock parking area on COUNTY’s Property. The need for parking spaces and the number of spaces will be determined by COUNTY and is initially expected to be 5-6 parking spaces. E. Events that are to occur on at the DR. ROBERT H. GORE III PRESERVE after dusk will be coordinated with CYPRESS COVE. F. CYPRESS COVE employees and volunteers providing services on COUNTY’s Property pursuant to this MOU are not considered agents or employees of COUNTY. G. The Interim Management Plan does not allow hunting on COUNTY’s property due to the limited acreage and proximity of adjacent homesites. “No hunting” signs will be installed on COUNTY’s Property. Signs prohibiting trespass, litter, firearms, all-terrain vehicles and poaching will also be installed on COUNTY’s Property, H. Signs on COUNTY’s Property will be coordinated with CYPRESS COVE such that signs on COUNTY’s Property and signs on CYPRESS COVE’s Property are consistent in content. CYPRESS COVE and COUNTY will send each other signage for review that includes mention of each other. Use of each party’s logo on signage shall be approved in advance. 5. CYPRESS COVE’s PROPERTY – NATURE CENTER A. In the event the NATURE CENTER and/or CYPRESS COVE property is open after dusk, CYPRESS COVE will notify the COUNTY. The intent is for evening events to be limited to reduce traffic for safety of wildlife after dusk. B. Gate located to 40th Avenue SE will be locked when Nature Center is not open. C. CYPRESS COVE will cooperate with COUNTY regarding any well installation COUNTY decides to pursue. D. Signs on CYPRESS COVE’s Property will be coordinated with COUNTY such that signs on CYPRESS COVE’s Property and signs on COUNTY’s Property are consistent in content and appearance. E. CYPRESS COVE will coordinate its grand opening celebration with COUNTY. F. CYPRESS COVE’s use of the COUNTY’s trails is limited to open hours. 3 6. Indemnification. Each party to this MOU agrees to be responsible for the liabilities arising out of their own conduct and the conduct of their officers, employees and agents with COUNTY’s indemnification subject to Section 768.28, Florida Statutes. 7. Notice. Any notice sent pursuant to this Memorandum of Understanding shall be sufficient if sent by regular U.S. Mail to the following addresses: A. COLLIER COUNTY: CONSERVATION COLLIER COORDINATOR Golden Gate Community Park 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd. Naples, FL 34116 ConservationCollier@colliercountyfl.gov 239-252-2961 B. CYPRESS COVE: CYPRESS COVE LANDKEEPERS, INC. Attention: Current President Mailing Address: PO Box 110308 NAPLES, FL 34108 (239)-308-0281 info@wildnaples.com 8. Amendment. Any amendment to this MOU or its exhibits shall be in writing and shall not be effective until executed by both parties. 9. Assignment. In light of the scope and rationale for this MOU, neither party may assign, transfer, or sell any of the rights set forth in this MOU, or associated with this MOU, without the express written consent of the other party. 10. Relationship of the Parties. No employee of either party shall be deemed an employee of the other party. Nothing in this MOU shall be construed to create an agency relationship, partnership, association, or joint venture between the parties. 4 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this MOU as of the date set forth above. ATTEST: CRYSTAL K. KINZEL, CLERK __________________________ , DEPUTY CLERK COLLIER COUNTY By: ____________________________ ______________________ CHAIRMAN Approved for form and legality: __________________________ Jennifer A. Belpedio Assistant County Attorney CYPRESS COVE LANDKEEPERS, INC. By: ____________________________ Shane Duff PRESIDENT 5 EXHIBIT “A” COUNTY’S PROPERTY – DR. ROBERT H. GORE III PRESERVE Physical Address: 4055 40th Ave SE, Naples, FL 34117 1. PORTION OF GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 91, GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 91A, GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 92, AND GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 92A AS DESC IN OR 5573 PG 688, AND GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 91 N 150FT OF TR 76, LESS GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 92 TR 84, LESS GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 92 W 180FT OF TR 86, LESS GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 91, N 150FT OF TR 74 GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, PLAT BOOK 5, PAGES 30-31 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA. TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 41500040008 (160.46 acres) 2. GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 91 N 150FT OF TR 74. GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 30 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA. TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 41506600002 (2.34 acres) 3. GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 92 TR 84. GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 31 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA. TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 41616920009 (5.68 acres) 4. GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 92 W 180FT OF TR 86 OR 1836 PG 276. GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 30 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA. TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 41617120002 (2.73 acres) APPROXIMATELY 171.2 ACRES COMBINED EXHIBIT “B” CYPRESS COVE’s PROPERTY – NATURE CENTER Physical Address: 4261 40th Ave. SE, Naples, FL 34117 ALL OF TRACT 15 and TRACT 18, UNIT 91, GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 30 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA. TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 41501440005 (10.00 acres) Conservation Collier Program 1 Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Managed by: Conservation Collier Program Collier County, Florida Augustpril 20202009 – AugustApril 20302019 (10-yr plan) Revised March 2020November 2014 105 year update Prepared by: Conservation Collier Staff; Parks and Recreation DivisionDepartment Conservation Collier Program 2 Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Executive Summary Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Conservation Collier Program Property included in this Plan: “Alligator Flag Preserve” 18.46-acres. Preserve consists of two adjoining parcels of 9.23-acres each in Section 21, Township 48, and Range 26 of Collier County, Florida. Management Responsibilities: Agency: Collier County - Conservation Collier Program Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource based recreation Unique Features: cypress-pine-cabbage palm, cypress and pine flatwoods communities; four listed plant species recorded to date; preserve is within the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Wood Stork Core Foraging Area Management Goals: Goal 1: Maintain high quality habitat with lLimited disturbance for the benefit of nNative flora and fauna Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and fauna Goal 2: Continue plant and animalDevelop a baseline monitoring program report Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna Goal 4: Determine if prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatments are feasible to decrease woody invasion resulting from past fire exclusion; if so proceed Goal 5: Restore and maintain native habitats Goal 6: MonitorDevelop a plan for public use Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness Public Involvement: Public meetings were held in January 2009 and September 2020 to review this Final Management Plan with residents and businesses from surrounding lands including staff from the Laurel Oak Elementary and Gulf Coast High Schools. Folio Number Legal Description 00186320002 21 48 26 W ½ OF W ½ OF SE ¼ OF SE ¼ , LESS R/W 9.23 AC 00186280003 21 48 26 E ½ OF W ½ OF SE ¼ OF SE ¼, LESS R/W 9.23 AC OR 519 PG 467 Conservation Collier Program 3 Table of Contents Land Management Plan Executive Summary ................................................................ 2 List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... 4 List of Figures .................................................................................................................... 4 List of Appendices ............................................................................................................. 5 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 6 1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority .............. 6 1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan ..................................................................................................... 7 1.3 Location of the Alligator Flag Preserve ............................................................................... 7 1.4 Regional Significance of the Alligator Flag Preserve ......................................................... 8 1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources ..................................................... 9 1.6 Public Involvement ............................................................................................................... 10 2.0 Natural Resources...................................................................................................... 11 2.1 Physiography ......................................................................................................................... 11 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ..................................................................................... 11 2.1.2 Geology ............................................................................................................................ 11 2.1.3 Soils .................................................................................................................................. 12 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management ................................................................................ 131314 2.2 Climate ................................................................................................................................... 14 2.3 Natural Plant Communities ......................................................................................... 141415 2.3.1 Wetlands: Cypress-Pine-Cabbage Palm ........................................................................... 17 2.3.2 Wetlands: Cypress ............................................................................................................ 19 2.3.3 Uplands: Pine Flatwoods .................................................................................................. 20 2.3.4 Uplands: Australian Pine .......................................................................................... 202021 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species ......................................................................................... 21 2.4.1 Plant Species ..................................................................................................................... 21 2.4.2 Animal Species ................................................................................................................. 21 2.5 Listed Species ........................................................................................................................ 23 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species .......................................................................................................... 24 2.5.2 Listed Animal Species ...................................................................................................... 26 2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species ......................................................................... 27 2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species ............................................................................. 2827 2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species ......................................................................... 3029 3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses ......................... 33 3.1 Previous Use of the Preserve and Adjoining Lands ........................................................... 33 3.2 Current Land Uses ............................................................................................................ 3534 3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ....................................... 3635 3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years ........................................................... 3635 Conservation Collier Program 4 4.0 Future Use of the Alligator Flag Preserveincluding Management Issues, Goals and Objectives .............................................................................................................. 3736 4.1 Management Plan Framework ........................................................................................ 3736 4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information .................................................................... 3736 4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts ............................................................. 3837 4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources ......................................................... 3837 4.3 Desired Future Conditions ............................................................................................... 3837 4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008-2018 .......................................................................... 3837 4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Alligator Flag Preserve ................................... 4847 4.5.1 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 4847 4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources ............................................................. 4847 4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors ................................................................................................................................... 525150 5.0 Literature Cited ................................................................................................. 535251 List of Tables Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Alligator Flag Preserve ............................................. 6 Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Alligator Flag Preserve .................................................. 9 Table 3: Extent of Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System Designations from 1995 and 2001 on the Alligator Flag Preserve ............................................................................... 15 Table 4: Summary of Natural Communities on the Alligator Flag Preserve ................................ 16 Table 6: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Corkscrew SW Quadrangle ............................. 23 Encompassing the Alligator Flag Preserve ................................................................................... 23 Table 7: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Alligator Flag Preserve......................................... 24 Table 8: Invasive Plant Species at Alligator Flag Preserve ......................................................... 28 Table 9: Major Accomplishments since the Acquisition of the Alligator Flag Preserve ........ 3736 Table 10: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Alligator Flag Preserve FLEPPC Category I species a ............................................................................................................ 4241 Table 11: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget .......................................................... 4948 Table 12: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities ...................... 525150 List of Figures Figure 1: General Location of Alligator Flag Preserve. ................................................................. 7 Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County, Florida Including Lands Owned by Conservation Collier. ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Alligator Flag Preserve ................... 10 Figure 4: Aerial View of the Alligator Flag Preserve Showing Delineation of Parcels .... 12Error! 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Figure 5: Soil Units on the Alligator Flag Preserve ..................................................................... 13 Figure 6: Distribution of Natural Communities on the Alligator Flag Preserve........................... 17 A) 1995 FLUCCS Layer B) 2014 Field Verified FLUCCS Layer ........................................... 17 Conservation Collier Program 5 Figure 8: Initial Exotic Vegetation Treatment Map for the Alligator Flag Preserve ............... 3029 Figure 9: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1973 of the Alligator Flag Preserve and Adjoining Lands .................................................................................................................................. 3433 Figure 10: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1996 of the Alligator Flag Preserve and Adjoining Lands .................................................................................................................................. 3534 Figure 11: Photo Point Locations within the Alligator Flag Preserve ..................................... 4140 Figure 12: Alligator Flag Preserve Conceptual Master Plan ................................................... 4645 List of Appendices Appendix 1: South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks for Plant Communities Observed on the Alligator Flag Preserve Appendix 2: Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Alligator Flag Preserve Appendix 3: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation Appendix 4: Existing and Proposed Preserves on the Terafina, Parklands and Mirasol Planned Unit Developments. Conservation Collier Program 6 1.0 Introduction The Alligator Flag Preserve is an 18.46-acre natural area within the boundary of Collier County, Florida. Native plant communities within the preserve include cypress-pine-cabbage palm, cypress and pine flatwoods. A site assessment to determine compliance with Conservation Collier’s initial screening criteria was conducted in February 2005 and the Conservation Collier Program purchased the property on July 28, 2006. The County holds a fee simple title to the Alligator Flag Preserve. The Conservation Collier program manages these lands under authority granted by Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63 as amended (2007-65; available from www.municode.com). Initial acquisition activities are summarized in table 1. Conservation, restoration and natural resource-based recreation are the designated uses of this preserve. Management activities allowed include those necessary to preserve, restore, secure and maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these management goals. Final management plans are considered living documents and can be updated at any time. All management plans must be approved by both the CCLAAC and the Collier County BCC. The original Final Management Plan was approved in 2009. This is the 10five-year update to the plan. 1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority The Conservation Collier program was originally approved by voters in November 2002 and subsequently confirmed in the November 2006 ballot referendum. Both voter-approved referendums enable the program to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vital and significant threatened natural lands, forest, upland and wetland communities located in Collier County, Florida (Ordinance 2002-63, as amended). Properties must support at least two of the following qualities to qualify for consideration: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood control, water quality protection, and listed species habitat. The BCC appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to consider any selected or nominated properties that an owner has indicated a willingness to sell. The committee recommends property purchases for final approval by the BCC. Lands acquired with Conservation Collier funds are titled to “COLLIER COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier program.” The BCC established the Conservation Collier program to implement the program and to manage acquired lands. As such, Conservation Collier holds management authority for the Alligator Flag Preserve. Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Alligator Flag Preserve Year Benchmark 2005 Property nominated to the Conservation Collier Program 2005 Initial Criteria Screening Report accepted by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee 2006 Purchase approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and lands purchased 2006 Interim Management Plan completed and approved by BCC 2009 Final Management Plan completed 2010 Preserve Renamed the Alligator Flag Preserve 2014 Final Management Plan 5 year update 2020 Final Management Plan 10 year update Conservation Collier Program 7 1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction for Alligator Flag Preserve by identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or minimize any threats to the resources and integrity of the preserve. This text is a working document that establishes the foundation of the ten-year plan by identifying the appropriate management techniques necessary to restore and preserve the resource. This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with natural resource-based recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs, listed species protection and maintenance of the site free of invasive, exotic plant and animal species. This plan is divided into sections that incorporate an introduction, descriptions of the natural and cultural resources, projected uses of the property, management issues, and goals and objectives. 1.3 Location of the Alligator Flag Preserve Alligator Flag Preserve is located approximately 2.10 miles east of Interstate 75 (I-75) between Preserve Lane and Preserve Circle on the north side of Immokalee Road (Figure 1). The Alligator Flag Preserve is in northwest Collier County in Section 21, Township 48 and Range 26. Figure 1: General Location of Alligator Flag Preserve. Conservation Collier Program 8 1.4 Regional Significance of the Alligator Flag Preserve Ecosystem services such as the protection of water resources, flood control, maintenance of nutrient cycles, preservation of biological diversity, carbon sequestration, and the availability of recreational lands are imperative for the well-being of the citizens of Collier County and may be achieved through the preservation of natural areas. As of March 2019February 2013, approximately 68% (over 881,070 877,000 acres) of all lands in Collier County were protected in conservation areas (Figure 2) and managed by private, local, state and federal agencies (FNAI 20193). Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program manages the 18.46-acre Alligator Flag Preserve; it contains cypress, cypress-pine-cabbage palm and pine flatwood communities. Specific information on the plant communities found on the Alligator Flag Preserve may be found in section 2.3 (Natural Plant Communities) of this document. Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County, Florida Including Lands Owned by Conservation Collier. Conservation Collier Program 9 1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources Currently, the closest preserved, natural areas to the Alligator Flag Preserve are the adjoining conservation easements to the north and west managed by Olde Cypress. Other preserves, in order of increasing distance, are provided in table 2. Figure 3 shows the locations of these preserves. Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Alligator Flag Preserve Name Approximate Distance (miles) Direction Type Olde Cypress Conservation Area 0.00 (adjoining) N & NW Private Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed 3.60 NE State Rivers Road Project 3.62 E/SE Conservation Collier Logan Woods Preserve 4.20 S Conservation Collier Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 4.45 W Conservation Collier Unit 53 Acquisition Boundary 4.50 NE Conservation Collier Railhead Scrub Preserve 5.15 W/NW Conservation Collier Nancy Payton Preserve 5.60 S/SE Conservation Collier Wet Woods Preserve 5.80 W/NW Conservation Collier Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park 7.15 W State Barefoot Beach Preserve 7.40 W/NW County Conservation Collier Program 10 Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Alligator Flag Preserve 1.6 Public Involvement Neighborhood involvement was sought through direct mailing notices for public meetings that were held in January 2009 and September 2020 to residents, other preserve managers and businesses within 1,500 feet of the preserve boundaries. Official public notices were posted on the County website. Staff will seek to coordinate management actions, such as exotic removal and prescribed fires with owners of adjoining lands. Staff will also work together with the adjacent Homeowners Association of the Fairway Preserve Condominiums, commercial property owners to the west and Olde Cypress to coordinate management activities (e.g., exotic plant removal/treatment) and public access efforts. Conservation Collier Program 11 2.0 Natural Resources 2.1 Physiography Alligator Flag Preserve lies within the Floridian section of the Coastal Plain. The Coastal Plain extends from New Jersey to Texas and was formed mainly from sedimentary rocks deposited in marine environments (USGS 2004). 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology The site is located in the Southwestern Slope region of the South Florida Water Management District. According to the Bonita Springs, Florida USGS Topographic Map, the topography of the area is relatively level with an average elevation of five feet above sea level and slopes gently westward toward the Gulf of Mexico. Surface water percolates directly into the uncovered ground or it collects in natural depressions and man-made ponds on adjacent properties. 2.1.2 Geology The geology of northern Collier County, where the Alligator Flag Preserve is located, is characterized by complex sequences of interbeded sands, clays, and limestone. Closest to the surface is the Holocene aged Pamlico Sand Formation, approximately ten feet thick and composed primarily of unconsolidated quartz sand and some silt. The Pamlico Sand unconformably overlies the Pleistocene aged Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations, which vary from a few feet to more than twenty feet in thickness and are characterized by shelly and sandy limestone with vugs and solution cavities (Miller 1986). Below the Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations are the Ochopee and Buckingham Members of the Pliocene aged Tamiami Formation, which are at least 200 feet thick in the surrounding areas (Oaks & Dunbar 1974). The Ochopee Limestone unconformably overlies the Buckingham Limestone and/or the equivalent Cape Coral Clay. This unconformity marks the bottom of the surficial aquifer separating it from the brackish underlying aquifer below. Then the Hawthorn Formation, rich in phosphate and other heavy minerals (Scott 1988), overlies the Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone and Eocene age Ocala Limestone that form the Floridan Aquifer System in Southwestern Florida. The Alligator Flag Preserve is located within the Southwestern Slope. Geologically, this is the dominant feature of Collier County (Campbell 1990). Figure 4 provides a current aerial view of the Alligator Flag Preserve including the delineation of the two parcels that make up the preserve. Conservation Collier Program 12 Figure 4: Aerial View of the Alligator Flag Preserve Showing Delineation of Parcels 2.1.3 Soils Mapped soils on this parcel were identified as Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland fine sands, Oldsmar fine sand, Holopaw fine sand and Basinger fine sand (Figure 5). Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland fine sands underlies 46% of the Alligator Flag Preserve and is a wetland soil association found in depressional areas typical of cypress swamps and marshes. Under natural conditions, these soils are ponded for 6 months of the year. Natural vegetation consists mostly of cypress, pickerelweed, rushes, alligator flag, sawgrass and willow (Liudahl et al. 1990). Oldsmar fine sand underlies 30% of the Alligator Flag Preserve and is the only non-hydric soil mapped on this Conservation Collier property. Oldsmar fine sand is a nearly level and poorly drained soil found in pine flatwoods. During extended dry periods, the water table may recede to a depth of 40+ inches, but under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is between a depth of 6-18 inches. Flora typically associated with this soil type includes: South Florida slash pine, cabbage palm, saw palmetto and wax myrtle (Liudahl et al. 1990). Conservation Collier Program 13 Figure 5: Soil Units on the Alligator Flag Preserve The hydric Holopaw fine sand underlies 23% of the Alligator Flag Preserve. This nearly level, poorly drained soil is found in sloughs and poorly defined drainage ways. The permeability of water through this soil is moderate to moderately slow and, under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is within a depth of 12 inches for three to six months. Water recedes to a depth of 40+ inches during extended dry periods and, during times of high rainfall, the soil may be covered with slowly moving water for approximately seven days. Flora typically associated with this soil type includes South Florida Slash Pine, cypress, cabbage palm, saw palmetto and wax myrtle (Liudahl et al. 1990). Basinger fine sand underlies 1% of the Alligator Flag Preserve and is a hydric, nearly level, poorly drained soil found in sloughs and poorly defined drainage ways. The permeability of water through this soil is rapid and, under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is within a depth of 12 inches for three to six months. Water recedes to a depth of 40+ inches during extended dry periods and, during times of high rainfall, the soil may be covered with slowly moving water for approximately seven days. Flora typically associated with this soil type includes South Florida slash pine, cypress, cabbage palm, saw palmetto and wax myrtle (Liudahl et al. 1990). 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management Near the surface, the aquifer is highly permeable and the groundwater flows toward the west. However, permeability decreases downward from a porous limestone into poorly indurated Conservation Collier Program 14 sandstone cemented by micrite. The aquifer grades from freshwater downward into brackish water due to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the brackish water in the intermediate aquifer made primarily of Miocene aged sediments. Below that, the Hawthorne formation typically marks the upper boundary of the Floridian aquifer, which is contained within the underlying Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone (Lodge 2005). A berm runs along the southern boundary of the Alligator Flag Preserve just north of the Cocohatchee Canal. This berm prevents most water from flowing southward consequently holding water on the preserve for an artificially long period during the wet season. Some outflow does occur from the Preserve to the Immokalee Road canal via a culvert, which is placed fairly high in elevation. When surface water is high, and flows are occurring, the resulting drainage pattern in the preserve has caused some erosion. The Surficial Aquifer is an aquifer close to the surface and unconfined, typically associated with the groundwater table. This aquifer is generally limited to smaller uses such as household or small agricultural uses. The Lower Tamiami aquifer is below this aquifer and is recognized as being useful for long-term water needs. According to the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) technical publication 95-02 (Fairbank & Hohner 1995), the Surficial Aquifer recharge capacity on the Alligator Flag Preserve is moderate at 43 to 56 inches annually. The Lower Tamiami Aquifer recharge capacity on the preserve is relatively low at 7 to 14 inches annually. 2.2 Climate The Alligator Flag Preserve is located in an area of Florida where humid subtropical and tropical savanna climatic patterns overlap, with temperatures moderated by winds from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Sharply delineated wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures greater than 64º Fahrenheit characterize a tropical savanna climate. Monthly rainfalls may exceed ten inches during the wet season. On the other hand, humid subtropical climates typically show less extreme rainfall fluctuations between wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures is less than 64º Fahrenheit in some months. The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75º Fahrenheit. The warmest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during these months but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures. Two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs in the wet season from May to October. Thunderstorms are frequent during the wet season, occurring every two out of three days between June and September. Rainfall records for the area indicate that there is not significant variation in the annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often occur during a single year. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June through November with peak activity occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are highest. 2.3 Natural Plant Communities A plant community refers to the suite of floristic species that form the natural vegetation of any place. In addition to anthropogenic influences, the combination of factors such as geology, topography, hydrology, underlying soils and climate determine the types of plants found in an area. These plants, in turn determine the animal species that may be found there. The description or classifications of these floral communities differ by agency and are based on an agency’s goals and objectives for identifying plant communities. As some categorizations are broad (e.g., forest) while others are specific (e.g., mesic pine flatwoods), determining how each organization classifies Conservation Collier Program 15 a community may be difficult. The South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks (Gilbert 2005) provides a way to decipher the classifications of plant communities across agencies. Appendix 1 provides the categorization of the plant communities observed on the Alligator Flag Preserve based on the South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks; classifications from the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) are also included in this appendix. The Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) created by the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 1995 classifies plant communities and provides GIS layers for users to overlay on property boundaries and aerial images to better determine the plant communities found there. The FLUCCS designates three plant communities on the preserve: Pine Flatwoods – Melaleuca Infested (FLUCCS 4119), Cypress – Melaleuca Infested (FLUCCS 6218), and Forested Mixed Wetlands (FLUCCS 630). Wilson Miller updated the FLUCCS data layer in 2001. These data also indicate that there are three plant communities on the preserve, however, the Pine Flatwood community is not identified, instead a Cypress (FLUCCS 621) community is identified in addition to the Cypress- Melaleuca Infested community. Table 3 summarizes the plant communities mapped for the Alligator Flag Preserve in 1995 and 2001; it shows the differences in the location and extent of land cover designations. Figure 6 visually represents these land cover designations from 1995 and 2001. Given that the FLUCCS layers were generated at a scale of 1:24,000 and created by different entities at different times, the change in the types and extent of plant communities between the map layers may indicate a change in hydrology within the preserve or natural discrepancy generated when different entities perform the same task. It is unlikely that these data were ground-truthed by the Water Management District or Wilson Miller specifically on the Alligator Flag Preserve, however; both layers seem to be fairly accurate in other parts of the County. During initial site visits to the Alligator Flag Preserve before acquisition, staff observed Cypress- Pine-Cabbage Palm (FLUCCS 624), Cypress and Pine Flatwoods (FLUCCS 411) communities. These communities were in varying states of exotic vegetation infestation. Additionally, a monoculture of Australian pines (Casuarina spp.; FLUCCS 4370) was observed in the southeastern portion of the property. Johnson Engineering ecologists conducting a preliminary wetlands and wildlife assessment of the site in August 2004 reported observing similar vegetative communities. They categorized the communities according to the degree of exotic infestation, described the pine flatwoods as FLUCCS 4119 (disturbed) and noted that the cypress community contained scattered pine. Given the discrepancy between the 1995 and 2001 FLUCCS digital layers (as they pertain to the Alligator Flag Preserve) and the removal of exotic vegetation since the acquisition of the property in July 2006, staff created a new digital layer showing the location and extent of the native plant Table 3: Extent of Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System Designations from 1995 and 2001 on the Alligator Flag Preserve FLUCCS CODE Mapped Plant Community 1995 2001 4119 Pine Flatwoods – Melaleuca Infested 45% 0% 621 Cypress 0% 12% 6218 Cypress – Melaleuca Infested 43% 84% 630 Forested Mixed Wetlands 12% 4% Conservation Collier Program 16 communities currently found on the preserve (Sept. 2008; Figure 7). Because the removal of invasive, exotic plants began in April 2008, this new layer does not reference any areas as infested with exotic plant species except for the stand of Australian pines in the southeastern portion of the preserve. Specific information on the invasive, exotic species present on the preserve is provided in section 2.6.1 of this document. The vegetation classification scheme of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) (1990) are presented in table 4. This table is based on the plant communities observed on the Alligator Flag Preserve. The following subsections (2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3 and 2.3.4) provide information about the plant communities observed on the preserve. Table 4: Summary of Natural Communities on the Alligator Flag Preserve FNAI Natural Community Type Global Rank State Rank Comments Strand Swamp G4 S4 Also called Flowing Water Swamps and Cypress communities Wet Flatlands G4 S4 Also called Cypress-Pine-Cabbage Palm communities and Hydric Pine Flatwoods Mesic Flatwoods G4 S4 Also called Pine Flatwoods G4: Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range); S4: Apparently secure in Florida (may be rare in parts of range). Conservation Collier Program 17 Figure 6: Distribution of Natural Communities on the Alligator Flag Preserve A) 1995 FLUCCS Layer B) 2014 Field Verified FLUCCS Layer Conservation Collier Program 18 2.3.1 Wetlands: Cypress-Pine-Cabbage Palm A cypress-pine-cabbage palm community comprises approximately 57% of the Alligator Flag Preserve and is located primarily in the center portions of the preserve. This community dominates the western boundary of the preserve and occupies a little over two thirds of the eastern boundary (Figure 7). Also known as wet flatwoods, low flatwoods, hydric flatwoods (FNAI & FDNR 1990) and hydric pine flatwoods (USFWS 1999b) the cypress-pine-cabbage palm community typically includes a canopy of cypress, pine (Pinus spp.) and/or cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) in combinations in which none of the species achieves dominance. This assemblage forms a transition between hydric sites (e.g., cypress communities) and moist upland sites (e.g., mesic pine flatwoods). This ecotonal community is unique to South Florida and functions as both a wetland and upland at different times of the year. As such, both hydrology in the wet season and fire in the dry season drive this dynamic system. As a result, this community is typically dominated by a slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) overstory with a wetland plant understory. The wetland understory can be any, or a variety, of wetland plant community types ranging from wet prairie to hatrack cypress. Hydric pine flatwoods are distinct from mesic and xeric pine flatwoods in the absence of understory dominance by saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and more xeric species such as pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida), pawpaw (Asimina spp.), and prickly pear (Opuntia spp.). The berm that runs along the southern boundary of the Alligator Flag Preserve, just north of the Cocohatchee Canal, prevents water from flowing southward consequently holding water on the preserve for an artificially long period of time during the wet season. The cypress-pine-cabbage palm community provides important forested habitat for a number of species often found in wetlands and uplands. Wildlife species that utilize this habitat include: the Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus), Florida panther, wood stork, red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Everglades snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus), the recently de-listed bald eagle, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), Big Cypress fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia), Bachman’s sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis), bobcat (Lynx rufus), swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus), Florida weasel (Mustela frenata peninsulae), limpkin (Aramus guarauna), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), southeastern kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus), eastern American kestrel (F. s. sparverius) and the Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis). Additionally, this community provides essential habitat to the breeding life cycle of aquatic and wetland-dependent animals, and a major forest cover for cover-dependent species. Hydric pine flatwoods provide aquatic habitat for both young and adult amphibians and adult tree frog climbing areas. Hydric flatwoods serve as wading bird foraging areas, black bear foraging, denning, and travelways, and essential red-cockaded woodpecker foraging and nesting habitat (USFWS 1999b). Cypress-Pine-Cabbage Palm Community within the Alligator Flag Preserve. Photo by Annisa Karim Conservation Collier Program 19 Since the cypress-pine-cabbage palm community comprises a majority of the preserve, all soils identified on the preserve (Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland fine sands, Oldsmar fine sand, Holopaw fine sand and Basinger fine sand) are found within this community. 2.3.2 Wetlands: Cypress A Cypress community dominates approximately 24% of the northern portion of the Alligator Flag Preserve. One hundred percent of the northern boundary of the preserve contains this plant community (Figure 7). Also known as flowing water swamps (Gilbert 2005), cypress stands, stringers and strand swamps (FNAI & FDNR 1990), these forested cypress communities are shallow, seasonally inundated and commonly found along and within drainage channels (USFWS 1999a). Deeper parts of this community may be characterized as a cypress slough. The hydrology of an area drives the formation of cypress communities (Sullivan 1994). Additionally, light surface fires every 30 to 200 years are essential to the maintenance of these communities. Without these fires, invasion by hardwoods and peat accumulation would degrade this community. The canopy of the cypress community within the Alligator Flag Preserve is dominated by cypress (Taxodium sp.) and contains popash (Fraxinus caroliniana), strangler fig (Ficus aurea) and red maple (Acer rubrum). The midstory contains swamp dogwood (Cornus foemina), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). Groundcover species include Alligator Flag PreserveFlag Preserve flag (Thalia geniculata), swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum) and false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica). In a landscape context, the presence of highly functioning cypress communities within a matrix of other types of wetland and upland communities is imperative for many species of wildlife, including listed species. Listed species that benefit with the presence of the cypress community on the Alligator Flag Preserveinclude the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), wood stork (Mycteria americana), Kirtland’s warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii), and eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). The recently de-listed bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is also a species that benefits from the presence of cypress communities (USFWS 1999a). The berm that runs along the southern boundary of the Alligator Flag Preserve, just north of the Cocohatchee Canal, prevents water from flowing southward consequently holding water on the preserve for an artificially long period of time during the wet season. This results in deeper water in the cypress area than is normally seen in other naturally functioning cypress areas. The cypress community within the preserve is underlain with depressional Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland fine sands and Basinger fine sand. Cypress Community within the Alligator Flag Preserve. Photo by Christal Segura Conservation Collier Program 20 2.3.3 Uplands: Pine Flatwoods A Pine Flatwood community dominates approximately 19% of the Alligator Flag Preserve. This plant community is located in the southeastern portion of the property and comprises over 50% of the southern boundary (Figure 7). Pine flatwoods are one of the most wide-ranging terrestrial plant communities in Florida and consequently one of the most influenced by anthropogenic activities (Abrahamson & Hartnett 1990). Fire strongly influences the community structure and composition of these communities. The term pine flatwoods is a general categorization of areas that are dominated by various species of pine (Pinus spp.) trees. Pine flatwoods may be found in mesic flatlands where the landscape is made up of flat, moderately well drained sandy substrates with a mixture of organic material, often with an underlying hard pan layer. An open canopy forest of widely spaced pine trees with little or no understory but a dense ground cover of herbs and shrubs characterize natural, mesic flatwoods that have been burned regularly (FNAI & FDNR 1990). The USDA Soil Conservation Service classification system refers to these areas as South Florida flatwoods. South Florida flatwoods are typically savannas, a type of plant community intermediate between forest and grassland. Mesic pine flatwoods are also called mesic flatwoods, pine savanna, cabbage palm savanna, and pine barrens. Oldsmar fine sand and Holopaw fine sand underlies this part of the preserve. The berm that runs along the southern boundary of the Alligator Flag Preserve, just north of the Cocohatchee Canal, prevents water from flowing southward consequently holding water on the preserve for an artificially long period during the wet season. As a result, this community holds comparably more water than other naturally functioning mesic pine flatwoods. Commo n mesic pine flatwood species such as saw palmetto, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), cabbage palm and saffron plum (Sideroxylon celastrinum) are found in this portion of the preserve. Additionally, species usually found in wet areas such as sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum) and wiregrass (Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana) are found in the pine flatwood portion of the Alligator Flag Preserve. Mesic flatwoods provide essential forested habitat for a variety of wildlife species including Neotropical migratory birds, wide- ranging large carnivores, mid-sized carnivores, ground-nesting vertebrates, tree- cavity dependent species, tree-nesting species and non-aquatic plant life. “At the current rate of habitat conversion, the mesic pine flatwoods, once the most abundant upland habitat in South Florida, is in danger of becoming one of the rarest habitats in South Florida” (USFWS 1999c). 2.3.4 Uplands: Australian Pine A stand of invasive, exotic Australian pines once comprised approximately 1% of the Alligator Flag Preserve and its description is included in this section (2.3 Natural Plant Communities) to provide a comprehensive assessment of the entire Alligator Flag Preserve. Invasive, exotic species Mesic pine flatwoods within the Alligator Flag Preserve. Photo by Christal Segura Conservation Collier Program 21 are discussed in more detail in section 2.6 (Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species) of this document. The Australian pine monoculture was located in the southeastern portion of the property on the eastern edge of the pine flatwood community. The smaller Australian pines were removed in late April 2008 and the larger trees were removed in 2009. Figure 7 reflects the extent of this community after the smaller trees were removed. 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species A cypress-pine-cabbage palm community comprises the majority (57%) of the 18.46-acre Alligator Flag Preserve. Smaller areas of the preserve are comprised of cypress (24%) and pine flatwoods (18%) communities; a small stand of Australian pines (1%) also exists on the preserve. This section discusses the flora and fauna found within these plant communities. The next section (2.5) discusses all listed species in greater detail. 2.4.1 Plant Species Initially, 63 plant species were recorded on the preserve in 2008. When Conservation Collier staff conducted a preliminary floristic inventory in August and September 2008. An updated plant survey was conducted in the Summer of 2020, in which 152 species were recorded. Another survey was conducted in March 2009, counting 80 species. There are likely more. The revised list has been added to this plan (Appendix 2). Of these 15280 species, 139 72 (9190%) are native - of which, three are listed by the State of Florida (one as endangered; two as threatened); one is listed as commercially exploited). One additional survey will be conducted in the winter of 2020-21 if additional plants are found they will be added to this plan. 2.4.2 Animal Species Due to the dearth of specific surveys for the occurrence of animal species (in contrast to plants) and the lack of on-site staffing, little is recorded for actual occurrences of animals at the Alligator Flag Preserve. Occurrences of fauna at the preserve are based on direct visual and aural observations by staff during site visits or evidence of activity such as spoor, scat, or burrows, and from the site information available in documents such as the site’s initial criteria screening report, the property’s interim management plan and anecdotal information from persons with knowledge of the site. In 2015-16, wildlife cameras were placed on the preserve. Several additional species were observed as a result. Table 5 provides a comprehensive list of animals, both native and non-native, recorded on the Alligator Flag Preserve thus far. White-tailed deer and fawn Alligator Flag Preserve 2015 Conservation Collier Program 22 The Florida Breeding Bird Atlas (FFWCC 2003) lists 49 avian species that have been recorded as confirmed, probable, or possible breeding in the vicinity of the site (Table 6). The Breeding Bird Atlas documents breeding distributions of all bird species in Florida between 1986 and 1991. Some of these species may breed at the Alligator Flag Preserve. Other wildlife species that have not yet been recorded undoubtedly occur at the Alligator Flag Preserve. During migration periods, transient bird species would be expected to utilize this area for short periods of time. The developed character of the adjacent areas may inhibit transient use by many mammal, reptile, and amphibian species, thus limiting the utilization of the preserve to resident individuals or inhibiting the dispersal of many species to and from the preserve. Table 5: Faunal Species Recorded on the Alligator Flag Preserve Common Name Scientific Name American Robin Turdus migratorius Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Great Egret Ardea alba Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus Wood stork Mycteria americana Big Cypress fox squirrel Sciurus niger Florida Black Bear Ursus americanus floridanus Coyote Canis latrans Racoon Procyon lotor Black racer Coluber constrictor priapus Brown anole a Anolis sagrei Bluestripe Ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus nitae Water moccasin Agkistrodon piscivorus White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus Monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus Gulf Fritillary butterfly Agraulis vanillae Zebra Longwing butterfly Heliconius charitonius Florida Ivory millipede Chicobolus spinigerus Crab-like Spiny Orbweaver spider Gasteracantha cancriformis Red imported fire ant a Solenopsis invicta Conservation Collier Program 23 Table 6: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Corkscrew SW Quadrangle Encompassing the Alligator Flag Preserve Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Green Heron Butorides virescens Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Wood Duck Aix sponsa Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Mottled Duck Anas fulvigula Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata King Rail Rallus elegans Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Purple Martin Progne subis Limpkin Aramus guarauna Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Tufted Titmouse Baeolophis bicolor Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptilia caerulea *Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum Barn Owl Tyto alba Northern Parula Parula americana Eastern Screech-Owl Megascops asio Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Barred Owl Strix varia Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus Chuck-will's-widow Caprimulgus carolinensis Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna Wood Stork Mycteria americana Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major * = non-native species 2.5 Listed Species Official lists of rare and endangered species are produced at the federal level by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service and at the State level by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. FNAI produces a list of rare and endangered species, and maintains a database of occurrences of these species in Florida. The Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC) also ranks native plant species by conservation status in the 10-county area of South Florida. The following subsections (2.5.1 and 2.5.2) discuss the listed, rare and protected plant and animal species found within and close to the Alligator Flag Preserve in detail. Conservation Collier Program 24 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species The Florida State Statute titled “Preservation of native flora of Florida” (Statute 581.185) provides the following definitions: Endangered plants means species of plants native to the state that are in imminent danger of extinction within the state, the survival of which is unlikely if the causes of a decline in the number of plants continue, and includes all species determined to be endangered or threatened pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, Pub. L. No. 93-205 (87 Stat. 884). Threatened plants means species native to the state that are in rapid decline in the number of plants within the state, but which have not so decreased in such number as to cause them to be endangered. Commercially exploited plants means species native to the state, which are subject to being removed in significant numbers from native habitats in the state and sold or transported for sale. Four listed There are three (3) plant species have been found at Alligator Flag Preserve that are listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), one (1) as endangered, one (21) as threatened., and one (1) as commercially exploited (Table 7). A brief description of these species and their status is included in the following paragraphs. Table 7: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Alligator Flag Preserve Common Name(s) Scientific Name State Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant Tillandsia fasciculata E Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf Tillandsia balbisiana T West Indian mahogany Swietenia mahogoni T Royal fern Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis C T: Threatened; E: Endangered; C: Commercially Exploited Two of the three listed plant species found on the Alligator Flag Preserve are classified as bromeliads. Bromeliads are members of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). While some of these species may be found growing terrestrially, most native bromeliads found in Florida are found growing attached to tree trunks and branches and may therefore be referred to as epiphytes (a plant that lives upon other plants; from Greek “epi” = upon “phyte” = plant). The leaves and/or roots of these air plants (depending on the species) absorb the water and nutrients they need from the air and from the rain that falls through the canopy of the tree on which they are found. Since epiphytes use their roots only to anchor themselves to another plant, they are considered non- parasitic. Even though the three listed bromeliad species found on the Alligator Flag Preserve are fairly common in the state, they are listed due to illegal collecting and the destruction of the habitats in which they are found. Additionally, infestation by the introduced Mexican bromeliad weevil (Metamasius callizona) has been implicated in the decline of many air plant populations around the state. Currently, there are no control measures in place however, close research and monitoring is taking place. Conservation Collier Program 25 Stiff-leaved Wild Pine (Tillandsia fasciculata), is also known as cardinal air plant and common wild pine. T. fasciculata is listed as an endangered plant by the State of Florida and has been in 24 counties throughout Florida (Wunderlin & Hansen 2008). This epiphyte was frequently found in South Florida before the introduction of the Mexican bromeliad weevil. Today, it may be found in hammocks, cypress swamps and pinelands. Like most of the other bromeliads in Florida, this species is often referred to as a “tank” bromeliad because the leaf axils and central stems form a “tank” or reservoir at the base of the plant. These reservoirs capture and hold water, dead and decaying plant matter (leaves, seeds twigs, etc.), and dead and drowning non-aquatic insects; these trapped items provide nutrients for the plant (Larson et al. 2006). Reflexed wild pine (Tillandsia balbisiana) is an epiphytic, “tank” bromeliad and is listed as a threatened plant by the State of Florida. Wunderlin and Hansen reported this species in 22 counties throughout Florida as of 2008 (Wunderlin & Hansen 2008). Reflexed wild pine is an occasional species in South Florida and is usually found in scrub, pinelands, strand swamps, hammocks, mangrove swamps and on shell ridges/mounds. Royal fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis) is not in danger of being extirpated in Florida because of habitat loss, habitat fragmentation or attack by an exotic, invasive pest, but because of commercial exploitation. According to Nelson (2000), the fibers from the stem of royal fern have been used as a growing medium to grow orchids as well as to make ropes and nets. Additionally, this species is believed to have medicinal benefits; other parts of the plant may have been used to treat wounds and broken bones, relieve sprains and to help alleviate coughs and diarrhea. In Florida, this species can be found in hydric areas such as wet flatwoods, cypress swamps, floodplains, stream banks and bogs. FNAI maintains a database of occurrences of rare, threatened, and endangered species in Florida. An element is any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment, such as a species, natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other ecological feature. An element occurrence is a single, extant habitat that Tillandsia fasciculata; Photo by Annisa Karim View of T. fasciculata with water in the “tank”. Photo by Annisa Karim Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Photo by Annisa Karim Tillandsia balbisiana Photo by Annisa Karim Conservation Collier Program 26 sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a population or a distinct, self-sustaining example of a particular element. This species was not found in the first 2020 botanical survey. West Indian Mahogany (Swietenia mahogoni) This species is considered to native to South Florida and into the Florida Keys. It is often planted outside of its historical range, and is now escaping from cultivation and sometimes invading conservation areas. It is a medium to large tree with an erect trunk and a broad, dense, rounded crown. Bark reddish-brown, thick, roughened by thick scales. Leaves tropical semi-deciduous, compound, 4-8 inches long, dark green above, It was heavily logged in South Florida prior to the 1900s. Poaching of logs continued in the Florida Keys well into the late 20th century. It is listed as threatened by the state of Florida (IRC 2020). These element occurrence data are built into biodiversity matrices. Each matrix encompasses one (1) square mile and includes all species and natural communities tracked by FNAI, including all federal listed species. The FNAI report for the matrix in which the Alligator Flag Preserve is located identifies three likely elements and 18 potential elements. Of the three likely elements, one has been observed on the preserve, namely mesic pine flatwoods (described in section 2.3.3 of this document). None of the 18 potential elements reported by FNAI have been detected within the preserve. Appendix 3 provides the FNAI Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are provided for each species as well as their federal and state status. 2.5.2 Listed Animal Species Big Cypress fox squirrels and woodstorks have been observed on the preserve on multiple occasions. No other listed wildlife species have been observed on the Alligator Flag Preserve. According to a 2004 Preliminary Wetlands and Wildlife Assessment prepared by Johnson Engineering, the property is within the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Wood Stork Core Foraging Area (18.6 miles), a documented wood stork rookery. The report also states that research of SFWMD Permit 11-01232-S indicated that “The Woodlands” (the adjacent Olde Cypress preserve property) at one time supported a viable population of Big Cypress fox squirrels and provided some nesting and foraging habitat for listed wading birds. Three wildlife species were reported as likely to occur (rare species likely to occur on the site based on suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the vicinity) and eleven species were reported as potential occurrences (site lies within the known or predicted range of species) within FNAI’s Biodiversity Matrix for the Alligator Flag Preserve. Appendix 3 provides the FNAI Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are provided for each species as well as their federal and state status. Swietenia mahogoni Source: Wikipedia Conservation Collier Program 27 Wood stork (Mycteria americana) The Wood Stork is listed by tThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as a threatened n endangered species. Also known as the wood ibis or flint head, this species is one of the largest wading birds found in Florida and the only stork in the United States. The wood stork is a tactile feeder and may be found in fresh, brackish, and saltwater habitats. Because of its dependence on naturally functioning hydrologic systems, the National Audubon Society refers to this wading bird as the “barometer of the Everglades”. For this reason, the wood stork is an excellent environmental indicator of wetland health (Mazziotti 2002). The Big Cypress fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia) Several Big Cypress fox squirrel sightings have been recorded on the preserve. Also known as the mangrove fox squirrel, the FFWCC lists this species as threatened in Florida. While the species is widespread in eastern and central North America, the subspecies is endemic to southwestern Florida – specifically in the Immokalee Rise, Big Cypress Swamp, and Devil's Garden area in Collier County. Some areas of this range have become vacated, while many other suitable areas are being altered or becoming isolated through development. The subspecies uses most types of forest occurring in its range. However, dense interiors of mixed cypress-hardwood strands seem to be avoided by Big Cypress fox squirrels due dense populations of gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) occupying these areas. Big Cypress fox squirrels have been reported in cypress swamp, pine flatwood, tropical hammock, hardwood hammock, mangrove swamp, and suburban habitats including golf courses, and residential areas in native vegetation. Big Cypress fox squirrel densities appear to be quite low, and on this basis the subspecies can be considered inherently rare (Humphrey & Jodice 1992). 2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species In an ecological context, an invasive species is one that is aggressive in growth and expansion of range and tends to dominate others; its establishment and dominance can cause widespread harm to an ecological system by altering the species composition, susceptibility to fire and hydrology of an area. Non-indigenous species (i.e., non-native or exotic species) are those that have been introduced purposefully or accidentally to an area outside their normal range. The characteristics of some of these species (high rate of growth/reproduction, no natural predators, easily dispersed, able to out-compete native species) make them invasive. Some indigenous species (a species whose natural range included Florida at the time of European contact circa 1500 AD or a species that has naturally expanded or changed its range to include Florida) may also become invasive. Invasions by native and non-native species often follow an alteration to ecosystem function, disruption of the food web, large-scale fragmentation of an ecosystem and/or disturbance (e.g., clearing, fire, drought, etc) of an area. While some native species may become invasive, the establishment and dominance of non-native species is of particular concern. The exotic plant and Big Cypress Fox Squirrel Alligator Flag Preserve 2016 Wood Stork Photo Credit M. DuVall Conservation Collier Program 28 animal species documented within the preserve and those that have a potential to occur within the preserve are discussed in the following sections. 2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) maintains a list of exotic plants that have been documented to (1) have adverse effects on Florida’s biodiversity and plant communities, (2) cause habitat loss due to infestations and (3) impact endangered species via habitat loss and alteration. Fifteen ight invasive exotic non-indigenous plant species have been detected within Alligator Flag Preserve (Table 8), accounting for 913% of the plant species recorded there. AllOf the eight exotic species, six are listed by FLEPPC (eightfive Category I and sevenone Category II). FLEPPC defines Category I plants as those that alter native plant communities by displacing native species, change community structures or ecological functions, or hybridize with natives. Category II plants have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These definitions do not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but rather on the documented ecological damage caused by these plants (FLEPPC 2013). Table 8: Invasive Plant Species at Alligator Flag Preserve Scientific Name Common Names FLEPPC Category Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia I Casuarina sp. Australian pine I Cupaniopsis anacardioides Carrotwood I Melaleuca quinquenervia Punk tree, Melaleuca, Paper bark I Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper I Urena lobata Caesarweed II Emilia fosbergii Florida tassleflower n/a Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweed n/a Table 8: Invasive Plant Species at Alligator Flag Preserve Scientific Name Common Names FLEPPC Category Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia I Abrus precatorius Rosary pea I *Casuarina equestifolia Australian Pine I *Cupaniopsis anacardioides Carrotwood I Leucaena leucocephala White leadtree II Melaleuca quinquenervia Punk tree, Melaleuca, Paper bark I Macroptilium lathyroides Wild bushbean II Momordica charantia Balsam pear II Panicum repens Torpedo grass I Richardia grandiflora Largeflower Mexican clover II Schinus terebinthifolia Brazilian pepper I Solanum viarum Tropical soda apple I Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweed II Conservation Collier Program 29 Syagrus romanzoffiana Queen palm II Urena lobata Caesar’s weed I * no longer exist on the preserve As of the acquisition of the Alligator Flag Preserve by the Conservation Collier program on July 28, 2006, the most problematic exotic, invasive plant species were melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Australian pine and earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis). A Collier County approved contractor, started the initial treatment of these exotics on April 28, 2008. The following paragraphs outline the methods they used to chemically treat these exotics dependent on the species and location of treatment. For the 75-foot perimeter buffer (3.17 acres; Figure 8), all woody invasive species, primarily melaleuca and earleaf acacia, were manually cut and the stem removed from the buffer. The cut stems were stacked within the interior of the property, but outside of the perimeter buffer. The remaining stumps were treated with a dye-laced herbicide. All saplings (<3 feet tall) and herbaceous, invasive species were killed-in-place (KIP) with a dye-laced herbicide. In the interior of the property (14.21 acres; Figure 8), field crews used the frill-and-girdle (KIP) method for large trees [>4 inches DBH (diameter at breast height)] and small trees (<4 inches DBH) were cut and stacked within the interior of the property. The material was stacked in a “log cabin” formation with each “cabin” being spaced at least 50-75 feet apart. All trees frilled-and- girdled and any remaining stumps were treated with a dye-laced herbicide. All saplings (<3 feet tall) and herbaceous invasive species were killed-in-place with a dye-laced herbicide. The smaller Australian pine trees in the southeast corner (1.08 acres; Figure 8) were cut by chainsaw. All remaining stumps were treated with a dye-laced herbicide. The larger Australian pine trees remaining on site are located on the extreme eastern edge of the Australian pine area. These trees were very large (>4 inches DBH) and were successfully removed in early 2009. This species has been completely eradicated from the preserve. Conservation Collier Program 30 Figure 8: Initial Exotic Vegetation Treatment Map for the Alligator Flag Preserve 2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species Although Florida does not have an official exotic, invasive animal species list, at least 400 exotic fish and wildlife animal species have been reported in Florida, and approximately 125 species are established. Three non-indigenous, invasive animal species have been documented on the preserve: red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and brown anoles (Anolis sagrei). Coyotes have also been documented on the preserve. Based on the natural communities found within the preserve, proximity to residential areas and geographic location, several more species (native and non- native) have the potential to impact the Alligator Flag Preserve to varying degrees. Brief descriptions of documented and undocumented but potentially problematic species are provided in the following paragraphs. Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta): documented within the Alligator Flag Preserve These social insects were introduced into the U.S. from Brazil into either Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida between 1933 and 1945 (Collins & Scheffrahn 2005) and have been detected in the Alligator Flag Preserve. Red imported fire ants (RIFA) have been documented to cause harm to humans and wildlife as well as economic harm (Stimac & Alves 1994; Collins & Scheffrahn 2005; Willcox & Giuliano, 2006). RIFAs are omnivorous, but they prefer insects as their primary food source (Willcox & Giuliano 2006). RIFAs have a number of impacts on wildlife; in many areas, they have eliminated native ant populations through competition and predation and have eradicated food sources utilized by some wildlife species. Ground-nesting wildlife is especially susceptible to RIFAs. Within the Alligator Flag Preserve, RIFAs have the potential to affect ground-nesting birds; small mammals; reptiles, native lizard and snake species, and native invertebrates (Willcox & Giuliano 2006). Additionally, members of the public that come into contact with RIFAs may be harmed if stung. Many people have anaphylactic reactions to the toxins released from RIFA stings. Solenopsis invicta, an invasive, non-indigenous arthropod documented within the Milano Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USDA. Conservation Collier Program 31 Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei): documented within the Alligator Flag Preserve Also known as the Cuban anole, the brown anole is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and neighboring islands (Schwartz & Henderson 1991). Like other anoles from the islands, this species is a small, tropical, diurnal, arboreal, territorial, and insectivorous lizard (Campbell 2001). The brown anole was first documented in the Florida Keys in the late 1800s (Lee 1985) and has since spread throughout Florida, into Georgia and into two other southeastern states (Campbell 1996). The brown anole is a habitat generalist and generally prefers the fairly open areas of disturbed sites. It feeds on a wide variety of insects, amphipods, and isopods. Brown anoles also prey on other small vertebrates including the hatchlings of the native green anole (A. carolinensiis; Campbell 2000). Campbell (2000) showed that, in the absence of the exotic brown anoles, native green anoles occupy perches from ground to the canopy of vegetation. However, in the presence of the exotic anole, native anoles move higher in trees, occupying only the trunk and crown of trees. Dietary overlap is high between both species, but the overall affects of the brown anole on the green anole are still undetermined. Coyote (Canis latrans): undocumented within the Alligator Flag Preserve Coyotes were introduced in very small numbers to Florida during the 1920’s for sport hunting with domestic dogs. This introduction did not lead to the establishment of coyote populations in Florida. Concurrently, these canids expanded their range eastward across the United States and Canada as a result of nonspecific needs in habitat and food, decreased competition from other predators, large litter sizes and anthropogenic changes to the landscape. Since many species naturally expand or change their home ranges in response to climate and resource availability, the coyote may be considered native to Florida. This crepuscular (active mostly at dawn and dusk) species is elusive and may travel individually or in groups of two or three (Coates et al. 1998). Coyotes commonly enlarge burrows made by other animals such as armadillos or gopher tortoises to use as dens or use dense vegetation for cover. Coyotes may have a negative influence on indigenous wildlife as direct predators or as potential competitors with predators that may occur at the preserve such as foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) or bobcats (Lynx rufus floridanus); however, this species may prove beneficial in controlling potential problem species such as feral cats. Anolis sagrei, an invasive, exotic reptile documented in the Alligator Flag Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Anolis carolinensiis, an indigenous reptile documented in the Alligator Flag Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Coyote photo from a wildlife camera- Alligator Flag Preserve 2015 Conservation Collier Program 32 Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): undocumented within the Alligator Flag Preserve Like the Cuban anole, the Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and neighboring islands. The first Cuban tree frogs probably arrived in the Florida Keys as stowaways in shipping crates originating from the Caribbean in the 1920’s. Today, they have established breeding populations as far north as Cedar Key on Florida's Gulf Coast, Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast, and Gainesville in north-central Florida. These hylids are the largest tree frog found in Florida and because of their ability to invade natural areas and prey on native invertebrates and small vertebrates (including native tree frogs) they are considered an invasive species. Additionally, the tadpoles of this species inhibit the growth and development of the tadpoles of the native southern toad (Bufo terrestris) and green tree frog (Hyla cinerea). Cuban tree frogs thrive in residential and natural areas such as pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and swamps. In residential settings, they are most commonly found on and around homes and buildings, and in gardens and landscape plants. They are known to get into transformer boxes and electrical switches causing power outages (Johnson 2007). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Alligator Flag Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species has the potential of occurring in the preserve. Giant Marine Toad or Cane Toad (Bufo marinus): undocumented within the Preserve The cane toad is a tropical species native to the Amazon basin in South America, and its range extends through Central America to extreme southern Texas along the Rio Grande River. They are used as a control agent for insects that damage sugarcane and consequently, are one of the most introduced amphibian species in the world. In 1936, an attempt was made to introduce this species into Palm Beach County, FL. This attempt failed as did two subsequent efforts. Ironically, in 1955, an accidental release by an importer at the Miami International Airport in Miami-Dade County, FL proved successful. They have since been deemed an invasive species in Florida and are currently found in urban areas of south and central Florida, and are rapidly expanding northward (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Many of this species’ characteristics enable it to do well in south Florida. Beetles, bees, ants, winged termites, crickets and bugs are a large part of the diet of the adult marine toad. Additionally, they consume arthropods, mollusks, small vertebrates, plant matter, pet food, carrion, household scraps, marine snails, smaller toads and native frogs, small snakes, and even small mammals. Marine toads are prolific breeders and females can lay tens of thousands of eggs in a single breeding season. They prefer forested areas with semi-permanent water nearby Osteopilus septentrionalis, an invasive, exotic amphibian that has the potential to occur at the Alligator Flag Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Bufo marinus, an invasive, exotic amphibian that has the potential to occur at the Alligator Flag Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Bufo terrestris, a native toad that looks similar to the exotic, invasive cane toad. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Conservation Collier Program 33 (Churchill 2003). The cane toad looks very similar to the native, southern toad, but there are some distinct differences. The most obvious difference is adult body size (length of body not counting the legs). Adult marine toads can reach lengths of 6 -9 inches while the native southern toads only reach a length of 3.6 inches. Like other true toads, both possess poisonous, parotid glands. The parotid glands of the cane toad are angled downward behind their head to their shoulders. The southern toad has a kidney-shaped parotid gland behind each eye positioned close to the spine. The southern toad also possesses cranial crests that start between the eyes and often end in big knobs. While the parotid glands of all toads contain bufotoxins (poisonous, milky fluids exuded as a defense mechanism), the chemicals released by the exotic, cane toad are much more harmful to wildlife, pets and people (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Alligator Flag Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species has the potential of occurring within the preserve. Adjoining residents of the preserve should be encouraged to keep pet food and water containers indoors or empty at night. Feral domestic cat (Felis catus): undocumented within the Alligator Flag Preserve Domestic cats originated from an ancestral wild species, the European and African wildcat (Felis silvestris). Humans facilitated the global distribution of cats due to their highly efficient predatory skills. Egyptians took cats with them on shipping vessels to keep rodent populations down, and they likely introduced domestic cats to Europe. Subsequently the expansion of the Roman Empire and European missionary missions facilitated the spread of domestic cats into Asia and beyond (Masterson 2007). Today, the impact of feral cats on wildlife is difficult to quantify; however, literature (FFWCC 2001; Karim 2007; Masterson 2007) strongly indicates that they are a significant factor in the mortality of small mammals, birds (including migratory birds), reptiles, and amphibians in Florida. Because free-ranging cats often receive food from humans, they may reach abnormally high numbers. An increase in the population of feral cats may lead to increased predation rates on native wildlife. While no cats have yet been observed on the Alligator Flag Preserve, there exists a high probability of their future presence on the preserve due to the proximity of Milano to human residential areas. Adjoining residents of the preserve should be encouraged to keep their cats indoors and staff should monitor the preserve for the presence of feral cats. 3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses 3.1 Previous Use of the Preserve and Adjoining Lands Aerial photographs taken in 1973 (Figure 9) and 1996 (Figure 10) accompanied by more recent visits to the site show that development has never occurred on the site. Digital images were downloaded from the Florida Department of Transportation’s Aerial Photo Look Up System (2008) and georeferenced in ArcMap 9.2 by Conservation Collier Staff. Conservation Collier Program 34 Figure 9: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1973 of the Alligator Flag Preserve and Adjoining Lands Conservation Collier Program 35 Figure 10: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1996 of the Alligator Flag Preserve and Adjoining Lands 3.2 Current Land Uses Conservation, restoration and natural resource-based recreation are the designated uses of this preserve. Management activities allowed include those necessary to preserve, restore, secure and maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these management goals and will be discussed in section 4.4 of this document. The Olde Cypress Planned Unit Development (PUD) adjoins the Alligator Flag Preserve to the west, north and east. This PUD contains residential, commercial and conservation lands; specifically, a cypress slough under preservation is located to the northwest, north and northeast, the Fairway Preserve Condominiums are to the east and commercial lands and a drainage tract for the PUD are to the west of the Alligator Flag Preserve. Areas not contained within the PUD include a greenway trail, the Cocohatchee Canal and Immokalee Road (from north to south) to the south of the preserve and Laurel Oaks Elementary School and Gulf Coast High School on the south side of Immokalee Road (Figure 11). The proposed Terafina, Parklands and Mirasol PUDs are located to the north and east of the Olde Cypress PUD and the Alligator Flag Preserve. Existing and proposed preserves for these PUDs contiguous with the Alligator Flag Preserve are illustrated in Appendix 4. Conservation Collier Program 36 Figure 11: Areas Adjacent to the Alligator Flag Preserve 3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection The Alligator Flag Preserve 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 not ify 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). 3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years Since the acquisition of the Alligator Flag Preserve in July 2006, major accomplishments have been achieved (Table 9). Conservation Collier staff explored options of funding exotic removal through grants from the Department of Environmental Protection before contracting this service out. The invasive, exotic removal project was implemented throughout the site while staff Conservation Collier Program 37 concurrently established photo-monitoring points to better aid in the long-term management of the preserve. Subsequently, the Collier County Sheriff’s work weekenders removed large amounts of debris. Given the discrepancy between the 1995 and 2001 FLUCCS digital layers (as they pertain to the Alligator Flag Preserve) and the removal of exotic vegetation annually since the acquisition of the property in July 2006, staff created a new digital layer showing the location and extent of the native plant communities currently found on the preserve. Table 9: Major Accomplishments since the Acquisition of the Alligator Flag Preserve Accomplishment Year(s) Established photo monitoring points 2008 Removed and treated the invasive, exotic plants species on the Preserve 2008 Sherriff Dept. Weekend work crews removed large amounts of miscellaneous debris from site 2008 Created an accurate FLUCCS Map of the Preserve 2008 Updated Plant Survey 2009 Worked with Dunkin Donuts to install bear proof dumpster 2012 Updated Plant Survey 2020 4.0 Future Use of the Alligator Flag Preserve including Management Issues, Goals and Objectives This section describes the main management issues, goals, and objectives for the Alligator Flag Preserve as well as the overall management framework. Central to the management of the Preserve is the mission of the Conservation Collier Program, and the goals and objectives set forth in this management plan. 4.1 Management Plan Framework Each property purchased by Conservation Collier shall have its own management plan. At the time the Alligator Flag Preserve as purchased, the Conservation Collier Ordinance required that an “Interim” Management Plan be developed within 60 days of closing. Interim plans include basic items such as removal of invasive exotics and trash, establishing site security, developing management partnerships and planning for public access. The interim plan for this site was officially approved in October 2006. The ordinance then requires a “Final” ten-year management plan be developed within two years; the first draft of this management plan was submitted to the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee in October 2008 and subsequently to the CCLAAC and Collier County BCC. Once approved, the property management plan must be reviewed every five years. This is the 10 year update to the plan. Final management plans, however, are considered living documents and can be updated at any time. All management plans must be approved by both the CCLAAC and the Collier County BCC. 4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information The site manager for Alligator Flag Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental Specialist who may be contacted through electronic mail: ConservationCollier@CollierCountyFL.gov.net. Conservation Collier Program 38 4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts Future planned use will be consistent with the primary goals of conservation, preservation, restoration and maintenance of the resource. Details of planned uses for the Alligator Flag Preserve and an assessment of their potential impacts are provided in the following sections. 4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources The Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63 constrains the use of this property to “primary objectives of managing and preserving natural resource values and providing appropriate natural resource-based recreational & educational opportunities.” Natural resource-based recreation shall mean all forms of uses, which are consistent with the goals of this program, and are compatible with the specific parcel. Such uses may include, but are not limited to hiking, nature photography, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hunting and fishing (Ord. No. 02-63, as amended§ 5, 12-3-02). Additionally, no dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or removal or destruction of natural or historical/archaeological resources will be permitted within the preserve. The goal is to allow limited, non-destructive public access to native plant communities and animal species. The preserve rules are those identified in Collier County Ordinance 2011-38 (available from www.municode.com), as amended. The following are consistent uses for this particular site: hiking, nature photography and bird watching. Inconsistent uses include swimming, kayaking / canoeing, fishing, hunting and off road vehicle use (ORV). In addition, there are no existing easements, concessions, or leases at the Alligator Flag Preserve. In accordance with the management goals of the preserve, no future easements, concessions, or leases are appropriate in association with this site, other than conservation related easements. 4.3 Desired Future Conditions This section includes a description of the proposed future conditions for the site’s natural areas. Management techniques to achieve these conditions are outlined in section 4.4. After managers complete recommended management actions, Alligator Flag Preserve should consist of cypress-pine-cabbage palm, cypress and pine flatwoods; these communities should have a similar structure and composition to those that existed before non-indigenous people settled the region and before the exclusion of fire. A measure of success will be that the site will be vegetated with appropriate native flora that will provide suitable cover for a variety of wildlife species. 4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008-2018 A set of goals and objectives for Alligator Flag Preserve were developed in conjunction with the drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically for Alligator Flag Preserve based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired, the condition of the resources present, and the management issues for the property. On-site managers should be familiar with this entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the interim management plan for the Alligator Flag Preserve were reviewed to determine whether they should be included in this plan. The goals and objectives presented here reflect programmatic goals and ideas of Conservation Collier personnel in charge of managing and protecting the area. These goals shall not be modified, but specific application of management techniques may take into consideration Conservation Collier Program 39 input by user groups and other stakeholders from outside the program, accommodating user needs and desires where practicable and where overarching management goals are not violated. Management issues are discussed below in separate sections. Within each section, approaches for dealing with these issues are described. The ability to implement the specific goals and objectives identified in this plan is dependent upon the availability of funding sources. The following goals have been identified for Alligator Flag Preserve: Goal 1: Maintain high quality habitat with limited disturbance for the benefit of native flora and fauna Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and fauna Goal 2: Continue plant and animal Develop a baseline monitoring program report Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna to restore and maintain natural habitats Goal 4: Determine if prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatments are feasible to decrease woody invasion resulting from past fire exclusion if so proceed Goal 5: Restore native vegetation Goal 6: Monitor Facilitate appropriate public use Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness GOAL 1: Maintain High Quality Habitat with Limited Disturbance for the Benefit of Native Flora and Fauna ELIMINATE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE HUMAN IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS FLORA AND FAUNA Action Item 1.1 Install a fence and access gate around the perimeter of the Alligator Flag Preserve if needed. Presently, staff does not recommend a fence around the property but if trespassing, chronic dumping or other security issues arise, a field fence, four feet in height, will be installed along the boundaries of the property where these issues occur. If this fence is installed, one or more gate(s), 12 feet in width and four feet in height will be installed (if needed) along the fence-line to allow access to the Alligator Flag Preserve by authorized County staff and the fire department. Action Item 1.2 Install signs encouraging people to stay on public access trails situated on the preserve. Signs are present at the trailhead off of the bike trail in the SE corner of the preserve. Action Item 1.3 Identify locations of rare and listed native plant species. The location of these species will be generally identified to allow staff to monitor them. Public trails will be constructed to avoid areas where rare and listed species exist. Conservation Collier Program 40 Action Item 1.4 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash in or near the preserve. Staff will monitor the trails on a regular basis and if excessive dumping or littering start to occur, enforcement actions will be sought through the County Sheriff’s Department. Staff will also contact Gulf Coast High School across the street from the preserve to see if the Biology/ Environmental department might want to assist with keeping the trails clean. In March 2020, trash and debris were found in hidden areas of the preserve. Items included stacks of pallets, tires, cardboard, lawn chairs etc. A contractor was hired in April 2020 to remove these items. They might have been brought in by homeless people. The preserve will continue to be monitored and Law Enforcement will be contacted if it continues. Action Item 1.5 Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take steps such as locating visitor amenities away from animal nesting sites. Action Item 1.6 Avoid non-target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during invasive, exotic plant treatments. If the use of herbicides is appropriate during the removal of invasive, exotic plant species, decisions on the types of herbicides utilized will be made on the best information available at the time of exotic removal. Staff has prohibited the use of herbicides containing Imazapyr (e.g., Arsenal) due to reports that these herbicides have potentially caused a great deal of non-target damage throughout the state. Licensed County or State contractors have been (and will be) monitored closely to ensure the proper herbicide applications are being utilized while treating the site. In addition, close attention will be paid to identify listed epiphytes (Table 7) that may be attached to invasive trees being cut down or removed. Plants of these species will be relocated prior to removal. Special attention will be given to avoid damage to native species in the vicinity of exotic removal activities. Hand pulling of exotic seedlings will be done when possible. Action Item 1.7 Note and research all site development occurring adjacent to Alligator Flag Preserve to determine that the proper site development permits have been obtained and that the site development complies with the permits. Activities on adjacent lands may have an impact on the indigenous plant and animal life on the Alligator Flag Preserve. As such, all existing local, state, and federal regulations should be strictly followed and enforced during any site development adjacent to the preserve. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to establish erosion control measures and vegetation protection measures (i.e., protective fencing or barriers). If any site developer working in areas adjacent to the preserve does not take the necessary control measures, construction shall be immediately halted until control measures are put into place and mitigation and/or remediation will be the sole responsibility of the developer. GOAL 2: CONTINUE DEVELOP A BASELINE PLANT AND ANIMAL MONITORING PROGRAMREPORT Action Item 2.1 Establish a long-term biological monitoring program and conduct additional wildlife surveys. Conservation Collier Program 41 Long-term management of the preserve should be based on biological data. Changes following baseline conditions should be assessed as negative or positive, and management strategies changed appropriately. This section discusses information needs and long-term monitoring needs. Conservation Collier staff has conducted a floristic inventory of the Alligator Flag Preserve; these findings will comprise the baseline floristic data on which future actions will be based. The site should be inspected by Conservation Collier Staff at least twice a year and thoroughly inventoried at regular intervals (ca. 5-10 years) to detect new invasions (by natives or exotics) and extinctions. Areas undergoing extreme restoration should be assessed more frequently. While some wildlife data has been collected, additional baseline data should be collected, especially on invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The site manager may contract this work out or enlist the assistance of local educators to coordinate student research projects. Wildlife sampling, like plant sampling, on non-listed species only, should take place at regular intervals (ca. 5-10 years) to detect long-term trends. Figure 11: Photo Point Locations within the Alligator Flag Preserve Currently, six (6) photo points have been established throughout the preserve (Figure 11). Locations of photo points have been recorded with a GPS and all photographs taken at these locations have been taken at a standard height and angle of view. During photo documentations, one photo is taken in each of the cardinal directions (north, east, south and west) and a 360-degree panoramic photo is taken. These photos will help to monitor exotic removal and native plant recruitment over time. If necessary, more photo points will be established to aid in management decision activities. Future photo points will include photos taken with a vegetation profile board to aid in the Photo points aid in the determination of what (if any) changes occur over time. GOAL 3: REMOVE OR CONTROL POPULATIONS OF INVASIVE, EXOTIC OR PROBLEMATIC FLORA AND FAUNA TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN NATURAL HABITATS Action Item 3.1 Acquire services of licensed and qualified contractor(s) for the removal of invasive, exotic or problematic plant species. The preserve is now in maintenance state and new or small infestations of invasive exotic plants continue to be treated once per year by contractors. The following (Table 10) describes Conservation Collier Program 42 recommended controls (Langeland & Stocker 2001) of the Category I, invasive, exotic plant species recorded to date on the Alligator Flag Preserve. These recommended control methods may be altered by site managers dependent on new information and products available on the control of these species. Table 10: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Alligator Flag Preserve FLEPPC Category I species a Scientific Name Common Name(s) Recommended Control(s)b Acacia auriculiformis earleaf acacia Hand pull seedlings or basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4 or cut- stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A. Abrus precatorius Rosary pea Cut stem or basal bark and treat with 10% Garlon 4. Site must be revisited frequently to pull seedlings. Casuarina sp. Australian pine Basal bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4 is very effective, as is a cut- stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4. When basal bark treatment is used on trees greater than 1 foot in diameter it may be necessary to slough off loose bark in the application area to prevent the bark from trapping the herbicide. Broadcut or 4-6 lb Velpar ULW may be used when appropriate. Cupaniopsis anacardioides carrotwood Hand pull seedlings or basal bark application of 100% Pathfinder II, or 10%-20% Garlon 4 diluted with oil; or cut stump application of 10% Garlon 3A, 100% Brush-B-Gon, 100% Roundup Pro, 100% Rodeo, or equivalent glyphosate containing product, or 100% Pathfinder II. Melaleuca quinquenervia melaleuca, punk tree, paper bark For seedlings and saplings: (1) hand pull, being sure not to break plant off of root system and remove or place in piles to help reduce the chance that they will re-root or; (2) Treat with foliar, low volume spot application of 5% Rodeo. For mature trees: (1) Fell large trees with chain saw leaving a level surface, or fell small trees with machete and treat with triclopyr or glyphosate products according to frill and girdle directions on SLN. Use aquatic versions where standing water is present. Monitor for resprouting and retreat as necessary. (3) Mature trees are very difficult to control with foliar applications. Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Hand pull seedlings or cut-stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A, 10% Garlon 4 or a basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Foliar application of Garlon 4, Garlon 3A, Roundup Pro, Roundup Super Concentrate, or Rodeo, according label directions may be used where appropriate. Glyphosate products are less effective when used alone in spring and early summer. Use Rodeo where plants are growing in aquatic sites. Panicum repens Torpedo grass Foliar application of 0.75%-1.5% Rodeo and surfactant solution. Re-apply as necessary when plants re-grow to within 4-6 inches in height; or foliar application of 0.5% spot treatment Solanum viarum Tropical soda apple Foliar application of 1% Garlon 4 or 3% Roundup. ACTION ITEM 3.2 Acquire services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) for the removal of invasive, exotic or problematic animal species. To date, two (2) introduced animal species have been documented on the Alligator Flag Preserve, the RIFA and the brown anole. It is doubtful that the total eradication of these species can be achieved. However, staff and/or contractors should take measures to remove RIFA populations close to or on public access trails. If feral cat colonies are found near the preserve, the elements that sustain the undesirable population(s) should be identified and efforts made to ask property owners to eliminate them (i.e., refuse bins, dumpsters, and supplementary feeding by humans). If any feral cats remain, they will be trapped and taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services. Conservation Collier Program 43 ACTION ITEM 3.2 Coordinate the control of invasive plant and animal populations with the Olde Cypress PUD preserve management entity. Currently, the Olde Cypress preserve maintains their exotic plants. If this changes in the future, staff will contact them to coordinate management activities. GOAL 4: UTILIZE PRESCRIBED FIRE AND/OR MECHANICAL TREATMENTS TO DECREASE WOODY INVASION RESULTING FROM PAST FIRE EXCLUSION. Action Item 4.1 Develop a prescribed fire or mechanical treatment plan to mimic natural fires within the Preserve. Much of Collier County is comprised of plants that are dependent on fire to maintain species composition and diversity. These species are the same ones that are prone to lightning strike wildfires, and the controlled reduction of those fuels will prevent catastrophic wildfire damage. Prescribed fires: reduce fuel loads and consequently decrease the threat of wildfires; create open areas for wildlife to travel within; stimulate food and seed production; recycle nutrients; alter the composition and density of forested areas; and aid in the control of invasive plant species. The structure and composition of the mesic pine flatwood community is dependent on periodic fires. Fire probably occurred every 1 to 8 years during pre-Columbian times. A majority of the flora and fauna found within this community are adapted to periodic fires; several species depend on fire for their continued existence. Without relatively frequent fires, mesic pine flatwoods succeed into hardwood-dominated forests whose closed canopy can essentially eliminate herbaceous groundcover and shrubs. Additionally, the dense layer of litter that accumulates on unburned sites can eliminate the reproduction of pine trees that require a mineral soil substrate for proper germination (FFWCC 2002). Fire is the ideal ecological tool for achieving a sustainable mesic pine flatwood community. However, due to the proximity of the Alligator Flag Preserve to Immokalee Road, residential and commercial areas and the size of the parcel, alternate manual or mechanical treatments will be investigated in lieu of managing the lands through the use of fire. Action Item 4.2 If fire is deemed appropriate, delineate fire management and rescue access routes, and provide this information to the police department and emergency services. If fire is deemed an appropriate management tool on the Alligator Flag Preserve, the fire plan and access routes to and within the preserve will be provided to the police department and emergency services. GOAL 5: RESTORE NATIVE VEGETATION Action Item 5.1 Maintain a revised GIS map and description of FNAI natural communities and disturbed areas on the property. Maintaining updated maps will help to guide restoration efforts. Action Item 5.2 Plant native plant species in their appropriate habitats Conservation Collier Program 44 Periods following exotic removal and prescribed fire (or mechanical treatment) are essential to the recruitment of native plants. If native plant recruitment is not sufficient from the surrounding, intact seed source, efforts will be made to plant indigenous flora in appropriate habitats. Natural area restoration of Alligator Flag Preserve should include only site-specific native plant material that has been determined to be non-problematic at the site and whenever possible, site-specific seed sources should be utilized. In addition, hardwoods that may invade the natural areas (mesic pine flatwood area) should not be planted. GOAL 6: MONITOR DEVELOP A PLAN FOR PUBLIC USE Action Item 6.1 MaintainDevelop access and required facilities for intended public uses A parking lot will not be constructed on site due to the amount of wetlands present and the lack of vehicular access. The greenway trail just south of the property (north of the Cocohatchee Canal and Immokalee Road) will serve as the path along which the public may gain access to the southern portion of the preserve on foot or by bicycle. Conservation Collier staff has developed a conceptual site plan (Figure 12) incorporating a raised boardwalk and a seasonal trail. The planned trail system wouldill be approximately 1170 linear feet (LF) long and the materials used will be based on funding sources available. The following paragraphs describe the components of the trail system and the ideal lengths (option one) of each section. Option One ▪ A raised boardwalk may be considered if funding allows. Conceptually measuring approximately 500 feet in length, if built it shall adhere to guidelines and standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If permitting for the boardwalk goes forward, a review of ADA compliance should be done by the County. The elevation of the boardwalk would allow for fluctuation of water levels and the movement of small animals. The entrance of the boardwalk would be located approximately 370 feet east of Preserve Lane. As depicted in the conceptual site plan, the entrance of the boardwalk would feature an interpretive sign. This sign would provide general information about Conservation Collier and the characteristics of the Alligator Flag Preserve. The southern portion of the walkway would be installed along the transition zone between the cypress-pine-cabbage palm and pine flatwoods communities; this placement along the ecotone will theoretically allow visitors the best opportunity to view the plants and animals of both communities. An interpretive sign would be placed along this portion of the boardwalk to give specific information about the plant communities and associated animals that may be seen form this portion of the boardwalk. The walkway would then continue northward through the cypress-pine-cabbage palm community and end at a platform. The route of the boardwalk was approximated from a 2008 aerial image to take advantage of areas where impacts to the community would be minimized. An engineering firm would be contracted to plan the design of the boardwalk and would be requested to do so in the least impactful way possible. The consulting, planning and permitting would be very expensive as well as the costs to build a boardwalk. This process will also be very time consuming. It is estimated that at least a year will be needed to complete the planning and permitting process. Grants will be applied for in the lag time to assist in the costs associated with this option. ▪ The optional seasonal walking trail measuring approximately 520 feet in length would be installed dependent on the costs associated with the project and the status Conservation Collier Program 45 of the budget after the construction of the boardwalk. This trail (closed to public access during times of high water) would begin at the platform and allow visitors to access the cypress area of the preserve. The route of the trail was approximated from a 2008 aerial image to take advantage of areas where impacts to the plant community would be minimized. The northern portion of this walking trail would take advantage of an existing trail running northwest to southeast on the property. As depicted in the conceptual site plan, a directional sign and trail markers will be strategically placed to help visitors stay on this trail. Additionally, if funding allows, an interpretive sign will be placed near the end of this trail. ▪ Platform and associated components: As depicted in the conceptual site plan, the platform would be located at the terminus of the boardwalk. The platform would be ADA compliant and include a bench and interpretive sign. It would be accessible from the south via the proposed boardwalk and would allow visitors access to the seasonal walking trail via a gate and stairs. The gate would be locked during times of high water. Option Two ▪ If a boardwalk proves to be cost prohibitive (no grant funding available), a seasonal walking trail only may be provided. The current path of this trail would mimic the entire trail system is illustrated in Figure 12. Plant signage can be installed as funding allows As the name suggests, this trail would only be open to the public during the dry season. Conservation Collier Program 46 Figure 12: Alligator Flag Preserve Conceptual Master Plan Conservation Collier Program 47 GOAL 7: FACILITATE USES OF THE SITE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES Actions Item 7.1 Develop interpretive signage to educate preserve visitors. Once a trail system is complete, site specific signage will be developed to educate visitors on plant identification and general ecosystem information, as funding allows. A large sign with a map of the preserve will be installed at the boardwalk or trail entrance and smaller, more site specific interpretive signs, may be placed along the boardwalk or seasonal trail. Action Item 7.2 Provide preserve brochures in rainproof box on site. A brochure outlining the native plant communities and wildlife present at the preserve wasill be created by County staff and are kept in a rainproof boxes near the preserve entrance. The preserve manager will inspect these boxes monthly and refill as necessary. GOAL 8: PROVIDE A PLAN FOR SECURITY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Action Item 8.1 Discourage any visitation to the park at night. A sign designating park hours as 8:00 am to dusk has been installed at the entrance to the preserve and adjacent landowners will be given an emergency phone number if they detect human activity on the preserve after hours. If problems arise, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will be contacted to patrol the area and site on a routine basis. Action Item 8.2 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in or near the preserve. Currently, there is no vehicular access. and dumping is not a problem. Monthly inspections will determine if dumping becomes a problem. Staff will work with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to address dumping if it becomes a problem. Action Item 8.3 Survey trees along the trail and the perimeter of the property annually for damage Staff will utilize the services of a certified arborist to determine diseased, weak, or damaged trees/limbs surrounding the trails that should be removed for safety reasons and prior to hurricane season. This activity is intended to reduce the risk of visitor injury. Action Item 8.4 Visit preserve within 48 hours after a storm event to assess damage. Staff will take photos of damage and fill out appropriate Collier County Risk Management Department forms. If damage is extensive, the preserve will be closed until public safety hazards are cleared. Conservation Collier Program 48 Action Item 8.5 Promptly clear storm debris from preserve. If necessary, a Collier County emergency debris removal contractor will be contracted as soon as possible after the storm to schedule clean-up. Removal of debris and damaged or downed trees along the trail system may be needed. Downed trees and limbs that do not appear to be a public safety hazard will be cleared at the discretion of the Preserve Manager. As much hurricane debris as possible will be chipped and retained on-site – to be used as mulch for the trail. Hurricane Irma hit Collier County directly in September 10, 2017. A large amount of trees fell and others died several months after as a result. FEMA contractors came through to help remove the trees from the trail after the storm and the debris was left on site. A Collier County Contractor was also hired to remove additional hazardous dead trees months after the storm. 4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Alligator Flag Preserve This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Alligator Flag Preserve. It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, the possibilities for contracting the restoration activities, coordination, and other management issues. 4.5.1 Maintenance The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include control of dumping and littering within and around the preserve and trail. Particularly important are the security measures to keep intruders out and the signage and fencing (if installed) in good conditions. Signs that effectively convey the desired message provide an opportunity for increasing environmental education and awareness. 4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources Preliminary budget estimates for Alligator Flag Preserve include cost breakdowns associated with resource restoration and management. The funding source identified for the restoration and management activities is the Conservation Collier Program Management Trust Fund. Grants will be sought to supplement existing management funds and specifically for the costs associated with the potential construction of the boardwalk. Staff will also utilize the Collier County Sheriff’s Department weekenders program for certain labor projects and may also separately involve the County Scout programs for trail creation and enhancement. The budget in table 11 represents the actual and unmet budgetary needs for managing the lands and resources of the preserve for the next ten years. The table shows the activities planned and the initial and annual cost estimate of each activity. This budget was developed using data from Conservation Collier and other cooperating entities, and is based on actual costs for land management activities, equipment purchase and maintenance, and for development of fixed capital facilities and long range funding plans approved by the board of County Commissioners on April 8, 2014, Agenda Item 11B. The budget considers available funding and is consistent with the direction necessary to achieve the goals and objectives for Alligator Flag Preserve. 2nd DRAFT Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 49 Table 11: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget Assumptions for Cost Estimates: The total estimated costs for the Alligator Flag Preserve from 2008 to 2018 range from $73,833 to $661,253. This range of estimated costs is based primarily on the materials used to construct the trail system. See explanations that follow. Item QTY Cost ($) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Total Facilities Development Boardwalk 1 0 LF - 500 LF $0 - $585,000 0$ Trails 2 520 LF - 1170 LF $650 - $4,410 $0 Entry Gates 3 1 $1,000 $0 Fence (4’ field fence) western boundary 4 1230 LF $6,273 $0 Interior interpretive signs 5 3 $500 $463 $57 $520 Plant signs 30 $10 $38 $38 Entry signage (set) 6 1 $2,250 $1,400 $1,400 Directional sign 1 $100 $0 Bench, Garbage can, Bike Rack 1 of each $1,250 $843 $843 Resource Restoration/Monitoring t.b.d. t.b.d. Establish photo points recurring n/a $0 Remove exotics 8 18.46 acres $26,000 $8,276 $1,125 $1,125 $1,350 $1,125 $1,800 $1,880 $1,962 $2,000 $46,643 Native Plant Restoration 9 t.b.d. t.b.d. Regular Maintenance Reduce Fuel Loads 10 2 $2,000 $685 $685 General Facilities Maintenance / Landscaping 11 8 $720 $900 $3,510 $2,605 $2,200 $2,200 $2,200 $2,245 $15,860 Grand Total $26,000 $8,276 $3,869 $2,025 $5,602 $3,730 $4,000 $4,080 $4,162 $4,245 $65,989 Table 11: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget (Amounts in $; see assumptions for cost estimates on next page) 2nd DRAFT Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 50 Boardwalk will only be built if grant funding is provided. The planned trail system (Figure 12) is approximately 1170 linear feet (LF) long The ideal length of an ADA compliant, raised boardwalk would be 500 LF at $585/LF = $380,250 (rounded to $385,000). Unit price includes required materials, labor and equipment as follows. Permitting, Planning and design is estimated to cost $200,000. The actual cost of the trail system may be estimated using the following formula: [($200,000 + $585x) + $2(0.625y)] where x = the length (LF) of the raised boardwalk and y = the length (LF) of the trail. 3. Entry Gates: 1 gate at $2,000.00 each (if deemed necessary) 4. Fence: Field Fence estimated at $5.10 a foot for 1230 LF (if deemed necessary) 5. Interpretive signs: 3 interpretative signs (4'x6') at $500 each 6. Entry signage: 1 road sign indicating entrance to the preserve ($250 each) and 1 welcome sign (8'x6') estimated at $2,000 7. Bench estimated at $600; trash can estimated at $400 8. Removal of Exotics: $26,000 paid to contactor; $7,751.96 will be paid upon removal of Australian Pines; maintenance costs will be $1,850 per event- for 2009 and 2010 two events per year will take place. From 2011 on - one event will take place per year 9. Native Plant Restoration: t.b.d. 10. Reduce fuel loads: reduction of dense fuels - $2000 every 5 years if deemed necessary 11. General Maintenance: Includes mowing and landscape maintenance along the north side of the bike trail along the southern preserve boundary 2nd DRAFT Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 51 Item QTY Cost ($)2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Total Signage and Ammenities Boardwalk*0 LF - 650 LF $0 - $585,000 0$ Interior interpretive signs 3 $57 $200 $100 $200 $100 $100 $757 Plant signs $100 $100 $100 $300 Entry signage 1 $2,250 $0 Directional signage $0 Resource Restoration/Monitoring t.b.d. Establish photo points recurring n/a $0 Exotic Treatment 18.46 acres $1,880 $1,962 $2,000 $1,350 $1,125 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $17,317 Native Plant Restoration Regular Maintenance Reduce Fuel Loads $685 $685 Trash Removal $1,220 $1,220 Landscaping $2,200 $2,200 $2,245 $3,510 $750 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $15,905 Grand Total $4,080 $4,162 $4,245 $5,602 $3,095 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 $36,184 Table 11: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget 2015-2025 Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Update August 2014 Conservation Collier Program 52 4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors A significant number of Alligator Flag Preserve management operations and restoration activities can be considered for outsourcing. Restoration and management activities that can be considered for outsourcing to private entities are listed in table 12. Table 12: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities Activity Approved Conditional Rejected Prescribed fire and/ or mechanical treatment application X Minor fireline installation X Fireline, fence, and trail maintenance X Fence installation X Plant and wildlife inventory and monitoring X Listed species mapping and needs assessment X Restore/enhance encroachment and ruderal areas X Reduce exotic species X Literature development and printing X Interpretive signs development and installation X Trail and boardwalk installation X Law enforcement and patrol X Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Update August 2014 Conservation Collier Program 53 5.0 Literature Cited Abrahamson, W. G., and D. C Hartnett. 1990. Pine flatwoods and dry prairies. Pages 103-149 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida. Brandt, L. A. and F. J. Mazziotti. 2005. Marine toads (Bufo marinus). University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document WEC11. 4pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW04600.pdf (accessed November 2007). Campbell K. M. 1990. Soil survey of Collier County area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Washington, D.C. Campbell, T. 2001. The brown anole. Institute for Biological Invaders: Invader of the Month. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Available from http://invasions.bio.utk.edu/invaders/sagrei.html (accessed November 2007). Campbell, T. S. 1996. Northern range expansion of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, in Florida and Georgia. Herp. Review 27:155-157. Campbell, T. S. 2000. Analyses of the effects of an exotic lizard (Anolis sagrei) on a native lizard (Anolis carolinensis) in Florida, using islands as experimental units. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Churchill, M. 2003. Giant marine toad (Bufo marinus) - Introduced Species Summary Project. Columbia University, New York, NY. Available from http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff- burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Bufo_marinus.html (accessed December 2007). Coates, S. F., M. B. Main, J. J. Mullahey, J. M. Schaefer, G. W. Tanner, M. E. Sunquist, and M. D. Fanning. 1998. The coyote (Canis latrans): Florida’s newest predator. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document WEC124. 5pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW12700.pdf (accessed November 2007). Collins, L. and R. H. Scheffrahn. 2005. Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae). 9pp. Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document EENY-195. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN352 Fairbank, P. and S. Hohner. 1995. Mapping recharge (infiltration and leakage) throughout the South Florida Water Management District. Technical publication 95-20 (DRE # 327). SFWMD, West Palm Beach, Florida. Florida Department of Transportation. 2008. Aerial Photo Look Up System Available from http://www.dot.state.fl.us/surveyingandmapping/apac.shtm (accessed October 2008). Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2001. Impacts of feral and free-ranging domestic cats on wildlife in Florida. Tallahassee, FL. Available from http://www.floridaconservation.org/viewing/articles/cat.pdf (accessed October 2007) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2002. A conceptual management plan for Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area: 2002 – 2007. Tallahassee, FL. 218 pp. Available from http://myfwc.com/wma- planning/CMP/Caravelle%20Ranch%20WMA/Caravelle%20Ranch%20CMP%202002-2007.pdf (accessed December 2007) Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Update August 2014 Conservation Collier Program 54 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2003, January 6. Florida's breeding bird atlas: A collaborative study of Florida's birdlife. http://www.myfwc.com/bba/ (accessed July 2008). Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). 2008. Acres of conservation lands by county. Florida State University, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee. FL. Available from http://www.fnai.org/pdf/MA_acres_counties.pdf (accessed August 2008). Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). 2019. List of Florida’s invasive plant species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Available from Internet: http://www.fleppc.org/listl1 list..htm (accessed September 2019). Florida Natural Areas Inventory Areas of Conservation Lands By County March 2019 https://www.fnai.org/pdf/MAxCounty_201903.pdf (Accessed September 2019) Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) 1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Invent ory and Florida Department of Natural Resources. Gilbert, T. 2005. South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Office of Environmental Services. Available from http://crocdoc.ifas.ufl.edu/crosswalk/index.php?cw=ffwcclandcover (accessed June 2008). Humphrey, S.R. and P.G.R. Jodice. 1992. Big Cypress fox squirrel. Pp. 224-233. In S.R. Humphrey (ed.), Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida. Mammals. University Presses of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC) https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Swiemaha (Accessed September 2020) Johnson, S. 2007. The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC218. 8pp. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW259 (accessed December 2007) Karim, A. 2007. Status and use of tropical hardwood hammocks and forested residential areas as habitat for resident and Neotropical migratory birds in the Florida Keys. Master of Science Thesis. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 61pp. Langeland, K. A., and R. K. Stocker. 2001. Control of non-native plants in natural areas of Florida. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document SP 242. 34pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/WG/WG20900.pdf (accessed December 2007). Larson, B. C., J. H. Frank, G. M. Allen, M. B. Main. 2006. Florida’s native bromeliads. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular 1466. 10pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW205 (accessed November 2007). Lee, J. C. 1985. Anolis sagrei in Florida: Phenetics of a colonizing species I. Meristic c haracters. Copeia 1985:182-194. Lodge, T. E. 2005. The Everglades handbook - Understanding the Ecosystem. 2nd edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Liudahl, K., D.J. Belz, L. Carey, R.W. Drew, S. Fisher, and R. Pate. 1990. Soil survey of Collier County area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Washington, D.C. Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Update August 2014 Conservation Collier Program 55 Masterson, J. 2007. Felis catus. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Fort Pierce, Florida. Available from http://www.sms.si.edu/IRLspec/Felis_catus.htm (accessed November 2007). Mazziotti, F. J. 2002. Wood Storks (Mycteria americana). Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service document SSWIS12. 2pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW065 (accessed November 2007). Miller J. A. 1986. Hydrogeologic Framework of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. United States Geological Survey Professional Paper 1403-B. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Nelson, G. 2000. The ferns of Florida: a reference and field guide. Pineapple Press, Sarasota, FL. Oaks, R. Q. and J. R. Dunbar. 1974. Post Miocene Stratigraphy of the Central and Southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah. Schwartz, A. and R. W. Henderson. 1991. Amphibians and reptiles of the West Indies: descriptions, distributions, and natural history. University of Florida Press, Gainesville. Scott, T. M. 1988. Lithostratigraphy of the Hawthorne Group (Miocene). Florida Geological Survey Bulletin No. 59, Tallahassee, Florida. Stimac J. L., and S. B. Alves. 1994. Pest Management in the Subtropics: Biological Control A Florida Perspective. (Rosen D, Bennett FD, Capinera JL, Ed.) pp. 353-380. Intercept Limited, Andover, Hants SP10 1 YG, UK. Sullivan, J. 1994. Cypress savanna. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available from : http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ (accessed July 2008) United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Flowing water swamps. South Florida multi - species recovery plan – a species plan…an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region, Compact Disk. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Hydric pine flatwoods. South Florida multi - species recovery plan – a species plan…an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region, Compact Disk. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Mesic pine flatwoods. South Florida multi - species recovery plan – a species plan…an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region, Compact Disk. Willcox, E. and W. M. Giuliano. 2006. Red Imported Fire Ants and Their Impacts on Wildlife. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 207. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida . Available http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW242 Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2008. Atlas of Florida vascular plants. [S.M. Landry and K.N. Campbell (application development), Floirda Center for Community Design and Research]. Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. Available from http.//www.plantatlas.usf.edu/. 2nd DRAFT Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 56 Appendix 1. Vegetation Scheme Crosswalks/ Florida Natural Areas Inventory Plant Community Classification FFWCC^MSRP^FNAI* ID Name Name ID Name ID Name Name Name Wet Flatwoods Freshwater Tidal Swamp FSc Cypress strands Marl Prairie FSd Cypress domes/heads Floodplain Swamp FSCpi Cypress-pines Freshwater Tidal Swamp SVC Cypress savanna Slough SVCd Dwarf cypress Strand Swamp SVCpi Cypress with pine Basin Swamp Dome Swamp F Forest 13 South Florida Slash Pine Forest Pine Rocklands Pine Rockland SV Savanna 16 Mesic-Hydric Pine Forest Compositional Group Mesic Pine Flatwoods Mesic Flatwoods SVPI Pine savanna 25 South Florida Slash Pine Woodland Dry Prairie Scrubby Flatwoods SVx Slash pine mixed with palms 29 Dry Prairie Ecological Complex Cutthroat Grass Communities Wet Flatwoods 18 Cypress Forest Compositional Group South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks for Plant Communities Observed on the Alligator Flag Preserve EVSC^FLGAP^FLUCCS^ FS Swamp forest Bottomland Hardwood Forest 53 * Classification of plant communities based on the Natural Communities Guide developed by Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) ^ Crosswalks for 5 vegetation classification schemes used in south Florida: 1. Everglades Vegetation Classification System (EVSC, South Florida National Parks), 2. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), 3. Florida Gap Analysis Project (FLGAP, US Geological Survey), 4. Florida Land Use and Cover Classification System (FLUCCS, Florida Department of Transportation and Water Management Districts), 5. Multi-Species Recovery Project (MSRP, US Fish and Wildlife Service). Source: Gilbert 2005 Dwarf Cypress Prairie 621 Cypress Freshwater Marshes Flowing Water Swamps Pond Swamps Freshwater Marsh 17 Swamp Forest Ecological Complex 624 Cypress - pine - cabbage palm Pond Swamps Pineland Dry Prairie 411 Pine flatwoods Cypress Swamp Alligator Flag Preserve by Maureen S. Bonness, with assistance from Jean McCollom September 2, 2020 2009 2020 Scientific Name (prior name)Common Names NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Abrus precatorius Rosary-pea, Crab-eyes √I x x Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia √I x Acalypha arvensis Field copperleaf √ x x Acer rubrum Red maple N x Ageratum conyzoides Tropical whiteweed √ x x Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common ragweed N x x Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum Blue-maidencane N x Andropogon glomeratus Bushy bluestem N x Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis Purple bluestem N x Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus Common bushy bluestem N x Andropogon virginicus var. virginicus Broomsedge bluestem N x x Annona glabra Pond-apple N x Aristida stricta (=A. beyrichiana )Southern wiregrass N x x Asemeia violacea (=Polygala grandiflora, P. violacea) Candyweed, Showy milkwort N x x Baccharis halimifolia Saltbush, Groundsel tree, Sea-myrtle N x x Bidens alba Spanish-needles N x x Boehmeria cylindrica False nettle, Bog hemp N x Caperonia castaneifolia Chestnutleaf falsecroton N x Cassytha filiformis Lovevine, Devil's gut N x Casuarina equisetifolia Australian-pine, Horsetail casuarina √I x Cenchrus spinifex (=C. incertus)Coastal sandbur N x x Centella asiatica Coinwort, Spadeleaf N x x Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush N x Chamaecrista sp.Partridge pea N x Chromolaena odorata Jack-in-the-bush N x x Chrysobalanus icaco Coco plum N x Cirsium nuttallii Nuttall's thistle N x x Cladium jamaicense Sawgrass N x Coleataenia rigidula (=Panicum rigidulum) Redtop panicum N x Conyza canadensis Canadian horseweed N x x Coreopsis leavenworthii Leavenworth's tickseed N x Cornus foemina Swamp dogwood, Stiff dogwood N x Crotalaria pallida var. obovata Smooth rattlebox √ x Croton glandulosus var. septentrionalis (=var. glandulosus) Vente conmigo N x Cupaniopsis anacardioides Carrotwood √I x x Cyperus haspan Haspan flatsedge N x x Cyperus ligularis Swamp flatsedge N x Cyperus polystachyos Manyspike flatsedge, Texas sedge N x Cyperus surinamensis Tropical flatsedge N x Desmodium incanum Beggar's-ticks √ x Dichanthelium aciculare Needleleaf witchgrass N x Dichanthelium dichotomum Cypress witchgrass N x Diodia virginiana Buttonweed, Virginia buttonweed N x Diospyros virginiana Common persimmon N x Echinochloa walteri Coast cockspur N x Eclipta prostrata False daisy N Appendix 2. Floristic Inventory of the Alligator Flag Preserve 2009 2020 Scientific Name (prior name)Common Names NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx x Emilia fosbergii Florida tasselflower √ x Emilia sonchifolia Lilac tassleflower √ x x Encyclia tampensis Florida butterfly orchid N x Eragrostis atrovirens Thalia lovegrass √ x Eragrostis scaligera Tender lovegrass √ x Eragrostis sp.Lovegrass x Erechtites hieraciifolius Fireweed, American burnweed N x Erigeron quercifolius Southern-fleabane, Oakleaf fleabane N x Erigeron vernus Early whitetop fleabane N x Eryngium yuccifolium Button rattlesnake master, Button eryngo N x x Eupatorium capillifolium Dogfennel N x Eupatorium leptophyllum Falsefennel N x Eupatorium mohrii Mohr's thoroughwort N x Euphorbia graminea Grassleaf spurge √ x Euphorbia hypericifolia (=Chamaesyce hypericifolia) Eyebane, Graceful sandmat N x Euphorbia hyssopifolia (=Chamaesyce hyssopifolia) Eyebane, Hyssopleaf sandmat N x x Euploca polyphylla (=Heliotropium polyphyllum) Pineland heliotrope N x Eustachys glauca Prairie fingergrass N x x Eustachys petraea Pinewoods fingergrass N x Evolvulus sericeus Silver dwarf morningglory N x x Ficus aurea Strangler fig, Golden fig N x Flaveria linearis Narrowleaf yellowtops N x x Fraxinus caroliniana Pop ash N x x Fuirena scirpoidea Umbrellasedge N x Fuirena sp.Saltmarsh umbrellasedge N x x Funastrum clausum (=Sarcostemma clausum) Whitevine, White twinevine N x x Gamochaeta antillana Caribbean purple everlasting N x Hypericum gentianoides Pineweeds, Orangegrass N x Hyptis alata Musky mint, Clustered bushmint N x x Ilex cassine Dahoon holly, Dahoon N x Ipomoea sagittata Glades morning-glory N x Juncus megacephalus Bighead rush N x Leucaena leucocephala White leadtree √II x Linaria canadensis Canadian toadflax N x Ludwigia curtissii Curtiss's primrosewillow N x Ludwigia microcarpa Smallfruit primrosewillow N x Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum Winged loosestrife N x Macroptilium lathyroides Wild bushbean √II x Mangifera indica Mango √ x x Melaleuca quinquenervia Punktree √I x Melothria pendula Creeping-cucumber N x x Mikania scandens Climbing hempweed, Climbing hempvine N x Mitreola petiolata Miterwort, Lax hornpod N x Momordica charantia Balsampear √II x x Morella cerifera (=Myrica cerifera)Wax myrtle, Southern bayberry N x Myrsine cubana (=Rapanea punctata)Myrsine, Colicwood N x Nymphaea sp.Waterlily 2009 2020 Scientific Name (prior name)Common Names NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Oldenlandia corymbosa (=Hedyotis corymbosa) Flattop mille graines √ x Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Royal fern N x Oxalis corniculata Common yellow woodsorrel; Creeping woodsorrel N x Oxalis sp.Woodsorrel N x Panicum dichotomiflorum Fall panicgrass N x x Panicum hemitomon Maidencane N x Panicum repens Torpedo grass √I x Parietaria floridana Florida pellitory N x Parietaria praetermissa Clustered pellitory N x Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia-creeper, Woodbine N x x Paspalum monostachyum Gulfdune paspalum N x Paspalum setaceum Thin paspalum N x Passiflora suberosa Corkystem passionflower N x Persea borbonia Red bay N x Persea palustris Swamp bay N x x Phlebodium aureum Golden polypody N x Phoenix sp. (not reclinata)Date palm √ x x Phyla nodiflora Frogfruit, Capeweed N x Phyllanthus tenellus Mascarene Island leafflower √ x Phyllanthus urinaria Chamber bitter √ x Physalis walteri Walter's groundcherry N x x Pinus elliottii var. densa South Florida slash pine N x x Piriqueta cistoides subsp. caroliniana (=Piriqueta caroliniana) Pitted stripeseed N x x Pluchea baccharis (=Pluchea rosea)Rosy camphorweed N x Pluchea odorata Sweetscent N x Polypremum procumbens Rustweed, Juniperleaf N x Pouzolzia zeylanica Pouzolz's bush √ x Proserpinaca palustris Marsh mermaidweed N x Psilotum nudum Whisk fern N x Ptilimnium capillaceum Mock bishopsweed, Herbwilliam N x Quercus laurifolia Laurel oak, Diamond oak N x Quercus virginiana Virginia live oak N x Rhus copallinum Winged sumac N x Rhynchospora divergens Spreading beaksedge N x Rhynchospora filifolia Threadleaf beaksedge N x x Rhynchospora inundata Narrowfruit horned beaksedge N x Rhynchospora microcarpa Southern beaksedge N x Richardia grandiflora Largeflower Mexican clover √II x Rubus trivialis Southern dewberry N x x Sabal palmetto Cabbage palm N x Sabatia stellaris Rose-of-Plymouth N x Saccharum giganteum Sugarcane plumegrass N x Sagittaria graminea Grassy arrowhead N x Sagittaria latifolia Broadliaf arrowhead, Common arrowhead, duck potato N x Salix caroliniana Coastal Plain willow N x Samolus valerandi subsp. parviflorus Pineland pimpernel N x Schinus terebinthifolia Brazilian pepper √I x Schizachyrium rhizomatum Rhizomatous bluestem N x Scleria reticularis Netted nutrush N 2009 2020 Scientific Name (prior name)Common Names NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Scoparia dulcis Sweetbroom, Licoriceweed N x x Serenoa repens Saw palmetto N x Setaria parviflora (=S. geniculata)Knotroot foxtail, Yellow bristlegrass N x Sideroxylon celastrinum Saffron plum, Bumelia N x Sideroxylon reclinatum Florida bully, Buckthorn N x x Smilax auriculata Earleaf greenbrier N x Solanum viarum Tropical soda apple √i x x Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweed √II x Stenotaphrum secundatum St. Augustine grass √ x Stillingia aquatica Corkwood; water toothleaf N x Stillingia sylvatica Queensdelight N x Swietenia mahagoni West Indian mahogany N T S3 x Syagrus romanzoffiana Queen palm √II x Taxodium ascendens Pond cypress N x Taxodium sp.cypress N x x Telmatoblechnum serrulatum (=Blechnum serrulatum) Swamp fern N x x Thalia geniculata Alligatorflag; Fireflag N x Thelypteris sp.Shield fern N x x Tillandsia balbisiana Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf N T x x Tillandsia fasciculata Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant N E x x Tillandsia paucifolia Potbelly airplant N x x Tillandsia recurvata Ball-moss N x x Tillandsia setacea Thin-leaved wild-pine, Southern needleleaf N x x Tillandsia usneoides Spanish-moss N x x Toxicodendron radicans Eastern poison-ivy N x Tridax procumbens Coatbuttons √ x x Urena lobata Caesarweed √II x Vicia acutifolia Sand vetch, Fourleaf vetch N x Viola lanceolata Bog white violet N x x Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine, Muscadine grape N x Woodwardia virginica Virginia chain fern N x Xyris jupicai Richard's yelloweyed grass √ 75 152 139 33 3 1 15 Sources. Scentific plant names and Native/Not-Native status is according to the Atlas of Florida Plants website as of July 2020. State status is from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 2018 list. FNAI category is from Florida Natural Areas Inventory April 2019 list. FLEPPC category is from the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council 2019 list. Count State Codes: E=Endangered, T=Threatened FNAI Codes: S1=critically imperiled; S2=imperiled because of rarity; S3=very rare in Florida or restricted range FLEPPC Codes: Category I = species has altered native plant communities; Category II = species with increasing abundance or frequency DRAFT Five year update-Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 59 Appendix 3. Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Alligator Flag Preserve Report for 1 Matrix Unit: 40546 Descriptions DOCUMENTED - There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this Matrix Unit. DOCUMENTED-HISTORIC - There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this Matrix Unit; however the occurrence has not been observed/reported within the last twenty years. LIKELY - The species or community is known to occur in this vicinity, and is considered likely within this Matrix Unit because: 1. documented occurrence overlaps this and adjacent Matrix Units, but the documentation isn’t precise enough to indicate which of those Units the species or community is actually located in; or 2. there is a documented occurrence in the vicinity and there is suitable habitat for that species or community within this Matrix Unit. POTENTIAL - This Matrix Unit lies within the known or predicted range of the species or community based on expert knowledge and environmental variables such as climate, soils, topography, and landcover. Matrix Unit ID: 40546 0 Documented Elements Found 0 Documented-Historic Elements Found 3 Likely Elements Found Scientific and Common Names Global Rank State Rank Federal Status State Listing Mesic flatwoods G4 S4 N N Mycteria americana Wood Stork G4 S2 LE LE Puma concolor coryi Florida Panther G5T1 S1 LE LE Matrix Unit ID: 40546 18 Potential Elements for Matrix Unit 40546 Scientific and Common Names Global Rank State Rank Federal Status State Listing Andropogon arctatus Pine-woods Bluestem G3 S3 N LT Athene cunicularia floridana Florida Burrowing Owl G4T3 S3 N LS Appendix 3 (continued). Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Alligator Flag Preserve DRAFT Five year update-Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 60 Scientific and Common Names Global Rank State Rank Federal Status State Listing Corynorhinus rafinesquii Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat G3G4 S2 N N Drymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake G3 S3 LT LT Elytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia Narrow-leaved Carolina Scalystem G4T2 S2 N N Eumops floridanus Florida bonneted bat G1 S1 N LE Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LT Lechea cernua Nodding Pinweed G3 S3 N LT Linum carteri var. smallii Small's flax G2T2 S2 N LE Mustela frenata peninsulae Florida Long-tailed Weasel G5T3 S3 N N Nemastylis floridana Celestial Lily G2 S2 N LE Picoides borealis Red-cockaded Woodpecker G3 S2 LE LS Polyrrhiza lindenii Ghost Orchid G2G4 S2 N LE Pteroglossaspis ecristata Giant Orchid G2G3 S2 N LT Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Snail Kite G4G5T3Q S2 LE LE Sceloporus woodi Florida Scrub Lizard G3 S3 N N Sciurus niger avicennia Mangrove Fox Squirrel G5T2 S2 N LT Ursus americanus floridanus Florida Black Bear G5T2 S2 N LT* Disclaimer The data maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory represent the single most comprehensive source of information available on the locations of rare species and other significant ecological resources statewide. However, the data are not always based on comprehensive or site-specific field surveys. Therefore, this information should not be regarded as a final statement on the biological resources of the site being considered, nor should it be substituted for on-site surveys. FNAI shall not be held liable for the accuracy and completeness of these data, or opinions or conclusions drawn from these data. FNAI is not inviting reliance on these data. Inventory data are designed for the purposes of conservation planning and scientific research and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions. Unofficial Report These results are considered unofficial. FNAI offers a Standard Data Request option for those needing certifiable data. DRAFT Five year update-Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 61 Appendix 4. Existing and Proposed Preserves on the Terafina, Parklands and Mirasol Planned Unit Developments. The Alligator Flag Preserve is outlined in red. P:\CONSERVATION COLLIER\8 Land Management\Camp Keais Strand\InterimManagementPlans\CKS_DRAFT_3rdextension_IMP2020G:\CDES Planning Services\Land Development Services\Conservation Collier\Land Management\Camp Keais Strand\ IMP\Camp Keais Strand 2017.docx12/11/17 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Project Parcels Extended Interim Management Plan Second Third Extension Prepared By: Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program Parks & Recreation Department April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 2 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd. Naples, FL 34116 April 2018August 2020 Table of Contents 1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan………………………… 3 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities ……………………………….. 3 3.0 Interim Site Plan ………………………………………………………….… 3 3.1 Location and Site Description ………………………………………. 3 3.2 Signage……………………………….………………..……………. 4 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 Protection…………………………………….…… 4 4.2 Site Security……………………….………………………...………. 5 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan……………….….. 5 4.4 Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Resource Protection...……… 5 4.5 Public Access……………………………………….………….….... 6 4.6 Site Monitoring Plan………………………………………..…..…… 6 4.7 Partnerships…………………………………………………………. 6 5.0 Exhibits……………………………………………………………………..… 7 EXHIBIT 1: Location Map EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table EXHIBIT 4: SFWMD and Conservancy Ownerships EXHIBIT 5: Implementation Timeline April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 3 1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan The Camp Keais Strand project constitutes consists of 6 parcels totaling 32.5 acres within the linear wetland feature known as Camp Keais Strand. The Strand is a Rural Lands Stewardship Area (RLSA) Flowway Stewardship Aarea (FSA) of the Rural Lands Stewardship Area, which is a linear wetland feature known as the Camp Keais Strand. Three of the parcels are contiguous and three are non-contiguous. The properties were acquired between December 2008 and June 2009 for $2,500 per acre. Because there is no legal access established to the properties and physical access to this area is dangerous and difficult, staff has not visited the properties other than to view them from above by airplane. Folios and acreage: • 00229080005 – 5 acres • 00228760009 – 10 acres • 00229880001 – 2.5 acres • 00231080006 – 5 acres • 00230240009 – 5 acres • 00229720006 – 5 acres This extended interim management plan is intended to comply with the Conservation Collier ordinance which requires that an Interim Management Plan (IMP) be prepared, though lack of access to the properties prohibits staff from developing a plan for management actions. This extended IMP is also intended to be a means for revisiting these parcels every two years to determine if circumstances have changed and access for management is warranted and effective and efficient management actions can be taken to benefit these parcels. This document is intended to be the precursor to a final management plan, in the event that once access can be developed. Key Interim Management Objectives 1. Monitor the native habitat on site via yearly aerial photography 2. Explore opportunities for sale to or partnerships with another conservation agency or organization Action Plan 1a. Review aerials as they become available annually from the Collier County Property Appraiser’s Office to determine if there have been any changes to the area and if access potential has changed. Document any changes. 2a. Make contact with other conservation agencies and organizations with a presence in Collier County to determine if transfer to another agency for perpetual conservation would be appropriate. If such potential is realized, approach the Board of County Commissioners for direction. Contact SFWMD and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida annually to determine if there is potential for access or partnership of some kind for monitoring. April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 4 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities The Collier County Parks and Recreation DepartmentDivision, Conservation Collier Program, will be solely responsible for the Camp Keais Strand parcels project until determination of another course of action. 3.0 Interim Site Plan 3.1 Location and Site Description The Camp Keais Strand pProject pParcels are located south of Oil Well Road and east of Desoto Boulevard in Sections 31 and 32, Township 48 South, Range 29 East. They are situated within the Camp Keais Strand, a linear wetland feature that extends from Lake Trafford on the north and flows south through lands designated in the Collier County Land Development Code (Sec. 4.08.02) as the Rural Lands Stewardship (RLSA) Zoning Overlay District. Within this district, lands are further designated as Stewardship Sending Areas (SSA) and Stewardship Receiving Areas (SRA), and further into flowway and habitat stewardship areas. These parcels are within SSA/flowway Stewardship designated lands. The parcels are located outside of lands with overlay zoning of Special Treatment (ST) and not within the County’s Natural Resource Protection Areas (NRPA). Surrounding lands are zoned asfor agricultural and mostly owned in section-sized parcels and farmed by agribusiness. The Camp Keais Strand carries surface water from the Lake Trafford and Corkscrew Swamp areas southward through the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, and into the Gulf of Mexico at the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Collier County, Florida. To the best of staff knowledge as observed in airplane flyover in 2008, the parcels are comprised of cypress forest, freshwater marsh and mesic pine flatwood vegetation communities. 3.2 Signage Signage is not necessary at present because the parcels are very remote and there is no known public visitation occurring. 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases There are no known Easements, Concessions or Leases on the parcels owned by Collier County. 3.4 Structures No structures are known to be currently present on the parcels. No structures will be erected within the time span of this interim management plan. 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses Lands directly adjacent to the acquired Camp Keais project parcels are within the Camp Keais Strand and are all undeveloped wetlands. Lands within surrounding sections are a April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 5 mixture of farmed and undeveloped natural lands. Most of the land in the vicinity is owned by large agribusiness in section-sized parcels. The exception is that portions of the two Sections where these parcels are located, Sections 31 and 32, have been subdivided into parcels sized from under 1 acre to 80 acres which are owned by private individuals and organizations. The Conservancy of SW Florida owns 20 acres in Section 32, some of that which are adjacent to the Conservation Collier parcels. In 2007 the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) acquired 60 acres of fee simple lands in Section 31, justJust west of the westernmost parcel in the Camp Keais project. group, in Section 31, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) owns 60 acres of fee simple lands that were acquired in 2007. See Exhibit 4 for map of SFWMD and Conservancy of SW Florida- owned parcels. The SFWMD, along with all other Florida Water Management Districts, underwent an assessment of its fee-owned land holdings during 2013 in order to determine which parcels meet met its mission–critical responsibilities. Lands that were determined not to directly support the SFWMD’s core mission could be considered for alternative uses or recommended for surplus. A public evaluation process included the 60 acres owned by SFWMD in Camp Keais Strand. The Summary of comments and recommendations resulting were that the 60 acres “may be good candidates for exchange with Collier County.” As part of the assessment, SFWMD staff noted that the parcels lack any means of direct access and are consequently difficult to manage. 4.0 Interim Management Objectives 4.1 Natural Resource Protection Existing Vegetation: Staff used two methods to determine native plant communities present:; review of South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) electronic databases for Department of Transportation’s Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms (FLUCCS) (1994/1995); and photos from an airplane flyover in 2008. The electronic database identified: • FLUCCS 621 – Cypress • FLUCCS 641 – Freshwater marsh • FLUCCS 643 – Wet prairie • FLUCCS 624 – Cypress-pine-cabbage palm • FLUCCS 617 – Mixed wetland hardwoods • FLUCCS 411 – Pine flatwood The following native plant communities were observed during airplane flyover: • FLUCCS 621 – Cypress • FLUCCS 641 – Freshwater marsh • FLUCCS 411 – Pine flatwood April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 6 Unique Natural Features: The parcels lie within areas containing surface wetlands and cypress strands. Particular features are not known. Possible Listed Plant Species: Based on the Florida Natural Areas Inventory online Florida Biodiversity Matrix (20132020) http://www.fnai.org/biointro.cfm, the following plants are likely or potentially present on the Camp Keais parcels: Common name Scientific name State Rank State Listing Federal Listing pine- woods bluestem Andropogon arctatus S3 T n/a narrow-leaved carolina scalystem Elytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia S2 n/a n/a nodding pinweed Lechea cernua S3 T n/a clamshell orchid Encyclia cochleata var. triandra S2 E n/a Small’s flax Linum carteri var. smallii S2 E n/a celestial lilly Nemastylis floridana S2 E n/a ghost orchid Polyrrhiza lindenii S2 E n/a Florida royal palm Roystonea elata S2 E n/a S2-State imperiled; S3-State rare, restricted or otherwise vulnerable to extinction; E-Endangered; T-Threatened Documented Listed Wildlife Species: Based on the Florida Natural Areas Inventory online Florida Biodiversity Matrix (2020), the following wildlife species are documented: Common name Scientific name State Rank State Listing Federal Listing Florida panther Puma concolor coryi S1 E E S1-State critically imperiled; E-Endangered Possible Listed Wildlife Species: Based on the Florida Natural Areas Inventory online Florida Biodiversity Matrix (20132020), the following wildlife species are either documented or likely or potentially present on the Camp Keais parcels: Common name Scientific name State Rank State Listing Federal Listing Florida panther Puma concolor coryi S1 E E Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus S1 E E wood stork Mycteria americana S2 E E Florida burrowing owl Athene cunicularia floridana S3 SSC n/a eastern indigo snake Drymarchon couperi S3 T T little blue heron Egretta caerulea S4 SSC n/a April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 7 snowy egret Egretta thula S3 SSC n/a Florida bonneted bat Eumops floridanus S1 T PE gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus S3 T C red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis S2 E E snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus S2 E E Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat Corynorhinus rafinesquii S2 n/a n/a Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus S2 n/a n/a Florida Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata peninsulae S3 n/a n/a Florida Scrub Lizard Sceloporus woodi S2S3 n/a n/a Mangrove Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger avicennia S2 T n/a S1-State critically imperiled; S2-State imperiled; S3-State rare, restricted or otherwise vulnerable to extinction; S4- State apparently secure; E-Endangered; T-Threatened; SSC-Species of Special Concern 4.2 Site Security No site security measures are planned. 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan Exotics will not be managed on these parcels due to access difficulties, wetland conditions and the presence of significant surrounding seed source. Once exotic management starts, it must be continued or exotics will re-grow rapidly. Until reasonable access can be secured and it is determined that ongoing exotic maintenance is feasible and warranted no land management or maintenance will occur. 4.4 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection The Camp Keais Strand parcels are not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and no historical or archaeological sites appear to be present in the property. The County will notify the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any archaeological or historic resources are present on County-owned lands. If such properties 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). The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archaeological and historic sites within the Camp Keais Strand parcels will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 8 from the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. 4.5 Public Access Public access is not possible at this time due to the remote location and lack of access roads. 4.6 Site Monitoring Plan Monitoring of the parcels shall consist of review of aerial photographs annually to determine if there have been any changes. 4.7 Partnerships The SFWMD and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida are potential partners. April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 9 5.0 Exhibits EXHIBIT 1: Location Map EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 10 April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 11 EXHIBIT 3: Zoning Overlay Map April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 12 EXHIBIT 4: SFWMD and Conservancy Ownerships April 2018February August 2020 Conservation Collier Camp Keais Strand Interim Management Plan 13 EXHIBIT 5: Estimated Cost Table Management Element Initial Cost Annual Recurring Costs Comments Exotics Control tbd tbd The extent of exotic infestation is unknown as the property is inaccessible Conservation Collier signs 0 Signs are not necessary as the parcels are inaccessible Total tbd tbd Management is not feasible at this time P:\CONSERVATION COLLIER\8 Land Management\Camp Keais Strand\InterimManagementPlans\CKS_DRAFT_3rdextension_IMP2020G:\CDES Planning Services\Land Development Services\Conservation Collier\Land Management\Camp Keais Strand\ IMP\Camp Keais Strand 2017.docx12/11/17 EXHIBIT 5: Estimated Implementation Time Line Monitoring Site Visit Seek Partnerships Exotic Plant Treatment Completion of final management plan (or update of interim management plan if acquired parcels are still scattered) April- 1820 July- 1820 Oct-1820 Jan-1921 x April- 1921 July- 1921 Oct-1921 Jan-2022 x April- 2022 x G:\CDES Planning Services\Land Development Services\Conservation Collier\Land Management\McIlvane Marsh\Management Plans\IMP_Extension_Nov_2017 April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 2 Conservation Collier McIlvane Marsh Property Interim Management Plan Extension April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 3 April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 4 Prepared By: Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program Parks & Recreation Division 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd. Naples, FL 34116 April 2018September 2020 3rd 4th Extension Table of Contents 1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan ....................................................... 53 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities ..................................................................... 74 3.0 Interim Site Plan ................................................................................................................... 74 3.1 Location and Site Description ............................................................................................. 74 3.2 Signage ................................................................................................................................ 86 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases ..................................................................................... 96 Formatted: Centered Formatted: Left Formatted: Left April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 5 3.4 Structures ............................................................................................................................ 96 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses ................................................................................ 96 4.0 Interim Management Objectives ....................................................................................... 127 4.1 Natural Resource Protection ............................................................................................. 127 4.2 Site Security ...................................................................................................................... 138 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan.......................................................... 138 4.4 Debris Removal ................................................................................................................ 158 4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ............................................ 169 4.6 Listed Species Protection .................................................................................................. 169 4.7 Public Access .................................................................................................................... 169 4.8 Site Monitoring and Long Term Management Plan ......................................................... 169 4.9 Partnerships ....................................................................................................................... 179 5.0 Exhibits .............................................................................................................................. 1911 EXHIBIT 1: Location Map EXHIBIT 2: Northern Collier Seminole State Park Restoration Project Conceptual Plan EXHIBIT 3: Aerial Map with Florida Panther Telemetry Points EXHIBIT 4: McIlvane Marsh Close-up Aerial EXHIBIT 5: Estimated Cost Table for First Two Years EXHIBIT 6: Estimated Implementation Timeline 1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan The McIlvane Marsh project consists of 9 properties totaling 372.58 acres acquired between July 2007 and May 2017 with funds from the Conservation Collier Program (Exhibit 1). Collier County additionally owns, under the Transportation Department, a 20-acre parcel within the marsh donated as mitigation in 1999 (Folio number 00775760400). The State of Florida, under management by Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR), owns or is in the process of acquiring an additional 329 acres (in a mosaic pattern with Conservation Collier’s acquired lands) for a total of 719 acres currently or shortly to be in conservation status out of a total of approximately 807 acres within the marsh. There are six remaining privately-owned parcels totaling 78 acres; 68 acres located on the western side and 10 acres on the east side of the marsh. Conservation Collier parcels will be managed for conservation, protection, enhancement April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 6 of natural resources and for public outdoor recreation that will be compatible with the conservation, protection and enhancement of the site and the surrounding lands. Folio numbers and acreage of parcels owned by the Conservation Collier Program: • 00775080009 - 21.02 acres • 00775000005 – 40 acres • 00775440005 – 80 acres • 00775360004 – 80 acres • 00775680001 – 30 acres • 00775400003 – 70 acres • 00775480007 - 20 acres • 00775520006 - 19.54 acres • 00775560008 – 10 acres • 00775760002 – 2.02 acres Total Acres 372.58 There is currently no budget for outright acquisition; however, offsite alternatives to the Land Development Code’s on-site native vegetation retention requirements (LDC, Sec 3.05.07 H.1.f.iii.) offer a way for properties within McIlvane Marsh to be acquired and donated to Conservation Collier in lieu of developers retaining vegetation onsite at development projects. This interim management plan extension is intended to update the key management priorities and issues within the site identified in the September 2015April 2018 interim management plan and give continued direction for management through 2020.2. This document is intended to be the precursor to a final management plan, which will provide more specific aspects of site management once surrounding federal and state lands begin to undergo active management. Key Interim Management Objectives 1. Protect the native habitat on site Action Plan 1a. Maintain a temporary Conservation Collier Land sign at the Curcie Road access point to McIlvane Marsh area and evaluate the need for No Dumping / No Trespassing signs along internal rights of way. 1b. Meet and coordinate with surrounding conservation land managers and agencies for coordination of invasive exotic vegetation treatment, prescribed fire, and wildlife survey protocol development. 2. Develop Partnership agreement(s) for management with surrounding land owning agencies and private individuals Action Plan 2a. Coordinate with property owner agencies surrounding the Marsh, including Collier Seminole State Park, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (TTINWR) and RBNERR for long term management and public access cooperation. Formatted: Highlight Commented [MD1]: Summer, could you confirm this is still true? Formatted: Highlight April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 7 2b. If appropriate, write and execute a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), also known by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as a “Management Agreement,” for cooperative land management actions with appropriate adjoining agencies. 2c. Coordinate management of the 20-acre mitigation parcel acquired by Collier County in 1999 with Conservation Collier management. 3. Plan for appropriate public access. Action Plan 3a. Coordinate appropriate public use plan with RBNERR and TTINWR. 3b. Evaluate information regarding a verbal report from RBNERR staff about a possible area of lead contamination due to past discharge of firearms on state property that abuts Conservation Collier lands. If substantiated and warranted, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment can be done to determine the level of contamination, whether this presents a hazard for people or wildlife, and what the appropriate abatement steps are. 4. Determine resources necessary to manage the area for the dynamics and impacts associated with public access. 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities The McIlvane Marsh properties have not been officially named at present. McIlvane Marsh is the unofficial historic area name. Ten parcels totaling 372.58 acres are included within the portfolio of properties assigned to the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department, with the Conservation Collier Program responsible for direct management of these lands. Conservation Collier Program staff will handle day to day management activities and will seek to cooperate and form partnerships with adjoining land-owner local, state and federal agencies and to obtain various types of grants for management and public use activities where possible. 3.0 Interim Site Plan 3.1 Location and Site Description The McIlvane Marsh is an 800-acre mangrove salt marsh generally located northeast of Marco Island and southwest of the intersection of U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) and County Road 92 (San Marco Road) in Sections 29 and 30, Township 51 South, Range 27 East, Collier County, Florida. The McIlvane Marsh area can be accessed via Curcie Road, which turns north off C.R. 92 approximately 1.8 miles south of U.S. 41. The first 800 feet of Curcie Road is County-maintained right-of-way (ROW). Curcie road continues beyond the County-maintained ROW as an unpaved private access road to the north edge of the McIlvane Marsh, curves west and continues for approximately 2.1 miles to a terminus point in the northwestern portion of the marsh. This unpaved road can be used to legally and physically access Conservation Collier lands, though it traverses over lands owned by The State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, managed by RBNERR. There are several other non-contiguous portions of public ROW dedicated along the edges of Conservation Collier properties within the marsh; however, there are no actual roadways in these locations. Formatted: Caption, Tab stops: Not at 0" April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 8 McIlvane Marsh is situated near and is expected to be influenced by the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, a sub-project of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project. The project area includes 55,000 acres located between Alligator Alley and Tamiami Trail in southeastern Collier County and involves plugging canals, building and operating pump stations, placing culverts under the Tamiami Trail, removing old road beds and removing exotic vegetation. The goal of the project is to improve estuarine water quality by increasing groundwater recharge and reducing large and unnatural freshwater inflows to the estuaries along the southwest Florida coast. While this project does not directly affect the County’s parcels within the McIlvane Marsh area, it is expected to increase surface water in the general area. There is additionally planned, but with portions as yet unfunded, a Picayune Strand Restoration “protection feature” project involving enhancing existing culverts under the Tamiami Trail close to C.R. 92 and further spreading sheet flow into the McIlvane Marsh area. The culverts under Tamiami Trail between C.R. 92 and S.R. 29 were enhanced in 2005. Remaining proposed tasks include enhancing the canal along the east side of McIlvane Marsh and diverting some of that canal flow west into the marsh on state lands adjoining Conservation Collier parcels (Conceptual Project Map - Exhibit 2). There are no actions required on the County’s part to accommodate this project; however, if and when completed, it is expected to provide an overall environmental benefit to the entire McIlvane Marsh. McIlvane Marsh is a tidally influenced wetland consisting primarily of open marsh and mangrove wetlands with small upland island areas, primarily on its northern and eastern edges (Exhibit 3). Approximately 15-acres of pine flatwood uplands exist on the north side of the marsh and 6 acres of cleared uplands exist on the eastern edge of the marsh where a communication tower site is located. This communication tower, owned by a private entity, sits on a ten-acre parcel surrounded by Conservation Collier lands on the eastern side of McIlvane Marsh. Also on the eastern side of the marsh, in what were historically uplands, state mitigation lands contain a 51-acre borrow-pit lake created as a result of limestone fill mining which occurred under Collier County Excavation Permit number 59.145 (Marco Woods) issued in July 1982, South Florida Water Management District Water Use Permit No. 110589335, issued in November 1982, and US Army Corps of Engineers dredge and fill permit No. 82J-10657, issued in April 1983. Another, older approximately 1-acre borrow pit created between 1963 and 1973 lies on the north-central side of the marsh on Conservation Collier lands. Vegetation communities present within the marsh include, in order of dominance: mangrove swamp, saltwater marsh, inland ponds or sloughs, and pine flatwoods. 3.2 Signage An access gate exists at the end of the paved portion of Curcie Road, approximately 800 feet off C.R. 92 (Figure 1). A temporary sign identifying Collier County Conservation Land is posted at the gate. Temporary No Trespassing / No Dumping signs may also be posted along the unpaved portion of Curcie Road. All landowners, including Conservation Collier, are able to put signs onto the main gate. Curcie Road gate April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 9 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases As noted previously, there is legal and physical access to Conservation Collier properties via public ROW along Curcie Road and via ROW dedications. Additionally, there are several non- contiguous portions of public ROW dedicated along the edges of properties within the marsh which have no physical roadway existing. No other easements, concessions or leases exist on the parcel or are proposed for the future, unless they further conservation objectives, such as a conservation easement. 3.4 Structures The 800-acre marsh area is undeveloped and covered with natural vegetation except for three communication towers and a small building that houses communication equipment on a ten-acre privately owned property. Additionally, there is an 2.02-acre homestead with an abandoned recreational motor vehicle located north of the 80-acre former Trinh parcel. State and Army Corps permits issued in the 1980’s authorized the construction of a berm separating the mining project from State surface waters on the south side of the limestone fill mine excavation. The State of Florida, as part of mitigation for development projects in the local area, has completed berm breaches and installation of geo-web crossings and culverts under the access road to allow for overland flow of water in the marsh. This project was conducted on state lands; however, the benefits are expected to extend to County-owned lands. 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses The Marsh is surrounded on the east, south and west by state and federal conservation lands; Collier Seminole State Park to the east, TTINWR to the south and RBNERR to the west. Parcels adjoining the northern boundary of the marsh include undeveloped Agriculturally-zoned lands, Fiddler’s Creek Planned Unit Development (PUD) and JDs Auto Ranch, an automotive recycling and dismantling yard (Exhibit 3). In addition to the lands acquired by the Conservation Collier Program, Collier County owns a 20-acre mitigation parcel on the western side of the marsh that is between Conservation Collier lands on both its east and west boundaries. The State of Florida/RBNERR owns, or will shortly own, 399 acres in a mosaic pattern with Conservation Collier lands. Figure 1: Curcie Road Gate Formatted: Caption, Left, Tab stops: Not at 0" Formatted: Font color: Auto April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 10 April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 11 Figure 11 Adjacent Conservation Lands Formatted: Keep with next Formatted: Font color: Auto Formatted: Caption Formatted: Font color: Auto April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 12 4.0 Interim Management Objectives 4.1 Natural Resource Protection Existing Vegetation: • Ground Cover: Mangrove areas do not appear to have ground cover. Scattered upland areas may contain ground cover similar to that observed on parcels located off Curcie Road along the eastern side of the marsh area. Plants observed include: beakrush (Rhynchospora sp.), leather fern (Arostichum spp.), swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum), and white beggar-ticks (Bidens alba), shiny blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) and common cattail (Typha latifolia). • Midstory: Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), black mangroves (Avicennia germinans), white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), winged sumac (Rhus copallina), myrsine (Myrsine floridana), saltbush (Baccharis angustifolia and B. halimifolia), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) and scattered small cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto). • Canopy: Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), black mangroves (Avicennia germinans), white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) and buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), an approximate 15-acre area of slash pine (Pinus eliotti var densa) and several acres of wetland hardwoods are identified in the electronic FLUCCS record. Unique Natural Features: There are no known unique natural features. Listed Plant Species: Listed plant species observed onsite includeNo listed plant species have been directly identified. state-threatened twisted airplant (Tillandsia flexuosa) (Figure 4), Florida butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis) (Figure 3), cardinal airplant (Tillandsia fasciculata), reflexed wild pine (Tillandsia balbisiana), and the endangered giant airplant (Tillandsia utriculata), Listed Wildlife Species: Listed wildlife species include those found on the Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants 50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12, November 2005 (USFWS) or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) federal or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) Florida’s Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Species of Special Concern, July 2009state’s Figure 4. State-threatened twisted airplant in McIlvane Marsh Figure 22 Florida butterfly orchid in McIlvane Marsh Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Caption, Left Formatted: Font color: Auto Formatted: Font color: Auto Formatted: Caption, Left April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 13 imperiled species lists (last updated 2018).. The following listed wildlife species have been observed or documented within McIlvane Marsh or are present on adjacent lands: COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS FWCC USFWS American alligator Alligator mississippiensis T - due to similarity of appearance American crocodile Crocodylus acutus T Eastern Indigo snake Drymarchon couperi T Gopher tortoise Gopherus Polyphemus T Black skimmer Rynchops niger T Crested caracara Caracara cheriway T Snowy egret Egretta thula SSC Wood Stork Mycteria americana ET Tri-colored heron Egretta tricolor SSCT Little blue heron Egretta caerulea SSC Roseate spoonbill Platalea ajaja T Florida sandhill crane Grus canadensis T Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus DELISTED but special rule F.A.C. 68A-16.002 Everglades snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus E White-crowned pigeon Patagioenas leucocephala T West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus T Florida panther Puma concolor coryi E Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus Listed in other states but not in Florida E=Endangered / T= Threatened / SSC= Species of Special Concern 4.2 Site Security In February 2009, a group of trespassers shot and killed a number of wading birds in the marsh, some of them listed species. Security is now being provided by limiting access via a heavy-duty gate, installed by RBNERR, at the north end of the bridge that is located at the south end of the paved portion of Curcie Road. Conservation Collier, RBNERR, and TTINWR staff and the seven owners of private properties within the marsh have the access code. If it is determined that passive public use of the area will feasible, appropriate public access can be provided. 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan Invasive, exotic plants present include, in order of dominance: Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), Australian pine (Casuarina sp.), Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquinerva), climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum), Java plum (Sygyium cumini) and other Florida Exotic Pest Plan Council (FLEPPC) category 1 and 2 exotic plants. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was to coordinate a mitigation project involving exotic removal adjacent to the 29.33-acre April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 14 Conservation Collier parcel (f/k/a Triangle Leasing Corp.) adjoining Curcie Road. Additionally, the State of Florida (via RBNERR) was to implement a mitigation project (for the Artesa Pointe project) to accept and manage 70 acres of wetlands and uplands within McIlvane Marsh. Capitalizing on these adjacent projects, in 2009, Conservation Collier staff received a USFWS Partners grant match award of $21,500 to remove exotic vegetation on the 80-acre parcel along the north side of the marsh (f/k/a the Trinh parcel). Although some exotic removal occurred within the marsh on state-owned parcels, TTINWR and RBNERR land management focus has now shifted away from McIlvane Marsh. As a result, Conservation Collier staff shifted the USFWS Partners funding to Railhead Scrub Preserve. Staff will continues to seek to coordinate overall exotic vegetation removal and management on adjoining Conservation Collier lands with RBNERR and TTINWR to achieve potential economies of scale. Until the surrounding property owners begin consistent management of adjoining lands, staff recommends against exotic plant removal efforts on Conservation Collier parcels within McIlvane Marsh. In 2019, partnership discussions between adjacent landowners at RBNERR, USFWS, Conservation Collier and Collier Seminole State Park took place to collaborate on large scale targeting of the area for exotic removal and prescribed burning. In 2019, Conservation Collier staff applied for and were awarded $97,245.9 in funding assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Invasive Plant Management Section (IPMS) to treat 134.1 acres of the preserve. This treatment area is shown in blue and yellow in (Figure 5) Figure 5. 2019-2020 Exotic Treatment Area Formatted: Keep with next Formatted: Font color: Auto April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 15 Initial ground inspection of the treatment area as well as monitoring through aerial imagery indicated large pockets with substantial infestation by exotic climbing fern and a significant cover class of the mangrove and upland islands with Brazilian Pepper. Figure 6. May 2020 Post Treatment of Invasive Lygodium Conservation Collier staff applied for and were awarded funding assistance through a USFWS Partner’s Grant match award to be used in 2021 for $10,000. These funds will be used to enhance a retreatment of the management units. Partner Updates In Spring of 2019, partners at Collier Seminole State Park carried out a 700-acre prescribed burn of the units along the eastern boundary of Conservation Collier and RBNERR lands. Conservation Collier staff assisted on this prescribed burn. This reduction of fuel and management of the natural lands adjacent to McIlvane Marsh will be instrumental to conducting further prescribed burning In Spring of 2020, partners at RBNERR applied for and were awarded funding assistance through the FWC IPMS to treat exotics within 50 acres adjacent to Conservation Collier lands. This treatment will take place in Spring 2021 and help to reduce the source of some exotics and reduce long-term maintenance costs for adjacent Collier County lands. In Summer of 2020, partners at USFWS donated equipment and labor along a 1.5 mile stretch of the Curcie Rd access road to masticate invasive woody growth that has been inhibiting land management access, improve habitat for listed wildlife species, and install a safe firelinefire line for future controlled-burn opportunities. 4.4 Debris Removal This area has been historically prone to trespass and illegal dumping. Much of the debris from past dumping has already been removed as part of restoration work done by the State of Florida and by individual property owners. The heavy duty gate installed on Curcie Road will protect Conservation Collier lands from dumping until an appropriate public access plan can be prepared. In order to further minimize illegal dumping, RBNERR and TTINWR moved the gate to the very south end of Curcie Road, to the very north end of the bridge that connects to C.R. 92. “No Dumping” signs and a fence may need to be installed. To date, the gate has been effective at deterring trespass and dumping. Formatted: Font: Not Bold Formatted: Left Formatted: Keep with next Formatted: Font color: Auto Formatted: Font: Italic Formatted: Font: Not Bold Formatted: Left April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 16 4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection A Section, Township, and Range query of the Florida Master Site File for Sections 29 & 30, T51S, R27E, with result received on July 22, 2009, shows no recorded historical or archaeological sites present within the search area. However, the search area may contain unrecorded archeological sites, historical structures or other resources. 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 Many of the listed species present in McIlvane Marsh are birds. Any bird rookeries present on or adjacent to Conservation Collier land will be protected by signage stating “Protection Area-No- Entry.” An active wading bird rookery exists within 0.5 miles of the preserve and is actively monitored by RBNERR staff on an annual basis. Land management activities will be carried out to restore and improve the surrounding wetland habitat to facilitate wading bird foraging and rearing of nestlings. Florida panther have been recorded sutilizing the protected lands of the preserve, particularly use the northern portions of the marsh, as evidenced by FWCC telemetry data (2008 2019 GIS telemetry layer) (Exhibit 3). A known American crocodiles nest exists within 1.5within .15 miles of the boundary of McIlvane Marsh, at the Marco Airport. and the preserve likely does or will in the future serve as habitat for dispersing young. In winter of 2020 staff observed an active bald eagle nest within 1000ft of the preserve property boundary. The nest observation and location data was submitted to FWC, USFWS, and adjacent property managers. In light of regular observations of listed species utilizing the preserve lands, sStaff will coordinate with surrounding state and federal agencies to continue to determine appropriate protection actions and propose these within when a Final Management Plan is drafted. 4.7 Public Access At present, there are no public access facilities within McIlvane Marsh. Staff has the gate combination and can provide limited access to County-owned parcels within the marsh area by appointment until comprehensive public access plans can be developed in concert with RBNERR and TTINWR. No existing trails exist within the preserve lands and site remains significantly flooded year-round. Staff will evaluate the site to determine potential public uses as part of the development of a final management plan. 4.8 Site Monitoring and Long Term Management Plan Monitoring of the site shall consist of a walk-through by staff at semi-annual intervals. Any treatment and retreatment of exotic vegetation is dependent on the planned management activities of adjacent agency lands.. Conservation Collier shall be responsible for this treatment - with tasks contracted out as deemed necessary. Prior to any land management activities, photo monitoring points will also be established at strategic locations within the project area to monitor vegetation Formatted: Not Highlight April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 17 communities. Wildlife surveys shall be developed and coordinated with surrounding conservation agencies to determine monitoring plan goals, techniques and parameters. The overall goal of wildlife monitoring shall be for developing, evaluating, and guiding future management actions necessary to enhance and protect wildlife habitat. 4.9 Partnerships Staff will seek out and evaluate potential for partnerships for conservation, protection, and education. 4.10 Fire Management RBNERR reports that there are fire dependent communities on their parcels adjoining Conservation Collier lands and that they may, in the future, apply prescribed fire to these areas. Staff will evaluate the potential for prescribed burning on County-owned lands and seek to coordinate with RBNERR on all fire management issues. April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 18 April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 19 5.0 Exhibits EXHIBIT 1: Location Map April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 20 Formatted: Left April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 21 EXHIBIT 2: Northern Collier Seminole State Park Restoration Project Conceptual Plan Formatted: Centered April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 22 EXHIBIT 3: Aerial Map with Florida Panther Telemetry Points April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 23 April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 24 EXHIBIT 4: McIlvane Marsh Close-up AerialAerial Location Formatted: Left April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 25 April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 26 EXHIBIT 5: Estimated Cost Table for Two Years Management ElementEstimated Time Initial CostEstimated Cost Annual Recurring CostsFunding Source Comments Spring 2020 $97,245.95 *Actual Costs FWC IPMS Initial Exotics Treatment of 134.1 acres within McIlvane Marsh Summer 2020Annual Road Maintenance $50,000 *Estimated Value of In- Kind Services USFWS$500 In-kind labor and equipment to remove exotics and improve access by mowing Curcie access road$500 is based on fire line mowing fee of $.10 per linear foot (5,000 ft). Winter 2021 $10,000 USFWS Partner’s Grant Re- treatment of Spring 2020 Initial Winter 2021 $10,000 Collier County Partner’s Grant Matching Funds for Formatted: Font: Bold April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 27 targeted Maintenance Treatment Spring 2021 $50,000 FWC IPMS Treatment of Curcie Road Exotics following mechanical removal Winter 2022 $6,000 Collier County Aerial Ignitions for Multi-Agency Prescribed Burn of treatment area Spring 2022 $50,000 TBD Maintenance Treatment of 134.1 acres Total $66,000 $500 Potential Collier County Funded Management Costs** Value includes discretionary and potentially needed items Formatted: Font: Bold Formatted: Font: Bold Formatted Table G:\CDES Planning Services\Land Development Services\Conservation Collier\Land Management\McIlvane Marsh\Management Plans\IMP_Extension_Nov_2017 EXHIBIT 6: Estimated Implementation Time Line April 2018September 2020 Conservation Collier: McIlvane Marsh IMP Extension 29 Monitoring Site Visit Seek Partnerships Completion of final management plan (or update of interim management plan if no active management is planned for adjoining properties) Jan-18 x July-18 x Jan-19 x x July-19 x Jan-20 x x x April - 20 x Aug-20 x x Nov-20 x x Apr-21 x Sep-21 x Apr-22 x x Aug-22 x x x Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Managed by: Conservation Collier Program Collier County, Florida August 2020July 2009 – August 2030July 2019 (10-yr plan) 10 yearRevised 5 year Update August 2020 June 2015 Prepared by: Conservation Collier Program Staff Collier County Parks and Recreation Division Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 2 Red Root Preserve Land Management Plan Executive Summary Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Conservation Collier Program Property included in this Plan: “Red Root Preserve” 9.26-acres. The preserve consists of two adjoining parcels of 4.63-acres each in Section 23, Township 47 South, and Range 27 East of Collier County, Florida. Management Responsibilities: Agency: Collier County - Conservation Collier Program Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource based recreation Unique Features: Plant communities include pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh with shrub, brush & vines; two listed plant species recorded to date. Management Goals: Goal 1: Maintain high quality habitat with limited disturbance for the benefit of native flora and fauna Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and fauna Goal 2: Develop a baseline monitoring report Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna Goal 4: Maintain a Prescribed Fire Program Goal 5: Restore and maintain native habitats Goal 6: Maintain preserve and monitor public use Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness Public Involvement: A public meeting was held in the spring of 2009 and in September 2020 with residents and neighbors from surrounding lands to review Final Management Plan. Staff will also coordinate management activities with the Corkscrew Island Neighborhood Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 3 Association and Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. A public meeting will be held in the Fall of 2020 if the current Covid-19 guidelines allow. Table of Contents Land Management Plan Executive Summary ................................................................ 2 List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... 4 List of Figures .................................................................................................................... 5 List of Appendices ............................................................................................................. 5 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 6 1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority .............. 7 1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan ..................................................................................................... 7 1.3 Location of the Red Root Preserve Preserve ........................................................................ 7 1.4 Regional Significance of the Red Root Preserve Preserve .................................................. 8 1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources ..................................................... 9 1.6 Public Involvement ............................................................................................................... 10 2.0 Natural Resources...................................................................................................... 11 2.1 Physiography ......................................................................................................................... 11 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ..................................................................................... 11 2.1.2 Geology ............................................................................................................................ 11 2.1.3 Soils .................................................................................................................................. 12 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management ........................................................................................ 13 2.2 Climate ................................................................................................................................... 14 2.3 Natural Plant Communities ................................................................................................. 14 2.3.1 Uplands: Pine Flatwoods .................................................................................................. 16 2.3.2 Wetlands: Freshwater Marsh with Shrub, Brush & Vines ............................................... 17 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species ......................................................................................... 17 2.4.1 Plant Species ..................................................................................................................... 18 2.4.2 Animal Species ................................................................................................................. 18 2.5 Listed Species ........................................................................................................................ 19 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species ...................................................................................................... 2019 2.5.2 Listed Animal Species .................................................................................................. 2221 2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species ..................................................................... 2221 2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species ............................................................................. 2221 2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species ......................................................................... 2322 3.0 Previous Conditions of the Preserve; Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent Land Uses .............................................................................................................. 2726 3.1 Previous Conditions of the Preserve ............................................................................... 2726 3.2 Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent Land Uses .................................................. 2827 Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 4 3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ....................................... 2928 3.4 Management Activities during Previous Years .............................................................. 3029 4.0 Future Use of the Red Root Preserve including Management Issues, Goals and Objectives .............................................................................................................. 3029 4.1 Management Plan Framework ........................................................................................ 3029 4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information....................................................................... 3129 4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts ............................................................. 3130 4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources ......................................................... 3130 4.3 Desired Future Conditions ............................................................................................... 3231 4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2009-2019 .......................................................................... 3231 4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Red Root Preserve ............................................ 4442 4.5.1 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 4442 4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources ............................................................. 4442 4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors ....................................................................................................................................... 4845 5.0 Literature Cited ..................................................................................................... 4946 List of Tables Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of the Red Root Preserve ................................................ 6 Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Red Root Preserve ......................................................... 10 Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities on the Red Root Preserve ....................................... 15 Table 4: Faunal Species Recorded on the Red Root Preserve ...................................................... 18 Table 5: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Red Root Preserve ............................................ 2019 Table 6: Invasive Plant Species within the Red Root Preserve Preserve ................................. 2322 Table 7: Management Activities since the Acquisition of the Red Root Preserve .................. 3029 Table 8: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Red Root Preserve FLEPPC Category I species………………………………………………………………………3735 Table 9: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget ............................................................ 4543 Table 10: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities .......................... 4845 Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 5 List of Figures Figure 1: General Location of the Red Root Preserve . .................................................................. 8 Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County, Florida Including Lands Owned by Conservation Collier. ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of the Red Root Preserve ..................... 10 Figure 4: Aerial View of the Red Root Preserve Preserve Showing Delineation of Parcels........ 12 Figure 5: Soil Units on the Red Root Preserve ............................................................................. 13 Figure 6: Extent of Plant Communities Currently Found on the Red Root Preserve. .................. 15 Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1973 of the Red Root Preserve ......................... 2726 Figure 8: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1993 of the Red Root Preserve ........................ 2827 Figure 9: Areas Adjacent to the Red Root Preserve ................................................................ 2928 Figure 10: Southern boundary of the Red Root Preserve showing the location of the ditch and Immokalee Road ................................................................................................................ 3432 Figure 11: Photo Point Locations within the Red Root Preserve Preserve.............................. 3635 Figure 12: Red Root Preserve CMaster Plan ........................................................................... 4341 List of Appendices Appendix 1: Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Red Root Preserve Appendix 2: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 6 1.0 Introduction The Red Root Preserve is a 9.26-acre natural area comprised of two parcels (4.63-acres each; Folio numbers: 00095520003 and 00095480004) within the boundary of Collier County, Florida. Native plant communities within the preserve include pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh. The preserve was originally referred to as the Brochu Property until the Board of County Commissioners approved the new name of Limpkin Marsh Preserve in August 2009. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary then reported to staff that several visitors had complained that they would visit the preserve and would not see actual Limpkins so they requested we change the name. As of September 2011, the final name for the preserve was changed to the Red Root Preserve. A site assessment to determine compliance with Conservation Collier’s initial screening criteria was conducted in September 2005 and the Conservation Collier Program purchased the property on August 25, 2006. Collier County’s Public Utilities Engineering Department paid $20,000 of the total price ($460,000) of the preserve to secure a 100-foot by 150-foot utility easement over the northwest corner of the western parcel (Folio number 00095520003). Collier County holds a fee simple title to the Red Root Preserve. The Conservation Collier program manages these lands under authority granted by Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63 as amended (2007-65; available from www.municode.com). Initial acquisition activities are summarized in Table 1. Conservation, restoration and natural resource-based recreation are the designated uses of this preserve. Management activities allowed include those necessary to preserve, restore, secure and maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these management goals. Final management plans are considered living documents and can be updated at any time. All management plans must be approved by both the CCLAAC and the Collier County BCC. The original Final Management Plan was approved in 2009. Theis is the five-year update to the plan was completed in 2015. This is the 10-year update to the plan. Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Red Root Preserve Year Benchmark 2005 Property nominated to the Conservation Collier Program 2005 Initial Criteria Screening Report accepted by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) 2006 Purchase approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and parcels purchased. 2006 Interim Management Plan completed 2007 Interim Management Plan approved by BCC 2009 Final Management Plan completed 2009 Preserve named Limpkin Marsh Preserve by the BCC 2010 Conducted Prescribed Burn 2011 Preserve Renamed the Red Root Preserve 2015 5-year update to the Final Management Plan 2020 10-year update to the Final Management Plan Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 7 1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority The Conservation Collier program was originally approved by voters in November 2002 and subsequently confirmed in the November 2006 ballot referendum. Both voter-approved referendums enable the program to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vital and significant threatened natural lands, forest, upland and wetland communities located in Collier County, Florida for the benefit of present and future generations (Ordinance 2002-63, as amended). Properties must support at least two of the following qualities to qualify for consideration: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood control, water quality protection, and listed species habitat. The BCC appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to consider any selected or nominated properties that an owner has indicated a willingness to sell. The committee recommends property purchases for final approval by the BCC. Lands acquired with Conservation Collier funds are titled to “COLLIER COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier program.” The BCC established the Conservation Collier program to implement the program and to manage acquired lands. As such, Conservation Collier holds management authority for the Red Root Preserve. 1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction for the Red Root Preserve by identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or minimize any threats to the resources and integrity of the preserve. This text is a working document that establishes the foundation of the ten-year plan by identifying the appropriate management techniques necessary to restore and preserve the resource. This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with natural resource-based recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs, listed species protection and maintenance of the site free of invasive, exotic plant and animal species. This plan is divided into sections that incorporate an introduction, descriptions of the natural and cultural resources, projected uses of the property, management issues, and goals and objectives. 1.3 Location of the Red Root Preserve The Red Root Preserve is located approximately 15 miles east of Interstate 75 (I-75) on the north side of Immokalee Road (Figure 1). The preserve is in northern Collier County, Florida in Section 23, Township 47 South, and Range 27 East (Figure 1). The official address is 1330 Limpkin Road Naples, FL 34120. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 8 Figure 1: General Location of the Red Root Preserve. 1.4 Regional Significance of the Red Root Preserve Ecosystem services such as the protection of water resources, flood control, maintenance of nutrient cycles, preservation of biological diversity, carbon sequestration, and the availability of recreational lands are imperative for the well-being of the citizens of Collier County and may be achieved through the preservation of natural areas. As of March 2019 April 2008, approximately 686% (over 881,070 71,000 acres) of all lands in Collier County were protected in conservation areas (Figure 2) and managed by private, local, state and federal agencies (FNAI 20192008). Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program manages the 9.26-acre Red Root Preserve; it contains pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh with shrubs, brushes and vines. Specific information on the plant communities found on the Red Root Preserve may be found in section 2.3 (Natural Plant Communities) of this document. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 9 Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County, Florida Including Conservation Collier Lands. 1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources Currently, the closest preserved, natural area to the Red Root Preserve is Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is part of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, which is more than 42,000 acres in size and surrounds the Red Root Preserve just over one mile to the north, west, and southwest. These areas are held in both public and private conservation status, which include the headwaters for Collier County’s drinking water supplies. Other preserves, in order of increasing distance, are provided in Table 2. Figure 3 shows the locations of these nearby preserves. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 10 Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Red Root Preserve Name Approximate Distance (miles) Direction Type Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary 1.10 NW & W Private Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed 1.30 NE State Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed 1.50 SW State Panther Walk Preserve 2.45 SE Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Preserve (Boundary) 4.60 SW Conservation Collier Winchester Head (Boundary) 4.90 SE Conservation Collier Caracara Prairie Preserve 4.95 N/ NE Conservation Collier Pepper Ranch Preserve 5.13 NW Conservation Collier Alligator Flag Preserve 9.75 SW Conservation Collier Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Red Root Preserve 1.6 Public Involvement A public meetings wereas held in 2009 and in September 2020 to review the first version of the Final Management Plan. Notice was sent through direct mail to residents and other preserve managers within 2,000 feet of the preserve boundaries. Future public notices will be posted on the County website. Staff will seek to coordinate management actions, such as exotic removal, trail creation and prescribed burning with owners of adjoining lands including the Corkscrew Island Neighborhood Association, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary staff and possibly Boy and Girl Scout Troops. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 11 2.0 Natural Resources 2.1 Physiography The Red Root Preserve lies within the Floridian section of the Coastal Plain. The Coastal Plain extends from New Jersey to Texas and was formed mainly from sedimentary rocks deposited in marine environments (USGS 2004). 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology The site is located in the Southwestern Slope region of the South Florida Water Management District. The Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data layer provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center is a remote sensing system used to collect topographic data. This LIDAR layer has identified the Red Root Preserve to be at an elevation of 19 – 20 ft NAVD (North America Vertical Datum). The land then slopes westward toward the Gulf of Mexico. 2.1.2 Geology The geology of northern Collier County, where the Red Root Preserve is located, is characterized by complex sequences of interbeded sands, clays, and limestone. Closest to the surface is the Holocene aged Pamlico Sand Formation, approximately ten feet thick and composed primarily of unconsolidated quartz sand and some silt. The Pamlico Sand unconformably overlies the Pleistocene aged Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations, which vary from a few feet to more than twenty feet in thickness and are characterized by shelly and sandy limestone with vugs and solution cavities (Miller 1986). Below the Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations are the Ochopee and Buckingham Members of the Pliocene aged Tamiami Formation, which are at least 200 feet thick in the surrounding areas (Oaks & Dunbar 1974). The Ochopee Limestone unconformably overlies the Buckingham Limestone and/or the equivalent Cape Coral Clay. This unconformity marks the bottom of the surficial aquifer separating it from the brackish underlying aquifer below. Then the Hawthorn Formation, rich in phosphate and other heavy minerals (Scott 1988), overlies the Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone and Eocene age Ocala Limestone that form the Floridan Aquifer System in Southwestern Florida. The Red Root Preserve is located within the Southwestern Slope. Geologically, this is the dominant feature of Collier County (Campbell 1990). Figure 4 provides a current aerial view of the Red Root Preserve including the delineation of the two parcels that make up the preserve. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 12 Figure 4: Aerial View of the Red Root Preserve Showing Location of Easement 2.1.3 Soils Mapped soils on this parcel were identified as Immokalee fine sand & Holopaw and Okeelanta soils, depressional (Figure 5). Immokalee fine sand underlies approximately 78% of the Red Root Preserve. This non-hydric soil occupies the western portion of the preserve and a small portion in the northeast corner. Immokalee fine sand is a nearly level and poorly drained soil found in pine flatwoods. During extended dry periods, the water table may recede to a depth of 40+ inches, but under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is between a depth of 6-18 inches for 1 to 6 months. Natural vegetation consists of South Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) and chalky bluestem (Andropogon virginicus var. glaucus; Liudahl et al. 1990). Underlying approximately 22% of the Red Root Preserve, Holopaw and Okeelanta soils are level and very poorly drained resulting in depressions and marshes. During extended dry periods, the water table may recede to a depth of 12 to 40 inches, but under natural conditions, these soils are ponded for six or more months a year. Flora typically associated with these soils include: maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), rushes (Juncus spp.), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), fireflag (Thalia geniculata) and a few cypress trees.(Taxodium spp.; Liudahl et al. 1990). Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 13 Figure 5: Soil Units on the Red Root Preserve 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management Surface water flow from these properties generally flows south into the ditch along the north side of Immokalee Road. It then usually flows west and around the Immokalee Road curve until it joins sheet flow to the southwest into the Corkscrew Canal, then ultimately discharges into Naples Bay. These properties are on the edge of the Big Corkscrew Island, so preserving them provides for a delay in runoff of storm water. It also provides marginal area storage for when large storm events come, which we need in areas that are normally dry. Near the surface, the aquifer is highly permeable and the groundwater flows toward the west . However, permeability decreases downward from a porous limestone into poorly indurated sandstone cemented by micrite. The aquifer grades from freshwater downward into brackish water due to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the brackish water in the intermediate aquifer made primarily of Miocene aged sediments. Below that, the Hawthorne formation typically marks the upper boundary of the Floridan aquifer, which is contained within the underlying Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone (Lodge 2005). Groundwater levels have gone down during the recent decades due to drainage on a regional scale and water management for development purposes. This trend may be very difficult to Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 14 control and will gradually reduce the extent of the preserve that floods during the summer months and reduce the period of time the preserve wetlands are flooded during the year. The Surficial Aquifer is an aquifer close to the surface and unconfined, typically associated with the groundwater table. This aquifer is generally limited to smaller uses such as household or small agricultural uses. The Lower Tamiami aquifer is below this aquifer and is recognized as being useful for long-term water needs. According to the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) technical publication 95-02 (Fairbank & Hohner 1995), the Surficial Aquifer recharge capacity on the Red Root Preserve is moderate at 43 to 56 inches annually. The Lower Tamiami Aquifer recharge capacity on the preserve is relatively low at 7 to 14 inches annually. 2.2 Climate The Red Root Preserve is located in an area of Florida where humid subtropical and tropical savanna climatic patterns overlap, with temperatures moderated by winds from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Sharply delineated wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures greater than 64º Fahrenheit characterize a tropical savanna climate. Monthly rainfalls may exceed ten inches during the wet season. On the other hand, humid subtropical climates typically show less extreme rainfall fluctuations between wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures is less than 64º Fahrenheit in some months. The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75º Fahrenheit. The warmest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during these months but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures. Two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs in the wet season from May to October. Thunderstorms are frequent during the wet season, occurring every two out of three days between June and September. Rainfall records for the area indicate that there is not significant variation in the annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often occur during a single year. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June through November with peak activity occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are highest. 2.3 Natural Plant Communities The term “plant community” refers to the suite of floristic species that form the natural (i.e., native) vegetation of any place. In addition to anthropogenic influences, the combination of factors such as geology, topography, hydrology, underlying soils and climate determine the types of plants found in an area. These plants, in turn determine the animal species that may be found there. The Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) created by the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 1995 classifies plant communities and provides GIlayers for users to overlay on property boundaries and aerial images to better determine the plant communities found there. The FLUCCS designates two plant communities on the preserve: Pine Flatwoods (FLUCCS CODE 411) and Mixed Wetland Hardwoods, Mixed Shrubs (FLUCCS CODE 6172). Site visits by Conservation Collier staff revealed that the latter designation was Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 15 inaccurate; a more accurate description would be Freshwater Marsh with Shrub, Brush & Vines (FLUCCS CODE 6417). Staff created a new digital layer showing the location and extent of the native plant communities currently found on the preserve (Figure 6). Figure 6: Extent of Plant Communities Currently Found on the Red Root Preserve. The vegetation classification scheme of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) (1990) are presented in table 3. This table is based on the plant communities observed on the Red Root Preserve. The following subsections (2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3 and 2.3.4) provide information about the plant communities observed on the preserve. Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities on the Red Root Preserve FNAI Natural Community Type Global Rank State Rank Comments Mesic Flatwoods G4 S4 Also called Pine Flatwoods Basin Marsh G4 S4 Also called Freshwater Marsh G4: Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range); S4: Apparently secure in Florida (may be rare in parts of range). Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 16 2.3.1 Uplands: Pine Flatwoods A pine flatwood community (FLUCCS CODE 411) dominates approximately 78% of the Red Root Preserve (Figure 6). Pine flatwoods are one of the most wide-ranging terrestrial plant communities in Florida and consequently one of the most influenced by anthropogenic activities (Abrahamson & Hartnett 1990). Fire strongly influences the community structure and composition of these communities. The term pine flatwoods is a general categorization of areas that are dominated by various species of pine trees. Pine flatwoods may be found in mesic flatlands where the landscape is made up of flat, moderately well drained sandy substrates with a mixture of organic material, often with an underlying hardpan layer. An open canopy forest of widely spaced pine trees with little or no understory but a dense ground cover of herbs and shrubs characterize natural, mesic flatwoods that have been burned regularly (FNAI & FDNR 1990). The USDA Soil Conservation Service classification system refers to these areas as South Florida flatwoods. South Florida flatwoods are typically savannas, a type of plant community intermediate between forest and grassland. The structure and composition of the mesic pine flatwood community is dependent on periodic fires. Fire probably occurred every 1 to 8 years during pre-Columbian times. A majority of the flora and fauna found within this community are adapted to periodic fires; several species depend on fire for their continued existence. Without relatively frequent fires, mesic pine flatwoods succeed into hardwood-dominated forests whose closed canopy can essentially eliminate herbaceous groundcover and shrubs. Additionally, the dense layer of litter that accumulates on unburned sites can eliminate the reproduction of pine trees that require a mineral soil substrate for proper germination (FFWCC 2002). Mesic pine flatwoods are also called mesic flatwoods, pine savanna, cabbage palm savanna, and pine barrens. Immokalee fine sand underlies this part of the preserve. Common mesic pine flatwood species such as saw palmetto, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), cabbage palm and gallberry (Ilex glabra) are found in this portion of the preserve. Mesic flatwoods provide essential forested habitat for a variety of wildlife species including Neotropical migratory birds, wide-ranging large carnivores, mid-sized carnivores, ground- nesting vertebrates, tree-cavity dependent species, tree-nesting species and non-aquatic plant life. “At the current rate of habitat conversion, the mesic pine flatwoods, once the most abundant upland habitat in South Florida, is in danger of becoming one of the rarest habitats in South Florida” (USFWS 1999). Pine Flatwood Community within the Red Root Preserve. Photo taken by Annisa Karim Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 17 2.3.2 Wetlands: Freshwater Marsh with Shrub, Brush & Vines A freshwater marsh with shrubs, brushes and vines (FLUCCS CODE 6417) comprises approximately 22% of the Red Root Preserve and is located primarily in the eastern center portion of the preserve (Figure 6). Freshwater marshes are often scattered among upland, pine flatwoods communities and may therefore be referred to as flatwoods marshes. Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), swamp lily (Crinum americanum), giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium), and native wetland grasses dominate the freshwater marshes; Holopaw and Okeelanta soils comprise the majority of substrate of the freshwater marsh on the preserve. Freshwater marshes are wetlands usually dominated by herbaceous flora. In Florida, these marshes are influenced by their subtropical location, fluctuating water levels, frequency and intensity of fire, organic matter accumulation and hard water (Kushlan 1990). These factors, combined with the dominant species found within a marsh, dictate the category within which the marsh is placed. Six major categories of freshwater marshes are recognized in Florida. The marsh in the Red Root Preserve is within the “wet prairie” category. These marshes usually have a short (flooded less than 6 months) hydroperiod, a high (more than once every ten years) frequency of fire and low (few centimeters to non-existent) accumulation of organic material (Kushlan 1990). CurrentlyWhen the preserve was purchased, the marsh on the Red Root Preserve containeds and wais fringed by invasive, exotic trees – primarily Melaleuca quinquenervia. These invasive trees were removed and treated. Control measures for exotic plant species on the Red Root Preserve are discussed in section 4 of this document. Many animal species may be found within or around the perimeter of marshes. Invertebrates make up an important part of the food web and many avian species, especially wading birds, rely on the invertebrates as a primary source of food. The freshwater marsh within the preserve makes up a small portion of the total area but is valuable for the suite of species that may be found there. 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species The 9.26-acre Red Root Preserve contains pine flatwoods (approximately 78%) and a freshwater marsh (approximately 22%). This section discusses the flora and fauna found within these plant communities. The next section (2.5) discusses all listed species in greater detail. Fresh Water Marsh during the dry season on the Red Root Preserve. Note melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) trees fringing the marsh area. Photo taken by Annisa Karim. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 18 2.4.1 Plant Species To date, 167 58 plant species have been recorded on the preserve (Appendix 1). Conservation Collier staff conducted floristic inventories in September 2005 and February 2009. An updated survey was ill be conducted in the summer of 2020 by a professional botanist. , the updated list . will be added to this plan once complete. Of these 167 58 plant species, 148 50 (886%) are native - of which, three wo are listed by the State of Florida (one is listed as endangered; two are one is listed as threatened). 2.4.2 Animal Species Due to the dearth of specific surveys for the occurrence of animal species (in contrast to plants) and the lack of on-site staffing, little is recorded for actual occurrences of animals at the Red Root Preserve. Occurrences of fauna at the preserve are based on direct visual and aural observations by staff during site visits or evidence of activity such as spoor, scat, or burrows, and from the site information available in documents such as the site’s initial criteria screening report, the property’s interim management plan and anecdotal information from persons with knowledge of the site. Table 4 provides a comprehensive list of animals, both native and non- native, recorded on the Red Root Preserve thus far. Table 4: Faunal Species Recorded on the Red Root Preserve Common Name Scientific Name Zebra Longwing butterfly Heliconius charitonius Viceroy butterfly Limenitis archippus Ruddy Daggerwing Marpesia petreus Crab-like Spiny Orbweaver spider Gasteracantha cancriformis Red imported fire ant a Solenopsis invicta Brown anole a Anolis sagrei Southern toad Bufo terrestris Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Feral Pig a Sus scrofa aNon-native species list revised February 2009 Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 19 Table 4: Faunal Species Recorded on the Red Root Preserve Common Name Scientific Name viceroy butterfly Limenitis archippus ruddy daggerwing Marpesia petreus crab-like spiny orbweaver spider Gasteracantha cancriformis red imported fire ant a Solenopsis invicta brown anole a Anolis sagrei southern toad Bufo terrestris feral pig a Sus scrofa racoon Procyon lotor blue jay Cyanocitta cristata common ground-dove Columbina passerina common quail Coturnix coturnix downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens great-crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus mourning dove Zenaida macroura northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus red-headed woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor Other wildlife species that have not yet been recorded undoubtedly occur at the Red Root Preserve. During migration periods, transient bird species would be expected to utilize this area for short periods of time. The undeveloped character of the adjacent areas and the presence of conservation lands that are being maintained in their natural states may enhance use of the preserve by many mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. 2.5 Listed Species Official lists of rare and endangered species are produced at the federal level by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service and at the State level by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. FNAI produces a list of rare and endangered species, and maintains a database of occurrences of these species in Florida. The Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC) also ranks native plant species by conservation status in the 10-county area of South Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 20 Florida. The following subsections (2.5.1 and 2.5.2) discuss the listed, rare and protected plant and animal species found within and close to the Red Root Preserve in detail. 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species The Florida State Statute titled “Preservation of native flora of Florida” (Statute 581.185) provides the following definitions: Endangered plants means species of plants native to the state that are in imminent danger of extinction within the state, the survival of which is unlikely if the causes of a decline in the number of plants continue, and includes all species determined to be endangered or threatened pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, Pub. L. No. 93-205 (87 Stat. 884). Threatened plants means species native to the state that are in rapid decline in the number of plants within the state, but which have not so decreased in such number as to cause them to be endangered. There are two (2) plant species at the Red Root Preserve that are listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), one (1) as endangered and twoone (21) as threatened (Table 5). A brief description of these species and their status is included in the following paragraphs. Table 5: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Red Root Preserve Common Name(s) Scientific Name State Status Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant Tillandsia fasciculata E Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf Tillandsia balbisiana T Banded wild-pine, Twisted airplant Tillandsia flexuosa T E: Endangered; T: Threatened Both listed plant species found on the Red Root Preserve are classified as bromeliads. Bromeliads are members of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). While some of these species may be found growing terrestrially, most native bromeliads found in Florida are found growing attached to tree trunks and branches and may therefore be referred to as epiphytes (a plant that lives upon other plants; from Greek “epi” = upon “phyte” = plant). The leaves and/or roots of these airplants (depending on the species) absorb the water and nutrients they need from the air and from the rain that falls through the canopy of the tree on which they are found. Since epiphytes use their roots only to anchor themselves to another plant, they are considered non- parasitic. Even though the two listed bromeliad species found on the Red Root Preserve are common in the state, they are listed due to illegal collecting and the destructi on of the habitats in which they are found. Additionally, infestation by the introduced Mexican bromeliad weevil (Metamasius callizona) has been implicated in the decline of many airplant populations around the state. Currently, there are no control measures in place however, close research and monitoring is taking place. Stiff-leaved Wild Pine (Tillandsia fasciculata), is also known as cardinal airplant and common wild pine. T. fasciculata is listed as an endangered plant by the State of Florida and has been in 24 counties throughout Florida (Wunderlin & Hansen 2008). This epiphyte was frequently found in South Florida before the introduction of the Mexican bromeliad weevil. Today, it may be found in hammocks, cypress swamps and pinelands. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 21 Tillandsia balbisiana Photo by Annisa Karim Tillandsia flexuosa; Photo by T. Ann Williams Like most of the other bromeliads in Florida, this species is often referred to as a “tank” bromeliad because the leaf axils and central stems form a “tank” or reservoir at the base of the plant. These reservoirs capture and hold water, dead and decaying plant matter (leaves, seeds twigs, etc.), and dead and drowning non- aquatic insects; these trapped items provide nutrients for the plant (Larson et al. 2006). Reflexed wild pine (Tillandsia balbisiana) is an epiphytic, “tank” bromeliad and is listed as a threatened plant by the State of Florida. Wunderlin and Hansen reported this species in 22 counties throughout Florida as of 2008 (Wunderlin & Hansen 2008). Reflexed wild pine is an occasional species in South Florida and is usually found in scrub, pinelands, strand swamps, hammocks, mangrove swamps and on shell ridges/mounds. Twisted airplant (Tillandsia flexuosa) is a slow growing epiphyte found in moist forests and swamps. T. flexuosa, also known as banded wild pine is listed as a threatened plant by the State of Florida. FNAI maintains a database of occurrences of rare, threatened, and endangered species in Florida. An element is any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment, such as a species, natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other ecological feature. An element occurrence is a single, extant habitat that sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a population or a distinct, self-sustaining example of a particular element. These element occurrence data are built into biodiversity matrices. Each matrix encompasses one (1) square mile and includes all species and natural communities tracked by FNAI, including all federal listed species. The FNAI report for the matrix in which the Red Root Preserve is located identifies (5) likely elements and (16) potential elements. Of the five likely elements, View of T. fasciculata with water in the “tank”. Photo by Annisa Karim Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 22 one has been observed on the preserve, namely mesic pine flatwoods (described in section 2.3.1 of this document). None of the (16) potential elements reported by FNAI have been detected within the preserve. Appendix 2 provides the FNAI Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are provided for each species as well as their federal and state status. 2.5.2 Listed Animal Species No listed wildlife species have been observed onsite or immediately adjacent to the preserve. However, FNAI lists the following animal species as “likely” to occur (rare species likely to occur in this matrix – 43523 - based on suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the vicinity): Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis), the wood stork (Mycteria Americana), the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) and the Mangrove fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia). Eight animal species were reported within FNAI’s Biodiversity Matrix 43523 as potential occurrences (site lies within the known or predicted range of species). These include the Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), the gopher frog (Rana capito), the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), and the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis; Appendix 2). None of these species have been detected on site. 2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species In an ecological context, an invasive species is one that is aggressive in growth and expansion of range and tends to dominate others; its establishment and dominance can cause widespread harm to an ecological system by altering the species composition, susceptibility to fire and hydrology of an area. Non-indigenous species (i.e., non-native or exotic species) are those that have been introduced purposefully or accidentally to an area outside their normal range. The characteristics of some of these species (high rate of growth/reproduction, no natural predators, easily dispersed, able to out-compete native species) make them invasive. Some indigenous species (a species whose natural range included Florida at the time of European contact circa 1500 AD or a species that has naturally expanded or changed its range to include Florida) may also become invasive. Invasions by native and non-native species often follow an alteration to ecosystem function, disruption of the food web, large-scale fragmentation of an ecosystem and/or disturbance (e.g., clearing, fire, drought, etc) of an area. While some native species may become invasive, the establishment and dominance of non-native species is of particular concern. The exotic plant and animal species documented within the preserve and those that have a potential to occur within the preserve are discussed in the following sections. 2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) maintains a list of exotic plants that have been documented to (1) have adverse effects on Florida’s biodiversity and plant communities, (2) cause habitat loss due to infestations and (3) impact endangered species via habitat loss and alteration. To date, eighteen seven (187) non-indigenous plant species have been detected within the Red Root Preserve (Table 6), accounting for 1214% of the plant species recorded there. Of the seven exotic species, Aall are listed by FLEPPC (thirteen six Category I and five one Category II). FLEPPC defines Category I plants as those that alter native plant communities by displacing native species, change community structures or ecological functions, or hybridize with natives. Category II plants have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 23 Solenopsis invicta, an invasive, non- indigenous arthropod documented within the Limpkin Marsh Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USDA. altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These definitions do not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but rather on the documented ecological damage caused by these plants (FLEPPC 2007). Table 6: Category I Invasive Plant Species within the Red Root Preserve Scientific Name Common Name(s) Acacia auriculiformis earleaf acacia Abrus precatorius rosary-pea Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrose willow Lygodium microphyllum small leaf climbing fern Melaleuca quinquenervia punk tree, melaleuca, paper bark Nephrolepis multiflora Asian sword fern Panicum repens torpedo grass Rhodomyrtus tormentosa downy rose myrtle Schinus terebinthifoliaus Brazilian pepper Solanum viarum tropical soda apple Sporabolis jacquemontii smutgrass Syzygium cumini Java plum; jambolan Urena lobata Caesar’s weed aFlorida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) 200 15 designations I: Invasive, exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. II: Invasive, exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. Since the acquisition of the Red Root Preserve by the Conservation Collier program on August 25, 2006, the most problematic exotic, invasive plant species and continue to be melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Ceasar’s weed, and earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis). The control/ removal of invasive, exotic species are discussed in detail in section 4 of this document. 2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species Although Florida does not have an official exotic, invasive animal species list, at least 400 exotic fish and wildlife animal species have been reported in Florida, and approximately 125 species are established. Three non-indigenous, invasive animal species have been documented on the preserve: red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), brown anole (Anolis sagrei) and feral pig (Sus scrofa). Based on the natural communities found within the preserve, proximity to residential areas and geographic location, several more species (native and non-native) have the potential to impact the Red Root Preserve to varying degrees. Brief descriptions of documented and undocumented but potentially problematic species are provided in the following paragraphs. Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta): documented within the Red Root Preserve Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 24 Anolis sagrei, an invasive, exotic reptile documented in the Red Root Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. These social insects were introduced into the U.S. from Brazil into either Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida between 1933 and 1945 (Collins & Scheffrahn 2005) and have been detected in the Red Root Preserve. Red imported fire ants (RIFA) have been documented to cause harm to humans and wildlife as well as economic harm (Stimac & Alves 1994; Collins & Scheffrahn 2005; Willcox & Giuliano, 2006). RIFAs have a number of impacts on wildlife; in many areas, they have eliminated native ant populations through competition and predation and have eradicated food sources utilized by some wildlife species. Ground-nesting wildlife is especially susceptible to RIFAs. Within the Red Root Preserve, RIFAs have the potential to affect ground- nesting birds; small mammals; reptiles, native lizard and snake species, and native invertebrates (Willcox & Giuliano 2006). Additionally, members of the public that may come into contact with RIFAs may be harmed if stung. Many people have anaphylactic reactions to the toxins released from RIFA stings. If large mounds are found on the hiking trail efforts will be made to treat them with an ant killer such as Amdro. Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei): documented within the Red Root Preserve Also known as the Cuban anole, the brown anole is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and neighboring islands (Schwartz & Henderson 1991). Like other anoles from the islands, this species is a small, tropical, diurnal, arboreal, territorial, and insectivorous lizard (Campbell 2001). The brown anole was first documented in the Florida Keys in the late 1800s (Lee 1985) and has since spread throughout Florida, into Georgia and into two other southeastern states (Campbell 1996). It feeds on a wide variety of insects, amphipods, and isopods. Brown anoles also prey on other small vertebrates including the hatchlings of the native green anole (A. carolinensiis; Campbell 2000). Campbell (2000) showed that, in the absence of the exotic brown anoles, native green anoles occupy perches from ground to the canopy of vegetation. However, in the presence of the exotic anole, native anoles move higher in trees, occupying only the trunk and crown of trees. Dietary overlap is high between both species, but the overall affects of the brown anole on the green anole are still undetermined. Feral pig (Sus scrofa): documented within the Red Root Preserve Hogs were first brought to Florida in the mid 1500’s to provision settlements of early explorers. Their high rate of reproduction and their ability to adapt to Florida’s natural areas has led them to populate every county in the state. Today, Florida is second only to Texas in its feral hog population (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a; 2005b). While feral pigs are able to survive in a variety of habitats, they prefer large forested areas interspersed with marshes, hammocks, ponds, and drainages; cover in the form of dense brush; and limited human disturbance (Giuliano & Tanner 2005b). Dense cover is used as bedding areas and provides protection from predators and hunters. Feral pigs are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders consuming grasses, forbs, and woody plant stems, roots, tubers, leaves, seeds, fruits, fungi, and a variety of animals including worms, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, small birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and carrion. Their propensity for digging for foods below the surface of the ground (rooting) destabilizes the soil surface, resulting in erosion and exotic plant establishment. Additionally, this behavior Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 25 Bufo marinus, an invasive, exotic amphibian that has the potential to occur at the Red Root Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. uproots or weakens native vegetation (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a; 2005b). Due to the natural communities that are found within the preserve, this species has the potential to thrive within the boundaries. As these animals are highly visible outside of natural plant communities, adjoining residents of the preserve may be useful in the early detection of this nuisance animal. A dead feral pig was observed on the southeast portion of the preserve by Conservation Collier staff on February 11, 2009. Coyote (Canis latrans): undocumented within the Red Root Preserve Coyotes were introduced in very small numbers to Florida during the 1920’s for sport hunting with domestic dogs. This introduction did not lead to the establishment of coyote populations in Florida. Concurrently, these canids expanded their range eastward across the United States and Canada as a result of nonspecific needs in habitat and food, decreased competition from other predators, large litter sizes and anthropogenic changes to the landscape. Since many species naturally expand or change their home ranges in response to climate and resource availability, the coyote may be considered native to Florida. This crepuscular (active mostly at dawn and dusk) species is elusive and may travel individually or in groups of two or three (Coates et al. 1998). Coyotes commonly enlarge burrows made by other animals such as armadillos or gopher tortoises to use as dens or use dense vegetation for cover. Coyotes may have a negative influence on indigenous wildlife as direct predators or as potential competitors with predators that may occur at the preserve such as foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) or bobcats (Lynx rufus floridanus); however, this species may prove beneficial in controlling potential problem species such as feral cats. Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): undocumented within the Red Root Preserve Like the Cuban anole, the Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and neighboring islands. They have established breeding populations as far north as Cedar Key on Florida's Gulf Coast, Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast, and Gainesville in north-central Florida. These hylids are the largest tree frog found in Florida and because of their ability to invade natural areas and prey on native invertebrates and small vertebrates (including native tree frogs) they are considered an invasive species. Additionally, the tadpoles of this species inhibit the growth and development of the tadpoles of the native southern toad (Bufo terrestris) and green tree frog (Hyla cinerea). Cuban tree frogs thrive in residential and natural areas such as pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and swamps. In resid ential settings, they are most commonly found on and around homes and buildings, and in gardens and landscape plants. Due to the natural communities that are found within the Red Root Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species has the potential of occurring in the preserve. Giant Marine Toad or Cane Toad (Bufo marinus): undocumented within the Preserve The cane toad is a tropical species native to the Amazon basin in South America, and its range extends through Central America to extreme southern Texas along the Rio Grande River. They are Osteopilus septentrionalis, an invasive, exotic amphibian that has the potential to occur at the Red Root Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 26 used as a control agent for insects that damage sugarcane and consequently, are one of the most introduced amphibian species in the world. They have since been deemed an invasive species in Florida and are currently found in urban areas of south and central Florida, and are rapidly expanding northward (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Beetles, bees, ants, winged termites, crickets and bugs are a large part of the diet of the adult marine toad. Additionally, they consume arthropods, mollusks, small vertebrates, plant matter, pet food, carrion, household scraps, marine snails, smaller toads and native frogs, small snakes, and even small mammals. Marine toads are prolific breeders and females can lay tens of thousands of eggs in a single breeding season. They prefer forested areas with semi permanent water nearby (Churchill 2003). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Red Root Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species has the potential of occurring within the preserve. Adjoining residents of the preserve should be encouraged to keep pet food and water containers indoors or empty at night. Feral domestic cat (Felis catus): undocumented within the Red Root Preserve Domestic cats originated from an ancestral wild species, the European and African wildcat (Felis silvestris). Humans facilitated the global distribution of cats due to their highly efficient predatory skills. Egyptians took cats with them on shipping vessels to keep rodent populations down, and they likely introduced domestic cats to Europe. Today, the impact of feral cats on wildlife is difficult to quantify; however, literature (FFWCC 2001; Karim 2007; Masterson 2007) strongly indicates that they are a significant factor in the mortality of small mammals, birds (including migratory birds), reptiles, and amphibians in Florida. Because free-ranging cats often receive food from humans, they may reach abnormally high numbers. An increase in the population of feral cats may lead to increased predation rates on native wildlife. One feral cat was found on the preserve, staff worked with the Domestic Animal Service to have the cat safely removed from the property. There exists a high probability of their future presence on the preserve due to the proximity of Limpkin Marsh to human residential areas. Adjoining residents of the preserve should be encouraged to keep their cats indoors and staff should monitor the preserve for the presence of feral cats. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 27 3.0 Previous Conditions of the Preserve; Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent Land Uses 3.1 Previous Conditions of the Preserve Aerial photographs taken in 1973 (Figure 7) and 1993 (Figure 8) accompanied by more recent visits to the site show that development has never occurred on the site. Digital images were downloaded from the Florida Department of Transportation’s Aerial Photo Look Up System (2009) and georeferenced in ArcMap 9.3 by Conservation Collier Staff. The aerial image from 1973 shows that the western portion of the property and the marsh in the eastern portion did not contain as many trees as present day conditions. Additionally, this image reveals that the land contained trails on the western portion. As of 1993, the western portion of the property contained more trees but the marsh still contained few trees. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 28 Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1973 of the Red Root Preserve Figure 8: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1993 of the Red Root Preserve 3.2 Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent Land Uses Currently, the preserve is open to the public for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography opportunities. Conservation, restoration and natural resource-based recreation are the designated uses of this preserve. Management activities allowed include those necessary to preserve, restore, secure and maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these management goals and will be discussed in section 4.4 of this document. The Red Root Preserve is bordered on the north by Limpkin Road (an unpaved, private road), on the east and west by undeveloped parcels and on the south by a ditch and Immokalee Road (a paved, public road; Figure 9). All of the parcels surrounding the Red Root Preserve are zoned as Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 29 Agricultural with a Mobile Home Overlay, which allows for no greater than one unit per five acres. Figure 9: Areas Adjacent to the Red Root Preserve 3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection The Red Root Preserve 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 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). Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 30 3.4 Management Activities during Previous Years Since the acquisition of the Red Root Preserve in August 2006, staff has accomplished a number of management activities aimed at creating baseline data for the preserve and identifying areas of invasive plant infestations (Table 7). Staff conducted floristic inventories and established photo- monitoring points to better aid in the long-term management of the preserve. Given the discrepancy between the 1995 FLUCCS digital layers (as they pertain to the Red Root Preserve) and the plant communities within the preserve, staff created a new digital layer showing the location and extent of the native plant communities currently found on the preserve. Table 7: Management Activities since the Acquisition of the Red Root Preserve Accomplishment Year(s) Conducted floristic inventories 2005/ 2009 Established photo monitoring points 2008 Created an accurate FLUCCS Map of the Preserve 2009 Conducted initial exotic removal and treatment 2009 Created trails and firebreaks 2009 Conduced Prescribed Burn 2009 Conducted Prescribed Burn 2016 4.0 Future Use of the Red Root Preserve including Management Issues, Goals and Objectives This section describes the main management issues, goals, and objectives for the Red Root Preserve as well as the overall management framework. Central to the management of the Preserve is the mission of the Conservation Collier Program, and the goals and objectives set forth in this management plan. 4.1 Management Plan Framework Each property purchased by Conservation Collier shall have its own management plan. At the time the Red Root Preserve was purchased, the Conservation Collier Ordinance required that an “Interim” Management Plan be developed within 60 days of closing. Interim plans include basic items such as removal of invasive, exotics and trash, establishing site security, developing management partnerships and planning for public access. The interim plan for this site was officially approved in February 2007. The ordinance then requires a “Final” ten-year management plan be developed within two years which was completed in 2009. Subsequently, the property management plan must then be reviewed every five years. This is the 10-year update to the final management plan. Final management plans, however, are considered living documents and can be updated at any time. Review of all management plans start in the Lands Evaluation and Management subcommittee and must be approved by both the CCLAAC and the Collier County BCC. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 31 4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information The site manager for the Red Root Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental Specialist who may be contacted through electronic mail: Conservation.Collier@ColliercountyFL.gov.net. 4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts Future planned use will be consistent with the primary goals of conservation, preservation, restoration and maintenance of the resource. Public uses for the Red Root Preserve and an assessment of their potential impacts are provided in the following sections. 4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources The Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63 constrains the use of this property to “primary objectives of managing and preserving natural resource values and providing appropriate natural resource-based recreational & educational opportunities.” Natural resource-based recreation shall mean all forms of uses, which are consistent with the goals of this program, and are compatible with the specific parcel. Such uses may include, but are not limited to hiking, nature photography, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hunting and fishing (Ord. No. 02-63, as amended§ 5, 12-3-02). Additionally, no dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or removal or destruction of natural or historical/archaeological resources will be permitted within the preserve. The goal is to allow limited, non-destructive public access to native plant communities and animal species. Currently, the preserve rules are those identified in Collier County Ordinance 76-48 (available from www.municode.com), as amended. The following are consistent uses for this particular site: hiking, nature photography and bird watching. Inconsistent uses include fishing, hunting and off-road vehicle use (ORV). A 100’ X 150’ Collier County Water-Sewer District utility easement exists over the northwest corner of the property. Per the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, the Water - Sewer District will provide site improvements on the easement commensurate with its own needs and will allow for shared public parking access with the Conservation Collier portion of the property. Exotics, trash, and debris on the easement will be removed in coordination with the removals done on the Conservation Collier portion of the property. Finally, any code required landscaping on the easement will be planted by the Collier County Water-Sewer District with site appropriate native plant species. At the time of purchase, Collier County’s Water -Sewer District (a part of the Public Utilities Planning and Project Management Department) planned on drilling a test well on the easement. Due to the downturn in the economy, these plans have been put on hold for an indeterminate amount of time. In August 2020, iInformal talks between Conservation Collier staff and the staff at the Water-Sewer District revealed that there are no plans to construct this test well in the next 10 years. ell would not be considered as a project until after 2018. This interdepartmental agreement is included in this plan as Appendix 3. In addition, there are no existing easements, concessions, or leases on the Red Root Preserve. In accordance with the management goals of the preserve, no future easements, concessions, or leases are appropriate in association with this site, other than conservation related easements. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 32 Limpkin Road is a private road that extends off Sanctuary Road, which connects to Immokalee Road and is not maintained by Collier County. It is a 60-foot wide public road right-of-way (ROW) easement. The two parcels that make up the Red Root Preserve have a 30-foot wide right-of-way access easement along Limpkin Road. All similar parcels located south of Limpkin Road also have a 30 feet ROW easement, and all properties located north of the road contain the north 30 feet of the easement. The Transportation planning department has indicated that they would have no opposition to the Conservation Collier Program creating 2-3 parallel parking spaces along the south side of Limpkin Road adjacent to the property that could be utilized by the public until the utility easement parking area is created. Permits will be obtained from the appropriate agencies to ensure this temporary parking area complies with environmental regulations and does not inhibit water flow in the area. 4.3 Desired Future Conditions This section includes a description of the proposed future conditions for the site’s natural areas. Management techniques to achieve these conditions are outlined in section 4.4. After managers complete recommended management actions, Red Root Preserve will consist of pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh with shrub, brush & vines. These communities will have a similar structure and composition to those that existed before non-indigenous people settled the region and before the exclusion of fire. The site will be vegetated with appropriate native flora that will provide suitable cover for a variety of wildlife species. Increasing the acreage of the preserve will greatly enhance the quality of the preserve. The program, as of 2013, ceased purchasing additional property. Unless the ad valorum levy is reinstated in 202016, we would be unable to purchase any additional adjoining parcels. Adjacent parcels can however, be donated to the program or purchased for mitigation for local development projects to be transferred to our program with management funds. 4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2009-2019 A set of goals and objectives for the Red Root Preserve were developed in conjunction with the drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically for the Red Root Preserve based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired, the condition of the resources present, and the management issues for the property. On-site managers should be familiar with this entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the interim management plan for the Red Root Preserve were reviewed to determine whether they should be included in this plan. The goals and objectives presented here reflect programmatic goals and ideas of Conservation Collier personnel in charge of managing and protecting the area. These goals shall not be modified, but specific application of management techniques may take into consideration input by user groups and other stakeholders from outside the program, accommodating user needs and desires where practicable and where overarching management goals are not violated. Management issues are discussed below in separate sections. Within each section, approaches for dealing with these issues are described. The ability to implement the specific goals and objectives identified in this plan is dependent upon the availability of staffing and funding sources. The following goals have been identified for Red Root Preserve: Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 33 Goal 1: Maintain high quality habitat with limited disturbance for the benefit of native flora and fauna Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and fauna Goal 2: Develop a baseline monitoring report Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna to restore and maintain natural habitats Goal 4: Maintain a Prescribed Fire Program Goal 5: Restore native vegetation Goal 6: Maintain preserve and monitor public use Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness 1 GOAL 1: ELIMINATE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE HUMAN IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS FLORA AND FAUNA Action Item 1.1 Install a fence and access gate on the Red Root Preserve if needed. Currently, a fence runs along the eastern boundary of the property (installed by adjoining property owner). Staff does not recommend a fence around the remainder of the property but if trespassing, chronic dumping or other security issues arise, a field fence, four feet in height, will be installed along the northern and western boundaries of the preserve. If a fence is installed, a gate, 12 feet in width and four feet in height will also be installed (if needed) along the northern property boundary to allow access to the Red Root Preserve by authorized County staff and the fire department. A fence along the southern boundary of the Red Root Preserve is not recommended due to its proximity to the ditch and Immokalee Road just south of this ditch (Figure 10). Traffic on Immokalee Road is fast-paced, the likelihood of trespass or dumping issues from this thoroughfare is low. Additionally, the ditch that separates the preserve from Immokalee Road is filled with water during the wet season and provides a barrier to people entering the preserve from this side. Problems have occurred each year with people entering the preserve to remove and harvest saw palmetto berries. Staff has contacted the local sheriff’s department and they have advised that this is a chronic problem throughout the entire County and they are working to find ways to prevent this from happening. Fencing and posting the entire property and not allowing any access would be the only way to try to prevent this from occurring. However, this would prevent all public use from the property which staff does not want to do. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 34 Figure 10: Southern boundary of the Red Root Preserve showing the location of the ditch and Immokalee Road Action Item 1.2 Install signs encouraging people to stay on future public access trails situated on the preserve. Trail markers have been installed along the trail. Currently it appears that the public stay s on the trails on a regular basis. If evidence suggests that the public is not staying on the trails , then signs will be installed to encourage this. Action Item 1.3 Identify locations of rare and listed native plant species. The location of these species will be identified using a global positioning system (GPS) device and mapped to allow staff to monitor them. Public trails wereill be constructed to avoid areas where rare and listed species exist. Action Item 1.4 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash in or near the preserve. Staff will monitor the preserve on a regular basis and if excessive dumping occurs, enforcement actions will be sought through the County Sheriff’s Department or the Collier County Code Enforcement Program. A significant amount of dumping occurred on Limpkin Road in 2014, staff worked with the Collier County Code Enforcement Department to get it cleaned up. The case was abated. Action Item 1.5 Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take steps such as locating visitor amenities away from animal nesting sites. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 35 Action Item 1.6 Avoid non-target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during invasive, exotic plant treatments. If the use of herbicides is appropriate during the treatment of invasive, exotic plant species, decisions on the types of herbicides utilized will be made on the best information available at the time of exotic removal. Staff has prohibited the use of herbicides containing Imazapyr (e.g., Arsenal) due to reports that these herbicides have potentially caused a great deal of non- target damage throughout the state. Licensed County or State contractors will be monitored closely to ensure the proper herbicide applications are being utilized while treating the site. In addition, close attention will be taken to identify listed species (Table 5) that may be attached to invasive trees being cut down or removed. Individuals of these species will be relocated prior to removal. Special attention will be given to avoid damage to native species in the vicinity of exotic removal activities. Action Item 1.7 Note, research and provide input as to all site development occurring adjacent to Red Root Preserve to determine that the proper site development permits have been obtained and that the site development complies with the permits. Activities on adjacent lands may have an impact on the indigenous plant and animal life on the Red Root Preserve. As such, all existing local, state, and federal regulations should be strictly followed and enforced during any site development adjacent to the preserve. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to establish erosion control measures and vegetation protection measures (i.e., protective fencing or barriers). If any site developer working in areas adjacent to the preserve does not take the necessary control measures, construction shall be immediately halted until control measures are put into place and mitigation and/or remediation will be the sole responsibility of the developer. GOAL 2: DEVELOP A BASELINE MONITORING REPORT Action Item 2.1 Establish a long-term biological monitoring program and conduct additional wildlife surveys. Long-term management of the preserve should be based on biological data. Changes following baseline conditions should be assessed as negative or positive, and management strategies changed appropriately. This section discusses information needs and long-term monitoring needs. Conservation Collier staff has conducted a floristic inventory of the Red Root Preserve; these findings will comprise the baseline floristic data on which future actions will be based. The site should be inspected by Conservation Collier Staff at least twice a year and thoroughly inventoried at regular intervals (ca. 5-10 years) to detect new invasions (by natives or exotics) and extinctions. Areas undergoing extreme restoration should be assessed more frequently. While some wildlife data has been collected, additional baseline data should be collected, especially on invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The site manager may contract this work out or enlist the assistance of local educators to coordinate student research projects. Wildlife surveys, like pPlant surveys, should take place at regular intervals (ca. 5-10 years) to detect long-term trends. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 36 Currently, four (4) photo points have been established throughout the preserve (Figure 11). Locations of photo points have been recorded with a GPS and all photographs taken at these locations have been taken at a standard height and angle of view. During photo documentations, one photo is taken in each of the cardinal directions (north, east, south and west) and a 360-degree panoramic photo is taken. These photos will help to monitor exotic removal and native plant recruitment over time. Photos have been taken at these locations 1-2 timestwice a year since they were established in May 2008 and the files are stored in the Program Land Management file. If necessary, more photo points will be established to aid in management decision activities. Future photo points may also include photos taken with a vegetation profile board to aid in the determination of what (if any) changes occur over time. Figure 11: Photo Point Locations within the Red Root Preserve GOAL 3: REMOVE OR CONTROL POPULATIONS OF INVASIVE, EXOTIC OR PROBLEMATIC FLORA AND FAUNA TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN NATURAL HABITATS Action Item 3.1 Acquire services of licensed and qualified contractor(s) for the removal of invasive, exotic or problematic plant species. The following (Table 8) describes recommended controls (Langeland & Stocker 2001; Langeland 2008) of the Category I, invasive, exotic plant species recorded to date on the Red Root Preserve. These recommended control methods may be altered by site managers dependent on new information and products available on the control of these species. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 37 Table 8: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Red Root Preserve FLEPPC Category I species a Scientific Name Common Name(s) Recommended Control(s)b Acacia auriculiformis earleaf acacia Basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4 or cut-stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A. Abrus precatorius rosary-pea Cut stem or basal bark and treat with 10% Garlon 4. Site must be revisited frequently to pull seedlings Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrose willow Treatments can be basal bark, foliar and/or cut stump, depending on the size of the plant, with Renovate 3 in aquatic conditions or Garlon 4 in upland areas. Adjust percentage of chemical based on application method. Lygodium microphyllum small-leaf climbing fern Thoroughly spray foliage to wet with 1.25% Garlon 4 (4 pt/acre), 0.6% Roundup Pro (maximum 5 pt/acre), 1.0%-3.0% Rodeo (maximum 7 pt/acre). Only Rodeo can be used if plants are growing in aquatic site. Plants growing high into trees, cut vines and treat lower portions. Melaleuca quinquenervia melaleuca, punk tree, paper bark For seedlings and saplings: (1) hand pull, being sure not to break plant off of root system and remove or place in piles to help reduce the chance that they will re-root or; (2) Treat with foliar, low volume spot application of 5% Rodeo. For mature trees: (1) Fell large trees with chain saw leaving a level surface, or fell small trees with machete and treat with triclopyr or glyphosate products according to frill and girdle directions on SLN. Use aquatic versions where standing water is present. Monitor for resprouting and retreat as necessary. (3) Mature trees are very difficult to control with foliar applications. Nephrolepis multiflora Asian sword fern A foliar application of a product that contains 41.0% glyphosate diluted to 1.5% v/v of product provides control. Panicum repens torpedo grass Foliar application of 0.75%-1.5% Rodeo and surfactant solution. Re-apply as necessary when plants re-grow to within 4-6 inches in height; or foliar application of 0.5% spot treatment. Rhodomyrtus tormentosa downy rose myrtle Basal bark or cut stump (individual plants): 10%-20% Garlon 4. Re-treatmentmay be necessary. Foliar: 1% Arsenal + 2% Roundup or 2 quarts Vanquish/acre in 50 gallons spray volume. Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Cut-stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A, 10% Garlon 4 or a basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Foliar application of Garlon 4, Garlon 3A, Roundup Pro, Roundup Super Concentrate, or Rodeo, according label directions may be used where appropriate. Glyphosate products are less effective when used alone in spring and early summer. Use Rodeo where plants are growing in aquatic sites. Solanum viarum tropical soda apple Foliar application of 1% Garlon 4 or 3% Roundup. Sporabolis jacquemontii smut grass For spot treatments, a 1.5 to 2.0% solution of a 4.5 lb/gallon glyphosate product is recommended Syzygium cumini Java plum, jambolan Mature trees may take up to 9 months to die. Cut-stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4, or use a basal bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 38 Urena lobata Ceasar’s Weed Hand pull seedlings, Foliar treatment with 2-5% glyphosate in water can be sprayed on young plants. Its best to treat in the spring or summer prior to seed maturation. Responds aggressively to fire a FLEPPC 2007: Category I plants are those that alter native plant communities by displacing native species, change community structures or ecological functions, or hybridize with natives (FLEPPC 2007) b All species except Nephrolepis (Langeland & Stocker 2001); Nephrolepis (Langeland 2008) Action Item 3.2 Acquire services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) for the removal of invasive, exotic or problematic animal species. To date, three (3) introduced animal species have been documented on the Red Root Preserve, the RIFA, the brown anole and the feral hog. It is doubtful that the total eradication of these species can be achieved. However, staff and/or contractors should take measures to remove RIFA populations close to or on public access trails by treating their mounds with an ant killer such as Amdro. Additionally, if feral cat colonies are found near the preserve, the elements that sustain the undesirable population(s) should be identified and efforts made to ask property owners to eliminate them (i.e., refuse bins, dumpsters, and supplementary feeding by humans). If any feral cats remain, they will be trapped and taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services. GOAL 4: MAINTAIN A PRESCRIBED FIRE PROGRAM Much of Collier County is comprised of plants that are dependent on fire to maintain species composition and diversity. These species are the same ones that are prone to lightning strike wildfires, and the controlled reduction of those fuels will prevent catastrophic wildfire damage. Prescribed fires: reduce fuel loads and consequently decrease the threat of wildfires; create open areas for wildlife to travel within; stimulate food and seed production; recycle nutrients; alter the composition and density of forested areas; and aid in the control of some invasive plant species. The use of prescribed fire as a management tool will be critical to the long-term health of the natural habitat and native species at the Red Root Preserve. Successful controlled burns were conducted on the property in December 2009 and 2016. A sSubsequent controlled burns should occur every 3-5 years. This will create desirable effects on native ground cover and will further reduce hardwoods and undesirable vegetation. The Florida Forest Service (FFS) assisted with the firstthe first prescribed burns on the property. Staff will also coordinate with the Big Corkscrew Island Fire Department before every burn to protect the surrounding structures and the Sheriff’s Department with traffic control on Immokalee Road. Staff may also coordinate efforts with the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Staff. Action Items 4.1: Create a Prescribed Burn Plan The Program Burn Manager will create a fire management plan before each burn and may coordinate with other local qualified agencies for review and approval. A burn plan shall include the following key elements: purpose and measurable objectives, description of the burn unit, map of the burn unit, weather factors, safety concerns, fuel conditions, season and time of day, smoke screening, publicity, legal requirements, firing plan, equipment and personnel, contingencies, control and mop-up, declaring the fire out and evaluation and monitoring. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 39 Action Item 4.2 Install Perimeter Fire Lines / Obtain Permits This entire preserve can be burned in one day if weather conditions permit. Fire breaks were installed on the entire east and west boundary lines in 2009 and they will be maintained 8-10 feet wide. Firebreaks will be disked or mulched down to soil before each scheduled burn. Limpkin Road will act as a break along the northern property line as well as Immokalee Road along the south. Machinery will not be used in the marsh. Initial Prescribed Burn on the Red Root Preserve December 2009 GOAL 5: RESTORE NATIVE VEGETATION Action Item 5.1 Maintain a revised GIS map and description of FNAI natural communities and disturbed areas on the property. Maintaining updated maps will help to guide restoration efforts if needed. Action Item 5.2 Plant native plant species in their appropriate habitats Periods following exotic removal and prescribed fire (or mechanical treatment) are essential to the recruitment of native plants. If native plant recruitment is not sufficient from the surrounding, intact seed source, efforts will be made to plant indigenous flora in appropriate habitats. Natural area restoration of Red Root Preserve should include only site-specific native plant material that has been determined to be non-problematic at the site and whenever possible, site-specific seed sources should be utilized. In addition, hardwoods that may invade the natural areas (mesic pine flatwood area) should not be planted. GOAL 6: MAINTAIN PRESERVE AND MONITOR PUBLIC USE Action Item 6.1 Develop access and required facilities for intended public uses A 100’ X 150’ Collier County Water-Sewer District utility easement exists over the northwest corner of the property (Figure 4). Per the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, the Water-Sewer District will provide site improvements on the easement commensurate with its own needs and will allow for shared public parking access with the Conservation Collier portion of the property. Exotics, trash, and debris on the easement will be removed in Red Root Preserve 2 months after initial prescribed burn Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 40 coordination with the removals done on the Conservation Collier portion of the property. Finally, any code required landscaping on the easement will be accomplished with site appropriate native plant species that will be approved by Conservation Collier Staff. At the time of purchase in 2006, Collier County’s Water-Sewer District (a part of the Public Utilities Planning and Project Management Department) planned to drill a test well on the easement. Due to the recent downturn in the economy, these plans have been suspended for an indeterminate amount of time. Informal talks between Conservation Collier staff and the staff at the Water-Sewer District revealed that this test well will not be considered as a project until after 2018. A possibility exists that the Water-Sewer District may be able to participate in exotic removal activities when the Conservation Collier Program is able to treat/remove invasive, exotic plants on the Red Root Preserve. Conservation Collier staff will maintain talks with the Water-Sewer District as is applies to management and access issues on the Red Root Preserve. The Collier County Greenway Trail (Bike Trail) has potential to extend from Naples out to the town of Immokalee. The Transportation Services Northeast Collier Transportation Study Final Alternatives Map identifies the segment of Immokalee Road immediately adjacent to the Red Root Preserve as a future alternative pathway. If this pathway is constructed within the life of this management plan, an additional connection will be made from the bike trail to the hiking trail. Depending on funding, safety issues, site security and the availability of staff, planned public use of the Red Root Preserve is as follows. Site improvements on the Water-Sewer District easement commensurate with its own needs and will allow for shared public parking access with the Conservation Collier portion of the property. In the interim, we may construct 2-3 pervious parallel parking spaces on the south side of Limpkin Road in our access easement area next to the trailhead. Currently, visitors can park in mowed areas on either side of Limpkin road near the trailhead sign to access the preserve trail. Conservation Collier staff has developed a site plan (Figure 12) incorporating the following components: ▪ The walking trail measures approximately 3,410 feet in length (.64 miles). The original route of the trail represented in Figure 12 was approximated from a 2008 aerial image to take advantage of areas where impacts to the community would be minimized. The entrance to the trail is approximately 770 feet east of the intersection of Sanctuary Road and Limpkin Road. This distance accommodates for the width of the Water-Sewer District’s easement. The trailhead is located at the northwest corner of the Water-Sewer District’s easement. The trail design allows visitors the best opportunity to view the plants and animals of the pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh communities. Interpretive signs near the trailhead and the freshwater marsh will give specific information about the plant communities and associated animals that may be seen. Two benches built by a local Eagle Scout were placed along the hiking trail in shady resting areas. Small plant signs were placed along the trail to educate visitors about the species present on the preserve. If the Collier County Greenway Trail (Bike Trail) is extended out to the town of Immokalee, an additional trail connection will be made from the bike trail to the hiking trail and an additional trailhead will be created along the south property boundary. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 41 The hiking trail is oftenmay be submerged during the rainy summer months. However, the cost to install a raised boardwalk at this preserve is prohibitive. Staff will continue to monitor the amount of visitation the preserve receives over the next few years to determine if we should seek grant money to help fund a raised trail. ▪ The official parking area will not be constructed until the utility easement is developed which may not occur until after 2018. Until then, the County mows the Limpkin Marsh Road edges to provide parking areas near the Preserve sign and trailhead. may develop two to three unpaved parallel parking spaces in the County’s easement along the south side of Limpkin Road near the trailhead. GOAL 7: FACILITATE USES OF THE SITE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES Actions Item 7.1 Develop interpretive signage to educate preserve visitors. Several plant signs were developed and placed throughout the preserve to educate visitors on plant identification. Action Item 7.2 Provide preserve brochures in rainproof box on site. A general program brochure or one outlining the native plant communities and wildlife present at the preserve will be created by County staff and kept in rainproof boxes near the preserve entrance. The preserve manager will inspect these boxes monthly and refilled as necessary. GOAL 8: PROVIDE A PLAN FOR SECURITY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Action Item 8.1 Discourage any visitation to the park at night. A sign designating park hours as sunrise to sunset was installed at the entrance to the preserve and adjacent landowners were given an emergency phone number if they detect human activity on the preserve after hours. If problems arise, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will be contacted to patrol the area and site on a routine basis. Action Item 8.2 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in or near the preserve. Currently, illegal dumping is not occurring on or near the preserve. Monthly property inspections will be conducted to monitor for such activity. Staff will work with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office or the County Code Enforcement Department if problems start to arise. Action Item 8.3 Survey trees along the trail and the perimeter of the property for damage Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 42 Staff will routinely monitor the trees along the hiking trail to determine if diseased, weak, or damaged trees/limbs exist and of so remove them to reduce the risk of visitor injury. Action Item 8.4 Visit preserve within 48 hours after a major storm event to assess damage. Staff will take photos of damage and fill out appropriate Collier County Risk Management Department forms. If damage is extensive, the preserve will be closed until public safety hazards are cleared. Action Item 8.5 Promptly clear storm debris from preserve. If necessary, a Collier County emergency debris removal contractor will be contracted as soon as possible after the storm to schedule clean up. Removal of debris and damaged or downed trees along the trail system may be needed. Downed trees and limbs that do not appear to be a public safety hazard will be cleared at the discretion of the Preserve Manager. As much hurricane debris as possible will be chipped and retained on-site – to be used as mulch for the trail. The preserve will be closed temporarily until the potential hazards are eliminated. Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 43 Figure 12: Red Root Preserve Conceptual Master Plan Revised June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 44 4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Red Root Preserve This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Red Root Preserve. It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, the possibilities for contracting the restoration activities, coordination, and other management issues. 4.5.1 Maintenance The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include control of dumping and littering within and around the preserve and trail as needed. Particularly important are the security measures to keep intruders out and the signage and fencing (if installed) in good condition. Signs that effectively convey the desired message provide an opportunity for increasing environmental education and awareness. 4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources Budget estimates for Red Root Preserve include cost breakdowns associated with resource restoration and management. The funding source identified for the restoration and management activities is the Conservation Collier Program Management Trust Fund. Grants will be sought to supplement existing management funds if needed. Staff may also utilize the Collier County Sheriff’s Department weekenders program for certain labor projects and may also separately involve County Scout programs for trail enhancement and maintenance. The budget in Table 9 represents the actual and unmet budgetary needs for managing the land and resources of the preserve from 2008-2020 years. The table shows the activities already expended and planned and the initial and annual cost estimate of each activity. This budget was developed using data from Conservation Collier and other cooperating entities, and is based on actual costs for land management activities, equipment purchase and maintenance, and for development of fixed capital facilities. The budget considers available funding and is consistent with the direction necessary to achieve the goals and objectives for Red Root Preserve. Five Year Update June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 45 Table 9: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget Item QTY Cost ($) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Total Facilities Development Trail and firebreak mowing 1 1,350 LF $500 $1,500 $2,000 $ 700 $500 $4,700 Entry Gate 2 1 ($800)$0 Fence along northern and western boundaries 3 1,200 LF ($6,435)$0 Interpretive signs 4 2 $500 $0 Plant signs 5 25 $10 $106 $106 Entry signage 6 1 $2,000 $333 $333 Directional sign 6 2 $250 $0 Bench7 1 $650 $0 Permitting $250 $250 Parking Area 8 2-3 pervious spaces $10,000 $0 Resource Restoration/Monitoring $0 Establish photo points recurring n/a Remove exotics9 18.46 acres $9,000 $6,800 $800 $800 $400 $1,750 $925 $1,000 $1,017 $600 $1,073 $1,102 $25,267 Regular Maintenance $0 General Facilities Maintenance 10 $100 $15.00 $180 $100 $295 Brochures 11 $75 $100 $100 $44 $100 $100 $519 Grand Total $10,765 $6,800 $3,086 $1,133 $ 1,100 $1,750 $1,100 $1,100 $1,117 $1,144 $1,173 $1,202 $31,470 Table 9: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget (Amounts in $; see assumptions for cost estimates on next page) Five Year Update June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 46 Item QTY Cost ($)2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Total Facilities Development Trail and firebreak mowing 1 1,350 LF $500 $1,800 $1,500 $1,500 $4,800 Mechanical mulching hurricane cleanup 1A $3,800 $1,800 $5,600 Entry Gate 2 1 ($800)$0 Fence along northern and western boundaries 3 1,200 LF ($6,435)$0 Interpretive signs 4 2 $500 $0 Plant signs 5 25 $10 $250 $250 Entry signage 6 1 $2,000 $0 Directional sign 6 2 $250 $0 Bench 7 1 $650 $0 Permitting $0 Parking Area 8 2-3 pervious spaces ($10,000)$0 Resource Restoration/Monitoring $0 Establish photo points recurring n/a $0 Exotic plant Treatment 9 9.26 acres $925 $775 $1,247 $1,247 $918 $1,100 $1,100 $1,100 $1,100 $1,100 $10,612 Plant survey 10 9.26 acres $500 $500 Regular Maintenance $0 General Facilities Maintenance 11 $100 $80 $100 $100 $280 Brochures 12 $100 $100 $100 $100 $100 $500 Grand Total $925 $775 $6,927 $3,047 $1,418 $2,700 $1,450 $1,300 $1,200 $2,800 $22,542 Table 9: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget (Amounts in $; see assumptions for cost estimates on next page) Five Year Update June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 47 Actual funds expended and Assumptions for Cost Estimates: 1 1. Trails and Firebreak mowing: Trail and ROW will be mowed by staff 2-3x per year to maintain and herbicide may be used to kill weeds on the trail. Mulch will not be used on the trail. Every 3 years prior to a burn firebreaks will be prepped and tilled down to dirt. 1A. Mechanical mulching 2017 on downed and hazardous trees due to Hurricane Irma 2. Entry Gates: 1 gate at $800 each (Installed only if the site needs to be fenced) 3. Fence: (will only be fenced if dumping or other related problems occur) Field Fence along northern and western boundaries estimated at $5.85 per linear foot at 1,100 LF 4. Interpretive signage: 2 interpretative signs (4’x6’) 5. Plant signs-small signs identifying native plants 25 @ $10 each 6. Directional and entry signage: 1 Entrance sign was installed in FY11 for $333. 7. Bench: - two benches were donated (built and installed) by an Eagle Scout in FY15 8. Parking Spaces along Limpkin Rd.- Estimated cost of $10,000 (only if utility easement is developed) 9. Removal of Exotic Plant Treatments: Initial removal cost was $9,000 in FY09. The following year was an additional $6,750 then the costs dropped significantly after that. It is estimated to cost $1,000 or less each year from this point on. 10. Plant Survey- 10 year update to the plant inventory list conducted by a local botanist 1. Native Plant Restoration in wetlands: t.b.d in Marsh area only 11. Reduce fuel loads: (only if prescribed burns do not occur on a 3-5 year burn rotation) Estimated at $2,000 every 5 years 11. General maintenance Maintenance-approx. $60 per month 12. Brochures : $100- per year in printing costs Revised (Name Change Sept 2011) Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 48 4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors A significant number of management operations and restoration activities on the Red Root Preserve can be considered for outsourcing. Restoration and management activities that can be considered for outsourcing to private entities are listed in table 10. Table 10: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities Activity Approved Conditional Rejected Prescribed fire and/ or mechanical treatment application X Minor fireline installation X Fireline, fence, and trail maintenance X Fence installation X Plant and wildlife inventory and monitoring X Listed species mapping and needs assessment X Restore/enhance encroachment and ruderal areas X Reduce exotic species X Literature development and printing X Interpretive signs development and installation X Trail installation X Parking Area construction X Law enforcement and patrol X Revised (Name Change Sept 2011) Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 49 5.0 Literature Cited Abrahamson, W. G., and D. C Hartnett. 1990. Pine flatwoods and dry prairies. Pages 103 -149 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida. Brandt, L. A. and F. J. Mazziotti. 2005. Marine toads (Bufo marinus). University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document WEC11. 4pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW04600.pdf (accessed November 2007). Campbell K. M. 1990. Soil survey of Collier County area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Washington, D.C. Campbell, T. 2001. The brown anole. Institute for Biological Invaders: Invader of the Month. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Available from http://invasions.bio.utk.edu/invaders/sagrei.html (accessed November 2007). Campbell, T. S. 1996. Northern range expansion of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, in Florida and Georgia. Herp. Review 27:155-157. Campbell, T. S. 2000. Analyses of the effects of an exotic lizard (Anolis sagrei) on a native lizard (Anolis carolinensis) in Florida, using islands as experimental units. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Churchill, M. 2003. Giant marine toad (Bufo marinus) - Introduced Species Summary Project. Columbia University, New York, NY. Available from http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff- burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Bufo_marinus.html (accessed December 2007). Coates, S. F., M. B. Main, J. J. Mullahey, J. M. Schaefer, G. W. Tanner, M. E. Sunquist, and M. D. Fanning. 1998. The coyote (Canis latrans): Florida’s newest predator. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document WEC124. 5pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW12700.pdf (accessed November 2007). Collins, L. and R. H. Scheffrahn. 2005. Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae). 9pp. Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document EENY-195. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN352. Fairbank, P. and S. Hohner. 1995. Mapping recharge (infiltration and leakage) throughout the South Florida Water Management District. Technical publication 95-20 (DRE # 327). SFWMD, West Palm Beach, Florida. Florida Department of Transportation. 2009. Aerial Photo Look Up System. Available from http://www.dot.state.fl.us/surveyingandmapping/apac.shtm (accessed February 2009). Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). 2015. List of Florida's invasive plant species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Available from http://www.fleppc.org/list/15list.htm (accessed August 2015). Revised (Name Change Sept 2011) Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 50 Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). 2019. List of Florida’s invasive plant species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Available from Internet: http://www.fleppc.org/listl1 list..htm (accessed September 2019). Florida Natural Areas Inventory Areas of Conservation Lands By County March 2019 https://www.fnai.org/pdf/MAxCounty_201903.pdf (Accessed September 2019) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2001. Impacts of feral and free- ranging domestic cats on wildlife in Florida. Tallahassee, FL. Available from http://www.floridaconservation.org/viewing/articles/cat.pdf (accessed October 2007) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2002. A conceptual management plan for Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area: 2002 – 2007. Tallahassee, FL. 218 pp. Available from http://myfwc.com/wma- planning/CMP/Caravelle%20Ranch%20WMA/Caravelle%20Ranch%20CMP%202002- 2007.pdf (accessed December 2007) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2003, January 6. Florida's breeding bird atlas: A collaborative study of Florida's birdlife. http://www.myfwc.com/bba/ (accessed July 2008). Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). 2008. Acres of conservation lands by county. Florida State University, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee. FL. Available from http://www.fnai.org/pdf/MA_acres_counties.pdf (accessed August 2008). Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) 1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Department of Natural Resources. Giuliano, W. M., and G. W. Tanner. 2005. Control and management of wild hogs in Florida. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 192. 7pp. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW221 (accessed December 2007). Giuliano, W. M., and G. W. Tanner. 2005. Ecology of wild hogs in Florida. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 191. 7pp. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW220 (accessed December 2007). Johnson, S. 2007. The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC218. 8pp. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW259 (accessed December 2007) Karim, A. 2007. Status and use of tropical hardwood hammocks and forested residential areas as habitat for resident and Neotropical migratory birds in the Florida Keys. Master of Science Thesis. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 61pp. Kushlan, J. A. 1990. Freshwater marshes. Pages 324-363 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida. Revised (Name Change Sept 2011) Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 51 Langeland, K. A., and R. K. Stocker. 2001. Control of non-native plants in natural areas of Florida. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document SP 242. 34pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/WG/WG20900.pdf (accessed December 2007). Langeland, K. A. 2008. Natural area weeds: distinguishing native and non-native "Boston ferns" and "sword ferns" (Nephrolepis spp.). University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document SS-AGR-22. 7pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/AG/AG12000.pdf (accessed February 2009). Larson, B. C., J. H. Frank, G. M. Allen, M. B. Main. 2006. Florida’s native bromeliads. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular 1466. 10pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW205 (accessed November 2007). Lee, J. C. 1985. Anolis sagrei in Florida: phenetics of a colonizing species I. Meristic characters. Copeia 1985:182-194. Lodge, T. E. 2005. The Everglades handbook - Understanding the Ecosystem. 2nd edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Liudahl, K., D.J. Belz, L. Carey, R.W. Drew, S. Fisher, and R. Pate. 1990. Soil survey of Collier County area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Washington, D.C. Masterson, J. 2007. Felis catus. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Fort Pierce, Florida. Available from http://www.sms.si.edu/IRLspec/Felis_catus.htm (accessed November 2007). Miller J. A. 1986. Hydrogeologic framework of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. United States Geological Survey Professional Paper 1403-B. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Oaks, R. Q. and J. R. Dunbar. 1974. Post Miocene stratigraphy of the Central and Southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah. Schwartz, A. and R. W. Henderson. 1991. Amphibians and reptiles of the West Indies: descriptions, distributions, and natural history. University of Florida Press, Gainesville. Scott, T. M. 1988. Lithostratigraphy of the Hawthorne Group (Miocene). Florida Geological Survey Bulletin No. 59, Tallahassee, Florida. Stimac J. L., and S. B. Alves. 1994. Pest Management in the Subtropics: biological control a Florida perspective. (Rosen D, Bennett FD, Capinera JL, Ed.) pp. 353-380. Intercept Limited, Andover, Hants SP10 1 YG, UK. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Mesic pine flatwoods. South Florida multi-species recovery plan – a species plan…an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region, Compact Disk. Willcox, E. and W. M. Giuliano. 2006. Red imported fire ants and their impacts on wildlife. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 207. Florida Revised (Name Change Sept 2011) Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 52 Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida . Available http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW242 Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2008. Atlas of Florida vascular plants. [S.M. Landry and K.N. Campbell (application development), Floirda Center for Community Design and Research]. Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. Available from http.//www.plantatlas.usf.edu/. Revised (Name Change) Sept 2011 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 53 Appendix 1. Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Red Root Preserve. Red Root Preserve: Preliminary Plant List Scientific Name Common Name(s) Stateb FLEPPCc Acacia auriculiformisa earleaf acacia I Acer rubrum red maple Ambrosia artemisiifolia common ragweed Ampelopsis arborea peppervine Andropogon glomeratus bushy bluestem Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana wiregrass Asimina spp. pawpaw Bacopa sp. waterhyssop Blechnum serrulatum swamp fern, toothed midsorus fern Cephalanthus occidentalis common buttonbush Ceratiola ericoides Florida rosemary; sand heath Cladium jamaicense sawgrass, Jamaica swamp sawgrass Diodia virginiana Virginia buttonweed Dryopteris ludoviciana southern wood fern; southern shield fern Erigeron sp. fleabane Eriocaulon decangulare hatpins Eryngium yuccifolium button rattlesnakemaster; button eryngo Hypericum sp. Hypericum tetrapetalum H. fasciculatum St. John’s-wort Hyptis alata clustered bushmint; musky mint Ilex cassine dahoon holly, dahoon Ilex glabra inkberry; gallberry Lachnanthes caroliniana Carolina redroot Licania michauxii gopher apple Lyonia ferruginea rusty staggerbush; rusty lyonia Melaleuca quinquenerviaa punk tree, 53elaleuca, paper bark I Melochia corchorifolia chocolateweed Mikania scandens climbing hempvine Muhlenbergia capillaris muhly grass Myrica cerifera wax myrtle, southern bayberry Nephrolepis multifloraa Asian sword fern I Nymphaea odorata American white waterlily Persea borbonia red bay Piloblephis rigida wild pennyroyal; mint stuff Pinus elliottii slash pine Pluchea baccharis rosy camphorweed Polygala nana candyroot Polygonum spp. Smartweed Pterocaulon pycnostachyum blackroot Quercus laurifolia laurel oak; diamond oak Quercus elliottii running oak Rapanea punctata myrsine, colicwood Revised (Name Change) Sept 2011 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 54 (Continued on next page) Appendix 1 (continued). Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Red Root Preserve. Red Root Preserve: Preliminary Plant List (continued) Scientific Name Common Name(s) Stateb FLEPPCc Sabal palmetto cabbage palm; sabal palm Sagittaria latifolia broadleaf arrowhead, common arrowhead, duck potato Sarcostemma clausum white twinevine Schinus terebinthifoliusa Brazilian pepper I Serenoa repens saw palmetto Smilax auriculata earleaf greenbrier Sporobolus indicusa smutgrass Syngonanthus flavidulus? Shoe buttons, bantam-buttons Syzygium cuminia Java plum; jambolan I Terminalia catappaa West Indian almond; tropical almond II Tillandsia balbisiana reflexed wild-pine, northern needleleaf T Tillandsia fasciculata stiff-leaved wild-pine, cardinal airplant E Tillandsia usneoides Spanish-moss Toxicodendron radicans eastern poison-ivy Urena lobataa caesarweed I Vaccinium myrsinites shiny blueberry Vitis rotundifolia muscadine, muscadine grape Xyris spp. yelloweyed grass aNon-native species that may or may not have FLEPPC designations list revised May 2015 bState listed species: T = Threatened; E = Endangered cFlorida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) 2007 designations I: Invasive, exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. II: Invasive, exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. Redroot Preserve by Maureen S. Bonness and Jean McCollom September 2, 2020 prior 2020 Scientific Name (prior name)Common Names NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Abrus precatorius Rosary-pea, Crab-eyes √I x x Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia √I x x Acer rubrum Red maple N x x Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common ragweed N x x Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum Blue maidencane N x Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis Purple bluestem N x x Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus Bushy bluestem N x x Andropogon virginicus var. glaucus Chalky bluestem N x Andropogon virginicus var. virginicus Broomsedge bluestem N x Aristida spiciformis Bottlebrush threeawn N x x Aristida stricta (=A. beyrichiana )Southern wiregrass N x Asclepias pedicellata Savannah milkweed N x x Asimina reticulata Common pawpaw, Netted pawpaw N x Axonopus fissifolius Common carpetgrass N x x Baccharis halimifolia Saltbush, Groundsel tree, Sea-myrtle N x x Bacopa monnieri Water hyssop, Herb-of-grace N x x Bidens alba Spanish-needles N x Buchnera americana American bluehearts N x Carex verrucosa Warty sedge N x Carphephorus corymbosus Florida paintbrush, Coastalplain chaffhead N x Cassytha filiformis Lovevine, Devil's gut N x Centella asiatica Coinwort, Spadeleaf N x Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush N x Ceratiola ericoides Florida rosemary, Sand heath N x Chamaecrista nictitans var. aspera Hairy sensitive-pea N x Chromolaena odorata Jack-in-the-bush N x x Cladium jamaicense Sawgrass N x Cnidoscolus stimulosus Tread-softly, Finger-rot, 7-minute-itch N x Coleataenia rigidula (=Panicum rigidulum) Redtop panicum N x Commelina diffusa Common dayflower √ x Conyza canadensis Canadian horseweed N x Corymbia torelliana (=Eucalyptus torelliana) Torell’s eucalyptus √ x Crotalaria rotundifolia Rabbitbells N x Croton glandulosus var. septentrionalis (=var. glandulosus) Vente conmigo N x Cuphea carthagenensis Colombian waxweed √ x Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass √ x Cyperus croceus Baldwin's flatsedge N x Cyperus haspan Haspan flatsedge N ?Cyperus hortensis (=Kyllinga pumila)Low spikesedge N x Cyperus ligularis Swamp flatsedge N x Cyperus ovatus (=C. retrorsus)Pinebarren flatsedge N x Cyperus polystachyos Manyspike flatsedge, Texas sedge N x Cyperus surinamensis Tropical flatsedge N prior 2020 Scientific Name (prior name)Common Names NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Desmodium incanum Beggar's-ticks √ x Desmodium triflorum Threeflower ticktrefoil √ x Dichanthelium dichotomum Cypress witchgrass N x Dichanthelium ensifolium Cypress witchgrass N x Dichanthelium portoricense Hemlock witchgrass N x Dichanthelium strigosum var. glabrescens Roughhair witchgrass N x Digitaria bicornis Asia crabgrass √ x Digitaria ciliaris Southern crabgrass N x x Diodia virginiana Buttonweed, Virginia buttonweed N x Diospyros virginiana Common persimmon N x Dryopteris ludoviciana Southern wood fern N x Dyschoriste angusta Pineland twinflower, Pineland snakeherb N x Elephantopus elatus Tall elephantsfoot N x Eleusine indica Indian goosegrass √ x Emilia fosbergii Florida tasselflower √ x Eragrostis scaligera Tender lovegrass √ x Eragrostis spectabilis Purple lovegrass N x Erechtites hieraciifolius Fireweed, American burnweed N x Erigeron quercifolius Southern-fleabane, Oakleaf fleabane N x Erigeron sp.Fleabane N x Eriocaulon decangulare Tenangle pipewort N x Eryngium yuccifolium Button rattlesnake master, Button eryngo N x Eupatorium capillifolium Dogfennel N x Eupatorium leptophyllum Falsefennel N x Eupatorium mohrii Mohr's thoroughwort N x Euphorbia hyssopifolia (=Chamaesyce hyssopifolia) Eyebane, Hyssopleaf sandmat N x Eustachys petraea Pinewoods fingergrass N x Euthamia caroliniana Slender flattop goldenrod N x x Ficus aurea Strangler fig, Golden fig N x Fuirena scirpoidea Southern umbrellasedge N x Funastrum clausum (=Sarcostemma clausum) Whitevine, White twinevine N x x Geobalanus oblongifolius (=Licania michauxii) Gopher-apple N x Hydrocotyle sp. Pennywort N x Hypericum brachyphyllum Coastalplain St. John's-wort N x Hypericum cistifolium Roundpod St. John's-wort N x x Hypericum fasciculatum Peelbark St. John's-wort N x Hypericum hypericoides St. Andrew's-cross N x Hypericum myrtifolium Myrtleleaf St. John's-wort N x x Hypericum tetrapetalum Fourpetal St. John's-wort N x Hypoxis wrightii Bristleseed yellow stargrass N x x Hyptis alata Musky mint, Clustered bushmint N x x Ilex cassine Dahoon holly, Dahoon N x x Ilex glabra Gallberry, Inkberry N x x Indigofera hirsuta Hairy indigo √ x Juncus scirpoides Needlepod rush N x x Lachnanthes caroliana Bloodroot, Carolina redroot N prior 2020 Scientific Name (prior name)Common Names NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx x Lachnocaulon anceps Whitehead bogbutton N x Lechea torreyi Piedmont pinweed N x Ludwigia maritima Seaside primrosewillow N x Ludwigia octovalvis Mexican primrosewillow N x Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrosewillow √I x Lygodesmia aphylla Roserush N x Lygodium microphyllum Small-leaf climbing fern √I x Lyonia ferruginea Rusty staggerbush N x Lyonia fruticosa Coastalplain staggerbush N x Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum Winged loosestrife N x Macroptilium lathyroides Wild bushbean √II x Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay N x x Melaleuca quinquenervia Punktree √I x Melochia corchorifolia Chocolate weed √ x Melochia spicata Bretonica peluda N x x Mikania scandens Climbing hempweed, Climbing hempvine N x x Morella cerifera (=Myrica cerifera)Wax myrtle, Southern bayberry N x x Muhlenbergia capillaris Muhlygrass, Hairawnmuhly N x Murdannia sp.Dewflower √ x x Myrsine cubana (=Rapanea punctata)Myrsine, Colicwood N x x Nekemias arborea (=Ampelopsis arborea) Peppervine N x x Nephrolepis brownii (=Nephrolepis multiflora) Asian sword fern √I x Nymphaea odorata American white waterlily N x Nymphaea sp.Waterlily N x Oxalis corniculata Common yellow woodsorrel N x Panicum repens Torpedo grass √I x Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia-creeper, Woodbine N x Paspalum conjugatum Sour paspalum, Hilograss N x Paspalum notatum Bahia grass √ x Paspalum setaceum Thin paspalum N x Persea borbonia red bay N x Persea palustris Swamp bay N x Persicaria hydropiperoides (=Polygonum hydropiperoides) Mild waterpepper; Swamp smartweed N x Phlebodium aureum Golden polypody N x Phyla nodiflora Frogfruit, Capeweed N x Phyllanthus urinaria Chamber bitter √ x x Piloblephis rigida Wild pennyroyal N x x Pinus elliottii var. densa South Florida slash pine N x x Pluchea baccharis (=Pluchea rosea)Rosy camphorweed N x Polygala nana Candyroot N x Polygala rugelii Yellow milkwort N x Polygala setacea Coastalplain milkwort N x Polygonum sp.Knotweed x Polypremum procumbens Rustweed, Juniperleaf N x Pteridium aquilinum var. pseudocaudatum Tailed bracken fern N x x Pterocaulon pycnostachyum Blackroot N x x Quercus laurifolia Laurel oak, Diamond oak N prior 2020 Scientific Name (prior name)Common Names NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Quercus minima Dwarf live oak N x Quercus pumila = (Quercus elliottii)Running oak N x Quercus virginiana Virginia live oak N x x Rhexia mariana Pale meadowbeauty, Maryland meadowbeauty N x Rhexia nuttallii Nuttall's meadowbeauty N x Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Downy rose myrtle √I x x Rhus copallinum Winged sumac N x Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled Beaksedge N x Rhynchospora fernaldii Fernald's beaksedge N x Richardia grandiflora Largeflower Mexican clover √ x x Sabal palmetto Cabbage palm N x Saccharum giganteum Sugarcane plumegrass N x Sacciolepis indica Indian cupscale √ x Sacciolepis striata American cupscale N x Sagittaria lancifolia Broadliaf arrowhead, Common arrowhead, duck potato N x Sagittaria latifolia Bulltongue arrowhead N x x Schinus terebinthifolia Brazilian pepper √I x Schizachyrium stoloniferum Creeping little bluestem N x Scleria reticularis Netted nutrush N x Scoparia dulcis Sweetbroom, Licoriceweed N x x Serenoa repens Saw palmetto N x Setaria parviflora (=S. geniculata)Knotroot foxtail, Yellow bristlegrass N x x Smilax auriculata Earleaf greenbrier N x Solanum viarum Tropical soda apple √I x Solidago fistulosa Pinebarren goldenrod N x Sophronanthe hispida (=Gratiola hispida) Rough hedgehyssop N x Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweed √II x Sphagneticola trilobata (=Wedelia trilobata) Creeping wedelia, Creeping oxeye √II x x Sporobolus jacquemontii (=S. indicus var. pyramidalis) Smutgrass, West Indian dropseed √I x Syagrus romanzoffiana Queen palm √II x x Syngonanthus flavidulus Yellow hatpins N x x Syzygium cumini Java plum √I x x Telmatoblechnum serrulatum (=Blechnum serrulatum) Swamp fern N x x Terminalia catappa West Indian tropical almond √II x Tillandsia balbisiana Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf N T x x Tillandsia fasciculata Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant N E x Tillandsia flexuosa Banded wild-pine, Twisted airplant N T S3 x Tillandsia paucifolia Potbelly airplant N x x Tillandsia usneoides Spanish-moss N x Torenia crustacea (=Lindernia crustacea) Malaysian false pimpernel √ x x Toxicodendron radicans Eastern poison-ivy N x x Urena lobata Caesarweed √I x x Vaccinium myrsinites Shiny blueberry N x x Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine grape N x Woodwardia virginica Virginia chain fern N prior 2020 Scientific Name (prior name)Common Names NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Xyris ambigua Coastalplain yelloweyed grass N x Xyris caroliniana Carolina yelloweyed grass N x Xyris elliottii Elliott's yelloweyed grass N x Xyris spp.Yelloweyed grass N 70 167 148 36 3 1 18 Sources. Scentific plant names and Native/Not-Native status is according to the Atlas of Florida Plants website as of July 2020. State status is from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 2018 list. FNAI category is from Florida Natural Areas Inventory April 2019 list. FLEPPC category is from the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council 2019 list. Count State Codes: E=Endangered, T=Threatened FNAI Codes: S1=critically imperiled; S2=imperiled because of rarity; S3=very rare in Florida or restricted range FLEPPC Codes: Category I = species has altered native plant communities; Category II = species with increasing abundance or frequency Revised (Name Change) Sept 2011 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 55 Appendix 2. Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Red Root Preserve Report for 1 Matrix Unit: 43523 Descriptions DOCUMENTED - There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this Matrix Unit. DOCUMENTED-HISTORIC - There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this Matrix Unit; however, the occurrence has not been observed/reported within the last twenty years. LIKELY - The species or community is known to occur in this vicinity, and is considered likely within this Matrix Unit because: 1. documented occurrence overlaps this and adjacent Matrix Units, but the documentation isn’t precise enough to indicate which of those Units the species or community is actually located in; or 2. there is a documented occurrence in the vicinity and there is suitable habitat for that species or community within this Matrix Unit. POTENTIAL - This Matrix Unit lies within the known or predicted range of the species or community based on expert knowledge and environmental variables such as climate, soils, topography, and landcover. Matrix Unit ID: 43523 0 Documented Elements Found 0 Documented-Historic Elements Found 5 Likely Elements Found Scientific and Common Names Global Rank State Rank Federal Status State Listing Grus canadensis pratensis Florida Sandhill Crane G5T2T3 S2S3 N LT Mesic flatwoods G4 S4 N N Mycteria americana Wood Stork G4 S2 LE LE Puma concolor coryi Florida Panther G5T1 S1 LE LE Sciurus niger avicennia Mangrove Fox Squirrel G5T2 S2 N LT Revised (Name Change) Sept 2011 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 56 Appendix 2 (continued). Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Red Root Preserve Matrix Unit ID: 43523 16 Potential Elements for Matrix Unit 43523 Scientific and Common Names Global Rank State Rank Federal Status State Listing Andropogon arctatus Pine-woods Bluestem G3 S3 N LT Athene cunicularia floridana Florida Burrowing Owl G4T3 S3 N LS Calopogon multiflorus Many-flowered Grass-pink G2G3 S2S3 N LE Drymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake G3 S3 LT LT Elytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia Narrow-leaved Carolina Scalystem G4T2 S2 N N Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LT Lechea cernua Nodding Pinweed G3 S3 N LT Linum carteri var. smallii Small's flax G2T2 S2 N LE Mustela frenata peninsulae Florida Long-tailed Weasel G5T3 S3 N N Nemastylis floridana Celestial Lily G2 S2 N LE Nolina atopocarpa Florida Beargrass G3 S3 N LT Picoides borealis Red-cockaded Woodpecker G3 S2 LE LS Pteroglossaspis ecristata Giant Orchid G2G3 S2 N LT Rana capito Gopher Frog G3 S3 N LS Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Snail Kite G4G5T3Q S2 LE LE Ursus americanus floridanus Florida Black Bear G5T2 S2 N LT* Disclaimer The data maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory represent the single most comprehensive source of information available on the locations of rare species and other significant ecological resources statewide. However, the data are not always based on comprehensive or site-specific field surveys. Therefore, this information should not be regarded as a final statement on the biological resources of the site being considered, nor should it be substituted for on-site surveys. FNAI shall not be held liable for the accuracy and completeness of these data, or opinions or conclusions drawn from these data. FNAI is not inviting reliance on these data. Inventory data are designed for the purposes of conservation planning and scientific research and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions. Unofficial Report These results are considered unofficial. FNAI offers a Standard Data Request option for those needing certifiable data. G:\CDES Planning Services\Land Development Services\Conservation Collier\Land Management\Red Maple Swamp Preserve\2017 Update IMP\Red Maple Swamp IMP Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Preserve April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 2 April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 3 Extended Interim Management Plan Third Fourth Extension Prepared By: Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program Parks & Recreation Department 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd. Naples, FL 34116 April 2018September 2020 Table of Contents 1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan………………………… 35 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities ……………………………….. 36 3.0 Interim Site Plan ………………………………………………………….… 36 3.1 Location and Site Description ………………………………………. 36 3.2 Signage……………………………….………………..……………. 46 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases …………………………………… 46 3.4 Structures………………………………………………………..…… 47 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses…………………………………. 47 4.0 Interim Management Objectives ………………………………………….… 47 4.1 Natural Resource Protection…………………………………….…… 47 4.2 Site Security……………………….………………………...………. 57 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan……………….….. 58 4.4 Exotic Animal Plan…………………………………………………… 11 4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Resource Protection...……… 125 4.6 Public Access……………………………………….………….….... 613 April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 4 4.7 Site Monitoring Plan………………………………………..…..…… 613 4.8 Partnerships…………………………………………………………. 613 5.0 Exhibits……………………………………………………………………..… 715 EXHIBIT 1: Location Map EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table EXHIBIT 4: Implementation Timeline April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 5 1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan Red Maple Swamp Preserve is one of two multi-parcel projects undertaken by the Conservation Collier Program. The Red Maple Swamp Preserve project boundary encompasses 107 parcels totaling 305.69 acres within North Golden Gate Estates (NGGE) Unit 53. As of April 2018September 2020, 75 parcels or 209213.88.11 acres (6870%) have been acquired by Conservation Collier in a checkerboard fashion throughout the project area. Although theThe Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved the remaining 32 parcels totaling 96.58 acres for acquisition subject to land values and to being offered as a “very good deal.,” acquisitions in general by Conservation Collier were suspended in January 2011, and no additional properties within this area have been acquired through fee simple purchase since that time. Conservation Collier requested a market study and appraisal in July 2017 that valued these parcels at $5,500 to $6,000 per acre. As of December 2017, the Property Appraiser is valuing parcels within NGGE Unit 53 at $3,520 per acre. Conservation Collier will continue to pursue the acquisition of all approved parcels within the Red Maple Swamp Preserve project area as means to do so present themselves. There are three potential ways for properties to come under County ownership: • Outright acquisition • Offsite alternatives to the Land Development Code’s Off-site native vegetation retention requirements (LDC, Sec 3.05.07 H.1.f.iii.) offer a way for properties within multi-parcel projects to be acquired and donated to Conservation Collier in lieu of developers retaining vegetation onsite at development projects. • Current proposals being considered[MD1] as part of the County’s Watershed Management Plan involve development of a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program and a Watershed Mitigation Program in the North Golden Gate Estates, which could result in some parcels being stripped of development rights and deeded to Conservation Collier. If properties cannot be acquired using the above means, or if it becomes apparent that few properties can be acquired in this manner, Conservation Collier staff will seek to exercise a provision of the Conservation Collier ordinance (2007-65, Section 14.7) that allows for the exchange of lands within and between multi-parcel projects in accordance with the goals of the Program. The objective of any such exchanges will be to consolidate the areas owned by Collier County under the Conservation Collier Program into one contiguous area. All acquired properties will be managed only for conservation, protection and enhancement of natural resources and for public outdoor recreation that will be compatible with the conservation, protection and enhancement of the site and its surrounding lands. Public use of the site will not be practical until more contiguous properties within the Red Maple Swamp Preserve project boundary can be acquiredd . This interim management plan is intended to update the key management priorities and issues within the site and give direction for management through 20202022. This document is intended to be the precursor to a final management plan, which will provide more specific aspects of site management once a contiguous block of 100 acquired acres can be assembled. April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 6 Key Interim Management Objectives 1. Protect and manage the native habitat on site 2. Explore opportunities for grant funding and partnerships Action Plan 1a. Treat and manage invasive exotic plants within the 53.9 acres of contiguous County owned land along the western boundary of the preserve, within the 39.375.8 acres of contiguous County owned land along the eastern boundary of the preserve, and within any LDC donation parcels. 1b. Treat and manage high density old world and Japanese climbing fern populations located within any acquired properties. 2a. Seek opportunities for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Upland Plant Management Program and US Fish and Wildlife Service Partners Program grant funding. 2b. Seek opportunities with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) Land and Water Trust (CREW) for partnership and management assistance. 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities The Collier County Parks and Recreation DepartmentConservation Collier Program will be solely responsible for managing the Red Maple Swamp Preserve, but will seek to obtain grants funding assistance and partnerships for management activities. 3.0 Interim Site Plan 3.1 Location and Site Description Red Maple Swamp Preserve is located north of Immokalee Road and west of Wilson Boulevard in Section 8 Township 48 Range 27 within Collier County, Florida. It is comprised of wetland hardwood forests. Approximately 209.11213.88 acres of the 305.69-acre unit are currently owned by Collier County. Red Maple Swamp Preserve is located within the Golden Gate Estates boundary of Collier County. 3.2 Signage Signs denoting parcels as Conservation Collier Land will be installed as contiguous parcels of 20 acres or more are acquired. A sign indicating that the area is a Conservation Collier Preserve was installed across from the SFWMD Bird Rookery Swamp parking area in summer of 2020. 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases There are sixty-foot (60’) platted Right of Way easements dedicated for public right of way, including utilities, along 41st Ave. NE and Shady Hollow Blvd. No other easements, concessions or leases currently exist within the site. In the future, well easements may be proposed for locations along both of these roadways with pipelines to April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 7 be located in existing easements. The Conservation Collier Ordinance (2002-63) prohibits use, infrastructure or improvements inconsistent with the purposes of the program or not provided by an approved management plan. There are well easements along Shady Hollow Blvd. for future alignment of wells with the Northeast Water Treatment Plant. Preliminary studies indicated that these sites may be viable but currently there are no wells in place. The location of well easements will be included in a future management plan. There are no other easements, concessions or leases proposed for the future, unless they further conservation objectives, such as a conservation easement. 3.4 Structures No structures are present on the site at this time. No structures, except potentially municipal well structures, will be erected within the time span of this interim management plan. 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses Red Maple Swamp Preserve is adjacent to SFWMD lands to the north and west. A 43- acre Collier County-owned, un-restored, fallow agricultural, wetland mitigation parcel also exists to the north of the preserve. To the east, the preserve is bordered by Estates zoned property that is mostly undeveloped and to the south by Phase II of the Twin Eagles Development. 4.0 Interim Management Objectives 4.1 Natural Resource Protection Existing Vegetation: The following native plants have been observed within the preserve: red maple (Acer rubrum), cypress (Taxodium distichum), willow (Salix spp.), bay (Persea spp.), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) and dahoon holly (Ilex cassine). Invasive exotic plants, Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera), Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japanicum), and old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum), and castor bean (Ricinus communis), were also observed on some of the parcels. Unique Natural Features: Red Maple Swamp Preserve is an excellent example of a wetland hardwood forest community and contains many mature red maples in areas outside of those historically farmed. Even previously farmed areas show significant red maple re- growth. Possible Listed Species: Wild coco (Elophia alta) FDA threatened and, royal fern (Osmunda regalis) FDA commercially exploited and white ibis (Eudocimus albus) FFWCC species of special concern have been observed within the acquired properties. Listed orchid species, woodState and Federally-listed imperiled species observed utilizing the preserve lands include the wood storks (Mycteria Americana), little April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 8 blue heron (Egretta caerulea), crested caracara (Caracara cheriway), Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), and Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus), and American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). and snail kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis) could potentially be found there. 4.2 Site Security Staff have observeds been advised that ATV riders use utilizing a trail along the west side of NGGE Unit 53, accessing it by both 41st Avenue NW and Shady Hollow Blvd. Staff will postposted properties where ATV use is occurring with “No Unauthorized Vehicles” signs and arrangements will bewere made made for law enforcement to occasionally visit and monitor activities. Fencing will not be addressed unless trespass becomes a major issue and a contiguous block of 100 acquired acres can be assembled within the preserve. 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan Invasive exotic plant species observed include: Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), creeping signalgrass (Urochloa plantaginea), air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera), and old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum, Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japanicum), and castor bean (Ricinus communis).). LDC donation parcels are initially treated for invasive, exotic vegetation prior to donation, and a management endowment is included with each donation parcel. Conservation Collier will only actively manage invasive, exotic vegetation within LDC donation parcels, within the 39.375.8 acres of contiguous County owned land along the eastern boundary of the preserve, and within the 53.9 contiguous acres along the western edge of the preserve that are adjacent to SFWMD lands until more contiguous acreage can be acquired. All observed invasive exotic vegetation in this section will be treated and managed. High density infestations of old world climbing fern will be treated when located on any acquired property within Red Maple Swamp Preserve. Staff will pursue grant fundinfunding assistance g for exotic plant maintenance. In January of 2018, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) CREW biologists notified Conservation Collier land managers of aerial observations of a high density area of exotic, invasive climbing fern seen during a monthly wading bird monitoring flight. Conservation Collier Staff mapped the area of concern, carried out a site inspection and collected data on the area of infestation. Staff also set up “before” photomonitoring points of the area of concern (Figures 2 and 3) and coordinated with the FWC Invasive Plant Management Section to secure funding for an Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) treatment for the 12.78 acre infestation area given its size and location adjacent to significant natural areas (Figure 1). April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 9 Figure 1. Initial treatment of the (12.78 acre) EDRR area took place in spring of 2018. The following photos show the area before treatment (March 2018) and following treatment (May 2018). April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 10 Figure 2. Before and After Treatment Photo of Photomonitoring Point 2 Figure 3. Before and After Treatment Photo of Photomonitoring Point 5 Staff applied for and secured $50,000 in funding assistance from the FWC IPMS program in 2019 to carry out a maintenance exotic treatment on 52.3 acres within treatment Units 2 and 3 as well as an initial treatment of the remaining 23.5 acres within the contiguous block of acquired parcels (Figure 4). Figure 4. Initial and Maintenance treatments carried out using FWC IPMS funding assistance. April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 11 Staff again applied for $50,000 in funding assistance from the FWC IPMS program in 2020 to carry out a maintenance treatment on 129.5 acres of the site to transition all treated units into a maintenance rotation (Figure 5). Staff are working with FWC IPMS to determine the amount of assistance that will be available to fund this project in 2021. Due to state funding limitations and higher priority units throughout the South region, funding was not available through the FWC IPMS program and will be supplemented using Conservation Collier preserve funds where available this upcoming fiscal year. Figure 5. Planned FY21 maintenance treatment that was not selected to receive FWC IPMS funding assistance. 4.4 Exotic Animal Plan In March 2015, a SFWMD staff member observed a large black and white tegu lizard (Salvator merianae) crossing Shady Hollow Blvd (Figure 6). Members of the SW Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) attempted to trap the lizard, but were unsuccessful. In July 2015, CISMA members set up camera traps on Conservation Collier and SFWMD land adjacent to Shady Hollow Blvd., and in August 2015, the CISMA organized a tegu lizard rapid response survey for lands surrounding the location of the initial sighting. Conservation Collier staff will continue to coordinate with CISMA members to monitor and/or trap exotic animals within Red Maple Swamp Preserve. April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 12 Figure 6. Black and White Tegu Lizard – March 18, 2015, Shady Hollow Blvd. Photo courtesy of Joe Bozzo 4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection Red Maple Swamp Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and no historical or archaeological sites appear to be present in the property. The County will notify the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any archaeological or historic resources are present on County-owned lands. If such properties 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). April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 13 The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archaeological and historic sites within the Red Maple Swamp Preserve will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. 4.6 Public Access The SFWMD Bird Rookery Swamp parking area and trails are located at 1295 Shady Hollow Blvd., across the street and to the east of the 53.9 contiguous eastern acres proposed for management in the Red Maple Swamp project area. During the Red Maple Swamp Preserve final management plan development, County staff will meet with CREW Land and Water Trust staff and SFWMD staff to determine whether it would be feasible to create a seasonal trail within Red Maple Swamp Preserve that could be accessed from the Bird Rookery Swamp parking area. The Bird Rookery Swamp portion of the CREW Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) adjacent to Red Maple Swamp Preserve is closed to hunting, Therefore, incorporating Red Maple Swamp Preserve into the CREW WEA to facilitate hunting would not be feasible at this time. 4.7 Site Monitoring Plan Monitoring of the site shall consist of a walk-through by staff at semi-annual intervals. Conservation Collier shall be responsible for exotic plant treatment with tasks contracted out as deemed necessary. Prior to any land management activities, photo monitoring points will also be established at strategic locations within the project area to monitor vegetation communities. 4.8 Partnerships SFWMD staff has indicated that they are open to the potential for expanding the CREW project boundaries around NGGE Unit 53, or portions thereof, and there may be opportunity for management assistance once a larger area of contiguous parcels is acquired. County staff has also had discussions with CREW about the possibility of CREW acquiring and conveying NGGE Unit 53 properties over to Collier County. In May 2011, the CREW Land and Water Trust conveyed two parcels to Collier County to be incorporated within the boundary layer of the NGGE Unit 53 acquisition parcels. Those units are shown in light green on Figure (#7) below. April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 14 Figure 7. CREW Land and Water Trust parcels conferred to Collier County in May 2011. A letter went out to private owners within NGGE Unit 53 in 2012 from the CREW Trust asking if there was interest in selling; however, no positive response was returned. April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 15 5.0 Exhibits EXHIBIT 1: Location Map April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 16 April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 17 EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 18 April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 19 April 2018 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 20 EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table Management Element Initial Cost Annual Recurring Costs Comments Exotics Control $14,000 - $28,00078,000 Staff will seek FWC funding for maintenance of invasive exotics Conservation Collier signs $650 2 (2’X3’) with posts and hardware “No Unauthorized Vehicles” signs $150 2 (20” X 28”) signs and posts Total $800 $14,000000- $28,00078,000 G:\CDES Planning Services\Land Development Services\Conservation Collier\Land Management\Red Maple Swamp Preserve\2017 Update IMP\Red Maple Swamp IMP EXHIBIT 4: Estimated Implementation Time Line Monitoring Site Visit Seek Partnerships Exotic Plant Treatment Completion of final management plan (or update of interim management plan if acquired parcels are still scattered) Jan-18 x x April-18 x July-18 x Jan-19 x x April-19 x July-19 x Jan-20 x x April=20Sept- 20 x x x Nov-20 x March 21 x x x July 21 x Oct-21 x Nov-21 x x Oct-22 x x x Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 1 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Managed by: Conservation Collier Program Collier County May 2008 2020 –May 2018 2030 (10 yr plan) Updated: December 2015April 2020 Prepared by: Collier County Parks and Recreation Division Conservation Collier Staff Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 2 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Executive Summary Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Conservation Collier Program Property included in this Plan: Wet Woods Preserve (Folio #: 00154880008) Acreage Breakdown: General Vegetative Communities Acreage Wetlands (58%) 15.53 Uplands (42%) 11.24 TOTAL 26.77 Management Responsibilities: Agency: Collier County - Conservation Collier Program Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource basedresource-based recreation Unique Features: saltwater and freshwater marshes, mangrove forests, pine flatwoods, active bald eagle nest, seven listed plant and two listed animal species detected to date Management Goals: Goal 1: Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and fauna Goal 2: Continue monitoring of vegetationDevelop a baseline monitoring report Goal 3: CRemove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna to restore and maintain natural habitats Goal 4: Continue to implement aUse mechanical treatments schedule to decrease woody fuels invasion resulting from fire exclusion Goal 5: Restore native vegetation Goal 6: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes Goal 767: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness Public Involvement: Public meeting(s) were held in early springthe summer of 2008 2020 with invitations being sent to residents and businesses from surrounding lands. Formatted: Font: Bold Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 3 Table of Contents Land Management Plan Executive Summary ................................................................ 2 List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... 4 List of Figures .................................................................................................................... 4 List of Appendices ............................................................................................................. 5 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 6 1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority .............. 7 1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan ..................................................................................................... 7 1.3 Location of the Wet Woods Preserve .................................................................................... 7 1.4 Regional Significance of the Wet Woods Preserve .............................................................. 9 1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources ..................................................... 9 1.6 Public Involvement ....................................................................................................... 141412 2.0 Natural Resources.............................................................................................. 141412 2.1 Physiography ................................................................................................................. 141412 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ............................................................................. 141412 2.1.2 Geology .................................................................................................................... 141412 2.1.3 Soils .......................................................................................................................... 151513 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management ................................................................................ 181816 2.2 Climate ........................................................................................................................... 181816 2.3 Natural Plant Communities ......................................................................................... 181816 2.3.1 Wetlands: Mangrove Swamps .................................................................................. 212119 2.3.2 Wetlands: Tidal Marsh ............................................................................................. 222220 2.3.3 Wetlands: Freshwater Marsh .................................................................................... 222220 2.3.4 Uplands: Mesic Pine Flatwoods ............................................................................... 232321 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species ................................................................................. 242422 2.4.1 Plant Species ............................................................................................................. 242422 2.4.2 Animal Species ......................................................................................................... 242422 2.5 Listed Species ................................................................................................................ 272725 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species .................................................................................................. 272725 2.5.2 Listed Animal Species .............................................................................................. 303028 2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species ............................................................. 32322930 2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species ......................................................................... 323230 2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species ..................................................................... 333331 3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses ................. 383836 3.1 Previous and Current Use ............................................................................................ 383836 3.2 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ................................... 383836 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 4 3.3 Adjacent Land Uses ...................................................................................................... 383836 3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years ....................................................... 414139 4.0 Future Use of the Wet Woods Preserve including Management Issues, Goals and Objectives .......................................................................................................... 434341 4.1 Management Plan Framework .................................................................................... 434341 4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information ................................................................ 434341 4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts ......................................................... 434341 4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources ..................................................... 434341 4.3 Desired Future Conditions ....................................................................................... 49494742 4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008-2018 .................................................................. 50504742 4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve ................................ 64645456 4.5.1 Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 64645456 4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources ..................................................... 64645456 4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors ............................................................................................................................... 67675759 5.0 Literature Cited ............................................................................................. 68685860 List of Tables Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Wet Woods Preserve .................................................. 6 Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Wet Woods Preserve ....................................................... 9 Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities in the Wet Woods Preserve ............................ 191917 Table 4: Bird Species Recorded at the Wet Woods Preserve ............................................... 252523 Table 5: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Bonita Springs Quadrangle in the Vicinity of the Wet Woods Preserve ...................................................................................................... 262624 Table 6: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Wet Woods Preserve .................................... 272725 Table 7: Invasive Plant Species at Wet Woods Preserve ...................................................... 323231 Table 8: Major Accomplishments Since the Acquisition of the Wet Woods Preserve ....... 414139 Table 9: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve Category I species ............................................................................................................................ 545446 Table 10: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget ..................................................... 666658 Table 11: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities ...................... 676759 List of Figures Figure 1: General Location of and Directions to Wet Woods Preserve. ........................................ 8 Figure 2: Conservation Collier Preserves and Designated State and Federal Land or Conservation Easements Existing in Collier County ........................................................................... 121210 Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Wet Woods Preserve ............... 131311 Figure 5: Soil Units at the Wet Woods Preserve .................................................................. 171715 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 5 Figure 6: Distribution of Main Natural Communities (based on SFWMD FLUCCS Codes) in the Wet Woods Preserve ...................................................................................................... 202018 Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photographs courtesy of the State of Florida University System of Florida website ............................................................................................................... 393937 Figure 8: Areas Contiguous to the Wet Woods Preserve .................................................... 404038 Figure 9: Exotic Removal Partnership Areas....................................................................... 424240 Figure 10: Photo Point Locations Within Wet Woods Preserve......................................... 535346 Figure 12: Option 3 - Wet Woods Conceptual Site Plan ..................................................... 626254 List of Appendices Appendix 1: Legal Description of the Wet Woods Preserve Appendix 2: Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Wet Woods Preserve Appendix 3: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation Appendix 4: Bald Eagle Protection Acts Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 6 1.0 Introduction The Wet Woods Preserve is a 26.77-acre natural area within the urban boundary of Collier County, Florida. The preserve contains various native plant communities, including pine flatwoods, mangrove forests, and both saltwater and freshwater marshes. A site assessment to determine compliance with the Conservation Collier initial screening criteria was conducted in July 2004 and the Conservation Collier Program purchased the property on August 19, 2005. Previously known as the “Watkins-Jones” property, for the previous owners, it was renamed Wet Woods Preserve by local schoolchildren in November 2006. The County holds fee simple title to the Wet Woods Preserve. The Conservation Collier program manages these lands under authority granted by the Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63 as amended (2007-65) and Ordinance 2011-38 (available from www.municode.com). Initial acquisition activities are summarized in Table 1. The preserve consists of approximately 58% (±15.53 acres) wetland habitats and approximately 42% (±11.24 acres) upland habitat. Conservation, restoration and natural resource-based recreation are the designated uses of this property. Management activities allowed include those necessary to preserve, restore, secure and maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these management goals. This is the Final Management Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve. This 10-year management plan will be submitted to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for its approval. When approved, this plan will replace the Final Management Plan that was approved by the BCC on May 27, 2008December 8, 2015. Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Wet Woods Preserve Year Benchmark 2003 Environmental Assessment Report prepared by Southern Biomes, Inc. 2004 Property nominated to the Conservation Collier Program 2004 Initial Site Assessment by Conservation Collier Staff 2004 Acceptance of Initial Criteria Screening Report by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee 2005 Phase I Environmental Assessment Conducted by ASC geosciences for Collier County 2005 Approved for purchase by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) 2005 Purchase of the Watkins-Jones Property 2005 Developed Interim Management Plan 2006 BCC approved the Interim Management Plan 2006 Watkins-Jones property renamed Wet Woods Preserve 2007 Conducted Initial exotic plant treatment and removal (grant funded) 2008 Completed Final Management Plan 2015 Updated Final Management Plan 2020 Updated Final Management Plan Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 7 1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority The Conservation Collier program was originally approved by voters in November 2002 and subsequently confirmed in the November 2006 ballot referendum. Both voter-approved referendums enable the program to acquire environmentally sensitive conservation lands within Collier County, Florida (Ordinance 2002-63, as amended). Properties must support at least two of the following qualities to qualify for further consideration: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood control, water quality protection, and listed species habitat. The Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to consider any selected or nominated properties that an owner has indicated a willingness to sell. The committee recommends property purchases for final approval by the BCC. Lands acquired with Conservation Collier funds are titled to “COLLIER COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier program.” The Board of County Commissioners of Collier County established the Conservation Collier program to implement the program and to manage acquired lands. As such, Conservation Collier holds management authority for the Wet Woods Preserve. 1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction for Wet Woods Preserve by identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or minimize any threats to the resources and integrity of the preserve. This text is a working document that establishes the foundation of the ten-year plan by identifying the appropriate management techniques necessary to preserve and/or restore the resource. This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with natural resource-based recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs, listed species protection and maintenance of the site free of invasive, exotic plant and animal species. This plan is divided into sections that incorporate an introduction, descriptions of the natural and cultural resources, projected uses of the property, management issues, and goals and objectives. 1.3 Location of the Wet Woods Preserve Wet Woods Preserve is located at 12815 Tamiami Trail N. in Naples, Florida (See Figure 1; legal description in Appendix 1). It is in Collier County’s northwest corner, immediately west of U.S. Highway 41, south of Wiggins Pass Road in Section 16 Township 48 Range 25. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 8 Figure 1: General Location of and Directions to Wet Woods Preserve. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 9 1.4 Regional Significance of the Wet Woods Preserve To date, approximately 67% (more than 868,040 acres) of Collier County is protected in conservation areas (Figure 2) and managed by private organizations and by local, state and federal agencies. Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program manages the 26.77-acre Wet Woods Preserve. This natural area contains saltwater and freshwater marshes, mangrove forests, and pine flatwoods. The wetlands buffer and protect the Wiggins Pass Estuarine System, designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, and support two listed plant and animal species. The uplands support an active Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest and five listed plant and animal species. Specific information on the wetlands and uplands found on the Wet Woods Preserve may be found in section 2.3 (Natural Plant Communities) of this document. 1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources Currently, the closest preserved, natural area to Wet Woods Preserve is Railhead Scrub Preserve, another Conservation Collier Program property approximately 0.69 miles to the northeast. Other preserves, in order of increasing distance, are provided in Table 2. Figure 3 shows the locations of these preserves. Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Wet Woods Preserve Name Distance (miles) Direction Type Railhead Scrub Preserve 0.69 NE Conservation Collier Delnor-Wiggins State Park 1.28 W State Barefoot Beach Preserve 1.36 W/NW County Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 1.70 SE Conservation Collier Milano Property 5.81 SE Conservation Collier Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed 9.00 N/NW State Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 10 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 11 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 12 Figure 2: Conservation Collier Preserves and Designated State and Federal Land or Conservation Easements Existing in Collier County Formatted: Left, Space Before: 6 pt, After: 6 pt Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 13 Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Wet Woods Preserve Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 14 1.6 Public Involvement Neighborhood involvement will be sought through direct mailing notices for public meetings to residents and businesses within the surrounding area and to owners of properties that border the preserve; official public notices will be posted on the County website. Staff will seek to coordinate management actions, such as exotic removal and prescribed fires with owners of adjoining lands. Staff will also involve the North Naples Civic Association and the Boy and Girl Scout groups from within the County. Additionally, volunteers will be sought from all contacts listed above. 2.0 Natural Resources 2.1 Physiography Wet Woods Preserve lies within the Floridian section of the Coastal Plain. The Coastal Plain extends from New Jersey to Texas and was formed mainly from sedimentary rocks deposited in marine environments (USGS 2004). 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology The site is located in the Southwestern Slope region of the South Florida Water Management District. According to the Bonita Springs, Florida USGS Topographic Map, the topography of the area is relatively level with an average elevation of five feet above sea level and slopes gently westward toward the Gulf of Mexico. Surface water percolates directly into the uncovered ground or it collects in natural depressions and manmade ponds on adjacent properties. 2.1.2 Geology The geology of northern Collier County, where the Wet Woods Preserve is located, is characterized by complex sequences of interbeded sands, clays, and limestone. Closest to the surface is the Holocene aged Pamlico Sand Formation, approximately ten feet thick and composed primarily of unconsolidated quartz sand and some silt. The Pamlico Sand unconformably overlies the Pleistocene aged Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations, which vary from a few feet to more than twenty feet in thickness and are characterized by shelly and sandy limestone with vugs and solution cavities (Miller 1986). Below the Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations are the Ochopee and Buckingham Members of the Pliocene aged Tamiami Formation, which are at least 200 feet thick in the surrounding areas (Oaks & Dunbar 1974). The Ochopee Limestone unconformably overlies the Buckingham Limestone and/or the equivalent Cape Coral Clay. This unconformity marks the bottom of the surficial aquifer separating it from the brackish underlying aquifer below. Then the Hawthorn Formation, rich in phosphate and other heavy minerals (Scott 1988), overlies the Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone and Eocene age Ocala Limestone that form the Floridan Aquifer System in Southwestern Florida. Figure 4 provides a current aerial view of the Wet Woods Preserve. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 15 2.1.3 Soils According to Liudahl et al. (1990), soils mapped at the Wet Woods Preserve include (in descending order by extent) Durbin and Wulfert Mucks, Basinger Fine Sand, and Immokalee Fine Sand (Figure 5). Durbin and Wulfert Mucks are level, very poorly drained hydric soils that are found in tidal mangrove swamps. They are very permeable and have a water capacity availability that is moderate to high. The water table beneath the soils fluctuates with the tide and is within a depth of twelve inches for most of the year (Liudahl et al. 1990). Basinger Fine Sand is a nearly level and poorly drained hydric soil. It is found in sloughs and poorly defined drainage ways. Under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is within a depth of twelve inches for 3-6 months during most years. During the other months, the water table is below a depth of twelve inches, and it recedes to a depth of more than forty inches during extended dry periods. During periods of high rainfall, this soil is typically covered by shallow, slow-moving water (Liudahl et al. 1990). Immokalee Fine Sand is non-hydric, nearly level and poorly drained. It is typically found in pine flatwoods. Under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is at a depth of 6-18 inches for 1-6 months during most years. During the other months, the water table is below a depth of eighteen inches, and it recedes to a depth of more than forty inches during extended dry periods (Liudahl et al. 1990). Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 16 Figure 4: General View of the Wet Woods Preserve - Existing Conditions Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 17 Figure 5: Soil Units at the Wet Woods Preserve Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 18 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management Near the surface, the aquifer is highly permeable and the groundwater flows toward the west. However, permeability decreases downward from a porous limestone into poorly indurated sandstone cemented by micrite. The aquifer grades from freshwater downward into brackish water due to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the brackish water in the intermediate aquifer made primarily of Miocene aged sediments. Below that, the Hawthorne formation typically marks the upper boundary of the Floridian aquifer, which is contained within the underlying Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone (Lodge 2005). Groundwater levels have gone down during the recent decades due to drainage on a regional scale and water management for development purposes. This trend may be very difficult to control and will gradually reduce the extent of the preserve that floods during the summer months and reduce the period of time the preserve wetlands are flooded during the year. 2.2 Climate The Wet Woods Preserve is located in an area of Florida where humid subtropical and tropical savanna climatic patterns overlap, with temperatures moderated by winds from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Sharply delineated wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures greater than 64º Fahrenheit characterize a tropical savanna climate. Monthly rainfalls may exceed ten inches during the wet season. On the other hand, humid subtropical climates typically show less extreme rainfall fluctuations between wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures is less than 64º Fahrenheit in some months. The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75º Fahrenheit. The warmest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during these months but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures. Two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs in the wet season from May to October. Thunderstorms are frequent during the wet season, occurring every two out of three days between June and September. Rainfall records for the area indicate that there is not significant variation in the annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often occur during a single year. The hurricane season extends from June through November with peak activity occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are highest. 2.3 Natural Plant Communities A plant community refers to the suite of plant species that form the natural vegetation of any place. In addition to anthropogenic influence, the combination of factors such as geology, topography, hydrology, underlying soils and climate determine the types of plants found in an area. These plants, in turn determine the animal species that may be found in an area. The Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) notes two plant communities on the preserve: mangrove swamps and pine flatwoods. A site visit by Southern Biomes in September of 2003 revealed that the Wet Woods Preserve consists of approximately 58% (±15.53 acres) wetland habitat and approximately 42% (±11.24 acres) upland habitat. Collier County Staff noted that freshwater marshes and tidal marshes made up portions of the wetland habitat. Therefore, the wetland habitats extant on the Wet Woods Preserve consist of Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 19 mangrove swamps, tidal marshes and freshwater marshes. The upland habitat may be characterized as mesic pine flatwoods. See Figure 6. Some of the transition zones between the wetlands and uplands on the site have been invaded by non-indigenous species discussed in section 2.6. The vegetation classification scheme of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) (1990) are presented in table 3. This table is based on the plant communities observed and mapped on the Wet Woods Preserve. Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities in the Wet Woods Preserve FNAI Natural Community Type Acres Global Rank State Rank Comments Mangrove Swamps 11.85 G3 S3 Also called Tidal Swamp Tidal Marsh 3.02 G4 S4 Also called Saltwater Marsh Freshwater Marsh 0.66 G4 S4 Pine Flatwoods 11.24 G4 S4 Also called Mesic Flatwoods G3: Either very rare and local throughout its range (21-100 occurrences or less than 10,000 indivi duals) or found locally in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction from other factors; G4: Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range); S3: Imperiled in Florida; S4: Apparently secure in Florida (may be rare in parts of range). Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 20 Figure 6: Distribution of Main Natural Communities (based on SFWMD FLUCCS Codes) in the Wet Woods Preserve Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 21 2.3.1 Wetlands: Mangrove Swamps Mangrove Swamps are also called tidal forests, tidal swamp forests, mangrove communities, and mangrove ecosystems (FNAI & FDNR 1990). This plant community primarily occurs in the central and southern portions of the Wet Woods Preserve (Figure 6) and contains small areas of tidal marsh. The mangrove swamps on the preserve are dominated by native canopy species including:including red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) and buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus). Native midstory species include:include saltbush (Baccharis angustifolia) and indigo berry (Randia aculeata) while ground cover species include: giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium) and black needle rush (Juncus roemerianus). Durbin and Wulfert Mucks comprise the majority of the substrate for this community on the Wet Woods Preserve. True mangrove species are viviparous (i.e., “live birth” - in the case of mangroves, the seed germinates within the fruit, producing within the plant an established seedling that then falls into the sediments) and have some physiological degree of root modification (such as aerial roots) to deal with saturated, saline soils (Tomlinson 1986). Based on these definitions, three species of true mangroves exist within the Wet Woods Preserve: red mangrove, black mangrove and white mangrove. The buttonwood is often referred to as a “mangrove associate” because it is associated with these species along the upland fringe of the mangrove ecosystemecosystem, but it lacks root modification and viviparity. Mangroves are facultative halophytes; they are able to grow in freshwater environments but because of their inability to compete well with other flora found in freshwater systems, they grow in brackish waters. In addition to the saline environments in which they are found, the tidal fluctuation enables mangroves to dominate shorelines. Not only do the roots of these tropical species protect shorelines from erosion, they trap sediments and recycle nutrients from upland areas and tidal import. This is part of the succession process of island formation in south Florida (FNAI & FDNR 1990). Mangroves are valued for their high productivity and serve as important nursery and refuge areas for a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic organisms including:including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Consequently, these forests are extremely important to the nutrient budgets of adjoining estuaries and other coastal waters (Rey & Rutledge 2006). In fact, mangrove species shed so many leaves and other plant parts that they can produce up to 80% of the total organic material available in the aquatic food web (FNAI & FDNR 1990). Mangrove Swamp just south of the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo by Christal Segura. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 22 2.3.2 Wetlands: Tidal Marsh Tidal Marshes are interspersed within the mangrove swamps of the Wet Woods Preserve. Also known as a salt marsh, brackish marsh, coastal wetland, coastal marsh and tidal wetland (FNAI & FDNR 1990), this plant community thrives in areas of low wave energy that are at least occasionally inundated with salt watersaltwater. Herbaceous, salt-tolerant plants characterize these marshes. The salt marshes within the Wet Woods Preserve are dominated by sea oxy daisy (Borrichia frutescens), Christmas berry (Lycium carolinianum), black needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) and cord grass (Spartina spp.). Buttonwood is scattered among the herbaceous plants. Durbin and Wulfert Mucks comprise the substrate for this community on the Wet Woods Preserve. Just as in mangrove swamps, tidal fluctuation in tidal marsh communities is an extremely important ecological factor and makes this community one of the most biologically productive systems on earth. A wide array of invertebrates and fish rely on these areas for parts or all of their lives. A number of mammals, reptiles and avian species also rely on this plant community. Additionally, tidal marshes are valued by humans for their ability to buffer storms and to filter pollutants within them. While tidal marshes do not compose a large portion of the Wet Woods Preserve, their presence is an essential component to the landscape. 2.3.3 Wetlands: Freshwater Marsh The freshwater marsh is the third type of wetland plant community found within the Wet Woods Preserve. These marshes are scattered among the upland, pine flatwoods community and may therefore be referred to as flatwoods marshes. Saw grass (Cladium jamaicense), swamp lily (Crinum americanum), giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium), and native wetland grasses dominate the freshwater marshes; Basinger Fine Sand comprises the substrate of these marshes in the preserve. Pond apple (Annona glabra) was also detected within these marshes. Like tidal marshes, freshwater marshes are wetlands dominated by herbaceous flora. In Florida, these marshes are influenced by their subtropical location, fluctuating water levels, frequency and intensity of fire, organic matter accumulation and hard water (Kushlan 1990). These factors, combined with the dominant species found within a marsh, dictate the category within which the marsh is placed. Six major categories of freshwater marshes are recognized in Florida. The marshes in the Wet Woods Preserve are within the “saw grass marsh” category. These marshes usually have a moderate (flooded for 6-9 months) hydroperiod, a moderate (about once in ten Tidal Marsh found in the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo by Christal Segura. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 23 years) frequency of fire and moderate to high (< 1 meter to > 1 meter) accumulation of organic material (Kushlan 1990). Many animal species may be found within or around the perimeter of marshes. Invertebrates make up an important part of the food web and many avian species, especially wading birds, rely on the invertebrates as a primary source of food. The freshwater marshes within the preserve make-up a small portion of the total area but are valuable for the suite of species found there. 2.3.4 Uplands: Mesic Pine Flatwoods Pine flatwoods are one of the most wide-ranging terrestrial plant communities in Florida and consequently one of the most influenced by anthropogenic activities (Abrahamson & Hartnett 1990). Fire strongly influences the community structure and composition of these communities. The term pine flatwoods is a general categorization of areas that are dominated by various species of pine (Pinus spp.) trees. Pine flatwoods may be found in mesic flatlands where the landscape is made up of flat, moderately well drained sandy substrates with a mixture of organic material, often with an underlying hardpan layer. An open canopy forest of widely spaced pine trees with little or no understory but a dense ground cover of herbs and shrubs characterize natural, mesic flatwoods that have been burned regularly (FNAI & FDNR 1990). The USDA Soil Conservation Service classification system refers to these areas as South Florida flatwoods. South Florida flatwoods are typically savannas, a type of plant community intermediate between forest and grassland. Mesic pine flatwoods are also called mesic flatwoods, pine savanna, cabbage palm savanna, and pine barrens. On the Wet Woods Preserve, mesic pine flatwoods occupy the northern and eastern portions of the property (Figure 6) and contain small areas of freshwater marshes. Immokalee Fine Sand comprises the majority of the substrate and Basinger Fine Sand is a minor component of the flatwoods areas on the preserve. Native canopy species in the mesic pine flatwoods areas of the preserve are dominated by South Florida slash pine (Pinus elliotti var. densa) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto); native midstory species include: saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), galberry (Ilex glabra), sumac (Rhus copallinum), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) and rusty lyonia (Lyonia fruticosa.). Native grasses and herbaceous plants dominate the understory. Mesic pine flatwoods in the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo by Christal Segura. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 24 Mesic flatwoods provide essential forested habitat for a variety of wildlife species including Neotropical migratory birds, wide-ranging large carnivores, mid-sized carnivores, ground- nesting vertebrates, tree-cavity dependent species, tree-nesting species and non-aquatic plant life. “At the current rate of habitat conversion, the mesic pine flatwoods, once the most abundant upland habitat in South Florida, is in danger of becoming one of the rarest habitats in South Florida” (USFWS 1999). 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species Mangrove swamps and mesic flatwoods comprise the majority of the 26.77 acre Wet Woods Preserve. Small pockets of tidal marshes and freshwater marshes are also located within the preserve. This section discusses the flora and fauna found within and close to the preserve. The next section (2.5) discusses all listed species in more detail. 2.4.1 Plant Species To date, 188 plant species have been recorded at the preserve (Appendix 2). A comprehensive plant survey was conducted in 2008 by botanist Keith A. Bradley of the Institute of Regional Conservation. Of these 188 species, 163 (87%) are native to the site and 25 are exotic (13%). Of the 25 exotic species, 14 are listed by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (13 Category I and 1 Category II). 2.4.2 Animal Species Due to the dearth of specific surveys for the occurrence of animal species (in contrast to plants) and the lack of on-site staffing, little is recorded for actual occurrences of animals at the Wet Woods Preserve. Occurrences of fauna at the preserve are based on direct visual and aural observations by staff during site visits or evidence of activity such as spoor, scat, or burrows, and from the site information available in documents such as: • the site’s initial criteria screening report; • the property’s interim management plan; • anecdotal information from persons with knowledge of the site. Mammal species known to occur or individuals and/or evidence of activity directly observed within the preserve include: Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris), and raccoon (Procyon lotor). Reptile and amphibian species observed at the preserve include: brown anole (Anolis sagrei), southern black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus), ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus), box turtle (Terrapene carolina) and the green treefrog (Hyla cinerea). Invertebrates observed include the following butterfly species: the gulf fritillary (Agraulis vanillae), the white peacock (Anartia jatrophae), the zebra long wing (Heliconius charitonius), and the cloudless sulphur (Phoebis sennae). Several different bird species have been observed perching, foraging, or exhibiting nesting behavior at the preserve (See Table 4). Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 25 Table 4: Bird Species Recorded at the Wet Woods Preserve Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus Mourning Dove Zenaidura macroura Osprey Pandion heliaetus Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis White Ibis Eudocimus albus Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata Great Egret Ardea alba Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Snowy Egret Egretta thula Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Green Heron Butorides striatus Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 26 The Florida Breeding Bird Atlas lists 44 26 bird species that have been recorded as confirmed, probable, or possible breeding in the vicinity of the site (in the Bonita Springs USGS quadrangle Block 6; Table 5). The Breeding Bird Atlas documents breeding distributions of all bird species in Florida between 2011 and 20161986 and 1991. Some of these species may breed at the Wet Woods Preserve. Table 5: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Bonita Springs Quadrangle Block 6 in the Vicinity of the Wet Woods Preserve Common Name Scientific Name Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata Mottled Duck Anas fulvigula Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Least Tern Sternula antillarum Green Heron Butorides virescens Osprey Pandion haliaetus Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Loggerhead Shrike Loggerhead Shrike Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos European Starling Sturnus vulgaris House Sparrow Passer domesticus Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Source: Second Florida Breeding Bird Atlas (BBAII), https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bba/index.cfm?fa=explore.ProjectHome&BBA_ID=FL201 1Florida Breeding Bird Atlas, www.wildflorida.org/bba Other wildlife species that have not yet been recorded undoubtedly occur at the Wet Woods Preserve. During migration periods, transient bird species would be expected to utilize this area for short periods of time. The developed character of the adjacent areas may inhibit transient use Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 27 Cardinal Airplant Photo by Rodger L. Hammer Courtesy of the Institute for Regional Conservation by many mammal, reptile, and amphibian species, thus limiting the utilization of the preserve to resident individuals or inhibiting the dispersal of many species to and from the preserve. 2.5 Listed Species Official lists of rare and endangered species are produced at the federal level by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service and at the State level by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. FNAI produces a list of rare and endangered species and maintains a database of occurrences of these species in Florida. The Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC) also ranks native plant species by conservation status in the 10-county area of South Florida. The following subsections (2.5.1 and 2.5.2) discuss the listed, rare and protected plant and animal species found within and close to the Wet Woods Preserve in detail. 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species There are seven (7) listed plant species at Wet Woods Preserve that are listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), two (2) as Endangered, four (4) as Threatened, and one (1) as Commercially Exploited. There are no species listed as Endangered or Threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service within Wet Woods. In total there are seven (7) plant species listed by FDACS at Wet Woods Preserve (Table 6). A brief description of these species and their status is included in the following paragraphs. E: Endangered, T: Threatened, C: Commercially Exploited The Cardinal Airplant, also known as the Common Wild Pine or Stiff- leaved Wild Pine (Tillandsia fasciculata), is an epiphytic bromeliad recognized by many common names and is listed as an endangered plant by the State of Florida. Wunderlin and Hansen reported this species in 24 counties throughout Florida as of 2004 (Wunderlin & Hansen 2004). Like most of the other bromeliads in Florida, this species is often referred to as a “tank” bromeliad because the leaf axils and central stems form a “tank” or reservoir at the base of the plant. These reservoirs capture and hold water, dead and Table 6: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Wet Woods Preserve Scientific Name Common Name(s) State Acrostichum aureum Golden leather fern T Lilium catesbaei Catesby’s Lily T Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Royal fern C Tillandsia balbisiana Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf T Tillandsia fasciculata var. densispica Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant E Tillandsia flexuosa Banded wild-pine, Twisted airplant T Tillandsia utriculata Giant wild-pine, Giant airplant E Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 28 Giant Wild Pine Photo by Rodger Hammer courtesy of the Institute for Regional Conservation website decaying plant matter (leaves, seeds twigs, etc.), and dead and drowning non-aquatic insects; these trapped items provide nutrients for the plant (Larson et al. 2006). The Giant wild pine (Tillandsia utriculata) is the largest epiphyte and is relatively common in hammocks and swamps in South Florida. It can reach 12-30 inches in height and its flower spike may be more than six feet in height. It is also listed by the State of Florida as endangered. … The Reflexed wild pine (Tillandsia balbisiana) and the Banded wild-pine (Tillandsia flexuosa) are also fairly common epiphytes in South Florida. Both species prefer moist forests and swamps and are state listed as threatened. The reflexed wild pine is equally well-adjusted to deep shade where leaves grow long or to bright sunlight where they are contorted and highly colored from gray-green to blue-bronze or red. The banded wild pine usually grows in the tops of trees in fairy sunny situations. They can grow up to sixteen inches in length and are strongly recurved and twisted (www.corkscrew.audubon.org). Even though the four species listed above are fairly common in the state they are listed due to illegal collecting and the destruction of the habitats in which they are found. Additionally, infestation by the introduced Mexican bromeliad weevil (Metamasius callizona) has been implicated in the decline of many air plant populations around the state. Currently, there are no control measures in place however, close research and monitoring is taking place. Golden Leather Fern (Acrostichum aureum) This large fern grows in wet areas along the coast of Florida in tidal swamps and marshes. The fronds can reach about six feet long and can be as broad as it is tall. It prefers wet to moist, poorly drained to inundated organic brackish soils. It can be found in the wet, marshy areas in the Wet Woods Preserve that surround the mangrove swamps. Reflexed Wild Pine Photo by Melissa E. Abdo Courtesy of the Institute for Regional Conservation Banded wild-pine Photo courtesy of www.corkscrew.audubon.org Golden Leather Fern Photo by Shirley Denton courtesy of the Institute of Regional Conservation Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 29 Lilium catesbaei, an endemic lily detected on the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo by Christal Segura. Catesby’s Lily (Lilium catesbaei) This herb is endemic to the U.S. southeastern coastal plain and is listed as a threatened species in the State of Florida. It is found nearly throughout Florida and has been recorded in 50 counties (Wunderlin & Hansen 2004). In Collier County, it has only been recorded at Wet Woods Preserve, Railhead Scrub Preserve, Big Cypress National Preserve, Collier Seminole State Park, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, and Picayune Strand State Forest. Christal Segura and Annisa Karim found it on the preserve on September 13, 2007. Christal Segura also detected this species in two different locations on the property in late September of 2007. All specimens were sighted in mesic pine flatwoods areas of the Wet Woods Preserve. Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis) The royal fern can be found in the eastern US and throughout Florida. It grows in swamps and similar moist to wet sites. It can reach heights of up to six feet and grows with a thick creeping rhizome. The roots can form a mass up to 60 cm tall. It is listed by the State of Florida due to its commercial exploitation. FNAI maintains a database of occurrences of rare, threatened, and endangered species in Florida. An element is any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment, such as a species, natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other ecological feature. An element occurrence is a single, extant habitat that sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a population or a distinct, self-sustaining example of a particular element. These element occurrence data are built into biodiversity matrices. Each matrix encompasses one (1) square mile and includes all species and natural communities tracked by FNAI, including all federal listed species. None of the plant species reported by FNAI have been detected within the preserve. The golden leather fern (Acrostichum aureum) was documented within FNAI’s Biodiversity Matrix Unit 38350 and four (4) species were reported within FNAI’s Biodiversity Matrices 38350 and 38351 as likely (rare species likely to occur on the site based on suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the vicinity) including the nodding pineweed (Lechea Photo by George D. Gann courtesy of the Institute for Regional Conservation Website Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 30 Juvenile Bald Eagle on the Wet Woods Preserve Nest Photo taken by: R. L Caron on 3-23-08 cernua) and pine-woods bluestem (Andropogon arctatus). Twelve (12) species were reported within FNAI’s Biodiversity Matrices 38350 and 38351 as potential occurrences (site lies within the known or predicted range of species) including the many-flowered grass-pink (Calopogon multiflorus) and the Celestial lily (Nemastylis floridana). Appendix 3 provides the FNAI Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are provided for each species as well as their federal and state status. 2.5.2 Listed Animal Species Listed wildlife species observed onsite or immediately adjacent include:include wood stork (Mycteria Americana), brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) and gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest is also present within the preserve. The Wood stork (Mycteria americana) This bird species, sighted on the property by Southern Biomes, Inc. in 2003 and by staff in 2007, is listed as endangered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Also known as the wood ibis or flint head, this species is one of the largest wading birds found in Florida and the only stork in the United States. The wood stork is a tactile feeder and may be found in fresh, brackish, and saltwater habitats. Because of its dependence on naturally functioning hydrologic systems, the National Audubon Society refers to this wading bird as the “barometer of the Everglades”. For this reason, the wood stork is an excellent environmental indicator of wetland health (Mazziotti 2002). The Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Currently, there is an inactive bald eagle nest in the northwest corner of the property. The nest is located within a large, leaning slash pine that died in 2018. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, it has beenwas active for many years including 2003, 2004, 2005,- 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2014, 2016, and 2018. The nest is designated by the agencies as nest Co-0001. In the 2006-2007 nesting season, the eagle pair built a new nest on the adjacent property to the northeast and fledged three young. In late 2007, a pair was observed back on the Wet Woods Preserve nest tree building up the nest; and the active nest was verified in February 2008, 2010, and 2014, 2016, and 2018. EagleWatch reported that a vulture killed an eaglet in 2018. No nesting activity has been observed at the nest since 2018. It is unknown if the new Germain parking lot that was built on the adjacent lot has had an impact on where the pair chooses to nest. This species was reported within FNAI’s Biodiversity Matrices 38350 and 38351. On June 29, 2007, the Bald Eagle was officially delisted and removed from the Endangered Species List in the lower 48 states. However, according to the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management, this bird of prey will continue to be protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (See Appendix 4 for a fact sheet on remaining levels of Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 31 Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Photo by Valerie Chartier, URS protection). Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) This bird – a species of Special Concern in Florida - is a permanent resident of the coastal marine environment from central North America southward to northern South America. Brown Pelicans are found in shallow, warm coastal marine and estuarine waters, particularly on sheltered bays (Shields 2002). These birds were observed just south of the site along the mangrove edge and most likely frequent the canal along the western boundary of the preserve. Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) This medium-sized, native land turtle is listed by the State as a Threatened Species. Gopher tortoises are typically found in dry, upland habitats including scrub, xeric oak hammock, sandhills, and dry pine flatwoods. Burrows are created for protection from weather, fire, and predators; they also provide refugia for more than 300 other species of animals. Active burrows exist within the preserveon theand on the adjacent property to the north. One burrow was observed in the pineland in the northwest corner of the preserve; however, it is unknown if it is active or not. Now that the dense exotics have been cut and treated on site, and the thick fuels mechanically reduced, it is likely that tortoises will start to increase in numbers in the preserve.County staff, with input from Florida Forest Service staff, has determined that it would not be safe to burn the site due to its close proximity to the urban area and US 41. Nine (9) species were reported within FNAI’s Biodiversity Matrices 38350 and 38351 as likely (rare species likely to occur on the site based on suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the vicinity) including: black-whiskered vireo (Vireo altiloquus) – a bird of conservation concern, the mangrove fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia), and the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). Seventeen (17) species were reported within FNAI’s Biodiversity Matrices 38350 and 38351 as potential occurrences (site lies within the known or predicted range of species) including: the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), the gopher frog (Rana capito), the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), and the Florida bonneted bat (Eumpos floridanus). Appendix 3 provides the FNAI Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are provided for each species as well as their federal and state status. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) Photo by Christal Segura Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 32 2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species In an ecological context, an invasive species is one that is aggressive in growth and expansion of range and tends to dominate others; its establishment and dominance can cause widespread harm to an ecological system by altering the species composition, susceptibility to fire and hydrology of an area. Non-indigenous species (a.k.a. non-native species, exotic species) are those that have been purposefully or accidentally introduced to an area outside their normal range. The characteristics of some of these species (high rate of growth/reproduction, no natural predators, easily dispersed, able to out-compete native species) make them invasive. Some indigenous species (a species whose natural range included Florida at the time of European contact circa 1500 AD or a species which has naturally expanded or changed its range to include Florida) may also become invasive. Invasions by native and non-native species often follow an alteration to ecosystem function, disruption of the food web, large scale fragmentation of an ecosystem and/or disturbance (e.g., clearing, fire, drought, etc) of an area. While some native species may become invasive, the establishment and dominance of non-native species is of particular concern. The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) maintains a list of exotic plants that have been documented to (1) have adverse effects on Florida’s biodiversity and plant communities, (2) cause habitat loss due to infestations and (3) impact endangered species via habitat loss and alteration. To date, twenty-five invasive, non-indigenous plant species are known to occur within Wet Woods Preserve. Although Florida does not have an official exotic, invasive animal species list, at least 400 exotic fish and wildlife animal species have been reported in Florida, and approximately 125 species are established. While only two invasive, non-indigenous animal species have been documented within the preserve, other species also have a potential to occur in Wet Woods and will be discussed in section 2.6.2. . 2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species To date, twenty-five (25) introduced plant species have been found at the Wet Woods Preserve, accounting for 13% of the plant species recorded there (Table 7). Twelve (13) of the twenty-five exotic, invasive species are considered Category I exotic, invasive species by FLEPPC and one (1) is listed as Category II. FLEPPC defines Category I plants as those that alter native plant communities by displacing native species, change community structures or ecological functions, or hybridize with natives. Category II plants have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These definitions do not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but on the documented ecological damage caused (FLEPPC 2007). Table 7: Invasive Plant Species at Wet Woods Preserve Scientific Name Common Names FLEPPC Category Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf Acacia I Ardisia elliptica Shoebutton Ardesia I Bischofia javanica Bishopwood I Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 33 Casuarina equisetifolia Australian Pine I Colocasia esculenta Wild taro, Dasheen, Coco-yam I Dioscorea bulbifera Air-potato I Ficus microcarpa Laurel fig, Indian laurel I Lygodium microphyllum Old World Climbing Fern I Melaleuca quinquenervia Melaleuca, Punk Tree, Paper Bark I Momordica charantia Balsam Apple II Nephrolepis multiflora Asian Sword Fern I Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Downy Rose Myrtle I Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian Pepper I Syzygium cumini Java Plum, Jambolan I Urena lobata Caesarweed II The most problematic exotic, invasive plant species at Wet Woods Preserve are melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Brazilian-pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius)earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa ) and old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum). Downy rose myrtle and is earleaf acacia are the most prevalent in the upland area in the northwest quadrant. OMelaleuca and old world climbing fern are the most dense in the southwestern quadrant, andis prevelant throughout the preserve. Brazilian pepper is present in all areas excluding the southwest quadrant. In September 2007, all invasive species received initial treatment. The dense exotic vegetation along the eastern boundary that is visible from U.S. 41 was cut, stumps treated and the debris was removed. Because the remainder of the site is difficult to access, the remaining exotic vegetation throughout the property was treated in place using foliar, basal bark or frill and girdle herbicide treatment techniques. The majority of the exotics in the upland area in the northwest quadrant were cut up into small pieces and the bases were treated with herbicide. The entire removal project was funded by the DEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management ($57,000). Following initial treatment, contractors returned to the site twice to retreat the remaining exotics. County approved contractors treated the preserve bi-annually from 2008 – 2010. The most recent treatment occurred in March 2020. Treatment will continue to occur annuallyevery 2 years, or as needed. Under certain conditions, especially following soil disturbance or drainage, some native plant species can become invasive. There are no native plant species at Wet Woods Preserve that are currently a management problem on the site. Management actions may cause some species to become problematic (see section 4.5.7). 2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species Two (2) non-indigenous, invasive animal species have been documented on the preserve: red imported fire ants and brown anoles. Based on the natural communities found within the preserve, proximity to residential areas and geographic location, several more species (native and non-native) have the potential to impact the Wet Woods Preserve to varying degrees. Brief descriptions of documented and undocumented but potentially problematic species are provided in the following paragraphs. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 34 Solenopsis invicta, an invasive, non- indigenous arthropod documented within the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USDA. Anolis sagrei, an invasive, exotic reptile documented in the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta): documented within the Wet Woods Preserve These social insects were introduced into the U.S. from Brazil into either Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida between 1933 and 1945 (Collins & Scheffrahn 2005) and have been detected in the Wet Woods Preserve. Red imported fire ants (RIFA) have been documented to cause harm to humans and wildlife as well as economic harm (Stimac & Alves 1994; Collins & Scheffrahn 2005; Willcox & Giuliano, 2006). RIFAs are omnivorous, but they prefer insects as their primary food source (Willcox & Guiliano 2006). RIFAs have a number of impacts on wildlife; in many areas, they have eliminated native ant populations through competition and predation and have eradicated food sources utilized by some wildlife species. Ground-nesting wildlife is especially susceptible to RIFAs. Within the Wet Woods Preserve, RIFAs have the potential to affect ground-nesting birds; small mammals; reptiles such as gopher tortoise, native lizard and snake species, and native invertebrates (Willcox & Giuliano 2006). Additionally, members of the public that come into contact with RIFAs may be harmed if stung. Many people have anaphylactic reactions to the toxins released from RIFA stings. Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei): documented within the Wet Woods Preserve Also known as the Cuban anole, the brown anole is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and neighboring islands (Schwartz & Henderson 1991). Like other anoles from the islands, this species is a small, tropical, diurnal, arboreal, territorial, and insectivorous lizard (Campbell 2001). The brown anole was first documented in the Florida Keys in the late 1800s (Lee 1985) and has since spread throughout Florida, into Georgia and into two other southeastern states (Campbell 1996). The brown anole is a habitat generalist and generally prefers the fairly open areas of disturbed sites. In Florida; it feeds on a wide variety of insects, amphipods, and isopods. Brown anoles also prey on other small vertebrates including the hatchlings of the native green anole (Anolis carolinensiis; Campbell 2000). Campbell (2000) showed that, in the absence of the exotic brown anoles, native green anoles occupy perches from ground to the canopy of vegetation. However, in the presence of the exotic anole, native anoles move higher in trees, occupying only the trunk and crown of trees. Dietary overlap is high between both species, but the overall affects of the brown anole on the green anole are still undetermined. Coyote (Canis latrans): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve Coyotes were introduced in very small numbers to Florida during the 1920’s for sport hunting with domestic dogs. This introduction did not lead to the establishment of coyote populations in Anolis carolinensiis, an indigenous reptile documented in the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 35 Florida. Concurrently, these canids expanded their range eastward across the United States and Canada as a result of nonspecific needs in habitat and food, decreased competition from other predators, large litter sizes and anthropogenic changes to the landscape. Since many species naturally expand or change their home ranges in response to climate and resource availability, the coyote may be considered native to Florida. This crepuscular (active mostly at dawn and dusk) species is elusive and may travel individually or in groups of two or three (Coates et al. 1998). Evidence of the presence of coyotes has been observed at the nearby Railhead Scrub Preserve. Coyotes commonly enlarge burrows made by other animals such as armadillos or gopher tortoises to use as dens or use dense vegetation for cover. Coyotes may have a negative influence on indigenous wildlife as direct predators or as potential competitors with predators that may occur at the preserve such as foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) or bobcats (lynx rufus floridanus); however, this species may prove beneficial in controlling potential problem species such as feral cats. Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve Like the Cuban anole, the Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and neighboring islands. The first Cuban tree frogs probably arrived in the Florida Keys as stowaways in shipping crates originating from the Caribbean in the 1920’s. Today, they have established breeding populations as far north as Cedar Key on Florida's Gulf Coast, Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast, and Gainesville in north-central Florida. These hylids are the largest tree frog found in Florida and because of their ability to invade natural areas and prey on native invertebrates and small vertebrates (including native tree frogs) they are considered an invasive species. Additionally, the tadpoles of this species inhibit the growth and development of the tadpoles of the native southern toad (Bufo terrestris) and green tree frog (Hyla cinerea). Cuban tree frogs thrive in residential and natural areas such as pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and swamps. In residential settings, they are most commonly found on and around homes and buildings, and in gardens and landscape plants. They are known to get into transformer boxes and electrical switches causing power outages (Johnson 2007). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Wet Woods Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species has the potential of occurring in the preserve. Osteopilus septentrionalis, an invasive, exotic reptile that has the potential to occur at the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Formatted: Justified Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 36 Bufo marinus, an invasive, exotic amphibian that has the potential to occur at the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Bufo terrestris, a native toad that looks similar to the exotic, invasive cane toad. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Giant Marine Toad or Cane Toad (Bufo marinus): undocumented within the Preserve The cane toad is a tropical species native to the Amazon basin in South America, and its range extends through Central America to extreme southern Texas along the Rio Grande River. They are used as a as a control agent for insects that damage sugarcane and consequently, are one of the most introduced amphibian species in the world. In 1936, an attempt was made to introduce this species into Palm Beach County, FL. This attempt failed as did two subsequent efforts. Ironically, in 1955, an accidental release by an importer at the Miami International Airport in Miami-Dade County, FL proved successful. They have since been deemed an invasive species in Florida and are currently found in urban areas of south and central Florida, and are rapidly expanding northward (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Many of this species’ characteristics enable it to do well in south Florida. Beetles, bees, ants, winged termites, crickets and bugs are a large part of the diet of the adult marine toad. Additionally, they consume arthropods, mollusks, small vertebrates, plant matter, pet food, carrion, household scraps, marine snails, smaller toads and native frogs, small snakes, and even small mammals. Marine toads are prolific breeders and females can lay tens of thousands of eggs in a single breeding season. They prefer forested areas with semi permanent water nearby (Churchill 2003). The cane toad looks very similar to the native, southern toad, but there are some distinct differences. The most obvious distinction is adult body size (length of body not counting the legs). Adult marine toads can reach lengths of 6 -9 inches while the native southern toads only reach a length of 3.6 inches. Like other true toads, both possess poisonous, parotid glands. The parotid glands of the cane toad are angled downward behind their head to their shoulders. The southern toad has a kidney-shaped parotid gland behind each eye positioned close to the spine. The southern toad also possesses cranial crests that start between the eyes and often end in big knobs. While the parotid glands of all toads contain bufotoxins (poisonous, milky fluids exuded as a defense mechanism), the chemicals released by the exotic, cane toad are much more harmful to wildlife, pets and people (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Wet Woods Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species has the potential of occurring within the preserve. Adjoining residents of the preserve should be encouraged to keep pet food and water containers indoors or empty at night. Feral domestic cat (Felis catus): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve Domestic cats originated from an ancestral wild species, the European and African wildcat (Felis silvestris). Humans facilitated the global distribution of cats due to their highly efficient predatory skills. Egyptians took cats with them on shipping vessels to keep rodent populations down, and they likely introduced domestic cats to Europe. Subsequently the expansion of the Roman Empire and European missionary missions facilitated the spread of domestic cats into Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 37 Asia and beyond (Masterson 2007). Today, the impact of feral cats on wildlife is difficult to quantify; however, literature (FFWCC 2001; Karim 2007; Masterson 2007) strongly indicates that they are a significant factor in the mortality of small mammals, birds (including migratory birds), reptiles, and amphibians in Florida. Because free-ranging cats often receive food from humans, they may reach abnormally high numbers. An increase in the population of feral cats may lead to increased predation rates on native wildlife. While no cats have yet been observed on the Wet Woods Preserve, there exists a high probability of their future presence on the preserve due to the proximity of Wet Woods to human residential areas. Adjoining residents of the preserve should be encouraged to keep their cats indoors and staff should monitor the preserve for the presence of feral cats. Feral pig (Sus scrofa): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve Hogs were first brought to Florida in the mid 1500’s to provision settlements of early explorers. Over the next four centuries, these animals were raised in semi-wild conditions and rounded up only when needed. Their high rate of reproduction and their ability to adapt to Florida’s natural areas has led them to populate every county in the state. Today, Florida is second only to Texas in its feral hog population (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a; 2005b). While feral pigs are able to survive in a variety of habitats, they prefer large forested areas interspersed with marshes, hammocks, ponds, and drainages; cover in the form of dense brush; and limited human disturbance (Giuliano & Tanner 2005b). Dense cover is used as bedding areas and provides protection from predators and hunters. Feral pigs are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders consuming grasses, forbs, and woody plant stems, roots, tubers, leaves, seeds, fruits, fungi, and a variety of animals including worms, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, small birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and carrion. Their propensity for digging for foods below the surface of the ground (rooting) destabilizes the soil surface, resulting in erosion and exotic plant establishment. Additionally, this behavior uproots or weakens native vegetation (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a; 2005b). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Wet Woods Preserve, this species has the potential of occurring within the boundaries. As these animals are highly visible outside of natural plant communities, adjoining residents of the preserve may be useful in the early detection of this nuisance animal. Given the location of the preserve and its proximity to residential areas, trapping would be the only viable solution if feral hogs were to invade Wet Woods. Burmese python (Python bivittatus): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve The Burmese python is a large nonvenomous constrictor that is an invasive species in Florida. Burmese pythons have heavily impacted the wildlife and the food chain in South Florida. These predators have contributed to major declines in animal populations and pose a major threat to endangered species. Although pythons have not been observed within Wet Woods Preserve, its natural communities could support their presence. If a python is identified within the preserve, efforts should be taken to remove it for humane euthanization. The presence of a python should be reported to FWC with the following information: a photo identifying the snake as a python, the date of capture, and the gps location of capture. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 38 3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses 3.1 Previous and Current Use Aerial photography taken in 1944, 1953, 1962, 1975, 1985, 1994 and recent physical visits to the site show that development has never occurred on the site. The photographs are available in the public records and available at the Collier County Property Appraisers Office and online from the State University System of Florida website (see Figure 7). A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was conducted on the site by ASC geosciences dated May 25, 2005, before the property was purchased by the Conservation Collier Program. This report revealed that no evidence of recognized adverse environmental conditions exist on the property and is this report is available as public county record. Currently, there is no sanctioned public use of the site. The closest public road to the property is US Hwy 41 (Tamiami Trail North). A drainage ditch running north and south is located on the eastern edge of the property and separates the preserve from US Hwy 41. This ditch makes the preserve virtually inaccessible at this time from US 41. 3.2 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection The Wet Woods Preserve 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 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). 3.3 Adjacent Land Uses The Wet Woods Preserve is adjacent to residential areas, undeveloped areas, commercial lands, conservation easement lands, a canal, and a major thoroughfare- U.S. Highway 41 (Figure 8). Two parcels are located along the northern boundary of the preserve. The Future Citizens, Inc. parcel is located along the western portion of the northern border, while the Germain car dealership lot is located along the eastern portion of the northern border. Both of these parcels are mapped as pine flatwoods areas. Currently, the Future Citizens, Inc. parcel is largely undeveloped land pine flatwoods used as a camping area for a number of youth organizations including girl scouts and boy scouts. The Germain parcel was developed in 2007 into a paved parking lot and a small conservation easement mapped as pine flatwoods was preserved along the western boundary of the Germain property. A drainage ditch running north and south is located along the eastern edge of the preserve property and separates it from US Hwy 41. Mangrove swamps, under conservation easements, are located along the southern border of the Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 39 preserve and are owned by the Old Collier Golf Club. The Cocohatchee Nature Center is located just south of the conservation easement lands. The Gulf Harbor canal, running north and south, is located along the western boundary of the property and separates the preserve from the Gulf Harbor Moorings subdivision. Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photographs courtesy of the State of Florida University System of Florida website 1944 aerial- Land remained natural wooded & undeveloped 1962 aerial – Development started to occur on the land surrounding the preserve. Canal to the west was constructed. Wiggins Pass Road U S 4 1 Wiggins Pass Road U S 4 1 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 40 Figure 8: Areas Contiguous to the Wet Woods Preserve Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 41 3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years Since the acquisition of the Wet Woods Preserve in August 2005, key accomplishments have been achieved (Table 8). The facilitation of a partnership between the Partners for Wildlife Program (USFWS) and Future Citizens, Inc. for the removal and treatment of invasive, exotic plant species on the Future Citizens, Inc. parcel furthered the relationship between Collier County and the owners of this parcel while taking steps to eradicate the potential seed sources of invasive, exotics from adjacent lands. Staff also facilitated a relationship between USFWS and the Fire Department to help fund the exotic removal on a one-acre piece of land embedded in the northern portion of the Future Citizens Property. Staff will also work with the County Stormwater Department to assist them in exotic removal on their properties that exist along Wiggins-Pass Road including removal of exotics along a small creek flowing into the Future Citizens Property (Figure 9). Table 8: Major Accomplishments Since the Acquisition of the Wet Woods Preserve Accomplishment Year(s) Developed an Informal Partnership with Future Citizens, Inc. 2006 - 2007 Acquired grant from the Bureau of Invasive Plant Management (BIPM)(FDEP) for the initial removal and treatment of invasive exotic plant species 2006 Removed and treated the invasive exotic plants species from 14 acres of the site- (implemented the BIPM Grant) 2007 Facilitated a Partnership Between U. S. Fish and Wildlife, Future Citizens, Inc., and the Collier County Fire Department for the Removal and Treatment of Exotic Invasive Plant Species on adjacent properties to the north 2007 Contracted Services of Keith Bradley for a Complete Plant Inventory 2008 Acquired grant from the Invasive Plant Management Section (IPMS)(FWC) for the maintenance of invasive exotic plant species 2015 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 42 Figure 9: Exotic Removal Partnership Areas Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 43 4.0 Future Use of the Wet Woods Preserve including Management Issues, Goals and Objectives This section describes the main management issues, goals, and objectives for Wet Woods Preserve as well as the overall management framework. Central to the management of the Preserve is the mission of the Conservation Collier Program, and the goals and objectives set forth in this management plan. 4.1 Management Plan Framework Each property purchased by Conservation Collier shall have its own management plan. The Conservation Collier Ordinance at the time the property was purchased required that an “Interim” Management Plan be developed within 60 days of closing. Interim plans include basic items such as removal of invasive exotics and trash, establishing site security, developing management partnerships and planning for public access. The interim plan for this site was officially approved in January 2006. The ordinance then requires a “Final” management plan covering 10 years be developed within two years. Subsequently, the property management plan must then be reviewed every five years. Final management plans, however, are considered living documents and can be updated at any time. Review of all management plans start in the Lands Evaluation and Management subcommittee and must be approved by both the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) and the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). 4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information The Site Manager for Wet Woods Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental Specialist who may be contacted through electronic mail: ConservationCollier@Colliergov.net. 4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts Future planned use will be consistent with the primary goals of conservation, preservation, restoration and maintenance of the resource. Official public use of the site will not be possible because there is no legal current access points. However, citizens that desire to visit, can do so by signing a waiver which will allow them access at their own risk and releases the liability of the County. Details of planned uses for the Wet Woods Preserve and an assessment of their potential impacts are provided in the following sections. 4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources The Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63 constrains the use of this property to “primary objectives of managing and preserving natural resource values and providing appropriate natural resource-based recreational & educational opportunities.” Natural resource-based recreation shall mean all forms of uses, which are consistent with the goals of this program, and are compatible with the specific parcel. Such uses may include, but are not limited to: hiking, nature photography, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hunting and fishing (Ord. No. 02-63, as amended§ 5, 12-3-02). Additionally, no dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 44 removal or destruction of natural or historical/archaeological resources will be permitted within the preserve. The goal is to allow limited, non-destructive public access to native plant communities and animal species. The preserve rules are those identified in Collier County Ordinance 2011-38 (available from www.municode.com). The following are consistent uses for this particular site: hiking, nature photography, bird watching, kayaking / canoeing and fishing. Inconsistent uses include swimming, hunting and off roadoff-road vehicle use (ORV). In addition, there are no existing easements, concessions, or leases at the Wet Woods Preserve. In accordance with the management goals of the preserve, no future easements, concessions, or leases are appropriate in association with this site, other than conservation related easements. 4.2.2 Options for Future Public Access Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 45 Staff will continue to work closely with adjoining property owners to negotiate areas for the general public to access the preserve if they exist. A parking lot is not planned to be constructed on the site due to the amount of wetlands present. Three options are listed below that would facilitate public access and use. Option 1: A trail network access point could be created off of U.S. 41. A trailhead into the preserve off of US 41 could be created. A footbridge could be installed to connect the sidewalk from US 41, across the drainage ditch and into the preserve. This access option would lead citizens into a trail network that would start with an information kiosk and a raised boardwalk leading to a hiking trail through the upland area in the northwest corner. A bike rack would be placed at the entrance to the trailhead off of US 41. Figure 10 is based on FLUCCS and soil information from the South Florida Water Management District. While this information is generally reliable, a site-specific wetland survey would need to be done before the installation of any trail system. Permits from the County, State and Federal Government would have to be obtained. The Wet Woods Preserve contains uplands, jurisdictional wetlands, hydric soils and non-hydric soils. The upland areas with non-hydric soils would be the first choice for a trail or a boardwalk. Upland areas with hydric soils may accommodate a walking trail to provide visitors a view of the wetland areas. A raised boardwalk over some wetland areas similar to the Gordon River Greenway Park may be appealing to many; however, this would also be the most ecologically impactful and costly. Potential access features are depicted in the conceptual level master plan (Figure 10). The site would have to adhere to guidelines and standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the footbridge and the raised boardwalk. As permitting for each component of the preserve would go forward, a review of ADA compliance would have to be done by the County. The proposed raised boardwalk in the conceptual plan would be approximately 550 ft-long, and it would follow existing trails and cleared areas previously infested with exotics to the extent possible. The elevation of the boardwalk would allow for fluctuation of water levels within the upland marshes and the movement of small animals. Additionally, the end of the boardwalk at the beginning of the walking trail would include benches for wildlife viewing. The proposed walking trail would be approximately 1,100 ft-long. Portions of this proposed upland hiking trail may have to be closed to public access during times of high water. The property also contains one bald eagle nest, and any future trail system would have to take associated rules and regulations (buffer zone, etc.) into account prior to installation. USFWS and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) would have to be consulted in regard to the bald eagle nest tree(s) in the vicinity. Any and all trails would have to comply with the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines. The following was taken from these guidelines: “Category F. Non-motorized recreation and human entry (e.g., hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, kayaking, canoeing). No buffer is necessary around nest sites outside the breeding season. If the activity will be visible or highly audible from the nest, maintain a 330-foot buffer during the breeding season, particularly where eagles are unaccustomed to such activity.” (USFWS 2007) Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 46 Figure 10: Conceptual Site Plan To date, one bald eagle nest has been documented on the preserve. When the nest is active, portions of the trail system within a 330-ft buffer of the nest(s) would be cordoned off during breeding season. The breeding season for these raptors in Florida is defined by the USFWS (2007) as September through May. An engineering firm would be contracted to plan the design of Option 1 and would be requested to do so in the least impactful way possible. Option 1 is currently not a valid option because of budget constraints. Should matching funds become available, grants could be sought to assist in the costs associated with this option. Additionally, the Collier County Planning Division has confirmed that leasing parking spots from the Germain dealership or from a parking lot across U.S. 41 would not be a legal option per County Land Development Code. Option 2: Develop a partnership with the Cocohatchee Nature Center Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 47 The Cocohatchee Nature Center had expressed interest in partnering with the Conservation Collier Program. The Nature Center is located immediately to the west of US 41, south of the Wet Woods Preserve at 12345 Tamiami Trail N. (See Figure 8). Their lot has 22 parking spaces, and the Nature Center had a parking agreement with the old Pewter Mug Restaurant located directly to the east of U.S. 41. The old Pewter Mug property can accommodate parking for approximately 84 vehicles and allowed Nature Center patrons to utilize their lot anytime before 4 pm everyday. A walkway exists under the adjacent U.S. 41 bridge which connects the old Pewter Mug property to the Nature Center. If Option 1 above were to ever occur, the public would be able to walk from the Nature Center to the boardwalk area via the sidewalk on the west side of U.S. 41. There would be an approximate 0.4 mile walk to the boardwalk. The Nature Center rents out canoes and kayaks to citizens and tourists. The Nature Center was willing to develop a working agreement with the County to assist citizens who wished to access the preserve via canoe or kayak. The Nature Center would have facilitated access by renting equipment, and visitors would have received information about the preserve and the program and a brochure and map on how to access the site from the Center. However, public access to the preserve via canoe or kayak is not feasible. There is one access point to the Wet Woods Preserve from the Nature Center (See Figure 11). This area is only easily accessible at high tide. This access point would lead people into the mangrove wetland area. Due to the sensitivity of the mangrove wetlands, no trailheads will be constructed, people will be able to view the property from their kayaks or canoes only. A kayak trail was initially proposed that would allow citizens to paddle up into the canal system that exists around the Gulf Harbor Moorings Community, which would lead paddlers along the western border of the preserve property. A public meeting was held on March 20, 2008, and a number of citizens from the Gulf Harbor Moorings Community attended to give their concerns with this option. The concerns expressed included safety issues including the fact that there is only one way out of the canal system and paddlers have almost been hit by boats on several occasions. The canal is also very narrow and it is hard for boaters to navigate around paddlers who already use the canal. Also, the amount of crime has already increased in their neighborhood and encouraging additional paddlers to come in would increase the amount of people who would be able to see into the back of their homes. One other legal issue discussed at this meeting and later verified by County staff is that the tidally influenced water of the canal is controlled by the State; however, the land on both canal banks is owned by the Gulf Harbor Moorings Community. If a person were to step off his/her watercraft onto either canal bank that the water touches, he/she would be trespassing. The County would most likely need to obtain an easement in order to pursue any type of dock or haul out area in this canal. The CCLAAC Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee met on March 26, 2008 to discuss the results of the public meeting and voted unanimously not to pursue the paddling trail into the canal system or for any type of haul out area. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 48 Figure 11: Option 2 - Wet Woods Canoe and Kayak Access Points Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 49 Option 3: Create a partnership agreement to schedule tours/nature walks Because of safety concerns, the group that currently manages the Future Citizens Property to the north of Wet Woods Preserve (Figure 8) is not open to allowing public access through the Future Citizens Property. However, if public interest in accessing the preserve increases in the future, staff will again contact the group to see whether an agreement could potentially be created between Collier County and the Future Citizens Inc. that would allow access. Staff will continue to maintain a working relationship with the owners of the Future Citizens Property to coordinate management activities. 4.3 Desired Future Conditions This section includes a description of the proposed future conditions for the site’s natural areas. Management techniques to achieve these conditions are outlined in section 4.4. After managers complete recommended management actions, Wet Woods Preserve will consist of mangrove forests interspersed with tidal marshes and mesic pine flatwood habitats interspersed with freshwater marshes; these communities will have a similar structure and composition to those that existed before non-indigenous people settled the region and before the Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 50 exclusion of fire. The site will be vegetated with appropriate native flora that will provide suitable cover for a variety of wildlife species. • Mangrove forests interspersed with tidal marshes will be comprised of native canopy species such as red mangrove, black mangrove, white mangrove, and buttonwood. Native midstory will include: saltbush while ground cover species will include marsh elder, sea oxy daisy, Christmas berry, black needle rush, cordgrass, giant leather fern, and swamp fern. • Mesic pine flatwood habitats interspersed with freshwater marshes will be comprised of native canopy species such as slash pine and cabbage palm. Native midstory species will include: saw palmetto, galberry, sumac, wax myrtle, rusty lyonia, and tarflower (Befaria racemosa). The understory will be comprised of saw grass, swamp lily, giant leather fern, umbrella sedge (Fuirena spp.), a wide variety of grasses (Agrostis, Andropogon, Aristida, Dichanthelium, Eragrostis, and Panicum spp., etc.), pawpaws (Asimina spp.), gopher apple (Licania michauxii), legumes (Cassia, Crotalaria, Galactia, Rhynchosia, Tephrosia spp., etc.), milkworts (Polygala spp.), blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), composites (Aster, Chrysopsis, Emilia, Eupatorium, Liatris, and Solidago spp., etc.) and native wetland grasses that dominate the freshwater marshes (Distichlis spp. & Paspalum spp.). 4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 20082020-2018 2030 A set of goals and objectives for Wet Woods Preserve were developed in conjunction with the drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically for Wet Woods Preserve based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired, the condition of the resources present, and the management issues for the property. On-site managers should be familiar with this entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the interim first 10-year land management plan for the Wet Woods Preserve were reviewed to determine whether they should be included in this plan. The goals and objectives presented here reflect programmatic goals and ideas of Conservation Collier personnel in charge of managing and protecting the area. These goals shall not be modified, but specific application of management techniques may take into consideration input by user groups and other stakeholders from outside the program, accommodating user needs and desires where practicable and where overarching management goals are not violated. Management issues are discussed below in separate sections. Within each section, approaches for dealing with these issues are described. The ability to implement the specific goals and objectives identified in this plan is dependent upon the availability of funding sources. The following goals have been identified for Wet Woods Preserve: Goal 1: Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and fauna Goal 2: Continue monitoring of vegetationDevelop a baseline monitoring report Goal 3: Remove or cControl populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna to restore and maintain natural habitats Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 51 Goal 4: Use mechanical treatments to decrease woody invasion resulting from past fire exclusion Goal 5: Restore native vegetation Goal 6: Continue to explore options for public accessGoal 6: Develop a plan for public use Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes and Goal 86:7: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness GOAL 1: ELIMINATE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE HUMAN IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS FLORA AND FAUNA Action Item 1.1 Develop a Memorandum of Understanding with Future Citizens, Inc. organization for access to Wet Woods Preserve by groups visiting the Future Citizens, Inc. parcel. The Future Citizens, Inc. parcel is located along the western portion of the northern border of the Wet Woods Preserve (Figure 8). Groups including children’s groups often visit and camp on their parcel. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), access to the Wet Woods Preserve could be granted to these groups after they have signed a land access request and release form. This form will serve as a liability waiver and will specifically include verbage to indemnify, release and discharge the CCLAAC, the Collier County Parks and Recreation Division and the BCC, their officers, agents, and employees against and from any and all liability, claims, and right of action for the death, or injury to the signator or their property. This MOU will also indemnify, release and discharge the above mentioned parties for any other type of damage, which may occur at any time arising out of the granting of this request whether or not any such damages are due to alleged negligence of any agent, employee or other worker of the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee, the Collier County Parks and Recreation Division or the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the County of Collier. Furthermore, the rules and regulations of the Wet Woods Preserve will be included in the MOU. Finally, the MOU will contain information on general preserve rules and regulations and information about specific listed or protected species documented on the preserve. County legal staff will be involved in the approval of the documents. A 4 ft. high field fence exists along the Future Citizen’s and Wet Woods Preserve boundary. A locked gate along the fence-line was installed to allow access to the Wet Woods Preserve by authorized County staff, the fire department, and possibly groups visiting the Future Citizens, Inc. parcel. Action Item 1.3 Install signs encouraging people to stay on any future public access trails situated on the Wet Wood Preserve. Action Item 1.4 1 Identify locations of rare and listed native plant species. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", First line: 0" Formatted: Indent: Left: 0" Formatted: Indent: Hanging: 0.19" Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 52 The location of these species will be identified using a global positioning system (GPS) device and mapped to allow staff to monitor them. Future pPublic trails will be constructed to avoid areas where rare and listed species exist. Action Item 1.5 2 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash in or near the preserve. Staff will monitor the trails preserve on a regular basis and if excessive dumping or littering start to occur, enforcement actions will be sought through the County Sheriff’s Department. Action Item 1.6 3 Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take steps such as locating future visitor amenities away from animal nesting sites. Action Item 1.7 4 Avoid non-target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during invasive exotic plant treatments. Staff will prohibit the use of Imazapyr containing herbicides such as Arsenal. This type of herbicide has potentially caused a great deal of non-target damage throughout the state. Licensed County or State contractors will be monitored closely to ensure the proper herbicide applications are being utilized while treating the site. Also, close attention will be taken to look for Tillandsia sp. (listed in Table 6) that may be attached to invasive trees being cut down or removed. Plants of these species should be relocated prior to removal. Action Item 1.8 5 Note and research all site development occurring adjacent to Wet Woods Preserve to determine that the proper site development permits have been obtained and that the site development complies with the permits. Activities on adjacent lands may have an impact on the indigenous plant and animal life on the Wet Woods Preserve. As such, all existing local, state, and federal regulations should be strictly followed and enforced during any site development adjacent to the Preserve. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to establish erosion control measures and vegetation protection measures (i.e., protective fencing or barriers). If any site developer working in areas adjacent to the preserve does not take the necessary control measures, construction shall be immediately halted until control measures are put into place and mitigation and/or remediation will be the sole responsibility of the developer. GOAL 2: DEVELOP A BASELINECONTINUE MONITORING OF VEGETATIONREPORT Action Item 2.1 Establish aContinue long-term biological vegetation monitoring program and conduct additional wildlife surveys. Long-term management of the preserve should be based on biological data. Changes following baseline conditions should be assessed as negative or positive, and management strategies changed appropriately. This section discusses information needs and long-term monitoring needs. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 53 Keith Bradley from the Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC) conducted a thorough floristic inventory of the Wet Woods Preserve in 2008. His findings along with those of Conservation Collier staff comprise the baseline floristic data on which future actions will be based. The site should be inspected by Conservation Collier Staff at least twice a year and thoroughly inventoried at regular intervals (ca. 5-10 years) to detect new invasions (by natives or exotics) and extinctions. An updated floristic inventory of the preserve will be completed prior to the next update of this management plan, Areas undergoing extreme restoration should be assessed more frequently. While some wildlife data has been collected, additional baseline data should be collected when possible, especially on invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The site manager may contract this work out or enlist the assistance of local educators to coordinate student research projects. Wildlife sampling, like plant sampling, should take place at regular intervals (ca. 5-10 years) to detect long-term trends. Currently, four (4) photo points have been established within upland portions of the preserve, and four (4) photo points have been established within the mangrove fringe portions of the preserve, (Figure 10). Locations of photo points have been recorded with a GPS and all photographs taken at these locations have been taken at a standard height and angle of view. During photo documentations, one photo is taken in each of the cardinal directions (north, east, south and west) and a 360-degree panoramic photo is taken. These photos will help to monitor exotic plant removal and native plant recruitment over time. Additionally, the four photo points located within the mangrove fringe will assist with documentation of the effects of sea level rise to the vegetation within the preserve. If necessary, more photo points will be established to aid in management decision activities. Figure 1012: Photo Point Locations Within Wet Woods Preserve Staff will also attempt to work with the Florida Audubon and Florida Fish and Wildlife on setting up an Eagle Camera. This will allow the County, all interested agencies, and Collier County school children to remotely view the eagles nest. Grants could be sought to help to cover the costs of the project as an educational and research based tool. GOAL 3: REMOVE OR CONTROL POPULATIONS OF INVASIVE, EXOTIC OR PROBLEMATIC FLORA AND FAUNA TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN NATURAL HABITATS Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 54 Action Item 3.1 Acquire services of licensed and qualified contractor(s) for the removal of invasive, exotic or problematic plant species. The following (Table 9) describes recommended controls of the majority of the Category I, invasive, exotics by Langeland and Stocker (2001) as well as staff recommendations. These recommended control methods may be altered by site managers dependent on new information and products available on the control of these species. Table 9: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve Category I species Scientific Name Common Name(s) Description and Recommended Control(s)a Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia Basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4 or cut-stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A. Ardisia elliptica Shoebutton ardesia Basal bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4 or cut stump application of 50% Garlon 3A. Hand pull seedlings. Bischofia javanica Bishopwood Basal bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4 or cut stump application of 50% Garlon 3A. Hand pull seedlings. Casuarina equisetifolia Australian pine Basal bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4 is very effective, as is a cut-stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4. When basal bark treatment is used on trees greater than 1 foot in diameter it may be necessary to slough off loose bark in the application area to prevent the bark from trapping the herbicide. Broadcut or 4-6 lb Velpar ULW may be used when appropriate. Colocasia esculenta Wild taro Usually found in aquatic habitats where only aquatic herbicides should be used. Large corms make control really difficult. Less than 2 feet tall resembles alligator f lag and elephant ear. Has a large tuberous root. Can manually dig up root and remove from site or treat with foliar application 1-1.5% aquatic glyphsate (Rodeo) with an aquatic approved surfactant Dioscorea bulbifera Air-potato A basal stem application of Garlon 4 is recommended although cut-stem treatments with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4 are also effective. If bulbils are present on vines, a basal bark treatment should be used because it will translocate into the bulbils. Collect bulbils from the grou nd and remove from site. Apply 10% Garlon 4 to stems emerging from tubers. Hand pulling followed by treatment of re-sprouts has also been effective. For foliar applications, use Garlon 1%-2% 3A. Several applications throughout the growing season may be necessary. Ficus microcarpa Laurel Fig Basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Invade the interior and ensure herbicide doesn’t come into contact with host tree or plant. Lygodium microphyllum Old world climbing fern The most serious natural area weed in Florida. Control immediately upon sighting. Thoroughly spray foliage to wet with 1.25% Garlon 4 (4 pt per acre), 0.6% Roundup Pro (maximum 5 pt/acre), 1.0%-3.0% Rodeo (maximum 7 pt per acre). Only Rodeo can be used if plants are growing in aquatic site. Plants growing high into trees cut vines and treat lower Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 55 portions. Do not apply when plants are under environmental stress. The poodle cut method may also be used. Melaleuca quinquenervia Melaleuca, Punk tree, Paper bark For seedlings and saplings: (1) hand pull, being sure not to break plant off of root system and remove or place in piles to help reduce the chance that they will re-root or; (2) Treat with foliar, low volume spot application of 5% Rodeo. For mature trees: (1) Fell large trees with chain saw leaving a level surface, or fell small trees with machete and treat with triclopyr or glyphosate products according to frill and girdle directions on SLN. Use aquatic versions where standing water is pr esent. Monitor for resprouting and retreat as necessary. (3) Mature trees are very difficult to control with foliar applications. Nephrolepis multiflora Asian Sword Fern Foliar treatment of 1.5% glysophate Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Downy rose myrtle Basal bark application of 10%-20% Garlon 4. Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Cut-stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A, 10% Garlon 4 or a basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Foliar application of Garlon 4, Garlon 3A, Roundup Pro, Roundup Super Concentrate, or Rodeo, according label directions may be used where appropriate. Glyphosate products are less effective when used alone in spring and early summer. Use Rodeo where plants are growing in aquatic sites. Syzygium cumini Java plum, Jambolan Mature trees may take up to 9 months to die. Cut -stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4, or use a basal bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4. Urena lobata Caesarweed 1-2% Garlon 3A + .25% surfactant foliar treatment quarterly In mesic pine flatwoods, vines - particularly muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) - may become abundant after mechanical treatments or exotic plant removal. This native vine, already present in mesic flatwoods in low densities, can become invasive after disturbances - forming dense colonies, killing hardwoods and palms, climbing into pines, and persisting for years. Vitis sp. should be controlled with herbicides if its populations start to grow. Action Item 3.2 Acquire services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) for the removal of invasive, exotic or problematic animal species. To date, two (2) introduced animal species have been documented on the Wet Woods Preserve, the RIFA and the brown anole. It is doubtful that the total eradication of these species can be achieved. However, staff and/or contractors should take measures to remove RIFA populations close to or on any future public access trails. If feral cat colonies are found near the preserve, the elements that sustain the undesirable population(s) should be identified and efforts made to ask property owners to eliminate them (i.e., refuse bins, dumpsters, and supplementary feeding by humans). If any feral cats remain, they will be trapped and taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services. If feral hog populations are found on the preserve, services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) will be acquired to trap and remove these populations. If pythons are found on the preserve, their presence will be reported to FWC and staff, with the assistance of partner agencies, will attempt to remove them. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 56 GOAL 4: UTILIZE MECHANICAL TREATMENTS TO DECREASE WOODY INVASION RESULTING FROM PAST FIRE EXCLUSION. Action Item 4.1 Develop aUtilize mechanical treatment plan to mimic natural fires within upland areas of the Preserve, when possible. Much of Collier County is comprised of plants that are dependent on fire to maintain species composition and diversity. These species are the same ones that are prone to lightning strike wildfires, and the controlled reduction of those fuels will prevent catastrophic wildfire damage. Prescribed fires: reduce fuel loads and consequently decrease the threat of wildfires; create open areas for wildlife to travel within; stimulate food and seed production; recycle nutrients; alter the composition and density of forested areas; and aid in the control of invasive plant species. The structure and composition of the mesic pine flatwood community is dependent on periodic fires. Fire probably occurred every 1 to 8 years during pre-Columbian times. A majority of the flora and fauna found within this community are adapted to periodic fires; several species depend on fire for their continued existence. Without relatively frequent fires, mesic pine flatwoods succeed into hardwood-dominated forests whose closed canopy can essentially eliminate herbaceous groundcover and shrubs. Additionally, the dense layer of litter that accumulates on unburned sites can eliminate the reproduction of pine trees that require a mineral soil substrate for proper germination (FFWCC 2002). Fire is the ideal ecological tool for achieving a sustainable mesic pine flatwood community. However, due to the proximity of the Wet Woods Preserve to residential and commercial areas, access issues, and the size of the parcel, alternate manual or mechanical treatments will be used in lieu of managing the lands through the use of fire. Heavy machinery access will be limited due to inundation in some areas. When possible, and if funds allow, oOne half of the uplands will should be mechanically mulched every 2 years, so that all uplands will be treated every 4 years. Mechanical treatment must occur outside of eagle nesting season, after the nest is deemed inactive, or after any known eaglets fledge. A gopher tortoise burrow survey should be conducted prior to any mechanical treatment. Burrows should be flagged and avoided during treatment. Action Item 4.2 Delineate rescue access routes, and provide this information to the police department and emergency services. Access routes to and within the preserve will be provided to the police department and emergency services. GOAL 5: RESTORE NATIVE VEGETATION Action Item 5.1 Maintain a revised GIS map and description of FNAI natural communities and disturbed areas on the property. Maintaining updated maps will help to guide restoration efforts Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 57 Action Item 5.2 Plant native plant species in their appropriate habitats Periods following exotic removal are essential to the recruitment of native plants. If native plant recruitment is not sufficient from the surrounding, intact seed source, efforts will be made to plant indigenous flora in appropriate habitats. Natural area restoration of Wet Woods Preserve should include only site-specific native plant material that has been determined to be non- problematic at the site and whenever possible, site-specific seed sources should be utilized. In addition, hardwoods that may invade the natural areas (unforested wetlands: freshwater marsh, tidal marsh) should not be planted. GOAL 6: DEVELOP A PLAN FOR PUBLIC USE Action Item 6.1 Develop access and required facilities for intended public uses Staff will work closely with adjoining property owners to negotiate areas for the general public to access the preserve. A parking lot is not planned to be constructed on the site due to the amount of wetlands present. Three options are listed below that would facilitate public access and use. Option 1: A trail network access point could be created off of U.S. 41. A trailhead into the preserve off of US 41 could be created. A few options have potential to facilitate access from this area. The first is a footbridge connecting the sidewalk from US 41, across the drainage ditch and into the preserve. This of access into the preserve would lead citizens into a trail network that would start with an information kiosk and a raised boardwalk leading to a hiking trail through the upland area in the northwest corner. A bike rack will be placed at the entrance to the trail-head off of US 41. Figure 11 is based on FLUCCS and soil information from the South Florida Water Management District. While this information is generally reliable, a site-specific wetland survey will need to be done before the installation of any trail system. Permits from the County, State and Federal Government would have to be obtained. The Wet Woods Preserve contains uplands, jurisdictional wetlands, hydric soils and non-hydric soils (See Figure 11). The upland areas with non-hydric soils would be the first choice for a trail or a boardwalk. Upland areas with hydric soils may accommodate a walking trail to provide visitors a view of the wetland areas. A raised boardwalk over some wetland areas similar to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary may be appealing to many; however, this would also be the most ecologically impactful and costly. Potential access features are depicted in the conceptual level master plan (Figure 12). The site shall adhere to guidelines and standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the footbridge and the raised boardwalk. As permitting for each component of the preserve goes forward, a review of ADA compliance should be done by the County. The proposed raised boardwalk in the conceptual plan is approximately 550 ft-long and it would follow existing trails and cleared areas previously infested with exotics to the extent possible. The elevation of the boardwalk would allow for fluctuation of water levels within the upland Formatted: Justified Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 58 marshes and the movement of small animals. Additionally, the end of the boardwalk and the beginning of the walking trail will include benches for wildlife viewing. The proposed walking trail is approximately 1,100 ft-long. Portions of this upland hiking trail may have to be closed to public access during times of high water. The property also contains one bald eagle nest, and any future trail system would have to take associated rules and regulations (buffer zone, etc.) into account when designing and installing any public access system. USFWS and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) would have to be consulted in regard to the bald eagle nest tree(s) in the vicinity. Any and all trails must comply with the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines. The following has been taken from these guidelines: “Category F. Non-motorized recreation and human entry (e.g., hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, kayaking, canoeing). No buffer is necessary around nest sites outside the breeding season. If the activity will be visible or highly audible from the nest, maintain a 330-foot buffer during the breeding season, particularly where eagles are unaccustomed to such activity.” (USFWS 2007) Formatted: Indent: Left: 0" Formatted: Indent: Left: 0" Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 59 Figure 11: Option 1 - Conceptual Site Plan To date, one bald eagle nest has been documented on the preserve; a 330-ft buffer will be maintained around this nest. As the nest continues to be active, portions of the trail system within a 330-ft buffer of the nest(s) will be cordoned off during breeding season. The breeding season for these raptors in Florida is defined by the USFWS (2007) as September through May. An engineering firm would be contracted to plan the design and would be requested to do so in the least impactful way possible. The consulting, planning and permitting would be very expensive as well as the costs to build a boardwalk. This process will also be very time consuming. It is estimated that at least a year will be needed to complete the planning and permitting process. Option 1 is currently not a valid option because of budget constraints. Should matching funds become available, grants could be applied for to assist in the costs associated with this option. Attempts were made to possibly lease a few parking spots from the Germain dealership or from a parking lot across of U.S. 41 however, the Collier County Planning Division had confirmed that his would not be a legal option per County Land Development Code. Option 2: Develop a partnership with the Cocohatchee Nature Center for Canoe and Kayak Access The Cocohatchee Nature Center has expressed interest in partnering with the Conservation Collier Program. The Nature Center is located immediately to the west of US 41, south of the Wet Woods Preserve at 12345 Tamiami Trail N. (See Figure 8). Their lot has 22 parking spaces, and the Nature Center has a parking agreement with the Pewter Mug Restaurant located directly to the east of U.S. 41. The Pewter Mug property can accommodate parking for approximately 84 vehicles and allows Nature Center patrons to utilize their lot anytime before 4 pm everyday. A Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 60 walkway exists under the adjacent U.S. 41 bridge which connects the Pewter Mug property to the Nature Center. The Nature Center rents out canoes and kayaks to citizens and tourists. Staff will develop a working agreement with the Nature Center to assist citizens who wish to access the preserve via canoe or kayak. The Nature Center would facilitate them by renting equipment, and they would receive information about the preserve and the program and a brochure and map on how to access the site from the center. The Nature Center is currently for sale however, so the future owners will have to agree with the partnership as well. There is one access point to the Wet Woods Preserve from the Nature Center (See Figure 11). This area is only easily accessible at high tide. This access point would lead people into the mangrove wetland area. Due to the sensitivity of the mangrove wetlands, no trailheads will be constructed, people will be able to view the property from their kayaks or canoes only. There is great opportunity for bird-watching and nature photography while using this access option. If Option 1 above were to ever occur, the public would also be able to walk from the Nature Center to the boardwalk area via the sidewalk on the west side of U.S. 41; however, this highway is very busy and this may not be the safest option. There would be an approximate 0.4 mile walk to the boardwalk. A kayak trail was initially proposed that would allow citizens to paddle up into the canal system that exists around the Gulf Harbor Moorings Community, which would lead paddlers along the western border of the preserve property. A public meeting was held on March 20, 2008, and a number of citizens from the Gulf Harbor Moorings Community attended to give their concerns with this option. The concerns expressed included safety issues such as there is only one way out of their canal system and paddlers have almost been hit by boats on several occasions. The canal is also very narrow and it is hard for them to navigate around paddlers who already use their canal. Also, the amount of crime has already increased in their neighborhood and encouraging additional paddlers to come in would increase the amount of people who would be able to see into the back of their homes. One other legal issue discussed at this meeting and later verified by County staff is that the tidally influenced water of the canal is controlled by , the State; however, the land on both canal banks is owned by the Gulf Harbor Moorings Community. If a person were to step off his/her watercraft onto either canal bank that the water touches, he/she would be trespassing. The County would most likely need to obtain an easement in order to pursue any type of dock or haul out area in this canal. The CCLAAC Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee met on March 26, 2008 to discuss the results of the public meeting and voted unanimously not to pursue the paddling trail into the canal system or for any type of haul out area. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 61 Figure 12: Option 2 - Wet Woods Canoe and Kayak Access Points Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 62 Option 3: Create a partnership agreement to schedule tours/nature walks An agreement could be created between Collier County and the Future Citizens Inc. property owners that would allow Collier County staff to utilize their property to facilitate tours of the Wet Woods Preserve. Citizens or school groups scheduled for tours could park on the Future Citizens Property and could be lead by Collier County staff or designated volunteers to the established trails on the preserve property. All tours would be scheduled to avoid any conflicts with the Scout Program schedules. Tours would be scheduled during the week or during non- camping season. Access waivers may be required in advance to eliminate any liability issues concerning the Future Citizens Property use. The County Attorney’s office will be consulted as to the legality of this option. If access option #1 is ever developed then this option could be utilized mainly for school groups. Staff will continue to maintain a working relationship with the owners of the Future Citizens Property to keep all possible access options open. See Figure 12. Figure 12: Option 3 - Wet Woods Conceptual Site Plan Formatted: Justified, Indent: Left: 0.19", Widow/Orphan control Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 63 GOAL 7: FACILITATE USES OF THE SITE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES Actions Item 7.1 Develop interpretive signage to educate preserve visitors. Once a trail system is complete, site-specific signage will be developed to educate visitors on plant identification and ecosystem information. Kiosks or large signs with a map of the trails will be installed at each trailhead. Action Item 7.2 Coordinate with Future Citizens Inc. to allow the children camping on their site to access the Wet Woods Preserve for educational opportunities. Conservation Collier staff will coordinate with the Future Citizens property owners to encourage use of the preserve by children’s groups that come to camp on their site such as boy scouts, girl scouts and church groups. A small sign and brochures will be placed at the Wet Woods Preserve gate that will direct the children’s groups to the trail system and preserve rules will also be posted. Action Item 7.3 Provide preserve brochures in rainproof box on site. A brochure outlining the native plant communities and wildlife present at the preserve will be created by County staff and kept in rainproof boxes near the preserve entrance and also at the Cocohatchee Nature Center. These boxes will be inspected monthly by the Preserve Manager and refilled as necessary. GOAL 87: PROVIDE A PLAN FOR SECURITY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Action Item 8.1 Discourage visitation to the park at night. A sign designating park hours as dawn to dusk will be installed at the entrance to the preserve and adjacent landowners will be given an emergency phone number if they detect human activity on the preserve after hours. If problems arise, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will be contacted to patrol the area and site on a routine basis. Action Item 87.2 1 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in or near the preserve. Currently, there is no vehicular access and dumping is not a problem. Monthly inspections will determine if dumping becomes a problem. Staff will work with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to address dumping if it becomes a problem. Action Item 87.3 2 Survey trees along the trail and the perimeter of the property annually for damage Staff, or a certified arborist will utilize the services of a certified arborist to determinesurvey the perimeter of the property to determine whether there are any diseased, weak, or damaged trees/limbs surrounding the trails and kiosks that shouldthat should be removed for safety reasons and prior to hurricane season. This activity is intended to reduce the risk of visitor injury. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 64 Action Item 87.4 3 Visit preserve within 48 hours after a storm event to assess damage. Staff will take photos of damage and fill out appropriate Collier County Risk Management Division forms. If damage is extensive, the preserve will be closed until public safety hazards are cleared. Action Item 87.5 4 Promptly clear storm debris from preserve. If necessary, a Collier County emergency debris removal contractor will be contracted as soon as possible after the storm to schedule clean-up. Removal of debris and damaged or downed trees along the trail system may be needed. Downed trees and limbs that do not appear to be a public safety hazard will be cleared at the discretion of the Preserve Manager. As much hurricane debris as possible will be chipped and retained on-site – to be used as mulch for the trail. 4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Wet Woods Preserve. It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, the possibilities for contracting the restoration activities, coordination, and other management issues. 4.5.1 Maintenance The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include control of dumping and littering within and around the preserve and trail. Particularly important are the security measures to keep intruders out and the fencing and signage in good conditions. Signs that effectively convey the desired message provide an opportunity for increasing environmental education and awareness. 4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources Preliminary budget estimates for Wet Woods Preserve include cost breakdowns associated with resource restoration and management. The funding source identified for the restoration and management activities is the Conservation Collier Program Management Trust Fund. Table 10 shows the activities planned for the next ten years and the initial and annual cost estimate of each activity. Private conservation organizations may also provide funding for specific projects. Funding already secured for management activities at Wet Woods Preserve includes a grant from the state FDEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management ($57,500) to conduct the initial exotic removal and/or treatment and a grant from FWC Invasive Plant Management Section ($7,000) to conduct exotic plant maintenance in 2015. Additional grants will be sought to supplement existing management funding to possibly fund trail construction and signage. Staff will also utilize the Collier County Sheriffs’ Office weekenders program for certain labor projects and may also separately involve the County Scout programs for trail creation and enhancement. Sheriff’s workers will be limited to the eastern two-thirds of the property along the trail system Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 65 and right-of-way, and will be kept out of the bald eagle nesting buffer area and especially in areas where children may be present. The budget in Table 10 represents the actual and unmet budgetary needs for managing the lands and resources of the preserve. This budget was developed using data from Conservation Collier and other cooperating entities, and is based on actual costs for land management activities, equipment purchase and maintenance, and for development of fixed capital facilities. The budget below considers available funding and is consistent with the direction necessary to achieve the goals and objectives for Wet Woods Preserve. 3rd DRAFT Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 66 Item QTY Cost ($)2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 Total Resource Restoration/Monitoring Establish photo points recurring n/a Remove exotics (acres)6 $7,000 $4,766 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $39,766 Plant survey 2/ 2 $3,100 $3,100 $3,100 $6,200 Regular Maintenance Reduce Fuel Loads 3/4 $4,500 $4,500 $4,500 $4,500 $4,500 $18,000 Grand Total $4,766 $3,100 $7,000 $4,500 $7,000 $4,500 $7,000 $4,500 $7,000 $4,500 $10,100 $63,966 Table 10: Annual Land Management Budget (Amounts in $) Y E A R S Table 10: Annual Land Management Budget Assumptions for Cost Estimates: 1. Remove exotics - $7,000 per treatment; FY19-20 cost was lower than usual 2. Plant survey- $3,100 total for each survey 3. Reduce fuel loads: mechanical fuel reduction in pineland if no fire is used, access is available, and funds allowed Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 67 4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors A significant number of Wet Woods Preserve management operations and restoration activities can be considered for outsourcing. Restoration and management activities that can be considered for outsourcing to private entities are listed in Table 11. Table 11: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities Activity Approved Conditional Rejected Prescribed fire and/ or mechanical treatment application X Minor fireline installation X Fireline, fence, and trail maintenance X Fence installation X Plant and wildlife inventory and monitoring X Listed species mapping and needs assessment X Restore/enhance encroachment and ruderal areas X Reduce exotic species X Literature development and printing X Interpretive signs development and installation X Trail and boardwalk installation X Law enforcement and patrol X Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 68 5.0 Literature Cited Abrahamson, W. G., and D. C Hartnett. 1990. Pine flatwoods and dry prairies. Pages 103-149 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida. Brandt, L. A. and F. J. Mazziotti. 2005. Marine toads (Bufo marinus). 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Available from http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff- burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Bufo_marinus.html (accessed December 2007). Coates, S. F., M. B. Main, J. J. Mullahey, J. M. Schaefer, G. W. Tanner, M. E. Sunquist, and M. D. Fanning. 1998. The coyote (Canis latrans): Florida’s newest predator. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document WEC124. 5pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW12700.pdf (accessed November 2007). Collier County Environmental Services Department. January, 2006. Conservation Collier Watkins-Jones Interim Management Plan Collins, L. and R. H. Scheffrahn. 2005. Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae). 9pp. Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document EENY-195. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN352 Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). 2007. List of Florida’s invasive plant species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Available from http://www.fleppc.org/list/07list_ctrfld.pdf (accessed October 2007). Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2001. Impacts of feral and free- ranging domestic cats on wildlife in Florida. Tallahassee, FL. Available from http://www.floridaconservation.org/viewing/articles/cat.pdf (accessed October 2007) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2002. A conceptual management plan for Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area: 2002 – 2007. 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Status and use of tropical hardwood hammocks and forested residential areas as habitat for resident and Neotropical migratory birds in the Florida Keys. Master of Science Thesis. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 61pp. Kline, W. N. and J. G. Duquesnel. 1996. Management of invasive exotic plants with herbicides in Florida. Down to Earth 51(2):22-28. http://www.fleppc.org/Misc/trtguide.pdf Kushlan, J. A. 1990. Freshwater marshes. Pages 324-363 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida. Langeland, K. A., and R. K. Stocker. 2001. Control of non-native plants in natural areas of Florida. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document SP 242. 34pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/WG/WG20900.pdf (accessed December 2007). Larson, B. C., J. H. Frank, G. M. Allen, M. B. Main. 2006. Florida’s native bromeliads. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular 1466. 10pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW205 (accessed November 2007). Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 70 Lee, J. C. 1985. Anolis sagrei in Florida: Phenetics of a colonizing species I. Meristic characters. Copeia 1985:182-194. Lodge, T. E. 2005. The Everglades handbook - Understanding the Ecosystem. 2nd edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Luidahl, K., D.J. Belz, L. Carey, R.W. Drew, S. Fisher, and R. Pate. 1990. Soil survey of Collier County area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Washington, D.C. Masterson, J. 2007. Felis catus. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Fort Pierce, Florida. Available from http://www.sms.si.edu/IRLspec/Felis_catus.htm (accessed November 2007). Mazziotti, F. J. 2002. Wood Storks (Mycteria americana). Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service document SSWIS12. 2pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW065 (accessed November 2007). Miller J. A. 1986. Hydrogeologic Framework of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. United States Geological Survey Professional Paper 1403-B. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Oaks, R. Q. and J. R. Dunbar. 1974. Post Miocene Stratigraphy of the Central and Southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah. Odum, W. E. and C. C. McIvor. 1990. Mangroves. Pages 517-548 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida. Odum, W. E., C. C. McIvor, and T. J. Smith III. 1982. The ecology of mangroves of South Florida: a community profile. United States Fish and Wildlife Service Off. Biol. Serv. Technical Report OBS 81-24. Rey, J. R., and C. R. Rutledge. 2006. Mangroves. Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service document ENY-660 (IN195). 5pp. University of Florida/IFAS, Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in195 (accessed October 2007). Schwartz, A. and R. W. Henderson. 1991. Amphibians and reptiles of the West Indies: descriptions, distributions, and natural history. University of Florida Press, Gainesville. Scott, T. M. 1988. Lithostratigraphy of the Hawthorne Group (Miocene). Florida Geological Survey Bulletin No. 59, Tallahassee, Florida. Shields, M. 2002. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). The Birds of North America, No. 609 in A. Poole and F. Gill editors The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. Stimac J. L., and S. B. Alves. 1994. Pest Management in the Subtropics: Biological Control A Florida Perspective. (Rosen D, Bennett FD, Capinera JL, Ed.) pp. 353-380. Intercept Limited, Andover, Hants SP10 1 YG, UK. State University System of Florida. 2004 Publication of Archival Library and Museum materials. Aerial Photography of Florida. http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/digital/collections/flap/ accesed January 2008. Tomlinson, P. B. 1986. The botany of mangroves. Cambridge University Press, London. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 71 United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Mesic pine flatwoods. South Florida multi-species recovery plan – a species plan…an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region, Compact Disk. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2007. National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines. 23pp. Available from http://www.fws.gov/pacific/eagle/NationalBaldEagleManagementGuidelines.pdf United States Geological Survey (USGS). 1958. Bonita Springs, Florida 7.5Minute Series Topographic Quadrangle. URS. 2007. Railhead Scrub Preserve Land Management Plan: managed by Conservation Collier Program Collier County, FL. June 2007 – March 2017. Willcox, E. and W. M. Giuliano. 2006. Red Imported Fire Ants and Their Impacts on Wildlife. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 207. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida . Available http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW242 Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2004. Atlas of Florida vascular plants. [S.M. Landry and K.N. Campbell (application development), Floirda Center for Community Design and Research]. Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. Available from http.//www.plantatlas.usf.edu/. Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 72 Appendix 1. Legal Description of the Property Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 73 Appendix 2. Floristic Inventory Conducted by Keith Bradley, Institute for Regional Conservation January and August, 2008 and Maureen S. Bonness September 2020. 2008 2020 Scientific Name (prior name) Common Names Native Not Native State FNAI FLEPPC x x Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia √ I x Acer rubrum Red maple N x x Acrostichum aureum Golden leather fern N T S3 x x Acrostichum danaeifolium Giant leather fern N x Aletris lutea Yellow colicroot N x Alternanthera philoxeroides Alligatorweed √ II x Ammannia latifolia Pink redstem, Toothcups N x Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum Blue maidencane N x x Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis Purple bluestem N x x Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus Bushy bluestem N x x Annona glabra Pond-apple N x x Ardisia elliptica Shoe-button ardisia √ I x Aristida stricta (=A. beyrichiana ) Southern wiregrass N x x Avicennia germinans Black mangrove N x Baccharis angustifolia Saltwater falsewillow N x x Baccharis glomeruliflora Saltbush N x x Bacopa monnieri Water hyssop, Herb-of-grace N x x Boehmeria cylindrica False nettle, Bog hemp N x x Callicarpa americana American beautyberry N x Canavalia rosea Baybean, Seaside jackbean N x Carphephorus corymbosus Florida paintbrush, Coastalplain chaffhead N x x Cassytha filiformis Lovevine, Devil's gut N x x Casuarina equisetifolia Australian-pine, Horsetail casuarina √ I x Centella asiatica Coinwort, Spadeleaf N x Ceratopteris thalictroides Watersprite √ x Chamaecrista nictitans var. nictitans Sensitive-pea N x x Chiococca alba (=C. parvifolia) Pineland snowberry N x Chromolaena odorata Jack-in-the-bush N x Chrysobalanus icaco Coco plum N x Cissus verticillata (=C. sicyoides) Possum grape N x x Cladium jamaicense Sawgrass N x x Colocasia esculenta Wild taro, Dasheen, coco-yam √ I x Commelina diffusa Common dayflower √ x x Conocarpus erectus Buttonwood N x x Crinum americanum Swamp lily N Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 74 x Crotalaria pallida var. obovata Smooth rattlebox √ x Crotalaria rotundifolia Rabbitbells N x Cupaniopsis anacardioides Carrotwood √ I x Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass √ x Cyperus brevifolius (=Kyllinga pumila) Shortleaf spikesedge √ x Cyperus odoratus Fragrant flatsedge N x Cyperus ovatus (=C. retrorsus) Pinebarren flatsedge N x Cyperus polystachyos Manyspike flatsedge, Texas sedge N x Dactyloctenium aegyptium Crow's-foot grass, Durban crowfootgrass √ II x x Dalbergia ecastaphyllum Coinvine N x Desmodium incanum Beggar's-ticks √ x x Dichanthelium ensifolium var. unciphyllum Cypress witchgrass N x x Dichanthelium portoricense Hemlock witchgrass N x x Dichanthelium strigosum var. glabrescens Roughhair witchgrass N x x Dioscorea bulbifera Air potato √ I x Diospyros virginiana Common persimmon N x Drosera capillaris Pink sundew N x Eclipta prostrata False daisy N x Edrastima uniflora (=Hedyotis uniflora) Clustered mille graine N x x Eleocharis baldwinii Baldwin's spikerush, Roadgrass, Hairsedge N x Eleocharis cellulosa Gulf coast spikerush N x Eleocharis geniculata Canada spikerush N x Emilia fosbergii Florida tasselflower √ x Eragrostis elliottii Elliott's lovegrass N x x Erechtites hieraciifolius Fireweed, American burnweed N x Erigeron vernus Early whitetop fleabane N x x Eugenia axillaris White stopper N x x Eupatorium capillifolium Dogfennel N x Eupatorium serotinum Lateflowering thoroughwort N x x Eustachys petraea Pinewoods fingergrass N x x Euthamia caroliniana Slender flattop goldenrod N x x Ficus aurea Strangler fig, Golden fig N x Ficus microcarpa Indian laurel √ I x x Fimbristylis cymosa Hurricanegrass √ x Fimbristylis spadicea Marsh fimbry N x Fuirena scirpoidea Southern umbrellasedge N x Funastrum clausum (=Sarcostemma clausum) Whitevine, White twinevine N x Hamelia patens Firebush N x Hydrocotyle verticillata Whorled marshpennywort N x Hydrocotyle sp. Marshpennywort N Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 75 x Hypericum cistifolium Roundpod St. John's-wort N x x Hypericum tetrapetalum Fourpetal St. John's-wort N x x Ilex cassine Dahoon holly, Dahoon N x x Ilex glabra Gallberry, Inkberry N x Imperata cylindrica Cogongrass √ I x Ipomoea alba Moonflower; Tropical white morning- glory N x Ipomoea sagittata Glades morning-glory N x x Juncus roemerianus Needle rush, Black rush N x Kosteletzkya pentacarpos (=K. virginica) Virginia saltmarsh willow N x x Lachnocaulon anceps Whitehead bogbutton N x x Laguncularia racemosa White mangrove N * Lilium catesbaei* Catesby's Lily N T x Limonium carolinianum Saltmarsh-rosemary, Carolina sealavender N x Ludwigia maritima Seaside primrosewillow N x Ludwigia microcarpa Smallfruit primrosewillow N x Ludwigia octovalvis Mexican primrosewillow N x Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrosewillow √ I x x Ludwigia repens Creeping primrosewillow N x x Lycium carolinianum Christmasberry, Carolina desertthorn N x x Lygodium microphyllum Small-leaf climbing fern √ I x x Lyonia fruticosa Coastalplain staggerbush N x Macroptilium lathyroides Wild bushbean √ II x x Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay N x x Melaleuca quinquenervia Punktree √ I x Melothria pendula Creeping-cucumber N x x Mikania scandens Climbing hempweed, Climbing hempvine N x Mitreola sessilifolia Swamp hornpod N x Mollugo verticillata Indian-chickweed, Green carpetweed √ x Momordica charantia Wild balsam-apple, Balsampear √ x x Morella cerifera (=Myrica cerifera) Wax myrtle, Southern Bayberry N x x Myrsine cubana (=Rapanea punctata) Myrsine, Colicwood N x Nephrolepis biserrata Giant boston fern N T x x Nephrolepis brownii (=N. multiflora) Asian sword fern √ I x Nephrolepis cordifolia Tuberous sword fern √ I x Oeceoclades maculata African ground orchid, Monk orchid √ x x Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Royal fern N x Panicum hemitomon Maidencane N x x Panicum virgatum Switchgrass N x x Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia-creeper, Woodbine N Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 76 x Passiflora suberosa Corkystem passionflower N x x Persea palustris Swamp bay N x Persicaria hydropiperoides (=Polygonum hydropiperoides) Mild waterpepper; Swamp smartweed N x x Phlebodium aureum Golden polypody N x Phyllanthus urinaria Chamber bitter √ x Physalis angustifolia Coastal groundcherry N x Pilea microphylla Artillery plant N x Piloblephis rigida Wild pennyroyal N x x Pinus elliottii var. densa South Florida slash pine N x Pleopeltis michauxiana (=Pleopeltis polypodioides var. michauxiana) Resurrection fern N x x Pluchea baccharis (=Pluchea rosea) Rosy camphorweed N x Pluchea carolinensis Cure-for-all N x x Pluchea odorata Sweetscent N x Pouzolzia zeylanica Poulzolz's bush √ x x Psilotum nudum Whisk fern N x Pteridium aquilinum var. pseudocaudatum Tailed bracken fern N x Pterocaulon pycnostachyum Blackroot N x Ptilimnium capillaceum Mock bishopsweed, Herbwilliam N x Ptychosperma elegans (=Archontophoenix elegans) Alexandra palm √ II x x Quercus laurifolia Laurel oak, Diamond oak N x x Quercus minima Dwarf live oak N x x Quercus pumila (=Quercus elliottii) Running oak N x x Quercus virginiana Virginia live oak N x x Randia aculeata White indigoberry N x x Rhabdadenia biflora Rubbervine, Mangrovevine N x x Rhizophora mangle Red mangrove N x x Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Downy rose myrtle √ I x x Rhus copallinum Winged sumac N x Rhynchospora colorata Starrush whitetop N x Rhynchospora divergens Spreading beaksedge N x Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled beaksedge N x Rhynchospora globularis Globe beaksedge N x Rhynchospora microcarpa Southern beaksedge N x Ruellia blechum (=Blechumn pyramidatum) Green shrimp-plant, Browne's blechum √ x x Sabal palmetto Cabbage palm N x Sacciolepis indica Indian cupscale √ x Sagittaria lancifolia Bulltongue arrowhead N x Salicornia ambigua (=Salicornia perennis) Perennial glasswoart N x Salix caroliniana Coastal Plain willow N Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 77 x Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis American elderberry N x Samolus valerandi subsp. parviflorus Pineland pimpernel N x x Schinus terebinthifolia Brazilian pepper √ I x Schizachyrium rhizomatum Rhizomatous bluestem N x x Scleria ciliata Fringed nutrush N x Scleria reticularis Netted nutrush N x x Serenoa repens Saw palmetto N x Setaria parviflora (=S. geniculata) Knotroot foxtail, Yellow bristlegrass N x x Sideroxylon celastrinum Saffron plum, Bumelia N x x Sideroxylon salicifolium Willow-bustic, White bully N x x Smilax auriculata Earleaf greenbrier N x x Smilax bona-nox Saw greenbrier N x Solanum americanum American black nightshade N x Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod N x Solidago stricta Narrow-leaved goldenrod, Wand goldenrod N x x Spartina patens Marshhay cordgrass, Saltmeadow cordgrass N x Spermacoce remota (=Spermacoce assurgens) Woodland false buttonweed N x x Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweed √ II x x Spirodela polyrhiza Common duckweed N x Swietenia mahagoni West Indian mahogany N T S3 x Symphyotrichum tenuifolium (=Aster tenuifolius) Perennial saltmarsh aster N x x Syzygium cumini Java plum √ I x x Telmatoblechnum serrulatum (=Blechnum serrulatum) Swamp fern N x Thelypteris interrupta Interrupted maiden fern, Hottentot fern N x x Thelypteris kunthii Southern shield fern N x x Tillandsia balbisiana Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf N T x x Tillandsia fasciculata Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant N E x x Tillandsia flexuosa Banded wild-pine, Twisted airplant N T S3 x x Tillandsia recurvata Ball-moss N x Tillandsia setacea Thin-leaved wild-pine, Southern needleleaf N x x Tillandsia usneoides Spanish-moss N x x Toxicodendron radicans Eastern poison-ivy N x x Triglochin striata Arrowgrass N x Typha domingensis Southern cat-tail N x x Urena lobata Caesarweed √ I x Vaccinium myrsinites Shiny blueberry N Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 78 x x Verbesina virginica Frostweed, White crownbeard N x Vigna luteola Cow-pea, Hairypod cowpea N x x Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine, Muscadine grape N x Vittaria lineata Shoestring fern N x Ximenia americana Hog-plum, Tallowwood N x Xyris ambigua Coastalplain yelloweyed grass N x Xyris brevifolia Shortleaf yelloweyed grass N x Xyris elliottii Elliott's yelloweyed grass N x Xyris jupicai Richard's yelloweyed grass √ x Zeuxine strateumatica Soldier's orchid, Lawn orchid √ Count 126 163 160 39 7 3 22 * found by Conservation Collier staff State Codes: E=Endangered, T=Threatened FNAI Codes: S1=critically imperiled; S2=imperiled because of rarity; S3=very rare in Florida or restricted range FLEPPC Codes: Category I = species has altered native plant communities; Category II = species with increasing abundance or frequency Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 79 Scientific Name Common Names Native Status State FNAI FLEPPC Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia Introduced I Acrostichum aureum Golden leather fern Native Threatened S3 Acrostichum danaeifolium Giant leather fern Native Aletris lutea Yellow colicroot Native Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis Purple bluestem Native Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus Common bushy bluestem Native Annona glabra Pond-apple Native Ardisia elliptica Shoe-button ardisia Introduced I Aristida beyrichiana Southern wiregrass Native Aster bracei Brace's aster Native Avicennia germinans Black mangrove Native Baccharis angustifolia Narrowleaved groundsel, Saltwater Falsewillow Native Baccharis glomeruliflora Silverling Native Bacopa monnieri Water hyssop, Herb-of-grace Native Blechnum serrulatum Swamp fern, Toothed midsorus fern Native Boehmeria cylindrica Button-hemp, False nettle, Bog hemp Native Borrichia frutescens Silver sea-oxeye-daisy, Bushy seaside oxeye Native Callicarpa americana American beautyberry Native Canavalia rosea Beach-bean, Baybean, Seaside jackbean Native Carphephorus corymbosus Florida paintbrush, Coastalplain chaffhead Native Cassytha filiformis Lovevine, Devil's gut Native Casuarina equisetifolia Australian-pine, Horsetail casuarina Introduced I Chiococca alba Common snowberry, Milkberry Native Chiococca parvifolia Pineland snowberry Native Cladium jamaicense Saw-grass, Jamaica swamp sawgrass Native Colocasia esculenta Wild taro, Dasheen, Coco-yam Introduced I Conocarpus erectus Buttonwood Native Crinum americanum Swamp-lily, Seven-sisters, String-lily Native Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass Introduced Cyperus odoratus Fragrant flatsedge Native Cyperus retrorsus Pinebarren flatsedge Native Dactyloctenium aegyptium Crow's-foot grass, Durban crowfootgrass Introduced Dalbergia ecastaphyllum Coinvine Native Dichanthelium ensifolium var. unciphyllum Cypress witchgrass Native Dichanthelium portoricense Hemlock witchgrass Native Dichanthelium strigosum var. glabrescens Glabrescent roughhair witchgrass Native Dioscorea bulbifera Common air-potato Introduced I Drosera capillaris Pink sundew Native Eclipta prostrata False-daisy Native Eleocharis baldwinii Baldwin's spikerush, roadgrass Native Eragrostis elliottii Elliott's love grass Native Erechtites hieracifolia Fireweed, American burnweed Native Erigeron vernus Early whitetop fleabane Native Eugenia axillaris White stopper Native Eupatorium capillifolium Dog-fennel Native Eustachys petraea Common fingergrass, Pinewoods fingergrass Native Euthamia caroliniana Slender goldenrod Native Ficus aurea Strangler fig, Golden fig Native Ficus microcarpa Laurel fig, Indian laurel Introduced I Fimbristylis cymosa Hurricane sedge, Hurricanegrass Introduced Fimbristylis spadicea Marsh fimbry Native Hedyotis uniflora Clustered mille graine Native Hydrocotyle verticillata Whorled marshpennywort Native Hypericum tetrapetalum Fourpetal St. John's-wort Native Ilex cassine Dahoon holly, Dahoon Native Ilex glabra Gallberry, Inkberry Native Juncus roemerianus Black needle rush, Needle rush, Black rush Native Lachnocaulon anceps Whitehead bogbutton Native Laguncularia racemosa White mangrove Native Lilium catesbaei *Catesby's Lily Native Threatened Limonium carolinianum Saltmarsh-rosemary, Carolina sealavender Native Ludwigia repens Creeping primrosewillow Native Lycium carolinianum Christmasberry, Carolina desertthorn Native Lygodium microphyllum Small-leaf climbing fern Introduced I Lyonia fruticosa Coastalplain staggerbush Native Magnolia virginiana Sweet-bay Native Mangifera indica Mango Introduced Melaleuca quinquenervia Punktree Introduced I Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 80 Scientific Name Common Names Native Status State FNAI FLEPPC Mikania scandens Climbing hempweed, Climbing hempvine Native Mollugo verticillata Indian-chickweed, Green carpetweed Introduced Myrica cerifera Wax myrtle, Southern Bayberry Native Nephrolepis multiflora Asian sword fern Introduced I Oeceoclades maculata African ground orchid, Monk orchid Introduced Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Royal fern Native Commercially Exploited Panicum hemitomon Maidencane Native Panicum virgatum Switchgrass Native Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia-creeper, Woodbine Native Persea palustris Swamp bay Native Phlebodium aureum Golden polypody Native Physalis angustifolia Coastal groundcherry Native Piloblephis rigida Wild pennyroyal Native Pinus elliottii var. densa South Florida slash pine Native Pluchea odorata Sweetscent Native Pluchea rosea Rosy camphorweed Native Psilotum nudum Whisk-fern Native Pterocaulon pycnostachyum Blackroot Native Ptilimnium capillaceum Mock bishopsweed, Herbwilliam Native Quercus laurifolia Laurel oak, Diamond oak Native Quercus minima Dwarf live oak Native Quercus pumila Running oak Native Quercus virginiana Virginia live oak Native Randia aculeata White indigoberry Native Rapanea punctata Myrsine, Colicwood Native Rhabdadenia biflora Mangrove rubbervine, Mangrovevine Native Rhizophora mangle Red mangrove Native Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Downy myrtle, Rose myrtle Introduced I Rhus copallinum Winged sumac Native Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled Beaksedge Native Sabal palmetto Cabbage palm Native Salicornia perennis Perennial glasswort Native Sarcostemma clausum Whitevine, White twinevine Native Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian-pepper Introduced I Scleria ciliata Fringed nutrush Native Serenoa repens Saw palmetto Native Sideroxylon celastrinum Saffronplum Native Sideroxylon salicifolium Willow-bustic, White bully Native Smilax auriculata Earleaf greenbrier Native Smilax bona-nox Saw greenbrier Native Solidago stricta Narrow-leaved goldenrod, Wand goldenrod Native Spartina patens Marshhay cordgrass, Saltmeadow cordgrass Native Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweed Introduced Spirodela polyrhiza Common duckweed Native Syzygium cumini Jambolan-plum, Java-plum Introduced I Thelypteris kunthii Southern shield fern Native Tillandsia balbisiana Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf Native Threatened Tillandsia fasciculata var. densispica Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant Native Endangered Tillandsia flexuosa Banded wild-pine, Twisted airplant Native Threatened S3 Tillandsia recurvata Ball-moss Native Tillandsia usneoides Spanish-moss Native Tillandsia utriculata Giant wild-pine, Giant airplant Native Endangered Toxicodendron radicans Eastern poison-ivy Native Triglochin striata Arrowgrass Native Urena lobata Caesarweed Introduced II Vaccinium myrsinites Shiny blueberry Native Verbesina virginica Frostweed, White crownbeard Native Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine, Muscadine grape Native Vittaria lineata Shoestring fern Native Xyris ambigua Coastalplain yelloweyed grass Native Xyris brevifolia Shortleaf yelloweyed grass Native Xyris elliottii Elliott's yelloweyed grass Native Xyris jupicai Richard's yelloweyed grass Introduced Zeuxine strateumatica Soldier's orchid, Lawn orchid Introduced * observed by Conservation Collier staff in 2007 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 81 Appendix 3. FNAI Report Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 82 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 83 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 84 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 85 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 86 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 87 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 88 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 89 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 90 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 91 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 92 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 93 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 94 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 95 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 96 Appendix 4. Division of Migratory Bird Management Fact Sheet on Laws Protecting the Bald Eagle The Bald Eagle: Other Protection following Delisting under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 November 5, 2004 draft (revised January 4, 2007) The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act will continue to protect the bald eagle following delisting under the Endangered Species Act. Originally passed in 1940 to protect bald eagles, the Eagle Act was amended in 1962 to protect golden eagles as well, by prohibiting the take, possession, sale, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or barter, transport, export or import, of any bald or golden eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg, unless allowed by permit (16 U.S.C 668(a); 50 CFR 22). “Take” includes pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb (16 U.S.C. 668c; 50 CFR 22.3). A violation of the Eagle Act can result in a fine of $100,000 or imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense. An organization may be fined $200,000. Penalties increase for additional offenses. A second violation is a felony and can result in two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 for an individual— or $500,000 for an organization. People who provide information leading to an arrest and conviction are eligible for a reward of up to half of the fine. The Lacey Act Congress originally passed the Lacey Act in 1900 to help States protect resident species by making it a Federal violation to transport illegally taken wildlife across State lines. Later amending the law, Congress extended its prohibitions to importing, exporting, selling, acquiring, or purchasing fish, wildlife, or plants taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of U.S. or Indian law or State or foreign law. Prohibitions of the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. 3371-78) will continue to apply to the bald eagle including its feathers, parts, nests, and eggs—as well as its products— following delisting under the Endangered Species Act. The Lacey Act also prohibits making false records, labels, or identification of shipped wildlife; importing injurious species; and shipping fish or wildlife in an inhumane manner. Penalties include a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for felony convictions, a maximum $10,000 Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan Conservation Collier Program 97 fine for civil violations, and a $250 fine for marking violations. The maximum criminal fine for an organization is $500,000. People who provide information leading to an arrest, criminal conviction, civil penalty, or forfeiture of property are eligible for a reward. Fish, wildlife, and plants involved in violations are subject to forfeiture. Vessels, vehicles, aircraft, and other equipment used to aid in importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, or purchasing fish or wildlife or plants in a criminal violation are subject to forfeiture upon a felony conviction involving commercialization. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is a Federal law that carries out the United States’ commitment to four international conventions— with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. The conventions protect migratory birds as an international resource. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S. C 703- 712) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 21) provide authority to conserve bird species such as the bald eagle, even if Endangered Species Act protections are removed. Except as allowed by permit (50 CFR 21.11), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, attempt to take, capture or kill, possess, offer for sale, sell, offer to purchase, purchase, deliver for shipment, ship, cause to be shipped, deliver for transportation, transport, cause to be transported, carry or cause to be carried, receive for shipment, or export any migratory bird— including eggs, parts, and nests. In addition, the Act authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to determine if, and by what means, the take of migratory birds should be allowed and to adopt regulations permitting and governing take—for example, hunting seasons for ducks and geese. Penalties include a maximum of two years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for a felony conviction and six months’ imprisonment and $15,000 fine for a misdemeanor conviction. A commercial activity is a felony, just as is take with intent to sell. Maximum fines are doubled for any organization convicted of a felony violation. Conservation Collier Winchester Head Extended Interim Management Plan Third Extension Prepared By: Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program Parks & Recreation Division 15000 Livingston Road Naples, FL 34109 September 2020 September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 2 Table of Contents 1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan ......................................................... 3 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities ....................................................................... 4 3.0 Interim Site Plan ..................................................................................................................... 4 3.1 Location and Site Description ............................................................................................ 4 3.2 Signage ................................................................................................................................. 5 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases .................................................................................... 5 3.4 Structures ........................................................................................................................... 5 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses........................................................................... 56 4.0 Interim Management Objectives ........................................................................................ 56 4.1 Natural Resource Protection ........................................................................................... 56 4.2 Site Security ......................................................................................................................... 6 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan ......................................................... 6 4.4 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ......................................... 7 4.5 Public Access ....................................................................................................................... 7 4.6 Site Monitoring Plan ........................................................................................................... 7 4.7 Partnerships ...................................................................................................................... 78 5.0 Exhibits .................................................................................................................................. 89 EXHIBIT 1: Location Map .................................................................................................. 89 EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map .................................................................................................... 910 EXHIBIT 3: Winchester Head Boundary and Golden Gates Estates Tract Numbers ..... 1011 EXHIBIT 4: Golden Gates Estates Unit 62 Plat Map...................................................... 1112 EXHIBIT 5: Golden Gates Estates Unit 65 Plat Map...................................................... 1213 EXHIBIT 6: Winchester Head Light Detection and Ranging Map ................................. 1314 EXHIBIT 7: Location of the North Golden Gate Estates Flowway Project .................... 1415 EXHIBIT 8: Estimated Cost Table .................................................................................. 1516 EXHIBIT 9: Estimated Implementation Time Line ........................................................ 1617 September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 3 1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan Winchester Head is one of two multi-parcel projects undertaken by the Conservation Collier Program. The Winchester Head Project boundary encompasses 115 parcels totaling 158.67 acres. As of, August September 2020 2017, 67 53 parcels or 93.56 80 acres (580%) have been acquired by Conservation Collier in a checkerboard fashion throughout the project area. The Collier Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) owns two parcels totaling 2.28 acres within the project area. One 1-acre parcel in the extreme north east corner of the project area has been developed. This parcel is delineated in Exhibit 2. Although the BCC approved the remaining 58 parcels totaling 78.67 acres for acquisition subject to land values acquisitions in general by Conservation Collier were suspended in January 2011, and no additional properties within this area have been acquired using program funds since that time. Conservation Collier has conducted requested a market study appraisal in 2017. That market study included two appraisers with an average value for these parcels at $12,500 per acre. As of 2017, the Property Appraiser is valuing parcels within this area between $4,881 and 11,475 per acre depending on the size. Conservation Collier is currently continuing to pursue the acquisition of all approved parcels within Winchester Head as means to do so present themselves. Conservation Collier has begun to make offers to owners submitting applications within Winchester Head utilizing funds from offsite preservation received as part of the Land Development Code’s Off-Site Native Vegetation Retention Requirements (LDC Section 3.05.07H.1.f.iii.a). Additionally, offsite preservation parcels may be donated within this area (LDC Section 3.05.07H.1.f.iii.b). SixFive parcels have been acquired as offsite mitigation donations since 2013 within the project area, and one additional parcel (1.14 acres) was donated to offset Code Enforcement Liens, for a total of 7.296.16 acres donated If additional properties cannot be acquired using the above means, or it becomes apparent that few properties can be acquired in this manner, Conservation Collier staff will seek to exercise a provision of the Conservation Collier ordinance (2007-65, Section 14.7 as amended) that allows for the exchange of lands within and between multi-parcel projects in accordance with the goals of the Program. The objective of any such exchanges will be to consolidate the areas owned by Collier County under the Conservation Collier program into one contiguous area. All acquired properties will be managed only for conservation, protection and enhancement of natural resources and for public outdoor recreation that will be compatible with the conservation, protection and enhancement of the site and its surrounding lands. Public use of the site will not be practical until more contiguous properties within Winchester Head can be acquired and a trail or boardwalk constructed, the boardwalk of which is not presently funded. This interim management plan is intended to update the key management priorities and issues within the site and give direction for management through 202219. This document is intended to be the precursor to a final management plan, which will provide more specific aspects of site management once a contiguous block of properties can be assembled. September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 4 Key Interim Management Objectives 1. Monitor vegetation until a contiguous block in the center of the project can be acquired which will trigger more extensive vegetation management actions. 1.2.Treat offsite donation parcels for invasive exotic plants on an annual basis. 2.3.Explore opportunities for grant funding and partnerships for management. Action Plan 1a. Make bi-annual site visits to monitor the spread of any and all Category I and II invasive plant species within parcels. Once a contiguous tract at the center of the project is acquired, begin exotic plant management within this tract,, if warranted. Continue monitoring the remainder of parcels. 1b. Treat all Category I and II invasive plant species within offsite mitigation donation parcels on an annual basis. 2a. Seek grant funding opportunities for the removal of exotic flora. 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities The Conservation Collier Program, part of the Collier County Parks & Recreation Division since October 2012, will be solely responsible for managing the Winchester Head parcels, but will also seek to obtain grants and form partnerships for management activities. 3.0 Interim Site Plan 3.1 Location and Site Description The Winchester Head Parcels are located east of Everglades Blvd. North, between 41st Ave NE and 35th Ave NE in Sections 8 & 17, Township 48 and Range 28 in Golden Gate Estates, Units 62 and 65 within Collier County, Florida. The southernmost parcels are located south of 37th Ave NE but do not extend to 35th Ave NE (Exhibits 1-5). The approximate center of the project is located at 26°18’9.67”N and 81°32’19.58”W. Winchester Head is comprised of Mixed Wetland Hardwoods (FLUCCS 617), Cypress (FLUCCS 621), Cypress, Pine, Cabbage Palm (FLUCCS 624) and Freshwater Marsh (FLUCCS 641). Compared to the higher elevations of the lands surrounding Winchester Head, from 18 to 24 feet above sea level, the natural depression of this cypress area (Exhibit 6)at 15-17 feet below sea level, combined with the presence of hydric, poorly drained soils allows for water to collect and slowly percolate into the ground. Thus, Winchester Head is ideal for obligate and facultative wetland plant and animal species. Conservation Collier’s Winchester Head multi-parcel project is within the North Golden Gate Estates (NGGE) Flowway Restoration Project (Exhibit 7), which is an area of focus within the County’s Watershed Management Plan (WMP). The goal of this project is to reconnect the historic flowway and redirect storm water drainage away from NGGE's canals, allowing it to move south toward North Belle Meade and naturally low county areas while allowing ground absorption along the way. As part of the WMP, a Phase 1 and Phase II analysis of the flowway, which includes Winchester Head, have been completed. The Phase I estimated that Winchester Head contains approximately 414.7 acre-feet of storage September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 5 based on an average, water surface elevation of 16.0 feet (North American Vertical Datum of 1988). The goal of reconnecting wetland systems within the NGGE has been incorporated into development of the County’s Watershed Management Plan, approved by the Board of County Commissioners in December 2011. The WMP includes structural projects and policy initiatives, both of which would affect the Winchester Head area. Structural projects include adding culverts and other water management structures. Policy initiatives include a potential TDR Program and a Watershed Mitigation Program. At present, no specific projects have been authorized. If Conservation Collier were to acquire and restore parcels within Winchester Head, this would serve WMP goals. However, the choice of projects determined for Winchester Head and north of Winchester Head within the flowway could affect how Conservation Collier approaches management. Structural projects could increase the volume of water stored within the WH project boundaries and thus alter proposed management actions, while a proposed TDR program could assist Conservation Collier in acquiring more parcels and getting more contiguous area under management. The WMP is addressed in this plan to provide a comprehensive view of the area and its importance. 3.2 Signage Signs denoting parcels as Conservation Land will be installed as contiguous parcels of 20 acres or more are acquired. 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases There are sixty-foot (60’) platted right-of-way and utility easements dedicated to Collier County, along 41st Ave. NE, 39th Ave NE, and 37th Ave NE. No other easements, concessions or leases currently exist within Winchester Head. No other easements, concessions or leases are proposed for the future, and would not be permitted unless they further conservation objectives, such as a conservation easement. 3.4 Structures No structures are present on the parcels at this time. 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses Several single-family Golden Gate Estates zoned parcels – many of which have yet to be developed, surround Winchester Head. Everglades Blvd. North is west of the properties and the Faka Union canal is located to the east of the properties. 4.0 Interim Management Objectives 4.1 Natural Resource Protection Existing Vegetation: The following list identifies native plants observed during site visits: Swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), cattail (Typha spp), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), willow (Salix spp.) and numerous species of native wetland grasses. September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 6 Unique Natural Features: Winchester Head is comprised entirely of depressional cypress and marsh wetlands and therefore, provides habitat for wetland dependent species. Evidence onsite and data from the Southwest Florida Amphibian Monitoring Network 1 indicate that Winchester Head is used by wetland dependent species. Although it contributes only minimally to aquifer recharge, the area is a depressional feature in the landscape that holds water during the rainy season, enhancing water quality and offering flood protection to adjacent lands. Possible Listed Species: The observed habitat and location would support the presence of the following listed species: American alligator (Alligator misissippiensis), wood stork (Mycteria americana), limpkin (Aramus guarauna) and white ibis (Eudocimus albus). The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has documented Florida black bears (Ursus americanus floridanus) along the edges of the property. 4.2 Site Security At present, no known security issues exist within Winchester Head. Because Collier County currently owns 6752 of the parcels, only some of which are contiguous, fencing will not be considered until a larger percentage of the parcels in the project area are acquired. 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) are present around the edges of portions of the entire project area and along the roadways that intersect the project – in a density of approximately 15 – 20%. Until more properties are acquired, Conservation Collier will not remove these invasive, exotic species. If oOld world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) has beenis observed on several on any acquired properties., Conservation Collier has hired contractors to will remove and/or treat this species on nine of these parcels since 2014. Conservation Collier staff will field locate property lines and direct contractors to County owned parcels within Winchester Head. All located old world climbing fern infested areas within Winchester Head arewill be treated during the dry season. All six parcels acquired through offsite mitigation donations came with management funds. These parcels have been treated will be treated on an annual basis since acquisition. If a larger percentage of contiguous parcels are not acquired by 2019, this plan will be updated and recommendations made to address any existing exotic vegetation infestation. 1 The Southwest Florida Amphibian Monitoring Network represents a diverse group of citizen volunteers organized for the purpose of monitoring amphibians (mostly frogs) in southwest Florida Website: http://www.frogwatch.net/ September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 7 4.4 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection Winchester Head is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and no historical or archaeological sites appear to be present in the property. The County will notify the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any archaeological or historic resources are present within the Winchester Head project. If such properties 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 Collier County 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). The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archaeological and historic sites within Winchester Head will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. 4.5 Public Access Public access will not be addressed until a larger percentage of contiguous parcels within Winchester Head are acquired or parcels are consolidated and a Final Management Plan is prepared. 4.6 Site Monitoring Plan Monitoring of the site shall consist of a walk-through by staff at bi-annual intervals. Any treatment and retreatment of exotic vegetation is dependent on the amount of contiguous acreage acquired. Conservation Collier shall be responsible for this treatment with tasks contracted out as deemed necessary. Prior to any land management activities, photo monitoring points will also be established at strategic locations within the project area to monitor vegetation communities. 4.7 Partnerships The South Florida Water Management District Big Cypress Basin may have interest in partnership and will be approached to determine interest. Conservation Collier will work closely with the Growth Management Division as the Watershed Management Plan projects come to fruition. September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 8 5.0 Exhibits EXHIBIT 1: Location Map September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 9 EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 10 EXHIBIT 3: Winchester Head Boundary and Golden Gates Estates Tract Numbers September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 11 EXHIBIT 4: Golden Gates Estates Unit 62 Plat Map September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 12 EXHIBIT 5: Golden Gates Estates Unit 65 Plat Map September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 13 EXHIBIT 6: Winchester Head Light Detection and Ranging Map September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 14 EXHIBIT 7: Location of the North Golden Gate Estates Flowway Restoration Project September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 15 EXHIBIT 8: Estimated Cost Table Management Element Initial Cost Annual Recurring Costs Comments Exotics Control - Over the entire project area t.b.d t.b.d Exotic removal would be most cost effective when some amount of contiguous acreage can be assembled. Exotics Control - For currently owned parcels $50,000 $10,000 Exotic removal would be most cost effective when some amount of contiguous acreage could be assembled. Estimates are based on 20% exotics over currently owned scattered parcels - 80 acres Raised boardwalk t.b.d. t.b.d. Wish-list status. Current estimates run at $550 per linear foot – not including design, permitting and construction. Grants can be sought to assist with costs in the future if funding is identified. Trash Removal t.b.d. t.b.d. Large items to be done on a lump sum contract basis with cost being site specific. Staff does not recommend providing trash barrels at this time. Signs $800 n/a 4 conservation area & prohibited activities signs ($200 each) Total $50,800 $10,000 Total estimated costs cover entire project area September 2020November 2017 Conservation Collier: Winchester Head Project Extended IMP 16 EXHIBIT 9: Estimated Implementation Time Line Monitoring Site Visit Seek Partnerships Completion of final management plan (or update of interim management plan if acquired parcels are still scattered) Jan 18 x April 18 x July 18 x Oct-18 x Jan 19 x x April 19 x July 19 X Oct 19 X Jan 2020 x x April 20 x July 20 x Oct 20 x x Jan 21 x April 21 x July 21 x Oct 21 x Jan 22 x April 22 x July 22 x Oct 22 x x