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Agenda 08/08/2023 Item #16A7 (Conservation Collier Shell Island Preserve Addendum Management Plan)16.A.7 08/08/2023 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to approve the Conservation Collier Shell Island Preserve Addendum Management Plan 5-year update under the Conservation Collier Program. OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) for the 5-year update to the Shell Island Preserve Management Plan. CONSIDERATIONS: Conservation Collier Ordinance, No. 2002-63, as amended, Section 14(3), requires that a Final Management Plan be prepared and updated for each property every five (5) years, with review and input by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC). The 111.88-acre Shell Island Preserve, located in southern Collier County, was acquired in 2005 with an initial purchase of 83.18 acres and expanded in 2019 with the purchase of an additional 28.7 acres. A Management Plan was developed and approved by the Board on June 28, 2011, Agenda Item 16E8. The approved plan, with subsequent updates, has been operational for the Shell Island Preserve since that time. Tracked changes have been made so that Board members can quickly see the proposed changes. A "clean" version has also been provided. Changes in this plan include: • Updated maps, • Updated property status information, • Additions to plant or animal lists, • Status of exotic plant and animal infestations, and • Streamlining of text. The CCLAAC reviewed and recommended Board approval of the updated plan on May 3, 2023. FISCAL IMPACT: Annual management costs for the preserve are estimated at $20,000 per year for the next five (5) years, primarily for invasive plant maintenance. Funds are available within the Conservation Collier Land Management Fund (1062) to accomplish these activities. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no specific growth management impact associated with this item. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance (No. 2002-63, as amended), in Section 14, provides a legal framework for the development of management plans and for the use of environmentally sensitive lands. This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board approval. -SAA RECOMMENDATION: To approve the proposed Management Plan update for Shell Island Preserve and direct staff to implement the updated plan. Prepared by: Sutton Maehr, Environmental Specialist I, Growth Management Division ATTACHMENT(S) 1. Shell Island Preserve Management Plan (PDF) 2. Shell Island Preserve AMP 2023_13CC_strikethrough (PDF) Packet Pg. 164 16.A.7 08/08/2023 COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 16.A.7 Doc ID: 25978 Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the Conservation Collier Shell Island Preserve Addendum Management Plan 5-year update under the Conservation Collier Program. Meeting Date: 08/08/2023 Prepared by: Title: Technician — Development Review Name: Lucia Martin 06/30/2023 2:14 PM Submitted by: Title: Environmental Specialist — Growth Management Community Development Department Name: Jaime Cook 06/30/2023 2:14 PM Approved By: Review: Operations & Regulatory Management Michael Stark Additional Reviewer Development Review Summer BrownAraque Additional Reviewer Growth Management Community Development Department Diane Lynch Transportation Management Operations Support Evelyn Trimino Growth Management Community Development Department Jaime Cook County Attorney's Office Sally Ashkar Level 2 Attorney Review Growth Management Community Development Department James C French Office of Management and Budget Office of Management and Budget County Attorney's Office County Manager's Office Board of County Commissioners Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Laura Zautcke Additional Reviewer Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Ed Finn Level 4 County Manager Review Geoffrey Willig Meeting Pending Completed 07/03/2023 11:10 AM Completed 07/03/2023 12:28 PM Growth Management DepartmentCompleted 07/10/2023 1:27 PM Additional Reviewer Completed 07/10/2023 5:04 PM Division Director Completed 07/11 /2023 9:38 AM Completed 07/12/2023 8:20 AM Growth Management Completed 07/13/2023 3:21 PM Completed 07/13/2023 3:47 PM Completed 07/13/2023 7:16 PM Completed 07/14/2023 2:12 PM Completed 08/01/2023 10:05 AM 08/08/2023 9:00 AM Packet Pg. 165 16.A.7.a Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan April 2023 - 2028 Managed by: Conservation Collier Program Collier County Prepared by: Collier County Public Services Department Parks and Recreation Division Background: Collier County acquired the Shell Island Preserve in June 2005 using funds from the County's Conservation Collier Program, along with a donation from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida that paid the difference between the appraised value, which Conservation Collier paid, and the seller's asking price. The Conservation Collier Program was established in 2003 to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vital and significant threatened natural lands, forest, upland and wetland communities located in Collier County, for the benefit of present and future generations. This preserve is located directly adjacent to and surrounded on three sides by the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR). This plan is intended to serve as an addendum to the RBNERR Management Plan dated December 2022. Once approved, this plan will be effective through 2028, at which time it will be updated. Preserve Manager and Contact Information: The Preserve Manager for Shell Island Preserve is Sutton Maehr, a designated Collier County Environmental Specialist I, who may be contacted through electronic mail at sutton.maehr(d),colliercountyfl.gov or by phone at 239-252-2331. Location and Site Description: The Shell Island Preserve (Property) is located within the urban boundary of Collier County in the southwest corner of Section 15, Township 515, Range 26E, west of State Road (SR) 951, east of and surrounded on the north, west and south sides by RBNERR, folio number - 00741960001. See map attached as Exhibit A. Shell Island Road transects the southeast corner of the property. The 111.88-acre site contains mangrove forest, freshwater marsh, and salt marsh plant communities. An historic roadbed, County Road (CR) 848, cuts diagonally across the property. Except for the roadbed, which contains approximately 6.31 acres, the Property is entirely wetlands and is completely flooded during rainy season. Easements, Concessions or Leases: A 100' Lee County Electric Cooperative easement exists along the western property line. A 60' Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) perpetual, non-exclusive, ingress/egress easement exists along the portion of Shell Island Road that transects the preserve. This DEP easement includes the right to conduct hydrological restoration, place culverts, backfill ditches, and conduct road reconstruction for use by management and for access by the public. No other easements, concessions or leases currently exist over or within the site or are proposed for the future, unless they further conservation objectives, such as a conservation easement. 1 Packet Pg. 166 Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 16.A.7.a Structures: Structures present on the site at this time are limited to those associated with the Lee County Electric Cooperative easement and an unknown number of historic electricity poles that still may be present along the old CR 848 roadbed. Regional Significance of Shell Island Preserve: To date, existing local, state, and federal agencies protect and manage approximately 68% (more than 886,970 acres) of Collier County. Included within that total are 110,000 acres owned, leased, and cooperatively managed by RBNERR, which itself surrounds the 111.88-acre Shell Island Preserve on its west, north and south sides. If the Shell Island Preserve had not been acquired for conservation, the previous owner planned to develop a condominium project on the fill remaining from the old roadbed. Placing a condominium project within wetlands surrounded by sensitive state lands would have put those lands at risk for undesirable impacts. In addition, this parcel provides a buffer for preserved lands at RBNERR from development impacts associated with SR 951 and the expanding urban fringe. On a resource level, the Preserve protects coastal marsh and mangrove forest, provides habitat for many listed and non -listed native bird species, and provides for the conveyance, storage and treatment for overland water flows entering Rookery Bay. Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection: The Shell Island Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, although the old CR 848 roadbed may contain historical artifacts. The County will notify the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any archaeological or historic resources are present at the site. If such properties are identified on -site, staff shall cordon off the area, and a professional survey and assessment shall be instituted. The archaeologist shall prepare a report outlining results of the assessments and issue recommendations to County staff about management of any sites discovered, per provisions of the Land Development Code Section 2.2.25. This report shall be sent to the Division of Historical Resources. The County shall cooperate fully with direction from the Division of Historical Resources on the protection and management of archaeological and historical resources. The management of these resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, specifically Sections 267.061 2 (a) and (b). The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archaeological and historic sites within the Shell Island Preserve will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. Management Plan Scope and goals: Conservation Collier's preserve -use classification system has designated the Shell Island Preserve as a Category 5 — a Resource Protection/Restoration preserve, described below: Categoa 5 - Resource Protection/Restoration Use Preserve Provide no public access. Public access may not be feasible due to the lack of physical and legal access or where the land stewardship activities could create unsafe conditions for the public. No restrooms or marked trails will be offered. Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary for the proper management of the preserve. Within the scope of a Category 5 Resource Protection /Restoration Use Preserve, Conservation Collier seeks to coordinate with overall RBNERR Management Plan goals. Specifically, this Conservation Collier Program 2 Packet Pg. 167 Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 16.A.7.a means to restore natural freshwater inflows, protect and restore natural ecological functions, protect listed species, manage for compatible public use, increase understandings of key ecological processes, enhance public awareness, promote community involvement, provide for safe work environment and establish cost effective management strategies (RBNERR Management Plan, December 2022). While overall goals will be coordinated with RBNERR as practicable, specific site management and public use will be directed by the Conservation Collier Preserve Manager, this addendum, and any future ordinance pertaining to Conservation Collier lands, all under the authority of the Board of County Commissioners. Public Involvement: Conservation Collier recognizes the importance of public involvement and encourages involvement in preparation of land management plans. Conservation Collier is also committed to meeting the requirements of the Florida Sunshine Law, F.S. 286.011. Key steps in the development of this plan involved public meetings of the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee, its Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee, and the Board of County Commissioners. Meetings were publicly noticed through posting on the Conservation Collier website (www.Colliergov.net/ConservationColliei), publishing in various local news outlets and e-mailing to a broad recipient list. Staff also met with neighborhood associations and property managers of surrounding lands to gather input. Acreage Breakdown: VegetativeGeneral Acreage Wetlands (94%)- Mangrove, 106.03 freshwater marsh, salt marsh and open water body Uplands 6% old roadbed 6.31 TOTAL 111.88 Natural Resources: Topography, geomorphology, geology, hydrology, and climate for this property are included within the RBNERR Management Plan, December 2022 (Chapter 4). Natural Communities: Three different plant communities are present at the site; however, they are not always distinct. Freshwater and saltwater species co -exist throughout the property. The old CR 848 roadbed, which transects the property, contains a mix of vegetation. In 2021, Conservation Collier contracted a preserve -wide plant survey. Scientific plant names and Native/Not-Native status is according to the Atlas of Florida Plants website as of August 2021. 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. The Shell Island Preserve plant list is documented in the table below. Conservation Collier Program 3 Packet Pg. 168 Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 16.A.7.a ScientificA4:G120 Common Names 0 r Z 0 o r Z Z d U) Q LL a a J LL Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia I Acrostichum aureum Golden leather fern N T S3 Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common ragweed N Ammannia coccinea Valley redstem, Scarlet ammannia N Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus Bushy bluestem N Annona glabra Pond -apple N Aristida patula Tall threeawn N Avicennia germinans Black mangrove N Baccharis angustifolia Saltwater falsewillow N Baccharis glomeruliflora Saltbush N Bacopa monnieri Water hyssop, Herb -of -grace N Bidens alba Spanish -needles N Bothriochloa bladhii Australian beardgrass Capraria biflora Goatweed N Cassytha filiformis Lovevine, Devil's gut N Casuarina glauca Suckering australian pine I Centella asiatica Coinwort, Spadeleaf N Chamaecrista nictitans var. aspera Hairy sensitive -pea N Chiococca alba (=C. parvifolia) Pineland snowberry N Chrysoba/anus icaco Coco plum N Cladium jamaicense Sawgrass N Conocarpus erectus Buttonwood N Conyza canadensis Canadian horseweed N Crinum americanum Swamp lily N Crotalaria rotundifolia Rabbitbells N Cyperus ligularis Swamp flatsedge N Dactyloctenium aegyptium Crow's-foot grass II Dalbergia ecastaphyllum Coinvine N Desmodium tortuosum Dixie ticktrefoil Digitaria ciliaris Southern crabgrass N Distichlis spicata Saltgrass N Echinochloa walteri Coast cockspur N Eleocharis cellulosa Gulf coast spikerush N Encyclia tampensis Florida butterfly orchid N C Erigeron quercifolius Southern -fleabane, Oakleaf fleabane N Conservation Collier Program Go rn LO N c a c m E m a) R c CU m it a� m L IL c m z r c m E CU r r Q Packet Pg. 169 Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 16.A.7.a Erythrina herbacea Coralbean, Cherokee bean N Eugenia axillaris White stopper N Eugenia foetida Spanish stopper N Euphorbia hypericifolia (=Chamaesyce hypericifolia) Eyebane, Graceful sandmat N Eustachys glauca Prairie fingergrass N Ficus aurea Strangler fig, Golden fig N Fimbristylis cymosa Hurricanegrass Fimbristylis spadicea Marsh fimbry N Flaveria linearis Narrowleaf yellowtops N Forestiera segregata Florida swampprivet N Funastrum clausum (=Sarcostemma clausum) Whitevine, White twinevine N Galactia regularis Downy milkpea N Heliotropium angiospermum Scorpionstail N Hippocratea volubilis Medicine vine N Ilex cassine Dahoon holly, Dahoon N 1pomoea alba Moonflower; Tropical white morning- glory N 1pomoea indica Ocean -blue morning-glory N 1pomoea sagittata Glades morning-glory N Juncus marginatus Shore rush, Grassleaf rush N Juncus megacephalus Bighead rush N Juncus roemerianus Needle rush, Black rush N Kalanchoe pinnata Life plant, Cathedral bells II Laguncularia racemosa White mangrove N Lespedeza sp. Lespedeza Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrosewillow I Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum Winged loosestrife N Malvastrum corchorifolium False mallow N Melaleuca quinquenervia Punktree I Melanthera nivea Snows uarestem N Melinis repens (=Rhynchelytrum repens) Rose Natalgrass I Melothria pendula Creeping -cucumber N Mikania scandens Climbing hempweed, Climbing hempvine N Morella cerifera (=Myrica cerifera) Wax myrtle, Southern bayberry N Muhlenbergia capillaris Muhlygrass, Hairawnmuhly N Myrsine cubana (=Rapanea punctata) Myrsine, Colicwood N Nekemias arborea (=Ampelopsis arborea) Peppervine N Conservation Collier Program 00 rn LO N c a c m E m a) R c m it a� m L IL c A m z r c m E U a r Q Packet Pg. 170 Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 16.A.7.a Nephrolepis biserrata Giant boston fern N T Oeceoclades maculata African ground orchid, Monk orchid Oenothera simulans (=Gaura angustifolia) Southern beeblossom N Oplismenus hirtellus Woodgrass, Basketgrass N Panicum repens Torpedo grass I Panicum virgatum Switchgrass N Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia -creeper, Woodbine N Paspalum caespitosum Blue paspalum, Blue crowngrass N Paspalum distichum Knotgrass N Passiflora suberosa Corkystem passionflower N Persea borbonia Red bay N Phlebodium aureum Golden polypody N Piscidia piscipula Jamaican dogwood, Florida fishpoison tree N Pithecellobium unguis-cati Cat's-claw, Catclaw blackbead N Pleopeltis polypodioides Resurrection fern N Pluchea baccharis (=P. rosea) Rosy camphorweed N Pluchea carolinensis Cure -for -all Plumbago zeylanica (=P. scandens) Doctorbush N Psychotria nervosa Wild coffee N Pteris vittata China brake II Quercus virginiana Virginia live oak N Randia aculeata White indigoberry N Rhabdadenia biflora Rubbervine, Mangrovevine N Rhizophora mangle Red mangrove N Rhus copallinum Winged sumac N Rhynchosia minima Least snoutbean N Rhynchospora colorata Starrush whitetop N Ruppia maritima Wigeongrass N Saba/ palmetto Cabbage palm N Sagittaria graminea Grassy arrowhead N Salicornia ambigua (=S. perennis, S. virginica) Perennial glasswort N Salicornia bigelovii Annual glasswort N Samolus ebracteatus Water pimpernel N Schinus terebinthifolia Brazilian pepper I Serenoa repens Saw palmetto N Sesuvium portulacastrum Shoreline seapurslane N Conservation Collier Program Go rn LO N c a r c m E m a) R c CU m it a� L IL c CU A m z r c m E U a r r Q Packet Pg. 171 Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 16.A.7.a Setaria parviflora (=S. geniculata) Knotroot foxtail, Yellow bristlegrass N Sida ulmifolia (=S. acuta) Common wireweed, Common fanpetals N Sideroxylon celastrinum Saffron plum, Bumelia N Smilax auriculata Earleaf greenbrier N Solanum donianum Mullein nightshade N T Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod N Spartina bakeri Sand cordgrass N Spermacoce remota (=Spermacoce assurgens) Woodland false buttonweed N Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweed II Stachytarpheta cayennensis (=S. utricifolia) Nettleleaf velvetberr I I Telmatoblechnum serrulatum (=Blechnum serrulatum) Swamp fern N Thelypteris kunthii Southern shield fern N Tillandsia balbisiana Reflexed wild -pine, Northern needleleaf N T Tillandsia fasciculata Stiff -leaved wild -pine, Cardinal airplant N E Tillandsia flexuosa Twisted airplant N T S3 Tillandsia paucifolia Potbelly airplant N Tillandsia recurvata Ball -moss N Tillandsia setacea Thin -leaved wild -pine, Southern needleleaf N Tillandsia utriculata Giant wild -pine, Giant airplant N E Toxicodendron radicans Eastern poison -ivy N Tripsacum dactyloides Fakahatcheegrass, Eastern gamagrass N Typha domingensis Southern cattail N Verbesina virginica Frostweed, White crownbeard N Vigna luteola Cow -pea, Hair pod cowpea N Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine grape N Vittaria lineata Shoestring fern N Ximenia americana Hog -plum, Tallowwood N Yucca aloifolia Spanish bayonet, Aloe yucca N Zanthoxylum fagara Wild lime N Count 136 118 17 8 2 12 State Codes: E=Endangered, T=Threatened Conservation Collier Program 7 Packet Pg. 172 Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 16.A.7.a 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. The following is a general description of native vegetation communities present as classified by Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS): FLUCCS 612 — Mangrove Forest — red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) and black mangroves (Avicennia germinans). Other associated species include buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto). FLUCCS 641 — Freshwater marsh - black rush (Juncus roemerianus), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), spikerush (Eleocharis spp.), spider lilies (Hymenocallis sp.), cattails (Typha spp), White -top sedge (Dichromena spp.), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) and saltbush (Baccharus halimifolia) FLUCCS 642 — Salt marsh — saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), sea purslane (Sesuvium maritimum), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) The old roadbed contains wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), saltbush (Baccharus halimifolia), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto). Animal Species: Species present likely include large mammals traversing the property, including Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and feral hog (Sus scrofa). Also present are a diverse assemblage of invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians, wading birds and raptors including the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), and reddish egret (Egretta rufescens). Listed Wildlife Species: Conservation Collier staff have observed the following listed species on the Shell Island Preserve. A complete list of species that are present on adjoining RBNERR lands and potentially also present at the Preserve is included within the RBNERR December 2022 Management Plan (Appendix B.4.1). The Florida panther and Florida black bear are documented on adjoining RBNERR lands and likely travel through the Preserve. American crocodiles are present at the nearby Marco Island Airport and may also be present. This list includes rankings at the state and federal level as well as those of the Florida natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). Conservation Collier Program 8 Packet Pg. 173 Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 16.A.7.a COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME FNAI* STATUS** State I Global State I Federal Birds wood stork M cteria americana S2 G4 T T white ibis Eudocimus albus S4 G5 SSC N snowy egret E retta thula S3 G5 SSC N tricolored heron E retta tricolor S4 G5 SSC N little blue heron E retta caerulea S4 G5 SSC N Reptiles American alligator Alligator mississi iensis S4 G5 SSC SAT *Descriptions of the FNAI Global element rankings are included within the RBNERR management Plan (Appendix B.4) **State/Federal Status: N-Not Listed; T-Threatened; E-Endangered; CE-Commercially Exploited; SSC-Species of Special Concern; SAT -Similarity of Appearance Threat Problem Species: A list of some of the problem species found on surrounding RBNERR lands and their herbicide treatment rates is included within the 2022 Management Plan (Appendix B.8). Although not directly observed, some or all of these may also be present on Shell Island Preserve. Problem plant species observed by staff on the Preserve include Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia), melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquinerva), lead tree (Leuceana leucocephala), earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), old-world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum), and Peruvian primrosewillow (Ludwigia peruviana). Management Goals and Actions: Goal 1: Protect and manage the native habitat. Strategic Actions: 1. Treat and manage melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, and any other Florida Invasive Species Council I and II plants. 2. Seek partnering opportunities with RBNERR and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for invasive plant management grant funding. 3. Apply prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatment as needed to restore native habitat. Goal 2: Implement necessary hydrologic restoration Strategic Actions: 1. Work with RBNERR to develop and implement projects to improve area hydrology. 2. Make the site available to students in university and post -secondary school science programs for hydrologic restoration research. 3. Evaluate other actions to improve hydrology if/when proposed based on estimated environmental benefits return and cost. Conservation Collier Program 9 Packet Pg. 174 Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 16.A.7.a Goal 3: Facilitate and support research Strategic Actions: 1. Contact universities, research institutions and schools to offer the site as an environmental laboratory, with particular emphasis on projects that will assist in hydrologic restoration. Public Access: Consistent with its classification as a Resource Protection/Restoration preserve within the preserve -use classification system and due to potential unsafe conditions for the public, no public access, marked trails or restrooms will be offered. A public 1/2-mile long boardwalk through similar habitat exists less than 1-mile west of the Preserve off Shell Island Road. Public access will be limited to research and education projects and staff will be present only periodically for site inspections and management purposes. Research Partnership: In conjunction with RBNERR, the Henderson Creek Sentinel Program was developed in 2018 to monitor changing vegetation in response to sea level change. They installed twelve surface elevation tables (SET), including one SET on Shell Island Preserve, to measure habitat -specific elevation change. These twelve SETs, along with SETs installed during the 1990s by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), are actively monitored by RBNERR in partnership with USGS and the National Park Service. Operational Plan for the Shell Island Preserve: This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Shell Island Preserve. It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, possibilities for contracting the restoration activities, coordination, and other management issues. Management will consist primarily of annual maintenance for exotic plants and application of prescribed fire. Initial exotic plant treatments have been successful in removing 95% of invasive plant infestations; however, re -sprouting of Melaleuca in marsh areas has been observed and Brazilian pepper continues to sprout along Shell Island Road, SR 951 and adjacent to the pond in the north -central portion of the Preserve. Lygodium spp. also continues to appear along Shell Island Road. At minimum, follow-up treatments will occur every 2 years during the dry season. Conservation Collier will work in coordination as much as possible with RBNERR to perform exotic plant treatments. Conservation Collier will coordinate prescribed fire events with RBNERR, the Florida Forest Service (FFS), the Collier County Isle of Capri Fire and Rescue District and surrounding landowners when conducting prescribed burns. Please see the RBNERR 2022 Management Plan (Appendix B.6) for a full discussion of prescribed fire management and its application on RBNERR lands. A system of notifying surrounding landowners in advance of prescribed burns will be established (via email, phone trees, etc.) this system will be executed by the Preserve Manager before each prescribed fire. The Preserve Manager will also send out a news release to notify the newspaper, radio, and news channels in addition to informing the County Manager, County Commissioners and all local fire departments prior to any prescribed burns. Conservation Collier Program 10 Packet Pg. 175 16.A.7.a Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan When burning, photo points will be taken at established locations, facing north (0 degrees), east (90 degrees), west (180 degrees) and south (270 degrees) pre -burn, 1-2 days post burn, 6 months post burn and annually until the next burn. Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources: Table 1: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget Item QTY Cost FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27 FY28 Exotic Removal * 112.34 ac $525 per ac. $11,000 $11,000 $11,000 $11,000 $11,000 $11,000 Hydrologic Restoration ** *Per acre cost adjusted for inflation after FY23 — Treatments may not span the entire 112.34 acres. **Removal of portions or entirety of the old, raised roadbed (CR 848). Depending on results of any hydrologic studies, this is most likely to occur after 2020. *** To Be Determined. Literature Cited: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) 1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Department of Natural Resources. Government -in -the -Sunshine Law, F.S. § 286.011. 1976. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan, December 2022 Conservation Collier Program 11 Packet Pg. 176 Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 16.A.7.a Exhibit A. Map of Shell Island Preserve CQH ATI°" Shell Island Preserve Location LLIER Freedom Park Preserve ,.. " Cngf`,eCrnfncy Nancy Payton Preserve Gordan River Greenway ij . � w E Preserve S it w. i n to '�r ■�. a. Shell Island Preserve! ` Mcllvane Marsh Project t 0 1.25 2.5 5 Miles Source: 2010 aerials - Collier County Property Appraiser Map created for Conservation Collier by: A.Sulecki G:/Conservation Collier/maps/Acquired prop/Maltllocaerial_Management_Plan 5/31111 Conservation Collier Program 12 Legend _ RBNERR Acquisition Boundary Surrounding Conservation Areas Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Picayune Strand State Forest Collier -Seminole State Park QConservation Collier Preserves Packet Pg. 177 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan April 2018-2023 - 2028 Managed by: Conservation Collier Program Collier County Prepared by: Collier County Public Services Department Parks and Recreation Division Background: Collier County acquired the Shell Island Preserve in June 2005 using funds from the County's Conservation Collier Program, along with a donation from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida that paid the difference between the appraised value, which Conservation Collier paid, and the seller's asking price. The Conservation Collier Program was established in 2003 to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vital and significant threatened natural lands, forest, uplands and wetland communities located in Collier County, for the benefit of present and future generations. This preserve is located directly adjacent to and surrounded on three sides by the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR). This plan is intended to serve as an addendum to the RBNERR Management Plan dated Febmary 2022. Once approved, this plan will be effective through 20238, at which time it will be updated. Preserve Manager and Contact Information: The Preserve Manager for Shell Island Preserve will beis Sutton Maehr, a designated Collier County Environmental Specialist I who may be contacted through electronic mail at Sutton.machr(&colliercountvfl.eov or by phone at 239-252- 296331. Location and Site Description: The Shell Island Preserve (Property) is located within the urban boundary of Collier County in the southwest corner of Section 15, Township 51S, Range 26E, west of State Road (SR) 951, east of and surrounded on the north, west and south sides by RBNERR, folio number - 00741960001. See map attached as Exhibit A. Shell Island Road transects the southeast corner of the property. The 93.. 1 8111.88-acre site contains mangrove forest, freshwater marsh, and salt marsh plant communities. An historic roadbed, County Road (CR) 848, cuts diagonally across the property. Except for the roadbed, which contains approximately 6.31 acres, the Property is entirely wetlands and is completely flooded during rainy season. Easements, Concessions or Leases: A 100' Lee County Electric Cooperative easement exists along the western property line. A 60' Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) perpetual, non-exclusive, ingress/egress easement exists along the portion of Shell Island Road that transects the preserve. This DEP easement includes the right to conduct hydrological restoration, place culverts, backfill ditches, and conduct road reconstruction for use by management and for access by the public. No other easements, concessions or leases currently exist over or within the site or are proposed for the future, unless they further conservation objectives, such as a conservation easement. Packet Pg. 178 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan Structures: Structures present on the site at this time are limited to those associated with the Lee County Electric Cooperative easement and an unknown number of historic electricity poles that still may be present along the old CR 848 roadbed. Regional Significance of Shell Island Preserve: To date, existing local, state, and federal agencies protect and manage approximately 6368% (more than 867-,W886,970 acres) of Collier County. Included within that total are 64,-3-27110,000 acres owned, leased, and cooperatively managed by RBNERR, which itself surrounds the 83.18111.88-acre Shell Island Preserve on its west, north and south sides. If the Shell Island Preserve had not been acquired for conservation, the previous owner planned to develop a condominium project on the fill remaining from the old roadbed. Placing a condominium project within wetlands surrounded by sensitive state lands would have put those lands at risk for undesirable impacts. In addition, this parcel provides a buffer for preserved lands at RBNERR from development impacts associated with SR 951 and the expanding urban fringe. On a resource level, the Preserve protects coastal marsh and mangrove forest, provides habitat for many listed and non -listed native bird species, and provides for the conveyance, storage and treatment for overland water flows entering Rookery Bay. Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection: The Shell Island Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, although the old CR 848 roadbed may contain historical artifacts. The County will notify the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any archaeological or historic resources are present at the site. If such properties are identified on -site, staff shall cordon off the area, and a professional survey and assessment shall be instituted. The archaeologist shall prepare a report outlining results of the assessments and issue recommendations to County staff about management of any sites discovered, per provisions of the Land Development Code Section 2.2.25. This report shall be sent to the Division of Historical Resources. The County shall cooperate fully with direction from the Division of Historical Resources on the protection and management of archaeological and historical resources. The management of these resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, specifically Sections 267.061 2 (a) and (b). The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archaeological and historic sites within the Shell Island Preserve will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. Management Plan Scope and goals: Conservation Collier's preserve -use classification system has designated the Shell Island Preserve as a Category 5 - a Resource Protection/Restoration preserve, described below: Cate oty 5 - Resource Protection/Restoration Use Preserve Provide no public access. Public access may not be feasible due to the lack of physical and legal access or where the land stewardship activities could create unsafe conditions for the public. No restrooms or marked trails will be offered. • Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary for the proper management of the preserve. Within the scope of a Category 5 Resource Protection /Restoration Use Preserve, Conservation Collier seeks to coordinate with overall RBNERR Management Plan goals. Specifically, this Conservation Collier Program 2 Formatted Table a Packet Pg. 179 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan means to restore natural freshwater inflows, protect and restore natural ecological functions, protect listed species, manage for compatible public use, increase understandings of key ecological processes, enhance public awareness, promote community involvement, provide for safe work environment and establish cost effective management strategies (RBNERR Management Plan, Febnaafy 2013December 2022). While overall goals will be coordinated with RBNERR as practicable, specific site management and public use will be directed by the Conservation Collier Preserve Manager, this addendum, and any future ordinance pertaining to Conservation Collier lands, all under the authority of the Board of County Commissioners. Public Involvement: Conservation Collier recognizes the importance of public involvement and encourages involvement in preparation of land management plans. Conservation Collier is also committed to meeting the requirements of the Florida Sunshine Law, F.S. 286.011. Key steps in the development of this plan involved public meetings of the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee, its Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee, -and the Board of County Commissioners. Meetings were publicly noticed through posting on the Conservation Collier website(www.Colliergov.net/ConservationCollier), publishing in various local news outlets and e-mailing to a broad recipient list. Staff also met with neighborhood associations and property managers of surrounding lands to gather input. Acreage Breakdown: General Vegetative Communities Acreage Wetlands (9294%)- Mangrove, 76.-87106.03 freshwater marsh, salt marsh and open water body Uplands 86% old roadbed 6.31 TOTAL 8348111.88 Natural Resources: Topography, geomorphology, geology, hydrology, and climate for this property are included within the RBNERR Management Plan, December 2022 (Chapter 4.' .''. Natural Communities: Three different plant communities are present at the site; however, they are not always distinct. Freshwater and saltwater species co -exist throughout the property. The old CR 848 roadbed, which transects the property, contains a mix of vegetation. In 2021 Conservation Collier contracted a Dreserve-wide plant survev. Scientific Dlant names and Native/Not-Native status is according to the Atlas of Florida Plants website as of August 2021. 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. The Shell Island Preserve plant list is documented in the table below. Conservation Collier Program 3 Formatted Table Formatted: Font: 12 pt, Bold, Not Highlight Formatted Table c IL c m E d i� M c M c ii m d In m L a c d z Cn 00 ti CD uj N 1 t J i� 0 z d UI� V m I M N O N IL Q d rn L a c R to N t � 1 C J d E z t� M a Packet Pg. 180 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan ScientificA4:G120 Common Names RI Z ZI'% Z y zl LL W J LLl Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia U I Acrostichum aureum Golden leather fern N T S3 Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common ragweed N Ammannia coccinea Valley redstem, Scarlet ammannia N Andropogon glomeratus var. Bushy bluestem N up mlluS Annona glabra Pond -apple N Aristida patula Tall threeawn N Avicennia germinans Black mangrove N Baccharis angustifolia Saltwater falsewillow N Baccharis glomeruliflora Saltbush N Bacona monnieri Water hyssop, Herb -of -grace N Bidens alba Spanish -needles N Bothriochloa bladhii Australian beard rass Capraria biflora Goatweed N Cassvtha filiformis Lovevine. Devil's gut Suckering australian pine I Centella asiatica Coinwort, Spadeleaf ENCasuarinaglauca Chamaecrista nictitans var.sitive- easpera Hai seni Chiococca alba (=C. parvifolia) Pineland snowberry Chrvsobalanus icaco Coco plum N Cladium iamaicense Sawgrass N Conocarpus erectus Buttonwood N Convza canadensis Canadian horseweed N Crinum americanum Swamp lily N Crotalaria rotundifolia Rabbitbells N Cvperus ligularis Swamp flatsedge N Dactyloctenium aegyptium Crow's-foot grass _ II Dalbergia ecastaphvllum Coinvine N Desmodium tortuosum Dixie ticktrefoil Digitaria cilia ris Southern crabgrass N Distichlis spicata Saltgrass N Echinochloa walteri Coast cocksw N Eleocharis cellulosa Gulf coast s0kerush N Encvclia tampensis Florida butterfly orchid N C Edgeron guercifolius Southern -fleabane, Oakleaf fleabane N Formatted Table Conservation Collier Program c IL c m N i� M C M C IL d N rn d L IL C M d z fn 00 I- GD W N a Packet Pg. 181 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan Erythrina herbacea Coralbean. Cherokee bean N Eugenia axillaris White stopper N Eugenia foetida Spanish stopper N Euphorbia hvpericifolia (=Chamaesyice hvpericifolia) Evebane. Graceful sandmat N _ Eustachvs glauca Prairie fingergrass N Ficus aurea Strangler fig. Golden fig N Fimbristylis cvmosa Hurricanegrass Fimbristvlis spadicea Marsh fimbry N Flavena lineans Narrowleaf vellowtops N Forestiera segregata Florida swampprivet N Funastrum clausum (=Sarcostemma clausum) Whitevine, White twinevine N _ Galactia regularis Downy milkpea N Heliotropium angiospermum Scorpionstail N Hippocratea volubilis Medicine vine N Ilex cassine Dahoon holly. Dahoon N Ipomoea alba Moonflower; Tropical white morning- N — - - glory Ipomoea indica Ocean -blue morning-glory N Ipomoea sagittata Glades morning-glory N Juncus marginatus Shore rush, Grassleaf rush N Juncus megacephalus Bighead rush N Juncus roemerianus Needle rush, Black rush N Kalanchoe pinnata Life plant. Cathedral bells II Laguncularia racemosa White mangrove N Lespedeza sp. Lespedeza Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrosewillow I Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum Win ed loosestrife N Malvastrum corchorifolium False mallow N Melaleuca guinguenervia Punktree I Melanthera nivea Snows uarestem N Melinis repens (=Rhvnchelytrum repens) Rose Natalgrass _ I Melothria pendula Creeping -cucumber N Mikania scandens Climbing hempweed, Climbing hempvine N Morella cerifera (=Mvrica cerifera Wax myrtle. Southern bayberry N _ Muhlenbergia capillaris Muhlvgrass, Hairawnmuhly N _ Mvrsine cabana (=Rapanea Mvrsine, Colicwood N _ unctata Nekemias arborea (=Ampelopsis arborea) Peppervine N Conservation Collier Program Formatted Table c IL c m E N i� M C M C M d N to d L IL C M d z Cn ti CD W a Packet Pg. 182 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan Nephrolepis biserrata Giant boston fern N T Oeceoclades maculata African ground orchid, Monk orchid Oenothera simulans (=Gaura Southern beeblossom N angustifolia) Oplismenus hirtellus Wood -grass, Basketgrass N Panicum repens Torpedo grass I Panicumyirgatum Switchwass N Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia -creeper, Woodbine N Paspalum caespitosum Blue paspalum, Blue crowngrass N Paspalum distichum Knotgrass N Passiflora suberosa Corkvstem passionflower N Persea borbonia Red bay N Phlebodium aureum Golden polvpodv N Piscidia piscipula Jamaican dogwood, Florida fishpoison tree N Pithecellobium unquis-cati Cat's-claw, Catclaw blackbead N _ Pleopeltis polypodioides Resurrection fern N Pluchea baccharis (=P. rosea) Rosy camphorweed N Pluchea carolinensis Cure -for -all Plumbago zevlanica (=P. scandens Doctorbush N _ Psvchotria nervosa Wild coffee N Ptens vittata China brake II Quercus virginiana Virginia live oak N Randia aculeata White indigoberry N Rhabdadenia biflora Rubbervine, Mangrovevine N Rhizophora mangle Red mangrove N Rhus copallinum Winged sumac N Rhvnchosia minima Least snoutbean N Rhvnchospora colorata Starrush whitetop N Ruppia maritime Wigeongrass N Sabal palmetto Cabbage palm N Sagittaria graminea Grassy arrowhead N Salicornia ambiqua (=S. perennis, S.yirginica) Perennial glasswort N Salicornia bigelovii Annual glasswort N Samo/us ebracteatus Water pimpernel N Schinus terebinthifolia Brazilian pepper I Serenoa repens Saw palmetto N _ Sesuvium portulacastrum Shoreline seapurslane N Conservation Collier Program Formatted Table c IL c m E N i� M C M M C IL d N N d L IL C M d z to 00 I- GD an N a Packet Pg. 183 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan Setaria parviflora (=S. geniculata) Knotroot foxtail Yellow bristle rass N Sida ulmifolia (=S. acuta) Common wireweed, Common fanpetals N Sideroxvlon celastrinum Saffron plum, Bumelia N Smilax auriculata Earleaf greenbrier N Solanum donianum Mullein nightshade N T Solidago sempervirens Seaside goldenrod N Soartina bake ri Sand cordqrass N Spermacoce remota (=Spermacoce assurgens� Woodland false buttonweed N Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweed II Stachytarpheta cavennensis Nettleleaf velvetber II (=S. utricifolia) Telmatoblechnum serrulatum Swamp fern N (=Blechnum serrulatum) Thelvpteris kunthii Southern shield fern N Tillandsia balbisiana Reflexed wild -pine, Northern needleleaf N _ T_ Tillandsia fasciculata Stiff -leaved wild -pine, Cardinal air lant N _ E Tillandsia flexuosa Twisted airplant N T S3 Tillandsia paucifolia Potbelly airplant N Tillandsia recurvata Ball -moss N Tillandsia setacea Thin -leaved wild -pine. Southern N _ needleleaf Tillandsia utriculata Giant wild -pine. Giant airplant N E Toxicodendron radicans Eastern poison -ivy N Tripsacum dactvloides Fakahatcheegrass, Eastern gamagrass N Tvpha domingensis Southern cattail N Verbesina virginica Frostweed, White crownbeard N Vigna luteola Cow -pea, Hairypod cow ea N Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine grape N Vittaria lineata Shoestring fern N Ximenia americana Hog -plum, Tallowwood N Yucca aloifolia Spanish bayonet. Aloe yucca N Zanthoxvlum fagara Wild lime N Count 136 118 17 8 2 12 State Codes: E=Endangered, T=Threatened Conservation Collier Program N t A Formatted Table J d E z u M a Packet Pg. 184 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan 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. The following is a general description of native vegetation communities present as classified by Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS): FLUCCS 612 — Mangrove Forest — red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) and black mangroves (Avicennia germinans). Other associated species include—.- buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto). FLUCCS 641 — Freshwater marsh - black rush (Juncus roemerianus), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), spikerush (Eleocharis spp.), spider lilies (Hymenocallis sp.), cattails (Typha spp), White -top sedge (Dichromena spp.), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) and saltbush (Baccharus halimifolia) FLUCCS 642 — Salt marsh — saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), sea purslane (Sesuvium maritimum), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) The old roadbed contains wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), saltbush (Baccharus halimifolia), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto). Native -Animal Species: Native speeie_Snecies present likely include large mammals traversing the property, including Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus)--and), bobcat (Lynx rufus)-.), and feral hogSus scro a . Also present are a diverse assemblage of invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians, wading birds and raptors including the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)), and reddish egret (Egretta rufescens). Listed Wildlife Species: Conservation Collier staff have observed the following listed species on the Shell Island Preserve. A complete list of species that are present on adjoining RBNERR lands and potentially also present at the Preserve is included within the RBNERR 2 1-3December 2022 Management Plan (Appendix 13.4.1). The Florida panther and Florida black bear are documented on adjoining RBNERR lands and likely travel through the Preserve. American crocodiles are present at the nearby Marco Island Airport and may also be present. This list includes rankings at the state and federal level as well as those of the Florida natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). Formatted Table Conservation Collier Program 8 a Packet Pg. 185 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME FNAI* STATUS** State I Global State I Federal P14H is T e.� A .. .; 1,.. N N T N Re flexed-wikVpine T49a si balbkiaffa N N T N Banded wild i3ifie TOW-dSi-a N N T N m: n ., sia , tdat . N N E N Birds wood stork M cteria americana S2 G4 ET ET white ibis Eudocimus albus S4 G5 SSC N snowy egret E retta thula S3 G5 SSC N tricolored heron E retta tricolor S4 G5 SSC N little blue heron E retta caerulea S4 G5 SSC N Reptiles American alligator I Alligator mississippiensis I S4 G5 I SSC I SAT *Descriptions of the FNAI Global element rankings are included within the RBNERR management Plan (Appendix B.64) "State/Federal Status: N-Not Listed; T-Threatened; E-Endangered; CE-Commercially Exploited; SSC-Species of Special Concern; SAT -Similarity of Appearance Threat Problem Species: A list of some of the problem species found on surrounding RBNERR lands and their herbicide treatment rates is included within the 204322 Management Plan (Appendix 13.4%). Although not directly observed, some or all of these may also be present on Shell Island Preserve. Problem plant species observed by staff on the Preserve include Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifoliusa), melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquinerva), lead tree (Leuceana leucocephala), earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), old-world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum), and Peruvian primrosewillow (Ludwigia peruviana). Management Goals and Actions: Goal 1: Protect and manage the native habitat-ansite. Strategic Actions: 1. Treat and manage melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, and any other Florida E*yes Invasive Species Council I and II plants. 2. Seek partnering opportunities with RBNERR and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for invasive plant management grant funding. 3. Apply prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatment as needed to restore native habitat. Goal 2: Implement necessary hydrologic restoration Conservation Collier Program Formatted Table Formatted Table Formatted Table a Packet Pg. 186 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan Strategic Actions: 1. Work with RBNERR to develop and implement projects to improve area hydrology. 2. Make the site available to students in university and post -secondary school science programs for hydrologic restoration research. 3. Evaluate other actions to improve hydrology if/when proposed based on estimated environmental benefits return and cost. Goal 3: Facilitate and support research Strategic Actions: I. Contact universities, research institutions and schools to offer the site as an environmental laboratory, with particular emphasis on projects that will assist in hydrologic restoration. Public Access: Consistent with its classification as a Resource Protection/Restoration preserve within the preserve -use classification system and due to potential unsafe conditions for the public, no general public access, marked trails or restrooms will be offered. A public 1/2-mile long boardwalk through similar habitat exists less than 1-mile west of the Preserve off Shell Island Road. Public access will be limited to research and education projects and staff will be present only periodically for site inspections and management purposes. Research Partnership: In conjunction with RBNERR, the Henderson Creek Sentinel Program was developed in 2018 to monitor chan ing g vegetation in response to sea level change. They installed twelve surface elevation tables (SET), including one SET on Shell Island Preserve, to measure habitat -specific elevation change. These twelve SETs, along with SETs installed during the 1990s by the U.S. Geololrical Survey (USGS), are actively monitored by RBNERR in partnership with USGS and the National Park Service. Operational Plan for the Shell Island Preserve: This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Shell Island Preserve. It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, possibilities for contracting the restoration activities, coordination, and other management issues. —Management will consist primarily of annual maintenance for exotic plants and application of prescribed fire. Initial exotic plant treatments have been successful in removing 95% of invasive plant infestations; however, re -sprouting of Melaleuca in marsh areas has been observed and Brazilian pepper continues to sprout along Shell Island Road, SR 951 and adjacent to the pond in the ^e~_ p ress.....sr..........s!�s.e!e�r ss�r e!rr�.� .. . ...... "N NO. Formatted Table Conservation Collier Program 10 a Packet Pg. 187 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan Rodeo should be used whefe plaws are grewing in aquatie settings, stteh as afatmd the pond in the „e fth.. est ,.,.fnef of the n,.,..., rye north -central portion of the Preserve. LyQodium sp_p. also continues to appear along Shell Island Road. At minimum, follow-up treatments will occur every 2 years duringthe he dry season. Conservation Collier will work in coordination as much as possible with RBNERR to perform exotic plant treatments. Conservation Collier will coordinate prescribed fire events with RBNERR, the Florida Divisio of For -es" (DOFForest Service (FFS), the Collier County Isle of Capri Fire and Rescue District and surrounding landowners when conducting prescribed burns. Please see the RBNERR 204-322 Management Plan (Appendix 13.86) for a full discussion of prescribed fire management and its application on RBNERR lands. The Shell island Preserve ; ineluded within burn ,,,its 15 and 166 . A system of notifying surrounding landowners in advance of prescribed burns will be established (via email, phone trees, etc.) this system will be executed by the Preserve Manager before each prescribed fire. The Preserve Manager will also send out a news release to notify the newspaper, radio, and news channels in addition to informing the County Manager, County Commissioners and all local fire departments prior to any prescribed burns. When burning, photo points will be taken at established locations, facing north (0 degrees), east (90 degrees), west (180 degrees) and south (270 degrees) pre -burn, 1-2 days post burn, 6 months post burn and annually until the next burn. Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources: Table 1: Estimated Annual Land Management Bud et (Amounts in Do Item QTY Cost FY4823 FY4-924 FY285 FY246 FY227 FY238 Exotic Removal * 93.81 12.34 ac $120.2 2525 per ac. $11,000 $4011,0 00 $11,000 $10,160 11,000 $11,000 $�5*3 11,000 Hydrologic Restoration ** *** *—Per acre cost adjusted for inflation after FY' ".****FY23 — Treatments may not span the entire 112.34 acres. **Removal ofportions or entirety of the old, raised roadbed (CR 848). Depending on results of any hydrologic studies, this is most likely to occur after 2020. *** To Be Determined. *** T.. be deterFaiffed Literature Cited: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) 1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Department of Natural Resources. Government -in -the -Sunshine Law, F.S. § 286.011. 1976. Conservation Collier Program 11 Formatted Table Formatted Table a Packet Pg. 188 16.A.7. b Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Management Plan Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan, Febfzua 2022 Exhibit A. Map of Shell Island Preserve CON LUER AShell Island Preserve Location L LIER .w Freedom Park Preserve x-N, Gordon River Greenway Preserve w+ B ` Nancy Payton Preserve Formatted Table a Shell Island Preserve Packet Pg. 189