1992-319 CZM Section II (7.12)
7.12 TEN THOOSAND ISLANDS
7.12.1 SIGNIFICANCE TO NATORAL SYSTEMS
7.12.1.1 Introduction
The Ten Thousand Islands area is made up of numerous mangrove
islands, bays, and tidal creeks. The area is part of the largest
mangrove system in the western hemisphere, with black and white
mangroves forming dense forests landward of the fringing red
mangroves (FDNR, 1988b). Development within the area is sparse.
Marco Island and Goodland are located at the northwest and
northeast ends of the Ten Thousand Islands, respectively, and
Everglades City and Chokoloskee, at the south end. For the
purpose of this report, the Ten Thousand Islands may be
considered to stretch from Cape Romano southeastward to the
vicinity of the Turner River. There are many minor passes that
lead through the mangrove islands to the Gulf of Mexico (Fiqures
7.12-1A, 1B and 1C).
At the northern end of the Ten Thousand Islands, there are
several passes. Blind Pass is located between Kice and Morgan
Islands, and connects Gullivan Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. It is
subject to frequent closure through storm action, but is
currently open. Morgan Pass is a small pass leading from Morgan
Bay to the Gulf, on Cape Romano Island. The Gulf shoreline of
Morgan and Cape Romano Islands is occasionally breached by other
ephemeral passes. Currently, there are two such openings. Coon
Key Pass is one of the major passes in the area. It is a marked,
undredged navigation channel leading from Goodland to Gullivan
Bay. Waters are naturally deep, up to -14', NGVD, with strong
tidal currents helping to maintain depths. The pass is surrounded
by shallow shoals, oyster bars, grassbeds, and mangrove islands.
To the south of Cape Romano and Goodland, there are numerous
undeveloped mangrove islands, with passes leading from creeks and
bays into the Gulf. These passes are not marked, and are
surrounded by shallow areas. Local knowledge is necessary to
navigate these passes. Fakahatchee Pass is the next marked
navigation channel to the south. It leads from Faka union Bay
through mangrove islands into the Gulf. Depths are naturally
great, up to -13', NGVD. Tidal action, the configuration of the
channel, and the large quantities of freshwater draining from the
Faka Union Canal, contribute to maintaining depths.
Numerous other unmarked passes exist to the south of Fakahatchee
Pass. Indian Key Pass is the southernmost marked navigation
channel in Collier county. It leads from the Barron River in
Everglades city, through Chokoloskee Bay and numerous mangrove
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islands, into the Gulf of Mexico. The channel was dredged in the
1920's, from the Barron River south for approximately three
miles. Depths are now maintained by the federal government
through maintenance dredging.
The majority of the area is protected in state or federal
preserves. These include Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve, Cape
Romano-Ten Thousand Islands Aquatic Preserve, Collier-Seminole
state Park, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, Big Cypress
National Preserve, and Everglades National Park.
The Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve encompasses the Cape Romano
Island complex, Helen Key, Goodland, and other smaller mangrove
islands, waterward of the mean high water line. (For a more
complete discussion of the Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve, see
"Section 7.9: Hurricane and Little Marco Passes").
The Cape Romano-Ten Thousand Islands Aquatic Preserve is adjacent
to the eastern boundary of the Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve, and
includes the property waterward of the mean high water line from
Coon Key to Fakahatchee Bay. Areas within the preserve boundaries
landward of the MHW line are owned by the State of Florida TIITF
or by the private sector. The USFWS has plans to acquire portions
of the private uplands to create a national wildlife refuge. The
preserve was one of the first aquatic preserves established by
the Florida legislature in October of 1969, and includes 27,642
acres of sovereignty submerged lands. The primary purpose for
establishing the preserve was to protect the natural resources of
its estuarine systems. It is made up primarily of wetlands,
including fringing mangroves, mangrove islands, saltmarsh, oyster
bars, and seagrasses. This preserve is afforded the greatest
protection allowable under the rules and guidelines of the
Aquatic Preserves Program. This is due to the pristine nature of
the preserve, which allows for a higher standard of protection
than for those preserves that are more developed, pursuant to
Subsection 18-20.004 (2) (a)2. of the Florida Administrative Code
(FDNR, 1988).
The resource management plan for both aquatic preserves is
being implemented by the FDNR, and includes considerations for
the following:
-Documenting the location and occurrence of plant species
and communities
-Preparation of guidelines for the management of
endangered species
-Monitoring plant communities for natural changes
-Identification of areas in need of restoration
-Protection and restoration of plant communities
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-Identification of research needs
-Coordination with other researchers (FDNR, 1988).
Everglades National Park abuts the eastern boundary of the Cape
Romano-Ten Thousand Islands Aquatic Preserve, and continues
eastward, beyond the Ten Thousand Islands area. Big Cypress
National Preserve drains into the Everglades National Park. The
southern portions of Collier-Seminole State Park and Fakahatchee
Strand State Preserve fall within the Ten Thousand Islands area,
as well.
7.12.1.2 BioDhvsical Features
Geomorphology
The configuration of the outer shoreline of the Ten Thousand
Islands is due in part to the geomorphology of the offshore area.
The offshore slope is more gradual south of Cape Romano than it
is to the north. This more gradual slope reduces wave energy to a
level that is inadequate for the transportation of sand required
to form true barrier islands. Another factor that contributes to
the lack of barrier island formation is the type of nearshore
sediments. The sediments contain a high concentration of
limestone, making them unsuitable material for barrier island
formation. The sediments in the nearshore zone to the north of
cape Romano are high in quartz sand, which is very suitable
material for building barrier islands (FDNR, 1988b). The Cape
Romano area exhibits a high degree of shoreline dynamics, with
patterns of spit growth, storm breaching, and erosion being
common (Figure 7.12-2).
FOllowing the last glacial period, extensive reefs composed of
the vermetid gastropod, Petaloconchus sp. (commonly known as the
worm shell), formed parallel to the shoreline. Much of these
reefs have since been overlaid with sediment. However, there are
some worm shell reefs presently existing that extend gulfward
from the outer islands, and are a primary influence in the
formation of the islands. The inner islands have been forming as
a result of the sediment binding capabilities of mangroves and
oyster beds (FDNR, 1988b).
Benthic Habitats
Seagrasses are found only in low energy waters that have
relatively high water clarity. Submerged seagrass beds are
extensive on the Cape Romano Shoals, and are dominated by turtle
grass, with Cuban shoal grass also present. Manatee grass and
snook grass are present in lesser concentrations. The seaward
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edges of shoals bordering the outer islands also have seagrass
beds, but these are smaller in aerial extent than those found
near Cape Romano (Figure 5.7-1). The inland bays are generally
too turbid and colored to support seagrasses. Fluctuating
salinity levels also serve to limit seagrass growth in these
areas. The effects of human disturbance, such as canalization,
coastal dredge and fill projects, shoreline development, and
watershed drainage may also limit the distribution of seagrasses
there (FDNR, 1988b).
Large benthic areas in the back bay system are colonized by
oyster bars, which are scattered throughout the Ten Thousand
Islands area in the mid-intertidal zone. These support a variety
of species of sponges, bryozoans, bivalves, barnacles, and
slipper shells. Predators of the oysters include the oyster
drill, stone crab, blue crab, mud crab, and oyster catcher (FDNR,
1988b) .
Mud flat habitat is also common in the back bay system. The
mud-sand substrates common to the area support the growth of
several species of red, brown, and green algae. Common red algal
species include Laurencia sp. and Gracilaria sp., which supply
food and shelter to numerous small invertebrates and fish. The
highest concentrations of red algae are found during the months
of July through September. Caulerpa sp., a green alga, is
commonly found among the seagrasses, and on mangrove roots, muddy
bottoms, and hard substrates. Brown algae that are found in the
area are Sarqassum sp., Dictvota sp., and padina sp.; these are
most abundant during the cooler winter months (FDNR, 1988b).
The worm shell reefs are found in the intertidal zone of the
outer Ten Thousand Islands. No live worm shells exist at
present, but the reefs support a wide variety of other fauna that
use the substrate. These include bryozoans, hydro ids , ascidians,
sponges, and occasionally, hard coral (FDNR, 1988b).
Fisheries
Commercial fishing is of prime importance. Very large catches of
mullet, bluefish, red drum, grouper, king mackerel, sea trout,
Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, and pompano are common.
Sport fishing opportunities are abundant as well, as the area
supports rich populations of snook, tarpon, and mangrove snapper.
Sport fishermen also utilize the natural populations of redfish,
pompano, sea trout, sheepshead, and mackerel. Clams, oysters,
and conch contributed to a rich fishery industry in the past, but
overharvesting depleted these resources. Stone crabs are
commercially taken in large numbers. Tagging studies of juvenile
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pink shrimp from the Ten Thousand Islands confirmed their
migration to the Dry Tortugas, one of the richest shrimping
grounds in the Gulf.
"The shallow marshes, grassy flats, and natural estuary
conditions throughout the coastal islands make the island
complex one of the most important nursery and feeding
areas for shrimp in the entire world" (U.S. Department of
the Interior, 1968).
wildlife
Fisheating birds are abundant around the submerged areas of the
Ten Thousand Islands. Brown pelicans, double-crested cormorants,
black skimmers, and various species of gulls, mergansers, and
terns are common. Several osprey nests are located among the
mangrove islands, and an active bald eagle nest is located
inshore of cape Romano Island. Of the above, brown pelicans and
bald eagles are protected species (U.s. Department of the
Interior, 1968).
Other protected species frequently utilize the area (Table
7.9-2), and include bottlenose dolphin and West Indian manatees.
The 1979 aerial surveys conducted by the USFWS indicated that the
Ten Thousand Islands region is a center of abundance for manatees
in southwestern Florida. The endangered Atlantic loggerhead
turtle comes ashore for nesting on the outer islands where
appropriate beaches are located.
Terrestrial wildlife inhabitants include rodents, raccoons,
squirrels, snakes, and occasional deer. The area also has
abundant and diverse birdlife. On the mainland, there are greater
concentrations of deer, turkey, waterfowl, alligator, bobcat,
opossum, black bear, gray fox, otter, rabbit, and occasional
panther (u.s. Department of the Interior, 1968). A detailed
discussion of resident faunal species found in the area can be
found in the FDNR Rookery Bay-Ten Thousand Islands Aquatic
Preserves Management Plan (1988b).
Vegetation
The majority of the islands have low elevations, to approximately
3'-4', NGVD at their highest points. Most of the area is flooded
during high tide. Red mangroves dominate the shoreline, while
black mangroves, white mangroves, and buttonwood trees dominate
further landward. Most of the mangrove forests in the preserve
areas are secondary growth, ranging from 30 to 100 years in age.
Extensive damage to the mangrove forests were caused by
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hurricanes in 1918 and 1960 (FDNR, 1988b). Cordgrass, cypress,
cabbage palms, and pines are found vegetating progressively
landward areas on the mainland. Some of the islands, especially
those that are directly adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, have
beaches composed of sand and finely ground shell. Vegetation in
these areas consist predominantly of cabbage palm, sea oats,
beach morning glory, marsh elder, sea rocket, shore spurges, and
salt grass (U.S. Department of the Interior, 1968).
Several islands located inland of the Gulf coast have substantial
shell mounds located on them. These shell mounds may have been
created by early inhabitants to the area, and consist of a
mixture of oyster, clam, other shells, and sand. Goodland,
Dismal Key and Chokoloskee Island are examples of shell mound
islands. Elevations may reach up to 20', NGVD, in some of these
areas. Some shell mounds are vegetated by hammock species
including cabbage palm, palmetto, gumbo limbo, cactus, and shrubs
(U.S. Department of the Interior, 1968).
Tidal marshes exist at elevations at or just slightly higher than
sea level, and are located between the mangrove forests and the
freshwater areas inland. Most are affected by tidal exchange.
These marshes are predominantly vegetated by saltgrass,
cordgrass, switchgrass, and needle rush. Other common plant
species are broom sedge, cattail, spider lily, and various
species of fern (U.S. Department of the Interior, 1968).
It has been estimated that more than 850 plant species native to
the coastal area occur in the Ten Thousand Islands. This high
level of diversity is due partly to the overlapping of
temperature zones, water quality, and soil types (u.S. Department
of the Interior, 1968). A detailed description of floral
elements in the Ten Thousand Islands can be found in the FDNR
Rookery Bay-Ten Thousand Islands Aquatic Preserves Management
Plan (1988b).
7.12.1.3 Drainaqe Basin Characteristics
Natural Areas
u.S. 41 is located approximately at the 5' NGVD contour, running
roughly parallel to the coast. It may be considered to be the
northern boundary of the drainage basin, due to the diking effect
that it has on overland drainage. However, tidal influence
extends north of U.S. 41 in a few places, where rivers, creeks,
and canals cross the highway. Much of the area encompassed
within the drainage basin is presently undeveloped. A large
portion of the land is under public ownership, including
Collier-seminole State Park, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve,
Big Cypress National Preserve, and Everglades National Park.
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Collier Seminole State Park:
Collier-Seminole state Park is a 6,423 acre preserve, which
overlaps both Big cypress Swamp and the mangrove forest of the
Ten Thousand Islands. Habitats found within its boundaries
include mangrove forest, tidal creeks, mudflats, salt marshes,
freshwater marshes, cypress swamps, tropical hammocks, and pine
flatwoods. Native Florida royal palms are commonly found within
the hammock. Designated species found within the park boundaries
are brown pelicans, wood storks, bald eagles, red-cockaded
woodpeckers, crocodiles, manatees, mangrove fox squirrels,
Florida black bears, and Florida panthers. A large number of
vertebrate species have been identified in this area (FDNR,
1990c) (Table 7.12-1).
Fakahatchee strand state Preserve:
Fakahatchee Strand is approximately 20 miles long and three to
five miles wide, and is the major drainage slough of the
southwestern section of Big Cypress Swamp. Drainage sloughs are
created when water flowing overland eventually cuts channels into
the underlying limestone. Organic soils are then allowed to
accumulate in these channels over time. Subsequently, the
channels become vegetated with wetland forest species.
Fakahatchee Strand is dominated by bald cypress and royal palm
(FDNR, 1990a). Large oak trees, red maples, cabbage palms, and a
variety of tropical hardwoods are also common and form dense
canopies. Pond apple and pop ash are found with the cypress in
wetter areas. Epiphytic plants are common, and the area may
contain the highest concentration of epiphytes in Florida,
including epiphytic orchids. Over 45 species of orchids have
been found in the area, many of which are now considered rare
(U.s. Department of the Interior, 1985). It contains the largest
stand of native royal palms in the state, as well (FDNR, 1990a).
This area is of critical importance for the survival and recovery
of the Florida panther. It is one of the three population
centers within the known range of the Florida panther. The other
two population centers are Big Cypress National Preserve and
Everglades National Park. (see Table 7.12-2 for a list of
protected wildlife species found in the area). The area has been
negatively impacted by logging, drainage, and fire, but is still
one of the most important natural features in the state (FDNR,
1987b) .
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Biq Cygress National Preserve:
Big Cypress Swamp covers more than 2,400 square miles, and is
vegetated by cypress forests, sandy islands of slash pine, mixed
hardwood hammocks, wet prairies, dry prairies, marshes, and
mangrove forests. Approximately one-third of the area is
vegetated by cypress trees, mostly the dwarf pond cypress
variety. The area was exploited in the 1930s and 1940s by the
lumber industry. Roads and drainage canals were constructed
throughout the area, and small settlements were established. The
Big Cypress National Preserve was established in the early 1970s
as an attempt to protect the area and the watershed of Everglades
National Park. The land only slopes seaward at 2" per mile, and
drainage is extremely slow. The slow rate of drainage allows
freshwater to enter the estuary up to two to three months after
the wet season is over. It supplies nutrient-rich water to the
estuaries, supporting a wide variety of wildlife, including the
commercially important pink shrimp, snook, and snapper.
Designated species found in the area include Florida panther,
Florida black bear, red-cockaded woodpeckers, bald eagle,
white-tailed deer, Everglades mink, and several plants,
especially orchid species (U.S. Department of the Interior,
1990a).
Everqlades National Park:
The northwestern tip of Everglades National Park falls within the
drainage basin of the Ten Thousand Islands within Collier county.
Most of this area is dominated by mangrove wetlands, but inland
of the mangrove zone, there are cypress swamps, freshwater and
coastal prairies, and slash pine/palmetto assemblages. Many
designated wildlife species are found in the Everglades National
Park (Table 7.12-3). The hydrology of this area is linked to the
Big Cypress National Preserve.
The slope of the land is very shallow, less than one foot per
mile. Drainage is generally to the sou~h or southwest.
Fresh water marshes make up a small percentage of the total area
of the drainage basin, but are extensive to the north of U.S. 41.
These marshes are inundated with between several inches and three
feet of fresh water. Vegetation includes water lily, pickerel
weed, arrowhead, bonnets, bladderwort, maidencane, wax myrtle,
sedges, sawgrass, and cattails. within the marsh zone, there are
many small ponds and lakes containing fresh or brackish water.
Numerous creeks with sluggish flow rates connect these to tidal
areas, adding to the overall productivity of the estuary.
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"As the freshwater drains seaward from the vast upland
area, it becomes rich in nutrients and organic matter and
is responsible for the highly productive capacity of the
estuary. No other single factor plays as important a
role in the ecosystem as that of evenly distributed
freshwater draining into the estuary" (U.S. Department of
the Interior, 1968).
The marsh zone is a major area used by wintering water birds.
After periods of sufficient freshwater flow, the upland
embayments support dense stands of widgeon grass which are used
heavily by birds such as the blue-winged teal, lesser scaup,
ruddy duck, pintail, and ring-necked duck. Fresh water flow from
uplands is necessary to support the growth of desirable aquatic
vegetation upon which these birds depend. The killifish and
crustaceans in the marshy ponds support populations of wood
stork, roseate spoonbill, swallowtail kite, white ibis, and
various species of herons and egrets (U.S. Department of the
Interior, 1968).
Developed Areas
Goodland:
Goodland is an historic Indian shell mound site vegetated by
tropical hardwood upland species, and fringed with mangrove
wetlands. The area has been highly modified by dredge and fill
projects, creating several finger canals and borrow basins. Much
of the waterfront property has been seawalled, with fringing
mangroves removed. The development of Goodland is adjacent to a
large area of undeveloped mangrove wetlands to the west, and is
bound by Goodland Bay to the north, Coon Key Pass to the south,
and Blue Hill Creek to the southwest.
Several marinas exist in the area (see "section 7.12.3:
Development and Recreation"). A large marina project currently
under construction is the Goodland Marina project, which was
permitted under the Deltona Settlement Agreement in 1983. The
Goodland Marina site is mostly vegetated by a dense mangrove
forest surrounding a low hammock area. The lower intertidal and
subtidal areas just seaward of the mangrove zone appeared to
contain healthy, productive benthic communities. Caulerpa sp., a
green marine alga requiring good water quality, is common in
dense beds. Much of the substrate is covered by extensive,
healthy oyster beds. The tidal lagoon appears to be an historic
shell mound that was removed in recent times for fill material.
The waterbody is surrounded by a ridge of shell directly adjacent
to the mangrove forest. The substrate is composed of shell and
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mud, with the associated benthic community dominated by Laurencia
sp. and Caulerpa sp. in association with healthy oyster beds.
Encrusting calcareous bryozoans (Schizoporella sp.) are common in
and around the creek. Mullet and red snapper are abundant in the
lagoon. Tidal exchange is through a small creek connecting it to
Blue Hill Creek. Blue Hill Creek is relatively deep, to -11',
NGVD, with a sparse benthic community. The waters are murky, and
no seagrasses are present. The creek banks are lined with red
mangroves and associated epiphytic algae, porcelain crabs, mud
crabs, and mangrove sea squirts (Burch, 1988).
Within the intertidal zone, there is a healthy, mature, and
productive red and black mangrove forest. Ground cover is
sparse, except in the transition zone from mangroves to uplands.
The soils have a high salt content here, and ground cover is
dominated by saltwort, glasswort, and a few drought-tolerant
grasses. Resident fauna noted during the site inspection of
August, 1988, by Collier county environmental staff included
white ibis, fiddler crabs, and mangrove tree snails (Burch,
1988).
The tropical upland hammock landward of the mangrove zone has
been designated as an R.U.E. habitat by Collier County Natural
Resources Department. It is approximately 200' wide and 900'
long, and probably part of a Pleistocene dune remnant which
includes much of the Horr's Island-Barfield Bay upland system.
It appears to be somewhat stressed by natural conditions such as
the proximity to the saline waters of the adjacent mangrove
forest. The northern area is essentially without ground cover.
The shrub layer is dominated by cat-claw, stoppers, steelwood,
and wild lime saplings. Tillandsia epiphytes are common. The
southern half of the hammock island is slightly more elevated,
with greater topographic relief, which contributes to a greater
diversity of tree and shrub species. The tree canopy is
dominated by sea grape, with occasional cabbage palm, gumbo
limbo, and large stoppers. The shrub layer includes marlberry,
wild coffee, and Florida privet (Table 7.12-4). As in the
northern part of the hammock, there is only sparse ground cover.
There is moderate impact by non-native plant species, including
tamarind and night blooming cereus. These probably originated as
plantings by early settlers. Brazilian pepper and umbrella tree
may have become established as naturalized volunteers, but are
not creating a negative impact. Observed fauna in the area
included red-bellied woodpeckers, anoles, gopher tortoises, and
numerous insect and spider species. Transient mammals such as
the Florida panther, Florida black bear, and Virginia
white-tailed deer, are expected to use the area (Burch, 1988a).
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Port of the Islands:
Port of the Islands is a development that includes a hotel, pool,
parking, airstrip, marina, marina store, trailer storage, tennis
courts, laundry facilities, wells, water and sewage treatment
plants, and other support facilities. It occupies an
approximately two mile long by a half-mile wide site, and is
divided into four quadrants by U.S. 41, which crosses east to
west, and by the Faka Union Canal, which drains south through the
center. The property, previously known as Remuda Ranch, was
bought by the present owners in 1980. The property was an
estuarine marsh before development took place. outside of the
original fill project area, natural vegetation is predominantly
cattails, black rush, saltmarsh, cordgrass, and sawgrass, with
scattered clumps of buttonwood, coin vine, wax myrtle, and white
and red mangroves (FDER, 1989aj.
Port of the Islands contains an artificial waterway consisting of
several short finger canals branching off of the main canal. A
500' by 800' basin containing the marina and boat ramp is located
in the northwest corner of the canal system. Depths in this
waterway range from -6 to -10', NGVD. There are approximately
100 boat slips existing at present, with 75 new slips proposed to
be constructed.
stipulations on the permits to construct the additional slips
included a phased expansion plan contingent upon a decrease in
manatee mortality in the area. An approved manatee protection
plan was required to be ongoing for at least one year, and
demonstrated that speed regulations are effective and being
complied with by the boating public. Continued monitoring is
required, and the additional slips will have to be removed if the
plan proves to be ineffective. The manatee protection plan
includes informing all personnel associated with the project
about manatees and regulations concerning them. Manatee
protection signs are required by the FDNR, with at least one
permanent educational display per 50 boat slips. In addition to
manatee protection, other environmental stipulations were
required. Sewage pumpout facilities connecting to the central
sewage system are to be installed, turbidity controls are
required during construction, and liveaboards at the new slips
are required to have direct sewage hookup.
Everqlades Citv:
The area around Everglades City was settled by humans over a
thousand years ago by coastal mound dwellers. Beginning in about
1873, the area was developed by Anglo-Saxons as an Indian trading
post. In 1923, Barron Collier set the town up as County Seat for
Collier County. Everglades City was mostly comprised of mangrove
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forest and salt marsh. Less than 10% of the approximately 760
acres encompassed within the city boundaries were uplands. Over
two million cubic yards of fill were pumped from Chokoloskee Bay
and the Barron River to raise the elevation of land. In
addition, the eastern shoreline of the Barron River was
bulkheaded. These activities, taking approximately five years to
complete, caused the channel of the river to become deeper,
wider, and straighter than it was previously. Dredging continued
to the south to create a channel. This channel is now a marked
navigational channel leading to Indian Key Pass. Additional fill
was obtained by the dredging of a borrow lake to the east of the
town. Halfway Creek is a mobile home community to the east of
the main section of Everglades city. Dredge and fill operations
created numerous residential homesites and adjacent canals out of
historic wetlands (Tebeau, 1966).
Chokoloskee:
Chokoloskee Island is one of the largest of the Ten Thousand
Islands. It is a 147 acre Indian shell mound, with elevations of
up to 20'. The original vegetation, before man's habitation of
the area, was predominantly tropical hardwood hammock and
mangrove forest. Previous development consisted primarily of
hunting, fishing, and farming endeavors by the Calusa Indians,
and later, by people of Spanish, Cuban, and Seminole Indian
descent. Chokoloskee is now moderately developed by residential
development, mobile homes, and recreational vehicle campgrounds.
Limited dredge and fill operations occurred for canal
construction. The five-mile-long Chokoloskee causeway (S.R. 29)
was built in 1955, connecting the island with Everglades city
(Austin and McJunkin, 1978).
Drainage Characteristics
During periods of heavy rainfall, sheet flow occurs over the
entire area, whereas during the dry season, water flow is
restricted to the creeks. A series of interconnecting bays is
situated roughly parallel to the shoreline, and forms a lateral
dispersal system for freshwater flow and tidal exchange (U.s.
Department of the Interior, 1968).
In general, salinities in the inland bays are high in winter and
spring, during the dry season, and low in summer and fall, during
the rainy season. Average annual rainfall is approximately 55",
contributed mostly during the summer wet season. Before the
extreme alteration of property to the west (Golden Gate Estates)
by the construction of drainage canals, the Fakahatchee Strand
was the largest contributor of fresh water into the system.
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During the wet season, salinity levels were found to be reduced
to a greater extent where the Fakahatchee strand entered the bay
than areas to the west. The more saline waters were found
further offshore in this vicinity, as well (U.S. Department of
the Interior, 1968).
Upland development practices caused severe alteration of the
area's natural hydrologic patterns. The Fakahatchee Strand now
drains into the Alligator Alley (S.R. 84) borrow canal. From
this point, drainage occurs under existing structures and passes
into the Strand south of S.R. 84, flowing southward under U.S. 41
towards the Gulf (U.S. Department of the Interior, 1985). Faka
Union Canal drains four parallel canals from S.R. 84 south
through South Golden Gate Estates. Water levels are controlled by
a series of weirs. The Faka Union Canal is commonly considered
to begin at the Port of the Islands Marina, discharging into the
Faka Union River, and ultimately into Faka union Bay, This canal
is the primary fresh water source for the Ten Thousand Islands,
and the major drainage conveyance of the Faka Union Basin and
eastern and southern Golden Gate Estates. It is 100' wide,
approximately three and a half miles long from the marina to its
connection at the river, with a maximum of 8' in depth. The area
is heavily frequented by manatees, and there have been numerous
manatee mortalities reported there (FDNR, 1988b).
The construction of U.s. 41 was done in conjunction with the
dredging of the Tamiami Canal, which is immediately adjacent to
and parallel with the highway. Dredged material was used as fill
for road construction. The canal serves to divert much of the
freshwater that sheet flows from the vast undeveloped wetlands to
the north away from the Ten Thousand Islands estuary system. The
combination of the diverting effects of the canal and the diking
effects of u.S. 41 changed the normal historic hydrology of the
system drastically.
Historic drainage of freshwater runoff from Lake Okeechobee in
the Shark Valley drainage area entered the system to the west of
the Big cypress swamp drainage area during seasons of
exceptionally high rainfall. Drainage patterns were altered by
the construction of conservation pools, dikes, and canals south
of the lake, so that this source of fresh water was lost to the
system (U.S. Department of the Interior, 1968).
"Due to inaccessibility and public ownership of a portion
of the islands, the Cape Romano-Ten Thousand Islands
Aquatic Preserve has minimal development within its
boundaries. Alteration of the Preserve's watershed is
the overriding environmental concern. The creation of
II -448-
South Golden Gate Estates, the Faka Union-Remuda Ranch
Canal system, and the construction of U.S. Highway 41
have altered the quality, quantity, and timing of
freshwater entering the system" (FDNR, 1988b).
7.12.2 PAST AND CURRENT MAINTENANCE
The Ten Thousand Islands system consists of myriad mangrove
islands, oyster bars and sand spits interspersed with numerous
tidal creeks and passes. In this section only passes of
navigational or geographic significance will be discussed.
Blind Pass separates Kice Island from Morgan Island and connects
the Gulf of Mexico to Gullivan Bay. Morgan Pass leads from the
Gulf of Mexico into Morgan Bay. Both passes are frequently
closed by storm action and are not commonly used by boaters.
Coon Key Pass is the entrance to Goodland Bay and the Marco
River. Coon Key Pass is a marked navigation channel which has
never been dredged. Good water depth, up to -14' NGVD, is
maintained by strong tidal scouring action. Following the
Hurricane of 1946 which filled in Big Marco Pass and Gordon Pass,
many boats used Coon Key Pass as the approach to Naples Bay V1a
the Marco River and the Inner Passage (Tebeau, 1966). Coon Key
Light is used as the navigation terminus for Caxambas Pass, Coon
Key Pass and whitney Channel.
Whitney Channel winds between Tripod Key, Shell Key and several
small unnamed mangrove islands leading into the mouth of the
Blackwater River. The outer channel has good water depth, up to
-19' NGVD, and is unmarked. The inner portion of the channel is
marked and traverses shallow waters containing many oyster bars.
Approximately one mile of the channel was dredged in 1969 to a
depth of -6' NGVD to the mouth of the river. The marked channel
continues up the river to the boat ramp at Collier-Seminole State
Park. Although dredged depths are listed at -6' NGVD, shoaling
has occurred in several areas and mariners are advised to use
caution when navigating in this area.
Fakahatchee Pass is a marked navigation channel leading through
many small unnamed mangrove islands to Faka union Bay and on up
to the Faka Union River. The northern portion of the river and
the Faka Union Canal were dredged in the late 1960's and the Port
of the Islands resort and marina was built. The channel markers
are privately maintained, and often do not indicate the deepest
route. Therefore, local knowledge is necessary to avoid the
numerous sandbars.
II -449-
Indian Key Pass is the main navigation route into Everglades
city. The outer portion of the pass has good water depth, up to
-15' NGVD, and is maintained by strong tidal scouring action. The
inner portion winds past many small mangrove islands across
Chokoloskee Bay and up the Barron River to Everglades City.
1924 Barron Collier started a monumental dredging project.
the next four years more than two million cubic yards were
dredged out of Chokoloskee Bay and the Barron River. The fill
was used to build the town site for Everglades City (Tebeau,
1966). The dredged portion of the channel is now maintained under
federal contract.
In
Over
Sandfly Pass is an unmarked channel that winds its way into
Chokoloskee Bay. The National Park service dredged a marked
channel across the bay to the pass in 1965. The pass and channel
are used primarily by the Park Service and its tour boats.
However, many local fishermen and crabbers also use the pass.
Since the pass itself is unmarked, local knowledge is necessary
when navigating.
Chokoloskee Pass is a shallow, unmarked channel that weaves
between numerous small mangrove islands and oyster bars. During
the early 1900's Chokoloskee Island was the main trading port in
this area, and served many boats plying between Key West and Fort
Myers. Today the pass is used principally by local fishermen and
crabbers; local knowledge is necessary to avoid the numerous
bars.
7.12.3 SIGNIFICANCE TO RECREATION AND DEVELOPMENT
7.12.3.1 Beaches and Other Recreational Facilities
There are no beaches in Goodland. The main recreational
attraction provided in this area is fishing. Charter boats and
fishing guides to the Ten Thousand Islands are abundant in this
small town. The remains of the old wooden swing bridge and
asphalt road, connecting Goodland to the mainland (replaced by a
high level 1,600' concrete span) provides an excellent fishing
spot for many recreational fishermen.
Port of the Islands also has charter boats for fishing in the
famous Ten Thousand Islands. There are small beaches on many of
the islands. However, because of their remoteness they are seldom
used by beachgoers. Fishing is the major recreational activity
throughout the Ten Thousand Islands.
II -450-
collier-seminole State Park is located on the Blackwater River,
approximately 17 miles south of Naples (on u.s. 41). The park
encompasses 4,760 acres of wilderness preserve that contains
natural mangrove swamps, hardwood hammocks, and cypress swamps.
The park was named after the late Barron Collier and for the
Seminole Indians that once resided here. Collier-Seminole
officially became a State Park in 1947. The park is primarily
located in a mangrove swamp and retains much of the wilderness
beauty as it did before the arrival of European man.
Collier-Seminole State Park is a historical site as well as a
recreational area. The Second seminole War campaigns were
conducted at this location. A replica of a blockhouse once used
by the U.S. forces and local defenders now houses an interpretive
center. The center contains exhibits of plants, wildlife and
park history. The walking dredge that was used to construct the
Tamiami Trail in the 1920's and interpretive signs are also on
display at the park.
Recreational activities at Collier-Seminole State Park include
fishing, boating, canoeing, picnicking, camping, hiking and
nature study. Saltwater fishing in the area is particularly good
for mangrove snapper, redfish, and snook (seasonally). A boat
basin with a boat ramp is provided for access to the Ten Thousand
Islands and the Gulf of Mexico. A 13.5 mile canoe trail and
rental canoes are available for daily excursions, and a primitive
campsite is also located along the canoeing trail for overnight
camping. There are two camping facilities; one is a wooded rural
site which provides spaces for approximately 19 tents; the other
is a recreational vehicle camping ground which provides 111 sites
in an open camping situation. The park contains a 6.5 mile
winding hiking trail which takes one through pine flatwoods and
cypress swamps and includes a primitive camping site. A
self-guided (or ranger toured) 9/10 mile boardwalk nature trail
winds through tropical hammock, buttonwood and white mangrove
forests, and has an observation platform overlooking a saltmarsh.
Collier-Seminole state Park is managed by the state and provides
locals and visitors with an opportunity to view "Original Natural
Florida" (FDNR, 198ge).
In 1947, Everglades City was chosen to be the location of the
western waterway entrance to the Everglades National Park. The
Collier family donated 32,000 acres to the federal government to
be included in the park. The area is the most direct access to
the great fishing of the Ten Thousand Islands. There are
currently 3 homes for rangers, a small marina and boat basin and
a visitor center. Everglades National Park at Everglades City
hosts a number of boat tours and a display center of typical
shorelines and marine life.
II -451-
Typical recreational activities at the park include fishing,
boating, birdwatching, camping, hiking,and canoeing. Camping
grounds reached only by canoe are located along the Ten Thousand
Islands from Everglades city down to Cape Sable and Flamingo
in Monroe county. The Wilderness Way, (as the path is termed),
has sequentially numbered markers to guide visitors on a 99 mile
adventure. The route requires 6 hours by small motor boat or
seven days by canoe.
7.12.3.2 PUblic Boat Ramps
Collier-Seminole State Park contains a two lane boat ramp
available for public use. There is a small admission fee into
the park. A bathhouse, fish cleaning table and picnic benches are
also available at this location.
Port of the Islands has a two lane boat ramp that is available
for public use for a small fee (Figure 7.12-3).
Everglades City and Chokoloskee do not have public boat ramps.
However, there are a few marinas that allow public use of their
ramps for a small fee.
There are no County owned public boat ramps in the Ten Thousand
Islands area. An additional County ramp should be considered for
the Goodland area for access to the Ten Thousand Islands.
7.12.3.3 Marinas
Goodland currently contains 5 marinas, including a private marina
at the Coon Key resort, and public marinas. A new marina, the
Goodland Marina, has been permitted and will soon be developed.
The Goodland Marina will be the largest in the town upon its
completion, containing 140 wet slips and 250 dry storage slips.
The new marina will be designed as ecologically minded as
possible and will also have on site pump-out facilities. Access
to the Gulf of Mexico from Goodland is via Coon Key Pass.
Port of the Islands contains a private marina with 100 wet slips,
on the Faka-Union Canal (Figure 7.12-3). The marina is currently
being expanded to include an additional 75 wet slips and floating
docks. Access to the Gulf of Mexico is via Fakahatchee Pass.
Everglades City currently contains 4 pUblic marinas and 3 hotel
marinas (Figure 7.12-3). Access to the Gulf of Mexico is via the
Barron River, Indian Key and Chokoloskee Pass.
II -452-
7.12.3.4 DeveloDment and Land Use
Goodland
Goodland is located at the southeast corner of Marco Island.
Goodland was one of the large villages inhabited by the Calusa
Indians between approximately 1200 to 1700 A.D.. At this time
there is thought to have been 10 large villages and 5 small
villages in the Ten Thousand Islands, occupied by a total of
4,250 Indians. A large 40 acre shell mound was left by the
Indians at Goodland to tell their tale. Olive oil jars have also
been found as evidence of the Spanish habitation in the sixteenth
century (Widmer, 1988).
The first settler was Jonnie Roberts, who named this newly found
land (1800's) "Good Land", referring to the deep passages of the
Marco River to the north and to the south, abundant fishing, its
high elevation (shell mound), and its fertile soil. In the early
1900'S, Roberts sold his squatters rights to the Pettit family,
who used the shell mound as fill for the construction of the road
to Royal Palm Hammock (Tamiami Trail). A wooden trestle swing
bridge was placed across the Marco River as the connection to the
mainland. The County constructed a canal adjacent to the shell
road and completed the access which was the only link to Marco
Island from 1939 until 1969 (Tebeau, 1966).
Goodland remained a small population center until 1949, when the
entire village of Caxambas was moved here and the population of
Goodland tripled overnight (100 inhabitants). Other buildings
including the Marco Lodge (from Old Marco) were soon to follow.
The town has not changed much since this time although the
population has reached 400 inhabitants. It remains a quaint old-
fashioned fishing village. Cottages, trailer parks, fish houses,
an art store, general store, three restaurants and a hotel are
what exist today. There are plans for a marina to be cut into
the wetlands south of Goodland. The marina is not viewed as a
favorable addition by the occupants of the small town, who to
this day resist change and additional development in their
secluded community.
Port of the Islands
Port of the Islands is located approximately 20 miles east of
Naples. The development was established in 1966 (as Remuda
Ranch), on approximately 560 acres. Port of the Islands is a
resort getaway surrounded by 1.5 million acres of federal and
II -453-
state parks and preserves, including Everglades National Park,
Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve,
and Collier-seminole state Park.
Port of the Islands has been a popular resort area for fishermen,
naturalists, artists, writers and anyone who is in need of an
escape from urban pressures. Resort facilities south and north
of U.S. 41 include a hotel, private homes, condominium suites,
marina, air strip, swimming pool, six tennis courts, restaurants,
waterfront chickee bar, RV resort and skeet shooting range. The
resort hosts conventions, an environmental summer camp for
children, fishing tournaments, island nature cruises and many
activities for the residents and visitors in Collier County
throughout the year (National chili Cookoff, Bloody Mary Mixoff
etc...) .
Ten Thousand Islands
The Ten Thousand Islands and the creeks which emptied into the
area were home to many settlers in Collier County. In the days
before roads, Key West was easier to reach from Naples than Ft.
Myers or Tampa. The easy access by boat to these islands allowed
settlers to establish homes and farms. Many came to raise
vegetables and fruit for the Key West market. This was truly the
pioneer area in Collier County.
Settlements in the Ten Thousand Islands appeared, flourished for
a time, and died off, leaving scattered traces of their
existences.
The entire Ten Thousand Island area is rich in archaeological
significance. From Marco Island to Lostman's River, sites
include shell heaps, shell mounds, shell and muck mounds and
canals leading to sheltered inland ponds for Indian canoes.
Evidence which proves the existence of the ancient civilizations
of the Calusa Indians also includes habitational platforms,
kitchen middens, burial mounds, canals and harbors.
The islands which were sought most were those which were
previously occupied by aboriginal cultures. Their shell mounds
created high and fertile lands in an area of mangroves and
marshes. Each island was its own outpost in an extended
community where settlers often moved from one island to another
as occupants moved on to other places. Today, the previously
inhabited islands listed below are in the Everglades National
Park and are protected from development. There are no human
inhabitants on the islands at this time.
II -454-
Panther Kev
The most famous inhabitant of the Ten Thousand Islands was the
hermit of Panther Key, Juan Gomez. Gomez was born in 1778 and
claimed to have been patted on the back by Napoleon Bonaparte, a
cabin boy to the famous pirate Gasparilla, fought in the Seminole
War (1837), and a civil War blockade runner. Local residents
claim he was a farmer and goat rancher while inhabiting Panther
Key. In 1900, an unusual drowning in a fishing net dragged him
to his end at the age of 122 years (Beater, 1965).
Russell Kev
David Roberts moved from Fakahatchee to Russel Key about 1882.
Phineas B. Myers eventually established a farm on the key after
Roberts left for Ft. Myers. Following Myers to the key was the
J.W. Russell family with six sons and two daughters. They left
in 1899 for Naples.
A man named Gaston purchased half of the island from Russell. He
established a chicken farm raising about 800 birds a year. The
eggs were sold to curry and Sons of Key West. Walter Langford
purchased the key about 1904.
Ferquson River
John Ferguson settled along the Ferguson River in 1881. He
raised fruit and bananas which he shipped to Tampa. John Henry
Daniels purchased the farm from Ferguson in 1890 and later sold
it to a Mr. Layne. In 1900 a Mr. Gandees purchased the property
from Layne. Gandees stayed for three years but had to leave as a
result of his suspected involvement in the stabbing of Robert
Marshall in Storter's store at Everglades city. Gandees returned
in 1905 and left in 1908.
Fakahatchee
Charles Echolm, a Swede, established a farm on the east side of
the Fakahatchee River between 1890 and 1900. This farm extended
upstream about one-half mile. He raised sweet potatoes and sugar
cane. He also produced charcoal from buttonwood for the Key West
market.
John Henry Daniel purchased the property and later sold it to a
Mr. Demere. He established his home near a large shell mound on
the river and buried his wife there.
II -455-
Across Fakahatchee Bay was Fakahatchee Island. David Roberts
established the first settlement there about 1882. He was
followed by J.S. Hart, who came to the island with his family in
1887 from Clearwater. He died on the island and the holdings
were sold to H.B. Smith. The settlement on the island reached a
point of having a small school for the several families who lived
on the island.
In 1889, Adrian Chamberlain moved his family to the island. He
found John Youman, operating a produce shipping boat from Marco
to Fakahatchee Island and eventually Key West.
Youman left, returned and then moved to a mound once owned by
James Demere, located on the north side of the island. He sold
it to Barron Collier in 1922.
Dismal Kev
This key was originally owned by Stillman, a barkeeper from Key
West. He planted a lime grove to ship fruit to Key West on his
schooner "Oriental". The grove was under the care of Arthur
Higgs, stillman's agent. stillman died in 1882 and the grove
operation was abandoned. E.R. Newell from South Carolina brought
his family to the key in 1886 and remained there until 1895.
J.H. Newell, probably a son, lived on the key in 1901. The
property was abandoned after that except for transient fishermen
who used it as a land base for their operations.
Pumpkin Kev
James Demere lived on the key at some point prior to 1890, when
he moved to Youman's mound.
Halfwav Creek
This small creek between Everglades City and Chokoloskee was a
popular spot for many settlers. The first settler was John Weeks
who established a home on the south side prior to 1880. William
F. Brown lived on the Weeks farm until about 1892 when he died.
Mrs. Eliza Hall established the second settlement about 1880.
Levi Gender operated a boat between Halfway Creek and Key West.
Other families lived on the north side of Halfway Creek and
operated small farms. John Roan had a farm on the creek before
1883 when he left for Fort Myers. A man named Lott then assumed
the operation of the Roan farm for the following two years. John
Brown operated a farm in 1882 and 1883 until he moved to the
Madison Week property on the Barron River. William Gardner had a
II -456-
farm nearby which he operated until 1894 when he was killed in
Key West in racial riots. James C. Lockhart also operated a farm
which he kept until 1898, when he moved to Tampa.
Sugar cane and bananas became an important cash crop on the creek
around the turn of the century. Several families grew these
items at that time. They included Ben Brown, Bill Brown, Eliza
Hall, George Howell, the Youmans, and Lockharts.
Turner River
Captain Richard Turner established a farm about 1/4 to 1/2 mile
up river from the mouth. In 1895, William W. House established a
farm on the large mounds 3/4 mile up river. They stayed on the
farm until about 1900, and raised eggplant, sugar cane, and
peppers. The family acquired a packing house which was probably
built by Richard Turner. They prepared the vegetables for
shipment to Key West via schooner to W.T. Cash and curry Sons,
who forwarded the produce to New York as well as sold it in Key
West. A hurricane in 1910 destroyed the packing house and other
buildings, and the area was abandoned.
There are two mounds about 1/4 mile north of the Tamiami Trail
near the Turner River Bridge. These mounds were used for several
years by Tommy Osceola and his family. Jim Demere settled there
in 1905 and later sold the property to George Storter and a Mr.
Ellis who established an orange and grapefruit grove.
Sandflv Pass
There is an unnamed shell mound island near the upper end of
sandfly Pass where Richard Turner lived before he moved to
Turner River. James Walker then occupied the mound until 1884.
It is here that Joe Wiggins established a trading post about
1884, after two plume hunters by the name of Wilson and Tuttle
encouraged him to commence on this effort. He traded with the
Seminoles in the area. The store was later sold to a Mr. Porter
from Michigan. Tomatoes were raised on the island in the 1890's
by Joe Daugherty who sharecropped with Wiggins. Braxton Lewis,
Wiggin'S brother-in-law, also had a farm on the island. wiggins
abandoned the store about 1904. Charlie Boggess later occupied
the old Wiggins property until after 1920.
White Horse Kev
A Mr. Barnes established a farm on this key in the 1880's.
Later, a Mr. Thompson, a carpenter from Marco Island, established
a farm on the key.
II -457-
Four Brothers Kev
Just north of White Horse Key was Four Brothers Key. Jim Daniels
and John Lowe established farms on this key. A Mr. Brady then
occupied the farm, but later abandoned it.
CUrrv's Island
John Curry established a home and farm on this island, which is
just south of Caxambas Point.
Grocerv Bav
Jim Daniels settled on this bay at the mouth of Royal Palm
Hammock Creek. His primary occupation was wood cutting for Key
West.
These islands are mostly abandoned now. Many fell into disuse in
the 1920's and 1930's. Most buildings have been destroyed by
hurricane and decay. Many of the houses were never more than
palmetto huts. Some of the occupants built docks, packing
houses, and cisterns. Several reports indicate that many of
these cisterns remain on the islands.
(Note that the above information has been compiled from extensive
notes and references compiled by D. Graham Copeland in five
volumes. They are in the possession of the Collier County
Historical Museum. The reader should specifically pay attention
to pages 1070-1150 where most of these notes can be found).
Everqlades citv
As with much of this region, civilization at Everglades City
commenced thousands of years ago with mound-building Indians that
were to be succeeded by the Calusa Indians and later by the
Seminole Indians. A famous Indian trading post was located on
the Barron River by the year 1873.
Everglades was the name used for a settlement here as early as
1880. Large quantities of produce were shipped from Everglades
to the Key West markets at this time. Everglades became the
"Town of Everglades" in 1923 and eventually "City of Everglades"
in 1953 when the old charter was abolished. It was not until
1965 that a bill was passed in Congress to change the name to
Everglades City.
The founder of Everglades is considered to be W.S. Allen, who
built the first home on the south bank of the Barron River. This
site was also utilized as a shipping port for vegetables and
sugar cane produced on a plantation nearby.
II -458-
The captain R.B. storter family was lured to this area in 1882,
by reports that sugar cane crops fared well in this region. They
first farmed on rented land and later purchased the Allen house.
Today, this house still stands and is the location of the famous
~Rod and Gun Club.
The port at Everglades progressed considerably in the produce
shipping market as well as being an exporter of alligator and
deer hides, and egret plumes. Commercial fishing was also an
important commodity in Everglades as well as Chokoloskee Island
to the south.
As with many towns in the south, railroads replaced the shipping
industry, and Everglades became almost static until Barron
Collier arrived in 1923 and decided that this was to be his new
base of operations. The first thing Collier did was to obtain
the largest dredges in existence and dredge more than 2 million
cubic yards of fill from the river and bay to reclaim a marsh and
then landscape it. This project began in 1924 and was finally
completed by 1929.
Everglades was the halfway point along the proposed Tamiami Trail
and a deep water port, making the town an ideal location for
construction material and heavy machinery drop off. Because of
this situation, Everglades was chosen to be the County seat for
Collier County. It remained the governmental center until the
County seat was transferred to East Naples in 1962.
Upon completion of the Tamiami Trail, Barron Collier equipped the
town with a bus line, motor freight line, telephone and telegraph
company, and eventually the Atlantic Coastline railway and an
airstrip.
The town was thought to have been discovered by the rest of the
world in the early twenties by a writer of a fishing magazine.
The writer awarded Everglades city as being the tarpon and snook
fishing capital of the world. People from allover were soon to
find this little city as a vacation and resort fishing town.
Everglades City still has that same reputation. Commercial
fishing and recreational fishing are the mainstay of the city's
economy today. It is still a remote village of 500 inhabitants
with the old time scenery and feeling of "Old Florida" and the
last frontier. single family housing, commercial establishments
of hotels, resort RV parks and marinas encircle this quaint
little city (Everglades Chamber of Commerce, 1968).
II -459-
Chokoloskee Island
Chokoloskee Island is located at the mouth of the Turner River,
at the end of lower Chokoloskee Bay. The entire island
encompasses only 150 acres. The bay is a shallow inland sea
almost 10 miles in length, less than 2 miles wide and less than 5
feet deep. Elevations on the island reach more than 20 feet and
there are several art~sian wells which gave the island a
plentiful water supply.
Chokoloskee was first settled in approximately 2200 BP. These
inhabitants were mound builders who were replaced by the Calusa
Indians. The economy in the area at this time was fishing,
hunting, and gathering based on the abundance of oysters, quahog
clams, horse conch and lightning whelks. The Calusa inhabited
the island until approximately the mid-1600's.
The next group to inhabit this region was a mixture of Cuban
fishermen and Calusa remnants. They established numerous fishing
ranches. Fish was raised, dried and salted and fish roe was
corncob-smoked for market in Havana (100 tons/year reported in
1769) (Austin and McJunkin, 1978). Other important export items
were turtle, shark liver oil, songbirds and cordage.
Intermittent farmers, and occasional plume and hide hunters and
Seminole Indians inhabited and frequented Chokoloskee and
Everglades City in the 1800's. The Seminole Indians gave the
name "Chocoloskee" to the little island, meaning "old house". No
legend is known as to the reason for the name. Farming, hunting,
fishing and charcoal-making were the mainstay of the economy.
The first modern day settler is considered to be George D. Allen,
whose father is known as the founder of Everglades city. Allen
arrived in Chokoloskee in 1874, and claimed the island had shown
previous signs of an earlier occupation, with the numerous lime
trees growing on the island at the time of his arrival. However,
there are no records of a previous inhabitant.
John Weeks and his family were the first settlers on record
owning property on Chokoloskee. Weeks put the first claim on the
island and gave Adolpus santini half the island to induce
settlement and avoid the isolation feeling at that time. Weeks
soon sold his half of the island to another settler who sold it
to the santini family (making them sole owners of Chokoloskee for
the last 20 years of the century). The Santini family was
employed in farming, fishing, turtling and operating a boat
service to and from Key West. The family left the island in 1899
when the Smallwood family purchased Chokoloskee, following
santini's role as major property owner.
II -460-
The population of Chokoloskee grew very slowly. When the Ted
Smallwood family arrived on the island there were only five
families. The McKinney family started the first post office and
mail route in 1891, and by 1906 Ted Smallwood became the
postmaster, a position he would hold for the next 35 years.
Squatters (who made up most of the population) claimed much of
the land and the Smallwoods held "pre-emption" papers to 160
acres (including mangroves and submerged lands) of the 150 acres
of the island. The squatters resisted surveys and titles which
meant to them paying for the land, paying taxes or being evicted.
When the Smallwoods and Storters (Everglades City) sought to
clear their titles, they found that the united States Government
had given title to the State who in turn granted it to the
railroad companies. They also found that the railroad companies
sold it to the timber and land companies. After many squabbles
the timber and land companies agreed to a survey and the
Smallwoods got the deed to Chokoloskee Island.
In 1906, the Smallwoods started a trading post on Chokoloskee
Island which became the trading headquarters for the region.
There was only one major problem with its location - the deep
water canal was located a few hundred yards offshore from the
store. In 1918, Ted Smallwood dredged a channel from the deep
water to the store, giving him a tremendous commercial advantage
and a successful enterprise. As the railways reached deeper into
Florida the shipping industry became obsolete.
In 1923, Everglades city became the County seat and the town grew
rapidly. A six mile road and bridge was planned to connect
Everglades City to Chokoloskee Island. However, due to the
expense and difficulty of constructing the bridge (the bottom of
the Bay was muck and the hardpan layer was very deep) it was not
a reality until 1954, when funds were finally available. As soon
as the bridge and road were constructed, bulldozers arrived and
the land was cleared, and the shell mounds transformed. Soon the
island had hotels, fish camps, commercial fish houses, a marina
with a turning basin, and the school boat was replaced with a
school bus. Chokoloskee now took on the appearance of a modern
real estate development.
Today, Chokoloskee resembles the same little town of the mid
1950's. A large RV park and marina have been constructed at the
entrance to the island and a few modern stilt hotel/condominiums
are located across the street from the park. The town still
boasts the reputation of being a great fishing resort in the
middle of the Ten Thousand Islands, and is a weekend and seasonal
getaway for many residents and visitors in Collier county.
II -461-
7.12.4 RECOMMENDATIONS
7.12.4.1 Maintenance Recommendations
The Ten Thousand Islands area should be maintained at its current
level of service. No dredging should be permitted in this area.
This inlet segment is relatively undeveloped, and large portions
of it are under special state and federal protection. Any
proposed projects that would cause a significant disturbance to
natural systems should not be permitted. These would include
beach nourishment, marina projects, canal construction, Planned
unit Developments, etc.
Projects that would have a negative impact on sea turtle nesting
and/or hatching activities should occur outside of sea turtle
nesting season. Nest relocation activities to acco~~odate
construction during sea turtle nesting and hatching season should
not be permitted in any case unless there would otherwise be an
extreme impact on human health, safety, and welfare.
Small projects, such as single family docks, other over-water
structures, and shoreline armoring, should be done in the most
environmentally sound manner. Docks should be aligned to avoid
submerged seagrass beds or other benthic habitat, and terminal
ends should be in appropriate water depths to reduce prop
dredging (deeper than -3', MLW). Shoreline armoring should not be
allowed unless erosional threats to property are severe. If that
is the case, armoring should consist of revetments of sloping
riprap with vegetation planted at the toe. Natural shoreline
vegetation should be preserved to maintain shoreline stability,
habitat, and filtering capabilities.
Native, salt-tolerant vegetation should not be removed from dune
areas. Only limited clearing, with an emphasis on construction of
dune walkover structures and preservation of dune vegetation,
should be permitted.
7.12.4.2 Recommended Restoration Activities
Public acquisition of privately owned lands within this segment
that are deemed to be environmentally sensitive by the Collier
county Natural Resources Department should be encouraged.
Educational and/or regulatory signage should be installed around
environmentally sensitive seagrass areas, most notably on the
Cape Romano Shoals, in an effort to reduce scarring of the beds
by boater activities.
II -462-
Installation of more navigation markers may cause a decrease in
boater disturbance of shallow submerged substrates, and should be
encouraged, where appropriate.
Educational signage within the back bay system and at
recreational beaches, as well as the sponsoring of educational
programs, addressing shoreline dynamics, protected species
protection, littering, prop dredging, the value of seagrass beds
and native dune vegetation, and other appropriate topics are
encouraged. These projects should be approved by the County's
Natural Resources Department.
Dune systems should be vegetated with native, salt-tolerant
plants to enhance shoreline stability. Appropriate species
include sea oats, salt grass, sea grape, railroad vine, etc.
Exotic nuisance vegetation, such as Australian pine and Brazilian
pepper, should be removed from dune systems, where possible. Back
bay areas infested with exotic vegetation could also be
selectively cleared, and replanted with appropriate native
species.
II -463-
TABLE 7.12-1
species List: Vertebrates Identified in Collier-Seminole
state Park
NAME:
SEASONAL
RESIDENCE:
ABUNDANCE:
----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
Birds
* : Indicates protected status
Common Loon
pied-billed Grebe
White Pelican
Brown pelican*
Double-crested
Cormorant
Anhinga
Great Blue Heron
Green Heron
Little Blue Heron*
Cattle Egret
Great Egret
snowy Egret*
Louisiana Heron*
Black-crowned
Night Heron
Wood Stork*
White Ibis
Roseate Spoonbill*
Green-winged Teal
Blue-winged Teal
sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Bald Eagle*
Marsh Hawk
osprey*
American Kestrel
Bobwhite
Sandhill Crane
Limpkin
King Rail
Common Gallinule
American Coot
Semipalmated Plover
WR
WR
WR
PR
C
A
R
A
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
PR
A
A
A
A
A
C
A
A
A
PR
PR
PR
SR
WR
WR
WR
WR
PR
WR
WR
PR
WR
PR
T
T
SR
WR
WR
WR
u
U
A
C
C
A
C
C
A
C
C
A
A
A
R
R
C
A
A
A
II -464-
Killdeer PR A
Black-bellied plover PR A
Common Snipe WR A
spotted Sandpiper WR A
Greater Yellow legs WR A
Lesser Yellow legs WR A
Least sandpiper WR A
Dunlin WR A
Short-billed Dowitcher PR A
semipalmated Sandpiper PR A
Ring-billed Gull WR A
Laughing Gull PR A
Forster's Tern WR A
Least Tern* SR C
Royal Tern WR A
Sandwich Tern PR TT
v
Caspian Tern WR U
Mourning Dove PR A
Ground Dove PR A
Monk Parakeet (exotic) T R
Screech Owl PR U
Barred Owl PR A
Chuck-will's Widow SR A
Whip-poor-will WR U
Common Nighthawk SR A
RUby-throated Hummingbird SR U
Belted Kingfisher WR A
Common Flicker PR C
Pileated Woodpecker PR A
Red-bellied Woodpecker PR A
Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker WR C
Hairy Woodpecker PR R
Red-cockaded Woodpecker PR R
Eastern Kingbird T R
Great Crested
Flycatcher PR A
Eastern Phoebe WR A
Tree Swallow WR A
Barn Swallow T C
Purple Martin SR C
Blue Jay PR A
Common Crow PR A
Tufted Titmouse WR A
Brown-headed Nuthatch WR R
House Wren PR A
Carolina Wren WR A
Mockingbird PR A
Gray catbird WR A
Brown Thrasher PR A
II -465-
American Robin WR
Hermit Thrush WR
Eastern Bluebird SR
Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher WR
Ruby-crowned Kinglet WR
Loggerhead Shrike WR
White-eyed vireo PR
Solitary Vireo SR
Black-whiskered vireo WR
Black-and white Warbler WR
orange-crowned Warbler WR
Northern Parula SR
Black-throated Blue Warbler T
Yellow-rumped Warbler WR
Black-throated Green Warb. T
Yellow-throated Warbler WR
pine Warbler PR
prairie Warbler PR
Palm Warbler WR
Ovenbird WR
Common Yellowthroat PR
American Redstart T
Eastern Meadowlark PR
Red-winged Blackbird PR
Boat-tailed Grackle PR
Common Grackle PR
Cardinal PR
American Goldfinch PR
Rufous-sided Towhee WR
Savannah Sparrow WR
Swamp Sparrow WR
Song Sparrow WR
A
C
U
A
A
A
A
A
U
A
U
A
U
A
R
C
A
A
A
C
A
U
A
A
A
A
A
A
C
U
A
C
Reptiles
American Alligator*
Florida Mud Turtle
Florida Box Turtle
Diamondback Terrapin
Gopher Tortoise*
Green Anole
Brown Anole
Southeastern Five-lined Skink
Peninsula Mole Skink
Mangrove Water Snake
Eastern Garter Snake
Peninsula Ribbon Snake
Eastern Mud Snake
Southern Black Racer
II -466-
Eastern Indigo Snake*
Yellow Rat Snake
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Amphibians
Oak Toad
Florida cricket Frog
Green Treefrog
Cuban Treefrog
Little Grass Frog
Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad
Pig Frog
Southern Leopard Frog
Mammals
opossum
Short-tailed Shrew
Nine-banded Armadillo
Marsh Rabbit
Gray squirrel
Fox squirrel*
Rice Rat
Cotton Mouse
cotton Rat
Bottle-nosed Dolphin
Black Bear*
Raccoon
Eastern Spotted Skunk
River otter*
Florida Panther*
Bobcat*
Manatee*
White-tailed Deer
Symbols for Seasonal Residence:
Symbols for Abundance:
SRI Summer Resident
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
PR: Permanent Resident
WR: winter Resident
T: Transient
(from FDNR, 1990c)
II -467-
Table 7.12-2
Federally Designated wildlife species in the Fakahatchee strand.
Wood stork
Snail kite
Florida panther
American alligator
Southern Bald Eagle
Mvcteria americana
Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus
Felis concolor corvi
Alliqator mississippiensis
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Cape Sable seaside sparrow
fu~~OSDiza maritima mirabilis
Red-cockaded woodpecker
Eastern indigo snake
Peregrine falcon
picoides borealis
Drvrnarchon corais couperi
Falco pereqrinus
*Adapted from u.s. Department of the Interior, 1985
II -468-
Table 7.12-3: Federally Designated wildlife species in
Everglades National Park*
American crocodile
Crocodvlus acutus
Atlantic hawksbill turtle
Eretmochelvs imbricata
imbricata
Atlantic green turtle
Atlantic Ridley turtle
Chelonia mvdas mvdas
Lepidochelvs kempi
West Indian manatee
Trichechus manatus
Florida panther
Felis cancolor corvi
Southern bald eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Wood stork
Mvcteria americana
Snail kite
Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus
Cape Sable seaside sparrow
Ammospiza maritima mirabilis
peregrine falcon
Falco pereqrinus
American alligator
Alliqator mississippiensis
Atlantic loggerhead turtle
Caretta caretta
Eastern indigo snake
Drvmarchon cora is couperi
piping plover
Charadrius melodus
Roseate tern
Sterna douqallii
stock Island tree snail
*Adapted from U.S. Department of the Interior, Summer, 1990b
II -469-
TABLE 7.12-4: PARTIAL LIST OF VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES FROM
MANGROVE AND HAMMOCK HABITATS, GOODLAND MARINA, 1988*.
MANGROVE HABITAT:
alternanthera
black mangrove
groundsel tree
saltwort
gumbo limbo
sea rocket
buttonwood
rattlesnake-weed
hurricane grass
heliotrope
tree hibiscus
white mangrove
Christmas-berry
sensitive plant
wild passion vine
red mangrove
glasswort
Brazilian pepper
sea purslane
Spanish bayonet
Alternanthera maritima
Avicennia qerminans
Baccharis halimifolia
Batis maritima
Bursera simaruba
Cakile endentula
Conocarpus erectus
Crotalaria retusa
Fimbristvlis spathacea
Heliotropium curassavicum
Hibiscus tiliaceus
Laauncularia racemosa
Lvcium carolinianum
Neptunia pUbescens
Passiflora suberosa
Rhizophora manqle
Salicornia virainica
Schinus terebinthifolius
Sesuvium portulacastrum
Yucca aloifolia
HAMMOCK HABITAT:
marlberry
sea oxeye
umbrella tree
saffron plum
buckthorn
gumbo limbo
gray nickerbean
beautyberry
flexible caper
goatweed
dildo cactus
Ardisia escallonioides
Borrichia frutescens
Brassia actinophvlla
Bumelia celastrina
Bumelia reclinata
Bursera simaruba
Caesalpinia bonduc
Callicarpa americana
Capparis flexuosa
Capraria biflora
Cereus pentaqonus
T(FDA) , II CITES
Cereus sp.
Chiococca alba
Coccoloba uvifera
Commelina sp.
Conocarpus erectus
Dalberaia ecastOPhvllum
Euaenia axillaris
night-blooming cereus
snowberry
sea grape
dayflower
buttonwood
coin vine
white stopper
II -470-
spanish stopper
strangler fig
Florida privet
wild cotton
seaside heliotrope
spider lily
moonflower
morning glory
Christmas berry
white mulberry
nakedwood
Boston fern
prickly pear
wild passion vine
golden serpent fern
redbay
beach phyllanthus
ground cherry
fishpoison tree
blackbead
cat-claw
poincettia
wild coffee
live oak
steelwood
bloodberry
cabbage palm
soapberry
Brazilian pepper
sea purslane
necklace pod
tamarind
wild pine
airplant
twisted airplant
airplant
ball moss
airplant
Spanish moss
giant airplant
II -471-
Euqenia foetida
Ficus aurea
Forestiera seqreqata
Gossvpium hirsutum
E(FDA)
Heliotropium curassavicum
Hymenocallis latifolia
Ipomoea alba
Ipomoea indica
Lvcium carolinianum
Morinda rovoc
Mvrcianthes fraqrans
Nephrolepis exaltata
opuntia humifusa
T(FDA) , II CITES
Passiflora suberosa
phlebodium aureum
Per sea borbonia
Phvllanthus abnormis
phvsalis viscosa
piscidia piscipula
pithecellobium kevense
Pithecellobium
unquis-cati
Poinsettia cvathophora
Psvchotria nervosa
Ouercus virqiniana
Randia aculeata
Rivina humilis
Sabal palmetto
Sap indus saponaria
schinus terebinthifolius
sesuvium portulaca strum
Sophora tomentosa
Tamarindus indica
Tillandsia balbisiana
T(FDA)
Tillandsia fasiculata
C(FDA)
Tillandsia flexuosa
T(FDA)
Tillandsia paucifolia
T(FDA)
Tillandsia recurvata
Tillandsia setacea
T(FDA)
Tillandsia usneoides
Tillandsia utriculata
C(FDA)
frostweed
shoestring fern
Verbesina virqinica
Vittaria lineata
T(FDA)
Zanthoxvlem faqara
wild lime
The following is a list of levels
providing protection, for species
also noted:
of protection, and each entity
listed above; abbreviations are
T = Considered as Threatened
E = Considered as Endangered
C = Considered as Commercially Exploited
(FDA) = Listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services (List published in Preservation of Native Flora
of Florida Act, Section 581.185-187, Florida Statutes).
II CITES = Listed by the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of wild Fauna and Flora (Appendix II).
* excerpt from Burch, 1988
II -472-
:t~~:: y: ~
~~:;~~~:,
~~.~~.,..
," '''~:'.~S
,~ ..~p;~...
';,'. "..<1,""
~'~~~~, \\~f
, "':',>"'...-':'~'p ~
...';~\'...
",:::::1':'l#
r~0i:' ;,;~~Z~J)
~}-;.J-::.!:\',; \)....
..;-...'~1"" ...
',,:i>.../
"'IDS TO N...Vtc....l.OH .:i" ,"
......-
--
/
~-:',
/;~<;"'"
~.
"'J"'~l
_J~ij.~i~.
I'~.~~",.. '/'0
I.-.~"-;'i .I:I).A
I..... \1.._\
~t:"'t"- '~'-'
",",-=' -
('fi\~
'.. '."j
,
-:1 .;.'
@
. ,
w
w
.
'----.
.
A .:Y
.
.
'/
.
\..
Figure 7.12-1A: Major Passes of the Ten Thousand Islands
Region (from NOAA, 1990).
II
-473-
FAKAHATCHEE
".
"'"L ....
. .
*_ .. ('<10fo; a
Figure 7.12-1B:
~
Islands Region
II -474-
.,.
.
d
d
,"
~
II -475-
~~ ::""Y"
.~-...)
').:.,... ....~
'..". :\
~"" :..
...~.....,........,"
Y[y..,')'~
\~....,:"..;.~
,,' ~-,... -.\'
....""'"'\....""
-",\';yo)" ,.....,
",,:~"\,~.,~:
..''!'''.,....,
~..y~~
.~...~ .
........'
",':'\)
') 0
." r-
'--
1927
1952
1981
,@
, ~3
o
1000 FEET
Figure 7.12-2:
Blind Pass to Cape Romano: 1927 to 1981,
Accretion and Erosion Patterns (from Harvey et
al., 1984 Part 2).
II -476-
WATER DEPENDENT AND WATER RELATED USLS
ROYA.l rAK"PAlJ,t PU-NtllNG COJ.UJUMl)' AREA
c..o;:r.cr c.o..,.,ty. nori.dc
~~
c......
~"
~~
AlJ,IC.I.1'OOI>UrTfUt.)
:
=
t
.,
3":
""
.
.
I
li:cno
. ..~...Slr:.S
.... 80...1"......
SO",",
,
0 .~ ""
M(l'4Jl:(%) ... CD..1XJO lXUOITf Cl:lU....-TT (l('vQ.C....OH 0I'00I~ 2/10jU n...!.. w-,,~
Figure 7.12-3:
Location Map for Port of the Islands Boat Ramp
and Marinas, and Marinas Servicing the Everglades
city Area (from CCME of GMP, 1989).
II -477-