Agenda 04/28/2026 Item #11B (Continued to the May 12, 2026 BCC Meeting Final ranking for the 166.63-acre Smits property)4/28/2026
Item # 11.B
ID# 2026-864
Executive Summary
Recommendation to provide a final ranking for the 166.63-acre Smits property, located south of Sabal Palm Rd.,
approximately 1.5 miles east of Collier Blvd, and to direct staff to pursue the property with funds from the Conservation
Collier Land Acquisition Fund if ranked on the "A" list, as the property was ranked "C-List" by County staff and "A-list"
by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee.
OBJECTIVE: For the Board of County Commissioners (Board) to rank the 166.63-acre Smits property, located south of
Sabal Palm Rd., approximately 1.5 miles east of Collier Blvd, for acquisition.
CONSIDERATIONS: On January 13, 2026, the Board heard a request for a Growth Management Plan Amendment
(GMPA) and Planned Unit Development Rezone (PUDZ) to rezone this property for a residential development. There
was public opposition due to the property being surrounded by existing conservation easements and the Picayune Strand
State Forest. Due to concerns from the Board and the public, the hearing was put on hold. At the request of
Commissioner Locastro, the property owner applied to the Conservation Collier program to determine if the property met
the criteria of the program and was appropriate for acquisition.
Pursuant to Section 10 of Conservation Collier Ordinance No. 2002-63, as amended, the Conservation Collier Land
Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) recommends qualified acquisition proposals for the Active Acquisition
List (AAL) to the Board for approval.
Staff presented the 166.63-acre Smits property to the CCLAAC on April 1, 2026. Staff recommended that the property
be ranked C-category because much of the property (63%, or 107.30 acres) is comprised of citrus groves, and only 13%,
or 22.09 acres, is comprised of native plant communities. Additionally, invasive, exotic vegetation comprises about 75%
of the site's native plant communities; full restoration of the site would not be economically feasible for the Conservation
Collier Program, and environmental cleanup of the soil would most likely be necessary prior to restoration.
During the CCLAAC meeting, the Smits property ranking occurred after staff presented the property summary and after
public comments.
Staff prepared and presented a property report, called an Initial Criteria Screening Report (ICSR), to aid the CCLAAC in
evaluating this property. The ICSR includes a scoring matrix based on researched and observed data. The ICSR and a
detailed summary of the property are attached to this item.
Should the Board rank the Smits as an A-Category property, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) will be
completed by Collier County’s Pollution Control Section prior to the drafting of a Purchase Agreement. However,
because further environmental testing will be costly, if warranted by the Phase I ESA, Conservation Collier will not
proceed with further testing until after the Board executes a Purchase Agreement. Language will be included in the
Purchase Agreement requiring the Seller to either remediate any identified environmental contamination or reduce the
selling price by the cost of any environmental remediation as a stipulation of sale.
CONSERVATION COLLIER LAND ACQUISITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: On
April 1, 2026, the CCLAAC held a public meeting, and the CCLAAC recommended the 166.63-acre Smits property for
the A-Category for Board consideration. The reasons noted for this ranking included the property’s location surrounded
by sensitive conservation land on all sides, listed species use, and the prospect of restoration. The CCLAAC further
recommended that the acquisition of the Smits property include direction to explore partnerships to restore the flowway,
and they expressed concerns about whether the acquisition would affect the overall Program budget and whether
management of such a large restoration project would strain current Program staff.
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: If the Board approves the Smits property within the A-category it will be appraised by a third party,
4/28/2026
Item # 11.B
ID# 2026-864
independent appraiser to determine its fair market value. A subsequent purchase agreement for the Smits property will be
brought before the Board for approval if the Seller and the County agree on a purchase price. In the FY26 budget,
$34,254,400 is available for land acquisitions within the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Fund (1061). Properties
pending acquisition in Cycles 12B, 2024, 2025, and 2026 total approximately $21,605,400.
Funding for managing any lands acquired by the program is budgeted in the separate Conservation Collier Maintenance
Fund (1062), supported by a funds transfer from Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Fund (1061).
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Fee-simple acquisition of conservation lands is consistent with and supports
Policy 1.3.1(e) in the Conservation and Coastal Management Element of the Collier County Growth Management Plan.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board
action. - SAA
RECOMMENDATION(S): That the Board of County Commissioners hears recommendations from County staff and
the Conservation Collier Land Advisory Acquisition Committee to rank the Smits property, provides a final ranking, and
authorizes the funds necessary for appraisals and a Phase I Environmental Assessment, should the property be ranked on
the "A" list for acquisition.
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hennig, Environmental Specialist I, Conservation Collier, Development Review Division
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Smits - Initial Criteria Screening Report
2. Smits Summary
3. SabalPalmAList
Conservation Collier Initial Criteria Screening Report
Smits
Owner: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al.
Acreage: 166.63 ac
Folio: 00438400007
Staff Report Date: April 1, 2026
96
43
23
42
160
80 80 80
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
1 - Ecological Value 2 - Human Value 3 - Restoration and
Management
4 - Vulnerability
Total Score: 205/400
Awarded Points Possible Points
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 2
1.Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 4
2.Summary of Property ............................................................................................................................ 5
Figure 1 - Parcel Location Overview ...........................................................................................5
Figure 2 – Surrounding Lands .....................................................................................................6
Figure 3 - Parcel Close-up ...........................................................................................................7
2.1 Summary of Property Information ....................................................................................................8
Table 1 – Summary of Property Information .....................................................................................8
Figure 4 - Secondary Criteria Score ............................................................................................9
Table 2 - Secondary Criteria Score Summary .....................................................................................9
2.2 Summary of Initial Screening Criteria Satisfaction (Ord. 2002-63, as amended, Sec. 12) ........... 10
3.Initial Screening Criteria ...................................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Ecological Values ............................................................................................................................. 12
3.1.1 Vegetative Communities ....................................................................................................... 12
Figure 5 - CLIP4 Priority Natural Communities ........................................................................ 13
Figure 6 - Florida Cooperative Land Cover Classification System ............................................ 14
Figure 7 – Cypress community with melaleuca ....................................................................... 15
Figure 8 – Hydric Pine Flatwoods ............................................................................................ 15
3.1.2 Wildlife Communities ............................................................................................................ 16
Table 3 – Listed Wildlife Detected .................................................................................................. 16
Figure 9 - Wildlife Spatial Data (i.e., telemetry, roosts, etc) .................................................... 17
Figure 10 - CLIP4 Potential Habitat Richness ........................................................................... 18
3.1.3 Water Resources ................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 11 - CLIP Aquifer Recharge Priority and Wellfield Protection Zones ............................ 20
Figure 12 - Collier County Soil Survey ...................................................................................... 21
Figure 13 LIDAR Elevation Map ............................................................................................... 22
3.1.4 Ecosystem Connectivity ........................................................................................................ 23
Figure 14 - Conservation Lands ............................................................................................... 24
3.2 Human Values ................................................................................................................................. 25
3.2.1 Recreation ............................................................................................................................. 25
3.2.2 Accessibility ........................................................................................................................... 25
3.2.3 Aesthetic/Cultural Enhancement ......................................................................................... 25
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
3
3.2 Restoration and Management ....................................................................................................... 26
3.3.1 Vegetation Management ...................................................................................................... 26
3.3.1.1 Invasive Vegetation ..................................................................................................... 26
3.3.1.2 Prescribed Fire ............................................................................................................ 26
3.3.2 Remediation and Site Security .............................................................................................. 26
3.3.3 Assistance .............................................................................................................................. 26
3.4 Vulnerability .................................................................................................................................... 26
3.4.1 Zoning and Land Use ............................................................................................................. 26
Figure 15 - Zoning .................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 16 - Zoning Overlays ..................................................................................................... 29
Figure 17 – Future Land Use ................................................................................................... 30
3.4.2 Development Plans ............................................................................................................... 31
4.Acquisition Considerations .................................................................................................................. 31
5. Management Needs and Costs .............................................................................................................. 31
Table 4 - Estimated Costs of Site Remediation, Improvements, and Management ....................... 31
6.Potential for Matching Funds .............................................................................................................. 31
7.Secondary Criteria Scoring Form ......................................................................................................... 32
8.Additional Site Photos ......................................................................................................................... 37
................................................................................................................................................ 37
APPENDIX 1 – Critical Lands and Water Identification Maps (CLIP) Definitions ...................................... 55
APPENDIX 2 – Turell, Hall & Associates, Inc. Environmental Supplement (found as separate document
associated with this report) ........................................................................................................................ 57
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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1.Introduction
The Conservation Collier Program (Program) is an environmentally sensitive land acquisition and
management program approved by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (Board) in 2002
and by Collier County Voters in 2002 and 2006. The Program was active in acquisition between 2003 and
2011, under the terms of the referendum. Between 2011 and 2016, the Program was in management
mode. In 2017, the Collier County Board reauthorized Conservation Collier to seek additional lands
(2/14/17, Agenda Item 11B). On November 3, 2020, the Collier County electors approved the
Conservation Collier Re-establishment referendum with a 76.5% majority.
This Initial Criteria Screening Report (ICSR) has been prepared for the Conservation Collier Program to
meet requirements specified in the Conservation Collier Implementation Ordinance, 2002-63, as
amended, and for purposes of the Conservation Collier Program. The sole purpose of this report is to
provide objective data to demonstrate how properties meet the criteria defined by the ordinance.
The following sections characterize the property location, elaborate on the initial and secondary
screening criteria scoring, and describe potential funding sources, appropriate use, site improvements,
and estimated management costs. Much of the information about natural communities and on-site
conditions in this report was provided by the Turrell, Hall & Associates, Inc. Environmental Supplement
for the property dated August 2024 (APPENDIX 2).
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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2.Summary of Property
Figure 1 - Parcel Location Overview
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 2 – Surrounding Lands
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 3 - Parcel Close-up
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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2.1 Summary of Property Information
Table 1 – Summary of Property Information
Characteristic Value Comments
Name Smits Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al.
Folio Number 00438400007
Target Protection Area RFMUD-Sending Not within a TPMA
Size 166.63 acres 22.09 acres of native plant communities and 107.30
acres of citrus groves
Section, Township, and
Range S25, Twn 50, R26
Zoning Category/TDRs A – RFMUD-NRPA-
Sending
Base Zoning is Agricultural; Sending Lands within Rural
Fringe Mixed Use District within a Natural Resource
Protection Area; 1 residential dwelling per 40 acres
Existing structures Multiple
2 large pole barns, 2 smaller pole barns, a shed, a
residence being used as an office, and a small, roofed
structure covering a pump station and 2 above ground
fuel storage tanks; all structures except the small, roofed
structure are within the northwest corner of the
property
Adjoining properties
and their Uses
Conservation,
undeveloped
Private Conservation Easement to the north, west and
south; Picayune Strand State Forest and undeveloped
property with first 2 TDRs stripped to east
Development Plans
Submitted Rezone
Owners have petitioned the Board to change property to
RFMUD – Receiving so that property can be developed
with homes.
Known Property
Irregularities
Citrus grove and
ditches
Citrus with swales and ditches between rows of trees
within 107.30 acres of the property
Other County Dept
Interest None known
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 4 - Secondary Criteria Score
Table 2 - Secondary Criteria Score Summary
Criteria Awarded Weighted
Points
Possible Weighted
Points
Awarded/Possible
Points
1 - Ecological Value 96 160 60%
1.1 - Vegetative Communities 24 53 45%
1.2 - Wildlife Communities 24 27 90%
1.3 - Water Resources 8 27 30%
1.4 - Ecosystem Connectivity 40 53 75%
2 - Human Values 43 80 54%
2.1 - Recreation 17 34 50%
2.2 - Accessibility 26 34 75%
2.3 - Aesthetics/Cultural Enhancement 0 11 0%
3 - Restoration and Management 23 80 29%
3.1 - Vegetation Management 21 55 38%
3.2 - Remediation and Site Security 2 23 10%
3.3 - Assistance 0 2 0%
4 - Vulnerability 42 80 53%
4.1 - Zoning and Land Use 24 58 42%
4.2 - Development Plans 18 22 80%
Total 204 400 51%
96
43
23
42
160
80 80 80
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
1 - Ecological Value 2 - Human Value 3 - Restoration and
Management
4 - Vulnerability
Total Score: 205/400
Awarded Points Possible Points
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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2.2 Summary of Initial Screening Criteria Satisfaction (Ord. 2002-63, as amended, Sec. 12)
Criteria 1: CLIP Priority 1 Natural Community
Does the property contain Upland Hardwood Forest, Scrub, Coastal Upland, Dry Prairie, or Upland
Pine? NO
Property does not contain CLIP Priority 1 Natural Community.
Criteria 2: CLIP Priority 2 Natural Community
Does the property contain Pine Flatwoods or Coastal Wetlands? YES
Property contains Hydric Pine Flatwoods.
Criteria 3: Other Native, Natural Communities
Does the property contain other native, natural communities? N/A
Property contains Cypress, but already contains Priority 2 Natural Community.
Criteria 4: Human Social Values
Does the property offer cultural values, appropriate access for natural resource-based recreation,
and the enhancement of the aesthetic setting of Collier County? YES
The property is visible and readily accessible from a public roadway. Hiking and bike trails could
be incorporated into the existing orange grove rows.
Criteria 5: Water Resources
Does the property offer opportunities for protection of water resource values, including aquifer
recharge, water quality enhancement, protection of wetland dependent species habitat,
wildfire risk reduction, storm surge protection, and flood control? YES
The property is mapped as containing a majority of hydric soils. Water collects within the non-
orange grove areas of the property and the ditches and swales within the orange groves provide
wetland species habitat.
Criteria 6: Biological and Ecological Value
Does the property offer significant biological values, including biodiversity and listed species
habitat? YES
The parcel provides FL panther, Big Cypress fox squirrel, American alligator, and American Kestrel
habitat, and is adjacent to conservation lands on all sides.
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Criteria 7: Enhancement of Current Conservation Lands
Does the property enhance and/or protect the environmental value of current conservation lands
through function as a buffer, ecological link or habitat corridor? YES
This property is adjacent to a private conservation easement to the north, west and south and
Picayune Strand State Forest.
Criteria 8: Target Area
Is the property within a Board-approved target protection mailing area? YES
The Smits property met 6 out of the 8 Initial Screening Criteria.
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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3.Initial Screening Criteria
3.1 Ecological Values
3.1.1 Vegetative Communities
Native vegetative communities found on the Smits parcel cover approximately 13% of the parcel (22.09
acres) and include Cypress and Hydric Pine Flatwoods. The primary land use on the property is Citrus
Groves, covering approximately 63% of the parcel (107.30 acres).
The primary native canopy species within the Cypress community are bald cypress (Taxodium
distichum), pop ash (Fraxinus caroliniana), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), and strangler fig (Ficus
aurea). Mid-story natives consist of cabbage palm, strangler fig, swamp bay (Persea palustris), and
coco plum (Chrysobalanus icaco). Groundcover natives consist of pop ash, swamp fern
(Telmatoblechnum serrulatum), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), buttonbush (Cephalanthus
occidentalis), giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium), and American burnweed (Erechtites
hieraciifolius).
The primary native canopy species within the Hydric Pine Flatwoods are slash pine (Pinus elliottii), bald
cypress, and cabbage palm. Mid-story natives consist of bald cypress, cabbage palm, coco plum, and
myrsine (Myrsine cubana). Groundcover natives consist of bald cypress, coco plum, and swamp fern
(Telmatoblechnum serrulatum)
Invasive plants within the native plant communities cover approximately 75% in varying densities.
Invasive plants encountered include primarily melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Brazilian pepper
(Schinus terebinthifolia), and climbing fern (Lygodium spp.), with Caesar weed (Urena lobata), java
plum (Syzygium cumini) and shrubby false buttonwood (Spermacoce verticillata) also observed.
No listed plant species were observed on the property.
More detailed descriptions of the plant communities and invasive plant coverage can be found in
APPENDIX 2.
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 5 - CLIP4 Priority Natural Communities
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Date: April 1, 2026 Folio Number: 00438400007 14 Figure 6 - Florida Cooperative Land Cover Classification System
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 7 – Cypress community with melaleuca
Figure 8 – Hydric Pine Flatwoods
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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3.1.2 Wildlife Communities
Panther telemetry from 1986-2024 shows consistent utilization of the surrounding area and occasional
use of the Smits parcel by radio-collared individuals. Although not ideal habitat for wildlife, orange
groves do provide some forage and hunting uses for wildlife present within adjacent conservation lands.
Additionally, the hydric disturbed land within the parcel provides habitat for turkey, sandhill crane, and
killdeer. Turrell, Hall & Associates, Inc. (THA) staff also observed two Big Cypress fox squirrel nests within
the Cypress community.
Table 3 – Listed Wildlife Detected
Common Name Scientific Name State Status Federal
Status Mode of Detection
Florida Panther Puma concolar coryi Endangered Endangered FWC Telemetry
American alligator Alligator
mississippiensis Threatened Not Listed Observed by THA staff
Big Cypress fox
squirrel
Sciurus niger
avicennia Threatened Not Listed Observed by THA staff
Little blue heron Egretta caerulea Threatened Observed by THA staff
THA staff also observed an American kestrel foraging from citrus trees. Per THA staff, “although it could be
possible, it is unlikely that the kestrel that was seen was a southeastern American kestrel (Falco sparverius
paulus)”.
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 9 - Wildlife Spatial Data (i.e., telemetry, roosts, etc)
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 10 - CLIP4 Potential Habitat Richness
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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3.1.3 Water Resources
The natural areas and hydric disturbed land within the property hold water during the wet season;
however, ditches and swales within the citrus grove facilitate the draining of this portion of the property.
The majority of the property is mapped as containing hydric soils including: “Holopaw fine sand,
limestone substratum” (nearly level, poorly drained soil associated with sloughs and broad poorly
defined drainage ways), “Boca fine sand” (nearly level, poorly drained soil associated with flatwoods),
and “Boca, Riviera, limestone substratum and Copeland fine sands, depressional” (level, very poorly
drained soils associated with depressions, cypress swamps and marshes). This parcel does not provide
significant aquifer recharge capacity.
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 11 - CLIP Aquifer Recharge Priority and Wellfield Protection Zones
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 12 - Collier County Soil Survey
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 13 LIDAR Elevation Map
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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3.1.4 Ecosystem Connectivity
This parcel directly connects to a conservation easement to the north, west, and south and to Picayune Strand
State Forest to the east. The conservation easement is held by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for preservation
related to Hacienda Lakes of Naples, LLC. Additionally, the privately-owned 40-acre parcel, directly east of the
Smits property and north of Picayune Strand State Forest, has entered into an agreement with Collier County
stripping the first Transfer of Development Rights credits from the parcel, which limits allowable uses.
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 14 - Conservation Lands
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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3.2 Human Values
3.2.1 Recreation
This parcel could provide year-round access for recreational activities including but not limited to
horseback riding, hiking, and bicycling.
3.2.2 Accessibility
The property is accessed from Sabal Palm Rd., and has an existing parking area.
3.2.3 Aesthetic/Cultural Enhancement
This parcel does not provide any significant aesthetic or cultural enhancements.
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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3.2 Restoration and Management
3.3.1 Vegetation Management
3.3.1.1 Invasive Vegetation
Invasive vegetation infestation is approximately 75% within the natural communities on this parcel, in
varying densities. Large melaleuca and Brazilan pepper exist within the communities, along with areas
of thick climbing-fern. Other invasives present include Java plum, Caesar weed, and shrubby false
buttonwood.
3.3.1.2 Prescribed Fire
Prescribed fire would be feasible in the natural communities once invasive, exotic removal has been
completed. Burning mature melaleuca would result in catastrophic fire that would destroy native
canopy trees. If the citrus grove were converted to pasture, prescribed fire could be used in
conjunction with mowing to manage the grassland.
3.3.2 Remediation and Site Security
Invasive species will need to be controlled within the native plant communities. Full restoration may
not be feasible within the citrus grove. Conversion to pasture through cattle leasing or restoration
through grant funding could be options.
3.3.3 Assistance
Assistance is not predicted.
3.4 Vulnerability
3.4.1 Zoning and Land Use
This parcel is designated as Sending Land in the Rural Fringe Mixed Use Overlay (RFMUO) within a Natural
Resource Protection Area (NRPA), with a North Belle Meade Overlay. RFMUO Sending Lands designation
allows for 1 dwelling unit per 40 acres, or 1 dwelling unit per parcel if the parcel is under 40 acres.
Therefore, one dwelling unit could be developed on the North Naples Church parcel.
LDC section 2.03.08.A provide the description of Sending Lands:
RFMU sending lands are those lands that have the highest degree of environmental value and
sensitivity and generally include significant wetlands, uplands, and habitat for listed species.
RFMU sending lands are the principal target for preservation and conservation. Density may be
transferred from RFMU sending lands as provided in section 2.03.07 D.4.c. All NRPAs within the
RFMU district are also RFMU sending lands.
LDC section 2.03.08.B provide the description of NRPAs:
The purpose and intent of the Natural Resource Protection Area Overlay District (NRPA) is to:
protect endangered or potentially endangered species by directing incompatible land uses away
from their habitats; to identify large, connected, intact, and relatively unfragmented habitats,
which may be important for these listed species; and to support State and Federal agencies'
efforts to protect endangered or potentially endangered species and their habitats. NRPAs may
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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include major wetland systems and regional flow-ways. These lands generally should be the
focus of any federal, state, County, or private acquisition efforts. Accordingly, allowable land
uses, vegetation preservation standards, development standards, and listed species protection
criteria within NRPAs set forth herein are more restrictive than would otherwise be permitted in
the underlying zoning district and shall to be applicable in addition to any standards that apply
tin the underlying zoning district.
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 15 - Zoning
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 16 - Zoning Overlays
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Figure 17 – Future Land Use
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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3.4.2 Development Plans
Although the zoning of the property currently favors agricultural use and low-density residential
dwellings, the property owners have petitioned the Board of County Commissioners to re-classify the
parcel as RFMUD Receiving, which would allow for development.
4.Acquisition Considerations
Staff would like to bring the following items to the attention of the Advisory Committee during the
review of this property. The following does not affect the scoring. The following are items that will be
addressed in the Executive Summary to the Board of County Commissioners if this property moves
forward for ranking.
Several buildings exist on the property – 2 large pole barns, 2 smaller pole barns, a shed, a residence
being used as an office, and a small, roofed structure covering a pump station and 2 above ground fuel
storage tanks.
Most of the buildings could be utilized by Conservation Collier for equipment storage; however, the
smaller pole barns may need to be demolished. The residence could potentially be converted to staff
offices or housing for a Sheriff or Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer.
Because of the historic agricultural uses on the property, a Phase I and potentially a Phase II
Environmental Site Assessment is recommended prior to acquisition.
5.Management Needs and Costs
Table 4 - Estimated Costs of Site Remediation, Improvements, and Management
Management
Element
Initial
Cost
Annual
Recurring
Cost
Comments
Invasive Vegetation
Removal $22,000 $4,400 $1,000/acre initial, $200/acre recurring - 22-acres
Mowing $4,000 $4,000 Quarterly @ $25/acre – approx. 40 acres
Citrus Grove
Clearing TBD
Total $26,000 $8,400
6.Potential for Matching Funds
There are no known matching funds or partnership opportunities for acquisition in this area.
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
32
7.Secondary Criteria Scoring Form
Property Name: Smitts
Target Protection Mailing Area: N/A
Folio(s): 00438400007
Secondary Criteria Scoring Possible
Points
Awarded
Points Percentage
1 - Ecological Value 160 96 60
2 - Human Value 80 43 54
3 - Restoration and Management 80 23 29
4 - Vulnerability 80 42 53
TOTAL SCORE 400 204 51
1 - ECOLOGICAL VALUES (40% of total) Possible
Points
Awarded
Points Comments
1.1 VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES 200 90
1.1.1 - Priority natural communities (Select highest score)
a.Parcel contains CLIP4 Priority 1 communities (1130 - Rockland
Hammock, 1210 - Scrub, 1213 - Sand Pine Scrub, 1214 - Coastal Scrub,
1312 - Scrubby Flatwoods, 1610 - Beach Dune, 1620 - Coastal Berm,
1630 - Coastal Grasslands, 1640 - Coastal Strand, or 1650 - Maritime
Hammock)
100
b.Parcel contains CLIP4 Priority 2 communities (22211 - Hydric Pine
Flatwoods, 2221 - Wet Flatwoods, or 1311 - Mesic Flatwoods)60 60 Hydric Pine
Flatwoods
c.Parcel contains CLIP4 Priority 3 communities (5250 - Mangrove
Swamp, or 5240 - Salt Marsh)50
d.Parcel contains CLIP4 Priority 4 communities (5250 - Mangrove
Swamp)25
1.1.2 - Plant community diversity (Select the highest score)
a. Parcel has ≥ 3 CLC native plant communities (Florida Cooperative
Land Cover Classification System native plant communities)20
b.Parcel has ≤ 2 CLC native plant communities 10 10
Cypress,
Hydric Pine
Flatwoods
c.Parcel has 0 CLC native plant communities 0
1.1.3 - Listed plant species (excluding commercially exploited
species) (Select the highest score)
a.Parcel has ≥5 CLC listed plant species 30
b.Parcel has 3-4 CLC listed plant species 20
c.Parcel has ≤ 2 CLC listed plant species 10
d.Parcel has 0 CLC listed plant species 0 0 None
observed
1.1.4 - Invasive Plant Infestation (Select highest score)
a. 0 - 10% infestation 50
b.10 - 25% infestation 40
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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c.25 - 50% infestation 30
d.50 - 75% infestation 20 20
e.≥75% infestation 10
1.2 - WILDLIFE COMMUNITIES 100 90
1.2.1 - Listed wildlife species (Select the highest score)
a.Listed wildlife species documented on the parcel 80 80 multiple
b.Listed wildlife species documented on adjacent property 60
c CLIP Potential Habitat Richness ≥5 species 40
d.No listed wildlife documented near parcel 0
1.2.2 - Significant wildlife habitat (Rookeries, roosts, denning sites,
nesting grounds, high population densities, etc) (Select highest
score)
a.Parcel protects significant wildlife habitat (Please describe)20
b.Parcel enhances adjacent to significant wildlife habitat (Please
describe)10 10
c.Parcel does not enhance significant wildlife habitat 0
1.3 - WATER RESOURCES 100 30
1.3.1 - Aquifer recharge (Select the highest score)
a.Parcel is located within a wellfield protection zone or within a CLIP4
Aquifer Recharge Priority 1 area 40
b.Parcel is located within a CLIP4 Aquifer Recharge Priority 2 or 3
area 30
c.Parcel is located within a CLIP4 Aquifer Recharge Priority 4 or 5 area 20
d.Parcel is located within a CLIP4 Aquifer Recharge Priority 6 area 0 0
1.3.2 - Surface Water Protection (Select the highest score)
a.Parcel is contiguous with and provides buffering for an Outstanding
Florida Waterbody 30
b.Parcel is contiguous with and provides buffering for a creek, river,
lake, canal or other surface water body 20
c.Parcel is contiguous with and provides buffering for an identified
flowway 15 10
d.Wetlands exist on site 10
e.Parcel does not provide opportunities for surface water quality
enhancement 0
1.3.3 - Floodplain Management (Select all that apply)
a.Parcel has depressional or slough soils 10 10
b.Parcel has known history of flooding and is likely to provide onsite
water attenuation 10 10
c.Parcel provides storm surge buffering 10
d.Parcel does not provide floodplain management benefits 0
1.4 - ECOSYSTEM CONNECTIVITY 200 150
1.4.1 - Acreage (Select Highest Score)
a. Parcel is ≥ 300 acres 150
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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b.Parcel is ≥ 100 acres 100 100
b.Parcel is ≥ 50 acres 75
c. Parcel is ≥ 25 acres 25
d.Parcel is ≥ 10 acres 15
e.Parcel is < 10 acres 0
1.4.2 - Connectivity (Select highest score)
a.Parcel is immediately contiguous with conservation lands 50 50
b.Parcel is not immediately contiguous, but parcels between it and
nearby conservation lands are undeveloped 25
c.Parcel is isolated from conservation land 0
ECOLOGICAL VALUES TOTAL POINTS 600 360
ECOLOGICAL VALUES WEIGHTED SCORE (Awarded Points/Possible
Points*160) 160 96
2 - HUMAN VALUES (20%) Possible
Points
Awarded
Points Comments
2.1 - RECREATION 120 60
2.1.1 - Compatible recreation activities (Select all that apply)
a.Hunting 20
b.Fishing 20
c.Water-based recreation (paddling, swimming, etc)20
d.Biking 20 20
e.Equestrian 20 20
f.Passive natural-resource based recreation (Hiking, photography,
wildlife watching, environmental education, etc)20 20
g.Parcel is incompatible with nature-based recreation 0
2.2 - ACCESSIBILITY 120 90
2.2.1 - Seasonality (Select the highest score)
a.Parcel accessible for land-based recreation year round 20 20
b.Parcel accessible for land-based recreation seasonally 10
c.Parcel is inaccessible for land-based recreation 0
2.2.2 - Vehicle access (Select the highest score)
a.Public access via paved road 50
b.Public access via unpaved road 30 30
c.Public access via private road 20
d.No public access 0
2.2.3 - Parking Availability (Select the highest score)
a.Minor improvements necessary to provide on-site parking 40 40
b.Major improvements necessary to provide on-site parking
(Requires site development plan)25
b.Public parking available nearby or on adjacent preserve 20
c.Street parking available 10
d.No public parking available 0
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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2.2.4 - Pedestrian access (Select the highest score)
a.Parcel is easily accessible to pedestrians (within walking distance of
housing development)10
b.Parcel is not easily accessible to pedestrians 0 0
2.3 - AESTHETICS/CULTURAL ENHANCEMENT 40 0
2.3.1 - Aesthetic/cultural value (Choose all that apply)
a.Mature/outstanding native vegetation 5
b.Scenic vistas 5
c.Frontage enhances aesthetics of public thoroughfare 10
d.Archaeological/historical structures present 15
e.Other (Please describe)5
f.None 0 0
HUMAN VALUES TOTAL SCORE 280 150
HUMAN VALUES WEIGHTED SCORE (Awarded Points/Possible
Points*80) 80 43
3 - RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT (20%) Possible
Points
Awarded
Points Comments
3.1 - VEGETATION MANAGEMENT 120 45
3.1.1 - Invasive plant management needs (Select the highest score)
a.Minimal invasive/nuisance plant management necessary to restore
and maintain native plant communities (<30%)100
b.Moderate invasive/nuisance plant management necessary to
restore and maintain native plant communities (30-65%)75
c.Major invasive/nuisance plant management necessary to restore
and maintain native plant communities (>65%)50
d.Major invasive/nuisance plant management and replanting
necessary to restore and maintain native plant communities (>65%)25 25
e.Restoration of native plant community not feasible 0
3.1.2 - Prescribed fire necessity and compatibility (Select the highest
score)
a.Parcel contains fire dependent plant communities and is
compatible with prescribed fire or parcel does not contain fire
dependent plant communities
20 20
b.Parcel contains fire dependent plant communities and is
incompatible with prescribed fire 0
3.2 - REMEDIATION AND SITE SECURITY 50 5
3.2.1 - Site remediation and human conflict potential (Dumping,
contamination, trespassing, vandalism, other) (Select the highest
score)
a.Minimal site remediation or human conflict issues predicted 50
b.Moderate site remediation or human conflict issues predicted
(Please describe)20
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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c. Major site remediation or human conflict issues predicted (Please
describe)5 5
restoration
of citrus
groves
d. Resolving site remediation or human conflict issues not feasible 0
3.3 - ASSISTANCE 5 0
3.4.1 - Management assistance by other entity
a. Management assistance by other entity likely 5
b. Management assistance by other entity unlikely 0 0 0
RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT TOTAL SCORE 175 50
RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT WEIGHTED SCORE (Awarded
Points/Possible Points*80) 80 23
4 - VULNERABILITY (20%) Possible
Points
Awarded
Points Comments
4.1 - ZONING AND LAND USE 130 55
4.1.1 - Zoning and land use designation (Select the highest score)
a. Zoning allows for Single Family, Multifamily, industrial or
commercial 100
b. Zoning allows for density of no greater than 1 unit per 5 acres 75
c. Zoning allows for agricultural use /density of no greater than 1 unit
per 40 acres 50 50
d. Zoning favors stewardship or conservation 0
4.1.2 - Future Land Use Type (Select the highest score)
a. Parcel designated Urban 30
b. Parcel designated Estates, Rural Fringe Receiving and Neutral,
Agriculture 25
c. Parcel designated Rural Fringe Sending, Rural Lands Stewardship
Area 5 5
d. Parcel is designated Conservation 0
4.2 - DEVELOPMENT PLANS 50 40
4.2.1 - Development plans (Select the highest score)
a. Parcel has been approved for development 20
b. SFWMD and/or USACOE permit has been applied for or SDP
application has been submitted 15 15
c. Parcel has no current development plans 0
4.2.2 - Site characteristics amenable to development (Select all that
apply)
a. Parcel is primarily upland 10 10
b. Parcel is along a major roadway 10
c. Parcel is >10 acres 5 10
d. Parcel is within 1 mile of a current or planned commercial or multi-
unit residential development 5 5
VULNERABILITY TOTAL SCORE 180 95
VULNERABILITY WEIGHTED SCORE (Awarded Points/Possible
Points*80) 80 42
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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8.Additional Site Photos
Cypress on west side of parcel
Cypress and trail between cypress on west side of parcel
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Hydric Disturbed Land on west side of parcel
Cypress
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Cypress
Cypress
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Climbing fern
Cleared Citrus Grove
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Ditch in Citrus Grove
Edge of Hydric Pine Flatwoods
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Edge of Hydric Pine Flatwoods
Pile of dead citrus trees
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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Citrus in foreground, Hydric Pine Flatwoods in background
Ditch in Citrus Grove
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Citrus Grove
Ditch in Citrus Grove
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Roofed structure covering a pump station and 2 above ground fuel storage tanks
Large pole barn market area
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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2nd large pole barn behind market area
Small pole barn
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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2nd small pole barn
Shed
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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Area between the 2 large pole barns
Residence built in 1987
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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Aerial view looking southwest
Aerial view looking east
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Aerial view looking west
Aerial view looking east
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Aerial view looking south
Aerial view looking north
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Southwest side of Smits parcel to the left, adjacent parcel restored cypress to the right
Aerial view of cypress on west side of parcel
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Aerial view of Hydric Pine Flatwoods behind cypress in middle of parcel
Aerial view of Cypress with climbing fern in middle of parcel
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
Owner Name: Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al. Folio Number: 00438400007
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Aerial view of Hydric Pine Flatwoods in middle of parcel
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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APPENDIX 1 – Critical Lands and Water Identification Maps (CLIP) Definitions
This report makes use of data layers from the Florida Natural Areas Inventory and University of Florida
Critical Lands and Waters Identification Project (CLIP4). CLIP4 is a collection of spatial data that identify
statewide priorities for a broad range of natural resources in Florida. It was developed through a
collaborative effort between the Florida Areas Natural Inventory (FNAI), the University of Florida
GeoPlan Center and Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC). It is used in the Florida Forever Program to evaluate properties for
acquisition. CLIP4 is organized into a set of core natural resource data layers which are representative
of 5 resource categories: biodiversity, landscapes, surface water, groundwater and marine. The first 3
categories have also been combined into the Aggregated layer, which identifies 5 priority levels for
natural resource conservation.
Below is a description of each of the three CLIP4 data layers used in this report.
Figure 5 - CLIP4 Priority Natural Communities
Consists of 12 priority natural community types: upland glades, pine rocklands, seepage slopes, scrub,
sandhill, sandhill upland lakes, rockland hammock, coastal uplands, imperiled coastal lakes, dry prairie,
upland pine, pine flatwoods, upland hardwood forest, or coastal wetlands. These natural communities
are prioritized by a combination of their heritage global status rank (G-rank) and landscape context,
based on the Land Use Intensity Index (subset of CLIP Landscape Integrity Index) and FNAI Potential
Natural Areas. Priority 1 includes G1-G3 communities with Very High or High landscape context.
Priority 2 includes G1-G3 Medium and G4 Very High/High. Priority 3 includes G4 Medium and G5 Very
High/High. Priority 5 is G5 Medium.
This data layer was created by FNAI originally to inform the Florida Forever environmental land
acquisition program. The natural communities were mapped primarily based on the FNAI/FWC
Cooperative Land Cover (CLC) data layer, which is a compilation of best-available land cover data for
the entire state. The CLC is based on both remote-sensed (from aerial photography, primarily from
water management district FLUCCS data) and ground-truthed (from field surveys on many
conservation lands) data.
Figure 10 - Potential Habitat Richness CLIP4 Map
This CLIP version 4.0 data layer is unchanged from CLIP v3.0. FWC Potential Habitat Richness. Because
SHCAs do not address species richness, FWC also developed the potential habitat richness layer to
identify areas of overlapping vertebrate species habitat. FWC created a statewide potential habitat
model for each species included in their analysis. In some cases, only a portion of the potential habitat
was ultimately designated as SHCA for each species. The Potential Habitat Richness layer includes the
entire potential habitat model for each species and provides a count of the number of species habitat
models occurring at each location. The highest number of focal species co-occurring at any location in
the model is 13.
Initial Criteria Screening Report – Smits Date: April 1, 2026
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Figure 11 - CLIP4 Aquifer Recharge Priority and Wellfield Protection Zones
High priorities indicate high potential for recharge to an underlying aquifer system (typically the
Floridan aquifer but could be intermediate or surficial aquifers in some portions of the state). The
highest priorities indicate high potential for recharge to springs or public water supplies. This figure
also includes Wellfield Protection Zones. Collier County Wellfield Protection Zones are referenced in
the Land Development Code and updated in 2010 by Pollution Control and Prevention Department
Staff. The public water supply wellfields, identified in section 3.06.06 and permitted by the SFWMD for
potable water to withdraw a minimum of 100,000 average gallons per day (GPD), are identified as
protected wellfields, around which specific land use and activity (regulated development) shall be
regulated under this section.
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APPENDIX 2 – Turell, Hall & Associates, Inc. Environmental Supplement (found
as separate document associated with this report)
BCC Conservation Collier Property Summary April 2026
Smits
CCLACC Recommendation: A-list
Property Name: Smits Owner(s): Jerry J, Robert J, and Pamela Smits et al.
Target Protection Area: RFMUD – Sending (Not within a TPMA) Acreage: 166.63 acres
Highlights:
• Location: South off Sabal Palm Rd., approximately 1.5 miles east of Collier Blvd.
• Met 5 out of 8 Initial Screening Criteria: Native plant communities; human
social values; water resources; biological and ecological, conservation land
enhancement
• Habitat: Citrus Grove (63% of property), Hydric Pine Flatwoods, Cypress,
• Listed Plants: None observed
• Listed Wildlife: FL panther telemetry on parcel, American alligator, Big Cypress
fox squirrel nests on parcel, little blue heron; within FL Wildlife Corridor
• Water Resource Values: Mapped as containing primarily hydric soils; Natural
areas and disturbed hydric land holds water, citrus grove drains water; Very little
contribution to aquifer recharge.
• Connectivity: Directly connected to Hacienda Lakes Conservation Easement to the
north, west and south and Picayune Strand State Forest to the east.
• Management Issues / Estimated Costs: Initial Exotic Removal estimated at
$22,000 and ongoing annual estimated at $4,400; Mowing estimated at $4,000
annually; Environmental Restoration of citrus grove TBD – would not occur
without grant funding
• Partnership Opportunities: Potential for state funding assistance to treat
exotic plants; grants would be sought to restore citrus grove or a cattle lease to
create pasture our of citrus grove
• Zoning/Overlays: Agricultural – RFMUD-Sending-NRPA; 1 unit per 40 acres
• Surrounding land uses: Conservation and undeveloped with first 2 TDR’s
stripped
• All Criteria Score: 205 out of 400; relatively high ecological value score
• Other Division Interest: None known
• Acquisition Considerations: Restoration of citrus grove would not be feasible
without extensive grant funding or cattle lease requiring leassee to create pasture
out of grove land. Phase I ESA recommended because of historic agricultural use. Several buildings exist in NW corner of property.
96
43 23 42
160
80 80 80
020406080100120140160180
1 - Ecological
Value
2 - Human
Value
3 -
Restoration
and
Management
4 -
Vulnerability
Total Score: 205/400
Awarded Points Possible Points
BCC Conservation Collier Property Summary April 2026
Smits
BCC Conservation Collier Property Summary April 2026
Smits
April 17, 2026
Commissioner Rick LoCastro, Rick.LoCastro@collier.gov sent via email
Commissioner Chris Hall, Chris.Hall@collier.gov
Commissioner Burt Saunders, Burt.Saunders@collier.gov
Commissioner Dan Kowal, Dan.Kowal@collier.gov
Commissioner William McDaniel, Bill.McDaniel@collier.gov
RE: Conservation Collier – Smits Property aka Sabal Palm
Dear Collier County Commissioners:
On behalf of our more than 3,800 supporting families, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is
providing comment on the Smits Property aka Sabal Palm. The property is recommended for the
A list. We support this recommendation. The Conservancy would like to acknowledge Collier
County staff and the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC)
for their dedication to the Conservation Collier program and for successfully protecting
thousands of environmentally significant acres throughout Collier County.
The property contains hydric wetlands, and is mapped as containing a majority of hydric soils.
Water collects on the non-orange grove portions of the property and the ditches and swales
within the orange groves provide habitat for wetland dependent species. The parcel also provides
habitat for the endangered Florida Panther, the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel, American Alligator
and American Kestral. Additionally, the property is adjacent to a private conservation easement
to the north, west and south as well as the Picayune Strand State Forest. Finally, the property is
visible and accessible from a public roadway which provides an opportunity to incorporate
hiking and bike trails into the property.
We do recommend that the County consider coordinating or partnering with state agencies
interested in helping manage this property which is adjacent to Picayune Strand State Forest.
While, as noted, the property will meet the criteria to be on the Conservation Collier A list, it
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Smits Property aka Sabal Palm
2
may be most appropriate for this parcel to be managed in conjunction with Picayune Strand State
Forest.
For all of these reasons, we recommend this property be ranked as an ‘A-list’ property.
Sincerely,
Julianne Thomas
Senior Environmental Planning Specialist