Agenda 06/28/2011 Item #16E 8
6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve a Final Management Plan for the Shell Island Preserve under the
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program and direct the County Manager, or his designee, to
im plement the plan.
OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) of the Final
Management Plan (FMP) for the Shell Island Preserve under the Conservation Collier Program
and 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 a FMP 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.
The Shell Island Preserve was purchased by Collier County on June 10, 2005 using funds from
the Conservation Collier Program. The Conservancy of SW Florida also contributed $125,000
above the appraised value to facilitate the purchase but does not hold title. The property is
located within the urban boundary of Collier County in the southwest corner of Section 15,
Township 51S, Range 26E, west of State Road (SR) 951, east of and surrounded on the north,
west and south sides by Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR). See
map attached as Exhibit A. Shell Island Road transects the southeast corner of the property.
The Interim Management Plan was initially approved by the Board in January 2006, and later
extended through June 2007. Conservation Collier was working with RBNERR to include the
Shell Island Preserve as an addendum within its management plan which was under revision at
that time. Staffing changes at RBNERR and delays in revision of the RBNERR management
plan put this process on hold. Staff continued to manage the property pursuant to the Interim
Management Plan and to check back periodically with RBNERR staff to determine when the
coordination process for a Management Plan could continue. Recently, that coordination was
reengaged in and the attached final management plan represents a coordination of
management objectives between Conservation Collier and RBNERR; not quite an addendum,
but more of a companion plan. The Shell Island Preserve Management Plan references and is
referenced in the November 2010 RBNERR Management Plan, which is currently in the final
stages of approval by the State Department of Environmental Protection. Species lists and
detailed environmental descriptions relevant to Shell Island Preserve are already included within
the RBNERR Plan, so the Shell Island Plan, as a companion plan, is somewhat abridged. Any
additional future cooperative agreement will be developed as a Memorandum of Agreement and
provided to the Board for approval. All management authority remains with Collier County.
.-
Because Shell Island Preserve is entirely flooded during wet season (June - October), can be
hazardous to access on foot, and is classified as a Category 5 Resource Protection/Restoration
Preserve, there are no plans to provide access amenities such as restrooms or marked trails. A
public Y, mile long boardwalk exists off of Shell Island Road less than one mile east of the
Preserve. For purposes of management, research or educational visits to the site, the Preserve
is easily accessible from Shell Island Road where a small gravel parking area is maintained by
RBNERR. Staff will be present only periodically for site inspections and management purposes.
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
Staff provided copies of the draft FMP with request for comment to surrounding neighborhood
property managers and land owners and made a presentation at a Fiddler's Creek Village
Council meeting in May 2011.
This Final Management Plan was reviewed and recommended by the Lands Evaluation and
Management Subcommittee of the CCLAAC on April 22, 2011 with minor revisions and then
reviewed and recommended by the CCLAAC on May 9, 2011. Both were publicly noticed
meetings.
FISCAL IMPACT: Ongoing land management activity costs are estimated at $4,450 annually,
with $7,450 at 5 year intervals when prescribed fire is applied. Funds are budgeted within the
Conservation Collier Land Management Fund to accomplish necessary management activities.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance (2002-63), as amended, in
Section 14, provides a legal framework for development of management plans and for use of
environmentally sensitive lands. The recommendation of the Shell Island Preserve FMP by the
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee for Board approval falls within this
legal framework. The FMP is legally sufficient for Board action. This action requires a majority
vote. - STW
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.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners approves the attached FMP
and directs the County Manager, or his designee, to implement it for the Shell Island Preserve.
Prepared By: Alexandra Sulecki, Sr. Environmental Specialist, Conservation Collier Program,
Department of Facilities Management
Attachments: Shell Island Preserve Final Management Plan
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
Exhibit A. Shell Island Preserve Location Map
w+.
s
Shell Island Preserve Location
So urce: 2010 aerials. Collier County
Property Appraiser
Map created for Conservation
Collier by: A.Sulecki
G:/Conservation Collier/maps/Acquired
proplMalVlocaeriaL Management_ Plan
5/31/11
- publish,MAIN,RoadUvlaior_Collier
Surrounding Conservation Areas
Ten ThOUSOlnd Islands National Wildlife Refuge
.. Rookl~ty Bay National Estuanne Research Reserve
CJ Picayune Strand State Forest
CJ Collier"Semlnole Slate Park
D Consl~tvation Collier Presetves
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.E.8.
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve a Final Management Plan for the Shell
Island Preserve under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program and direct the County
Manager, or his designee, to implement the plan.
Meeting Date: 6/28/2011
Prepared By
Name: HennigMelissa
Title: Environmental Specialist, Principal,Facilities Management
6/13/2011 10:03:57 AM
Submitted by
Title: Environmental Specialist, Senior,Facilities Manage
Name: SuleckiAlexandra
6/13/2011 10:03:58 AM
Approved By
Name: HennigMelissa
Title: Environmental Specialist, Principal,Facilities Management
Date: 6/13/2011 10:24:58 AM
Name: SmithKristen
Title: Administrative Secretary,Risk Management
Date: 6/13/2011 10:34:36 AM
Name: CampSkip
Title: Director - Facilities Management.Facilities Manage
Date: 6/13/201 J 12:38:52 PM
Name: PriceLen
Title: Administrator - Administrative Services,
Date: 6/14/2011 9:36: I 0 PM
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Name: Williams Steven
Title: Assistant County Attorney,County Attorney
Date: 6/15/2011 1:07:21 PM
Name: KlatzkowJeff
Title: County Attorney,
Date: 6/16/201110:28:18 AM
Name: StanleyTherese
Title: ManagementlBudget Analyst, Senior,Office of Management & Budget
Date: 6/17/2011 10:57:41 AM
Name: OchsLeo
Title: County Manager
Date: 6/19/2011 5:57:58 PM
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
Shell Island Preserve
Addendum Land Management Plan
April 2011 -2015
Managed by: Conservation Collier Program Collier County
Prepared by: Collier County Administrative Services Division
Facilities Management Department
Background: Collier County acquired the Shell Island Preserve in June 2005 using funds from
the County's Conservation Collier Program, along with a donation from the Conservancy of
Southwest F]orida that paid the difference between the appraised value, which Conservation
Collier paid, and the seller's asking price. The Conservation Collier Program was established in
2003 to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vita] and significant threatened natura] lands,
forest, uplands and wetland communities located in Collier County, for the benefit of present and
future generations. This preserve is located directly adjacent to and surrounded on three sides by
the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR). This plan is intended to
serve as an addendum to the RBNERR Management Plan dated November 20] 0, which is
currently in the final stages of its approval process. Once approved, this plan will be effective
through 20] 5, at which time it will be updated.
Preserve Manager and Contact Information: The site manager for Shell ]sland Preserve will
be a designated Collier County Environmental Specialist who may be contacted through
electronic mail at ConservationCollicr!/VCollier!2ov.net or by phone at 239-252-296].
Location and Site Description: The Shell Island Preserve (Property) is located within the urban
boundary of Collier County in the southwest corner of Section] 5, Township 51 S, Range 26E,
west of State Road (SR) 951, east of and surrounded on the north, west and south sides by
RBNERR. See map attached as Exhibit A. Shell Island Road transects the southeast corner of
the property. The 83.18-acre site contains mangrove forest, freshwater marsh, and salt marsh
plant communities. An historic roadbed, County Road (CR) 848, cuts diagonally across the
property. Except for the roadbed, which contains approximately 6.31 acres, the Property is
entirely wetlands and is completely flooded during rainy season.
Easements, Concessions or Leases: A 100' Lee County Electric Cooperative easement exists
along the western property line. A 60' F]orida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
perpetual, non-exclusive, ingress/egress easement exists along the portion of Shell Island Road
that transects the preserve. This DEP easement includes the right to conduct hydrological
restoration, place culverts, backfill ditches, and conduct road reconstruction for use by
management and for access by the public. No other easements, concessions or leases currently
exist over or within the site or are proposed for the future, unless they further conservation
objectives, such as a conservation easement.
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
DRAFT Shell Is/and Preserve Addendum Land Manazement Plan
Structures: Structures present on the site at this time are limited to those associated with the Lee
County Electric Cooperative easement and an unknown number of historic electricity poles that
still may be present along the old CR 848 roadbed.
Regional Significance of Shell Island Preserve: To date. eXisting local, state and federal
agencies protect and manage approximately 63% (more than 867.000 acres) of Collier County.
Included within that total are 164.327 acres ov.med, leased and cooperatively managed by
RBNERR, which itself surrounds the 83.18-acre Shell Island Preserve on its west. north and
south sides. If the Shell Island Preserve had not been acquired for conservation, the previous
owner planned to develop a condominium project on the fill remaining from the old roadbed.
Placing a condominium project within wetlands surrounded by sensitive state lands would have
put those lands at risk for undesirable impacts. ln addition, this parcel provides a buffer for
preserved lands at RBNERR from development impacts associated with SR 95 I and the
expanding urban fringe. On a resource level, the Preserve protects coastal marsh and mangrove
forest, provides habitat for many listed and non-listed native bird species, and provides for the
conveyance, storage and treatment for overland water flows entering Rookery Bay.
Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protcction:
The Shell Island Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability,
although the old CR 848 roadbed may contain historical artifacts. The County will notity the
Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any archaeological
or historic resourccs are present at the site. If such properties are identified on-site, staff shall
cordon off the area, and a profcssinnal 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 267.061 2 (a) and (b). The collection of artifacts or the
disturbance of archaeological and historic sites within the Shell Island Preserve will be
prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Collier County Board of County
Commissioners and the Department of State. Division of Historical Resources.
Managemcnt Plan Scope and goals: Conservation Collier's preserve-use classification system
has designated the Shell Island Prescrvc as a Category 5 - a Resource Protcction/Restoration
preserve, described below:
Catef!on' 5 - Resource ProlectfonRes(oratiol1 Use PreSCJTC
Provide no public access. Public access may not be feasible due to the lack of physical and legal
access or where the land stewardship activities could create unsafe conditions for the public.
No rest rooms or marked trails will be offered.
Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary for the proper
management ufthe preserve-.
Within the scope of a Category 5 Resource Protection /Restoration Use Preserve, Conservation
Collier secks to coordinate with overall RBNERR Management Plan goals. Specifically, this
Consen.ation Collier Prof!,ram
~
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
DRAFT Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Manaf!ement Plan
means to restore natural freshwater inflows, protect and restore natural ecological functions,
protect listed species, manage for compatible public use, increase understandings of key
ecological processes, increase public awareness, promote community involvement, provide for
safe work environment and establish cost effective management strategies (RBNERR
Management Plan, November 2010). While overall goals will be coordinated with RBNERR as
practicable, specific site management and public use will be directed by the Conservation Collier
Site Manager, this addendum, and any future ordinance pertaining to Conservation Collier lands,
all under the authority of the Board of County Commissioners.
Public Involvement: Conservation Collier recognizes the importance of public involvement and
encourages involvement in preparation of land management plans. Conservation Collier is also
committed to meeting the requirements ofthe Florida Sunshine Law, F.S. 286.011. Key steps in
the development of this plan involved public meetings of the Conservation Collier Land
Acquisition Advisory Committee, its Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee, and the
Board of County Commissioners. Meetings were publicly noticed through posting on the
Conservation Collier website (www.Colliergov.net/CollservationCollier). publishing in various
local news outlets and e-mailing to a broad recipient list. Staff also met with neighborhood
associations and property managers of surrounding lands to gather input.
Acreage Breakdown:
General Vegetative Communities Acreage
Wetlands (92%)- Mangrove, 76.87
freshwater marsh, salt marsh and
open water body
Uplands (8%) old roadbed 6.31
TOTAL 83.18
Natural Resources:
Topography, geomorphology, geology, hydrology and climate for this property are included
within the RBNERR Management Plan, November 201 0 (section 4.1.2. General Discussion).
Natural Communities: Three different plant communities are present at the site; however, they
are not always distinct. Freshwater and saltwater species co-exist throughout the property. The
old CR 848 roadbed, which transects the property, contains a mix of vegetation.
The following is a general description of native vegetation communities present as classified by
Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS):
FLUCCS 612 - Mangrove Forest - red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), white mangroves
(Laguncularia racemosa) and black mangroves (Avicennia germinans). Other associated species
include: buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmelfo).
FLUCCS 641 - Freshwater marsh - black rush (Juncus roemerianus), sawgrass (Cladium
jamaicense), spikerush (Eleocharis spp.), spider lilies (Hymenocallis .\p.), cattails (Typha spp.),
White-top sedge (Dichromena spp.), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), wax myrtle (Myrica
cerifera) and saltbush (Baccharus halimifolia)
Conservation Collier Program
3
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
DRAFT Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Manaf!cment Plan
FLUCCS 642 -- Salt marsh - saltmeadow cord grass (Spartina patens), sea purslane (Sesuvium
maritimum), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
The old roadbed contains wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), saltbush lBaccharus halimifolia),
buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and cabbage palm (Sahal palmetto).
Native Animal Species: Native species present likely include large mammals traversing the
property, including Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), black bear (Ursus americanus
jloridanus) and bobcat (Lynx rulus). Also present are a diverse assemblage of invertebrates,
reptiles and amphibians, wading birds and raptors including the bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus) osprey (Pandion haliaetus), roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) and reddish egret
(Egretta rufescens).
Listed Species:
Conservation Collier staff have observed the following listed species on the Shell Island
Preserve. A complete list of species that are present on adjoining RBNERR lands and
potentially also present at the Preserve is included within the RBNERR 2010 Management Plan
(Appendix BA. J). The Florida panther and Florida black bear are documented on adjoining
RBNERR lands and likcly travcl through the Prescrvc. American crocodiles are present at the
nearby Marco Island Airport and may also be present. This list includes rankings at the state
and federal level as well as those of the Florida natural Areas Inventorv (FNAI).
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME FNAl* STATUS**
i State I Global State I Federal
Plants
Leather Fern Acrostichwl1 aureum N IN T N
Re-flexed wild pine TilIand,ia ha/hisiana N IN 'T N
Banded wild pine Tillandsia f!exuosa N N T N
Giant wild pine TilIandsia utriculafa N N E IN
Birds
wood stork .Mycferia americana S2 G4 E E
white ibis Eudocimus a/hus S4 G5 SSC N
snowy egret EK/-etta fhu/a i 53 G5 SSC N
i tricolored heron Eg:rella tricolor t S4 G5 SSC N
--
1 ittle blue heron Egreffa caerulea i S4 i G5 SSC N
Reptiles I
American alligator Allii!afOr missis.I'ippiensis I S4 I G5 SSC I SAT
*Descriptions of the FNAI Global element rankings are included within the RBNERR
management Plan (Appendix B.6)
'.State/Federal Status: N-Not Listed; T-Threatened; E-Endangered; CE-Commercially
Exploited; SSC-Species of Special Concem; SAT-Similarity of Appearance Threat
Problem Species:
A complete list of problem species found on surrounding RBNERR lands is included within the
20 I 0 Management Plan (Appendix BA.3). Although not directly obscrved. some or all of these
may also be present on the Preserve. Problem plant species obscrved by staff on the Preserve
include Brazilian pepper (Schinu.l' lerehinthi(olius) and melaleuca (Mela/euca quinquinerva).
Conservation Collier Pr(},~-'-'Aam
-I
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
DRAFT Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Manai!ement Plan
Management Goals and Actions:
Goal 1: Protect and manage the native habitat onsite.
Strategic Actions:
1. Treat and manage melaleuca, Brazilian pepper and any other Florida Exotic Pest
Plant Category I and 11 plants.
2. Seek to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for management with
RBNERR.
2. Seek partnering opportunities with RBNERR and the Conservancy of Southwest
Florida for invasive plant management grant funding.
3. Apply prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatment as needed to restore native
habitat.
Goal 2: Implement necessary hydrologic restoration
Strategic Actions:
1. Work with RBNERR to develop and implement projects to improve area hydrology.
2. Make the site available to students in university and post-secondary school science
programs for hydrologic restoration research.
3. Evaluate other actions to improve hydrology if/when proposed based on estimated
environmental benefits return and cost.
Goal 3: Facilitate and support research
Strategic Actions:
Contact universities, research institutions and schools to offer the site as an
environmental laboratory, with particular emphasis on projects that will assist in
hydrologic restoration.
Public Access:
Consistent with its classification as a Resource ProtectionlRestoration preserve within the
preserve-use classification system and due to potential unsafe conditions for the public, no
general public access, marked trails or restrooms will be offered. A public 'h-mile long
boardwalk through similar habitat exists less than I-mile west of the Preserve off Shell Island
Road. Public access will be limited to research and education projects and staff will be present
only periodically for site inspections and management purposcs.
Operational Plan for the SheIl Island Preserve:
This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Shell Island Preserve.
It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, possibilities for contracting the restoration
activities, coordination. and other management issues. Management will consist primarily of
annual maintenance for exotic plants and application of prescribed fire.
Initial exotic plant treatments have been successful in removing 95% of invasive plant
infestations; however, resprouting of Melaleuca in marsh areas has been observed and Brazilian
pepper continues to sprout along Shell Island Road, SR 951 and adjacent to the pond in the
northwest corner of the Preserve. Follow-up treatments are occurring annually during the dry
Conservation Collier Program
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
DRAFT Shell Island Preserve Addendum Land Manazement Plan
season. Recommended treatment for resprouting melaleuca is to hand pull seedlings if small
enough, or to treat with foliar. low volume spot application of 5% Rodeo. Resprouting mature
trees can be girdled and treated with triclopyr or glyphosate products. Treatments for Brazilian
pepper consist of basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Foliar application of 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 used alone in spring and
early summer. Rodeo should be used where plants are growing in aquatic settings, such as
around the pond in the northwest corner of the Preserve. Conservation Collier will work in
coordination as much as possible with RBNERR to perform exotic plant treatments.
Conservation Collier will coordinate prescribed fire events with RBNERR, the Florida Division
of Forestry (DOF), the Collier County Isle of Capri Fire and Rescue District and surrounding
landowners when conducting prescribed burns. Please see the RBNERR 2010 Management Plan
(Appendix B.8) for a full discussion of prescribed fire management and its application on
RBNERR lands. The Shell Island Prescrve is included within burn units 15 and 16 as identified
in the RBNERR Prescribed Fire Plan (RBNERR 2010 Management Plan Appendix B.8. Figure I
/ Rookery Bay Burn Units). A system of notifying surrounding landowners in advance of
prescribed burns will be established (via email. phone trees, etc.) this system will be executed by
the Preserve Managcr before each prescribed fire. The Preserve Manager will also send out a
news release to notify the newspaper. radio and news channels in addition to infornling the
County Manager, County Commissioners and all local fire departments prior to any prescribed
burns.
When burning, photo points will be takcn at established locations, facing north (0 degrees), east
(90 degrees), west (180 degrees) and south (270 degrees) pre-burn, 1-2 days post burn, 6 months
post burn and annually until the next burn.
Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources:
Table 1: Estimated Annual Land Mana ement Budl!et (Amounts in Dollars)
Item QTY Cost 2011- 2012- 2013- 2014- 2015- 2016- 2017-
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Exotic 83.18 $53.50 $4,450 $4,450 $4,450 $4,450 $4,450 $4,450 $4,450
Removal ac per ac
(annual I
I I
events) i I
Prescribed 75 ac $3.000 ! $3,000
Fire * I I
I
(2-10 year
events) I
! $1.000 -.-.
Si!.ms I
Hydrologic i vhid***
Restoration I
** I I
I
I
* Estimated Costs based on Florida DOF cost estimates for 75-acre burns.
**Removal of portions or entirety of the old raised roadbed (CR 848). Depending 011 results of any hydrologic
studies, this is 1110st likely to occur after 2015.
*** To be determined
COl1servarion Collier Program
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6/28/2011 Item 16.E.8.
DRAFT Shell Island Presen'e Addendum Land Manazemen/ Plan
Literature Cited:
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.
Govemment-in-the-Sunshine Law, F.S. S 286.011. 1976.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan (Draft), November 2010
Exhibit A. Map of Shell Island Preserve
Shell Island Preserve Location
w+,
s
o 1.25 2.5 5 Miles
I I I I I I I-L..J
Source: 2010 aerials. Collier Cuunty
Property Apprlliser
Map cremedforConservation
Collier by: A.Sulecki
G:/ConselVatlon Collier/maps/Acquired
proprl\laltflocaerial~ Management_Plan
5/31/11
Legend
_ RBNERR AcqUisition Boundaty
Surrounding Conserv..ionAreas
_ TenThOl.:sand Islarlds l~at(Jnal Wllclife RefuQe
U Picayune 81rand Slale Foresl
DCOlier-SeminoleS1atePark
c::J Conservatim CDllier Preserves
ConsenJa/ion Collier Program
7
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