Agenda 12/08/2015 Item #16D1412/8/2015 16.D.14.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Reconinien -,'i;-.. t,5 a,-�prove the five-year update of the Final Management Plan for the
Conservatior. Co'lier %Vet Woods Preserve.
OBJECTIVE: 7Lupdia- the Wet Woods Preserve Final Management Plan.
A update
CONSIDE ,,_) . The V,,7et Woods Preserve is located immediately west ofITU.S. Highway 41, south
of Wiggins Ta-s Roac. "t as been in County ownership since August 19. 2005. A final
1 te i7n 16 IE Q. The
Managerr�,. C"N-1-Ded, and approved by fln-_ Board on May '47,2008, Agenda
I for the Viet V,7o,-)`s Preserve since that tin-,e.
approved
lon-- J
The Conse ~ration Coliicr Ordinance No. 2002-63, as amended, in section 14.3, directs that "ten-year
plans sh--'If
atz- j°ast even 5 Years.", The attached plan has been updated pursuant to that
direction.
Updates, LT .2 change from Facilities to Parks and Recreation, updated maps, updated
propert, uIdditions to plant or animal lists, status of exotic plant JinfFest-ations,
stream! D, ,�vislon o-Fthe management budget to reflect the Board - approved Conservation
I
Board -rice, n 2 ( Agenda it(eitem I I B).
U - I -
The Consz- 1�-o�`icr Land Acquisition Advisory Committee reviewed the updated plan and
' ' '"' Collier
unanin-ir),ff!y approval at its public meeting held on October 12, 2015 (Agenda Item VB).
Z_
Track
in-en, made so that Board members can quickly see the proposed changes. Any
format.' T_'al iLi.-ScaurSed by tracked changes will be resolved in the final document.
FISC/, -T TI 1c;-1:- is no new fiscal impact associated with approving this management plan
updatc.
3's re consistent with the Conservation Collier Financial Plan approved at the
Agenda itern I I B
April ,2 n �Aa,
Gtr IMPACT: There is no growth management irripact associated with this
item.
LEGAL This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote
for Bo
1 7, f County Co h, d ro, --d five -
year the Board,,.), Commissioners approves the altac. - D fil
year
' I�a Ja2enwnt Plan, for C(,,PserNati,.-_)n Collier's Wet Woods FreSery
and directs
staff t( I 1-flan.
Prepared `.Melissa s erinig, Senior Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Division
Attach t-,ic_..-,:: Final Management Plan for Wet Woods Preserve
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12/8/2015 16.D.14.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.16.D.16.D.14.
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the five -year update of the Final
Management Plan for the Conservation Collier Wet Woods Preserve.
Meeting Date: 12/8/2015
Prepared By
Name: BetancurNatali
Title: Operations Analyst, Parks & Recreation
11/3/2015 12:42:46 PM
Submitted by
Title: Environmental Specialist, Senior, Conservation Collier
Name: HennigMelissa
11/3/2015 12:42:47 PM
Approved By
Name: HennigMelissa
Title: Environmental Specialist, Senior, Conservation Collier
Date: 11/4/2015 9:31:06 AM
Name: Washburnllonka
Title: Manager - Park Operations, Parks & Recreation
Date: 11/9/2015 10:21:41 AM
Name: WilliamsBarry
Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation, Parks & Recreation
Date: 11/10/2015 9:56:57 AM
Name: TownsendAmanda
Title: Division Director - Operations Support, Public Services Department
Date: 11/13/2015 1:16:23 PM
Name: CarnellSteve
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Title: Department Head - Public Services, Public Services Department
Date: 11/13/2015 2:21:52 PM
Name: BelpedioJennifer
Title: Assistant County Attorney, CAO General Services
Date: 11/13/2015 4:47:27 PM
Name: KlatzkowJeff
Title: County Attorney,
Date: 11/16/2015 10:53:15 AM
Name: FinnEd
Title: Management/Budget Analyst, Senior, Office of Management & Budget
Date: 11/16/2015 3:13:50 PM
Name: CasalanguidaNick
Title: Deputy County Manager, County Managers Office
Date: 11/16/2015 5:09:17 PM
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12/8/2015 16.D.14.
Wet Woods Preserve Land Manakement Plan
Wet Woods Preserve
Land Management Plan
Managed by:
Conservation Collier Program
Collier County
May 2008 —May 2018 (10 yr plan)
Updated: July 201 S
Prepared by:
Collier County Faeilities Managem Parks and Recreation
Depar-tmen-tDivision
Conservation Collier Staff
Conservation Collier Program 1
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Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
Wet Woods Preserve
Land Management Plan Executive Summary
Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Conservation Collier
Program
Property included in this Plan: Wet Woods Preserve (Folio #: 00154880008)
Acreage Breakdown:
Wetlands (58 %) 15.53
Uplands (42 %) 11.24
TOTAL 26.77
Management Responsibilities:
Agency: Collier County - Conservation Collier Program
Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource based recreation
Unique Features: saltwater and freshwater marshes, mangrove forests, pine flatwoods,
active bald eagle nest, seven listed plant and two listed animal species detected to date
Management Goals:
Goal 1: Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and
fauna
Goal 2: Develop a baseline monitoring report
Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and
fauna to restore and maintain natural habitats
Gal 4: Continue to implement a mechanical treatment schedule to decrease woody
fuels
deer-ease weedy invasien resulting ffem past fife exelusion; if so pfeeeed
Goal 5: Restore native vegetation
Goal 6; DeN,elop a plan for- publie use
Goal -76: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes
Goal 97: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
Public Involvement: Public meeting(s) to- bewere held in early spring of 2008 with
invitations being sent to residents and businesses from surrounding lands_ -ineluding
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Conservation Collier Program
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Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
Table of Contents
Land Management Plan Executive Summary ................................. ............................... 2
Listof Tables ....................................................................................... ............................... 5
Listof Figures ..................................................................................... ............................... 5
Listof Appendices .............................................................................. ............................... 6
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................. ............................... 7
1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority .............. 8
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan ...................................................................... ............................... 8
1.3 Location of the Wet Woods Preserve ..................................................... ............................... 8
1.4 Regional Significance of the Wet Woods Preserve ............................. ...............................
10
1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources ...................... .............................10
1.6 Public Involvement .................................................................................. .............................13
2.0 Natural Resources ......................................................................... .............................13
2.1 Physiography ............................................................................................ .............................13
2. 1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ...................................................... ...............................
13
2.1.2 Geology ............................................................................................. ...............................
13
2.1.3 Soils ................................................................................................... ..................:............
14
2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management ......................................................... ...............................
17
2.2 Climate ...................................................................................................... .............................17
2.3 Natural Plant Communities .................................................................... .............................17
2.3.1 Wetlands: Mangrove Swamps ........................................................... ...............................
20
2.3.2 Wetlands: Tidal Marsh ...................................................................... ...............................
21
2.3.3 Wetlands: Freshwater Marsh ............................................................. ...............................
21
2.3.4 Uplands: Mesic Pine Flatwoods ........................................................ ...............................
22
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species .......................................................... ...............................
23
2.4.1 Plant Species ...................................................................................... ...............................
23
2.4.2 Animal Species .................................................................................. ...............................
23
2.5 Listed Species ......................................................................................... ...............................
26
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species ........................................................................... ...............................
26
2.5.2 Listed Animal Species ............. ............................... ........................... ...............................
29
2.6 Invasive, Non - native and Problem Species .......................................... ...............................
31
2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species .................................................. ...............................
31
2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species .............. ...............................................................
33
3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses .........................37
3.1 Previous and Current Use ..................................................................... ...............................
37
3.2 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ............ ............................... 37
Conservation Collier Program 4
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3.3 Adjacent Land Uses ................................................................................. .............................37
3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years ................................ ............................... 40
4.0 Future Use of the Wet Woods Preserve including Management Issues, Goals
andObjectives ..................................................................................... .............................42
4.1 Management Plan Framework ............................................................. ............................... 42
4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information ......................................... ............................... 42
4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts .................................. ............................... 42
4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration,
Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources .............................. ............................... 42
4.3 Desired Future Conditions .................................................................... ............................... 43
4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008 -2018 ............................................... ............................... 44
4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve ............. ............................... 58
4.5.1 Maintenance ....................................................................................... ............................... 58
4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources .................................. ............................... 58
4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors.. 61
5.0 Literature Cited .......................................................................... ............................... 62
List of Tables
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Wet Woods Preserve ................... ............................... 7
Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Wet Woods Preserve ...................... ............................... 10
Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities in the Wet Woods Preserve ..... ............................... 18
Table 4: Bird Species Recorded at the Wet Woods Preserve ........................ ............................... 24
Table 5: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Bonita Springs Quadrangle in the Vicinity of the
WetWoods Preserve ............................................................................... ............................... 25
Table 6: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Wet Woods Preserve ............. ............................... 26
Table 7: Invasive Plant Species at Wet Woods Preserve ............................... ............................... 32
Table 8: Major Accomplishments Since the Acquisition of the Wet Woods Preserve ............... 40
Table 9: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve Category I
species..................................................................................................... ............................... 47
Table 10: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget .............................. ............................... 60
Table 11: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities .............................. 61
List of Figures
Figure 1: General Location of and Directions to Wet Woods Preserve .......... ............................... 9
Figure 2: Conservation Collier Preserves and Designated State and Federal Land or
Conservation Easements Existing in Collier County .............................. ............................... 11
Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Wet Woods Preserve ....................... 12
Figure 4: General View of the Wet Woods Preserve - Existing Conditions ............................... 15
Figure 5: Soil Units at the Wet Woods Preserve ........................................... ............................... 16
Conservation Collier Program
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Figure 6: Distribution of Main Natural Communities in the Wet Woods Preserve ...................... 19
Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photographs courtesy of the State of Florida University System of
Floridawebsite ........................................................................................ ............................... 38
Figure 8: Areas Contiguous to the Wet Woods Preserve ............................. ............................... 39
Figure 9: Exotic Removal Partnership Areas ................................................ ............................... 41
Figure 10: Photo Point Locations Within Wet Woods Preserve ................... ............................... 47
Figure 11: Soils and FLUCCS Designations for the Wet Woods Preserve Error! Bookmark not
defined.
List of Appendices
Appendix 1: Legal Description of the Wet Woods Preserve
Appendix 2: Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Wet Woods Preserve
Appendix 3: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Managed Area Tracking Record and
Element Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation
Appendix 4: Bald Eagle Protection Acts
Conservation Collier Program 6
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1.0 Introduction
The Wet Woods Preserve is a 26.77 -acre natural area within the urban boundary of Collier
County, Florida. The preserve contains various native plant communities, including pine
flatwoods, mangrove forests, and both saltwater and freshwater marshes.
A site assessment to determine compliance with the Conservation Collier initial screening
criteria was conducted in July 2004 and the Conservation Collier Program purchased the
property on August 19, 2005. Previously known as the "Watkins- Jones" property, for the
previous owners, it was renamed Wet Woods Preserve by local school children in November
2006. The County holds fee simple title to the Wet Woods Preserve. The Conservation Collier
program manages these lands under authority granted by the Conservation Collier Ordinance
2002 -63 as amended (2007 -65) and Ordinance 2011 -38 (available from www.municode.com).
Initial acquisition activities are summarized in Table 1.
The preserve consists of approximately 58% ( ±15.53 acres) wetland habitats and approximately
42% ( ±11.24 acres) upland habitat. Conservation, restoration and natural resource -based
recreation are the designated uses of this property. Management activities allowed include those
necessary to preserve, restore, secure and maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the
benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these
management goals.
This is the Final Management Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve. This 10 -year management plan
will be submitted to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for its approval.
When approved, this plan will replace the later-in -Final Management Plan that was approved. by
the BCC on May 27, 2008.
Conservation Collier Program 7
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Year
Table Acquisition Hist1 i 1 Status of 1 1 1 Preserve
Benchmark
2003
Environmental Assessment Report prepared by Southern Biomes, Inc.
2004
Property nominated to the Conservation Collier Program
2004
Initial Site Assessment by Conservation Collier Staff
2004
Acceptance of Initial Criteria Screening Report by the Conservation Collier Land
Acquisition Advisory Committee
2005
Phase I Environmental Assessment Conducted by ASC eosciences for Collier County
2005
Approved for purchase by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC)
2005
Purchase of the Watkins -Jones Property
2005
Developed Interim Management Plan
2006
BCC approved the Interim Management Plan
2006
Watkins -Jones property renamed Wet Woods Preserve
2007
Conducted Initial exotic plant treatment and removal (grant funded)
2008
Completed Final Management Plan
2015
Updated Final Management .Plan
The preserve consists of approximately 58% ( ±15.53 acres) wetland habitats and approximately
42% ( ±11.24 acres) upland habitat. Conservation, restoration and natural resource -based
recreation are the designated uses of this property. Management activities allowed include those
necessary to preserve, restore, secure and maintain this environmentally sensitive land for the
benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these
management goals.
This is the Final Management Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve. This 10 -year management plan
will be submitted to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for its approval.
When approved, this plan will replace the later-in -Final Management Plan that was approved. by
the BCC on May 27, 2008.
Conservation Collier Program 7
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1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority
The Conservation Collier program was originally approved by voters in November 2002 and
subsequently confirmed in the November 2006 ballot referendum. Both voter - approved
referendums enable the program to acquire environmentally sensitive conservation lands within
Collier County, Florida (Ordinance 2002 -63, as amended). Properties must support at least two
of the following qualities to qualify for further consideration: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood
control, water quality protection, and listed species habitat. The Collier County Board of County
Commissioners (BCC) appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to consider any
selected or nominated properties that an owner has indicated a willingness to sell. The committee
recommends property purchases for final approval by the BCC.
Lands acquired with Conservation Collier funds are titled to "COLLIER COUNTY, a political
subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier program." The
Board of County Commissioners of Collier County established the Conservation Collier program
to implement the program and to manage acquired lands. As such, Conservation Collier holds
management authority for the Wet Woods Preserve.
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan
The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction for Wet Woods Preserve by
identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or minimize any threats to the
resources and integrity of the preserve. This text is a working document that establishes the
foundation of the ten -year plan by identifying the appropriate management techniques necessary
to preserve and/or restore the resource.
This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with natural resource -based
recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs, listed species protection and
maintenance of the site free of invasive, exotic plant and animal species. This plan is divided
into sections that incorporate an introduction, descriptions of the natural and cultural resources,
projected uses of the property, management issues, and goals and objectives.
1.3 Location of the Wet Woods Preserve
Wet Woods Preserve is located at 12815 Tamiami Trail N. in Naples, Florida (See Figure 1;
legal description in Appendix 1). It is in Collier County's northwest corner, immediately west of
U.S. Highway 41, south of Wiggins Pass Road in Section 16 Township 48 Range 25.
Conservation Collier Program
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Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
Conservation Collier Wet Woods Preserve Location Map
12815 Tamiami Trail. North
Folio #00154880008
tr
Jy
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WI GINS PASS RD
Jill 11 1
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111 TH AVE N
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® Wet Woods Preserve
. ,
Goo &,r County Collier County Roads
Directions: 1 -75 to Naples Immokalee Road
Ooh Sauce: P —d.ard 2006sedds- Collier C— tyr- pertyApprW— Exit #111. Drive west until you reach US-41.
C—" ax cis \ Car6ar fi— Cd6er she \CS Turn north on US-41 Property is on the west
WC.--b— Cawd�wqui edpropdfms%VfttW s. mo Wee.,00chJw.mW side of the road in between EncoreWa and
Wt. 18.1607 y
revised
Imperial Golf Course Blvd
Figure 1: General Location of and Directions to Wet Woods Preserve.
Conservation Collier Program
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Wet Woods Preserve Land Manazement Plan
1.4 Regional Significance of the Wet Woods Preserve
To date, approximately 6467% (more than 56;0)0868,040 acres) of Collier County is protected
in conservation areas (Figure 2) and managed by private organizations and by local, state and
federal agencies. Collier County's Conservation Collier Program manages the 26.77 -acre Wet
Woods Preserve. This natural area contains saltwater and freshwater marshes, mangrove forests,
and pine flatwoods. The wetlands buffer and protect the Wiggins Pass Estuarine System,
designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, and support two listed plant and animal species. The
uplands support an active Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest and five listed plant and
animal species. Specific information on the wetlands and uplands found on the Wet Woods
Preserve may be found in section 2.3 (Natural Plant Communities) of this document.
1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources
Currently, the closest preserved, natural area to Wet Woods Preserve is Railhead Scrub Preserve,
another Conservation Collier Program property approximately 0.69 miles to the northeast. Other
preserves, in order of increasing distance, are provided in Table 2. Figure 3 shows the locations
of these preserves.
Table Public Lands Located near
the Wet
Woods
Preserve
Name
Distance
Direction
Railhead Scrub Preserve
0.69
NE
Conservation Collier
Delnor -Wiggins State Park
1.28
W
State
Barefoot Beach Preserve
1.36
W/NW
County
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
1.70
SE
Conservation Collier
Milano Property
5.81
SE
I Conservation Collier
Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed
9.00
1 N/NW
I State
Conservation Collier Program 10
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Conservation Collier Preserves and Designated State
and Federal Land or Easements in Collier County
0 2.5 5 Miles
I I
Data Source:Parcels- Collier County Property Appraiser
FNAI. FL Conservation Lands, 9_2013
Created By. Consenatron Collier CS
GAConservation Co0ierlmapsWcquaed propetbest
Acquved2.7ap_January 2014 m and jpg
egend
Conservation Collier Acquired
Other Agency Conservation Lands
Mitigation / Conservation Easement
Figure 2: Conservation Collier Preserves and Designated State and Federal Land or
Conservation Easements Existing in Collier County
Conservation Collier Program 11
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Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Wet Woods Preserve
Conservation Collier Program 12
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Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Wet Woods Preserve
Conservation Collier Program 12
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Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
1.6 Public Involvement
Neighborhood involvement will be sought through direct mailing notices for public meetings to
residents and businesses within the surrounding area and to owners of properties that border the
preserve; official public notices will be posted on the County website. Staff will seek to
coordinate management actions, such as exotic removal and prescribed fires with owners of
adjoining lands. Staff will also involve the North Naples Civic Association and the Boy and Girl
Scout groups from within the County. Additionally, volunteers will be sought from all contacts
listed above.
2.0 Natural Resources
2.1 Physiography
Wet Woods Preserve lies within the Floridian section of the Coastal Plain. The Coastal Plain
extends from New Jersey to Texas and was formed mainly from sedimentary rocks deposited in
marine environments (USGS 2004).
2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology
The site is located in the Southwestern Slope region of the South Florida Water Management
District. According to the Bonita Springs, Florida USGS Topographic Map, the topography of
the area is relatively level with an average elevation of five feet above sea level and slopes gently
westward toward the Gulf of Mexico. Surface water percolates directly into the uncovered
ground or it collects in natural depressions and man made ponds on adjacent properties.
2.1.2 Geology
The geology of northern Collier County, where the Wet Woods Preserve is located, is
characterized by complex sequences of interbeded sands, clays, and limestone. Closest to the
surface is the Holocene aged Pamlico Sand Formation, approximately ten feet thick and
composed primarily of unconsolidated quartz sand and some silt. The Pamlico Sand
unconformably overlies the Pleistocene aged Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations,
which vary from a few feet to more than twenty feet in thickness and are characterized by Shelly
and sandy limestone with vugs and solution cavities (Miller 1986).
Below the Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations are the Ochopee and Buckingham
Members of the Pliocene aged Tamiami Formation, which are at least 200 feet thick in the
surrounding areas (Oaks & Dunbar 1974). The Ochopee Limestone unconformably overlies the
Buckingham Limestone and/or the equivalent Cape Coral Clay. This unconformity marks the
bottom of the surficial aquifer separating it from the brackish underlying aquifer below. Then
the Hawthorn Formation, rich in phosphate and other heavy minerals (Scott 1988), overlies the
Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone and Eocene age Ocala Limestone that form the Floridan
Aquifer System in Southwestern Florida. Figure 4 provides a current aerial view of the Wet
Woods Preserve.
Conservation Collier Program 13
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Wet Woods Preserve Land Management Plan
2.1.3 Soils
According to Liudahl et al. (1990), soils mapped at the Wet Woods Preserve include (in
descending order by extent) Durbin and Wulfert Mucks, Basinger Fine Sand, and Immokalee
Fine Sand (Figure 5).
Durbin and Wulfert Mucks are level, very poorly drained hydric soils that are found in tidal
mangrove swamps. They are very permeable and have a water capacity availability that is
moderate to high. The water table beneath the soils fluctuates with the tide and is within a depth
of twelve inches for most of the year ( Liudahl et al. 1990).
Basinger Fine Sand is a nearly level and poorly drained hydric soil. It is found in sloughs and
poorly defined drainage ways. Under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is within
a depth of twelve inches for 3 -6 months during most years. During the other months, the water
table is below a depth of twelve inches, and it recedes to a depth of more than forty inches during
extended dry periods. During periods of high rainfall, this soil is typically covered by shallow,
slow- moving water ( Liudahl et al. 1990).
Immokalee Fine Sand is non - hydric, nearly level and poorly drained. It is typically found in pine
flatwoods. Under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is at a depth of 6 -18 inches
for 1 -6 months during most years. During the other months, the water table is below a depth of
eighteen inches, and it recedes to a depth of more than forty inches during extended dry periods
( Liudahl et al. 1990).
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2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management
Near the surface, the aquifer is highly permeable and the groundwater flows toward the west.
However, permeability decreases downward from a porous limestone into poorly indurated
sandstone cemented by micrite. The aquifer grades from freshwater downward into brackish
water due to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the brackish water in the
intermediate aquifer made primarily of Miocene aged sediments. Below that, the Hawthorne
formation typically marks the upper boundary of the Floridian aquifer, which is contained within
the underlying Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone (Lodge 2005).
Groundwater levels have gone down during the recent decades due to drainage on a regional
scale and water management for development purposes. This trend may be very difficult to
control and will gradually reduce the extent of the preserve that floods during the summer
months and reduce the period of time the preserve wetlands are flooded during the year.
2.2 Climate
The Wet Woods Preserve is located in an area of Florida where humid subtropical and tropical
savanna climatic patterns overlap, with temperatures moderated by winds from the Gulf of
Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Sharply delineated wet and dry seasons and average monthly
temperatures greater than 64° Fahrenheit characterize a tropical savanna climate. Monthly
rainfalls may exceed ten inches during the wet season. On the other hand, humid subtropical
climates typically show less extreme rainfall fluctuations between wet and dry seasons and
average monthly temperatures is less than 64° Fahrenheit in some months.
The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75°
Fahrenheit. The warmest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during
these months but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures.
Two - thirds of the annual rainfall occurs in the wet season from May to October. Thunderstorms
are frequent during the wet season, occurring every two out of three days between June and
September. Rainfall records for the area indicate that there is not significant variation in the
annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often occur during a
single year. The hurricane season extends from June through November with peak activity
occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are highest.
2.3 Natural Plant Communities
A plant community refers to the suite of plant species that form the natural vegetation of any
place. In addition to anthropogenic influence, the combination of factors such as geology,
topography, hydrology, underlying soils and climate determine the types of plants found in an
area. These plants, in turn determine the animal species that may be found in an area.
The Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) notes two plant
communities on the preserve: mangrove swamps and pine flatwoods (erg. A site visit by
Southern Biomes in September of 2003 revealed that the Wet Woods Preserve consists of
approximately 58% ( ±15.53 acres) wetland habitat and approximately 42% ( ±11.24 acres)
upland habitat. Collier County Staff noted that freshwater marshes and tidal marshes made up
portions of the wetland habitat. Therefore, the wetland habitats extant on the Wet Woods
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Preserve consist of mangrove swamps, tidal marshes and freshwater marshes. The upland
habitat may be characterized as mesic pine flatwoods. See Figure 6. Some of the transition
zones between the wetlands and uplands on the site have been invaded by non - indigenous
species discussed in section 2.6.
The vegetation classification scheme of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the
Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) (1990) are presented in table 3. This table is
based on the plant communities observed and mapped on the Wet Woods Preserve.
Table 3: Summary
of
Natural
Communities
in the Wet Woods Preserve
FNAI Natural
Global
State
Community Type
Acres
Rank
Rank
Comments
Also called Tidal Swamp
' •
Also called Saltwater Marsh
E
..
��
G3: Either very rare and local throughout its range (21 -100 occurrences or less than 10,000 individuals) or found
locally in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction from other factors;
G4: Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range);
S3: Imperiled in Florida;
S4: Apparently secure in Florida (may be rare in parts of range).
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0 125 250 Feet N Legend
1 1 FLUCCS
411 - Pine Ratwoods
C
ca=r—P�aYwa,.,, i ®fi12- mangrove Swamp
GL
G1C arvabIXtC.1 P"
aca eea, t (,'YCOUtl
4M, 0641 • Freshwater Marsh nJ
rrza,is -ux
642 - tidal Marsh
Figure 6: Distribution of Main Natural Communities (based on SFWMD FLUCCS Codes)
in the Wet Woods Preserve
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2.3.1 Wetlands: Mangrove Swamps
Mangrove Swamps are also called tidal forests, tidal swamp forests, mangrove communities, and
mangrove ecosystems (FNAI & FDNR 1990). This plant community primarily occurs in the
central and southern portions of the Wet Woods Preserve (Figure 6) and contains small areas of
tidal marsh. The mangrove swamps on the preserve are dominated by native canopy species
including: red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) white
mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) and buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus). Native midstory
species include: saltbush (Baccharis angustifolia) and indigo berry (Randia aculeata) while
ground cover species include: giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium) and black needle
rush (Juncus roemerianus). Durbin and Wulfert Mucks comprise the majority of the substrate for
this community on the Wet Woods Preserve.
True mangrove species are viviparous (i.e., "live birth" - in the case of mangroves, the seed
germinates within the fruit, producing within the plant an established seedling that then falls into
the sediments) and have some physiological degree of root modification (such as aerial roots) to
deal with saturated, saline soils (Tomlinson 1986). Based on these definitions, three species of
true mangroves exist within the Wet Woods Preserve: red mangrove, black mangrove and white
mangrove. The buttonwood is often referred to as a "mangrove associate" because it is
associated with these species along the upland fringe of the mangrove ecosystem but it lacks root
modification and viviparity.
Mangroves are facultative
halophytes; they are able to grow in
freshwater environments but
because of their inability to compete
well with other flora found in
freshwater systems, they grow in
brackish waters. In addition to the
saline environments in which they
are found, the tidal fluctuation
enables mangroves to dominate
shorelines. Not only do the roots of
these tropical species protect
shorelines from erosion, they trap
sediments and recycle nutrients
from upland areas and tidal import.
This is part of the succession
process of island formation in south
Florida (FNAI & FDNR 1990).
Mangrove Swamp just south of the Wet Woods Preserve.
Photo by Christal Segura.
Mangroves are valued for their high productivity and serve as important nursery and refuge areas
for a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic organisms including: mammals, birds, reptiles, fish,
and invertebrates. Consequently, these forests are extremely important to the nutrient budgets of
adjoining estuaries and other coastal waters (Rey & Rutledge 2006). In fact, mangrove species
shed so many leaves and other plant parts that they can produce up to 80% of the total organic
material available in the aquatic food web (FNAI & FDNR 1990).
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2.3.2 Wetlands: Tidal Marsh
Tidal Marsh found in the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo by Christal Segura.
Just as in mangrove swamps, tidal fluctuation in tidal marsh communities is an extremely
important ecological factor and makes this community one of the most biologically productive
systems on earth. A wide array of invertebrates and fish rely on these areas for parts or all of
their lives. A number of mammals, reptiles and avian species also rely on this plant community.
Additionally, tidal marshes are valued by humans for their ability to buffer storms and to filter
pollutants within them. While tidal marshes do not compose a large portion of the Wet Woods
Preserve, their presence is an essential component to the landscape.
2.3.3 Wetlands: Freshwater Marsh
The freshwater marsh is the third type of wetland plant community found within the Wet Woods
Preserve. These marshes are scattered among the upland, pine flatwoods community and may
therefore be referred to as flatwoods marshes. Saw grass (Cladium jamaicense), swamp lily
(Crinum americanum), giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium), and native wetland grasses
dominate the freshwater marshes; Basinger Fine Sand comprises the substrate of these marshes
in the preserve. Pond apple (Annona glabra) was also detected within these marshes.
Like tidal marshes, freshwater marshes are wetlands dominated by herbaceous flora. In Florida,
these marshes are influenced by their subtropical location, fluctuating water levels, frequency
and intensity of fire, organic matter accumulation and hard water (Kushlan 1990). These factors,
combined with the dominant species found within a marsh, dictate the category within which the
marsh is placed. Six major categories of freshwater marshes are recognized in Florida. The
marshes in the Wet Woods Preserve are within the "saw grass marsh" category. These marshes
usually have a moderate (flooded for 6 -9 months) hydroperiod, a moderate (about once in ten
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years) frequency of fire and moderate to high (< 1 meter to > 1 meter) accumulation of organic
material (Kushlan 1990).
Many animal species may be found within or around the perimeter of marshes. Invertebrates
make up an important part of the food web and many avian species, especially wading birds, rely
on the invertebrates as a primary source of food. The freshwater marshes within the preserve
make -up a small portion of the total area but are valuable for the suite of species found there.
2.3.4 Uplands: Mesic Pine Flatwoods
Pine flatwoods are one of the most wide - ranging terrestrial plant communities in Florida and
consequently one of the most influenced by anthropogenic activities (Abrahamson & Hartnett
1990). Fire strongly influences the community structure and composition of these communities.
The term pine flatwoods is a
general categorization of areas that
are dominated by various species of
pine (Pinus spp.) trees. Pine
flatwoods may be found in mesic
flatlands where the landscape is
made up of flat, moderately well
drained sandy substrates with a
mixture of organic material, often
with an underlying hard pan layer.
An open canopy forest of widely
spaced pine trees with little or no
understory but a dense ground
cover of herbs and shrubs
characterize natural, mesic
flatwoods that have been burned
Mesic pine flatwoods in the Wet Woods Preserve. Photo by Christal regularly (FNA1 & FDNR 1990).
Segura. The USDA Soil Conservation
Service classification system refers
to these areas as South Florida flatwoods. South Florida flatwoods are typically savannas, a type
of plant community intermediate between forest and grassland.
Mesic pine flatwoods are also called mesic flatwoods, pine savanna, cabbage palm savanna, and
pine barrens. On the Wet Woods Preserve, mesic pine flatwoods occupy the northern and
eastern portions of the property (Figure 6) and contain small areas of freshwater marshes.
Immokalee Fine Sand comprises the majority of the substrate and Basinger Fine Sand is a minor
component of the flatwood areas on the preserve. Native canopy species in the mesic pine
flatwoods areas of the preserve are dominated by South Florida slash pine (Pinus elliotti var.
densa) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto); native midstory species include: saw palmetto
(Serenoa repens), galberry (Ilex glabra), sumac (Rhus copallinum), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
and rusty lyonia (Lyonia fruticosa.). Native grasses and herbaceous plants dominate the
understory.
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Mesic flatwoods provide essential forested habitat for a variety of wildlife species including
Neotropical migratory birds, wide - ranging large carnivores, mid -sized carnivores, ground -
nesting vertebrates, tree - cavity dependent species, tree- nesting species and non - aquatic plant life.
"At the current rate of habitat conversion, the mesic pine flatwoods, once the most abundant
upland habitat in South Florida, is in danger of becoming one of the rarest habitats in South
Florida" (USFWS 1999).
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species
Mangrove swamps and mesic flatwoods comprise the majority of the 26.77 acre Wet Woods
Preserve. Small pockets of tidal marshes and freshwater marshes are also located within the
preserve. This section discusses the flora and fauna found within and close to the preserve. The
next section (2.5) discusses all listed species in more detail.
2.4.1 Plant Species
To date, -1-3,2-18 plant species have been recorded at the preserve (Appendix 2). A
comprehensive plant survey was conducted in 3an*ary-2008 by botanist Keith A. Bradley of the
Institute of Regional Conservation. ^methe- will be eendueted in late s of 2008 and the
final list will be added to this pim. Of these -1- 3-?188 species, X163 (9387 %) are native to the
site and 22--25 are exotic (1713 %). Of the 22-25 exotic species, 4-3-44 are listed by the Florida
Exotic Pest Plant Council (42-13 Category I and 1 Category II).
2.4.2 Animal Species
Due to the dearth of specific surveys for the occurrence of animal species (in contrast to plants)
and the lack of on -site staffing, little is recorded for actual occurrences of animals at the Wet
Woods Preserve. Occurrences of fauna at the preserve are based on direct visual and aural
observations by staff during site visits or evidence of activity such as spoor, scat, or burrows, and
from the site information available in documents such as:
the site's initial criteria screening report;
the property's interim management plan;
anecdotal information from persons with knowledge of the site.
Mammal species known to occur or individuals and/or evidence of activity directly observed
within the preserve include: Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), nine -banded armadillo
(Dasypus novemcinctus), marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris), and raccoon (Procyon lotor).
Reptile and amphibian species observed at the preserve include: brown anole (Anolis sagrei),
southern black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus), ring- necked snake (Diadophis punctatus),
box turtle (Terrapene carolina) and the green treefrog (Hyla cinerea).
Invertebrates observed include the following butterfly species: the gulf fritillary (Agraulis
vanillae), the white peacock (Anartia jatrophae), the zebra long wing (Heliconius charitonius),
and the cloudless sulphur (Phoebis sennae).
Several different bird species have been observed perching, foraging, or exhibiting nesting
behavior at the preserve (See Table 4).
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'Table 4:,Bird Species
Recorded at the Wet Woods Preserve
Common Name
Scientific Name CommonName
Scientific Name
Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatus Reddish Egret
Egretta rufescens
Double- crested
Phalacrocorax auritus
Yellow- crowned
Nyctanassa violacea
Cormorant
Night Heron
Brown Pelican
Pelecanus
Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularius
occidentalis
Red - shouldered
Buteo lineatus
Mourning Dove
Zenaidura macroura
Hawk
Osprey
Pandion heliaetus
Red - bellied
Melanerpes carolinus
Woodpecker
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus
Tree Swallow
Tachycineta bicolor
leucoce halus
Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus
Gray Catbird
Dumetella
carolinensis
White Ibis
Eudocimus albus
Northern
Mimus polyglottos
Mockingbird
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Blue -gray
Polioptila caerulea
Gnatcatcher
Snowy Egret
Egretta thula
Yellow- rumped
Dendroica coronata
Warbler
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Palm Warbler
Dendroica palmarum
Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Green Heron
Butorides striatus
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The Florida Breeding Bird Atlas lists 44 bird species that have been recorded as confirmed,
probable, or possible breeding in the vicinity of the site (in the Bonita Springs USGS quadrangle;
Table 5). The Breeding Bird Atlas documents breeding distributions of all bird species in
Florida between 1986 and 1991. Some of these species may breed at the Wet Woods Preserve.
Source: Florida Breeding Bird Atlas, www.wildflorida.org/bba
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Table 5: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Bonita Springs Quadrangle
in the Vicinity of the Wet Woods Preserve
Common Name ScientificName Common Name Scientific Name
Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis Great Crested Myiarchus crinitus
Flycatcher
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Gray Kingbird
Tyrannus
dominicensis
Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschata
White-eyed Vireo
Vireo griseus
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Black- whiskered
Vireo altiloquus
Vireo
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
leucoce halus
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter coopers
Florida Scrub -Jay
Aphelocoma
coerulescens
Northern Bobwhite
Colinus vir inianus
Fish Crow
Corvus ossifragus
Common Moorhen
Gallinula chloro us
Purple Martin
Pro ne subis
Lim kin
Aramus guarauna
Tufted Titmouse
Baeolo his bicolor
Killdeer
Charadrius vociferus
Carolina Wren
Thryothorus
ludovicianus
Least Tern
Sternula antillarum
Blue -gray
Polioptilia caerulea
Gnatcatcher
Rock Pigeon (Rock
Columba livia
Northern
Mimus polyglottos
Dove)
Mockingbird
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
Brown Thrasher
Toxostoma ru um
Common Ground-
Columbina passerina
European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Dove
Eastern Screech -Owl
Megascops asio
Common
Geothlypis trichas
Yellowthroat
Barred Owl
Strix varia
Eastern Towhee
Pipilo
erythrophthalmus
Common Nighthawk
Chordeiles minor
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Chuck- will's -widow
Caprimulgus
Red - winged
Agelaius phoeniceus
carolinensis
Blackbird
Red - bellied
Melanerpes carolinus
Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella magna
Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quiscula
Northern Flicker
Cola tes auratus
1 Boat- tailed Grackle
Quiscalus major
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryoco us pileatus
I House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Source: Florida Breeding Bird Atlas, www.wildflorida.org/bba
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Other wildlife species that have not yet been recorded undoubtedly occur at the Wet Woods
Preserve. During migration periods, transient bird species would be expected to utilize this area
for short periods of time. The developed character of the adjacent areas may inhibit transient use
by many mammal, reptile, and amphibian species, thus limiting the utilization of the preserve to
resident individuals or inhibiting the dispersal of many species to and from the preserve.
2.5 Listed Species
Official lists of rare and endangered species are produced at the federal level by the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service and at the State level by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services. FNAI produces a list of rare and endangered species, and maintains a
database of occurrences of these species in Florida. The Institute for Regional Conservation
(IRC) also ranks native plant species by conservation status in the 10- county area of South
Florida. The following subsections (2.5.1 and 2.5.2) discuss the listed, rare and protected plant
and animal species found within and close to the Wet Woods Preserve in detail.
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species
There are seven (7) listed plant species at Wet Woods Preserve that are listed by the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ( FDACS), two (2) as Endangered, four (4) as
Threatened, and one (1) as Commercially Exploited. There are no species listed as Endangered
or Threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service within Wet Woods. In total there
are seven (7) plant species listed by FDACS at Wet Woods Preserve (Table 6). A brief
description of these species and their status is included in the following paragraphs.
E: Endangered, T: Threatened, C: Commercially Exploited
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Table 6: Listed Plant Species
Scientific Name
Acrostichum aureum
Detected at the Wet Woods Preserve
Common Name(s)
Golden leather fern
State
T
Lilium catesbaei
Catesby's Lily
T
Osmunda re alis var. spectabilis
Royal fern
C
Tillandsia balbisiana
Reflexed wild -pine, Northern needleleaf
T
Tillandsia asciculata var. densispica
Stiff - leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant
E
Tillandsia exuosa
Banded wild -pine, Twisted airplant
T
Tillandsia utriculata
Giant wild-pine, Giant airplant
E
E: Endangered, T: Threatened, C: Commercially Exploited
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The Cardinal Airplant, also known as the Common Wild Pine or
Stiff - leaved Wild Pine (Tillandsia fasciculata), is an epiphytic
bromeliad recognized by many common names and is listed as an
, endangered plant by the State of Florida.
Wunderlin and Hansen reported this species
in 24 counties throughout Florida as of 2004
(Wunderlin & Hansen 2004). Like most of
the other bromeliads in Florida, this species
is often referred to as a "tank" bromeliad
because the leaf axils and central stems form
a "tank" or reservoir at the base of the plant.
These reservoirs capture and hold water,
E dead and decaying plant matter (leaves,
Cardinal Airplant seeds twigs, etc.), and dead and drowning
Photo by Rodger L. Hammer non - aquatic insects; these trapped items
Courtesy of the Institute for provide nutrients for the plant Larson et al.
Regional Conservation 1� p (
2006). The Giant wild pine (Tillandsia
utriculata) is the largest epiphyte and is
relatively common in hammocks and swamps in South Florida. It can
reach 12 -30 inches in height and its flower spike may be more than six
feet in height. It is also listed by the State of Florida as endangered.
Reflexed Wild Pine
Photo by Melissa E. Abdo
Courtesy of the Institute for
Regional Conservation
Giant Wild Pine
Photo by Rodger Hammer
courtesy of the Institute for
Regional Conservation website
The Reflexed wild pine (Tillandsia balbisiana) and the Banded
wild -pine (Tillandsia flexuosa) are also fairly common epiphytes in
South Florida. Both species prefer moist forests and swamps and are
state listed as threatened. The reflexed wild pine
is equally well- adjusted to deep shade where
leaves grow long or to bright sunlight where they
are contorted and highly colored from gray -green
to blue - bronze or red. The banded wild pine
usually grows in the tops of trees in fairy sunny
situations. They can grow up to sixteen inches in
length, and are strongly recurved and twisted
(www.corkscrew.audubon. org).
Banded wild -pine
Photo courtesy of
www.corkscrew.audubon.org
Even though the four species listed above are fairly common in the state they are listed due to
illegal collecting and the destruction of the habitats in which they are found. Additionally,
infestation by the introduced Mexican bromeliad weevil (Metamasius callizona) has been
implicated in the decline of many air plant populations around the state. Currently, there are no
control measures in place however, close research and monitoring is taking place.
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Golden Leather Fern
Photo by Shirley Denton courtesy of the
Institute of Regional Conservation
Catesby's Lily (Lilium catesbaea)
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Golden Leather Fern (Acrostichum aureum)
This large fern grows in wet areas along the coast of Florida
in tidal swamps and marshes. The fronds can reach about six
feet long and can be as broad as it is tall. It prefers wet to
moist, poorly drained to inundated organic brackish soils. It
can be found in the wet, marshy areas in the Wet Woods
Preserve that surround the mangrove swamps.
This herb is endemic to the U.S. southeastern coastal plain and is listed
as a threatened species in the State of Florida. It is found nearly
throughout Florida and has been recorded in 50 counties (Wunderlin &
Hansen 2004). In Collier County, it has only been recorded at Wet
Woods Preserve, Railhead Scrub Preserve, Big Cypress National
Preserve, Collier Seminole State Park, Florida Panther National
Wildlife Refuge, and Picayune Strand State Forest. Christal Segura and
Annisa Karim found it on the preserve on September 13, 2007. Christal
Segura also detected this species in two different locations on the
property in late September of 2007. All specimens were sighted in
mesic pine flatwoods areas of the Wet Woods Preserve.
Lilium catesbaei, an endemic lily
detected on the Wet Woods
Preserve.
Photo by Christal Segura.
Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis)
The royal fern can be found in the eastern US and throughout
Florida. It grows in swamps and similar moist to wet sites. It can
reach heights of up to six feet and grows with a thick creeping
rhizome. The roots can form a mass up to 60 cm tall. It is listed by
the State of Florida due to its commercial exploitation.
Photo by George D. Gann courtesy of
the Institute for Regional Conservation
Website
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FNAI maintains a database of occurrences of rare, threatened, and endangered species in Florida.
An element is any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment, such as a species,
natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other ecological feature. An element
occurrence is a single, extant habitat that sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a
population or a distinct, self - sustaining example of a particular element.
These element occurrence data are built into biodiversity matrices. Each matrix encompasses
one (1) square mile and includes all species and natural communities tracked by FNAI, including
all federal listed species. None of the plant species reported by FNAI have been detected within
the preserve. The golden leather fern (Acrostichum aureum) was documented within FNAI's
Biodiversity Matrix Unit 38350 and four (4) species were reported within FNAI's Biodiversity
Matrices 38350 and 38351 as likely (rare species likely to occur on the site based on suitable
habitat and/or known occurrences in the vicinity) including the nodding pineweed (Lechea
cernua) and pine -woods bluestem (Andropogon arctatus). Twelve (12) species were reported
within FNAI's Biodiversity Matrices 38350 and 38351 as potential occurrences (site lies within
the known or predicted range of species) including the many - flowered grass -pink (Calopogon
multiflorus) and the Celestial lily (Nemastylis floridana). Appendix 3 provides the FNAI
Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity
Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are provided for each species as well as their federal
and state status.
2.5.2 Listed Animal Species
Listed wildlife species observed onsite or immediately adjacent include: wood stork (Mycteria
Americana), bald eagle irJ..Agee, ... '_°.__e. ph h.s' brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) and
gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest is also
present within the preserve.
The Wood stork (Mycteria americana)
This bird species, sighted on the property by Southern Biomes, Inc. in 2003 and by staff in 2007,
is listed as endangered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and by the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Also known as the wood ibis or flint head, this species
is one of the largest wading birds found in Florida and the only stork in the United States. The
wood stork is a tactile feeder and may be found in fresh, brackish, and saltwater habitats.
Because of its dependence on naturally functioning hydrologic systems, the National Audubon
Society refers to this wading bird as the "barometer of the Everglades ". For this reason, the
wood stork is an excellent environmental indicator of wetland health (Mazziotti 2002).
The Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Currently, there is an active bald eagle nest in the northwest corner of the property. According
to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, it has been active for many years
including 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006- a�,L2008, 2010, and 2014. The nest is designated by the
agencies as nest Co -0001. In the 2006 -2007 nesting season, the eagle pair built a new nest on the
adjacent property to the northeast and fledged three young. In late 2007, a pair was observed
back on the Wet Woods Preserve nest tree building up the nest; and the active nest was verified
in February 2008, 2010, and 2014. The eagles were indeed n t
VVllllt, 111 the JCL111V f1GiJ1 GI GIi-CT".`,; 'Cl1SI
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and twe fledgling vvere obs€n,ed It is unknown if the new Germain
parking lot that was built on the adjacent lot had.-has had an impact on
where the pair ehese- chooses to nest tl}i n.
This species was reported within FNAI's Biodiversity Matrices 38350
and 38351. On June 29, 2007, the Bald Eagle was officially delisted and
removed from the Endangered Species List in the lower 48 states.
However, according to the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird
Management, this bird of prey will continue to be protected by the Bald
and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act (See Appendix 4 for a fact sheet on remaining levels of
protection).
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Photo by Christal Segura
Juvenile Bald Eagle on the
Wet Woods Preserve Nest
Photo taken by:
R. L Caron on 3 -23 -08
Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
This bird — a species of Special Concern in Florida -
is a permanent resident of the coastal marine
environment from central North America southward
to northern South America. Brown Pelicans are
found in shallow, warm coastal marine and estuarine
waters, particularly on sheltered bays (Shields 2002).
These birds were observed just south of the site along
the mangrove edge and most likely frequent the canal
along the western boundary of the preserve.
Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) This
medium - sized, native land turtle is listed by the State
as a Threatened Species. Gopher tortoises are
typically found in dry, upland habitats including
scrub, xeric oak hammock, sandhills, and dry pine
flatwoods. Burrows are created for protection from
weather, fire, and predators; they also provide refugia
for more than 300 other species of animals. Active
burrows exist on the adjacent property to the north.
One burrow was observed in the pineland in the
northwest corner of the preserve; however, it is
unknown if it is active or not. Now that the dense
Go�her�to,JTsse,�( h�erus�polyphemus)
exotics have been cut and treated on site, and the thick fuels mech dh 4},Pr, uRs
it is likely that tortoises y -will start to increase in numbers in the preserve_ and at least „w th
b. in order- to inefease the use ef the site by the tel4oises, a pfeser-ibed bum
iieeds to be eendueted te reduce the tfflder-stei=y and to inerease the amount of gr-asses and .
Stag will ;,ver-k with the Division ef Far-estf-y staff te detefmine if it would be safe to btffn thee
s4eCounty staff, with input from Florida Forest Service staff, has determined that it would not be
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safe to burn the site due to its close proximity to the urban area and US 41. Additiona115 staff
will eeardinate. vVit-h the Futffe Citizens pr-epefty em%e_r-S to ine-11-1de them in any passible
Nine (9) species were reported within FNAI's Biodiversity Matrices 38350 and 38351 as likely
(rare species likely to occur on the site based on suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the
vicinity) including: black - whiskered vireo (Vireo altiloquus) - a bird of conservation concern,
the mangrove fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia), and the gopher tortoise (Gopherus
polyphemus). Seventeen (17) species were reported within FNAI's Biodiversity Matrices 38350
and 38351 as potential occurrences (site lies within the known or predicted range of species)
including: the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), the gopher frog (Rana capito), the
red - cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), and the Florida bonneted bat (Eumpos
floridanus). Appendix 3 provides the FNAI Managed Area Tracking Record and Element
Occurrence Summary as well as the Biodiversity Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are
provided for each species as well as their federal and state status.
2.6 Invasive, Non - native and Problem Species
In an ecological context, an invasive species is one that is aggressive in growth and expansion of
range and tends to dominate others; its establishment and dominance can cause widespread harm
to an ecological system by altering the species composition, susceptibility to fire and hydrology
of an area. Non - indigenous species (a.k.a. non - native species, exotic species) are those that have
been purposefully or accidentally introduced to an area outside their normal range. The
characteristics of some of these species (high rate of growth/reproduction, no natural predators,
easily dispersed, able to out - compete native species) make them invasive. Some indigenous
species (a species whose natural range included Florida at the time of European contact circa
1500 AD or a species which has naturally expanded or changed its range to include Florida) may
also become invasive. Invasions by native and non - native species often follow an alteration to
ecosystem function, disruption of the food web, large scale fragmentation of an ecosystem and/or
disturbance (e.g., clearing, fire, drought, etc) of an area. While some native species may become
invasive, the establishment and dominance of non - native species is of particular concern.
The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) maintains a list of exotic plants that have been
documented to (1) have adverse effects on Florida's biodiversity and plant communities, (2)
cause habitat loss due to infestations and (3) impact endangered species via habitat loss and
alteration. To date, twenty -ti, -free invasive, non - indigenous plant species are known to occur
within Wet Woods Preserve. Although Florida does not have an official exotic, invasive animal
species list, at least 400 exotic fish and wildlife animal species have been reported in Florida, and
approximately 125 species are established. While only two invasive, non - indigenous animal
species have been documented within the preserve, other species also have a potential to occur in
Wet Woods and will be discussed in section 2.6.2.
2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species
To date, twenty -twa -five (2225) introduced plant species have been found at the Wet Woods
Preserve, accounting for 4713% of the plant species recorded there (Table 7). Twelve (42J3) of
the twenty —five exotic, invasive species are considered Category I exotic, invasive species by
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FLEPPC and one (1) is listed as Category II. FLEPPC defines Category I plants as those that
alter native plant communities by displacing native species, change community structures or
ecological functions, or hybridize with natives. Category II plants have increased in abundance
or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category
I species. These definitions do not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the
problem, but on the documented ecological damage caused ( FLEPPC 2007).
The most problematic exotic, invasive plant species at Wet Woods Preserve are melaleuca
(Melaleuca quinquenervia), Brazilian- pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), downy rose myrtle
(Rhodomyrtus tomentosa ) and old world climbing fern ( Lygodium microphyllum). Downy rose
myrtle is the most prevalent in the upland area in the northwest quadrant. Melaleuca and old
world climbing fern are the most dense in the southwestern quadrant, and Brazilian pepper is
present in all areas excluding the southwest quadrant. ppr-exmi ately 15 ^er°^ of +tpla ds a
In September 2007, all invasive species received initial treatment. The dense exotic vegetation
along the eastern boundary that is visible from U.S. 41 was cut, stumps treated and the debris
was removed. Because the remainder of the site is difficult to access, the remaining exotic
vegetation throughout the property was treated in place using foliar, basal bark or frill and girdle
herbicide treatment techniques. The majority of the exotics in the upland area in the northwest
quadrant were cut up into small pieces and the bases were treated with herbicide. The entire
removal project was funded by the DEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management ($57,000).
Following initial treatment, contractors returned to the site twice to retreat the remaining exotics.
^ eanti=aet will alse be set up wit ^ County approved contractors ^treated the preserve
bi- annually from 2008 — 2010. Treatment will continue to occur annually, as
needed. b
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Plant Table 7: Invasive p• Woods Preserve
Scientific Name Common Names Category
Acacia auriculi ormis Earleaf Acacia I
Ardisia elliptica
Shoebutton Ardesia
I
Casuarina a uiseti olia
Australian Pine
I
Colocasia esculenta
Wild taro, Dasheen, Coco -yam
I
Dioscorea bulbifera
Air-potato
I
Ficus microcar a
Laurel fig, Indian laurel
I
Lygodium micro h llum
Old World Climbing Fern
I
Melaleuca quinguenervia
Melaleuca, Punk Tree, Paper Bark
I
Nephrolepis multiflora
Asian Sword Fern
I
Rhodomyrtus tomentosa
Downy Rose Myrtle
I
Schinus terebinthifolius
Brazilian Pepper
I
Syzy ium cumin.
Java Plum, Jambolan
I
Urena lobata
Caesarweed
II
The most problematic exotic, invasive plant species at Wet Woods Preserve are melaleuca
(Melaleuca quinquenervia), Brazilian- pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), downy rose myrtle
(Rhodomyrtus tomentosa ) and old world climbing fern ( Lygodium microphyllum). Downy rose
myrtle is the most prevalent in the upland area in the northwest quadrant. Melaleuca and old
world climbing fern are the most dense in the southwestern quadrant, and Brazilian pepper is
present in all areas excluding the southwest quadrant. ppr-exmi ately 15 ^er°^ of +tpla ds a
In September 2007, all invasive species received initial treatment. The dense exotic vegetation
along the eastern boundary that is visible from U.S. 41 was cut, stumps treated and the debris
was removed. Because the remainder of the site is difficult to access, the remaining exotic
vegetation throughout the property was treated in place using foliar, basal bark or frill and girdle
herbicide treatment techniques. The majority of the exotics in the upland area in the northwest
quadrant were cut up into small pieces and the bases were treated with herbicide. The entire
removal project was funded by the DEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management ($57,000).
Following initial treatment, contractors returned to the site twice to retreat the remaining exotics.
^ eanti=aet will alse be set up wit ^ County approved contractors ^treated the preserve
bi- annually from 2008 — 2010. Treatment will continue to occur annually, as
needed. b
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seen as the ba4d eagle ehieks fiedge and tfeatment will years.
Under certain conditions, especially following soil disturbance or drainage, some native plant
species can become invasive. There are no native plant species at Wet Woods Preserve that are
currently a management problem on the site. Management actions may cause some species to
become problematic (see section 4.5.7).
2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species
Two (2) non - indigenous, invasive animal species have been documented on the preserve: red
imported fire ants and brown anoles. Based on the natural communities found within the
preserve, proximity to residential areas and geographic location, several more species (native and
non - native) have the potential to impact the Wet Woods Preserve to varying degrees. Brief
descriptions of documented and undocumented but potentially problematic species are provided
in the following paragraphs.
Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta): documented
within the Wet Woods Preserve
These social insects were introduced into the U.S. from Brazil
into either Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida between 1933
and 1945 (Collins & Scheffrahn 2005) and have been detected in
the Wet Woods Preserve. Red imported fire ants (RIFA) have
been documented to cause harm to humans and wildlife as well
as economic harm (Stimac & Alves 1994; Collins & Scheffrahn
2005; Willcox & Giuliano, 2006). RIFAs are omnivorous, but
they prefer insects as their primary food source (Willcox &
Guiliano 2006). RIFAs have a number of impacts on wildlife; in
many areas, they have eliminated native ant populations through
competition and predation and have eradicated food sources
Solenopsis invicta, an invasive, non -
indigenous arthropod documented within the
Wet Woods Preserve. Photo courtesy of
the USDA.
utilized by some wildlife species. Ground - nesting wildlife is especially susceptible to RIFAs.
Within the Wet Woods Preserve, RIFAs have the potential to affect ground- nesting birds; small
mammals; reptiles such as gopher tortoise, native lizard and snake species, and native
invertebrates (Willcox & Giuliano 2006). Additionally, members of the public that come into
contact with RIFAs may be harmed if stung. Many people have anaphylactic reactions to the
toxins released from RIFA stings.
Brown Anole (Aeolis sagrei): documented within the Wet Woods
Preserve
Also known as the Cuban anole, the brown anole is native to Cuba,
the Bahamas, and neighboring islands (Schwartz & Henderson 1991).
Like other anoles from the islands, this species is a small, tropical,
diurnal, arboreal, territorial, and insectivorous lizard (Campbell 2001).
The brown anole was first documented in the Florida Keys in the late
1800s (Lee 1985) and has since spread throughout Florida, into
Georgia and into two other southeastern states (Campbell 1996). The
Conservation Collier Program 33 Anolis sagrei, an invasive, exotic
reptile documented in the Wet Woods
Preserve. Photo courtesy of the
USGS.
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brown anole is a habitat generalist and generally prefers the fairly
open areas of disturbed sites. In Florida; it feeds on a wide variety
of insects, amphipods, and isopods. Brown anoles also prey on
other small vertebrates including the hatchlings of the native green
anole (Anolis carolinensiis; Campbell 2000). Campbell (2000)
showed that, in the absence of the exotic brown anoles, native green
anoles occupy perches from ground to the canopy of vegetation.
However, in the presence of the exotic anole, native anoles move
higher in trees, occupying only the trunk and crown of trees.
Dietary overlap is high between both species, but the overall affects
of the brown anole on the green anole are still undetermined.
Anolis carolinensiis, an
indigenous reptile documented
in the Wet Woods Preserve.
Photo courtesy of the USGS.
Coyote (Canis latrans): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve
Coyotes were introduced in very small numbers to Florida during the 1920's for sport hunting
with domestic dogs. This introduction did not lead to the establishment of coyote populations in
Florida. Concurrently, these canids expanded their range eastward across the United States and
Canada as a result of nonspecific needs in habitat and food, decreased competition from other
predators, large litter sizes and anthropogenic changes to the landscape. Since many species
naturally expand or change their home ranges in response to climate and resource availability,
the coyote may be considered native to Florida. This crepuscular (active mostly at dawn and
dusk) species is elusive and may travel individually or in groups of two or three (Coates et al.
1998). Evidence of the presence of coyotes has been observed at the nearby Railhead Scrub
Preserve. Coyotes commonly enlarge burrows made by other animals such as armadillos or
gopher tortoises to use as dens or use dense vegetation for cover. Coyotes may have a negative
influence on indigenous wildlife as direct predators or as potential competitors with predators
that may occur at the preserve such as foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) or bobcats (lynx rufus
floridanus); however, this species may prove beneficial in controlling potential problem species
such as feral cats.
Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): undocumented within
the Wet Woods Preserve
Like the Cuban anole, the Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the
Bahamas, and neighboring islands. The first Cuban tree frogs
probably arrived in the Florida Keys as stowaways in shipping
crates originating from the Caribbean in the 1920's. Today, they
have established breeding populations as far north as Cedar Key on
Florida's Gulf Coast, Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast, and
Osteopilus septentrionalis, an invasive, Gainesville in north- central Florida. These hylids are the largest
exotic reptile that has the potential to tree frog found in Florida and because of their ability to invade
occur at the Wet Woods Preserve. natural areas and re on native invertebrates and small vertebrates
Photo courtesy of the USGS. p y
(including native tree frogs) they are considered an invasive
species. Additionally, the tadpoles of this species inhibit the growth and development of the
tadpoles of the native southern toad (Bufo terrestris) and green tree frog (Hyla cinerea). Cuban
tree frogs thrive in residential and natural areas such as pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and ,
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swamps. In residential settings, they are most commonly found on and around homes and
buildings, and in gardens and landscape plants. They are known to get into transformer boxes
and electrical switches causing power outages (Johnson 2007). Due to the natural communities
that are found within the Wet Woods Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species
has the potential of occurring in the preserve.
Giant Marine Toad or Cane Toad (Bufo marinus): undocumented within the Preserve
The cane toad is a tropical species native to the Amazon basin in South America, and its range
extends through Central America to extreme southern Texas along the Rio Grande River. They
are used as a as a control agent for insects that damage sugarcane and consequently, are one of
the most introduced amphibian species in the world. In 1936, an attempt was made to introduce
this species into Palm Beach County, FL. This attempt failed as did two subsequent efforts.
Ironically, in 1955, an accidental release by an importer at the Miami International Airport in
Miami -Dade County, FL proved successful. They have since been deemed an invasive species
in Florida and are currently found in urban areas of south and central Florida, and are rapidly
expanding northward (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Many of this species' characteristics enable it
to do well in south Florida. Beetles, bees, ants, winged termites, crickets and bugs are a large
part of the diet of the adult marine toad. Additionally, they consume arthropods, mollusks, small
vertebrates, plant matter, pet food, carrion, household scraps, marine snails, smaller toads and
native frogs, small snakes, and even small mammals. Marine toads are prolific breeders and
females can lay tens of thousands of eggs in a single breeding season. They prefer forested areas
with semi permanent water nearby (Churchill 2003). The cane toad looks very similar to the
native, southern toad, but
there are some distinct
differences. The most
obvious distinction is adult
body size (length of body
not counting the legs)..,
Adult marine toads can
reach lengths of 6 -9 inches
while the native southern
toads only reach a length of Bufo marinus, an invasive, exotic amphibian Bufo terrestris, a native toad that looks similar
3.6 inches. Like other true that has the potential to occur at the Wet Woods to the exotic, invasive cane toad. Photo
toads, both possess Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. courtesy of the USGS.
poisonous, parotid glands. The parotid glands of the cane toad are angled downward behind
their head to their shoulders. The southern toad has a kidney- shaped parotid gland behind each
eye positioned close to the spine. The southern toad also possesses cranial crests that start
between the eyes and often end in big knobs. While the parotid glands of all toads contain
bufotoxins (poisonous, milky fluids exuded as a defense mechanism), the chemicals released by
the exotic, cane toad are much more harmful to wildlife, pets and people (Brandt & Mazziotti
2005). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Wet Woods Preserve and its
proximity to residential areas, this species has the potential of occurring within the preserve.
Adjoining residents of the preserve should be encouraged to keep pet food and water containers
indoors or empty at night.
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Feral domestic cat (Felis catus): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve
Domestic cats originated from an ancestral wild species, the European and African wildcat (Felis
silvestris). Humans facilitated the global distribution of cats due to their highly efficient
predatory skills. Egyptians took cats with them on shipping vessels to keep rodent populations
down, and they likely introduced domestic cats to Europe. Subsequently the expansion of the
Roman Empire and European missionary missions facilitated the spread of domestic cats into
Asia and beyond (Masterson 2007). Today, the impact of feral cats on wildlife is difficult to
quantify; however, literature (FFWCC 2001; Karim 2007; Masterson 2007) strongly indicates
that they are a significant factor in the mortality of small mammals, birds (including migratory
birds), reptiles, and amphibians in Florida. Because free - ranging cats often receive food from
humans, they may reach abnormally high numbers. An increase in the population of feral cats
may lead to increased predation rates on native wildlife. While no cats have yet been observed
on the Wet Woods Preserve, there exists a high probability of their future presence on the
preserve due to the proximity of Wet Woods to human residential areas. Adjoining residents of
the preserve should be encouraged to keep their cats indoors and staff should monitor the
preserve for the presence of feral cats.
Feral pig (Sus scrofa): undocumented within the Wet Woods Preserve
Hogs were first brought to Florida in the mid 1500's to provision settlements of early explorers.
Over the next four centuries, these animals were raised in semi -wild conditions and rounded up
only when needed. Their high rate of reproduction and their ability to adapt to Florida's natural
areas has led them to populate every county in the state. Today, Florida is second only to Texas
in its feral hog population (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a; 2005b). While feral pigs are able to
survive in a variety of habitats, they prefer large forested areas interspersed with marshes,
hammocks, ponds, and drainages; cover in the form of dense brush; and limited human
disturbance (Giuliano & Tanner 2005b). Dense cover is used as bedding areas and provides
protection from predators and hunters. Feral pigs are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders
consuming grasses, forbs, and woody plant stems, roots, tubers, leaves, seeds, fruits, fungi, and a
variety of animals including worms, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, small birds, mammals,
reptiles, amphibians, and carrion. Their propensity for digging for foods below the surface of the
ground (rooting) destabilizes the soil surface, resulting in erosion and exotic plant establishment.
Additionally, this behavior uproots or weakens native vegetation (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a;
2005b). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Wet Woods Preserve, this
species has the potential of occurring within the boundaries. As these animals are highly visible
outside of natural plant communities, adjoining residents of the preserve may be useful in the
early detection of this nuisance animal. Given the location of the preserve and its proximity to
residential areas, trapping would be the only viable solution if feral hogs were to invade Wet
Woods.
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3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses
3.1 Previous and Current Use
Aerial photography taken in 1944, 1953, 1962, 1975, 1985, 1994 and recent physical visits to the
site show that development has never occurred on the site. The photographs are available in the
public records and available at the Collier County Property Appraisers Office and online from
the State University System of Florida website (see Figure 7). A Phase I Environmental Site
Assessment was conducted on the site by ASCgeosciences dated May 25, 2005, before the
property was purchased by the Conservation Collier Program. This report revealed that no
evidence of recognized adverse environmental conditions exist on the property and is this report
is available as public county record.
Currently, there is no sanctioned public use of the site. The closest public road to the property is
US Hwy 41 (Tamiami Trail North). A drainage ditch running north and south is located on the
eastern edge of the property and separates the preserve from US Hwy 41. This ditch makes the
preserve virtually inaccessible at this time from US 41.
3.2 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection
The Wet Woods Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and
no historical or archaeological sites appear to be present on the property. The County will notify
the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any
archaeological or historic resources are discovered. If such resources 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).
3.3 Adjacent Land Uses
The Wet Woods Preserve is adjacent to residential areas, undeveloped areas, commercial lands,
conservation easement lands, a canal, and a major thoroughfare- U.S. Highway 41 (Figure 8).
Two parcels are located along the northern boundary of the preserve. The Future Citizens, Inc.
parcel is located along the western portion of the northern border, while the Germain car
dealership lot is located along the eastern portion of the northern border. Both of these parcels
are mapped as pine flatwood areas. Currently, the Future Citizens, Inc. parcel is largely
undeveloped land used as a camping area for a number of youth organizations including girl
scouts and boy scouts. The mast r-eeeat aer-ial images of the afea ..how *The Germain parcel as
tmde velepe ; hevi,e" °r, this par-eel was developed in 2007 into a paved parking lot and a small
conservation easement was preserved along the western boundary of the Germain property. A
drainage ditch running north and south is located along the eastern edge of the preserve property
and separates it from US Hwy 41. Mangrove swamps, under conservation easements, are
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located along the southern border of the preserve and are owned by the Old Collier Golf Club.
The Cocohatchee Nature Center is located just south of the conservation easement lands. The
Gulf Harbor canal runnings north and south1 is located along the western boundary of the
property and separates the preserve from the Gulf Harbor Moorings subdivision.
Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photographs courtesy of the State of Florida University System
of Florida website
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1944 aerial-
Land remained natural
wooded & undeveloped
1962 aerial —
Development started to occur
on the land surrounding the
preserve. Canal to the west
was constructed.
C4*1
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Figure 8: Areas Contiguous to the Wet Woods Preserve
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3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years
Since the acquisition of the Wet Woods Preserve in August 2005, key accomplishments have
been achieved (Table 8). The facilitation of a partnership between the Partners for Wildlife
Program ( USFWS) and Future Citizens, Inc. for the removal and treatment of invasive, exotic
plant species on the Future Citizens, Inc. parcel furthered the relationship between Collier
County and the owners of this parcel while taking steps to eradicate the potential seed sources of
invasive, exotics from adjacent lands. Staff also facilitated a relationship between USFWS and
the Fire Department to help fund the exotic removal on a one -acre piece of land embedded in the
northern portion of the Future Citizens Property. Staff will also work with the County
Stormwater Department to assist them in exotic removal on their properties that exist along
Wiggins -Pass Road including removal of exotics along a small creek flowing into the Future
Citizens Property (Figure 9).
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Table 8: Major Accomplishments i
of the Wet Woods Preserve
Accomplishment Year(s)
Developed an Informal Partnership with Future Citizens, Inc. 2006 - 2007
Acquired grant from the Bureau of Invasive Plant Management (BIPM)(FDEP)
2006
for the initial removal and treatment of invasive exotic plant species
Removed and treated the invasive exotic plants species from 14 acres of the
2007
site- (implemented the BIPM Grant)
Facilitated a Partnership Between U. S. Fish and Wildlife, Future Citizens,
Inc., and the Collier County Fire Department for the Removal and Treatment
2007
of Exotic Invasive Plant Species on adjacent properties to the north
Contracted Services of Keith Bradley for a Complete Plant Inventory
2008
Acquired grant from the Invasive Plant Management Section (IPMS) FWC)
20:15
for the maintenance of invasive exotic plant species
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Exotic Removal Project Area
'tea
Legend o
Wet Wood Preserve Property (Conservation Collier)
FutureCitizens- 13.5 acres- Folio # 00154960009
N
FireDept -1 acre
a x:
County_stormwater_mitigation site
Bald Eagle Nest Trees
5
Tafa RnnrroP:.rale and nerulc Cn111or rn mw P.nnenv A�n.e on. 'i
".�k�.....-- ^w..+�
Figure 9: Exotic Removal Partnership Areas
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4.0 Future Use of the Wet Woods Preserve including
Management Issues, Goals and Objectives
This section describes the main management issues, goals, and objectives for Wet Woods
Preserve as well as the overall management framework. Central to the management of the
Preserve is the mission of the Conservation Collier Program, and the goals and objectives set
forth in this management plan.
4.1 Management Plan Framework
Each property purchased by Conservation Collier shall have its own management plan. The
Conservation Collier Ordinance at the time the property was purchased required that an
"Interim" Management Plan be developed within 60 days of closing. Interim plans include basic
items such as removal of invasive exotics and trash, establishing site security, developing
management partnerships and planning for public access. The interim plan for this site was
officially approved in January 2006. The ordinance then requires a "Final" management plan
covering 10 years be developed within two years. Subsequently, the property management plan
must then be reviewed every five years. Final management plans, however, are considered living
documents and can be updated at any time. Review of all management plans start in the Lands
Evaluation and Management subcommittee and must be approved by both the Conservation
Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) and the Board of County
Commissioners (BCC).
4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information
The Site Manager for Wet Woods Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental
Specialist who may be contacted through electronic mail: ConservationCollier (d),Colliergov .net.
4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts
Future planned use will be consistent with the primary goals of conservation, preservation,
restoration and maintenance of the resource. Official public use of the site will not be possible
because there is no legal access tintil saf publie aeeess tfai's can be efe aced. However, citizens
that desire to visit the site prior- to apeni g, can do so by signing a waiver which will allow them
access at their own risk and releases the liability of the County until safe aeeess is establishe'
Details of planned uses for the Wet Woods Preserve and an assessment of their potential impacts
are provided in the following sections.
4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration,
Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources
The Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002 -63 constrains the use of this property to "primary
objectives of managing and preserving natural resource values and providing appropriate natural
resource -based recreational & educational opportunities." Natural resource -based
recreation shall mean all forms of uses, which are consistent with the goals of this program, and
are compatible with the specific parcel. Such uses may include, but are not limited to: hiking,
nature photography, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hunting and fishing (Ord.
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No. 02 -63, as amended§ 5, 12- 3 -02). Additionally, no dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or
removal or destruction of natural or historical/archaeological resources will be permitted within
the preserve. The goal is to allow limited, non - destructive public access to native plant
communities and animal species. The preserve rules are those identified in Collier
County Ordinance 2011 - 3876 48 (available from www.municode.com), as amend °a
being, dfafted and is e)ipeeted to be
The following are consistent uses for this particular site: hiking, nature photography, bird
watching, kayaking / canoeing and fishing. Inconsistent uses include swimming, hunting and
off road vehicle use (ORV).
In addition, there are no existing easements, concessions, or leases at the Wet Woods Preserve.
In accordance with the management goals of the preserve, no future easements, concessions, or
leases are appropriate in association with this site, other than conservation related easements.
4.3 Desired Future Conditions
This section includes a description of the proposed future conditions for the site's natural areas.
Management techniques to achieve these conditions are outlined in section 4.4.
After managers complete recommended management actions, Wet Woods Preserve will consist
of mangrove forests interspersed with tidal marshes and mesic pine flatwood habitats
interspersed with freshwater marshes; these communities will have a similar structure and
composition to those that existed before non - indigenous people settled the region and before the
exclusion of fire. The site will be
vegetated with appropriate native flora that will provide suitable cover for a variety of wildlife
species.
• Mangrove forests interspersed with tidal marshes will be comprised of native
canopy species such as red mangrove, black mangrove, white mangrove, and
buttonwood. Native midstory will include: saltbush while ground cover species will
include marsh elder, sea oxy daisy, Christmas berry, black needle rush, cordgrass,
giant leather fern, and swamp fern.
• Mesic pine flatwood habitats interspersed with freshwater marshes will be
comprised of native canopy species such as slash pine and cabbage palm. Native
midstory species will include: saw. palmetto, galberry, sumac, wax myrtle, rusty
lyonia, and tarflower (Befaria racemosa). The understory will be comprised of saw
grass, swamp lily, giant leather fern, umbrella sedge (Fuirena spp.), a wide variety of
grasses (Agrostis, Andropogon, Aristida, Dichanthelium, Eragrostis, and Panicum
spp., etc.), pawpaws (Asimina spp.), gopher apple (Licania michauxii), legumes
(Cassia, Crotalaria, Galactia, Rhynchosia, Tephrosia spp., etc.), milkworts (Polygala
spp.), blueberries (vaccinium spp.), milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), composites (Aster,
Chrysopsis, Emilia, Eupatorium, Liatris, and Solidago spp., etc.) and native wetland
grasses that dominate the freshwater marshes (Distichlis spp. & Paspalum spp.).
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4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008 -2018
A set of goals and objectives for Wet Woods Preserve were developed in conjunction with the
drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically
for Wet Woods Preserve based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired, the condition
of the resources present, and the management issues for the property. On -site managers should
be familiar with this entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the interim
management plan for the Wet Woods Preserve were reviewed to determine whether they should
be included in this plan. The goals and objectives presented here reflect programmatic goals and
ideas of Conservation Collier personnel in charge of managing and protecting the area. These
goals shall not be modified, but specific application of management techniques may take into
consideration input by user groups and other stakeholders from outside the program,
accommodating user needs and desires where practicable and where overarching management
goals are not violated.
Management issues are discussed below in separate sections. Within each section, approaches for
dealing with these issues are described. The ability to implement the specific goals and
objectives identified in this plan is dependent upon the availability of funding sources. The
following goals have been identified for Wet Woods Preserve:
Goal 1: Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and fauna
Goal 2: Develop a baseline monitoring report
Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna to
restore and maintain natural habitats
Goal 4: Use mechanical treatments ^r- to
decrease woody invasion resulting from past fire exclusion if se eed
Goal 5: Restore native vegetation
Goal 6: Develop a plan for public use
Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes and
Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
GOAL 1: ELIMINATE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE HUMAN IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS
FLORA AND FA UNA
Action Item 1.1 Develop a Memorandum of Understanding with Future Citizens, Inc.
organization for access to Wet Woods Preserve by groups visiting the Future Citizens,
Inc. parcel.
The Future Citizens, Inc. parcel is located along the western portion of the northern border of
the Wet Woods Preserve (Figure 8). Groups including children's groups often visit and camp
on their parcel. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), access to the Wet
Woods Preserve could be granted to these groups after they have signed a land access request
and release form. This form will serve as a liability waiver and will specifically include
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verbage to indemnify, release and discharge the CCLAAC, the Collier County Facilities
Management Parks and Recreation Division and the BCC, their officers, agents,
and employees against and from any and all liability, claims, and right of action for the death,
or injury to the signator or their property. This MOU will also indemnify, release and
discharge the above mentioned parties for any other type of damage, which may occur at any
time arising out of the granting of this request whether or not any such damages are due to
alleged negligence of any agent, employee or other worker of the Conservation Collier Land
Acquisition Advisory Committee, the Collier County Faeilities Maftagefiient Parks
and Recreation Division or the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and the
County of Collier. Furthermore, the rules and regulations of the Wet Woods Preserve will be
included in the MOU. Finally, the MOU will contain information on general preserve rules
and regulations and information about specific listed or protected species documented on the
preserve. County legal staff will be involved in the approval of the documents.
.A 4 ft. high field fence exists along the Future Citizen's and Wet Woods Preserve boundary.
A locked gate along the fence -line was installed to allow access to the Wet Woods Preserve
by authorized County staff, the fire department. and possibly groups visiting the Future
Citizens. Inc. parcel.
The Futu Citizens
have the
e propefty owners
bathroom faeilities for- seheel gfettp
also eff�red a
and summer- eampef toufs. They haVe alsO asked E)Uf
pi:egr-am
being develeped. Thiswould
open up mofe apper-tunities for- publie
also
Aetion item .. Install a fenee and aeeess b Citizens, Me. par-eel and
Caret Woods n,.,...,,ry
A field
installed
,
,
gate,
12 feet in width and four-
feet in
height
b the fenee line
to allow access
to
the Wet Woods Pfeser2ve
by authofized
Gounty
,
.
Action Item 1.3 Install signs encouraging people to stay on any future public access
trails situated on the Wet Wood Preserve.
Action Item 1.4 Identify locations of rare and listed native plant species.
The location of these species will be identified using a global positioning system (GPS)
device and mapped to allow staff to monitor them. Public trails will be constructed to avoid
areas where rare and listed species exist.
Action Item 1.5 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash in or near the preserve.
Staff will monitor the trails on a regular basis and if excessive dumping or littering start to
occur, enforcement actions will be sought through the County Sheriff's Department.
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Action Item 1.6 Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take
steps such as locating visitor amenities away from animal nesting sites.
Action Item 1.7 Avoid non - target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare
species, during invasive exotic plant treatments.
F,.,..,, 200&-o Staff will prohibit the use of Imazapyr containing herbicides such as Arsenal.
This type of herbicide has potentially caused a great deal of non - target damage throughout the
state. Licensed County or State contractors will be monitored closely to ensure the proper
herbicide applications are being utilized while treating the site. Also, close attention will be
taken to look for Tillandsia sp. (listed in Table 6) that may be attached to invasive trees being
cut down or removed. Plants of these species should be relocated prior to removal. It may
Action Item 1.8 Note and research all site development occurring adjacent to Wet
Woods Preserve to determine that the proper site development permits have been
obtained and that the site development complies with the permits.
Activities on adjacent lands may have an impact on the indigenous plant and animal life on
the Wet Woods Preserve. As such, all existing local, state, and federal regulations should be
strictly followed and enforced during any site development adjacent to the Preserve. It shall
be the responsibility of the developer to establish erosion control measures and vegetation
protection measures (i.e., protective fencing or barriers). If any site developer working in
areas adjacent to the preserve does not take the necessary control measures, construction shall
be immediately halted until control measures are put into place and mitigation and/or
remediation will be the sole responsibility of the developer.
GOAL 2: DEVELOP A BASELINE MONITORING REPORT
Action Item 2.1 Establish a long -term biological monitoring program and conduct
additional wildlife surveys.
Long -term management of the preserve should be based on biological data. Changes
following baseline conditions should be assessed as negative or positive, and management
strategies changed appropriately. This section discusses information needs and long -term
monitoring needs.
Keith Bradley from the Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC) has been eel:A -acted +„
conducted a thorough floristic inventory of the Wet Woods Preserve in 2008. His findings
along with those of Conservation Collier staff w4l— comprise the baseline floristic data on
which future actions will be based. The site should be inspected by Conservation Collier Staff
at least twice a year and thoroughly inventoried at regular intervals (ca. 5 -10 years) to detect
new invasions (by natives or exotics) and extinctions. Areas undergoing extreme restoration
should be assessed more frequently. While some wildlife data has been collected, additional
baseline data should be collected, especially on invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and
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amphibians. The site manager may contract this work out or enlist the assistance of local
educators to coordinate student research projects. Wildlife sampling, like plant sampling,
should take place at regular intervals (ca. 5 -10 years) to detect long -term trends.
Currently, four (4) photo points have been established within upland portions of the preserve
(Figure 10). Locations of photo
points have been recorded with a
GPS and all photographs taken at
these locations have been taken at a
standard height and angle of view.
During photo documentations, one
photo is taken in each of the
cardinal directions (north, east,
south and west) and a 360 - degree
panoramic photo is taken. These
photos will help to monitor exotic
removal and native plant
recruitment overtime. If necessary,
more photo points will be
established to aid in management
decision activities.
Figure 10: Photo Point Locations Within Wet Woods Preserve
Staff will also attempt to work with the Florida Audubon and Florida Fish and Wildlife on
setting up an Eagle Camera. This will allow the County, all interested agencies, and Collier
County school children to remotely view the eagles nest. Grants could be sought to help to
cover the costs of the project as an educational and research based tool.
GOAL 3: REMOVE OR CONTROL POPULATIONS OF INVASIVE, EXOTIC OR
PROBLEMATIC FLORA AND FAUNA TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN NATURAL HABITATS
Action Item 3.1 Acquire services of licensed and qualified contractor(s) for the removal
of invasive, exotic or problematic plant species.
The following (Table 9) describes recommended controls of the majority of the Category I,
invasive, exotics by Langeland and Stocker (2001) as well as staff recommendations. These
recommended control methods may be altered by site managers dependent on new
information and products available on the control of these species.
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Ardisia elliptica
Shoebutton ardesia
Basal bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4 or cut stump
application of 50% Garlon 3A. Hand pull seedlings.
Basal bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4 is very effective, as is
a cut -stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4.
Casuarina
When basal bark treatment is used on trees greater than 1 foot
equisetifolia
Australian pine
in diameter it may be necessary to slough off loose bark in the
application area to prevent the bark from trapping the
herbicide. Broadcut or 4 -6 lb Velpar ULW may be used when
appropriate.
Usually found in aquatic habitats where only aquatic herbicides
should be used. Large corms make control really difficult.
Colocasia
Wild taro
Less than 2 feet tall resembles alligator flag and elephant ear.
esculenta
Has a large tuberous root. Can manually dig up root and
remove from site or treat with foliar application 1 -1.5% aquatic
gl hsate (Rodeo) with an aquatic approved surfactant
A basal stem application of Garlon 4 is recommended although
cut -stem treatments with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4 are
also effective. If bulbils are present on vines, a basal bark
treatment should be used because it will translocate into the
Dioscorea
Air- potato
bulbils. Collect bulbils from the ground and remove from site.
bulbifera
Apply 10% Garlon 4 to stems emerging from tubers. Hand
pulling followed by treatment of re- sprouts has also been
effective. For foliar applications, use Garlon 1 % -2% 3A.
Several applications throughout the growing season may be
necessary.
Fieus
Basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Invade the interior
Laurel Fig
and ensure herbicide doesn't come into contact with host tree
microcarpa
or plant.
The most serious natural area weed in Florida. Control
immediately upon sighting. Thoroughly spray foliage to wet
with 1.25% Garlon 4 (4 pt per acre), 0.6% Roundup Pro
Lygodium
Old world climbing
(maximum 5 pt/acre), 1.0 % -3.0% Rodeo (maximum 7 pt per
microphyllum
fern
acre). Only Rodeo can be used if plants are growing in aquatic
site. Plants growing high into trees cut vines and treat lower
portions. Do not apply when plants are under environmental
stress. The poodle cut method may also be used.
For seedlings and saplings: (1) hand pull, being sure not to
break plant off of root system and remove or place in piles to
help reduce the chance that they will re -root or; (2) Treat with
foliar, low volume spot application of 5% Rodeo. For mature
Melaleuca
Melaleuca, Punk
trees: (1) Fell large trees with chain saw leaving a level
quinquenervia
tree, Paper bark
surface, or fell small trees with machete and treat with triclopyr
or gyphosate products according to frill and girdle directions
on SLN. Use aquatic versions where standing water is present.
Monitor for resprouting and retreat as necessary. (3) Mature
trees are very difficult to control with foliar applications.
Nepl�rodepis
multi flora
Asian Sword Fern
Foliar treatment of 1.5% glvsophate
Rhodomyrtus
Downy rose myrtle
Basal bark application of 10 % -20% Garlon 4.
tomentosa
Cut -stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A, 10% Garlon 4 or a
Schinus
basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Foliar application of
terebinthi olius
f
Brazilian pepper
Garlon 4, Garlon 3A, Roundup Pro, Roundup Super
Concentrate, or Rodeo, according label directions may be used
where appropriate. Glyphosate products are less effective when
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In mesic pine flatwoods, vines - particularly muscadine ( Vitis rotundifolia) - may become
abundant after --mechanical treatments or exotic plant removal. This native vine, already
present in mesic flatwoods in low densities, can become invasive after disturbances - forming
dense colonies, killing hardwoods and palms, climbing into pines, and persisting for years.
Vitis sp. should be controlled with herbicides if its populations start to grow.
Action Item 3.2 Acquire services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) for the removal of
invasive, exotic or problematic animal species.
To date, two (2) introduced animal species have been documented on the Wet Woods
Preserve, the RIFA and the brown anole. It is doubtful that the total eradication of these
species can be achieved. However, staff and/or contractors should take measures to remove
RIFA populations close to or on public access trails.
If feral cat colonies are found near the preserve, the elements that sustain the undesirable
population(s) should be identified and efforts made to ask property owners to eliminate them
(i.e., refuse bins, dumpsters, and supplementary feeding by humans). If any feral cats remain,
they will be trapped and taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services.
If feral hog populations are found on the preserve, services of licensed or qualified
contractor(s) will be acquired to trap and remove these populations.
GOAL 4: UTILIZE P"99' PJB P Grp '" 6 — MECHANICAL TREATMENTS TO
DECREASE WOODY INVASION RESULTING FROM PAST FIRE EXCL USION.
Action Item 4.1 Develop a preseribed fire or- mechanical treatment plan to mimic
natural fires within the Preserve.
Much of Collier County is comprised of plants that are dependent on fire to maintain species
composition and diversity. These species are the same ones that are prone to lightning strike
wildfires, and the controlled reduction of those fuels will prevent catastrophic wildfire
damage. Prescribed fires: reduce fuel loads and consequently decrease the threat of wildfires;
create open areas for wildlife to travel within; stimulate food and seed production; recycle
nutrients; alter the composition and density of forested areas; and aid in the control of invasive
plant species.
The structure and composition of the mesic pine flatwood community is dependent on
periodic fires. Fire probably occurred every I to 8 years during pre- Columbian times. A
majority of the flora and fauna found within this community are adapted to periodic fires;
several species depend on fire for their continued existence. Without relatively frequent fires,
mesic pine flatwoods succeed into hardwood - dominated forests whose closed canopy can
essentially eliminate herbaceous groundcover and shrubs. Additionally, the dense layer of
Conservation Collier Program 49
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used alone in spring and early summer. Use Rodeo where
plants are growing in aquatic sites.
Java plum,
Mature trees may take up to 9 months to die. Cut -stump
Syzygium cumim
Jambolan
o
treatment with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4, or use a basal
bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4.
In mesic pine flatwoods, vines - particularly muscadine ( Vitis rotundifolia) - may become
abundant after --mechanical treatments or exotic plant removal. This native vine, already
present in mesic flatwoods in low densities, can become invasive after disturbances - forming
dense colonies, killing hardwoods and palms, climbing into pines, and persisting for years.
Vitis sp. should be controlled with herbicides if its populations start to grow.
Action Item 3.2 Acquire services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) for the removal of
invasive, exotic or problematic animal species.
To date, two (2) introduced animal species have been documented on the Wet Woods
Preserve, the RIFA and the brown anole. It is doubtful that the total eradication of these
species can be achieved. However, staff and/or contractors should take measures to remove
RIFA populations close to or on public access trails.
If feral cat colonies are found near the preserve, the elements that sustain the undesirable
population(s) should be identified and efforts made to ask property owners to eliminate them
(i.e., refuse bins, dumpsters, and supplementary feeding by humans). If any feral cats remain,
they will be trapped and taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services.
If feral hog populations are found on the preserve, services of licensed or qualified
contractor(s) will be acquired to trap and remove these populations.
GOAL 4: UTILIZE P"99' PJB P Grp '" 6 — MECHANICAL TREATMENTS TO
DECREASE WOODY INVASION RESULTING FROM PAST FIRE EXCL USION.
Action Item 4.1 Develop a preseribed fire or- mechanical treatment plan to mimic
natural fires within the Preserve.
Much of Collier County is comprised of plants that are dependent on fire to maintain species
composition and diversity. These species are the same ones that are prone to lightning strike
wildfires, and the controlled reduction of those fuels will prevent catastrophic wildfire
damage. Prescribed fires: reduce fuel loads and consequently decrease the threat of wildfires;
create open areas for wildlife to travel within; stimulate food and seed production; recycle
nutrients; alter the composition and density of forested areas; and aid in the control of invasive
plant species.
The structure and composition of the mesic pine flatwood community is dependent on
periodic fires. Fire probably occurred every I to 8 years during pre- Columbian times. A
majority of the flora and fauna found within this community are adapted to periodic fires;
several species depend on fire for their continued existence. Without relatively frequent fires,
mesic pine flatwoods succeed into hardwood - dominated forests whose closed canopy can
essentially eliminate herbaceous groundcover and shrubs. Additionally, the dense layer of
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litter that accumulates on unburned sites can eliminate the reproduction of pine trees that
require a mineral soil substrate for proper germination (FFWCC 2002).
A paftnefship will be fi3fffled with the Depaftment of For-estry's Region 4 Ur-ba-n Fife-
Mitigation Team to addfess the need for fife in Wet Woods Pr-esefve. This team has been
integfai ift the development of engeing bum plans at the near-by Railhead Sefiub Pfesen,e,
Fire is the ideal ecological tool for achieving a sustainable mesic pine flatwood community.
However, due to the proximity of the Wet Woods Preserve to residential and commercial
areas, access issues, and the size of the parcel, alternate manual or mechanical treatments will
be investigated in lieu of managing the lands through the use of fire. One half of the
uplands will be mechanically mulched every 2 years, so that all uplands will be treated every
4_
Action Item 4.2 Delineate fire management and rescue access routes, and provide this
information to the police department and emergency services.
Onee a fire plan has been p . ed Access routes to and within the preserve will be provided
to the police department and emergency services.
Aetion item 4.3 Establish
for
M-111
notifying
neighboring
i
trees ete.)
and
use this system before eaeh possib!
IN
Action Item 4.2 Delineate fire management and rescue access routes, and provide this
information to the police department and emergency services.
Onee a fire plan has been p . ed Access routes to and within the preserve will be provided
to the police department and emergency services.
Aetion item 4.3 Establish
for
a system
notifying
neighboring
prese 4hpa hur-IQ hone
pr- eser -ibed
trees ete.)
and
use this system before eaeh possib!
GOAL 5: RESTORE NATIVE VEGETATION
Action Item 5.1 Maintain a revised GIS map and description of FNAI natural
communities and disturbed areas on the property.
Maintaining updated maps will help to guide restoration efforts
Action Item 5.2 Plant native plant species in their appropriate habitats
Periods following exotic removal and rr-°°^ -ibed fire are essential to the recruitment of native
plants. If native plant recruitment is not sufficient from the surrounding, intact seed source,
efforts will be made to plant indigenous flora in appropriate habitats. Natural area restoration
of Wet Woods Preserve should include only site - specific native plant material that has been
determined to be non - problematic at the site and whenever possible, site - specific seed sources
should be utilized. In addition, hardwoods that may invade the natural areas (unforested
wetlands: freshwater marsh, tidal marsh) should not be planted.
GOAL 6. DEVELOPA PLAN FOR PUBLIC USE
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Action Item 6.1 Develop access and required facilities for intended public uses
Staff will work closely with adjoining property owners to negotiate areas for the general
public to access the preserve. A parking lot is not planned to be constructed on the site due to
the amount of wetlands present. Three options are listed below that would facilitate public
access and use.
Option 1: A trail network access point could be created off of U.S. 41.
A trailhead into the preserve off of US 41 could be created. A few options have potential to
facilitate access from this area. The first is a footbridge connecting the sidewalk from US 41,
across the drainage ditch and into the preserve. This of access into the preserve would lead
citizens into a trail network that would start with an information kiosk and a raised boardwalk
leading to a hiking trail through the upland area in the northwest corner. A bike rack will be
placed at the entrance to the trail -head off of US 41.
Figure 11 is based on FLUCCS and soil information from the South Florida Water
Management District. While this information is generally reliable, a site - specific wetland
survey will need to be done before the installation of any trail system. Permits from the
County, State and Federal Government would have to be obtained. The Wet Woods Preserve
contains uplands, jurisdictional wetlands, hydric soils and non - hydric soils (See Figure 11).
The upland areas with non - hydric soils would be the first choice for a trail or a boardwalk.
Upland areas with hydric soils may accommodate a walking trail to provide visitors a view of
the wetland areas. A raised boardwalk over some wetland areas similar to the Corkscrew
Swamp Sanctuary may be appealing to many; however, this would also be the most
ecologically impactful and costly.
Potential access features are depicted in the conceptual level master plan (Figure 12). The site
shall adhere to guidelines and standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) for the footbridge and the raised boardwalk. As permitting for each component of the
preserve goes forward, a review of ADA compliance should be done by the County. The
proposed raised boardwalk in the conceptual plan is approximately 550 ft -long and it would
follow existing trails and cleared areas previously infested with exotics to the extent possible.
The elevation of the boardwalk would allow for fluctuation of water levels within the upland
marshes and the movement of small animals. Additionally, the end of the boardwalk and the
beginning of the walking trail will include benches for wildlife viewing.
The proposed walking trail is approximately 1,100 ft -long. Portions of this upland hiking trail
may have to be closed to public access during times of high water. The property also contains
one bald eagle nest, and any future trail system would have to take associated rules and
regulations (buffer zone, etc.) into account when designing and installing any public access
system. USFWS and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) would
have to be consulted in regard to the bald eagle nest tree(s) in the vicinity. Any and all trails
must comply with the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines. The following has been
taken from these guidelines:
"Category F. Non - motorized recreation and human entry (e.g., hiking, camping, fishing,
hunting, birdwatching, kayaking, canoeing). No buffer is necessary around nest sites
outside the breeding season. If the activity will be visible or highly audible from the nest,
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maintain a 330 foot buffer during the breeding season, particularly where eagles are
unaccustomed to such activity. " ( USFWS 2007)
Conservation Collier. Conceptual Site Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve
LEGEND
wet woods Preserve
Non-hydric Sails
Hydric Soils
r �i: f /ems ®r. Bald Eagle Nest Buffer: 330ft
F/4
Bald Eagle Nest Site
The follo+ng map dements are not to scale.
they are intended to show the general
location and design of the trall system.
® Pedestrian Footbridge
End of Boardwalk/
Begining of Walking Trail
Raised Boardwalk
Walking Trail
— Short Kayak/Canoe Trail
(High Tide Only)
B Interpretive Signs
��»`s C`crCuunfy:
D. Saws Fowls•Char C—* F.P ft
Sin Nacs w MAU)
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To date, one bald eagle nest has been documented on the preserve; a 330 -ft buffer will be
maintained around this nest. As the nest continues to be active, portions of the trail system
within a 330 -ft buffer of the nest(s) will be cordoned off during breeding season. The
breeding season for these raptors in Florida is defined by the USFWS (2007) as September
through May.
An engineering firm would be contracted to plan the design and would be requested to do so
in the least impactful way possible. The consulting, planning and permitting would be very
expensive as well as the costs to build a boardwalk. This process will also be very time
consuming. It is estimated that at least a year will be needed to complete the planning and
permitting process. Option 1 is currently not a valid option because of budget constraints.
Should matching funds become available, gF3rants wll -could be applied for in the lag ti to
assist in the costs associated with this option.
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Attempts were made to possibly lease a few parking spots from the Germain dealership or
from a parking lot across of U.S. 41 however, the Collier County Planning DivisionepaAffwnt
had confirmed that his would not be a legal option per County Land Development Code.
Option 2: Develop a partnership with the Cocohatchee Nature Center for Canoe and
Kayak Access
The Cocohatchee Nature Center has expressed interest in partnering with the Conservation
Collier Program. The Nature Center is located immediately to the west of US 41, south of the
Wet Woods Preserve at 12345 Tamiami Trail N. (See Figure 8). Their lot has 22 parking spaces,
and the Nature Center has a parking agreement with the Pewter Mug Restaurant located directly
to the east of U.S. 41. The Pewter Mug property can accommodate parking for approximately 84
vehicles and allows Nature Center patrons to utilize their lot anytime before 4 pm everyday. A
walkway exists under the adjacent U.S. 41 bridge which connects the Pewter Mug property to
the Nature Center. The Nature Center rents out canoes and kayaks to citizens and tourists. Staff
will develop a working agreement with the Nature Center to assist citizens who wish to access
the preserve via canoe or kayak. The Nature Center would facilitate them by renting equipment,
and they would receive information about the preserve and the program and a brochure and map
on how to access the site from the center. The Nature Center is currently for sale however, so
the future owners will have to agree with the partnership as well.
There is one access point to the Wet Woods Preserve from the Nature Center (See Figure X11 .
This area is only easily accessible at high tide. This access point would lead people into the
mangrove wetland area. Due to the sensitivity of the mangrove wetlands, no trailheads will be
constructed, people will be able to view the property from their kayaks or canoes only. There is a
great opportunity for bird - watching and nature photography while using this access option.
T4+,—If Option 1 above were to ever occur, the public would also'�a ° *''° ^„ 4en of walki„b be
able to walk from the Nature Center to the boardwalk area via the sidewalk on the west side of
U.S. 41; however, this highway is very busy and this may not be the safest option. There would
be an approximate 0.4 mile walk to the boardwalk.
A kayak trail was initially proposed that would allow citizens to paddle up into the canal system
that exists around the Gulf Harbor Moorings Community, which would lead paddlers along the
western border of the preserve property. A public meeting was held on March 20, 2008, and a
number of citizens from the Gulf Harbor Moorings Community attended to give their concerns
with this option. The concerns expressed included safety issues such as there is only one way
out of their canal system and paddlers have almost been hit by boats on several occasions. The
canal is also very narrow and it is hard for them to navigate around paddlers who already use
their canal. Also, the amount of crime has already increased in their neighborhood and
encouraging additional paddlers to come in would increase the amount of people who would be
able to see into the back of their homes. One other legal issue discussed at this meeting that
wasasd later also- verified by County staff is that the the eanal is tidally influenced water of the
canal is controlled by whieh ° +hat the State has legal ee... the ate itself.;
however, because -the land on both canal banks are-is owned by the Gulf Harbor Moorings
Community_; ifjf aw yane --a person were to step off his/her*e4 watercraft onto either canal bank
that the water touches, tle-)-he /she would be trespassing. The County would most likely
need to obtain an easement in order -to pursue any type of dock or haul out area off-Win this
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canal. The CCLAAC Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee met on March 26, 2008
to discuss the results of the public meeting and voted unanimously not to pursue the paddling
trail into the canal system or for any type of haul out area.
Conservation Collier Program 54
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Wet Woods Preserve Canoe and Kayak Access Map
Figure 4-312: Option 2 - Wet Woods Canoe and Kayak Access Points
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Option 3: Create a partnership agreement to schedule tours /nature walks
An agreement could be created between Collier County and the Future Citizens Inc. property
owners that would allow Collier County staff to utilize their property to facilitate tours of the
Wet Woods Preserve. Citizens or school groups scheduled for tours could park on the Future
Citizens Property and could be lead by Collier County staff or designated volunteers to the
established trails on the preserve property. All tours would be scheduled to avoid any conflicts
with the Scout Program schedules. Tours would be scheduled during the week or during non-
camping season. Access waivers may be required in advance to eliminate any liability issues
concerning the Future Citizens Property use. The County Attorney's office will be consulted as
to the legality of this option. If access option #1 is ever developed then this option could be
utilized mainly for school groups. Staff will continue to maintain a working relationship with the
owners of the Future Citizens Property to keep all possible access options open. See Figure 12.
Conservation Collier: Conceptual Site Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve
distance
Q Bald Eagle Nest Buffer. 330ft
Wet Woods Preserve
Bald Eagle Nest Site
The following map elements are not to scale.
they are intended to show the general
location and design of the trait system.
Seasonal Trail
(non- nesting season)
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GOAL 7: FACILITATE USES OF THE SITE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
Actions Item 7.1 Develop interpretive signage to educate preserve visitors.
Once a trail system is complete, site - specific signage will be developed to educate visitors on
plant identification and ecosystem information. Kiosks or large signs with a map of the trails
will be installed at each trailhead.
Action Item 7.2 Coordinate with Future Citizens Inc. to allow the children camping on
their site to access the Wet Woods Preserve for educational opportunities.
Conservation Collier staff will coordinate with the Future Citizens property owners to
encourage use of the preserve by children's groups that come to camp on their site such as
boy scouts, girl scouts and church groups. ^ fenee will be installed by Gansen,ation Collie
pr-ateet the eagle's nest tfee and to keep the publie from enter-ing the Putur-e Citizens-
gate will be plaeed iii the ffiiddle to a4lew aeeess into the preserve. A
small sign and brochures will be placed at the Wet Woods Preserve gate that will direct the
children's groups to the trail system and preserve rules will also be posted.
Action Item 7.3 Provide preserve brochures in rainproof box on site.
A brochure outlining the native plant communities and wildlife present at the preserve will be
created by County staff and kept in rainproof boxes near the preserve entrances and also at
the Cochatchee Nature Center. These boxes will be inspected monthly by the Preserve
Manager and refilled as necessary.
GOAL 8: PROVIDE PLAN FOR SECURITY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Action Item 8.1 Discourage visitation to the park at night.
A sign designating park hours as dawn to dusk will be installed at the entrance to the
preserve and adjacent landowners will be given an emergency phone number if they detect
human activity on the preserve after hours. If problems arise, the Collier County Sheriff's
Office will be contacted to patrol the area and site on a routine basis.
Action Item 8.2 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in
or near the preserve.
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Currently, there is no vehicular access and dumping is not a problem. Monthly inspections
will determine if dumping becomes a problem. Staff will work with the Collier County
Sheriff's Office to address dumping if it becomes a problem.
Action Item 8.3 Survey trees along the trail and the perimeter of the property annually
for damage
Staff will utilize the services of a certified arborist to determine diseased, weak, or damaged
trees /limbs surrounding the trails and kiosks that should be removed for safety reasons and
prior to hurricane season. This activity is intended to reduce the risk of visitor injury.
Action Item 8.4 Visit preserve within 48 hours after a storm event to assess damage.
Staff will take photos of damage and fill out appropriate Collier County Risk Management
Dept Division forms. If damage is extensive, the preserve will be closed until public
safety hazards are cleared.
Action Item 8.5 Promptly clear storm debris from preserve.
If necessary, a Collier County emergency debris removal contractor will be contracted as soon
as possible after the storm to schedule clean-up. Removal of debris and damaged or downed
trees along the trail system may be needed. Downed trees and limbs that do not appear to be a
public safety hazard will be cleared at the discretion of the Preserve Manager. As much
hurricane debris as possible will be chipped and retained on -site — to be used as mulch for the
trail.
4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Wet Woods Preserve
This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Wet Woods Preserve.
It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, the possibilities for contracting the restoration
activities, coordination, and other management issues.
4.5.1 Maintenance
The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include control of dumping and littering
within and around the preserve and trail. Particularly important are the security measures to keep
intruders out and the fencing and signage in good conditions. Signs that effectively convey the
desired message provide an opportunity for increasing environmental education and awareness.
4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources
Preliminary budget estimates for Wet Woods Preserve include cost breakdowns associated with
resource restoration and management. The funding source identified for the restoration and
management activities is the Conservation Collier Program Management Trust Fund. Table 10
shows the activities planned for the next ten years and the initial and annual cost estimate of each
activity. Private conservation organizations may also provide funding for specific projects.
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Funding already secured for management activities at Wet Woods Preserve includes a grant from
the state FDEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management ($57,500) to conduct the initial exotic
removal and/or treatment and a Qrant from FWC Invasive Plant Management Section ($7,000) to
conduct exotic plant maintenance in 2015. Additional grants will be sought to supplement
existing management funding to possibly fund trail onstruction and signage.
Staff will also utilize the Collier County Sheriffs' Dot- Office weekenders program for
certain labor projects and may also separately involve the County Scout programs for trail
creation and enhancement. Sheriff's workers will be limited to the eastern two- thirds of the
property along the trail system and right -of -way, and will be kept out of the bald eagle nesting
buffer area and especially in areas where children may be present.
The budget in Table 10 represents the actual and unmet budgetary needs for managing the lands
and resources of the preserve. This budget was developed using data from Conservation Collier
and other cooperating entities, and is based on actual costs for land management activities,
equipment purchase and maintenance, and for development of fixed capital facilities. The
budget below considers available funding and is consistent with the direction necessary to
achieve the goals and objectives for Wet Woods Preserve.
Conservation Collier Program 59
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4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors
A significant number of Wet Woods Preserve management operations and restoration activities
can be considered for outsourcing. Restoration and management activities that can be considered
for outsourcing to private entities are listed in Table 11.
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'Fable 11: Potential Contractincr for
Activitv Approved
Prescribed fire and/ or mechanical treatment application X
Conditional
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X
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X
Fence_ installation
X
Plant and wildlife inventory and monitoring
x
Listed species mapping and needs assessment
X
Restore /enhance encroachment and ruderal areas
x
Reduce exotic species
X
Literature development and printing
X
Interpretive signs development and installation
Trail and boardwalk installation
X
Law enforcement and patrol
X
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5.0 Literature Cited
Abrahamson, W. G., and D. C Hartnett. 1990. Pine flatwoods and dry prairies. Pages 103 -149
in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida
Press; Orlando, Florida.
Brandt, L. A. and F. J. Mazziotti. 2005. Marine toads (Bufo marinus). University of Florida
Cooperative Extension Service Document WEC11. 4pp. University of Florida, OF /IFAS
Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http: / /edis. ifas.ufl.edu /pdffiles/UW/UW04600.pdf (accessed November 2007).
Campbell, T. 2001. The brown anole. Institute for Biological Invaders: Invader of the Month.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Available from
http:// invasions. bio .utk.edu /invaders /sagrei.html (accessed November 2007).
Campbell, T. S. 1996. Northern range expansion of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, in Florida
and Georgia. Herp. Review 27:155 -157.
Campbell, T. S. 2000. Analyses of the effects of an exotic lizard (Anolis sagrei) on a native
lizard (Anolis carolinensis) in-Florida, using islands as experimental units. Ph.D.
Dissertation, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
Churchill, M. 2003. Giant marine toad (Bufo marinus) - Introduced Species Summary Project.
Columbia University, New York, NY. Available from
http: / /www.columbia.edu/itc /cerc /danoff-
burg/invasion bio /inv spp_summ/Bufo marinus.html (accessed December 2007).
Coates, S. F., M. B. Main, J. J. Mullahey, J. M. Schaefer, G. W. Tanner, M. E. Sunquist, and M.
D. Fanning. 1998. The coyote (Canis latrans): Florida's newest predator. University of
Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document WEC124. 5pp. University of Florida,
OF /IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/M/UW12700.pdf (accessed November 2007).
Collier County Environmental Services Department. January, 2006. Conservation Collier
Watkins -Jones Interim Management Plan
Collins, L. and R. H. Scheffrahn. 2005. Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren
(Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae). 9pp. Featured Creatures from the
Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service
Document EENY -195. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.
Available from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN352
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). 2007. List of Florida's invasive plant species.
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Available from
http : / /www.fleppc.org/list/07list ctrfld.pdf (accessed October 2007).
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2001. Impacts of feral and free -
ranging domestic cats on wildlife in Florida. Tallahassee, FL. Available from
http:// www .floridaconservation.org/viewing /articles /cat.pdf (accessed October 2007)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2002. A conceptual management
plan for Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area: 2002 — 2007. Tallahassee, FL. 218
Conservation Collier Program 62
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pp. Available from http://myfwc.com /wma-
planning/CMP/Caravelle%20Ranch%20WMA/Caravelle%2ORanch%20CMP%202002-
2007.pdf (accessed December 2007)
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR)
1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and
Florida Department of Natural Resources..
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). 2006. Managed Area Tracking Record and Element
Occurrence Summary for Trailhead Scrub Preserve. FNAI, Tallahassee, Florida.
Gann, G. D., K. A. Bradley, and S. W. Woodmansee. 2002. Rare Plants of South Florida: Their
History, Conservation, and Restoration. The Institute for Regional Conservation, Miami,
Florida.
Giuliano, W. M., and G. W. Tanner. 2005. Control and management of wild hogs in Florida_
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 192. 7pp. Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS),
University of Florida. Available from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW221 (accessed December
2007).
Giuliano, W. M., and G. W. Tanner. 2005. Ecology of wild hogs in Florida_ Department of
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 191. 7pp. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of
Florida. Available from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW220 (accessed December 2007).
Johnson, S. 2007. The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida' Department of
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC218. 8pp. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of
Florida. Available from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW259 (accessed December 2007)
Karim, A. 2007. Status and use of tropical hardwood hammocks and forested residential areas as
habitat for resident and Neotropical migratory birds in the Florida Keys. Master of Science
Thesis. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 61pp.
Kline, W. N. and J. G. Duquesnel. 1996. Management of invasive exotic plants with
herbicides in Florida. Down to Earth 51(2):22 -28. http: / /www.fleppc.org /Misc /trtguide.pdf
Kushlan, J. A. 1990. Freshwater marshes. Pages 324 -363 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors.
Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida.
Langeland, K. A., and R. K. Stocker. 2001. Control of non - native plants in natural areas of
Florida. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document SP 242. 34pp.
University of Florida, OF /IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database.
Available from http: / /edis. ifas.ufl.edu /pdffiles/WG/WG20900.pdf (accessed December
2007).
Larson, B. C., J. H. Frank, G. M. Allen, M. B. Main. 2006. Florida's native bromeliads.
University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular 1466. lOpp. University of
Florida, OF /IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW205 (accessed November 2007).
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Lee, J. C. 1985. Anolis sagrei in Florida: Phenetics of a colonizing species I. Meristic characters.
Copeia 1985:182 -194.
Lodge, T. E. 2005. The Everglades handbook - Understanding the Ecosystem. 2nd edition.
CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.
Luidahl, K., D.J. Belz, L. Carey, R.W. Drew, S. Fisher, and R. Pate. 1990. Soil survey of Collier
County area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Washington, D.C.
Masterson, J. 2007. Felis catus. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Fort Pierce,
Florida. Available from http:// www. sms .si.edu/IRLspec/Felis_catus.htm (accessed
November 2007).
Mazziotti, F. J. 2002. Wood Storks (Mycteria americana). Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service document SSWISI2. 2pp. University
of Florida, OF /IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available
from http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW065 (accessed November 2007).
Miller J. A. 1986. Hydrogeologic Framework of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and in
parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. United States Geological Survey
Professional Paper 1403 -B. United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Oaks, R. Q. and J. R. Dunbar. 1974. Post Miocene Stratigraphy of the Central and Southern
Atlantic Coastal Plain. Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah.
Odum, W. E. and C. C. McIvor. 1990. Mangroves. Pages 517 -548 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel
editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida.
Odum, W. E., C. C. McIvor, and T. J. Smith III. 1982. The ecology of mangroves of South
Florida: a community profile. United States Fish and Wildlife Service Off. Biol. Serv.
Technical Report OBS 81 -24.
Rey, J. R., and C. R. Rutledge. 2006. Mangroves. Entomology and Nematology Department,
Florida Cooperative Extension Service document ENY -660 (IN195). 5pp. University of
Florida/IFAS, Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/inl95 (accessed October 2007).
Schwartz, A. and R. W. Henderson. 1991. Amphibians and reptiles of the West Indies:
descriptions, distributions, and natural history. University of Florida Press, Gainesville.
Scott, T. M. 1988. Lithostratigraphy of the Hawthorne Group (Miocene). Florida Geological
Survey Bulletin No. 59, Tallahassee, Florida.
Shields, M. 2002. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). The Birds of North America, No.
609 in A. Poole and F. Gill editors The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
Stimac J. L., and S. B. Alves. 1994. Pest Management in the Subtropics: Biological Control A
Florida Perspective. (Rosen D, Bennett FD, Capinera JL, Ed.) pp. 353 -380. Intercept
Limited, Andover, Hants SP 10 1 YG, UK.
State University System of Florida. 2004 Publication of Archival Library and Museum
materials. Aerial Photography of Florida. http:// www. uflib.ufl.edu/diaital/collections /flap/
accesed January 2008.
Tomlinson, P. B. 1986. The botany of mangroves. Cambridge University Press, London.
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United States Fish and Wildlife Service ( USFWS). 1999. Mesic pine flatwoods. South Florida
multi- species recovery plan — a species plan... an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast
Region, Compact Disk.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service ( USFWS). 2007. National Bald Eagle Management
Guidelines. 23pp. Available from
http: / /www.fws.gov/ pacific / eagle/ NationalBaIdEagleManagementGuidelines .pdf
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 1958. Bonita Springs, Florida 7.5Minute Series
Topographic Quadrangle.
URS. 2007. Railhead Scrub Preserve Land Management Plan: managed by Conservation
Collier Program Collier County, FL. June 2007 — March 2017.
Willcox, E. and W. M. Giuliano. 2006. Red Imported Fire Ants and Their Impacts on Wildlife.
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 207. Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS),
University of Florida. Available http: / /edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW242
Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2004. Atlas of Florida vascular plants. [S.M. Landry and
K.N. Campbell (application development), Floirda Center for Community Design and
Research]. Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. Available
from http. / /www.plantatlas.usf.edu/.
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Appendix 1. Legal Description of the Property
3871 PG; 3156
EXHIBIT "A"
PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 00154880008
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
COMMENCING AT THE EAST 1/4 CORNER OF SECTION 16,
TOWNSHIP 48 SOUTH, RANGE 25 EAST, COLLIER COUNTY,
FLORIDA; THENCE ALONG THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF
SAID SECTION 16, SOUTH 88 °07'17" WEST, 3.14 FEET TO THE
INTERSECTION OF SAID 1/4 LINE WITH THE TANGENT TO
THE CURVE OF THE EAST RIGHT -OF -WAY LINE OF U.S. 41
(SR- 90- TAMAIMI TRAIL); THENCE ALONG SAID TANGENT AND
ALONG SAID EAST RIGHT -OF -WAY LINE, SOUTH 01-00'30'
EAST, 1744.3 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 88 °59'30" WEST, 150 .0
FEET TO THE WEST RIGHT -OF -WAY LINE OF SAID U.S. 41
FOR A PLACE OF BEGINNING:
THENCE ALONG SAID WEST RIGHT -OF -WAY LINE
SOUTH 01-0030- EAST, 945.85 FEET TO THE SOUTH
LINE OF SAID SECTION 16; THENCE ALONG SAID
SOUTH LINE SOUTH 89 °13'26° WEST, 1238:41 FEET TO
THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF GULF HARBOR AS
RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 4, PAGE 31 OF THE PUBLIC
RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA; THENCE
ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID GULF HARBOR NORTH
00 "42'36" WEST, 940.84 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88 059'30"
EAST, 1233.52 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING
BEING PART OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE
SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 16, CONTAINING
26.77 ACRES MORE OR LESS
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Appendix 2. °'-elimina -y Floristic Inventory Conducted by Keith Bradley, Institute for
Regional Conservation January44 and Aujust, 2008*
Scientific -Name
Common Names,-,,,
Native Status;
State,—
FLEPPC.
Acacia auriculiformis
Earleaf acacia
Introduced
I
Acrostichum aureum
Golden leather fern
Native
Threatened
S3
Acrostichum danaeifolium
Giant leather fern
Native
Aletris lutea
Yellow colicroot
Native
Andro 0 on glomeratus var. glaucopsis
Purple bluestem
Native
Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus
Common bushy bluestem
Native
Annona glabra
Pond-apple
Native
Ardisia elli tica
Shoe -button ardisia
Introduced
I
Aristida be richiana
Southern wire grass
Native
Aster bracei
Brace's aster
Native
Avicenna genninans
Black mangrove
Native
Baccharis an ustifolia
Narrowleaved groundsel, Saltwater Falsewillow
Native
Baccharis glomerutiflora
Silverling
Native
Baco a monnieri
Water hyssop, Herb -of- race
Native
Blechnum serrulatum
Swamp fern, Toothed midsorus fern
Native
Boehmeria c lindrica
Button-hemp, False nettle, Bog hemp
Native
Borrichia frutescens
Silver sea-oxeye-daisy, Bushy seaside oxeye
Native
Callicarpa americana
American beautyberry
Native
Canavalia rosea
Beach -bean, Baybean, Seaside'ackbean
Native
Car he horns corymbosus
Florida pai ntbrush, Coastal lain chaffhead
Native
Cass ha filiformis
Lovevine, Devil's gut
Native
Casuarina a uisetifolia
Australian-pine, Horsetail casuarina
Introduced
I
Chiococca alba
Common snowberry, Milklberry
Native
Chiococca parvifolia
Pineland snowberry
Native
Cladium 'amaicense
Saw-grass, Jamaica swamp saw grass
Native
Colocasia esculenta
Wild taro, Dasheen, Coco-yam
Introduced
I
Conocar us erectus
Buttonwood
Native
Crinum americanum
Swamp-lily, Seven - sisters, String-lily
Native
C nodon dactylon
Bermuda grass
Introduced
Cyperus odoratus
Fragrant flatsed a
Native
Cyperus retrorsus
Pinebarren flatsed a
Native
Dact loctenium aegyptium
Crow's -foot grass, Durban crowfoot rass
Introduced
Dalber is ecasta h llum
Coinvine
Native
Dichanthelium ensifolium var. unciph llum
Cypress witch grass
Native
Dichanthelium portoricense
Hemlock witch grass
Native
Dichanthelium stri osum var. glabrescens
Glabrescent rou hhair witch grass
Native
Dioscorea bulbifera
Common air - potato
Introduced
I
Drosera ca illaris
Pink sundew
Native
Ecli to prostrata
False-daisv
Native
Eleocharis baldwinii
Baldwin's s ikerush, road grass
Native
Era rostis elliottii
Elliott's love grass
Native
Erechtites hieracifolia
Fireweed, American burnweed
Native
Eri eron vemus
EarlV whitetop fleabane
Native
Eugenia axillaris
White stopper
Native
Eu atorium capillifolium
Dog-fennel
Native
Eustach s petraea
Common fin er rass, Pinewoods fin er rass
Native
Euthamia caroliniana
Slender qoldenrod
Native
Ficus aurea
Strangler fig, Golden fig
Native
Ficus microcarpa
Laurel fig, Indian laurel
Introduced
I
Fimbrist lis c moss
Hurricane sedge, Hurricane grass
Introduced
Fimbrist lis spadicea
Marsh fimbry
Native
Hed otis uniflora
Clustered mille graine
Native
H drocot le verticillata
Whorled marshpennywort
Native
Hypericum tetra etalum
Four petal St. John's -wort
Native
Ilex cassine
Dahoon holl , Dahoon
Native
Ilex glabra
Gallberry, Inkberry
Native
Juncus roemerianus
Black needle rush, Needle rush, Black rush
Native
Lachnocaulon anceps
Whitehead bo button
Native
La uncularia racemosa
White mangrove
Native
Lilium catesbaei '
Catesb s Lily
Native
Threatened
Limonium carolinianum
Saltmarsh- rosemary, Carolina sealavender
Native
Ludwi is re ens
Creepin2 2rimrosewillow
Native
L cium carolinianum
Christmasberry, Carolina desertthorn
Native
Lygodium micro h Ilum
Small -leaf climbing fern
Introduced
I
L onia fruticosa
Coastal lain staggerbush
Native
Magnolia vir iniana
Sweet-bay
Native
Man ifera indica
Mango
Introduced
Melaleuca quinquenervia
Punktree
Introduced
I
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Scientific Name _` .. ::
Common Names '' '. °:
Native Status
a i#ate
FN/U
FLEPPC
Mikania scandens
Climbing hem weed, Climbing hem vine
Native
Mollu o verticillata
Indian - chickweed, Green car etweed
Introduced
M rica cerifera
Wax myrtle, Southern Bayberry
Native
Nephrole is multiflora
Asian sword fern
Introduced
I
Oeceoclades maculata
African ground orchid, Monk orchid
Introduced
Osmunda re alis var. s ectabilis
Royal fern
Native
Commercially Exploited
Panicum hemitomon
Maidencane
Native
Panicum virgatum
Switch grass
Native
Parthenocissus quinguefolia
Virginia-creeper, Woodbine
Native
Persea palustris
Swamp bay
Native
Phlebodium aureum
Golden of od
Native
Ph salis an ustifolia
Coastal groundcherry
Native
Piloble hisri ida
Wild pennyroyal
Native
Pinus OWN var. densa
South Florida slash pine
Native
Pluchea odorata
Sweetscent
Native
Pluchea rosea
Rosy cam horweed
Native
Psilotum nudum
Whisk -fern
Native
Pterocaulon pycnostachyum
Blackroot
Native
Ptilimnium ca illaceum
Mock bishopsweed, Herbwilliam
Native
Quercus laurifolia
Laurel oak, Diamond oak
Native
Quercus minima
Dwarf live oak
Native
Quercus pumila
Running oak
Native
Quercus virqjniana
Virginia live oak
Native
Randia aculeata
White indigoberry
Native
Ra anea punctata
M rsine, Colicwood
Native
Rhabdadenia biflora
Mangrove rubbervine, Man rovevine
Native
Rhizo hors mangle
Red mangrove
Native
Rhodom rtus tomentosa
Downy myrtle, Rose myrtle
Introduced
I
Rhus co allinum
Winged sumac
Native
Rh nchos ora fascicularis
Fascicled Beaksed a
Native
Saba) palmetto
Cabbage palm
Native
Salicomia perennis
Perennial glass wort
Native
Sarcostemma clausum
W hitevine, White twinevine
Native
Schinus terebinthifolius
Brazilian-pepper
Introduced
I
Scleria ciliata
Fringed nutrush
Native
Serena repens
Saw palmetto
Native
Siderox lon celastrinum
Saffronplum
Native
Siderox Ion salicifolium
Willow- bustic, White bully
Native
Smilax auriculata
Earleaf greenbrier
Native
Smilax bona -nox
Saw greenbrier
Native
Solida o stricta
Narrow - leaved goldenrod, Wand goldenrod
Native
S artina patens
Marshhay cord rass, Saltmeadow cord grass
Native
S ermacoce verticillata
Shrubby false buttonweed
Introduced
S irodela polyrhiza
Common duckweed
Native
Syzygiurn cumin
Jambolan- lum, Java -plum
Introduced
I
Thel pteris kunthii
Southern shield fern
Native
Tillandsia balbisiana
Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf
Native
Threatened
Tillandsia fasciculata var. densispica
Stiff - leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant
Native
Endangered
Tillandsia flexuosa
Banded wild-pine, Twisted airplant
Native
Threatened
S3
Tillandsia recurvata
Ball -moss
Native
Tillandsia usneoides
Spanish -moss
Native
Tillandsia utriculate
Giant wild-pine, Giant airplant
Native
Endangered
Toxicodendron radicans
Eastern poison-ivy
Native
Tri lochin striata
Arrow grass
Native
Urena lobata
Caesanaeed
Introduced
II
Vaccinium m rsinites
Shiny blueberry
Native
Verbesina vir inica
Frostweed, White crownbeard
Native
Vitis rotundifolia
Muscadine, Muscadine grape
Native
Vittaria lineata
Shoestring fern
Native
X ris ambi ua
Coastal lain yelloweyed grass
Native
X ris brevifolia
Shortleaf yelloweyed grass
Native
X ris elliottli
Elliott's yelloweyed grass
Native
X ris jupicai
Richard's yelloweyed grass
Introduced
Zeuxine strateumatica
Soldier's orchid, Lawn orchid
Introduced
uuacl vcu uy wnsar vduun waver stall rn Zuur
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Appendix 3. FNAI Report
FLORIDA
Nate rat Areas
INVENTORY
1018 Thomasville Road
October 29, 2007
Suite 200-C
for approximately 300 of the rarest species tracked by the Inventory, including all federally listed
Tallahassee, FL 32303
species.
850- 224 -11207
Christal Segura
IdY 8511.681.93b4
„,„,.,Inai.org
Collier County Conservation Program
last s
2201 Tamiami Trail Building W
Naples, FL 34112
Florida Resources
Dear Ms. Segura,
and Envimnmental
Thank you for your request for information from the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). We have
Analysis Center
compiled the following information for your project area.
Institute of Science
Project: Wet Woods Preserve
-d Public Affairs
Date Received: October 22, 2007
The Florida Stale University
Location: Collier County
Element Occurrences
A search of our maps and database indicates that currently we have several Element Occurrences
mapped within the vicinity of the study area (see enclosed map and element occurrence table).
Please be advised that a lack of element occurrences in the FNAI database: 's not a sufficient
indication of the absence of rare or endangered species on a site.
The Element Occurrences data layer includes occurrences of rare species and natural
communities. The map legend indicates that some element occurrences occur in the general
vicinity of the label point. This may be due to lack of precision of the source data, or an element
that occurs over an extended area (such as a wide ranging species or large natural community).
For animals and plants, Element Occurrences generally refer to more than a casual sighting; they
usually indicate a viable population of the species. Note that some element occurrences
represent historically documented observations which may no longer be extant.
Likely and Potential Rare Species
In addition to documented occurrences, other rare species and natural communities may be identified
on or near the site based on habitat models and species range models (see enclosed Biodiversity
Matrix Report). These species should be taken into consideration in field surveys, land management,
and impact avoidance and mitigation.
FNAI habitat models indicate areas, which based on land cover type, offer suitable habitat for one
Conservation Collier Program 69
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or more rare species that is known to occur in the vicinity. Habitat models have been developed
Stare �,
for approximately 300 of the rarest species tracked by the Inventory, including all federally listed
species.
g
y
w �y
FNAI species range models indicate areas that are within the known or predicted range of a
last s
species, based on climate variables, soils, vegetation, and/or slope. Species range models have
been developed for approximately 340 species, including all federally listed species.
Florida Resources
and Envimnmental
Analysis Center
Institute of Science
_
-d Public Affairs
s
The Florida Stale University
`rrackjng `F%rit�a s Bir>verrif�T
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Christal Segura Page 2 October 29, 2007
The FNAI Biodiversity Matrix Geodatabase compiles Documented, Likely, and Potential species and
natural communities for each square mile Matrix Unit statewide.
The Inventory always recommends that professionals familiar with Florida's flora and fauna should
conduct a site- specific survey to determine the current presence or absence of rare, threatened, or
endangered species.
Please visit www.fnai.orgttrackinglist.cfm for county or statewide element occurrence distributions and
links to more element information.
The database maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory is the single most comprehensive source
of information available on the locations of rare species and other significant ecological resources.
However, the data are not always based on comprehensive or site - specific field surveys. Therefore, this
information should not be regarded as a final statement on the biological resources of the site being
considered, nor should it be substituted for on -site surveys. Inventory data are designed for the purposes
of conservation planning and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for
regulatory decisions.
Informaflon provided by this database may not be published without prior written notification to the Florida
Natural Areas Inventory, and the Inventory must be credited as an information source in these
publications. FNAI data may not be resold for profit.
Thank you for your use of FNAI services. If I can be of further assistance, please give me a call at (850)
2248207.
Sincerely,
Lindsay Horton
Data Services Coordinator
Encl
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Biodiversity Matrix Report o6
Nat`tiiral 4TC&S .1851 �
INVENTORY Global State Federal State
Scientiffic Name Common Name Rank Rank Status Listin
Matrix Unit ID: 38350
Documented
Acrostichum aureum Golden Leather Fern G5 S3 N LT
Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle G5 S3 LT,PDL LT
Scrub G2 S2 N N
Likely
Chamaesyce cumulicola Sand -dune Spurge G2 S2 N LE
Dendroica discolor paludicola Florida Prairie Warbler G5T3 S3 N N
Estuarine tidal swamp G5 S4 N N
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Maritime hammock G3 S2 N N
Mycteiia americana Wood Stork G4 S2 LE LE
Rynchops niger Black Skimmer G5 S3 N LS
Sciurus niger avicennia Mangrove Fox Squirrel G5T2 S2 N LT
Stema antillarum Least Tern G4 S3 N LT
Stema sandvicensis Sandwich Tern G5 S2 N N
Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 N LE
Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 N LE
Vireo altiloquus Black- whiskered Vireo G5 S3 N N
Matrix Unit ID: 38351
Documented
Haliaeetusleucocephalus Bald Eagle G5 S3 LT,PDL LT
Documented- Historic
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Likely
Andropogon arctatus Pine -woods Bluestem G3 S3 N LT
Aphelocoma coerulescens Florida Scrub -jay G2 S2 LT LT
Chamaesyce cumulicola Sand -dune Spurge G2 S2 N LE
Dendroica discolorpaludicola Florida Prairie Warbler G5T3 S3 N N
Estuarine tidal swamp G5 S4 N N
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Gophenrs polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LS
Lechea cemua Nodding Pinweed G3 S3 N LT
Lechea cernua Nodding Pinweed G3 83 N LT
Mycteria americana Wood Stork G4 S2 LE LE
Rynchops niger Black Skimmer G5 S3 N LS
Sciurus niger a vicennia Mangrove Fox Squirrel G5T2 S2 N LT
Scrub G2 S2 N N
Scrub G2 S2 N N
Stoma antillarum Least Tern G4 S3 N LT
Stema sandvicensis Sandwich Tern G5 S2 N N
Definitions: Documented -Rare species and natural communities documented on or near this site.
Documented- Historic - Rare species and natural communities documented, but not observed/reported within the last twenty years.
10 29 dbeksadmn suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the vicinity.
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1018 Thomasville Road `` / E
Suite 200-C 1 Tallahassee, FL 32303 rFloriafa Nafura{ r Areas 9nvenfory
(850) 224 -8207 Biodiversity Matrix Report
(850) 881 -9364 Fax Q,
....rl;odipn" www.fti.org �' 1851' •
VA V E N TR
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N Global State Federal State
Scientific Name Common Name Rank Rank Status Listin
Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 N LE
Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 N LE
Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 N LE
Vireo altiloquus Black - whiskered Vireo G5 S3 N N
Potential from any /all selected units
Andropogon arctatus Pine -woods Bluestem G3 S3 N LT
Aphelocoma coerulescens Florida Scrub -jay G2 S2 LT LT
Ardea herodias occidentalis Great White Heron G5T2 S2 N N
Athene cunicularia floridana Florida Burrowing Owl G4T3 S3 N LS
Calopogon multiflorus Many- flowered Grass -pink G2G3 S2S3 N LE
Crocodylus acutus American Crocodile G2 S2 LT LE
Drymarohon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake G3 S3 LT LT
Etytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia Narrow - leaved Carolina Scalystem G4T2 S2 N N
Eragrostis pectinacea var. tracyi Sanibel Lovegrass G5T1 S1 N LE
Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill G3 S1 LE LE
Eumops floridanus Florida bonneted bat G1 S1 N LE
Forestiera segregata var. pinetorum Florida Pinewood Privet G4T2 S2 N N
Gymnopogon chapmanianus Chapman's Skeletongrass G3 S3 N N
Heterodon simus Southern Hognose Snake G2 S2 N N
Lechea cemua Nodding Pinweed G3 S3 N LT
Lechea divaricata Pine Pinweed G2 S2 N LE
Linum carted var. smalhi Carter's Large - flowered Flax G2T2 S2 N LE
Matelea floridana Florida Spiny -pod G2 S2 N LE
Mesic flatwoods G4 S4 N N
Mustela frenata peninsulae Florida Long - tailed Weasel G5T3 S3 N N
Nemastylis floridana Celestial Lily G2 S2 N LE
Picoides borealis Red - cockaded Woodpecker G3 S2 LE LS
Pteroglossaspis ecristata Giant Orchid G2G3 S2 N LT
Puma concolorcoryi Florida Panther G5T1 S1 LE LE
Railus longirostris scottii Florida Clapper Rail G5T3? S3? N N
Rana capito Gopher Frog G3 S3 N LS
Rivulus mannoratus Mangrove Rivulus G3 S3 C LS
Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Snail Kite 34G5T3C S2 LE LE
Sceloporus woodi Florida Scrub Lizard G3 S3 N N
Trichechus manatus Manatee G2 S2 LE LE
Ursus americanus floridanus Florida Black Bear G5T2 S2 N LT'
Definitions: Documented -Rare species and natural communities documented on or near this site.
Documented- Historic -Rare species and natural communities documented, but not observedlreported within the last twenty years.
10 29 2007Et�/ pt idRarEi�er' t�B�miittatun3600recotuaihhereldrdpdomcoe� i AW"n suitable habitat andror known occurrences in the vicinity.
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Florida Natural Areas Inventory Rank Explanations February, 2007
GLOBAL AND STATE RANKS
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) defines an element as any rare or exemplary component of the
natural environment, such as a species, natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other
ecological feature. FNAI assigns two ranks to each element found in Florida: the global rank, which is
based on an element's worldwide status, and the state rank, which is based on the status of the element
within Florida. Element ranks are based on many factors, including estimated number of occurrences,
estimated abundance (for species and populations) or area (for natural communities), estimated number
of adequately protected occurrences, range, threats, and ecological fragility.
GLOBAL RANK DEFINITIONS
GI Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer occurrences or less than 1000 individuals) or
because of extreme vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor.
STATE RANK DEFINITIONS
Definition parallels global element rank: substitute "S" for "G" in above global ranks, and "in Florida" for
"globally" in above global rank definitions.
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G2
Imperiled globally because ofrarity (6 to 20 occurrences or less than 3000 individuals) or because of vulnerability to
extinction due to some natural or man-made factor.
G3
Either very rare and local throughout its range (21 -100 occurrences or less than 10,0000 individuals) or found locally
in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction from other factors.
G4
Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range).
G5
Demonstrably secure globally.
G #?
Tentative rank (e.g., G2 ?)
G #G#
Range of rank; insufficient data to assign specific global rank (e.g., G2G3)
G #7#
Rank of a taxonomic subgroup such as a subspecies or variety; the G portion of the rank refers to the entire species
and the T portion refers to the specific subgroup; numbers have same definition as above (e.g., G3T1)
AWN
G #Q
Rank of questionable species - ranked as species but questionable whether it is species or subspecies; numbers have
same definition as above (e.g., G2Q)
G #T #Q
Same as above, but validity as subspecies or variety is questioned.
GB
Of historical occurrence throughout its range, may be rediscovered (e.g., ivory- billed woodpecker)
GNA
Ranking is not applicable because element is not a suitable target for conservation (e.g. as for hybrid species)
GNR
Not yet ranked (temporary)
GNRTNR Neither the full species nor the taxonomic subgroup has yet been ranked (temporary)
GX
Believed to be extinct throughout range
GXC
Extirpated from the wild but still known from captivity/cultivation
GU
Unrankable. Due to lack of information, no rank or range can be assigned (e.g., GUT2).
STATE RANK DEFINITIONS
Definition parallels global element rank: substitute "S" for "G" in above global ranks, and "in Florida" for
"globally" in above global rank definitions.
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Florida Natural Areas Inventory Rank Explanations February, 2007
FEDERAL AND STATE LEGAL STATUSES (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — USFWS)
PROVIDED BY FNAI FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
For official definitions and lists of protected species, consult the relevant state or federal agency.
FEDERAL LEGAL STATUS
Definitions derived from U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, Sec. 3. Note that the federal status given
by FNAI refers only to Florida populations and that federal status may differ elsewhere.
LE Listed as Endangered Species in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the provisions of
the Endangered Species Act. Defined as any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of its range.
LE,XN A non essential experimental population of a species otherwise Listed as an Endangered Species in the List of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. LE,)N for Gros americana (Whooping crane), Federally listed as
XN (Non essential experimental population) refers to the Florida experimental population only. Federal listing
elsewhere for Grus amerlcana is LE.
PE Proposed for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants as Endangered Species.
LT Listed as Threatened Species, defined as any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
LT,PDL Species currently listed Threatened but has been proposed for delisting.
PT Proposed for listing as Threatened Species.
C Candidate Species for addition to the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, Category 1. Federal
listing agencies have sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threats to support proposing to list the
species as Endangered or Threatened.
SAT Threatened due to similarity of appearance to a threatened species.
SC Species of Concern, species is not currently listed but is of management concern to USFWS.
N Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants.
FLORIDA LEGAL STATUSES (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — FFWCC/
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — FDACS)
Animals: Definitions derived from "Florida's Endangered Species and Species of Special Concern,
Official Lists" published by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - FFWCC, 1 August
1997, and subsequent updates.
LE Listed as Endangered Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species, subspecies, or isolated population which is so
rare or depleted in number or so restricted in range of habitat due to any man-made or natural factors that it is in
immediate danger of extinction or extirpation from the state, or which may attain such a status within the immediate
future.
LT Listed as Threatened Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species, subspecies, or isolated population which is
acutely vulnerable to environmental alteration, declining in number at a rapid rate, or whose range or habitat is
decreasing in area at a rapid rate and as a consequence is destined or very likely to become an endangered species
within the foreseeable future.
LT* Indicates that a species has LT status only in selected portions of its range in Florida. LT* for Ursus americans
floridanus (Florida black bear) indicates that LT status does not apply in Baker and Columbia counties and in the
Apalachicola National Forest. LT* for Neovison vison pop. I (Southern mink, South Florida population) state listed
as Threatened refers to the Everglades population only (Note: species formerly listed as Mustela vison mink pop. 1.
Also, priorly listed as Mustela evergladensis).
LS Listed as Species of Special Concern by the FFWCC, defined as a population which warrants special protection,
recognition, or consideration because it has an inherent significant vulnerability to habitat modification,
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Florida Natural Areas Inventory Rank &planation February, 2007
environmental alteration, human disturbance, or substantial human exploitation which, in the foreseeable future, may
result in its becoming a threatened species.
LS" Indicates that a species has LS status only in selected portions of its range in Florida. LS- for Pandion haliaetus
(Osprey) state listed as LS (Species of Special Concern) in Monroe County only.
PE Proposed for listing as Endangered.
PT Proposed for listing as Threatened.
PS Proposed for listing as a Species of Special Concern.
N Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for listing.
Plants: Definitions derived from Sections 581.011 and 581.185(2), Florida Statutes, and the Preservation
of Native Flora of Florida Act, 511- 40.001. FNAI does not track all state- regulated plant species; for a
complete list of state - regulated plant species, call Florida Division of Plant Industry, 352- 372 -3505 or
please visit: http: //DOACS. State .FL.US /PUImages/RuleO5b.pdf
LE Listed as Endangered Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. Defined as species of plants native to
the state that are in imminent danger of extinction within the state, the survival of which is unlikely if the causes of a
decline in the number of plants continue, and includes all species determined to be endangered or threatened
pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
PE Proposed by the FDACS for listing as Endangered Plants.
LT Listed as Threatened Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. Defined as species native to the state
that are in rapid decline in the number of plants within the state, but which have not so decreased in such number as
to cause them to he endangered. LT" indicates that a species has LT status only in selected portions of its range in
Florida.
PT Proposed by the FDACS for listing as Threatened Plants.
N Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for listing.
1018 Thomasville Road
Suite 200 -C
Tallahassee, FL 32303
(850) 224 -8207
(850) 681 -9364 Fax
www.fnai.org
FLORIDA
M�ctu rxt An, A,5
INVENTORY
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Appendix 4. Division of Migratory Bird Management Fact Sheet on Laws Protecting the
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle: Other Protection following
Delisting under the Endangered Species Act of 1973
November 5, 2004 draft (revised January 4, 2007)
The Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act will continue to
protect the bald eagle following delisting under the
Endangered Species Act. Originally passed in 1940 to
protect bald eagles, the Eagle Act was amended in 1962 to
protect golden eagles as well, by prohibiting the take,
possession, sale, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or
barter, transport, export or import, of any bald or golden
eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg, unless
allowed by permit (16 U.S.0 668(a); 50 CFR 22). "Take"
includes pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture,
trap, collect, molest or disturb (16 U.S.C. 668c;
50 CFR 22.3).
A violation of the Eagle Act can result in a fine of $100,000
or imprisonment for one year, or both, for a first offense. An
organization may be fined $200,000. Penalties increase for
additional offenses. A second violation is a felony and can
result in two years' imprisonment and a fine of up to
$250,000 for an individual— or $500,000 for an
organization. People who provide information leading to an
arrest and conviction are eligible for a reward of up to half of
the fine.
The Lacey Act
Congress originally passed the Lacey Act in 1900 to help
States protect resident species by making it a Federal
violation to transport illegally taken wildlife across State
lines. Later amending the law, Congress extended its
prohibitions to importing, exporting, selling, acquiring, or
purchasing fish, wildlife, or plants taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of U.S. or Indian law or State
or foreign law. Prohibitions of the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C.
3371 -78) will continue to apply to the bald eagle including its
feathers, parts, nests, and eggs —as well as its products —
following delisting under the Endangered Species Act. The
Lacey Act also prohibits making false records, labels, or
identification of shipped wildlife; importing injurious
species; and shipping fish or wildlife in an inhumane manner.
Penalties include a maximum of five years in prison and a
$250,000 fine for felony convictions, a maximum $10,000
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fine for civil violations, and a $250 fine for marking
violations. The maximum criminal fine for an organization is
$500,000. People who provide information leading to an
arrest, criminal conviction, civil penalty, or forfeiture of
property are eligible for a reward. Fish, wildlife, and plants
involved in violations are subject to forfeiture. Vessels,
vehicles, aircraft, and other equipment used to aid in
importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving,
acquiring, or purchasing fish or wildlife or plants in a
criminal violation are subject to forfeiture upon a felony
conviction involving commercialization.
The Migratory Bird
Treaty Act
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is a Federal law that carries
out the United States' commitment to four international
conventions— with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. The
conventions protect migratory birds as an international
resource. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S. C 703-
712) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 21) provide
authority to conserve bird species such as the bald eagle,
even if Endangered Species Act protections are removed.
Except as allowed by permit (50 CFR 21.11), the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take,
capture, kill, attempt to take, capture or kill, possess, offer for
sale, sell, offer to purchase, purchase, deliver for shipment,
ship, cause to be shipped, deliver for transportation,
transport, cause to be transported, carry or cause to be
carried, receive for shipment, or export any migratory bird —
including eggs, parts, and nests. In addition, the Act
authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to
determine if, and by what means, the take of migratory birds
should be allowed and to adopt regulations permitting and
governing take —for example, hunting seasons for ducks and
geese.
Penalties include a maximum of two years' imprisonment
and a $250,000 fine for a felony conviction and six months'
imprisonment and $15,000 fine for a misdemeanor
conviction. A commercial activity is a felony, just as is take
with intent to sell. Maximum fines are doubled for any
organization convicted of a felony violation.
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