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Backup Documents 01/22/2019 Item #15 i�" 5 ,�• -� � GREATER NAPLES FIRE RESCUE DISTRICT o'( e, ` ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS � 14575 Collier Boulevard•Naples,FL 34119 i ''-% Phone: (239)348-7540 Fax: (239)348-7546 -i`RE aesctlr, Kinsman Schuldt,Fin Chief January 16,2019 Bill McDaniel,Chairman Board of County Commissioners 3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 303 Naples,FL 34112 Dear Chairman McDaniel, Please allow this correspondence to serve as a formal Call to Action on behalf of the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District Board of Fire Commissioners in regards to public safety concerns relating to the discharging of firearms on residential properties in Collier County. In 2011 State legislative action prohibited local governing regulations for shooting ranges on residential property greater than one acre. Since then the density of residential dwellings in the urban areas of Collier County has significantly increased. Generally,the average lot size in the Golden Gate Estates area is 1.25 acres(band aid lot)with the typical dimensions of approximately 660 x 100 feet. A bullet for example,from a 9 mm handgun can travel as far as 7,200 feet and a bullet from a 30-06 rifle can travel as far as 17,000 feet. This produces a number of public safety hazards and dangerous conditions for homeowners in the general vicinity of a backyard shooting range including gun-shot wounds and wildland urban interface wildfires. Greater Naples Fire Rescue District crews have unfortunately had to respond to incidents of residents being struck by a bullet fired from a neighboring property,including two emergencies just last month in the Golden Gate Estates. The District is respectfully requesting your careful consideration in addressing the lack of regulations to protect Collier County residents from a stray bullet. Greater Naples Fire Rescue District remains committed to protecting life and property and will offer any assistance needed to consider possible solutions to this public safety concern. On behalf of the Board of Fire Commissioners,please consider our request to take legislative action to eliminate the chances of the next incident resulting in the fatality of a Collier County resident. Sincerely, la 41)\_ Tom Henning, Chairman CC: Board of Fire Commissioners TH/nc onairsm^-Integrity—CompassiG__ Board of Fire Commissioners Charlie Cottier,,Kevin Gerrity,Tom Henning Jeff Page,Dave Stedman 15C Board of Collier County Commissioners Donna Fiala Andy Solis,Esq. Burt L.Saunders Penny Taylor William L.McDaniel,Jr. District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 February 19, 2019 Mr. David Telesco Bear Management Program Coordinator Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission 620 South Meridian Street 6B Tallahassee, FL 32399 Mr. Telesco, On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, I would like to bring to your attention the concerns of several our constituents who are becoming increasingly alarmed by the frequency and intensity of encounters with black bears in the urban and suburban areas. Having chosen an urban style of living, many of our constituents are not accustomed to the frequent bear encounters. These constituents have grown concerned that some strong but sensible guidelines and rules must be drawn up and implemented to apply reasonable bear management within our community. The Collier County Board of County Commissioners are somewhat familiar with the Commission's existing "Florida Black Bear Management Plan" of June 27, 2012 and are interested to hear of the developments and actions of the Commission relating to its planned strategies involving the Conflict Management Objective (enclosed Table 10) as well as Education and Outreach (enclosed Table 12). With the increasing bear population, bear encounters will become a consistent issue rather than an intermittent nuisance. The Collier County Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Division is making several efforts to help our constituents understand, appreciate and adapt to our local bear issues, but your lead and activity would be very much appreciated. Our local efforts have included improving dumpster and garbage cart resistance to bears, continued community outreach and education, and development of a BearWise ordinance. 3299 Tamiami Trail East,Suite 303•Naples,Flonda 34112-5746.239-252-8097•FAX 239-252-3602 15C Mr. David Telesco February 19, 2019 Page Two I ask if considerably more outreach and education regarding local bear management could be done here in Collier and in the urban area. and that you would share with our Board your commission's plan to deal with the increasing bear population across the state as well as support our local efforts. Please let me know of your planned actions in response to this request and the Collier County Board will try and help in any efforts you make toward this end. Respect ici------- lk) '� Or°� W i/ L. McDaniel, Jr., - an Co ii issioner,District 5 WLM:sf Enclosures CC: Donna Fiala; Commissioner District 1 Andy Solis, Esq.; Commissioner District 2 Burt L. Saunders; Commissioner District 3 Penny Taylor; Commissioner District 4 Leo E. Ochs Jr.; County Manager 15C Board of Collier County Commissioners Donna Fiala Andy Solis,Esq. Burt L.Saunders Penny Taylor William L.McDaniel,Jr. District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 February 26, 2019 Ms. Charlotte Nycklemor Ms. Janet Hoffman League of Women Voters P.O. Box 9883 Naples, FL 34101 Dear Mss. Nycklemor and Hoffman Thank you for your letter and proposed resolution urging the Legislature to require a fitness hearing before a juvenile court judge for any and all prosecution of children under the age of 18. We appreciate the League of Women Voters' position on the direct file issue. The Board of County Commissioners of Collier County makes every effort to remain neutral on issues that encroach upon the constitutional jurisdiction of other elected officials. Our Legislative and Administrative Priorities are almost exclusively concentrated on the fiscal impact to County taxpayers of state and federal policy, leaving the systematic elements to the appropriate officer. For this reason, we would respectfully decline placing your resolution calling for alterations to judicial process on the agenda for the Board of County Commissioners. We wish you well in your endeavors. Ali Res•-•� 7 //0 ( - 1 ar ' -'--- Willia i L. McDaniel, Jr., Chairman Commissioner, District 5 WLM:sf 3299 Tamiami Trail East,Suite 303•Naples,Florida 34112-5746.239-252-8097•FAX 239-252-3602 5C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas 2263 Table 12. Strategies and actions involving the Education and Outreach Objective with estimates 2264 of resources available to implement the action,and associated timeframes for implementation. Resources Year Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Action Description of Action Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 resources 2 3 4 6 6 7 8 8 0 1 Strategy 4.1:Education and Outreach for Citizens Attend and/or organize local stakeholder group meetings to assess opportunities for 4.1.1 change in local behaviors,policies,rules Existing ,r and ordinances that could support bear management goals. Maintain and regularly update the FWC's 4.1.2 black bear website and social media Existing outlets. Identify key communication message(s)and target audiences. Develop and implement 4.1.3 an educational campaign using a variety of Existing ► electronic and print media outlets to prepare residents and visitors for likely encounters with bears. 86 15C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas Resources __ Year Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 " 2 2 2 2 2 Action Description of Action Existing resources ` 0 0 0 0 0 ` 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 resources 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 0 1 Continue as an active partner in the Florida Black Bear Festival in Umatilla and the Forgotten Coast Black Bear Festival in Carrabelle,and look for r 4.1.4 additional opportunities to establish new Existing bear festivals in other locations. Explore methods to evaluate festival impact on education and outreach objectives. 4.1.5 Seek out and participate in existing Existing festivals and other outreach events i Continue to work with FWC Community Relation Office to develop and implement 4.1.6 [ informational news releases as appropriate Existing ' to promote bear conservation and conflict • management activities. Work with Black Bear Assistance Groups 4.1.7 to identify site-specific outreach needs and Other it ''''','+'• `► the most effective methods to address them. 4.1.8 Implement Bear Smart Communities Other i ► program in high human-bear conflict areas. 87 15C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas Resources _ Year Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Action Description of Action Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 resources 2 3 4 6 6 7 8 9 0 1 Develop and implement community-based Bear Smart education and outreach 4.1.9 materials and activities that target Other residents,landowners and businesses with information and resources that result in an increased use of Bear Smart practices. Create an action checklist for Bear Smart 4.1.10 , activities that can be used by existing Existing communities to attain Bear Smart status. Provide template language for Bear Smart practices that municipalities and 4.1.11 Existing residential developers can incorporate into local charters,statutes,or ordinances. Create and implement a branded Bear 4.1.12 Smart educational campaign to support Other Bear Smart Communities. Explore partnership with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural 4.1.13 Sciences county extension agents to provide Existing �► assistance in developing and delivering educational materials and programs. 88 15C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas Resources Year Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 Action Description of Action Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 resources 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 Coordinate with FWC's Wildlife Friendly Designation initiative. Include a 4.1.14 requirement to become a Bear Smart Existing Community when developments are located in bear range. Expand use of the Florida Black Bear Curriculum Guide and continue to train Existin 4.1.15 educators in target areas to incorporate it g into their lesson planning. Work with interested schools in areas of 4.1.16 high human-bear conflict to implement a Existing t bear education family science night. Provide bear-oriented materials for 4.1.17 students,parents,and teachers to build Existing knowledge,use of Bear Smart practices and increase appreciation for bears. 89 15C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas Resources Year Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Action Description of Action Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 resources 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 Coordinate with FWC's Landowner Assistance Program biologists to educate private landowners about bears,habitat management techniques,voluntary best 4.1.18 management practices for bears,incentive Existing , programs,easements,and fee simple acquisition to enhance long-term conservation of quality bear habitat on their lands.(see Action 2.2.3) Advertise the penalties for feeding bears 4.1.19 and promote the Wildlife Alert Hotline Other h phone number and reward program. Actively engage with external partners located in areas of high bear activity to 4.1.20 identify and resolve issues that prevent Existing P implementation of initiatives to reduce human-bear conflict. Continue existing bear internship program 4.1.21 to conduct outreach activities and other Existing bear management projects. 90 15C 4 Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas Resources Year Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 Action Description of Action Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ' 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 , 2 2 resources 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ' 0 1 Continue to survey individuals and agencies/organizations who call FWC with 4.1.22 ' human-bear conflict complaints to measure Existing 10, satisfaction with technical advice and assess compliance with FWC's technical 1 assistance. Strategy 4.2:Education and Outreach for Governmental,Nongovernmental,and Business Organizations _ ! Work with Black Bear Assistance Groups t { 4 c 4.2.1 in each BMU to assist with bear education Other outreach. Develop community bear conservation 4.2.2 programs that are supported and funded by Other PP- local sources. Regularly update state and local elected officials and law enforcement leadership in , Igo4.2.3 bear range on bear research,management, Existingand public education efforts in their area. Develop and distribute an information 4.2.4 resource packet to public information Existing sections of appropriate local,state,and federal agencies. 4.2.5 Develop DVD and online version of Bear Other R• esponse Training for external agencies. , 91 15C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas Resources Year Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 2 I 2 ! 2 2 2 Action Description of Action Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 resources 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 Strategy 4.3:Education and Outreach for FWC Staff Provide materials,training,and messaging to FWC employees who are involved with 4.3.1 bear management to ensure agency policies Existing • and protocols are implemented correctly and consistently statewide. 4.3.2 Develop DVD and online version of FWC Other employee bear training. Continue to update existing Bear 4.3.3 Management Handbook and provide to Existing employees as reference guide. Regularly update agency leadership on 4.3.4 human-bear conflict mitigation and Existing resolution. Develop opportunities for Bear Response 4.3.5 Program contractors to provide outreach in Other P addition to site visits and canvassing. Strategy 4.4:Education and Outreach Research and Monitoring Create tools to assess the effectiveness of 4.4.1 education and outreach actions where Other appropriate. 92 i5C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas Resources Year Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Action Description of Action Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 ; 2 resources 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 Conduct community level surveys in areas targeted for interventions to assess the 4.4.2 public's knowledge,attitudes,and Other willingness to cooperate in achieving management objectives and implementing conservation plans. Conduct focus group sessions within 4.4.3 communities to provide a qualitative Other complement to the survey in Action 4.4.2. _ _ Measure effect of canvassing events and 4.4.4 talks to communities on human-bear Existing ►' conflicts. 2265 93 15C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas 1935 1936 Table 10. Strategies and actions involving the Conflict Management Objective,with estimates of 1937 resources available to implement the action,and associated timeframes for implementation. Resources Year Action Description of Action Can be done with 2 2 2 2 12 2 2 2 2 2 Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 resources 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 Strategy 3.1:Mitigate human-bear conflicts. Work with local governments to pass 8.1.1 ordinances that reduce human-bear conflicts. Existing ► habituation and food conditioning of bears to humans. Review the prohibition on feeding bears rule 3.1.2 (F.A.C.68A-4001[31)to determine if changes Existing could make the rule more effective. Coordinate with local,state, and federal 3.1.3 agencies experiencing similar human-bear Existing conflicts to exchange knowledge and resources. Explore the capabilities of the Bear Response 3.1.4 I Program to handle more responsibilities. Other ► increase efficiency,and reduce FWC staff time. 3.1.5 Continue use of euthanasia in human-bear Existing conflict situations according to FWC policy. 70 i 5C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas Resources Year Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Action Description of Action Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 ,1 1 1 2 2 resources 2 3 4 b 6 ?7 8 9 0 1 Assess the effectiveness of different methods 3.1.6 for securing attractants and deterring bears Other and promote the most effective techniques. Encourage businesses experiencing human- 3.1.7 bear conflicts to secure their waste and other Existing ► attractants. Develop and implement land-management 3.1.8 techniques to deter bear presence in areas Other r i► prone to human-bear conflicts. Identify areas of high human-bear conflict, 3.1.9 rank areas in order of conflict levels,and use Existing ► ranked areas to help guide management actions. Evaluate and recommend effective,safe and humane bear hazing techniques that can be 3.1.10 used by the public to reduce the likelihood of Other 0 bears becoming acclimated to people and causing a conflict or safety threat. 71 i5C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas Resources Year Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Action Description of Action Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 resources 2 3 4 6 8 7 8 9 0 1 Provide training,materials, and a permit system to partner agency staff,the Bear 3.1.11 Response Program contractors, and FWC staff Existing to better understand bear behavior,and to use hazing or other methods to discourage bears from interacting with people. Develop bear-response zones in areas heavily populated by people where levels of human- bear conflicts are high and bear habitat 3.1.12 availability is low.Implement a multi-tiered Existing �► response to handling human-bear conflicts dependent on the location of the complaint. Explore options regarding use of depredation 3.1.13 permits to address human-bear conflicts. Existing fli Continue to seek grants and partner with 3.1.14 not- for-profit organizations,local governments.and Existing waste service providers to increase availability of bear resistant cans and technical assistance. Update FWC Nuisance Bear Policy and 3.1.16 guidance documents to create a comprehensive Existing ��► approach to managing human-bear conflicts. 72 5C Black Bear Management Plan Chapter 4:Conservation Focus Areas 0 i Resources Year Action Description of Action Can be done with 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 12J Existing resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR requires Other 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 resources 2 3 4 6 6 7 8 9 0 1 Revise the Bear Incident Response Plan to 9.1.16 include descriptions of bear behaviors and the , Existing �y estimated risk levels to human safety that may be associated with each behavior. Develop practical solutions for public 3.1.17 recreation areas in primary bear range that are Existing 410 experiencing human-bear conflicts. Work with Black Bear Assistance Groups in 3.1.18 each BMU to solicit local stakeholder input and Other cooperation in reducing human-bear conflicts. 1938 73