Wiggins Pass Work Group Minutes 04/03/2008
April 3, 2008
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
WIGGINS PASS MODELING EV ALUA TION WORK GROUP
Naples, Florida, April 3, 2008
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Wiggins Pass Modeling Discussion
Group in and for the County of Collier having conducted business herein,
met on this date at 9:00 A.M. at the Coastal Zone Management Office at
3300 Santa Barbara Blvd. Naples, Florida with the following members
present:
Group Leader: Heidi Kulpa
John Findley
Doug Finlay
Jon Staiger
Nicole Ryan
Srivivas Tammisetti (Excused)
Donna Caron (Excused)
Paul Sullivan (Excused)
Bryan Fluech (Absent)
Thomas Crowe
ALSO PRESENT:
Gary McAlpin, Coastal Zone Mgmt. Director
Robert Steiger, Park Manager, Delnor-Wiggins Pass
Christina Olson, Environmental Specialist, FL Park Service
Stephen Keehn, Coastal Planning and Engineering, Inc.
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April 3, 2008
1. Purpose of Introduction by Heidi Kulpa
Gary McAlpin, Coastal Zone Management Director noted the meeting was a
publicly warned meeting with summary minutes unless an individual states "on the
record" at which point the comments will be transcribed verbatim.
It was noted that Robert Steiger, Delnor Wiggins State Park Manager and Christina
Olson, Environmental Specialist for the Florida Park Service will attend the meetings.
Ms. Kulpa, Group Leader provided an overview of the creation of the Group, its
function and process. She circulated the following documents to the Work Group:
I. "Wiggins Pass Modeling Evaluation Work Group" which outlined why the Group
was created as well as a general overview of the Group's process.
2. A letter from Nicole Ryan of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to John
Sorey, Ill, Chairman, Coastal Advisory Committee re: "Next Phase of Numerical
Modeling of Structural Alternatives at Wiggins Pass" dated December 13, 2007.
3. An email from Christina Olsen, Environmental Specialist for the Florida Park
Service to various parties dated November 13, 2007 subject: "Draft Summary of
Oct 22/23 Wiggins Pass Workshop".
Gary McAlpin noted the intent of the Work Group should be to identify a number of
separate items to review in the modeling process for providing long term solutions to
the stabilization and maintenance of Wiggins Pass (as opposed to the current 12-18
month re-occurring dredging program.) Stephen Keehn, of Coastal Planning and
Engineering, Inc. will provide an evaluation of these items for review by the Work
Group, who would narrow the choice down to possibly 2-3 preferred options to be
forwarded to the Coastal Advisory Committee, the Tourist Development Council and
ultimately the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.
A discussion ensued regarding any short term solutions for safety that may need to be
implemented such as maintenance of navigation aids, etc. It was noted that the
ultimate "Master Plan" for the solution may include a short term list (placement
navigation aids, etc.) a mid term list and a long term list. Some of this may require
modification of the existing inlet management plan, however changing the 3 foot
draft regulation would not be in the scope.
Mr. Findley noted that the County's response to safety issues is much improved in
recent years, and has witnessed immediate responses to these issues when they are
identified.
It was noted that there is an April 14, 2008 meeting of the Estuary Conservation
Association which the status of the Pass may be discussed. It was recommended that
Heidi Kulpa attend the meeting for informational purposes.
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April 3, 2008
Gary McAlpin noted that the County will take steps to ensure the Pass remains open
over the next year. This may require additional dredging cycles before the Work
Group completes its task.
It was noted that it is important to define the parameter of dredging which includes an
approximate 8.5 foot depth cut to provide the 3 foot draft depth. The Coast Guard
provides requirements for calculating this provision.
Gary McAlpin stated he can provide the Coast Guard graphic to anyone interested in
reviewing it.
2. Modeling Capabilities by CP & E (Coastal Planning and Engineering)
Stephen Keehn, P.E. of Coastal Planning and Engineering, Inc. provided a Power
Point presentation regarding the availability of computer modeling for providing long
term solutions to the stabilization and maintenance of the Pass. There will be data
col1ected such as wave patterns and velocities, wind flows, tidal flows, etc. to build
the models.
The presentation provided examples of the capabilities of the modeling highlighting
projects completed in Panama City, Florida and Rich Inlet, North Carolina, etc.
It was noted along with the modeling, a set of "evaluation criteria" should be
developed to aid in prioritizing the possible solutions.
The Rich Inlet, North Carolina project utilized a "non structural solution"
incorporating a sand dike.
The objective is to return the Pass to its naturally occurring condition (as close as
possible) in the 1970's and 1980's (a channel 600 feet long with an acceptable depth
of water.)
3. Brainstorming solutions for evaluation
Following the presentation the Group identified the following "9 Potential
Alternatives" to be evaluated:
1. Re-establishment of the ebb shoal
2. Re-alignment of the interior channel of the Pass
3. Re-alignment of exterior channel of the Pass
4. A combination of some or all of the elements identified in #'s 1-3
5. Status Quo, (continue with the existing program and determine a dredging
schedule to maintain the 3 foot draft requirement)
6. Other possible re-alignment options such as modifications to the channels that
enter the Pass from the north and south (Little Hickory Bay and Turkey Bay
channels)
7. Temporary segmented breakwater erosion control structures
8. Temporary T-groin structures
9. A combination of#'s 7 and 8
It was noted that all involved parties should realize that the Pass will continue to
require maintenance activities such as periodic dredging. The goal is to provide long
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April 3, 2008
term stabilization of the Pass with a greater interval between dredging or maintenance
requirements than currently exists.
It was noted that the term "temporary" should be defined by the Group and these
options may work to enhance and accelerate stabilization of the Pass.
It was noted that Stephen Keehn has the ability to create a matrix with parameters
including, but not limited to, pass safety, costs, environmental impacts, long term
performance, etc. that could assist in ranking the potential solutions.
It was noted when the options are narrowed down, an expert or group of experts will
need to be consulted to review the proposals. Any individual may submit a
consultant for consideration by the Work Group to Gary McAlpin via email.
It was noted that the Work Group is subject to the Sunshine Law and not to discuss
the group's business amongst each other outside of a warned meeting, or send each
other an email regarding Group business.
The members identified the following 3 primary goals for the Wiggins Pass
Evaluation Modeling Group:
1. To ensure public safety and reduce County liability in utilization of the Pass
2. To prevent the erosion occurring at Barefoot Beach
3. To provide a solution with the least environmental impact
A secondary goal was identified:
4. To provide a solution in the most cost effective manner possible to achieve long
term stabilization of the Pass without sacrificing goal #'s 1-3
Christina Olson recommended the Group define the parameters for "environmental
impact" and suggested the following:
1. Erosion impacts on adjacent areas
2. Impacts on Seagrass beds
3. Impacts on the benthic communities
4. Impacts created by modifying the shoals
5. Impacts on mangrove habitat (added by Gary McAlpin)
It was noted that existing documents generated by or through the Department of
Environmental Protection may provide direction in this area.
Ms. Ryan recommended that any solutions meet the intent of the mission statements
and policies of Delnor Wiggins State Park, Barefoot Beach Preserve and/or any
subsequent areas leased by Collier County.
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April 3, 2008
The Group identified the following management activities to be included in the
overall solution:
I. Navigation marker maintenance plan
2. A plan for outreach and education for boaters and public or commercial
enterprises involved in providing related marine services (i.e., signs at marinas
and County boat launches, written information provided to boat slip lessees, etc.)
Stephen Keehn noted that it will take approximately 2-3 months to provide the
modeling analysis of the different potential alternatives back to the Group.
Information on re-establishment of the ebb shoal alternative may be ready in 2-3
weeks.
The Group discussed possible topics for the next meeting which may include:
1. An update of alternative #1 (re-establishment of the ebb shoals)
2. Review of technical experts to be utilized
3. Discussion of the proposed matrix evaluation criteria with consideration given to
the goals and management issues discussed herein.
It was noted that on-going monitoring or data collection (as opposed to one time) may
be advantageous to assist in providing a long term solution to the stabilization of the
Pass.
4. Next meeting and time
The next meeting will be June 5, 2008 at 9:00AM
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was
adjourned by the Group Leader at 11:55 A.M.
Wiggins Pass Modeling Evaluation Work Group
Heidi Kulpa, Group Leader
These minutes approved by the Work Group on
as presented or as amended
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