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Agenda 04/14/2009 Item #16E 3 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 Page 1 of 60 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to approve the Milano Preserve Final Management Plan under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) for the Milano Preserve Final Management Plan (FMP) and for the Board to give direction to the County Manager, or his designee, for its implementation. 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 Milano Property is comprised of 18.46 acres and is located approximately 2.10 miles east of Interstate 75 between Preserve Lane and Preserve Circle on the north side of Immokalee Road. The property was purchased by Collier County in 2006. The Interim Management Plan was approved by the Board in 2006. The Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee of the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) has reviewed the draft Final Management Plan and on January 13, 2009. 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 March 9, 2009. The CCLAAC unanimously recommended approval with two suggested changes. These changes were made with the addition of Action Item 3.2 under Goal 3 (Page 41 of the Plan) and with a change to Action Item 2.1 under Goal 2 on page 39 to specify wildlife and plant sampling of only non-listed species. FISCAL IMPACT: The costs of land management activities for the first year of implementation have been estimated to range between $3.850 and $203,850 depending on whether staff will start to plan and permit a raised boardwalk. Staff will first seek grant funding to assist in reducing these costs. The annual costs will lessen fOllowing initial site development to between $2.670 and $5,520 per year. Funds are budgeted 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. The Office of the County Attorney has reviewed and approved the Final Management Plan for form and legal sufficiency. This item is not quasi- judicial and as such. ex parte disclosures are not required. A majority vote of the Board is necessary for Board action. -HFAC 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 Milano Preserve. PREPARED BY: Christal Segura, Environmental Specialist, Conservation COllier Program, Department of Facilities Management Item Number: Item Summary: Meeting Date: COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 16E3 Page I of I Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 Page 2 of 60 Recommendation to approve the Milano Preserve Final Management Plan under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program 4/14/200990000 AM Prepared By Christal Segura Administrative Services Environmental Specialist Facilities Management Date 3/27/20099:29:55 AM Approved By Melissa Hennig Administrative Services Environmental Specialist Facilities Management Date 3/27/200910:18 AM Approved By Heidi F. Ashton County Attorney Assistant County Attorney County Attorney Office Date 3/30/200911:41 AM Approved By Skip Camp, C.F.M. Administrative Services Facilities Management Director Facilities Management Date 3/30/2009 11 :46 AM Approved By Len Golden Price Administrative Services Administrative Services Administrator Administrative Services Admin. Date 3/31/200910:34 AM Approved By Jeff Klatzkow County Attorney County Attorney County Attorney Office Oate 3/31/2009 1 :28 PM Approved By OMS Coordinator County Manager's Office OMS Coordinator Office of Management & Budget Date 3/31/20094:07 PM Approved By Laura Davisson County Manager's Office Management & Budget Analyst Office of Management & Budget Date 4/2/20094:18 PM Approved By Leo E. Ochs, Jr. Board of County Commissioners Deputy County Manager County Manager's Office Date 4/2/2009 6:06 PM Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manal!emifflrftiiirPf 60 Milano Preserve Land Management Plan Managed by: Conservation Collier Program Collier County, Florida April 2009 - April 2019 (IO-yr plan) Prepared by: Conservation Collier Staff; Collier County Facilities Management Department ~ (. (, ,'c-II..",' "1.1\';]"",'_1"'; "';10(\ '"-,,,Cl1_'I'II';,,"i.:',,,,\IHiJ:L01,.,ot,.:t':'ho'A',,,,,,,_",""1..,',bn"gc",""t,I'I:,,,;jo,- Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazemflarRidnof 60 Milano Preserve Land Management Plan Executive Summary Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Conservation Collier Program Property included in this Plan: "Milano Preserve" l8.46-acres. Preserve consists of two adjoining parcels of 9.23-acres each in Section 21, Township 48, and Range 26 of Collier County, Florida. Folio Number Legal Description 00186320002 214826 W Y:, OF W '12 OF SE V. OF SE V., LESS R1W 9.23 AC 00186280003 21 4826 E y, OF W Y:, OF SE V. OF SE V., LESS R1W 9.23 AC OR 5l9PG467 Management Responsibilities: Agency: Collier County - Conservation Collier Program Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource based recreation Unique Features: cypress-pine-cabbage palm, cypress and pine flatwoods communities; four listed plant species recorded to date; preserve is within the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Wood Stork Core Foraging Area Management Goals: Goall: Eliminate or significantly reduce human irnpacts to indigenous flora and fauna Goal2: Develop a baseline monitoring report Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and fauna Goal 4: Determine if prescribed fire and/or mechanical treatments are feasible to decrease woody invasion resulting from past fire exclusion; if so proceed Goal 5: Restore and maintain native habitats Goal 6: Develop a plan for public use Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness Public Involvement: Public meeting held in January 2009 with residents and businesses from surrounding lands including staff from the Laurel Oak Elementary and Gulf Coast High Schools. Conservation Collier Program 2 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manai!emlils'fli5nof 60 Table of Contents Land Management Plan Executive Summary................................................................ 2 List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... 4 List of Figures .................................................................................................................... 5 List of Appendices ............................................................................................................. 5 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 6 1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority.............. 6 1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan ..................................................................................................... 7 1.3 Location of the Milano Preserve............................................................................................ 7 1.4 Regional Significance of the Milano Preserve ...................................................................... 8 1.5 Nearhy Public Lands and Designated Water Resources..................................................... 9 1.6 Public Involvement ...............................................................................................................10 2.0 Natural Resources......................................................................................................10 2.1 Physiography ......................................................................................................................... 10 2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ..................................................................................... 10 2.1.2 Geology ............................................................................................................................ 10 2.1.3 Soils .................................................................................................................................. 11 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management ........................................................................................ 13 2.2 Climate ................................................................................................................................... 13 2.3 Natural Plant Communities ................................................................................................. 13 2.3, I Wetlands: Cypress-Pine-Cabbage Palm ........................................................................... 17 2.3.2 Wetlands: Cypress ..........................................,................................................................. 18 2.3.3 Uplands: Pine Flatwoods .................................................................................................. 19 2.3.4 Uplands: Australian Pine ..................................................................................................20 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species......................................................................................... 20 2.4.1 Plant Species..................................................................................................................... 21 2.4.2 Animal Species .................................................................................................................21 2.5 Listed Species ........................................................................................................................23 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species.......................................................................................................... 23 2.5.2 Listed Animal Species ......................................................................................................25 2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species......................................................................... 26 2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species................................................................................. 27 2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species ............................................................................. 28 3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses ......................... 32 3.1 Previous Use of the Preserve and Adjoining Lands........................................................... 32 3.2 Current Land Uses................................................................................................................33 3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ...........................................34 Conservation Collier ProJ::rram o J Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!emFlsrPilinof 60 3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years ...............................................................35 4.0 Future Use of the Milano Preserve including Management Issues, Goals and Objectives ......................................................................................................................... 35 4.1 Management Plan Framework ............................................................................................ 35 4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information ........................................................................36 4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts .................................................................36 4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources ............................................................. 36 4.3 Desired Future Conditions ................................................................................................... 36 4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008.2018 .............................................................................. 37 4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Milano Preserve.................................................... 46 4.5.1 Maintenance......... ....... ......... ........... .......... ..... ....... ........ ......... ................. ...... .............. ...... 46 4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources................................................................. 46 4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors.. 49 5.0 Literature Cited ......................................................................................................... 50 List of Tables Table I: Acquisition History and Status of Milano Preserve ......................................................... 6 Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Milano Preserve .............................................................. 9 Table 3: Extent of Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System Designations from 1995 and 2001 on the Milano Preserve........................................................................................... 14 Table 4: Summary of Natural Communities on the Milano Preserve........................................... 15 Table 5: Faunal Species Recorded on the Milano Preserve...........Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 6: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Corkscrew SW Quadrangle ............................. 22 Encompassing the Milano Preserve .............................................................................................. 22 Table 7: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Milano Preserve.................................................... 23 Table 8: Invasive Plant Species at Milano Preserve ..................................................................... 27 Table 9: Major Accomplishments since the Acquisition of the Milano Preserve ....................... 35 Table 10: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Milano Preserve FLEPPC Category I species a ................................................................................................................ 40 Table I]: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget ..............................................................47 Table 12: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities .............................. 49 Conservation Collier Program 4 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazemffflrPlill'f)f 60 List of Figures Figure I: General Location of Milano Preserve. ............................................................................ 7 Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County, Florida Including Lands Owned by Conservation Coil ier... .............. ............. ................................................... ...................... ..... ............... ............ 8 Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Milano Preserve ................................ 9 Figure 4: Aerial View of the Milano Preserve Showing Delineation of Parcels.......................... II Figure 5: Soil Units on the Milano Preserve................................................................................. 12 Figure 6: Distribution of Natural Communities on the Milano Preserve A) 1995 FLUCCS Layer, B) 2001 FLUCCS Layer ........................................................................................................ 16 Figure 7: Extent of Plant Communities Currently Found on the Milano Preserve....................... 17 Figure 8: Initial Exotic Vegetation Treatment Map for the Milano Preserve............................... 28 Figure 9: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1973 of the Milano Preserve and Adjoining Lands ................................................................................................................................................32 Figure 10: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1996 of the Milano Preserve and Adjoining Lands ................................................................................................................................................33 Figure II: Photo Point Locations within the Milano Preserve .................................................... 39 Figure 12: Milano Preserve Conceptual Master Plan .................................................................. 44 List of Appendices Appendix 1: South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks for Plant Communities Observed on the Milano Preserve Appendix 2: Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Milano Preserve Appendix 3: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAl) Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence Summary; FNAl ranking system explanation Appendix 4: Existing and Proposed Preserves on the Terafina, Parklands and Mirasol Planned Unit Developments. Conservation Collier Program 5 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manai!emBsiflitfinof 60 1.0 Introduction The Milano Preserve is an l8.46-acre natural area within the boundary of Collier County, Florida. Native plant communities within the preserve include cypress-pine-cabbage palm, cypress and pine flatwoods. A site assessment to determine compliance with Conservation Collier's initial screening criteria was conducted in February 2005 and the Conservation Collier Program purchased the property on July 28, 2006. The County holds a fee simple title to the Milano Preserve. The Conservation Collier program manages these lands under authority granted by Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63 as amended (2007-65; available from www.municode.com).lnitial acquisition activities are summarized in table I. Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Milano Preserve Year Benchmark 2005 Propertv nominated to the Conservation Collier Prm..>Tam 2005 Initial Criteria Screening Report accented bv the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisorv Committee 2006 Purchase aoofoved bv the Board of County Commissioners (Bee) and lands Durchased 2006 Interim Management Plan comnleted and annroved bv Bee 2009 Final Management Plan comoleted 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 environmentally sensitive land for the benefit of present and future generations. Public use of the site must be consistent with these management goals. This is the Final Management Plan for the Milano Preserve. This 10-year management plan will be submitted to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCe) for its approval. When approved, this plan will replace the Interim Management Plan. 1.1 Conservation Collier: Land Acquisition Program and Management Authority The Conservation Collier program was originally approved by voters in November 2002 and subsequently confirmed in the November 2006 ballot referendum. Both voter-approved referendums enable the program to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vital and significant threatened natural lands, forest, upland and wetland communities located in Collier County, Florida (Ordinance 2002-63, as amended). Properties must support at least two of the following qualities to qualify for consideration: rare habitat, aquifer recharge, flood control, water quality protection, and listed species habitat. The BCC appointed a Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to consider any selected or nominated properties that an owner has indicated a willingness to sell. The committee recommends property purchases for final approval by the BCe. Lands acquired with Conservation Collier funds are titled to "COLLIER COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Conservation Collier program." The BCC established the Conservation Collier program to implement the program and to manage acquired lands. As such, Conservation Collier holds management authority for the Milano Preserve. Conservation Collier Program 6 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!emiTsrfti!il1of 60 1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction for Milano Preserve by identifying the goals and objectives necessary to eliminate or minimize any threats to the resources and integrity of the preserve. This text is a working document that establishes the foundation of the ten-year plan by identifying the appropriate management techniques necessary to restore and preserve the resource. This plan will balance resource restoration and protection with natural resource-based recreational and educational use while looking at restoration needs, listed species protection and maintenance of the site free of invasive, exotic plant and animal species. This plan is divided into sections that incorporate an introduction, descriptions of the natural and cultural resources, projected uses of the property, management issues, and goals and objectives. 1.3 Location of the Milano Preserve Milano Preserve is located approximately 2.10 miles east of Interstate 75 (1-75) between Preserve Lane and Preserve Circle on the north side of lmmokalee Road (Figure I). The Milano Preserve is in northwest Collier County in Section 21, Township 48 and Range 26. Conservation Collier: Location of the Milano Preserve IMMOKALEE RO t z o " Z VANDERBILT SEA RO . EXil1t1J . , , . o z ~ PIN RIDG RD PINE RIDGE RP T o 2M,~ , PRESERVELN IMMOKALEE RO < ,.75 ..'50 5DOF..et , u"aS,,,,,,~ Pa'<el'-C"'"""c"",,,., "'W<f\,APP<8'_ :;,._"" ~_',e.I.l..,~..:~"Ol''''C<O_,' ~"','" (,'~"""'''''''"",Call'''''''_'fA''''''''ed~'''""....., ~_~...._.... ~"., ~~ r>'"":.t."'''''''''m'~''''o ;pg ......,,. ~00ll M,",nc fOlio NUn1bers 0011l62BOOOJOO186J20002 (.;.71'" ClIlmty Legend _ Milano Preserve - Collier County Roads - Cocohatchee Canal Figure I: General Location of Milano Preserve. Conservatiun Collier Program 7 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manazentl1mfi'I&hof 60 1.4 Regional Significance of the Milano 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 areas. As of April 2008, approximately 66% (over 860,000 acres) of all lands in Collier County were protected in conservation areas (Figure 2) and managed by private, local, state and federal agencies (FNAI 2008). Collier County's Conservation Collier Program manages the 18.46-acre Milano Preserve; it contains cypress, cypress-pine-cabbage palm and pine flatwood communities. Specific information on the plant communities found on the Milano Preserve may be found in section 2.3 (Natural Plant Communities) of this document. Location of Conservation Collier Program Lands t '''r' iij....:. '" -.$J , " .;,.- 1I.0,ell.. iIM~<l&<rubP,..."", RRl..oJ>dTru.. V",ou, Ut,,'~)f>'~port,.. C ::;,\1.. ! '" r.. ",:;: . . r=:'\ >a == I"..~~_."_r y..,..~' ~,:,";~':'7'1 ~. __ """om' ~,,,.., I ....- G<:)~:J[..u.'[r.,\fD 1CO<....,<_c""..P....""'( ~ ......,;,,,,., . ~" ''''i Mu''*' ~ ~ ,. ....l"'f<o_. .E- ,~ "'~<y P'flon P...."'" 'n GOO'dMR,y~ G'.......yF........ "A(lI('''O. '-~ D"VlaBLVD -j1't'~ I d..: . !~. < !'~;t 'tr.., t'\ J . \'."it~,-. ~." r )~'"/,!. %.> 'Moll ., ~Ij>~ ',:.;.,~. ~ ,',":.. ~ '0' -.oP\Mcllv",", ;~i~~~i . MS ..' Acquisition Status .. ~:>';~:,;y:.,'~:~,.L~' ~l _ Acquired r',;'~4:;,,:.-r!;;:;<.'f',.' J'" ':: , _ Approved for Acquisition "-'\ j~\t:'~~;' ,,_,_.: " J_ .7 _..... Mill.alionI Con..rvalion Eas.m.n' :Ii., '<".'~l".(/...~,. ~. Ji IBI State and Federal Conservation Land.., ""-'~"~fz,,~LJ U:~ Lake Trafford ':"'/' . :'- i, ' -' ~>~',.'~,;,'r~~~.. , lQ M."$ www.CollierGov.netlConservationC oilier DOl. s.o..c~<>_. CoI...' C-O""",PI~"""~ "W.a1Wf c'.....day~.c;""".'o!.""~.....nl'<:.""....-.-..IOI,c_.'. KlII\m G'Conoe..."onCo.,.""""""",,,,,,,,",OPl'","" """,","",&___M"J_,-::oa~.m'o~nd IPV C.o""rv6~ cBffter County -~ Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County, Florida Including Lands Owned by Conservation Collier. Conservation Collier Program 8 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenRJmff'ldnof 60 1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources Currently, the closest preserved, natural areas to the Milano Preserve are the adjoining conservation easements to the north and west managed by aide Cypress. Other preserves, in order of increasing distance, are provided in table 2. Figure 3 shows the locations of these preserves. Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Milano Preserve Name Approximate Direction T)'pe Distance (miles) Olde Cypress Conservation Area 0.00 (adjoining) N&NW Private Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem V...'atershed 3.60 NE State Rivers Road Project 3.62 E/SE Conservation Collier Logan V./ oads Preserve 4.20 S Conservation Collier Cocohatchee Creek Preserve 4.45 W Conservation Collier Unit 53 Acquisition Boundary 4.50 NE Conservation Collier Railhead Scrub Preserve 5.15 WINW Conservation Collier Nancy Pay10n Preserve 5,60 S/SE Conservation Collier Wet Woods Preserve 5.80 W/NW Conservation Collier Delnor~Wiggins Pass State Park 7. ]5 W State Barefoot Beach Preserve 740 W/NW County ~i\ ~~. ./ 7:U';'ds<,"np,no,.,. BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE I 1'~ .------------1 .~::.--''''~:.::::.~.~~..~~~ I DELNOR-WlGGINS PASS STATE PARK I I n., I I' ~c;,-;.~,;;,; c...~~: :__.~~~~__ J I~.j 0 I !I'~~' '. c;, Cl. : ~ ~ i ':j, :i i 8 <j ..1 ~ PINE RIDGERD ffij I I Conservation Lands in the Vicinity of the Milano Preserve : Lee County ~ ........-....................-....,....... ...........___....___.. .........................-.--.-------..c___..., Collier County \ I i -:;531 '--.-.J I rMMOKALEE RD , \ '~R II R,.."N",,", :'-'P"'!'<~_J I VANDERE!ILT8EACH I I ~~::'::':.'.J ';/ I .'t/ " I , GOLDEN GATE BLVD " v I ~.. P...... P...."'" oX'] ,t 2Mllu Legend _ Milano Prm>erve ifJI Other Conservation Collier Progr.lm Lands State and Federal Conservation Land - Major Roads in Collier County . .. Collier County Boundary ,-.."""".,~~. ._,C~~''',_;,..~.._ ,....'..""........,,, --;, .......,,_......,""'" ,~,-,-,._""..""""..,_....._........,~.,..."""....- :::::;-;:~--....,... ('4ir"'l~.n'" Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Milano Preserve Conservation Collier Program 9 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenHJn!fPlfinof 60 1.6 Public Involvement Neighborhood involvement will be sought through direct mailing notices for public meetings to residents, other preserve managers and businesses within 1,500 feet of the preserve boundaries. Official public notices will be posted on the County website. Staff will seek to coordinate management actions, such as exotic removal and prescribed fires with owners of adjoining lands. Staff will also work together with the adjacent Homeowners Association ofthe Fairway Preserve Condominiums, commercial property owners to the west and Olde Cypress to coordinate management activities (e.g., exotic plant removal/treatment) and public access efforts. 2.0 Natural Resources 2.1 Physiography Milano Preserve lies within the Floridian section of the Coastal Plain. The Coastal Plain extends from New Jersey to Texas and was formed 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. According to the Bonita Springs, Florida USGS Topographic Map, the topography of the area is relatively level with an average elevation of five feet above sea level and slopes gently westward toward the Gulf of Mexico. Surface water percolates directly into the uncovered ground or it collects in natural depressions and man made ponds on adjacent properties. 2.1.2 Geology The geology of northern Collier County, where the Milano Preserve is located, is characterized by complex sequences of interbeded sands, clays, and limestone. Closest to the surface is the Holocene aged Pamlico Sand Formation, approximately ten feet thick and composed primarily of unconsolidated quartz sand and some silt. The Pamlico Sand unconformably overlies the Pleistocene aged Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations, which vary from a few feet to more than twenty feet in thickness and are characterized by shelly and sandy limestone with vugs and solution cavities (Miller 1986). Below the Fort Thompson and Caloosahatchee Formations are the Ochopee and Buckingham Members of the Pliocene aged Tamiami Formation, which are at least 200 feet thick in the surrounding areas (Oaks & Dunbar 1974). The Ochopee Limestone unconfonnably overlies the Buckingham Limestone and/or the equivalent Cape Coral Clay. This unconfonnity marks the bottom of the surficial aquifer separating it from the brackish underlying aquifer below. Then the Hawthorn Formation, rich in phosphate and other heavy minerals (Scott 1988), overlies the Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone and Eocene age Ocala Limestone that form the Floridan Aquifer System in Southwestern Florida. The Milano Preserve is located within the Southwestern Slope. Geologically, this is the dominant feature of Collier County (Campbell 1990). Figure 4 provides a current aerial view of the Milano Preserve including the delineation of the two parcels that make up the preserve. Conservation Collier Program 10 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Presen'e Land ManazenflJmrF,G'nof 60 Conservation Collier: Aerial View of the Milano Preserve Q 0025 DOC. Miles I I ;:'01. "",,,," ~'.',e<. .no 21.oe ",.".". ::;oIl,e, Co,ml,' Proye", "Iopr."e! '~r.Ol~d b'," F a.::II~I.< '....nBll"mo...' COl'l.~,...."O<1 ("'".rr~. "'an,,, G'':O'I''',"!l1'onCall'",'''''..I4'''''''~'J..~.n'..\. M'I.~"$,1"p tor F'n.II~.n.(I""""" PI."''''~"" m,d aM ,"'~ I.Manu ~"I", I Jumbers ,Iulv'~ 2.)0& C'~'1""';2~,CoJQ3 OC1i;lf,~~(.OO::> ("(;';-"'("",,,,Iy Legend I::J Milano Preserve '~ ~'.n Collier County Roads J! Cocohatchee Canal , Figure 4: Aerial View of the Milano Preserve Showing Delineation of Parcels 2.1.3 Soils Mapped soils on this parcel were identified as Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland fine sands, Oldsmar fine sand, Holopaw fine sand and Basinger fine sand (Figure 5). Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland fine sands underlies 46% of the Milano Preserve and is a wetland soil association found in depressional areas typical of cypress swamps and marshes. Under natural conditions, these soils are ponded for 6 months of the year. Natural vegetation consists mostly of cypress, pickerelweed, rushes, alligator flag, sawgrass and willow (Liudahl et al. 1990). Oldsmar fine sand underlies 30% of the Milano Preserve and is the only non-hydric soil mapped on this Conservation Collier property. Oldsmar fine sand is a nearly level and poorly drained soil found in pine tlatwoods. During extended dry periods, the water table may recede to a depth of 40+ inches, but under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is between a depth of 6-18 inches. Flora typically associated with this soil type includes: South Florida slash pine, cabbage palm, saw palmetto and wax myrtle (Liudahl et al. 1990). Conservation Collier Program 11 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManaeenfllmfPWnof 60 Conservation Collier: Mapped Soils on the Milano Preserve Extent of Soils ~ _ BOCA, RIVIERA. LIMESTONE SUBSTRATUM AND COPELAND FS. DEPRESSIONAL (46%) _ OLDSMAR FINE SAND (NON.HYDRIC; 30%) M',"MF",oNo'm"''' ;~'i :~~::::;; ~I~~ ~:~~ ~~:;;) CJ Milano Preserve ,,,,,,,,,,..,., f2:~3~~~~=::=,., + 250 Feet , Figure 5: Soil Units on the Milano Preserve The hydric Holopaw fine sand underlies 23% of the Milano Preserve. This nearly level, poorly drained soil is found in sloughs and poorly defined drainage ways. The permeability of water through this soil is moderate to moderately slow and, under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is within a depth of J 2 inches for three to six months. Water recedes to a depth of 40+ inches during extended dry periods and, during times of high rainfall, the soil may be covered with slowly moving water for approximately seven days. Flora typically associated with this soil type includes South Florida Slash Pine, cypress, cabbage palm, saw palmetto and wax myrtle (Liudahl et al. 1990). Basinger fine sand underlies I % of the Milano Preserve and is a hydric, nearly level, poorly drained soil found in sloughs and poorly defined drainage ways. The permeability of water through this soil is rapid and, under natural conditions, the seasonal high water table is within a depth of 12 inches for three to six months. Water recedes to a depth of 40+ inches during extended dry periods and, during times of high rainfall, the soil may be covered with slowly moving water for approximately seven days. Flora typically associated with this soil type includes South Florida Slash Pine, cypress, cabbage palm, saw palmetto and wax myrtle (Liudahl et al. 1990). Conservation Collier Program 12 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!enflHlliJ'&fnof 60 2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management Near the surface, the aquifer is highly permeable and the groundwater flows toward the west. However, permeability decreases downward from a porous limestone into poorly indurated sandstone cemented by micrite. The aquifer grades from freshwater downward into brackish water due to the proximity of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the brackish water in the intermediate aquifer made primarily of Miocene aged sediments. Below that, the Hawthorne formation typically marks the upper boundary of the Floridian aquifer, which is contained within the underlying Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone (Lodge 2005). There is a berm that runs along the southern boundary of the Milano Preserve just north of the Cocohatchee Canal. This berm prevents water from flowing southward consequently holding water on the preserve for an artificially long period of time during the wet season. The Surficial Aquifer is an aquifer close to the surface and unconfined, typically associated with the groundwater table. This aquifer is generally limited to smaller uses such as household or small agricultural uses. The Lower Tamiami aquifer is below this aquifer and is recognized as being useful for long-term water needs. According to the South Florida Water Management District's (SFWMD) technical publication 95-02 (Fairbank & Hohner 1995), the Surficial Aquifer recharge capacity on the Milano Preserve is moderate at 43 to 56 inches annually. The Lower Tamiami Aquifer recharge capacity on the preserve is relatively low at 7 to ] 4 inches annually. 2.2 Climate The Milano Preserve is located in an area of Florida where humid subtropical and tropical savanna climatic patterns overlap, with temperatures moderated by winds from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Sharply delineated wet and dry seasons and average monthly temperatures greater than 640 Fahrenheit characterize a tropical savanna climate. Monthly rainfalls may exceed 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 640 Fahrenheit in some months. The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 750 Fahrenheit. The WaImest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during these months but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures. Two-thirds ofthe annual rainfall occurs in the wet season from May to October. Thunderstorms are frequent during the wet season, occurring every two out of three days between June and September. Rainfall records for the area indicate that there is not significant variation in the annual rainfall throughout much of the county; however, large variations often occur during a single year. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June through November with peak activity occurring in September and October when ocean temperatures are highest. 2.3 Natural Plant Communities A plant community refers to the suite of floristic species that form the natural vegetation of any place. In addition to anthropogenic influences, the combination of factors such as geology, topography, hydrology, underlying soils and climate determine the types of plants found in an Conservation Collier Program 13 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!enHJm~l!inof 60 area. These plants, in turn determine the animal species that may be found there. The description or classifications of these floral communities differ by agency and are based on an agency's goals and objectives for identifying plant communities. As some categorizations are broad (e.g., forest) while others are specific (e.g., mesic pine flatwoods), determining how each organization classifies a community may be difficult. The South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks (Gilbert 2005) provides a way to decipher the classifications of plant communities across agencies. Appendix I provides the categorization of the plant communities observed on the Milano Preserve based on the South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks; classifications from the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) are also included in this appendix. The Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) created by the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 1995 classifies plant communities and provides GIS layers for users to overlay on property boundaries and aerial images to better determine the plant communities found there. The FLUCCS designates three plant communities on the preserve: Pine Flatwoods - Melaleuca Infested (FLUCCS 4119), Cypress - Melaleuca Infested (FLUCCS 6218), and Forested Mixed Wetlands (FLUCCS 630). Wilson Miller updated the FLUCCS data layer in 2001. These data also indicate that there are three plant communities on the preserve, however, the Pine Flatwood community is not identified, instead a Cypress (FLUCCS 621) community is identified in addition to the Cypress- Melaleuca Infested community. Table 3 summarizes the plant communities mapped for the Milano Preserve in 1995 and 200 I; it shows the differences in the location and extent ofland cover designations. Figure 6 visually represents these land cover designations from 1995 and 2001. Given that the FLUCCS layers were generated at a scale of I :24,000 and created by different entities at different times, the change in the types and extent of plant communities between the map layers may indicate a change in hydrology within the preserve or natural discrepancy generated when different entities perform the same task. It is unlikely that these data were ground-truthed by the Water Management District or Wilson Miller specifically on the Milano Preserve, however; both layers seem to be fairly accurate in other parts of the County. Table 3: Extent of Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System Desi nations from 1995 and 2001 on the Milano Preserve FLUCCS CODE Mapped Plant Community 1995 2001 4] 19 Pine Flat\.voods - Melaleuca Infested 45% 0% 621 Cypress 0% 12% 62]8 Cypress - Melaleuca Infested 43% 84% 630 Forested Mixed Wetlands 12% 4% During site visits to the Milano Preserve, statf observed Cypress-Pine-Cabbage Palm (FLUCCS 624), Cypress and Pine Flatwoods (FLUCCS 411) communities. These communities were in varying states of exotic vegetation infestation. Additionally, a monoculture of Australian pines (Casuarina spp.; FLUCCS 4370) was observed in the southeastern portion of the property. Johnson Engineering ecologists conducting a preliminary wetlands and wildlife assessment of the site in August 2004 reported observing similar vegetative communities. They categorized the communities according to the degree of exotic infestation, described the pine flatwoods as FLUCCS 4119 (disturbed) and noted that the cypress community contained scattered pine. Conservation Collier Program 14 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenftJmf/'lilnof 60 Given the discrepancy between the 1995 and 2001 FLUCCS digital layers (as they pertain to the Milano Preserve) and the removal of exotic vegetation since the acquisition of the property in July 2006, staff created a new digital layer showing the location and extent of the native plant communities currently found on the preserve (Sept. 2008; Figure 7). Because the removal of invasive, exotic plants began in April 2008, this new layer does not reference any areas as infested with exotic plant species except for the stand of Australian pines in the southeastern portion of the preserve. Specific information on the invasive, exotic species present on the preserve is provided in section 2.6.1 of this document. The vegetation classification scheme of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) (1990) are presented in table 4. This table is based on the plant communities observed on the Milano Preserve. The following subsections (2.3.], 2.3.2, 2.3.3 and 2.3.4) provide information about the plant communities observed on the preserve. Table 4: Summary of Natural Communities on the Milano Preserve FNAI Natural Communit)' Global State Comments Tvoe Rank Rank Strand Swamp G4 S4 Also called Fllnving Water Swamps and Cypress communities \"iet Flatlands G4 S4 Also called Cypress-Pine-Cabbage Palm communities and Hvdric Pine Flat\\'oods Mesic Flatwoocts G4 54 Also called Pine F1atwoods G4: Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range): S4: Apparently secure in f10rida (may be rare in parts arrange). Conservation CD/lieI' Program ] 5 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manazenflfl1J<PMlnof 60 A Land Cover Designations (1995) on the Milano Preserve Legend c::J Milano Preserve Extent of Land Cover Designations ('95) _ Pine Flatwoods . Melaleuca Infested (45'1.) (.~n; ,C~It!,~ ~~t."~=-,;,:--'- ;.-.-....-- _ Cypress. Melaleuca Infested (43%) Z:::':.'7'':''':::.-~;;,:::,,,,--,,,-U--'' 001~~ _ Wetland Forested Mixed (12%) 125 250FeeI , B Land Cover Designations (2001) on the Milano Preserve 126 2S0Feel t"fi);"rauaIW Legend c:::::l Milano Preserve Extent of Land Cover Designations ('01) _ Cypress - Malaleuca Infested (84%) m Cypress (12%) _ Wetland Forested Mixed W!.) 1;\<...,1...""",,,,,,,, OC>llIlJ~~OO1!16:l2'.'OO:1 ""...._ o-K___'- ,....'_'_"A'_ ,;...",,,-,~--,, c-..,__..._<---_..._., _ ,.:_,____._._..,_....,__"'"'c...,_.. Figure 6: Distribution of Natural Communities on the Milano Preserve A) 1995 FLUCCS Layer, B) 2001 FLUCCS Layer Conservation Collier Program 16 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!el1flJmcPl!inof 60 Field Verified Land Cover Designations ('08) on the Milano Preserve o 125 250 Feet , cofJirrCollllty Extent of Field Verified Land Cover on the Milano Preserve D01~~~~~~o~~';'2~002 c:J Milano Preserve Cypress. Pine- Cabbge Palm (57%) _ Pine Flatwoods (18%) _ Cypress (24%) _ Australian Pine (1%) "...:....""..".......,.,""',_."".c...,c......,_.."."..,_ ..., 'H""~'''., "'"........._~"............. :~.~, Of >.,,,....,, ..~...,.._ ~...,.".....c._... ...... " ~"'-"......~-"...~........."",.."'_. ~:,,;~~,:.,' "~'"",",,.~ -"~".''-''',""'"''-", Figure 7: Extent of Plant Communities Currently Found on the Milano Preserve. 2.3.1 Wetlands: Cypress-PIne-Cabbage Palm A cypress-pine-cabbage palm community comprises approximately 57% of the Milano Preserve and is located primarily in the center portions of the preserve. This community dominates the western boundary of the preserve and occupies a little over two thirds of the eastern boundary (Figure 7). Also known as wet tlatwoods, low tlatwoods, hydric tlatwoods (FNAl & FDNR 1990) and hydric pine tlatwoods (USFWS 1999b) the cypress-pine-cabbage palm community typically includes a canopy of cypress, pine (Pinlls spp.) and/or cabbage palm (Sohal palmetto) in combinations in which none of the species achieves dominance. This assemblage forms a transition between hydric sites (e.g., cypress communities) and moist upland sites (e.g., mesic pine tlatwoods). This ecotonal community is unique to South Florida and functions as both a wetland and upland at different times of the year. As such, both hydrology in the wet season and fire in the dry season drive this dynamic systcm. As a result, this community is typically dominated by a slash pine (Pinlls elliott!! var. demo) overstory with a wetland plant understory. The wetland understory can be any, or a variety, of wetland plant community types ranging from wet prairie to hatrack cypress. Hydric pine tlatwoods are distinct from mesic and xeric pine tlatwoods in the absence of understory dominance by saw palmetto (Serenoa repcns) and more COl1serl'atioll Collier Program ] 7 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenflMJf/"Minof 60 xeric species such as pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida), pawpaw (Asimina spp.), and prickly pear (Opuntia spp.). The berm that runs along the southern boundary of the Milano Preserve, just north of the Cocohatchee Canal, prevents water from flowing southward consequently holding water on the preserve for an artificially long period of time during the wet season. The cypress-pine-cabbage palm community provides important forested habitat for a number of species often found in wetlands and uplands. Wildlife species that utilize this habitat include: the Florida black bear (Ursus americanus jloridanus), Florida panther, wood stork, red- cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Everglades snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus), the recently de-listed bald eagle, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), Big Cypress fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia), Bachman's sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis), bobcat (Lynx rufus), swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides fOljicatus), Florida weasel (Mus/ela frena/a peninsulae), limpkin (Aramus guarauna), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), southeastern kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus), eastern American kestrel (F. s. :.parverius) and the Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pra/ensis). Additionally, this community provides essential habitat to the breeding life cycle of aquatic and wetland-dependent animals, and a major forest cover for cover- dependent species. Hydric pine flatwoods provide aquatic habitat for both young and adult amphibians and adult tree frog climbing areas. Hydric tlatwoods serve as wading bird foraging areas, black bear foraging, denning, and travel ways, and essential red-cockaded woodpecker foraging and nesting habitat (USFWS I 999b). Cypress-Pine-Cabbage Palm Community within the Milano Preserve. Photo bv Annisa Karim Since the cypress-pine-cabbage palm community comprises a majority of the preserve, all soils identified on the preserve (Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland fine sands, Oldsmar fine sand, Holopaw fine sand and Basinger fine sand) are found within this community. 2.3.2 Wetlands: Cypress A Cypress community dominates approximately 24% of the northern portion of the Milano Preserve. One hundred percent of the northern boundary of the preserve contains this plant community (Figure 7). Also known as flowing water swamps (Gilbert 2005), cypress stands, stringers and strand swamps (FNAI & FDNR 1990), these forested cypress communities are shallow, seasonally inundated and commonly found along and within drainage channels (USFWS I 999a). Deeper parts of this community may be characterized as a cypress slough. The hydrology of an area drives the formation of cypress communities (Sullivan 1994). Additionally, light surface fires every 30 to 200 years are essential to the maintenance of these communities. Without these fires, invasion by hardwoods and peat accumulation would degrade this community. Conservation Collier Program 18 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Mana>!enflJmrFMnof 60 The canopy of the cypress community within the Milano Preserve is dominated by cypress (Taxodium sp.) and contains popash (Fraxinus caroliniana), strangler fig (Ficus aurea) and red maple (Acer rubrum). The midstory contains swamp dogwood (Corn us Joemina), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). Groundcover species include alligator flag (Thalia genicula/a), swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum) and false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica). In a landscape context, the presence of highly functioning cypress communities within a matrix of other types of wetland and upland communities is imperative for many species of wildlife, including listed species. Listed species that benefit with the presence of the cypress community on the Milano Preserve include the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), wood stork (Myc/eria americana), Kirtland's warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii), and eastern indigo snake (Dlymarchon corai, couperi). The recently de-listed bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is also a species that benefits from the presence of cypress communities (USFWS 1999a). The berm that runs along the southern boundary of the Milano Preserve, just north of the Cocohatchee Canal, prevents water from flowing southward consequently holding water on the preserve for an aI1iticially long period of time during the wet season. This results in deeper water in the cypress area than is normally scen in other naturally functioning cypress areas. The cypress community within the preserve is underlain with depressional Boca, riviera, limestone substratum & Copeland fine sands and Basinger fine sand. Cypress Community lNithin the Milano Preserve. Photo bv Christal SeQura 2.3.3 Uplands: Pine Flatwoods A Pine Flatwood community dominates approximately 18% of the Milano Preserve. This plant community is located in the southeastern portion of the property and comprises over 50% of the southern boundary (Figure 7). Pine flatwoods are one of the most wide-ranging terrestrial plant communities in Florida and consequently one of the most influenced by anthropogenic activities (Abrahamson & Hartnett 1990). Fire strongly influences the community structure and composition of these communities. The term pine flatwoods is a general categorization of areas that are dominated by various species of pine (Pinus spp.) trees. Pine flatwoods may be found in mesic flatlands where the landscape is made up of flat, modcrately well drained sandy substrates with a mixture of organic material, often with an underlying hard pan layer. An open canopy forest of widely spaced pine trees with little or no understory but a dense ground cover of herbs and shrubs characterize natural, mesic flatwoods that have been burned regularly (FNAI & FDNR 1990). The USDA Soil Conservation Service classification system refers to these areas as South Florida flatwoods. South Florida flatwoods are typically savannas, a type of plant community intermediate between forest and grassland. Conservation Collier Program 19 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!en'i/JmrFllinof 60 Mesic pine flatwoods are also called mesic flatwoods, pine savanna, cabbage palm savanna, and pine barrens. Oldsmar fine sand and Holopaw fine sand underlies this part of the preserve. The berm that runs along the southern boundary of the Milano Preserve, just north of the Cocohatchee Canal, prevents water from flowing southward consequently holding water on the preserve for an artificially long period of time during the wet season. As a result, this community holds comparably more water than other naturally functioning mesic pine flatwoods. Common mesic pine flatwood species such as saw palmetto, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), cabbage palm and saffron plum (Sideroxylon celastrinum) are found in this portion of the preserve. Additionally, species usually found in wet areas such as sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum) and wiregrass (Aristida stricta var. . .' beyrichiana) are found in the pine flatwood portion of the Milano Preserve. Mesic flatwoods provide essential forested habitat for a variety of wildlife species including Neotropical migratory birds, wide- ranging large carnivores, mid-sized carnivores, ground-nesting vertebrates, tree- cavity dependent species, tree-nesting species and non-aquatic plant life. "At the current rate of habitat conversion, the mesic pine flatwoods, once the most abundant upland habitat in South Florida, is in danger of becoming one of the rarest habitats in South Florida" (USFWS 1999c). Mesic pine f1atwoods within the Milano Preserve. Photo by Christal Segura 2.3.4 Uplands: Australian Pine A stand of invasive, exotic Australian pines comprises approximately 1% of the Milano Preserve and its description is included in this section (2.3 Natural Plant Communities) to provide a comprehensive assessment of the entire Milano Preserve. Invasive, exotic species are discussed in more detail in section 2.6 (Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species) of this document. The Australian pine monoculture is located in the southeastern portion of the property on the eastern edge of the pine flatwood community. Australian pines comprise the canopy and there are no midstory or understory plant species. The smaller Australian pines were removed in late April 2008 and the larger trees are scheduled to be removed in 2009. Figure 7 reflects the extent of this community after the smaller trees were removed. 2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species A cypress-pine-cabbage palm community comprises the majorIty (57%) of the l8.46-acre Milano Preserve. Smaller areas of the preserve are comprised of cypress (24%) and pine flatwoods (18%) communities; a small stand of Australian pines (I %) also exists on the preserve. This section discusses the flora and fauna found within these plant communities. The next section (2.5) discusses all listed species in greater detail. Conservation Collier Proi,ry'am 20 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Prese,,'e Land Manai!e~rPl8nof 60 2.4.1 Plant Species To date, 63 plant species have been recorded on the preserve (Appendix 2). Conservation Collier staff conducted a preliminary floristic inventory in August and September 2008. Another survey will be conducted in late fall 2009 and the final list will be added to this plan. Of these 63 species, 55 (87%) are native - of which, four are listed by the State of Florida (two are listed as endangered; one is listed as threatened; one is listed as commercially exploited). 2.4.2 Animal Species Due to the dearth of specific surveys for the occurrence of animal species (in contrast to plants) and the lack of on-site staffing, little is recorded for actual occurrences of animals at the Milano Preserve. Occurrences of fauna at the preserve are based on direct visual and aural observations by staff during site visits or evidence of activity such as spoor, scat, or burrows, and from the site information available in documents such as the site's initial criteria screening report, the property's interim management plan and anecdotal information from persons with knowledge of the site. Table 5 provides a comprehensive list of animals, both native and non-native, recorded on the Milano Preserve thus far. Table 5: Faunal Species Recorded on the Milano Preserve Common Name Scientific Name American Robin Turdus migratorius Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caeru/ea Blue Jay (~l'anocitta cristata Cedar Waxwing Bomhycilla cedrorlll11 Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Great Crested FI)'catcher Myiarchus crinitus Great Egret Ardea alha Mourning Dove Zenaida mGCrOlira Northern Mockingbird Mimus po(vglotfos Prothonotary V/arbler Protonotaria citrea Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus \Vhite-eyed Vireo 'iireo grise us Florida Black Bear Urslls americanusjloridanus Racoan Procyon lotor Brown anole a Anolis sagrei Bluestripe Ribbon snake Thamnophis sallritlls nitae Monarch butterfly Danaus plexipPlls GulfFrilillary butterfly Agralllis vanillae Zebra Longwing butterfly Heliconills charitonius Florida Ivory millipede Chicobolu.'l spinigerus Crab-like Spiny Orbv/eaver spider Gasteracantha cancrtformis Red imported fire ant a Solenopsis invicta a Non-native species , ,. . , Conservation Collier Program 21 Agenda Item No. 15E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManGlzenflJn!cFMnof 50 The Florida Breeding Bird Atlas (FFWCC 2003) lists 49 avian species that have been recorded as confirmed, probable, or possible breeding in the vicinity of the site (Table 6). The Breeding Bird Atlas documents breeding distributions of all bird species in Florida between ] 986 and ]991. Some of these species may breed at the Milano Preserve. Other wildlife species that have not yet been recorded undoubtedly occur at the Milano Preserve. During migration periods, transient bird species would be expected to utilize this area for short periods of time. The developed character of the adjacent areas may inhibit transient use by many mammal, reptile, and amphibian species, thus limiting the utilization of the preserve to resident individuals or inhibiting the dispersal of many species to and from the preserve. Table 6: Breeding Bird Species Recorded in the Corkscrew SW Quadrangle Encom passing the Milano Preserve Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Green Heron Sutorides "irescens Red-cockaded Picoides borealis Woodpecker Y ellow-crovmed Night-Heron !v~vctal1assa violacea Northern Flicker Co{aptes auratus Wood Duck A Ix sponsa Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Mottled Duck AnasfulviguJa Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forflcatlls Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatlls \Vhite-eyed Vireo I 'ireo griseus Northern Bobwhite Colinus virgin/anus Blue Jay Cyanocitta cr;sfafa King Rail Rallus elegans Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Purple Martin Progne subis Limpkin Aramus guarauna Northern Rough~winged Stelg;doptelYx Swallow serrinennis Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Tufted Titmouse Bae%ph;s bicolor Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Carolina Wren 1711yothorus ludovicianus Common Ground-Dove Columhina passerina Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Poliopfilia caerulea *Ho:-;c-rillf'cd P:mlked !'S;{{UCII/O knllllC/'i Northern Mockingbird Aiimus polyglottos Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccy::us americanus Brmvn Thrasher Toxostoma rufum Barn Owl Tyto alba Northern Parula Parula americana Eastern Screech~Owl Afegascops asio Pine Warbler Dendraica pinus Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Prairie Warbler Dendra;ca discolor Barred Owl Strix varia Common Yellov..ihroat Geoth(vp;s trichas Common Nightha\vk Chordeiles minor Eastern Towhee Pipilo ervfhrovhlhalmus Chuck.will's.widow Caprimulgus carolinensis Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes elJ,throcephalus Rcd~winged Blackbird Age/aius phoeniceus Red~bellied Woodpecker Me/anerpes carolinus Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna Downy Woodpecker Picoides puhescens Common Grackle Quiscalusquiscula '" = 1101I-l/alll'c' \pecic.\' Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major Conservation Collier Program 22 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Mana'i!enflJn!f/"Mnof 60 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 (lRC) also ranks native plant species by conservation status in the 10-county area of South Florida. The following subsections (2.5.] and 2.5.2) discuss the listed, rare and protected plant and animal species found within and close to the Milano Preserve in detail. 2.5.1 Listed Plant Species The Florida State Statute titled "Preservation of native flora of Florida" (Statute 581.185) provides the following definitions: o Endangered 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 determined to be endangered or threatened pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, Pub. L. No. 93-205 (87 Stat. 884). o 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 decreased in such number as to cause them to be endangered. o commerciallv exploited plants means species native to the state, which are subject to being removed in significant numbers from native habitats in the state and sold or transported for sale. There are four (4) plant species at Milano Preserve that are listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDAcS), two (2) as endangered, one (1) as threatened, and one (1) as commercially exploited (Table 7). A brief description of these species and their status is included in the following paragraphs. Table 7: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Milano Preserve Common Name(s) Scientific Name State StitT-leaved \vild-pine, Cardinal airplant Tit landsia Iasciculala E Fuzzywuzzy airplant, Hoar)' airplant Tit/ondsia pruinosa E Retlcxed viild-pine. Northern needlelcaf Tifla/Jd.\'ia ha!bisiana T Royal fern Oslltllllda rcgalis var. spectabilis C T: Threatened; E: Endangered; C: Commercially Exploited Three of the four listed plant species found on the Milano Preserve are classified as bromeliads. Bromeliads are members of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). While some of these species may be found growing terrestrially, 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 and/or roots of these airplants (depending on the species) absorb the water and nutrients they need from the air 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 (0 another plant, they are considered non- parasitic. Even though the three listed bromeliad species found on the Milano Preserve are fairly C onservaliun Collier Program 23 Agenda Item No. 15E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenflJn!<P'!&nof 50 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 (Melamasius callizona) has been implicated in the decline of many airplant populations around the state. Currently, there are no control measures in place however, close research and monitoring is taking place. Stiff-leaved Wild Pine (Tillandsia fasdculata), is also known as cardinal airplant and common wild pine. T fasciculala is listed as an endangered plant by the State of Florida and has been in 24 counties throughout Florida (Wunderlin & Hansen 2008). This epiphyte was frequently found in South Florida before the introduction of the Mexican bromeliad weevil. Today, it may be found in hammocks, cypress swamps and pinelands. TiJ/andsiafasciculata; Photo by Annisa Karim Like most of the other bromeliads in Florida, this species is often referred to as a "tank" bromeliad because the leafaxils and central stems form a "tank" or reservoir at the base of the plant. These reservoirs capture and hold water, dead and decaying plant matter (leaves, seeds twigs, etc.), and dead and drowning non-aquatic insects; these trapped items provide nutrients for the plant (Larson et al. 2006). View of T. fasciculafa with water in the "tank". Photo by Annisa Karim Reflexed wild pine (Tillandsia balbisiana) is an epiphytic, "tank" bromeliad and is listed as a threatened plant by the State of Florida. Wunderlin and Hansen reported this species in 22 counties throughout Florida as of 2008 (Wunderlin & Hansen 2008). Reflexed wild pine is an occasional species in South Florida and is usually found in scrub, pinelands, strand swamps, hammocks, mangrove swamps and on shell ridges/mounds. Tillandsia balbisiana Photo bv Annisa Karim C onservalion Collier Program 24 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Prese,,'e Land Mana<!enflJn!rJYRilnaf 60 Royal fern (Osmunda rega/is var. spectabilis) is not in danger of being extirpated in Florida because of habitat loss, habitat fragmentation or attack by an exotic, invasive pest, but because of commercial exploitation. According to Nelson (2000), the fibers from the stem of royal fern have been used as a growing medium to grow orchids as well as to make ropes and nets. Additionally, this species is believed to have medicinal benetits; other parts of the plant may have been used to treat wounds and broken bones, relieve sprains and to help alleviate coughs and diarrhea. In Florida, this species is found in hydric areas such as wet flatwoods, cypress swamps, floodplains, stream banks and bogs. Osmunda regalis vaL spectabilis Photo by Annisa Karim FNAI maintains a database of occurrences of rare, threatened, and endangered species in Florida. An element is any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment, such as a species, natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or othcr ecological feature. An element occurrence is a single, extant habitat that sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a population or a distinct, selt:sustaining example of a particular element. These element occurrence data are built into biodiversity matrices. Each matrix encompasses one (1) square mile and includes all species and natural communities tracked by FNA], including all federal listed species. The FNAI report for the matrix in which the Milano Preserve is located identifies three likely elements and 18 potential elements. Of the three likely elements, one has been observed on the preserve, namely mesic pine flatwoods (described in section 2.3.3 of this document). None of the 18 potential elements reported by FNAI have been detected within the preserve. Appendix 3 provides the FNAI Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence 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 Animal Species While no listed wildlife species have been observed on the Milano Preserve, according to a 2004 Preliminary Wetlands and Wildlife Assessment prepared by Johnson Engineering, the property is within the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Wood Stork Core Foraging Area (18.6 miles), a documented wood stork rookery. The report also states that research of SFWMD Permit I 1- 01232-S indicated that "The Woodlands" (the adjacent Olde Cypress preserve property) at one time supported a viable population of Big Cypress fox squirrels and provided some nesting and foraging habitat for listed wading birds. The wood stork (Mycteria americana) The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWcc) and by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list the wood stork as an endangered species. Also known as the wood ibis or flint head, this species is one of the largest wading birds found in Florida and the only stork in the United States. The wood stork is a tactile feeder and may be found in fresh, Conservation Collier Program 25 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenflJn!fiYMinof 60 brackish, and saltwater habitats. Because of its dependence on naturally functioning hydrologic systems, the National Audubon Society refers to this wading bird as the "barometer of the Everglades". For this reason, the wood stork is an excellent environmental indicator of wetland health (Mazziotti 2002). The Big Cypress fox squirrel (Sdurus niger avicennia) Also known as the mangrove fox squirrel, the FFWcc lists this species as threatened in Florida. While the species is widespread in eastern and central North America, the subspecies is endemic to southwestern Florida - specifically in the lmmokalee Rise, Big Cypress Swamp, and Devil's Garden area in Collier County. Some areas of this range have become vacated, while many other suitable areas are being altered or becoming isolated through development. The subspecies uses most types of forest occurring in its range. However, dense interiors of mixed cypress-hardwood strands seem to be avoided by Big Cypress fox squirrels due dense populations of gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) occupying these areas. Big Cypress fox squirrels have been reported in cypress swamp, pine flatwood, tropical hammock, hardwood hammock, mangrove swamp, and suburban habitats including golf courses, and residential areas in native vegetation. Big Cypress fox squirrel densities appear to be quite low, and on this basis the subspecies can be considered inherently rare (Humphrey & Jodice 1992). Three wildlife species were reported as likely to occur (rare species likely to occur on the site based on suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the vicinity) and eleven species were reported as potential occurrences (site lies within the known or predicted range of species) within FNAl's Biodiversity Matrix for the Milano Preserve. Appendix 3 provides the FNAI Managed Area Tracking Record and Element Occurrence 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. 2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species ]n 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 harm 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 been introduced purposefully or accidentally to an area outside their normal range. The characteristics of some of these species (high rate of growth/reproduction, 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 follow an alteration to ecosystem function, disruption of the food web, large-scale fragmentation of an ecosystem and/or disturbance (e.g., clearing, fire, drought, etc) of an area. While some native species may become invasive, the establishment and dominance of non-native species is of particular concern. The exotic plant and animal species documented within the preserve and those that have a potential to occur within the preserve are discussed in the following sections. Conservation Collier Program 26 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManarzenflJn!cPlJihof 60 2.6.11nvasive and Problem Plant Species The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) maintains a list of exotic plants that have been documented to (1) have adverse effects on Florida's biodiversity and plant communities, (2) cause habitat loss due to infestations and (3) impact endangered species via habitat loss and alteration. To date, eight non-indigenous plant species have been detected within Milano Preserve (Table 8), accounting for 13% of the plant species recorded there. Of the eight exotic species, six are listed by FLEPPc (five Category I and one Category ll). FLEPPc defines Category [ 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 increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These definitions do not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but rather on the documented ecological damage caused by these plants (FLEPPc 2007). Table 8: Invasive Plant Species at Milano Preserve Scientific Name Common ~ames FLEPPC Catel!orv Acacia auriculif{}rmis Earlcaf acacia I Casuarina sp. Australian pine I Cupaniopsis anacardioides C<lrrot\Vood I ,\lelaleuca quinquenervia Punk tree. Melalcuca Paper bark I Sellinus terebil11hifi:J!ius Brazilian nenner I Urena lohala C aesarweed II Emilia {osbendi Florida tassleflO\vcr Spernwcoce verticillata Shruhhv false buttonweed As of the acquisition of the Milano Preserve by the Conservation Collier program on July 28, 2006, the most problematic exotic, invasive plant species were melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Australian pine and earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis). A Collier County approved contractor, started the initial treatment of these exotics on April 28, 2008. The following paragraphs outline the methods they used to chemically treat these exotics dependent on the species and location of treatment. For the 75-foot perimeter buffer (3.17 acres; Figure 8), all woody invasive species, primarily melaleuca and earleaf acacia, were manually cut and the stem removed from the buffer. The cut stems were stacked within the interior of the property, but outside of the perimeter buffer. The remaining stumps were treated with a dye-laced herbicide. All saplings (<3 feet tall) and herbaceous, invasive species were killed-in-place (KIP) with a dye-laced herbicide. Conservation Collier Program 27 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manal!enflJn!(['l,fnof 60 In the interior of the property (14.2 I acres; Figure 8), field crews used the frill-and-girdIe (K]P) method for large trees [>4 inches DBH (diameter at breast height)] and small trees (<4 inches DB H) were cut and stacked within the interior of the property. The material was stacked in a "log cabin" formation with each "cabin" being spaced at least 50-75 feet apart. All trees frilled- and-girdled and any remaining stumps were treated with a dye-laced herbicide. All saplings (<3 feet tall) and herbaceous invasive species were killed-in-pIace with a dye-laced herbicide. The smaller Australian pine trees in the southeast comer (1.08 acres; Figure 8) were cut by chainsaw. All remaining stumps were treated with a dye-laced herbicide. The larger Australian pine trees remammg on site are located on the extreme eastern edge of the Australian pine area. These trees are large (>4 inches DBH) and will be removed in early 2009. Qj,TE; 1)S.1!i-m , I co.tlER COh'Sf.RVJt..HO~PROPERTY I :('(IJ"'f.XOllCVEGt,",HOtO ffiE:.A''''ENT I ..at LI~R CCYJ""" FtO/lll')4 I "..._1__..... "__"""'1_ '';;\~'I\::= .......-. F1ltTrull-.........._%,;,.,c.,,"IiI f"ROSClIiQ t.WICllo ol.1JllAl.ICJn;Il.....,p.""\r.-: SCALE.: l' ';'SO' Figure 8: Initial Exotic Vegetation Treatment Map for the Milano Preserve. 2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species Although Florida does not have an official exotic, invasive animal species list, at least 400 exotic fish and wildlife animal species have been reported in Florida, and approximately 125 species are established. Two non-indigenous, invasive animal species have been documented on the preserve: red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and brown anoles (Anolis sagrei). Based on the natural communities found within the preserve, proximity to residential areas and geographic location, several more species (native and non-native) have the potential to impact the Milano Preserve to varying degrees. Brief descriptions of documented and undocumented but potentially problematic species are provided in the following paragraphs. Conservation Collier Prop'am 28 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenflJn!fiYldnaf 60 Red imported fire ant (Solel1opsis il1victa): documented within the Milano Preserve These social insects were introduced into the U.S. from Brazil into either Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida between 1933 and] 945 (Collins & Scheffrahn 2005) and have been detected in the Milano Preserve. Red imported fire ants (R]F A) have been documented to cause harm to humans and wildlife as well as economic harm (Stimac & Alves 1994; Collins & Scheffrahn 2005; Willcox & Giuliano, 2006). R]F As are omnivorous, but they prefer insects as their primary food source (Willcox & Giuliano 2006). RIFAs have a number of impacts on wildlife; in many areas, they have eliminated native ant populations through competition and predation and have eradicated food sources utilized by some wildlife species. Ground-nesting wildlife is especially susceptible to RIF As. Within the Milano Preserve, RIF As have the potential to affect ground-nesting birds; small mammals; reptiles, native lizard and snake species, and native invertebrates (Willcox & Giuliano 2006). Additionally, members of the public that come into contact with RIF As may be harmed if stung. Many people have anaphylactic reactions to the toxins released from R]F A stings. Brown Anole (Al1olis sagrel): documented within the Milano Preserve Also knmvn 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 brovm 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 states (Campbell 1996). The brown anole is a habitat generalist and generally prefers the fairly open areas of disturbed sites. It feeds on a wide variety of insects, amphipods, and isopods. Brown anoles also prey on other small vertebrates including the hatchlings of the native green anole (A. carolil1ensiis; Campbell 2000). Campbell (2000) showed that, in the absence of the exotic brown anoles, native green anoles occupy perches from ground to the canopy of vegetation. However, 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 undeternlined. AnoUs sagrei, an invasive, exotic reptile documented in the Milano Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Solenopsis invicta, an invasive, non-indigenous arthropod documented within the Milano Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USDA. ;- ~ .........:,' ~~:1.'-~ ..\..""-. _~1.. ' _ ~:.l Ana/is care/inens/ls, an indigenous reptile documented in the Milano Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS Conservation Collier Program 29 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManarzenflJn!rPlanof 60 Coyote (Canis latrans): undocumented within the Milano Preserve Coyotes were introduced in very small numbers to Florida during the 1920's for sport hunting with domestic dogs. This introduction did not lead to the establishment of coyote populations in Florida. Concurrently, these canids expanded their range eastward across the United States and Canada as a result of nonspecific needs in habitat and food, decreased competition from other predators, large litter sizes and anthropogenic changes to the landscape. Since many species naturally expand or change their home ranges in response to climate and resource availability, the coyote may be considered native to Florida. This crepuscular (active mostly at dawn and dusk) species is elusive and may travel individually or in groups of two or three (Coates et al. 1998). Coyotes commonly enlarge burrows made by other animals such as armadillos or gopher tortoises to use as dens or use dense vegetation for cover. Coyotes may have a negative influence on indigenous wildlife as direct predators or as potential competitors with predators that may occur at the preserve such as foxes (Urocyon cinereoargentew) or bobcats (Lynx rufus jloridanus); however, this species may prove beneficial in controlling potential problem species such as feral cats. Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): undocumented within the Milano Preserve Like the Cuban anole, the Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and neighboring islands. The first Cuban tree frogs probably arrived in the Florida Keys as stowaways in shipping crates originating from the Caribbean in the 1920's. Today, they have established breeding populations as far north as Cedar Key on Florida's Gulf Coast, 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 ability to invade natura] 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 (Bufo terrestris) and green tree frog (Hyla cinerea). Cuban tree frogs thrive in residential and natural areas such as pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and swamps. ]n residential settings, they are most commonly found on and around homes and buildings, and in gardens and landscape plants. They are known to get into transformer boxes and electrical switches causing power outages (Johnson 2007). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Milano Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species has the potential of occurring in the preserve. Osteopilus septentrionaBs, an invasive, exotic af11lhibian that has the potential to occur at the Milano Preserve. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Conservation Collier Program 30 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazentlJmf/'lanof 60 Giant Marine Toad or Cane Toad (Bufo marin us): nndocumented within the Preserve 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 for insects that damage sugarcane and consequently, are one of the most introduced amphibian species in the world. In 1936, an attempt was made to introduce this species into Palm Beach County, FL. This attempt failed as did two subsequent efforts. Ironically, in ] 955, an accidental release by an importer at the Miami ]nternational Airport in Miami-Dade County, FL proved successful. They have since been deemed an invasive species in Florida and are currently found in urban areas of south and central Florida, and are rapidly expanding northward (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Many of this species' characteristics enable it to do well in south Florida. Beetles, bees, ants, winged termites, crickets and bugs are a large part of the diet of the adult marine toad. Additionally, they consume arthropods, mollusks, small vertebrates, plant matter, pet food, carrion, household scraps, marine snails, smaller toads and native frogs, small snakes, and even small mammals. Marine toads are prolific breeders and females can lay tens of thousands of eggs in a single breeding season. They prefer forested areas with semi permanent water nearby (Churchill 2003). The cane toad looks very similar to the native, southern toad, but there are some distinct differences. The most obvious difference is adult body size (length of body not counting the legs). Adult marine toads can reach lengths of 6 -9 inches while the native southern toads only reach a length of 3.6 inches. Like other true toads, both possess poisonous, parotid glands. The parotid glands of the cane toad are angled downward behind their head to their shoulders. The southern toad has a kidney-shaped parotid gland behind each eye positioned close to the spine. The southern toad also possesses cranial crests that start between the eyes and often end in big knobs. While the parotid glands of all toads contain bufotoxins (poisonous, milky fluids exuded as a defense mechanism). the chemicals released by the exotic, cane toad are much more harmful to wildlife, pets and people (Brandt & Mazziotti 2005). Due to the natural communities that are found within the Milano Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species has the potential of occurring within the preserve. Adjoining residents of the preserve should be encouraged to keep pet food and water containers indoors or empty at night. Buto marinus, an invasive, exotic amphibian thai has the potential to occur at the Milano Preserve Photo courtesy of the USGS. Buto terrestris, a native toad thai looks similar to the exotic, invasive cane toad. Photo courtesy of the USGS. Conservation Collier Program 31 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManaeenflJn!cFMnof 60 Feral domestic cat (Felis catus): undocumented within the Milano Preserve Domestic cats originated from an ancestral wild species, the European and African wildcat (Felis silvestris). Humans facilitated the global distribution of cats due to their highly efficient predatory skills. Egyptians took cats with them on shipping vessels to keep rodent populations down, and they likely introduced domestic cats to Europe. Subsequently the expansion of the Roman Empire and European missionary missions facilitated the spread of domestic cats into Asia and beyond (Masterson 2007). Today, the impact of feral cats on wildlife is difficult to quantify; however, literature (FFWcc 2001; Karim 2007; Masterson 2007) strongly indicates that they are a significant factor in the mortality of small mammals, birds (including migratory birds), reptiles, and amphibians in Florida. Because free-ranging cats often receive food from humans, they may reach abnormally high numbers. An increase in the population of feral cats may lead to increased predation rates on native wildlife. While no cats have yet been observed on the Milano Preserve, there exists a high probability of their future presence on the preserve due to the proximity of Milano to human residential areas. Adjoining residents of the preserve should be encouraged to keep their cats indoors and staff should monitor the preserve for the presence of feral cats. 3.0 Previous and Current Use of the Preserve; Adjacent Land Uses 3.1 Previous Use of the Preserve and Adjoining Lands Aerial photographs taken in 1973 (Figure 9) and 1996 (Figure] 0) accompanied by more recent visits to the site show that development has never occurred on the site. Digital images were downloaded from the Florida Department of Transportation's Aerial Photo Look Up System (2008) and georeferenced in ArcMap 9.2 by Conservation Collier Staff. Conservation Collier: Historical Aerial Image from 1973 ",tf~(,".... of the Milano Preserve and Adjoinin Lands [""~5o\",,'P,,,,",,-~C'''''''''''_~'''''_ F..,r. ,~n"'rlOl,~~o,~ ~.....,,-FD<:J1 ,.-"" f"-.__n"c.:.--",._{;_,~ >\II...., '~'{,""'""""""~""""'''''''''''-'''''''''''~ '",F_...""'..".."'PI,.r,'lI'lOC......_""","_"""'.""lPII '-""""",,fl~ .........<'""'.............. [NJlOO2M(>(l)OO'a!;J.2(l(l(I2 Legend ~ Milano Preserve r 1973 Roads . Cocohatchee Canal Figure 9: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1973 of the Milano Preserve and Adjoining Lands Conservation Collier Program 32 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManarzenflJn!ffYMnof 60 Conservation Collier: Historical Aerial Image from 1996 ,,,Iit,,.-.. of the Milano Preserve and Ad aining Lands u.,..........P..._.c_,"""'....p,"""",_...., ,..~_'__(_"'""b'~ '''...''m_'''XlT c_'""O'.._M~~($M"A ""'"" ',;:,...-__c.__o.\Acn,otO<l",_.IM."",,,_ f",'...,...._~_'~!l(i("""._..._""""""... '1d_,7.100a _F_"'....~.. OO,8G2MilO1OOI6GllODl);' , legend cl... Milano Preserve 'r 1996 Roath . I. Cocohatchee Canal Figure 10: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1996 of the Milano Preserve and Adjoining Lands 3.2 Current Land Uses Currently, there is no sanctioned public use of the Milano Preserve. 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 environmentally sensitive land for the benefit of present 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. The Olde Cypress Planned Unit Development (PUD) adjoins the Milano Preserve to the west, north and east. This PUD contains residential, commercial and conservation lands; specifically, a cypress slough under preservation is located to the northwest, north and northeast, the Fairway Preserve Condominiums are to the east and commercial lands and a drainage tract for the PUD are to the west of the Milano Preserve. Areas not contained within the PUD include a greenway trail, the cocohatchee Canal and ]mmokalee Road (from north to south) to the south of the preserve and Laurel Oaks Elementary School and Gulf Coast High School on the south side of ]mmokalee Road (Figure II). The proposed Terafina, Parklands and Mirasol PUDs are located to the north and east of the Olde Cypress PUD and the Milano Preserve. Existing and proposed preserves for these PUDs contiguous with the Milano preserve are illustrated in Appendix 4. COllservation ColUer Program 33 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!enflJn!ff'l&nof 60 Conservation Collier: Areas Adjacent to the Milano Preserve t"ft':~,c",,,,"ty Legend .. Milano Preserve .. Dunkin Donuts _ Olde Cypress Conservation Area Laurel Oak Elementary; Gulf Coast High I\;>;,+:::'J Fairway Preserve Condominiums Cocohatchee Canal _ Olde Cypress Tract D1 - Drainage --- Collier County Roads Cypress Self Storage, LLC Areas Adjacent to the Milano Preserve o , ~-' ~ 250 500 Feet , M.lann FolIO nurnber& 0018628ooo3.001863:orJ02 Figure 11: 3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection The Milano Preserve is not within an area of historical and archaeological probability, and no historical or archaeological sites appear to be present on the property. The County will notify the Division of Historical Resources immediately if evidence is found to suggest any archaeological or historic resources are discovered. ]f such resources are identified on-site, staff shall cordon off the area, and a professional survey and assessment shall be instituted. The archaeologist shall prepare a report outlining results of the assessments and issue recommendations to County staff about management of any sites discovered, per provisions of the Land Development Code Section 2.2.25. This report shall be sent to the Division of Historical Resources. The County shall cooperate fully with direction from the Division of Historical Resources on the protection and management of archaeological and historical resources. The management of these resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, specifically Sections 267.06 I 2 (a) and (b). Conservation Collier Program 34 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenflJn!ff1ilnaf 60 3.4 Major Accomplishments during Previous Years Since the acquisition of the Milano Preserve in July 2006, major accomplishments have been achieved (Table 9). Conservation Collier staff explored options of funding exotic removal through grants from the Department of Environmental Protection before contracting this service out. The invasive, exotic removal project was implemented throughout the site while staff concurrently established photo-monitoring points to better aid in the long-term management of the preserve. Subsequently, the Collier County Sheriffs work weekenders removed large amounts of debris. Given the discrepancy between the ]995 and 2001 FLUCCS digital layers (as they pertain to the Milano Preserve) and the removal of exotic vegetation since the acquisition of the property in July 2006, staff created a new digital layer showing the location and extent of the native plant communities currently found on the preserve. Table 9: Major Accomplishments since the Acquisition of the Milano Preserve Accomplishment Year(s) Established photo monitorinp noints 2008 Removed and treated the invasive, exotic plants soecies on the Preserve 2008 Sherriff Oept. weekenders removed larlle amounts of miscellaneous debris from site 2008 Created an accurate FLUCCS Man of the Preserve 2008 4.0 Future Use of the Milano Preserve including Management Issues, Goals and Objectives This section describes the main management issues, goals, and objectives for the Milano Preserve as well as the overall management framework. Central to the management of the Preserve is the mission of the Conservation Collier Program, and the goals and objectives set forth in this management plan. 4.1 Management Plan Framework Each property purchased by Conservation Collier shall have its own management plan. At the time the Milano Preserve was purchased, the Conservation 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 this site was officially approved in October 2006. The ordinance then requires a "Final" ten-year management plan be developed within two years; the first draft of this management plan was submitted to the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee in October 2008. Once approved, the property management plan must 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 CCLAAC and the Collier County Bee. Conservation Collier Program 35 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenflJn!fP"l&nof 60 4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information The site manager for Milano Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental Specialist who may be contacted through electronic mail: ConservationCollier@Colliergov.net. 4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment oftheir Impacts Future planned use will be consistent with the primary goals of conservation, preservation, restoration and maintenance of the resource. Official public use of the site may 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 safe access is established. Details of planned uses for the Milano Preserve and an assessment of their potential impacts are provided in the following secti ons. 4.2.11dentijication of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration, Conservation and Maintenance of/he Resources The Conservation Collier Ordinance 2002-63 constrains the use of this property to "primary objectives of managing and preserving natural resource values and providing appropriate natural resource-based recreational & educational opportunities." Natural resource-based recreation shall mean all forms of uses, which are consistent with the goals of this program, and are compatible with the specific parcel. Such uses may include, but are not limited to hiking, nature photography, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hunting and fishing (Ord. No. 02-63, as amended~ 5, ]2-3-02). Additionally, no dumping, use of unauthorized vehicles, or removal or destruction of natural or historical/archaeological resources will be permitted within the preserve. The goal is to allow limited, non-destructive public access to native plant communities and animal species. Currently, the preserve rules are those identified in Collier County Ordinance 76-48 (available from www.municode.com). as amended. The following are consistent uses for this particular site: hiking, nature photography and bird watching. Inconsistent uses include swimming, kayaking / canoeing, fishing, hunting and off road vehicle use (OR V). ]n addition, there are no existing easements, concessions, or leases at the Milano Preserve. ]n accordance with the management goals of the preserve, 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 of the proposed future conditions for the site's natural areas. Management techniques to achieve these conditions are outlined in section 4.4. After managers complete recommended management actions, Milano Preserve will consist of cypress-pine-cabbage palm, cypress and pine flatwoods; these communities will have a similar structure and composition to those that existed before non-indigenous people settled the region and before the exclusion of fire. With the exception of a boardwalk, the site will be vegetated with appropriate native flora that will provide suitable cover for a variety of wildlife species. Conservation Collier Program 36 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenflJn!f/'"Mhof 60 4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2008-2018 A set of goals and objectives for Milano Preserve were developed in conjunction with the drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically for Milano Preserve based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired, the condition of the resources present, and the management issues for the property. On-site managers should be familiar with this entire Management Plan. Goals and objectives from the interim management plan for the Milano Preserve were reviewed to determine 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 specific application of management 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. Management 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 identified in this plan is dependent upon the availability of funding sources. The following goals have been identified for Milano Preserve: Goal 1: 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 to restore and maintain natural habitats Goal 4: Determine jfprescribed fire and/or mechanical treatments are feasible to decrease woody invasion resulting from past fire exclusion if so proceed Goal 5: Restore native vegetation Goal 6: Develop a plan for public use Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness GOAL 1: ELiMINATE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE HUMAN IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS FLORA AND FA UNA Action Item 1.1 Install a fence and access gate around the perimeter of the Milano Preserve if needed. Presently, staff does not recommend a fence around the property but if trespassing, chronic dumping or other security issues arise, a field fence, four feet in height, will be installed along the boundaries of the property where these issues occur. ]f this fence is installed, one or more gate(s), 12 feet in width and four feet in height will be installed (if needed) along the fence- line to allow access to the Milano Preserve by authorized County staff and the fire department. Conservation Collier Program 37 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManmzenflJn!<i'MInof 60 Action Item 1.2 Install signs encouraging people to stay on any future public access trails situated on the preserve. Action Item 1.3 Identify locations of rare and listed native plant species. The location of these species will be identified using a global positioning system (GPS) device and mapped to allow staff to monitor them. Public trails will be constructed to avoid areas where rare and listed species exist. Action Item 1.4 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash in or near the preserve. Staff will monitor the trails on a regular basis and if excessive dumping or littering start to occur, enforcement actions will be sought through the County Sheriffs Department. Action Item 1.5 Identify actual and potential locations of resident animal life and take steps such as locating visitor amenities away from animal nesting sites. Action Item 1.6 Avoid non-target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare species, during invasive, exotic plant treatments. ]f the use of herbicides is appropriate during the removal of invasive, exotic plant species, decisions on the types of herbicides utilized will be made on the best information available at the time of exotic removal. Staff has prohibited the use of herbicides containing Imazapyr (e.g., Arsenal) due to reports that these herbicides have potentially caused a great deal of non- target damage throughout the state. Licensed County or State contractors have been (and will be) monitored closely to ensure the proper herbicide applications are being utilized while treating the site. In addition, close attention will be paid to identify listed epiphytes (Table 7) that may be attached to invasive trees being cut down or removed. Plants of these species will be relocated prior to removal. Special attention will be given to avoid damage to native species in the vicinity of exotic removal activities. Hand pulling of exotic seedlings will be done when possible. Action Item 1.7 Note and research all site development occurring adjacent to Milano Preserve to determine that the proper site development permits have been obtained and that the site development complies with the permits. Activities on adjacent lands may have an impact on the indigenous plant and animal life on the Milano Preserve. As such, all existing local, state, and federal regulations should be strictly followed and enforced during any site development adjacent to the preserve. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to establish erosion control measures and vegetation protection measures (i.e., protective fencing or barriers). If any site developer working in 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. Conservation Collier Program 38 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!enflJn!f!'Mnof 60 GOAL 2: DEVELOP A BASELINE MONITORING REPORT Action Item 2.1 Establish a long-term biological monitoring program and conduct additional wildlife surveys. Long-term 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 monitoring needs. Conservation Collier staff has conducted a floristic inventory of the Milano Preserve; these findings will comprise the baseline floristic data on which future actions will be based. The site should be inspected by Conservation Collier Staff at least twice a year and thoroughly inventoried at regular intervals (ca, 5-10 years) to detect new invasions (by natives or exotics) and extinctions. Areas undergoing extreme restoration should be assessed more frequently. While some wildlife data has been collected, additional baseline data should be collected, especially on invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The site manager may contract this work out or enlist the assistance of local educators to coordinate student research projects. Wildlife sampling, like plant sampling, on non-listed species only, should take place at regular intervals (ca. 5-10 years) to detect long-term trcnds. Currently, six (6) photo points have been established throughout the preserve (Figure 11). Locations of photo points have been recorded 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 (north, 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 be established to aid in Conservation Collier: Photo Monitoring Point Locations management decision activities. Future photo points will include photos taken with a vegetation profile board to aid in the determination of what (if any) changes occur over time. Q OOO'S cosu'" , ,-,~". "~,-,~"'~-<.'- .~.... ~._. "",,- '-H, '~___.__'.__.~..'_ -_.~. .,-,"-_._..~-, '-"'-'~'^.~~""''''-''''''-''''' .....,..,_N...,-. "'~'''J1'''''''''''''' legend CMllanoPres.""8 Collier Count)' Roads CocohatcheeCanal ... PhotoPoints ".tI"",~, Figure II: Photo Point Locations within the Milano Preserve Conservation Collier Program 39 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!enflJn!fPo/anof 60 GOAL 3: REMOVE OR CONTROL POPULATIONS OF INVASIVE, EXOTIC OR PROBLEMA TIC FLORA AND FA UNA TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN NA TURAL HABITATS Action Item 3.1 Acquire services of licensed and qualified contractor(s) for the removal of invasive, exotic or problematic plant species. The following (Table 10) describes recommended controls (Langeland & Stocker 200]) of the Category I, invasive, exotic plant species recorded to date on the Milano Preserve. These recommended control methods may be altered by site managers dependent on new information and products available on the control of these species. Table 10: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Milano Preserve FLEPPC Catel!orv I snecies << Scientific Name Common Recommended Control(s)' Name(s) Acacia auriculiformis earleaf acacia Hand pull seedlings or hasal bark application of 10% Garlon 4 Of cut- stumn treatment with 50% Garlon 3A. Basal bark treatment with 10% Garlan 4 is very effective, as is a cut- stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlan 4. \\Then basal Casuarina sp. Australian pine bark treatment is used on trees greater than I foot in diameter it may be necessary to slough off loose bark in the application area to prevent the bark from trapping the herbicide. Broadcut or 4-6 Ib Velpar UL W may he used when annronriate. Hand pull seedlings or hasal bark application of 100% Pathfinder II, or 10%-20% Garlon 4 diluted with oil; or cut stump application of Cupaniopsis anacardioides carrotwood 10% Garlon 3A, 1 00% Brush~B~Gon, 100% Roundup Pro, 100% Rodeo, or equivalent glyphosate containing product, or 100% Pathfinder II. For seedlings and saplings: (I) hand pull, being sure not to break plant off of root system and remove or place in piles to help reduce the chance that they will re~root or; (2) Treat with foliar, low volume spot melaleuea, punk application of 5% Rodeo. For mature trees: (1) Fell large trees with Melaleuca quinquenervia chain saw leaving a lcvel surface. or fell small trees with machete and tree, paper bark treat with triclopyr or glyphosate products according to frill and girdle directions on SLN. Use aquatic versions where standing water is present. Monitor for resprouting and retreat as necessary. (3) Mature trees are very difficult to control with foliar annlications. Hand pull seedlings or cut-stump treatment with 50% Garlon 3A. 10% Garlon 4 or a basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4. Foliar application of Garlon 4, Garlon 3A, Roundup Pro, Roundup Super Schinus terehinthifolius Brazilian pepper Concentrate, or Rodeo, according label directions may be used where appropriate. Glyphosate products are less effective when used alone in spring and early summer. Use Rodeo \vhere plants are growing in aquatic sites. .. FLEPPC 2007: Category I plants are those that alter native plant communities by displacing native species, change community structures or ecological functions, or hybridize with natives. b Langeland & Stocker 2001 Conservation Collier Program 40 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Presel1Je Land Mana"enflJn!fPo/anof 60 ACTION ITEM 3.2 Acquire services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) for the removal of invasive, exotic or problematic animal species. To date, two (2) introduced animal species have been documented on the Milano Preserve, the RIF A and the brown anole. lt is doubtful that the total eradication of these species can be achieved. However, staff and/or contractors should take measures to remove RIF A populations close to or on public access trails. If feral cat colonies are found near the preserve, the elements that sustain the undesirable population(s) should be identified and efforts made to ask property owners to eliminate them (i.e., refuse bins, dumpsters, and supplementary feeding by humans). ]f any feral cats remain, they will be trapped and taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services. ACTION ITEM 3.2 Coordinate the control of invasive plant and animal populations with the Olde Cypress PUD preserve management entity. GOAL 4: UTILIZE PRESCRIBED FIRE AND/OR MECHANICAL TREATMENTS TO DECREASE WOODY INVASION RESULTING FROM PAST FIRE EXCLUSION. Action Item 4.1 Develop a prescribed fire or mechanical treatment plan to mimic natural fires within the Preserve. Much of Collier County is comprised of plants that are dependent on fire to maintain species composition and diversity. These species are the same ones that are prone to lightning strike wildfires, and the controlled reduction of those fuels will prevent catastrophic wildfire damage. Prescribed fires: reduce fuel loads and consequently decrease the threat of wildfires; create open areas for wildlife to travel within; stimulate food and seed production; recycle nutrients; alter the composition and density of forested areas; and aid in the control of invasive plant species. The structure and composition of the mesic pine jlalwood community is dependent on periodic fires. Fire probably occurred every I to 8 years during pre-Columbian times. A majority of the flora and fauna found within this community are adapted to periodic fires; several species depend on fire for their continued existence. Without relatively frequent fires, mesic pine flatwoods succeed into hardwood-dominated forests whose closed canopy can essentially eliminate herbaceous groundcover and shrubs. Additionally, the dense layer of litter that accumulates on unburned sites can eliminate the reproduction of pine trees that require a mineral soil substrate for proper germination (FFWCC 2002). Fire is the ideal ecological tool for achieving a sustainable mesic pine flatwood community. However, due to the proximity of the Milano Preserve to Immokalee Road, residential and commercial areas and the size of the parcel, alternate manual or mechanical treatments will be investigated in lieu of managing the lands through the use of fire. Conservation Collier Program 41 Agenda Item No. 15E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!enflJn!cJ>Mnof 50 Action Item 4.2 If fire is deemed appropriate, delineate fire management and rescue access routes, and provide this information to the police department and emergency services. If fire is deemed an appropriate management tool on the Milano Preserve, the fire plan and access routes to and within the preserve will be provided to the police department and emergency services. GOAL 5: RESTORE NATIVE VEGETATION Action Item 5.1 Maintain a revised GIS map and description of FNAI natural communities and disturbed areas on the property. Maintaining updated maps will help to guide restoration efforts Action Item 5.2 Plant native plant species in their appropriate habitats Periods following exotic removal and prescribed fire (or mechanical treatment) are essential to the recruitment of native plants. If native plant recruitment is not sufficient from the surrounding, intact seed source, efforts will be made to plant indigenous flora in appropriate habitats. Natural area restoration of Milano Preserve should include only site-specific native plant material that has been detennined to be non-problematic at the site and whenever possible, site-specific seed sources should be utilized. ]n addition, hardwoods that may invade the natural areas (mesic pine flatwood area) should not be planted. GOAL 6: DEVELOP A PLAN FOR PUBLIC USE Action Item 6.1 Develop access and required facilities for intended public uses A parking lot will not be constructed on site due to the amount of wetlands present and the lack of vehicular access. The green way trail just south of the property (north of the Cocohatchee Canal and Immokalee Road) will serve as the path along which the public may gain access to the southem portion of the preserve on foot or by bicycle. Conservation Collier staff has developed a conceptual site plan (Figure 12) incorporating a raised boardwalk and a seasonal trail. The planned trail system will be approximately I 170 linear feet (LF) long and the materials used will be based on funding sources available. The following paragraphs describe the components of the trail system and the ideal lengths (option one) of each section. Option One . The raised boardwalk measuring approximately 650 feet in length shall adhere to guidelines and standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As permitting for the boardwalk goes forward, a review of ADA compliance should be done by the County. The elevation of the boardwalk would allow for fluctuation of water levels and the movement of small animals. The entrance of the boardwalk would be located approximately 370 feet east of Preserve Lane. As depicted in the conceptual site plan, the entrance of the boardwalk would house an interpretive sign. This sign would provide general infonnation about Conservation Collier and the characteristics of the Milano preserve. The southem portion of the walkway would be installed along the transition zone between the cypress-pine-cabbage palm Conservation Collier Program 42 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManazenflJn!<PMnof 60 and pine tlatwoods communities; this placement along the ecotone will theoretically allow visitors the best opportunity to view the plants and animals of both communities. An interpretive sign would be placed along this portion of the boardwalk to give specific information about the plant communities and associated animals that may be seen form this portion of the boardwalk. The walkway would then continue northward through the cypress-pine-cabbage palm community and end at a platform. The route of the boardwalk was approximated from a 2008 aerial image to take advantage of areas where impacts to the community would be minimized. An engineering firm would be contracted to plan the design of the boardwalk and would be requested to do so in the least impactful way possible. The consulting, planning and permitting would be very expensive as well as the costs to build a boardwalk. This process will also be very time consuming. It is estimated that at least a year will be needed to complete the planning and permitting process. Grants will be applied for in the lag time to assist in the costs associated with this option. . The optional seasonal walking trail measuring approximately 520 feet in length would be installed dependent on the costs associated with the project and the status of the budget after the construction of the boardwalk. This trail (closed to public access during times of high water) would begin at the platform and allow visitors to access the cypress area of the preserve. The route of the trail was approximated from a 2008 aerial image to take advantage of areas where impacts to the plant community would be minimized. The northern portion of this walking trail would take advantage of an existing trail running northwest to southeast on the property. As depicted in the conceptual site plan, a directional sign and trail markers will be strategically placed to help visitors stay on this trail. Additionally, an interpretive sign will be placed near the end of this trail. . Platform and associated components: As depicted in the conceptual site plan, the platform would be located at the terminus of the boardwalk. The platform would be ADA compliant and include a bench and interpretive sign. It would be accessible from the south via the proposed boardwalk and would allow visitors access to the seasonal walking trail via a gate and stairs. The gate would be locked during times of high water. Option Two . ]f a boardwalk proves to be cost prohibitive (no grant funding available), a seasonal walking trail only may be provided. The path of this trail would mimic the entire trail system illustrated in Figure 12. Educational signage would be installed and would be removed and replaced before and after each rainy season. As the name suggests, this trail would only be open to the public during the dry season. This trail would be closed by staff during the wet season. Conservation Collier Prot,Trarn 43 "'0>0 wo<o -o~ ""0 ",<0 L~" -Q) E'''' '" Q) 0. <1l ==4:D.. <1l '0 C Q) '" 4: ] 0.., u; 7n o Q)~ i:~ Q) 'v; III ~ Q),g ..~ a.,;; O:g =1- C\'I ill -'" .- :E Q) .c ... .. o ... t/l 'C co III 0 <:> Ill:: <:> N -" t/l c: CIl ::I :;:: 0 ';: U ::I ... E .!!! E "0 0 u u - , c: I .!!! i , c.. III c: CIl III t= u CIl CIl t/l CIl CIl .c .. u c.. -; o .c c: 0 jM ';: ~ '" :; ~ " e '-l " ?- '" ~ 0:: = C\'I - a. Q) ... .- m - C\'I = ... a. 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H: Hi 8 '~n ~~ ~H1;("", 1!~'" E ~ Id:1Eo s:'~ 0 ~ ~ p'5...., =~ fl.l... 8 H~ ~~ ~~lii~ ".'1 0 ~5 0 = '" 6: .. '" - '" '" ~ -; = - Q, '" (j = 0 U E '" '" , ~ '" '" 0:; '" .. ... Il. ~ 0 = - ..!! c3 ~ .8 - N '" ;. ..... ... '" " .. '" = s:: ell 0 [i: U 44 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Mana"enflJn!<i'lanaf 60 GOAL 7: FACILITATE USES OF THE SITE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES Actions Item 7.1 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 and general ecosystem information. A large sign with a map of the preserve will be installed at the boardwalk or trail entrance and smaller, more site specific interpretive signs, will be placed along the boardwalk or seasonal trail. Action Item 7.2 Provide preserve brochures in rainproof box on site. A brochure outlining the native plant communities and wildlife present at the preserve will be created by County staff and kept in rainproof boxes near the preserve entrance. The preserve manager will inspect these boxes monthly and refill as necessary. GOAL 8: PROVIDE A PLAN FOR SECURITY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Action Item 8.1 Discourage any visitation to the park at night. A sign designating park hours as 8:00 am to dusk will be installed at the entrance to the preserve 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 8.2 Enforce regulations prohibiting trash and landscape debris dumping in or near the preserve. Currently, there is no vehicular access and dumping is not a problem. Monthly inspections will determine if dumping becomes a problem. Staff will work with the Collier County Sheriff's Office to address dumping if it becomes a problem. Action Item 8.3 Survey trees along the trail and the perimeter of the property annually for damage Staff will utilize the services of a certified arborist to determine diseased, weak, or damaged trees/limbs surrounding the trails and kiosks that should be removed for safety reasons and prior to hurricane season. This activity is intended to reduce the risk of visitor injury. Action Item 8.4 Visit preserve within 48 hours after a storm event to assess damage. Staff will take photos of damage and fill out appropriate Collier County Risk Management Department forms. If damage is extensive, the preserve will be closed until public safety hazards are cleared. Conservation Collier Program 45 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manaf!enflJn!if'M'nof 60 Action Item 8.5 Promptly clear storm debris from preserve. ]f necessary, a Collier County emergency debris removal contractor will be contracted as soon as possible after the storm 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 discretion of the Preserve Manager. As much hurricane debris as possible will be chipped and retained on-site ~ to be used as mulch for the trail. 4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Milano Preserve This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Milano 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. Particularly important are the security measures to keep intruders out and the signage and fencing (if installed) in good conditions. 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 estimates for Milano Preserve include cost breakdowns associated with resource restoration and management. The funding source identified for the restoration and management activities is the Conservation Collier Program Management Trust Fund. Grants will be sought to supplement existing management funds and specifically for the costs associated with the potential construction of the boardwalk. Staff will also utilize the Collier County Sheriffs Department weekenders program for certain labor projects and may also separately involve the County Scout programs for trail creation and enhancement. The budget in table I 1 represents the actual and unmet budgetary needs for managing the lands and resources of the preserve for the next ten years. The table shows the activities planned and the initial and annual cost estimate of each activity. This budget was developed using data from Conservation Collier and other cooperating entities, and is based on actual costs for land management activities, equipment purchase and maintenance, and for development of fixed capital facilities. The budget considers available funding and is consistent with the direction necessary to achieve the goals and objectives for Milano Preserve. 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Cd 0:; tl E o ... uoS c; b.O " c: g .~ "..8 ~~ o o o '" "" , '" " <2 " '" ~ 0:; " ""' o c: .S: U " " " ... c: '" U:2 " - iil'13 "€-e "'0 blJ'C! a'3~ -g ~ u" .:: <' o Q,iN "r-- ="" ;! x Ol 0 - ... = 0., .; g. ~ 1$ ~ a .. c: " " ~ .5 1.:1 E ,..., ,..., ;,; '0 " <= - " '" .E ;; " " ;., ~V) '0 ;., " ... P:: ~ = " ,..., ... " 0., o o "" i..,. '" " ;., "E :.a - " " ;. " ;; " ;., ... '" " ... o.,~ 0;" o ... C') " ""..c ~ "0 ,,- ;~ .c ... "<8 <= ... .. '" =:I " M ;., ,..., E: " ~ ~ '- ~ 8 .8 ~ " 03 c; U Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2'" DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manarzement Plan Page 51 of 60 4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors A significant number of Milano Preserve management operations and restoration activities can be considered for outsourcing. Restoration and management activities that can be considered for outsourcing to private entities are listed in table 12. Table 12: Potential Contractin!! for Restoration and Mana!!ement Activities Activitv Approved Conditional Reiected Prescribed fire and! or mechanical treatment aoolication X Minor fireline installation X Firelinc. fence. and trail maintenance X Fence installation X Plant and wildlife inventof\' and monitoring X Listed snecies mappin12 and needs assessment X Restore/enhance encroachment and ruderal areas X Reduce exotic snecies X Literature develonmcnt and nrintim! X Internretive signs development and installation X Trail and boardwalk installation X La\',' enforcement and oatrol X Conservation Collier Program 49 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manarzement Plan Page 52 of 60 5.0 Literature Cited Abrahamson, W. G., and D. C Hartnett. 1990. Pine flatwoods and dry prairies. Pages 103-149 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida. Brandt, L. A. and F. J. Mazziotti. 2005. Marine toads (Bufo marinus). University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document WECII. 4pp. University of Florida, UF/IF AS Extension Digital Information Source (EDlS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW04600.pdf( accessed November 2007). 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 November 2007). Campbell, T. S. 1996. Northern range expansion of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, in Florida and Georgia. Herp. Review 27:155-157. Campbell, T. S. 2000. Analyses of the effects of an exotic lizard (Anolis sagrei) on a native lizard (Anolis carolinensis) in Florida, using islands as experimental units. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Churchill, M. 2003. Giant marine toad (Bufo marinus) - Introduced Species Summary Project. Columbia University, New York, NY. Available from http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff- burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Bufo_marinus.html (accessed December 2007). Coates, S. F., M. B. Main, J. J. Mullahey, J. M. Schaefer, G. W. Tanner, M. E. Sunquist, and M. D. Fanning. 1998. The coyote (Canis latrans): Florida's newest predator. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document WECI24. 5pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDlS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UWI2700.pdf (accessed November 2007). Collins, L. and R. H. Scheffrahn. 2005. Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae). 9pp. Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document EENY -195. Institute of Food and Agricuttural Sciences, University of Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN352 Fairbank, P. and S. Hohner. 1995. Mapping recharge (infiltration and leakage) throughout the South Florida Water Management District. Technical publication 95-20 (DRE # 327). SFWMD, West Palm Beach, Florida. Florida Department of Transportation. 2008. Aerial Photo Look Up System Available from http://www.dot.state.fl.us/surveyingandmapping/apac.shtm (accessed October 2008). 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 . fl oridaconservation.org/vi ewi ng/arti cl es/cat. pdf (accessed October 2007) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2002. A conceptual management plan for Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area: 2002 - 2007. Tallahassee, FL. 2]8 pp. Available from http://myfwc.com/wma- planning/CMP/Caravelle%20Ranch%20WMAlCaravelle%20Ranch%20CMP%202002-2007 .pdf (accessed December 2007) Conservation Collier Program 50 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 20' DRAFT Milano Preserve Land ManaiZement Pian Page 53 of 60 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2003, January 6. Florida's breeding bird atlas: A collaborative study of Florida's birdlife. http://www.myfwc.com/bba/ (accessed July 2008). Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). 2008. Acres of conservation lands by county. Florida State University, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee. FL. Available from http://www.fnai.orglpdf/MA_acres_counties.pdf (accessed August 2008). Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) ] 990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Department of Natural Resources. Gilbert, T. 2005. South Florida Vegetation Classification Scheme Crosswalks. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Office of Environmental Services. A vailable from http://crocdoc.ifas. ufl.edulcrosswalklindex. php?cw=ffwcclandcover (accessed June 2008). Humphrey, S.R. and P.G.R. Jodice. 1992. Big Cypress fox squirrel. Pp. 224-233. In S.R. Humphrey (ed.), Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida. Mammals. University Presses of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Johnson, S. 2007. The Cuban treefrog (Ostcopiius septentriona/is) in Florida Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC2] 8. 8pp. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (lFAS), University of Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW259 (accessed December 2007) Karim, A. 2007. Status and use of tropical hardwood hammocks and forested residential areas as habitat for resident and Neotropical migratory birds in the Florida Keys. Master of Science Thesis. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 61 pp. Langeland, K. A., and R. K. Stocker. 200]. Control of non-native plants in natural areas of Florida. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Document SP 242. 34pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (ED IS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/WG/WG20900.pdf (accessed December 2007). Larson, B. c., J. H. Frank, G. M. Allen, M. B. Main. 2006. Florida's native bromeliads. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular ]466. 10pp. University of Florida, UFIIFAS Extension Digital Infonnation Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW205 (accessed November 2007). Lee, J. C. 1985. Ano/is sagrei in Florida: Phenetics of a colonizing species l. Meristic characters. Copeia 1985:]82-194. Lodge, T. E. 2005. The Everglades handbook - Understanding the Ecosystem. 2nd edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Liudahl, K., DJ. Belz, L. Carey, R. W. Drew, S. Fisher, and R. Pate. 1990. Soil survey of Collier County area Florida. USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Washington, D.C. Masterson, J. 2007. Felis catus. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Fort Pierce, Florida. Available from http://www.sms.si.edulIRLspec/Felis_catus.htm (accessed November 2007). Mazziotti, F. J. 2002. Wood Storks (Mycteria americana). Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service document SSWIS]2. 2pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edulUW065 (accessed November 2007). Miller J. A. 1986. Hydrogeologic Framework of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. United States Geological Survey Professional Paper 1403- B. United States Govemment Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Nelson, G. 2000. The ferns of Florida: a reference and field guide. Pineapple Press, Sarasota, FL. COllservaf;on Collier Program 51 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2" DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manazement Plan Page 54 of 60 Oaks, R. Q. and J. R. Dunbar. 1974. Post Miocene Stratigraphy of the Central and Southem Atlantic Coastal Plain. Utah State University Press, Logan, Utah. 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 1. 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] YG, UK. Sullivan, J. 1994. Cypress savanna. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Available from: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ (accessed July 2008) United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Flowing water swamps. South Florida multi- species recovery plan - a species plan.. .an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region, Compact Disk. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Hydric pine flatwoods. South Florida multi- species recovery plan - a species plan.. .an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region, Compact Disk. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Mesic pine flatwoods. South Florida multi- species recovery plan - a species plan.. .an ecosystem approach. USFWS Southeast Region, Compact Disk. Willcox, E. and W. M. Giuliano. 2006. Red Imported Fire Ants and Their Impacts on Wildlife. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEe 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.l/www.plantatlas.usf.edu/. Conservation Collier Program 52 >. . 0 ~ .g -< ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .g '8 i3 '0 " ~ ~ ~ 0 !i i 0 " ~ ~ 0 . 1 . " ~ ~ . . :a ~ ~ ~ .. ~ ~ . G: 0 ~ .. 0 ~ ~ ~ 0 G: G: 0 " " ~ ~ ~ >. . " ~ " 0 e: 0 ~ ~ " " u ~ G: '" :( e: " . ~ ~ .. 0. '^ " 5 0 . b ;:: ~ '" z G: . '8 ~ ~ '" " 0: '" ~ ~ . '" . ~ ~ u ; ~ '" u G: 1: 0: " " '" ~ " ~ 0 0 " ~ E 0' .g . " '" 0 0 ~ U ~ 0 u 0 " '" ] ~ c .g 8 '" . . u '" . ~ ~ :a G: " " ~ ~ ~ '" " . 0 . ;0 < ~ ~ " 0 c 0 . ~ u . u '" ~ 0: " 0 u ': " .~ ~ ~ 5 0 . U ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 0: ~ k ~ ;;0 ~ c ~ ~ u ~ 0 '" . ~ " " '" 0 c :2 ... 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" I:: i: '" . ~ ~ c . ~ ;; '" 0 ~ u ~ " " 0 " ~ '" ~ ~ ! ~ OJ '" .:= - u . [/) ~ ~ ~ c ] . " . =: u .~ ~ " Q. . ~ ~ 2 " -,;; s. " 0 ~ :; !i ~ Q. ii . . " , v '" E ~' " ~ " ~ ~ 0 .. ~ ~ u Of) ~ ~ P- u " 0: 0 " ~ . Q. ., " '" < ~ s. u C " ~ -,2 > ~ ;;.-, S. U OJ . U ;.. >. '" ~ - '" U '" , ~ ;; 0: u " ~ ~ > > ~, = ~ U ~ ~ u ~ OJ ~ > > " ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - c. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ <" (')"'0 WO<o COf?Jo ~ -l.() OV'" Z:= Q) E'~~ ~c::(o... '" '0 C OJ 0) <( ~ - ~ " " ~ '" i'i '-1 " '" " :;J 0:: '" ~ i I- "-< ~ o " N . " ~ " Z . ~ " 0: ~ " !5" ] u ~ c3 ~ 5 " OJ " ~ ~ .. ~ /: u ~ 5 ~ . ~ " " So Q ct "- ~ - Q v .2 (; '" ;; ~ G 0;", ,g ~,g ;:: ~ ~ 8 u " C == Cd ~ l5 0. o . u ~ ! j-~.. " u !:! .) ~ ~ U ~ ~ 53 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 20' DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manazernent Plan Page 56 of 60 Appendix 2. Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Milano Preserve. Milano Preserve: Preliminarv Plant List Flora recorded by: Christal Segura, Annisa Karim, Dr. George Wilder Scientific Name Common Name(s) Stateh FLEPPC' Acacia auriclll(formis a Earleaf acacia I A eer rubrum Red mapte Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common ragweed Amvhicarvum muhlenberrdanum Blue maidencane Androvozon zlomeratus Bushv bluestem Annona zlabra Pond apple Aristida stricto var. beyrichiana Wiregrass Baccharis halimifolia Saltbush, Groundsel tree, Sea-mvrtle Bidens alba Beggarticks, Romerillo Blechnum serru/atum Swamp fem, Toothed midsoms fern Boehmeria cvlindrica False nettle, Bo" hemo Cassvtha (iliformis Lovevine, Devil's gut Casuarina sp. , Australian pine I Centella asiatica Spadeleaf Cevhalanthus occidentalis Common button bush Chrvsobalanus icaeD Coco plum Cladium ;amaicense Saw grass, Jamaica swamp sawgrass Coreopsis leavenworthii Leavenworth's tickseed C OJ'nus {oem ina Swamp dogwood, Stiff dogwood Cupaniopsis anacardioides , Carrotwood I Cypel'lIs haspan Haspan flatsedge Cvperus liRularis Swamp flatsedge DiosDvros virf!iniana Common oersimmon Emiliafosbergii' Florida tassleflower Encyclia tampensis Butterflvorchid Euvalorium cavillifolium Doo-fennel Eustachys petraea Common fingergrass, Pinewoods fingergrass Ficus aurea Strangler fig, Golden fig Fuirena scirvoidea Southern umbrella sedge Fraxinus caroliniana Carolina ash. Water ash, POD ash F uirena spp. Umbrella sedge Gamochaeta antWana Caribbean purple everlasting Heliolropium po!vphvllum Pineland heliou'ope !/ex cassine Dahoon hollv, Dahoon Linaria canadensis Canadian toad flax Melaleuca quinquenerviaG Punk tree, Melaleuca, Paper bark I Mikania scandens Climbino hemovine Mvrica cerifera Wax mvrtle, Southem bavberrv Nymphoides aqllatica Big floatingheart, Banana lilv Osmunda reflalis vaT. svectabilis Roval fern C Oyolis spp. Wood Sorrel Panicum hemitomon Maidencane Conservation Collier Program 54 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2'" DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manal!emenl Plan Page 57 of 60 Appendix 2 (continued). Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Milano Preserve. Milano Preserve: Preliminarv Plant List Flora recorded by: Christal Segura, Annisa Karim, Dr. George Wilder Pasvalum monostachvum Gulfdune Daspalum Parietaria floridana Florida Dellitorv Persea borbonia Red bav Phlebodium aureum Golden polypody Ph)'la nodiflora Turkev tangle fogfruit. CaDeweed Pinus el/iottU var. densa South Florida slash Dine Piriaueta cistoides Pitted stripeseed Pluchea haccharis Rosv camphorweed Psi/alum nudum Wisk fern Polvgala vio/acea Showy milkwort Rooanea mme/ata Mvrsine, Colicwood RhvnchosDora inundala Narrowfruit homed beaksedge; Inundated beak-rush Rubus n'ivialis Sothern dewberrv Sabai nalmello Cabbage palm Saelllarla lalifolia Broadleaf arrowhead, Common arrowhead, duck potato Sorcos/emma clausum \Vhtie m'inevine Serenoa renens Saw palmetto Shinus lerebinlhofolious a Brazillian pepper I Sideroxvlon celastrinum Saffron plum. Bumelia Smilax auriculala EarIeaf greenbrier Spennacoce verticil/at a a Shrubby false buttonweed Ta1:odium SOD. Cvpress Thalia eenieuiala Allioatorflag. Fireflag Theiyplerls SOD. Shield fern Tillandsia balbisiana Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf T Tillandsia fasdculata Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airolant E Tillandsia usneoides Soan ish-moss Tillandsia vaueifolia Potbellv airDlant Tillandsia reclIrl'ala Balhnoss Tillandsia scIacca southern needleleaf Toxicodendron radicans Eastern poison-ivy Urena /obara a Caesarweed II Vicia acutifolia F ourleaf vetch Viola lanceo/ata Boo white violet Vilis rotund;folia Muscadine, Muscadine grape a Non-native species that mayor may 1101 hm'e FLEPPC designations illr .','11\,,,,' 11:/1.-'11 ;fi09 " Slate listed species: T = Threatened,' E = Endangered; C = Commerciall)' E.tploited C Florida E'wtic Pest Plant COllncil (FLEPPC) 2007 designations I: Invasive, exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing structures or ecological functions, or h.vbridizing with natives. II: lnvasive, exotics that have increased in abundance or fi-equency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown hy CategOl}' T .'..pedes. Conservation Collier Program 55 Agenda Item No. 15E3 April 14, 2009 2"' DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manazement Plan Page 58 of 50 Appendix 3. Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Milano Preserve - Im'~mm ., I "r fTPRID-"t "'-. 1~A-'P1rA- rTTeA-5 INVi:NTORY Florida Natural Areas Inventory Biodiversity Matrix Query Results WlOffICIAl REPORT Created 9/25/2008 (Cont<lct FNAI Data Services Coordinator for an officilll Standard Data Report) NOTE; The Biodiversity Matrix indudes only rare sj>E!cies and natural communities tracked try FNAL Report for 1 Matrix Unit: 40546 Descriptions DOCUMENTED. There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this Matrix Unit. DOCUMENTED-HISTORIC ~ There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this Matrix Unit; however the occurrence has not been observed/reported within the last twenty years. LIKELY - The species or community is known to occur in this vicinity, and is considered likely within this Matrix Unit because: 1. documented occurrence overlaps this and adjacent Matrix Units, but the documentation isn't precise enough to indicate which of those Units the species or community is actually located in; or 2. there is a documented occurrence in the vicinity and there is suitable habitat for that species or community within this Matrix Unit. POTENTIAL - This Matrix Unit lies within the known or predicted range of the speCies or community based on expert knowledge and environmental variables such as climate, soils, topography, and landcover. Matrix Unit 10: 40546 o Documented Elements Found o Documented-Historic Elements Found 3 Likely Elements Found Scientific and Common Names Global State Federal State Rank Rank Status Listing G4 S4 N N G4 S2 LE LE GST1 Sl LE LE Mesic flatwoods Mycteria americana Wood Stork Puma conca/or coryi Florida Panther Matrix Unit 10: 40546 18 Potential Elements for Matrix Unit 40546 Scientific and Common Names Global Rank state Rank Federal Status State Listing Andropogon arctatus Pine-woods Bluestem Athene cunicularia floridana Florida Burrowing Owl G3 S3 N LT G4T3 S3 N LS Conservation Collier Program 56 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2'" DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manazement Plan Page 59 of 60 Appendix 3 (continued). Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Milano Preserve ~~i!~rt1~f~:tr&t~~, state'i"'; Federaf.i!ll#,lii' s~i<l:!!lt~:i'< Ra k~ ~,< JJi~"""Llstl ~<!i':'l:. ~'L.:,~}~_, -?LiII1;_U~i,~;10blt " _ ''''_., J"g,-J;::';!'~:;;.t; Corynorhinus rafinesquii Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat Drymarchon couper; Eastern Indigo Snake Elytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia Narrow-leaved Carolina Scalystem Eumops flor/danus Florida bonneted bat Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise Lechea cernua Nodding Pinweed Linum carter; var. smallii Small's flax Mustela frenata peninsulae Florida Long-tailed Weasel Nemastyfis floridana Celestial Lily Picaides borealis Red-cockaded Woodpecker Po{yrrhiza lindenii Ghost Orchid Pteroglossdspis ecristata Giant Orchid Rostrhamu$ sociabilis plumbeus Snail Kite Sceloporus woodi Florida Scrub Uzard Sciurus niger avicennia Mangrove Fox Squirrel UrsU$ americanus fforidanus Florida Black Bear G3G4 52 N N G3 53 LT LT G4T2 52 N N G1 51 N LE G3 53 N LT G3 53 N LT G2T2 52 N LE GST3 53 N N G2 52 N LE G3 52 LE L5 G2G4 52 N LE G2G3 52 N LT G4G5T3Q 52 LE LE G3 53 N N G5T2 52 N LT G5T2 52 N LT* Disclaimer The data maintained by the Florida Natura! 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. FNAI 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 Standard Data Request option for those needing certifiable data. Conservation Collier Program 57 Agenda Item No. 16E3 April 14, 2009 2nd DRAFT Milano Preserve Land Manarzement Plan Page 60 of 60 Appendix 4. Existing and Proposed Preserves on the Terafina, Parklands and Mirasol Planned Unit Developments. The Milano Preserve is outlined in red. hi!!! " 'l~" !: Ii -l.. '~J S .,h.., !l:ll~:;f ': ~ , . , . Iii, .lil'~_l:! : ; a .1 t i ~ , I" ; ~ ; ~ " i ~ I - ''ll . :- ,;:1::: 11'~ttH .J ~ O ~ UI IX: a- fA 0 ~i ~ z ( '" :e Q. o rt ~ U. ~ Uf~ '. ~t;" " I" .H ., ." H~ i .',;! ... " .. ...::z- '"1! -"1 ; iil t~ ~~ "'. >-~:' ~ ! . . -,' :':.- "'. m - -~ .f t '1 Conservation Collier Program 58