Agenda 10/10/2017 Item #16F1010/10/2017
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with the Friends
of the Fakahatchee for a wayfinding project that includes trail signage, promotional materials,
advertising, PR, Digital and Social media promotion of the trails network at the Fakahatchee
Strand in the amount of $46,720 and make a finding that this expenditure promotes tourism.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
OBJECTIVE Approve an FY 18 agreement for a marketing wayfinding program in the Fakahatchee
Strand Preserve.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Friends of Fakahatchee, Inc. Wayfinding Project
The Friends of Fakahatchee have requested funding assistance for a wayfinding project that includes trail
signage, promotional materials, advertising, PR, Digital and Social media promotion of the trails network
at the Fakahatchee Strand. The project expenses include trial head kiosks, directional signage, trail and
road mile markers, warning and interpretive signage on the existing trail network.
The Friends group projects that the addition of these amenities along the trail will attract 89,600 new
visitors to the trail system after completion and $13,529,606 in direct visitor spending in Collier County.
The project that the Friends of Fakahatchee have proposed supports ongoing efforts to promote
ecotourism activities to visitors. This Wayfinding project will enable more visitors to enjoy the
Fakahatchee Strand area of Collier County by directing them to areas that may otherwise be missed. The
Friends group will work with a professional sign development firm to design and build the various
elements of the Wayfinding materials. The County will reimburse the expenditures made in compliance
with the Agreement between the Friends and the County. The agreement is for up to $46,720 in support
funding.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for Promotion marketing program in the amount of $46,720 is included in
the proposed FY 18 Tourism Division’s budget.
ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION: The Tourist Development Council recommended
approval of this item 7-0 at the July 31, 2017 meeting.
LEGAL CONSIDERATION: This item is approved as to form and legality and requires majority vote
for approval. - CMG
RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an
agreement with the Friends of the Fakahatchee for a wayfinding project in the amount of $46,720 and
make a finding that this expenditure promotes tourism.
Prepared by: Jack Wert, Tourism Director
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. 2017 Final Tourism Agreement - Friends of the Fakahatchee (PDF)
2. FOF Proposal for Wayfinding Project for the Fakahatchee (DOCX)
10/10/2017
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.F.10
Doc ID: 3839
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an
agreement with the Friends of the Fakahatchee for a wayfinding project that includes trail signage,
promotional materials, advertising, PR, Digital and Social media promotion of the trails network at the
Fakahatchee Strand in the amount of $46,720 and make a finding that this expenditure promotes tourism.
Meeting Date: 10/10/2017
Prepared by:
Title: Tourist Development Tax Coordinator – Tourism
Name: Kelly Green
09/28/2017 12:16 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Division Director - Tourism – Tourism
Name: Jack Wert
09/28/2017 12:16 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Tourism Kelly Green Deputy Director Review Skipped 09/28/2017 12:14 PM
Tourism Jack Wert Director Review Completed 09/28/2017 12:25 PM
County Attorney's Office Colleen Greene Level 2 Attorney Review Completed 09/28/2017 1:13 PM
Office of Management and Budget Valerie Fleming Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 09/28/2017 3:24 PM
Budget and Management Office Ed Finn Additional Reviewer Completed 09/29/2017 1:53 PM
County Attorney's Office Scott Teach Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 09/29/2017 3:39 PM
County Manager's Office Tim Durham Executive Director- Corp Business Ops Completed 09/29/2017 5:36 PM
County Manager's Office Nick Casalanguida Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 10/03/2017 3:13 PM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 10/10/2017 9:00 AM
2017 TOURISM AGREEMENT BETWEEN
COLLIER COUNTY AND FRIENDS OF FAKAHATCHEE, INC.
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this day of , 2017,
by and between the Friends of Fakahatchee, Inc., a Florida Not -for -Profit Corporation,
("FRIENDS") and Collier County, a political subdivision of the State of Florida ("COUNTY").
WHEREAS, the COUNTY has adopted a Tourist Development Plan (hereinafter referred
to as "Plan") funded by proceeds from the Tourist Development Tax; and
WHEREAS, the Collier County Tourism Ordinance provides that certain of the revenues
generated by the Tourist Development Tax are to be allocated to promote and advertise tourism
within the State of Florida, nationally and internationally which encourages tourism; and
WHEREAS, the Friends of Fakahatchee have applied to the Tourist Development
Council and the County to use Tourist Development Tax funds for assistance with a Wayfinding
Project for Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park's Hiking, Biking, and Canoe Trail System;
and
WHEREAS, the Tourist Development Council has made a recommended finding to
approve this funding request and that this expenditure promotes tourism; and
WHEREAS, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners has approved the
funding request of the Friends of Fakahatchee, Inc., made a finding that this expenditure
promotes tourism, and authorized the Chairman to execute this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BASED UPON THE MUTUAL COVENANTS AND PREMISES
PROVIDED HEREIN, AND OTHER VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, IT IS MUTUALLY
AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/1] 1
1. SCOPE OF WORK:
(a) In accordance with the authorized expenditures as set forth in the Budget,
attached hereto as Exhibit "C," the FRIENDS are authorized to expend the funds for the
Wayfinding Project for Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park's Hiking, Biking, and Canoe
Trail System as described herein.
2. PAYMENT:
(a) The amount to be paid under this Agreement shall be a total of forty-six thousand,
seven hundred and twenty dollars ($46,720). FRIENDS shall be paid in accordance with fiscal
procedures of the County for the expenditures incurred as described in Paragraph One (1) herein
upon submittal of a Request for Funds on the form attached hereto as Exhibit `B" and made a
part hereof, and shall submit evidence that the vendor invoices have been paid. Evidence of
payment may include a vendor invoice with cancelled check showing payment to vendor,
payment by wire should show the appropriate debit to bank account on bank statement. Should
these documents be unavailable, the FRIENDS may submit other legally viable evidence of
payment subject to review and approval by the Clerk of the Court's Finance Department.
(b) The Tourism Director or his designee shall determine that the invoice payments
are authorized and that the goods or services covered by such invoice[s] have been provided or
performed in accordance with such authorization. The budget attached as Exhibit "C" shall
constitute authorization for the expenditure[s] described in the invoice[s].
(c) All expenditures shall be made in conformity with this Agreement.
(d) The COUNTY shall not pay the FRIENDS until the Clerk's Finance Department
pre -audits all payment invoices in accordance with law.
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/1] 2 �49)
(e) The FRIENDS shall be paid for actual costs, not to exceed the maximum amount
budgeted pursuant to the attached Exhibit "C".
(f) Services or product must be delivered and paid for by the FRIENDS between the
effective dates of this Agreement.
(g) All requests for reimbursement must be received prior to September 30, 2018 to
be eligible for payment.
3. ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURES:
(a) Only eligible expenditures incurred in furtherance of the Wayfinding Project for
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park's Hiking, Biking, and Canoe Trail System as described
in Paragraph One (1) will be paid by COUNTY.
(b) COUNTY agrees to pay eligible expenditures incurred between October 1, 2017
and September 30, 2018.
(c) Any expenditures paid by COUNTY which are later deemed to be ineligible
expenditures shall be repaid to COUNTY within thirty (30) days of COUNTY's written request
to repay said funds.
(d) COUNTY may request repayment of funds for a period of up to three (3) years
after termination of this Agreement or any extension or renewal thereof.
4. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:
(a) The FRIENDS shall provide to County a final status report on the form attached
hereto as Exhibit "A" no later than October 15, 2018.
(b) Each report shall identify the economic impact generated by the FRIENDS
through the use of reports (Exhibit "A" — Final Status Report) which identify the amount spent,
C-4
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/11 3
the duties performed, the services provided, and the goods delivered since the previous reporting
period.
(c) FRIENDS shall take reasonable measures to assure the continued satisfactory
performance of all vendors and subcontractors.
(d) COUNTY may withhold any payments for failure of FRIENDS to provide the
final status report and until the County receives the final status report or other report acceptable
to the Tourism Director.
5. INSURANCE:
(a) FRIENDS shall submit a Certificate of Insurance naming the Collier County
Board of County Commissioners and the Tourist Development Council as additional insureds.
(b) The certificate of insurance must be valid for the duration of this Agreement, and
be issued by a company licensed in the State of Florida, and provide General Liability Insurance
for no less than the following amounts:
BODILY INJURY LIABILITY $300,000 each claim per person
PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY $300,000 each claim per person
PERSONAL INJURY LIABILITY $300,000 each claim per person
(c) The Certificate of Insurance must be delivered to the Tourism Director or his
designee with copies of the Agreement executed by FRIENDS. The FRIENDS shall not
commence activities which are to be funded pursuant to this Agreement until the Certificate of
Insurance has been received by the COUNTY and the Agreement is fully executed.
6. CHOICE OF VENDORS AND FAIR DEALING:
(a) FRIENDS may select vendors or subcontractors to provide services as described
in Paragraph One (1).
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/1 ] 4 CAQ)
(b) COUNTY shall not be responsible for paying vendors and shall not be involved in
the selection of subcontractors or vendors.
(c) FRIENDS agrees to disclose any financial or other relationship between
FRIENDS and any subcontractors or vendors, including, but not limited to, similar or related
employees, agents, officers, directors and/or shareholders.
(d) COUNTY may, in its discretion, object to the reasonableness of expenditures and
require payment if invoices have been paid under this Agreement for unreasonable expenditures.
The reasonableness of the expenditures shall be based on industry standards.
7. INDEMNIFICATION:
FRIENDS shall indemnify and hold harmless Collier County, its agents, officers and
employees from any and all liabilities, damages, losses and costs, including, but not limited to,
reasonable attorneys' fees and paralegals' fees, to the extent caused by the negligence,
recklessness, or intentionally wrongful conduct of the FRIENDS or anyone employed or utilized
by the FRIENDS in the performance of this Agreement. This indemnification obligation shall not
be construed to negate, abridge or reduce any other rights or remedies which otherwise may be
available to an indemnified party or person described in this paragraph.
8. NOTICES:
All notices from the COUNTY to the FRIENDS shall be in writing and deemed duly
served if mailed by registered or certified mail to the FRIENDS at the following address:
Patrick Higgins, President
Friends of Fakahatchee, Inc.
P.O. Box 35
Everglades City, FL 34139
All notices from the FRIENDS to the COUNTY shall be in writing and deemed duly
served if mailed by registered or certified mail to the COUNTY to:
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/11 5 G
Jack Wert, Tourism Director
Collier County Tourism Department
2660 N. Horseshoe Drive Suite 105
Naples, Florida 34104
jackwert@colliergov.net
The FRIENDS and the COUNTY may change the above mailing address at any time
upon giving the other party written notification pursuant to this Section.
9. NO PARTNERSHIP:
Nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating a partnership between the
COUNTY and the FRIENDS, or its vendors or subcontractors, or to constitute the FRIENDS, or
its vendors or subcontractors, as an agent or employee of the COUNTY.
10. COOPERATION:
FRIENDS shall fully cooperate with the COUNTY in all matters pertaining to this
Agreement and shall provide all information and documentation requested by the COUNTY from
time to time pertaining to the use of any funds provided hereunder.
11. TERMINATION:
(a) The COUNTY or the FRIENDS may cancel this Agreement with or without cause
by giving thirty (30) days advance written notice of such termination specifying the effective date
of termination.
(b) If the COUNTY terminates this Agreement, the COUNTY will pay the FRIENDS
for all expenditures or contractual obligations incurred by FRIENDS, with subcontractors and
vendors, up to the effective date of the termination so long as such expenses are eligible.
12. GENERAL ACCOUNTING:
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/1] 6 r:!�
FRIENDS is required to maintain complete and accurate accounting records. All revenue
related to the Agreement must be recorded, and all expenditures must be incurred within the term
of this Agreement.
13. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS:
This Agreement is subject to the availability of Tourist Development Tax revenues. If
for any reason tourist tax funds are not available to fund all or part of this Agreement, the
COUNTY may upon written notice, at any time during the term of this Agreement, and at its sole
discretion, reduce or eliminate funding under this Agreement.
14. AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS:
FRIENDS shall maintain records, books, documents, papers and financial information
pertaining to work performed under this Agreement for a period of three (3) years. FRIENDS
agrees that the COUNTY, or any of its duly authorized representatives, shall, until the expiration
of three (3) years after final payment under this Agreement, have access to, and the right to
examine and photocopy any pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of FRIENDS
involving any transactions related to this Agreement.
15. PROHIBITION OF ASSIGNMENT:
FRIENDS shall not assign, convey, or transfer in whole or in part its interest in this
Agreement without the prior written consent of the COUNTY.
16. TERM:
This Agreement shall become effective on October 1, 2017 and shall remain effective for
one year until September 30, 2018. If the project is not completed within the term of this
Agreement, all unreleased funds shall be retained by the COUNTY. Any extension of this
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/11 7 G
Agreement beyond the one (1) year term in order to complete the Project must be at the express
consent of the Collier County Board of County Commissioners.
The FRIENDS must request any extension of this term in writing at least sixty (60) days
prior to the expiration of this Agreement, and the COUNTY may agree by amendment to this
Agreement to extend the term for an additional ninety (90) days. The Amendment is subject to
approval by the Board.
17. EVALUATION OF TOURISM IMPACT:
FRIENDS shall monitor and evaluate the tourism impact of the Project, explaining how
the tourism impact was evaluated, providing a written report (Exhibit "A" — Final Status Report)
to the Tourism Director or his designee by October 15, 2018.
18. REQUIRED NOTATION:
All collateral material and advertisements should identify Collier County Tourism by
displaying the CVB logo and website url www.paradisecoast.com.
19. AMENDMENTS:
This Agreement may only be amended by mutual written agreement of the parties, after
review by the Collier County Tourist Development Council if warranted.
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/11 8 (r�
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the FRIENDS and COUNTY have respectively, by an
authorized person or agent, hereunder set their hands and seals on the date and year first above
written.
ATTEST:
DWIGHT E. BROCK, Clerk
Approved as to form and legality:
Colleen M. Greene
Assistant County Attorney
WITNESSES:
(1)
Printed/Typed Name
(2)
Printed/Typed Name
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/1]
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
Penny Taylor, Chairman
ORGANIZATION:
FRIENDS OF FAKAHATCHEE, INC.
Printed/Typed Name & Title
EXHIBIT "A"
Collier County Tourist Development Council
Final Status Report (Due by Oct. 15, 2018)
EVENT NAME:
REPORT DATE:
ORGANIZATION:
CONTACT PERSON:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
FAX:
TITLE:
On an attached sheet, answer the following questions for each element in your scope of work.
Final — These questions should be answered for your final status report.
Was this a first time project? If not, how many times has this event taken place?
What is the total economic impact and revenue generated for this event?
Total expenses. (Have all vendors been paid?)
List the vendors that have been paid, if not, what invoices are still outstanding and why?
What problems occurred if any during the project event?
How could the project been improved or expanded?
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/11 10
i.r
EXHIBIT "B"
REQUEST FOR FUNDS
COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
PROJECT
NAME
ORGANIZATION_
ADDRESS
CONTACT PERSON
REQUEST PERIOD
REQUEST#
FROM
TELEPHONE ( )
TO
( ) INTERIM REPORT ( ) FINAL REPORT
TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT $
EXPENSE BUDGET REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTED
TOTALS
NOTE: Reimbursement of funds must stay within the confines of the Project Expenses outlined in
your application. Reimbursement requests must include the following: evidence that the vendor
invoices have been paid.
If project budget has specific categories with set dollar limits, the FRIENDS are required to include
a spreadsheet to show which category each invoice is being paid from and total of category before
payment can be made to FRIENDS. Organizations receiving funding should take into
consideration that it will take a maximum of 45 days for the County to process a check.
Furnishing false information may constitute a violation of applicable State and Federal laws.
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF OFFICIAL OR DESIGNEE: I certify that the above information is
correct based on our official accounting system and records, consistently applied and maintained
and that the cost shown have been made for the purpose of and in accordance with, the terms of the
contract. The funds requested are for reimbursement of actual cost made during this time period.
SIGNATURE TITLE
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/1] 11 C,90
EXHIBIT "C"
BUDGET
FRIENDS OF FAKAHATCHEE, INC.
To assist with funding the
Wayfinding Project for
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park's
Hiking, Biking, and Canoe Trail system
Total:
[04 -CMG -00002/1362927/1] 12
Funding — Not to Exceed
$46,720
P. 0. Box 35, Everglades City, FL 34139 website: www.orchidswamp.org
Jack W. Wert
Executive Director
Convention and Visitors Bureau
2660 N. Horseshoe Drive
Naples, Florida 34104
May 17 t h 2017
Dear Mr Wert,
The Project: Friends of the Fakahatchee Application for a TDC Category "B" Marketing
assistance with a Wayfinding project for Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park's Hiking, Biking and
Canoe Trail system
As you know the Fakahatchee is Florida's largest State Park. At 85,000 acres, it encompasses
almost 10% of the entire State Park system, is only 27 miles east of Naples and receives over
128,000 visitors a year. Even at this current level of visitation the Fakahatchee has an annual
economic impact of over $11 Million to the local economy, supporting over 174 local jobs
With it’s mosaic of wet prairies, marsh, swamp, tropical hardwood hammocks and pine
uplands it is one of the most biologically diverse regions of the greater Everglades ecosystem.
It is also the world's largest forest with a mixed royal palm- cypress canopy.
In spite of the past ravages of clear-cut logging, the park is a remarkable testament to nature's
resilience. It is home to many endangered species such as Florida panther, Florida black bear,
Everglades mink, Cypress fox squirrel, wood stork, American crocodile, 47 native orchid species,
14 native bromeliad species, and 44 species of native ferns, truly warranting the Fakahatchee’s
special status as a preserve, and as orchid and bromeliad capital of the United States.
Diagonally traversing the park is Janes Scenic Drive, an eleven mile, unimproved dirt road
originally built as a railway bed to lumber the area. Old railway ties can still be seen in the
ditches bordering the road. It starts at the park's ranger station and terminates at the
boundary with Picayune Strand State Forest. As well as glimpses into the Fakahatchee's watery
jungle-like interior, Janes Scenic Drive is also the gateway to the park' s ten major trailheads
and almost 100 miles of largely unmarked trails and trams suitable for hiking or biking. This
trail system is the venue for the prestigious annual Everglade s SO-mile Ultra Race that attracts
international runners from all over the world each February.
Apart from Janes Scenic Drive there are two other main access points for the Fakahatchee.
These are the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk and the East River Canoe Trail. The currently un-
signposted East River canoe launch is located off the Tamiami Trail 5.2 miles west of the
Page 1 of 3
P. 0. Box 35, Everglades City, FL,
34139 www.orchidswamp.org
website:
Carnestown junction. East River is a beautiful and varied creek passing through a succession
of small lakes and canopied mangrove tunnels before widening into a tidal river. Along the
way there are several wading bird rookeries. It enters Fakahatchee Bay at Daniels point 5.6
miles from the canoe launch and can be paddled as a day trip or part of a longer overnight
excursion with camping in the 10,000 Islands. This season commercial operators brought
some visiting 6,000 paddlers down the East River.
The Fakahatchee's Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk site is also located just off the Tamiami Trail,
2.8 miles past Port of Islands by the Indian Village. The site was designated by the US Secretary
of the Interior in 1966 as a National Natural Landmark. It's the location of a privately -built 2300
ft. boardwalk entirely maintained by the Friends of Fakahatchee (FOF).
The Boardwalk provide visitors the rare opportunity to explore a strand swamp without getting
their feet wet. It winds its way through one of only two stands of old-growth virgin cypress
forest still existing in Florida and leads to a scenic alligator hole. It currently attracts over
100,000 mainly casual visit m due to a lack of wayfinding, a year with virtually no signage. All
this is about to change, which will bring a lot more visitors into the Fakahatchee . A three -
phase development is underway at the site. In the not too distant future the current haphazard
parking with families dashing across Highway 41 and unsightly port a-potties will be a thing of
the past.
Phase 1 is fully funded and is in permitting at the moment. As part of this, a new parking area
is being created out of an old curve of the Tamiami Trail leftover from when the highway was
straightened. This is located further along Highway 41 from the current entrance by the Indian
Village. The deceleration lane for this new entrance was completed in 2016. Phase 1 covers
the new parking area, its access gate, a bridge across the canal and a new boardwalk linking it
to the original site. Drivers along the Trail are often frustrated by nowhere safe to park to
observe wildlife in the canal. The new bridge has been designed to also serve as a
wildlife viewing platform and will be a huge attraction in its own right.
FOF has made a substantial contribution to Phase 1 totaling almost $250,000 to cover LEED
consultancy, architectural design, survey work and the development of a comprehensive
Interpretive Plan for the entire site.
Phase 2 was just funded by the Florida legislature. It is to construct badly needed proper
restrooms in the new parking area and an Interpretive Pavilion at the site. This will be located
over the canal on the wet prairie and provide an introduction to the whole park.
Phase 3 will construct a unique, approximately 1500 ft. elevated canopy walk that will rise at
a gentle 1:20 grade to make it fully ADA compliant and will also form a loop trail with its
connection to the existing boardwalk. This will become a major draw to Collier County and
the park.
Page 2 of 3
P.O. Box 35, Everglades City, FL, 34139
www.orchidswamp.org
website:
Even with only phases 1 & 2 completed, park visitation is anticipated to increase by 1/3 and
when phase 3 is built to easily double. The park's economic impact will increase accordingly
as each phase is completed.
The Fakahatchee is one of the last remaining areas of the old, 'real' Florida. The Friends of
Fakahatchee contributed 10,000 hours of volunteer time last year as well as almost $80,000
in direct park support, but we have limited financial resources.
To increase accessibility there is a need for information kiosks at trailheads, as well as
directional signage, for trail and road mile markers, and for interpretive signage on the
existing trail network to help cope with this increased visitation.
We are requesting a wayfaring grant from the TDC to accomplish this important work and to
ensure visitors' safety and enjoyment of this spectacular Collier County asset. This will benefit
Collier County's birders, hikers, photographers, nature enthusiasts and our many US and foreign
tourists alike.
President
Friends of Fakahatchee, Inc.
Attachments:
Park map with main trails
Application of requested funds spreadsheet
Economic Impact sheet
Boardwalk vision brochure
Page 3 of 3
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Grand Total $ 46,720
Application for Tourist Development Council (TDC) 'Category "B" Marketing Funding for
Wayfinding Project for Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park Trail System
(V 4)
FOF
Funded TDC
Grant
Per unit TDC
Item location Quantity Quantity cost FOF Total Grand Total
Sign plan, graphics design & writing
For entire site
1 $ 5,000 $5,000
Janes Scenic Drive starting Kiosk Jane Scenic Drive Visitor center 1 $ 1,800 $ 1,800
JSD Boundary Kiosk entrance from Picayune Strand State Forest 1 $ 1,800 $ - $ 1,800
New loop walk in lower park at each end Gate 2, off Janes Scenic Drive at mile 2.3 & Lake Herron 2 $ 1,800 $ 3,600
Prairie Kiosks Four Stakes Prairie top and bottom 2 $ 1,340 $ 2,680
East River Canoe Trail Head Kiosk & Hwy 41 turn-off East river & Hwy 41 1 $ 2,200 $ 2,200
Tail head Information kiosks Gates 0, 3, 4, 7, 12, 16, 19, Jones Grade & East River 9 $ 1,800 $ 16,200
Install mile markers (every 1/2 mile) Janes Scenic Drive 22 $ 120 $ 2,640
Commission and Install interpretive panels Janes Scenic Drive 8 $ 775 $ 6,200
Trail distance, safety on trails (alligator warning etc.) &
plant and animal protection signs Trail network 40 $ 160 $ 6,400
Volunteer effort for installation (man hours) In -kind expenditure including a 10% contingency 241 $ 18 $ 4,218
Grand Total FOF $ 6,018
..
.,
i
FAKAHATCHEE STRAND PRESERVE STATE PARK
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, also known as "the Amazon of
North America", is a linear swamp forest, approximately twenty miles long by
five miles wide and oriented from north to south. It has been sculpted by the
movement of water for thousands of years and clean fresh water is the key
to its existence. Beneath a protective canopy of bald cypress trees flows a
slow moving, shallow river or slough that is warmer than the ambient
temperature in the winter and cooler in the summer. The buffering effect of
the slough and the deeper lakes that punctuate it shields the forest interior
from extreme cold temperatures and this fosters a high level of rare and
endangered tropical plant species. It is the orchid and bromeliad capital of
the continent with 44 native orchids and 14 native bromeliad species
including the famous "Ghost Orchid." Fakahatchee Strand is a haven for
diverse wildlife and migratory birds. Paddle or tour the Ten Thousand
Islands on a guided canoe trip, enjoy a guided swamp walk or hike the
trails or boardwalk and bring your camera. ..r _.
ACTIVITIES
HIKING/NATURE TRAIL • TOURS • WILDLIFE VIEWING • BOARDWALK • CANOEING • KAYAKING• FISHING
137 COASTLINE DRIVE I COPELAND, FL 34137 I 239.695.4593 I COLLIER COUNTY
FLORIDA STATE PARKS-
A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO FLORIDA’S ECONOMY!
WHY INVEST IN STATE PARKS
AND HISTORIC SITES?
Florida has the O N LY state park system in the entire nation
twice awarded the Gold Medal of Excellence by its national
peer group . Florida 's state park system is comprised of 171
state parks and trails on 788,692 acres. In FY 2015, more
than 27 million visitors were served, parks earned over
$58 million, and a record 1,3 85,55 1 volunteer hours were
contributed. Florida 's state park system exists to set aside
and preserve exceptional resource areas, to promote a
healthy society by providing satisfying outdoor recreation
opportunities, and to contribute to the slate's economic well-
being by providing parks for Florida 's citizens and visitors
and their leisure related expenditures.
WHY ARE PARKS IMPORTANT TO
FLORIDA'S ECONOMIC HEALTH?
In FY 2015, state parks had an economic impact of over
$2, 8 15,587, 87 3 on local economies throughout Florida.
$ 184 ,07 1,03 2 was contributed to the state's genera l
revenues in the form of state sales taxes. More than 45,049
jobs were created in local economies as a result of state park
operations. In many rural counties throughout the state, the
state park is one of the most important attractions drawing
visitors to the county and supporting small businesses that
depend on tourism for survival.
HOW ARE STATE PARKS SUPPORTED
THROUGH THE STATE BUDGET?
Florida state parks receive NO general revenue funds and
they raise 64 % of their operating costs through entry and
camping fees, concessionaire income sharing and other
partnerships. State parks have become more self-sufficient
in generating the funds required to operate and aim to make
the system as a whole completely self-supporting within the
next few years, recognizing that
not every park has the potential of being self-sufficient.
Meeting this goal requires new ways of increasing park
revenues through innovation and partnerships , as well
as reducing operating costs w hile staying true to the
balanced program of outdoor recreation and resource
protection. These dual missions have been the basis for the
success of Florida’s state parks program since its inception.
Support of our award-winning state parks will help insure
their continued role in creating jobs and contributing to a
healthy state economy. Join us! Become a Friend today and
follow-us on Facebook.
FRIENDS OF FLORIDA STATE PARKS, l C
A nonprofit citizen support organization formed in support of the entire
Florida State Park system. Friends is recognized as the leading advocate of
the Florida Park Service to ensure the existence of the Real Florida
for future generations.
FRIENDS OF FLORIDA
Stale PARKS WWW.FRIENOSOFFLORIOASTATEPARKS.ORB I]
--
e a ll-volunteer, non-profit Friends of Fakahatchee has launched a
capital campaign to expand Access for All in one of our country's most
spectacular areas of subtropical wilderness: Fakahatchee Strand
Preserve State Park, located in southwest Florida. The project focuses on the
Park's Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk site, which was designated a National
Natural Landmark in 1966. lt will open up new areas of the Park, protect and
restore the resource, and enhance the visitor's experience.
The Friends of Fakahatchee donate
over 8,000 hours annually lo the Park
to clear trails, provide interpretive
programs, aid orchid restoration,
remove non-native plants, and maintain
the existing 2,200' privately-built Big
Cypress Bend Boardwalk, as well as
provide direct financial support for the
purchase of specialized equipment.
Now over 30 years old, the boardwalk
needs replacing and its amenities
upgraded. Our members have already
pledged or donated over $300,000 to the
project. We now need your help.
Education, Preservation, Restoration
Sharing our vision for Fakahatchee Strand's
Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk
Site significance
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, located in Florida's Collier County 45 minutes south of Naples
and l 112 hours west of Miami, is Florida's largest State Park. With an optimal boundary of
80,000 acres, it is as big as Florida's next three largest State Parks combined, but it is the least
developed, with no gate and no roads except unpaved Janes Scenic Drive. It is designated as
a preserve because of its unique ecosystem and microclimate. Nothing short of superlatives
captures its significance. It is the orchid and bromeliad capital of the United States. It supports
the largest population of native royal palms in the country, rivals Everglades National Park in
fern diversity and is the largest forest in the world with a mixed royal palm/cypress canopy.
It is also home to many endangered species including the Florida panther, Florida black bear,
rare Everglades mink, wood stork, American crocodile and mangrove fox squirrel.
Remarkably, the Fakahatchee's Big Cypress Bend site was spared the logger's blade in the
logging rush of the 1940’s. It is one of only two remaining virgin cypress stands in Florida.
Towering bald cypress entwined by ancient strangler figs, and royal palms still cast their
shade over a dense understory. Bromeliads and orchids cling to the branches. Butterflies
flitter by, birds callout, lizards scurry, the occasional alligator hauls out on a log or sand bar.
Each year a pair of bald eagle’s nests within view of the Boardwalk. It is a place where wildness
still reigns.
Project Goals
In partnership with the Florida Park Service:
Improve visitor safety by building a new arrival zone off the highway and new parking area
complete with restrooms, picnic facilities, orientation signs, and viewing opportunities. Other
improvements include a bridge over the canal paralleling the Tamiami Trail that will become
a feature in itself and open up new areas of the park to the public.
Create the Fakahatchee's first ever interpretive pavilion. This will be on the far side of the canal
and have a wraparound cracker style porch with expansive views of the surrounding prairie.
lts contents will tell the story of the Fakahatchee and inspire visitors to explore further.
Link the new parking area, interpretive pavilion, and the original boardwalk site with a
series of new ADA accessible trails and boardwalks, ensuring that all visitors will have the
opportunity for number of loop walks and not have to enter and exit the same way. These
new trails and boardwalks include:
a low-level boardwalk across the salt marsh, with wheel stop edges, but no side railings to
provide an uninterrupted view of the habitat,
a "Canopy Walk" along the edge of the Strand that gradually rises to a 20' shaded
observation platform with views over the wet prairie on one side and the forest on the
other, before descending through the Strand,
a crushed-shell path, overlook, and rain shelter with wildlife viewing opportunities around
a newly accessible lake.
Upgrade and widen the ex isting aging boardwalk that winds through a section of virgin
cypress forest to an alligator hole and repopulate the route with native orchids and bromeliads
propagated by the park to create a unique “Epiphyte Walk."
Build an outdoor classroom at the original boardwalk site for school programs.
Develop interpretive panels and displays for the new interpretive pavilion and
entire expanded site. Secure access to protect the restored epiphyte population.
- Increase annual boardwalk visitation from 80,000 to 160,000.
FOF mission
The Friends of Fakahatchee
provide fin ancia l and
volunteer support to preserve
the unique ecology and culture
of Fakahatchee Strand
Preserve State Park and to
educate about its importance.
Call to action
Fakahatchee Strand's Big
Cypress Bend Boardwalk
is in dire need of structural
improvements to enhance the
experiences of visitors and
protect its fragile resources. As
the source of financial and
volunteer support for
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve
State Park, the Friends of
Fakahatchee invite you to get
involved in our work. This is a
rare opportunity to help
contribute to and shape the
future of one of the last
undeveloped areas of the
Everglades' remaining
subtropical wilderness.
To learn more about our
vision for the Fakahatchee
Strand and Big Cypress
Bend Boardwalk, visit
www.OrchidSwamp.org
and register for our
newsletter, or contact us
by phone or email.
Visit! Experience the
splendor of Fakahatchee
Strand and Big Cypress
Bend Boardwalk
First hand. We would
be pleased to arrange a
private potential donor
experience.
Donate to support the
s Friends of Fakahatchee
and know that your tax-
deductible gift will be put
to work immediately. You
can do this via the donor
button on our website,
www.OrchidSwarnp.org,,
or via mail. Please make
donations out to the
Friends of Fakahatchee,
Inc.
To learn more about the project please contact the Friends of Fakahatchee
Friends of Fakahatchee
P. 0. Box 35
Everglades City, FL 34139
Boardwalk Project @OrchidSwamp.org
How to contact us:
Email: BoardwalkProject@OrchidSwamp.org
Francine Stevens - President, Friends of Fakahatchee (239) 495-6744
Tom Maish - Chair, Boardwalk Vision Committee (239) 992-5963
Patrick Higgins - VP& Boardwalk Vision Co-chair (239) 595-4828
--