Agenda 07/11/2023 Item #16A5 (10 year update to the Otter Mound Preserve Final Management Plan)16.A.5
07/ 11 /2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the Conservation Collier Otter Mound Preserve 10-year update under the
Conservation Collier Program Marco Island Parcels Final Management Plan.
OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) for the 10-year update to the
Otter Mound Preserve Final Management Plan.
CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance, No. 2002-63, as amended, Section 14(3), requires
that a Final Management Plan (IMP) 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 most recent update
of the IMP was approved by the CCLAAC on May 3, 2023.
The 2.46-acre Otter Mound Preserve located in Marco Island was acquired in 2004 and 2007. A Final Ten -Year
Management Plan was developed and approved by the Board on January 151'', 2008 Agenda Item 16.E.2. The
approved plan has been operational and updated since that time.
Changes in this plan include updated maps, updated property status information, additions to plant or animal lists,
the status of invasive plant and animal infestations, and streamlining of text. Tracked changes have been made so
that Board members can quickly see the proposed changes. This plan will be applied to any of Conservation
Collier's future acquisitions on Marco Island due to their proximity and similarity of management strategies to the
Otter Mound Preserve.
It has been the practice for the Program to hold a public meeting approximately every 10 years to meet with
neighbors. The most recent public meeting was held on September 17t'', 2020, to allow for public input on the land
management of the preserve. No public comment was received at the meeting. However, comments from
neighboring property owners have been communicated to the land manager since that time. Specific neighbor
concerns are addressed on a case -by -case basis.
The CCLAAC reviewed and approved the updated plan on May 3, 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT: Annual costs are estimated at $3,250-$15,550 per year for the next ten (10) years. This is
primarily for invasive exotic plant treatment, trail maintenance, and hurricane debris removal. 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.
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 for the use of environmentally sensitive
lands. This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board action. -SAA
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the attached proposed 10-year Final Management Plan for Otter Mound
Preserve and direct staff to implement the updated plan.
Prepared by: Mitchell Barazowski, Environmental Specialist 1, Development Review Division
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. [Linked] OMP and Marco Island Parcels LMP 2023 BOCC Strikethrough (DOCX)
2. [Linked] OMP and Marco Island Parcels LMP 2023 BOCC clean (PDF)
Packet Pg. 275
16.A.5
07/11/2023
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.A.5
Doc ID: 25699
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the Conservation Collier Otter Mound Preserve 10-year update
under the Conservation Collier Program Marco Island Parcels Final Management Plan.
Meeting Date: 07/11/2023
Prepared by:
Title: Technician — Development Review
Name: Lucia Martin
06/01/2023 12:57 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Environmental Specialist — Growth Management and Community Development Department
Name: Jaime Cook
06/01/2023 12:57 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Growth Management and Community Development Department Summer BrownAraque
Growth Management and Community Development Department Diane Lynch
Operations & Regulatory Management Michael Stark Additional Reviewer
Transportation Management Operations Support Evelyn Trimino
Growth Management and Community Development Department Jaime Cook
Growth Management and Community Development Department James C French
County Attorney's Office
Office of Management and Budget
County Attorney's Office
Office of Management and Budget
County Manager's Office
Board of County Commissioners
Sally Ashkar
Level 2 Attorney Review
Debra Windsor
Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review
Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review
Laura Zautcke
Additional Reviewer
Amy Patterson
Level 4 County Manager Review
Geoffrey Willig
Meeting Pending
Additional Reviewer Completed
06/07/2023 11:54 AM
Growth Management DepartmentCompleted
06/08/2023 5:16 PM
Completed 06/12/2023 9:10 AM
Additional Reviewer Completed
06/13/2023 3:50 PM
Division Director Completed
06/14/2023 2:12 PM
Growth Management Completed
06/15/2023 7:20 PM
Completed 06/22/2023 10:26 AM
Completed 06/22/2023 12:05 PM
Completed 06/23/2023 9:11 AM
Completed 06/29/2023 4:59 PM
Completed 07/05/2023 12:19 PM
07/11/2023 9:00 AM
Packet Pg. 276
Evaluation Only. Created with Aspose.Words. Copyright 2003-2011 Aspose Pty Ltd.
Otter Mound Preserve and Marco
Island Project Area
Land Management Plan
Updated May 2014June 2019 and April 2023
Managed by:
Conservation Collier Program
Collier County
April 2023June 2019-AprilJune 203329 (10 yr plan)
2013 2023 Updated Land Management Plan – Otter Mound
Preserve
Conservation Collier Program II
Prepared by:
Collier County Parks and Recreation Department
August 2013April 2023June 2019
Otter Mound Preserve
Land Management Plan Executive Summary
Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Parks and Recreation
Department, Conservation Collier Program
Properties included in this Plan includee four parcels originally having Folio numbers
21840000029, 21840000045, 21840000061, and 2583040000, which were combined into folio
number 21840000029 in 2007 and any additional parcels acquired on Marco Island during the
life of this plan.
Acreage: 2.46 acres
Management Responsibilities: Collier County Conservation Collier Program has oversight
responsibility with day to day responsibilities shared by the City of Marco Island under an Inter-
local Agreement attached as Appendix 1.
Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource-based recreation
Unique Features: Mature, tropical hardwood hammock
Archaeological/Historical: Calusa shell mound, historic whelk shell terracing, and historic
outhouse
Management Goals:
Goal 1: Maintain the property in its natural condition prior to modern development.
Goal 2: Eliminate or Rreduce human impacts to indigenous plant and animal life.
Goal 3: Maintain the trail to provide a safe and pleasant visitor experience.
Goal 4: Protect Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources.
Goal 5: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes.
Goal 6: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
Acquisition Needs: None
Surplus Lands: None
Public Involvement: Public meeting held September 17th, 2020. No public comment was
received.
2013 2023 Updated Land Management Plan – Otter Mound
Preserve
Conservation Collier Program III
Contents
LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................2
List of Tables ..................................................................................................................................................................5
List of Figures .................................................................................................................................................................5
List of Appendices ..........................................................................................................................................................5
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................6
1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan .................................................................................................................7
1.2 Location ....................................................................................................................................................................7
1.3 REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF OTTER MOUND PRESERVE ................................................................10
1.5 Management Authority ...........................................................................................................................................12
1.6 Public Involvement .................................................................................................................................................12
2.0 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES ..................................................................................................12
2.1 Physiography...........................................................................................................................................................12
2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ..........................................................................................................................12
2.1.2 Geology ..................................................................................................................................................................12
2.1.3 Soils ........................................................................................................................................................................12
2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management ..............................................................................................................................17
2.2 Climate ....................................................................................................................................................................17
2.3 Natural Communities ..............................................................................................................................................17
2.3.1 Shell Mound ...........................................................................................................................................................17
2.3.2 Existing Habitat Conditions 2007 ..........................................................................................................................19
2.4 Plant and Animal Species .......................................................................................................................................22
2.5 Listed Species .........................................................................................................................................................17
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species ...............................................................................................................................................17
2.5.2 Listed Wildlife Species ..........................................................................................................................................21
2.6 Invasive Non-native and Problem Species .............................................................................................................22
2.7 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources ................................................................................................22
2.8 Scenic Resources ....................................................................................................................................................24
3.0 USE OF THE PROPERTY ..................................................................................................................................24
3.1 Previous Use and Development ..............................................................................................................................24
2013 2023 Updated Land Management Plan – Otter Mound
Preserve
Conservation Collier Program IV
3.2 Current Public Use and Land Uses .........................................................................................................................24
3.3 Adjacent Land Uses ................................................................................................................................................30
3.4 Prospective Land Acquisitions ...............................................................................................................................30
4.0 MANAGEMENT ISSUES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...............................................................................30
4.1 Program Framework and Goals ..............................................................................................................................30
4.1.1 Management Activities to Protect/Restore the Resource .......................................................................................30
4.1.2 Manager ..................................................................................................................................................................30
4.1.3 Preserve Rules and Regulations .............................................................................................................................30
4.2 Desired Future Conditions ......................................................................................................................................31
4.3 Major Accomplishments During Previous Years ...................................................................................................32
4.4 Goals and Objectives for 10 year period.................................................................................................................32
4.5 Public Use Facilities ...............................................................................................................................................40
4.6 Operational Plan for Otter Mound Preserve ...........................................................................................................40
4.6.1 Maintenance ..........................................................................................................................................................40
4.6.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources .....................................................................................................40
4.6.3.Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors ......................................42
4.7 Partnerships and Regional Coordination ................................................................................................................42
4.7.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements ..................................................................................................42
4.7.2 Cooperating Agencies and Organizations .............................................................................................................42
5.0 LITERATURE CITED ........................................................................................................................................43
2013 2023 Updated Land Management Plan – Otter Mound
Preserve
Conservation Collier Program V
List of Tables
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status for Otter Mound Preserve ................................................6
Table 2: Public Lands and Designated Water Resources Located Near Otter Mound Preserve ...10
Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities ..................................................................................17
Table 4: Otter Mound Preserve Bird Observations .......................................................................23
Table 5: Rare Plant Species at Otter Mound Preserve ...................................................................17
Table 6: Rare Wildlife Species with the Potential to Occur at Otter Mound Preserve .................22
Table 7: Invasive Non-native Species known to Occur at Otter Mound Preserve ...Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Table 8: Major Management Accomplishments During Previous Years ......................................32
Table 9: Otter Mound Preserve Invasive Exotic Plant Species Control Plan ................................33
Table 10: Management Activities Timeline and Cost.……………………………………….…38
Table 11: Potential Contracting for Activities ...............................................................................42
List of Figures
Figure 1: Otter Mound Preserve Location
Figure 2: Otter Mound Preserve 2007 Aerial View
Figure 3: Natural Areas and Designated SFWMD Conservation Easements Existing in Collier
County
Figure 4: Otter Mound Preserve North Contour Map
Figure 5: Otter Mound Preserve South Contour Map
Figure 6: Otter Mound Preserve Substrate Profile
Figure 7: Historic Aerials
Figure 8: Sparse Vegetation within Planting Area One Year After Planting – July 18, 2007
Figure 9: Otter Mound Preserve 2006 Summer Planting
Figure 10: Shell Wall Preserve Easement Description
Figure 11: Shell Wall Preserve Easement Map
Figure 12: Ingress/Egress Easement Map
Figure 13: Ingress/Egress Easement Description
List of Appendices
Appendix 1: Conservation Collier Ordinance, 2002-63, as amended
Appendix 2: 2013 Interlocal Agreement between Collier County and the City of Marco Island
Appendix 3: Legal Description
Appendix 4: Public Involvement Contact List
Appendix 5: Florida Natural Areas Inventory Managed Area Tracking Record and Element
Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation
Appendix 6: Otter Mound Preserve June/July 2006 Planting List
Appendix 7: 2007 Otter Mound Plant List
Appendix 8: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Marco Island Quadrangle in the Vicinity
of Otter Mound Preserve
Appendix 9: Adjacent Property Owners’ Deed Describing Ingress/Egress Easement
Appendix 10: FFWCC and Collier County Staff Correspondence Regarding Possible Gopher
Tortoise Relocation at Otter Mound Preserve
Appendix 11: USFWS and Collier County Cooperative Agreement No. 401815J021
2013 2023 Updated Land Management Plan – Otter Mound
Preserve
Conservation Collier Program VI
Appendix 11: Tree Management Plan
2013 2023 Updated Land Management Plan – Otter Mound
Preserve
Conservation Collier Program 1
1.0 Introduction
Otter Mound Preserve is a 2.46-acre urban preserve located in southwestern Collier County in a
residential area of Marco Island. The entire preserve site is a Calusa shell mound (c. 700 A.D.-
1200 A.D.) that contains artifacts of both archaeological and historical significance. Access to
the preserve is from Osceola Court and Addison Court - with 4-space public parking available
including handicapped space at the entrance.
The Conservation Collier Program acquired the bulk of the preserve in July 2004 and the
southwestern-most “Karen” property in June 2007. The Karen property has been incorporated
into the existing preserve; therefore, this plan applies to both properties, and both properties are
collectively referred to as the Otter Mound Preserve. Largely comprised of native, tropical
hardwood hammock species, the preserve also contains examples of non-native, historical
vegetation. The Conservation Collier Program manages this parcel under authority granted by
the Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63, as amended (available from www.municode.com)
with assistance from the City of Marco Island under an Interlocal Agreement signed February
28, 2006 and renewed in October 2013. (Appendix 1)
Conservation, restoration, and passive public use are the designated uses of the property.
Management activities allowed are those necessary to preserve and/or restore this
environmentally and historically endangered land for the benefit of present and future
generations. Public use of this site must be consistent with these goals.
An initial site assessment of the preserve was conducted on September 22, 2003 and the
northernmost section was purchased by the Conservation Collier Program on July 12, 2004.
Previously known as the “Gionet Otter Mound” property for the former owners – Ernest and
Gladys Otter and Michael, Mary, and Gary Gionet – it was renamed Otter Mound Preserve in
May 2005. On June 18, 2007, the southernmost part of the preserve was purchased from Harvey
and Lisa Karen. Initial preserve activities are identified in Table 1 below.
This Plan is being updated in 2013 2018 to provide current preserve information and to add a
recently developed Tree Management Plan to the Otter Mound Land Management Plan.
This document was truncated here because it was created using Aspose.Words in
Evaluation Mode.
Conservation Collier Program 1
Otter Mound Preserve and Marco
Island Project Area
Land Management Plan
Updated June 2019 and April 2023
Managed by:
Conservation Collier Program
Collier County
April 2023-April 2033 (10 yr plan)
Prepared by:
Conservation Collier Program 2
Collier County Parks and Recreation Department
April 2023Otter Mound Preserve
Land Management Plan Executive Summary
Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Parks and Recreation
Department, Conservation Collier Program
Properties included in this Plan include four parcels originally having Folio numbers
21840000029, 21840000045, 21840000061, and 2583040000, which were combined into folio
number 21840000029 in 2007 and any additional parcels acquired on Marco Island during the life
of this plan
Acreage: 2.46 acres
Management Responsibilities: Collier County Conservation Collier Program has oversight
responsibility with day to day responsibilities shared by the City of Marco Island under an Inter-
local Agreement attached as Appendix 1.
Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource-based recreation
Unique Features: Mature, tropical hardwood hammock
Archaeological/Historical: Calusa shell mound, historic whelk shell terracing, and historic
outhouse
Management Goals:
Goal 1: Maintain the property in its natural condition prior to modern development.
Goal 2: Reduce human impacts to indigenous plant and animal life.
Goal 3: Maintain the trail to provide a safe and pleasant visitor experience.
Goal 4: Protect Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources.
Goal 5: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes.
Goal 6: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
Acquisition Needs: None
Surplus Lands: None
Public Involvement: Public meeting held September 17th, 2020. No public comment was received.
Conservation Collier Program 3
Contents
LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................. 2
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
List of Figures ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
List of Appendices ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan ................................................................................................................ 7
1.2 Location ................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF OTTER MOUND PRESERVE ............................................................... 10
1.5 Management Authority .......................................................................................................................................... 12
1.6 Public Involvement ................................................................................................................................................ 12
2.0 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................. 12
2.1 Physiography ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ......................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.2 Geology ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
2.1.3 Soils ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management ............................................................................................................................. 17
2.2 Climate .................................................................................................................................................................. 17
2.3 Natural Communities ............................................................................................................................................. 17
2.3.1 Shell Mound .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.3.2 Existing Habitat Conditions 2007 ......................................................................................................................... 19
2.4 Plant and Animal Species ...................................................................................................................................... 22
2.5 Listed Species ........................................................................................................................................................ 17
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species .............................................................................................................................................. 17
2.5.2 Listed Wildlife Species ......................................................................................................................................... 21
2.6 Invasive Non-native and Problem Species ............................................................................................................ 22
2.7 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources ............................................................................................... 22
2.8 Scenic Resources ................................................................................................................................................... 24
3.0 USE OF THE PROPERTY ................................................................................................................................. 24
3.1 Previous Use and Development ............................................................................................................................. 24
Conservation Collier Program 4
3.2 Current Public Use and Land Uses ........................................................................................................................ 24
3.3 Adjacent Land Uses ............................................................................................................................................... 30
3.4 Prospective Land Acquisitions .............................................................................................................................. 30
4.0 MANAGEMENT ISSUES, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................... 30
4.1 Program Framework and Goals ............................................................................................................................. 30
4.1.1 Management Activities to Protect/Restore the Resource ...................................................................................... 30
4.1.2 Manager ................................................................................................................................................................ 30
4.1.3 Preserve Rules and Regulations ............................................................................................................................ 30
4.2 Desired Future Conditions ..................................................................................................................................... 31
4.3 Major Accomplishments During Previous Years .................................................................................................. 32
4.4 Goals and Objectives for 10 year period................................................................................................................ 32
4.5 Public Use Facilities .............................................................................................................................................. 40
4.6 Operational Plan for Otter Mound Preserve .......................................................................................................... 40
4.6.1 Maintenance......................................................................................................................................................... 40
4.6.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources .................................................................................................... 40
4.6.3. Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors ...................................... 42
4.7 Partnerships and Regional Coordination ............................................................................................................... 42
4.7.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements ................................................................................................. 42
4.7.2 Cooperating Agencies and Organizations ............................................................................................................ 42
5.0 LITERATURE CITED ....................................................................................................................................... 43
Conservation Collier Program 5
List of Tables
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status for Otter Mound Preserve ............................................... 6
Table 2: Public Lands and Designated Water Resources Located Near Otter Mound Preserve .. 10
Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities ................................................................................. 17
Table 4: Otter Mound Preserve Bird Observations....................................................................... 23
Table 5: Rare Plant Species at Otter Mound Preserve .................................................................. 17
Table 6: Rare Wildlife Species with the Potential to Occur at Otter Mound Preserve ................. 22
Table 7: Invasive Non-native Species known to Occur at Otter Mound Preserve ............... Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Table 8: Major Management Accomplishments During Previous Years ..................................... 32
Table 9: Otter Mound Preserve Invasive Exotic Plant Species Control Plan ............................... 33
Table 10: Management Activities Timeline and Cost.……………………………………….…38
Table 11: Potential Contracting for Activities .............................................................................. 42
List of Figures
Figure 1: Otter Mound Preserve Location
Figure 2: Otter Mound Preserve 2007 Aerial View
Figure 3: Natural Areas and Designated SFWMD Conservation Easements Existing in Collier
County
Figure 4: Otter Mound Preserve North Contour Map
Figure 5: Otter Mound Preserve South Contour Map
Figure 6: Otter Mound Preserve Substrate Profile
Figure 7: Historic Aerials
Figure 8: Sparse Vegetation within Planting Area One Year After Planting – July 18, 2007
Figure 9: Otter Mound Preserve 2006 Summer Planting
Figure 10: Shell Wall Preserve Easement Description
Figure 11: Shell Wall Preserve Easement Map
Figure 12: Ingress/Egress Easement Map
Figure 13: Ingress/Egress Easement Description
List of Appendices
Appendix 1: Conservation Collier Ordinance, 2002-63, as amended
Appendix 2: 2013 Interlocal Agreement between Collier County and the City of Marco Island
Appendix 3: Legal Description
Appendix 4: Public Involvement Contact List
Appendix 5: Florida Natural Areas Inventory Managed Area Tracking Record and Element
Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation
Appendix 6: Otter Mound Preserve June/July 2006 Planting List
Appendix 7: 2007 Otter Mound Plant List
Appendix 8: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Marco Island Quadrangle in the Vicinity
of Otter Mound Preserve
Appendix 9: Adjacent Property Owners’ Deed Describing Ingress/Egress Easement
Appendix 10: FFWCC and Collier County Staff Correspondence Regarding Possible Gopher
Tortoise Relocation at Otter Mound Preserve
Appendix 11: USFWS and Collier County Cooperative Agreement No. 401815J021
Conservation Collier Program 6
1.0 Introduction
Otter Mound Preserve is a 2.46-acre urban preserve located in southwestern Collier County in a
residential area of Marco Island. The entire preserve site is a Calusa shell mound (c. 700 A.D.-
1200 A.D.) that contains artifacts of both archaeological and historical significance. Access to the
preserve is from Osceola Court and Addison Court - with 4-space public parking available
including handicapped space at the entrance.
The Conservation Collier Program acquired the bulk of the preserve in July 2004 and the
southwestern-most “Karen” property in June 2007. The Karen property has been incorporated into
the existing preserve; therefore, this plan applies to both properties, and both properties are
collectively referred to as the Otter Mound Preserve. Largely comprised of native, tropical
hardwood hammock species, the preserve also contains examples of non-native, historical
vegetation. The Conservation Collier Program manages this parcel under authority granted by the
Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63, as amended (available from www.municode.com) with
assistance from the City of Marco Island under an Interlocal Agreement signed February 28, 2006
and renewed in October 2013. (Appendix 1)
Conservation, restoration, and passive public use are the designated uses of the property.
Management activities allowed are those necessary to preserve and/or restore this environmentally
and historically endangered land for the benefit of present and future generations. Public use of
this site must be consistent with these goals.
An initial site assessment of the preserve was conducted on September 22, 2003 and the
northernmost section was purchased by the Conservation Collier Program on July 12, 2004.
Previously known as the “Gionet Otter Mound” property for the former owners – Ernest and
Gladys Otter and Michael, Mary, and Gary Gionet – it was renamed Otter Mound Preserve in May
2005. On June 18, 2007, the southernmost part of the preserve was purchased from Harvey and
Lisa Karen. Initial preserve activities are identified in Table 1 below.
This Plan is being updated in to provide current preserve information.
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status for Otter Mound Preserve
Year Benchmark
2003 Gionet property initially assessed
2004 Gionet Otter Mound property purchased
2004 Interim Management Plan developed
2005 Gionet Otter Mound property renamed to Otter Mound Preserve
2005 Initial exotic plant and debris removed
2006 Exotics maintenance started (contracted)
2006 Inter-local Agreement with City of Marco Island developed
2006 Trails created from Hurricane Wilma debris and post and rope fence installed
2006 Over 200 native species planted
2006 Karen property initially assessed
2007 Bench, garbage cans, plant identification signs, three interpretive signs, entrance sign,
sidewalk, and three parking spaces installed (all contracted except plant ID signs)
2007 Preserve opened to the public in March
Conservation Collier Program 7
2007 0.68 acre Karen parcel purchased
2008 Final management plan approved by BOCC (1/15/2008, Item 16e)
2013 Inter-local Agreement with City of Marco Island renewed
2014 5-year Management Plan Update approved by BOCC (May)
2023 10-Year Management Plan Update
1.1 Purpose of the Project and Scope of Plan
The purpose and scope of this management plan is to provide management direction for Otter
Mound Preserve, and any additional parcels acquired by Conservation Collier on Marco Island, by
identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or minimize any threats to the resources
and integrity of the preserve. During the next management plan update any parcels acquired on
Marco Island will be incorporated into the Plan at that time. This text is a working document that
establishes the foundation for the ten-year plan by identifying the appropriate management
techniques necessary to preserve and/or restore the resource, considering budget needs. This plan
will seek to balance resource restoration and protection with passive public recreational and
educational use while looking at restoration needs, budgetary needs, listed species protection,
archaeological/historical feature protection, and invasive exotic plant and species maintenance.
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.
On May 3rd, 2023, the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC)
recommended this plan be approved by Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
When approved by the BCC, this plan will supersede the Final Management Plans prepared by
Conservation Collier staff in January 2008 and approved by the Board of County Commissioners
on January 15, 2008 (Agenda Item 16E).
1.2 Location
Otter Mound Preserve is located at 1831 Addison Court within the City of Marco Island, in Collier
County, Florida. Lying in the middle of the semi-circle formed by East, West and South Inlet
Drive, the preserve is bound on the north by Addison Court and on the southwest by Osceola
Court. The site location is shown in Figure 1. The legal description is attached as Appendix 2.
Conservation Collier Program 8
Figure 1: Otter Mound Preserve Location
Conservation Collier Program 9
Figure 2: Otter Mound Preserve 2022 Aerial View
Conservation Collier Program 10
1.3 Regional Significance of Otter Mound Preserve
Despite having 877,000, or 68%, of County lands protected by conservation status, Collier County
has lost, and is losing, many of its rare and unique habitats. The Conservation Collier Ordinance
2002-63, as amended (available from www.municode.com) identifies these specific habitats and
gives preference to them in acquisition evaluations. These habitats include, in order of preference:
tropical hardwood hammock, xeric oak scrub, coastal strand, native beach, riverine oak, high
marsh (saline), and tidal freshwater marsh. Otter Mound Preserve was purchased because it
contains tropical hardwood hammock habitat. In addition, the preserve contains the following
features that make it an important archaeological and historical site: undisturbed Calusa shell
mounds, a historic pioneer structure (outhouse), and historic man-made shell terracing that runs
along the northern and western sections of the property. The location of the preserve in the urban
area provides an opportunity for citizens, visitors, and school-age children to view this habitat type
without traveling far.
The preserve serves as an important stopover site for a variety of migratory bird spe cies, and it is
home to the Florida banded tree snail (Orthalicus floridensis), the largest tree snail in the state of
Florida. In addition, Otter Mound Preserve contains seven state listed plant species: Curacao bush
(Cordia globosa), giant wild pine (Tillandsia utriculata), Florida thatch palm (Thrinax radiata),
Satin leaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme), Red stopper (Eugenia rhombea), Lignum vitae
(Guaiacum sanctum), and barbed-wire cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus). The protection and
management of these listed species and their habitat is critical to their long-term existence in
Collier County and in Florida.
1.4 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources
The closest preserve to Otter Mound is Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
(RBNERR), a 110,000-acre preserve surrounding Marco Island. Other preserves, in order of
increasing distance, are identified in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Public lands and designated water resources located near Otter Mound Preserve
Preserve Distance (miles) Direction Type
Rookery Bay NERR 0.15 S National
Ten Thousand Islands National
Wildlife Refuge
3.0 E National
Collier Seminole State Park 5.0 N and E State
Picayune Strand State Forest 9.0 NE State
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve
State Park
11.5 NE State
Everglades National Park 12.5 S and E National
Gordon River Greenway
Preserve
18.0 N County
Big Cypress National Preserve 20.0 E National
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Figure 3: Natural Areas and Designated SFWMD Conservation Easements Existing in Collier
County
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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.” Under the Conservation
Collier Ordinance, the Collier County Conservation Collier Program holds management authority
for all Conservation Collier Program lands. The City of Marco Island assists with specific
management tasks for Otter Mound Preserve, as identified in the Interlocal Agreement (Appendix
1).
1.6 Public Involvement
Neighborhood involvement will be sought through direct mailing notice for public meetings to
residents within the surrounding area, owners of properties that border the preserve, and
organizations with an interest in the preserve (City of Marco Island, Marco Island Historical
Society, Southwest Florida Archaeological Society, Archaeological and Historical Conservancy,
Inc.). Any major changes or management activities that are likely to be intrusive or in some way
affect neighboring properties will be reviewed with these contacts prior to conducting the activity.
Staff will also seek volunteers through these contacts (Appendix 3).2.0 Natural and Cultural Resources
2.1 Physiography
2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology
A review of a United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) 7.5 Minute Series map of the Marco
Island area and on-site investigation reveals that a slight mounding exists on the preserve. The
elevation is generally between 10 and 15 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) for most
of the site (Lucas & White 2004). Portions of at least six linear depressions (“canals”) and six
ridges are present in the southwestern portion of the preserve. The middle of the preserve is
elevated, relatively flat ground. The eastern side of the preserve contains a complex of elevated
knolls and lower zones resembling the central parts of most large shell mounds found in the region.
Four deep borrow pits of unknown origin also exist within the eastern section of the preserve
(Figures 4 and 5).
2.1.2 Geology
The geology of the area is characterized by aboriginal shell deposits adjoining and intergrading
with surrounding mangrove peat deposits. The peat deposits, in turn, intergrade and interlayer with
marine marls, coastal sand deposits, and naturally occurring shell bar formations that are deposited
and altered by sea level fluctuation, storm surge activity, and other coastal energetic activity. At
even greater depths the Holocene deposits give way to elements of the Pleistocene Caloosahatchee
formation and various Wisconsian sand terrace features. These marine marls or calcified “muds”
contain lenses and deposits of clay intermixed with varying percentages of sand (Beriault & Carr
2000).
2.1.3 Soils
Soils data is based on the Soil Survey of Collier County, Florida (USDA/NRCS 1990, rev. 1998).
Mapped soils on the preserve show the entire area to be urban land – aquents complex, organic
substratum. This soil consists of urban land soil materials that have been dug from different areas
in the county and have been spread over organic muck soils for coastal urban development (Lucas
& White 2004).
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Otter Mound Preserve lies on a slight topographic high that is associated with a Calusa shell
mound. Shell mound soils are composed of shells and shell fragments with an organic component
derived from forest litter. The soil generally is circum-neutral to slightly alkaline (pH = 7-8) and
contains 1-20% organic materials. The loose collection of shells allows water to drain extremely
rapidly. The calcareous substrate and coastal location of shell mounds often permit tropical or
subtropical species of plants to grow much further north than their normal range on other substrates
permits [Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) & Florida Department of Natural Resources
(FDNR) 1990]. Figure 6 shows the substrate profile of one 3-meter trench dug by the
Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, Inc. at Otter Mound Preserve.
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Figure 4: Otter Mound Preserve North Contour Map
Map provided by John Berialt, Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, Inc.
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Figure 5: Otter Mound Preserve South Contour Map
Map provided by John Berialt, Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, Inc.
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Figure 6: Otter Mound Preserve Substrate Profile
Map provided by John Berialt, Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, Inc.
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2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management
Surface water drains quickly through the Otter Mound Preserve soil/substrate. Water does not
pool in any area of the site, even after heavy rain events. Water management does not appear to
be an issue at the site.
2.2 Climate
Otter Mound 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 64º Fahrenheit.
Monthly rainfalls may exceed 10 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 64º Fahrenheit in some months.
The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75º
Fahrenheit. The warmest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during these
months, but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures.
Two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs in the wet season, which is from May to October.
Thunderstorms are frequent during the wet season, occurring on average every two out of three
days between June and September. Rainfall records for the area indicate that there is no significant
variation in the annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often
occur within a single year. The hurricane season extends from June through November, with peak
activity occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are warmest (URS 2007).
2.3 Natural Communities
Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities
FNAI Natural Community Type # Acres % of
Area
Global
Rank
State
Rank
Comments
Shell Mound 2.46 100% G2 S2 10 gopher tortoise burrows
located, 4 live gopher tortoise
seen
2.3.1 Shell Mound
Otter Mound Preserve consists entirely of Shell Mound, as defined by FNAI & FDNR (1990).
This natural community type, synonymous with tropical hardwood hammock, is largely a result of
the activities of the Calusa, instead of natural physical factors. Shell Mound is generally
characterized as an elevated mound of mollusk shells and aboriginal garbage on which a hardwood,
closed-canopy forest develops. Their coastal, usually insular, location generally protects Shell
Mounds from fire, but subjects them to marine influences, including high winds, hurricanes, salt
spray, high insolation, and storm surge. Typical shell mound plants include: gumbo-limbo
(Bursera simaruba), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), mastic (Sideroxylon foetidissimum), red
cedar (Juniperus virginiana), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), live oak (Quercus virginiana),
Florida privet (Forestiera segregata), coral bean (Erythrina herbacea), marlberry (Ardisia
Conservation Collier Program 18
escallonioides), saffron plum (Sideroxylon celastrinum), coontie (Zamia pumila), and others. The
species vegetation composition on Otter Mound Preserve varies slightly. While no red cedar,
saffron plum, or coontie are present, species such as soapberry (Sapindus saponaria), strangler fig
(Ficus aurea), Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia piscipula), and yellow elder (Tecoma stans) are
common. The previous use of the preserve as an early 1900’s home-site also led to the introduction
of many non-native species such as: mango (Mangifera indica), royal poinciana (Delonix regia),
guava (Psidium guajava), oyster plant (Tradescantia spathacea), air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera),
coral vine (Antigonon leptopus), and others. Aerial photographs from 1952 show that much of the
present-day preserve was wooded, while surrounding parcels were almost completely cleared.
More recent development in the 1960s further affected the surrounding lands (Figure 7).
Figure 7: Historic Aerials
1952 Aerial Courtesy of
USGS
2006 Aerial Courtesy of
Collier County Property
Appraiser
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2013 Aerial Courtesy of
Collier County Property
Appraiser
2019- Aerial Courtesy of
Collier County Property
Appraiser
2.3.2 Existing Habitat Conditions 2007
In June 2005 a large amount of mature Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia) was removed
from the northern section of the preserve, significantly reducing the canopy cover. Subsequently,
in October 2005, Hurricane Wilma passed through Marco Island. The combined effect of invasive
exotic removal and Hurricane Wilma damage resulted in 0% canopy coverage in some sections of
the preserve. During June and July of 2006, 331 native plants (85 trees, 87 shrubs, and 159
groundcovers) were planted within the barest areas of the preserve (Figure 9). A planting list is
attached as Appendix 5.
Irrigation supplement gel was planted with each plant to aid in establishment because no irrigation
was available at the preserve. The gel, consisting of 95% water and 5% cellulose, was planted
with the root ball of each plant and provided supplemental irrigation for approximately 30 days.
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All the soil material within each plant hole was sifted and surveyed for artifacts by members of
the Southwest Florida Archeological Society. All artifacts that were found are housed at the
Collier County Museum in Naples. Because of the archaeological nature of the site, only plants
in 3-gallon pots or smaller were planted. As a result, canopy coverage in the northern section of
the preserve has been slow to recover, despite a high planting survival rate (Figure 8).
Photo by Melissa Hennig.
Figure 8: Sparse vegetation within planting area one year after planting – July 18, 2007.
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Figure 9: Otter Mound Preserve 2006 Summer Planting
In July 2009, in a second planting project, 471 native plants (106 trees, 204 shrubs, and 161 ground
cover plants) were planted at Otter Mound Preserve. Irrigation supplement gel was planted with
each plant to aid in establishment because no irrigation was available at the preserve.
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The gel, consisting of 95% water and 5% cellulose, was planted with the root ball of each plant
and provided supplemental irrigation for approximately 30 days. Table 4 includes a list of species
and quantities installed.
Table 4: Otter Mound Plant List 2009
Common Name Scientific Name Quantity
TREES
Gumbo Limbo Bursera simaruba 1
Paradise tree Simaruba glauca 14
Pigeon plum Coccoloba diversifolia 41
Sweet acacia Acacia farnesiana 40
Wild tamarind Lysiloma latisiliquum 10
SHRUBS
Fiddlewood Citharexylum spinosum 5
Firebush Hamelia patens 23
Florida privet Forsetiera segregata 10
Jaimaican Caper Capparis cyanophallophora 15
Limber Caper Capparis flexuosa 13
Sea Grape Coccoloba diversifolia 7
Simpson stopper Myrcianthes fragrans 22
Snowberry Chiococca alba 9
Spanish stopper Eugenia foetida 35
White Indigoberry Randia aculeata 16
White stopper Eugenia axillaris 36
Wild Coffee Psychotria nervosa 13
GROUNDCOVER
Bird pepper Capsicum annuum 25
Blue porterweed Stachytarpheta jamaicense 62
Lantana Lantana involucrata 2
Rouge Plant Rivina humilis 12
Scorpiontail Heliotropium angiospermum 60
In 2011, 35 7-gallon native plants were planted along the eastern edge of the preserve after removal of neighboring
landscape plants that were encroaching into the preserve. See Section 3.2 (Landscaping) for more information.
2.4 Plant and Animal Species
The 2.46-acre Otter Mound Preserve tropical hardwood hammock provides food and cover for
resident and migratory species of animals that typically use such habitat.
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Botanical surveys conducted in 2020 identified 164 species present, 10 of which are state
threatened or endangered, 60 of which were non-native, 28 of which are FISC Category I&II
invasive species. (Appendix 6).
Occurrences of fauna at the preserve are based on direct visual and aural observations by Collier
County personnel during site visits, evidence of activity such as spoor, scat, or burrows, and
available site information. Mammal species known to occur or individuals and/or evidence of
activity directly observed within the preserve include the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana),
nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and eastern gray squirrel
(Sciurus carolinensis). Neighbors reported seeing a bobcat at the preserve in 2009.
Bird observations by Collier County staff are included in Table 4. Fifty-seven different species of
birds have been observed to date.
Table 5: Otter Mound Preserve Bird Observations
Scientific Name Common Name
Accipiter cooperii Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned Hawk
Archilochus colubris Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing
Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk
Cardinalis cardinalis Northern Cardinal
Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture
Catharus ustulatus Swainson's Thrush
Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Columbina passerina Common Ground-Dove
Contopus virens Eastern Wood-Pewee
Coragyps atratus Black Vulture
Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow
Corvus ossifragus Fish Crow
Cyanocitta cristata Blue Jay
Dendroica caerulescens Black-throated Blue Warbler
Dendroica castanea Bay-breasted Warbler
Dendroica discolor Prairie Warbler
Dendroica fusca Blackburnian Warbler
Dendroica magnolia Magnolia Warbler
Dendroica palmarum Palm Warbler
Dendroica pensylvanica Chestnut-sided Warbler
Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler
Dendroica striata Blackpoll Warbler
Dryocopus pileatus PiliatedPileated Woodpecker
Dumetella carolinensis Gray Catbird
Empidonax minimus Least Flycatcher
Eudocimus albus White Ibis
Fregata magnificens Magnificent Frigatebird
Scientific Name Common Name
Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat
Guiraca caerulea Blue Grosbeak
Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow
Hylocichla mustelina Wood Thrush
Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike
Melanerpes carolinus Red-bellied Woodpecker
Mimus polyglottos Northern Mockingbird
Mniotilta varia Black-and-white Warbler
Myiarchus crinitus Great Crested Flycatcher
Parula americana Northern Parula
Passerina cyanea Indigo Bunting
Pelecanus occidentalis Brown Pelican
Piranga olivacea Scarlet Tanager
Piranga rubra Summer Tanager
Polioptila caerulea Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Quiscalus major Boat-tailed Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula Common Grackle
Seiurus aurocapilla Ovenbird
Setophaga ruticilla American Redstart
Streptopelia decaocto Eurasian Collared-Dove
Sturnus vulgaris European Starling
Toxostoma rufum Brown Thrasher
Tyrannus tyrannus Eastern Kingbird
Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged Warbler
Vermivora peregrina Tennessee Warbler
Vireo flavifrons Yellow-throated Vireo
Vireo griseus White-eyed Vireo
Vireo olivaceus Red-eyed Vireo
Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove
The Breeding Bird Atlas documents breeding distributions of all bird species in Florida between
1986 and 1991 (FFWCC 2003). It lists 62 bird species that have been recorded as confirmed,
probable, or possible breeding in the vicinity of Otter Mound Preserve (in the Marco Island USGS
quadrangle). These species are listed in Appendix 7.
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Reptile and amphibian species observed at the preserve include brown anole (Anolis sagrei), green
anole (Anolis carolinensis), southern black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus), ring neck snake
(Diadophis punctatus), and greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris). Neighbors have
also reported observing coral snakes (Micrurus fulvius) near the property. During the winter of
2018, three hatchling, non-native green iguanas (Iguana iguana) were observed by staff in a
gumbo-limbo root ball adjacent to the parking area. Subsequent observations through 2023
indicate iguana of multiple age groups are present and burrowing within the cleared lot adjacent
to the western boundary of the preserve.
Invertebrates observed at the preserve include cloudless sulphur butterfly (Phoebis sennae),
cassius blue butterfly (Leptotes cassius) Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus),
white peacock butterfly (Anartia jatrophae), monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Gulf fritillary
(Agraulis vanilla) , zebra longwing butterfly (Heliconius charitonius), green orchid bee (Euglossa
dilemma Friese), leafcutting bee (Megachilidae spp.), giant vinegaroon (Mastigoproctus
giganteus), banded tree snail (Orthalicus floridensis), and various wasp species. These
observations represent anecdotal observations and no official invertebrate surveys have been
conducted at the preserve to date.
Other wildlife species that have not been recorded undoubtedly occur at Otter Mound Preserve.
During migration periods, transient bird species utilize this area for short periods of time. The
developed character of the adjacent properties may inhibit transient use by many mammal, reptile,
and amphibian species, thus possibly limiting the utilization of the preserve to resident individuals
or inhibiting the dispersal of many species to and from the preserve.
2.5 Listed Species
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species
There are 7 plant species at Otter Mound that are listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services, 5 as Endangered and 2 as Threatened. FNAI lists 1 species as Critically
Imperiled in Florida, and 2 species as Imperiled in Florida. There is one species listed as
Endangered or Threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Table 5).
Table 6: Rare Plant Species at Otter Mound Preserve
Scientific Name Common Names State FNAI USFWS
Acanthocereus tetragonus Barbed-wire cactus T Not ranked n/a
Chrysophyllum oliviforme Satin leaf T Not ranked n/a
Cordia globosa Curacao bush E Not ranked n/a
Eugenia rhombea Red stopper E S1 n/a
Guaiacum sanctum Lignum vitae E G2, S1 n/a
Thrinax radiata Florida thatch palm E G4G5, S2 n/a
Tillandsia fasciculata Stiff-leaved wild pine E Not ranked n/a
Trichostigma octandrum Hoop vine E G4G5, S1 E
E: Endangered, T: Threatened, C: Commercially Exploited, S1: Critically Imperiled in FL, S2: Imperiled in FL, G2: Imperiled Globally
G4:Apparently secure globally, G5:Demonstrably secure globally
Barbed-wire Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
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This cactus is endemic to peninsular Florida where it has been reported from 6 southern counties (Wunderlin &
Hansen 2004). This plant is present within the eastern portion of Otter Mound Preserve, located off the trail.
Barbed-wire Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
Photo by Shirley Denton
Satin Leaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme)
This medium to large sized tree is endemic to peninsular Florida where it has been reported from 10 counties
(Wunderlin & Hansen 2004). Sixteen satin leaf trees were planted in June 200 6. No other satin leaf
trees were known to exist at Otter Mound prior to these plantings.
Satin leaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme)
Photo by Shirley Denton
Curacao bush (Cordia globosa)
This rare understory shrub is endemic to peninsular Florida where it has been reported from 3 counties
(Wunderlin & Hansen 2004). Two curacao bushes were planted in June 2006. It is unknown whether
any curacao bushes existed at Otter Mound Preserve prior to these plantings.
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Curacao bush (Codia globosa)
Photo by T. Ann Williams
Red Stopper (Eugenia rhombea)
This very rare understory shrub is endemic to peninsular Florida where it has been reported from
2 counties (Wunderlin & Hansen 2004).). Two red stoppers were planted in June 2006. No other
red stoppers were known to exist at Otter Mound prior to these plantings.
Red Stopper (Eugenia rhombea)
Photo by T. Ann Williams
Lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum)
This very rare small tree is endemic to South Florida and the Florida Keys where (Wunderlin &
Hansen 2004). One Lignum vitae was planted at the entrance of the preserve in July 2007. No
other Lignum vitaes were known to exist at Otter Mound prior to this planting.
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Ligum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum)
Photo by Walter Hodge
Florida Thatch Palm (Thrinax radiata)
This small palm is endemic to South Florida and the Florida Keys where it has been reported
from 3 counties (Wunderlin & Hansen 2004). One palm is present near the entrance of the
preserve.
Florida Thatch Palm (Thrinax radiata)
Photo by T. Ann Williams
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Stiff-leaved Wild Pine (Tillandsia fasciculata)
This air plant is abundant throughout South Florida. Several are present within Otter Mound Preserve.
Stiff-leaved Wild Pine (Tillandsia fasciculata)
Photo by Shirley Denton
Hoop vine (Trichostigma octandrum)
Hoop vine is native to southern Florida, throughout the West Indies and from Mexico to northern
Argentina. Although relatively common in most other areas, the species is listed as endangered in
the United States/Florida. This plant is abundant within Otter Mound Preserve.
Hoop vine (Trichostigma octandrum)
Additional rare plant species may be found at Otter Mound Preserve following further field
surveys. Confirmation of rare plant identifications will be made by a qualified botanist.
2.5.2 Listed Wildlife Species
Listed wildlife species observed onsite include state-threatened Florida gopher tortoise (Gopherus
polyphemus). A map has been prepared by staff showing locations of existing gopher tortoise
burrows; however, it is not appended to this plan to protect the burrows from disturbance. Two
active state-threatened Florida burrowing owl burrows exists within 150 ft and 350ft of the
preserve boundary and it is presumed the preserve is occasionally utilized by the owls for foraging.
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Within Otter Mound Preserve, FNAI has no documented occurrence of any listed wildlife species
(Appendix 4). However, the FNAI database report indicates that 20 listed species have the
potential to occur at the preserve based on their known or predicted range. At least 13 of these 20
species could utilize the tropical hammock community at the preserve (Table 6).
Table 7: Rare wildlife species with the potential to occur at Otter Mound Preserve
Scientific Name Common Names Federal State FNAI
Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle T, PDL T G5, S3
Ardea herodias occidentalis Great white heron G5T2, S2
Athene cunicularia floridana Florida burrowing owl SSC G4T3, S3
Dendroica discolor paludicola Florida prairie warbler G5T3, S3
Drymarchon couperi Eastern indigo snake T T G3, S3
Eumops floridanus Florida bonneted bat E G1, S1
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher tortoise SSC G3, S3
Patagioenas leucocephala White-crowned pigeon T G3, S3
Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Snail kite E E G4G5T3Q, S2
Sceloporus woodi Florida scrub lizard G3, S3
Ursus americanus floridanus Florida black bear G5T2, S2
E: Endangered, T: Threatened, PDL: Currently Threatened but proposed for de-listing, S1: Critically Imperiled in FL, S2: Imperiled in FL, S3:
Very Rare in FL or Restricted in its FL range, G1: Critically Imperiled Globally, G2: Imperiled Globally, G3: Very Rare Globally or Restricted in
its range, G4: Apparently Secure Globally, G5: Demonstrably Secure Globally, G#T#: Rank Globally and Rank of Taxonomic Subgroup, ?:
Tentative Rank, Q: Questionable Subspecies, G#G#: Range of Rank
2.6 Invasive Non-native and Problem Species
Thirty introduced plant species have been found at Otter Mound, making up 28.3% of the plant
species recorded there. Of these, 10 are considered Category I - Invasive and 7 are considered
Category II - Potentially Invasive by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) (FLEPPC
Plant List Committee 2007)(see Appendix 6).
The most problematic non-native plant species at Otter Mound are royal poinciana (Delonix
regia), yellow elder (Tecoma stans), and coral vine (Antignon leptopus).,Large amounts of
Brazilian pepper were removed from the western section of the preserve in June 2005. Most of the
other species in Appendix 6 are not yet problematic or only slightly problematic on the site. Large
scale removal of royal poinciana began in 2021. A program of exotic removal and maintenance
at the preserve has reduced most exotic plant occurrences to minimal, however coral vine remains
problematic.
Under certain conditions, especially following soil disturbance or drainage, some native plant
species can become invasive. There are no native plants species at Otter Mound Preserve that are
currently a management problem on the site.
2.7 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources
Otter Mound Preserve is a small part of the Caxambas Point archaeological site (8CR107), which
was once a 70-80 acre complex of shell features constructed by the Calusa. The site appears to
Conservation Collier Program 23
have been constructed and occupied from approximately 750
A.D.-1200 A.D., and the substrate of the ancient mound appears
to be relatively undisturbed.
The preserve was also once part of Caxambas Village. In the
early 1900’s Caxambas Village was a thriving community which
grew with the Marco Island clamming industry. Jim and Tommie
Barfield, influential citizens in the history of Marco Island, once
owned the property that is present day Otter Mound. They sold it
to Charles Griner and his wife in 1919. Prior to 1950, Ernest and
Gladys Otter, would vacation in Caxambas Village, spending the
winters at the Griner’s home. Eventually Mrs. Griner sold the
property to the Otters after her husband’s death in 1950. By all
accounts, the whelk shell terracing throughout the preserve was
constructed by Mr. Otter sometime in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. It has been reported that Mr. Otter
used ancient Calusa whelks (Busycon sp.) that he found buried in and around his property to
construct the shell terracing. (Beriault & Carr 2000)
A house built in 1923 once stood near the center of the preserve. The home, which was occupied
by the Otters until 1977, burned down in 1978. The only structure left within the preserve is a
historic out-house located approximately 75-feet north of the old home-site.
Historic Outhouse at time of
acquisition
Photo by Doug Suitor
Conservation Collier Program 24
2.8 Scenic Resources
The primary scenic resources of this preserve are the whelk shell terracing and the mature
hardwood trees. Additionally, the natural buffer created by the vegetation in the preserve allows
visitors to experience the feeling of being alone in nature in an urbanized area.
3.0 Use of the Property
3.1 Previous Use and Development
The preserve was a homesite dating back to the early 1900s. Previous owners had cleared and
farmed much of the land, planting mango, guava, avocado, and Surinam cherry trees that are still
present on the property. A home built in the 1920s occupied the site until it burned down in 1978.
An old outhouse is the only structure left in the preserve. Nearly all the surrounding land
immediately outside the preserve boundaries has been developed with single family homes.
3.2 Current Public Use and Land Uses
The preserve is currently open to the public for use of a walking trail. Three large interpretive
signs that present the history of the preserve have been installed along the trail. Small plant
identification signs have also been placed within the preserve. These signs are intended to educate
visitors and school-age children about the preserve.
Planned Public Uses and Assessment of Impacts
Easements, Concessions, and Leases – There are two easements associated with Otter Mound
Preserve. The first easement, as described in Collier County Subdivision Plat Book 39 pages 96
and 97 (Figure 10) and approved by Marco Island City Council on October 7, 2002 as Resolution
Otter Mound Preserve Whelk Shell Terracing
Photos by Melissa Hennig
Conservation Collier Program 25
02-31, is a 4,051 square foot historical preservation easement along the northwestern boundary of
the preserve encompassing a portion of the man-made shell wall and the land surrounding it
(Figure 11).
Figure 10: Shell Wall Preservation Easement Description
In accordance with this easement, the Preserve Manager will advise the City of Marco and the
Historical Society of Marco Island of plans prior to doing any work within the boundary of the
preservation easement. No Declarations for an Addison Estates Home Owner’s Association
have been established or recorded in the Collier County public records.
The second easement, a 20 foot wide ingress/egress easement exists through the southwestern
boundary of the preserve which allows the neighboring property owners access to their home
(Figure 12). The easement is solely for the purposes of ingress/egress and is described in the deed
of the adjacent property owners (Figure 13). The full deed is attached as Appendix 8. The access
road associated with the ingress/egress easement is currently unpaved; however, the easement does
not prohibit future paving. Conservation Collier staff will work with the present and future
adjacent property owners to encourage them to maintain the easement using only pervious
materials.
Landscaping
Large, dense native species will be planted along the western property line, and perhaps along the
eastern property line, to screen the neighboring houses from the preserve. All planting will be
coordinated with a qualified archaeologist.
In 2011, it was discovered that neighbors along the east side of the preserve had encroached into
the preserve boundary approximately 10-15 feet with landscape plants. After discussions with
the neighbors, it was decided to remove the landscape plantings and re-plant native shrubs and
trees in this area. An archeologist was onsite during the plantings. The artifacts recovered included
shell net weights, pottery shards, and fish and animal bones. Native plants were installed within
the cleared encroachment area, including: pigeon plum (Cocoloba diversifolia), red stopper
(Eugenia rhombea), myrsine (Rapanea punctata) and wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera). All but the
wax myrtle survived, and additional seeds from existing Rivina humilis plants were scattered,
which grew to fill in much of the empty space.
Conservation Collier Program 26
View along east property line August 2011
View along east property line August 2013
On October 17, 2013, an additional group of plantings was placed on the northwest side
of the preserve behind 1016 E Inlet Dr. The resident requested screening after a tree
removal was done in that area and the 2011 planting behind his home ha d failed to
provide the hoped-for screening. Three (3)_ Hamelia patens, two (2) Capparis
cyanophallophora and three (3) Coccoloba uvifera were planted.
10/17/13 Planting behind1016 E Inlet Dr., with Archeologists onsite.
Conservation Collier Program 27
Trail Network
There are trails totaling approximately 1,000 feet in length, 375 feet of which are accessible by
wheelchair, for public access to the parcel.
Figure 11: Shell Wall Preservation Easement Map
Figure 12: Ingress/Egress Easement Map .
Conservation Collier Program 28
Conservation Collier Program 29
Figure 13: Ingress/Egress Easement Description
Conservation Collier Program 30
3.3 Adjacent Land Uses
Single-family residential developed lots surround the preserve on all sides. A paved road, Addison
Court, runs along the entire north edge of the preserve, and a shell hash road extension of Osceola
Court, runs through the southwestern edge of the preserve within the ingress/egress easement.
3.4 Prospective Land Acquisitions
There are no prospective additions to the preserve at this time.
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 to qualify for further consideration: rare habitat, aquifer
recharge, flood control, water quality protection, and listed species habitat. The Collier County
Board of County Commissioners (BCC) appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to
consider any selected or nominated properties that an owner has indicated a willingness to sell.
The committee recommends property purchases for final approval by the BCC. Acquisitions were
halted by the Board of County Commissioners in 2011 and remaining acquisition funds have been
shifted to the Land Management Trust Fund.
This property, and any additional parcels acquired on Marco Island during the lifetime of this plan,
will be managed for protection/restoration of natural and historical/archaeological resources and
for passive, outdoor public recreation that will be compatible with the protection/restoration of the
site and surrounding lands.
4.1.1 Management Activities to Protect/Restore 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 two years. After that, property
management plans must be updated every five years. 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 both the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAC) and
the Board of County Commissioners.”
4.1.2 Manager
The Site Manager for Otter Mound Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental
Specialist.
4.1.3 Preserve Rules and Regulations
No dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or removal or destruction of natural or
historical/archaeological resources will be permitted within the preserve. The goal is to allow
limited non-destructive public access to native plant communities and animal species. Currently,
Conservation Collier Program 31
the preserve rules are those identified in Collier County Ordinance 76-48, as amended (available
from www.municode.com). A Preserve Use ordinance (Ord. 2011-38) was developed by the
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee and approved on October 11, 2011
(Agenda item 8E) by the Board of County Commissioners to administer public use of preserves.
4.2 Desired Future Conditions
This section includes a description of the proposed future conditions for the site’s natural areas.
Management techniques to achieve these conditions are outlined in section 4.4.
After managers complete recommended management actions, Otter Mound Preserve will consist
of tropical hardwood hammock habitat that has a similar structure and composition to that which
existed prior to modern settlement in the late 1800s. With the exception of the trail, the site will
be heavily vegetated with appropriate mature native vegetation that will provide suitable cover for
a variety of wildlife species. The main canopy will be comprised of gumbo limbo, soapberry, and
false mastic. Mid-story will consist of a variety of natives including stoppers, black-bead,
marlberry, wild coffee, and firebush. Groundcover will be native and will include rouge plant,
scorpion tail, and blue porterweed.
Some non-natives will remain in the preserve, depending upon their historical significance and
relative invasiveness. Historic non-native, invasive plants will be limited to contained
management areas along the trail and removed from all other areas of the preserve.
Conservation Collier Program 32
4.3 Major Accomplishments During Previous Years
Table 9: Major Management Accomplishments during previous years
Accomplishment Year(s)
Initial removal of invasive exotic vegetation 2005
Hurricane Wilma debris clean-up 2006
Development of management agreement with City of Marco Island 2006
Native plant planting days (over 300 plants planted) 2006
US Fish and Wildlife Service grant for invasive exotic plant maintenance 2006
Development of 1,000-foot trail with a representative sidewalk portion built to be accessible to
wheelchairs
2006-2007
Florida Humanities Council grant for historic interpretive signs and post/rope fence 2006-2007
Formal ceremony to open preserve for passive public use 2007
Native plant restoration project (471 trees, shrubs and ground cover plants planted) 2009
Eastern boundary encroachment cleared and replanted (7 trees, 21 shrubs) 2011
Tree Management Plan Developed, Supplemental planting at north east corner (8 shrubs) 2013
Hurricane Irma debris clean-up and trail clearing 2017
Hurricane Irma debris cleanup and woody debris removal 2019
Royal poinciana treatment and removal begun 2021
Tree and shrub planting 2022
Hurricane Ian debris cleanup and trail clearing 2022/2023
4.4 Goals and Objectives for 10-year period
A set of goals and objectives for Otter Mound Preserve were developed in conjunction with the
drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically
for Otter Mound Preserve based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired, the condition
of the resources present, and the management issues for the property. On-site managers should be
familiar with this entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the interim management
plan for the Otter Mound Preserve were reviewed to determine whether they should be included
in this plan. The goals and objectives presented here reflect programmatic goals and ideas of
Conservation Collier personnel in charge of managing and protecting the area. These goals shall
not be modified, but specific application of management techniques may take into consideration
input by user groups and other stakeholders from outside the program, accommodating user needs
and desires where practicable and where overarching management goals are not violated.
Management issues are discussed below in separate sections. Within each section, approaches for
dealing with these issues are described. The ability to implement the specific goals and objectives
identified in this plan is dependent upon the availability of funding resources. The following goals
have been identified for Otter Mound Preserve:
Goal 1: Maintain the property in its natural condition prior to modern development.
Goal 2: Reduce human impacts to indigenous plant and animal life.
Goal 3: Maintain the trail to provide a safe and pleasant visitor experience.
Goal 4: Protect Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources.
Goal 5: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes.
Goal 6: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
GOAL 1: MAINTAIN THE PROPERTY IN ITS NATURAL CONDITION PRIOR TO MODERN
DEVELOPMENT
Conservation Collier Program 33
Action Item 1.1 Remove populations of exotic plants to restore natural habitats.
Because of the severity of the infestation, the invasive exotic vegetation within Otter Mound
Preserve were treated in phases to avoid non-target damage to sensitive and recruiting native plant
species. Currently, exotic plants constitute a small (5% or less) component of the vegetation
community. Some examples of invasive exotic plant species that are deemed to be historic may
be left along the trail, visible to visitors (Table 10).
Table 10: Otter Mound Preserve Invasive Exotic Plant Species Control Plan
Scientific Name Common
Name
Phase Historic Recommended Control
Antigonon leptopus coral vine 1 X Vines should be carefully foliar sprayed
with glyphosate or cut and the root end
sprayed with glyphosate if they are
growing over the top of native vegetation.
Herbicide application only works to
knock back growing vegetation. The
tubers need to be removed to kill this
plant.
Broussonetia
papyrifera
paper
mulberry
1 Large trees should be cut, stumps treated
with triclopyr, and trees removed from
site or chipped on site and added to the
mulched trail. Small trees and re-growth
should be cut, the stumps treated with
triclopyr, and the debris should remain on
site if it is not extensive. Basal treatment
may be used; however, it is not
recommended near sensitive natives or
native seedlings.
Dioscorea alata air-potato 1 The vines should be cut and the root end
sprayed with triclopyr if they are growing
over the top of native vegetation. If
caught early in the spring, the emerging
vines can be sprayed with triclopyr foliar
mix or glyphosate. Potatoes should be
collected in winter if possible.
Momordica
charantia
balsam
apple
1 Same as Antigonon leptopus
Sansevieria
hyacinthoides
bowstring
hemp
1 X The cuticle should be cut with a machete
before herbicide is applied. Glyphosate
and triclopyr have been used and have
been moderately successful for control. If
control becomes increasingly
problematic, manual removal may be
employed if coordinated with an
archaeologist.
Conservation Collier Program 34
Schinus
terebinthifolia
Brazilian
pepper
1 Same as Broussonetia papyrifera.
Cupaniopsis
anacardioides
carrotwood 2 Same as Broussonetia papyrifera.
Melia azedarach chinaberry 2 Same as Broussonetia papyrifera.
Sphagneticola tril
obata
wedelia 2 The leaves should be foliar sprayed with
glyphosate.
Syzygium cumini java plum 2 Same as Broussonetia papyrifera.
Kalanchoe pinnata walking
plant
3 Same as Sphagneticola trilobata.
Care should be taken not to disturb the
walking plant. Any section that breaks
from this plant and falls to the ground will
produce roots.
Rhynchelytrum
repens
natal grass 3 Same as Sphagneticola trilobata.
Bauhinia variegata orchid tree 4 Same as Broussonetia papyrifera.
Eugenia uniflora Surinam
cherry
4 X Same as Broussonetia papyrifera.
Lantana camara Lantana 4 Same as Broussonetia papyrifera.
Leucaena
leucocephala
leadtree 4 Same as Broussonetia papyrifera.
Tradescantia
spathacea
oyster plant 4 X Same as Sansevieria hyacinthoides.
Other non-native species within the preserve, specifically royal poinciana or yellow elder, will be
controlled as warranted. Removal of royal poinciana will be conducted over time as funding
allows.
Action Item 1.2 Manage the property for the benefit of native and listed wildlife species.
Management actions to protect native bird species:
Avoid off target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during invasive
exotic plant treatments.
Prohibit unleashed domestic animals from being brought onto the preserve lands.
A population of banded tree snails exists at the preserve. Historically, the major causes of tree
snail colony mortality have been habitat destruction and commercial exploitation of their
shells. Pesticide spraying for mosquito control may also affect their survival (Emmel &
Cotter 1995).
Management actions to protect banded tree snails:
Protect and restore existing hammock vegetation.
Protect against collection – a sign has been posted along the trail proclaiming all plants and
animals in the preserve are protected.
Reduce pesticide effects through increased tree canopy. Reducing mosquito pesticide
applications within the preserve is not a tangible goal because the preserve is located in a
dense residential area. However, maintaining canopy and mid-story cover should reduce
Conservation Collier Program 35
some effects of the pesticide by physically blocking the amount of pesticide entering the
preserve via aerial spraying.
Because of growing developmental pressures and the limited availability of natural areas,
Conservation Collier and City of Marco Island staff contacted FFWCC staff to evaluate whether
Otter Mound Preserve would serve as an adequate gopher tortoise relocation site. FFWCC staff
have expressed that they would be extremely reluctant to deem a heavily vegetated tropical
hardwood hammock as an acceptable gopher tortoise relocation site (Appendix 9).
Action Item 1.3 Restore native vegetation as appropriate and necessary.
Monitor native plant recruitment and re-growth in areas of invasive exotic removal and/or
hurricane damage. *Plant appropriate native vegetation to restore tree canopy coverage to
85% - 95% and understory density to 50% - 75%.
*All plantings should be done during rainy season in accordance with the Action Items set
forth to attain Goal 4: Protect Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources.
Supplemental irrigation may also be necessary with plantings.
Action Item 1.4 Monitor need for and success of management.
Conduct periodic wildlife surveys - While some wildlife data has been collected, additional
baseline data should be collected, especially on invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and
amphibians. The Preserve Manager may contract this work out or enlist the assistance of
local educators to coordinate student research projects. Wildlife sampling should take
place at regular intervals (2-4 years) to detect long-term trends.
A complete plant inventory was completed for the preserve in 2007. A new plant inventory
by a qualified botanist should be performed every 5 years, or as funding allows, to detect
long-term trends.
Install permanent photo points – Five photo points have been established at random locations
on the property. Photo point locations are marked with small white plastic signs and rebar,
and their positions have been recorded with a GPS. All photo points will be taken annually
at a standard height and angle of view.
GOAL 2: ELIMINATE OR REDUCE HUMAN IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS PLANT AND
ANIMAL LIFE AND ON HISTORICAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES.
Action Item 2.1 Maintain bollards at north trail entrance to prevent unauthorized
vehicle access.
Action Item 2.2 Identify locations of rare native plant species.
Action Item 2.3 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in
or near the preserve.
Action Item 2.4 Encourage visitors to stay on trail with signs and fencing.
Action Item 2.5 Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take
Conservation Collier Program 36
steps such as locating visitor amenities away from animal nesting sites.
Action Item 2.6 Avoid non-target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare
species, during invasive exotic plant treatments.
Action Item 2.7 Note and research all site development occurring adjacent to Otter
Mound Preserve to determine that the proper site development permits have been
obtained and that the site development complies with the permits.
All existing local, state, and federal regulations should be strictly followed and enforced during
any site development adjacent to the preserve. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to
establish erosion control measures and vegetation protection measures (i.e., protective fencing or
barriers). If any site developer working in areas adjacent to the preserve does not take the
necessary control measures, construction shall be immediately halted until control measures are
put into place and mitigation and/or remediation will be the sole responsibility of the developer.
GOAL 3: MAINTAIN THE TRAIL TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND PLEASANT VISITOR
EXPERIENCE.
Action Item 3.1 Keep trail area open and free of weedy species, debris, and litter.
Action Item 3.2 Inspect trail monthly for tripping hazards and fix immediately.
Action Item 3.3 Inspect trail monthly for overhead hazards such as broken or hanging tree
limbs and fix immediately.
Action Item 3.4 Monitor hornets near trail.
A population of ground-nesting hornets was observed near the trail. If this population begins to
pose a problem to visitors, it should be removed.
Action Item 3.5 Keep signs, benches, and post/rope fence in good repair.
Action Item 3.6 Empty garbage cans regularly, as needed.
Action Item 3.7* Mow Addison Court right of way regularly.
At least once every two weeks in rainy season; as needed during dry season.
*Action Item 3.7 will be the responsibility of the City of Marco Island per Interlocal Agreement -
Appendix 1
Action Item 3.8 Keep adjacent trail vegetation lush.
The view from the trail should be focused on blocking out the urban environment.
Action Item 3.9 Remove vines and weedy vegetation from shell terracing that is in view
of the public.
Follow guidelines of Action Item 4.7 below.
GOAL 4: PROTECT ARCHAEOLOGICAL, HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES.
Conservation Collier Program 37
The Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, Inc. included management recommendations in
their Phase 1 archaeological survey and assessment of the preserve in April 2000. Their
recommendations for management of the site stipulated that “efforts should be made to minimize
impacts to [the parcel’s shell mound] features and the historic shell walls created by Ernest Otter
that are found on the north and west sides of the parcel.” Also, “the Otter shell walls that terrace
the northern and western periphery of the parcel are historically significant and should be avoided
during development” (Beriault & Carr 2000). The County will follow these recommendations, as
detailed in the Action Items below, and shall cooperate fully with any other direction from the
Florida Division of Historical Resources on the protection and management of archaeological and
historical resources, per provisions of the Land Development Code Section 2.2.25.
The management of the resources present on Otter Mound Preserve 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 the archaeological and historic sites within the preserve
shall 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.
Action Item 4.1 Limit visitor use of the preserve to designated trail areas.
Signage that states, “FRAGILE Please do not walk on shell walls and terracing” and post and rope
fencing have been placed along the trail in the most sensitive areas of the preserve to encourage
visitors to stay on the trail.
Action Item 4.2 Remulch the trail every 1-3 years or as needed.
Efforts will be made to utilize mulch from removed royal poinciana trees and downed tree debris
by grinding this material on site and spreading it on the trail. In 2013, the trail was mulched with
mulch made from removed Royal Poinciana trees. Beginning in 2017, staff began mulching the
trail annually using sterilized Flori-Mulch from non-native melaleuca trees with assistance from
the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary Club.
Action Item 4.3 Prohibit bicycle use within the preserve.
Bicycle riding is listed on the prohibited activities sign, and a bicycle rack is located at the entrance
of the preserve to encourage visitors to park their bikes.
Action Item 4.4 Prohibit managers and contractors from walking within 6 feet of the edge
of the shell terrace walls unless absolutely necessary.
These areas are extremely fragile and subject to erosion.
Action Item 4.5 Prohibit planting near the edge of the shell terracing walls.
Plant groundcovers and shrubs a minimum of 6’ from the edge of the walls. Plant trees a minimum
of 10’ from the walls. All planting must be coordinated with a qualified archaeologist.
Action Item 4.6 Prohibit mechanical removal of vegetation using machinery.
Conservation Collier Program 38
Invasive exotic vegetation will be cut and stump sprayed with herbicide or foliar sprayed with
herbicide. No plants or trees will be pulled out by the roots unless coordinated with a qualified
archaeologist.
If native or invasive exotic debris is to be removed from site, large limbs will not be dragged across
the floor of the preserve. Large limbs will be cut into manageable sections and carried so as not
to disturb the surface substrate.
Action Item 4.7 Allow only minimal, careful weed/vine control along the shell walls.
Foliar spray vines and weeds. Once dead, carefully cut and/or brush dried vegetation away from
walls. Live or dead plants will not be pulled out of shells.
Action Item 4.8 Maintain/restore historic outhouse structure.
Staff, in conjunction with a qualified historical architect, will assess and determine how best to
restore and maintain the outhouse, as funds allow Recommendations from the historical architect
will be used to guide a qualified contractor (County staff, contractor, or volunteer) to make repairs
and maintain the outhouse to the reasonable extent that management funds allow. A sign stating,
“HISTORIC STRUCTURE do not disturb” is displayed in front of the outhouse, which is located
near the trail behind the post and rope fence.
Reasonable recommendations made by partners for protection/maintenance of the outhouse will
also be considered and coordinated with the historical architect.
Action Item 4.9 Maintain/restore historic shell wall terracing.
Vegetation is fundamental in erosion control (Glowacki et al. 2000). Native groundcover, such as
scorpiontail, rouge plant, and blue porterweed, will be encouraged to grow along the tops and
edges of the shell wall terracing to guard against erosion If native groundcover is lacking in an
area, seeds will be dispersed. Planting should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
The Preserve Manager will coordinate with a qualified archaeologist to develop a shell wall
maintenance and restoration plan. Once complete, this maintenance and restoration plan will be
incorporated into a revised edition of the Otter Mound Preserve Final Management Plan. The
Preserve Manager will follow the recommendations set forth in the shell wall maintenance and
restoration plan to the reasonable extent that management funds allow.
Action Item 4.10 Discourage vandalism.
Maintain the preserve and encourage frequent site visits from partners (Marco Island Historical
Society, Southwest Florida Archaeological Society, City of Marco, Archaeological and
Conservancy, Inc., neighbors). Sites that appear cared for, well maintained, clearly interpreted,
and frequently visited, are seldom vandalized (Glowacki et al. 2000).
GOAL 5: FACILITATE USES OF THE SITE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.
Action Items 5.1 Maintain interpretive signage and plant signage to educate preserve
visitors.
Conservation Collier Program 39
One copy of each of the three large interpretive historic signs and nine replacement plexiglass sign
covers were purchased with the original large interpretive historic signs in anticipation of damage
and wear.
The small, white UV resistant signs throughout the preserve may also need to be replaced
periodically due to discoloration and wear.
In 2019, staff installed an educational and interpretive sign focused on the protection of state-
threatened Florida gopher tortoise along the public walking trail. In 2020, staff installed
interpretive signage about migratory birds and butterfly species.
Action Item 5.2 Provide Preserve brochures in rainproof box on site.
To lower printing costs and foster sustainability, staff have replaced the existing brochure boxes
with waterproof units containing reusable brochures that visitors borrow for the duration of their
visit and replace upon exiting.
Action Item 5.3 Encourage historical presentations and gatherings.
Coordinate events with the Marco Island Historical Society and/or The Southwest Florida
Archaeological Society. Volunteers from these organizations may provide trail tours for interested
parties or for classes of school children upon teacher request.
GOAL 6: PROVIDE A PLAN FOR SECURITY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Action Item 6.1 Security at the preserve.
City of Marco Island Police have agreed to perform routine patrols in the area.
Action Item 6.2 Discourage visitation to the park at night.
A Lee County Electric Company (LCEC) streetlight was installed at the NE corner of Addison and
Leo Courts. A sign designating park hours as dawn to dusk has been installed at the entrance of
the preserve.
Action Item 6.3 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in or
near the preserve.
Action Item 6.4 Visit preserve within 48 hours after a storm event to assess damage.
Staff will take photos of damage and fill out appropriate Collier County Risk Management
Department forms. If damage is extensive, the preserve will be closed until public safety hazards
are cleared.
Action Item 6.5 Promptly clear storm debris from preserve.
If necessary, a Collier County emergency debris removal contractor will be contracted as soon as
possible after the storm to schedule clean-up. First priority will be the shell walls and the historic
outhouse. Damage to the shell walls and outhouse will be documented with photos prior to the
start of any clean-up. All debris on top of the shell walls and outhouse will be lifted and carried
away by hand, not pulled or dragged. Any large debris on the shell walls or outhouse will be cut
into pieces that are small enough to be lifted and carried away by hand or, if the debris cannot be
Conservation Collier Program 40
cut into pieces, it will be lifted and carried away by several people working together. They will
be left in the position in which they fell, and any attached limbs will be cut, lifted, and carried
away. Trails will be cleared next. Other downed trees and limbs that do not appear to be a public
safety hazard will be cleared at the discretion of the Preserve Manager. Debris removal will be
carried out in accordance with Goal 4: Protect Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Resources.
Funds should be budgeted annually to cover this potential expense.
Action Item 6.7 Promptly secure cultural resources after a storm event.
Once storm debris has been cleared, damage to the shell walls and outhouse will be documented
with photos prior to the start of any repairs. Damage to the shell walls will be initially repaired to
the extent possible by the Preserve Manager and staff. Large whelk shells that may have become
dislodged will either be gently pushed back into place or gathered and placed n ear the damaged
area. Loosened shell substrate will be gathered and patted back into place. Extensive damage that
cannot be repaired by the Preserve Manager and staff will be cordoned off and covered with a tarp
until a qualified archaeologist can be contacted. If sections of the outhouse have been blown off,
these sections will be gathered and placed inside the outhouse until they can be repaired. All
repairs to the shell walls and outhouse will be documented with photos.
4.5 Public Use Facilities
Public Access / Parking / Handicap Facilities/ Restrooms: There is one public entrance to the
preserve, at the north end of the property along Addison Court. A parking area consisting of three
parking spaces - one of which is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant - exists at the
entrance. Both a 375-foot ADA compliant sidewalk trail within the Addison Court right of way
and a 625-foot mulched trail through the preserve connect to the parking area. Because of the
sensitivity and slope of the shell mound, it was not feasible to provide an ADA compliant trail for
the entire length of the planned trail. No restrooms exist at the preserve.
4.6 Operational Plan for Otter Mound Preserve
4.6.1 Maintenance
Monthly site visits will be made by County staff to inspect/control littering within and around the
preserve, monitor exotic plant re-growth, maintain the trail in a safe and aesthetically pleasing
way, refill brochure boxes, inspect signs and equipment (bench and trash cans) and review general
site security.
The Preserve Manager will keep a management log to record observations from the site visit, any
contacts made or issues raised. Projects such as exotic removal, debris removal, and plantings will
be carried out in accordance with Action Items listed in Section 4.4 Goals and Objectives for 10
year period.
4.6.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources
Preliminary budget estimates for the Otter Mound 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 grant funds, will be sought as opportunities arise to supplement existing
funding.
Conservation Collier Program 41
Table 11 shows the activities planned for the next ten years and the initial and annual cost
estimate of each activity. Private organizations may also provide funding for specific projects. Item2018-192019-20202020-20212021-20222022-20232023-20242024-20252025-20262025-20262026-20272027-20282028-2029TotalExotic Species Management$6,000$6,000$5,000$5,000$5,000$5,000$5,000$37,000Cultural Resources Management$500$500$500$500$500$500$500$500$500$500$500$5,500Debris Removal$6,000$500$500$500$500$500$500$500$500$500$500$500$11,500Restoration/ Planting Projects$500$500$500$500$500$2,500Tree Management$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,000$12,000Small signs $200$200$200$200$800Plant signsVisitors Services/ Recreation$0$400$400$400$1,200Equipment (bench, trash cans)$400$400Trail Maintenance$700$700$700$700$700$700$700$700$700$700$700$700$8,400Brochures$200$200$200$200$200$200$200$200$200$200$200$200$2,400Addison Court Streetlight$150$150$150$150$150$150$150$150$150$150$150$150$1,800Grand Total$15,550$9,250$3,550$8,450$3,650$8,550$3,450$8,250$3,550$8,850$3,250$8,550$84,900Table 11: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget (2019-2029)$1,800Parking and Sidewalk$1,000Y E A R S
Conservation Collier Program 42
4.6.3. Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors
Table 12: Potential Contracting for Activities
Activity Approved Conditional Rejected
Trail maintenance X
Storm debris removal X
Post and rope fence installation and maintenance X
Wildlife inventory and monitoring X
Native plant restoration X
Archaeological / historical monitoring X
Reduce exotic species X
Education facilities, programs, and literature development and
printing
X
Education signs development and installation X
Law enforcement and patrol X
4.7 Partnerships and Regional Coordination
4.7.1 Interdepartmental Partnerships and Agreements
Collier County has an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Marco Island for certain aspects of
management within the preserve (Appendix 1).
Collier County has entered into a management agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Partnership for Fish and Wildlife Program. The Service provided funding for exotic removal
within Otter Mound Preserve through a Cooperative Agreement. Under the agreement, Otter
Mound Preserve must remain as habitat for wildlife for a minimum of 10 years (Appendix 10).
4.7.2 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. In addition to the involvement of the Marco Island
Historical Society, Southwest Florida Archaeological Society, Naples Chapter of the Florida
Native Plant Society, Florida Humanities Council, Calusa Garden Club, Boy Scouts, and City of
Marco Island, other potential partnerships may include, but may 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, Florida Division of Forestry, Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
South Florida Water Management District, Big Cypress Basin, and other County Departments, as
some goals and purposes will be similar.
Conservation Collier Program 43
5.0 Literature Cited
Beriault, J. G. and R. S. Carr. 2000. An archaeological survey of the Otter parcel, Marco Island,
Florida. AHC Technical Report #270. Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, Inc.,
Miami, Florida.
Davidson, T., 1965. Tree snails, gems of the Everglades. Journal of the National Geographic
Society 27(3): 372 - 387.
Emmel, T. C. and A. J. Cotter. 1995. A summary of the historical distribution and current status
of the Florida tree snail, Liguss fasciatus. Nongame Wildlife Program Project GFC-86-
034 Report, Gainesville, FL.
Glowacki, M., S. Hopper, J. Miller, H. Pence, and L. Tesar. 2000. Best management practices:
an owner’s guide to protecting archaeological sites. Florida Department of State,
Tallahassee, FL.
Jones, A.L., 1979. Descriptions of six new forms of Florida tree snails, Liguus fasciatus. color
plate. The Nautilus 93(4): 153 - 159,.
Shields, M. 2002. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). The Birds of North America, No.
609 in A. Poole and F. Gill editors The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) Plant List Committee. 2007 FLEPPC’s 2007 List
of invasive plant species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Available from http://www.fleppc.org/list/07list_brochure.pdf
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2003, January 6. Florida's breeding bird
atlas: A collaborative study of Florida's birdlife. Available from
http://www.myfwc.com/bba/ (accessed 10/24/2007).
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR)
1990. Guide to the natural areas of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida
Department of Natural Resources.
Lucas, M. P. and G. White. 2004. Environmental assessment/site audit: project: Marco Island –
Addison Estates. Collier County, Public Utilities Division’s Pollution Control &
Prevention Department, Naples, FL.
Power, E. J. 2005. The Liguus Home Page. Ecology of Liguus. Available from
http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/Gold/9440/liguus/lighompa.html (accessed October
2007).
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 44
URS. 2007. Railhead Scrub Preserve land management plan: managed by Conservation Collier
Program Coiller County, FL. June 2007 – March 2017.
Wunderlin, R.P., and B.F. Hansen. 2004. Atlas of Florida vascular plants. [S.M. Landry and
K.N. Campbell (application development), Floirda Center for Community Design and
Research]. Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa.
Available from http.//www.plantatlas.usf.edu/.
Conservation Collier Program 45
Appendix 1: First Extension Interlocal Agreement between Collier County and the City of Marco
Island
Conservation Collier Program 46
Conservation Collier Program 47
Conservation Collier Program 48
Appendix 2: Legal Description
Conservation Collier Program 49
Appendix 3: Otter Mound Preserve Updated Final Management Plan Public Involvement
Contact List
Marco Island Historical Society
180 S. Heathwood Dr.
Marco Island, F 34145
239-642-1440
City of Marco Island
www.cityofmarcoisland.com
City Manager
50 Bald Eagle Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-389-5005
Fax: 239-389-4359
– Community Affairs Director
50 Bald Eagle Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-389-5000
Fax: 239-389-4359
Nancy Richie – Environmental Specialist
50 Bald Eagle Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-389-5003
Fax: 239-393-0266
nrichie@cityofmarcoisland.com
Southwest Florida Archaeological Society
P.O. Box 9965
Naples, FL 34101
Archaeological and Historical
Conservancy, Inc.
Robert Carr
Davie Professional Plaza
4800 Davie Road, Suite 107
Davie, FL 33314
(954) 792-9776
archlgcl@bellsouth.net
John Beriault – Local Archaeologist
PO Box 9074
Naples, FL 34101
239-641-4919
JGBeriault@aol.com
Native Plant Society, Naples Chapter
Chad Washburn, Naples Botanical Gardens
naplesnativeplants@gmail.com
Neighbors
Jim and June Dyches
P.O. Box 1213
Marco Island, FL 34146
Michael and Brandice Simpson
1016 E. Inlet Dr.
Marco Island, FL 34145
Neighbors Cont’d
Mr. and Mrs. Albino Martinez
975 Leo Ct.
Marco Island, FL 34145
Raymond & Patricia Yodlow
1851 Addison Ct.
Marco Island, FL 34145
Heidi Becker
1026 Inlet Dr.
Sessions Family Partners LTD
Mailing Address:11660 German Church Rd.
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Site Address: 1821 Osceola Ct.
William and Joan Davenport
Mailing Address: 92 Birch Pkwy.
Sparta, NJ 07871
Site Address: 1011 Inlet Dr.
Marco Island, FL 34145
Marco Island, FL 34145
Conservation Collier Program 50
Appendix 4: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Managed Area Tracking Record and
Element Occurrence Summary; FNAI Ranking System Explanation
Conservation Collier Program 51
Conservation Collier Program 52
Conservation Collier Program 53
Conservation Collier Program 54
Conservation Collier Program 55
Conservation Collier Program 56
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Conservation Collier Program 58
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Conservation Collier Program 60
Conservation Collier Program 61
Appendix 6: 2022 Otter Mound Plant List
Feb/Aug 2007 Burch Survey Jul/Nov 2011 Burch Survey Sep 2020 Barry Survey Planted by Conservation Collier 2006 Plantings 2009 Plantings 2011 Plantings (East Boundary) 2013 Plantings (East Boundary) Jan 2020 Plantings March 2020 Plantings June 2022 Plantings Scientific
Name
(prior name)
Common
Names Native Not Native State FNAI FLEPPC x x Agave
decipiens
False-sisal N
x x x Alternanthera
flavescens
(=A.
ramoisissima)
Yellow
joyweed
N
x x x Y 5 Ardisia
escallonioides
Marlberry N
x x x Argemone
mexicana
Mexican
pricklypopp
y
N
x Asemeia
violacea
(=Polygala
grandiflora, P.
violacea)
Candywee
d, Showy
milkwort
N
x x x Bidens alba Spanish-
needles
N
x x Boerhavia
diffusa
Red
spiderling,
wineflower
N
x x x Y 3 1 Bursera
simaruba
Gumbo-
limbo
N
x Y 5 5 Callicarpa
americana
Beautyberr
y
N
x x Capraria
biflora
Goatweed N
x x Capsicum
frutescens
Tabasco
pepper
N
x Cardiospermu
m
microcarpum
Balloonvin
e,
Heartseed
N
x x x Carica papaya Papaya N
Conservation Collier Program 62
x Cenchrus
echinatus
Southern
sandbur
N
x x x Y 9 9 Chiococca
alba
Common
snowberry,
Milkberry
N
x x x Y 1
6
1 Chrysophyllum
oliviforme
Satinleaf N T
x x x Y 1
0
5 5 Citharexylum
spinosum (=C.
fruticosum)
Florida
fiddlewood
N
x x Y 4
1
7 5 Coccoloba
diversifolia
Pigeonplu
m,
Tietongue
N
x x x Y 5 7 3 1
0
5 Coccoloba
uvifera
Seagrape N
x x Conyza
canadensis
Canadian
horseweed
N
x Crotalaria
pallida var.
obovata
Smooth
rattlebox
N
x x x Y 3 1
3
Cynophalla
flexuosa
(=Capparis
flexuosa)
Limber
caper,
Bayleaf
capertree
N
x x Cyperus
ligularis
Swamp
flatsedge
N
x Cyperus
ovatus (=C.
retrorsus)
Pinebarren
flatsedge
N
x Dichanthelium
commutatum
Variable
witchgrass
N
x Dichanthelium
sp.
witchgrass N
x Digitaria
ciliaris
Southern
crabgrass
N
x Eclipta
prostrata
False daisy N
x x x Y 1
1
5 Erythrina
herbacea
Coralbean,
Cherokee
bean
N
x x x Y 3
6
5 Eugenia
axillaris
White
stopper
N
x x x Y 9 3
5
5 Eugenia
foetida
Spanish
stopper
N
x x Y 2 7 Eugenia
rhombea
red stopper N E S
1
x x x Euphorbia
cyathophora
(=Poinsettia
cyathophora)
Painted
leaf, Fire-
on-the-
mountain
N
x Euphorbia
heterophylla
(=Poinsettia
heterophylla)
Fiddler's
spurge,
Mexican
fireplant
N
Conservation Collier Program 63
x x x Euphorbia
hirta
(=Chamaesyc
e hirta)
Hairy
spurge,
Pillpod
sandmat
N
x x x Euphorbia
hypericifolia
(=Chamaesyc
e hypericifolia)
Eyebane,
Graceful
sandmat
N
x Eustachys
petraea
Pinewoods
fingergrass
N
x x x Y 5 8 5 Ficus aurea Strangler
fig, Golden
fig
N
x x Ficus
benjamina
Weeping
fig
N
x x x Y 1
5
1
0
7 5 Forestiera
segregata
Florida
swamppriv
et
N
x x x Galactia
regularis
Eastern
milkpea
N
x x Galactia
striata
Florida
hammock
milkpea
N
x x x Galactia
volubilis
Downy
milkpea
N
x x x Y 1
0
2
3
7 3 Hamelia
patens
Firebush N
x x Y 4
0
4
5
Helianthus
debilis
East Coast
dune
sunflower
N
x x x Y 2
5
6
0
Heliotropium
angiospermum
Scorpionst
ail
N
x Herissantia
crispa
Bladdermal
low
N
x x Hymenocallis
latifolia
Mangrove
spiderlily,
Perfumed
spiderlily
N
x Ipomoea alba Moonflowe
r; Tropical
white
morning-
glory
N
x x Ipomoea
cordatotriloba
(=Ipomoea
trichocarpa)
Tievine N
x x x Ipomoea
indica var.
acuminata
Ocean-
blue
morningglo
ry
N
x x Lasiacis
divaricata
Smallcane,
Florida
tibisee,
N
Conservation Collier Program 64
Wild-
bamboo
x x x Lepidium
virginicum
Virginia
pepperwee
d
N
x x Y 6 1
0
Lysiloma
latisiliquum
Wild-
tamarind,
False
tamarind
N
X Malvastrum
corchorifolium
False
mallow
N
x x x Melanthera
nivea
Snow
squareste
m
N
x x x Melothria
pendula
Creeping-
cucumber
N
x x x Mentzelia
floridana
Poorman's-
patch,
Stickleaf
N
Y 1
0
Mimosa
strigillosa
Sunshine
mimosa
N
Y 1
0
Monarda
punctata
Spotted
Beebalm;
Horsemint
N
x x x Morinda royoc Redgal,
Mouse's
pineapple
N
x x x Morus rubra Red
mulberry
N
x x x Y 9 2
2
5 Myrcianthes
fragrans
Twinberry,
Simpson's
stopper
N T
x Myriopus
volubilis
(=Tournefortia
volubilis)
Twining
soldierbush
N
x x x Nekemias
arborea
(=Ampelopsis
arborea)
Peppervine N
x Orthosia
scoparia
(=Cynanchum
scoparium)
Leafless
swallowwor
t
N
x x x Oxalis
corniculata
Common
yellow
woodsorrel
N
x x Parietaria
floridana
Florida
pellitory
N
x x x Parthenocissu
s quinquefolia
Virginia-
creeper,
Woodbine
N
x x x Y 1
3
3 Passiflora
suberosa
Corkystem
passionflo
wer
N
Conservation Collier Program 65
x Pattalias
palustre
(=Cynanchum
angustifolium)
Vine
milkweed,
Gulf Coast
swallowwor
t
N
x x Pedilanthus
tithymaloides
subsp. smallii
(=Euphorbia
tithymaloides
subsp. smallii)
Jacob's
ladder,
Devil's
backbone
N
x x x Petiveria
alliacea
Guinea
hen weed
N
x x Phlebodium
aureum
Golden
polypody
N
x x x Physalis
angulata
Cutleaf
groundcher
ry
N
x Physalis
angustifolia
Coastal
groundcher
ry
N
x Physalis
arenicola
Cypresshe
ad
groundcher
ry
N
x x Phytolacca
americana
American
pokeweed
N
x x x Y 2 Piscidia
piscipula
Jamaica-
dogwood,
Florida
fishpoison
tree
N
x x x Pisonia
aculeata
Devil's
claws,
Pullback
N
x x Y 7 Pithecellobium
keyense
Florida
Keys
blackbead
N T
x x x 5 Pithecellobium
unguis-cati
Cat's-claw,
Catclaw
blackbead
N
x x x Portulaca
oleracea
Purslane,
Little
hogweed
N
x Portulaca
pilosa
Pink
purslane,
Kiss-me-
quick
N
x x x Y 5
0
1
3
2
0
Psychotria
nervosa
Shiny-
leaved wild
coffee
N
x Y 1
0
Psychotria
tenuifolia
(=Psychotria
sulzneri)
Shortleaf
wild coffee
N
Conservation Collier Program 66
x x x Y 3 1
5
2 3 5 Quadrella
jamaicensis(=
Capparis
jamaicensis)
Jamaican
capertree
N
x Quercus
virginiana
Virginia live
oak
N
x x x Y 9 1
6
Randia
aculeata
White
indigoberry
N
x x x Y 2
1
1
2
Rivina humilis Rougeplant N
x Roystonea
regia
Royal palm N E S
2
x x x Sabal
palmetto
Cabbage
palm
N
x x 3
0
Salvia
coccinea
Tropical
sage,
Blood sage
N
x x x Y 1
0
Sapindus
saponaria
Soapberry N
x x Y 5 Senna
ligustrina
Privet wild
sensitive
plant
N
x Senna
obtusifolia
Sicklepod,
Coffeewee
d
N
x Setaria magna Giant
bristlegrass
N
x Setaria
parviflora
(=Setaria
geniculata)
Knotroot
foxtail,
Yellow
bristlegrass
N
x x x Sida ulmifolia
(=Sida acuta,
S. antillensis)
Common
wireweed,
Common
fanpetals
N
x x x Y 2 Sideroxylon
foetidissimum
(=Mastichoden
dron
foetidissimum)
Mastic N
x x x Y 4 1
4
Simarouba
glauca
Paradisetre
e
N
x Spermacoce
remota
(=Spermacoce
assurgens)
Woodland
false
buttonwee
d
N
x Spigelia
anthelmia
West
Indian
pinkroot
N
x Sporobolus
virginicus
Seashore
dropseed
N
x x x Y 5
0
2
0
Stachytarphet
a jamaicensis
Porterweed N
Conservation Collier Program 67
? x 5 Thrinax
radiata
Florida
thatch
palm
N E S
2
x x Tillandsia
fasciculata
Stiff-leaved
wild-pine,
Cardinal
airplant
N T
x Tillandsia
recurvata
Ball-moss N
x Tillandsia
usneoides
Spanish-
moss
N
x Tillandsia
utriculata
Giant wild-
pine, Giant
airplant
N E
x x Trichostigma
octandrum
Hoopvine N E S
1
x Y 7 4
0
5 Vachellia
farnesiana
(=Acacia
farnesiana)
Sweet
acacia
N
x x Vachellia
pinetorum
(=Acacia
pinetorum)
Pineland
acacia
N
x x x Y 2 Varronia
globosa
(=Cordia
globosa)
Curacao
bush
N
x x x Verbesina
virginica
Frostweed,
White
crownbear
d
N
Y 3 Viburnum
obovatum
Walter's
Viburnum
N
x x Vitis
rotundifolia
Muscadine,
Muscadine
grape
N
x Waltheria
indica
Sleepy
morning
N
Y 2 Ximenia
americana
Hog plum N
x Yucca aloifolia Spanish
bayonet,
Aloe yucca
N
x x x Y 8 5 Zanthoxylum
fagara
Wild-lime,
Lime
prickly-ash
N
x Y 8 Gaillardia
pulchella
Indian
blanket,
Firewheel
N
?
x x x Acalypha
wilkesiana
Wilkes'
copperleaf
√
x x Acanthocereu
s tetragonus
(=Cereus
Barbed-
wire
cactus,
T
Conservation Collier Program 68
tetragonus, C.
pentagonus)
Dildoe
cactus
x x Aloe vera Aloe √
x x Amaranthus
blitum
Purple
amaranth
√
x Anredera
vesicaria
Texas
madeiravin
e
√
x x x Antigonon
leptopus
Coral vine,
Queen's
jewels
√ II
x Asclepias
curassavica
Scarlet
milkweed,
Bloodflowe
r
√
x x Bauhinia sp. Orchid tree √
x x Bromelia
pinguin
Pinguin √
Y 2
5
Capsicum
annuum
Bird
pepper
x x x Catharanthus
roseus
Madagasc
ar-
periwinkle
√
x Cenchrus
purpureus
(=Pennisetum
purpureum)
Elephantgr
ass, Napier
grass
√ I
x Cereus
peruvianus
Peruvian
cereus
√
x x Cereus sp. Columnar
cactus
√
x x Citrus x
aurantifolia
Key lime √
x x x Cocos
nucifera
Coconut
palm
√ II
x x x Commelina
diffusa
Common
dayflower
√
x x Crinum
asiaticum
Poison
bulb
√
x Crotalaria
incana
Rattlesnak
e weed,
Shakeshak
e
√
x Crotalaria
spectabilis
Showy
rattlebox
√
x x Cupaniopsis
anacardioides
Carrotwoo
d
√ I
x Cyperus
rotundus
Nutgrass √
x x Cyperus sp. Sedge √
x Dactylocteniu
m aegyptium
Crow's-foot
grass
√ II
Conservation Collier Program 69
x x x Delonix regia Royal
poinciana,
Flamboyan
t
√
x Desmodium
incanum
Beggar's-
ticks
√
x Desmodium
tortuosum
Dixie
ticktrefoil
√
x Digitaria
bicornis
Asia
crabgrass
√
x x x Dioscorea
bulbifera
Air potato √ I
x x x Dracaena
hyacinthoides
(=Sansevieria
hyacinthoides)
Mother-in-
law's tonge
√ II
x
Dracaena
reflexa
Song of
Jamaica √
x x x Eugenia
uniflora
Surinam-
cherry
√ I
x Eulophia
graminea
Grass-
leaved
orchid
√ II
x Euphorbia sp.
(=Poinsettia
sp.)
Poinsettia
x x x Euphorbia
tirucalli
Pencil
cactus,
Indian tree
spurge
√
x Indigofera
spicata
Trailing
indigo
√
x x Kalanchoe
pinnata
Life plant,
Cathedral
bells
√ II
x x x Y 2 Lantana
involucrata
Wild-sage,
Buttonsage
x x Lantana
strigocamara
(=L. camara)
Shrubverb
ena
√ I
x x x Leucaena
leucocephala
White
leadtree
√ II
x x x Mangifera
indica
Mango √
x x Melia
azedarach
Chinaberry √ II
x x Meliins repens
(=Rhynchelytr
um repens)
Rose
Natalgrass
√ I
x x x Momordica
charantia
Balsampea
r
√ II
x Musa x
paradisiaca
Common
banana
√
x Oeceoclades
maculata
African
ground
√
Conservation Collier Program 70
orchid,
Monk
orchid
x Panicum sp. Panic
grass
x x x Persea
americana
Avocado √
x x Psidium
guajava
Guava √ I
x x Ruellia
blechum
(=Blechumn
pyramidatum)
Green
shrimp-
plant,
Browne's
blechum
√ II
x Schefflera
actinophylla
Australian
umbrellatre
e
√ I
x x x Schinus
terebinthifolia
Brazilian
pepper
√ I
x x Sonchus
oleraceus
Common
sowthistle
√
x Spermacoce
verticillata
Shrubby
false
buttonwee
d
√ II
x x Sphagneticola
trilobata
(=Wedelia
trilobata)
Creeping
wedelia,
Creeping
oxeye
√ II
x Sporobolus
jacquemontii
(=S. indicus
var.
pyramidalis)
Smutgrass,
West
Indian
dropseed
√ i
x Stenotaphrum
secundatum
St.
Augustine
grass
√
x x x Syngonium
podophyllum
American
evergreen
√ i
x x Syzygium
cumini
Java plum √ I
x x x Tecoma stans Yellow
elder,
Yellow
trumpetbus
h
√
x x x Tradescantia
spathacea
(=Rhoeo
spathacea)
Moses-in-
the-cradle,
Oyster
plant
√ I
x Tridax
procumbens
Coatbutton
s
√
x Urena lobata Caesarwee
d
√ i
Conservation Collier Program 71
x x Urochloa
maxima
(=Panicum
maximum)
Guineagra
ss
√ II
7 Myrica cerifera Southern
Wax Myrtle
N
x Urochloa
ramosa
Brown-top
millet
grass,
Dixie
signalgrass
√
Count
1
5
4
1
2
0
1
6
4
3
3
1
4
0
9
2
8 8
1
4
2
9
7
7
6
1
2
3 60
1
0 4
2
8
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.
Appendix 7: Breeding bird species recorded in the Marco Island Quadrangle in the vicinity of
Otter Mound Preserve
Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus
Double-crested
Cormorant
Phalacrocorax auritus Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor
Great Egret Ardea alba Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica
Snowy Egret Egretta thula Red-bellied
Woodpecker
Melanerpes
carolinus
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Great Crested
Flycatcher
Myiarchus crinitus
Green Heron Butorides striatus Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus
Black-crowned Night-
Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax Gray Kingbird Tyrannus
dominicensis
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Black-whiskered
Vireo
Vireo altiloquus
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus American Crow Corvus
brachyrhynchos
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Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus
leucocephalus
Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus
Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus Purple Martin Progne subis
Short-tailed Hawk Buteo brachyurus Carolina Wren Thryothorus
ludovicianus
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Northern
Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Snowy Plover Charadrius
alexandrinus
Yellow Warbler Dendroica
petechia
Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Eastern Towhee Pipilo
erythrophthalmus
Willet Catoptrophorus
semipalmatus
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis
cardinalis
Least Tern Sternula antillarum Red-winged
Blackbird
Agelaius
phoeniceus
Black Skimmer Rynchops niger Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major
Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina Brown-headed
Cowbird
Molothrus ater
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2003 - Florida Breeding Bird Atlas,
www.wildflorida.org/bba
Appendix 8: Adjacent property owners’ deed describing ingress/egress easement
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