Agenda 05/25/2010 Item #16E 2
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 1 of 29
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to conduct the Conservation Collier Annual Public Meeting to
provide the Board of County Commissioners and public with an update on the
Program's past activities, to make a public call for proposals for the current
acquisition cycle, and to direct the County Manager, or his designee, to transfer
up to a total of $10.3 million additional dollars from the Conservation Collier
Acquisition Trust Fund to the Conservation Collier land Management Trust Fund
in FY 2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013.
OBJECTIVE: To provide an update to the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on
the Program's current and past activities, to ensure the public is aware that the
Conservation Collier Program is currently accepting property nominations, and to
ensure that sufficient funds will be available in the Conservation Collier "Land
Management Fund" to manage all Conservation Collier preserves in perpetuity.
CONSIDERATION:
A November 2002 County-wide referendum approved the Conservation Collier Program
to acquire environmentally sensitive land. In December 2002, the Board approved
Ordinance 2002-63 (subsequently amended as Ordinance 2007-65) establishing the
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program and appointed a nine-member advisory
committee called the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee
(CCLAAC) to make recommendations on acquisitions and program policies and
procedures. A November 2006 County-wide referendum confirmed community support
for ad valorem tax funding of the Program for 10 years, through 2013.
The CCLAAC and staff have completed six selection and approval cycles and one year
of cycle suspension. Total cost of land acquisition to date is approximately $103.7
million. Since beginning acquisitions in 2004, Conservation Collier has acquired 4,006
acres in 19 different locations.
At the May 10, 2010 meeting of the CCLAAC, members voted unanimously to forward
the attached 2010 Annual Report to the Board of County Commissioners. Please see
this Report for a map of property locations and a report of past and current activities.
Seventeen (17) of the 19 acquired projects are now under Board-approved
management plans, both Interim and Final. Seven preserves (Cocohatchee Creek,
Otter Mound, Logan Woods, Freedom Park, Alligator Flag, Limpkin Marsh, and Pepper
Ranch Preserves) are currently open to the public. Preserve management activities are
ongoing for all acquired properties except one acquired project without management
access and two multi-parcel projects, where larger contiguous areas must be acquired
in order to provide cost effective management.
As mandated by Ordinance 2007-65, 15% of ad valorem taxes received through the
Conservation Collier Program have been placed into a "Land Management Fund"
annually since FY 2003. This 15% transfer will continue annually until collection of ad
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 2 of 29
valorem taxes for the Program sunsets in FY 2013. The "Land Management Fund" is
separate and distinct from the Conservation Collier "Land Acquisition Fund" and is
intended to generate enough interest annually so that only the interest will be used for
the management of all Conservation Collier preserves in perpetuity.
Data gathered on management costs, coupled with revenue forecasts for FY 2011 - FY
2013, suggest that there will be insufficient funds in the "Land Management Fund" to
complete all Board approved activities and all potential improvements at the 19
preserves acquired by Conservation Collier.
The proposed objectives of the program's eighth year include:
1. Reconcile needs for perpetual management funding with remaining levy projections
through 2013.
2. Prioritize public access amenity projects at Conservation Collier Preserves.
3. Finalize a Collier County Hunt Program for the Pepper Ranch Preserve.
4. Obtain Board direction regarding development of a Conservation Collier Preserve
Ordinance and, if so directed, prepare a draft for review and approval by the Board.
5. Finalize an authorization process for Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
activities, including, but not limited to, geocaching, letterboxing and virtual caching
(a.k.a. waymarking) on Conservation Collier Preserves.
6. Secure grant funding wherever possible.
7. Continue to conduct public meetings for ongoing development of Final Management
Plans.
8. Continue to develop public access for acquired properties.
9. Work with other County Departments to coordinate conservation land purchases
with other public needs.
10. Work effectively with the Transfer of Development Rights and Offsite Vegetation
Retention Programs to review land and/or funds conveyance proposals for
recommendation to the Board.
FISCAL IMPACT: Assuming proposed revenue, interest, inflation, and management
costs are accurate, the "Land Management Fund" - Fund 174 - will need to contain
approximately $23.7 million in FY 2020 in order to generate enough interest revenue
annually to manage all existing Conservation Collier preserves in perpetuity. Staff has
estimated that Fund 174 will contain approximately $11.3 million in FY 2020.
Transferring a total of up to $10.3 million from Acquisition Fund 172 to Land
Agenda Item No 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 3 of 29
Management Fund 174 would ensure that approximately $23.7 million dollars will be
present in Fund 174 in FY 2020.
The transfer of $10.3 million from Acquisition Fund 172 would leave a total of
approximately $4.4 million available for the acquisition of new Conservation Collier
properties in FY 2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Fee-simple acquisition of conservation lands is
consistent with and supports Policy 1.3.1(e) in the Conservation and Coastal
Management Element and Policy 1.4 of the Future Land Use Element of the Collier
County Growth Management Plan.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: Ordinance 2002-63, as amended, in section 12.6,
requires staff to conduct an annual public meeting for the purposes of providing a Past
and Current Activities Report to the Board, to solicit proposals and applications from the
public. - JBW
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board accepts the attached 2010 Annual Report as
presented, makes a public call for proposals for the current acquisition cycle, and
directs the County Manager, or his designee, to transfer up to a total of $10.3 million
additional dollars from the Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund into the
Conservation Collier Land Management Trust Fund in FY 2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013.
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hennig, Principal Environmental Specialist, Department of
Facilities Management
Item Number:
Item Summary:
Meeting Date:
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25,2010
Page 4 of 29
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
16E2
Recommendation to conduct the Conservation Collier Annual Public Meeting to provide the
Board of County Commissioners and public with an update on the Programs past activities,
to make a public call for proposals for the current acquisition cycle, and to direct the County
Manager, or his designee, to transfer up to a total of $1 0.3 million additional dollars from the
Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund to the Conservation Collier Land Management
Trust Fund in FY 2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013.
5/25/20109:00:00 AM
Date
Approved By
Skip Camp, C.F.M.
Administrative Services
Division
Director - Facilities Management
Facilities Management
5/11/20102:20 PM
Approved By
Jeffrey A. Walker, CPCU,
ARM
Administrative Services
Division
Director ~ Risk Management
Date
Risk Management
5/11/20104:28 PM
Date
Approved By
OMS Coordinator
County Manager's Office
Office of Management & Budget
5/12/201010:23 AM
Date
Approved By
Therese Stanley
Office of Management &
Budget
Manager. Operations Support- Trans
Office of Management & Budget
5/18/20103:34 PM
Leo E. Ochs, Jr.
Date
Approved By
County Managers Office
County Manager
County Managers Office
5/19/20109:46 AM
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Conservation Collier
Annual Report
Logan Woods Preserve Opening, October 2009
Staff Photo
Conservation Collier Program
Collier County Facilities Management Department
May 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 20] 0
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25,2010
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary........................................................................................... ............ ................. 3
Conservation Collier Annual Report .............................................................................................. 5
1. Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC)............................... 5
2. Program Lands Acquisition Status............................................................................................. 7
A, Multi-Parcel Projects.............................. ....... ,....................... .......... ............... .................... 7
B. Grouped Parcel Projects: ...............................,.................................................................... 8
C. Approved But Not Acquired Parcels:............................................................................... ]2
3. Program Financial Status........................................................................................................ ]3
Table 2. Projected Revenue .................................................................................................14
4. Acquired Lands Manag=ent Status ....................................................................................... 14
Table 3. Preserve Management Status .................................................................................. IS
5. Management Activities ............................................................................................................ 16
6. Partnerships Status ................................................................................................................... ] 8
7. Grants status.............. .......... ..................................... ......................... ....................................... ] 9
Table 4. Management Grants ................................................................................................ ] 9
8. Planned 20] 0 Activities ........................................................................................................... ] 9
A. Cycle 8 - Current Status ................................................................................................... ] 9
B. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program Conveyances ..................................... 20
C. Off site Monetary Payment or Preserve Conveyances..................................................... 22
D. Preserve Ordinance ....................................................................................................... 22
E. Proposed Objectives of the Program's Eighth year...................................................... 23
Exhibits... ..... .... ... ........... ....... ,.. ..... ...... ................. ......... .... .... .... .... .... ..... .... .... .... ..... ... ..... ......... ..... 25
Exhibit A. 20]0 Map of Conservation Collier Program lands.................................................. 25
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 7 of 29
Executive Summary
In accordance with the Conservation Collier Ordinance, as amended (2007-65, Section 12.6),
there will be an annual meeting to update the Board of County Commissioners (Board) and
public on the Conservation Collier Program and for soliciting proposals and applications. The
following annual report is intended to serve as the update to the Board and public,
The Conservation Collier Program is responsible for implementing the mandate of the electorate
of Collier County as provided by public referendum votes in November, 2002, and again in
November, 2006 confirming that mandate, to levy a 0.25 mill ad valorem property tax for a
period not to exceed 10 years for acquisition, protection, restoration, and management of
environmentally sensitive lands in Collier County for the benefit of present and future
generations. A nine (9) member citizen's advisory committee named the Conservation Collier
Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) was appointed in early 2003 to make
recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on land purchases and program
policies. Members are appointed for 3 year terms. The CCLAAC currently has nine active
members.
Conservation Collier has been operating to implement its mandate for 7 years. During this time
period 4,006 acres have been acquired in 19 different locations for a cost of approximately
$103.7 million. A total of $47,332,25] has been bonded for use in property acquisition, via
bonds in 2004 and 2009. Two approved multi-parcel projects are underway, Winchester Head
and North Golden Gate Estates Unit 53.
Of the ] 9 acquired Conservation Collier properties, nine (9) have approved Final Management
Plans and eight (8) have approved Interim Management Plans (IMP). The remaining properties
not currently under management plans are multiple parcel projects with acquisitions pending.
Seven (7) Conservation Collier preserves are open for public use: Cocohatchee Creek Preserve,
Otter Mound Preserve, Logan Woods Preserve, Freedom Park, Pepper Ranch Preserve, Limpkin
Marsh Preserve, and Alligator Flag Preserve - with signs, trails and benches. Management
activities for FY2010 are anticipated to cost $603,900. This funding is to accomplish specific
management actions on acquired preserve properties.
Staff has been active in grant writing for management since the beginning of the Program and
has received grant funding awards totaling $304,970. Several grants for land acquisitions have
been applied for, but none have been awarded. All awarded ~,'rants have been for land
management activities and equipment.
Like many public programs, Conservation Collier has been impacted by the current economic
conditions. Lower property values and the foreclosure crisis have been factors resulting in
reduced tax income for the Program. Funds received in early 2009 for acquisition of cycle 6 A-
List (2008) properties were less than anticipated and cash on hand was utilized to complete the
acquisition of Pepper Ranch in February 2009. As a result, appraisals for cycle 6 A-List projects
were delayed until late 2009. Offers were made in January 20] 0; however, values were
considerably lower than owners anticipated and some offers were not accepted. Additionally,
cycle 7, planned for 2009, was suspended and no additional properties were identified for
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 8 of 29
acquisition during 2009. During 2009, staff worked to ready current preserves for public use,
and engaged the CCLAAC in evaluation of future budgetary impact for providing public access
amenities, along with prioritizing placement of amenities.
In January, 2010, the regular acquisition cycle was resumed, with applications trickling in.
Currently,S proposals totaling 1,720 acres have been accepted by the CCLAAC into cycle 8 for
ranking at the end of the year, in December 2010.
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 9 of 29
Conservation Collier Annual Report
1. Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC)
The CCLAAC consists of 9 members appointed by the Board, The primary purpose of the
CCLAAC is to assist the Board in establishing an Active Properties Acquisition List with
qualified purchase recommendations consistent with the goals of Conservation Collier.
CCLAAC members serve in accordance with Ordinance 2001-55, as revised (Ord. 2009-16).
Membership of the CCLAAC is intended to be comprised of broad and balanced representation
of the interests of Collier County citizens, including:
· Environmental and conservation interests
· Agricultural and business interests
. Educational interests
· General civic and citizen interests throughout the county.
The CCLAAC has 3 subcommittees:
Outreach
Typical tasks include development of informational brochures, facilitating partnership projects
with area schools and working to interact with the local community to encourage public interest
in Conservation Collier Projects.
Lands Evaluation and Manaf!ement
This sub-committee reviews all proposed land management plans and makes recommendations
to the full committee on land management activities and issues on acquired preserves. This
committee is currently reviewing the Final Management Plan for the Pepper Ranch Preserve.
Ordinance. Policv and Rules
This subcommittee met in the early stages of the program to develop a purchase policy, to
discuss various program policies and to review the ordinance to determine if and what changes
may be needed to successfully operate the pro!,'fam. Completed tasks include a revision of the
Conservation Collier Ordinance (2007-65), development of an Exceptional Benefits Ordinance,
changes to the Purchase Policy (Resolution 2007-300) and development of a recommended
policy for the acceptance of properties conveyed under the Transfer of Development Rights
(TOR) Program. This subcommittee is now in the process of developing a recommended policy
to facilitate the off-site preserve option as proposed in Land Development Code revisions.
Currently serving members and their areas of expertise are:
William Poteet, Jr. - Chairman. Mr. Poteet is a realtor and businessman, who has been
a member of the CCLAAC since its inception in March 2003. He was originally appointed in
2003, reappointed in 2005, and again in January 2008 for a third term. Mr. Poteet has been
Chairman of the CCLAAC since August 2005; unanimously re-elected to a second term as
Chaim1an in 2008. Mr. Poteet is also active in two subcommittees; Outreach, where he served as
Chairman for several years and Ordinance, Policy and Rules, assisting with the development of
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 20]0
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 10 of 29
Program policy and documents. Mr. Poteet was awarded the Outstanding Advisory Committee
Member of the month in March 2007.
. Michael Delate - Vice Chair - One of the original CCLAAC members appointed in
2003, reappointed in 2004 and again in 2007 for a third term. Mr. Delate has served public and
private clients for 13 years on all aspects of project management from master planning to project
completion and certification, He currently serves as chair of the Lands Evaluation and
Management subcommittee, where his real world experience helps guide sound management
decisions. Mr. Delate was awarded the Outstanding Advisory Committee Member in March
2005,
. Anthony Pires, Jr, - Appointed in January 2005, Mr. Pires is a long-time local land use
attorney bringing extensive experience in public and private land use and planning projects to the
CCLAAC. Mr, Pires has served on numerous County Advisory Committees over the past two
decades, He currently also serves as chairman for the Outreach subcommittee and has recently
joined the Ordinance, Policy and Rules subcommittee, where his legal expertise and sharp eye
for detail will be invaluable in assisting with ongoing development of program policy.
. Jeffrey Curl- Appointed in January 2008, Mr. Curl is a Registered Landscape Architect
by trade who brings with him expertise in land planning, business and the graphic arts. Mr. Curl
is presently serving on both the Outreach and the Ordinance Policy and Rules subcommittees
where he served as temporary Chairman. Mr. Curl interacts routinely with the development and
business community and brings resulting perspectives to the CCLAAC that serve to keep
Program policies fair, balanced and realistic.
. Jeremy Sterk - Appointed in February, 2009, Mr. Sterk is a biologist with extensive
local experience in permitting, species surveying and project management. He has joined the
Lands Evaluation and Management subcommittee, where his input will be appreciated to assist
that subcommittee in its review of proposed land management plans, notably for the Pepper
Ranch Preserve. Mr. Sterk is also an accomplished photographer with a keen eye for wildlife
whose photographs have already enhanced Program reports.
. Tom Sobszak - Appointed in February, 2009, Mr. Sobszak is a management and
communications consultant originally from Wisconsin, who has a passionate interest in
conservation of natural resources. He has participated in many activities aimed at protecting and
restoring the environment. Mr. Sobszak also serves on two subcommittees: Lands Evaluation
and Management and Outreach.
. Annisa Karim - Appointed in April, 2009, Ms. Karim returns to Conservation Collier
after serving for approximately one and a half years on staff as a Job Bank Environmental
Specialist. During her tenure with Conservation Collier, Ms. Karim conducted site visits to
properties, created maps, wrote land/resource management plans, assisted in land management
activities, wrote property screening reports, participated in public events and prepared
information for and presented such to the CCLAAC. As former staft~ Ms. Karim is experienced
in all of Conservation Collier activities, and is currently serving as a land manager for Lee
County Parks and Recreation, where she practices stewardship of natural areas.
. Clarence Tears, Jr - Appointed in February 20]0, Mr. Tears has been the Director of
the Big Cypress Basin /South Florida Water Management District since October 1996. He is
responsible for the management of water resources for the public's health, safety, and welfare in
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 11 of 29
Collier and northwest Monroe Counties. His water resource management experience spans
more than 24 years. Clarence has served in numerous positions of community leadership
including graduate of Leadership Florida, Chairman of Leadership Collier Class of 2001,
Director of St. Peter's Youth Group, Mentor in TSIC, Chairman Lake Trafford Restoration Task
Force, and appointment to the lmmokalee Area Master Plan Committee and 951 Horizon Study.
Clarence is also an active member of the US Air Force Reserves with more than 24 years of
service. Clarence holds an AA degree in Civil Engineering, a BS in Business Administration
and an MBA.
· Lauren Barber - Appointed in February, 2010, Ms Barber graduated with a Bachelors
of Science in Biology and a minor in Computer Science from Florida Southern College. For the
past 3 years she has worked as a staff biologist for Turrell, Hall and Associates, lnc" Marine and
Environmental Consulting, where she performs wildlife and vegetation surveys, preserve
monitoring, environmental resource permitting and coordinates with various agencies on
company projects, She is a member of the Florida Association of Environmental Professionals,
trained in wetland delineation and is a certified open-water diver.
2. Program Lands Acquisition Status
Conservation Collier currently owns 4,006 acres in 19 different project locations throughout
Collier County (Exhibit A).
A. Multi-Parcel Projects - Winchester Head and North Golden Gate
Estates Unit 53:
Two of the 19 project locations are approved multi-parcel projects - Winchester Head (WH)
and North Golden Gate Estates (NGGE) Unit 53 (a.k.a. Red Maple Swamp). Conservation
Collier has acquired approx 40% (63.05 acres out of 158.67 acres) within Winchester Head,
and has acquired 56% (170.83 acres out of 305.69 acres) within NGGE Unit 53. Both multi-
parcel projects have been approved subject to land values. As long as this approval remains
in force, Conservation Collier will perfonn a market study every six months or as
recommended by the Real Property Management Department and approved by the
CCLAAC, and make offers to owners within the project boundaries. The most recent
appraisals for both projects were performed in October-November 2009. Property values in
both multi-parcel projects fell significantly from the previous September 2008 appraisal; in
WH from $16,375 per acre in 2008 to $10,000 per acre in 2009 and in NGGE Unit 53 from
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 12 of 29
$15,842 per acre in 2008 to $7,500 per acre in 2009. Unfortunately, fewer owners are
accepting offers, In WH, two (2) owners have accepted and in Unit 53 no (0) owners have
accepted.
Because many of the lands offered to Conservation Collier are comprised of multiple lots and
ownerships, multi-parcel projects have been a challenge for the Program. Challenges
include: higher prices for smaller lots, fluctuating values over multiple years of buying,
unwilling sellers within the project boundary, and lack of assurance that in-holding parcels
will be acquired in the future - a particular challenge of the willing-seller environment.
Although only two approved multi-parcel projects exist, there are a number of Program
projects that consist of groups of adjacent properties, including the 1-75 (Currently B-Listed),
Rivers Road, McIlvane Marsh and Camp Keais Strand projects, There is a distinct difference
between approved multi-parcel projects and parcels that are simply grouped together as
projects. For approved multi-parcel projects, a project boundary has been clearly defined and
all parcels within that boundary are deemed of interest to the County. Upon Board approval
of a multi-parcel project, appraisals can be done and offers made to owners within the project
boundary without taking properties individually through the review and acquisition cycle.
Parcels that are simply grouped together in locations are taken individually through the
criteria evaluation process and to the Board for approval during the regular cycle. There has
been reluctance to make grouped parcels into formal multi-parcel projects due to the above-
mentioned challenges.
B. Grouped Parcel Projects:
1. The /-75 parcels - Currently on the B-List
These are a group of contiguous and non-
contiguous parcels located between the southern
terminuses of Everglades Blvd. and Desoto Blvd.
in NGGE. These parcels are within a Target
Protection Area (NGGE) and meet the
Conservation Collier criteria. Their acquisition
would provide wildlife habitat and a significant
natural area that could accept surface flood waters
from other lands within the NGGE. The total area
covered by these lots is 243 acres, ] 96 acres of
which are mostly contiguous lots owned by one
individual. There are a total of 13 owners who
have filled out applications for Conservation
Collier and who have gone through the criteria
review process. All 243 acres are currently on the
Cycle 8 Conservation Collier Active Acquisition
List (AAL) as B-List properties, meaning they will be automatically re-ranked in the next
acquisition cycle unless the owners withdraw or have sold them.
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 13 of 29
There are several unknowns and
challenges involved with considering a
multi-parcel purchase in this location.
First is that the County Transportation
Department has this area under review
regarding a potential future interchange
connection with 1-75. Transportation
planners must satisfy the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT)
and the Federal Highway
Administration (FHW A) as to specific
criteria in addition to demonstrating
why this interchange is necessary. The
County submitted an Interchange Justification Report (lJR) to FDOT and the FHW A in
September 2009 as a preliminary step in this project. There have been revisions to this
document and, as a result, the IJR has not yet been submitted to FHW A. A decision is likely
many months away. Current potential alternatives for this interchange are at the southern
end of Everglades Blvd. or the southern end of Desoto Blvd. If the Everglades Blvd.
alternative is selected, there may be opportunity for Conservation Collier to partner with the
Transportation Dept to acquire some of the targeted 1-75 parcels as mitigation for directly
impacted wetlands. If the Desoto Blvd alternative is selected, some of the parcels offered to
Conservation Collier will be directly impacted and the remaining grouped area split by
Desoto Blvd., which will be widened to accommodate additional traffic. The next phase of
the project is a Project Desih'11 and Engineering (PDE) study; however, funds are not
allocated for that study at present, and it is not clear when that will occur. Interchange
development in this location may take many years to accomplish. As a result, partnership
potential between Transportation and Conservation Collier is unclear.
Secondly, some parcels currently identified for acquisition with willing sellers are not
contiguous, and it is not known whether in-holding owners will be willing to sell.
Previously, letters sent by Conservation Collier to these owners had received no response.
A final challenge is that assembling a large arca from individually platted lots can be
expensive. Although values may have decreased, the last estimate of land values done by
County staff in 2008 placed the value of offered parcels in the neighborhood of $3.1 million.
Using the percent depreciation of value observcd in the WH and Unit 53 areas, new
appraisals could return per acrc values bctween 39% and 53% less, or between $1,457,000
and $1,891,000. That does not include appraisals and individual title work. Actual
appraisals have not been perfonned.
The Conservation Collier Committee previously recommended placing parcels in this project
on the B-List to detetmine if there is potential to partner with Transportation for acquisition
of mitigation parcels and to determine which lots in this area will be directly impacted by
road work and what the implications of the final alih'11ment will be for conservation
acquisitions in this location.
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 14 of 29
2. The Rivers Road Project
Collier County Rivers Road Pre..rv. Location
This project began as a group of 9 contiguous
parcels owned by 5 individuals which were
offered to Conservation Collier in the 5th
acquisition cycle. The parcels are located between
Rivers and Moulder Drive, south of Immokalee
Road across from the Twin Eagles PUD, in
Section 30, Township 48, Range 27. These parcels
are not within an established TP A, but meet the
Conservation Collier criteria. They lie within the
Rural Fringe Mixed Use District "Receiving"
lands.
In public ownership, this preserve will likely
become a popular wildlife viewing area for
tourists and residents alike. Native birds such as
red-shouldered hawks, red-bellied woodpeckers,
and wild turkey have been observed foraging
throughout the property. Wetlands on the
property support the presence of wood storks,
egrets, herons and other such bird species. Black
+ I=::.__~I bears and deer have been commonly sighted and
Florida panther and Big Cypress squirrels may
also hunt and forage within this active wildlife corridor that connects via an Immokalee Road
wildlife underpass with the vast Corkscrew Ecosystem Regional Watershed (CREW) and
other conservation lands to the north. A private agreement exists between non-profit
conservation organizations and the landowner protecting this corridor, which connects with
the east side of the Preserve. To the south, the Preserve connects with the 299-acre Olde
Florida Golf Club Preserve. The property contains nine distinct types of vegetation
communities and protects lands that are significant for aquifer recharge.
Nine parcels (72 acres) were evaluated during the 5th acquisition cycle, and in December
2008 seven (7) of those parcels (63 acres) were acquired. Two additional contiguous
properties totaling 13.76 acres were approved as A-List properties in the 6th acquisition cycle.
Appraisal of these two properties was delayed until December 2009 due to lack of available
funding. Offers were made in January 2010 and both owners accepted the offers. One of the
properties was acquired in March 20 10; the other is in the contract/contract approval process.
Acquisition of the final property will bring the total size of the Rivers Road Project to 77
acres.
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
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Page 15 of 29
3. McIlvane Marsh Project
Located northeast of Marco Island and surrounded
by state and federal conservation lands, the
Mcllvane Marsh Project consists of an 800-acre
mangrove salt marsh. Parcels here are relatively
large, 20 acres to several hundred acres in size,
and are relatively inexpensive, having been
appraised and purchased at $6,700 per acre within
the last few years. Conservation Collier acquired
369 acres from 7 owners, a result of the 4th
acquisition cycle (2006), with the final parcel of
the group acquired in August 2009. Collier
County, under the Public Utilities Division, also
owns 20 acres within Mcllvane Marsh as a
mitigation parcel. The total acreage within
Mcllvane Marsh owned by Conservation
Collier/Collier County is 389 acres. The State of
Florida owns 329 acres in a mosaic pattern with
Conservation Collier lands. Considering state and
county lands, a total of nearly 717 acres out of the
800-acre marsh are in conservation status. Conservation Collier has discussed a post-
acquisition partnership with the State of Florida (Florida Forever Program) involving future
sale of Conservation Collier lands in this area to the State of Florida for long term
management and protection. Current state budget constraints make this a proposal to revisit
after the Governor approves the 20] 0- I] budget, which does include some finding for
Florida Forever. In the event a State partnership is not realized, Conservation Collier will
seek to partner with Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the entity having
local state management authority, for ongoing management of the marsh area. There is
some limited potential for public use of this area via kayaks and canoes, which would still be
possible under state ownership and/or management. Conservation Collier has been awarded
a matching U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners grant for $2],500 for exotic removal
within Mcllvane Marsh and is seeking to coordinate this with an exotic removal project
planned for adjoining state lands.
Conservation Collier: Mellvane Marsh Preserve
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 16 of 29
4. The Camp Keais Strand Project
This is a group of smaller acreage parcels
within the Rural Lands Stewardship Area
located just north of the Florida Panther
National Wildlife Refuge in the Camp
Keais Strand, within Sections 29 and 30,
Township 48, Range 29. Parcels are
within the Florida Forever Corkscrew
Regional Ecosystem Watershed Project
and in an area considered critical for
conservation by four state agencies in
studies done over two decades. Fourteen
1----' I (14) non-contiguous parcels ranging in
8=,~' size from 2 Y, to 15 acres under different
ownerships totaling 85 acres originally
made up this project. These applications were received in the 3'd acquisition cycle as a result
of staff mailing inquiry letters to owners of parcels identified as Target Protection Areas
within the Conservation Collier ordinance. In the 3'd acquisition cycle (2005), the properties
were evaluated and placed on the "B" list due to their remote location and lack of access, In
the 4th cycle (2006) they were again placed on the "B" list. In the 5th cycle (2007), the
Conservation Collier Committee recommended placing these properties on the "C" list, even
given their "critical" status, again due to their remote location, lack of access and the now
dwindling number of contiguous parcels offered - 6 out of the original 14 offered; 32.5 out of
the original 85 acres offered. However, in January 2009, the Board placed the six offered
properties on the "A" list. These properties were acquired in April, May, and June 2009,
but cannot be accessed for management at this time.
~"::',==,.;::r~':.~=.~
.._--,_.~_.....-._--_..
Conservation Collier: Camp Keals Strand Parcels
C. Approved But Not Acquired Parcels:
Conservation Collier is currently in the process of finalizing A-list acquisitions from cycle 6
(2008). Five proposals were approved by the Board in January 2009, totaling 18.03 acres
with an estimated value of $],267,920. Value estimates were done in 2008. By the time
appraisals were done in late 2009, the actual appraised values were considerably less totaling
$407,550, a drop of 68% overall. Offers were made in January 2010. Of the five proposals
on the cycle 6 A-list, one did not respond to the offer and four are either acquired or engaged
within the acquisition process for a total of 15.76 acres with a combined value of $462,500.
One has been acquired (Devisse-Rivers Road Preserve) and two have approved contracts
with closing being scheduled (Kirby and Murphy-Nancy Payton Preserve) and one is still in
the contract process (Cosentino-Rivers Road Preserve). All four of these cycle-6 parcels
adjoin and will expand current Conservation Collier Preserves.
Also approved and within the acquisition process are parcels within the two multi-parcel
projects NGGE Unit 53 (Unit 53) and Winchester Head (WH). These projects were
reappraised in late 2009, with estimated values dropping considerably. Unit 53 estimated per
]2
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 17 of 29
acre value dropped from $15,842 in 2008 to $7,500 in 2009, representing a 53% reduction in
estimated value. There are 46 lots remaining to acquire within the Unit 53 at an estimated
current value of $942,675. Winchester Head estimate per acre value also dropped, from
$18,668 in 2008 to $10,000 in 2009, representing a 39% reduction in estimated value, There
are 68 lots remaining to be acquired in the WH project at an estimated value of $1 ,064,076.
Total combined estimated value for remaining multi-parcel projects, at current values, is
$2,006,751.
3. Program Financial Status
Conservation Collier has spent approximately $103.7 million in the 7 years it has been in
existence, acquiring 4,006 acres in 19 different locations. Funds are generated from an ad
valorem property tax of up to .2500 mils, or $25 for each $100,000 in taxable property value for
property owners in Collier County, with levy authorization through 2013. As funds are collected
for the Program each year, a small percentage is taken by the tax collector and the property
appraiser for their services, ] 5% of the net levy is transferred into a separate fund for
management activities, and a portion is used for debt reduction (Bond Series 2004 and Bond
Serics 2008). The total of debt service payments made, including principal and interest, will be
$54,017,886.03when the debt is retired in FY 20]3. Table I below shows ad valorem revenue
received after debt service payments, from Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 to 2010. Table 2 shows
estimated ad valorem revenue projections from FY 20] I through FY 2013.
Budget workshops were held to discuss long term maintenance funding for Conservation Collier
preserves during the July 13, 2009 and September ]4, 2009, CCLAAC meetings. Staff sought a
recommendation from the committee on a proposed course of action to ensure sufficient funds in
the Conscrvation Collier "Land Managcmcnt Fund" to manage all Conservation Collier
preserves in perpetuity.
The CCLAAC recommended the following course of action (with a vote of7 to 2):
I. Transfer up to an additional $7.38 M from the Acquisition Fund 172 to Management Fund
174 during FY2011 - FY2013.
2. Conduct annual reviews of the public amenity list and estimated budget by Preserve.
3. Review, no less than annually, the public amenity list and estimated budget by Preserve as
they relate to management estimates for all current and future Preserves, and, if necessary, make
additional recommendations to ensure land management funding in perpetuity.
4. Research and apply for Grants to pay for all management activities, including public
amenities not included in the recommendation, iffeasible.
Based upon current interest rates, which have dropped since the CCLAAC's recommendation,
staff recommends that the Board authorize a transfer of up to an additional $10.3 M, instead of a
transfer of up to an additional $7.38 M, from the Acquisition Fund] 72 to Management Fund] 74
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 20 I 0
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 18 of 29
during FY2011 - FY2013 to ensure land management funding in perpetuity. This would leave
approximately $4,419,240 remaining for land acquisition through 2013,
Table 1. Past Revenue
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Fund (172)
Ad Valorem Revenue Collections FY 2004 - FY 201 0
Ad Valorem Re\enue (less debt seNce)
Transfer to Maintenance Fund (174)
Net Re-.enue for Acquisition/Administration
Actual Actual Actual
~ ~ FY200B
10,917,908 11768303 10,149,624
(1664,100) (1831800) (2189.900)
$ 9,253,808 $ 9,936,503 $ 7,959,724
Actual Actual Actual Forecast
FY 2007 ~ ~ FY 2010
~;~~~ ~~;) ~;~:~ :;~) ~;:~;~'~~~) (~:~~~~~
$ 10,911,062 $ 9,966,020 $ 9,903,600 $5.605,300
Table 2. Projected Revenue
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Fund (172)
Projected Ad Valorem Revenue FY2011 - FY2013
Forecast Forecast Forecast
FY 2011 FY 2012* FY 2013*
Ad Valorem Rel.enue (less debt ser\ice) 6,549,800 6,549,800 6,549,800
Other Rel.enue, Carryforward 6,824,000 0 0
Operating expenses, personnel and transfers -1,173,600 -947,100 -971.600
Transfer to Maintenance Fund (174) -2,244,300 -2.244,300 -2,244,300
Additional Transfer to Maintenance Fund (174) -3,900,000 -3,200,000 -3.200,000
Remaining Multi-project parcels -1,928,960
Net Rel.enue for Acquisition $4,126,940 $158,400 $133,900
*Taxable Values are projected to remain flat for FY 2012 and FY 2013 per budget policy.
4. Acquired Lands Management Status
Conservation Collier is required to prepare Interim Management Plans (IMP) for properties
within 90 days of acquisition and Final Management Plans (FMP) within 2 years of acquisition
(Ord. No. 2007-65, Section 14). IMPs are designed to facilitate initial management actions such
as removal of exotics and trash, securing the asset (i.e., fencing, if necessary) and planning for
future management actions and public access. FMPs provide direction for ten years and
incorporate long term management actions such as restoration, plant and wildlife monitoring and
public access infrastructure.
Of the 19 acquired Conservation Collier properties, nine (9) have approved FMPs, eight (8) have
approved IMPs, and two (2) have FMPs under review (see table 1.). Two (2) remaining
properties do not have management plans in place. An IMP has been drafted for the Rivers Road
preserve and staff is awaiting closing on remaining acquisitions to finalize the plan. No
14
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25,2010
Page 19 of 29
management plan has yet been drafted for the Camp Keais parcels, as they are inaccessible;
however, staff will prepare a plan. Both of the approved multi-parcel projects have IMPs in
place but will not be actively managed until a solid core of contiguous properties are acquired so
that the most efficient use can be made of management funds.
A number of Conservation Collier Preserves are open to the public, shortly to be opened, and/or
are accommodating public use. Seven preserves are currently open for public use with signs,
trails, benches and picnic tables. Cocohatchee Creek Preserve, next to Veterans Community
Park, was opened in March, 2006. Otter Mound Preserve, on Marco Island, was opened in
March, 2007. Staff has already conducted numerous tours and educational programs for adults
and children at these two preserves and routinely observes members of the public visiting them.
Logan Woods Preserve, on the NW corner of Pine Ridge Road and Logan Blvd. was opened in
October, 2009 with a trail, benches, table and trash receptacle installed. Freedom Memorial
Park was opened to the public in October, 2009, a portion of which is within a 12-acre
Conservation Collier Preserve. Alligator Flag Preserve and Limpkin Marsh Preserve were
opened to the public in April 20] O. The southern ]67 acre portion of the 2,5l2-acre Pepper
Ranch Preserve was opened to the public from 7:30 am to I :00 pm Wednesday through Friday in
February 2010. A 1/3 mile long hiking trail was developed for visitor use, ten (10) picnic tables
were built and donated as an Eagle Scout project and placed at the Preserve, and historical
photos are on display at the lodge. The FMP for the Pepper Ranch is currently under final
review. Once approved, this document will guide what types of visitor uses will be developed
for the entire Preserve. Staff conducted two public events during 2009 at the Pepper Ranch
Preserve, one in April (Pepper Ranch Sneak Peek Hike) and another in November (A Day at the
Ranch). These well- attended public events included guided trail hikes, van tours and historical,
archeological and environmental presentations.
Table 3. Preserve Management Status
Property name FMP FMP lMP approved IMP under
approved and under and in place review
in place revi ew
] Cochatchee Creek Preserve X
2 Otter Mound Preserve X
3 Railhead Scrub Preserve X X'
4 Wet Woods Preserve X
5 Logan Woods Preserve X
6 Nancy Payton Preserve X
7 Red Maple Swamp X
(NGGE Unit 53)
8 Shell Island Preserve .. X
9 Alligator Flag Preserve X
10 Limpkin Marsh Preserve X
15
Conservation Collier Annual Report 20 10
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 20 of 29
11 Gordon River Greenway *** X
Preserve
12 Winchester Head X
13 Caracara Prairie Preserve X X
14 Panther Walk Preserve X
15 Freedom Park X
]6 McIlvane Marsh X
17 Rivers Road Preserve ****
18 Camp Keais Strand *****
19 Pepper Ranch Preserve X X
* A Revision to the FMP, adding an additional 50 acres, is in process.
**Conservation Collier is working with Rookery Bay NERR to develop appropriate partnership
documents,
***Staff is preparing the FMP for the Conservation Collier portion of the Gordon River
Greenway Preserve.
* * * * IMP in process
***** Property is inaccessible for management purposes; a basic IMP will be prepared
5. Management Activities
Collier County Hunt Program
The Pepper Ranch Preserve is a 2,5] 2-acre Conservation Collier property located along the
northern shore of Lake Trafford, west of the town of Immokalee, in northeastern Collier
County, Florida, It was acquired by Collier County in February, 2009 for the Conservation
Collier Program. The primary objectives for acquisition were protection of its significant natural
resource values including upland and wetland communities, native plant communities, rare and
endangered flora and fauna, endemic species, and endangered species habitat.
Pepper Ranch Preserve was also acquired to provide present and future generations with
appropriate natural-resource based recreational and educational opportunities. The Conservation
Collier ordinance (Sec. 5.9) defines natural resource-based recreation as "all forms of uses which
are consistent with the goals of the Conservation Collier Program, and are compatible with the
specific parcel." Consistent uses include, but are not limited to, hiking, nature photography, bird
watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing and hunting. In addition to numerous other
natural resource-based recreation uses contemplated for the Pepper Ranch Preserve, this property
is considered compatible for hunting.
On January 12, 20] 0, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners directed Conservation
Collier Proh'Tam staff to develop an independent hunt program for the Pepper Ranch Preserve for
Collier County residents. Public organizational meetings were held in February and March 20] 0
to gather input from Collier County citizens, hunters and wildlife agency staff on development of
a hunt program. Using public and agency input, staff prepared a draft document titled "Pepper
Ranch Preserve Quality Wildlife Management Hunt Program," for review by the Board at its
16
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 21 of 29
April 27th public meeting. The board remanded the item back to staff to conduct additional
public meeting to determine whether only youth hunts should be conducted at Pepper Ranch
preserve. Conservation Collier has partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission to conduct youth hunts on the Pepper Ranch Preserve. The first youth hunt took
place April ]6, 17, and 18, 2010. Subsequent hunts may be scheduled if community interest
warrants.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Recreational/Educational Activities
GIS-based recreational activities in outdoor areas are growing in popularity as hobbies in
outdoor recreational areas, These activities include letter boxing, virtual caching a.k.a.
waymarking, and geocaching, Letterboxing is a variation on the ancient custom of placing a
rock on a cairn upon reaching the summit of a mountain. Someone hides a waterproof box
somewhere (in a beautiful, interesting, or remote location) containing at a logbook and a carved
rubber stamp. The hider writes clues to give directions to the box and hunters in possession of
the clues attempt to find the box. The hunter carries a pencil, his personal rubber stamp, an
inkpad, and a personal logbook. When the hunter successfully deciphers the clue and finds the
box, he/she stamps the logbook in the box with hislher personal stamp, and stamps hislher
personal logbook with the box's stamp. The box's logbook keeps a record of all its visitors, and
the hunters keep a record of all the boxes they have found, in their personal logbooks. A virtual
cache, also known as a waymark, is a landmark or place targeted by someone using GIS
coordinates and published as a challenge for others to find on a waymarking website like
Waymarking.com. These locations are often places of natural beauty, or themed, like movie or
historical event locations. A participant hunts down the location using GIs technology with the
reward of succeeding in the challenge. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played
throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to
locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share experiences online.
Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and
support for the environment.
In September 2009, Conservation Collier staff was approached by a citizen requesting to
geocache on the Logan Woods Preserve site. The topic was discussed first in subcommittee and
subsequently at the main CCLAAC meeting resulting in the proposal of rules for this activity as
identified on an Authorization Form that participants would fill out. The members uniformly did
not want the approval to be in the fonn of a pennit.
A Request for Legal Services was forwarded to the County Attorney's office on October 6,2009,
asking whether it is appropriate to give permission to the public to place geocached items on
Conservation Collier lands for other persons to find. The response was that geocaching could be
allowed or disallowed, depending on the pros and cons and with Risk Management
Coordination. Risk Management recommended adding waiver/release of liability language to
the form. Waiver language was added to the draft "GIS Activities Authorization Form" and
subsequently reviewed and approved by the County Attorney's office and recommended by the
CCLAAC at its April 2010 public meeting.
The final draft GIS Activities Authorization Form with associated rules as recommended by the
CCLAAC and approved by the County Attorney and the Risk Management Department is
17
Conservation Collier Annual Report 20]0
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 22 of 29
included with this report. Staff requests Board approval before publishing the form for public
use.
Prioritization of Preserve Amenity Development
Conservation Collier staff has been working with the Lands Evaluation and Management
Subcommittee of the CCLAAC to evaluate public access needs and desires and develop a
recommendation for public access amenities and prioritization of placement of these amenities
on Conservation Collier Preserve lands. This process is dependent upon review by the Board of
the financial projections for Conservation Collier and subsequent direction on proposed transfer
of funds from the Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund to the Conservation Collier
Management Trust Fund provided by the Board at the 20]0 Conservation Collier Annual
meeting,
6. Partnerships Status
Conservation Collier is pleased to have developed both acquisition funding and land
management partnerships with a number of agencies, These agencies and the nature of their
partnerships are listed below:
City of Marco Island - Management partnership - Otter Mound Preserve
City of Naples - Gordon River Greenway Project
Division of Forestry - Prescribed fire within urban preserves.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Exotic Removal funding (Our staff
coordinates the regional working group that distributes exotic removal funding in south Florida)
- Wet Woods, Logan Woods, Railhead Scrub, and Shell Island Preserves.; Pepper Ranch
Preserve Youth Hunts
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Rookery Bay NERR) - Management
partnership - working on formal agreements for Shell Island Preserve and coordinating on
Mcllvane Marsh management activities.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Exotics removal grants under the Partners Program for Otter
Mound, Shell Island, Railhead Scrub Preserves and Mcllvane Marsh.
Florida Gulf Coast University - Research - Shell Island Preserve and Pepper Ranch Preserve;
Management - Caracara Prairie Preserve
Corkscrew Ecosystem Watershed Trust - Caracara Prairie Preserve - acquisition
South Florida Water Management District - Caracara Prairie Preserve - property
management
University of Florida - Logan Woods Preserve - exotic removal
Other Collier County Departments:
Parks and Recreation - Freedom Park management partnership -Management Plan
approved through Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Grant Program in place. Cocohatchee
Creek Preserve management partnership.
- Transportation Department - Caracara Prairie and Pepper Ranch Preserves - panther
mitigation credit (PHUs) for County projects. Pepper Ranch Preserve management funding
assistance in return for PHUs.
]8
Conservation Collier Annual Report 20]0
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25,2010
Page 23 of 29
7. Grants status
Conservation Collier has actively pursued a number of grants for both acquisition and
management purposes. Currently, there have been no awards for land acquisition, but many for
management, primarily for the removal of invasive, exotic species but also for needed equipment
and plant community restoration. Exotics removal grants have come from state and federal
government agencies, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Partners Program), the State of
Florida through the Invasive Plant Species Management Council, and the University of Florida.
A grant from the private sector (ESRI Corporation) for Global Positioning Systems / Geographic
Information Systems (GPS/GlS) for equipment and software in the amount of$IO,OOO was also
awarded to Conservation Collier. The table below shows the amount of grant funds obtained and
Conservation Collier management funds expended for specific preserves.
Table 4. Management Grants
Preserve Acquisition Gross Management Grant Funds Net
Price Funds expended Acquired Management
Funds expended
Cocohatchee Creek $476,200 $7],340 $0 $71,340
freedom Park $56,300 $13,106 $0 $13,]06
Greenway Preserve $2,075,000 $242,624 $0 $242,624
Logan Woods $711,983 $72,]46 $34,400 $37,746
Shell Istand $4,750,000 $76,745 $84,354 $0
Alligator flag $4,950,000 $37,295 $0 $37,295
Nancy Payton $2,1 ]2,500 $66,000 $0 $66,000
Panther Walk $93,130 $3,871 $0 $3,871
Otter Mound $2,234,000 $167,938 $11,916 $156.022
Pepper Ranch $32,525,1 00 $223.830 $0 $223,830
Railhead Scrub $32,617,050 $290,366 I $95,600 $194,766
Caracara Prairie $5,032,000 $250,626 $0 $250,626
Wet Woods $2,160,000 $88,245 $57,700 $30,545
Mcllvane Marsh $2,802,900 $0 $21,000 $0
Total
$304,970
8. Planned 2010 Activities
A. Cycle 8 - Current Status
At the June 2009Annual Report, Conservation Collier staff had proposed and the CCLAAC had
recommended suspending Cycle 7 for FY 2009 and halting the processing of any new acquisition
proposals for 2009. The Board agreed and the cycle was suspended, with staff focusing on
preserve management and visitor access planning. Staff had received five applications (two
donation/conveyance proposals and three acquisition proposals) before suspending the 2009
cycle.
19
Conservation Collier Annual Report 20] 0
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 24 of 29
In January 2010, Conservation Collier resumed its acquisition cycle process, opening cycle 8,
Of the five proposals on hold from cycle 7, two (2) are now under review in cycle 8, the other
proposals having been withdrawn by the owners for various reasons, Currently, Conservation
Collier has five (5) properties totaling ],720 acres under consideration in cycle 8. The estimated
value for all but one 2.73-acre parcel (that is not available yet) is $]5,]64,200, Applications will
be accepted until August ]5,20]0.
B. Transfer of Development Rights (TOR) Program Conveyances
The TDR Program within the Rural Fringe Mixed Use District (RFMUD) was first adopted in
the Future Land Use Element of the County's Growth Management Plan (GMP) under
Ordinance 2002-32, effective July 22, 2003, The implementing regulations were adopted into
the County's Land Development Code under Ordinance 2004-08, effective February 20th 2004,
The TDR Program was established with the goal of protecting identified environmentally
sensitive lands within the RFMUD while protecting the value and development potential of those
lands by allowing the transfer of development rights associated with these lands to less
environmentally sensitive lands also within the RFMUD. The Program was amended in 2005 to
add three additional residential density units as bonuses, including an early entry TDR bonus,
Environmental Restoration and Maintenance TDR Bonus and a Conveyance TDR Bonus. Under
the Conveyance Bonus, a landowner may provide a restoration and management plan acceptable
to the County and convey the lands with management funding to a public agency for
conservation purposes.
The Ordinance, Policy and Rules Subcommittee of the CCLAAC met to develop a procedure for
evaluating such proposals. The procedure was developed and approved in Resolution form
(2008-132) by the Board of County Commissioners on May] 3, 2008 (Agenda Item 16E6).
A total of three applications for TDR conveyance proposals have been received; two during 2008
and another in 2009. The 2008 applications included one along Benfield Road (Benfield Road
Project) and one within the North Belle Meade Sending Lands Overlay (Caloosa Reserve
Project), The 2009 application was also within the North Belle Meade Sending Lands Overlay
(City Gate Project). These types of proposals do not follow the regular acquisition cycle, but are
addressed individually as they are received. Staff performed the required assessment on all
projects. General economic conditions caused the Caloosa Resen'e Project proposal to be
withdrawn by the owners. The Benfield Road Project proposal moved forward to the CCLAAC
and received a recommendation for acceptance with requirements but was not advanced to the
Board for acceptance. Financial considerations regarding certain requirements of the TDR
transfer process, specifically, Conservation Collier's requirement that a Phase I Environmental
Site Assessment be performed caused the Benfield Road Project proposal to be withdrawn by the
owners. Staff performed the required assessment on the City Gate Project and CCLAAC made
a recommendation to the Board, including certain terms regarding maintenance funding. The
owner's representative withdrew the proposal at that point, citing disagreement with the
CCLAAC recommendations. These proposals are summarized below:
Caloosa Reserve Project
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Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25,2010
Page 25 of 29
The Caloosa Reserve Project proposal consists of 13 separate parcels totaling ] 09 acres under
one ownership in the RFMUD North Belle Meade Sending Lands Overlay, Collier County.
Twelve of the parcels, totaling 92 acres, are within Section 35, Township 49 Range 27 and the
remaining 17 acre parcel is within the adjacent Section 36. These properties are located just
north ofl-75 approximately 7 miles east of Collier Blvd. (C.R. 951). Access to the area is along
private gated dirt roads. Staff has visited the properties, prepared a Criteria Screening Report
and presented this report to the CCLAAC at a public meeting. The owner was in the process of
gaining approval for a Restoration Management Plan, pursuant to TOR transfer requirements,
which would have signaled readiness to convey. That process was halted by the owners' lack of
subsequent action. The owners have advised when general economic conditions improve, they
may again consider conveyance of these parcels to Conservation Collier.
Two factors affecting acceptance of these parcels were discovered during the review process,
The first was the presence of a cattle lease over 12 full sections and 3 half sections within North
Belle Meade, encompassing the offered parcels. This lease could functionally interfere with
access to the parcels for public use due to the need to keep the area gated for cattle. Second,
these parcels are within the Transportation Department's study area for the Wilson Blvd,
Extension (North Belle Meade Area) Corridor. A preferred conceptual alignment for this
corridor does not directly adjoin these properties, but could allow for better access to them. At
this time, all major improvements for this corridor are conceptual and are expected to be
revisited in a 20] 5 (or beyond) design phase.
Benfield Road Project
The Benfield Road Project proposal consists of 17 contiguous parcels totaling] 7.72 acres under
6 separate ownerships within Section I, Township 50, Range 26, in Collier County. Properties
are located approximately 1.37 miles east of Collier Blvd. (C.R. 951) with direct access from
Beck Blvd., a County-maintained paved road and Benfield Road, a privately maintained paved
road. Staff visited the properties, prepared a Criteria Screening Report and presented this report
to the CCLAAC at a public meeting.
A complication associated with this proposal is that it is within the Transportation Department's
study area for the Wilson Blvd. Extension/Benfield Rd. Corridor. These properties are adjacent
to potential alignment S3A6. After review of all critical factors, the transportation study team
reached a consensus that alternative 3A/3B, which includes potential alignment S3A6, should
remain as a critical facility on the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Financially Feasible
Plan and should be treated as a "Managed Corridor" when development or redevelopment takes
place. For the purposes of the final recommendation a Managed Corridor is defined as a 300'
alignment that will be monitored by transportation for opportunities to coordinate and negotiate
the preservation of the corridor.
After presentation of the Criteria Screening Report to the CCLAAC, which was conceptually
approved, the owners were asked to remove exotic plants. provide funds to maintain exotics for
five years and to provide a Phase [ Environmental Site Assessment. At the time of these
requests, owners decided to wait for the detennination of the Wilson Blvd. Extension/Benfield
Rd. Corridor Study and evaluate whether a sale to Transportation Right-of-Way would better
21
Conservation Collier Annual Report 20] 0
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25,2010
Page 26 of 29
serve their interests. At that time the owners withdrew the project from the Conservation Collier
Program,
City Gate Proposal
The City Gate 16-acre conveyance proposal application was submitted to Conservation Collier in
February, 2009. This parcel was used as mitigation for a u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for the City Gate
project (DRI R-87-13). The owner had nearly completed 5-year monitoring and reporting
requirements and proposed to donate it for base and early entry credits under the Transfer of
Development Rights (TDR) Program in the RFMUD TDR Program. Staff performed the
required assessments but there were questions regarding what would be required of Conservation
Collier under the USFWS mitigation monitoring requirements for the HCP/ITP. The project was
delayed several months to wait for the permit to be issued and a copy to be provided to
Conservation Collier for review. That was accomplished in early fall, 2009, and the Criteria
Screening Report was presented to the CCLAAC in October 2009. At that time, the CCLAAC
voted to advance the project to the Board of County Commissioners subject to certain
recommendations, including increasing the offered maintenance endowment, having the
developer enter into a maintenance agreement with Collier County to fund management, or
development of a Community Development District to perform maintenance into perpetuity.
The owner's representative withdrew the proposal at that time, stating that City Gate had no
interest advancing the proposal to the Board with the CCLAAC recommendations and would
make other arrangements to donate the property.
C. Offsite Monetary Payment or Preserve Conveyances
Changes were made to the Conservation and Coastal Management Element (CCME) of the GMP
as a result part of the outcome of a 2004 Evaluation and Appraisal Report required by the State
Department of Community Affairs. The GMP, with changes, was adopted by the BCC in May
2007. One of these changes provided that the County would adopt land development
regulations that would allow for a process for native vegetation preservation retention
requirements to be satisfied by a monetary payment or land donation (Goal 6, Policy 6.11.V (10).
The LDC amendments providing for that option are currently making their way through the
approval process, with an expected final review and approval by the BCC in mid 2010. In
anticipation of monetary payments or land conveyance proposals to Conservation Collier, the
OPR subcommittee of the CCLAAC has drafted a proposed resolution identifying a process for
accepting funds or lands under a finalized and Board-approved LDC revision and will advance
this to the Board when appropriate.
D. Preserve Ordinance
Now that Conservation Collier owns significant areas of lands, questions regarding what
activities are appropriate for preserve lands and what general rules, such as prohibitions on
alcohol, presence of pets, and hours of operation should apply have arisen. On May] 0,20] 0, at
a regularly scheduled CCLAAC meeting, this topic was on the agenda for discussion. At that
meeting, the CCLAAC made a recommendation regarding development of a Conservation
Collier Preserve Ordinance, which staff will seek Board direction on concurrent with the Annual
Report.
22
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 27 of 29
E. Proposed Objectives ofthe Program's Eighth Year
1. Reconcile needs for perpetual management funding with remaining levy projections
through 2013.
2, Prioritize public access amenity projects at Conservation Collier Preserves.
3, Finalize a Collier County Hunt Program for the Pepper Ranch Preserve.
4. Obtain Board direction regarding development of a Conservation Collier Preserve
Ordinance and, if so directed, prepare a draft for review and approval by the Board,
5. Finalize an authorization process for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) activities,
including, but not limited to, geocaching, letterboxing and virtual caching (a.k.a.
waymarking) on Conservation Collier Preserves.
6. Secure grant funding wherever possible.
7. Continue to conduct public meetings for ongoing development of Final Management
Plans.
8. Continue to develop public access for acquired properties.
9. Work with other County Departments to coordinate conservation land purchases with
other public needs.
10. Work effectively with the Transfer of Development Rights and Offsite Vegetation
Retention Pro!,'fams to review land and/or funds conveyance proposals for
recommendation to the Board.
J'
-~
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 28 of 29
24
Conservation Collier Annual Report 2010
Agenda Item No. 16E2
May 25, 2010
Page 29 of 29
Exhibits
Exhibit A. 2010 Map of Conservation Collier Program lands
location of Conservation Collier Program lands - 2010
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25