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Agenda 05/27/2025 Item #16A14 (Naming of Brewers Landing Preserve and the Interim Management Plan under the Conservation Collier Program)5/27/2025 Item # 16.A.14 ID# 2025-1260 Executive Summary Recommendation to approve the naming of Brewers Landing Preserve and the Interim Management Plan under the Conservation Collier Program. OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) to officially name the property, previously referred to as the Brewer parcel, the Brewers Landing Preserve and to approve the Interim Management Plan. CONSIDERATIONS: The 14.78-acre Brewers Landing Preserve in the Golden Gate Estates was acquired on September 26, 2023. The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) reviewed on July 3, 2024, and recommends that the Board approve the Interim Management Plan and its name. This item is consistent with the Collier County strategic plan objectives to preserve and enhance the character of our community and to protect our natural resources. FISCAL IMPACT: Five (5) year annual management costs for the preserve are estimated at $18,000, 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 13, 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 RECOMMENDATIONS: To approve 1) the attached proposed Interim Management Plan for Brewer’s Landing Preserve and direct staff to implement the plan; and 2) approve the naming as Brewers Landing Preserve. PREPARED BY: Angel Kelley, Environmental Specialist I, Growth Management Department ATTACHMENTS: 1. Brewer's Landing Map 2. Brewers Landing Preserve IMP BCC Page 1607 of 7924 Brewer’s Landing Area Map Page 1608 of 7924 Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Management Plan Collier County, FL Conservation Collier Program For BCC review 2025 Prepared by: Collier County Conservation Collier Staff Page 1609 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 2 Table of Contents Land Management Plan Executive Summary ........................................................................ 4 Parcel Description ................................................................................................................. 6 1. Location .............................................................................................................................. 6 1.1. Description ................................................................................................................... 6 Figure 1.1.1. Overview map of Brewers Landing Preserve and surrounding conservation areas ............................................................................................................................... 7 Figure 1.1.2. 2022 Aerial close-up ................................................................................... 8 2. Physiography ...................................................................................................................... 9 2.1. Description ................................................................................................................... 9 Figure 2.1.1. Topographical Map (LIDAR) ......................................................................10 Figure 2.1.2. Aquifer Map (CLIP4 Aquifer Priority Map and Wellfield Protection Zones) .11 Figure 2.1.3. Hydric Soils Map (Collier County Soils Survey) ..........................................12 3. Historical Land Use ...........................................................................................................13 3.1. Description .................................................................................................................13 Photoset 3.1.1. Historical Aerial Imagery ........................................................................13 4. Adjacent Land Use ............................................................................................................15 4.1. Description ..................................................................................................................15 5. Acquisition and Expansion .................................................................................................15 5.1. Acquisition Description ................................................................................................15 5.2. Potential Preserve Expansion .....................................................................................15 Management.........................................................................................................................15 6. Vegetation Management ....................................................................................................15 6.1. Current Vegetative Community Conditions ..................................................................15 Figure 6.1.1. Cooperative Land Cover Classification Map ..............................................17 Table 6.1.2. Threatened and Endangered Plant Species Table ......................................18 6.1.3. Vegetation Management Concerns .......................................................................18 6.2. Desired Future Conditions ...........................................................................................18 6.3. Management Tools .....................................................................................................18 6.3.1. Invasive Plant Removal ........................................................................................18 6.3.2. Native Plant Restoration .......................................................................................18 6.3.3. Hydrological Restoration .......................................................................................18 6.4. Partnership Opportunities ............................................................................................19 Page 1610 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 3 7. Wildlife Management .........................................................................................................19 7.1. Current Wildlife Community Conditions .......................................................................19 Table 7.1.1. Observed Wildlife Species Table .................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 7.1.2. Potential Threatened and Endangered Species Table ................................19 7.1.2. Wildlife Management Concerns ............................................................................19 7.2. Desired Future Conditions ...........................................................................................20 7.3. Management Tools .....................................................................................................20 7.3.1. Habitat Improvements ...........................................................................................20 7.3.2. Connectivity ..........................................................................................................20 Figure 7.3.2. – Florida Panther Telemetry Locations ......................................................21 7.3.4. Monitoring .............................................................................................................22 7.4. Partnership Opportunities ............................................................................................22 8. Recreation Management ...................................................................................................22 8.1. Current Recreational Opportunity Conditions ..............................................................22 Figure 8.1.1. – CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trail ..........................................................23 9. Preserve Safety and Security Management .......................................................................24 9.1. Current/Predicted Human Conflict Conditions .............................................................24 9.2. Desired Future Conditions ...........................................................................................24 9.3. Management Tools .....................................................................................................24 9.3.1. Site Security Improvements ..................................................................................24 9.4. Partnership Opportunities ............................................................................................24 10. Additional Resource Use Management ............................................................................24 10.1. Current Additional Resource Use Conditions ............................................................24 11. Budget .............................................................................................................................24 Table 11.1. Projected Expenditures Table ......................................................................24 12. Appendix.........................................................................................................................25 Table 12.1. Legal Description .........................................................................................25 12.2. Public Meeting Comments and Staff Responses ...................................................25 Page 1611 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 4 Land Management Plan Executive Summary Lead Agency: Conservation Collier, Development Review Division, Growth Management Community Development Department, Collier County Properties included in this Plan: The Brewers Landing Preserve lands consist of 4 parcels located within Section 10, Township 48, and Range 27 in Collier County, Florida. Full legal descriptions are provided in the appendix (Table 12.2). Total Acreage: 14.78 Management Responsibilities: Collier County Conservation Collier program staff Designated Land Use: Conservation Unique Features: Brewers Landing Preserve is an excellent example of cypress and mixed scrub-shrub wetland forest plant communities and contains many mature pop ash and cypress trees and provides an important stopover location for migrating birds. Desired Future Conditions: Vegetation: A preserve with high quality cypress/mixed scrub-shrub wetland forest and less than 10% infestation of non-native species. Wildlife: A preserve with the appropriate vegetative communities, resource use, and connectivity to support wildlife species native to that habitat. Recreation: This preserve is not compatible with public recreation. Preserve Safety and Security: A preserve free of littering, dumping, illicit activities, neighbor disturbances, unauthorized vehicles, and after-hours trespass. Page 1612 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 5 Introduction The 14.78-acre preserve was approved for acquisition by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) on September 26, 2023. The Brewers Landing Preserve is a nature preserve located in the North Golden Gate Estates (NGGE) Unit 53. It is largely comprised of mixed scrub-shrub and cypress wetlands as identified by the Cooperative Land Cover Classification System. The preserve is designated as resource protection and will remain closed to the public, as it supports one of the larger swallow-tailed kite roosts in Collier County. The County holds fee simple title. The Conservation Collier Program manages this parcel under authority granted by the Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63, as amended (available from www.municode.com). Management activities allowed are those necessary to preserve and maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the benefit of present and future generations. Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority The Conservation Collier program was originally approved by voters in November 2002 and subsequently confirmed in the November 2006 and 2020 ballot referendums. Both voter- approved referendums enable the program to acquire environmentally sensitive lands within Collier County, Florida (Ordinance 2002-63, as amended). Properties must support at least two of the following qualities to qualify for consideration: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood control, water quality protection, and listed species habitat. The BCC appointed the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) 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. Lands acquired with Conservation Collier funds are titled to “COLLIER COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier program.” The BCC established the Conservation Collier Program to implement the program and to manage acquired lands. As such, Conservation Collier holds management authority for the Brewers Landing Preserve. Purpose and Scope of Plan The purpose of the interim management plan is to provide long term management direction for the Brewers Landing Preserve by identifying the desired future conditions of each element and the appropriate tools to achieve these conditions. This plan seeks to balance the various facets of natural resource conservation (listed species protection, habitat restoration, and invasive species management). This plan is divided into sections that include an introduction, parcel description, management element conditions, objectives, potential tools, and a projected budget. Page 1613 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 6 Parcel Description 1. Location 1.1. Description The Preserve is in the North Golden Gates Estates Unit 53 area of Collier County, FL in Section 8, Township 48, and Range 27. The Preserve is situated east of CREW Bird Rookery Swamp, along Wilson Blvd. N. (Figure 1.1.1). The Preserve is comprised of 4 parcels totaling 14.78 acres (Table 12.1). The preserve is bisected by the Corkscrew Canal. Page 1614 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 7 Figure 1.1.1. Overview map of Brewers Landing Preserve and surrounding conservation areas Page 1615 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 8 Figure 1.1.2. 2022 Aerial close-up Page 1616 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 9 2. Physiography 2.1. Description LIDAR and Surface Waters A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) map provides information about the elevation of the Earth’s surface. The topographical map of the Preserve (Figure 2.1.1) indicates surface features of lower elevation in deepening shades of blue. The preserve is an example of mixed scrub-shrub and cypress forest wetland plant communities where most, if not all, of the preserve experiences surface water ponding at some point during the year. Aquifer Recharge Potential The preserve is within a Priority 6 CLIP4 Aquifer Recharge designation and is not within a wellfield protection zone as designated by Collier County Utilities Golden Gate Wellfield (Figure 2.1.2). The preserve protects portions of the surficial aquifer that are sensitive to contamination. Soils There are two hydric soil types mapped within the preserve (Figure 2.1.3). Hydric soil present consists of holopaw and copeland depressional fine sands. A hydric soil is formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part (Federal Register, 1994). Page 1617 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 10 Figure 2.1.1. Topographical Map (LIDAR) Page 1618 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 11 Figure 2.1.2. Aquifer Map (CLIP4 Aquifer Priority Map and Wellfield Protection Zones) Page 1619 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 12 Figure 2.1.3. Hydric Soils Map (Collier County Soils Survey) Page 1620 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 13 3. Historical Land Use 3.1. Description Aerial imagery (Photoset 3.1.1) dating back to 1969 shows significant alteration to nearby lands surrounding the preserve. Adjacent lands to the south and east are part of the North Golden Gates Estates area and are zoned for residential development. The Corkscrew Canal bisects the preserve into eastern and western halves. North and west of the preserve consists of a network of public and private conservation lands that comprise the 60,000-acre CREW (Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed) watershed; these CREW lands have generally remained intact, however development along the watershed periphery has increased as evidenced by the aerial imagery photoset. Photoset 3.1.1. Historical Aerial Imagery December 1985 Page 1621 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 14 January 2006 January 2024 Page 1622 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 15 4. Adjacent Land Use 4.1. Description Brewers Landing Preserve is adjacent to South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) lands to the north and west. To the south and east, the preserve is bordered by Golden Gate Estates zoned property (Figure 1.1.1). 5. Acquisition and Expansion 5.1. Acquisition Description On September 26, 2023, the BCC approved the 4-parcel preserve for acquisition. 5.2. Potential Preserve Expansion Conservation Collier could target adjacent parcels for expansion. Management 6. Vegetation Management 6.1. Current Vegetative Community Conditions The following are the Cooperative Land Cover Classification System habitats identified. Non- native species are denoted with an *. Plant communities identified statewide under this cooperative land cover system partially rely on aerial imagery for plant community classification. Two plant communities have been identified across Brewers Landing Preserve – these plant communities, along with general descriptions, can be found below. 2112 Mixed Scrub-Shrub Wetlands – Wetlands that are dominated by woody vegetation less than 20ft in height. This can occur in many situations, but in most cases involves transitional or disturbed communities on dried sites. Persistent examples of shrub wetlands include shrub bogs and willow swamps. Major Canopy Components: Pop ash (Fraxinus caroliniana), Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), swamp dogwood (Cornus foemina) Major Midstory Components: Brazilian pepper* (Schinus terebinthifolia) Major Understory Components: swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum), broomsedge (Andropogon spp.), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) Page 1623 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 16 2211 Cypress - Dominated entirely by cypress, or these species important in the canopy; long hydroperiod. Major Canopy Components: Cypress (Taxodium distichum), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), cardinal airplant (Tillandsia fasciculata) Major Midstory Components: Pop ash (Fraxinus caroliniana), Brazilian pepper* (Schinus terebinthifolia), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), pond apple (Annona glabra), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) Major Understory Components: Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum), crinum lily (Crinum americanum), peppervine (Ampelopsis arborea), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), whitevine (Funastrum clausum), greenbriar (Smilax spp.), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) Page 1624 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 17 Figure 6.1.1. Cooperative Land Cover Classification Map Page 1625 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 18 Table 6.1.2. Threatened and Endangered Plant Species Table Imperiled Plant Species Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name State Federal Giant airplant Tillandsia utriculata Endangered Not Listed 6.1.3. Vegetation Management Concerns Maintaining the integrity of the kite roost site is the primary vegetation management concern on this preserve. It is unclear what vegetative factors influence the kite’s utilization of this area Excessive growth of invasive vegetation threatens to negatively alter the character of the roost. Dramatic removal of the existing vegetation may negatively impact the roost as well. Old-world climbing fern may engulf the roost trees if left unchecked, Brazilian pepper shades out the understory and prevents recruitment of new roost trees. Various other non-native species compete for limited space with more desirable native vegetation. 6.2. Desired Future Conditions A preserve with a matrix of hydric plant communities, various age class roost trees, and a low infestation of invasive vegetation where practicable. 6.3. Management Tools 6.3.1. Invasive Plant Removal The preserve is sparsely infested with non-native, invasive plants, primarily Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia) and Lygodium spp. In areas of the preserve with less canopy cover, Caesar weed (Urena lobata) and Peruvian primrose willow (Ludwigia peruviana) is also found. Herbicidal treatments will be the primary method used to control Category I and II invasive species. A limited herbicide application targeting Brazilian pepper occurred while under private ownership. Monitoring of the site shall consist of a walk-through by staff at semi-annual intervals. Conservation Collier shall be responsible for invasive plant treatment with tasks contracted out as deemed necessary. 6.3.2. Native Plant Restoration Native plantings will be appropriately utilized should management deem vegetative restoration necessary. 6.3.3. Hydrological Restoration The preserve sits on the edge of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. Despite land alterations adjacent to the preserve (a canal bisects the preserve), it receives substantial inundation during the wet season which continues to promote the wetland plant communities Page 1626 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 19 found across the preserve. Currently, no hydrological restoration projects are being considered. However, when situations arise where preserves could be part of a water management/restoration plan, Conservation Collier will support these plans if they don’t negatively affect the preserve. 6.4. Partnership Opportunities Conservation Collier will pursue grants and funding assistance to cover the costs of vegetation maintenance. 7. Wildlife Management 7.1. Current Wildlife Community Conditions The preserve serves as one of the larger pre-migratory roost sites for the swallow-tailed kite. State and federally listed imperiled species observed utilizing the nearby Red Maple Swamp Preserve lands include the woodstork (Mycteria americana), little blue heron (Egretta caerulea), Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus), and American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). The seasonally inundated portions of the property provide habitat for a variety of imperiled wading birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Table 7.1.1. Potential Threatened and Endangered Species Table Type Common Name Species Protection Status Mammals Big Cypress fox squirrel Sciurus niger avicennia State Threatened Florida panther Puma concolor coryi Federally Endangered Florida bonneted bat Eumops floridanus Federally Endangered Birds Everglade’s snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Federally Endangered Crested caracara Caracara cheriway Federally Threatened Roseate spoonbill Platalea ajaja State Threatened Little blue heron Egretta caerulea State Threatened Tricolored heron Egretta tricolor State Threatened 7.1.2. Wildlife Management Concerns Due to the proximity to the CREW watershed, a 60,000-acre conglomerate of public and private land, the 14.78-acre preserve provides outstanding pre-migratory roosting habitat for the swallow- tailed kite before their annual migration to South America. Before this preserve was under county ownership, Richard Brewer bought the four parcels to guarantee protection of this important roost site. Since 2009, he and his colleagues have collected long term monitoring data regarding the abundance of swallow-tailed kites using this roost on an annual basis. An average of 210 birds/year have utilized the roost between 2009 and 2022. Of the kites tracked with GPS Page 1627 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 20 technology, most only utilized the roost for one night before their flight across the Gulf of Mexico. The roost and the surrounding CREW lands provide the kites with important ephemeral food sources that allow them to put on fat reserves before the dangerous migration ahead. GPS tracked kites from Louisiana, South Carolina, and Georgia have been documented using this roost as their final stopover before migrating across the Gulf of Mexico. 7.2. Desired Future Conditions A preserve with the appropriate vegetative communities, resource use, and connectivity to support wildlife species native to the habitat. 7.3. Management Tools 7.3.1. Habitat Improvements Treatment and removal of invasive plant species, primarily Brazilian pepper and Lygodium spp., will allow desired native species to recover. Effort will be made to keep these parcels as unchanged as possible due to their vital importance as a swallow-tailed kite, pre-migratory roost stie. 7.3.2. Connectivity Land to the south and east of the preserve is zoned for residential development. Lands to the west and north of the preserve consist of a network of conservation lands under permanent protection. These lands have a well-documented history of Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) observations (Figure 7.3.2). Maintaining these connected lands allows for panthers to disperse north out of the Golden Gate Estates area without having to cross a multitude of highways. Page 1628 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 21 Figure 7.3.2. – Florida Panther Telemetry Locations Page 1629 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 22 7.3.4. Monitoring It is presumed that several listed species, such as Florida bonneted bats, Big Cypress fox squirrels, and wood storks will be documented on the preserve. Conservation Collier staff will deploy trail cameras on the preserve to monitor wildlife utilization. In addition to listed species, Conservation Collier will continue to monitor the roost utilization of swallow-tailed kites at this preserve. 7.4. Partnership Opportunities Conservation Collier staff will continue to partner with the FWC, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Avian Research and Conservation Institute to monitor the kites. Grant funding may be available to enhance imperiled wildlife species habitat such as the USFWS Partners Grant. Staff will continue to partner with organizations such as the fStop Foundation for monitoring and outreach opportunities. Staff will seek opportunities to partner with researchers from higher education institutions to enhance conservation efforts of the wildlife species that utilize the preserve. 8. Recreation Management 8.1. Current Recreational Opportunity Conditions The preserve will remain closed to the public. The preserve is too small, too wet, and too sensitive to support public recreation of any kind. The head of the 12-mile-long Bird Rookery Swamp Trail (Figure 8.1.1) is only 2 miles from the preserve and tracks through comparable habitats. Even if they were appropriate, additional recreational features would be redundant on this preserve. Page 1630 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 23 Figure 8.1.1. – CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trail Page 1631 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 24 9. Preserve Safety and Security Management 9.1. Current/Predicted Human Conflict Conditions Like other secluded, public properties, the preserve may attract those wishing to trespass and engage in illicit activities. The preserve could also be utilized by people looking to poach game. With the network of conservation lands in the immediate area, FWC Law Enforcement does provide some security at the preserve. The presence of large and consistent groups of bird watchers may disturb the roost kites or force them to roost elsewhere. Disturbance during this time limits the kite’s ability to build energy reserves and may compromise their impending migration. The roost is already known in the birdwatching community. To prevent this preserve from being “loved to death” it is critical to avoid further publicizing its presence. 9.2. Desired Future Conditions A preserve free of littering, dumping, illicit activities, neighbor disturbances, unauthorized vehicles, and after-hours trespass. 9.3. Management Tools 9.3.1. Site Security Improvements Staff will monitor for signs of trespass/illegal activities. Staff will collaborate with adjacent landowners and FWC Law Enforcement to address issues as they arise. Site security may be enhanced by increasing law enforcement presence in the area. 9.4. Partnership Opportunities Staff will collaborate with both the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and FWC Law Enforcement to both prevent and respond to any criminal site security and safety issues as they present themselves. 10. Additional Resource Use Management 10.1. Current Additional Resource Use Conditions Currently there are no sanctioned commercial uses on the Preserve. 11. Budget Table 11.1. Projected Expenditures Table Projected Operating Costs 2024 2025 2025 2026 2027 Vegetation Treatment $6,000 $0 $6,000 $0 $6,000 Total Projected Costs $6,000 $0 $6,000 $0 $6,000 Page 1632 of 7924 Conservation Collier Brewers Landing Preserve Interim Land Management Plan 25 12. Appendix Table 12.1. Legal Description Folio Calculated Acres Legal Description 00209681000 4.09 10 48 27 ALL THAT PART OF SEC 10 AS DESC IN OR 1547 PG 859, LESS THAT PORTION AS DESC IN OR 6016 PG 658 38601360001 5.15 GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 38 TR 14 OR 468 PG 749 38601320106 2.73 GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 38 S1/2 OF TR 13 38601280000 2.81 GOLDEN GATE EST UNIT 38 N 180FT OF TR 12 12.2. Public Meeting Comments and Staff Responses Page 1633 of 7924