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Agenda 12/08/2015 Item #16D1312/8/2015 16.D.13. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to approve the second two year extension of the Interim Management Plan for the Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Preserve. OBJECTIVE: To extend the Red Maple Swamp Preserve Interim Management Plan for an additional two years. CONSIDERATIONS: The Red Maple Swamp Preserve is located north and west of Immokalee Road within Unit 53 of North Golden Gate Estates. Acquisition of parcels within the preserve began in September 2004. Currently, the pattern of County ownership in Red Maple Swamp Preserve is scattered, with the exception of one large contiguous block of parcels totaling 52.8 acres on the western side of the project, adjacent to South Florida Water Management District conservation lands. Staff commenced exotic plant control in 2013 within this contiguous block area. Since this acreage is only 18% of the entire area ultimately hoped to be acquired, staff hesitates to prepare a Final Management Plan, as there are too many unknowns to start planning for public access. The Conservation Collier Ordinance (2002 -63, Section 14.1) requires that "prior to the expiration of two years, either a new management plan shall be implemented or, by affirmative action of the Board, the interim plan shall continue." An extended Interim Management Plan for Red Maple Swamp Preserve was last approved by the Board on May 28, 2013 (Agenda item 16D8). Changes include updated maps, updated property status information, additions to plant or animal lists, status of exotic plant and animal infestations, streamlining of text, and an update on the possibility of incorporating Red Maple Swamp Preserve into the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Wildlife and Environmental Area. The Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee reviewed the updated plan and unanimously recommended approval at its public meeting held on October 12, 2015 (Agenda item VE). Tracked changes have been made so that Board members can quickly see the proposed changes. Any formatting irregularities caused by tracked changes will be resolved in the final document. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no new fiscal impact associated with approving this management plan update. Management costs are consistent with the Conservation Collier Financial Plan approved at the April 8, 2014 Board meeting (Agenda item 11B). GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this item. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote for Board approval. — JAB RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners approves the attached proposed second extension of the Interim Management Plan for the Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Preserve and directs staff to implement the updated plan. PREPARED BY: Melissa Hennig, Senior Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Division Attachment: Second Extension of the Red Maple Swamp Interim Management Plan Packet Page -1193- 12/8/2015 16.D.13. COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 16.16.D.16.D.13. Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the second extension of the Interim Management Plan for the Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Preserve. Meeting Date: 12/8/2015 Prepared By Name: BetancurNatali Title: Operations Analyst, Parks & Recreation 11/3/2015 12:42:14 PM Submitted by Title: Environmental Specialist, Senior, Conservation Collier Name: HennigMelissa 11/3/2015 12:42:15 PM Approved By Name: HennigMelissa Title: Environmental Specialist, Senior, Conservation Collier Date: 11/4/2015 9:32:33 AM Name: WashburnIlonka Title: Manager - Park Operations, Parks & Recreation Date: 11/9/2015 10:21:33 AM Name: WilliamsBarry Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation, Parks & Recreation Date: 11/10/2015 9:51:06 AM Name: TownsendAmanda Title: Division Director - Operations Support, Public Services Department Date: 11/13/2015 1:13:17 PM Name: CarnellSteve Packet Page -1194- 12/8/2015 16.D.13. Title: Department Head - Public Services, Public Services Department Date: 11/13/2015 2:19:06 PM Name: BelpedioJennifer Title: Assistant County Attorney, CAO General Services Date: 11/13/2015 4:42:55 PM Name: KlatzkowJeff Title: County Attorney, Date: 11/16/2015 10:58:12 AM Name: FinnEd Title: Management/Budget Analyst, Senior, Office of Management & Budget Date: 11/16/2015 3:18:02 PM Name: CasalanguidaNick Title: Deputy County Manager, County Managers Office Date: 11/16/2015 5:13:16 PM Packet Page -1195- C 12/8/2015 16.D.13. Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Preserve Conservation Collier: Red Maple Swamp Preserve Extended Interim Management Plan Second Extension Prepared By: Collier County's Conservation Collier Program Parks & Recreation Department 15000 Livingston Road Naples, FL 34109 July 2015 GXDES Planning Services\Land Development ServicesZonservation Collier\ and Management\Red Maple Swamp Preserve\2015 Update INVRed Maple Swamp IMP Packet Page -1196- 12/8/2015 16.D.13. July 2015 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan Table of Contents 1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan .............................. 3 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities ....... ............................... 3 3.0 Interim Site Plan ....................................... ............................... 3 3.1 Location and Site Description ............... ............................... 3 3.2 Signage .......................................... ............................... 4 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases ........... ............................... 4 3.4 Structures ........................................ ............................... 4 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses ......... ............................... 4 4.0 Interim Management Objectives ..................... ............................... 4 4.1 Natural Resource Protection .................. ............................... 4 4.2 Site Security ..................................... ............................... 5 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan ........................ 5 4.4 Exotic Animal Plan 4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Resource Protection............ 5 4.6 Public Access ................................... ............................... 6 4.7 Site Monitoring Plan ........................... ............................... 6 4.8 Partnerships .................................... ............................... 6 5.0 Exhibits .................................................... ............................... 7 EXHIBIT 1: Location Map EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table EXHIBIT 4: Implementation Timeline 2 Packet Page -1197- July 2015 12/8/2015 16.D.13. Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 1.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan Red Maple Swamp Preserve is one of two multi - parcel projects undertaken by the Conservation Collier Program. The Red Maples Swamp Preserve project boundary encompasses 107 parcels totaling 305.69 acres within North Golden Gate Estates (NGGE) Unit 53. As of per 2912July 2015, 79 -_72 arcels or 449-47205.0 acres (6567 %) have been acquired by Conservation Collier in a checkerboard fashion throughout the project area. Although the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved the remaining 3, 35 parcels totaling 106-.620.69 acres for acquisition subject to land values and to being offered as a "very good deal," acquisitions in general by Conservation Collier were suspended in January 2011, and no additional properties within this area have been acquired through fee simple purchase since that time. Conservation Collier has not requested a market study and appraisal since 2009. That market study and appraisal valued these parcels at $6,000 to $7,500 per acre. As of Deems°— ?"July 2015, the Property Appraiser is valuing parcels within NGGE Unit 53 at $3,200 per acre. Conservation Collier will continue to pursue the acquisition of all approved parcels within the Red Maple Swamp Preserve project area as means to do so present themselves. There is currently no budget for outright acquisition; however, there are some potential ways for properties to come under County ownership: Offsite alternatives to the Land Development Code's Off -site native vegetation retention requirements (LDC, Sec 3.05.07 H.l.f.iii.) offer a way for properties within multi - parcel projects to be acquired and donated to Conservation Collier in lieu of developers retaining vegetation onsite at development projects. Current proposals being considered as part of the County's Watershed Management Plan involve development of a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program and a Watershed Mitigation Program in the North Golden Gate Estates, which could result in some parcels being stripped of development rights and deeded to Conservation Collier. If properties cannot be acquired using the above means, or if it becomes apparent that few properties can be acquired in this manner, Conservation Collier staff will seek to exercise a provision of the Conservation Collier ordinance (2007 -65, Section 14.7) that allows for the exchange of lands within and between multi - parcel projects in accordance with the goals of the Program. The objective of any such exchanges will be to consolidate the areas owned by Collier County under the Conservation Collier Program into one contiguous area. All acquired properties will be managed only for conservation, protection and enhancement of natural resources and for public outdoor recreation that will be compatible with the conservation, protection and enhancement of the site and its surrounding lands. Public use of the site will not be practical until more contiguous properties within the Red Maple Swamp Preserve project boundary can be acquired. This interim management plan is intended to update the key management priorities and issues within the site and give direction for management through 241-52017. This document is intended to be the precursor to a final management plan, which will provide more specific aspects of site management once a contiguous block of 100 acquired acres can be assembled. Packet Page -1198- July 2015 12/8/2015 16.D.13. Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan Key Interim Management Objectives 1. Protect and manage the native habitat on site 2. Explore opportunities for grant funding and partnerships Action Plan 1 a. Treat and manage invasive exotic plants within the 52.8 acres of contiguous County owned land along the western boundary of the preserve and within any LDC donation parcels. 2a. Seek opportunities for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner Upland Plant Management Program and US Fish and Wildlife Service Partners Program grant funding 2b. Seek opportunities with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Land and Water Trust (CREW) for partnership management assistance. 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities The Collier County Parks and Recreation Department will be solely responsible for managing the Red Maple Swamp Preserve, but will seek to obtain grants and partnerships for management activities. 3.0 Interim Site Plan 3.1 Location and Site Description Red Maple Swamp Preserve is located north of Immokalee Road and west of Wilson Boulevard in Section 8 Township 48 Range 27 within Collier County, Florida. It is comprised of wetland hardwood forests. Approximately 1205.0 acres of the 305.69 -acre unit are currently owned by Collier County. Red Maple Swamp Preserve is located within the Golden Gate Estates boundary of Collier County. if fla ding, l.°, etRe„ available, additional r. els , ;11 be r„ ..ce. sed . iuthn i the p o„t L.,.,,, as t beeeme offer-ed. 3.2 Signage Signs denoting parcels as Conservation Collier Land will be installed as contiguous parcels of 20 acres or more are acquired. 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases There are sixty -foot (60') platted Right of Way easements dedicated for public right of way, including utilities, along 41" Ave. NE and Shady Hollow Blvd. No other easements, concessions or leases currently exist within the site. In the future, well easements may be proposed for locations along both of these roadways with pipelines to be located in existing easements. The Conservation Collier Ordinance (2002 -63) prohibits use, infrastructure or improvements inconsistent with the purposes of the program or not provided by an approved management plan. There are well easements along Shady Hollow Blvd. for future alignment of wells with the Northeast Water Treatment Plant. Preliminary studies indicated that these sites may be viable but currently 4 Packet Page -1199- July 2015 12/8/2015 16.D.13. Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan there are no wells in place. The location of well easements will be included in a future management plan. There are no other easements, concessions or leases proposed for the future, unless they further conservation objectives, such as a conservation easement. 3.4 Structures No structures are present on the site at this time. No structures, except potentially municipal well structures, will be erected within the time span of this interim management plan. 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses Red Maple Swamp Preserve is adjacent to SFWMD lands to the north and west. A 43 acre Collier County - owned, un- restored, fallow agricultural, mitigation parcel also exists to the north of the preserve. To the east, the preserve is bordered by Estates zoned property that is mostly undeveloped and to the south by Phase II of the Twin Eagles Development. 4.0 Interim Management Objectives 4.1 Natural Resource Protection Existing Vegetation: The following native plants have been observed within the preserve: red maple (Acer rubrum), cypress (Taxodium distichum), willow (Salix spp), bay (Persea spp), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) and dahoon holly (Ilex cassine). Invasive exotic plants, Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) and old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum, were also observed on some of the parcels. Unique Natural Features: Red Maple Swamp Preserve is an excellent example of a wetland hardwood forest community and contains many mature red maples in areas outside of those historically farmed. Even previously farmed areas show significant red maple re- growth. Possible Listed Species: Wild coco (Elophia alta) FDA threatened, royal fern (Osmunda regalis) FDA commercially exploited and white ibis (Eudocimus albus) FFWCC species of special concern have been observed within the acquired properties. Listed orchid species, wood storks (Mycteria Americana) and snail kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis) could potentially be found there. 4.2 Site Security Staff has been advised that ATV riders use a trail along the west side of NGGE Unit 53, accessing it by both 41 st Avenue NW and Shady Hollow Blvd. Staff will post properties where ATV use is occurring with "No Unauthorized Vehicles" signs and arrangements will be made for law enforcement to occasionally visit and monitor activities. Fencing 5 Packet Page -1200- July 2015 12/8/2015 16. D.13. Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan will not be addressed unless trespass becomes a major issue and a contiguous block of 100 acquired acres can be assembled within the preserve. 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan Invasive exotic plant species observed include: Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) and old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum). LDC donation parcels are initially treated for invasive, exotic vegetation prior to donation. and a management endowment is included with each donation parcel Conservation Collier will only actively manage invasive, exotic vegetation within LDC donation parcels and the 52.8 contiguous acres along the western edge of the preserve that are adjacent to SFWMD lands until more contiguous acreage can be acquired. All observed invasive exotic vegetation in this section will be treated and managed. Staff will pursue grant funding for exotic plant maintenance. 4.4 Exotic Animal Plan In March 2015 a SFWMD staff member observed a large black and white tegu lizard (Salvator merianae) crossing Shady Hollow Blvd. Members of the SW Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) attempted to trap the lizard, but were unsuccessful. In July 2015, CISMA members set up camera traps on Conservation Collier and SFWMD land adjacent to Shady Hollow Blvd., and in August 2015. the CISMA op7anized a tegu lizard rapid response survey for lands surrounding the location of the initial sighting. Conservation Collier staff will continue to coordinate with CISMA members to monitor and /or trap exotic animals within Red Maple Swamp Preserve. aq 4eRs cr� _ ._ ` Black and White Tegu Lizard — March 18, 2015, Shady Hollow Blvd. Photo courtesy of Joe Bozzo 4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection 6 Packet Page -1201- July 2015 12/8/2015 16.D.13. Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan Red Maple Swamp Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and no historical or archaeological sites appear to be present in the property. The County will notify the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any archaeological or historic resources are present on County -owned lands. If such properties are identified on -site, staff shall cordon off the area, and a professional survey and assessment shall be instituted. The archaeologist shall prepare a report outlining results of the assessments and issue recommendations to County staff about management of any sites discovered, per provisions of the Land Development Code Section 2.2.25. This report shall be sent to the Division of Historical Resources. The County shall cooperate fully with direction from the Division of Historical Resources on the protection and management of archaeological and historical resources. The management of these resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, specifically Sections 267.0612 (a) and (b). The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archaeological and historic sites within the Red Maple Swamp Preserve will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. 4.6 Public Access The SFWMD Bird Rookery Swamp parking area and trails are located at 1295 Shady Hollow Blvd., across the street and to the east of the 52.8 contiguous acres proposed for management in the Red Maple Swamp project area. During the Red Maple Swamp Preserve final management plan development, County staff will meet with CREW Land and Water Trust staff and SFWMD staff to determine whether it would be feasible to create a seasonal trail within Red Maple Swamp Preserve that could be accessed from the Bird Rookery Swamp parking area. The Bird Rookery Swamp portion of the CREW Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) peftion of Bird Rookery Swamp that is adjacent to Red Maple Swamp Preserve has limited hunling oppet4unitiesis closed to hunting. Gatmty staffwill meet with Fier-ida Fish and Wildlife Gensen GeRii . issi f staff to detem ki whether- • it feasible, Therefore, incoiporatin2 Red Maple Swamp Preserve into Swamp r Sri he CREW WEA to facilitate hunting would not be feasible at this time. 4.7 Site Monitoring Plan Monitoring of the site shall consist of a walk - through by staff at semi - annual intervals. Conservation Collier shall be responsible for exotic plant treatment with tasks contracted out as deemed necessary. Prior to any land management activities, photo monitoring points will also be established at strategic locations within the project area to monitor vegetation communities. 4.8 Partnerships SFWMD staff has indicated that they are open to the potential for expanding the CREW project boundaries around NGGE Unit 53, or portions thereof, and there may be opportunity for management assistance once a larger area of contiguous parcels is acquired. County staff has also had discussions with CREW about the possibility of 7 Packet Page -1202- 12/8/2015 16.D.13. July 2015 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan CREW acquiring and conveying NGGE Unit 53 properties over to Collier County. A letter went out to private owners within NGGE Unit 53 in 2012 from the CREW Trust asking if there was interest in selling; however, no positive response was returned. 5.0 Exhibits EXHIBIT l: Location Map 8 Packet Page -1203- 12/8/2015 16.D.13. July 2015 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan Conservation Collier North Golden Gate Estates Unit 53 Location Map 45TH AVE NE SHADY HOLLOW BLVDW SHADY HOLLOW BLVD E z v~j h AVE NW 41ST AVE NE 30TH AVE NW 30TH AVE NE 37TH AVE NW 377H AVE NE 35TH AVE NW z 357H AVE NE m z 33RD AVE NW O 33RD AVE NE T w q O m p w w F r = x = 2 R lV N z w 25TH AV NW F(V 257H AVI NE OAks GZ Q RANOALL BLV BOA, Q W joM (AL 8 RD r m 24TH AVE NW 24TH AVE NE 24TH AVE HE _ Legend - NGGE Unit 53 L` Collier County Roads Unit 53 0 0.5 1 Miles Data Source: Parcels • Collier County Property Appraiser Created By: CIS f CDES f Environmental Services ri.C©illi%.- K9 C:1Conservation Collier 20021 Land ManagemenAUnit 531locatioa.mxd C:1Conservation Collier 20021 Land Manage mentlUnit 5311ocationjpg -- Date: 10,19.04 EXHIBIT 2: Aerial Map 12/8/2015 16.D.13. July 2015 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table 10 Packet Page -1205- 12/8/2015 16.D.13. July 2015 Conservation Collier Red Maple Swamp Updated Interim Management Plan 11 Packet Page -1206- O C a� H O 76. 'C3 O (3a H w w o y y L L O G. C GC L Cr � y eC y L' er„r L r � � eC ir1 � O L" GC O � G U a +� a o " � E W � o L a O is O r•I rl rl ti � ti � � rl Packet Page -1207- 12/8/2015 16.D.13.