Agenda 12/08/2020 Item #16D 3 (Conservation Collier Alligator Flag Preserve update)12/08/2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the Alligator Flag Preserve Final Management Plan 10-year update
under the Conservation Collier Program.
OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) for the Alligator
Flag Preserve Final Management Plan 10-year update.
CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance, No. 2002-63, as amended, Section 14(3),
requires that a Final Management Plan be prepared and updated for each property every five (5) years,
with review and input by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC).
The Alligator Flag Preserve is comprised of eighteen (18) acres located on Immokalee Road two (2)
miles east of I-75, at 7875 Immokalee Road, and has been in County ownership since July 28, 2006. The
initial Final Management Plan was developed and approved by the Board on April 14, 2009, Agenda
Item #16E3. The approved Plan has been operational for the Alligator Flag Preserve since that time. The
first five-year update to the Plan was approved by the Board on June 23, 2015, Agenda Item #16D14.
Each 10-year update requires a public meeting, which was held on September 17, 2020, to allow for
public input on the updated draft plan. No public comment was received. The CCLAAC reviewed and
approved the updated plan on October 12, 2020.
Changes in this plan include updated maps, updated property status information, additions to the plant or
animal lists, the status of exotic plant and animal infestations, and streamlining of text. Track ed changes
have been made so that Board members can quickly see the proposed changes. Any formatting
irregularities caused by tracked changes will be resolved in the final document.
FISCAL IMPACT: Annual costs are estimated at $3,000 per year for the next five (5) years. This is
primarily for invasive exotic plant treatment and trail maintenance. Funds are available within the
Conservation Collier Land Management Fund (174) to accomplish these activities.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Management of Conservation Collier lands to support
appropriate public access is consistent with and supports Policy 1.1.5 and Objective 1.3 in the
Recreation and Open Space Element of the Collier County Growth Management Plan. There is no
specific Growth Management impact associated with this item.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance (No. 2002-63, as amended), in
Section 14, provides a legal framework for the development of management plans and the use of
environmentally sensitive lands. This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote
for Board action. -JAB
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the attached proposed Final Management Plan 10-year update for
the Alligator Flag Preserve and direct staff to implement the updated plan.
Prepared By: Christal Segura, Senior Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Division
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. (linked) AlligatorFlagPreserve_10yr update_combined with Plant Survey (PDF)
16.D.3
Packet Pg. 2884
12/08/2020
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.D.3
Doc ID: 14025
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the Alligator Flag Preserve Final Management Plan
10-year update under the Conservation Collier Program.
Meeting Date: 12/08/2020
Prepared by:
Title: Operations Analyst – Parks & Recreation
Name: Matthew Catoe
10/23/2020 1:32 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation – Parks & Recreation
Name: Barry Williams
10/23/2020 1:32 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Public Services Department Melissa Hennig Additional Reviewer Completed 10/23/2020 1:48 PM
Parks & Recreation Barry Williams Additional Reviewer Completed 10/23/2020 4:40 PM
Parks & Recreation Ilonka Washburn Additional Reviewer Completed 10/24/2020 8:36 AM
Operations & Veteran Services Kimberley Grant Level 1 Reviewer Completed 10/26/2020 1:35 PM
Public Services Department Todd Henry Level 1 Division Reviewer Completed 11/04/2020 2:06 PM
County Attorney's Office Jennifer Belpedio Level 2 Attorney of Record Review Completed 11/06/2020 11:59 AM
Public Services Department Steve Carnell Level 2 Division Administrator Review Completed 11/18/2020 1:55 PM
Office of Management and Budget Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 11/18/2020 1:58 PM
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 11/18/2020 2:27 PM
Budget and Management Office Ed Finn Additional Reviewer Completed 11/25/2020 10:50 AM
County Manager's Office Sean Callahan Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 11/30/2020 10:34 AM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 12/08/2020 9:00 AM
16.D.3
Packet Pg. 2885
Conservation Collier Program 1
Alligator Flag Preserve
Land Management Plan
Managed by: Conservation Collier Program
Collier County, Florida
NovemberApril 20202009 – NovemberApril 20302019 (10-yr plan)
Revised October 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!
Bookmark not defined.Error! Bookmark not defined..
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
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).
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 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).
3.4 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
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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
DRAFT Five year update-Alligator Flag Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 57
Appendix 2. Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Alligator Flag
Scientific Name Common Name(s) State b FLEPPCc
Acacia auriculiformis a Earleaf acacia I
Acer rubrum Red maple
Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common ragweed
Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum Blue maidencane
Andropogon glomeratus Bushy bluestem
Annona glabra Pond apple
Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana Wiregrass
Baccharis halimifolia Saltbush, Groundsel tree, Sea-myrtle
Bidens alba Beggarticks, Romerillo
Blechnum serrulatum Swamp fern, Toothed midsorus fern
Boehmeria cylindrica False nettle, Bog hemp
Cassytha filiformis Lovevine, Devil's gut
Casuarina sp.a Australian pine I
Centella asiatica Spadeleaf
Cephalanthus occidentalis Common buttonbush
Chrysobalanus icaco Coco plum
Cladium jamaicense Sawgrass, Jamaica swamp sawgrass
Coreopsis leavenworthii Leavenworth's tickseed
Cornus foemina Swamp dogwood, Stiff dogwood
Cupaniopsis anacardioides a Carrotwood I
Cyperus haspan Haspan flatsedge
Cyperus ligularis Swamp flatsedge
Diospyros virginiana Common persimmon
Emilia fosbergii a Florida tassleflower
Encyclia tampensis Butterfly orchid
Eupatorium capillifolium Dog-fennel
Eustachys petraea Common fingergrass, Pinewoods fingergrass
Ficus aurea Strangler fig, Golden fig
Fuirena scirpoidea Southern umbrella sedge
Fraxinus caroliniana Carolina ash, Water ash, Pop ash
Fuirena spp.Umbrella sedge
Gamochaeta antillana Caribbean purple everlasting
Heliotropium polyphyllum Pineland heliotrope
Ilex cassine Dahoon holly, Dahoon
Linaria canadensis Canadian toadflax
Melaleuca quinquenervia a Punk tree, Melaleuca, Paper bark I
Mikania scandens Climbing hempvine
Myrica cerifera Wax myrtle, Southern bayberry
Nymphoides aquatica Big floatingheart, Banana lily
Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Royal fern C
Oxalis spp.Wood sorrel
Panicum hemitomon Maidencane
Alligator Flag Preserve: Preliminary Plant List
Flora recorded by: Christal Segura, Annisa Karim, Dr. George Wilder
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
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.