1992-319 CZM Section II (7.0-7.5)
7 . 0 INLET MANAGEMENT
7.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION
7.1.1 Description
Collier County's barrier coastline is presently segmented by
seven major tidal passes or pass complexes. Listed from north to
south they are: Wiggins Pass, Clam Pass, Doctors Pass, Gordon
Pass, Hurricane/Little Marco Pass Complex, Big Marco/Capri Pass
Complex, and Caxambas Pass (Figure 4-1). These passes are
relatively persistent features of Collier County's barrier,
having influenced changes in the nearshore sand supply and
stability of the beaches in the past. In addition to the above
passes, an approximately equal number of short-lived or temporary
tidal passes have opened and closed in the recorded history of
the area as a result of storm activity and changes in littoral
drift. The passes of the Ten Thousand Islands are generally of a
different nature, being more like navigable 'trails' through the
mangrove islands.
An inlet is a tidally maintained interruption in a barrier
coastline that allows exchange between oceanic water and enclosed
coastal bays or estuaries (Fisher, 1982). The morphology of these
features is controlled by the interaction of littoral and tidal
currents, which combined can cause the formation of large sub-
tidal and intertidal sand bodies called tidal deltas. Ebb tidal
deltas are present directly seaward of the inlet and flood tidal
deltas appear landward or just inside the enclosed embayment.
Generally, ebb deltas are best developed on tide dominated
barrier coastlines (large tidal range, small mean wave height)
and flood deltas are more prominent Ofi wave dominated coastlines
(Hayes, 1973).
Tidal inlets are called passes in southwestern Florida. The
morphology of the tidal passes is highly diverse owing to the
fact that neither a large tidal range nor sustained high level of
wave energy exists to dominate tidal pass dynamics. Consequently,
the morphology of tidal passes in Collier County ranges from the
wave-dominated variety, in which the exchange of water through
the pass is small and the pass is subject to rapid migration
along the shore, to the tide-dominated variety, where a greater
tidal prism increases flushing through the pass causing increased
interruption of the littoral drift and greater stability of the
pass opening.
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The major tidal passes of Collier county can be categorized by
their physical characteristics and history of morphological
change as wave-dominated or tide-dominated. Wave-dominated passes
(e.g. Clam Pass, Blind Pass, Little Marco Pass, and South Morgan
pass) have been subject to rapid migration along the coastline.
The rate of migration is in the range of 150 to 200 feet per
year. The newly accreted spits on the updrift sides of the passes
can be wide or narrow depending on sand supply. Regardless of
width, they are always low in elevation and subject to storm
flooding. Under storm conditions the passes are subject to
closure with the potential existing for a storm to breach the
island and form a new pass in the vicinity.
At tide-dominated passes a larger tidal prism and stronger ebb
tidal currents promote the growth of shallow sand deltas on their
seaward side (ebb tidal deltas). Periodic adjustments in the size
and shape of the deltas control cycles of erosion and accretion
on the adjacent beaches. Big Marco Pass, Caxambas Pass and
Wiggins Pass are tide dominated passes. At tide-dominated passes,
the ebb tidal delta dissipates the energy of approaching waves by
causing them to shoal and refract around the delta. A cycle of
channel migration and then recutting in its former position
releases large "pulses" of sand to the nearshore zone that,
contained in swash bars, can migrate shoreward and become
attached to the beach. For this reason accretion often occurs on
the sheltered beaches behind the delta. However, as sequential
mapping of pass dynamics shows, minor hydraulic readjustments of
the passes can cause the new beaches to be eroded quickly, and
the sand reclaimed by the submerged ebb tidal delta.
Several passes in Collier County are difficult to categorize
because their natural processes have been altered by the
construction of groins and jetties. Jetties were constructed at
Doctors Pass in 1960. Longshore currents to the south were
subsequently interrupted, causing erosion on the south side of
the Pass. Groin and jetty construction at Gordon Pass caused
partial dissipation of the ebb tidal delta and decreased
stability of the adjacent beaches. Artificial sand bypassing by
periodic dredging and disposal on the south side of the Gordon
Pass is currently accelerating the loss of sand available to
beaches of south Naples. A seawalled "compound" constructed at
Caxambas Pass in 1958 caused the redistribution of the ebb tidal
delta to the south and also caused massive erosion on south Marco
Island (Harvey et al., 1984).
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7.1.2 Pass Responsibilitv
Wiggins Pass
Collier County is responsible for maintaining Wiggins Pass. The
initial dredge project was jointly funded by the Wiggins Pass
Conservancy and Collier County through money received from the
Florida Boating Improvement Funds. Channel markers were erected
and the system was mapped on the Federal navigation charts.
Tropical storm Bob filled in the newly dredged channel shortly
after completion. It has taken more than six years to redredge
this channel.
Clam Pass
Collier County is responsible for maintaining clam Pass. Clam
Pass should never be dredged for navigation purposes. If
dredging for flushing purposes is required, Collier County
Natural Resources Department should be consulted prior to and
during the dredging project to minimize negative environmental
impacts.
Doctors Pass
The City of Naples is responsible for the maintenance of Doctors
Pass. The pass is totally within Naples city limits. There are
no boat ramps within the Doctors the Pass system, but there is a
small marina located north of Park Shore Drive. Therefore,
County residents do not directly benefit from this pass.
Gordon Pass
Gordon Pass is federally maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (ACE).
Marco Island Passes
Collier County is responsible for the Big Marco/Capri Pass
system. These passes have never been dredged for navigation
purposes. The Big Marco side of the pass was used as a borrow
area for the Marco Island Beach nourishment project.
Caxambas Pass has never been dredged for navigation purposes, and
like Big Marco Pass, was used for a borrow area for the beach
nourishment. Although natural flow should continue to keep these
passes in navigable condition, contingencies should be in place
to reopen the passes in the event of severe storm damage.
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Indian Key Pass
The inner three miles of Indian Key Pass is maintained by the
USACE. The outer portion of the pass is maintained open by
natural forces. It is unlikely that the outer portion would ever
need dredging, but the USACE would be responsible since it
maintains the inner portion.
7.1.3 Considerations for Inlet Manaqement
In the following text, each inlet is addressed in a separate
section. The natural systems that affect, and are affected by
each inlet, are inventoried and discussed. These generally
include the adjacent beaches, dunes, estuaries, back bay systems,
and uplands located within the drainage basins that empty into
that pass. Effects of development and other man-made alterations
to the environment are also discussed. The history of each inlet,
with regard to natural and man-made changes to its configuration,
is addressed. Considerations include accretion and erosion
patterns, dredging history, inlet stabilization efforts,
navigation, and boater safety, where applicable. The significance
to development and recreation of each pass is discussed.
Considerations include development history, amount and type of
development and land use within the drainage basin, marina and
boat ramp facilities, and use of adjacent beaches. Additionally,
recommendations for prudent management of each pass and
pass-related areas are specified.
7.1.4 Safety and Naviqation
All of the major passes except Clam Pass are used by boaters to
gain access to the Gulf and back bay areas. At several of these,
local knowledge of the waters is important for safe navigation.
In addition, local knowledge in the back bay systems and the Ten
Thousand Islands are imperative for both boater safety and
environmental considerations.
Boaters traveling at imprUdent speeds are a threat to themselves,
their passengers, and to other vessels on the water. Collisions
with the West Indian manatee, an endangered species that inhabits
Collier County waters, is also a danger. Collier County is one of
the thirteen key Florida counties where significant manatee
populations exist. High boat speeds in narrow channels increase
erosional processes of both natural and man-altered shorelines.
Summer squalls and winter cold fronts can cause sudden, severe
changes in weather patterns. Knowledge of these conditions and
proper boat handling techniques are essential for safe boating.
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Basic knowledge of "rules of the road" is also a necessary
element for safe and prudent boating. The ability to estimate
approximate depths of water and the consulting of navigation
charts can help to reduce groundings. Groundings in the expansive
shallow areas cause negative impacts to environmentally sensitive
subtidal habitats, as well as to marine engines.
Demographic surveys indicate that the population of Collier
County is growing at an enormous rate. Population estimates for
1970 and 1989 indicate an approximate 380% increase in population
(from 38,040 to 144,721) (Collier County Growth Planning
Department, 1990). Water-related activities playa major role in
recreational and commercial concerns. The number of boat
registrations increased from 3,944 to 14,995, also a 380%
increase, during the same time period (information supplied by
the Collier County Hunting, Fishing Licenses, and Vessel
Registration Department, December, 1990). The ratio of boat
owners to the total population has been relatively stable at
approximately 10%. The population projection in Collier County
for the year 2000 is 206,360 (Collier County Growth Planning
Department, 1990), which may translate into the existence of
21,382 boat owners in the county by that time.
A large percentage of the population of Collier County is
relatively new to the area. Many people with boats have little or
no local knowledge of the waters or training in safe boat
handling. The nature of most of the inlets and surrounding waters
requires special consideration by boaters to navigate safely and
conscientiously. It is probable that knowledge of environmentally
sensitive aquatic ecosystems and considerations for endangered
species is also limited.
The essential element, therefore, in boater safety, is education.
Basic boating skill courses are available through the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary and also through various private programs.
Presently licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captains of any rank should
be exempted from this requirement. It is recommended that Collier
County institute a boater skills program, or coordinate curricula
with those agencies teaching these courses. Topics should include
general boating skills, rules of the road, basic navigation,
safety, emergency procedures, and local weather, tidal, and
environmental concerns.
Continuing education programs regarding these topics should be
offered to the general public for a minimal fee or no charge by
the County, possibly in coordination with the FDNR and the u.s.
Coast Guard. Informational signs should be installed at public
boat ramps and marina facilities regarding basic boater skills,
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physical characteristics of the nearest inlet and back bay
system, including a navigation chart, and special environmental
concerns. More detailed information should be made available
through public service announcements and dissemination of
brochures.
7.2 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS AND MAPS
In 1982 and 1983 the Collier County Environmental section
received a research grant from the FDER and the Coastal Zone
Management Act of 1972, as amended, administered by the Office of
Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. The grant supported the development of a County
Coastal Zone Management Program. A major goal of this program
was the protection of natural resources of Collier County's
coastal barriers, bays, wetlands and the management of coastal
development, in order to ensure that future land-use activities
would not degrade these resources.
A by-product of the 1982/1983 study is the "Coastal Zone
Management Units: Data Inventory and Analysis" (Technical Report
84-4; see section 4.0 of this report) and "Coastal Zone
Management units: Atlas" (Technical Report 84-5; see Appendix 16
of this report). The atlas was updated in 1990 to reflect
changes along the beach since the original atlas was created.
The atlas contains the fOllowing information on aerial
photographs of the Collier County coastal zone:
1. Army Corps of Engineers profile locations (1970);
2. Department of Natural Resources monument locations (1973);
3. Collier County Natural Resources Department Beach Erosion
Measurement stations (BERM, 1982);
4. Collier county beach profile and field stations (1982);
5. public beach accesses;
6. groins;
7. revetments;
8. seawalls;
9. Department of Natural Resources CCCL (1973);
10. Department of Natural Resources CCCL (1989);
11. new beachfront construction since 1982;
12. new parking since 1982.
Please refer to Appendix 160f this document to find information
that is displayed on these aerial photographs.
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7.3 INLETS AND PHYSICAL PROCESSES
7.3.1 Wind and Waves
Waves are wind-generated sea-surface disturbances that transfer
energy across the ocean surface. Waves transmit energy from the
winds that formed them. The amount of energy carried in waves
depends on the speed of the wind, the length of time that the
wind blows in a constant direction, and the fetch, or the maximum
distance the wind flows in a constant direction. This energy is
in two forms, potential and kinetic. The potential energy
advances with the group speed of the individual waves, and the
kinetic energy is possessed by the water moving as the wave
passes. There is a continual transformation of potential energy
to kinetic and back to potential energy. An enormous amount of
energy is dissipated by breaking waves in the surf. A single
wave 1.2 meters high, with a 10 second period, striking the
entire West Coast of the united states, is estimated to release
50 million horsepower. Hoover Dam, in comparison, produces about
two million horsepower per year (Gross, 1972).
The climate of southwestern Florida is influenced by two major
weather systems (Jordan, 1973). The "Bermuda High" is a high
pressure cell centered over Florida in the summer that generates
light winds from the south, east and western quadrants. In the
winter the "Bermuda High" shifts away from Florida as cold,
continental air masses create a prevailing air flow from the
north and east. These weather systems have winds with higher
average velocities than those of the summer. During spring and
fall southwestern Florida is influenced by a mixture of the two
climatic systems.
The predominant offshore and along-shore winds that occur in
Collier County reduce wave activity along its beaches. The
NNW-SSE orientation of the County's barrier coastline shields the
Gulf beaches from waves generated by winds blowing from the north
and east. Waves are generated by winds from the west and south
which blow consistently on only one-third of the days of the
year. Wave-generating winds, those blowing from the west of NNW
and SSE, are more frequent in the summer, averaging 40% of the
time, than the winter, averaging 28% of the time.
In Collier County the northerly and southerly components of
wave-generating winds are well balanced. During the year the
wind blows onshore with a southerly component 60% of the time;
40% of the time there is a northerly component to the onshore
winds. The strongest regular winds affecting the beaches and
passes blow from the northwest and south. Such winds are nearly
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parallel to the orientation of the coastline. Onshore wind
speeds are in general higher during the winter and spring.
occasional, locally intense, summer winds are associated with
summertime thunderstorms and tropical storms (Riggs, 1976).
Winds over 20 knots blow most frequently from the northwest
during the passage of cold fronts.
The waves striking southwestern Florida beaches are small as a
result of the predominance of offshore winds, short wave
producing fetches, and the presence of a broad and shallow
continental shelf. The mean wave height is estimated to be 20 to
25 cm. (Tanner, 1960; Hayes, 1979). Thompson (1971, in Harvey
et al., 1984) shows average significant wave heights, average of
highest 1/3 of waves, to be 25 to 35 cm. Waves approach Collier
Countv's barrier coastline predominately from the northwest and
south: Brief but intense northwest winds in the winter create
the largest waves that regularly affect the beaches and passes
during the course of the year. Southerly winds blow regularly
all year long and consequently create seas a greater percentage
of the time. The percentage of time that waves greater than 3
feet approach the coastline with a northerly component, 24.1%,
nearly balances the percentage that waves approach with a
southerly component, 27.4%. As a result, in a typical year waves
from the northwest and south exert relatively equal and opposing
forces in both directions along the coastline. Consequently, the
net annual littoral drift of sand is relatively small. The net
transport of sand during anyone year might be determined by the
direction of approach of several storms or even a single major
storm.
7.3.2 Tides and Currents
Tidal currents are the horizontal water movements associated with
the rise and fall of the sea surface. Simplistically, tides
can be considered as periodic shallow water waves. In such an
ideal tide, the crest of the wave is high tide and the trough of
the wave is low tide. As the crest moves toward the coast, the
water also moves toward the coast; this corresponds to the flood
current. As the wave trough moves toward the coast, the water
moves away from the coast, corresponding to the ebb current.
Each time the current changes directions there is a period of no
current, known as slack water. Tidal currents are by far the
strongest currents in the coastal ocean.
The lunar tides in Collier County are a mixture of semi-diurnal
and diurnal types. Diurnal tides have one high and one low in a
24-hour period. Along the Gulf shore of Collier County the mean
tidal range, or vertical distance between high and low tide, is
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2.3 feet (70 cm). The phase and declination of the moon controls
monthly cycles of tidal range. Spring tides have an increased
tidal range and occur near the times of the full and new moons.
Neap tides have the lowest range in tide, and occur during the
first and third quarters of the lunar cycle.
Astronomical and meteorological variations combine to influence
the seasonal level of the tides in southwestern Florida. The
mean level of the tide fluctuates over a year's time with the
highest tides occurring between May and October. Monthly mean
high water levels are approximately 0.6 feet higher in the
midsummer than in the midwinter in Collier County. Superimposed
on the monthly and yearly fluctuations of tide level is a long
term trend of sea level rise. In southwestern Florida the rise
has averaged 0.7 feet per 100 years (Provost, 1970).
7.3.3 Tropical storms and Hurricanes
Tropical storms occur during the summer and early fall in the
southeastern united States. Tropical storms with sustained winds
above 74 mph are called hurricanes. During the hurricane season,
June through November, storms will occasionally sweep northwest
into the Gulf of Mexico. Such storms produce a tidal surge that
can reach 13 to 18 feet above sea level, high enough to
completely overtop the coastal barriers. The height of the storm
surge is controlled by numerous factors including wind velocity
and direction, barometric pressure, forward speed of the storm,
wave fetch, and slope of the inner continental shelf (Davis,
1982) .
In Collier County, hurricanes historically have generated storm
surges and large waves that generally approach the coast from the
south or southwest. The wave energy associated with hurricanes
may exceed that of winter cold fronts by two to three orders of
magnitude (Stephen, 1981). Although hurricanes are short-lived
phenomena they play an extremely important role in the transfer
of sand from the nearshore zone to the beach and dune zone, as
well as from the dunes and nearshore zone seaward. This transfer
is accomplished by the deposition of washover fans. A direct
strike by a hurricane such as Hugo, which affected Charleston,
South Carolina in 1989, could completely alter the shape of
Collier County's barrier coastline. Most geologic change on
coastal barriers in Collier county occurs during brief hurricane
passages.
In the past hundred years at least 40 hurricanes have passed
within 100 miles of Collier county's barrier coastline. This is
an average of three to four per decade. Hurricane passages were
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most frequent during the 1920's, with six, and the 1940's, with
eight. Severe storms affected Collier County in 1873, 1910, 1921,
1926, 1944, and 1960.
Over the period of record the average interval between hurricane
passages was three years. From 1920 to 1950, 22 hurricanes
affected Collier County averaging one storm every 1.5 years.
Hurricanes have been infrequent since 1950, averaging one storm
every five years. From 1950 to 1990 only eight hurricanes passed
within 100 miles of Collier County with Hurricane Donna making
the last recorded direct hit in 1960. The past 35 years have
been a relatively quiet period in the history of coastal storms
in the region. In the future it is likely that hurricanes will
affect Collier County with greater frequency than that of the
last 30 years.
7.3.4 Sediment Budqet
Sand in the nearshore zone moves onshore, offshore and parallel
to the shore. This movement is driven by the oblique approach of
waves. Predominant winds from the northwest and south insure
that waves rarely strike the beach head-on and consequently there
is always a lateral component of motion in the breaker zone. An
offset in the uprush and backwash of water carries sand along the
shore away from approaching waves and is responsible for a net
transport of sand along the coastline. This process is referred
to as littoral drift. The quantity of sand transported over a
year's time results in an annual littoral drift.
In the vicinity of passes, tidal currents and the sheltering of
waves by ebb tidal deltas affects the rate and direction of
littoral transport. In these pass influence zones, littoral
transport is toward the pass with increasing proximity to the
pass opening. This is based on theoretical and empirical data
that describe the effects of wave refraction and tidal currents
of the littoral drift in the vicinity of tidal passes (Hayes et
al., 1970; Dean and Walton, 1973).
On barrier coastlines the submerged portion of the sandy beach is
known as the nearshore zone. This zone can be divided into two
sUb-categories: the surf zone, or area where breaking waves
create a longshore current that transports sand along the coast,
and the shoreface, or steep wedge of sand extending below the
surf zone to the seaward boundary of the effects of waves and
currents.
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In Collier County the nearshore zone extends from the shoreline
down to the 24 foot submarine contour where the effects of waves
and littoral drift diminish considerably and where the slope
levels off to two or three feet per mile. This zone where active
sand transport occurs extends approximately 0.5 to 0.75 miles
offshore in the north County and 0.75 to 1.5 miles offshore in
the south county. The slope of the nearshore zone varies and is
steepest along the north central barrier coast, 1:40 slope, and
gentlest along the southern most part of the coast, 1:80 to 1:100
slope.
The Collier county barrier coastline can be divided into two
major provinces of littoral transport, the north County and south
county. A major change in the orientation of the coastline at
Gordon Pass defines the boundary between the north and south
County provinces. The north County coastline possesses a NNW-SSE
orientation. A 20 to 25 degree eastward rotation of the
coastline at Gordon Pass creates a NW-SE orientation. The
difference in orientation of the two coastal provinces, as well
as variations in tidal pass morphology, drastically affects the
rate and character of littoral sand transport.
The United states Coast and Geodetic survey mapped the County's
nearshore zone in 1885. In 1970 the U.s. Army Corps of Engineers
resurveyed the nearshore zone along 46 profiles and plotted the
data in comparison with those made in 1885. Using the
comparative profiles supplied by the ACE, areas of erosion and
deposition were measured by planimeter at each profile location.
The areas of erosion and deposition were grouped into six foot
intervals for measurement. These data were then interpolated
between profiles to add the third dimension for the calculation
of absolute volumes of erosion and deposition in different parts
of the County. The result is a Sand Budget that compares volumes
of erosion and deposition in the nearshore zone between 1885 and
1970.
In all, 42 million cubic yards of sand were eroded and
transported out of the nearshore zone in northern Collier County.
This sand could have been transported along numerous pathways
including along the shore in the littoral drift, offshore as a
result of the erosion and steepening of the nearshore zone, onto
or over the islands by the process of overwash, or into the tidal
passes as a result of tidal currents. Sand movements along these
routes have been shown to be important paths of transport along
other barrier coastlines (Stapor, 1971; Dean and Walton, 1973;
Entsminger, 1975; Fisher and Simpson, 1979).
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The nearshore volumetric data suggested a separation of two major
coastal provinces in Collier County. The coastal provinces
correlated closely with those established using littoral drift
data. Gordon Pass marks the separation of the two provinces. In
the north County, pervasive erosion and steepening of the
nearshore zone occurred from 1885 to 1970. steepening and
landward migration of the nearshore slope were the trends in the
Naples, Park Shore and south Vanderbilt Beach barrier units.
Over the 85 year study period these areas lost 22.1, 14.7 and
12.7 million cubic yards, respectively, from their nearshore
zones. An exception to the general trend occurred along the
north Vanderbilt Beach unit where a general flattening of the
nearshore slope resulted from deposition in the lower nearshore
zone. In this area, directly south of Wiggins Pass, 7.5 million
cubic yards of sand was deposited in the ebb tidal delta, swash
platform, and accreting shoreline. In addition, deposition
occurred in the nearshore zone directly adjacent to and on the
south side of the other passes in the north County.
In the south County, erosion in the nearshore zone tended to be
localized and related directly to fluctuations in the size and
position of the ebb tidal deltas. Notable sites of erosion were
seaward of north Keewaydin Island, 4.4 million cubic yards,
Coconut Island, 7.1 million cubic yards, and south Marco Island,
2.7 million cubic yards. Erosion occurred primarily in the upper
nearshore zone with little disturbance taking place below the 15
foot submarine contour. A significant volume of sand was
deposited in the central sector of the south County's nearshore
zone. The major areas of deposition were seaward of south
Keewaydin Island, 36.8 million cubic yards, and north and central
Marco Island, 49.1 million cubic yards. Spit growth since 1885
at south Keewaydin Island extended the southern tip 1.6 miles.
During the past 100 years Marco Island was a major site of
shoreline accretion and nearshore sand deposition as a result of
the funneling of sand from north and south into the central Marco
nearshore zone.
7.3.5 Inlet stability
An inlet is a tidally maintained interruption in a barrier
coastline that allows exchange between oceanic water and enclosed
coastal bays or estuaries (Fisher, 1982). Tidal inlets are
called passes in southwestern Florida. The morphology of these
features is controlled by the interaction of littoral and tidal
currents, which combined can cause the formation of large
subtidal and intertidal sand bodies called tidal deltas. Ebb
tidal deltas are present directly seaward of the inlet and flood
tidal deltas appear landward or just inside the enclosed
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embayment. Generally, ebb tidal deltas are best developed on
tide-dominated barrier coastlines (large tidal range, small mean
wave height) and flood tidal deltas are more prominent on wave-
dominated coastlines (Hayes, 1973).
Collier County's barrier coastline is segmented by eleven major
tidal passes (see sections 3.0 and 7.0). Listed from north to
south they are: Wiggins Pass, Clam Pass, Doctors Pass, Gordon
Pass, Hurricane Pass, Capri Pass, Big Marco Pass, Caxambas Pass,
Blind Pass, Morgan Pass and Gullivan Pass. These passes are
relatively persistent features of Collier County's barrier
coastline, influencing changes in the nearshore sand supply and
stability of the beaches. In addition to the above passes, an
approximately equal number of short-lived or temporary tidal
oasses have opened and closed in the recorded history of the area
as a result of storm activity and changes in littoral drift.
The major tidal passes of Collier county can be categorized by
their physical characteristics and history of morphological
change as wave-dominated or tide-dominated. Wave-dominated
passes, such as Morgan Pass and Little Marco Pass, have been
subject to rapid migration along the coastline. The rate of
migration is in the range of 150 to 200 feet per year. The newly
accreted spits on the updrift sides of the passes can be wide or
narrow depending on sand supply. Regardless of width they are
always low in elevation and subject to storm flooding. Under
storm conditions the passes are sUbject to closure with the
potential for a storm to breach the island and form a new pass in
the vicinity. Clam Pass and Blind Pass are the other examples of
wave-dominated passes in Collier county.
The tide-dominated passes have a larger tidal prism and stronger
ebb tidal current, which promotes the growth of shallow sand
shoals or ebb tidal deltas on their seaward side. These deltas
serve as sand reservoirs for the downdrift barrier island shore
and also significantly affect the shoreline morphology. Periodic
adjustments in the size and shape of the deltas control cycles of
erosion and accretion on the adjacent beaches. Big Marco Pass,
Caxambas Pass and Wiggins Pass are tide-dominated passes.
The ebb tidal delta dissipates the energy of approaching waves by
causing them to diverge and refract around the delta. The cycle
of channel migration, and then recutting in its former position
releases large quantities of sand to the nearshore zone. As sand
is trapped, the shoals grow and begin to migrate shoreward, often
becoming attached to the beach. For this reason accretion often
occurs on the sheltered beaches behind the delta. Minor hydraulic
readjustments of the passes can, however, cause the new beaches
to be eroded quickly with the sand being reclaimed by the
submerged ebb tidal delta.
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Several passes in Collier County are difficult to categorize
because of man's alteration of their natural processes by the
construction of groins and jetties. Jetties were constructed at
Doctors Pass in 1960. Longshore currents to the south were
subsequently interrupted, causing erosion on the south side of
the pass. Groin and jetty construction at Gordon Pass caused
partial dissipation of the ebb tidal delta and decreased
stability of the adjacent beaches. Artificial sand bypassing by
periodic dredging and disposal on the south side of Gordon Pass
is currently accelerating the loss of sand available to the
beaches of south Naples. A seawalled "compound" constructed at
Caxambas Pass in 1958 caused the redistribution of the ebb tidal
delta to the south and also caused massive erosion on South Marco
Island.
7.4 INDEPENDENT FUNDING SOURCES FOR INLET AND BEACH MAINTENANCE
Several dredging projects have been financed either partially or
entirely by independent funding sources. These sources have
consisted of both private agencies and special taxing units.
Independent funding sources are necessary because the projects
they finance serve only a special interest or a limited segment
of the population. Accordingly, it would be unfair to the
general tax-paying public to support these special interest
projects.
The private agencies are "Not for Profit" corporations set up
with the IRS to collect tax deductible moneys either through
annual dues or donations. These moneys are then funneled into
specific projects that are within the defined charter of the
corporation. These projects generally serve the betterment of
the community at large, but due to political or budgetary reasons
cannot be financed through County or other governmental funds.
The special taxing districts are enacted through referendum
voting to pay for projects that are specifically beneficial to a
limited population or geographic segment. These projects are
either a one time only, "big dollar project", or one that
requires subsequent or ongoing maintenance. An additional
millage rate is assessed to property owners within the district
and these revenues are used to pay for the projects. Typically,
a Governing Board, usually The Board of County Commissioners or
City Council, conducts the business affairs of the district, and
an Advisory Committee made up of qualified residents from within
the district advises the Governing Board on business matters.
II -248-
currently four independent funding sources exist; two are within
the County and two fall within the City limits. A third funding
source exists in the city and was formerly very active in funding
pass maintenance, but since the inception of the Special Taxing
Districts it acts more in the capacity of an advisory committee.
COLLIER COUNTY
1. wiggins Pass Conservancy,Inc.
The wiggins Pass Conservancy was incorporated in 1984 as a
nonprofit, fund raising organization. The Wiggins Pass
Conservancy was incorporated to "preserve and maintain the
quality of the waters in and around Wiggins Pass". The
conservancy has approximately 450 dues-paying members, and is
open to anyone who wishes to join.
The primary objective of the conservancy over the past several
years has been to re-open the channel in Wiggins Pass. The
dredged channel was closed following Tropical storm Bob in 1984
just weeks after the completion of the initial dredging project.
In 1988 an agreement was reached with the County in which the
conservancy agreed to cover half the costs of the new project. A
contract was awarded in July 1990 to begin dredge operations
November 1, 1990; however, due to equipment problems the
operation has yet to get under way.
2. Marco Island Beachfront Renourishment Facilities
Municipal service Taxing unit (MSTU)
The Marco Island Beachfront Renourishment Facilities MSTU was
created by Ordinance 88-59 in June 1988 and enacted by a
referendum vote the following November. The MSTU was established
for the purpose of providing for beach renourishment and improved
storm protection facilities along the Marco Island beachfront.
An additional 1.5 mills was assessed to the ad valorem taxes of
all beachfront property owners on Marco Island to pay for the
project. The assessment was based on the issuance of $5 million
worth of general obligation bonds with the bonds maturing in 15
years. The MSTU is to be dissolved after the debt is paid unless
further action is deemed necessary.
II -249-
THE CITY OF NAPLES
1. Moorings Bay Special Taxing District (STD)
The Moorings Bay STD was established in 1988 by a special
referendum vote to fund the maintenance dredging of Doctors Pass
and the waterways in Moorings Bay. A 0.5 mill assessment was
levied on all waterfront property owners within the district,
which includes The Moorings and Park Shore subdivisions, to
finance this project. The remaining funds are held in a general
account and will be used for future projects within the district.
The City of Naples agreed to pay for that portion around the
drainage outlets owned by the city.
2. East Naples Bay Special Taxing District (STD)
The East Naples Bay STD was established in 1988 by a special
referendum vote to fund the maintenance dredging in the finger
canals of the Golden Shores, oyster Bay, and Royal Harbor
subdivisions. A 0.5 mill assessment was levied on all waterfront
property owners within the Royal Harbor subdivision to finance
this project. The remaining funds are held in a general account
and will be used for future projects within the district.
3. Save the Bays Association, Inc.
Save the Bays Association, Inc. was founded in 1982 as a
nonprofit organization. Save the Bays was incorporated to "keep
the waters of Moorings Bay clean and navigable". The association
currently has approximately 1300 dues paying members, and
membership is open to anyone who wishes to join.
When Doctors Pass was dredged in 1984, Save the Bays obtained the
necessary permits and financed the entire project. In 1987 when
the pass was re-dredged, Save the Bays did not have the necessary
funds. As a result, the City paid $33,000 to dredge the pass, as
well as $9,000 to repair the light which was knocked down by
Tropical Storm Bob. The Association also played a large role in
establishing the special taxing districts to cover the costs of
the current and future dredging projects.
wiggins Pass Conservancy, Inc.
Type of Entity:
Nonprofit Corporation.
Membership:
450 dues paying members, open
to the General Public.
Responsibility:
Half the cost of the Wiggins
Pass dredging project.
II -250-
Method of Financing:
Tax deductible membership dues
and private donations.
Total Amount Due:
$109,000.00
Moorings Bay STD
Type of Entity:
special Taxing District.
Membership:
Waterfront property owners in
the Moorings and Park Shore
subdivisions.
Responsibility:
Maintenance Dredging in Doctors
Pass and Moorings Bay.
Method of Financing:
0.5 mill assessment to ad
valorum taxes.
Total Amount Due:
$608,000.00
East Naples Bay STD
Type of Entity:
Special Taxing District.
Membership:
Waterfront property owners in
the Golden Shores, Oyster Bay,
and Royal Harbor Subdivisions.
Responsibility:
Maintenance Dredging in East
Naples Bay.
Method of Financing:
0.5 mill assessment to ad
valorum taxes.
Total Amount Due:
$700,000.00
Marco Island Beachfront Renourishment Facilities MSTU
Type of Entity:
Municipal Service Taxing unit.
Membership:
Beachfront Property owners on
Marco Island.
Responsibility:
Marco Island Beach Restoration.
II -251-
Method of Financing:
1.5 mills assessment to ad
valorum taxes.
Total Amount Due:
$5,000,000.00
Save the Bays Association, Inc.
Type of Entity:
Nonprofit Corporation.
Membership:
1300 dues paying members, open
to General Public.
Responsibility:
Holds the necessary state and
federal Permits to dredge
Doctors Pass.
Method of Financing:
Tax deductible membership dues
and private donations.
Total Amount Due:
-0-
II -252-
TABLE 7.4-1: INDEPENDENT FUNDING SOURCES FOR
INLET AND BEACH MAINTENANCE
TAX
PROJECT COUNTY Q.UX DISTRICT/UNIT PRIVATE NAME TOTAL
Wiggins Pass $109,000 -0- -0- $109,000 Wiggins Pass $21B,OO(
Dredging Conservancy Inc.
Doctors Pass =0- -0- $167,000 ~O= Moorings Bay $1.67,OOe
Dredging STD
M.oorings Bay -0- $11,000 $541,000 -0- Moorings Bay $552,OOl
Dredging STD
East Naples Bay -0- -0- $700,000 -0- East Naples $700,00l
Dredging Bay STD
Marco Island Beh. -0- -0- $5,000,000 -0- Marco Isl Bchfrnt $5,000,OOC
Renourishment Renourishment Fac.
MSTU
Source: K. Dugan, NRD, 1990.
II -253-
7.5 WIGGINS PASS
7.5.1 SIGNIFICANCE TO NATURAL SYSTEMS
7.5.1.1 Introduction
Wiggins Pass is a natural inlet located near the northwest corner
of Collier County (Figure 7.5-1). It is bound by Barefoot Beach
state Preserve to the north and Delnor Wiggins Pass state
Recreation Area to the south. These properties, and the submerged
lands of the pass, are designated as state Lands, to be managed
in a manner that will provide the greatest combination of
benefits to people of the state. Such management of the parks and
submerged lands falls under the jurisdiction of the FDNR pursuant
to Chapters 258 and 253 of the F,S" respectively, The waters of
the pass and the adjacent inland waters within park and preserve
boundaries have been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters by
the FDER. This designation affords the highest protection to
such waters to the landward extent of their boundaries,
determined by the presence of wetland vegetation and hydric soils
(F.A.C., Chapter 17-301).
Wiggins Pass and its associated shorelines, back bays, wetlands,
and upland habitats form a valuable resource system for Collier
County. The pass and connecting waterways provide access to the
Gulf for recreational and commercial boaters. The two state parks
also provide access to relatively unspoiled beaches for residents
and visitors for bathing, shelling, fishing, and other water and
beach related activities. The beaches provide nesting, feeding,
and/or roosting areas for a variety of vertebrate species,
including the threatened loggerhead turtle, West Indian manatee,
gopher tortoise, and least tern. The intact, undeveloped
shorelines provide good protection to inland properties from
storm and hurricane events. The natural back bay and upland
habitats are ecologically important systems which harbor an
abundance of wildlife, including many commercially valuable and
protected species.
7.5.1.2 BioPhysical Features
Wiggins Pass is an extremely dynamic inlet system, with
constantly changing channel and sandbar configurations (Figure
7.5-2). Currents are swift, and have been measured up to one
knot. The biotic element is typical of that found in medium to
high energy shorelines composed of sand and shell fragments.
Several species of isopods, polychaetes, nematodes, and mollusks
have been reported in the epifauna, and schools of mullet and
clupeids have also been observed. Bottlenose dolphin and West
II -254-
Indian manatees commonly use the pass as access into and out of
the back bay areas.
The dune and strand habitats to the north and south of the pass,
in Barefoot Beach state Preserve and Delnor Wiggins Pass State
Recreation Area, respectively, are very similar. Dominant
vegetation includes sea oats, sea grape, inkberry, cactus,
necklace pod, and myrsine. Cabbage palm hammocks also exist
upland of the strand vegetation. Brazilian pepper and Australian
pine have invaded the dune areas, but the State currently is
implementing an exotic vegetation removal program. Many species,
including protected species of reptiles, birds, and mammals
utilize these habitats (Table 7.5-1). Gopher tortoises are
common, and the Barefoot Beach state Preserve may be the site of
a future gopher tortoise relocation project. Loggerhead turtles
extensively use both beaches as nesting sites. A total of 81
actual nests were recorded from the Delnor Wiggins beach by the
DNR Park Service during the 1989 nesting season. The endangered
least tern nests on newly accreted sand beaches, and has recently
been using the north end of Delnor Wiggins Pass beach as a
nesting area (Appendix 5).
7.5.1.3 Drainaqe Basin Characteristics
Drainaae basins north of the pass:
The pass drains a portion of Little Hickory Bay, Wiggins Bay, and
associated estuaries to the north. This system of estuaries is
fed by the Imperial River and somewhat by Estero Bay. The
Imperial River has a highly developed shoreline which consists
mostly of single family residential units. Estero Bay is a state
aquatic preserve and an outstanding Florida Waterbody and
therefore has been maintained largely in its natural, productive
state. However, much of the western shoreline is developed as the
Fort Myers Beach community, and several marinas exist at the
northwest end of the bay. Little Hickory Bay and its associated
estuaries drain into Big Hickory Pass and New Pass to the north
as well as into Wiggins Pass to the south.
Residential development exists at the northwestern and
northeastern boundaries of Little Hickory Bay as Lely Barefoot
Beach Development and Little Hickory Shores, respectively. A
considerable amount of dredging and filling activity occurred to
develop these communities. Much of the naturally existing
shoreline and bay bottom in the vicinity was altered, with a
concurrent loss of habitat and productivity.
II -255-
At present, much of the associated embayments and wetlands south
of Little Hickory Bay, to Wiggins Bay and the pass, are
undeveloped, and contain productive seagrass and oyster beds,
mudflats, and mangroves. This area serves as important breeding
and nursery grounds for numerous species, many of which are
protected or commercially valuable. Extensive red mangrove and
mixed red and black mangrove forests fringe the bays. Water
depths are relatively shallow at approximately -2 to -4 feet,
NGVD. Red mangrove islets and submerged seagrass, red algae, and
oyster beds dot the estuary. Benthic fauna is abundant and
diverse, and includes grass shrimp, pink shrimp, mud crabs,
amphipods, polychaetes, cerithiid gastropods, crown conch, etc.
Schools of mullet, clupeids, snook, snapper, and other
commercially valuable species are present. Manatees and
bottlenose dolphin are commonly sighted in these waters,
especially near the pass (Karen La Civita, FDNR Division of
Recreation and Parks, personal communication, 1990).
The southwestern boundary of the estuary is Barefoot Beach State
Preserve, which remains largely in its natural state as an open
beach/dune and strand habitat. The eastern boundary consists of
mangrove wetland, hammock, and xeric scrub habitats, from west to
east to Vanderbilt Beach Road. The mangrove habitat is designated
as environmentally sensitive lands by the County (ST zoning), and
protected by the state, but the adjacent upland hammock and scrub
areas are platted for single and multifamily residential units
and are currently subjected to heavy development pressure.
Drainaae basins east of the pass:
Wiggins Pass also drains the Cocohatchee River and its
tributaries to the east, and Water Turkey and Vanderbilt Bays to
the south. Extensive dredging had previously occurred in these
waters to depths of up to -lB', NGVD. The Cocohatchee River flows
basically from the southeast to drain into Wiggins Pass. Mangrove
wetlands line the banks of undisturbed portions of the river,
with mullet, blue crabs, fiddler crabs, oysters, and barnacles
being common faunal elements. The shores of the river's
headwaters have not been developed to any large extent. Several
finger canals have been dredged to service small residential
areas such as Wiggins Bay, Gulf Harbor, and Palm River
subdivisions. These developments also required filling along the
shoreline and adjacent wetlands. Most of the remaining property
along the river is zoned as environmentally sensitive lands,
suitable for rural agricultural or single family residential
development. A commercial operation, wiggins Pass Marina, is
presently operating on the Cocohatchee, approximately one mile
from the pass. Several residential-tourist multi-unit
II -256-
developments with dock facilities are being built adjacent to the
marina. Previous dredging and filling activities associated with
these developments have caused some disturbance to the natural
functions of the habitat. The properties to the west, along the
south bank of the river, are currently undeveloped, but are zoned
as environmentally sensitive (ST) lands suitable for residential
mUlti-family development. Further development is expected to
negatively impact the natural ecological functions of the system.
Drainaoe basins south of the pass:
Just west of these properties, the Cocohatchee intersects a
man-altered channel from the south. This channel is basically
aligned north and south, and has been dredged to a depth of
approximately -6 to -8 feet, NGVD. It connects West Bay and
Water Turkey Bay to the pass, and defines the eastern boundary of
Delnor Wiggins Pass state Recreation Area. The western bank of
the channel, from West Bay south to the north end of Water Turkey
Bay, is an historic spoil site for dredged material from the
channel. As part of a previous mitigation activity, (FDER, permit
number 111358749) the spoil bank was scraped down to the
elevation of adjacent wetland grade. Mangrove propagules were
planted by volunteers in 1989, but the plantings were
unsuccessful. At present, the area is unvegetated and still
unstabilized. Wakes from boat traffic have been pushing sand and
sediments up onto the shoreline, increasing the elevation of the
bank. The FDNR Parks and Recreation Department has a commitment
to rescrape and replant the area in the near future (personal
communication). West Bay is shallow, with evident sandbars and a
well developed red mangrove fringe. The substrate consists of a
soft mud, with scattered filamentous green, blue-green, and red
algae beds. Water Turkey Bay is also shallow, with depths of less
than -4 feet, except in the channel. A small tributary of the
Cocohatchee River feeds into the eastern shore and reduces the
salinity of the bay (Tabb et al., 1972). This mixing of fresh
and saline waters aids in the productivity of the estuarine
system. The soft mud bottom is typical of mangrove lined back
bays, and has a high detrital value. The bay exhibits high
species diversity and productivity and supports seagrass
(predominantly Cuban shoal grass), and red algae beds. Dominant
fauna includes bubble shells, pink shrimp, various small bivalve
species, blue crabs, several species of amphipods, OligoChaetes,
and polychaetes, lane and mangrove snapper, pinfish, and mojarra
(Tabb et al., 1972; U.s. Army corps of Engineers, 1980).
II -257-
The channel leading south from Water Turkey Bay has been dredged
to an average depth of -11 feet, with a maximum depth of -18 feet
recorded. The western shoreline is bulkheaded with vertical
seawalls. Several mUlti-family high-rises are located on the
adjacent uplands. Benthic conditions of this channel are
characterized by a silty, anoxic substrate and a lack of any
benthic flora or fauna. The channel ultimately dead-ends into
Vanderbilt Bay, a heavily impacted waterbody characterized by
artificial canals and finger fills for multi-family and single
family residences. Conditions that exist in these waters, such
as those caused by previous dredging and filling activities, the
unnaturally great depth of the canals, the configuration of the
finger fills, the effects of fertilizer and storm run-off, and
the bulkheaded nature of the shoreline, all contribute to
declining water quality over time (USEPA, 1975). Figure 7.5-3
indicates submerged areas that have been previously dredged.
This type of activity alters flow patterns, creates "sinks", and
reduces overall habitat and productivity of the area. Decreased
dissolved oxygen and elevated hydrogen sulfide concentrations
often occur. The natural substrate and associated flora and
fauna are destroyed, and the resultant composition and depth of
the bottom may be unsuitable for further colonization by
organisms. Where dredging occurs in conjunction with filling for
development of canal-front property, (such as at Little Hickory
Shores and Vanderbilt Beach), water quality problems are further
exacerbated. The configuration of the finger fills reduces the
efficiency of tidal flushing, while storm water run-off from
roads, and pesticides and fertilizers from lawns enters the
canals and adjacent waterbodies. Bulkheaded shorelines replace
natural vegetation such as mangroves, cordgrass, and needle rush,
which had served to stabilize shorelines, act as a natural
filter, and provide habitat for various faunal species. (Tabb et
al., 1972; USEPA, 1975).
7.5.2 PAST AND CURRENT MAINTENANCE
In the early 1950's Vanderbilt Lagoon was cut and dredged.
vertical seawalls were constructed and the spoil material from
the dredging operation was used for fill in building the
Vanderbilt Shores subdivision. A channel was cut and dredged
connecting Vanderbilt Lagoon to the south end of Water Turkey
Bay. A vertical seawall was built on the west side of the
channel and the spoil material was used as fill for the
Vanderbilt Towers complex. A second channel was cut and dredged
connecting the north end of Water Turkey Bay to the Eastern
Channel at wiggins Pass. The spoil material from this channel
was piled on the bank along the western side effectively blocking
drainage from the adjacent mangrove forest.
II -258-
The U.S. Army corps of Engineers (1980) conducted a feasibility
study for a project to dredge the Wiggins Pass System, in order
to provide improved navigability and increase public safety.
This report recommended that a channel be dredged and marked in
the outer Shoal area and continue east to a turn basin located at
the entrance to Wiggins Pass Marina. The report recommended that
the channel also be continued from the Eastern Channel to the
Southern Channel through Water Turkey Bay and to a turn basin in
vanderbilt Lagoon. This channel system was designed for
recreational boats with a draft of three feet or less.
. The ACE design had to be modified to conform with significant
environmental concerns. Those concerns dealt primarily with the
water quality and aquatic ecosystem in Water Turkey Bay, and how
it would be affected by a dredging operation. Therefore when the
project was completed in 1984, only the outer shoal area and a
small portion of the Eastern Channel to allow access to the
Southern Channel were dredged. There was no dredging in Water
Turkey Bay. Day markers were positioned in the newly dredged
channels and along the existing navigable channels leading to
Vanderbilt Lagoon and wiggins Pass Marina.
Shortly after the completion of the project, Tropical storm Bob
passed to the east of Collier county on september 26 and 27,
1984, and filled in the newly dredged channel through the Outer
Shoal area. The effects of this storm actually produced a
situation that was more hazardous to navigation than existed
before the dredging. The channel markers were left in place even
though there was no channel. This proved to be a costly and
sometimes perilous experience to many boaters who were not
familiar with wiggins Pass, and found themselves aground in an
area where a former channel was clearly marked.
In 1987 applications were submitted to maintenance dredge the
Outer Shoal area. Although the original dredge permit allowed
maintenance dredging, more than three years have been allowed to
elapse before any work has been initiated. During this time sand
accreted along the north end of the beach at Delnor Wiggins State
Park, impinging on the authorized channel limits. As newly
accreted beach is attractive to nesting least terns (an
endangered species), nesting occurred on this transitory spit on
two occasions. This created environmental concerns with the
original channel design. Therefore, a new engineering and
environmental study had to be undertaken to redesign the channel.
An agreement was finally met in April, 1990, and the necessary
permits were issued for work to begin the following November.
II -259-
Once the channel is reopened under the current dredging permit,
efforts should be made to keep it open. Wiggins Pass is, and
should remain, an unimproved inlet; consequently, sand in the
littoral drift is trapped by the inlet currents and causes
extensive shoaling. Much of this sand will be accumulated in the
channel. The amount of sand accumulation must be monitored in
order to effectively predict the need for maintenance dredging.
An inexpensive and efficient source of monitoring for Wiggins
Pass may be the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 96. This
organization routinely traverses the pass and is in a position to
record any changes. Also new and less expensive methods of
dredging must be employed, such as the use of diverted prop wash
to put the accumulated sand into suspension during a strong
outgoing tide. This method has proven to be very cost-effective
for periodic maintenance dredgings since it avoids the expensive
mobilization costs required by traditional dredging operations.
The Wiggins Pass system is extensively used by many boaters, both
commercial and recreational. According to the Collier County
Boat Landinq StudY (Reynolds, smith and Hills, 1988), this number
is only expected to increase as the North Collier County area
continues to grow. since there is an existing marked
navigational channel in the southern portion, it should be
maintained within its present designed parameters to insure the
safety of the boating public.
The increase of residential housing in the northern portion of
the wiggins Pass system, as well as the construction of another
Marina on Little Hickory Bay, will lead to an ever increasing
amount of boat traffic in this area. In the interest of public
safety the navigational channel leading from the Eastern channel
of Little Hickory Bay should be posted with day markers. Since
these waters are protected under FAC 17-312 no dredging should be
allowed in this area.
7.5.3 SIGNIFICANCE TO RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
7.5.3.1 Beaches And Other Recreational Facilities
As with most passes on the southwestern Florida coast, Wiggins
Pass offers a major attraction for residents and tourists in
Collier county. Wiggins Pass provides an ingress and egress to
the Gulf of Mexico for fishing and boating, and to inner
estuarine areas, for fishing, bird watching, and sight-seeing.
Wiggins Pass is bounded by two barrier island beaches: Barefoot
Beach to the north and Delnor Wiggins Pass state Recreation Area
to the south (Figure 7.5-4).
II -260-
The northern barrier beaches are Barefoot Beach Preserve (County
owned/County managed), and Barefoot Beach state Preserve (state
owned/County managed). The County recently purchased the 3100
linear feet of beachfront south of the Lely Barefoot Beach PUD
for development into a new park, which will soon be open to the
public (Figure 7.5-5). Collier County has also entered into an
agreement with the FDNR Division of state Lands Department to
manage the 5100 linear feet immediately south of their new
property, known as Barefoot Beach state Preserve. The combining
of the parks, to be named "Barefoot Beach Preserve", will allow
access to previously inaccessible beaches. Agreement
stipulations for the 50 year lease of the state Preserve call for
an exotic vegetation removal program and for the County to
develop a beach management plan within the first year of
acquisition. Barefoot Beach state Preserve contains a total of
approximately 156 acres, which may be broken down into 95 acres
of mangrove wetland, 7 acres of white sandy beach and
approximately 54 acres of upland vegetation.
A conceptual site plan for the recreational development of
Barefoot Beach Preserve was developed by the Conservancy, Inc.
and the Collier county Parks and Recreation Department. The Plan
calls for the northern area to be developed into a "nature park"
or passive recreational area providing for activities such as
nature trails, canoe trails, boardwalks to the bays and bay
overlooks, wetland boardwalks and observation towers, and
scattered picnic tables. The southern end will basically be left
in its nearly pristine state, with only back-packing type trails
accessible through designated upland pathways. The conceptual
site plan, for the most part, utilizes an environmentally sound
facility parking concept. Although a paved road has already been
established through the northern park area, parking facilities
will contain four improved (paved) parking lots, and three
unimproved (unpaved) parking lots scattered through the existing
uplands. The parking areas, which will accommodate 200 vehicles,
were chosen in accordance with the activity centers (Figure
7.5-5) as follows:
1. Canoe trails - unimproved lots
a. North canoe trail parking (12 spaces)
b. South canoe trail parking (20 spaces)
2. Nature trails - unimproved lots
a. North trail parking (10 spaces)
b. South trail parking (38 spaces)
II -261-
3. Beach activity and picnicking - improved lots
a. North parking (38 spaces)
b. Central parking (38 spaces)
c. South parking (44 spaces)
Delnor Wiggins Pass state Recreation Area is located directly
south of Wiggins Pass and contains approximately 660 linear feet
of beachfront. To the east is Water Turkey Bay and to the south,
Vanderbilt Beach's highly developed coastal area. The park
contains a total of 166 acres which can be broken down into 19
acres of vegetated uplands, 12 acres of sandy beach and 123 acres
of mangrove wetland. Only 20% of the park is utilized by the
public, and 80% is designated as a preserve (Figure 7.5-6).
The park was originally donated to Collier County in 1964 by
Lester and Dellora A. Norris. In 1970 the property was acquired
by the State and was officially opened to the public in 1976.
Since this time, Delnor Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area has
provided an important recreational area for Collier County.
There is a steady annual increase in park attendance. In 1989
over 357,164 people were admitted into the park (the park is
closed when lots are filled), which was up 3.5% from the previous
year. The new Barefoot Beach Preserve will be able to
accommodate the overflow of residents and visitors in this area.
The management approach employed by the FDNR Division of
Recreation and Parks is described as a "natural systems
management approach". As reported in their management plan
(personal communication with park personnel), this approach is
aimed at managing the natural communities of each unit (beach,
mangrove, uplands etc.) as a complete interrelated system. The
goal is to recreate the natural processes and conditions as they
existed prior to development and to man's introduction of exotic
plant and animal species. Exotic removal programs and mangrove
and coastal dune creations and revegetation programs have
assisted in attempts to recreate "Original Natural Florida".
Recreational activities offered at Delnor Wiggins Pass state Park
are sunbathing, swimming, fishing, boating and nature study. The
park contains five parking lots (345 total spaces), which provide
access to their associated picnicking facilities, bath houses,
and beach accesses via dune overwalks. In addition to these
facilities, the northern most parking facility contains a large
picnic pavilion, bath house with changing facilities, fishing
access to the pass and a sixty foot observation tower.
II -262-
The public boat ramp is another amenity Delnor Wiggins state
Recreation Area has to offer. Although the parking lot is filled
to capacity every weekend (37 parking spaces), people still stand
in line awaiting an opening. The ramp allows immediate access to
the estuarine system of the Water Turkey Bay area and back bay
waters as far north as Little Hickory Bay, as well as access to
the Gulf of Mexico.
7.5.3.2 PUblic Boat Ramps
For those who do not live on a Gulf accessible waterway or who do
not harbor their boat at a marina, use of a boat ramp is their
only access to Collier County's beautiful estuarine systems and
Gulf of Mexico fishing. upon this realization the Collier County
Parks and Recreation Department commissioned a recreation and
planning consultant to prepare the Collier County Boat Landina
studY, (Reynolds, Smith and Hills, 1988). One of the objectives
of the study was to insure adequate provision of facilities for
all Collier county residents (seasonal and permanent). To
accomplish this, a standard was formulated for boat ramps vs.
present population (1:11,347) and projected populations by
comparison to other counties and the Florida State standards
(1:5,000). Geographic distributions of boat ramps vs.
populations, and resource locations were also taken into account.
Although local surveys for Collier County, in comparison to other
counties, resulted in a much higher per capita participation in
boating and fishing recreational activities (250% higher than
other counties in the State of Florida i), a midpoint standard
was allocated (1:6,675).
According to the Collier Countv Boat Landino studY, the North
Naples Planning District, which encompasses the entire wiggins
Pass area, requires only one boat ramp to satisfy the public
needs in 1990 (besides the Delnor wiggins Pass State Recreation
Area boat ramp). The projected population by the year 1999 for
this area is 30,340 residents, which calls for an additional two
boat ramps (Figure 7.5-7). In recognition of this deficit, the
Collier county Parks and Recreation Department has purchased 6.2
acres at Conklin Point, less than one mile east of Wiggins Pass.
In the next fiscal year (1990-1991) a four lane boat ramp
facility will be constructed. The Conklin Point boat ramp will
contain 60 car/trailer parking spaces. The boat ramp should be
sufficient to accommodate the North Naples Planning District well
into the 2000's.
II -263-
7.5.3.3 Marinas
There are presently three marinas which service the Wiggins Pass
system (Figure 7.5-7). The northern most marina, Back Bay
Marina, services the Wiggins Pass and the New Pass (Lee County)
boating public. Services offered by the marina are repair
services, fuel, bait and tackle, charter boats, boat and canoe
rentals, wet boat storage (42 spaces) and dry storage (20
spaces). Wiggins Pass Marina, to the east, closest to Wiggins
Pass, offers services such as boat repair, fuel, bait and tackle,
charters, a ships store, and a 350 space dry storage building.
Vanderbilt Beach Marina is located at the southern limit of the
wiggins Pass area, offering fuel, bait and tackle, and charter
boat services. At present there is one marina planned for this
area; however, questions have arisen concerning shoreline
conflicts and geographic location, and the project is still in
the proposal stage of the Federal, state and County permitting
processes.
7.5.3.4 Development And Land Use
Areas North of Wiqqins Pass:
The northern portion of the County exhibits a variety of land use
along the shore. Little Hickory Bay has developed concentrated
areas such as Little Hickory Shores. Shoreline use is primarily
residential lots, which have been created from mangrove forests
and wetlands by extensive dredging and filling. The remainder of
the bay is undeveloped mangrove forest which acts as a natural
buffer for newer developments to the east. The barrier island
side of the estuary contains Barefoot Beach State Preserve,
Barefoot Beach Preserve (County park) and to the north, the Lely
Barefoot PUD.
Areas South of Wiqqins Pass:
Vanderbilt Beach's natural configuration and vegetation features
have been altered severely for both water-dependent and
non-water-dependent uses. Many of the residential units are
built upon fill generated from the previous dredging of the back
bay environment. Some of these residential units were not raised
to a sufficient elevation above sea level and have problems of
water inundation and insufficient protection. Because the area
is so low, there is not adequate retention for storm water, and
run-off is discharged directly into the back bay.
The siting of a mixture of high-density and single family housing
close to and sometimes over dune systems has led to significant
erosion, threatening the structures from storm damage along the
II -264-
one mile Vanderbilt Beach subdivision. The construction of
isolated seawalls and land clearing has accelerated the erosion
rate to approximately 0.5 feet/year since 1950 (Harvey et al.,
1983). continual recession of the shoreline and the close
proximity of the buildings to the active beach may require
additional hard structures to protect buildings and property,
which presently accounts for 47% of the 7,040 foot beach. Sea
turtle nesting, once prevalent, is likely to decrease
significantly or cease as more of the shoreline segment is
hardened, thus reducing its value as a natural resource and
recreational beach. By removing the protective dune system and
placing high-rises so close to the beach, coastal inhabitants are
placed in greater jeopardy by storm erosion. The structures are
located in the storm generated Coastal High Hazard Zone which
threatens both public safety and loss of property. Narrow
building setback requirements and inadequate return walls are
accelerating the long-term beach recession, thus increasing storm
damage potential (Harvey et al., 1983).
In addition to the large percentage of non-water-dependent uses
along both the beach front and back barrier environments, there
is also an assortment of accessory structures which are
inconsistent with proper shoreline use (FLUE of GMP, 1989).
Parking lots for residents and guests of residential units are
situated next to seawalled shorelines. These are either covered
by or adjacent to tennis courts. By dredging and filling this
area, a lagoon had been created with depths adequate for marina
facilities rather than siting non-water-dependent use. Swimming
pools capitalize on the aesthetics of the waterfront, but not for
practical purposes. Alternatives to siting these facilities
along the shoreline are available and may be more efficiently
utilized for water-dependent uses.
7.5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS
7.5.4.1 Maintenance Recommendations
Tidal flushing of Gulf waters through Wiggins Pass influences the
north bays up to the embayments north of Wiggins Bay, the
Cocohatchee River eastward to U.S. 41, and West Bay, Water Turkey
Bay, and Vanderbilt Bay to the south. Water quality of the back
bay system is maintained by a combination of tidal flushing and
fresh water input via river systems and run-off. Development
activities such as dredging, filling, creation of roads,
diversion of fresh water, and the use of fertilizers, pesticides,
and other chemicals all contribute to alter water quality of the
estuaries. To improve and maintain the high quality of natural
resources in the Wiggins Pass system, a stringent management plan
should be implemented.
II -265-
Dredging
1. Maintenance dredging of the pass will be done to accommodate
only shallow draft vessels (less than 3' draft) safely.
2. Maintenance dredging of the pass will not exceed the
footprint permitted by the FDER in 1990.
3. Maintenance dredging of the pass should be done by
inexpensive methods whenever navigation begins to be impeded
by the accretion of sandbars. One such method is the use of
diverted prop wash to suspend sand during a strong outgoing
tide.
4. Maintenance dredging of existing channels inland of the pass
will be kept to a minimum to accommodate shallow draft
vessels (less than 3') only.
5. No other dredging activities in the Wiggins Pass drainage
basin will be permitted.
Navigation
1. The existing markers in the southern navigation channel will
be maintained within their design parameters to ensure pUblic
safety.
2. Where necessary to conform to federal or state navigation
standards, the navigation channel leading into the Gulf will
be accurately marked, and old markers outside of the current
channel will be removed.
3. The navigation channel leading from the eastern channel of
Little Hickory Bay should be posted with day markers in the
interest of safety. However, no dredging should be allowed in
this area.
Development
1. Wiggins Pass will remain an unimproved inlet, with no jetties
or shoreline armoring.
2. Development activities on and near the back bays will include
management plans to reduce sources of pollution.
3. Further shoreline development within the drainage basins,
such as marina projects, will be discouraged.
II -266-
4. The installation of any new vertical seawalls within the
Wiggins Pass drainage basin system will be prohibited, and
damaged seawalls should be either faced with or entirely
replaced by a sloping riprap revetment. .
7.5.4.2 Recommended Restoration Activities
1. Riprapping vertical seawalls and planting native shoreline
vegetation.
These types of restoration serve to dissipate wave energy from
boat wakes and currents, increase surface area and habitat space
for various benthic organisms, and help to improve water quality.
Riprap and vegetation waterward of existing seawalls also
increases the life of the existing seawall. These practices are
recommended by the FDER, according to 403.918(5), F.S.
2. Filling in deep channels with spoil material.
This activity would bring the substrate closer to the photic
zone, where algae and seagrasses may take hold. The placement of
proper spoil material such as clean sand or rubble would aid in
the recovery of benthic habitat. This practice may be
particularly useful in the channel connecting Water Turkey Bay to
Vanderbilt Bay, where depths may exceed 15 feet.
3. Diverting run-off material from entering natural waterbodies.
Diversion of stormwater run-off from roads and lawns before
discharge into natural waterbodies should be done in accordance
with SFWMD guidelines (F.A.C., Chapter 40). Some practices
include creating swales landward of shorelines to divert
fertilizer and pesticide run-off from lawns, creating open swales
along roadsides, and diversion of run-off into retention or
detention ponds for biological treatment before discharge.
4. Removal of spoil banks and exotic vegetation.
Spoil areas from previous dredging activities interrupt sheet
flow essential to wetland viability, and encourage the growth of
exotic vegetation. Removal of spoil banks to original wetland
grade, with concurrent exotic vegetation removal, would encourage
reintroduction of more valuable native species.
5. Preservation and restoration of surrounding wetlands,
hammocks, and xeric scrub habitats should be considered as
much as possible to maintain the integrity of the entire
wiggins Pass system and its natural resources.
II -267-
TABLE 7.5-1
Species List: Vertebrates Identified in Delnor Wiggins Pass state
Recreation Area and Barefoot Beach state Preserve
NAME:
SEASONAL
RESIDENCE:
ABUNDANCE:
================================================--================
Birds
* : Indicates protected status
Common Loon
White Pelican
Brown Pelican*
Double-crested
Cormorant
Anhinga
Magnificent
Frigatebird
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Little Blue Heron*
Cattle Egret
Reddish Egret*
Great Egret
Snowy Egret*
Louisiana Heron*
Black-crowned
Night Heron
Yellow-crowned
Night Heron
Wood Stork*
White Ibis
Roseate Spoonbill*
Canada Goose
Turkey Vulture
Black Vulture
Swallow-tailed Kite
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Bald Eagle*
Osprey*
American Kestrel
Bobwhite
American Coot
Semipalmated Plover
WR
T
PR
n
u
U
A
PR
T
A
R
PR
PR
PR
PR
T
T
PR
PR
PR
C
A
A
A
R
R
A
A
A
PR
C
PR
T
PR
SR
T
T
T
T
T
PR
WR
PR
WR
PR
WR
WR
C
R
A
U
R
U
U
R
R
U
C
A
U
C
R
A
II -268-
NAME:
SEASONAL
RESIDENCE:
ABUNDANCE:
=================================================================
wilson's Plover
Black-bellied Plover
Ruddy Turnstone
Spotted Sandpiper
willet
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Sanderling
Herring Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Laughing Gull
Bonaparte's Gull
Forster's Tern
Least Tern*
Royal Tern
Sandwich Tern
caspian Tern
Black Tern
Black Skimmer
Ground Dove
Mangrove Cuckoo
Smooth-billed Ani
Screech Owl
Burrowing Owl*
Barred Owl
Chuck-will's widow
Common Nighthawk
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Great Crested
Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Tree Swallow
Purple Martin
Common Crow
Fish Crow
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Mockingbird
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
American Robin
WR
PR
WR
WR
PR
WR
WR
WR
WR
PR
T
WR
SR
PR
PR
T
T
PR
PR
SR
T
PR
T
T
SR
SR
WR
PR
PR
C
A
A
C
A
C
A
C
A
A
R
A
A
A
A
R
U
A
A
R
R
U
R
R
A
A
A
A
U
WR
PR
u
u
SR
WR
T
SR
T
PR
PR
WR
PR
WR
T
T
A
R
R
U
R
A
A
U
A
A
R
R
II -269-
NAME:
SEASONAL
RESIDENCE:
ABUNDANCE:
==========================================================------=
Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher
Starling
White-eyed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Black-whiskered Vireo
Solitary vireo
Black-and white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
prairie Warbler
Palm Warbler
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Oriole
Boat-tailed Grackle
Cardinal
Rufous-sided Towhee
American Goldfinch
WR
T
PR
T
SR
WR
WR
T
T
WR
WR
T
PR
WR
T
PR
T
PR
T
PR
PR
T
WR
R
U
A
R
A
U
C
R
R
C
C
U
A
C
R
C
R
A
R
R
A
R
R
Reptiles
Ornate Diamondback Terrapin
Gopher Tortoise*
Atlantic Loggerhead Turtle*
Indo-Pacific Gecko
Green Anole
Brown Anole
Six-lined Racerunner
Mangrove Water Snake
Southern Black Racer
Eastern coachwhip
Yellow Rat Snake
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Ringneck Snake
Eastern Indigo Snake*
Amphibians
Southern Toad
Squirrel Tree Frog
II -270-
NAME:
SEASONAL
RESIDENCE:
ABUNDANCE:
=================================================================
Mammals
Marsh Rabbit
Grey Squirrel
Bottle-nosed Dolphin
Raccoon
Manatee
Armadillo
Eastern cottontail
PR: Permanent Resident
Symbols for Seasonal Residence:
SR: Summer Resident
WR: winter Resident
T: Transient
(from FDNR, 1989f)
II -271-
Symbols for Abundance:
A: Abundant; Observed each
day
C: Common; Observed several
times a week
U: Uncommon; Observed
several times a season
R: Rare; Observed once or
twice
w ri~;k~\ :0
'17 ! "~I
'. I. a~,d i .
I " " '
'f f~.t.
Dig H~.orJ ~....
'.'V I~
2(J1
19
0,'
':,,-, ..
, '
, ,
.,', "',
, ,',
,',
, , ,-, -
" .,
" ..., " '- "
'., '.'~
.",\,
,,--" '.
,__' I_,
20'
\
\
~
3\,
1\ 24
, ,
"
22
1,9
21
2'
'22
I
1
,
19
WIGGINS
"
i
;;
I
,
'I~
2. 2. 21
, fi,'
"I
~
" i
"-
~ 25 I. "
0 15'
"",
"
~
/ v ~.
I I ~. ::;
'1 , 21
I
, / '~
' 25 I : "
7 'V 21 / .. , '
",,' I ,9)' 5" 51> , ' ..
I " I I . .,"
j ,i . ~~~
, I j 21 ;:
1 t'.
. . ,
Figure 7.5-1: Wiggins Pass Location Map (from NOAA, 1990).
II -272-
1127 -19 52
. .~
--........-:'......." (....{
l:.""\.~) ,.:::~d
,......y:.r
1973-1879
1952-1962
".S,-t
.... r. ~.:::;:.--
" t,".~ t!:?
.. "':';1 &::,1
\ Q f/
'c...... (::;;;::~./
";~:''''.lj/
....,
1962-1973
o 1000 2000
~ - - I
FEET
<~;(ti,~~j
1979-1911
WIGGINS PASS
@ Vegetated
e Developed
@ Sparsely vegetated beach
(jj) Submerged delta: approx. -3 ft MSl
o Submerged delta; approx. -6 ft MSl
. Erosion
~ Accretion
- -----.r= (0
?
Figure 7.5-2: wiggins Pass: 1927 to 1981, Accretion and Erosion
Patterns (from Harvey et al., 1984 - Part 2).
II -273-
@'~eJl90
"-~' : 8
o ~ t
>> " <>
> ~ .
~ " "
~ 0
~ ~
~
~
~41Ul1.
~ ~ 0
9 ~
. ~
~ < ~ 8
0
~ ~ < ~
>> . 0
>> r ~ ~
; c c
~ 0 ~ 2
.. >> i> ~
. >> ~
~ >> ~
~ ~ ~
< 0
. ~ >>
, <> 9
~ ;. 'i
,
s
>>
.
>>
~
;;
~
:
>>
~
~
o
>>
.
~
~
Figure 7.5-3: Benthic Habitats of Waterbodies Emptying Into
Wiggins Pass (from Tabb, et. al., 1972).
II -274-
. WIGGINS PASS RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
BAREFOOT BEACH
PRESERVE
~
l
co ~_
~-
G
U
L
F
o
F
M
E
X
I
C
o
~
~
KEY
~ PUO
~ PARKS AND
~ PRESERVES
,
DELNOR WIGGINS PASS
STATE RECREATION AREA
MILES ~
~
0 .5
-
-
N
IlCK
8-15-90
Figure 7.5-4: wiggins Pass Recreation and Development
II -275-
'^-------~---~>~'-'-..-_r'-'--~-
PROPOSED BAREFOOT BEACH
COLLIP.R COUNTY, FLORIDA
CONCSPTUt\L SITE PLAN
PARK
PREPARI':1l ny 'filE CONSERVANCY INC. AND COWER COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION DEPT
I"EYI
ERQ\.'- rM:T(RN RIGHT-Or-\,oIAY
D 1I0~TH CANOE TRAIL PARKING (uNPAVED)
IJRQIJ- ......ESTERN RIGHT-or-VAY
CCCl- COASTAL CONSTRUCTION CONTROL L.INE
HH.....L- HEAN H1GH \.lATER LINE
U- UPLAND
\/- IJ[TLAND
0\1- OPEN \/A fER
2> NORTH NATURE TRAIL PARKING CUNPAVtD)
)) NORTH BEACH PARKING <PAVf.D>.
4) C[NTRAI BrACH PARKING (PAvr>>>
5) l:ILACH Ut\ HI House
6) snUTH Nt. TuRE TRAlI PARKINfj <UNPAVED)
MANGROVE VEILAND
;) ::;OUTH BEACH PARKING <PAV[U>
8) SOUTH l:f\NOE TRAil PAAKINfi <UNPAVED>
9) OOSERo\'^TION lOVER
10/11) BAY I]V(RLOOKS
12) TRAilS fiND SCATTERED P10UC TABLES
PRESERVE
13) DUNE CROSSOVER
14) v(lLAND BOARDvALK
15) DUNE PROTECTION rENCE (NO ACCESS
EXCCPr CROSSOV(RS>..... ~ .,.,..'
~ . -... -,
~~./'" ~ --
r- ~ ---;;; ,,~~o~:/'" ... ~~_. -----...-...-_-__J
~~ ':!-/ .... ". -...., --- """ ----;:--
i ----' ----- . ~ 0' ~J ~ -~- _- :..::;.,~,.~ -::-..--
(,'" ~ .. -----......--{\l~ .._.":;>--' /'? /. _- _ .;;:....::.. _-_::-::;:::---
\.~( ~. ~ J _-----:: -~~~:;:;:::.;-;::;>-- _...__..._.../ N
'" '---~-;..----~~~-~ ~-~::>----
J:~~~~''':;;''''\:'t4~-<:::--~----- JoOTC. THIS COHC(PT\,.lAl. SII( P\.AH c:tH'\.IC$ vtTH Ttt:
~ - ....'" --
'""'\-'" ,_:<~ ...Co "'''IT l>" "" "e> ..,,,,"', "'''" L''-'''UlT """D<OIT
...'" \ . $(( "TT4Ot:1l (00111 rOR SPCClrIC DeTAILS AHIl STlPU.ATlDNS.
~".Nr, 10.. lOll'
Figure 7.5-5:
Proposed Barefoot Beach Park Conceptual
Plan (prepared by the Conservancy, Inc.
County Parks and Recreation Department,
Site
and Collier
1988) .
II -276-
DELNOR -
. WIGGINS flASS
STATE RECREATION AREA
lOCATtOH MAP
~I\
..........~Q
s,...t ~c"'.._ ..... . .~
(AiIlo<r<~'....
Figure 7.5-6: Delnor Wiggins Pass state Recreation Area (from
FDNR, 1990e).
II -277-
L(AP IU-11l
WATER DEPENDENT AND WATER RELATED USES
NORm NAPLES PLANNING COMMUNITY AREA
Collior COl.lnty, florldo
.
~
0\
G
! ~
.
I . .
"
. .
YllGQHS PASS WAMlIo
...-
. . . .
OEJ.-NOR STATE PMK
BOAT__ ,
'.... """(lICM.!l:Ial. t$Jt~ U. ...
!
i .
J . . .
~
.. ::i
" >!
~ 1
....AH0CR811T 8U.CH WARlHA .
.. .., ! .
. . . . ~ .
~
.
&
\
GULF OF MEXlCO
U "
0]';
..
.
--- <.<0._
LEooro ;
:: . "
. 1oCAR!HA Sl1ES .. "' ..
" " "
A SOAT IUUf'
sc.ou I
, , .
0 ,'"- .... PfO'IoIIUJ.yCCUJfJt(ll:Ul/n~~~ t./U..I'IlI RL: W_1U~
Figure 7.5-7: Location Map of Boat Ramps and Marinas Servicing
the Wiggins Pass Area (from CCME of GMP, 1989) .
II -278-