MSTU Clam Bay Agenda 01/05/2022PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION
Municipal Service Taxing and Benefit Unit
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
JANUARY 5, 2022
THE CLAM MAY COMMITTEE OF THE PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION WILL
MEET AT 2:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5 AT THE SUNTRUST BANK
BUILDING, 801 LAUREL OAK DRIVE, SUITE 102, NAPLES, FLORIDA 34108.
AGENDA
1. Roll call
L Agenda approval
3. Approval of 10/19/2021 meeting minutes
4. Audience comments
5. Clam Bay
a. Information on permits needed and estimated costs for hand -dug channels
b. Clam Bay monitoring
c. Osprey nest platform
d. 2021 Annual Clam Bay Report
e. County's exotic removal and dune restoration program, including possible
PBSD participation
f. Boater safety signage
6. Clam Pass
a. Timeline for dredging
b. Tidal gauge at marker 14
c. Mitigating northward movement of Clam Pass
d. Date for 2021 Physical and Tidal Monitoring Report
7. Water Quality
a. Clam Bay water quality sampling sites and annual Clam Bay water quality report
b. Date for 2021 Water Quality Report
8. Adjournment
Link to the 2021 Clam Bay Report:
https://eteflorida.com/clam-bay-monitoring-report for-2021/
ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK ON AN AGENDA ITEM WILL RECEIVE UP TO THREE (3) MINUTES PER ITEM TO
ADDRESS THE BOARD. THE BOARD WILL SOLICIT PUBLIC COMMENTS ON SUBJECTS NOT ON THIS AGENDA AND ANY
PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK WILL RECEIVE UP TO THREE (3) MINUTES. THE BOARD ENCOURAGES YOU TO SUBMIT
YOUR COMMENTS IN WRITING IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING. ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION
OF THIS BOARD WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDING PERTAINING THERETO, AND THEREFORE MAY NEED
TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD IS MADE, WHICH INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH
THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS AN ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING YOU ARE ENTITLED TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE.
12/29/2021 9:26 AM
PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION
CLAM BAY COMMITTEE MEETING
OCTOBER 19, 2021
The Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division met on Tuesday, October 19 at
9:00 a.m. at the SunTrust Bank Building, 801 Laurel Oak Drive, Suite 102, Naples, Florida 34108.
In attendance were:
Clam Bay Committee
Susan O'Brien, Chairman
Denise McLaughlin
Pelican Bay Services Division Staff
Neil Dorrill, Administrator
Chad Coleman, Operations Manager
Darren Duprey, Assoc. Project Manager (absent)
Also Present
Jennifer Bobka, Earth Tech
Jennifer Brunty, Stantec Consulting (by telephone)
1. Roll call
Michael Rodbur•g
Rick Swider
Karin I-Ienmann, Ops. Analyst
Lisa Jacob, Project Manager
Barbara Shea, Admin. Assistant
Mohamed Dabees, Humiston &Moore
APPROVED AGENDA (AS PRESENTED)
2. Agenda approval
3. Approval of 07/13/2021 meeting minutes
4. Audience comments
5. Water Quality
a. Report for January -June 2021
b. Total phosphorus results for 2020 and 2021
c. Six-month and annual reports
d. Appendices for TP and TN data
e. Upland pond data for water management
f. Record keeping
6. Clam Pass
a. Timeline for dredging
b. Quantity of sand to be removed
Clam Bay
a. Mangrove monitoring
b. Stressed mangroves
c. Scaevola removal
d. Osprey nest
e. Canoe trail marker 8
8. Next meeting
9. Adjournment
Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting
October 19, 2021
ROLL CALL
All members were present and a quorum was established
IMr. Rodburg motioned, Ms. McLaughlin seconded to approve the agenda as I
presented. The motion carried unanimously.
Ms. McLaughlin motioned, Mr. Rodburg seconded to approve the 07/13/2021
meetine minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
None
WATER QUALITY
REPORT FOR JANUARY-DUNE 2021
Ms. O'Brien introduced Dr. Jennifer Brunty, Associate, Senior Environmental Scientist with
Stantec, who prepared our Clam Bay Water Quality Analysis Report for January - June 2021, and
participated in this meeting by telephone. Ms. O'Brien commented on the good news within the report
including (1) total nitrogen continues to be nonproblematic, and (2) copper and dissolved oxygen is
within compliance limits (and has improved during the last 6 months vs. 2020 data). Total phosphorus
continues to be problematic, with the number of exceedances in these six months greater than in 2020.
Dr. Brunty commented that phosphorus is naturally high in Southwest Florida; it is naturally
occurring and part of the geology. Unfortunately, the use of fertilizer adds to the naturally high level
of phosphorus. Dr. Brunty commented that there is no correlation among the dissolved oxygen, total
nitrogen, and total phosphorus results. She suggested that we keep an eye on total nitrogen levels as
nitrogen is necessary in conjunction with phosphorus to form algae blooms.
Ms. McLaughlin questioned the benefit to be achieved from dredging the sediment out of
stormwater ponds. Dr. Brunty commented that copper and phosphorus attaches to the sediment at the
bottom of lakes. She commented that although lake bottom dredging is the ultimate way to remove
phosphorus and copper from the system, it is expensive and difficult to find a waste disposal site. She
would recommend dredging only if there was a particular lake that was largely contributing
phosphorus and/or copper to the system. She noted that one or two of our stormwater lakes have
higher levels of these nutrients. Ms. O'Brien commented that the PBSD has never dredged any of our
lake bottoms. She also noted that we have data on lake bottom sediment in selected lakes.
Mr. Dorrill commented on the difficulties that would be encountered in attempting to dredge a
lake bottom including the lack of a barrier that could be constructed to de -water and harvest the
material from the lake bottom, and dispose of it at an appropriate site. Mr. Dorrill commented that
about 8-10 years ago, the PBSD did several geotube projects for lake bank remediation, which used
materials from the lake bottoms to fill the geotubes. He suggested that we look at copper and
phosphorus levels in these specific lakes, to determine if the dredging during these projects resulted
in improved nutrient levels.
Mr. Dorrill commented that the DEP has established site specific nutrient numeric criteria for
Clam Bay (as opposed to the state-wide criteria), and asked Dr. Brunty if it would be possible to
Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting
October 19, 2021
request that the DEP re-evaluate the standards that have been set. Dr. Brunty responded that we could
present scientific reasons to the DEP and request that they re-evaluate the criteria.
APPENDICES FOR TP AND TN DATA
Ms. O'Brien requested that a graph showing the upper limit levels of phosphorus vs. actual
monthly sampling data point results be included in an appendix to the report.
UPLAND POND DATA FOR WATER MANAGEMENT
Ms. O'Brien commented that three or four years ago we discontinued reporting on water
quality data from stormwater ponds. She suggested that Ms. McLaughlin's Water Management
Committee discuss this issue and determine the type and frequency of reporting, if any, to be prepared
in the future. Ms. O'Brien suggested that the variables as described in the Clam Bay Management
Plan that we are responsible for reporting are included in a Clam Bay Water Quality Report, and that
a separate report is prepared for the upland stormwater management ponds. She suggested that we be
consistent with the Clam Bay Management Plan,
Ms. Jacob commented that the County's Pollution Control Division uploads all of the sampling
data to the FDEP's WIN database. Both Pollution Control and the PBSD maintain the data.
CLAM PASS
TIMELINE FOR DREDGING
Dr. Dabees, Coastal Engineer with Humiston & Moore, commented that Clam Pass continues
to hover at a critical threshold. Our maintenance dredging project will be targeted to occur (1) during
optimal tide levels, and (2) before or after the beach renourishment project at the North Beach Facility.
When the time is appropriate, we will obtain the required permits and issue a notice -to -proceed to the
contractor. The project is expected to occur at the earliest in November, and at the latest in April.
Sand placement will be determined by the conditions at the time. Dr. Dabees noted that the South
Beach Facility can continue to function while the project is on -going. He commented that he will
coordinate with Earth Tech on the protection of the seagrass beds during the project.
QUANTITY OF SAND TO BE REMOVED
Dr. Dabees commented that a preconstruction survey, completed just prior to mobilization,
will determine the quantity of sand to be removed. Currently the estimate is 10,000 cubic yards plus
or minus 2,000 yards. Dr. Dabees estimates that the project will be completed in two to three weeks
if all goes as planned.
CLAM BAY
MANGROVE MONITORING
Ms. Jennifer Bobka, Environmental Consultant with Earth Tech, commented that our
mangrove plots show that we are seeing overall improvement, system -wide, in the health of our
mangroves. She noted that just one plot, identified as "ETV (located far north along the Strand)
showed a decline in health. Ms. Bobka noted that Earth Tech completed extensive channel
maintenance this year in this area.
STRESSED MANGROVES
3
Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting
October 19, 2021
Ms. Bobka commented that Earth Tech has been tracking four identified stressed mangrove
areas, located on the west side. Areas #2, 43, and #4 show stable to improving conditions. Ms. Bobka
noted that area #1 has not improved and that there are no hand -cut channels in this area, which may
be a contributing factor. She commented that the addition of hand -cut channels would require a permit,
and that she will discuss the procedure for obtaining such a permit with her colleague, Mr. Sterk. Ms.
O'Brien corn mented that we would need to explore the number of new hand -dug channels to be dug
and the estimated cost. Mr. Dorrill commented that the Windstar community and Haldeman Creek
community have similar mangrove areas. Ms. Bobka commented that she will discuss with Mr. Sterk
whether these communities have experienced similar areas of mangrove die -offs.
SCAEVOLA REMOVAL
Ms. O'Brien commented that staff did not proceed with the Phase 1 scaevola project, adjacent
to Bay Colony, as staff has learned that Bay Colony is not interested in removing scaevola from their
property. Mr. Coleman explained that since scaevola is "seedling sourced," the project would not
make sense, without Bay Colony and the Strand (in such close proximity) completing their own
scaevola removal projects. Mr. Coleman commented that the County (Coastal Zone Management
Division) has removed scaevola in some areas, but these projects are not a County priority. Ms. Bobka
commented that if you remove scaevola, you will destabilize the dune until the replanting takes hold.
She also noted that the burrows of gopher tortoises would be disturbed. Ms. O'Brien suggested that
we invite the appropriate scaevola point person in the County's CZM Dept. to speak on this subject at
a future committee meeting, in order to make a decision on this issue. Mr. Dorrill and Mr. Rodburg
thought this would be very beneficial.
Mr. Dorrill questioned whether the County has treated any of the Brazilian Pepper on the
eastern edges of the Clam Bay system. Mr. Coleman responded that he is not aware of any County
Brazilian Pepper removal projects in this area.
OSPREY NEST
Ms. Bobka commented that the osprey platform located between North Beach and South Beach
has been replaced and the platform located at the North Beach Facility will be installed after the end
of turtle season (Oct. 31).
CANOE TRAIL MARKER 8
Ms. Bobka commented that she expects canoe trail marker 8 to be installed next week, based
on recent contact with the County's CZM Dept,
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
Susan O'Brien, Chairman
Minutes approved F] as presented OR L� as a»aended ON [ j date
4
Agenda item 45a
Page 1 of 3
EARTH TECH
ENVIRONMENTAL
FfloM
Jeremy Stark
Earth Tech Environmental
10600 Jolea Avenue
Bonne Springs, FL 34135
www.eteflorida.com
PNONE
239-304-0030
FOfl
Pelican Bay Services Division
TO
Lisa Jacob
EMAIL
LIsa.Jacob®colliercountyll.gov
ADDRESS
801 Laurel Oak Drive, Suite 302
Naples
FL 34108
QUOTE NUMBER
2064
DATE
December 27, 2021
VAL10 UNTIL
January 27, 2022 at 2:00PM
ETE Proposal fior Consulting Services -Clam Bay Hand Dug
Channel Permitting
Project: Clam Bay Estuary -Hand Dug Channels
Environmental permitting assistance for additional had dug channels In the clam bay estuary. Environmental Engineering contract
18-7432,
Thank you forthe opportunity.
Earth Tech Environmental, LLC (ETE) appreciates the opportunity to provide you with the following agreement for professional
environmental consulting services.
Scope of Professional Services:
ETE is proposing the following Scope of Services for this project:
Task 1: General Purpose Protected Species Survey (Timed): tos.00
� x20
ETE will perform a protected species survey within the subject property boundary according to agency 2,180.00
criteria, The protected species survey will determine the potential presence of state and federally listed
species and other site -specific environmental concerns. This task Includes performing pedestrian
transacts within the boundaries of the project site. The distance between the transects will be
established to cover a minimum of 80 % of each area surveyed, Locations of listed species will be
flagged In the field, and located by GPS. ETE will prepare a report summarizing the findings to the client.
This report can be used for permitting through the State\Federal Agencies and Colller County. If
necessary, a supplemental scope may be necessary to address any required management plans for
observed listed species. Environmental Specialist Q $109 per hour.
Task 2: Mangrove Channel Staking (Timed):
ETE will work with the clam bay committee to determine the appropriate new pathways for hand dug
channels. Potential pathways will be stakedVIagged In the field and located by sub -meter GPS.
Environmental Specialist 0 $109 per hour.
Task 3: SFWMD &USACE Environmental Resource Permitting (Timed):
ETE will coordinate with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) &the US Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) and prepare the required permit applications necessary to obtain an Environmental
Resource Permit for the subject properties. ETE will prepare environmental GIS exhibits required for
applications, Including FLUCCS mapping, wetland IlmltsUD maps, NRCS mapping, and
Impact\preserve maps. OWNER will be responsible for any SFWMD fees associated with this
submission. OWNER understands that environmental resource permitting Is a regulatory function and
ETE cannot guarantee the Issuance of any permit. This Is a timed task and Is billed hourly as work Is
completed -the amount shown is the estimated fee for completion (permit Issuance). Environmental
Specialist ® $109 per hour.
Task 4. US Fish &Wildlife Services Informal Consultation (Timed):
ETE will coordinate with the USFWS regarding consultation of federally Ilsted species that maybe
Impacted bythe project (Including but not limited to Florida bonneted bat, manatee, wading birds, and
smalltooth sawfish). ETE will coordinate with the FDEP and USFWS regarding consultation of federally
Ilsted species that may be Impacted by the project. This Includes preparation of a wood stork foraging
analysis for submittal to the USFWS and submittal\follow-up of Bonneted Bat reports completed In
tasks 5 & 6. This Is a timed task and is billed hourly as work Is completed -the amount shown Is the
estimated fee for completion (permit Issuance). Environmental Specialist ® $109 per hour.
Task 5: Meeting and Coordination (Timed):
ETE will attend meetings on an as Headed basis In support of shove applications. These Include
meetings with Client, Engineer, or agency staff. ETE will coordinate directly with Engineer in support of
permitting and provide environmental data as needed. This is a timed task and Is billed hourly as work Is
completed -the amount shown Is the estimated fee for completion (permit Issuance). Environmental
Specialist ® $109 per hour.
Total
NOTES:
Agenda item #5a
Page 2 of 3
109.00
x 60
6,540'00
1as.00
x110
11,990.00
lasso
x 30
3,270.00
so.ao
x 36
3,240'00
$27,220.00
1. If the USFWS requires additional specliic purpose species surveys during consultation (bonneted hat, etc), ETE will provide a
supplemental scope for those services.
We appreciate your business]
Thank you for allowing Earth Tech Environmental LLC to provide you end your community with environmental services. This
proposal can be authorized by digitally signing below. You can also print a PDF version of this agreement, sign, and return a copy
t0 us.
Agenda item #5a
Page 3 of 3
2021 Clam Bay Annual Report
3.3.1 Stressed Mangrove Areas
Utilizing the aerial drone monitoring and the annual Infrared photographs, four (4) areas of stressed mangroves
were initially Identified on the west side of Inner Clam Bay In 2019. These areas have been assessed biannually
since September 2019 to track changes overtime and attempt to determine the cause(s) of stress. In March 2021,
fixed panoramic photo stations (SP) were established with a PVC pipe within each area.
Earth Tech Environmental, LLC
FIGURE 6. Stressed Mangrove Areas Originally Idenhfied in 2019
F:kl
www.e[ellorlda.com
Agenda item #5b
Page 1 of 4
EARTH TECH
ENVIRONMENTAL
FROM
Jeremy Sterk
Earth Tech Environmental
10600 Jolea Avenue
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
www.eteflorlda.com
PHONE
239-304-0030
FOn
Pelican Bay Services Division
TO
Lisa Jacob
EMAIL
LJsa.Jacob@colliercountyf I.gov
ADDRESS
801 Laurel Oak Drive, Suite 302
Naples
FL 34108
QUOTE NUMBER
2058
DATE
December 27, 2021
VALID UNTIL
January 28, 2022 at 10:OOAM
ETE Proposal for Environmental Consulting Services- Clam Bay
Environmental (2022)
Project: Clam Bay Environmental (2022)
Environmental monitoring forthe clam bay estuary according to the approved management plan.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Earth Tech Environmental, LLC (ETE) appreciates the opportunity to provide you with the following agreement for professional
environmental services.
Scope of Professional Services:
ETE is proposing the following Scope of Services for this protect:
MANGROVE MONITORING
BI-annual monitoring of at least twenty-one (21) existing plot locations and eight (8) photo stations.
EXOTIC &NUISANCE VEGETATION MONITORING
Annual Inspection of NRPA Including berms, boardwalks, and waterway areas to Identify Category I and 'i
II Invasive plant species as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. For the purposes of ',,
obtaining exotic and nuisance vegetation removal quotes, contractor Is expected to provide project
manager with a GIS map of Identified areas where Category I and II Invaslve plant species are found and
recommend methods and frequency for treatment and removal.
30,000.00
x1
30,000.00
3,000.00
x1
3,000.00
Agenda item #5b
Page 2 of 4
COASTAL SCRUB & CABBAGE PALM HAMMOCK MONITORING 31000,00
xi
Annual monitoring of four (4) existing plots: Observations, data, and recommendations from this section 3*000,00
should be Included in the annual report.
SEAGRASS MONITORING 61200,00
xi
Annual monitoring of six (6) existing transacts. 6,200.00
Observations, data, and recommendations from this section should be Included in the annual report.
I
PROTECTED SPECIES MONITORING 4,800.00
x1
Annual Identification of floral and faunal species and associated habitats. 4,000,00
• Annual Identification of gopher tortoise burrows.
• Obtain Collier County sea turtle nesting data from appropriate County division.
• Observations, data, and recommendations from this section should be Included In the annual report.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES MONITORING
i,000
x
x I
BI-annual inspection of 32 canoe trail markers. Inform project manager of any damages.
10000.00
• Observations, data, and recommendations from this section should be Included in the annual report.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES MONITORING
500.00
xi
Annual Inspection of three (3) archaeological sites forsigns of disturbance
500.00
• Observations, data, and recommendations from this section should be Included In the annual report.
HAND DUG CHANNELS INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
61000,00
x1
Annual pre -clearing (March) and post -clearing (April or priorto start of rainy season) Inspections of j
69000.00
existing hand -dug channels,
• Forthe purposes of obtaining quotes and hiring contractor to perform maintenance clearing work,
Inform project manager of troubled areas.
• Observations, data, and recommendations from this section should be Included In the annual report.
I
WATER LEVEL MONITORING
3,000.00
xi
Quarterly monitoring of three (3) groundwater level devices at existing well point locations. Devices shall
31000,00
be provided and maintained by ETE.
• Obtain site -specific rainfall data from Club Pelican Bay.
• Observations, data, and recommendations from this section should be Included In the annual report.
TIDAL GAUGES STATION MAINTENANCE
41000,00
xt
Monitor four (4) tldal gauges stations to maintain equipment, reset modems, check or replace batteries,
4,000.00
clean solar panels, etc. Probes at each station should be removed on a quarterly basis for cleaning and
reinstalled promptly.
• Observations, data, and recommendations from this section should be Included In the annual report.
Agenda item #51b
Page 3 of 4
ANNUAL CLAM BAY MONITORING REPORT & PRESENTATION
Prepare and present to the PBSD Board an annual Clam Bay monitoring report detailing the state of the
system for the monitoring period.
GENERAL &MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
General consulting services as requested.
• Attendance at monthly PBSD Board and Committees meetings, and/or Board of
County Commissioners' meetings as requested.
• Coordination of permitting activities to Include pre -application meetings, application
preparation and submittals, and post -Issuance reporting.
• Monitoring activities In excess of the number of Included events.
Total
We appreciate your business)
7,000.00
xi
7,000'00
12,000.00
xi
12,000,00
$80,500.00
Thank you for allowing Earth Tech Environmental LLC to provide you and your community with environmental services. This
proposal can be authorized by digitally signing below. You can also print a PDF version of this agreement, sign, and return a copy
to us,
Payment Options:
ETE accepts cash, check, or credit cards for services. A 3.8 % convenience feels added to all credit card transactions.
Reviews See all reviews
Earth Tech Environmental Is one of the
most professional and knowledgeable
companies in the Industry. They have
gone above and beyond my
expectations on every job I have done
with them. They are highly
recommendedl
by Luis Sanchez
Great company; they did a wonderful
Job with our gopher tortoise permitting
and services. Andrew was very helpful
and easy to work with. We would
definitely use their services again, if
needed.
6y Dina Roth
Jeremy and Adam are some of the
most knowledgable and hard working
members of Earth Tech Environmental
and working with them is always a
pleasure. They can ALWAYS find a
solution to any Issue and are very easy
to communicate .,,
by Chdslopher Dorrill
Agenda ite
Page I ol&F.4.0
Almol,tti •VQLJUITW Lip jxa
tulvjp�
MOMORMAMMANAGEMEW
..
.,.
• •! •.S • •
n6 •
• r ur ^;rr r . •r r • • t
u 4 , • f : ., yr�., ri-�fLY'.. 1L1_i.
' ,
m. �y. f f.. . ; f
E
Agenda item #5d
Page 1 of 3
2021 Clam Baypnnual Report
12.0 SUMMARY
The Clam Bay estuary experienced fairly "normal" weather conditions throughout 2021. The system experienced
Tropical Storm Elsa in early July which brought an unseasonable amount of wind and rain.
The following are brief summaries of work completed by Earth Tech Environmental (ETE) In 2021 and
recommendations for each major monitoring category:
Mangrove Monitoring
ETE monitored 21 mangrove plots within the Clam Bay estuary, In each plot, the mangrove species, diameter and
condition were recorded, Generally, the 2015 mangrove die -off areas (ETE plots) have stabilized and do not appear
to be expanding. Overall, the health of the majority of the mangrove plots appears to have slightly improved
and/or stabilized from 2020. Hand dug channel maintenance appears to have a direct effect on the health of the
mangroves. The four (4) photo stations along the berm were Installed following Hurricane Irma in 2017 and are
demonstrating continued recruitment and recovery.
Four (4) new areas of stressed mangroves were Identified In 2019 west of Inner Clam Bay. Fixed photo stations
were established in March 2021 to photo -document changes over time. Areas 3, 4 and to a lesser extent Area 2,
appear to be improving, possibly because of targeted hand dug channel maintenance In 2020 and 2021. Area 1
continues to exhibit abundant signs of stress. There are no hand dug channels in the vicinity of Area I- it could be
experiencing stagnant water and a lack of drainage, potentially contributing to the stress factors. It Is recommended
to consider creating new hand dug channels between the stressed area and Inner Clam Bay to allow flushing of
Area 1. Extending the channels around Area 4 to reach the stressed area should also be considered. Regular
channel maintenance in and around Areas 2, 3 and 4 should be continued.
In 2021, Earth Tech Environmental conducted aerial mangrove monitoring (droning) for the Clam Bay estuary. A
protocol was created in 2019 to obtain consistent aerial views at nine (9) monitoring locations in order to monitor
mangrove health over time, and to potentially Identify new areas of stressed mangroves. No significant new
stressed areas were identified from the drone imagery in 2021, It is recommended to continue biannual droning
of the mangroves in 2022.
Hand Dug Channel Maintenance
Using field observations from mangrove monitoring in 2020 and March 2021 as a guide for areas within the Clam
Bay system that may need channel maintenance, ETE targeted specific networks of channels around mangrove
plots that appeared to be in decline due to lack of properflushing. Additional areas were maintained where visible
blockages/debris were noted previously in the field. Specifically, channels in the vicinity of plots TH-1, TH-4, TH-10,
TH-6, PSI, PS2, SP2, SP3, and SP4 were identified for maintenance.
In June 2021, ETE conducted hand dug channel maintenance whereby approximately 1.81 miles of channels
were cleared of vegetation, muck and debris to allow more sufficient drainage within the estuary. The channel
maintenance was conducted with hand tools and chalnsaws to remove fallen and leaning logs, trees, limbs, muck
and detritus from above and within the channels. Debris material was moved awayfrom the channels, though left
in the estuary.
Channel maintenance for 2022 will again be targeted around stressed plots/areas and observed blockages. It Is
recommended to conduct maintenance earlier in the year (i.e. April) due to inclement weather and high water
levels.
Coastal Scrub Monitoring
Overall, the coastal dune vegetation in Clam Bay Is stable. There is continued presence of beach naupaka (Scoevola
Earth Tech Environmental, LLC www etefloridaxom
158
Agenda item #5d
Page 2 of 3
2021 Clam Bay Annual Report
Lucca within the coastal scrub habitat in Clam Bay. Beach naupaka is a Category 1 exotic plant as defined
by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's list of Invasive plant species. It Is known for supplanting native coastal
vegetation, forming dense monoculture areas. ETE still recommends removal of beach naupaka from the coastal
scrub habitat. The coastal scrub habitat Is home to a significant population of gophertortoise.
Seagrass Monitoring
Overall seagrass coverage in 2021 was greater than previous years: 3.55 acres In 2021; 3.21 acres In 2020; and
3.53 acres In 2019. The southern portion of Clam Bay (Transect 1) had minimal seagrass (paddle grass) forthe first
time since 2016, The time of year when monitoring occurs could contribute to the varying coverage overtime, due
to the ephemeral nature of seagrass. The Increase In overall seagrass coverage In 2021 could be attributed to a
number of otherfactors including low red tide and storm events, though most important among these Is Ilkelythe
health and structure of the mouth of Clam Pass (open and flowing versus blocked and slowed). A wide variety and
abundance of benthic organisms were observed during this year's monitoring.
Listed Species Monitoring
ETE conducted a specific purpose survey to determine gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) utilization of
habitat within the Clam Bay NRPA. A total of 184 potentially occupied burrows were identified during the survey.
The gopher tortoise population was estimated at 92 individuals (adults & juveniles). This Is an Increase from the
2020 results:152 potentially occupied burrows/76 Individuals. Abandoned burrows were also noted in the survey,
which may include old, collapsed burrows or potential armadillo burrows. The number of abandoned burrows
decreased from 57 in 2020 to 33 in 2021, The 24% Increased in the estimated population In 2021 could partially be
attributed to a growing population and reduced storm/flooding events, in addition to a more liberal classification
of potentially occupied burrows, rather than abandoned, in order to avoid potential adverse Impacts to tortoises
during the planned beach naupaka removal within the dune habitat.
Management of foraging habitat within the coastal scrub Is key to maintaining and growing the existing gopher
tortoise population. See Coastal Scrub Monitoring summary above for recommendations on beach naupaka.
ETE droned the bird rookery on the north end of the estuary in 2021 and observed a number of species utilizing
the island for nesting and roosting, Continued monitoring is recommended In 2022 to further determine the
population(s) of birds using the Island.
Exotic Vegetation Monitoring
Aquagenix was responsible for exotic maintenance In the NRPA and additional areas through October 2021, while
ETE was responsible for exotic maintenance only in the NRPA as of November 2021. The majority of exotic and
nuisance vegetation in Clam Bay Is located along the "margins" —the east side of the mangroves along the tram
berm, the dune Swale west of Bay Colony, and the west side of the NRPA in the beach dunes. One area, just west
of the Commons is still getting Intensive treatments to kill large trees and re-sprouts_In this area. These areas
have been targeting these fringe areas (exclusive of beach naupaka). These areas are adjacent to the most human
activity around the system. Exotics identified during the course of treatment events Included but were not limited
to shoebutton ardisla, Brazilian pepper, Cuban laurel fig, Blshopwood, seaside mahoe, lava plum, carrotwood, old
world climbing fern, umbrella tree, and primrose willow.
As the mangrove areas along the eastern side of the system continue to recover from Hurricane Irma, it may
be necessary to add new exotic treatment areas Into the exotic removal regimen. Continued quarterly and/or
biannual treatment is recommended to be continued In perpetuity.
Earth Tech Environmental, LLC www.ete0orlda.com
159
Agenda item #5d
Page 3 of 3
2021 are Ray Annual Report
Beach naupaka was mapped along the dunes and 1,11 acres were Identified within the NRPA along/within the
dunes from Clam Pass to the Strand. An additional 0.10 acres were mapped around the north and south restaurants
(Pelican Bay Foundation).
Water Level Monitoring
Three (3) water level wells are monitored within the NRPA. All three well loggers, though primarily MW-3, have
experienced inconsistent technological difficulties and failure from 2019 though early 2021. ETE has worked
diligently with the manufacturer to diagnose and attempt to remedy the Issues. All three sensors have been
replaced multiple times, the latest being MW-1 and MW-2 in March 2021, and MW-31n November 2021. Since the
latest replacements, the Issues appearto be remedied. The next quarterly download event is scheduled for March
2022; If equipment Issues continue to arise, ETE will look Into a new equipment manufacturer.
Recreation Facilities Monitoring
Canoe channel marker #8 has had a new fiberglass pole Installed, though is In need of a sign. Many of the signs
are quite faded from the elements and are becoming difficult to read. Replacement, or potentially repainting, of
all signs is recommended in the near future, Channel markers #28 and #29 have mangroves growing over them,
obstructing visibility, Markers #13 and #15 have lost their refiectortape.
The four (4) tide gauge stations located on channel markers #4, #14, #26, & #32 were maintained by ETE
throughout 2021. In general, there were minimal tide gauge issues in 2021, The sensor at #14 failed and was
replaced on December 13, 2021. After the toppling of the pole and loss of equipment on marker#14 in 2020, ETE
is recommending that the other channel marker poles for the tide stations are replaced before they potentially fall.
Archaeological Site Monitoring
No obvious signs of shell mounds were observed in the locations Identified and no signs of human disturbance was
observed In 2021,
Earth Tech EnNrannental, LtC www.eteaorlda.com
C'•1 0<d
Rlll
Agenda item Va
Page 1 of 2
CLAMBAYNRPA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Pelican Bay Services Division
October 2014
Ver. 6.5
Figure 17. Historic Nn(er Quality �nonita•ing locations within and adjncen[ to (he NRPA Boundary
1