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Agenda 05/08/2012 Item #16E15/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to approve the Rivers Road Preserve Interim Management Plan under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) for the Rivers Road Preserve Interim Management Plan (IMP) and for the Board to give direction to the County Manager, or his designee, for its implementation. CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance, 2002 -63, as amended, Section 14(1), requires that within ninety (90) days from the date of acquisition, an IMP shall be submitted by County staff to the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee ( CCLAAC) for approval. Upon approval, the Plan shall be submitted to the Board for final approval and shall be implemented according to the Board's direction. Following the IMP, a Final Management Plan will be presented to the Board within two (2) years. Parcels within the Rivers Road Project began to be acquired in December 2008, with the final parcel acquired in September 2010. The Rivers Road Preserve is comprised of 76.74 acres and is located approximately 2.5 miles east of Collier Boulevard and 0.3 miles south of Immokalee Road, off Rivers Road and Moulder Drive. The IMP was written and presented to the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee ( CCLAAC) in November 2010. The CCLAAC voted to postpone the approval of the plan until the Conservation Collier Public Amenity Work Plan could be approved by the Board, which was approved in June 2011. The Interim Management Plan was then reviewed by the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee on September 19, 2011. After reviewing the proposed plan, suggesting minor revisions, the Subcommittee made a unanimous recommendation to forward the attached revised draft IMP to the CCLAAC. On October 10, 2011, at its regular, publicly noticed meeting, the CCLAAC had discussion, requested additional minor changes, and subsequently voted 6 to 0 to forward the revised IMP to the Board with a recommendation of approval. FISCAL IMPACT: Initial land management costs are estimated at $166,400, of which $150,000 is for invasive, exotic plant removal. These costs are budgeted for FY 2012 -2013. The annual cost for FY 2013 -2014 is an estimated $75,000. Annual costs for years to follow will be substantially less once maintenance conditions are reached. Funds are budgeted within the Conservation Collier Land Management Fund to accomplish necessary management activities. Grant funds will be sought to assist in the management costs. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Management of Conservation Collier lands to support appropriate public access is consistent with and supports Policy 1.1.6 and Objective 1.3 in the Recreation and Open Space Element of the Collier County Growth Management Plan. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney's Office and is legally sufficient. A majority vote is required for approval. (STW) RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners approves the attached IMP and directs the County Manager, or his designee, to implement it for the Rivers Road Preserve. PREPARED BY: Melissa Hennig, Principal Environmental Specialist, Conservation Collier Program, Department of Facilities Management Attachments: Conservation Collier Rivers Road Interim Management Plan Packet Page -1065- COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 16.E.1. 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the Rivers Road Preserve Interim Management Plan under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program Meeting Date: 5/8/2012 Prepared By Name: SuleckiAlexandra Title: Environmental Specialist, Senior,Facilities Manage 4/11/2012 2:22:46 PM Submitted by Title: Environmental Specialist, Senior,Facilities Manage Name: SuleckiAlexandra 4/11/2012 2:22:48 PM Approved By Name: CampSkip Title: Director - Facilities Management,Facilities Manage Date: 4/11/2012 3:30:11 PM Name: pochopinpat Title: Administrative Assistant,Facilities Management Date: 4/13/2012 2:50:23 PM Name: HennigMelissa Title: Environmental Specialist, Principal,Facilities Management Date: 4/23/2012 3:26:03 PM Name: WilliamsSteven Title: Assistant County Attorney,County Attorney Date: 4/26/2012 9:01:45 AM Name: PriceLen Packet Page -1066- Title: Administrator, Administrative Services Date: 4/26/2012 6:09:46 PM Name: KlatzkowJeff Title: County Attorney Date: 4/27/2012 9:24:15 AM Name: FinnEd Title: Senior Budget Analyst, OMB Date: 4/27/2012 4:32:44 PM Name: OchsLeo Title: County Manager Date: 4/29/2012 9:28:55 PM Packet Page -1067- 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. Conservation Collier Rivers Road Preserve Interim Management Plan Prepared By: Collier County: Facilities Management Department Conservation Collier Program 3335 Tamiami Trail E. Suite 101 Naples, FL 34112 September 2011 Packet Page -1068- 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. September 2011 Conservation Collier Rivers Road Interim Management Plan Table of Contents 1.0 Purpose and Scope of Interim Management Plan .... ............................... 3 2.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities ....... ............................... 4 3.0 Interim Site Plan ....................................... ............................... 4 3.1 Location and Site Description ............... ............................... 4 3.2 Signage .......................................... ............................... 4 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases ........... ............................... 4 3.4 Structures ........................................ ............................... 4 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses ......... ............................... 4 4.0 Interim Management Objectives ..................... ............................... 5 4.1 Natural Resource Protection .................. ............................... 5 4.2 Site Security ..................................... ............................... 6 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan........... ............. 7 4.4 Debris Removal ................................. ............................... 7 4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Resource Protection............ 7 4.6 Listed Species Protection ....................... ............................... 8 4.7 Public Access ..................................... ............................... 8 4.8 Site Monitoring and Long Term Management Plan ........................ 8 4.9 Partnerships ........................................ ..............................8 5.0 Exhibits .................. EXHIBIT 1: EXHIBIT 2: EXHIBIT 3: EXHIBIT 4: .................................. ............................... 9 Location Map Aerial Map Estimated Cost Table Implementation Timeline 2 Packet Page -1069- September 2011 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. Conservation Collier Rivers Road Interim Management Plan 1.0 2.0 Purpose and Scope of the Interim Management Plan A large portion of the Rivers Road Preserve (62.98 acres) was purchased by Collier County in December 2008 with funds from the Conservation Collier Program. Adjoining parcels purchased in 2010 brought the total size of Rivers Road Preserve to 76.74 acres. The preserve will be managed for conservation, protection, enhancement of natural resources and for appropriate public outdoor recreation. This Interim Management Plan is intended to identify the key management priorities and issues within the preserve and give direction for management for the next two years. This document is meant to be the precursor to a Final Management Plan, which will outline more specific aspects of site management and public use. The Final Management Plan for this preserve is scheduled to be completed within two years and will replace this plan once approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Key Interim Management Objectives 1. Protect, manage and restore (as appropriate) the native habitat on site Action Plan la. Install fences, gates and signage where necessary lb. Explore possible exotic vegetation removal grants from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FLDEP). lc. Map, treat, monitor, and manage invasive, exotic vegetation. ld. Create and install firebreaks le. Assess the need for native vegetation restoration. 2. Determine what actions will be necessary to open the site for public access Action Plan 2a. Appropriate actions necessary for developing public access trails and parking will be deferred until initial exotic vegetation removal and/or restoration is completed. 3. Explore opportunities for partnerships Action Plan la. Coordinate with the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, the Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), and other community groups to assist with trail creation and other similar projects 2a. Partner with the Division of Forestry and the Collier County Fire Department to conduct prescribed burns and for fire management planning. 4. Meet with community members who have an interest in this property and obtain feedback for Final Management Plan Action Plan 4a. Notify surrounding property owners, including adjacent public schools, of the purchase and meet with interested community members to receive input on management plan. 3 Packet Page -1070- September 2011 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. Conservation Collier Rivers Road Interim Management Plan 3.0 Management Authority and Responsibilities The Rivers Road Preserve was officially named on December 22, 2008. The Preserve is included within the portfolio of properties assigned to the Collier County Conservation Collier Program which is currently part of the Facilities Management Department and the Administrative Services Division. Conservation Collier Program staff are responsible for direct management of all preserve lands and may seek to cooperate and form partnerships with local, state and federal agencies for management assistance. 4.0 Site Description 3.1 Location and Site Description The Rivers Road Preserve is located approximately 2.5 miles east of Collier Blvd (CR 95 1) in Section 30, Township 48 and Range 27 within the Rural Fringe Mixed Use District — Receiving Area, in Collier County, Florida. The properties may only be accessed (currently) via private roads (Rivers Road and Moulder Drive). The total acreage is 76.74 acres. The majority of the property is composed of Cabbage Palm, Inland Ponds and Sloughs, Mixed Wetland Hardwoods, Cypress, Pine flatwoods, Mixed Wetland Forests and Freshwater Marsh. Current parcel folios are as follows: 00216000001 00216680007 00219120506 00215320009 00216360000 00214760000 00217080004 00215440002 00215480004 00216400009 3.2 Signage Temporary signs identifying the property as a Conservation Collier Preserve and listing prohibited activities have been posted at the northern most part of the property along Rivers Road and Moulder Dr. Signs missing or damaged will be replaced. 3.3 Easements, Concessions or Leases An ingress /egress easement exists over Rivers Road, which extends through the preserve and ends at a private residence at 1920 Rivers Road that is enclosed within the preserve boundaries. There are no current concessions or leases on the preserve property. 3.4 Structures There are currently no known wells, septic tanks or other type of structures on the property. Two septic tanks and one structure that may have served as a septic tank were demolished and backfilled by the former owner in September 2010, prior to conveying the property to Conservation Collier. 4 Packet Page -1071- 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. September 2011 Conservation Collier Rivers Road Interim Management Plan 3.5 Surrounding and Adjacent Land Uses Single family homes exist on the north, east and west of property, with one private residence existing within the boundaries of the preserve. A tree nursery exists to the NE of property. A conservation easement exists to the south of property. 4.0 Interim Management Objectives 4.1 Natural Resource Protection Existing Vegetation: Eight types of intact native plant communities have been documented; including Pine Flatwoods, Cabbage Palm, Inland Ponds and Sloughs, Mixed Wetland Hardwoods, Cypress, Cypress/ Pine/ Cabbage Palm, Mixed Wetland Forests and Freshwater Marsh. Characterization of Plant Communities present: FLUCCS Ground cover Midstory Canopy 411 —pine flatwoods grasses, palmetto wax myrtle slash pine St. John's -wort primrose bay willow saltbush twinflower myrsine bachelor button shining sumac beautyberry meadow beauty goldenrod musky mint tickseed 428 — cabbage palm grasses, ferns and forbs, cabbage palm cabbage palm, slash poison ivy pine vines, wild coffee, dog fennel 616 - inland ponds and Swamp fern, hog plum, rag weed, salt pond apple, cypress, pop sloughs maidencane, pickerel bush ash weed, sa ittana 617- mixed wetland Swamp fern, frog- Dog fennel, beauty Red maple, pop ash, red hardwoods fruit,blue porterweed berry, myrsine bay, laurel oak 621- cypress swamp fern, chain fern, cabbage palm, salt cypress, cabbage palm, smilax brush, stiff dogwood red bay 624 — cypress -pine- ferns, dog fennel, cabbage palm, myrsine, Cypress, slash pine, cabbage palm grasses, fortis wax myrtle, dahoon cabbage palm holly 630 — wetland forested Chain fern, alligator Sawgrass, dahoon holly, Slash pine, red mixed flag, braken fern, wild coffee, myrsine, bay,cabbage palm, sa ittaria saw palmetto willow 641 — freshwater marsh sagittaria, pickerelweed none none climbing aster sedges cord grass muhly grass Unique Natural Features: The site contains eight observed native plant communities and outstanding examples of pop ash swamps. Rivers Road Preserve contributes significantly to both the Surficial and Lower Tamiami Aquifers and several wetlands are extant on the parcels. Packet Page -1072- September 2011 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. Conservation Collier Rivers Road Interim Management Plan Listed Plant Species Listed plant species found on site include stiff - leaved wild pine (Tillandsia fasciculata), hand fern (Ophioglossum palmatum), and reflexed wild pine (Tillandsia balbisiana). Common Name Scientific Name Protection Status FDACS Hand fern Ohio lossum palmatum E Stiff - leaved wild -pine, Cardinal a' lant Tillandsia fasciculata g Reflexed wild -pine, Northern needleleaf Tillandsia balbisi ana T �,...v...... c....auy ­F Wildlife Species nhserverl nn fiitP- Animal Common Name Scientific Name Protection Status BIRDS Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura turkey vulture Cathartes aura red - shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus wild turkey Melee is allo avo Common Ground-dove Columbine passerina red - bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus downey woodpecker Picoides pubescens blue jay Cvanocitta cristata white eyed vireo Vireo riseus eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna red-winged blackbird A elaius Phoeniceus northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis MAMMALS white - tailed deer Odocoileus vir inianus Florida black bear Ursus amen .canus T (FWC) REPTILES Cottonmouth/ Water Moccasin Agkistrodon piscivorous conanti SSC (FWC); T (USFWS )' Crayfish (molt ) Order Deca oda Tree Snail Order Pulmanata INSECTS Queen Danaus gilippus Zebra Longwing Heliconius charithonia .... v.. _u I u -- "'rw cu, ui apec141 cuucern as ur .nepremDer Lull 4.2 Site Security It may be necessary to fence the northern most properties along Rivers Road and Moulder Drive. Rivers Road access gate may need to be moved further north to deter further dumping, however, since Collier County does not own the gate, collaboration with the owner as well as the adjacent neighboring property owners will be needed before any action is taken. Approximately 3,200 linear feet of field fencing could be used. Cost including installation for this type of fencing is approximately $2.00 per linear foot. Gates are approximately $500.00 each. Signage would be 6 Packet Page -1073- 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. September 2011 Conservation Collier Rivers Road Interim Management Plan placed at both gate entrances. If major security issues occur, the CCSO and/or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will be contacted to assist. 4.3 Exotic Vegetation Removal and Maintenance Plan Invasive and exotic plants on the preserve include Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), Ceasar's weed (Urena lobata), bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra), citrus ( Citus spp.), air potato (Dioscorea builbifera), lantana (Lantana camera), melaleuca ( Melaleuca quinquenervia), monk orchid (Oeceoclades maculata), tabeubuia ( Tabeubuia spp.), and wedelia ( Wedelia trilobata). Exotic Removal will be contracted out to County approved contractors. The initial cost of removal and treatment will be substantial due to the high density of infestation. Based on cost estimates provided by an approved County contractor, intial costs could range between $80,000 - $150,000. It would cost approximately $30,000 to mechanically mow the Brazilian pepper along the old "road" within the property. Costs for follow -up maintenance would be approximately $75,000 per year for the first 1 -2 years. These costs would likely decrease over time as the soil seed bank is depleted. Staff will apply for federal and state grant funding to assist in the cost of invasive, exotic plant removal. These may include but are not limited to grants offered by the USFWS South Florida Coastal Ecosystems Program, USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (Conservation Collier Cooperative Agreement Modification would be required), and the FWC Upland Weed Management Working Group. After initial exotic removal is completed, areas will be evaluated to determine if additional restoration is needed. 4.4 Debris Removal A large amount of debris has already been removed by the previous property owners. However, hidden debris may be uncovered during exotic plant removal and firebreak installation. "No Trespassing and/or dumping" signs and a fence may need to be installed to deter further dumping. Trash removal can be accomplished using both contracted and volunteer labor. Staff will work with the CCSO Weekenders Program to assist with the clean up in these areas. Staff will also attempt to coordinate with the surrounding homeowners. 4.5 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection The Rivers Road 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 Packet Page -1074- 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. September 2011 Conservation Collier Rivers Road Interim Management Plan resources. The management of these resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, specifically Sections 267.0612 (a) and (b). 4.6 Listed Species Protection Staff will evaluate needs for protection if any listed wildlife species are found on the property. The locations where listed species are routinely observed will be identified using a global positioning system (GPS) device and mapped to allow staff to monitor them. Care will be taken when exotic removal treatment occurs to avoid areas with listed plants and to avoid non - target damage with herbicides. If wild hogs are present then a wild hog management program will be developed for this property. Feral hogs consume ground- nesting bird eggs and disturb soil and sensitive vegetation during rutting activities which in turn invites invasive exotic plant growth. No public hunting is allowed within the Rivers Road Preserve. 4.7 Public Access Public access will be limited to special requests until initial exotics are removed and safe trails can be created. The Final Management Plan will outline appropriate types of public access and a conceptual public access plan will be included. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and safety concerns will need to be met before the site can officially open to the public. Public hunting is not allowed within the Rivers Road Preserve. 4.8 Site Monitoring and Long Term Management Plan Monitoring of the site shall consist of invasive, exotic vegetation re- treatment and listed species population surveying. The site will be monitored for exotic vegetation re- growth semi - annually for two years following initial treatment. After two years, exotic vegetation will be monitored on a yearly basis. Although fire management may not be addressed during the initial two years of management of this preserve, prescribed fire will eventually be utilized to restore portions of the preserve. Fire will not be implemented until exotic plant densities are controlled to maintenance levels of 5% or less. Fire breaks will need to be created and maintained and some form of fuel reduction may be necessary. The property will also be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that the fencing, if installed, is not disturbed and that no trespassing or unauthorized activities are occurring. 4.9 Partnerships Staff will contact the Florida Forest Service and the Collier County Fire Department to seek planning and partnership opportunities. Staff will also coordinate with the Collier County Boy and Girl Scouts of America for possible trail creation projects and will also continue to utilize the CCSO Weekenders Program. 8 Packet Page -1075- September 2011 5.0 Exhibits EXHIBIT 1: Rivers Road Preserve Location Map 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. Conservation Collier Rivers Road Interim Management Plan 6 Packet Page -1076- � � fi Sys, rrv+a S yq Uy /2�qi, J t LP} �zr Ic �,� 3 �s^s.�,�ir,�� I� rte•` � "i ��_.� iu � �d`a.�L.,.�S� �Jw..aatuuf• ?ri(I � 1Y� S ",r��``�'°-"JjS� - � •�� � � �� � N ' N jl'00 ✓ ., r - r sf i,.i1 Sul fvJ JIB y 1 1 t/ u)A� w r _ i td ✓ 3, r.r�i,I�J��}f September 2011 EXHIBIT 3: Estimated Cost Table 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. Conservation Collier Rivers Road Interim Management Plan Invasive, exotics $150,000 $75,000 Recurring costs are high due to the dense removal & treatment areas of air potato Trash and Debris $10,000+ n/a Estimate Only. Based on quote for debris Removal removal at Railhead Scrub Preserve in the event debris Total $166,400+ $75,000 t.b.d. To be determined; cost estimates have not been finalized. 11 Packet Page -1078- • O � n (TQ � � O p= < O � C G CD CD N CD 0 �CD CL �2 OG O A� = CD p V�Q QQ an CD a� CD �CD ... n CD •D V o n 'C o � rn �, CD CD0 CD 5/8/2012 Item 16.E.1. 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