Agenda 12/08/2020 Item #16D 6 (Conservation Collier Winchester Head Multi-Parcel Mgmt. Plan)12/08/2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the fourth extension of the Interim Management Plan for the
Conservation Collier Winchester Head Multi-Parcel Project.
OBJECTIVE: To extend the Winchester Head Interim Management Plan for an additional two (2) years.
CONSIDERATIONS: The Winchester Head Project is located east of Everglades Blvd. North,
between 41st Ave NE and 35th Ave NE in the Golden Gate Estates. Winchester Head is one (1) of two
(2) multi-parcel projects undertaken by the Conservation Collier Program. The Winchester Head Project
boundary encompasses 115 parcels totaling 158.67 acres. As of October 2020, 67 parcels or 93.56 acres
(59%) have been acquired by Conservation Collier in a checkerboard fashion throughout the project
area.
Staff will prepare a Final Management Plan in 2022 or when at least 75% of the project area is under
County ownership. The lack of contiguous parcels creates inefficient management conditions. Staff is
currently only managing parcels with heavy infestations, and those that were donated to the program
with management funds where invasive exotic plants were treated prior to acceptance.
The Conservation Collier Ordinance (2002-63, Section 14.1) requires that “prior to the expiration of two
(2) years, either a new management plan shall be implemented, or by affirmative action of the Board,
the interim plan shall continue.” The last two-year extension was approved by the Board of County
Commissioners (Board) on June 12, 2018, Agenda Item #16D4.
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.
The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee reviewed the updated plan and
unanimously recommended approval at its public meeting held on October 13, 2020.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no Fiscal impact with this item.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no Growth Management impact associated with this
item.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority
vote for Board approval. -JAB
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the attached proposed extension of the Interim Management Plan
for the Conservation Collier Winchester Head Project and directs staff to implement the updated plan.
Prepared By: Christal Segura, Senior Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Division
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Winchester Head Revised IMP_CCLAAC_October 2020 (PDF)
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12/08/2020
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.D.6
Doc ID: 14027
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the fourth extension of the Interim Management
Plan for the Conservation Collier Winchester Head Multi-Parcel Project.
Meeting Date: 12/08/2020
Prepared by:
Title: Operations Analyst – Parks & Recreation
Name: Matthew Catoe
10/23/2020 2:20 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation – Parks & Recreation
Name: Barry Williams
10/23/2020 2:20 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Public Services Department Melissa Hennig Additional Reviewer Completed 10/23/2020 2:43 PM
Parks & Recreation Barry Williams Additional Reviewer Completed 10/23/2020 4:40 PM
Parks & Recreation Ilonka Washburn Additional Reviewer Completed 10/24/2020 8:35 AM
Operations & Veteran Services Kimberley Grant Level 1 Reviewer Completed 10/26/2020 1:34 PM
Public Services Department Todd Henry Level 1 Division Reviewer Completed 11/05/2020 10:23 AM
County Attorney's Office Jennifer Belpedio Level 2 Attorney of Record Review Completed 11/09/2020 4:19 PM
Public Services Department Steve Carnell Level 2 Division Administrator Review Completed 11/18/2020 1:56 PM
Office of Management and Budget Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 11/18/2020 2:01 PM
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 11/18/2020 2:27 PM
Budget and Management Office Ed Finn Additional Reviewer Completed 11/30/2020 12:43 PM
County Manager's Office Sean Callahan Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 12/01/2020 9:39 AM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 12/08/2020 9:00 AM
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Conservation Collier
Winchester Head
Extended Interim Management Plan
FourthThird Extension
Prepared By:
Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program
Parks & Recreation Division
15000 Livingston Road
Naples, FL 34109
September 2020
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Table of Contents
1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan ......................................................... 3
2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities ....................................................................... 4
3.0 Interim Site Plan ..................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 Location and Site Description ............................................................................................ 4
3.2 Signage ................................................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases .................................................................................... 5
3.4 Structures ........................................................................................................................... 5
3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses............................................................................. 5
4.0 Interim Management Objectives .......................................................................................... 5
4.1 Natural Resource Protection ............................................................................................. 5
4.2 Site Security ......................................................................................................................... 6
4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan ......................................................... 6
4.4 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ......................................... 7
4.5 Public Access ....................................................................................................................... 7
4.6 Site Monitoring Plan ........................................................................................................... 7
4.7 Partnerships ........................................................................................................................ 7
5.0 Exhibits .................................................................................................................................... 8
EXHIBIT 1: Location Map .................................................................................................... 8
EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map ........................................................................................................ 9
EXHIBIT 3: Winchester Head Boundary and Golden Gates Estates Tract Numbers ......... 10
EXHIBIT 4: Golden Gates Estates Unit 62 Plat Map.......................................................... 11
EXHIBIT 5: Golden Gates Estates Unit 65 Plat Map.......................................................... 12
EXHIBIT 6: Winchester Head Light Detection and Ranging Map ..................................... 13
EXHIBIT 7: Location of the North Golden Gate Estates Flowway Project ........................ 14
EXHIBIT 8: Estimated Cost Table ...................................................................................... 15
EXHIBIT 9: Estimated Implementation Time Line ............................................................ 16
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1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan
Winchester Head is one of two multi-parcel projects undertaken by the Conservation Collier
Program. The Winchester Head Project boundary encompasses 115 parcels totaling 158.67 acres.
As of, August September 2020 2017, 67 53 parcels or 93.56 80 acres (580%) have been acquired
by Conservation Collier in a checkerboard fashion throughout the project area. The Collier Soil
and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) owns two parcels totaling 2.28 acres within the project
area. One 1-acre parcel in the extreme north east corner of the project area has been developed.
This parcel is delineated in Exhibit 2. Although the BCC approved the remaining 58 parcels
totaling 78.67 acres for acquisition subject to land values acquisitions in general by Conservation
Collier were suspended in January 2011, and no additional properties within this area have been
acquired using program funds since that time. Conservation Collier has conducted requested a
market study appraisal in 2017. That market study included two appraisers with an average value
for these parcels at $12,500 per acre. As of 2017, the Property Appraiser is valuing parcels within
this area between $4,881 and 11,475 per acre depending on the size.
Conservation Collier is currently continuing to pursue the acquisition of all approved parcels
within Winchester Head as means to do so present themselves. Conservation Collier has begun to
make offers to owners submitting applications within Winchester Head utilizing funds from offsite
preservation received as part of the Land Development Code’s Off-Site Native Vegetation
Retention Requirements (LDC Section 3.05.07H.1.f.iii.a). Additionally, offsite preservation
parcels may be donated within this area (LDC Section 3.05.07H.1.f.iii.b).
SixFive parcels have been acquired as offsite mitigation donations since 2013 within the project
area, and one additional parcel (1.14 acres) was donated to offset Code Enforcement Liens, for a
total of 7.296.16 acres donated
If additional properties cannot be acquired using the above means, or it becomes apparent that few
properties can be acquired in this manner, Conservation Collier staff will seek to exercise a
provision of the Conservation Collier ordinance (2007-65, Section 14.7 as amended) that allows
for the exchange of lands within and between multi-parcel projects in accordance with the goals
of the Program. The objective of any such exchanges will be to consolidate the areas owned by
Collier County under the Conservation Collier program into one contiguous area. All acquired
properties will be managed only for conservation, protection and enhancement of natural resources
and for public outdoor recreation that will be compatible with the conservation, protection and
enhancement of the site and its surrounding lands. Public use of the site will not be practical until
more contiguous properties within Winchester Head can be acquired and a trail or boardwalk
constructed, the boardwalk of which is not presently funded.
This interim management plan is intended to update the key management priorities and issues
within the site and give direction for management through 202219. This document is intended to
be the precursor to a final management plan, which will provide more specific aspects of site
management once a contiguous block of properties can be assembled.
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Key Interim Management Objectives
1. Monitor vegetation until a contiguous block in the center of the project can be acquired
which will trigger more extensive vegetation management actions.
1.2.Treat offsite donation parcels for invasive exotic plants on an annual basis.
2.3.Explore opportunities for grant funding and partnerships for management.
Action Plan
1a. Make bi-annual site visits to monitor the spread of any and all Category I and II invasive
plant species within parcels. Once a contiguous tract at the center of the project is acquired,
begin exotic plant management within this tract,, if warranted. Continue monitoring the
remainder of parcels.
1b. Treat all Category I and II invasive plant species within offsite mitigation donation parcels
on an annual basis.
2a. Seek grant funding opportunities for the removal of exotic flora.
2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities
The Conservation Collier Program, part of the Collier County Parks & Recreation Division since
October 2012, will be solely responsible for managing the Winchester Head parcels, but will also
seek to obtain grants and form partnerships for management activities.
3.0 Interim Site Plan
3.1 Location and Site Description
The Winchester Head Parcels are located east of Everglades Blvd. North, between 41st Ave
NE and 35th Ave NE in Sections 8 & 17, Township 48 and Range 28 in Golden Gate
Estates, Units 62 and 65 within Collier County, Florida. The southernmost parcels are
located south of 37th Ave NE but do not extend to 35th Ave NE (Exhibits 1-5). The
approximate center of the project is located at 26°18’9.67”N and 81°32’19.58”W.
Winchester Head is comprised of Mixed Wetland Hardwoods (FLUCCS 617), Cypress
(FLUCCS 621), Cypress, Pine, Cabbage Palm (FLUCCS 624) and Freshwater Marsh
(FLUCCS 641). Compared to the higher elevations of the lands surrounding Winchester
Head, from 18 to 24 feet above sea level, the natural depression of this cypress area (Exhibit
6)at 15-17 feet below sea level, combined with the presence of hydric, poorly drained soils
allows for water to collect and slowly percolate into the ground. Thus, Winchester Head
is ideal for obligate and facultative wetland plant and animal species.
Conservation Collier’s Winchester Head multi-parcel project is within the North Golden
Gate Estates (NGGE) Flowway Restoration Project (Exhibit 7), which is an area of focus
within the County’s Watershed Management Plan (WMP). The goal of this project is to
reconnect the historic flowway and redirect storm water drainage away from NGGE's
canals, allowing it to move south toward North Belle Meade and naturally low county areas
while allowing ground absorption along the way. As part of the WMP, a Phase 1 and Phase
II analysis of the flowway, which includes Winchester Head, have been completed. The
Phase I estimated that Winchester Head contains approximately 414.7 acre-feet of storage
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based on an average, water surface elevation of 16.0 feet (North American Vertical Datum
of 1988). The goal of reconnecting wetland systems within the NGGE has been
incorporated into development of the County’s Watershed Management Plan, approved by
the Board of County Commissioners in December 2011. The WMP includes structural
projects and policy initiatives, both of which would affect the Winchester Head area.
Structural projects include adding culverts and other water management structures. Policy
initiatives include a potential TDR Program and a Watershed Mitigation Program. At
present, no specific projects have been authorized. If Conservation Collier were to acquire
and restore parcels within Winchester Head, this would serve WMP goals. However, the
choice of projects determined for Winchester Head and north of Winchester Head within
the flowway could affect how Conservation Collier approaches management. Structural
projects could increase the volume of water stored within the WH project boundaries and
thus alter proposed management actions, while a proposed TDR program could assist
Conservation Collier in acquiring more parcels and getting more contiguous area under
management. The WMP is addressed in this plan to provide a comprehensive view of the
area and its importance.
3.2 Signage
Signs denoting parcels as Conservation Land will be installed as contiguous parcels of 20
acres or more are acquired.
3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases
There are sixty-foot (60’) platted right-of-way and utility easements dedicated to Collier
County, along 41st Ave. NE, 39th Ave NE, and 37th Ave NE. No other easements,
concessions or leases currently exist within Winchester Head. No other easements,
concessions or leases are proposed for the future, and would not be permitted unless they
further conservation objectives, such as a conservation easement.
3.4 Structures
No structures are present on the parcels at this time.
3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses
Several single-family Golden Gate Estates zoned parcels – many of which have yet to be
developed, surround Winchester Head. Everglades Blvd. North is west of the properties
and the Faka Union canal is located to the east of the properties.
4.0 Interim Management Objectives
4.1 Natural Resource Protection
Existing Vegetation:
The following list identifies native plants observed during site visits: Swamp fern
(Blechnum serrulatum), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), arrowhead (Sagittaria
spp.), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), pickerelweed
(Pontederia cordata), cattail (Typha spp), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis),
bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), willow (Salix spp.) and numerous species of
native wetland grasses.
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Unique Natural Features:
Winchester Head is comprised entirely of depressional cypress and marsh wetlands
and therefore, provides habitat for wetland dependent species. Evidence onsite and
data from the Southwest Florida Amphibian Monitoring Network 1 indicate that
Winchester Head is used by wetland dependent species. Although it contributes
only minimally to aquifer recharge, the area is a depressional feature in the
landscape that holds water during the rainy season, enhancing water quality and
offering flood protection to adjacent lands.
Possible Listed Species:
The observed habitat and location would support the presence of the following
listed species: American alligator (Alligator misissippiensis), wood stork (Mycteria
americana), limpkin (Aramus guarauna) and white ibis (Eudocimus albus). The
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has documented Florida black
bears (Ursus americanus floridanus) along the edges of the property.
4.2 Site Security
At present, no known security issues exist within Winchester Head. Because Collier
County currently owns 6752 of the parcels, only some of which are contiguous, fencing
will not be considered until a larger percentage of the parcels in the project area are
acquired.
4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan
Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) are
present around the edges of portions of the entire project area and along the roadways that
intersect the project – in a density of approximately 15 – 20%. Until more properties are
acquired, Conservation Collier will not remove these invasive, exotic species.
If oOld world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) has beenis observed on several on
any acquired properties., Conservation Collier has hired contractors to will remove and/or
treat this species on nine of these parcels since 2014. Conservation Collier staff will field
locate property lines and direct contractors to County owned parcels within Winchester
Head. All located old world climbing fern infested areas within Winchester Head arewill
be treated during the dry season.
All six parcels acquired through offsite mitigation donations came with management funds.
These parcels have been treated will be treated on an annual basis since acquisition.
If a larger percentage of contiguous parcels are not acquired by 2019, this plan will be
updated and recommendations made to address any existing exotic vegetation infestation.
1 The Southwest Florida Amphibian Monitoring Network represents a diverse group of citizen volunteers organized
for the purpose of monitoring amphibians (mostly frogs) in southwest Florida Website: http://www.frogwatch.net/
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4.4 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection
Winchester Head is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and no
historical or archaeological sites appear to be present in the property. The County will
notify the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any
archaeological or historic resources are present within the Winchester Head project. If
such properties are identified on-site, staff shall cordon off the area, and a professional
survey and assessment shall be instituted. The archaeologist shall prepare a report
outlining results of the assessments and issue recommendations to County staff about
management of any sites discovered, per provisions of the Collier County Land
Development Code Section 2.2.25. This report shall be sent to the Division of Historical
Resources. The County shall cooperate fully with direction from the Division of Historical
Resources on the protection and management of archaeological and historical resources.
The management of these resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267,
Florida Statutes, specifically Sections 267.061 2 (a) and (b).
The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archaeological and historic sites within
Winchester Head will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the
Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of State, Division of
Historical Resources.
4.5 Public Access
Public access will not be addressed until a larger percentage of contiguous parcels within
Winchester Head are acquired or parcels are consolidated and a Final Management Plan is
prepared.
4.6 Site Monitoring Plan
Monitoring of the site shall consist of a walk-through by staff at bi-annual intervals. Any
treatment and retreatment of exotic vegetation is dependent on the amount of contiguous
acreage acquired. Conservation Collier shall be responsible for this treatment with tasks
contracted out as deemed necessary. Prior to any land management activities, photo
monitoring points will also be established at strategic locations within the project area to
monitor vegetation communities.
4.7 Partnerships
The South Florida Water Management District Big Cypress Basin may have interest in
partnership and will be approached to determine interest. Conservation Collier will work
closely with the Growth Management Division as the Watershed Management Plan
projects come to fruition.
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5.0 Exhibits
EXHIBIT 1: Location Map
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EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map
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EXHIBIT 3: Winchester Head Boundary and Golden Gates Estates Tract Numbers
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EXHIBIT 4: Golden Gates Estates Unit 62 Plat Map
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EXHIBIT 5: Golden Gates Estates Unit 65 Plat Map
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EXHIBIT 6: Winchester Head Light Detection and Ranging Map
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EXHIBIT 7: Location of the North Golden Gate Estates Flowway Restoration Project
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EXHIBIT 8: Estimated Cost Table
Management Element Initial Cost
Annual
Recurring
Costs
Comments
Exotics Control -
Over the entire project
area
t.b.d t.b.d
Exotic removal would be most
cost effective when some amount
of contiguous acreage can be
assembled.
Exotics Control -
For currently owned
parcels
$50,000 $10,000
Exotic removal would be most
cost effective when some amount
of contiguous acreage could be
assembled. Estimates are based
on 20% exotics over currently
owned scattered parcels - 80
acres
Raised boardwalk t.b.d. t.b.d.
Wish-list status. Current
estimates run at $550 per linear
foot – not including design,
permitting and construction.
Grants can be sought to assist
with costs in the future if funding
is identified.
Trash Removal t.b.d. t.b.d.
Large items to be done on a lump
sum contract basis with cost
being site specific.
Staff does not recommend
providing trash barrels at this
time.
Signs $800 n/a
4 conservation area & prohibited
activities signs ($200 each)
Total $50,800 $10,000 Total estimated costs cover
entire project area
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EXHIBIT 9: Estimated Implementation Time Line
Monitoring Site
Visit
Seek Partnerships Completion of final management plan
(or update of interim management plan
if acquired parcels are still scattered)
Jan 18 x
April 18 x
July 18 x
Oct-18 x
Jan 19 x x
April 19 x
July 19 X
Oct 19 X
Jan 2020 x x
April 20 x
July 20 x
Oct 20 x x
Jan 21 x
April 21 x
July 21 x
Oct 21 x
Jan 22 x
April 22 x
July 22 x
Oct 22 x x
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