Agenda 09/23/2025 Item #16A11 (Memorandum of Agreement with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to allow two youth hunts at Pepper Ranch Preserve in 2026.)9/23/2025
Item # 16.A.11
ID# 2025-2732
Executive Summary
Recommendation to authorize the Chair to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission to allow two youth hunts at Pepper Ranch Preserve in 2026.
OBJECTIVE: To facilitate Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sponsored youth hunts at
Pepper Ranch Preserve.
CONSIDERATIONS: At the January 12, 2010, meeting (Agenda Item 10D), the Board of County Commissioners
(Board) directed the County Attorney and County Manager to work with FWC to coordinate a youth hunt program
(Youth Hunt or Program) at Pepper Ranch Preserve in Immokalee. The Board has annually approved youth hunts at
Pepper Ranch Preserve since that time.
• This item is to seek Board approval of a Youth Hunt Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for youth hunts on
the following dates:
• January 16 - 18, 2026 - squirrel/rabbit/hog hunt
• February 27- March 1, 2026 - turkey hunt
By entering into this agreement with FWC, the Board will become a volunteer landowner in the Program, allowing
FWC-administered youth hunts to occur at Pepper Ranch Preserve. Adult volunteers who have successfully passed a
criminal background check and are qualified will plan and facilitate the hunts.
Participants in the Youth Hunting Program of Florida must:
▪ be 12 to 17 years old;
▪ complete the Florida Hunter Safety Program;
▪ be accompanied by a parent or guardian;
▪ complete a Marksmanship Certification. (Attached to the MOA for informational purposes);
▪ complete the Unconditional Release of Liability Risks form. (Attached to the MOA for
informational purposes);
▪ submit a refundable deposit to secure a position once selected for a youth hunt, to ensure all
youth hunting opportunities are utilized.
The County’s Risk Management Department has reviewed the Memorandum of Agreement and Unconditional Release
of Liability Risks form, and it is acceptable. The Final Management Plan for Pepper Ranch Preserve, approved by the
Board on January 8, 2019, Agenda Item 16D4, includes youth hunts as an allowed activity.
FWC has previously administered youth hunts where hunting was limited to residents of the county. FWC advises that
such a limitation often results in the youth hunt not being full. As such, FWC will first accept youths who are Collier
County residents, and if the hunt is not full, it will open the hunt up to non-Collier County residents.
Staff recommends that the Board Chairman sign the Youth Hunt Memorandum of Agreement prior to submission to
FWC, as it is FWC policy to sign all Youth Hunt Memoranda of Agreement after the Landowner has signed.
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: The primary cost associated with this Memorandum of Agreement includes staff time to coordinate
with FWC. All costs related to this Agreement are included in the proposed FY26 Conservation Collier Maintenance
Fund (1062) budget; additional funds are not required.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this item.
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9/23/2025
Item # 16.A.11
ID# 2025-2732
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board
approval. -SAA
RECOMMENDATIONS: To authorize the Chair to sign a Memorandum of Agreement to allow Youth Hunts at
Pepper Ranch Preserve in January 2026 and February/March 2026.
PREPARED BY: Julie Motkowicz, Environmental Specialist II, Development Review Division
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MOA - Pepper Ranch 2025-26 with attachments
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