Agenda 10/12/2010 Item #16E 5
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the Panther Walk Preserve Final Management Plan
under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program
OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) for the
Panther Walk Preserve Final Management Pian (FMP) and for the Board to give direction to the
County Manager, or his designee, for its implementation.
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CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance, No. 2002-63, as amended, Section
14(2), requires that a Final Management Plan be prepared for each property, with review and
input by the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee. This plan shall identify management
activities necessary to preserve, enhance, restore, maintain and monitor the property, and
estimate the costs of the project. Additionally, the Plan shall identify how public use compatible
to the parcel shall be accomplished.
The Panther Walk Property is comprised of 4.54 acres and is located at 2845 60th Ave. N.E.,
west of Everglades Blvd. and across from the Estates Elementary School. The last parcel of the
preserve was purchased by Collier County in 2008. The Interim Management Plan was
approved by the Board in 2008. The Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee of the
Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) has reviewed the draft
Final Management Plan and on September 9, 2010, a public meeting was held, inviting all
neighbors of the Preserve to attend and provide comments. The final draft was presented to the
CCLAAC on September 13, 2010. The CCLAAC unanimously recommended approval with a
few minor suggested changes that have been made to the plan.
FISCAL IMPACT: The costs of land management activities for the first year of implementation
have been estimated to be $1,850 for invasive, exotic plant removal, trail creation and signage.
The annual costs will lessen after the first year to an estimated $1,000 per year. Funds are
available within the Conservation Collier Land Management Fund to accomplish these activities.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Management of Conservation Collier lands to support
appropriate public access is consistent with and supports Policy 1.1.6 and Objective 1.3 in the
Recreation and Open Space Element of the Collier County Growth Management Plan.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance (No. 2002-63, as
amended), in Section 14, provides a legal framework for development of management plans
and for use of environmentally sensitive lands. -JSW
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners approves the attached Final
Management Plan and directs the County Manager, or his designee, to implement it for the
Panther Walk Preserve.
PREPARED BY: Christal Segura, Environmental Specialist, Conservation Collier Program,
Department of Facilities Management
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Item [\Jo. .lCE5
Oc.t:=:ber :2, 20':0
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COLLIER COlJNTY
EGJ..?D 0= C,)U1~TY COMM:SS1CINERS
Item Number:
Item Summary:
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F;ec:mT1'T!-2n::Ls.tion t;:::; s:Jprove the Pa'lt~18r ~rJalk Pfe~ erve F:nai [,fiar.agstT1c::( Plan und~:r the
Cons9lva1:on C:)lllei 2:id ;:,cquisiticn Pmg:3m
Meeting Date:
10/12/:010 t!:OO:CJC ,.0Jv4
Prepared By
:hris;-,al Segura
Environmenta: Specizllist
Date
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Panther Walk Preserve
Land Management Plan
Managed by: Consen'ation Collier Program
CoHier County, Fiorida
September 2010 - Septembe,' 2020 (I O-y" plan)
Prepared by:
Conservation Collier Staff
Collier County Facilities '\1anagement Depa,.tment
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Ocbber 12, 20'10
Panther Walk Preserve Land Manar:emenMCJ:!cbl0f 47
Panther Walk Preserve
Land Management Plan Executive Summary
Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Conservation Collier
Program
Property included in this Plan: "Panther Walk Preserve" 4.54 acres. The Preserve consists
of three adjoining parcels each in Section 31, Township 47, and Range 28 East of Collier
County, Florida.
LEGAL
THE EAST 75 FEET OF THE EAST 150 FEET OF TRACT NO. 84, GOLDEN
GATE ESTATES UNIT NO. 42, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS
RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 7, AT PAGE 27, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC
RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROPERTY TAX
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 38847040004
AND
THE WEST 75 FEET OF THE EAST 150 FEET OF TRACT NO. 84, GOLDEN
GATE ESTATES UNIT NO 42, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF. AS
RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 7, AT PAGE 27, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC
RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTYi FLORIDA PROPERTY TAX
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 38847080C506'
AND
THE EAST ONE HUNDRED .FIFTY (150') FEET OF TRACT NO. 85, GOLDEN
GATE ESTATES UNIT NO, 42, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS
RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 7, AT PAGE 27, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC
RECORDS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA.
PROPERTY TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 38847240008
Management Responsibilities:
Ar:ency: Collier County - Conservation Collier Program
Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource bascd recrcation
Unique Features: Plant communities consist of high quality cypress wctlands with listed
plant species recorded to date.
COll,\'en'utiol1 Collier Progralll
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Management Goals:
Goal!: Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and
fauna
Goal 2: Develop a baseline monitoring report
Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and
fauna
Goal 4: Restore and maintain native habitats
Goal 5: Develop a plan fi.lr public use
GoalG: Facilitate uses of the site fell' educational purposes
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Publie Involvement: A public meeting was held in the summer of 20 I 0 and residents and
neighbors from sUITounding lands were invited to review the Final Management Plan. Staff
will also coordinate educational activities with the Estates Elementary School.
COl1serratioll Collicr Pnwram
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:\grmcJa Item No. -iGE5
Octoher 12, 20' 0
Pa11f/ier Walk Preserve Land Manai!el11e:;:U PilfnGf 47
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................6
1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Prog.-am and Management Authority ..............7
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan ..................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Location of the Panther \Valk Preserve ................................................................................ 7
1.4 Regional Significance of the Panther Walk Preserve .......................................................... 8
1.5 Nearhy Puhlic Lands and Designated Water Resources................................................... 10
1.6 Public Involvement ............................................................................................................... 12
2.0 Natural Resources...................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Ph ysi ogra p h y ........................ ............................. ......................... ........................................... 12
2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology..................................................................................... 12
2.1.2 Soils .................................................................................................................................. 12
2.1.3 Hydrology/Water Management ........................................................................................ 13
2.2 Climate ................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3 Natural Plant Communities .................................................................................................15
2.3.1 Cypress Swamp I Cypress Wetland.................................................................................. 16
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species......................................................................................... 16
2.4.1 Plant Species.......................................................... ........ ....................................... ............ 17
2.4.2 Animal Species ................................................................................................................. 17
2.5 Listed Species ........................................................................................................................ 18
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species.......................................................................................................... 18
2.5.2 Listed Animal Species ......................................................................... ............................. 20
2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species......................................................................... 20
2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species .................................................................................20
2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species ............................................................................. 21
3.0 Previous Conditions of the Preserve; Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent
Land U ses ......................................................................................................................... 24
3.1 Previous Conditions of the Preserve ................................................................................... 24
3.2 Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent Land Uses...................................................... 25
3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ........................................... 26
3.4l\lanagement Activities during Previous years.................................................................. 26
4.0 Future Use of the Panther Walk Preserve including Management Issues, Goals
and 0 b j cctives .................................................................................................................. 26
4.1 Management Plan Framework ............................................................................................ 26
4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Infon11ation........................................................................... 27
4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts ................................................................. 27
COllSCn!Qljol1 Colljer Program
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4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhanccment Restoration,
Conscrvation and Maintenance ofthc Resources ............................................................. 27
4.3 Desired Future Conditions ...................................................................................................27
4.4 Goals for the I {) year period 201 0-2020 .............................................................................. 28
4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Panther Walk Preserve........................................ 36
4.5.1 1',1 aintenance.................................................................................................... .................. 36
4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources................................................................. 36
5.0 Literature C ited .........................................................................................................38
List of Tables
Table I: Acquisition History and Status of Panther Walk Preserve ............................................... 6
Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Panther Walk Preserve .................................................. II
Table 3: Faunal Species Rccorded on the Panther Walk Preserve ............................................... ] 7
Table 4: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Panther Walk Preserve ......................................... 18
Table 5: Invasive Plant Species within the Panther Walk Preserve.............................................. 21
Table 6: i\1anagcment Activities Since the Acquisition ot'the Panther V/alk Prescn.'e............... 26
Table 7: Invasive. Exotic Plant Spccies Control Plan ti\l' the Panther Walk Prcserve FLEPPC
Category'I species ....................... ....................... ...............................................31
Table 8: Estimated. Annual Land Management Budgct... ........................................................... 37
List of Figures
Figure I: Gencral Location of Panther Walk Preserve............................................... ....8
Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County. Florida Ineluding Lands Owned by Conservation
Col1ler................................................................................................9
Figure 3: Aerial View of the Panther Walk PresenT Showing Delineation of Parcels................ 10
Figure 4: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Panther Walk Preserve .................... I I
Figure 5: Soil Units on the Panther Walk Prl'serl'L' and Surrounding Area.................................. 13
Figurc 6: Extent of Plant COlll1l1unities Currently Found on the Panther Walk Preserve. ........... IS
Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photogr:lph I1\llll 1')73 of the Panther Walk Preserve ......................24
Figure 8: Horsepen Strand Slough and Areas Adjacent to thc Panther Walk Preserve............... 25
Figure 9: Photo Point Locations within the Panther Walk Preserve... ............. ..31
hgure I (): Panther Walk Preserve Conceptual Master I'bl1........................................ ....35
List of Appendices
Appcndix I: Preliminary Floristic Inventory or the Panther Walk Preserve
Appcndix 2: Florida Natural /\reas Inventory (F1'o,JAI) Managed Area Tracking Reeord and
Element Occurrence Summary: Fl\A1 ranking system explanation
COl1scn'{lfioll Collier Program
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~ O~tDber 12, 20"10
Punlher Wulk Preserve Lund Munu'!cllwfltPhfnJf 47
1.0 Introduction
The Panther Walk Preserve is a 4.54-acre natural area located within the boundary of Collier
County, Florida. The preserve is comprised of three parcels: two 1.14 acre parcels (folios:
38847080006 & 38847040004) and one 2.27 acre parcel (folio number: 38847240008). Native
plant communities within the preserve include high quality cypress wetlands, which are part of a
larger system called the I-Iorsepen Slough Strand.
A site assessment to detennine compliance with Conservation Collier's initial screening criteria
on the southern 2.28 acres (fomlerly known as the Oetting properties) was conducted in March
2006 and the parcels were purchased on June 11,2007. The nOJihcm 2.27 acres (fomlerly known
as the Freitas property) were evaluated in October 2007 and the parcel was purchased on July 14,
2008. In 2009, the adjacent Estates Elementary School held a preserve naming contest and the
winning name of "Panther Walk Preserve" was chosen by studcnt Jocelyn Rosario and was
approved by the County as the official preserve name. Collier County holds a fee simple title to
all three parcels that make up the Panther Walk Preserve. The Conservation Collier program
manages these lands under authority granted by Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63 as
amended (2007-65; available from w\\\unu!')icflcLcoconl). Initial acquisition activities are
summarized in Table I.
Table]: Acquisition History and Status of Panther Walk Preserve
Year Benchmark for southern 2.28 acres ( formerl\' known as the Oettino nroncrties )
2005 Southern 2.28 acres nominated
2006 Initial Criteria Screening Report accepted by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition AdVISOry
Committee
...lQ.Q.7 I Purchase approved by the Board of County Commissioners and subsequently purchased June] 1. 2007
2007 I Interim T\1anagement Plan completed aJ~~~]?r.ro\~(i_ b)-/ the Board of County Commissioners
I
Ycar Benchmark for northern 2.2-7~lcres ( formerly known as the Freitas Dronert" )
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2007 NOlihern 2.27 acres nominated
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2007 Initial Criteria Screening Report for nortllern 2.27 <.lr.:res accepted by the Conservation Collier Land
Acquisition Advisor")' Committee ---.
I 200R Purcl1<.lse approved by the Board of County C011lmissi{:ners,_and subsequcntly purchased July 14. 200X
200R Interim Managcment Plan for southern 2.2.'-: acres rt\ised to include nOl1hern 2.27 and approved by' the
Bnard ofCollnty Con~missl()Jlcrs I
Year Benchmark for entire Preserve I
2009 I Estates Elementary School named preserve "Panther ,,_talk ~reservc"
20]0 I Final Management Plan C(l_~~lpl~~~~________,,______.
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Conservation, restoration and natural resource-hased recreation are the designated uses of this
preserve. Managemcnt activities allowed include those necessary to preserve, restore, securc and
maintain (his environmentally sensitivc land for the bendit of present and future generations.
Public use orthe site must be consistent with these managemcnt goals.
This is the Final Management Plan for thc Panthcr Walk Preserve. This I O-year management
plan will be submitted to (he Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for its
approval. When approved, this plan will replace the Interim Management Plan.
C0l1sen'atio71 Collier Program
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1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Aeqnisition Program and Management Authority
The Conservation Collier program was originally approved by voters in November 2002 and
subsequently con finned in the Novemher 2006 hallot referendum. Both voter-approved
referendums enable the program to acquire. preserve. restore. and maintain vital and significant
thrcatcncd natural lands, f(lrest. upland and wetland communities located in Collier County,
FIOJida for the hcnefit of prescnt and future generations (Ordinance 2002-63. as amended).
Properties must support at least two of the following qualities to qualify for consideration: rare
hahitat, aquifer recharge. flood control, watcr quality protection, and listed species habitat. The
BCC appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to consider any selected or nominated
propeJ1ies that an owner has indicated a willingncss to scll. The committee recommends property
purchases f(lr linal approval hy the BCe.
Lands acquired with Conservation Collier funds arc titled to "COLLIER COUNTY, a political
suhdivision of the State of Florida. hy and through its ConseJ'\'ation Collicr program."' The BCC
estahlished the Conservation Collier program to implement the program and to manage acquired
lands. As such. Conservation Collier holds management authority for the Panther Walk
Preserve.
1.2 Purpose and Seope of Plan
The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction f(lr Panther Walk Presel'\'e hy
idcntif:,'ing the goals and ohjec1ives ncccs'ilry' 10 eliminate or minimize any threats to the
resources and integrity of the preserve. This text is a working document that estahlishcs the
foundation urthe ten-y~ar plan by identifying the appropriate m:'!!1agement techniques necessary
10 restore and prcservc thc resourcc.
This plan will balance resource restoration and protcction with natural resource-based
recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs. listed spccies protection and
maintenance of the site li'ee of in\'asive. notic plant and animal species. This plan is di\'ided
into sections that inco'110rate an introduction. dcscriptions of the natural and cultural resources.
projeckd uses or the property. management i:;:;uc:-;. and goals and objectives.
1.3 Location of the Panther Walk Present'
Panther Walk Preser\e is located at 2,..5 (JO']; A\'e. 1\.F:. in the Northern Golden Gate Estates
L:nit ..2. It is west of E\erglades Blvd.. and extends hetween 60']; A\e and (,2ml Ave NE (Figure
j). The preserve is ill 1lorthern CollicT Coullty. F](l)'id;J in Secttlm 31. To\,,"nship "+7. and Range
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CO!1.\"(,ll'GliOll Collier Program
7
,l\:enda it,,::!Tl No. ~16E5
-' Oclober 12, 2010
Panther Walk Preserve Land Mana!!onfh,M'!til/of 47
Panther Walk Preserve: General Location Map
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Figure 1: General Location of Panther Walk Preserve.
1.4 Regional Significance of the Panther Walk Preserve
Ecosystem services such as the protection of water resources, flood control, maintenance of
nutrient cycles, preservation of biological diversity. carbon sequestration. and the availability of
recreational lands are imperative for the well-being of the citizens of Collier County and may be
achieved through the preservation of natural arcas. As of December 2009, approximately 67%
(over 86S~040 acres) of all lands in Collier County \vcre proteckd in conscn'ation areas (rigure
2) and managed hy private, local, state and federal agencies (FNAI 200'!). Collier County's
Conservation Collier Program manages the 4.54-aere Panther Walk Preserve; it contains high
quality cypress wetlands and is pm1 of a larger slough system called the Horsepen Slough.
Specific information on the plant communities ]"und on the Panther Walk Preserve may be
found in section 2.3 (Natural Plant Communities) of this docwnenl. An aerial view of the
Panther Walk Preserve is displayed in Figure 3.
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Figure 3: Aerial View of the Panther Walk Preserve Showing Delineation of Parcels
1.5 Nearhy Public Lands and Designated Water Resources
CUlTently. the largest preserved, natural area in the vicinity of the Panther Walk Preserve is the
Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. which includes the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
These lands encompass more than 41.000 acres in size and arc located just over 3 miles to the
west, northwest and just over 5 miles to the north of the Panther Walk Preserve. These areas are
hcld in both public and private consenation status and include the headwaters for Collier
County's drinking water supplies. Other preserves. in order of increasing distance, arc provided
in Table 1. Figure 4 shows the locations of these nearby pt'eserves.
COllSCl1'QliO/I Co/lier Pr()gram
10
:~..:;rll t\~8_ .: G~5
:)c'c/}2r:2 10:0
Pall/her Walk Prescl'1'e Lalld Afall({"em'iJilI'P[ulOf 47
Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Panther Walk Preserve
~ame Approximate I Direction Type
Distancl' (miles)
\Vinchester Head (Houndary) 2.4 I SE Conservation
Collier
Limpkin Marsh Preserve I 2.6 -+ !'OW Conservation
Collier
I Corkscrew Rt'gionaJ Ecosystem ,
, \Vatcrshed -=-----+ W State
Corkscrew SW3rnp Sanctuary ! 3.3 NW Private
. ,
Fllit 53 (Boundary) +- 5.1 I SW I Conservation
I -~-~-I Collier
I Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem
I "'atcrshed '.3 , N State
i .._....._~----~._.~
Pell anch Pr'serv ! I , COIlservation
J I cr R
e
6.2
!'OE ~~r :
- 'I' Conservation ~
~ I
CoIJi"r '
Conservation
Collier
i Caracara Prairie Preserve
L':. ___
l_AIIi~ator Flag Preserve
___~~~3___+-
I 1(1.6 ! SW
-___~___M_i____.___.__.______.__..____L....,.~_~
Conservation Lands in the Vicinity of the Panther Walk Preserve
..--..---..... "',.--..-... - ~
.
. ,Iil-- ],1['
,
,
.
.
~
;
i'
I.
t
.
.
\
,
Th"-:'H.f.".~cr,,,
"""""."''.'.t.r:".d
I
r
-,1.,..",.1,.
,
~ ~. .~... ~. _ ....;0- ...t
;,,""""~"TO<"
:~E~
''''''e,
.--:~~
"
,
,
.
,.,..'
.... .n....nn...n.....nJ
\
'..'II",
"'j]'.., il..,
-_._-_::~
["....d
",.t-I'~ "," c" _,.~
,
1
I>!I:
,',-., "",'" - '.~, F'.'-"" .,.. L"",..lC
-",''-'',.,1,(.",,-,.,;"
,"c.,,,,,,';''''
Figurc 4: Prcservcs and Protecll'd Lands in the Vicinity of Panthcr \Yalk Prcservc
CO/lSCr1'({I;O!1 ('oIlier Program
] I
11-:;m No. l6E5
O::tober 12. 2CJ10
Panther "Yolk Prcsen'c Land Afa17Llf!cm'ilfif!'T'fd'i1Jf 47
1.6 Public Iuvolvemeut
Neighborhood involvement will be sought through direct mailing notices for public meetings to
residents and other preserve managers within 2,000 feet of the preserve boundaries. Official
public notices will be posted on the County website. A public meeting was held in September
20 1 0 to give the public the opportunity to comment on this management plan.
2.0 Natural Resources
2.1 Physiography
Panther Walk Preserve lies within the Floridian section of the Coastal Plain. The Coastal Plain
extends from New Jersey to Texas and was fornled mainly from sedimentary rocks deposited in
marine environments (USGS 2004).
2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology
The site is located in the Southwestern Slope region of the South Florida Water Management
District. The Light Detection and Ranging (L1DAR) data layer provided by the U.S. Geological
Survey, National Wetlands Research Center is a remote sensing system used to collect
topographic data. This L1DAR layer has identified the Panther Walk Preserve to be at an
elevation of 19 - 20 ft NA VD (North America Vertical Datum). The land then slopes south
westward toward the Gulf of Mexico.
2.1.2 Soils
Mapped soils on this parcel were identilied as Riviera Limestone Substratum, Copeland fine
sands and Malahar tine Sands. Figure 5 is a digital representation of the County Soil Survey
maps published by the United States Depm1ment of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) as the Soil Service Geographic (SSURGO) data set.
Riviera Limestone Substratum. Copeland fine sands underly approximately 85% of the Panther
Walk Preserve. This nearly level, poorly drained hydric soil occupies the n0l1hem and central
pOl1ion of the preserve and is commonly associated with sloughs and cil1ress swamps. Til1ical
vegetation includcs cypress (T"xodiill71 spp.). red maplc (.'leer 1'111>1'11171) ferns and other wetland
plants. The observed vegelation corresponded with mapped soils.
Malabar line sand underlies approximately 15"/0 of the preserve along the southern border.
Malabar fine sand is a nearly level, hydric soil associated with sloughs and poorly delined
drainage ways. The typical vegetation lor this soil tY1JC consists of pine (Pinus ('Ilio!ii). cypress,
cabbage palm (S"b,,! 1'"ll71cl/o). saw palmetto (Sereiloa rcpens). wax mYl11e (Ml'rica ceri/era)
and native grasses. The observed vegetation did not eOl1'espond with mapped soils as there were
no pine trees or wax myrtle present.
For both soil tYl1es under natural conditions. the seasonal high water table is within a depth of 12
inches for 3-6 months. During other months the depth is below 12 inches and recedes to a depth
of more than 40 inches during extended dry periods. During periods of heavy rainfall soils are
covered by shallow, slowly moving water l'or about 7 days (Liudahl et a!. 1990).
COl1scrvGlhJll Collier Program
12
,I) !:srn ;~o. .'~ 5
rJ~:;lj~/er ; 2,20 0
f'unther Wulk PrnclTc Lund A{ul1u!!cl1If]ftf P!ilOf 7
_9,,;i'~~!~~:~'
Conservation Collier:
Soil Units of the Panther Walk Preserve
."C'.. . "l'-"'- ,,", ..".. ; ~,.-".,+..'..f'.'.....;...:~-+.,'.~.-e'....."...~~~"..:~.,;.""..'t,:..-k',...:....-:...; '..'
;"'.,.",~.,;;,' "':,,,, "_'ir!c;..""4'!'j!_'''''f"..j,f'''fJij-'',"~4'''''''''''''
ijf'ii,~;j,::,,, "p "'''/_;~~''~i;~<~::~~ :',':,,"~;'i' ""'1
+ ii',:~,7':<,.q i~, ;":::,:;;;:', "" '"'''' ,II
. " 'j L--'-",",,'."~.:"___,_,__' I
... ."" ,"t.. .,,,~..
.,...,
"'~Il, """". ".
- , ,,'". ',,',.' ''',,,,~''r "'...,,,, ....".. '.~'r""", ""-"'0"'_"
Figure 5: Soil Units on the Panther Walk Preserve and Surrounding Area
2.1.3 l!ydrology/U'atcr ,'fal1agclllcl1t
The Panther Walk Preserve is located on the periphery or the Corkscrcw Regional Ecosystcm
watcrshl,d. referrcd to in section 1.5, preserving these lands may provide 1,)1' a minimal delay in
runoff of storm \\'atcr. The prcscrn: may also proyidc marginal water storage for largc storm
c\'ents.
The preserve is on the eastern li'inge or the Ilorsepen Strand Slough. llistoric ovcrland !low
patterns in the area used to be from thc nOl1hl'ast to southwest. I Iowc\cL the roadWayS. roadside
swaks and the SFWMD canals ha\e altered this !low. When the water flows thou"h the
preserve it encountcrs the diteh along the north side orhO!!> A\e. N.E. The water is then 1')I~ecd to
flow to the east or west depending on the elevation or the downstream receiving waters. It may
ilow south over the roadW3V when we !let an above ~lvera!2(, rainv season, sheet flow be!.!ins and
the stlgC of the surface \\'at~r excecds tl;(' elevation of ()()lh~,c\ vC' l\'~E. --
A little over two-thirds of a mile to thc west is the upper rcach or the Golden Gale Main Canal.
Flow in the roadside swale may be west to this canal. then south. There is some higher ground
between the westel11 edge or the strand and this canal so surLlee water elevation would have to
rise high enough before flow would be pushed in this direction.
C()/lSefl'{Iri()!l e(l/fier f)f'()grO!Jl
13
item t~o. 1 GE5
October ~ 2. 2010
PllIlther Walk Preserve Land Manaf!el11r{U]Pfinof 47
About one and one-third miles to the cast is the Faka Union Canal. Flows intercepted by the
roadside swale could move to the east and into this canal. then south if downstream stages will
allow. Also, f10w in the roadside swale would have to move west to east through pipes under
Everglades Blvd. (Kurtz 2(10).
The aquifcr below ground is highly permeable however, permeability decreases downward from
a porous limestone into poorly indurated sandstone cemcnted by micrite. The aquifer grades
from freshwatcr downward into brackish water duc to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the
west and the brackish water in the intermediate aquifer made primarily of Miocene aged
sedimcnts. Below that, the Hawthorne formation typically marks the upper boundary of the
Floridan aquifer, which is contained within the underlying Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone
(Lodge 2005).
Groundwater levels have gone down during the recent decades due to drainage on a regional
scale and water management for development purposes. This trend may be very difficult to
control and will gradually rcduce the extent of the prcscrve that f100ds during the summer
months and ultimately reduce thc hydroperiod of the wetlands within the preserve.
The Surficial Aquifcr is unconfined and is typically associated with the groundwater table. This
aquifer is generally limited to smallcr uses such as household or small agricultural uses. The
Lower Tamiami aquifer is below the Surficial Aquifer and is recognized as being useful for long-
tern1 watcr needs. According to the South Florida Water Management District"s (SFWMD)
technical publication 95-02 (Fairbank & Hohner 1995), the rccharge capacity for the Surficial
Aquifer on the Panther Walk Preserve is moderate at 43 to 56 inches annually. The Lower
Tamiami Aquifer recharge capacity on the preserve is relatively low at 7 to 14 inches annually.
The Collier Soil & Water Conscrvation District is cun"ently conducting a study with goals to
restore the flow back in the natural direction within the extents of the slough. Many cross
culverts under the east-west roads would be necessary and private propcrty would have to either
be purchased or protected in some way. Phase 2 of the study is planned to begin soon (Kurtz
2(10)
2.2 Climate
The Panther Walk Preserve is located in an area of Florida where humid subtropical and tropical
savanna climatic patterns overlap, with temperatures moderated by winds fi'om the Gulf of
Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Sharply delineated wet and dry scasons and average monthly
temperatures greatcr than 64" Fahrenheit characterize a tl"Opical savanna climate. Monthly
rainfalls may excced ten inches during the wet season. On the other hand, humid subtropical
climates typically show less extreme rainfall fluctuations between wet and dry seasons and
average monthly temperatures is less than 64" Fahrenheit in SOme months.
The average annual temperature for the Collier County is approximately 74" Fahrenheit. The
Wal111cst months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during these months but
frequent aftcrnoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures.
Two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs in the wet season fi'om May to October. Thunderstol1ns
are frequent dUling the wet season, OCCUlTing every two out of three days betwecn June and
Septcmbcr. Rainfall records t(jr the area indicatc that there is not significant vaJiation in the
annual rainfall throughout much or the county; ho\\'cvcr. large variations often occur dUling a
COT1sen'alioll Co/h.er Program
14
!~~:'rn \Jo. i::::.5
Panthe,. tralk P,'csc/",,(! Lund Afwwf!cl7lt!nrI)!tll1uf :;7
'=>;t:;i-,'er '12 :~D'iO
single year. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June through November with peak
activity occuning in September and October when ocean kmperatures are highest.
2.3 Natural Plant Communities
The term "plant community" refers to the suite of floristic species that form the natural (i.e.,
native) vegetation of any place. In addition to anthropogenic influences. the combination of
factors such as geology. topography. hydrology. underlying soils and climate deternline the types
of plants found in an area. These plants. in turn detelllline the anima] species that may be found
there. The Florida Land Use. Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) created by the
Southwest Florida Water Manageme11l District in 1995 cJassifles plant communities and provides
digital Geographical lnfomlation System (GIS) layers for users to overlay on propel1y
b0lmc1aries <lnd aeriClI images to deknlline the plant l'pmmunities fCllmd there. The FLUCCS
designates one plant community onlhe prcscne: CY11ress Swamp/CY11reSS Wetland (Figure 6).
,--.-.,."n.,
land Cover Designations 011 the Panther Walk Preserve
and Sur'rounding Area
-""','r'[T''''''''''"J''''", ,.r"h'~" '<<n'"."-"'""""
""c,'
_I
1-
[:;:;;':/'".' ......'.......1 L d.
1 '. .c""'''' egen
I' ((~~'-:'i ~-"I'
-
- "".---
~i' I
J' ;-.- ."1'." p,..- ~. "
I',"'.
:..1;',.-,-
Figure 6: Extent of Plant Communities Currcntly Found ou thc Pauthcr 'Valk Prcsen'c.
C(J!lsen'(/li(Jn ('(JI/icr P/"(JgrolJl
15
Item [,lo, ~16:::5
OctcbBr ; 2. 201 ()
Panther lralk Preserve Land A1anarzel71t!hni:JkPnof 47
The following subsection (2.3.1) provides information about the plant community observed on
the preserve.
2.3.1 Strand Swamp/ Cypress Swamp / Cypress Wetland
The vegetation classification scheme of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the
Florida Department of Natural Resources (1990) designates the plant community found within
the preserve as a strand swamp. FNAI classifies strand swamps globally as G2 communities
indicating that they are "imperiled globally bccause of rarity or because of some faetor(s) making
it very vulnerable to extinction throughout its range"'. Within Florida, FNAI ranks strand
swamps as S2 communities defining them as "impeJilcd in state because of rarity; because of
some factor(s) making it vcry vulnerable to extinction throughout it range". The FLUCCS
structure classifies the plant community within the Panther Walk Preserve as a cypress
swamplcypress wetland and does not rank its status globally or within the state. Hereafter, this
managemcnt plan will refer to the preservc as containing a cypress swampl cypress wetland.
A cypress swamp I cyprcss wetland
(FLUCCS CODE 62]0) comprises ]00%
of the Panther Walk Preserve (Figure 6).
Cypress swamps are considered
freshwater, forested wetlands and arc
sometimes callcd strand swamps. They
are a shallow, usually clongatcd
dcpression or channel situated in a trough
within a flat limcstone plain, and
dominatcd primarily by bald cyprcss
(TtLmdium dis/ichum). Smaller strand
swamps and shallow cdges may instead
contain pond cypress (T. asccl/dcm). The
variable woody undcrstory contains a
mixture of temperate and tropical
elements, mainly rcd maple, pond apple
Vll/l/ol/a glahra), swamp laurel oak
(Quercus lauri(o!ia), cabbage palm, strangler fig (Fiws wlrca), swamp bay (Persea paluslris),
swcetbay (Magl/oliu "irgil/ial/a), coastalplain willow (Salix mmlil/iww), wax myrtle, myrsine
(f{apul/ea pUl/c/a/a), and common buttonbush (Cephalal//llIIs oecidcl//alis). Vincs such as
caste111 poison ivy (7()xicodel/dro/1 radica/1s) and white twinevine (Sarcos/emma clausum) are
common. The Wal111, humid climate in strand swamps make them ideal habitats for epiphytic
orchids and bromeliads. While thc greatest divcrsity of thesc epiphy1es may be found within the
dceper sloughs. several arc common throughout the strand swamp. Thcsc include a variety of air-
plants (7ilhmdsiu spp.), particularly the common wild-pine (Tillandsia .fim:icula/a), which arc
otlen abundant (FNAI 2010).
Cypress Swamp Community within the Panther Walk Preserve.
Photo taken by C. Segura
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species
The 4.54-aerc Panther Walk Prcserve contains 100% CY1)ress Wetlands. This section discusses
the flora and fauna found within this plant community. Thc ncxt section (2.5) discusses all listed
specics in greatcr detail.
CO!lSCll'Gtio}J Co/lier Program
16
item 1'\.'0. C.::5
=\~_r:.:;b2r 2 2Vi 0
Pall1hcr Walk l'rcscn'c Land Mal1a!!cl11:;;IitP!CnP' .17
2.4.1 Plant Species
To date, 64 plant species have hecn recorded on the preserve (Appendix I). Conservation
Collier staff conducted floristic inventOlies in 2006, 2007 and June 20 10. Another survcy will
he conducted in latc fall 20 I 0 and the final list will he added to this plan. Of thesc 64 plant
species, 61 (96%) are native - of which, two arc protected hy the State of Florida (one is listed as
cndangcrcd; one is listed as thrcatencd).
2.4.2 Animal Species
Due to the dearth of spccific survcys Ielr the OCCUITence of animal species (in contrast to plants)
and thc lack of on-site staffing, littlc is recorded for actual OCCUlTenccs of animals at the Panther
Walk Prescrve. Occurrences of fauna at the preserve are hased on direct visual and aural
observations by staIT during sitc visits or evidence of activity such as spoor. scat, or hun'ows, and
from the site information 3vaibble in documcnts such as the site's initial criteria screening
report, the property's interim management plan and anccdotal informalion from persons with
knowledge of the site. Tahle 3 providcs a comprehensive list of animals, hoth native and non-
native, recorded on the Panther Walk Preservc thus far.
Tahle 3: Faunal S ecics Rccorded on the Panther Walk Preserve
Common :\fame ..~_ !_~, Scicntific Namc
Zebra Long,wing hUll~Tfly I I1c!icollius c/wrifonills
----.--....1"-----..-
Red 11l1p()r~l'~!Jire ~!].1_'-___ _.___._~__----~~)li"I()p.>LI~a
applt:~nail
_!:I!!!.!!.':'l'a Jl(J/II:"~__
J )(~,~ \ 'J1lISJIO \ 'c Ill( 'i IIi"' /1.1
.'/lIo!is SO,(']"('I
nine-banlled annadlllo
Brown anok ...
BIRDS
Red-"h()uldcrcd ] Ia\\k
IJllr('o!illcurll,\
\lournin!2 j)(l\'e
.Ii'I!uii/anW(nnIUl
('um!ll())l Cinllll1d-t)O\t'
c(~~! 11/1 h 1 f!..~1....JlUSS l' I~~'!!.~____
_~_~~ll"(~li'J('.1 ('{Ll"(!li,II'S_.
Tr!l'!in'illdo hic()/()l'
]_~t'd-hl~l}__i,:~ \\_~l_l)(~il(:'L'k~r
]rec S\\'~lIl()\\
(lray...:athird
Turke\' \'UllUrC
[)llfI1('rc//u ('(/f"(I/incIlsi_1
i',i';'
\':,'/,'-1/
.'_ ______13 !'-:;:-S!2.~~...f~~:~~,ll.-'!hT
'f',,.',,
----.-."----. .'-----
___ ____~~~!~)\\-rU~lpt'l!2'::~lrhlcr
___ I)()\\,!~'_'__~:2.'_)~E'~cl.t'r _
i,,',,:/',)/,.i. J,",," "{/
li,I<'\ ,-,/dJ,";( ('i,",
NU11hc1ll cardillul
C 1./,d....I,'<iil:; (.,,-'j.,i....uu/i\.
Blue ia\
Cl'allocifW crisJafu
.____ NOJ1~('rn !m~~ll.ingt2i,['~________, _ ___m ,llil7111S lJ()I~;,,'.{l()tf()~___
,\-.ofl-l1atil'('spn'ic.I'
COllSen"alioll Collier Program
17
:\c::enda Item t~o. 16E5
~. :J2tcber 12, 2010
Panther TValk Preserve Land lvfanarzcl712ftuPFcfn:Jf 47
Other wildlife speeies other than those recorded undoubtedly occur at the Panther Walk Preserve.
During migration periods, transient bird species would be expected to utilize this area for short
periods of time. The undeveloped character of the adjacent areas and the presence of
conservation lands that are being maintained in their natural states may enhance use of the
preserve by many mammal, reptile, and amphibian species.
2.5 Listed Species
Official lists ofrare and endangered species are produced at the federal level by the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service and at the State level by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services. FNAI produces a list of rare and endangered species. and maintains a
database of occurrences of these species in Florida. The Institute for Regional Conservation
(IRC) also ranks native plant species by conservation status in the IO-county area of South
Florida. The following subsections (2.5.1 and 2.5.2) discuss the listed. rare and protectcd plant
and animal spceies found within and close to the Panther Walk Preserve in detail.
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species
The Florida State Statute titled "Preservation of native 110ra of Florida" (Statute 581.185)
provides the following definitions:
{7 EndanC!cred plants means species of plants native to the state that are in imminent
danger of extinction within the state, the survival of which is unlikely if the causes of a
decline in the number of plants continue, and includes all species detemlined to be
endangcred or threatened pursuant to the Ccderal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended, Pub. L. No. 93-205 (87 Stat. 884).
,::;7 Threatened plants means species native to the state that are in rapid decline in the
number of plants within the state, but which have not so decrcascd in such number as to
cause them to be endangered.
There are two (2) plant species at Panther Walk Preserve that are listed by the Florida
Depmiment of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). one (I) as endangered and one (1)
as threatened (Table 4). A brief description of thcse species and their status is included in the
following paragraphs.
Table 4: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Panther Walk Preserve
Common Name(s) Scientific Name I State Status
Stiff-leavcrl \vilrl-pine, (ilrdin:.l] airrlant Tillandsia fi:lscic!!!aru , E
I ReJlexcd \\ild-p_i~~. ~orlhern needleleaf , ~
Tillandsia halhisiw](l I T
I
E: Endangered: T: Threatened
Both listed plant spccies found on the Panther Walk Preserve are classified as bromeliads.
Bromeliads are members of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). While some of these species
may be found growing tcncstrially, most native bromeliads found in Florida are found growing
attached to tree trunks and branches and may therefore be referred to as epiphytes (a plant that
lives upon other plants: from Greek "epi"' ~ upon "phyte" =, plant). The leaves andlor roots of
these airplants (depending on the species) absorb the water and nutrients they need ti'om the air
COl1sen'aliol1 Colher Program
18
I~C;;::-; :\;0. ! 6::'5
C}~tJ~>er ~2, L:C"iO
['all/Ii('/' lValk ['rcsen'c La/ld Ma/la[!cl11?/iI'f'I'd71Jf':'7
and from the rain that falls through the canopy of the tree on which they are found. Since
epiphytes use their roots only to anchor themselves to another plant they are considered non-
parasitic. Even though the two listed bromeliad species found on the Panther Walk Preserve are
common in the state, they are listed due to illegal collecting and the destruction of the habitats in
which they are found. Additionally, infestation by the introduced Mexican bromeliad weevil
(Me/al11(Jsills callbJl1a) has becn implicated in thc decline of many airplant populations around
the state. Cun'ently, there are no conti'll! measures in place however, close research and
monitoring is taking place.
Stiff-leaved \Yild Pine (Ti/landsia fasciculata), is also known as cardinal airplant and common
wild pine. T /ilscicltl(J/(J is listed as an endangered plant by the State of Florida and has been in
24 counties throughout Florida (Wunderlin & Hansen 20(8). This cpiph)1c was frequently found
in South Florida before the introduction of the Mexican bromeliad weevil. Today, it may be
found in hammocks, c)1Jress swamps and pinclands.
Like most of the other bromcliads in Florida, this species
is often referred to as a ,.tank" bromeliad because the leaf
axils and eel11ral stems form a "tank" or reservoir at the
base of the plant Thesc reservoirs capture and hold
\yater. dead and decaying plant matter (Icu\'cs. seeds
twigs. etc.). and \:-ad and drowning non-aquatic insects;
these trapped items i'rovide nutrients for the plant (Larson
et al. 2(06).
View of T ,'asciculati; at the Panther WalK P~esei'v'e
Photo bv CSegL!ra
Reflcxed wild pine (Til/andsia balbisial/a) is 3n epiphytic, "tank"
bromcliad and is listed as a thre~ltcned plant by the State of Florida.
Wunderlin and Hansen reported this species in 22 counties thruughout
Florida as of 20Cl8 (Wunderlin & Hansen 2111(8). Refle\ed wild pine is
an occasional species in South Florida and is usually jlllll1d in scrub,
pinelands. strand s\v<lmps. hammocks. lll~lI1grll\'t' swamps and on shell
ridgcsilllounds.
F\JAl maintains a database of oeeUITences of rare, threatened, and
endangered species in Florida. An clement is any exemplary or rare
component of the natur~1l environment such as a sp'..-:cics. natural
community, bird roukery. spring. sinkhole. ca\'c. or dther ecological
feature. An clement occurrence is a singlc. extant habitat that sustains or
otherwise contributes to the sun';val of a population or a distinct. sejj~
sustaining example or a particular l'lcment.
These element oceUlTenee data are built into biodiversity matrices. Each matrix encompasses
one (1) square mile and includes all species and natural communities tracked by FJ\AL including
all federal listed species. The FNAI rep0l1 j()r the matrix in which the Panther Walk Preserve is
located identifies five (5) likely clemenls and seventeen (17) potential elements. None of these
"Iikely" or "potential" elements rcp0l1cd by FNAI have been detected within the preserve to
..<.late._!\ppen_d"'-.2JJrl)\'ides thcFN_AIMan~!g~d..f\l:ea Trac..k)ng Bccc-,,,-d alldElement OccUlTence
COIlSCI"l'({{;rJll Co/lier Progro!JI 19
Tillandsia balbisi8fla
Photo by Annisa Karim
,.6,oenca item ~~o. 16E5
-~ OctcJ~)er Ai2. 2010
Panther Walk Preserve Land A1ana!!cmfJllt'PT<.:710f 47
Summary as well as the Biodiversity Matrix Report. Global and state rankings are provided for
each species as well as their federal and state status.
2.5.2 Listed Animul Spedes
No listed wildlife spccies have been observed onsite or immediately adjacent to the preserve.
However, FNAI lists the following animal species as "likely"' to occur (rare species likely to
occur in the following matrices ~ 44265 and 44266 - based on suitable habitat andlor known
occurrences in the vicinity): Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis), wood stork
(Mvcteria americana), Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) and mangrove fox squirrel
(Scurius niger avicennia) (Appendix 2).
2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species
In an ecological context, an invasive species is one that is aggressive in growth and expansion of
range and tends to dominate others: its establishment and dominance can cause widespread hann
to an ecological system by altering the species composition. susceptibility to fire and hydrology
of an area. Non-indigenous species (i.e., non-native or exotic species) are those that have becn
introduced purposefully or accidcntally to an area outside their nonnal range. The characteristics
of some of these species (high rate of growthlreproduction, no natural predators, easily dispersed,
able to out-compete native species) make them invasive. Some indigenous species (a species
whose natural range included Florida at the time of European contact circa 1500 AD or a species
that has naturally expanded or changed its range to include Florida) may also become invasive.
Invasions by native and non-native species often foilow an alteration to ecosystem function,
disruption of the food web, large-scale fj'agmentation of an ecosystem and/or distw'bance (e.g.,
clearing, lire, drought. ctc) of an area. While some native species may become invasive, the
establishment and dominance of non-native species is of particular conccm. The cxotic plant
and animal species documented within the preserve and thosc that have a potentia] to occur
within the preserve are discusscd in the fi.)llowing scctions.
2.6.1 Invasive alld Problem Plullt Specie.,
The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) maintains a list or exotic plants that have becn
documentcd to (I) have adverse efTects on Florida's biodiversity and plant communities, (2)
cause habitat loss due to infcstations and (3) impact endangered specics via habitat loss and
alteration. To date. three (3) non-indigenous plant species have becn detccted within Panther
Walk Preserve (Table 5). accounting f\lr 4% of thc plant spccics record cd there. Of the three
exotic species, all are listed hy FLEPPC (Two Category I :.md one Category II). FLEPPC defines
Category I plants as those that alter native plant communities by displacing native species,
change community structures or ecological functions. or hybridize with natives. Category II
plants have incrcascd in abundance or fi'equcncy but have not yet altered Florida plant
communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These definitions do not rcly on the
economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but rather on thc documcnted ecological
damage caused by these plants (FLEPPC 20CO).
COt1Sell'aliol1 Collier Progrum
20
:;~~,'l f,h. '; CE5
C'::~~i~_~'-2r 12 2G1t)
PWZlha Wulk Prcsen'c LUlld MUllul!cmr;Ftti'w;(J[ e17
Table 5: Invasive Plant Species within the Panther Walk Preserve
Scientific Name Common ~ame(s) FLEPPC'
Scllinus terc!Jinthifh/il/s Brazilian pepper I
Solanum l'iarum Tropical soda apple J
U'rena lohaTa Caesar's weed II
"Florida Exotic Pes! PIWIl Coullcil ,FJ.EPPC) 2()(j~ desigllaliolls
1: Invusive, exoTics thar ore a/;crin[!. IIlffil'e plall! COlliIJllll1itics hy di.\placing naril'c .\pecics.
changing communit)' S!ruCllll'C.\' 01' ecologlCal/lllloiolls, or hyhridi::ing 11'ith }w!in'S.
II: In\'{lsl1'c. exotic.\' thill hUH' inuc{Jwd ill ahundollc(, or.fi'cql/('/J(:l' hut hUl'c lIof.1'ct al1cred
Florida plant c(lllIl/l1miries to [he t'.\"!i'1I! ,lh0\1'Il h,l' Catcgory I sjn'cies,
As of the acquisition of the first p011ion of Panther Walk Presen'e by the Conservation Collier
program on June 11, 1007 the most prob!em3tic exotic. inv3sive plant species were and continue
to be Brazilian pepper (Schilllls tachillt;'i!o/illsl and Ceasar's \Iced (Urenu !ohu/(J). The control I
removal of invasive, exotic species are discussed in detail in section 4 of this document.
2.6.2 flll'Osi"e alld Problem Allimu! Species
Although Florida docs not have an ot1icial exotic, imasive animal spccies list, at least 400 exotic
fish and wildlife animal species have been repOJ1ed in Florida, and approximately 125 species
are established.
Two non-indigenous. Illvasive animal species have been documented on the presen,e: red
imported fire ant (So!cllopsis inn.cla). and bnl\Vn anolc (Allo/i.\' sagrci). Based on the natural
communities j(lund within the preserve. proximity to residential areas and geographic location,
sevcral more species (native and non-nati, c) hell e the po1cntial to ajTect the Panther Walk
Preserve 10 varying degrees. Brief descriptions ~)f documented and undocumented hut
p01cntially problematic species arc provided in the I\l[[o\\ing paragraphs.
Red imported fire ant (Solcllopsis ill"icta): doclIl11('1]ted within
the Panther Walk Preserve
These social insects \\ere introduced into the U.S. li'om Brazil
into either Mobile. Alabama or Pensacola, Florida between 1933
and 1945 (Collins & ScheCll'ahn 200S) and have been de1cc1cd in
the Panther Walk Preserve. Red impt1l1cd lire ants (RIFA) klle
been documented to cause ham] to humans and \\ildlile as well as
economic hanl1 (Stimac & .\Ivcs 1994: Collins & Sehd'li'ahn
200S: Willcox 8: Giuliano. 2(06). RIFAs h:lle a number or
impacts on wildlil'c: in many areas, they hale eliminated natil e
ant populations through competition and predation and have
eradicated food sources utilized by some \\ildlire species.
Ground-nesting wildlife is especially susceptible to RIFAs.
Within the Panther Walk Presene, RIFAs hale the potential to afrect ground-nesting birds: small
m3mmals: reptiles, native lizard and snake species, and native invertebrates (Willcox 8: Giuliano
2(06). Additionally. members of the public that may eOl1le into contact with RIFAs may be
ha1111ed ir stung. 'vIany people have anaphylactic reactions to the toxins released li'om RIFA
stings.
--------~._'--_.__._._-,.".__._._-- -~_._-----
CO/lSCI"\'oliO!l C()/Iier f)'.()grolll
21
Su/enopsis invicta, an invasive, non-
indigenous arthropod docUlYlenled within the
Panther Walk Preserve, Photo courtesy of
the USDA
A~enda ite:ll No. 15E5
- October ",2. 2010
Panther Walk Preserve Land Alanal!em'fif1fPl1fl1o( 47
Brown Anole (Allolis sagrei): documented within the Panther
Walk Preserve
Also known as the Cuban anole, the brown anole is native to Cuba,
the Bahamas, and neighboring islands (Schwartz & Henderson
1991). Like other anoles from the islands, this species is a small,
tropical, diurnal, arboreal, territorial, and insectivorous lizard
(Campbell 2001). The brown anole was first documented in the
Florida Keys in the late 1800s (Lee 1985) and has since spread
throughout Florida, into Georgia and into two other southeastern
statcs (Campbell 1996). It feeds on a wide varicty of insects,
amphipods, and isopods. Brown anolcs also prey on othcr small
vertebrates including the hatchlings of the native green anole (.4.
carolinen,,;;s; Campbell 20(0).
Campbell (2000) showcd that. in the absence of the exotic brown ,moles. native green anoles
occupy perches from ground to the canopy of vegetation. Howcver, in the presence of the exotic
anole, native anoles move higher in trees, occupying only the trunk and crown of trees. Dietary
overlap is high between both species, but the overall affects of the brown anole on the green
anole are still undetermined.
Ana/is sagrei. an invasive. exotic
reptile documented in the Panther
Walk Preserve. Photo courtesy of
Ihe USGS
Feral pig (Sus semfa): documented within the Panther \Valk Preserve
Hogs were first brought to Florida in the mid 1500's to provision settlemcnts of early explorers.
Their high rate of reproduction and their ability to adapt to Florida's natural areas has led them to
populate every county in the state. Today, Florida is second only to Texas in its feral hog
population (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a; 2005h). While feral pigs are able to survive in a variety
of habitats, thcy prcfer large forested areas interspersed with marshes, hammocks. ponds. and
drainages; cover in the form of dense brush; and limited human disturbance (Giuliano & Tanner
2005h). Dense cover is used as bedding areas and provides protection from predators and
hunters. Feral pigs are omnivorous, opp0l1unistie feeders consuming grasses, forbs, and woody
plant stems, roots, tubers, leaves, seeds. fruits, fungi, and a variety of animals including wonns,
insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, small birds. mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and ealTion.
Their propensity for digging j{)r foods below the surfilce of the ground (rooting) destabilizes the
soil surface, resulting in erosion and exotic plant establishment. Additionally, this b"havior
uproots or weakens native vegetation (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a; 2005b). Due to the natural
communities that are f{JUnd within the preserve, this species has the
potential to thrive within the boundaries. As these animals are highly
visible outside of natural plant communities, adjoining residents of
the preserve may be useful in the early detection of this nuisance
animal.
Cuban t"ee frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): undocumented
within the Panther Walk P,'eserve
Like the Cuban anole. the Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the
Bahamas, and neighboring islands. They have cstablished breeding
populations as far n011h as Cedar Key on FJodda's Gulf Coast,
Osteopilus seplenlriona/is, an
invasive, exotic amphibian that has
the potential 10 occur at the Panther
V,\,'alk Preserve Photo courtesy of
the USGS
Conservation Collier Program
22
!t2~n r,JT ': U:5
C':[Ci):3 ~; 2. 2U 1 0
['al//her If,ilk /'''('.\'CI']'(' Lal/d Mal/a <[eI/6'i1!f'lifnJf cd
Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast, and Gainesville in north-central Florida. These hylids are the
largest tree frog found in Florida and because of their abil ity to invade natural areas and prey on
native invertebrates and small vertebrates (including native tree frogs) they are considered an
invasive species. Additionally, the tadpoles of this species inhibit the growth and development
of the tadpoles of the native southern toad (Hufo le,.,.c,I{,.i.l) and green tree frog (Hy/a ell/erea).
Cuban tree frogs thrive in rcsidential and natural arcas such as pine forests, hardwood
hammocks, and swamps. In residential settings, they are most commonly found on and around
homes and buildings, and in gardens and landscape plants (Johnson 20(7). Due to the natural
communities that are found within the P.mther Walk Preserve and its proximity to residential
areas, this species has the potential of occurring in the preserve.
Giant Marine Toad or Cane Toad (Buro marinus):
undocumented ",,'ithin the Preseryc
The cane toad is a tropical species native to the Amazon basin in
South America, and its range extends through Central America to
extreme southern Texas along the Rio Grande River. They are
used as a control agent f()f insects that cbmagc sugarcane and
consequently. are one of the most introduced amphibian species in
the \\'orId. They have since he;:n deemed an in\':l~i.,.c :,;pecics in
Florida and are eUlTently f()und in urban areas of south and central
Florida. and are rapidly expanding northward (Brandt & Mazziotti
2005). Beetles, bees, ants, winged lcrmites. crickets and bugs arc
a large part of the did of tbe adult marine load. Addilionally, they consume arthropods,
moll L1Sks, small vel1cbrates. plant matter. pet (()(ld, carrion, household scraps, marine snails,
smaller toads and native ii'ogs. small snakes. and ,"cn small mammals. Marine toads arc prolific
breeders and females can la),' tens PI' thousands of eggs in a single breeding season. The:y prefer
furested areas with semi permanent water nearby (Churchill 200:1). Due to the natural
communities that are found within the Panther Walk Preserve and its proximity to residential
areas. this species has thc potential of occurring within the presene. :\earby residents of the
prescrve should be encouraged tn keep pet I()(ld and water containers indoors or empty at night.
Buro mall/IUS, an invasive, exotic
amphibian that has the potential to occur
at the Panther Walk Preserve. Photo
courtesy of the USGS,
Feral domestic cat (Felis caflls): uudoeul1lented withiu the Panther \Valk Pres('l've
Domestic cats originated ii-om an ancestral wild species, the European and Afi'ican wildcat (Felis
.li/l'c.I/,.is). Humans facilitated the global distribution of cats due to their highly ef1icient
predatory skills. Egyptians took cats with them on shipping vessels to keep rodent populations
down, and they likely introduced domestic cats to Europe. Today, the impact of feral cats on
wildlife is difficult to quantilY: howel cr. literature (FF\\CC 2001: Karim 2007: Masterson
2(07) strongly indicates that they <Ire <I significant Llet(lr in the mOl1ality of small mamma]s,
birds (including migratory birds). rcpliks. :lnd amphihians in Florida. Because Ih~c-ranging cats
often receive food Ii-om humans. thcy may reach <lbnol111ally high numbers. An increase in the
population of feral cats may lead to increased predation rates (In native wildlife. While no cats
have yet been observed on the Panther Walk Prcserve, there cxists a high probability of their
luturc presence (In the preserve due to the proximity of Panther Walk to human residential areas.
Adjoining residents of the preserve should be encour<lged to keep their cats indoors and staff
should monitor the preserve k)r the presence of feral cats.
CO!/scll'urioll Co/lieI' Pnwru!lI
"
')'
--'
L,:Jenda Item ~~o. 16:::5
..' October 12. 2010
Pun/her Wulk Preserve Lund MWWf!em'fJIIPf'lifno[ 47
3.0 Previous Conditions of the Preserve;
Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent Land Uses
3.1 Previous Couditions of the Preserve
Aerial photographs taken in 1973 (Figure 7) and researching aerial photos of later years show
that development has likely never occurred on the site. Digital images were downloaded from
the Florida Department of Transportation"s Aerial Photo Look Up System (2010) and geo-
referenced in ArcMap 9.3 by Conservation Collier Staff. The aerial image from 1973 shows that
the land that the preserve exists on now has virtually remained the same for the last 37 years.
Conservation Collier: Historical Aerial Image from 1973
of the Panther Walk Preserve and Adjoining Lands
~,"'..,.,. " H.. ,,~. ,.oj. """~', -"",,"'0
"'f.,, "~"" ,," "~-""~.>"'..' .""""'''T
,.~~dt,., .~"'.. "~"".,,..," ,.-.,,,..~..,,. . ,., .
"',. ",,,",..~.,, '"0''''''' ""'''~'''''''''t1
""","."r,-:"."""'''.",."'''N
14:..;:':''''
~:. I~ -, ,,-'1
._.~....l....-_'__------'
~ ~le'!i~lld
yi
Appro'XlmateLocallon01
P~rrth<et\N<'lIl, Preserve
Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1973 of the Panther Walk Preserve
Conservation Collier Program
24
1~,~JrTi 1-)0, 'lCE5
c.,-::::;:-:..:::( i 2, :~C) ~ 0
['allther If{dk Preserve Land Mana'!em':'mPliin:Jf C,7
3.2 Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent Land escs
Conservation, restoration and natural resource-based recreation are the designated uses of this
preserve. Management activities allowed include those necessary to preserve, restore. secure and
maintain this environmcntally sensitil'e land for the benefit of prcsent and future generations.
Public use of the site must be consistent with these management goals and will be discussed in
section 4.4 of this document. Once the preserve trail is created. the public will be able to hike
through the preserve.
The Panther Walk Preserve is hordered on the nOl1h by 62"d :\ve. NE and to the south by 60th
Ave NE. Estates Elementary School is located to the southeast across 60th Ave. NE. Vacant
undeveloped parcels border the preserve on the east and west. The property is in Unit 42 and is
zoned Estates single family residential. The previous owner had development pcnnits denied for
this propeJ1y in 2005 by the State of Florida due to presence of "wetlands of high quality and
function" \\hich were paJ1 of a "unique cypress system". FUl1her to the west are 4 sections of
agriculturally zoned lands with a conditional use permit ror earth mining (Figure 8).
Panther Walk Preserve
Horsl'.'pen Strand and Surrounding Area
::,,:"'"
. '," ~,,,,,j
1";.ll'-h"r.,.','
;--'
h:,y-,,'.',c
"'" ,..~.-,,"
Figure 8: Horsepcn Strand Slough and Arcas Adjaccnt to the Panther \Valk Prcsenc
COllsernlliol} Colli"r Pro,grulIl
25
t\;:enda item i'-Jo. .: 6E5
~ October 12. 2010
Panther Walk Prese,."e Land Marl{1f!em'iJfj./'PIri'nof :'7
3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection
The Panther Walk Preserve is not within an area of historic a] and archaeological probability, and
no historical or archaeo]ogical sites appear to be present on the property. The County will notify
the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any
archaeological or historic resources are discovered. If such resources arc identified em-site, staff
shall cordon off the area, and a professional survey and assessment shall be instituted. The
archaeologist shall prepare a report outlining results of the assessments and issue
recommendations to County staff about management of any sites discovered, per provisions of
the Land Development Code Section 2.2.25. This report shall be sent to the Division of
Historical Resources. The County shall cooperate fully with direction from the Division of
Historical Resources on the protection and management of archaeological and historical
resources. The management of these resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267.
1O]').;rlO "'atut"C C"~"l'fic..ll), S~"tJ'~ns ~6~ "61 ~ 1..\ ..~,1 (h)
~ \. llUU >.J~ \..."'~ ."'F"""" Ul1 ...,..... V~ _\. I.V k \UI UIIU 1 .
3.4 Management Activities during Previous Years
Since the acquisition of the first portion of the Panther Walk Preserve in .Ju]y 2007, staff has
accomplished a number of management activities aimed at creating baseline data for the prescrve
and identifying areas of invasive plant infestations (Table 6). Staff conducted t10ristic
inventories and established photo-monitoring points to better aid in the long-tern1 management of
the preserve.
Table 6: Management Activitics Since the Acquisition I
of the Panther Walk Preserve
Accomolishment Ycar(s)
Conducted floristic inventories 2006. 2007. 2010
Established photo monitoring points , 2010
Exotic Plant Rcmo\.al and Treatment I 2008.2010
4.0 Future Use of the Panther Walk Preserve including
Management Issues, Goals and Objectives
This section describes the main management issues, goals. and objectives for the Panther Walk
Preserve as well as the overall management fi'amework. Centra] to the management of the
Preserve is the mission of the Consen'ation Collier Program. and the goals and objectives set
forth in this management plan.
4.1 Management Plan Framework
Each propcliy purchased by Conscrvation Collier shall have its own management plan. At the
time the southem pOliion of the Panther Walk Preserve was purchased, the Consen'ation Collier
Ordinance required that an "]nterim" Management Plan be developed within 60 days of closing.
Interim plans include basic items such as removal of invasive. exotics and trash, establishing site
security. developing management partnerships and planning for public access. The interim plan
for the two south em parcels was officially approved in 2007 and (he intcrim management plan
COllSCITUtiol1 Collier Program 26
!t~Hn )\h. '-.:1::.5
C::tcber '12 ~O-:O
Pal/ther rf'alk Prcser1'(~ Laud,lful1{jl!cmtJllnPltfn::/.:.7
for the n0l1hern parcel was completed in 2008. The ordinance then requires a .'Final'. ten-year
management plan be developed within two years. Subsequently. the property management plan
must then be reviewed every five years. Final management plans, however, are considered living
documents and can be updated at any time. Review of all management plans start in the Lands
Evaluation and Management subcommittee and must be approved by both the Conservation
Collicr Land Acquisition Advisory Committee and the Collicr County BCe.
4.].] Preserve .Hanager: Contact Information
The site manager for Panther Walk Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental
Specialist who may be contacted through electronic mail: ConservationCollien!'i'Collicrgov.nel.
4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts
Future planned use will be consistent with the primary goals of conscl'\'ation. preseJ'\'ation,
restoration and maintcnance of the resource. Official public use of the site will not be possible
until safe public access trails can be created. However. citizens that desire to visit the site prior
to opening may do so by signing a waiver that will allow them access at their own risk and
releases the liability of the County until sare access is established. Details of planned uses for
the Panther Walk Prescrve and an assessment of their potcntial impacts are provided in the
following s~ctions.
4.2.] ]demification (Jf Public L\-es Consistem with Presen'ation, Enhancement, Restoration,
Cons(,/"l'ation and Maillfenance of the Resources
The Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63 constrains the use of this propel1y to "primary
objectivcs of managing and pn:'scn'ing natural resource values and providing appropriate natural
resource-based recreational & educational opportunities !\atural resource-based
recreation shall mean all forms of uses, II hich arc consistent with the goals of this program, and
are compatible with the specific parccl. Such uses m"y includc. but are not limited to hiking,
nature photngraphy. bird \\~ltching. kay'aking, canocing. swimming. hUllting and fishing (Ord.
No. (I~-63, as amended~ 5. 1~-3-()~). /\dditionally, no dumping, use orunauthori7ed vehicles, l'r
removal or destruction of l1Z1tural or historicaLarchacolngical rcsources will be permitted within
the preserve. The goal is to allow limite'd, non-dcstrueti\ e public access to native plant
cOl11l11UniliL's and animal specics.
The following arc consistellt uses Illr this partindar site: hiking, nature photography and bird
\\'atching. Inconsistent uses include- iishing. hunting and ofTI\lJd \"chic1e Lise (OR\/).
In addition, there are no existing CaSel11L'nts, \:(lnccssiolls, or leases on the P~.lIlther \Valk Preserve.
In accordancc \\'ith th~ man2gcmcnt goals of the prcs~rn:. no future easements, concessions. or
leases are appropriate in association with this site, other than conservation related easements.
4.3 Desired Future Conditions
This section includes a description or the proposed future conditions for the site's natural areas.
Management techniques to achieve these conditions arc outlined in section 4.4.
('OJlscl"I'uriol/ Co/lief" Program
'17
L.oenda \tf~m 1\)0. 16E5
..., October 12, 201'J
Panther Walk Preserve Land Mal1a!!el71fJi1Df'Ii111of 47
After managers complete recommended management actions, Panther Walk Preserve will consist
of invasive. exotic free cypress wetland. With the exception of a seasonal hiking trail, the site
will be vegetated with appropriate native flora that will provide suitable cover for a variety of
wildlife species.
Increasing the acreage of the preserve will greatly enhance the quality of the preserve. Efforts
will continue to expand the size of the preserve to the east and west. While acquisitions funds
are available, letters will be scnt to the adjaccnt landowncrs on a yearly basis to inform them of
Conservation Collier's interest in the purchase of their property.
4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2010-2020
A set of goals and objectives for Panther Walk Preserve were developed in conjunction with the
drafting of this 1\1anagement Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically
for Panther Walk Preserve based on the pUI1,oses for which the lands were acquired, the
condition of the resources present, and the management issues for the property. On-site managers
should be fanliliar with this entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the interim
management plan for the Panther Walk Preserve were reviewed to detemline whether they
should be included in this plan. The gOals and objectives presented here reflect programmatic
goals and ideas of Conservation Collier personnel in charge of managing and protecting the area.
These goals shall not be modified, but specif1c application of managcment techniques may take
into consideration input by user groups and other stakeholders from outside the program.
accommodating user needs and desires where practicable and where overarching management
goals are not violated.
Managemcnt issues are discussed below in separate sections. Within each section, approaches for
dealing with these issues are described. The ability to implement the specific goals and
objectives identif1ed in this plan is dependent upon the availability of stafTing and funding
sources. The following goals have been identified for Panther Walk Preserve:
Goal I : Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora and fauna
Goal 2: Develop a bascline monitoring rep0l1
Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna to
restore and maintain natural habitats
Goal 4: Restore native vegetation
Goal 5: Develop a plan for public use
Goal b: FacilItate uses of tbe SIte for educational pUI1'oses
Goal 7: Provide a plan f()r security and disaster preparedness
COll.\'C/lJutioll Collier Program
28
!;:;:TI 1\10. ~iC=5
'JC:1Jl'er ~ 2.2::)"10
Palllher Ira/k Prescll'c Land Alana!!cmUf1L'P!dnof 47
GOAL I: ELIMINATE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE HUMAN IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS
FLORA AND FAUNA
Action Item 1.1 Install signs encouraging people to stay on public access trails situated
within the preserve.
The entrance sign along 60'h Ave NE already requests that visitors stay on designated trails.
Another will installed along 62"d Ave J\E if needed.
Action Item 1.2 Identify locations of rare and listed native plant species.
The location of these spccies will he identified using a global positioning system (GPS)
device and mapped to allow stafr to monitor them. Public trails will be constructed to avoid
areas where rare and listed species exist.
Action Item 1.3 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash in or near the preserve.
Stafr will monitor the preserve on a regular basis and if excessive dumping occurs.
enforcement actions will he sought through thc County Sheritrs Departmcnt.
Action Item 1.4 Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take
steps such as locating visitor amenities away from animal nestiug sites.
Action Item 1.5 A void non-target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare
species, during invasive, exotic plant treatments.
If the use of herbicides is appropriate during the trcatment of invasive. exotic plant species,
decisions on the tll'es of herbicides utilized will he made on the best infi.ll111ation a\'ailable at
the time of exotic rcmoval. Stair has prohihited the use of herbicides eontaining Imazapyr
(e.g.. Arsenal) due to reports that these herbicides have potentially caused a great deal of non-
target clJmage throughout the state. Licensed County or State contractors will be monitored
closely to ensurc the proper herbicide applications arc king utilizcd while treating the site. In
addition. close attention will be taken to identily listed specics (Table 5) that may be attached
to ill\'asivc trees heing cut dC)\\'1l or rClllun:d. Indi\'iduals (1f these species will he relocated
prior to rCl11o\'"li. Special attention \-\ill he !;in:n 10 <.I\'oid damage to native species in the
vicinity of exotic removal activities.
Action !tern 1.6 !\'ote, research and provide input as to all site development occurring
adjacent to Panther \Valk Presene to determinc that the proper site development
permits have been ohtained and that the site dl'velopment complies with the permits.
Activities on adjacent lands may have an impact on thc indigenous pbnt and animal life on
the Panther Walk Preserve. As such, all cxisting local. state, and !Cd"ral regulations should be
strictly f()l1owed ancl cnforced during any site development adjacent to the preserve. It shall
be the responsihility of the dc\'dopcr to establish erosion Cllntrol measures and vegetation
protection measures (i.e._ protective fencing or baJTicr~). If any site developer \vorking in
-~--_....._-_._._--.._-----~-_.._--_..
COJ!sc/"nllio!/ Collier Program
~9
J\oenda item No. i6E5
~ October 12_ 2010
Panther JValk Preserve Land lV[illlaf!el11f!f1tlPf'iPnof 47
areas adjacent to the preserve does not take the necessary control measures, construction shall
be immediately halted until control measures are put into place and mitigation and/or
remediation will be the sole responsibility of the developer.
Action Item 1.7 Create and adopt an enforceable ordinance that will prohibit hunting
and other undesirable publie uses that are not appropriate on the Panther 'Valk
Preserve and other Conservation Collier Pn$erves.
Conservation Collier Staff will work with the County Attomey"s office to either create a new
preserve use ordinance for Conservation Collier Preserves or amend a current ordinance with
appropriate language. This will also include a mechanism to enforce the regulations listed
within the ordinance.
GOAL 2: DEVELOP A BASELIlVE MONITORING REPORT
Action Item 2.1 Establish a long-term biological monitoring program and conduct
additional wildlife surveys.
Long-tenn management of the preserve should be based on biological data. Changes
following baseline conditions should be assessed as negative or positive, and management
strategies changed appropriately. This section discusses information needs and long-term
nlonitoring needs.
Conservation Collier staff has conducted a j]oristic inventory of the Panther Walk Preserve;
these findings will comprise the baseline j]Olistic data on which future actions will be based.
The site should be inspected by Conservation Cullier Stair at least twice a year and thoroughly
imentoried at regular intervals (ca. 5-10 years) tu detect new invasions (by natives or exotics)
and extinctions. Areas undergoing extreme restoration should be assessed more frequcntly.
While some wildlife data has been collectcd, additional baseline data should be collected,
cspecially on inver1ebrates, small mammals. reptiles, and amphibians. The site manager may
contract this work out or enlist the assistance of local educators to coordinate studcnt research
projects. Wildlife surveys, like plant survcys, should take place at regular intervals (ca. 5-10
years) to detcct Jong-tel111 trends.
CUlTently, three (3) photo points havc been established throughout the prescrve (Figure 9).
Locations of photo points have been record cd with a GPS and all photographs taken at these
locations have been taken at a standard height and angle of view. During photo documentations,
one photo is taken in each of the cardinal directions (n011h, east, south and west) and a 360-
degree panoramic photo is taken. These photos will help to monitor exotic removal and native
plant recruitment over time. If necessary, more photo points will he estahlished to aid in
management decision activities. Photos at each location will be taken every 6-12 months.
COllsell'aliol1 Col1ier Program
30
Item 100. i6E5
02t=:Der12, 20.! 0
Panther frolk Prcsel1"c Lund Afu}/([f.!cm't!'fttFPral1of 47
Conservation C oilier: Photo Monitoring Point Locations
Ie
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Figure 9: Photo Point Loeations within the Panther \"alk Preserve
GOAL }; lIEMOI E Oil eU\!R()[. !'O!'! LI nO\S OF !\T 1.'1/1 E. E.\D7JC Oil
PROHIIM.4 FIe FLOR.I .1.V!) F 1 1:\.1 l() RE.'110RE1.\D M1f\'!A!\ ,\A n R..JL ffAlIffA!.')
Actiou Item 3.1 Acquire services oflicensed and qualified eontraetor(s) for the removal
of invasive, exotic or problematic plant species.
The j(lllowing (Table 7) describes recommended controls (Langeland & Stocker 200 I) of the
Category I and II imasi\ e. exotic plant specics recorded to date on the Panther Walk Preserve.
These recommended control methods may be altercd by site managers dependent on new
;nl()1111ation and products ,,,'allahle on the control orthesc speeics.
C()!1Sel1'al;OIf Collier P{"(>gruJ7l
J]
p,genda item 1\10. 'j GE5
October 12, 2010
Panther Walk Preserve Lalld Manal!'em'iJf1f;f'IY,zot 47
Scientific Name
Table 7: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan
for the Panther Walk Preserve FLEPPC Catecrorv I species a
Common
Name(s)
Recommended Control(s)b
Schinus terebinthifolius
Brazilian
pepper
Cut-stump treatment with 50%) Garlon 3A, 10(% Garlan 4 or a
basal bark application of 10?'O Garlon 4. Foliar application of
Garlon 4, Garlon 3A, Roundup Pro, Roundup Super
Concentrate, or Rodeo, according label directions may be used
\\'here appropriate. Glyphosate products are less effective when
used alone 111 spring and early summer. Use Rodeo \.\.'here
plants are urowing in aquatic sites.
Solanum \'iarwn
Tropical soda
apole
i Foliar application of 1 0/(1 Garlon 4 or 3{~'(I Roundup.
I Hand pull seedlings, Foliar treatment \\'ith 2-5%) Glyphosate in
jwater can be c;prayed on young plants. Its best to treat in the
spring or summer prior to seed maturation.
l./rcnG lohata
i Ccasar.s ....vced
Ii FLEPPC 200?: Category I plants are those that alter native plant communities by displacing native species, change
community structures or ecological functions, or hybndize with natives (FLEPPC 2007)
Action Item 3.2 Acquire services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) for the removal of
invasive, cxotic or problcmatic animal specics.
To date. two (2) introduced animal species have been documented on the Panther Walk
Preserve, the RIF A. and the brown anole. The total eradication of these species cannot be
achieved. However, staff andlor contractors should take measures to treat RlF A populations
close to or on public access trails.
Additionally, if fcral cat colonies are round near the prescrve, the clements that sustain the
undesirable population(s) should be identified and efforts made to ask propcliy owners to
eliminate them (i.e., refuse bins, dumpsters, and supplementary feeding by humans). If any
feral cats remain, they will he trapped and taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services.
GOAL 4: RESTORE NATIVE IEGETnlON
Action Item 4.1 Maintain a revised GIS map and description of F~AI natural
communities and disturbed areas on thc property.
Maintaining updakd maps will help to guide restoration efforts
GOAL 5: DEVELOP A PLAN FOR PUBLiC USE
Action Item 5.1 Dcvelop access and requircd facilities for intendcd public uses
Depending on funding, safety issues. site security and the availahility of staff, planned public
use orthe Panther Walk Preserve is as follows:
COl1sen'atioll Collier Program
'J
.L
:teill ~,!O. ": u:::o
CJCL~)er 12. 2010
Panther lfcdk Preserve Lund A1ul1(/!!cm?rnd}/(faof 47
The seasonal hiking trail measures approximately 1,340 feet in length and will be at
maximum 3 feet wide. The trail will be maintained with a weed-cutter. The route of the trail
represented in Figure 10 was approximated from a 20 I 0 aerial image. The entrance to the trail
will be approximately 1,720 feet west of the intersection of Everglades Blvd. and both 60th
A ve. and 62"d Ave. The trail "ill then meander through the center of the preserve in a
nOlih/south direction between 60th Ave to 62"" Ave NE. A permanent sign exists at the
trailhead along 60th Ave. ;\iE (See photo below). A brown and white Conservation Collier
Land Sign exists at the trail entrance along 62"d Ave. "E. Once the trail is constructed, a
hench will be placed in the eentcr of the presen'e along the trail. Small plant signs will also
be placed along the trail to educate visitors about the species present on the preserve.
Panther Walk Preserve Trailhead Sign along ilO Ave NE.
P]W!\) taken by C. Segura
Thc hiking trail will likely he submerged during thc rainy, summlT months and as such, the
Panther Walk Prescrve will he designated as a ""easoml-l iSC" Preserve. The pell113nent sign
states that the trail is seasonal and the hench and the sm:1I1 plant signs will he removed li>r the
months of the ycar thc prcserve is underw:Jkr. The cost to install a raised hoardwalk at this
prcscrve is prohibitive. Staff will continue to monitor the amount of visitation the preselTC
receives over the next few years to detenlline if staff should seek grant money to help fund a
raised trail.
_.,--~'--_.,-~,-,._-",._.._----_._,-- ----."-
Consell..arioll Co/lier Program
"
-~ ")
/\genc~a item ~Jo. "16:=.5
Oc:tober ~i 2. 2[; 1 0
Panther Walk Preserve Lalld Mallal!cmefif,f'f6nJf 47
GOAL 6: FACILITATE USES OF THE SITE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
Actions Item 6.1 Develop interpretive signage to educate preserve visitors.
Once a trail system is complete, site-specific signage will be developed to educate visitors on
plant identification. Small plant identification signs will be placed along the trail. These
signs will be removed during the months that the preserve is underwater.
GOAL 7: PROVIDE A PLAN FOR SECURITY AND DISASIER PREPAREDNESS
Action Item 7.1 Discourage any visitation to the park at night.
The main trail head sign at the entrance to the preserve along 60nd Ave. N. E. states that the
preserve is open from sunrise to sunset and adjacent landowners will be given an emergency
phone number if they detect human activity on the preserve after hours. If problems arise, the
Collier County Sheriffs Office will be contacted to patrol the area and site on a routine basis.
Action Item 7.2 Enforce rcgulations prohibiting trash and landscape dcbris dumping in
or near the preserve.
Currently, illegal dumping is not occurring on or near the preserve. Monthly propeliy
inspections will be conducted to monitor for such activity. Staff will work with the Collier
County Sheriffs Office if problems start to arise.
Action Item 7.3 Survey trees along the trail and the perimeter of the property for
danlage
Staff will routinely monitor the trees along the hiking trail to determine if diseased, weak, or
damaged treesllimbs exist and of so remove them to reduce the risk of visitor injury.
Action Item 7.4 Visit presene within 48 hours after a major storm eVl'nt to assess
dmnage.
StafT will take photos of damage and fill out appropriate Collier County Risk Management
Depaliment f0I1115. If damage is extensive, the preserve will be closed until public safety
hazards are cleared.
Action Item 7.5 Promptly clear storm debris from preserve.
If necessary, a Collier County emergency debris removal contractor will be contracted as soon
as possible alter the StOlll1 to schedule clean up. Removal of debris and damaged or downed
trees along the trail system may be needed. Downed trees and limbs that do not appear to be a
public safety hazard will be cleared at the discrction or the Preserve Manager. As much
hUITicane debris as possible will be chipped and retained lm-site - to be used as muleh for the
trail. The preserve will be closed temporarily until the potential hazards are eliminated.
Conservation Collier Progra!71
34
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Figure I (): Panther Walk Preserve Conceptual !\laster Plan
_'J
/~,Genc~a Item t,Jo. i 'JE5
~ October 12, L01D
Panther rflalk Preserve Land Afu17{ff.-!Cmt!rttJf^)HfnJf 47
4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Panther Walk Preserve
This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Panther Walk Preserve.
It discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, the possibilities for contracting the restoration
activities, coordination. and other management issues.
4.5.1 Maintenance
The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include control of dumping and littering
within and around the preserve and trail as needed. Particularly important are the security
measures to keep intruders out and the signage in good condition. Signs that effectively convey
the desired message provide an opportunity for increasing environmental education and
awareness.
4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources
Preliminary budget estimatcs for Panther Walk Preserve include cost breakdowns associated
with resource restoration and management. The funding source identified for the restoration and
managemcnt activities is thc Conservation Collier Program Managcment Trust Fund. Grants
will be sought to supplement existing management funds.
The budget in Table 8 rcpresents the actual and unmet budgetary necds for managing the lands
and resources of the preservc [or the next ten years. The table shows the activities planned and
the initial and annual cost estimatc of each activity. This budget was developed using data from
Conservation Collicr and other cooperating cntities. and is bascd on actual costs for land
management activitics, equipment purchasc and maintenance, and for development of fixcd
capital facilities. The budget considers available funding and is consistent with the direction
nccessary to achieve the goals and objectives 1'01' Panthcr Walk Preserve.
COnSCllYllion Collier Program
36
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- October 12. 2010
Panther Walk Preserve La!1d Ma!1af!emf}rItJPtr.tIOf 47
5.0 Literature Cited
Brandt. L. A. and F. .I. Mazziotti. 2005. Marine toads (Bura mari!1l1s). University of Florida
Cooperative Extension Service Document WECII. 4pp. University of Florida, UF/IF AS
Extension Digital Information Source (EDlS) Database. Avai]able from
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu!pdffiles/UW!UW04600.pdf (accessed May 2010).
Campbell K. M. 1990. Soil survey of Collier County area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources
Conservation Service; Washington. D.C.
Campbell, T. 2001. The brown anole. Institute for Biological Invaders: Invader of the Month.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Available from
http://invasions.bio.utk.edu/invaders/sagrei.html(accessed May 2010).
Campbell, T. S. 1996. Northern range expansion of the brown anole, A!1olis sagrei, in Florida
and Georgia. Herp. Review 27:]55-157.
Campbell, T. S. 2000. Analyses of the effects of an exotic lizard (A!1olis sagrei) on a native
lizard (A!1o/is caroli!1e!1sis) in Florida. using islands as expelimental units. Ph.D.
Dissertation. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
Churchill. M. 2003. Giant marine toad (Bu(a l11arimls) - Introduced Species Summary Project.
Columbia University, Ncw York, NY. Available from
http://www . col um bi a. ed u/i tc! cerci dano ft~
burglinvasion _ bio/inv _ spp _ summ/Bufo _marinus.html (accessed May 20 I 0).
Collins, L. and R. H. Scheffj-ahn. 2005. Red imp0l1ed fire ant. Solc!1ojJsi.1 ill1'icta Buren (Insecta:
Hymenoptera: Formicidac: Myrmicinae). 9pp. Featured Creatures from the Entomology and
Nematology Dcpartment. Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document EENY-195.
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. University of Florida. Available from
http://edis.i f as. uf1.edu/IN 3 52.
Fairbank. P. and S. Hohner. 1995. Mapping recharge (infIltration and leakage) throughout the
South Florida Water Managcmcnt District. Technical publication 95-20 (DRE # 327).
SFW\1D. West Palm Beach, Florida.
Florida Department of Transp0l1ation. 20 I O. Aerial Photo Look Up System. Available from
http://www.dot.state.f1.us!survcyingandmapping/apac.shtm (accessed May 2(10).
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). 2009 List of Florida's invasive plant specics.
FIOlida Exotic Pcst Plant Council. Available from http://www.f1eppc.org/list/091ist.htm
(accessed .Tune 2(10).
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2001. Impacts of feral and free-
ranging domestic cats on wildlife in Florida. Tallahassee, FL. A vailable from
http://www.f1oridaeonservation.org/viewing/articles/eat.pdf (accessed .Tune 2(10)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2002. A conceptual management
plan for Caravclle Ranch Wildlife Management Arca: 2002 - 2007. Tallahassee. FL.
218 pp. Available from http://m)fwc.com/wma-
planninglCMP /Caravclle%20Rancho;;,20WMAICaravcIle%20Ranc h%20CMP%202002-
2007.pdf (accessed May 20 I 0)
Conservarion Collier Program
38
!t2:Ti t,b, 16:::5
O:tober 12. 2.J10
Pall/her rVa/k Presen'c Land J1{J!l{Jf!CnllftU;JPfdnof 47
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNA[). 2009. Acres of conser,ation rands by county. Florida
State University. Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee. FL. A vailable from
http://\\ww.fnai.org/pdFMA_acres_counties.pM (accessed May 20 I 0).
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Departmcnt of Natural Resources (FDNR)
2010 edition. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas
Inventory and Florida Department of Natural Resources.
Giuliano, W. M.. and G. W. Tanner. 2005. Control and management of wild hogs in Florida.
Depmiment of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 192. 7pp. Florida
Cooperative Extension Sef\ice. Institute of Food and Agricu[tural Sciences (IFAS),
University of Florida. Available from httpPedis.iEls.ufl.eduiUW221 (accessed December
2(07).
<liuliano~ \v. M., and G. VIi'. Tanner. 1(0). EcohJgy of \vi!d hogs in Florida. Department of
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC [91. 7pp. Florida Cooperative
Extension Sef\'ice, Institute of Food and .\gricultural Sciences ([FAS), University of
Florida. Availab[e from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW220(accessedJune20[0).
Johnson, S. 2007. The Cuban treefi'og (Osleo!'illls sel'lelllril!lwlis) in Florida Department of
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC218. 8pp. Florida Cooperative
Extension Scrvice, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (lFAS). University of
Florida. Available from http://cdis.ifas.ufl.edu/L'W259 (accessed June 201 0)
Karim. A. 2007. Status and usc of tropical hardwood hammOCKs and f(wested residential areas as
habitat telr resident and Neotropical migratory birds in tbe Florida Keys. Master of Science
Thesis. L:niversity of Florida. Gainesville. FL. (, I Pl'.
KUl1z. J. 20 I O. Rc: Waler now li'om the Horsepcn Strand, Collier County email to
c hristalscgura({(~colliergO\'.neL September 16. 20 10.
Langeland. K. A.. and R. K. StocKer. ~OO I. Contml or IlOn-native plants in natural areas of
Florida. l'niversity or Florida Cooperative Exlension Sel"\'icc Document SP 242. ~4pp.
University of Florida. LT IFAS Extension Digital Inf(lrll1ation Source (EDIS) Database.
A \'ailable ii'om http://edis.iras.un.edu/pdffiles WCiWG20900.pdf (accessed May 20(7).
Larson. Fl. C.. .I. H. FranK. G. \1.\lIen. ~/I. Fl. \1ain. ~OOfl. Florida's nm;ve hromeliads.
Lniversity or Florida Cooperati\'e E\tens;on Senice Circular 14(,6. 101'1'. L'ni\'ersity of
Florida. LiE/IFAS Extension Digital [nl(lrll1at;on Source (EDIS) Database. A\'ailable from
http::/cdis.iras.un.eclu/UW205 (accessed May ~(l1 OJ.
Lee. .I. C. 1985. /'!lIolis sa:;""1 in Florida: phendies or a colonizing species I. Meristic characters.
ellIW;'l I C)~5'1 ~~-194
Lodge. T. E. 2005. The Everglades handbOOK - Understanding the ECllsystem. 2nd edition.
eRC Press. Boca Raton. FI..
Liudahl. K.. D..I. Bclz. L. Carey. R.W. Drew. S. Fisher. and R. Pate. 1990. Soil suney or Collier
County area Florida. USDA. Natural Resources Conservation Service: Washington. D.C.
Masterson. .I.
Florida.
2(10).
2007. F,,/is calliS. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. FOli Pierce.
A vailab[c ii'om httpJ'\'\\'\\.sl11s.si.edu/[RLspee/Felis_catus.htm (accessed May
C()llSCITUlioll Collier Progra!J/ ~l)
---"---'--~-_._---'_.'---- -----.-.---------...----------
i\aencla Item No. 16E5
~ October 12. 2010
Pall/her Walk PresenJe Lalld Malla<!em'fJfI[d'fr2I1of 47
Schwartz, A. and R. W. Henderson. 1991. Amphibians and reptiles of the West Indies:
descriptions, distributions, and natural history. University of Florida Press, Gainesville.
Scott, T. M. 1988. Lithostratigraphy of the Hawthorne Group (Miocene). Florida Geological
Survey Bulletin No. 59, Tallahassee. Florida.
Stimac J. L., and S. B. Alves. 1994. Pest Management in the Subtropics: biological control a
Florida perspective. (Rosen D, Bennett FD, Capinera JL, Ed.) pp. 353-380. Intercept
Limited, Andover, Hants SPIO 1 YG, UK.
Willcox. E. and W. M. Giuliano. 2006. Red imported fire ants and their impacts on wildlife.
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 207. Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IF AS),
University of Florida. Available http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW242
Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2008. Atlas of Florida vascular plants. [S.M. Landry and
K.N. Campbell (application development). Floirda Center for Community Design and
Research]. Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. Available
from http.//www.plantatlas.usf.edu/.
COll-'Wl1'at;CJ1] Collier Program
40
AJ:;~tl::a :t-2rn r~O. -16~5
.~ Deiober 12. 20'1 Q
Pal/fhe,. 1"'alk Pn:sen'e Land J\1un([[!e/J1t!rt::Ptd'nof 47
Appendix 1. Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Panther Walk Preserve.
Panther '\Talk Preserve: Preliminm'v Plant List
Scientific Name Common !\am('(s)
.1ccr ruhrul11 ~ red maple ___~_
Amhrm.;ia arrcmisi{/idia _-----.:~mlT11011 !:.ag\\'ee5-l_~m_
Ampclof?si.\ arhor('Q peppenine
ASTcr canJ/inianw. ~imbillg a:-;t~I-:-~-~~-----=-_
Raccuhfis hamilUhlia : saltbush
Bacopa ,\jJ, I w3terhyssop
BlcchlJllm serrulaTwJ1 ~~~'aI~ rem. to(~'"J~ed midsorus fcm I
r--e;~chmcria (ylindrica faLse m:ttle I -
Cardaminc fJl'Il.\'v/HlIJica ~J!ter cress ___ i I
C~'phalaflrhl/s ()ccid~l/ra/i.l" C(lllll11~)_~hut!onhush._____. -----~-~,I-~---------t--
Circillll1 .l"17TJ, I thistle I
Cladillm ial11aiccl/se C;,l\vgrass. -.r-~;;;T~-~' s\\'an~ .~~-~;~gras;-- I
Coreopsis sJ7P, i_,~~~ksc::..~___eore~l~isi~ "___ ____ I
--=--- -----J
CI'jlCrIlS ssp I ill! sedge I
M'-;;;;;;:;;;;;~()I()rafa \\hltl'-111p')t'd;c -- - -- I II
~rOIl1(,II(f lurifo/ia i;,'dllt \\ 1~llc-t()~-'"-dge - _ ___ _ _ _+------:=I
Di()diu l'il}"illiu/J(J_ ..__ \'IIg.I~d butl(~n\\el>d ____ ___-----+-------+
Dn'optcris ludm'idana I ')outhelll \\lwd fern. ')nutl1cl11 s!m'ld kIn
1-=-'----- . .------...--- ---.._
F:ri!J(T!Jn ,\!) lle:dl;ll1C
r---z,-'i;;cau/ml dccallg/llarc '---'rhatp~~---- ------ ------ ----- - - +1 -----t----
c-----..-,------.-----..--- ---- -----_ ____ ____ ___ ____
}~~~~'nglul1l,~:lIccil()!:_:I~~ ___ . __huu~~rattlc~~na~e1ll~~1_~1::....~~~~~~1J1 erYll~~__ __. ___-,-,' .".-----i,--
DIl!.(_I_~~~!lrf)il/il()/~:!~__---1_l!()_H IL'~~~~_____ --- ---. ________ .-r--~I.--..._.--
{~I(SW(-Jn:,~!J('rm'_:!I~__________.._,......:,;[if~~~Ljlng.e.r .?rass ... -- --- -- ---u----l--l-----
~~.I{,'-.(!!!~--,--- _, ______,..___L~!~<~~lg.ler_J}_~ ._________ ___ ____ ____, __
Hl'd1"()(,irl'!c spV \\<Iter pennywort I !
r-HljJcricU/;; sp. ___~~~. ~~t:.~~;~;;l\~:'~_~==-=_~--~~~-=----==-.I -'",I~--=
Jf.1Jlris (J-'(~{C:_____ __ __ _ I _CIU-sl:I~~~! huSj_:,Jl2i~l_l"~,".!'Y llljnl.___~___ _____ ___~_.___l______.._____
~,~i~:;:;;~'-:i;' ---=-~ _=-..::..___;:;;)~~t::~'~:;\~"IH1()11___ -=-_ =- -=-_~~C_-:t---==
flex gloh/"({ inkbt:rr\': '.!<lllheIT\
State/!
FLEPPC'
r
I
-r----~---
Lai'hn/flllhcs c"f"()linioll({ C-an1Iin<1 !\'dw\\!
~c--- ----- ---- --- --- ------__
:'fiJ:(!!.:,:C{ ,\'('i[!l~~:'_"~"----__"____ _j_~~m~~_~~~_~:lllr..~______ __ I
.\hrh'il i'l'f"ilt'l"o \\<1\ l1l\Tlk. ',(luthl'rn h<l\lllTr\i' --------,-' I -'--
-'--c----'---..---.;~--- .,--- ---.~---,.----- ___. ~_~I ---.-
.lfl'r\/lII' fl'u/"Irll1I1I1 i lll\T<.:ilW I
~------,-"-,-------,-~,-,,,-,---,,--,.----"--'---t --- -- --- ------ ----- ------.-.~.___~
;::~;:;I\I~';;;~:::lIiIOIllUII_= . ~11':11:;:";:~;1l~ =-- --_ ___~= 1__1--==_
J~/lIi'h('(/~ucchalj,~_____.._~~_lS~L'aJ1lp_hul~~~~_____ ____ _____ ____I __I
!:.h!ch()dil!l1I illfn::f!.~______ t11dl'1l plllypody kn1 ____ ____" __J I
Phl'salis lmllcri : !.!mund ChL'IT\ I
rSI;~;((:I~'!"d:'(15f{~!:U_~- ..._-~ J~;;:;~I~;:~J\(~~;~,()n~j()ak~"".~" - .~-=-... ... _ -~
=_=1 .j_~
...--
(Continued 011 Ilnl page)
COl!scrnllioJ1 ('oIlier !}rogJ"a!H
41
;\qenda item No. 16E5
- October ~12. 2010
Panther Walk Preserve Land Manap,em'fJiWP{d;,of 47
Appendix 1 (continued). Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Panther Walk Preserve.
Quercus el/iottii running oak
Rapanca punctata myrsine, colicwood I
Rhexia mariana pale meadov.' beauty ,
Rh.l'/1chmpora sp. beakrush I
Sabal palmerto cabbage palm: sabal palm
Salix caroli,liGna coastal plain willow
Sarcosfemma clausum white tv.'inevine
Schinus tcrebinth(fo/iw/ Brazilian pepper I I
Serenao rcpcl1s " palmetto
Smilax auricu/ala , earleaf greenbrier
Solanum l'iaruma tropical soda apple I
Taxodium distichun1 Cypress
Thalia gcnicu/ata alligator t1ag
Tillandsia balbisiana reflexed wild-pine, northern needlcleaf T
Tillandsia fasciclllata stiff-leaved wild-pine, cardinal airplant , E
,
Tillandsia reCurl'ata I ball moss
Tillandsia sctacea , southern needleleaf
,
Tillandsia usncoides Spanish-moss ,
i ,
Toxicodendron radicans i eastern poison-ivy
-.
Urena /ubata " caesarweed II
[)sl1ca .1'1). heard lichen
TFood\l'ardia \'ir(Til7ica chainfem
-- ' I
"itis rotundifhlia muscadine. muscadine grape I
"A'Oll-nutil'e species that mayor IIW.\ I/O! lUll'C FI.EPPC designation.\
"Stale listed species: T = Threatencd; E Dldangcrcd
'Florida Exotic Fest Plall! COl/I/ciT (FLEPFO 2()OC) designations
J: IJ1l'asin', exotics thut arc altering lIa/il'(' plant c0ll11111mities hy tii.,placing natil'c \'fh'cics, changing community
structures or ec%gica/.ftmcriol1s. or hybridi::ing with /lath'cs.
H: /m'osil'c, exotics that haW' increased in ahlllldancc orjiHjllc/UY hut IUll'e /lot yet altered Florida plant
communities to the extent shoH'lI hl' C(J/cgOl}' j species.
COl1.\'enYltiol1 Collier Program
42
!V~m r-~o. 'I '3=5
'J;~tober i 2 ~G1 0
Palllher Walk Preserve Lal1d MI1I/(/~el11fJfil1'r:fi1uf 47
Appendix 2. Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Panther Walk Preserve
I...~..~
..X
.~.~
...cc. ""
Florida Natural Areas Inventory
Biodiversity Matrix Query Results
urmFflOAl REPORT
Created 2,'12/2009
;~j () ~ If)"-;;;-
"N A- tu If'vt me-A 5
I N\'LNl or~Y
( .~~IG!~t~EL!...:~LQllis_'::~~'lL~L.::s:..2.::'Ij:I!a'Cir
for an official Standard Data Report)
r'jOTE: The BlOdlve~srty Hatm: includes only I'are specle~, and natural communities tracked by Fr'IAL
Descriptions
DOC:UMFNTFD Th",,!,,~ ~ <:l,-,n'm!'~'"rl ')':curre~("e .n ~,,~ FNll.I di"t~t:'~se Of t"e cpecies Q, cQr"...,~n!tv wit,,'n
thiS ~'altv 'J"'t
DOCUMENTED-HISTORIC - There 1.<; ~ dD::umel1:ed occur'e'1ce 1'1 the "rJAJ datatlase or tile spec,es or
commurHty Wlt!111l thiS MatriX Un't; however the occ." '-ellce f1aS "at been Dbser-ved/reported wlthl~ the last
lwefl:y years
,,,,..."".'."'"
"',I<.R
LIKELY -:-t->e s:J".:.es 0r CDrll"1unlb ,s k'!("Hvr; lO OCCJ' In this VICL~it\-" and IS conslderec if~ely wlthm this Matnx
Unil oec~use
1 dO~L1rllEnteo 'JC~:Hrence o'~.er:aps \ill'; and adjacent Matm, Un,!s, Dut tile dOCumef1tauon lSr1'~ preClse
pnOLlgr L': Ind.Cale WlllCh of tllQ~e Units tne "J)e~les or comnlunlty JS ~ctually IDcated >n; or
t~,ele <s C, d~,c.J:llent(,~. Gcc,mer~c('.n the VI~Hlity. and :nerc-" sUitablE' haDltat for thill ~pecles or' cClmmunill-'
'.....thl~ tl>lS ~~~Im: II~,!.
POTENTIAL -"", ~;atr:x ',In.'1 ilc~ ,....:!Il::) ',he vnown w predl.:led ra.1gc 0' the species or community based on
exp"r': enowledqc ~nd e'lv' onmenta: varl<'lblb sucr-, "'" cllmale. SDlls, topDgraPhY', and lanacover
Matrix Unit ID: 44265
o Documented Elements Found
o Documented-Historic Elements Found
5 Likel Elements Found
,:... '0; "'r'::c~~~n.,c:..iS_;.\. "0"-
Global State Federal State
Rank Rank Status listing
G5T2T3 5753 N LT
(';4 S4 N N
Ci4 52 IE IE
G5Tl 5] LE LE
1~5T7 57 ~J LT
Scientific and Common Names
Florida Sandhill Crane
Mesic fiatl,l.'oods
WGod Stork
Florida Panther
Mangrove fox Squirrel
(Cominul'd on ncxt pagel
COIl:,'Cf"1'UliOl} Collier Prognnn
43
f\genda Item ~,Jo. 16E5
October 12, 20'10
Panther Walk Preserve Land Mana"el11'i.1f/fiif?TXno! 47
Matrix Unit ID: 44266
o Documented Elements Found
o Documented-Historic Elements Found
~ Likelv Elements Found
Scientific and Common Names
{;rU5 ca~<'1JjgJl~.i.E.Q@~t~.D_;::L~
Florida Sandhill Crane
Mesic f1atwoods
.111 vcterjiJ...illE.,;'ricCl na
Wood Stork
Pu..lJ]q_(QI}(QfQr.mcyj
Florida Panther
Global State Federal State
Rank Rank Status Listing
G5T2T3 5253 N LT
G4 S4 N N
G4 S2 LE LE
G5T1 51 LE LE
Matrix Unit IDs: 44265, 44266
17 Potential Elements Common to An
of the 2 Matrix Units
Global
Rank
Scientific and Common Names
Andropogon arctatus
Pine-woods Bluestem
Athene cuni,::ular{a f!orldana
Florida Burrowing Owl
(a iOPQgOTJJ1:1ldlti[!QCLjS
Many-flowered Grass-pink
Drrrnarchqt cqL/CfXl
Eastern Indigo Snake
Efytraria caroliniensis var. angustifofia
Narrow-leaved Carolina Scalystem
G3
G4T3
G2G3
G3
G4T2
0.S);__Jj_-,-:c'riJ:~ j.;J!1Y'.,hcmJ6.
G3
Gopher Tortoise
Gymnopogon chapman/anus
Chapman's Skeletongrass
Lechea cernua
Nodding Pinweed
G3
G3
Li'lunl carL;'.'i \,."1-- S:;E;'i,!i
G2T2
Small's Flax
Mustela (renata peninsulae
Florida Lonq-tailed Weasel
G5T3
:'1 f' nl:3.,~t!~ U.C;'---
Celestial Lily
Nalina atopacarpa
Florida Beargrass
G2
G3
[.".~c'--!e" CY'''''(I/:'S
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
G3
Giant
G2G3
Pcst,.-ha"~i.'- SQ::;/c"',',,'2J,'fiJll: '],':'(':'5
G4G5T3Q
Snail Kite
S_:;fLirv,~/Jigcr,:':y:ce.,'Inia
Mangrove Fox Squirrel
G5T2
~I"'.~(,'S arno:'c,:'an!JS t!():-,dan!,'s
--..-.-.--.-.---..--..-
..........-.-...------
G5T2
Florida Black Bear
(Continued on next page)
State Federal State
Rank Status Listing
53 N LT
S3 N L5
5253 N LE
53 LT LT
52 N N
S3 N LT
S3 N N
S3 N LT
52 N l.E
53 N N
52 N LE
53 N LT
52 LE IS
52 N LT
52 LE LE
52 N LT
52 N LT'"
Conservation Collier Program
44
i\~>2n~ja itsm f\h. '6E5
:)c::)ter 2. :::0'] 0
Pall/her J'Va/k Prc.'icn'c Lalld J\1ana!!em2ftt!t?{dllC/ 47
Disclaimer
The data maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory represent the single most comprehensive source of
information available on the locations of rare species and other significant ecological resources statewide.
However, the data are not always based on comprehensive or site-specific field surveys. Therefore, this
information should not be regarded as a final statement on the biological resources of the site being considered,
nor should it be substituted for on-site surveys. FNAJ shall not be held liable for the accuracy and completeness
of these data, or opinions or conclusions drawn from these data FNAI is not inviting reliance on these data.
Inventory data are designed for the purposes of conservation planning and scientific research and are not
intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions,
Unofficial Report
These results are considered unofficial. FNAI offers a ~L!i~~:~j, l:ri_~)~H_:,,-YqJL ___ option for those needing certifiable
data.
C()/lSCll'()/;Oll C()//;er P/'ogram
4:'