Agenda 12/08/2020 Item #16D 2 (Conservation Collier Red Root Preserve update)12/08/2020
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve the Red Root Preserve Final Management Plan 10-year update under
the Conservation Collier Program.
OBJECTIVE: To obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) for the Red Root
Preserve Final Management Plan 10-year update.
CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance, No. 2002-63, as amended, Section 14(3),
requires that a Final Management Plan be prepared and updated for each property every five (5) years,
with review and input by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC).
The Red Root Preserve is 9.26 acres and is located approximately fifteen (15) miles east of Interstate 75
on the north side of Immokalee Road. It has been in County ownership since August 25, 2006. The initial
Final Management Plan was developed and approved by the Board on July 28, 2009, Agenda Item #16E8.
The approved plan has been operational for the Red Root Preserve since that time. The first five -year
update to the Plan was approved by the Board on September 22, 2015, Agenda Item #16D2.
Each 10-year update requires a public meeting, which was held on September 17, 2020, to allow for
public input on the updated draft plan. No public comments were received. The CCLAAC reviewed and
approved the updated plan on October 12, 2020.
Changes in this plan include updated maps, updated property status information, additions to the plant or
animal lists, the status of exotic plant and animal infestations, and streamlining of text. Tracked changes
have been made so that Board members can quickly see the proposed changes. Any formatting
irregularities caused by tracked changes will be resolved in the final document.
FISCAL IMPACT: Annual costs are estimated to be between $1,200-$2,800 per year for the next five
(5) years. This is primarily for invasive exotic plant treatment, trail maintenance, and fire management.
Funds are available within the Conservation Collier Land Management Fund (174) to accomplish these
activities.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Management of Conservation Collier lands to support
appropriate public access is consistent with and supports Policy 1.1.5 and Objective 1.3 in the Recreation
and Open Space Element of the Collier County Growth Management Plan. There is no specific Growth
Management impact associated with this item.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Conservation Collier Ordinance (No. 2002-63, as amended), in
Section 14, provides a legal framework for the development of management plans and the use of
environmentally sensitive lands. This item is approved for form and legality and requires a majority vote
for Board action. -JAB
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the attached proposed Final Management Plan 10-year update for
the Red Root Preserve and direct staff to implement the updated plan.
Prepared By: Christal Segura, Senior Environmental Specialist, Parks and Recreation Division
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. (linked) Red Root Preserve FMP_10 year Update_combined with Plant Survey (PDF)
16.D.2
Packet Pg. 2882
12/08/2020
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.D.2
Doc ID: 14026
Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the Red Root Preserve Final Management Plan 10-
year update under the Conservation Collier Program.
Meeting Date: 12/08/2020
Prepared by:
Title: Operations Analyst – Parks & Recreation
Name: Matthew Catoe
10/23/2020 2:08 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation – Parks & Recreation
Name: Barry Williams
10/23/2020 2:08 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Public Services Department Melissa Hennig Additional Reviewer Completed 10/23/2020 2:43 PM
Parks & Recreation Barry Williams Additional Reviewer Completed 10/23/2020 4:39 PM
Parks & Recreation Ilonka Washburn Additional Reviewer Completed 10/24/2020 8:36 AM
Operations & Veteran Services Kimberley Grant Level 1 Reviewer Completed 10/26/2020 1:33 PM
Public Services Department Todd Henry Level 1 Division Reviewer Completed 11/04/2020 2:44 PM
County Attorney's Office Jennifer Belpedio Level 2 Attorney of Record Review Completed 11/06/2020 12:00 PM
Public Services Department Steve Carnell Level 2 Division Administrator Review Completed 11/18/2020 2:00 PM
Office of Management and Budget Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 11/18/2020 2:02 PM
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 11/18/2020 2:29 PM
Budget and Management Office Ed Finn Additional Reviewer Completed 11/25/2020 10:50 AM
County Manager's Office Sean Callahan Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 11/30/2020 10:34 AM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 12/08/2020 9:00 AM
16.D.2
Packet Pg. 2883
Redroot Preserve
Land Management Plan
Managed by: Conservation Collier Program
Collier County, Florida
November 2020July 2009 – November 2030July 2019 (10-yr plan)
10 yearRevised 5 year Update November 2020 June 2015
Prepared by:
Conservation Collier Program Staff
Collier County Parks and Recreation Division
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Conservation Collier Program 2
Red Root Preserve
Land Management Plan Executive Summary
Lead Agency: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Conservation Collier
Program
Property included in this Plan: “Red Root Preserve” 9.26-acres. The preserve consists of
two adjoining parcels of 4.63-acres each in Section 23, Township 47 South, and Range 27
East of Collier County, Florida.
Management Responsibilities:
Agency: Collier County - Conservation Collier Program
Designated Land Use: Conservation and natural resource based recreation
Unique Features: Plant communities include pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh with
shrub, brush & vines; two listed plant species recorded to date.
Management Goals:
Goal 1: Maintain high quality habitat with limited disturbance for the benefit of native flora
and fauna Eliminate or significantly reduce human impacts to indigenous flora
and fauna
Goal 2: Develop a baseline monitoring report
Goal 3: Remove or control populations of invasive, exotic or problematic flora and
fauna
Goal 4: Maintain a Prescribed Fire Program
Goal 5: Restore and maintain native habitats
Goal 6: Maintain preserve and monitor public use
Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes
Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
Public Involvement: A public meeting was held in the spring of 2009 and in September
2020 with residents and neighbors from surrounding lands to review Final Management Plan.
Staff will also coordinate management activities with the Corkscrew Island Neighborhood
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Association and Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. A public meeting will be held in
the Fall of 2020 if the current Covid-19 guidelines allow.
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 .............. 7
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan ..................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Location of the Red Root Preserve Preserve ........................................................................ 7
1.4 Regional Significance of the Red Root Preserve Preserve .................................................. 8
1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources ..................................................... 9
1.6 Public Involvement ............................................................................................................... 10
2.0 Natural Resources...................................................................................................... 11
2.1 Physiography ......................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology ..................................................................................... 11
2.1.2 Geology ............................................................................................................................ 11
2.1.3 Soils .................................................................................................................................. 12
2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management ........................................................................................ 13
2.2 Climate ................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3 Natural Plant Communities ................................................................................................. 14
2.3.1 Uplands: Pine Flatwoods .................................................................................................. 16
2.3.2 Wetlands: Freshwater Marsh with Shrub, Brush & Vines ............................................... 17
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species ......................................................................................... 17
2.4.1 Plant Species ..................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.2 Animal Species ................................................................................................................. 18
2.5 Listed Species ........................................................................................................................ 19
2.5.1 Listed Plant Species ...................................................................................................... 2019
2.5.2 Listed Animal Species .................................................................................................. 2221
2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species ..................................................................... 2221
2.6.1 Invasive and Problem Plant Species ............................................................................. 2221
2.6.2 Invasive and Problem Animal Species ......................................................................... 2322
3.0 Previous Conditions of the Preserve; Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent
Land Uses .............................................................................................................. 2726
3.1 Previous Conditions of the Preserve ............................................................................... 2726
3.2 Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent Land Uses .................................................. 2827
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3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection ....................................... 2928
3.4 Management Activities during Previous Years .............................................................. 3029
4.0 Future Use of the Red Root Preserve including Management Issues, Goals and
Objectives .............................................................................................................. 3029
4.1 Management Plan Framework ........................................................................................ 3029
4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information....................................................................... 3129
4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts ............................................................. 3130
4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration,
Conservation and Maintenance of the Resources ......................................................... 3130
4.3 Desired Future Conditions ............................................................................................... 3231
4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2009-2019 .......................................................................... 3231
4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Red Root Preserve ............................................ 4442
4.5.1 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 4442
4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources ............................................................. 4442
4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors
....................................................................................................................................... 4845
5.0 Literature Cited ..................................................................................................... 4946
List of Tables
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of the Red Root Preserve ................................................ 6
Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Red Root Preserve ......................................................... 10
Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities on the Red Root Preserve ....................................... 15
Table 4: Faunal Species Recorded on the Red Root Preserve ...................................................... 18
Table 5: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Red Root Preserve ............................................ 2019
Table 6: Invasive Plant Species within the Red Root Preserve Preserve ................................. 2322
Table 7: Management Activities since the Acquisition of the Red Root Preserve .................. 3029
Table 8: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan for the Red Root Preserve FLEPPC
Category I
species………………………………………………………………………3735
Table 9: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget ............................................................ 4543
Table 10: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities .......................... 4845
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List of Figures
Figure 1: General Location of the Red Root Preserve . .................................................................. 8
Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County, Florida Including Lands Owned by Conservation
Collier. ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of the Red Root Preserve ..................... 10
Figure 4: Aerial View of the Red Root Preserve Preserve Showing Delineation of Parcels........ 12
Figure 5: Soil Units on the Red Root Preserve ............................................................................. 13
Figure 6: Extent of Plant Communities Currently Found on the Red Root Preserve. .................. 15
Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1973 of the Red Root Preserve ......................... 2726
Figure 8: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1993 of the Red Root Preserve ........................ 2827
Figure 9: Areas Adjacent to the Red Root Preserve ................................................................ 2928
Figure 10: Southern boundary of the Red Root Preserve showing the location of the ditch and
Immokalee Road ................................................................................................................ 3432
Figure 11: Photo Point Locations within the Red Root Preserve Preserve.............................. 3635
Figure 12: Red Root Preserve CMaster Plan ........................................................................... 4341
List of Appendices
Appendix 1: Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Red Root Preserve
Appendix 2: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Managed Area Tracking Record and
Element Occurrence Summary; FNAI ranking system explanation
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1.0 Introduction
The Red Root Preserve is a 9.26-acre natural area comprised of two parcels (4.63-acres each;
Folio numbers: 00095520003 and 00095480004) within the boundary of Collier County, Florida.
Native plant communities within the preserve include pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh. The
preserve was originally referred to as the Brochu Property until the Board of County
Commissioners approved the new name of Limpkin Marsh Preserve in August 2009. Corkscrew
Swamp Sanctuary then reported to staff that several visitors had complained that they would visit
the preserve and would not see actual Limpkins so they requested we change the name. As of
September 2011, the final name for the preserve was changed to the Red Root Preserve.
A site assessment to determine compliance with Conservation Collier’s initial screening criteria
was conducted in September 2005 and the Conservation Collier Program purchased the property
on August 25, 2006. Collier County’s Public Utilities Engineering Department paid $20,000 of
the total price ($460,000) of the preserve to secure a 100-foot by 150-foot utility easement over
the northwest corner of the western parcel (Folio number 00095520003). Collier County holds a
fee simple title to the Red Root 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). Initial acquisition activities are summarized in Table 1.
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.
Final management plans are considered living documents and can be updated at any time. All
management plans must be approved by both the CCLAAC and the Collier County BCC. The
original Final Management Plan was approved in 2009. Theis is the five-year update to the plan
was completed in 2015. This is the 10-year update to the plan.
Table 1: Acquisition History and Status of Red Root Preserve
Year Benchmark
2005 Property nominated to the Conservation Collier Program
2005 Initial Criteria Screening Report accepted by the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory
Committee (CCLAAC)
2006 Purchase approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and parcels purchased.
2006 Interim Management Plan completed
2007 Interim Management Plan approved by BCC
2009 Final Management Plan completed
2009 Preserve named Limpkin Marsh Preserve by the BCC
2010 Conducted Prescribed Burn
2011 Preserve Renamed the Red Root Preserve
2015 5-year update to the Final Management Plan
2020 10-year update to the Final Management Plan
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Conservation Collier Program 7
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 for the benefit of present and future generations (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 BCC.
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 Red Root Preserve.
1.2 Purpose and Scope of Plan
The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction for the Red Root 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 Red Root Preserve
The Red Root Preserve is located approximately 15 miles east of Interstate 75 (I-75) on the north
side of Immokalee Road (Figure 1). The preserve is in northern Collier County, Florida in
Section 23, Township 47 South, and Range 27 East (Figure 1). The official address is 1330
Limpkin Road Naples, FL 34120.
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Figure 1: General Location of the Red Root Preserve.
1.4 Regional Significance of the Red Root 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 March 2019 April 2008, approximately
686% (over 881,070 71,000 acres) of all lands in Collier County were protected in conservation
areas (Figure 2) and managed by private, local, state and federal agencies (FNAI 20192008).
Collier County’s Conservation Collier Program manages the 9.26-acre Red Root Preserve; it
contains pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh with shrubs, brushes and vines. Specific
information on the plant communities found on the Red Root Preserve may be found in section
2.3 (Natural Plant Communities) of this document.
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Figure 2: Conserved Lands in Collier County, Florida Including Conservation Collier
Lands.
1.5 Nearby Public Lands and Designated Water Resources
Currently, the closest preserved, natural area to the Red Root Preserve is Audubon’s Corkscrew
Swamp Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is part of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed,
which is more than 42,000 acres in size and surrounds the Red Root Preserve just over one mile
to the north, west, and southwest. These areas are held in both public and private conservation
status, which include the headwaters for Collier County’s drinking water supplies. Other
preserves, in order of increasing distance, are provided in Table 2. Figure 3 shows the locations
of these nearby preserves.
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Table 2: Public Lands Located near the Red Root Preserve
Name Approximate
Distance (miles) Direction Type
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary 1.10 NW & W Private
Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed 1.30 NE State
Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed 1.50 SW State
Panther Walk Preserve 2.45 SE Conservation Collier
Red Maple Swamp Preserve (Boundary) 4.60 SW Conservation Collier
Winchester Head (Boundary) 4.90 SE Conservation Collier
Caracara Prairie Preserve 4.95 N/ NE Conservation Collier
Pepper Ranch Preserve 5.13 NW Conservation Collier
Alligator Flag Preserve 9.75 SW Conservation Collier
Figure 3: Preserves and Protected Lands in the Vicinity of Red Root Preserve
1.6 Public Involvement
A public meetings wereas held in 2009 and in September 2020 to review the first version of the
Final Management Plan. Notice was sent through direct mail to residents and other preserve
managers within 2,000 feet of the preserve boundaries. Future public notices will be posted on
the County website. Staff will seek to coordinate management actions, such as exotic removal,
trail creation and prescribed burning with owners of adjoining lands including the Corkscrew
Island Neighborhood Association, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary staff and possibly Boy and Girl
Scout Troops.
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2.0 Natural Resources
2.1 Physiography
The Red Root 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. The Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data layer provided by the U.S. Geological
Survey, National Wetlands Research Center is a remote sensing system used to collect
topographic data. This LIDAR layer has identified the Red Root Preserve to be at an elevation of
19 – 20 ft NAVD (North America Vertical Datum). The land then slopes westward toward the
Gulf of Mexico.
2.1.2 Geology
The geology of northern Collier County, where the Red Root 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 unconformably overlies the
Buckingham Limestone and/or the equivalent Cape Coral Clay. This unconformity 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 Red Root 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 Red Root Preserve including the delineation
of the two parcels that make up the preserve.
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Figure 4: Aerial View of the Red Root Preserve Showing Location of Easement
2.1.3 Soils
Mapped soils on this parcel were identified as Immokalee fine sand & Holopaw and Okeelanta
soils, depressional (Figure 5).
Immokalee fine sand underlies approximately 78% of the Red Root Preserve. This non-hydric
soil occupies the western portion of the preserve and a small portion in the northeast corner.
Immokalee fine sand is a nearly level and poorly drained soil found in pine flatwoods. 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 for 1 to 6 months.
Natural vegetation consists of South Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii), saw palmetto (Serenoa
repens), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) and chalky bluestem (Andropogon virginicus var. glaucus;
Liudahl et al. 1990).
Underlying approximately 22% of the Red Root Preserve, Holopaw and Okeelanta soils are level
and very poorly drained resulting in depressions and marshes. During extended dry periods, the
water table may recede to a depth of 12 to 40 inches, but under natural conditions, these soils are
ponded for six or more months a year. Flora typically associated with these soils include:
maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), rushes (Juncus spp.), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense),
pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), fireflag (Thalia geniculata) and a few cypress
trees.(Taxodium spp.; Liudahl et al. 1990).
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Figure 5: Soil Units on the Red Root Preserve
2.1.4 Hydrology/Water Management
Surface water flow from these properties generally flows south into the ditch along the north side
of Immokalee Road. It then usually flows west and around the Immokalee Road curve until it
joins sheet flow to the southwest into the Corkscrew Canal, then ultimately discharges into
Naples Bay.
These properties are on the edge of the Big Corkscrew Island, so preserving them provides for a
delay in runoff of storm water. It also provides marginal area storage for when large storm
events come, which we need in areas that are normally dry.
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 Floridan aquifer, which is contained within
the underlying Oligocene age Suwannee Limestone (Lodge 2005).
Groundwater levels have gone down during the recent decades due to drainage on a regional
scale and water management for development purposes. This trend may be very difficult to
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control and will gradually reduce the extent of the preserve that floods during the summer
months and reduce the period of time the preserve wetlands are flooded during the year.
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 Red Root Preserve is moderate at 43 to 56 inches annually.
The Lower Tamiami Aquifer recharge capacity on the preserve is relatively low at 7 to 14 inches
annually.
2.2 Climate
The Red Root 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 64º 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 64º Fahrenheit in some months.
The average annual temperature for the coastal portion of Collier County is approximately 75º
Fahrenheit. The warmest months are usually July and August. The humidity is high during
these months but frequent afternoon thunderstorms prevent excessively high temperatures.
Two-thirds of the 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
The term “plant community” refers to the suite of floristic species that form the natural (i.e.,
native) vegetation of any place. In addition to anthropogenic influences, the combination of
factors such as geology, topography, hydrology, underlying soils and climate determine the types
of plants found in an area. These plants, in turn determine the animal species that may be found
there.
The Florida Land Use, Land Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) created by the Southwest
Florida Water Management District in 1995 classifies plant communities and provides GIlayers
for users to overlay on property boundaries and aerial images to better determine the plant
communities found there. The FLUCCS designates two plant communities on the preserve: Pine
Flatwoods (FLUCCS CODE 411) and Mixed Wetland Hardwoods, Mixed Shrubs (FLUCCS
CODE 6172). Site visits by Conservation Collier staff revealed that the latter designation was
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inaccurate; a more accurate description would be Freshwater Marsh with Shrub, Brush & Vines
(FLUCCS CODE 6417). Staff created a new digital layer showing the location and extent of the
native plant communities currently found on the preserve (Figure 6).
Figure 6: Extent of Plant Communities Currently Found on the Red Root Preserve.
The vegetation classification scheme of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the
Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR) (1990) are presented in table 3. This table is
based on the plant communities observed on the Red Root Preserve. The following subsections
(2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3 and 2.3.4) provide information about the plant communities observed on the
preserve.
Table 3: Summary of Natural Communities on the Red Root Preserve
FNAI Natural Community Type Global Rank State Rank Comments
Mesic Flatwoods G4 S4 Also called Pine Flatwoods
Basin Marsh G4 S4 Also called Freshwater Marsh
G4: Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range); S4: Apparently secure in Florida (may be rare in parts of range).
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2.3.1 Uplands: Pine Flatwoods
A pine flatwood community (FLUCCS CODE 411) dominates approximately 78% of the Red
Root Preserve (Figure 6). 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 trees. Pine flatwoods may be found in mesic flatlands where the landscape is
made up of flat, moderately well drained sandy substrates with a mixture of organic material,
often with an underlying hardpan 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.
The structure and composition of the mesic pine flatwood community is dependent on periodic
fires. Fire probably occurred every 1 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).
Mesic pine flatwoods are also called
mesic flatwoods, pine savanna,
cabbage palm savanna, and pine
barrens. Immokalee fine sand
underlies this part of the preserve.
Common mesic pine flatwood species such as saw palmetto, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera),
cabbage palm and gallberry (Ilex glabra) are found in this portion of the 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 1999).
Pine Flatwood Community within the Red Root Preserve. Photo taken by Annisa Karim
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2.3.2 Wetlands: Freshwater Marsh with Shrub, Brush & Vines
A freshwater marsh with shrubs, brushes and vines (FLUCCS CODE 6417) comprises
approximately 22% of the Red Root Preserve and is located primarily in the eastern center
portion of the preserve (Figure 6).
Freshwater marshes are often scattered among upland, pine flatwoods communities and may
therefore be referred to as flatwoods marshes. Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), swamp lily
(Crinum americanum), giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium), and native wetland grasses
dominate the freshwater marshes; Holopaw and Okeelanta soils comprise the majority of
substrate of the freshwater marsh on the preserve.
Freshwater marshes are wetlands usually dominated by herbaceous flora. In Florida, these
marshes are influenced by their subtropical location, fluctuating water levels, frequency and
intensity of fire, organic matter accumulation and hard water (Kushlan 1990). These factors,
combined with the dominant species found within a marsh, dictate the category within which the
marsh is placed. Six major categories of freshwater marshes are recognized in Florida. The
marsh in the Red Root Preserve is
within the “wet prairie” category.
These marshes usually have a short
(flooded less than 6 months)
hydroperiod, a high (more than once
every ten years) frequency of fire and
low (few centimeters to non-existent)
accumulation of organic material
(Kushlan 1990).
CurrentlyWhen the preserve was
purchased, the marsh on the Red
Root Preserve containeds and wais
fringed by invasive, exotic trees –
primarily Melaleuca quinquenervia.
These invasive trees were removed
and treated. Control measures for
exotic plant species on the Red Root
Preserve are discussed in section 4 of
this document.
Many animal species may be found within or around the perimeter of marshes. Invertebrates
make up an important part of the food web and many avian species, especially wading birds, rely
on the invertebrates as a primary source of food. The freshwater marsh within the preserve
makes up a small portion of the total area but is valuable for the suite of species that may be
found there.
2.4 Native Plant and Animal Species
The 9.26-acre Red Root Preserve contains pine flatwoods (approximately 78%) and a freshwater
marsh (approximately 22%). This section discusses the flora and fauna found within these plant
communities. The next section (2.5) discusses all listed species in greater detail.
Fresh Water Marsh during the dry season on the Red Root Preserve. Note melaleuca
(Melaleuca quinquenervia) trees fringing the marsh area.
Photo taken by Annisa Karim.
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2.4.1 Plant Species
To date, 167 58 plant species have been recorded on the preserve (Appendix 1). Conservation
Collier staff conducted floristic inventories in September 2005 and February 2009. An updated
survey was ill be conducted in the summer of 2020 by a professional botanist. , the updated list .
will be added to this plan once complete. Of these 167 58 plant species, 148 50 (886%) are
native - of which, three wo are listed by the State of Florida (one is listed as endangered; two are
one is listed as threatened).
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 Red
Root 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 4 provides a comprehensive list of animals, both native and non-
native, recorded on the Red Root Preserve thus far.
Table 4: Faunal Species Recorded on the Red Root Preserve
Common Name Scientific Name
Zebra Longwing butterfly Heliconius charitonius
Viceroy butterfly Limenitis archippus
Ruddy Daggerwing Marpesia petreus
Crab-like Spiny Orbweaver spider Gasteracantha cancriformis
Red imported fire ant a Solenopsis invicta
Brown anole a Anolis sagrei
Southern toad Bufo terrestris
Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina
Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor
Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata
Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos
Feral Pig a Sus scrofa
aNon-native species list revised February 2009
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Table 4: Faunal Species Recorded on the Red Root
Preserve
Common Name Scientific Name
viceroy butterfly Limenitis archippus
ruddy daggerwing Marpesia petreus
crab-like spiny orbweaver spider Gasteracantha cancriformis
red imported fire ant a Solenopsis invicta
brown anole a Anolis sagrei
southern toad Bufo terrestris
feral pig a Sus scrofa
racoon Procyon lotor
blue jay Cyanocitta cristata
common ground-dove Columbina passerina
common quail Coturnix coturnix
downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens
great-crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus
mourning dove Zenaida macroura
northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos
red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus
red-headed woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus
red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus
tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor
Other wildlife species that have not yet been recorded undoubtedly occur at the Red Root
Preserve. During migration periods, transient bird species would be expected to utilize this area
for short periods of time. The undeveloped character of the adjacent areas and the presence of
conservation lands that are being maintained in their natural states may enhance use of the
preserve by many mammal, reptile, and amphibian species.
2.5 Listed Species
Official lists of rare and endangered species are produced at the federal level by the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service and at the State level by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services. FNAI produces a list of rare and endangered species, and maintains a
database of occurrences of these species in Florida. The Institute for Regional Conservation
(IRC) also ranks native plant species by conservation status in the 10-county area of South
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Florida. The following subsections (2.5.1 and 2.5.2) discuss the listed, rare and protected plant
and animal species found within and close to the Red Root 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:
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).
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.
There are two (2) plant species at the Red Root Preserve that are listed by the Florida
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), one (1) as endangered and twoone
(21) as threatened (Table 5). A brief description of these species and their status is included in
the following paragraphs.
Table 5: Listed Plant Species Detected at the Red Root Preserve
Common Name(s) Scientific Name State Status
Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant Tillandsia fasciculata E
Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf Tillandsia balbisiana T
Banded wild-pine, Twisted airplant Tillandsia flexuosa T
E: Endangered; T: Threatened
Both listed plant species found on the Red Root 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 to another plant, they are considered non-
parasitic. Even though the two listed bromeliad species found on the Red Root Preserve are
common in the state, they are listed due to illegal collecting and the destructi on of the habitats in
which they are found. Additionally, infestation by the introduced Mexican bromeliad weevil
(Metamasius 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 fasciculata), is also known as cardinal airplant and common
wild pine. T. fasciculata 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.
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Tillandsia balbisiana
Photo by Annisa Karim
Tillandsia flexuosa;
Photo by T. Ann Williams
Like most of the other bromeliads in Florida, this species is often
referred to as a “tank” bromeliad because the leaf axils 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).
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.
Twisted airplant (Tillandsia flexuosa) is a slow growing epiphyte
found in moist forests and swamps. T. flexuosa, also known as banded
wild pine is listed as a threatened plant by the State of Florida.
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 other ecological feature. An element
occurrence is a single, extant habitat that sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a
population or a distinct, self-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 FNAI, including
all federal listed species. The FNAI report for the matrix in which the Red Root Preserve is
located identifies (5) likely elements and (16) potential elements. Of the five likely elements,
View of T. fasciculata with water in the “tank”.
Photo by Annisa Karim
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one has been observed on the preserve, namely mesic pine flatwoods (described in section 2.3.1
of this document). None of the (16) potential elements reported by FNAI have been detected
within the preserve. Appendix 2 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
No listed wildlife species have been observed onsite or immediately adjacent to the preserve.
However, FNAI lists the following animal species as “likely” to occur (rare species likely to
occur in this matrix – 43523 - based on suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the
vicinity): Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis), the wood stork (Mycteria
Americana), the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) and the Mangrove fox squirrel (Sciurus
niger avicennia). Eight animal species were reported within FNAI’s Biodiversity Matrix 43523
as potential occurrences (site lies within the known or predicted range of species). These include
the Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), the gopher frog (Rana capito), the gopher
tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), and the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis;
Appendix 2). None of these species have been detected on site.
2.6 Invasive, Non-native and Problem Species
In an ecological context, an invasive species is one that is aggressive in growth and expansion of
range and tends to dominate others; its establishment and dominance can cause widespread 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.
2.6.1 Invasive 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, eighteen seven (187) non-indigenous plant species have been detected within
the Red Root Preserve (Table 6), accounting for 1214% of the plant species recorded there. Of
the seven exotic species, Aall are listed by FLEPPC (thirteen six Category I and five one
Category II). FLEPPC defines Category I plants as those that alter native plant communities by
displacing native species, change community structures or ecological functions, or hybridize
with natives. Category II plants have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet
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Solenopsis invicta, an invasive, non-
indigenous arthropod documented within the
Limpkin Marsh Preserve. Photo courtesy of
the USDA.
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 6: Category I Invasive Plant Species within the Red Root Preserve
Scientific Name Common Name(s)
Acacia auriculiformis earleaf acacia
Abrus precatorius rosary-pea
Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrose willow
Lygodium microphyllum small leaf climbing fern
Melaleuca quinquenervia punk tree, melaleuca, paper bark
Nephrolepis multiflora Asian sword fern
Panicum repens torpedo grass
Rhodomyrtus tormentosa downy rose myrtle
Schinus terebinthifoliaus Brazilian pepper
Solanum viarum tropical soda apple
Sporabolis jacquemontii smutgrass
Syzygium cumini Java plum; jambolan
Urena lobata Caesar’s weed
aFlorida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) 200 15 designations
I: Invasive, exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species,
changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives.
II: Invasive, exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency bu t have not yet altered
Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species.
Since the acquisition of the Red Root Preserve by the Conservation Collier program on August
25, 2006, the most problematic exotic, invasive plant species and continue to be melaleuca
(Melaleuca quinquenervia), Ceasar’s weed, and earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis). The
control/ removal of invasive, exotic species are discussed in detail in section 4 of this document.
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.
Three non-indigenous, invasive animal species have been documented on the preserve: red
imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), brown anole (Anolis sagrei) and feral pig (Sus scrofa).
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 Red Root Preserve to varying degrees. Brief descriptions of documented and undocumented
but potentially problematic species are provided in the following
paragraphs.
Red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta): documented within
the Red Root Preserve
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Anolis sagrei, an invasive, exotic
reptile documented in the Red Root
Preserve. Photo courtesy of the
USGS.
These social insects were introduced into the U.S. from Brazil into either Mobile, Alabama or
Pensacola, Florida between 1933 and 1945 (Collins & Scheffrahn 2005) and have been detected
in the Red Root Preserve. Red imported fire ants (RIFA) have been documented to cause harm
to humans and wildlife as well as economic harm (Stimac & Alves 1994; Collins & Scheffrahn
2005; 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 RIFAs. Within the Red Root Preserve, RIFAs 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 may come into contact
with RIFAs may be harmed if stung. Many people have anaphylactic reactions to the toxins
released from RIFA stings. If large mounds are found on the hiking trail efforts will be made to
treat them with an ant killer such as Amdro.
Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei): documented within the Red Root Preserve
Also known as the Cuban anole, the brown anole is native to Cuba,
the Bahamas, and neighboring islands (Schwartz & Henderson
1991). Like other anoles from the islands, this species is a small,
tropical, diurnal, arboreal, territorial, and insectivorous lizard
(Campbell 2001). The brown anole was first documented in the
Florida Keys in the late 1800s (Lee 1985) and has since spread
throughout Florida, into Georgia and into two other southeastern
states (Campbell 1996). 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.
carolinensiis; 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 undetermined.
Feral pig (Sus scrofa): documented within the Red Root Preserve
Hogs were first brought to Florida in the mid 1500’s to provision settlements of early explorers.
Their high rate of reproduction and their ability to adapt to Florida’s natural areas has led them to
populate every county in the state. Today, Florida is second only to Texas in its feral hog
population (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a; 2005b). While feral pigs are able to survive in a variety
of habitats, they prefer large forested areas interspersed with marshes, hammocks, ponds, and
drainages; cover in the form of dense brush; and limited human disturbance (Giuliano & Tanner
2005b). Dense cover is used as bedding areas and provides protection from predators and
hunters. Feral pigs are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders consuming grasses, forbs, and woody
plant stems, roots, tubers, leaves, seeds, fruits, fungi, and a variety of animals including worms,
insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, small birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and carrion.
Their propensity for digging for foods below the surface of the ground (rooting) destabilizes the
soil surface, resulting in erosion and exotic plant establishment. Additionally, this behavior
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Bufo marinus, an invasive, exotic
amphibian that has the potential to occur
at the Red Root Preserve. Photo
courtesy of the USGS.
uproots or weakens native vegetation (Giuliano & Tanner 2005a; 2005b). Due to the natural
communities that are found within the preserve, this species has the potential to thrive within the
boundaries. As these animals are highly visible outside of natural plant communities, adjoining
residents of the preserve may be useful in the early detection of this nuisance animal. A dead
feral pig was observed on the southeast portion of the preserve by Conservation Collier staff on
February 11, 2009.
Coyote (Canis latrans): undocumented within the Red Root 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 cinereoargenteus) or bobcats (Lynx rufus
floridanus); however, this species may prove beneficial in controlling potential problem species
such as feral cats.
Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis): undocumented within the Red Root Preserve
Like the Cuban anole, the Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the
Bahamas, and neighboring islands. 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 natural areas and prey on native
invertebrates and small vertebrates (including native tree frogs) they
are considered an invasive species. Additionally, the tadpoles of this
species inhibit the growth and development of the tadpoles of the
native southern toad (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. In residential
settings, they are most commonly found on and around homes and
buildings, and in gardens and landscape plants. Due to the natural communities that are found
within the Red Root Preserve and its proximity to residential areas, this species has the potential
of occurring in the preserve.
Giant Marine Toad or Cane Toad (Bufo marinus):
undocumented 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
Osteopilus septentrionalis, an
invasive, exotic amphibian that has
the potential to occur at the Red
Root Preserve. Photo courtesy of
the USGS.
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used as a control agent for insects that damage sugarcane and consequently, are one of the most
introduced amphibian species in the world. 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). 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). Due to the natural
communities that are found within the Red Root 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.
Feral domestic cat (Felis catus): undocumented within the Red Root 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. 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. One feral cat
was found on the preserve, staff worked with the Domestic Animal Service to have the cat safely
removed from the property. There exists a high probability of their future presence on the
preserve due to the proximity of Limpkin Marsh 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.
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3.0 Previous Conditions of the Preserve; Current Use of the Preserve and
Adjacent Land Uses
3.1 Previous Conditions of the Preserve
Aerial photographs taken in 1973 (Figure 7) and 1993 (Figure 8) 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
(2009) and georeferenced in ArcMap 9.3 by Conservation Collier Staff. The aerial image from
1973 shows that the western portion of the property and the marsh in the eastern portion did not
contain as many trees as present day conditions. Additionally, this image reveals that the land
contained trails on the western portion. As of 1993, the western portion of the property
contained more trees but the marsh still contained few trees.
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Figure 7: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1973 of the Red Root Preserve
Figure 8: Historical Aerial Photograph from 1993 of the Red Root Preserve
3.2 Current Use of the Preserve and Adjacent Land Uses
Currently, the preserve is open to the public for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography
opportunities. 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 Red Root Preserve is bordered on the north by Limpkin Road (an unpaved, private road), on
the east and west by undeveloped parcels and on the south by a ditch and Immokalee Road (a
paved, public road; Figure 9). All of the parcels surrounding the Red Root Preserve are zoned as
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Agricultural with a Mobile Home Overlay, which allows for no greater than one unit per five
acres.
Figure 9: Areas Adjacent to the Red Root Preserve
3.3 Cultural, Historical and Archeological Resource Protection
The Red Root 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. If 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 267.061 2
(a) and (b).
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3.4 Management Activities during Previous Years
Since the acquisition of the Red Root Preserve in August 2006, staff has accomplished a number
of management activities aimed at creating baseline data for the preserve and identifying areas of
invasive plant infestations (Table 7). Staff conducted floristic inventories and established photo-
monitoring points to better aid in the long-term management of the preserve. Given the
discrepancy between the 1995 FLUCCS digital layers (as they pertain to the Red Root Preserve)
and the plant communities within the preserve, staff created a new digital layer showing the
location and extent of the native plant communities currently found on the preserve.
Table 7: Management Activities since the Acquisition
of the Red Root Preserve
Accomplishment Year(s)
Conducted floristic inventories 2005/ 2009
Established photo monitoring points 2008
Created an accurate FLUCCS Map of the Preserve 2009
Conducted initial exotic removal and treatment 2009
Created trails and firebreaks 2009
Conduced Prescribed Burn 2009
Conducted Prescribed Burn 2016
4.0 Future Use of the Red Root Preserve including
Management Issues, Goals and Objectives
This section describes the main management issues, goals, and objectives for the Red Root
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 Red Root Preserve was purchased, the Conservation Collier Ordinance required that an
“Interim” 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 February 2007. The ordinance then requires a “Final” ten-year
management plan be developed within two years which was completed in 2009. Subsequently,
the property management plan must then be reviewed every five years. This is the 10-year update
to the final management plan. 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 BCC.
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4.1.1 Preserve Manager: Contact Information
The site manager for the Red Root Preserve will be a designated Collier County Environmental
Specialist who may be contacted through electronic mail:
Conservation.Collier@ColliercountyFL.gov.net.
4.2 Planned Uses and Assessment of their Impacts
Future planned use will be consistent with the primary goals of conservation, preservation,
restoration and maintenance of the resource. Public uses for the Red Root Preserve and an
assessment of their potential impacts are provided in the following sections.
4.2.1 Identification of Public Uses Consistent with Preservation, Enhancement, Restoration,
Conservation and Maintenance of the 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, 12-3-02). 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 fishing, hunting and off-road vehicle use (ORV).
A 100’ X 150’ Collier County Water-Sewer District utility easement exists over the northwest
corner of the property. Per the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, the Water -
Sewer District will provide site improvements on the easement commensurate with its own needs
and will allow for shared public parking access with the Conservation Collier portion of the
property. Exotics, trash, and debris on the easement will be removed in coordination with the
removals done on the Conservation Collier portion of the property. Finally, any code required
landscaping on the easement will be planted by the Collier County Water-Sewer District with
site appropriate native plant species. At the time of purchase, Collier County’s Water -Sewer
District (a part of the Public Utilities Planning and Project Management Department) planned on
drilling a test well on the easement. Due to the downturn in the economy, these plans have been
put on hold for an indeterminate amount of time. In August 2020, iInformal talks between
Conservation Collier staff and the staff at the Water-Sewer District revealed that there are no
plans to construct this test well in the next 10 years. ell would not be considered as a project until
after 2018. This interdepartmental agreement is included in this plan as Appendix 3.
In addition, there are no existing easements, concessions, or leases on the Red Root Preserve. In
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.
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Limpkin Road is a private road that extends off Sanctuary Road, which connects to Immokalee
Road and is not maintained by Collier County. It is a 60-foot wide public road right-of-way
(ROW) easement. The two parcels that make up the Red Root Preserve have a 30-foot wide
right-of-way access easement along Limpkin Road. All similar parcels located south of Limpkin
Road also have a 30 feet ROW easement, and all properties located north of the road contain the
north 30 feet of the easement. The Transportation planning department has indicated that they
would have no opposition to the Conservation Collier Program creating 2-3 parallel parking
spaces along the south side of Limpkin Road adjacent to the property that could be utilized by
the public until the utility easement parking area is created. Permits will be obtained from the
appropriate agencies to ensure this temporary parking area complies with environmental
regulations and does not inhibit water flow in the area.
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, Red Root Preserve will consist of
pine flatwoods and freshwater marsh with shrub, brush & vines. 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. The site will be vegetated with appropriate native flora
that will provide suitable cover for a variety of wildlife species.
Increasing the acreage of the preserve will greatly enhance the quality of the preserve. The
program, as of 2013, ceased purchasing additional property. Unless the ad valorum levy is
reinstated in 202016, we would be unable to purchase any additional adjoining parcels. Adjacent
parcels can however, be donated to the program or purchased for mitigation for local
development projects to be transferred to our program with management funds.
4.4 Goals for the 10 year period 2009-2019
A set of goals and objectives for the Red Root Preserve were developed in conjunction with the
drafting of this Management Plan. The goals and objectives in this plan are tailored specifically
for the Red Root 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 Red Root 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 staffing and funding
sources. The following goals have been identified for Red Root Preserve:
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Goal 1: Maintain high quality habitat with limited disturbance for the benefit of native flora
and fauna 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: Maintain a Prescribed Fire Program
Goal 5: Restore native vegetation
Goal 6: Maintain preserve and monitor public use
Goal 7: Facilitate uses of the site for educational purposes
Goal 8: Provide a plan for security and disaster preparedness
1
GOAL 1: ELIMINATE OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE HUMAN IMPACTS TO INDIGENOUS
FLORA AND FAUNA
Action Item 1.1 Install a fence and access gate on the Red Root Preserve if needed.
Currently, a fence runs along the eastern boundary of the property (installed by adjoining
property owner). Staff does not recommend a fence around the remainder of the property but
if trespassing, chronic dumping or other security issues arise, a field fence, four feet in height,
will be installed along the northern and western boundaries of the preserve. If a fence is
installed, a gate, 12 feet in width and four feet in height will also be installed (if needed) along
the northern property boundary to allow access to the Red Root Preserve by authorized
County staff and the fire department. A fence along the southern boundary of the Red Root
Preserve is not recommended due to its proximity to the ditch and Immokalee Road just south
of this ditch (Figure 10). Traffic on Immokalee Road is fast-paced, the likelihood of trespass
or dumping issues from this thoroughfare is low. Additionally, the ditch that separates the
preserve from Immokalee Road is filled with water during the wet season and provides a
barrier to people entering the preserve from this side. Problems have occurred each year with
people entering the preserve to remove and harvest saw palmetto berries. Staff has contacted
the local sheriff’s department and they have advised that this is a chronic problem throughout
the entire County and they are working to find ways to prevent this from happening. Fencing
and posting the entire property and not allowing any access would be the only way to try to
prevent this from occurring. However, this would prevent all public use from the property
which staff does not want to do.
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Figure 10: Southern boundary of the Red Root Preserve showing the location of the
ditch and Immokalee Road
Action Item 1.2 Install signs encouraging people to stay on future public access trails
situated on the preserve.
Trail markers have been installed along the trail. Currently it appears that the public stay s on
the trails on a regular basis. If evidence suggests that the public is not staying on the trails ,
then signs will be installed to encourage this.
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 wereill 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 preserve on a regular basis and if excessive dumping occurs,
enforcement actions will be sought through the County Sheriff’s Department or the Collier
County Code Enforcement Program. A significant amount of dumping occurred on Limpkin
Road in 2014, staff worked with the Collier County Code Enforcement Department to get it
cleaned up. The case was abated.
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.
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Action Item 1.6 Avoid non-target damage to native plants and animals, especially rare
species, during invasive, exotic plant treatments.
If the use of herbicides is appropriate during the treatment 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 will be monitored
closely to ensure the proper herbicide applications are being utilized while treating the site. In
addition, close attention will be taken to identify listed species (Table 5) that may be attached
to invasive trees being cut down or removed. Individuals 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.
Action Item 1.7 Note, research and provide input as to all site development occurring
adjacent to Red Root 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 Red Root 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.
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 Red Root 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 surveys, like pPlant surveys, should take place at regular intervals (ca. 5-10
years) to detect long-term trends.
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Currently, four (4) 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. Photos have been taken at these locations 1-2
timestwice a year since they were established in May 2008 and the files are stored in the
Program Land Management file. If necessary, more photo points will be established to aid in
management decision activities. Future photo points may also include photos taken with a
vegetation profile board to aid in the determination of what (if any) changes occur over time.
Figure 11: Photo Point
Locations within the Red
Root Preserve
GOAL 3: REMOVE OR CONTROL POPULATIONS OF INVASIVE, EXOTIC OR
PROBLEMATIC FLORA AND FAUNA TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN NATURAL 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 8) describes recommended controls (Langeland & Stocker 2001;
Langeland 2008) of the Category I, invasive, exotic plant species recorded to date on the Red
Root Preserve. These recommended control methods may be altered by site managers
dependent on new information and products available on the control of these species.
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Table 8: Invasive, Exotic Plant Species Control Plan
for the Red Root Preserve FLEPPC Category I species a
Scientific Name Common
Name(s) Recommended Control(s)b
Acacia auriculiformis earleaf acacia Basal bark application of 10% Garlon 4 or cut-stump treatment
with 50% Garlon 3A.
Abrus precatorius rosary-pea Cut stem or basal bark and treat with 10% Garlon 4. Site must
be revisited frequently to pull seedlings
Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian
primrose willow
Treatments can be basal bark, foliar and/or cut
stump, depending on the size of the plant, with
Renovate 3 in aquatic conditions or Garlon 4 in
upland areas. Adjust percentage of chemical
based on application method.
Lygodium microphyllum small-leaf
climbing fern
Thoroughly spray foliage to wet with 1.25%
Garlon 4 (4 pt/acre), 0.6% Roundup Pro
(maximum 5 pt/acre), 1.0%-3.0% Rodeo
(maximum 7 pt/acre). Only Rodeo can be used if
plants are growing in aquatic site. Plants
growing high into trees, cut vines and treat
lower portions.
Melaleuca quinquenervia melaleuca, punk
tree, paper bark
For seedlings and saplings: (1) 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 application of 5% Rodeo. For mature
trees: (1) Fell large trees with chain saw leaving a level
surface, or fell small trees with machete and 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 applications.
Nephrolepis multiflora Asian sword fern A foliar application of a product that contains 41.0%
glyphosate diluted to 1.5% v/v of product provides control.
Panicum repens torpedo grass
Foliar application of 0.75%-1.5% Rodeo
and surfactant solution. Re-apply as
necessary when plants re-grow to within 4-6
inches in height; or foliar application of
0.5% spot treatment.
Rhodomyrtus tormentosa downy rose
myrtle
Basal bark or cut stump (individual plants): 10%-20% Garlon
4. Re-treatmentmay be necessary. Foliar: 1% Arsenal + 2%
Roundup or 2 quarts Vanquish/acre in 50 gallons spray
volume.
Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper
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
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 where
plants are growing in aquatic sites.
Solanum viarum tropical soda
apple
Foliar application of 1% Garlon 4 or 3%
Roundup.
Sporabolis jacquemontii smut grass For spot treatments, a 1.5 to 2.0% solution of a 4.5 lb/gallon
glyphosate product is recommended
Syzygium cumini Java plum,
jambolan
Mature trees may take up to 9 months to die. Cut-stump
treatment with 50% Garlon 3A or 10% Garlon 4, or use a basal
bark treatment with 10% Garlon 4.
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Urena lobata Ceasar’s Weed
Hand pull seedlings, Foliar treatment with 2-5% glyphosate in
water can be sprayed on young plants. Its best to treat in the
spring or summer prior to seed maturation. Responds
aggressively to fire
a 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 (FLEPPC 2007)
b All species except Nephrolepis (Langeland & Stocker 2001); Nephrolepis (Langeland 2008)
Action Item 3.2 Acquire services of licensed or qualified contractor(s) for the removal of
invasive, exotic or problematic animal species.
To date, three (3) introduced animal species have been documented on the Red Root Preserve,
the RIFA, the brown anole and the feral hog. It is doubtful that the total eradication of these
species can be achieved. However, staff and/or contractors should take measures to remove
RIFA populations close to or on public access trails by treating their mounds with an ant killer
such as Amdro.
Additionally, 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). If any
feral cats remain, they will be trapped and taken to Collier County Domestic Animal Services.
GOAL 4: MAINTAIN A PRESCRIBED FIRE PROGRAM
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 some invasive plant species.
The use of prescribed fire as a management tool will be critical to the long-term health of the
natural habitat and native species at the Red Root Preserve. Successful controlled burns were
conducted on the property in December 2009 and 2016. A sSubsequent controlled burns should
occur every 3-5 years. This will create desirable effects on native ground cover and will further
reduce hardwoods and undesirable vegetation. The Florida Forest Service (FFS) assisted with the
firstthe first prescribed burns on the property. Staff will also coordinate with the Big Corkscrew
Island Fire Department before every burn to protect the surrounding structures and the Sheriff’s
Department with traffic control on Immokalee Road. Staff may also coordinate efforts with the
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Staff.
Action Items 4.1: Create a Prescribed Burn Plan
The Program Burn Manager will create a fire management plan before each burn and
may coordinate with other local qualified agencies for review and approval. A burn plan
shall include the following key elements: purpose and measurable objectives, description
of the burn unit, map of the burn unit, weather factors, safety concerns, fuel conditions,
season and time of day, smoke screening, publicity, legal requirements, firing plan,
equipment and personnel, contingencies, control and mop-up, declaring the fire out and
evaluation and monitoring.
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Action Item 4.2 Install Perimeter Fire Lines / Obtain Permits
This entire preserve can be burned in one day if weather conditions permit. Fire breaks
were installed on the entire east and west boundary lines in 2009 and they will be
maintained 8-10 feet wide. Firebreaks will be disked or mulched down to soil before
each scheduled burn. Limpkin Road will act as a break along the northern property line
as well as Immokalee Road along the south. Machinery will not be used in the marsh.
Initial Prescribed Burn on the Red Root
Preserve December 2009
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 if needed.
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 Red Root Preserve should include only site-specific
native plant material that has been determined to be non-problematic at the site and whenever
possible, site-specific seed sources should be utilized. In addition, hardwoods that may
invade the natural areas (mesic pine flatwood area) should not be planted.
GOAL 6: MAINTAIN PRESERVE AND MONITOR PUBLIC USE
Action Item 6.1 Develop access and required facilities for intended public uses
A 100’ X 150’ Collier County Water-Sewer District utility easement exists over the northwest
corner of the property (Figure 4). Per the Collier County Board of County Commissioners,
the Water-Sewer District will provide site improvements on the easement commensurate with
its own needs and will allow for shared public parking access with the Conservation Collier
portion of the property. Exotics, trash, and debris on the easement will be removed in
Red Root Preserve
2 months after initial prescribed burn
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Conservation Collier Program 40
coordination with the removals done on the Conservation Collier portion of the property.
Finally, any code required landscaping on the easement will be accomplished with site
appropriate native plant species that will be approved by Conservation Collier Staff. At the
time of purchase in 2006, Collier County’s Water-Sewer District (a part of the Public Utilities
Planning and Project Management Department) planned to drill a test well on the easement.
Due to the recent downturn in the economy, these plans have been suspended for an
indeterminate amount of time. Informal talks between Conservation Collier staff and the staff
at the Water-Sewer District revealed that this test well will not be considered as a project until
after 2018. A possibility exists that the Water-Sewer District may be able to participate in
exotic removal activities when the Conservation Collier Program is able to treat/remove
invasive, exotic plants on the Red Root Preserve. Conservation Collier staff will maintain
talks with the Water-Sewer District as is applies to management and access issues on the Red
Root Preserve.
The Collier County Greenway Trail (Bike Trail) has potential to extend from Naples out to the
town of Immokalee. The Transportation Services Northeast Collier Transportation Study
Final Alternatives Map identifies the segment of Immokalee Road immediately adjacent to the
Red Root Preserve as a future alternative pathway. If this pathway is constructed within the
life of this management plan, an additional connection will be made from the bike trail to the
hiking trail.
Depending on funding, safety issues, site security and the availability of staff, planned public
use of the Red Root Preserve is as follows. Site improvements on the Water-Sewer District
easement commensurate with its own needs and will allow for shared public parking access
with the Conservation Collier portion of the property. In the interim, we may construct 2-3
pervious parallel parking spaces on the south side of Limpkin Road in our access easement
area next to the trailhead. Currently, visitors can park in mowed areas on either side of
Limpkin road near the trailhead sign to access the preserve trail. Conservation Collier staff has
developed a site plan (Figure 12) incorporating the following components:
▪ The walking trail measures approximately 3,410 feet in length (.64 miles). The
original route of the trail represented in Figure 12 was approximated from a 2008
aerial image to take advantage of areas where impacts to the community would be
minimized. The entrance to the trail is approximately 770 feet east of the
intersection of Sanctuary Road and Limpkin Road. This distance accommodates
for the width of the Water-Sewer District’s easement. The trailhead is located at
the northwest corner of the Water-Sewer District’s easement. The trail design
allows visitors the best opportunity to view the plants and animals of the pine
flatwoods and freshwater marsh communities. Interpretive signs near the trailhead
and the freshwater marsh will give specific information about the plant
communities and associated animals that may be seen. Two benches built by a
local Eagle Scout were placed along the hiking trail in shady resting areas. Small
plant signs were placed along the trail to educate visitors about the species present
on the preserve.
If the Collier County Greenway Trail (Bike Trail) is extended out to the town of
Immokalee, an additional trail connection will be made from the bike trail to the
hiking trail and an additional trailhead will be created along the south property
boundary.
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The hiking trail is oftenmay be submerged during the rainy summer months.
However, the cost to install a raised boardwalk at this preserve is prohibitive. Staff
will continue to monitor the amount of visitation the preserve receives over the
next few years to determine if we should seek grant money to help fund a raised
trail.
▪ The official parking area will not be constructed until the utility easement is
developed which may not occur until after 2018. Until then, the County mows the
Limpkin Marsh Road edges to provide parking areas near the Preserve sign and
trailhead. may develop two to three unpaved parallel parking spaces in the
County’s easement along the south side of Limpkin Road near the trailhead.
GOAL 7: FACILITATE USES OF THE SITE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
Actions Item 7.1 Develop interpretive signage to educate preserve visitors.
Several plant signs were developed and placed throughout the preserve to educate visitors on
plant identification.
Action Item 7.2 Provide preserve brochures in rainproof box on site.
A general program brochure or one 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 refilled 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 sunrise to sunset was installed at the entrance to the
preserve and adjacent landowners were given an emergency phone number if they detect
human activity on the preserve after hours. If problems arise, the Collier County Sheriff’s
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, illegal dumping is not occurring on or near the preserve. Monthly property
inspections will be conducted to monitor for such activity. Staff will work with the Collier
County Sheriff’s Office or the County Code Enforcement Department if problems start to
arise.
Action Item 8.3 Survey trees along the trail and the perimeter of the property for
damage
Revised October 2020June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 42
Staff will routinely monitor the trees along the hiking trail to determine if diseased, weak, or
damaged trees/limbs exist and of so remove them to reduce the risk of visitor injury.
Action Item 8.4 Visit preserve within 48 hours after a major 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.
Action Item 8.5 Promptly clear storm debris from preserve.
If 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. The preserve will be closed temporarily until the potential hazards are eliminated.
Revised October 2020June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program
43
Figure 12: Red Root Preserve Conceptual Master Plan
Revised October 2020June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 44
4.5 Establish an Operational Plan for the Red Root Preserve
This section provides management recommendations for operation of the Red Root Preserve. It
discusses maintenance and budgeting needs, the possibilities for contracting the restoration
activities, coordination, and other management issues.
4.5.1 Maintenance
The primary maintenance activities for the preserve will include control of dumping and littering
within and around the preserve and trail as needed. Particularly important are the security
measures to keep intruders out and the signage and fencing (if installed) in good condition.
Signs that effectively convey the desired message provide an opportunity for increasing
environmental education and awareness.
4.5.2 Estimated Annual Costs and Funding Sources
Budget estimates for Red Root 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 if needed. Staff may also utilize the Collier County
Sheriff’s Department weekenders program for certain labor projects and may also separately
involve County Scout programs for trail enhancement and maintenance.
The budget in Table 9 represents the actual and unmet budgetary needs for managing the land
and resources of the preserve from 2008-2020 years. The table shows the activities already
expended and 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 Red Root Preserve.
Five Year Update June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program
45
Table 9: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget
Item QTY Cost ($)2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 Total
Facilities Development
Trail and firebreak mowing
1 1,350 LF $500 $1,500 $2,000 $ 700 $500 $4,700
Entry Gate 2 1 ($800)$0
Fence along northern and
western boundaries 3 1,200 LF ($6,435)$0
Interpretive signs 4 2 $500 $0
Plant signs 5 25 $10 $106 $106
Entry signage 6 1 $2,000 $333 $333
Directional sign 6 2 $250 $0
Bench7 1 $650 $0
Permitting $250 $250
Parking Area 8 2-3 pervious spaces $10,000 $0 Resource
Restoration/Monitoring $0
Establish photo points recurring n/a
Remove exotics9 18.46 acres $9,000 $6,800 $800 $800 $400 $1,750 $925 $1,000 $1,017 $600 $1,073 $1,102 $25,267
Regular Maintenance $0 General Facilities
Maintenance 10 $100 $15.00 $180 $100 $295
Brochures 11 $75 $100 $100 $44 $100 $100 $519
Grand Total $10,765 $6,800 $3,086 $1,133 $ 1,100 $1,750 $1,100 $1,100 $1,117 $1,144 $1,173 $1,202 $31,470
Table 9: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget (Amounts in $; see assumptions for cost estimates on next page)
Five Year Update June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program
46
Item QTY Cost ($)2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Total
Facilities Development
Trail and firebreak
mowing 1 1,350 LF $500 $1,800 $1,500 $1,500 $4,800
Mechanical mulching
hurricane cleanup 1A $3,800 $1,800 $5,600
Entry Gate 2 1 ($800)$0
Fence along northern and
western boundaries 3 1,200 LF ($6,435)$0
Interpretive signs 4 2 $500 $0
Plant signs 5 25 $10 $250 $250
Entry signage 6 1 $2,000 $0
Directional sign 6 2 $250 $0
Bench 7 1 $650 $0
Permitting $0
Parking Area 8
2-3 pervious
spaces ($10,000)$0 Resource
Restoration/Monitoring $0
Establish photo points recurring n/a $0
Exotic plant Treatment 9 9.26 acres $925 $775 $1,247 $1,247 $918 $1,100 $1,100 $1,100 $1,100 $1,100 $10,612
Plant survey 10 9.26 acres $500 $500
Regular Maintenance $0 General Facilities
Maintenance 11 $100 $80 $100 $100 $280
Brochures 12 $100 $100 $100 $100 $100 $500
Grand Total $925 $775 $6,927 $3,047 $1,418 $2,700 $1,450 $1,300 $1,200 $2,800 $22,542
Table 9: Estimated Annual Land Management Budget (Amounts in $; see assumptions for cost estimates on next page)
Five Year Update June 2015 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program
47
Actual funds expended and Assumptions for Cost Estimates:
1 1. Trails and Firebreak mowing: Trail and ROW will be mowed by staff 2-3x per year to
maintain and herbicide may be used to kill weeds on the trail. Mulch will not be used on the
trail. Every 3 years prior to a burn firebreaks will be prepped and tilled down to dirt.
1A. Mechanical mulching 2017 on downed and hazardous trees due to Hurricane Irma
2. Entry Gates: 1 gate at $800 each (Installed only if the site needs to be fenced)
3. Fence: (will only be fenced if dumping or other related problems occur) Field Fence
along northern and western boundaries estimated at $5.85 per linear foot at 1,100 LF
4. Interpretive signage: 2 interpretative signs (4’x6’)
5. Plant signs-small signs identifying native plants 25 @ $10 each
6. Directional and entry signage: 1 Entrance sign was installed in FY11 for $333.
7. Bench: - two benches were donated (built and installed) by an Eagle Scout in FY15
8. Parking Spaces along Limpkin Rd.- Estimated cost of $10,000 (only if utility easement
is developed)
9. Removal of Exotic Plant Treatments: Initial removal cost was $9,000 in FY09. The
following year was an additional $6,750 then the costs dropped significantly after that. It
is estimated to cost $1,000 or less each year from this point on.
10. Plant Survey- 10 year update to the plant inventory list conducted by a local botanist
1. Native Plant Restoration in wetlands: t.b.d in Marsh area only
11. Reduce fuel loads: (only if prescribed burns do not occur on a 3-5 year burn rotation)
Estimated at $2,000 every 5 years
11. General maintenance Maintenance-approx. $60 per month
12. Brochures : $100- per year in printing costs
Revised (Name Change Sept 2011) Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 48
4.5.3 Potential for Contracting Restoration and Management Activities by Private Vendors
A significant number of management operations and restoration activities on the Red Root
Preserve can be considered for outsourcing. Restoration and management activities that can be
considered for outsourcing to private entities are listed in table 10.
Table 10: Potential Contracting for Restoration and Management Activities
Activity Approved Conditional Rejected
Prescribed fire and/ or mechanical treatment application X
Minor fireline installation X
Fireline, fence, and trail maintenance X
Fence installation X
Plant and wildlife inventory and monitoring X
Listed species mapping and needs assessment X
Restore/enhance encroachment and ruderal areas X
Reduce exotic species X
Literature development and printing X
Interpretive signs development and installation X
Trail installation X
Parking Area construction X
Law enforcement and patrol X
Revised (Name Change Sept 2011) Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 49
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 WEC11. 4pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS
Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) 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 WEC124. 5pp. University of Florida,
UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW12700.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 Agricultural 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. 2009. Aerial Photo Look Up System. Available from
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/surveyingandmapping/apac.shtm (accessed February 2009).
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). 2015. List of Florida's invasive plant species.
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Available from http://www.fleppc.org/list/15list.htm
(accessed August 2015).
Revised (Name Change Sept 2011) Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 50
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). 2019. List of Florida’s invasive plant species.
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Available from Internet: http://www.fleppc.org/listl1 list..htm
(accessed September 2019).
Florida Natural Areas Inventory Areas of Conservation Lands By County March 2019
https://www.fnai.org/pdf/MAxCounty_201903.pdf (Accessed September 2019)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). 2001. Impacts of feral and free-
ranging domestic cats on wildlife in Florida. Tallahassee, FL. Available from
http://www.floridaconservation.org/viewing/articles/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.
218 pp. Available from http://myfwc.com/wma-
planning/CMP/Caravelle%20Ranch%20WMA/Caravelle%20Ranch%20CMP%202002-
2007.pdf (accessed December 2007)
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.org/pdf/MA_acres_counties.pdf (accessed August 2008).
Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and Florida Department of Natural Resources (FDNR)
1990. Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida. Florida Natural Areas Inventory and
Florida Department of Natural Resources.
Giuliano, W. M., and G. W. Tanner. 2005. Control and management of wild hogs in Florida.
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 192. 7pp. Florida
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS),
University of Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW221 (accessed December
2007).
Giuliano, W. M., and G. W. Tanner. 2005. Ecology of wild hogs in Florida. Department of
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC 191. 7pp. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of
Florida. Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW220 (accessed December 2007).
Johnson, S. 2007. The Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Florida. Department of
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Publication WEC218. 8pp. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), 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. 61pp.
Kushlan, J. A. 1990. Freshwater marshes. Pages 324-363 in R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel editors.
Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press; Orlando, Florida.
Revised (Name Change Sept 2011) Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 51
Langeland, K. A., and R. K. Stocker. 2001. 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 (EDIS) Database.
Available from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/WG/WG20900.pdf (accessed December
2007).
Langeland, K. A. 2008. Natural area weeds: distinguishing native and non-native "Boston
ferns" and "sword ferns" (Nephrolepis spp.). University of Florida Cooperative Extension
Service Document SS-AGR-22. 7pp. University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital
Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/AG/AG12000.pdf (accessed February 2009).
Larson, B. C., J. H. Frank, G. M. Allen, M. B. Main. 2006. Florida’s native bromeliads.
University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular 1466. 10pp. University of
Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Digital Information Source (EDIS) Database. Available from
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW205 (accessed November 2007).
Lee, J. C. 1985. Anolis sagrei in Florida: phenetics of a colonizing species I. Meristic characters.
Copeia 1985:182-194.
Lodge, T. E. 2005. The Everglades handbook - Understanding the Ecosystem. 2nd edition.
CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.
Liudahl, K., D.J. 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.edu/IRLspec/Felis_catus.htm (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 Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Oaks, R. Q. and J. R. Dunbar. 1974. Post Miocene stratigraphy of the Central and Southern
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 J. L., and S. B. Alves. 1994. Pest Management in the Subtropics: biological control a
Florida perspective. (Rosen D, Bennett FD, Capinera JL, Ed.) pp. 353-380. Intercept
Limited, Andover, Hants SP10 1 YG, UK.
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 WEC 207. Florida
Revised (Name Change Sept 2011) Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 52
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS),
University of Florida . Available http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW242
Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2008. Atlas of Florida vascular plants. [S.M. Landry and
K.N. Campbell (application development), Floirda Center for Community Design and
Research]. Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. Available
from http.//www.plantatlas.usf.edu/.
Revised (Name Change) Sept 2011 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 53
Appendix 1. Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Red Root Preserve.
Red Root Preserve: Preliminary Plant List
Scientific Name Common Name(s) Stateb FLEPPCc
Acacia auriculiformisa earleaf acacia I
Acer rubrum red maple
Ambrosia artemisiifolia common ragweed
Ampelopsis arborea peppervine
Andropogon glomeratus bushy bluestem
Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana wiregrass
Asimina spp. pawpaw
Bacopa sp. waterhyssop
Blechnum serrulatum swamp fern, toothed midsorus fern
Cephalanthus occidentalis common buttonbush
Ceratiola ericoides Florida rosemary; sand heath
Cladium jamaicense sawgrass, Jamaica swamp sawgrass
Diodia virginiana Virginia buttonweed
Dryopteris ludoviciana southern wood fern; southern shield fern
Erigeron sp. fleabane
Eriocaulon decangulare hatpins
Eryngium yuccifolium button rattlesnakemaster; button eryngo
Hypericum sp.
Hypericum tetrapetalum
H. fasciculatum
St. John’s-wort
Hyptis alata clustered bushmint; musky mint
Ilex cassine dahoon holly, dahoon
Ilex glabra inkberry; gallberry
Lachnanthes caroliniana Carolina redroot
Licania michauxii gopher apple
Lyonia ferruginea rusty staggerbush; rusty lyonia
Melaleuca quinquenerviaa punk tree, 53elaleuca, paper bark I
Melochia corchorifolia chocolateweed
Mikania scandens climbing hempvine
Muhlenbergia capillaris muhly grass
Myrica cerifera wax myrtle, southern bayberry
Nephrolepis multifloraa Asian sword fern I
Nymphaea odorata American white waterlily
Persea borbonia red bay
Piloblephis rigida wild pennyroyal; mint stuff
Pinus elliottii slash pine
Pluchea baccharis rosy camphorweed
Polygala nana candyroot
Polygonum spp. Smartweed
Pterocaulon pycnostachyum blackroot
Quercus laurifolia laurel oak; diamond oak
Quercus elliottii running oak
Rapanea punctata myrsine, colicwood
Revised (Name Change) Sept 2011 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 54
(Continued on next page)
Appendix 1 (continued). Preliminary Floristic Inventory of the Red Root Preserve.
Red Root Preserve: Preliminary Plant List (continued)
Scientific Name Common Name(s) Stateb FLEPPCc
Sabal palmetto cabbage palm; sabal palm
Sagittaria latifolia broadleaf arrowhead, common arrowhead, duck potato
Sarcostemma clausum white twinevine
Schinus terebinthifoliusa Brazilian pepper I
Serenoa repens saw palmetto
Smilax auriculata earleaf greenbrier
Sporobolus indicusa smutgrass
Syngonanthus flavidulus? Shoe buttons, bantam-buttons
Syzygium cuminia Java plum; jambolan I
Terminalia catappaa West Indian almond; tropical almond II
Tillandsia balbisiana reflexed wild-pine, northern needleleaf T
Tillandsia fasciculata stiff-leaved wild-pine, cardinal airplant E
Tillandsia usneoides Spanish-moss
Toxicodendron radicans eastern poison-ivy
Urena lobataa caesarweed I
Vaccinium myrsinites shiny blueberry
Vitis rotundifolia muscadine, muscadine grape
Xyris spp. yelloweyed grass
aNon-native species that may or may not have FLEPPC designations list revised May 2015
bState listed species: T = Threatened; E = Endangered
cFlorida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) 2007 designations
I: Invasive, exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community
structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives.
II: Invasive, exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant
communities to the extent shown by Category I species.
Redroot Preserve
by Maureen S. Bonness and Jean McCollom
September 2, 2020
prior 2020 Scientific Name
(prior name)Common Names
NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Abrus precatorius Rosary-pea, Crab-eyes √I
x x Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia √I
x x Acer rubrum Red maple N
x x Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common ragweed N
x x Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum Blue maidencane N
x Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis Purple bluestem N
x x Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus Bushy bluestem N
x x Andropogon virginicus var. glaucus Chalky bluestem N
x Andropogon virginicus var. virginicus Broomsedge bluestem N
x Aristida spiciformis Bottlebrush threeawn N
x x Aristida stricta (=A. beyrichiana )Southern wiregrass N
x Asclepias pedicellata Savannah milkweed N
x x Asimina reticulata Common pawpaw, Netted pawpaw N
x Axonopus fissifolius Common carpetgrass N
x x Baccharis halimifolia Saltbush, Groundsel tree, Sea-myrtle N
x x Bacopa monnieri Water hyssop, Herb-of-grace N
x x Bidens alba Spanish-needles N
x Buchnera americana American bluehearts N
x Carex verrucosa Warty sedge N
x Carphephorus corymbosus Florida paintbrush, Coastalplain
chaffhead
N
x Cassytha filiformis Lovevine, Devil's gut N
x Centella asiatica Coinwort, Spadeleaf N
x Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush N
x Ceratiola ericoides Florida rosemary, Sand heath N
x Chamaecrista nictitans var. aspera Hairy sensitive-pea N
x Chromolaena odorata Jack-in-the-bush N
x x Cladium jamaicense Sawgrass N
x Cnidoscolus stimulosus Tread-softly, Finger-rot, 7-minute-itch N
x Coleataenia rigidula (=Panicum
rigidulum)
Redtop panicum N
x Commelina diffusa Common dayflower √
x Conyza canadensis Canadian horseweed N
x Corymbia torelliana (=Eucalyptus
torelliana)
Torell’s eucalyptus √
x Crotalaria rotundifolia Rabbitbells N
x Croton glandulosus var. septentrionalis
(=var. glandulosus)
Vente conmigo N
x Cuphea carthagenensis Colombian waxweed √
x Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass √
x Cyperus croceus Baldwin's flatsedge N
x Cyperus haspan Haspan flatsedge N
?Cyperus hortensis (=Kyllinga pumila)Low spikesedge N
x Cyperus ligularis Swamp flatsedge N
x Cyperus ovatus (=C. retrorsus)Pinebarren flatsedge N
x Cyperus polystachyos Manyspike flatsedge, Texas sedge N
x Cyperus surinamensis Tropical flatsedge N
prior 2020 Scientific Name
(prior name)Common Names
NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Desmodium incanum Beggar's-ticks √
x Desmodium triflorum Threeflower ticktrefoil √
x Dichanthelium dichotomum Cypress witchgrass N
x Dichanthelium ensifolium Cypress witchgrass N
x Dichanthelium portoricense Hemlock witchgrass N
x Dichanthelium strigosum var.
glabrescens
Roughhair witchgrass N
x Digitaria bicornis Asia crabgrass √
x Digitaria ciliaris Southern crabgrass N
x x Diodia virginiana Buttonweed, Virginia buttonweed N
x Diospyros virginiana Common persimmon N
x Dryopteris ludoviciana Southern wood fern N
x Dyschoriste angusta Pineland twinflower, Pineland snakeherb N
x Elephantopus elatus Tall elephantsfoot N
x Eleusine indica Indian goosegrass √
x Emilia fosbergii Florida tasselflower √
x Eragrostis scaligera Tender lovegrass √
x Eragrostis spectabilis Purple lovegrass N
x Erechtites hieraciifolius Fireweed, American burnweed N
x Erigeron quercifolius Southern-fleabane, Oakleaf fleabane N
x Erigeron sp.Fleabane N
x Eriocaulon decangulare Tenangle pipewort N
x Eryngium yuccifolium Button rattlesnake master, Button
eryngo
N
x Eupatorium capillifolium Dogfennel N
x Eupatorium leptophyllum Falsefennel N
x Eupatorium mohrii Mohr's thoroughwort N
x Euphorbia hyssopifolia (=Chamaesyce
hyssopifolia)
Eyebane, Hyssopleaf sandmat N
x Eustachys petraea Pinewoods fingergrass N
x Euthamia caroliniana Slender flattop goldenrod N
x x Ficus aurea Strangler fig, Golden fig N
x Fuirena scirpoidea Southern umbrellasedge N
x Funastrum clausum (=Sarcostemma
clausum)
Whitevine, White twinevine N
x x Geobalanus oblongifolius (=Licania
michauxii)
Gopher-apple N
x Hydrocotyle sp. Pennywort N
x Hypericum brachyphyllum Coastalplain St. John's-wort N
x Hypericum cistifolium Roundpod St. John's-wort N
x x Hypericum fasciculatum Peelbark St. John's-wort N
x Hypericum hypericoides St. Andrew's-cross N
x Hypericum myrtifolium Myrtleleaf St. John's-wort N
x x Hypericum tetrapetalum Fourpetal St. John's-wort N
x Hypoxis wrightii Bristleseed yellow stargrass N
x x Hyptis alata Musky mint, Clustered bushmint N
x x Ilex cassine Dahoon holly, Dahoon N
x x Ilex glabra Gallberry, Inkberry N
x x Indigofera hirsuta Hairy indigo √
x Juncus scirpoides Needlepod rush N
x x Lachnanthes caroliana Bloodroot, Carolina redroot N
prior 2020 Scientific Name
(prior name)Common Names
NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx x Lachnocaulon anceps Whitehead bogbutton N
x Lechea torreyi Piedmont pinweed N
x Ludwigia maritima Seaside primrosewillow N
x Ludwigia octovalvis Mexican primrosewillow N
x Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrosewillow √I
x Lygodesmia aphylla Roserush N
x Lygodium microphyllum Small-leaf climbing fern √I
x Lyonia ferruginea Rusty staggerbush N
x Lyonia fruticosa Coastalplain staggerbush N
x Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum Winged loosestrife N
x Macroptilium lathyroides Wild bushbean √II
x Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay N
x x Melaleuca quinquenervia Punktree √I
x Melochia corchorifolia Chocolate weed √
x Melochia spicata Bretonica peluda N
x x Mikania scandens Climbing hempweed, Climbing
hempvine
N
x x Morella cerifera (=Myrica cerifera)Wax myrtle, Southern bayberry N
x x Muhlenbergia capillaris Muhlygrass, Hairawnmuhly N
x Murdannia sp.Dewflower √
x x Myrsine cubana (=Rapanea punctata)Myrsine, Colicwood N
x x Nekemias arborea (=Ampelopsis
arborea)
Peppervine N
x x Nephrolepis brownii (=Nephrolepis
multiflora)
Asian sword fern √I
x Nymphaea odorata American white waterlily N
x Nymphaea sp.Waterlily N
x Oxalis corniculata Common yellow woodsorrel N
x Panicum repens Torpedo grass √I
x Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia-creeper, Woodbine N
x Paspalum conjugatum Sour paspalum, Hilograss N
x Paspalum notatum Bahia grass √
x Paspalum setaceum Thin paspalum N
x Persea borbonia red bay N
x Persea palustris Swamp bay N
x Persicaria hydropiperoides
(=Polygonum hydropiperoides)
Mild waterpepper; Swamp smartweed N
x Phlebodium aureum Golden polypody N
x Phyla nodiflora Frogfruit, Capeweed N
x Phyllanthus urinaria Chamber bitter √
x x Piloblephis rigida Wild pennyroyal N
x x Pinus elliottii var. densa South Florida slash pine N
x x Pluchea baccharis (=Pluchea rosea)Rosy camphorweed N
x Polygala nana Candyroot N
x Polygala rugelii Yellow milkwort N
x Polygala setacea Coastalplain milkwort N
x Polygonum sp.Knotweed
x Polypremum procumbens Rustweed, Juniperleaf N
x Pteridium aquilinum var.
pseudocaudatum
Tailed bracken fern N
x x Pterocaulon pycnostachyum Blackroot N
x x Quercus laurifolia Laurel oak, Diamond oak N
prior 2020 Scientific Name
(prior name)Common Names
NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Quercus minima Dwarf live oak N
x Quercus pumila = (Quercus elliottii)Running oak N
x Quercus virginiana Virginia live oak N
x x Rhexia mariana Pale meadowbeauty, Maryland
meadowbeauty
N
x Rhexia nuttallii Nuttall's meadowbeauty N
x Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Downy rose myrtle √I
x x Rhus copallinum Winged sumac N
x Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled Beaksedge N
x Rhynchospora fernaldii Fernald's beaksedge N
x Richardia grandiflora Largeflower Mexican clover √
x x Sabal palmetto Cabbage palm N
x Saccharum giganteum Sugarcane plumegrass N
x Sacciolepis indica Indian cupscale √
x Sacciolepis striata American cupscale N
x Sagittaria lancifolia Broadliaf arrowhead, Common
arrowhead, duck potato
N
x Sagittaria latifolia Bulltongue arrowhead N
x x Schinus terebinthifolia Brazilian pepper √I
x Schizachyrium stoloniferum Creeping little bluestem N
x Scleria reticularis Netted nutrush N
x Scoparia dulcis Sweetbroom, Licoriceweed N
x x Serenoa repens Saw palmetto N
x Setaria parviflora (=S. geniculata)Knotroot foxtail, Yellow bristlegrass N
x x Smilax auriculata Earleaf greenbrier N
x Solanum viarum Tropical soda apple √I
x Solidago fistulosa Pinebarren goldenrod N
x Sophronanthe hispida (=Gratiola
hispida)
Rough hedgehyssop N
x Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweed √II
x Sphagneticola trilobata (=Wedelia
trilobata)
Creeping wedelia, Creeping oxeye √II
x x Sporobolus jacquemontii (=S. indicus
var. pyramidalis)
Smutgrass, West Indian dropseed √I
x Syagrus romanzoffiana Queen palm √II
x x Syngonanthus flavidulus Yellow hatpins N
x x Syzygium cumini Java plum √I
x x Telmatoblechnum serrulatum
(=Blechnum serrulatum)
Swamp fern N
x x Terminalia catappa West Indian tropical almond √II
x Tillandsia balbisiana Reflexed wild-pine, Northern needleleaf N T
x x Tillandsia fasciculata Stiff-leaved wild-pine, Cardinal airplant N E
x Tillandsia flexuosa Banded wild-pine, Twisted airplant N T S3
x Tillandsia paucifolia Potbelly airplant N
x x Tillandsia usneoides Spanish-moss N
x Torenia crustacea (=Lindernia
crustacea)
Malaysian false pimpernel √
x x Toxicodendron radicans Eastern poison-ivy N
x x Urena lobata Caesarweed √I
x x Vaccinium myrsinites Shiny blueberry N
x x Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine grape N
x Woodwardia virginica Virginia chain fern N
prior 2020 Scientific Name
(prior name)Common Names
NativeNot NativeStateFNAIFLEPPCx Xyris ambigua Coastalplain yelloweyed grass N
x Xyris caroliniana Carolina yelloweyed grass N
x Xyris elliottii Elliott's yelloweyed grass N
x Xyris spp.Yelloweyed grass N
70 167 148 36 3 1 18
Sources. Scentific plant names and Native/Not-Native status is according to the Atlas of Florida Plants website as of
July 2020. State status is from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 2018 list. FNAI category is
from Florida Natural Areas Inventory April 2019 list. FLEPPC category is from the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council
2019 list.
Count
State Codes: E=Endangered, T=Threatened
FNAI Codes: S1=critically imperiled; S2=imperiled because of rarity; S3=very rare in Florida or restricted range
FLEPPC Codes: Category I = species has altered native plant communities; Category II = species with increasing
abundance or frequency
Revised (Name Change) Sept 2011 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 55
Appendix 2. Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Red Root Preserve
Report for 1 Matrix Unit: 43523
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 ID: 43523
0 Documented Elements Found
0 Documented-Historic Elements Found
5 Likely Elements Found
Scientific and Common Names Global
Rank
State
Rank
Federal
Status
State
Listing
Grus canadensis pratensis
Florida Sandhill Crane G5T2T3 S2S3 N LT
Mesic flatwoods G4 S4 N N
Mycteria americana
Wood Stork G4 S2 LE LE
Puma concolor coryi
Florida Panther G5T1 S1 LE LE
Sciurus niger avicennia
Mangrove Fox Squirrel G5T2 S2 N LT
Revised (Name Change) Sept 2011 Redroot Preserve Land Management Plan
Conservation Collier Program 56
Appendix 2 (continued). Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report for the Red Root
Preserve
Matrix Unit ID: 43523
16 Potential Elements for Matrix Unit 43523
Scientific and Common Names Global
Rank
State
Rank
Federal
Status
State
Listing
Andropogon arctatus
Pine-woods Bluestem G3 S3 N LT
Athene cunicularia floridana
Florida Burrowing Owl G4T3 S3 N LS
Calopogon multiflorus
Many-flowered Grass-pink G2G3 S2S3 N LE
Drymarchon couperi
Eastern Indigo Snake G3 S3 LT LT
Elytraria caroliniensis var. angustifolia
Narrow-leaved Carolina Scalystem G4T2 S2 N N
Gopherus polyphemus
Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LT
Lechea cernua
Nodding Pinweed G3 S3 N LT
Linum carteri var. smallii
Small's flax G2T2 S2 N LE
Mustela frenata peninsulae
Florida Long-tailed Weasel G5T3 S3 N N
Nemastylis floridana
Celestial Lily G2 S2 N LE
Nolina atopocarpa
Florida Beargrass G3 S3 N LT
Picoides borealis
Red-cockaded Woodpecker G3 S2 LE LS
Pteroglossaspis ecristata
Giant Orchid G2G3 S2 N LT
Rana capito
Gopher Frog G3 S3 N LS
Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus
Snail Kite G4G5T3Q S2 LE LE
Ursus americanus floridanus
Florida Black Bear G5T2 S2 N LT*
Disclaimer
The data maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory represent the single most comprehensive source of
information available on the locations of rare species and other significant ecological resources statewide.
However, the data are not always based on comprehensive or site-specific field surveys. Therefore, this
information should not be regarded as a final statement on the biological resources of the site being considered,
nor should it be substituted for on-site surveys. 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.