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Agenda 12/08/2020 Item #16D 5 (Conservation Collier Cocohatchee Creek Preserve update)12/08/2020 16.D.5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to approve the Conservation Collier Cocohatchee Creek 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 10-year update to the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Final Management Plan. 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 3.64-acre Cocohatchee Creek Preserve, located in North Naples, was acquired in 2004. A Final Management Plan was developed and approved by the Board on June 26, 2007, Agenda Item #16E4. The approved plan has been operational for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve since that time. 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. Tracked 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. Each 10-year update requires a public meeting, which was held on November 14, 2019, to allow for public input on the updated draft plan. Public comments were received and have been taken into consideration by staff. The CCLAAC reviewed and approved the updated plan on January 13, 2020. An updated plant survey was completed in September 2020, subsequent to the public meeting and CCLAAC meeting. The survey is attached as Appendix 6. FISCAL IMPACT: Annual costs are estimated at $2,500 on average 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 10-year Final Management Plan for Cocohatchee Creek Preserve and directs staff to implement the updated plan. Prepared By: Summer Araque, Principal Environmental Specialist, Conservation Collier Program, Parks and Recreation Division ATTACHMENT(S) 1. [linked] Cocohatchee Creek FMP 10-year update 2020 BCC draft (PDF) Packet Pg. 2907 16.D.5 12/08/2020 COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 16.13.5 Doe ID: 14215 Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the Conservation Collier Cocohatchee Creek 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 11/09/2020 4:33 PM Submitted by: Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation — Parks & Recreation Name: Barry Williams 11/09/2020 4:33 PM Approved By: Review: Parks & Recreation Ilonka Washburn Additional Reviewer Parks & Recreation Summer BrownAraque Additional Reviewer Public Services Department Melissa Hennig Additional Reviewer Parks & Recreation Barry Williams Additional Reviewer Operations & Veteran Services Kimberley Grant Level 1 Reviewer Public Services Department Todd Henry Level 1 Division Reviewer Public Services Department Steve Carnell Level 2 Division Administrator Review County Attorney's Office Jennifer Belpedio Level 2 Attorney of Record Review Office of Management and Budget Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Budget and Management Office Ed Finn Additional Reviewer County Manager's Office Sean Callahan Level 4 County Manager Review Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending Completed 11/09/2020 4:39 PM Completed 11/10/2020 9:35 AM Completed 11/18/2020 11:39 AM Completed 11/19/2020 8:38 AM Completed 11/19/2020 10:53 AM Completed 11/19/2020 1:41 PM Completed 11/19/2020 2:43 PM Completed 11/23/2020 12:02 PM Completed 11/23/2020 12:16 PM Completed 11/23/2020 4:29 PM Completed 11/25/2020 10:50 AM Completed 11/30/2020 10:41 AM 12/08/2020 9:00 AM Packet Pg. 2908 Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Land Management Plan Updated 2020 Managed by: Conservation Collier Program Collier County Prepared by: Collier County Parks and Recreation Department Prepared- pdated August 20 22020 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Land Management Plan Executive Summary Lead Agency: Conservation Collier Program, Collier County Parks and Recreation Department Properties included in this Plan: Cocohatchee Creek Preserve — Folio #00166680102 Acreage Breakdown: 3.64 acres Management Responsibilities: Collier County's Conservation Collier Program has oversight responsibility with day to day responsibilities shared by the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department under an Interdepartmental Agreement attached as Appendix 3. Agency — Collier County — Conservation Collier Program Preserve Manager — Designated Conservation Collier Environmental Specialist Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource -based recreation Unique Features: Adjacent to Cocohatchee Creek Archaeological/Historical: N/A Management Needs: Exotic plant removal and maintenance in preserve and creek; Monitoring of listed species (gopher tortoise) on site; Periodic removal of trash from cans; Maintenance of trail; Evaluation for prescribed fire Site security. Acquisition Needs: None Surplus Lands: Potentially, a small strip adjacent to Southwind Estates, Lot 15, being approximately 40 feet wide and 215 feet long, or roughly one fifth of one acre, lying north of the thread of the Cocohatchee Creek ONLY if a conservation easement is placed on it by the acquiring entity. This section of land is not surveyed as separate parcels and the potential to surplus it is very low. Public Involvement: A public meeting was held in spring 2007 and fall of 2019 with residents and neighboring businesses invited from surrounding developed areas, including: Southwind Estates, Northside Medical Plaza PUD, Veterans Park Commons PUD, North Naples Fire Control and Rescue District, Southampton/Stonebridge, and Collier County Parks and Recreation Department. A contact list for owners is maintained and periodically, contact is made to advise of land management actions and to request feedback_. Conservation Collier Program 2 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Table of Contents LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..................................................................................2 LISTOF TABLES.......................................................................................................................................................5 LISTOF FIGURES.....................................................................................................................................................5 LISTOF APPENDICES.............................................................................................................................................5 1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................6 1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan............................................................................................................6 1.2 Location..................................................................................................................................................................7 1.3 Regional Significance of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve................................................................................7 1.4 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources....................................................................................9 1.5 Management Authority.......................................................................................................................................11 1.6 Public Involvement..............................................................................................................................................11 2.0 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES.................................................................................................11 2.1 Physiography........................................................................................................................................................11 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology...................................................................................................................1 1 2.1.2 Geology..........................................................................................................................................................13 2.1.3 Soils................................................................................................................................................................13 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management......................................................................................................................15 2.2 Climate..................................................................................................................................................................15 2.3 Natural Communities..........................................................................................................................................15 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species........................................................................................................................20 2.5 Listed Species.......................................................................................................................................................20 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species........................................................................................................................................20 2.5.2 Listed Wildlife Species...................................................................................................................................20 2.6 Invasive Non-native and Problem Species.........................................................................................................21 2.7 Forest Resources..................................................................................................................................................21 2.8 Mineral Resources...............................................................................................................................................21 2.9 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources..........................................................................................21 Conservation Collier Program 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 2.10 Scenic Resources................................................................................................................................................22 3.0 USE OF THE PROPERTY.................................................................................................................................22 3.1 Previous Use and Development..........................................................................................................................22 3.2 Current Public Use and Land Uses....................................................................................................................22 3.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of the Resource........................................................................................................................23 3.2.2 Planned Public Uses and Assessment of Impacts..........................................................................................23 3.3 Adjacent Land Uses.............................................................................................................................................23 3.4 Potential Surplus Lands......................................................................................................................................23 3.5 Prospective Land Acquisitions...........................................................................................................................23 3.6 Analysis of Multiple -Use Potential.....................................................................................................................24 4.0 MANAGEMENT ISSUES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES...............................................................................25 4.1 Program Framework and Goals.........................................................................................................................25 4.1.1 Management Activities to Preserve, Enhance, Restore, Conserve, Maintain and Monitor the Resource ...... 25 4.1.2 Manager..........................................................................................................................................................25 4.1.5 Preserve Rules and Regulations......................................................................................................................25 4.2 Desired Future Conditions..................................................................................................................................25 4.3 Major Accomplishments during previous years...............................................................................................26 4.4 Goals and Actions for 10 years period 2007-2016.............................................................................................26 4.5 Prescribed Fire Program....................................................................................................................................31 4.6 Public Use Facilities.............................................................................................................................................31 4.7 Operational Plan for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve....................................................................................32 4.7.1 Maintenance..................................................................................................................................................32 4.7.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources..............................................................................................32 4.7.3. Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors...............................34 4.7.4 Management Zones.........................................................................................................................................34 4.8 Partnerships and Regional Coordination..........................................................................................................34 4.8.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements...........................................................................................34 4.8.2 Cooperating Agencies and Organizations.....................................................................................................34 5.0 LITERATURE CITED.......................................................................................................................................35 Conservation Collier Program 4 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve List of Tables Table 1: Acquisition History and Status........................................................................................ 6 Table 2: Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources ................................................... 9 Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities............................................................. 16 Table 4: March 1, 2006 Bird Survey..................................................................... 20 Table 5: Invasive Non-native Species Known.............................................................................. 21 Table 6 Analysis of Multiple -Use Potential................................................................................. 24 Table 7: Major Accomplishments during previous period [or since acquisition] ....................... 26 Table 8: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget................................................................ 33 Table 9: Potential Contracting for Management Activities.......................................................... 34 List of Figures Figure 1: Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Map — Existing Conditions....................................8 Figure 2: Surrounding Conservation Lands in Collier County.......................................10 Figure 3: Elevation Map(LIDAR)........................................................................12 Figure 4: Soil Units at the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve...............................................14 Figure 5: Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification system (FLUCCS) Map ...... 17&18 Figure 6: Historic distribution of vegetation communities in Collier County, Florida.............19 List of Appendices Appendix 1: Interdepartmental Agreement between Collier County Environmental Services Department and Collier County Parks and Recreation Department for management of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Appendix 2: Legal Description Appendix 3: Public Involvement Contact List Appendix 4: Florida Natural Areas Inventory Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation Appendix 5: March 1, 2006 Species Survey Appendix 6: 20072020 Plant Survey Conservation Collier Program 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 1.0 Introduction The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is a 3.64-acre urban preserve located in North Collier County, off Immokalee Road, across from the Veterans Community Park, a Collier County Regional Park. The Preserve protects small areas of several native plant communities and adds buffer protection to the Cocohatchee Creek. Access to the preserve is from Veterans Park Drive, with parking and restrooms available at the Veterans Community Park. The Conservation Collier Program acquired the preserve in September 2002.—Natural plant communities represented include upland scrub, pine flatwood, riverine oak and cabbage palm groves. The property was purchased with funds from the Conservation Collier Program and the County holds fee simple title. The Conservation Collier Program manages this parcel under authority granted by the Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63, as amended with assistance from the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department under an Interdepartmental Agreement signed April 6, 2006 (Appendix 1). Conservation, restoration and passive public use are the designated uses of the property. Management activities allowed are those necessary to preserve, enhance, restore, conserve and maintain environmentally endangered lands for the benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these goals. An initial site assessment of this property was conducted on August 20, 2003 and the property was purchased by the Conservation Collier Program on September 10, 2004. Previously known as the "Visnich" property, for the previous owners, George and Virginia Visnich, it was renamed the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve in May 2005. Initial acquisition activities are identified in Table 1 below. Table 1: Acquisition History and Status Year Benchmark 2003 Initial Assessment 2004 Purchase of Visnich Property 2004 Developed Interim Management Plan 2005 Renamed Visnich property Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 2005 Initial exotic plant and debris removal 2005 Installed trail with ADA section and park equipment bench, table and 2 trash cans, si a e 2006 Developed Interdepartmental Agreement with Parks and Recreation Department 2006 Opened preserve to the public in March 2006 2006 Started quarterly exotics maintenance (contracted) and creek maintenance (County Trans/Road Maintenance/Aquatic Plant Management) 2006 Completion of Final Management Plan 2013 First Update to Final management Plan 2015 Revision of Plan to incoKporate potential for prescribed fire as a management tool 4-, c2020 10- r Update to Final Management Plan 1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan The purpose and scope of this management plan is to provide management direction for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve by identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or minimize and threats to the resources and integrity of the preserve. This plan is a working Conservation Collier Program 6 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve document that establishes the foundation for the ten-year plan by identifying the appropriate management techniques necessary to preserve, enhance, restore, maintain and monitor the resource. This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with passive public recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs, listed species protection and maintenance of the site free of invasive exotic plants and species (if applicable). This plan is divided into sections that incorporate an introduction, descriptions of the natural and cultural resources, projected uses of the property and management issues, goals and objectives. This management plan, including any updates, shall be submitted to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for its approval. When approved, this plan will replace the Final Management Plan prepared by Conservation Collier staff and approved by the BCC on June 26, 2007. 1.2 Location The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is located in North Naples, Collier County, Florida. It is bounded on the west by Veterans Park Drive, on the north by Immokalee Road, on the east by the Cocohatchee Creek (property line through the center of the creek), and on the south by the Veterans Community Park (Figure 1). The legal description is attached at Appendix 4. The surrounding land use is a blend of residential, commercial, conservation and County Park. Across the creek from the Preserve, to the east, is a residential single-family development called Southwind Estates. A conservation area belonging to the Southampton/Stonebridge development exists along the southern boundary. Veterans Park Commons Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Northside Medical Plaza PUD are directly across Veteran's Park Drive. 1.3 Regional Significance of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Despite having 877,000, or 68%, of county lands protected in conservation status (Florida Natural Areas Inventory, February 2013), Collier County has lost, and is losing, many of its rare and unique habitats. The Conservation Collier Ordinance identifies these specific habitats and gave preference to them in acquisition evaluations. These habitats include, in order of preference: tropical hardwood hammocks, xeric oak scrub, coastal strand, native beach, riverine oak, high marsh (saline) and tidal freshwater marsh. The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve was purchased partly because it contains remnant habitats of two of these specific habitats, xeric oak scrub and riverine oak, in addition to other native habitats, pine flatwood and cabbage palm groves. The location of the preserve in the urban area provides an opportunity for citizens, visitors and school age children to view these habitat types without traveling far from home or school. Conservation Collier Program 7 -lap. Limestone trail (wheelchair accessible) I Existing mulch trail e x Property boundary r i Bench locations �r Picnic table location w Trail Entrance • '" }� ;may. `'� ;',t - 1 �ir• as `�`. -,�.: � ,'?� ' + • ', , ` • � ' ..x � — -___ice �_ �. L- � �' = Syr .p, _� fl�•i -Y�rf�'�",I 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve The riverine wetlands on the preserve parcel contain at least two (and possibly more) species of state listed bromeliads, including Tillandsia paucifolia and T. fasciculata. An -American alligator, (Alligator mississippiensis), are known to utilize the creek. has been see by residents in the ^re�' on eeeasion although it is tinlikely alligators will take iip pefmanent r-esidenee due to the ufba loeatien. The American alligator is classified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as "similarity of appearance to a threatened taxon." This listing has been adopted by the State of Florida. Listed wading birds, such as little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) and snowy egret (Egretta thula) are often observed foraging in streams and canals in surrounding area. Protection and management of listed species is critical to their long-term existence in Collier County and globally. 1.4 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources The closest preserve to Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is the Conservation Collier property currently known as Wet Woods Preserve, a 28-acre preserve located at the mouth of the Cocohatchee Creek as it joins the Wiggins Pass Estuary, 2 miles to the Northwest. Other preserves, in order of increasing distance are identified in Table 2. Existing natural preserves and designated South Florida Water Management District conservation easements in Collier County are shown in Figure 2. Table 2: Public lands and designated water resources located near the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Preserve Distance miles Direction Type Wet Woods Preserve 2.0 N and W Conservation Collier Railhead Scrub Preserve 2.4 North Conservation Collier Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park 2.5 N and E State Barefoot Beach Preserve 3.6 N and E Collier Count Imperial River Preserve 6.2 NW Lee County Gordon River Greenway Park and Preserve 7.6 S and E Collier County/Conservation Collier Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve 17 S and E National Conservation Collier Program 9 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Figure 2. Surrounding Conservation Lands in Collier County Natural Preserves and Conservation Easements OKALOACOOCHEE SLOUGH WILDLIFE M AGE NT E IX MILE CYPRE 0 LOUGH PRESERVE IX /6',PRESS S SLOUGH PRESERVE Immokalee Rd. OKALOACOOCHEE SLO GH STATE FORE T X SLOUGH PRESERVE ST RO BAY STATE BUFFER PRESERVE CO K CREW REGI AL ECO TEM WATERSHED R BAYSTATE BUFFER PRE VECORKS WREGION TIG BANK O ANMTATE HISTORIC SITE CO SC EW RE E OSYSTE WATERSH a RS KEY STATE PARK E SWAhr1P ARY CORKSCREW REGI a E S T M WATE HE P6�1CKORYISLPND PRESER , COR AL ECO TEM WATERSHED CREWREGION RS -� C01i CREW REGAEpN E YSTEM WATERSHED AREF BIP. H PRE RVE , ELNOR GQf� 1 S �TE PARK ° .I• Cocohatchee Creek C% Preserve I o f FLORID ERNATIONALVNL LIF REFUGE �• 1 BIG CYPRESS NATI PRESERVE S a ;o CANJN Aj� E FOREST PPFCA S h;ND Cy E STRAND PRESERVE STATE PARK Folio Number: 00166680102 � Co[iicar County L L 11— Legend SFWMD Conservation Easements Conservation Lands I I I 0 Physical County Boundary 0 19,50039,000 75,000 Feet Data Source: Parcels - Collier County Property Appraiser Created By: CIS 1 CDES 1 Environmental Services G:%Conservation Collier%Land Management% Cocohatchee Creek Preserve %Management Plans % Maps and Exhibits2.mxd. and jpg. Date: 6M107 Conservation Collier Program 10 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 1.5 Management Authority Lands acquired by Conservation Collier are titled to "COLLIER COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier Program." The Conservation Collier Program, under the Parks and Recreation Department holds management authority for all Conservation Collier Program lands. The Collier County Parks and Recreation Department assists with specific management tasks for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve, as identified in the Interdepartmental Agreement (Appendix 3). 1.6 Public Involvement Neighborhood involvement will be sought through e-mail or direct mailing notice for public meetings to residents within the surrounding area and owners of properties that border the Preserve. Any major changes or management activities that are likely to generate an intrusive aspect or in some way affect neighboring properties will be reviewed with these contacts prior to conducting the activity. Staff will also seek volunteers from surrounding areas through these contacts. 2.0 Natural and Cultural Resources 2.1 Physiography The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve lies within the Gulf Coastal Lowlands physiographic province, characterized by low elevations and poor drainage. The landforms that make up these coastal lowlands include coastal and sand dune ridges and relic spits with intervening coast -parallel valleys consisting of poorly drained swampy areas with little recharge. 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology The site is located in the Southwestern Slope region of the South Florida Water Management District. Topography has been established using a Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) map (Figure 3). The average elevation of the surrounding lands is 6-8 feet NAVD (1988), with lower elevations along the Cocohatchee Creek Channel as it flows to the Wiggins Pass Estuary. Elevations of the Preserve property are lower than surrounding lands, ranging from 0 to 4 feet, with 0 foot elevation along the primary creek channel, grading up to 2 feet in the riverine oak, pine and cabbage plant communities, and to 4 feet in the upland scrub area along Veterans Park Drive. Conservation Collier Program 11 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Figure 3. LIDAR Map Cocohatchee Creek Preserve LIDAR Map 4 Immokalee Rd. 8 ro �O O CD i 6 CO 2 North Ob n C� 7 Naples' Fire Station to C V eterans ParrCO vuth pt n� Folio Number: 00166680102 Co�car County Legend I LIDAR Elevations 0 162.5 325 650 Feet Data Source: Parcels - Collier County Property Appraiser Created By. GIS ICDES (Environmental Services WConservation Collier%Land Management% Cocohatchee Creek Preserve %Management Plans % Maps and Exhibits.mxd. and jpg. Date: 12.6.06 Conservation Collier Program 12 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 2.1.2 Geology The geology of northern Collier County is characterized by complex sequences of uncomfortably layered, interbedded sands clays and limestones to a depth of approximately 230 feet. This depth marks the bottom of the surficial aquifer, with the bottom layer creating an aquitard that separates the brackish underlying aquifer below (Miller, 1986) (Oaks and Dunbar (1974) (Scott, 1988). 2.1.3 Soils Soils data is based on the Soil Survey of Collier County, Florida (USDA/NRCS, 1990). Mapped soils on this parcel include, in descending order of extent, Basinger Fine Sands (75%) and Satellite Fine Sands (24%)(Figure 4). Basinger Fine Sands is an occasionally flooded slough soil with natural vegetation including slash pine, palmetto, wax myrtle and St. Johnswort. This soil type covers the creek bed and its immediate floodplain. Expected vegetation is present. Satellite Fine Sands is an upland soil type with typical vegetation including sand live oak, rosemary, slash pine and prickly pear cactus. These plants are present in areas mapped as Satellite Fine Sands. These soil types consist of light grey, white or brown fine sands to a depth of 80 inches or more. Hand auger borings performed onsite in 2001 by LAW encountered fine sand to about 4 to 5 feet below natural grade, underlain by grey clayey sand. Conservation Collier Program 13 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Figure 4. Soil Units Map Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Sail Units Map tHOLOPAV11 LEX Immokalee Rd. BOCAFINE SAND e r. A rBtlj1jNGMERPFtINE AND Nord,SATELLITE FINE Naples Fire Station BASINGER FINE SAND Vete ns Park Folio Number: 00166680102 � Co[lier County 1 � s Legend Sail Units I I OBoca fine Sands _ Basinger Fine Sands 6 162.5 325 650 Feet 0 Satellite Fine Sands Data Source: Parcels - Collier County Prope rtyAppraiser Created By: CIS 1 CDES 1 Environmental Services G:1Conservation Collier Land Management L Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 1 Management Plans 1 Maps and Exhihits.mxd. and jpg. Date: S12W07 Conservation Collier Program 14 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management Groundwater flow in the surficial aquifer and surface water of the Cocohatchee Creek is toward the west and the coast. The aquifer grades from freshwater to brackish water due to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Cocohatchee Creek flows in a northwesterly direction and discharges into the Gulf of Mexico via the Wiggins Pass Estuary, named by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW). The volume of water in the creek itself rises and falls seasonally in response to tidal changes, and in response to weir controls Surface water management is related to regional water management strategy. A water control structure (weir) maintained by the Collier County Road Maintenance Department exists just north of the Preserve and south of Immokalee Road, along the Cocohatchee Creek. This is the Cocohatchee East Branch AMIL Gate Weir, consisting of one (1) model D400 AMIL gate the purpose of which is to automatically maintain upstream water levels at a control elevation of 4.0'. If upstream water elevations rise, the gate will automatically open to maintain control elevation. Automatic gate control can be overridden by manual operations controlled by the Collier County Road Maintenance Department. The Big Cypress Basin maintains an automatic water level recorder gauge immediately upstream of the weir on the west bank of the creek. The ability of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve's land manager to control the water level is limited or non- existent. 2.2 Climate The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is located in an area of Florida that is overlapped by a humid subtropical climate and a tropical savanna climate in which temperatures are moderated by winds from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. A tropical savanna climate is characterized by sharply delineated wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures greater than 640 Fahrenheit. Monthly rainfalls may exceed ten inches during the wet season. Humid subtropical climates are characterized by less extreme rainfall fluctuations between wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures less than 64' Fahrenheit in some months. The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75' Fahrenheit. The warmest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during these months, but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures. Two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs in the wet season from May to October. Thunderstorms are frequent during the wet season occurring every two out of three days between June and September Rainfall records for the area indicate that there is not significant variation in the annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often occur during a single year. The hurricane season extends from June through November with peak activity occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are highest. 2.3 Natural Communities The Cocohatchee Creek Preserve contains small areas of four different types of natural vegetation communities, hydric hammock, scrubby flatwood, mesic pine flatwood, and floodplain marsh (Table 3) (Figure 5). These communities are ranked by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) (Ranking System Explanation — Appendix 6). A map of historic distributions of native vegetation communities in Collier County is shown as Figure 6 (Duever, Conservation Collier Program 15 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 2002). This map shows that the area where the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve is located was historically a mosaic of hydric flatwood, mesic flatwood, mesic hammock and hydric swamp forest. Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities FNAI Natural Community Type # Acres % of Area Global Rank State Rank Comments Hydric Hammock .55 ac 15% S4 Riverine Oak and Cabbage Palm roves Scrubby Flatwood .73 ac 20% G3 S3 9 gopher tortoise burrows located; 1 go her tortoise observed. Mesic Pine Flatwood 1.26 ac 35% S4 Pine Flatwood areas Flood lain Marsh 1.1 ac 30% S2 Cocohatchee Creek flood lain Conservation Collier Program 16 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Figure 5. Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCCS) Map. Conservation Collier Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Land Use Cover Map Gala Seurve:parcels• G V Ili er Gvunty p reperty 1,p is er Gy: GIS l6 dminsratve Svesl Censery alien Celli er G'Censervalien Cell ierIMap,—gvied properties! G v cvNatcNeel Land Manaq.—tmap—nvv Mat h—LG CGS.—Rjpp .� Co7IIer County Conservation Collier Program 17 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Conn-erva#ion CoWer Cacohafthee Creek Prez-unre Land Use Cover Map �J.iif LY ii�Y�r�LL. Y..v tir�JriJr ��Yn11li Y114�NN f W �NiYlri AYIIlNi �MIYIKIM1 LYNRY YYFi�yflr ■ri T5Kl-H�L�,TI nri � �i Conservation Collier Program 18 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Cocohatchee — Creek —A _ Preserve Area 1 'IT GULFOF MEUCO Figure 6. Historic distribution of vegetation communities in Collier County, Florida (Duever, 2002) No..4- 2002 f � n. fian ficn.o4 I a3 � II s -z i 1 ram eeaea caa.. I I � i amwa.a Sou1lMYrl Florida VeSclatim Map St. Loch / SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PPFOEVFLOPMFNT VEGETATION MAP . _'_gmoo faro on�as`�ma M.:� �wmn�N a:� 'l" MEW �pwvxw �aa�wwntlxwm�sw�tl YwM.e-r um�m�m�nm�rre.N�evMx.am w�deanavmmnaW dda mW n�Mtrdme�ud �_ W�anam��o�Wn Y an sa�aa.dKa.w:o� i.ao.mmunmtl°nie1N"`Ira°ai:iyn[am.uMa _ hn�Awl Wid.is�in'�cfm �m�sluam�w�, �. bov�w.sJWhaN�.Y, wwAOb 4degoa wa�rHn+vYM W Au N ryNn�w,mv�ww�a«tlwwo-r �N �4�'u��biAdwaw�W�r lwdErra+r•„�n�a�o�mq�W�u .� nr�.s aRan •-n yi 'km'mxm�m'Y� m. aw�a. w+s�x" an"'�v"iro.•ow ain+m.nia"'O1 >.ma��.•m�m �"� ` w � c.amsw� ...��i�.....�mA...•��.u� usw.p�w..�ugmmu o.enea�aa»p.anm..r.��a�iymw m".a.;o�rw'"'av:�"'°�'7�°�'.."a's`..�miso4 r w a i mom ams...+awlrs wwm nx sm.a EXPLANATION tlF MAP STALILOLS Conservation Collier Program 19 Monroe i s _ I Mlaml-Dadu� L 4 Ra.da Aw 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species A native plant list was developed in 2007 and is attached as Appendix 8.. Staff contracted with a botanist to develop this list.... The Preserve is in an urban setting and resident wildlife in addition to Gopher tortoises(s) includes raccoons, armadillos, turtles, frogs, fish and bird species. An eastern corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was observed in the upland area in 2012. In addition to the bird list below, staff has observed aAnhinga (Anhinga anhinga), Great Egrets -great eegret(Ardea alba), wood duck (Aix sponsa) and Florida softshell turtles (Apolone ferox), little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) in the creek. Table 4: Bird Survey — March 1, 2006 Common Name Latin Name # Seen Status Comments Northern Cardinal 4 Red -winged Blackbird 3 Blue -gray Gnatcatcher 2 Boat -tailed Grackle 2 Yellow -rum ed Warbler 6 Northern Mockingbird 1 Turkey Vulture 2 Gray Catbird 5 Red -bellied Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 2 Woodstork Mycteria Americana 1 1RT-USFWS f�4J&FW-& f E PAIGC (state) Seen overhead American Crows 7 Seen overhead Common Yellowthroat 1 Red -shouldered Hawk 1 2.5 Listed Species 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species Known listed plants at Cocohatchee Creek Preserve include Tillandsia faciculata, T. balbisiana, Tutriculata and Clitoriae ran ram. (See plant list, Appendix 8) 2.5.2 Listed Wildlife Species A listed wildlife species survey was done by staff on March 1, 2006 (Appendix 7). Listed wildlife species observed onsite or in the air above the parcel include gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) a species listed by the State of Florida as a "Speeies of Speeial GeneeffiState Threatened." and Wood storks (Mycteria americana), a species listed as Gopher tortoise - Gopherus "E�Threatened" by both the State of Florida and the federal nolvnhemus (State - SSO government. Maps are prepared and updated by staff showing locations of existing Gopher tortoise burrows; however, they are not appended to this plan to protect the animals from disturbance. As of June 2013, sixteen (16) active burrows were located on the property. histebird speeies mE�y use the pfepeft-f in passing btA afe not known to nest Conservation Collier Program 20 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 2.6 Invasive Non-native and Problem Species Table 5: Invasive Non-native Species Known to Occur at the Site Scientific Name Common Name EPPC Cat. 2011 list Degree Of Infestation Schinus terebinthi olius Brazilian pepper 1 low/nei+e Acacia auriculi ormis Earleaf acacia 1 low/none Wedelia trilobata wedelia n/a 5% Moderate/low Abrusprecatorius.M--deliatri'-hates Rosaypeawt4e4ia 1n�a low/none3°�a Moderate low �a Panicum MpensPistia stratioites Torpedo grassWater lettuce 11 In creek bed creek onl /low Urochloa muticaPanicum Para grassTorpedo grassWater III low/noneln Lek bed creek repensPistia stratioites lettuce I onl /low Imperata cylindricalUrochloa Cogon grassPara II1-1 lowlow/noneln muticaPanicum MpensA&6a rag ssTorpedo grassWatef letpdee creek bedee sir" 4&4e3 Urena lobatalmperata Ceasar weedCogon arassPara IIII-1 lowlowlow/none cylindricalUrochloa muticaP-anieum g assTeq) ss it oree.be Urena lobatalmperata Ceasar weedCogon grassRffa IIII lowlow'e~ro,.;+effe c vlindricalk,Wf4e.h.le.q.. -m-w4ffiff Urena lobata_ftnlperata eylind4eal Ceasar weed III lowlew tWna leba Geasm ..00,a Il lew 2.7 Forest Resources No commercial forests exist and timber extraction is not appropriate for this site. 2.8 Mineral Resources No particular minerals are reported for this site and the extraction of minerals is not appropriate for this site. 2.9 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources A field visit was made to the site by Archeological Consultants, Inc. (Sarasota, Florida) in 2001 for the previous owner. No evidence of a significant prehistoric or historic resource was found. The investigation conducted included background research, excavation of subsurface, shovel unit tests and a visual reconnaissance of the entire parcel. Of particular interest was the elevated "mound" area near the center of the parcel. Subsurface tests showed this feature to be comprised of fill material including sand and limestone pebbles and boulders. A request to the Florida Division of Historical Resources for a Township Range Section (TRS) search in September 2006 resulted in no known archeological sites or historical structures documented on this parcel. Conservation Collier Program 21 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 2.10 Scenic Resources Trail section made of compacted limestone shell The primary scenic resource of this preserve is the Cocohatchee Creek. Additionally, the natural buffer created by the mature vegetation in the preserve provides a place for visitors to experience the feeling of being alone in nature in a very urbanized area. Public access to the preserve is facilitated by a trail approximately 700 feet long, that meanders along the creek, over a raised mound and through the pine flatwood. Three -hundred and fifty (350) feet of the trail along the north side is made of compacted limestone shell materials and is accessible by wheelchair (compliant with American Disabilities Act-ADA). In 2012, an Eagle Scout project added a small ADA seating area and 2 benches at the north trail access. The remainder of the trail is made of mulch laid over a cleared 5' wide trail. The mulched portion of the trail enters the preserve at the south side, directly across from the Veteran's Community Park shared parking area. (Figure 1). 3.0 Use of the Property 3.1 Previous Use and Development A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment was done in 2001 by LAW Engineering and Environmental Services (LAW). This report noted that a review had been done of aerial photos and maps dating back to 1940, showing that the site has not been previously developed. Six hand augur borings were done by LAW in 2001 on the raised mound area, finding no evidence of buried waste, trash, soil staining or chemical/petroleum odors. 3.2 Current Public Use and Land Uses The preserve is currently open to the public for use of walking trails and picnic area. Small plant identification signs have been placed within the preserve to identify native plant species. These signs are intended to educate preserve visitors and school age children about the native plants of the region. Conservation Collier Program 22 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 3.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of the Resource Uses consistent with the above goals include walking, bird and wildlife watching, picnicking, biking and potentially fishing, though no fish have been difeetly bsef-.oa i the , eek.fishinZ 3.2.2 Planned Public Uses and Assessment of Impacts Easements, Concessions and Leases — There are no easements, concessions or leases. Landscaping — No landse _ets are „la aed A native plant restoration project was initiated in the summer of 2019 to increase the diversity of native forage species for the Florida gopher tortoise and native host plants for area pollinators. 70 potted plants were installed at the preserve by local volunteers and staff. Stormwater Facilities — There are no stormwater facilities on this parcel. Trail Network — There is a trail meandering through the parcel along the creek through upland vegetative communities approximately 700 feet in length, 350 feet of which is accessible by wheelchair. 3.3 Adjacent Land Uses Surrounding land uses include single-family residential on the north and east sides (Southwind Estates), Planned Unit Development (PUD) conservation easement (Southampton/Stonebridge) on the south side, Veteran's Park Blvd. roadway, a developed medical PUD and a developed medical PUD on the west, and to the southwest, the County's Veteran's Community Park. 3.4 Potential Surplus Lands The parcel has an unusual polygon boundary that includes the west 40 feet of Southwind Estates, lot 15. This portion is approximately 40 feet wide and 215 feet long, being roughly 115 acre in size. In June 2005, the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) evaluated a proposal by the adjoining neighbors to purchase this portion of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve and place a perpetual conservation easement over it. The CCLAAC made a recommendation not to sell this portion, and the petitioner decided not to forward the request/proposal to the Board of County Commissioners. As this portion of the parcel is of small size positioned in a way that makes it difficult for the public to use, and does provide a buffer for the residential property, the issue of this portion being potential surplus lands may arise again in the future. Conservation Collier could potentially sell this portion, as long as a perpetual conservation easement was placed over it. 3.5 Prospective Land Acquisitions There are no parcels adjacent to the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve available for acquisition. Conservation Collier Program 23 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 3.6 Analysis of Multiple -Use Potential Table 6: Analysis of Multiple -Use Potential Activity Approved Conditional Rejected Protection of endangered and threatened species Y Ecosystem maintenance Y Soil and water conservation Y Hunting N Fishing Y Wildlife observation Y Hiking Y Bicycling Y Horseback riding N Timber harvest N Cattle grazing N Camping N Apiaries N Linear facilities N Off road vehicle use N Environmental education Y Citriculture or other agriculture N Preservation of archeological and historical sites n/a Other uses as determined on an individual basis Conservation Collier Program 24 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 4.0 Management Issues, Goals and Objectives 4.1 Program Framework and Goals The Conservation Collier Program considers properties of high natural resource value throughout Collier County for acquisition from willing and voluntary participants. Properties must support at least two of the following qualities: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood control, water quality protection, and listed species habitat to qualify for further consideration. The Collier County Board of County Commissioners appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to consider any selected or nominated properties where an owner has indicated a willingness to sell. The committee shall recommend property purchases for final approval by the County Commission. This property shall be managed only for conservation, protection and enhancement of natural resources and for public outdoor passive recreation that will be compatible with the conservation, protection and enhancement of the site and its surrounding lands. 4.1.1 Management Activities to Preserve, Enhance, Restore, Conserve, Maintain and Monitor the Resource Each property purchased by Conservation Collier shall have its own management plan. The ordinance requires that an "Interim" Management Plan be developed within 60 days of purchase and that a "Final" management plan be developed within 2 years. After that, property management plans must be updated every 5 years, or sooner, if needed. Interim plans shall be concerned with basic items such as removal of invasive exotics and trash, establishing site security, developing management partnerships and planning for public access. All management plans must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners. 4.1.2 Manager The Program Coordinator for the Conservation Collier Program and Land Manager for this property is: Designated Conservation Collier Staff, Parks and Recreation Department. Telephone number: 239-252-2961. E-mail address: ConservationCollier@CollierCountyFL.govgev:n� . 4.1.5 Preserve Rules and Regulations No dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or removal or destruction of natural resources shall be permitted within the preserve. The goal is to allow limited nondestructive public access to natural resource habitat and native plant communities and animal species. Preserve rules are those identified in Collier County Ordinance 2011-38, Regulations for Use of Preserve Lands. 4.2 Desired Future Conditions This section includes a narrative of proposed future conditions for the site's natural areas. Management techniques to achieve these conditions are in section 4.5. Following recommended management actions, and using adaptive management, Cocohatchee Creek Preserve will have a riverine oak canopy, upland scrub, pine flatwood, and cabbage palm Conservation Collier Program 25 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve grove habitats that have a similar structure and composition to that which existed upon purchase of the property. The riverine oak canopy will be maintained by managing vines so they do not overtop oaks. Periodic removal of vines from the canopy will accomplish this goal. Cabbage palm groves will be maintained by removal of exotic plants and periodic removal of plant debris. Upland scrub areas on the site will not be fragmented by trails, but instead will form a continuous unit of vegetation. Prescribed fire will be tised in this leeation due to proximity ,.f homes an btisinessesIngy be considered for use in scrub areas if adjoining residents are comfortable with its use. Use of prescribed fire would benefit rare plants located within the scrub area. If a level of comfort with neighbors cannot be reached, -Thisthe habitat will be maintained by manual chopping or chemical applications. The pine flatwood will have an overstory of slash pine and an understory of native herbs and grasses. This area will be maintained by chemical and hand removal of exotics. The creek will be maintained ffee of exetie plant speeies. With limited or low levels of exotic plant species. been successful. Cuffently, the ereek does have duck -weed (Lemna S-P) in it and eentrol egg have been made, but this is not as -A native plant restoration project in 2009 added approximately 300 native herbaceous plants along the creek, including: bull rush (Scirpus validus), swamp lilly (Crinum americanum) and leather fern (Achrostichum daneifolium). The bull rush and swamp lilies did not do well, due to the occasional influx of brackish water, but the leather fern is thriving. 4.3 Major Accomplishments during previous years Table 7: Major Accomplishments during previous years Accomplishment Year(s) Removal of vegetative and other types of debris from forest floor and creek bank 2005 Development of a 700 foot walking trail with a representative portion built to be wheelchair accessible 2005 Development of management agreement with Collier County Parks and Recreation Dept. 2006 Formal ceremony too en Preserve for passive public use 2006 Implementation of quarterly exotic maintenance program 2007 Creek Restoration Planting Project 2009 Eagle Scout Seating Area Project 2012 Gopher Tortoise Forage Plantin Project 2019 4.4 Goals and Actions for 10 years period 2007-2016 A set of goals and objectives for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve were developed in conjunction with the drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve, based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired, the condition of the resources present, and management issues for the property. On -site managers should be familiar with the entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the Interim Management Plan for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve were reviewed to determine if they remain meaningful and practical and should be included in this plan. The goals and objectives Conservation Collier Program 26 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve presented here reflect programmatic goals in addition to ideas of Conservation Collier Program staff. Programmatic goals shall not be modified, but specific application of management techniques may take into consideration input by user groups and other stakeholders from outside the program, accommodating user needs and desires where practicable and where overarching management goals are not violated. Management issues are discussed below in separate sections. Within each section, approaches for dealing with these issues are described. The ability to implement the specific goals and objectives identified in this plan is dependent upon the availability of funding resources. The following goals have been identified for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve: Goal 1: Maintain the property in its natural condition. Goal 2: -EliY,. mate or Rreduce human impacts to indigenous plant and animal life. Goal 3: Manage the property for the benefit of native and listed wildlife species. Goal 4: Remove exotic plants to restore natural habitats and reduce fuel loads. Goal 5: Restore native vegetation as appropriate and necessary. Goal 6: Maintain the trail to provide a safe and pleasant visitor experience. Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes. Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness Goal 1: Maintain the property in its natural condition The property was purchased due to specific natural features. In order to maintain these features, periodic biological monitoring will be performed including the following actions: • Conduct periodic wildlife surveys • Install permanent vegetation monitoring plots in all habitats • Install permanent photo points in all habitats • Evaluate potential for applying_ prescribed fire in scrubby flatwoods area. Goal 2: Eliminate or reduce human impacts to indigenous plant and animal life Actions: • Maintain bollards at north trail entrance to prevent unauthorized vehicle access • Identify rare native plant species. a sign, as v4t-h the "alligator- in the er-eek" sign, or- loeating visitor- amenities away 40-ffi- al stir sites. • Avoid off target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during invasive exotic plant treatments. • Require that domestic animals brought onto the preserve lands are leashed. • All site development occurring adjacent to the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve will be noted and the property manager will research to determine that the proper site development permits have been obtained. 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 and utilize turbidity and erosion control measures (i.e., rock bags, silt fencing or barriers), and vegetation protection measures (i.e., protective fencing or barriers). If any site developer working in areas Conservation Collier Program 27 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 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 3: Manage the property for the benefit of native and listed wildlife species. Listed species known to occur on the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve include gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), and a variety of wading birds including woodstorks (Mycteria americana). Other listed species (primarily bird species) may also use the preserve for foraging and nesting. Many non -listed native bird species also use this site for forage and nesting. Management actions to protect native bird species are: • Avoid off target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during invasive exotic plant treatments. • Require that any domestic animals brought onto the preserve lands are leashed. Management actions for state and federally listed species are: Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) (State - 88EThreatened)— A survey done on March 1, 2006 located 15 burrows (not designated active or inactive) on the property. No tortoises were observed during the survey. A gopher tortoise survey done in June 2013 found 17 burrows, with all but one appearing active. As FFWCC guidelines for management identify a viable population as consisting of 40 — 50 individuals requiring 25- 50 acres of appropriate habitat, the population on Cocohatchee Creek Preserve should be considered a remnant population requiring access to surrounding lands for long term viability. Staff recognizes that due to the small area involved, just under 2 acres, that habitat protection alone on this site may not satisfy long term conservation goals for this species. Staff conducted a burrow scoping survey in the summer of 2018 with the help of a volunteer. 16 burrows were located during this survey with 2 currently occupied by an adult gopher tortoise. This data compliments staff observations of two unique tortoises active on the preserve. o Beginning in 2018, staff began monitoring numerous observations of depredated turtle nests by suspected armadillo in the upland habitat surrounding tortoise burrows. Greater than 20 nest depredations have been observed since 2018 indicating that the uplands of Cocohatchee Creek Preserve may serve as nesting_, grounds to both terrestrial and aquatic turtles ,given the nesting density in relation to known tortoises. Heavypredation pressures by armadillo and a limited adult population are two factors that may pose the ,greatest threat to the maintenance of the existing_ gopher tortoise population at the preserve. The following management actions are based on recommendations by the revised Gopher Tortoise Management Plan (approved September 5, 2012). • Management of exotic and native vegetation to maintain an appropriate open canopy (less than 60%) and sparse shrub cover habitat • Evaluation for need for planting of the site with native herbaceous ground cover plant species and grasses known to be food for tortoises Conservation Collier Program 28 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve • Placement of signs designating a "gopher tortoise preserve area" along Veterans Park Drive and a "wildlife crossing" across the roadway, • Enforcement of preserve rules excluding potential predators (dogs) from the site unless leashed. • Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) (State SSG, Federal — T) Alligators typi ally Management efforts to protect habitat for this species will focus on the following: • Posting signage to warn visitors not to feed or approach alligators • Keeping creek free of exotic plants and debris • Woodstorks (Mycteris Americana) (State —Federal - ET)- Woodstorks may use the property for occasional foraging. Management efforts to protect habitat for this species include: • Keeping creek free of exotic plants and debris. Goal 4: Remove exotic plants to restore natural habitats and reduce fuel loads. In general, Goal 3 will be accomplished by cutting, chemically treating and physically removing vegetative debris for all shrub and tree -like species of Category I invasive plant species identified on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's (FLEPPC) List of Invasive Species. Grasses and herbaceous plants will be treated in place with appropriate herbicide applications. Plant species targeted within the preserve will be updated to coincide with updates of FLEPPC's List. Treatment of invasive exotic plant species will begin with more frequent treatments, such as quarterly, and be reduced in frequency of treatment over several years to find the minimum re -treatments necessary to keep exotic plant species under 5% of the existing vegetation. Specific management actions are provided below for each habitat type: • Pine flatwoods area (FNAI - Mesic Pine Flatwoods) Earleaf acacia and Brazilian pepper were problem plants in the pine flatwoods areas, with a few Java plums initially found scattered along Veterans Park Drive and caesar weed scattered throughout. In March 2007, a representative of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) identified what he believed is rose natal grass but this was never confirmed. Any exotic plants will be cut and the debris removed from the preserve and the stumps treated with appropriate herbicide. Appropriate herbicides for Brazilian pepper, earleaf acacia and Java plum are Garlon 3-A or Garlon-4 mixed with surfactant and applied to the stump directly after cutting. Arsenal will not be used in the preserve due to potential for non -target damage. • Riverine oak area (FNAI - Hydric hammock) Brazilian -pepper and wedelia were the primary exotic plant problems in this area, which is the creek bank area along the eastern side of the preserve. A few non-native ficus trees were noted here but have been removed. Poison ivy and rosary pea are also present and targeted for removal. Native and nonnative vines, including smilax spp., poison ivy, grape vine and an unidentified vine were initially found climbing to the canopies of the oaks along the river, but have since been removed for the most part. Most of these species can Conservation Collier Program 29 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve be controlled by spraying with Garlon 3-A or Garlon-4 mixed with surfactant at their base and by periodically pulling them out of the oak canopies. The wedelia and any exotic grasses on the creek bank can be treated with 2,4-D and the banks monitored for erosion. Herbicides that have higher non -target damage such as Velpar and Arsenal, are to be avoided. • Oak scrub area (FNAI - Scrubby Flatwood) The upland scrub area contains several non-native plant species, originally including Brazilian pepper, earleaf acacia and a Java plum or two. These plants have since been removed. This area must be addressed carefully, as it is habitat for at least one and perhaps several gopher tortoises and several rare plants, including Tephrosia Florida, Croton michauxii, and Indigofera caroliniana. Exotics will be removed entirely in this area, leaving no mulch or debris. Appropriate herbicides include Garlon 3-A or Garlon-4 mixed with surfactant and applied to the stump directly after cutting. Introduction of prescribed fire should be considered in this area to minimize competition by encroaching plants. This area also includes the raised mound. This are mound is covered with Muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia), a native vine species. While Muscadine grape is not considered a problem species, and is a low management priority, at some point management staff may elect to remove some of it and restore with native plant species more useful for gopher tortoise forage. Arsenal will not be used in this area. h • Creek and associated wetlands (FNAI — Floodplain Marsh) Brazilian pepper, caesar weed, and paragrass were the original problem species in this area. Brazilian pepper was removed from the floodplain area in 2005 and re -growth has been primarily weedy herbaceous species. An additional removal of a small area of Brazilian pepper inadvertently left out of the 2005 initial removal was done in April 2007. Most exotics have been entirely removed in this area, with the exception of the woody bases for several large Brazilian pepper plants that are growing in the stream bed and could not be accessed for physical removal. These have been killed in place with herbicides. The property will be periodically examined and, if necessary, treated with herbicides starting quarterly with frequency of treatment reduced over several years as the soil seed bank is reduced and re -sprouting of exotics becomes less frequent. Quarterly treatments are currently under contract for the period of September 2006 — September 2007. Unless the area is completely dry, any herbicides used in this area should be labeled for use in water, such as Rodeo. If the ground is completely dry, Arsenal can be used for paragrass and torpedograss. Goal 5: Restore native vegetation as appropriate and necessary Actions: • Monitor creek, bank and if necessary, plant native vegetation to prevent erosion. • Low pfier-it-y.: femeve Museadine gfape from raised tnettfld area and fester-e with nati • Carry out occasional native vegetation restoration plantings to increase forage species for resident Florida gopher tortoise. A forage species restoration planting was carried out in 2019 with the help of Gulf Coast High School and Leadership Collier volunteers. Conservation Collier Program 30 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Goal 6: Maintain the trail to provide a safe and pleasant visitor experience. Actions: • Inspect trail monthly for tripping hazards and fix immediately. • Inspect trail monthly for overhead hazards such as broken or hanging tree limbs and fix immediately. • Periodically, as needed, remove pine needles and weeds from the shell portion of the trail. Goal 7: Facilitate use of the site for educational purposes Actions: • Maintain plant identification signs. • Maintain visitor caution sign for potential alligator in creek. • If staffing allows, agree to provide trail tour for classes of school children upon teacher request. • Provide Preserve brochures in rainproof box on site. Inspect monthly and refill as necessary. Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness Actions: Collier County Parks and Recreation Park Rangers make routine daily patrols of the Preserve during the posted Preserve hours, 8:00 a.m. to dusk. A "Property Owner's Agreement," allowing the Collier County Sheriff's Department to enforce trespass after Preserve hours and make arrests for illegal activities occurring on the property are executed by staff annually. Other actions shall include: • Do not allow vehicle use in the preserve unless management related and unavoidable. • Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in or near the Preserve. • Clean the Preserve annually of fallen tree pieces or other debris that could become airborne during a storm and cause damage to neighboring properties. • After a storm event, staff will visit the Preserve within 48 hours to assess damages. The first priority for action is the perimeter of the Preserve, where trees may have fallen from Preserve lands onto a neighbor's property. These will be removed as soon as possible, with highest priority of action for those that may have fallen onto a structure. 4.5 Prescribed Fire Program No Prescribed Fire Program is planned for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve. 4.6 Public Use Facilities Public Access /Parking /Handicap Facilities/Restrooms There are two trail entrances to the Preserve, at the north and south ends of the property along Veterans Park Drive. Visitor and handicapped parking is provided at Veterans Park. The trail entrances are accessed via sidewalk from the Veterans Park parking lot. The south trail entrance is closest to the parking lot. The north trail entrance is wheelchair accessible, in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The site shall adhere to ADA standards for pathways and facilities onsite. Restrooms are provided at Veterans Park. Conservation Collier Program 31 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 4.7 Operational Plan for the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 4.7.1 Maintenance The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include monthly site visits to control littering within and around the preserve, inspect exotic plant re -growth, maintain the trail in a safe an aesthetically pleasing way, refill brochure boxes, inspect signs and equipment (bench, table and trashcans) and review general site security. A maintenance agreement exists with Collier County Parks and Recreation Department for routine patrols and trash removal. Staff will coordinate with the Veteran's Community Park Manager to receive updates as to problem issues or items noticed during Park Ranger patrols that the Preserve Manager should address. Photo point photographs will be taken semi-annually. The Preserve Manager will keep an electronic management log to record observations from the site visit, any contacts made or issues raised. Ongoing projects such as exotic removal, debris removal, creek maintenance and planting projects will be calendared periodically as identified in Section 4.0, Management Issues, Goals and Objectives. 4.7.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources Preliminary budget estimates for the Cocohatchee Creek 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. Alternative funding sources, such as mitigation and grant funds, will be sought to supplement existing funding. Table 8 shows the activities planned for the next five years and the initial and annual cost estimate of each activity. Private conservation organizations may also provide funding for specific projects. Conservation Collier Program 32 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Table 8. Actual and _Estimated Annual Land Management Budget Resaurce M a n age m e nt Activity 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Exotic Species Control $300 300 $300 $300 $300 Cultural Resource Management $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Tree Trimming $250 $500 $250 $500 $250 Debris Removal $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 Trash Removal $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 Subtotal $1,950 $2,200 $1,950 $2200 $1,950 Restoration Dlanting Projects $300 $200 $0 $0 $300 Subtotal $300 $200 $0 $0 $300 Capital Outlay Equipment $0 $0 $0 $400 $0 Trail Maintenance $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Signs $50 $250 $0 $0 $0 Subtotal $50 $250 $0 $4W $0 Visitor Services/ Recreatian Brochures $100 $100 $100 $100 $100 Subtotal $100 $100 $100 $100 $100 Total $2,4f0 1 $2,750 1 $2,050 1 $2,7W 1 $2,&W Conservation Collier Program 33 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 4.7.3. Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors Table 9: Potential Contracting for Activities Activity Approved Conditional Rejected Trail maintenance X Fence installation and maintenance X Wildlife inventory and monitoring X Native plant restoration X Determine extent of hydrologic needs of preserve X Restore hydrology via creek cleaning X Reduce exoticspecies X Education facilities, programs, and literature development and printing X Education signs development and installation X Viewing latform installation (optional) X Law enforcement and patrol X Prescribed Fire treatments I X 4.7.4 Management Zones Due to the small size of the preserve (3.64 acres), the entire Preserve is considered one management zone. 4.8 Partnerships and Regional Coordination 4.8.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements In addition to the Interdepartmental Agreement for specific management tasks with the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department, other potential partnerships may include, but not be limited to, surrounding residential and commercial property owner associations, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, The Audubon Society, Florida Wildlife Federation, Collier County Schools, Collier County Sheriff's Office, North Naples Fire Department, Florida Division of Forestry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, South Florida Water Management District, Big Cypress Basin, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and other County Departments, as some goals and purposes will be similar. 4.8.2 Cooperating Agencies and Organizations The preserve is managed in accordance with all applicable Florida Statutes and administrative rules. Agencies having a major or direct role in the management of the preserve are discussed in relevant portions of this plan. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) may aid Conservation Collier with wildlife management programs, including the development and management of Watchable Wildlife programs. Conservation Collier Program 34 20204-3 Updated Land Management Plan - Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 5.0 Literature Cited Duever, Michael. 2002. Southwest Florida pre -development vegetation map. 18 pp. and 1 map. http://www.ever_lg adesplan.org/pm/studies/swfl/index.shtml. Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (now Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) (J. Cox, D. Inkely, R. Kautz) (1987). Nongame Wildlife Program Technical Report No. 4. Ecology and habitat protection needs of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations found on lands slated for large-scale development in Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) 1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Department of Natural Resources. Law Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. 2001. 3.6 Acres Veterans Park Blvd . Project 40340-1-0998. Miller J. A. 1986. Hydrogeologic Framework of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. United States Geological Survey Professional Paper 1403-B. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Oaks, R.Q. and Dunbar, J.R.. 1974. Post Miocene Stratigraphy of the Central and Southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah. Scott, T. M. 1988. Lithostratigraphy of the Hawthorne Group (Miocene). Florida Geological Survey Bulletin No. 59, Tallahassee, Florida. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA,NRCS). 1990. Soil Survey of Collier County Area. Collier Soil and water Conservation District, Naples, Florida. Conservation Collier Program 35 APPENDICES Interdepartmental Agreement between Collier County Parks and Recreation Department and Collier County Environmental Services Department for Management of the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Scope of Services The Parks and Recreation Department will monitor the Cocohatchee Creek Preserve and provide routine maintenance in accordance with the Maintenance Standards of the Board - approved Neighborhood Parks and Tot Lot Policy. Routine Maintenance Routine maintenance will include: 1. Turf care, to include mowing the easement along Veterans Park Drive and trimming around the Preserve fence. 2. Trash and litter control and removal, including the provision of supplies. 3. Periodic monitoring and/or inspection of the Preserve and communication of additional needs to Environmental Services staff. The Parks and Recreation Department will bill the Environmental Services Department an annual fee of $1,040 for routine maintenance services. Additional Maintenance Any additional services requested by the Environmental Services Department will be billed separately at a rate of $20 per staff person per hour plus the cost of supplies. The Parks and Recreation Department may decline to complete additional maintenance which it would normally not conduct within its own neighborhood parks. Adu OM�O� �Lj' - 1 M la Ramsey, Acti it for ill Lorenz, rector Parks and Recreati Dep tent Environmental Services Department NMok nK,cA.o4�, Date Date EXHIBIT "A" TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 00166680102 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: THE WEST 40 FEET, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE WEST LINE OF LOT 15, SOUTHWIND ESTATES, PLAT BOOK 11, PAGES 16 AND 17; AND THAT PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (1/4) OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 48 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, LYING SOUTHWESTERLY AND WESTERLY OF THE THREAD OF A STREAM, BEING SHOWN AS "NOT A PART OF THIS PLAT" IN THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SOUTHWIND ESTATES. AND THE EAST 8 FEET OF THE EAST HALF (1/2) OF THE EAST HALF (1/2) OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (1/4) OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (1/4) OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 48 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA; SAID 8 FOOT STRIP LYING PARALLEL WITH AND MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHWIND ESTATES AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 11, PAGES 16 AND 17, PUBLIC RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA; LESS THE NORTH 150 FEET; SUBJECT TO EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD; CONTAINING 9349 SQUARE FEET MORE OR LESS. LESS A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 48 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 3565, PAGE 3374 OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 48 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA; THENCE RUN N 89113'25" E, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 26, FOR A DISTANCE OF 1325.02 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE WEST HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 26; THENCE RUN S 01014'29" E, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF THE WEST HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 26, FOR A DISTANCE OF 150.00 FEET TO A POINT OF THE SOUTHERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF IMMOKALEE ROAD AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE PARCEL OF LAND HEREIN DESCRIBED: THENCE CONTINUE S 01014'29" E, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF THE WEST HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 26, FOR A DISTANCE OF 17.93 FEET; THENCE RUN S 46052'54" W, FOR A DISTANCE OF 10.74 FEET; THENCE RUN N 01014' 29" W, PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF THE WEST HALF OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 26, FOR A DISTANCE OF 25.17 FEET TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHERLY RIGHT-OF- WAY LINE OF IMMOKALEE ROAD; THENCE RUN N 89013'25" E, ALONG THE SOUTHERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF IMMOKALEE ROAD, FOR A DISTANCE OF 8.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; CONTAINING 172.4 SQUARE FEET, MORE OR LESS. Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Final Management Plan Public Involvement Contact List Aristocrat Health Center of Naples National Healthcare Corp. 10949 Parnu St. Naples, FL 34109 Phone: (239) 592-5501 North Collier Fire Control 1885 Veterans Park Dr. Naples, FL 34109 Phone: (239) 597-3222 Northside Medical Plaza Owner: TJSS LLC 1975 and 1985 Veterans Park Drive Naples, FL 34109 239-592-9666 Southwind Estates - There is no community association Stonebridge Country Club Community Association, Inc. 2100 Winding Oaks Way Naples, FL 34109 Phone: (239) 594-5200 Veterans Community Park Collier County Parks and Recreation Department 1895 Veterans Park Drive Naples, FL 34109 Contact: Jeanine McPherson, Assistant Director Phone: (239) 252-4030 Cocohatchee Creek Preserve Species Survey Date: March 1, 2006 Bird Survey - Christal Segura, Environmental Specialist, Collier County Conservation Collier Program Northern Cardinal- 4 Red -winged Blackbird- 3 Blue -gray Gnatcatcher-2 Boat -tailed Grackle-2 Yellow-rumped Warbler-6 Northern Mockingbird- 1 Turkey Vulture- Overhead- 2 Gray Catbird- 5 Red -bellied Woodpecker-1 Blue Jay- 2 Woodstork-Overhead- 1 American Crows-Overhead-7 Common Yellowthroat-1 Red -shouldered Hawk-1 Total Species-14 Total Count-38 Listed species- Woodstork (Mycteria americana) - FWC-E and USFWS-E Wildlife Survey - Melissa Hennia, Environmental Specialist, Collier County Conservation Collier Program Listed species - Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) — 15 burrows located, no animals observed this day, but one routinely observed - FWC-SSC Cocohatchee Creek Preserve by Maureen S. Bonness, with assistance from Jean McCollom September 2. 2020 2007 2014 2020 Scientific Name prior name) Common Names z c zz cn z LL CL W LL x x x Abrus precatorius Rosary -pea, Crab -eyes 4 I x x x Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia 1 4 I x x x Acrostichum danaeifolium Leather fern N x Al inia zerumbet Shellflower, Shell ginger 4 x x Alternanthera philoxeroides Alli atorweed 4 II x x x Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common ragweed N x x Ammannia latifolia Pink redstem, Toothcu s N x Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum Blue maidencane N x x Andropogon glomeratus var. umilus Bushy bluestem N x Andropogon lon iberbis Hairy bluestem N x x x Andropogon virginicus var. vir inicus Broomsedge bluestem N x x x Annona glabra Pond -apple N x x x Aristida stricta =A. be richiana Southern wiregrass N x x Ascle ias tuberosa Butterfl weed, Butterfly milkweed N x x Asemeia violacea (=Polygala randiflora, P. violacea Candyweed, Showy milkwort N x x x Baccharis halimifolia Saltbush, Groundsel tree, Sea- myrtle N x x Baco a monnieri Water hyssop, Herb -of -grace N x x x Bidens alba Spanish -needles N x Bischofia 'avanica Javanese bisho wood �/ I x x x Boehmeria c lindrica False nettle, Bog hemp N x x x Bulbost lis ciliatifolia Densetuft hairsed e N x x Bursera simaruba Gumbo limbo N x x x Callicar a americana American beautyberry N x Ca raria biflora Goatweed N x x x Carphephorus corymbosus Florida paintbrush, Coastalplain chaffhead N x x x Cass ha filiformis Lovevine, Devil's gut N x Cenchrus echinatus Southern sands ur N x x x Cenchrus s inifex =C. incertus Coastal sandbur N x Centella asiatica Coinwort, S adeleaf N x x Ce halanthus occidentalis Buttonbush N x Cerato teris thalictroides Waters rite x x x Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge pea N x Chamaecrista nictitans var. nictitans Sensitive -pea N x Chromolaena odorata Jack -in -the -bush N x x x Chrysobalanus icaco Coco plum N x Chrysopsis scabrella Coastal lain goldenaster N x x x Cissus verticillata =C. sic oides Possum grape N x x Cladium jamaicense Sawgrass N x Clitoria fra rans Sweetscented pigeonwings N E S3 x Cnidoscolus stimulosus Tread -softly, Finger -rot, 7-minute- itch N x Cocoloba diversifolia Pigeon plum N x Commelina diffusa Common dayflower �/ 2007 2014 2020 Scientific Name prior name) Common Names Z z o zz CD cn z LL v w U. x x Commelina erecta Whitemouth dayflower N x x Conoclinium coelestinum Mistflower N x Conyza canadensis Canadian horseweed N x Coreopsis leavenworthii Leavenworth's tickseed N x x x Crinum americanum Swamp lily N x x Crocanthemum corymbosum (=Helianthemum corymbosum) Pinebarren frostweed N x x Crocanthemum nashii (=Helianthemum nashii) Florida scrub frostweed N x Crotalaria incana Rattlesnake weed, Shakeshake x x x Crotalaria rotundifolia Rabbitbells N x Crotalaria sp. Rattlebox x x x Croton glandulosus var. septentrionalis (=var. glandulosus) Vente conmigo N x x x Croton michauxii Michaux's croton N x x Cupaniopsis anacardioides Carrotwood I x Cuphea carthagenensis Colombian waxweed x Cyperus croceus Baldwin's flatsedge N x Cyperus haspan Haspan flatsedge N x Cyperus ligularis Swamp flatsedge N x Cyperus ovatus (=C. retrorsus) Pinebarren flatsedge N x Cyperus polystachyos Manyspike flatsedge, Texas sedge N x x Cyperus rotundus Nutgrass x x Cyperus sp. Flatsedge x x Da/ea carnea Whitetassels, Prairieclover N x Da/ea pinnata Summer farewell N x Da/ea sp. Prairieclover N x x x Desmodium incanum Beggar's -ticks x Desmodium tortuosum Dixie ticktrefoil x Desmodium triflorum Threeflower ticktrefoil x x x Dichanthelium acicu/are Needleleaf witchgrass N x Dichanthelium acuminatum Tapered witchgrass N x Dichanthelium dichotomum Cypress witchgrass N x Dichanthelium ensifolium var. unciphyllum Cypress witchgrass N x Dichanthelium ovale Eggleaf witchgrass N x x x Dichanthelium portoricense (= D. sabulorum) Hemlock witchgrass N x Dichanthelium sp. Witchgrass N x Dichanthelium strigosum var. glabrescens Roughhair witchgrass N x Digitaria bicornis Asia crabgrass x Diodia virginiana Buttonweed, Virginia buttonweed N x Dioscorea bulbifera Air potato I x x x Diospyros virginiana Common persimmon N x Distichlis spicata Saltgrass N x Drymaria cordata Drymary, West Indian chickweed x x x Echinochloa walteri Coast cockspur N x x Eclipta prostrata False daisy N x x Eichhornia crassipes Water hyacinth I x x Eleocharis interstincta Knotted spikerush N x x x Elephantopus elatus Tall elephantsfoot N x x Emilia fosbergii Florida tasselflower 2007 2014 2020 Scientific Name prior name) Common Names z o zz CD cn z LL v w U. x x x Emilia sonchifolia Lilac tassleflower x Eragrostis ciliaris Gophertail lovegrass x x Eragrostis elliottii Elliott's lovegrass N x Erechtites hieraciifolius Fireweed, American burnweed N x Eugenia axillaris White stopper N x x x Eupatorium capillifolium Dogfennel N x x Eupatorium leptophyllum Falsefennel N x Eupatorium perfoliatum Common boneset N x x Euphorbia cumulicola (=Chamaesyce cumulicola) Sand -dune spurge, Coastal dune sandmat N E S2 x Euphorbia graminea Grassleaf spurge x x Euphorbia hirta (=Chamaesyce hirta) Hairy spurge, Pillpod sandmat N x x Euphorbia hypericifolia (=Chamaesyce hypericifolia) Eyebane, Graceful sandmat N x Euphorbia hyssopifolia (=Chamaesyce hyssopifolia) Eyebane, Hyssopleaf sandmat N x Euphorbia ophthalmica (=Chamaesyce ophthalmica) Florida hammock sandmat N x x Euphorbia polyphylla Lesser Florida spurge N x Eustachys glauca Prairie fingergrass N x x x Eustachys petraea Pinewoods fingergrass N x x x Ficus aurea Strangler fig, Golden fig N x Forestiera segregate Florida swampprivet N x Gaillardia pulchella Indian blanket, Firewheel N? x x x Galactia elliottii Elliott's milkpea N x x Galactia volubilis Eastern milkpea N x x Galium hispidulum Coastal bedstraw N x x x Geobalanus oblongifolius (=Licania michauxii) Gopher -apple N x Hamelia patens Firebush N x Heterotheca subaxillaris Camphorweed N x x Hexasepalum teres (=Diodia teres) Poor joe, Rough buttonweed N x x x Houstonia procumbens (=Hedyotis procumbens) Innocence, Roundleaf bluet N x x Hydrocotyle umbellate Manyflower marshpennywort N x Hydrocotyle verticillata Whorled marshpennywort N x Hymenachne amplexicaulis West Indian marshgrass, Trompetilla I x Hypericum brachyphyllum Coastalplain St. John's -wort N x Hypericum cistifolium Roundpod St. John's -wort N x x x Hypericum hypericoides St. Andrew's -cross N x Hypericum punctatum Spotted St. John's -wort N x Hypericum tetrapetalum Fourpetal St. John's -wort N x x x Ilex cassine Dahoon holly, Dahoon N x Ilex glabra Gallberry, Inkberry N x x x Imperata cylindrica Cogongrass I x Indigofera caroliniana Carolina indigo N x Indigofera sp. Indigo x x x Ipomoea sagittata Glades morning-glory N x Ipomoea sp. Morning-glory N x Iresine diffusa Bloodleaf, Juba's bush N ? x Juniperus virginiana Red cedar N 2007 2014 2020 Scientific Name prior name) Common Names Z z o zz CD cn z U- v w U. x x Lantana strigocara (=L. camara) Shrubverbena I x x Lechea sessiliflora Pineland pinweed N x x Lemna obscura Duckweed N x Liatris spicata Dense gayfeather N x Liatris sp. Gayfeather N x Lippia stoechadifolia (=Phyla stoechadifolia) Southern frogfruit N x Ludwigia curtissii Curtiss's primrosewillow N x Ludwigia maritima Seaside primrosewillow N x Ludwigia microcarpa Smallfruit primrosewillow N x x Ludwigia octovalvis Mexican primrosewillow N x Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrosewillow I x x Lygodesmia aphylla Roserush N x x Lyonia ferruginea Rusty staggerbush N x x x Lyonia fruticosa Coastalplain staggerbush N x Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum Winged Ioosestrife N x x Macroptilium lathyroides Wild bushbean 11 x Melia azedarach Chinaberry 11 x x x Meliins repens (=Rhynchelytrum repens) Rose Natalgrass I x Melochia corchorifolia Chocolateweed x Melochia spicata Bretonica peluda N x x Melothria pendula Creeping -cucumber N x x x Mikania scandens Climbing hempweed, Climbing hempvine N x Millettia pinnata (=Pongmia pinnata) Karum tree, Pongamia x x x Momordica charantia Balsampear 11 x x x Morella cerifera (=Myrica cerifera) Wax myrtle, Southern bayberry N x Morus rubra Red mullberry N x Myrcianthes fragrans Simpson's stopper, Twinberry N T x x Myrsine cubana (=Rapanea punctata) Myrsine, Colicwood N x x x Nekemias arborea (=Ampelopsis arborea) Peppervine N x x Nephrolepis biserrata Giant boston fern N T x Nephrolepis exaltata Wild Boston fern N x x x Opuntia humifusa Pricklypear N x Opuntia stricta Pricklypear N T x Orthosia scoparia (=Cynanchum scoparium) Leafless swallowwort N x Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Royal fern N x x Panicum hemitomon Maidencane N x x x Panicum repens Torpedo grass I x Panicum virgatum Switchgrass N x x x Paronychia americana American nailwort N x x Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia -creeper, Woodbine N x Paspalum conjugatum Sour paspalum; Hilograss N x Paspalum plicatulum Brownseed paspalum N x Paspalum vaginatum Seashore paspalum N x x x Passiflora suberosa Corkystem passionflower N x x Persea borbonia Red bay N x Persea palustris Swamp bay N 2007 2014 2020 Scientific Name prior name) Common Names Z z o zz CD cn z LL v w U. x x x Persicaria hydropiperoides (=Polygonum hydropiperoides) Mild waterpepper; Swamp smartweed N x x Persicaria punctata (=Polygonum punctatum) Dotted smartweed N x x x Phlebodium aureum Golden polypody N x Phoenix sp. (not P. reclinata) Date palm x x Phragmites australis Common reed N x Phyllanthus urinaria Chamber bitter x x Physalis arenicola Cypresshead groundcherry N x Physalis sp. Groundcherry N x Piloblephis rigida Wild pennyroyal N x x x Pinus elliottii var. densa South Florida slash pine N x x Pistia stratiotes Water -lettuce N I x x x Pityopsis graminifolia Narrowleaf silkgrass N x x x Pleopeltis michauxianna (=Polypodium polypodioides) Resurrection fern N x Pluchea baccharis (=Pluchea rosea) Rosy camphorweed N x x Pluchea carolinensis Cure -for -all N x x x Pluchea odorata Sweetscent N x x x Polygonum polygamum var. brachystachyum (=Polygonella polygama var. brachystachya) Thinleaf October flower N x x x Polypremum procumbens Rustweed, Juniperleaf N x x x Psilotum nudum Whisk fern N x x x Psychotria nervosa Wild coffee N x x Pteridium aquilinum Tailed bracken fern N x Pteridium aquilinum var. caudatum Tailed bracken fern N x Pteridium aquilinum var. pseudocaudatum Tailed bracken fern N x x x Quercus geminata Sand live oak N x x x Quercus laurifolia Laurel oak, Diamond oak N x x Quercus minima Dwarf live oak N x x x Quercus myrtifolia Myrtle oak N x x x Quercus virginiana Virginia live oak N x Quercus sp. Oak N x x x Rhus copallinum Winged sumac N x x Rhynchosia cinerea Brownhair snoutbean N x x Rhynchospora colorata Starrush whitetop N x x Rhynchospora divergens Spreading beaksedge N x Rhynchospora globularis Globe beaksedge N x Rhynchospora intermedia Pinebarren beaksedge N x Rhynchospora megalocarpa Sandyfield beaksedge N x Rhynchospora microcarpa Southern beaksedge N x x x Richardia grandiflora Largeflower Mexican clover 11 x x Roystonea regia Royal palm N E S2 x x Rubus trivialis Southern dewberry N x x x Sabal palmetto Cabbage palm N x x x Sagittaria lancifolia Bulltongue arrowhead N x x x Salix caroliniana Coastal Plain willow N x x Salvinia minima Water spangles I x Salvinia molesta Giant salvinia 2007 2014 2020 Scientific Name prior name) Common Names z c zz cn z LL CL W U_ x Samolus valerandi subsp. arviflorus Pineland pimpernel N x x x Schefflera actino h lla Australian umbrellatree �/ I x x x Schinus terebinthifolia Brazilian pepper �/ I x Schizach rium stoloniferum Creeping little bluestem N x Scleria s . Nutrush x Scleria verticillata Low nutrush N x x x Sco aria dulcis Sweetbroom, Licoriceweed N x Senna li ustrina Privet wild sensitive plant N x Senna pendula var. glabrata Valamuerto, Christmas cassia �/ I x x x Serenoa re ens Saw palmetto N x Setaria corru ata Coastal foxtail N x x Setaria parviflora =S. eniculata Knotroot foxtail, Yellow bristlegrass N x Se meria pectinata Piedmont blacksenna N x Sida cordifolia Llima x x Sida umifolia (=S. acuta) Common wireweed, Common fanpetals N x x x Smilax auriculata Earleaf greenbrier N x Smilax laurifolia Catbrier, Laurel greenbrier N x Solarium erianthum Potato tree N x Solidago stricta Narrow -leaved goldenrod, Wand oldenrod N x Sonchus oleraceus Common sowthistle x Sophronanthe hispida (=Gratiola his ida Rough hedgehyssop N x x x S ermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweed x x x Sphagneticola trilobata (=Wedelia trilobata Creeping wedelia, Creeping oxeye x x Stach tar heta jamaicensis Porterweed N x Steinchisma hians (=Panicum hians Gaping panicum N x Stenota hrum secundatum St. Augustine grass ✓ x x x Sti ulicida setacea Pineland scat ink N x x Swietenia maha oni West Indian mahogany N T S3 x Symphyotrichum tenuifolium (--Aster tenuifolius Perennial saltmarsh aster N x Syzygium cumini Java plum ✓ I x Tali ariti tileaceum Mahoe, Sea hibiscus ✓ II x x Telmatoblechnum serrulatum =Blechnum serrulatum Swamp fern N x Te hrosia florida Florida hoarypea N x Te hrosia s . Hoarypea N x Thelypteris kunthii Southern shield fern N x Thelypteris palustris Marsh fern N x x x Tillandsia balbisiana Reflexed wild -pine, Northern needleleaf N T x x x Tillandsia fasciculata Stiff -leaved wild -pine, Cardinal airplant N E x x x Tillandsia paucifolia Potbelly airplant N x x x Tillandsia recurvata Ball -moss N x x x Tillandsia setacea Thin -leaved wild -pine, Southern needleleaf N x x x Tillandsia usneoides S anish-moss N 2007 2014 2020 Scientific Name prior name) Common Names z c zz cn z LL CL W U- x x x Tillandsia utriculata Giant wild -pine, Giant airplant N E x x Toxicodendron radicans Easternpoison-ivy N x x Tra is urens Wa leaf noseburn N x Trichostema dichotomum Forked blue -curls N x Tri lasis americana Pereniail sandgrass N x x Tripsacum dactyloides Fakahatcheegrass, Eastern ama rass N x x x Urena lobata Caesarweed ,/ x x x Urochloa maxima (=Panicum maximum Guineagrass ,/ II x x x Vaccinium m rsinites Shiny blueberry N x Vicia acutifolia Sand vetch, Fourleaf vetch N x x x Vi na luteola Cow -pea, Hairypod cow ea N x x Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine grape N x Vitis shuttleworthii Caloosa grape N x x x Vittaria lineata Shoestring fern N x Waltheria indica Sleepy morning N x x x 1ximenia americans I Ho - lum, Tallowwood N x I Yucca aloifolia I Spanish bayonet, Aloe yucca N Count 142 1 186 1 201 1 1230150 1 10 1 4 1 28 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 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.