Agenda 05/25/2021 Item #11H (Conservation Collier Update)05/25/2021
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to conduct the Conservation Collier Annual Public Meeting to provide an update
on the program’s past activities, to solicit proposals and applications, and to approve the 10th Cycle
Target Protection Areas (TPA) mailing strategy.
OBJECTIVE(S): Three (3) objectives included in this request are (1) Update the Board of County
Commissioners (Board) and the public on the Conservation Collier Program’s past, current, and planned
activities pursuant to Conservation Collier Ordinance requirements through the Conservation Collier
Annual Report, (2) Solicit proposals and applications from the public, (3) Obtain approval for the 10 th
property selection TPA mailing strategy.
CONSIDERATIONS: In accordance with Conservation Collier Ordinance 2019-03, “There will be an
annual public meeting for the purpose of updating the Board and the public and for soliciting proposals
and applications if the program is in a buying cycle.” The program was not in a buying cycle in 2019 or
2020. Now that there is an identified funding source, the Conservation Collier Program is moving forward
with Acquisition Cycle 10.
Pursuant to Board direction, staff placed a non-binding referendum on the November 3, 2020, general
election ballot regarding the Conservation Collier program. Specifically, the voters were asked to approve
or disapprove re-establishing a not to exceed .25 mil ad valorem levy for ten (10) years to fund
Conservation Collier’s acquisition and management of environmentally sensitive lands. On November 3,
2020, the Collier County electors approved the Conservation Collier Re-establishment referendum with a
76.5% majority.
The CCLAAC and staff have completed nine (9) selection and approval cycles acquiring 4,347 acres in
twenty-one (21) different locations. Preserve management activities are ongoing for all acquired
properties except multi-parcel projects, where larger contiguous areas must be acquired to manage in a
cost-effective manner.
1. Annual Report: At the April 12, 2021 meeting of the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory
Committee, the Committee voted unanimously to forward the attached 2019-2020 Annual Report, with
revisions, to the Board. Please see the attached Conservation Collier Annual Report which provides the
Program’s past, current and planned activities; and updates the Board on activities between 2019-2020.
2. Solicitation of proposals and applications from the public: At the Board meeting, staff will make a
public solicitation for nomination proposals and for property owners to submit applications in the 10th
selection and ranking cycle, which is currently underway, with deadline for submittal of July 31, 2021.
3. Cycle 10 TPA mailing strategy: In the past property selection cycles, the Board adopted resolutions
that implemented the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee’s (CCLAAC)
recommendations for Target Protection Areas (TPA) mailing strategies. Previous recommendations
included direction to forward mailing strategies to the Board for approval, ensuring the program is
consistent with the ordinance requirement of mailing to all property owners within Target Protection
Areas. On April 12, 2021, after recommendation from the Outreach subcommittee, the CCLAAC
discussed and made recommendations for a 10th cycle TPA mailing strategy (attached as Target Mailing
List Maps Cycle 10) and requested staff to bring these recommendations to the Board for approval.
Approval by resolution of these recommendations by the Board will allow staff to move forward with
mailing interest letters to the property owners within the areas approved by the Board.
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FISCAL IMPACT: The proposed FY22 budget will include a Conservation Collier Program tax levy of
.25 mil estimated to generate $25,287,900. The FY 2022 budget will appropriate Conservation Collier tax
proceeds to repay approximately $3,700,000 to the Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund for
monies advanced to acquire strategic properties prior to the referendum. Further, consistent with
Ordinance 2002-63 as amended, twenty-five percent (25%) of annual gross tax receipts will be deposited
into the Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund to provide for long term management of lands
acquired through or managed by the Conservation Collier Program. The balance of tax receipts will be
deposited into the Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund for use in acquiring environmentally
sensitive lands.
For purposes of tax collection and Truth in Millage (TRIM) requirements, Conservation Collier Taxing
District 180 will be re-activated and pending final confirmation with the State TRIM section, individual
property tax bills distributed in November will likley see the $.2500 millage rate listed seperately.
However the TRIM notices sent in August will likely aggregate the $.2500 rate as part of all County-wide
levies which include the General Fund millage rate of $3.5645 and the Pollution Control millage rate of
$0.0293. With Conservation Collier, the county-wide levy will total $3.8438 assuming the maximum
Conservation Collier levy is raised. Again pending final confirmation with State TRIM section, a simple
majority vote will be necessary to approve the Conservation Collier levy up to a maximum of $.2500.
The non binding referendum vote did not authorize the issuance of debt.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: Fee-simple acquisition and management of conservation lands
is consistent with and supports Policy 1.1.5 in the Conservation and Coastal Management Element.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: Ordinance 2002-63, as amended, in section 12.6, requires staff to
conduct an annual public meeting for the purposes of updating the Board and the public and for soliciting
proposals and applications. -JAB
RECOMMENDATION: To accept the attached 2019-2020 Annual Report as presented, and adopts a
Resolution approving the 10th Cycle Target Protection Areas (TPA) mailing strategy.
Prepared By: Summer Araque, Principal Environmental Specialist, Conservation Collier Program, Parks
& Recreation Division
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. (linked) Annual Report 2019-2020 (PDF)
2. (linked) Target Mailing List Maps Cycle 10 (PDF)
3. Resolution (PDF)
4. (linked) Conservation Collier Annual Meeting 2021 Presentation (PDF)
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COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 11.H
Doc ID: 15635
Item Summary: Recommendation to conduct the Conservation Collier Annual Public Meeting to
provide an update on the program’s past activities, to solicit proposals and applications, and to approve
the 10th Cycle Target Protection Areas (TPA) mailing strategy. (Summer Araque Brown, Principal
Environmental Specialist, Conservation Collier Program))
Meeting Date: 05/25/2021
Prepared by:
Title: Operations Analyst – Public Services Department
Name: Matthew Catoe
04/16/2021 1:51 PM
Submitted by:
Title: Division Director - Parks & Recreation – Parks & Recreation
Name: Barry Williams
04/16/2021 1:51 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Public Services Department Melissa Hennig Additional Reviewer Completed 04/16/2021 2:33 PM
Parks & Recreation Summer BrownAraque Additional Reviewer Completed 04/16/2021 4:07 PM
Parks & Recreation Ilonka Washburn Additional Reviewer Completed 04/19/2021 7:37 AM
Parks & Recreation Barry Williams Additional Reviewer Completed 04/20/2021 1:43 PM
Operations & Veteran Services Kimberley Grant Additional Reviewer Completed 04/23/2021 10:22 AM
Public Services Department Todd Henry Public Services Deapartment Completed 04/27/2021 11:29 AM
Growth Management Department James C French PSD Dept Head Review Completed 04/27/2021 4:48 PM
County Attorney's Office Jennifer Belpedio Level 2 Attorney of Record Review Completed 05/04/2021 11:16 AM
Office of Management and Budget Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 05/05/2021 10:03 AM
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 05/05/2021 10:37 AM
Budget and Management Office Ed Finn Additional Reviewer Completed 05/05/2021 11:14 AM
County Manager's Office Mark Isackson Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 05/18/2021 9:22 AM
Board of County Commissioners Geoffrey Willig Meeting Pending 05/25/2021 9:00 AM
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Packet Pg. 425 Attachment: Resolution (15635 : Conservation Collier Annual Public Meeting)
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Packet Pg. 426 Attachment: Resolution (15635 : Conservation Collier Annual Public Meeting)
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Packet Pg. 427 Attachment: Resolution (15635 : Conservation Collier Annual Public Meeting)
Conservation Collier
Annual Report
2019-2020
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Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Table 1. Preserve Category Matrix ........................................................................................................................ 6
2. CCLAAC –Members, Summary of meetings and Actions for between 2019 and 2020 .................................... 7
3. Program Lands Acquisition Status .................................................................................................................. 10
Table 2. Monetary Donations ............................................................................................................................... 11
Table 3. Multi-parcel Property Acquisitions 2019-2020 ..................................................................................... 11
4. Program Land Management Status ................................................................................................................. 12
Alligator Flag ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Camp Keais Strand Parcels .................................................................................................................................. 13
Caracara Prairie .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Cocohatchee Creek ................................................................................................................................................ 14
Dr. Robert H. Gore III .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Freedom Park ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Gordon River Greenway ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Logan Woods.......................................................................................................................................................... 18
McIlvane Marsh ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Nancy Payton ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Otter Mound .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Pepper Ranch ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Panther Walk ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Railhead Scrub ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
Red Maple Swamp ................................................................................................................................................. 26
Redroot ................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Rivers Road ............................................................................................................................................................ 28
Shell Island ............................................................................................................................................................. 29
Wet Woods ............................................................................................................................................................. 30
Winchester Head Multi-parcel Project ................................................................................................................ 31
5. Program Financial Status ................................................................................................................................. 32
Table(s) 4 – Summary of Conservation Collier Financial Activity for FY19 and FY20.................................. 34
6. Conservation Collier Programs, Events, and Community/Educational Outreach .......................................... 36
Pepper Ranch Hunt Program ............................................................................................................................... 36
Caracara Prairie Preserve Hunt Program .......................................................................................................... 36
Pepper Ranch Sunflower Viewing ........................................................................................................................ 37
Social Media ........................................................................................................................................................... 37
7. Mitigation Programs ......................................................................................................................................... 38
8. Partners .............................................................................................................................................................. 39
9. Grants and Funding Assistance ........................................................................................................................ 40
10. Volunteers ..................................................................................................................................................... 41
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11. 2020-2021 Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 41
Exhibits ....................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Exhibit A. 2020 Map of Conservation Collier Program Lands ......................................................................... 42
Exhibit B. Conservation Collier Program Public Amenity Work Plan ........................................................... 43
Exhibit C: Conservation Collier Preserve Public Amenity Matrix ................................................................... 48
Exhibit D. Conservation Collier Preserves by Commission District ................................................................. 49
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1. Executive Summary
Responsibilities
The Conservation Collier Program (Program) is responsible for implementing the mandate of the
electorate of Collier County as provided by public referendum votes in November 2002 and
November 2006 confirming that mandate, to levy a 0.25 mill ad valorem property tax for a period
not to exceed 10 years for acquisition, protection, restoration, and management of environmentally
sensitive lands in Collier County for the benefit of present and future generations. Most recently,
on November 3, 2020 the electorate voted to implement another ad valorem tax for 10 years. The
implementation of this ad valorem tax is planned to start collection in FY22.
Lands Inventory
Conservation Collier has now implemented its mandate for 17 years. In March 2013, at the ten-
year mark, the initial ad valorem tax levy ceased. The initial acquisition phase occurred from 2003
to 2011. In 2011 available funds were appropriated in a maintenance trust fund as the Program
moved into a preserve management phase, including opening the preserves for public access and
managing and hosting visitors. The Program remained in a management phase until 2017 when
the Board authorized the use of management funds for the acquisition of more land.
During 2018-2020, four (4) projects totaling 237 acres were purchased for $3,078,500 million; this
does not include multi-parcel projects which are funded by off-site preserve donations. These
funds are to be repaid during FY22 when the ad-valorem tax is implemented. Conservation Collier
was approved in 2018 to continue acquiring in the multi-parcel projects (Red Maple Swamp and
Winchester Head) using offsite preservation donations.
Since inception, the Program has acquired 4,345 acres meeting Program criteria in 21 different
locations for a cost of $107,500,000. Of the 21 currently acquired Conservation Collier projects,
sixteen (16) have approved Final Management Plans (FMP) and (5) have approved Interim
Management Plans (IMP). Thirteen (13) Conservation Collier preserves are currently open for
public use in categories 1 through 4 with signs, trails and benches installed; the most recent
Rattlesnake Hammock Preserve acquisition is scheduled to be open in FY21.
Program Costs
Land management costs for all preserves for the period of FY19 – FY20 was an average of
$600,000 per year. . Grants and funding assistance in the amount of $348,363 were received
between FY19 and FY20 to fund land management for an average of $175,000 per year.
The cost for Program Administration and Acquisition operations for the period of FY19-FY20 was
an average of $105,000 per year.
The Net Operating expenses for FY19-FY20, including capital projects, were $700,045 and
$762,720, respectively. The increase in budget was due to the acquisition of new preserves and
the initial costs for exotic vegetation removal.
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Ordinance
During 2018, the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition and Advisory Committee (CCLAAC)
reviewed the Conservation Collier ordinance upon request of the Board of County Commissioners
(Board). These revisions were approved by the Board on February 26, 2019 and recorded as
Ordinance 2019-03.
Public Activities
Public activities at preserves between FY19 and FY20 included adult and youth hunts, hiking,
camping, biking, tours, volunteering, presentations, and guided hikes. The Conservation Collier
Program looks forward to adding more programming if interpretive staff are approved in FY22 to
provide educational and outreach programs.
Conservation Collier preserves have been categorized to identify what public uses are currently
available (approved as part of the Annual Report, 10/23/12 16D4). Table 1 describes these
categories and identifies corresponding preserves.
Looking Ahead
Staff is working diligently to open two new preserves acquired in late 2018 and August 2020.
Opening of new preserves is dependent on initial removal of exotic vegetation, permitting, and
trail and parking lot installation. Given the limited annual budget, the opening of recent
acquisitions may take more than one fiscal year to accomplish.
On November 3, 2020, the Collier County electors approved the Conservation Collier Re-
establishment referendum with a 76.5% majority. Accordingly, the FY22 budget will be proposed
to include a Conservation Collier Program tax levy of .25 mil that will generate up to $25,287,900
for acquisition, management, and to repay the management trust fund. On February 23, 2021, the
Board approved the FY22 Budget Policy which included implementation of the ad valorem levy
in October 2021. As a result, staff started accepting applications on February 24, 2021 from
property owners interested in selling environmentally sensitive land to the Program. The
Applications for Acquisition Cycle 10 will be accepted through July 21, 2021. Properties will be
evaluated by the committee and ranked by the Board in January 2022 to be acquired in FY22.
Please accept this report on the activities of Conservation Collier calendar years 2019-2020.
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Table 1. Preserve Category Matrix
Preserves
Category 1
Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5
Primary Use
- Easy access
- Public amenities
& parking
Intermediate Use
- Few/no amenities
- Limited parking
& primitive trails
Neighborhood Use
- No onsite parking
- Amenities limited
to benches, trails,
and picnic tables
Seasonal Use
- Parking & trails
may be available
- Closed during
rainy season
Protection/Restore
Resource Use
- No public access
no physical or
legal access or
unsafe for public
1 Alligator Flag X
2 Camp Keais X
3 Caracara Prairie X
4 Cocohatchee Creek X
5 Robert H Gore III X
6 Freedom Park X
7 Gordon River Greenway X
8 Logan Woods X
9 McIlvane Marsh X
10 Nancy Payton X
11 Otter Mound X
12 Panther Walk X
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Pepper Ranch
Currently Seasonal,
Off-season use by Appt.
X X
14 Railhead Scrub X
15 Red Maple Swamp X
16 Redroot X
17 Rivers Road X
18 Rattlesnake Hammock X
19 Shell Island X
20 Wet Woods X
21 Winchester Head X
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2. CCLAAC –Members, Summary of meetings and Actions for between 2019
and 2020
The primary purpose of the CCLAAC, as defined by the Conservation Collier Ordinance, has been
to assist the Board in establishing an Active Properties Acquisition List with qualified purchase
recommendations consistent with the goals of Conservation Collier. Between 2019-2020 there
were 9 active members. Membership of the CCLAAC is intended to be comprised of broad and
balanced representation of the interests of Collier County citizens, including:
x Environmental, land management, and conservation interests
x Agricultural and business interests
x Educational interests
x General civic and citizen interests throughout the county.
Members serving as of December 2020, and their backgrounds and areas of expertise are:
William Poteet, Jr. – Chairman (Business Interest) Re-appointed for a sixth term in February
2020, Mr. Poteet is a local Realtor and business owner who has been a
member of the CCLAAC since its inception in March 2003. He has served
as Chairman of the CCLAAC since August 2005 with unanimous re-election
as Chair each year. He also served as a member of the Outreach
Subcommittee and as Chairman of the Ordinance, Policy and Rules
Subcommittee during active acquisition phases. He currently serves as the
Chair of the Lands Evaluation and management Subcommittee. Mr. Poteet
is an outstanding leader, assisting with the development of many Program
policies.
Patricia Sherry – Vice Chair (General Civic/Citizen Interest) Appointed in April 2015, Ms.
Sherry comes to Conservation Collier from a background of civic
engagement. She served on the Town Council and Sewer Commission in
her home state of Connecticut where she owned her own Income Tax
Preparation business and Insurance Agency, gaining experience with
government operations and property acquisitions. Locally, Ms. Sherry is
currently serving on the Wastewater Authority, Historical and
Archaeological Preservation Board and the Infrastructure Surtax Citizens
Oversight Committee in Collier County.
Susan Calkins – (Education Interest) Ms. Calkins was appointed in January 2015. Ms. Calkins
has resided in Naples full time since 1999. Prior to moving to Naples, she
taught sociology and anthropology at Macomb Community College and
served as the college’s Director of International Studies. She has taught
courses in eco-tourism. A Florida Master Naturalist, she has served on the
board of the Friends of Rookery Bay and chaired the League of Women
Voters of Collier County’s Environmental Affairs Committee. She currently
serves as League of Women Voters of Florida representative to the
Everglades Coalition; Her community involvement has included:
Immokalee Housing and Family Services Board; Hodges Center for
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Lifelong Learning Advisory Board; and President of the American Association of University
Women, Greater Naples Branch. She is a graduate of the Greater Naples Leadership Master’s
Program, a recipient of the 2007 Jefferson Award for Public Service and the 2012 Community
Foundation Women of Initiative Award.
Michael Seef – (Environment-Education Interest) Mr. Seef was appointed to CCLAAC in
September 2015 and was reappointed for a 3-year term in February 2020.
He is a retired consultant/analyst who worked with major businesses like
Quaker Oats and McDonnell Douglass, and also the Federal Government in
Housing and Urban Development. Locally, Mr. Seef is a Board member of
various environmental and educational organizations and is a Master
Naturalist volunteering for CREW and Audubon. He has managed the Clam
Pass Guide educational program and has volunteered in environmental
educational programs in Australia and Japan. In his own residential
community, he has managed the preserve and has instituted Florida friendly
landscaping, butterfly gardening and ponds management.
Gary Bromley – (General Civic/Citizen) Mr. Bromley was appointed January 23, 2018 for a 3-
year term. Mr. Bromley has lived in Collier County for 4 years, originally
from Westchester, NY, where he served as an environmental educator. He
has a Bachelor of Science degree in social science work and is currently
retired. This is Mr. Bromley’s first time serving on a County Board, but he
is a member of the League of Women voters where he participates on the
Environmental and Government Committees. He has also participated in
efforts to place Constitutional Amendments on voter ballots and has
participated with the Stone crab Alliance on environmental issues.
Brittany Patterson-Weber – (Environmental/Conservation/Education) Ms. Patterson-Weber was
appointed on June 12, 2018, for a 3-year term. She is currently the Vice
President of Education & Interpretation at Naples Botanical Garden, and
a member of the Garden’s executive team. She has spent the last 18 years
in Florida and the Caribbean working in environmental education as both
an educator and program/center Director at the Calusa Nature Center and
Planetarium (Ft. Myers), Pigeon Key Marine Science Foundation
(Marathon), South Seas Island Resort (Captiva), and Ambassadors of the
Environment by Jean-Michel Cousteau at the Ritz-Carlton Grand
Cayman. She also has done graduate work in Agricultural Extension
Education. She has worked closely with professional partners like Collier County Public Schools,
Collier County Pollution Control, and Rookery Bay's Coastal Training Program to educate both
adults and children about living in Southwest Florida's environment.
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Michelle Lenhard – (Educational/General Civic/Ecology/Conservation) Ms. Lenhard was
appointed on April 23, 2019 for a 3-year term. Ms. Lenhard relocated to
Collier County 6 years ago from Ridgewood, NJ. She currently serves as the
Naturalist Program chair for the Friends of Barefoot Beach having completed
the Florida Master Naturalist Program training. While living in New Jersey
she served on the local Board of Education for many years. During her tenure
on the Board, she was the liaison to several State educational initiatives and
achieved certification as a Master Board member from New Jersey School
Boards. She and her husband owned and operated a Records and Information
Management company as well as several Commercial Real Estate entities in
New Jersey. Michele’s educational background is in environmental science. Early in her career
she worked in the Scientific Instrument Industry.
Thomas Iandimarino – (Environmental & Conservation/Educational/Ecology/Land
Management) Mr. Iandimarino was appointed September 24, 2019 for a 3.5
-year term. Tom Iandimarino is the Gulf Coast District Ranger for
Everglades National Park in Everglades City. In this position he manages
the Visitor and Resource Protection Division, including Law Enforcement,
Marine Enforcement Operations, Search and Rescue and the Field Training
and Evaluation Program. He is a member of the National Advisory Council
for the Field Training and Evaluation Program and helps lead new Park
Rangers through fostering an environment that encourages innovation and
creativity. Tom has a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Resources
Management from Slippery Rock University. In Tom’s career as a United
States Park Ranger he has been fortunate to have worked in National Park sites in Tennessee,
North Carolina, Indiana, California, Utah, Arizona and here in Florida.
Hannah Rinaldi – (Ecology/Conservation/Environmental Education) Ms. Rinaldi was appointed
on November 12, 2019 for a 2.5-year term. She currently owns and operates
Naples Compost, a food waste pick-up service that processes waste into
compost. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Millsaps College
and a Master of Science in Science Education from University of South
Florida. She has a broad background in science education as a former
middle and high school biology teacher as well as a former eco-tour guide
at Mote Marine. She has previously worked as a research biologist with
Florida Fish and Wildlife monitoring seagrass habitats throughout the state
of Florida.
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3. Program Lands Acquisition Status
During the December 13, 2016 Board meeting (Agenda Item 10B) Commissioner Saunders
presented an item calling for the re-establishment of funding of the Conservation Collier Program.
During 2017 and 2018 several agenda items were taken to the Board to discuss the status of the
Program. At the February 14, 2017 Board meeting the Board voted to use up to $17 million of
Land Management Trust Funds for acquisition and to restart the Program.
In April 2018 and July 2018, staff brought the CCLAAC-recommended Cycle 9 Active
Acquisition List to the Board. for $3,078,500 million; this does not include multi-parcel projects
which are funded by off-site preserve donations. These funds are to be repaid during FY22 when
the ad-valorem tax is implemented. Conservation Collier was approved in 2018 to continue
acquiring in the multi-parcel projects (Red Maple Swamp and Winchester Head) using offsite
preservation donations.
Pursuant to Board direction, staff placed a non-binding referendum on the November 3, 2020,
general election ballot regarding the Conservation Collier Program. Specifically, the voters were
asked to approve or disapprove re-establishing a not to exceed .25 mil ad valorem levy for ten (10)
years to fund Conservation Collier’s acquisition and management of environmentally sensitive
lands. On November 3, 2020, the Collier County electors approved the Conservation Collier Re-
establishment referendum with a 76.5% majority.
Accordingly, the FY22 proposed budget will include a Conservation Collier Program tax levy of
.25 mil that will generate up to $25,287,900. The FY 22 budget will appropriate Conservation
Collier tax proceeds to repay approximately $3,700,000 to the Conservation Collier Management
Trust Fund for monies advanced to acquire strategic properties prior to the referendum. Further,
consistent with Ordinance 2002-63 as amended, twenty-five (25) percent of annual gross tax
receipts will be deposited into the Conservation Collier Management Trust Fund to provide for
long term management of lands managed by the Conservation Collier Program. The balance of tax
receipts will be deposited into the Conservation Collier Acquisition Trust Fund for use in acquiring
environmentally sensitive lands. On February 23, 2021 the Board approved the FY22 Budget
Policy which included implementation of the ad valorem levy. As a result, staff started accepting
applications on February 24, 2021 from property owners interested in selling environmentally
sensitive land to the Program. The Applications for Acquisition Cycle 10 will be accepted through
July 21, 2021. Properties will be ranked by the Board in January 2022 to be acquired in FY22.
In addition to the cycle 9 properties, Conservation Collier also acquired properties between
2019 and 2020 with funds generated by the offsite preservation option for developers in the
Land Development Code. No land donations were acquired in the multi-parcel projects
between 2019-2020. Approximately $18,500 was received as offsite preserve monetary
donations between 2019-2020. Since inception, monetary donations received total $715,500
See Tables 2 and 3 below for details.
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Table 2. Monetary Donations
Monetary Donations: Conservation Collier received one monetary donation during the fiscal
years of FY19 and FY20.
Owner Land
Acquisition
Funds
Provided
Management
Endowment
Provided
Date
Received
Earmark
FPL Panther
Substation
$14,791.88
$3,697.97
2/8/19 Multi-parcel projects
(MPPs)
The Land Development Code off-site vegetation retention provision provides the criteria and
process for land and endowment donations. Two approved multi-parcel projects (MMPs),
Winchester Head (aka North Golden Gate Estates (NGGE) Unit 65) and Red Maple Swamp (aka
NGGE Unit 53) are active in accepting donations. Per Board direction from April 24, 2018
(Agenda Item 11B), off-site preserve donation funds received are being used to acquire properties
within the MMPs.
Multi Parcel Project Acquisitions with Donation Funds: Since the start of the offsite preservation
option in 2010, monetary donations in the amount of $715,400 have been received, with $455,000
designated for land acquisition and $260,700 designated for land management. A total of $303,000
has been used for acquisition starting with the CDC parcel (Gordon River Greenway Addition) in
2015 and 10 parcels within the MMPs through 2020.
The following properties were acquired in 2019 and 2020:
Table 3. Multi-parcel Property Acquisitions 2019-2020
Owner Acres Location Cost Date Acquired/Status
Koch 1.14 Winchester Head $16,600 Acquired 2/24/20
Burdis 1.14 Winchester Head $16,600 Acquired 6/30/20
Farimont Arcadia 2.28 Winchester Head $33,200 Acquired 10/21/20
Hernandez 1.59 Winchester Head $23,150 Acquired 12/18/20
Total 6.15 $89,550
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4. Program Land Management Status
Properties are presented alphabetically. All photos and maps shown were created and taken by
Program staff unless otherwise indicated. Preserves are categorized for public use in the
following manner:
Category 1 – Primary Use Preserve: easily accessible with public amenities and parking.
Category 2 – Intermediate Use Preserve: few to no amenities, limited parking, primitive trails.
Category 3 – Neighborhood Preserve: no onsite parking or amenities other than benches, trails,
and picnic table.
Category 4 – Seasonal Use Preserve: may have parking and trails but will be closed during
seasonal rainfall months.
Category 5 – Resource Protection/Restoration Preserve: currently no public access due to lack
of physical or legal access or where there are unsafe conditions for the public.
Alligator Flag – 7875 Immokalee Road, North Naples. This 18.46-acre Category 4, seasonal
use preserve is located on the north side of Immokalee Road across
from Gulf Coast High school. It was acquired in July 2006 at a cost of
$4,960,000 or $268,741 per acre. It is open to foot traffic between
dawn and dusk during dry season as the preserve floods in the summer.
There is no dedicated parking and no restroom, but it does have an
approximately 1-mile-long established trail system and resting bench.
Visitation at this preserve is mostly from surrounding residents and
from the nearby schools.
This preserve is representative of several of the typical habitat types in
Collier County, including seasonally flooded cypress-pine-cabbage
palm, cypress wetlands and pine flatwoods. Seventy-eight species of
plants have been identified growing on the preserve, including 4
species protected by the State of Florida (3 bromeliads and 1 fern). Many species of wildlife have
been recorded on the preserve, including wetland dependent and migratory bird species, black
bear, deer, raccoon, and snakes. The preserve is also suitable for foraging by the state and federally
threatened wood stork and is home to the state threatened Big Cypress fox squirrel. This preserve
provides outfall to the Immokalee Road canal for an identified flow way connecting with the
adjacent 160-acre Olde Cypress PUD preserve, to larger undeveloped areas to the north, and the
60,000-acre Corkscrew Marsh Complex to the northeast.
In 2019 and 2020, management emphasis continued to be focused on general trail and invasive
exotic plant maintenance. In 2020, a comprehensive plant inventory was completed by a local
botanist. The 10-year update to the Final Management Plan was completed and approved by the
Board in December 2020.
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Camp Keais Strand Parcels - The Camp Keais
Strand project, a Category 2 resource protection preserve
constitutes 6 parcels totaling 32.5 acres within the Flow
way Stewardship area of the Rural Lands Stewardship
Area, south of Oil Well Road and east of Desoto Boulevard
in Sections 31 and 32, Township 48 South, Range 29 East.
These parcels were acquired between 2008 and 2009 for a
total cost of $81,250 or $2,500 per acre. Three of the
parcels are contiguous and three are non-contiguous.
Because there is no legal access established to the properties
and physical access to this area is dangerous and difficult,
staff has not visited the properties other than to view them from above by airplane at the time they
were offered. To the best of staff’s knowledge, the parcels are comprised of cypress forest,
freshwater marsh, and mesic pine flatwood vegetation
communities.
Most of the land in the vicinity is owned by large agribusiness in
section sized parcels; however, within the two Sections where t hese
are located, the parcels have been subdivided into 1 to 80-acre
parcels and are owned by private individuals and agencies. The
Conservancy of SW Florida and the South Florida Water
Management District (SFWMD) also own parcels within this area.
An Interim Management Plan (IMP) update was approved by the
Board on 12/8/15 (Agenda Item 16D9) and updated most recently
on 1/26/21 (Agenda Item 16D3). The Conservation Collier
Financial Plan does not provide for management of these parcels.
The approved Interim Management Plan will be reviewed every 2
years for changes in conditions and is in effect a monitoring plan
until current access conditions improve.
Caracara Prairie – 2320 Corkscrew Road. This Category 2, 367.7-acre, intermediate use
preserve is located in the unincorporated northeast area of Collier
County at the east end of Corkscrew Road at the Lee/Collier County
boundary. It was acquired in December 2007 for $5,032,000, or
$13,685 per acre in partnership with the Corkscrew Regional
Ecosystem (CREW) Trust, who contributed $300,000 toward the
purchase price. The parcel is surrounded on 3 sides by CREW lands.
This preserve is open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk for
hiking and wildlife viewing. A three-mile trail system connects with
adjoining CREW Cypress Dome trails and parking, located
approximately 1 mile north. Visitation at this preserve is growing
during dry season but low during the wet season.
The preserve contains three distinct native vegetation communities, prairie, depressional marsh
wetlands and mesic pine flatwoods. The pastures provide habitat for native Florida wildlife species
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including the federally endangered Florida panther, state threatened Florida sandhill crane and the
federally endangered crested caracara.
The preserve lies within Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)-designated
priority panther habitat and within the FWC Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW)
Wildlife Environmental Area (WEA), a designation that permits recreational hunting with FWC
oversight. This preserve was also utilized for U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) panther mitigation
for the Collier County Solid Waste Department’s Resource Recovery Park in 2014.
This preserve currently has a cattle lease which is planned to be phased out over time. Eagle
Scouts have provided hiking gates, tables, resting benches and an information kiosk. In
September 2019, 14 acres were burned with prescribed fire to reduce excess fuel levels and
improve pasture quality. In October 2018, staff received notice from the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP)that the leaseholder for the Oil, Gas, and Mineral Rights
(OGMs) had applied for re-drilling an exploratory test oil well on the site (Permit Application
#1335D) and had requested a surface lease. Staff had responded by requesting that specific
protections for the site and its wildlife be built into the permit and requesting assistance from the
County Attorney’s Office in regard to a Surface Lease. A one-year extension to the permit was
provided to the lessee by DEP through June 2021.
Cocohatchee Creek– 1880 Veterans Park Drive, North Naples.
This 3.64-acre preserve is located along Veterans Park Drive just outside
the entrance to Veterans Community Park off Immokalee Road in North
Naples. It is a Category 2, intermediate use preserve. Parking, restroom
facilities and handicapped parking are located at Veteran’s Community
Park, a short walk away. A shell trail winds approximately 700 feet
through the preserve to a picnic area under the oaks along the
Cocohatchee Creek. The portion of the trail leading to the picnic area is
handicapped accessible. Table, bench, and trash/recycle receptacles are
provided. Visitation is approximately a dozen people a day. Two Eagle Scout projects have been
developed here. The first is a seating area at the north
entrance and the second is a viewing platform next to the
creek at the picnic area.
This preserve contains one of the priority plant communities
targeted in the Conservation Collier ordinance: riverine oak.
Remnant patches of upland scrub (another Program priority)
pine flatwoods and cabbage palm forest make up the
remainder of the upland habitats. A portion of Cocohatchee
creek is included within preserve boundaries. This small
freshwater creek separates the preserve from the neighboring
residential development and contains wetlands used by
foraging wading birds. The preserve buffers and protects
this creek, which flows north to the County’s Wiggins Pass.
The preserve is also home to several gopher tortoises, a state
species of special concern. Herbicide maintenance
applications are applied as needed to control exotic weeds
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and poison ivy. In 2019 and 2020 two plant restoration projects were done in two separate areas
of the preserve to improve habitat. The management focus is on keeping the preserve free of exotic
plants and trash, keeping the creek free of exotic plants, maintaining the trail, and monitoring the
resident gopher tortoises. In 2020, a comprehensive plant inventory was completed by a local
botanist. The 10-year update to the Final Management Plan was completed and approved by the
Board in December 2020.
Dr. Robert H. Gore III – 4055 40th Ave SE, Naples, FL. The Dr. Robert H. Gore III Preserve
is a 171.2 acre, soon to be Category 2,
intermediate use preserve acquired on
November 19, 2018. The preserve is
composed of 5 parcels acquired for a cost
of $735,000. It is located west of Desoto
Blvd and north of Interstate I-75 between
36th Ave SE and 40th Ave SE in the North
Golden Gate Estates in S33, T49S, R28E.
The preserve is accessible via 40th Ave SE.
The five parcels were offered by one
owner who is the namesake of the
preserve. There are 5 different plant
communities which include several listed
plant species. Wetlands exist onsite and
provide habitat for wetland dependent
plants and wildlife. The preservation of these properties forms a contiguous conservation area
connecting to a wildlife corridor that utilizes an underpass under Interstate 75 to connect through
the greater Golden Gate Estates.
This preserve is scheduled to be opened to the public with
trails, benches, and parking in 2021. Funding assistance from
FWC contributed to the initial exotic removal, completed in
2019, that was matched by funding from the Conservation
Collier management budget. Funding assistance from FWC
for a follow-up maintenance treatment of the entire preserve
has been secured for 2021. An initial public access trail, ¾
mile in length has been installed with future trail expansion
planned following exotics removal.
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Freedom Park – 1515 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples.
This 12.5-acre Category 1, primary use preserve is part of the
larger Freedom Park (50 acres total), formerly called the
Gordon River Water Quality Park. After the County had
acquired Freedom Park in 2004 under a Florida Communities
Trust (FCT) Grant, the
eastern 12.5 acres were
sold to the
Conservation Collier
Program for $56,300.
Freedom Park is associated with the Gordon River Greenway
Corridor, a 2-mile ecological trail corridor centrally located
within the Naples-Collier County urban area. One overall
Land Management Plan was developed and approved by the
Board and FCT for management of both Freedom Park and
the Gordon River Greenway Park. The Freedom Park preserve portion is located on the eastern
side of the park and encompasses natural wetlands. Responsibilities for this park are shared
between the Parks and Recreation Department, Stormwater Department and Conservation Collier,
as shown on the map. Conservation Collier benefits by the presence of onsite restrooms and
parking maintained by Parks and Recreation. The Conservation Collier portion has a boardwalk
on it that is also maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Habitat on the Freedom Park Preserve portion is freshwater tidal swamp with a small hammock
containing a mix of wetland hardwood tree species and cabbage palms. Numerous wetland
dependent bird species utilize the wetlands and listed wildlife observed includes tricolored herons,
little blue herons, and snowy egrets.
This preserve is well used by the public. In June 2018, a people counter was installed to gauge
visitation and to date estimates an average of 3,650 monthly visitors. Counts are approximations.
Ongoing maintenance of multiple exotic species throughout the preserve continued through 2020.
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Gordon River Greenway – 1596 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples. The 117.6-acre Gordon
River Greenway Park is a signature property and partnership
project including Conservation Collier, Parks and
Recreation, SW Florida Land PreservationTrust,
Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples Zoo, Naples
Municipal Airport and City of Naples. Conservation
Collier’s portion is 50.51 acres at the south side of the Park.
Joining with Parks and Recreation as one seamless project
has enabled Conservation Collier to maintain the preserve
qualities of the property, yet provide access via a paved trail
and boardwalk, and access to parking, restrooms and other
amenities that are not typically found on conservation lands.
The Gordon River Greenway is a category 1 preserve,
indicating it is a primary use preserve, easily accessible with
public amenities and parking. There are over 2 miles of
boardwalks and trails on the entire project with a third of a
mile on the Conservation Collier portion. The initial 43-
acre preserve property was acquired in April 2006 for a cost
of $2,085,900, or $48,509 per acre. An additonal 7.51 acres
was acquired in
November 2015
for $400,000, or $53,262 per acre. The development of
trails, boardwalks and construction added $1,755,496
for a total project cost of $4,241,396. The Park was
opened to the public in November 2014 and is
extremely popular with residents and visitors.
Habitats seen from the trail on the Conservation Collier
preserve portion include the Gordon River, wetland
hardwoods, scrub and mangrove forest. The preserve is
home to many species of native and protected wildlife including numerous species of wading birds,
migrating bird species, alligators, gopher tortoises, and manatees. A 17-acre gopher tortoise
preserve lies within the overall park, with a portion of that inside Conservation Collier’s portion.
The preserve also contains wetland mitigation areas Restoration plantings in upland areas where
exotics were removed and plant signs along the trail were provided by Eagle Scout projects.
FGCU work days provided restoration plantings in upland areas where exotics were removed, the
creation of aa mulch trail on the southern portion of the preserve, and screech owl and bluebird
boxes. Numerous listed plant species have been observed within the preserve area and are being
routinely monitored. Initial archeological surveys discovered an historic spoil pile on
Conservation Collier lands but it did not qualify for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places. Collection of artifacts or disturbance of archeological or historical sites is prohibited.
Interpretive signage was installed in January 2021.
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This preserve is well used by the public. In April 2018 a people counter was installed to gauge
visitation. The average monthly visitor-ship through 2019 is estimated at 11,580 monthly. Counts
are approximations. Exotic removal continued through 2020.
Logan Woods – 831 Logan Blvd, Naples. Logan Woods is a 6.78-acre Category 3
neighborhood preserve located on the northwest corner of the
intersection of Logan Blvd. and Pine Ridge Road, about one
mile east of I-75 at the Pine Ridge Raod exit. It was purchased
in October 2005 for $711,983, or $105,012 per acre. The
Transportation Department partnered with Conservation
Collier to acquire future road Right Of Way both along Pine
Ridge Road and Logan Blvd. Until this portion is needed for
road expansion, it will be managed as preserve land. There
is an approximately 700-foot mulched trail, bike rack, picnic
table, bench, trash and recycle receptacles at the preserve. The
preserve is used regularly by neighbors.
This preserve was
acquired primarily as
green space. The
surrounding residential
community strongly supported its acquistion and made that
support known to the Conservation Collier Committee and
Commissioners. Their support was a critical factor in the
decision to purchase this preserve. The vegetation community
present is typical for Collier County – Cypress-pine-cabbage
palm. It was severely infested with melaleuca and Brazilian
pepper prior to acquistion. Extensive exotic removal was funded by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, Bureau of Invasive Plant Management. The University of Florida also
removed melaleuca on a neighboring property to avoid reinfestation using their TAME Melaleuca
Project. The primary goal for this preserve is to keep it clean and safe and to maintain the trail and
picnic area for use by visitors. In 2019 and 2020, management was focused on exotic plant and
trail maintenance. In 2020, a comprehensive plant inventory was completed by a local botanist.
The 10-year update to the Final Management Plan was completed and approved by the Board in
December 2020.
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McIlvane Marsh - No address assigned. This Category 5, resource protection preserve is
located northeast of Marco Island and
southwest of the intersection of U.S. 41
(Tamiami Trail) and County Road 92 (San
Marco Road). The McIlvane Marsh is an 800-
acre mangrove salt marsh with unpaved gated
access from Curcie Road off CR 92.
Conservation Collier owns 9 parcels totaling
378.87 acres in a mosaic pattern with the State
of Florida (329 acres), Collier County
Transportation Department (20 acres) and
private owners (80 acres). It was acquired
between May 2007 and January 2012 for a cost
of $2,804,791, or $7,403 per acre. There is
currently no public access. It has an approved
Interim Management Plan with the key objective to protect the habitat onsite, most recently
updated on 1/26/21 (Agenda Item 16D3).
McIlvane Marsh is a tidally influenced wetland
consisting primarily of open marsh and mangrove
wetlands with small upland island areas on its northern
and eastern edges. Approximately 15-acres of pine
flatwoods uplands exist on the north side of the marsh
and 6 acres of cleared uplands exist on the eastern edge
of the marsh. Wildlife surveys should be developed
and coordinated with surrounding conservation
agencies to determine monitoring plan goals,
techniques, and parameters. In 2020, initial exotics
treatments were conducted on 134 acres in the northern units of the preserve, these units are
scheduled to receive their first maintenance exotics treatment in spring 2021. Access to the
preserve was greatly improved by mulching Brazilian pepper along the edges of Curcie Rd in
2020.
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Nancy Payton – 1540 Blue Sage Drive, located east of Golden Gate City, taking White Blvd
to 23rd St SW, turning south and then
traveling west on Brantley Blvd. to Blue Sage
Drive. This 71-acre Category 2, intermediate
use preserve was acquired in sections
between September 2005 and April 2010 for
a total cost of $2,507,250, or $35,313 per
acre. In December 2006, it was officially
renamed the “Nancy Payton Preserve” by the
Board of County Commissioners. Nancy
Payton recently retired after working for
many years for the Florida Wildlife
Federation and has been very active in the
preservation of this Collier County Belle
Meade Area.
Management of this preserve balances resource restoration and
protection with natural resource-based recreational and
educational use. This preserve is covered under a US Fish and
Wildlife Service “Safe Harbor Agreement” to implement
management actions that will provide a net conservation benefit
for the Red Cockaded woodpecker (Federal–E). The preserve
opened to the public in May 2015. In 2020, the Collier County
Transportation Department created a Municipal Service Taxing
Unit (MSTU) to start maintaining and grading Blue Sage Drive
on an annual basis. Conservation Collier will contribute to this annual cost based on the Board
approved millage rate. Conservation Collier’s share is estimated to cost approximately $2,000 per
year. Payments towards the MSTU by Conservation Collier started in October 2020. The
maintenance of the road will greatly improve the ability for the public to access the preserve.
The public can access this site and educational tours for summer camps and other groups have
been conducted at the site. A nature trail, benches, picnic tables, and educational interpretive signs
have been provided for visitors, with contributions by Eagle Scouts. The preserve is used by many
hikers and horseback riders on a regular basis.
This preserve has faced problems with ATV riders since 2016. Staff continues to work with the
CCSO and FWC law enforcement to attempt to curb the activity. In 2019 and 2020, management
was focused on exotic plant and trail maintenance. In 2020, a comprehensive plant inventory was
completed by a local botanist. The 10-year update to the Final Management Plan was completed
and approved by the Board in September 2020.
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Otter Mound – 1831 Addison Court, Marco Island. Otter
Mound Preserve is a 2.46-acre
Category 2, intermediate use urban
preserve located in southwestern
Collier County in a residential area of
Marco Island. The preserve was
acquired between 2004 and 2007 for
$2,064,976, or $839,421 per acre. The
entire preserve site is a Calusa shell
mound (c. 700 A.D.-1200 A.D.) that contains artifacts of both
archaeological and historical significance. Access to the preserve is from
Osceola Court and Addison Court - with 3-space public parking available
including handicapped space at the entrance.
Otter Mound Preserve was purchased because it contains tropical hardwood hammock habitat, a
priority habitat designated by the Conservation Collier Ordinance (2007-65, as amended, Section
10.1.a.). In addition, the preserve contains the following features that make it an important
archaeological and historical site: undisturbed Calusa shell mounds, a historic pioneer structure
(outhouse), and shell terracing that runs along the northern and western sections of the property.
The location of the preserve in the urban area provides an opportunity for citizens, visitors, and
school-age children to view this habitat type and some Island history without traveling far.
Otter Mound Preserve is well used by Marco
Island residents and visitors including numerous
local bike tours, neighbors who routinely walk the
preserve and students and other local groups who
gather for educational programs given by staff.
The City of Marco Island partners with
Conservation Collier to maintain the Right of Way
in front of the preserve.
General trail maintenance by staff and volunteer
groups (FGCU and the Sunrise Rotary of Marco
Island), including hand pulling and chemical
applications for exotics by staff, was ongoing
through 2020. Visitation is high at this preserve, as local tour operations take their visitors here
and the Marco Island Museum hands out brochures and recommends visitation to its visitors.
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Pepper Ranch – 6315 Pepper Road, Immokalee. Pepper Ranch Preserve, a Category 1
preserve located west of the town of
Immokalee and north of Lake
Trafford, is the largest of the
Conservation Collier Preserves at
2,512 acres. It was acquired in
February 2009 for $32,525,080, or
$12,948 per acre. The perception
continues to exist that Conservation
Collier paid too much for the
property, although it was actually
some of the least expensive land
(per acre) that was acquired by the
Program – on par with lots acquired
in North Golden Gate Estates.
Since its acquisition, staff has been
working to remove exotic plant
species, document wildlife and plants, develop trails, permit the ranch for mitigation, and provide
public amenities. Currently there are approximately 15 miles of trails for use by hikers, mountain
bikers and horseback riders. A new cattle lease was approved in September 2019, primarily to
maintain pasture areas and for security purposes, which also provides revenue of $41,200 per year.
A limited hunt program provides opportunities for young hunters to learn the skill and for County
residents to hunt hog, a pest animal that damages habitat with its rooting, and some deer and turkey,
if population surveys allow. The hunt program pays for itself with fees.
There is an active oil operation on the western side in 2 quarter sections
(330 acres) where there is one operating and two non-operating wells. The
producing well pulls approximately 80 barrels of oil daily. While most of
the oil, gas and mineral rights on the preserve are owned by Collier County,
the 2 quarter-sections have had the rights severed and are owned by a
private entity and leased to an operator - Hendry Energy Services. The oil
company maintains the lime rock ranch road.
A US Fish and Wildlife Service Conservation Bank exists within Pepper
Ranch Preserve. Through the Conservation bank, Conservation Collier sells
Panther Habitat Units (PHUs) to County Departments needing panther mitigation credits. A total
of 8,669 PHUs were banked for development of future County projects at a cost savings of
$1,077,123.25. There are currently 6,141.41 PHUs remaining in the Conservation Bank.
Staff is also working with the Lake Trafford Management Team, a multi-agency group seeking to
address water quality issues in Lake Trafford. Conservation Collier has collaborated with UF/IFAS
on a project to redefine the watershed boundaries for Lake Trafford to determine what inputs may
be affecting the lake’s water quality. That project was completed in December 2016, and the data
will be used to inform future restoration of the preserve. It is anticipated that restoration activities
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on the preserve will primarily involve blocking and filling ditches that lead into Lake Trafford
with adjacent berm material.
The preserve boasts 10 distinct types of natural plant
communities, including forests, hammocks, flatwoods,
prairies, marshes, swamps, strands, and sloughs. Four
hundred and fifteen (415) plant species have been
recorded at the preserve. Fifty–two (52) bird species have
been documented. with ten (10) listed species, including
Audubon’s crested caracara, bald eagle, Florida sandhill
crane, limpkin, roseate spoonbill, and wood stork.
One of the major reasons to protect habitat is to
protect the species that use it. The entire area of the
ranch is included within the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission-designated
Primary Panther Habitat. Panthers are routinely
seen and recorded on wildlife cameras at the
preserve. Other wildlife on the ranch includes
Florida black bears, bobcats, big cypress fox
squirrels, coyotes, deer, wild hogs, alligators, and
snakes.
Public activities at the Preserve include festivals and guided hikes. In October 2019, a sunflower
viewing weekend event was held for the public. Over 2,200 people attended. In 2020, a sunflower
viewing was not offered due to Covid-19 and a below average bloom.
Management activities at the preserve between 2019
and 2020 included vegetation and wildlife
monitoring, exotic plant removal, trail maintenance,
assisting with youth hunts and leading general hunts,
general camping, and Eagle Scout construction
projects. A five-year update to the Final
Management Plan was completed and approved by
the Board in January 2019.
An RV pad and hookup were constructed in the
campground in 2020. A volunteer campground host
couple made residence in November 2020 after a
Camp Host Agreement was approved by the Board
in October 2020.
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Panther Walk – 2845 60th Ave NE, Golden Gate Estates.
The preserve is located west of Everglades Blvd., north of
Oil Well Road, and extends between 60th Ave and 62nd Ave
NE in North Golden Gate Estates in S31 T 47 R28. This
preserve consists of 10.69 acres acquired between 2007 and
2014, with 5.00 acres of that a donation accepted under the
Land Development Code off-site vegetation retention
provision (LDC 3.05.07, H.1.f. iii. b.) and another 1.14-acres
accepted as a straight donation. The cost for the purchased
portions of the preserve (4.55 acres) was $93,130, or
$20,468 per acre. In 2009, the adjacent Estates Elementary
School held a preserve naming contest and the winning
name of “Panther Walk Preserve” was chosen by a student
and was approved by the Board. This is a Category 4,
seasonal use preserve. A seasonally accessible trail allows
visitors to cross the property between 60th and 62nd Aves NE.
Native plant communities within the preserve include high quality
cypress wetlands, which are part of a larger wetland slough system
known as the Horsepen Strand. To date, 64 plant species have been
recorded on the preserve. Two listed plant species have been
documented and the preserve contains habitat used by listed species
including Florida sandhill cranes, wood storks, Florida panthers and
mangrove fox squirrels.
In addition to its Estates zoning, this parcel is subject to the Golden
Gate Area Master Plan, which has as Objective 1.3 to protect and
preserve valuable natural resources.
Railhead Scrub – 14510 Old US 41, North Naples. Railhead
Scrub Preserve is
an approximately 135-acre natural area located in
the northwest corner of Collier County, south of
the Railhead Industrial Park and east of Old US
41. One of the first large Program purchases,
eighty acres of the preserve were acquired in July
2004 for $21,967,050, or $274,588 per acre. The
remaining 55 acres were acquired in June 2007
for $10,650,000, or $293.636 per acre. Currently
Railhead Scrub Preserve is a Category 5
(Resource Protection/Restoration) preserve and
will remain so until acceptable access can be
secured. The preserve contains approximately
117 acres of upland habitat, primarily pine
flatwoods and xeric oak scrub/scrubby flatwoods, and 18 acres of wetland habitat including
cypress and hydric pine flatwoods. Xeric oak scrub is the second-most preferred habitat type
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identified in the Conservation Collier Ordinance (2007-65, as amended, Section 10.1.a.). This is
some of the last undeveloped xeric oak scrub in Collier County, including less than 200 acres
protected in Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and another 78 acres protected by
the Hamilton Harbor PUD. The previous owners of the parcel had plans to develop it into an
industrial park before it was acquired.
Public access to this site has been limited. When the first part of this preserve was acquired, in
2004, the County Transportation Department had acquired Right of
Way (ROW) and had planned to develop a County road along the
south side of the preserve – called Veterans Memorial Blvd. When
the second portion of the preserve was acquired in 2007, the ROW
bisected the north and south sides of the preserve. Veterans
Memorial Blvd. was the planned access point for parking and
preserve access; however, after the 2004 acquisition, Veterans
Memorial Blvd. was delayed, first to the County’s 2017 Long Range
Transportation Plan (LRTP), and then to the 2035 LRTP. Staff
attempted to create a small parking area off the east side of Veterans’
Memorial Blvd. and utilize an existing 1-mile trail westward along
the ROW for hikers to access the preserve, but persons trespassing
with ATVs along the ROW to get to interior recreational areas
damaged the gate and made the trail too dangerous for hikers.
Along the western side of the northern portion and bisecting the southern side down the center,
there is a railroad owned by CSX Railroad and leased to Seminole Gulf Railway (see red line on
first Railhead map shown). This rail line presents an obstacle to public access from the west. For
the public to cross it, the County would be required to bring the crossing up to federal railroad
crossing standard, including grade elevation changes and installation of a railroad crossing signal,
and to lease the crossing with annual fees, both of which are cost prohibitive. A June 2018
conversation with Seminole Railway management resulted in them advising they are no longer
interested in providing pedestrian crosswalks. Additionally, the access road from Old US 41, Sun
Century Blvd., is a privatively maintained roadway. There is no visitor parking along this road. In
2019, staff arranged limited access through the adjoining Railhead commercial development and
will partner with Florida Gulf Coast University to facilitate herpetological surveys, with all data
provided to Conservation Collier.
In 2019 and 2020, breeches at the gates and along the
fences continued. Trucks and ATVs continue to
damage fences and trespass at the preserve. Police are
called, but trespassers are generally gone by the time
deputies get there. Camera installation and re-
positioning continues despite numerous attempts to
damage and dislodge cameras. Preserve maintenance,
including exotic abatement, continues.
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Red Maple Swamp – No address assigned. This Category 5 (currently) preserve is one of
two formally designated multi-parcel projects. This type of
project has proved challenging for the Program. Challenges
include fluctuating values ranging from $7,500 to $15,000 per
acre over multiple years of buying, unwilling sellers within the
project boundary, and lack of assurance that in-holding parcels
can be acquired in the future - a particular challenge of the
willing-seller environment. The project covers the entirety of
North Golden Gate Estates Unit 53, located north of the Twin
Eagles PUD and west of the County Fairgrounds. Between 2004
and 2018, approx. 216 acres out of a total of 305 (71%) were
acquired. In the map, acquired parcels are shown as dark green,
and donation parcels in pink. In 2020 a 2.5-acre parcel located
south 41st Ave NW of was donated.
The most recent valuation for both multi-parcel projects was
performed in July 2017 returning an average value of $5,570
per acre. This is significantly lower than a 2008 appraisal of
$15,842 per acre, and a 2009 appraisal of $7,500 per acre but
higher than a 2016 appraisal value of $3,650 per acre. Staff
plans to do a project-wide appraisal in 2021 to send letters to
property owners making offers.
Within NGGE Unit 53, exotic removals have been ongoing
since 2013. State agency funding assistance will be applied to
maintenance exotics treatments scheduled for spring 2021 in all
three management units.
There is no current public access; however, the area is easily
accessible via 41st Ave NW and Shady Hollow Blvd. West.
The parking lot and trail access for SFWMD’s Bird Rookery
Swamp and its 12 miles of hiking trails are located along Shady Hollow Blvd. West. Once enough
parcels are acquired to allow for comprehensive management, staff will evaluate creating trails
that can be linked up with Bird Rookery Swamp trails.
During 2019-2020, routine maintenance consisted of site inspections and continued exotic species
management over 3 management units totaling 118 acres.
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Redroot – 1330 Limpkin Road, Big Corkscrew Island Community. This 9.26- acre, Category
2, intermediate use preserve was acquired in June 2006
for $440,000, or $47,516 per acre. The parcel is
located along Immokalee Road just east of the turn off
on Sanctuary Road to get to the Audubon Corkscrew
Swamp Sanctuary. The access for the parcel is along
Limpkin Road, which is the first right turn off
Sanctuary Road. The entire cost of the parcel was
$460,000. The Public Utilities Department partnered
with Conservation Collier for $20,000 to acquire a
15,000 square foot (150’ X 100’) at the northwest
corner for a
future well site.
When the well site is constructed, visitors will be able to
use a small parking area which will be placed on the well
site. Currently, parking for visitors is along Limpkin Road.
There is a little over half a mile of trails on the property,
which are often used by horseback riders. This preserve
was primarily acquired to establish a conservation presence
along Immokalee Road in the developing urban fringe.
There are two types of vegetation communities exiting at
the preserve: pine flat wood and freshwater marsh. The parcel lies within FWC priority 2 panther
habitat. Some of the adjacent properties are cleared and
developed but there still exists an intact ecological link
with Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. This habitat
requires prescribed fire. Staff conducted a prescribed
fire in 2011 and completed a second one in December
2016, improving the habitat. Burned areas have
regenerated and overall maintenance of trails continues.
Exotic plant maintenance continues on an annual basis. In 2020, a comprehensive plant inventory
was completed by a local botanist. The 10-year update to the Final Management Plan was
completed and approved by the Board in December 2020.
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Rivers Road – 2021 Rivers Road, Naples, FL. Rivers Road Preserve is a 76.74-acre Category
2, intermediate use preserve acquired in
10 parcels between 2008 and 2010 for a
total cost of $5,128,300, or $66,826 per
acre. It is located south of Immokalee
Road, between and accessible by private
roads, Rivers Road and Moulder Road,
2.5 miles east of Collier Blvd. (CR 951) in
S30 T48 R27.
The 10 parcels were offered together by 6
different owners. There are 9 different
plant communities which include several
listed plant species. Wetlands exist onsite
and provide habitat for wetland dependent
plants and wildlife. The preservation of
these properties forms a contiguous conservation area connecting to a wildlife corridor that utilizes
an underpass under Immokalee Road to connect through Twin Eagles Development with the
60,000 acres of Conservation lands including the Bird Rookery Swamp and the Corkscrew Marsh
complex.
This preserve opened to the public with trails, picnic
tables, and parking May 25, 2016. Fire lines and trails
have been put in. Trail maintenance and exotic plant
treatment continue on an annual basis. Eagle Scout
projects have contributed a picnic table, benches, and a
kiosk to the preserve. Trails at this preserve are used by
hikers, trail runners, and horseback riders. A five-year
update to the Final Management Plan was completed and
approved by the Board in January 2020.
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Shell Island – No address assigned. This 112-acre Category 5, resource protection/restoration
preserve was acquired in 2006 and expanded
in 2019. The first 83.18-acre parcel was
acquired in 2006 for a cost of $4,750,000, or
$57,105 per acre. The original sales price was
$4,875,000 and Conservation Collier was
unable to pay that as it was above appraised
value. The Conservancy of Southwest
Florida contributed $125,000 above what
Conservation Collier was able to pay to meet
the owner’s price. The purchase price was
higher than expected due to a 1989 Settlement
Agreement between Collier County and the
owner (OR BK 1488 PG 777) which the
owner believed guaranteed him between 3
and 4 units per acre. A second 28.7-acre
parcel that adjoined the preserve to the north
was acquired in September 2019 for
$860,000, or $29,965 per acre.
These parcels fulfilled Program qualifications
by satisfying all applicable screening criteria.
It is an example of one of the unique and
endangered plant communities listed as
preferred by the Conservation Collier Ordinance (tidal freshwater marsh). The nearly pristine
marsh habitat is considered an outstanding aesthetic feature.
This parcel provides habitat for wetland dependent species, water quality enhancement for the
adjacent Rookery Bay, an Outstanding Florida Water, and will provide on-site attenuation of
floodwaters. Wildlife includes wood stork (Federal Endangered (E), white ibis (State–SSC),
snowy egret (State– Species of Special Concern (SSC)), tricolored heron (State-SSC), little blue
heron (State-SSC), and American alligator
(Federally threatened due to similarity of
appearance to crocodiles). A number of
listed plant species were also observed on
the property, including leather fern
(Federal E) and several listed Tillandsia
(Bromeliad) species. Restoration potential
is high, as the only major restoration
project would be to remove the old
roadbed crossing the property.
Legal and physical access exists from C.R.
951 on the east boundary, and from Shell
Island Road. There is no vehicle access
from C.R. 951, but there is access via Shell
Island Road, which cuts diagonally across the southeast corner of the property. Shell Island Road
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is a part of this parcel but also provides access to state and Conservancy-owned lands to the west
and is used by the public to access Rookery Bay for fishing and kayaking at the end of Shell Island
Road. This parcel is directly adjoining the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
(RBNERR) and serves to buffer and protect it from the effects of development on neighboring
properties. The parcel is almost entirely wetlands, except for the approximately 4 acres of old
raised roadbed (CR 22). This parcel has been utilized by Florida Gulf Coast University as a
“wetland lab,” for student research.
While it remains remarkably clean, the preserve continues to be monitored for exotic re-growth.
Providing public access to this preserve would involve building a boardwalk, as wetland soils are
not appropriate for developing trails. Because a public boardwalk that is accessible from Shell
Island Road exists approximately 0.5 miles west of the preserve and contains an observation
platform that overlooks a lake that is part of the preserve, creation of an additional boardwalk is
not necessary.
Wet Woods – 12815 Tamiami Trail N, Naples.
The preserve is a 26.77-acre natural area located within the urban boundary of Collier County in
the northwest corner, immediately west of U.S. Highway 41 and south of Wiggins Pass Road in
S16 T48 R25. It is being maintained as a Category 5 preserve until public access can be
established.
This preserve was acquired in 2005 for $2,160,000, or $80,687 per acre. It was named Wet Woods
Preserve by local school children, a name approved by the Board, in December 2006. The
preserve contains various native plant communities including pine flatwoods, mangrove forests,
and both saltwater and freshwater wetlands, with about 58% being wetlands and 42% uplands.
To date, 132 plant species have been recorded at the preserve. Of these, 110 (83%) are native and
22 (17%) are exotic. Seven listed plant species have been recorded at the preserve. Exotic species
are treated annually.
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Forty-four bird species, including many protected by the State of Florida and the Federal
government, have been recorded on the property. A bald eagle nest that regularly fledges young
is in the flatwoods portion.
Currently, there is no sanctioned public use of the site. The closest public road to the property is
US Hwy 41 (Tamiami Trail North). A drainage ditch running north-south is located on the eastern
edge of the property and separates the preserve from US Hwy 41. This ditch makes the preserve
virtually inaccessible currently from US 41.
Exotic maintenance continued in 2019 and 2020. To provide public access, there would need to
be parking and a boardwalk. Staff has looked for suitable parking solutions but has not found one
yet and plans for a boardwalk in 2008 were halted following the economic downturn.
Winchester Head Multi-parcel Project – No address assigned. This preserve is one of
two formally designated multi-parcel
projects and is currently considered a
Category 5, resource protection/restoration
preserve. Multiparcel projects have
proved challenging for the Program.
Challenges include higher prices for
smaller lots, fluctuating values over
multiple years of buying, unwilling sellers
within the project boundary, and lack of
assurance that in-holding parcels can be
acquired in the future - a particular
challenge of the willing-seller
environment. The project covers a portion
of NGGE Units 62 and 65. Between 2004
and 2020, approximately 93.6 acres out of
a total of 158.67 (59%) were acquired. In the map, acquired parcels are shown as bright green,
targeted parcels with no color, donations as light blue, purple as those properties acquired during
2019-2020 and white as properties owned by the Collier Soil and Water Conservation District.
Two Vacant Land Market Analyses for both multi-parcel projects (and including Horsepen Strand)
were contracted by the County’s Appraiser in July 2017. In earlier appraisals, property values have
fluctuated. In 2008, values were $16,375 per acre. In 2009, values dropped to $10,000 per acre.
In 2016, values were at $13,500 per acre. The most recent 2017 Market Analysis reached an
averaged value of $12,500 per acre. Staff plans to have a project-wide appraisal done in 2021 to
send letters to property owners making offers.
Conservation Collier has acquired eight parcels as donations under the Land Development Code
off-site vegetation retention provision (LDC 3.05.07, H.1.f. iii. (b.) in this area (shown in purple
on the map). Exotic maintenance is being done on donation parcels to maintain them in the
condition they were donated in. There is no current public access; however, the area is easily
accessible via 2 paved County roads, 37th and 39th Ave NE. The project parcels are wetland and
only accessible during dry season. Staff has continued to monitor the area and abate significant
exotic maintenance issues as they occur.
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5. Program Financial Status
Conservation Collier spent approximately $107,500,000 on properties between 2003 and 2020,
acquiring and managing 4,345 acres in 21 locations throughout Collier County. Acquisition and
management funds were generated annually for 10 years from an ad valorem property tax of up to
.25 mil, or $25 for each $100,000 in taxable property value for property owners in Collier County.
Additional income was derived from investment and banking interest, grants, cattle leases, hunt
fees, and the sale of Panther Habitat Units (PHUs). In March 2013, at the ten-year mark, the ad
valorem tax levy authorization expired.
As taxes were collected, 15% of the net levy went into the Land Management Trust Fund (174)
and 85% went into the Land Acquisition Trust Fund (172). On May 25, 2010 (Agenda item
16.E.2), the Board of County Commissioners authorized a transfer of up to an additional $10.3
million, above the ordinance mandated 15% of ad valorem taxes, from the “Land Acquisition
Fund” to the “Land Management Fund” during FY2011 – FY2013 to ensure land management
funding in perpetuity. On April 12, 2011 (Agenda Item 10F) the Board authorized early re-
payment of Bond Series 2008. Bond Series 2004 and 2008 were retired in FY 2013.
The Conservation Collier Program utilizes five active funds (172, 174, 179, 673, and 674,) to
manage Program financial resources and has 1 inactive fund - 272. Fund 172, the Land Acquisition
Fund, is used to account for property acquisition activity. Fund 174, the Land Maintenance Trust
Fund, is the primary Conservation Collier operating and maintenance fund. This fund also contains
long-term Conservation Collier Maintenance Trust reserves. Significant infrastructure
improvements are managed through the Conservation Collier Capital Improvement Fund 179.
Fund 673 was created in October 2018 to hold funds for the Pepper Ranch Conservation Bank.
Pledged Caracara Preserve endowment funds and Caracara Preserve maintenance costs are
accounted for in Caracara Preserve Trust Fund 674. Fund 272 was associated with a bond that has
been paid and is not currently in use.
Sustained low interest rates and resulting low earnings on Conservation Collier Trust Funds are an
ongoing financial concern. In FY14 and FY15, staff addressed this matter with the Board. Using
conservative projections, a Ten-Year Financial Plan was developed which focused on reducing
and containing expenditures, establishing a combined Conservation Collier Program minimum
fund balance of $32,000,000. FY 2018 saw an increase in expenditures associated with ramping
up for new acquisitions per Board direction to begin Acquisition Cycle 9 using management
reserves as funding. One additional land manager (Environmental Specialist) was hired in 2018 to
take over the land management load being handled by the Program coordinator, so the coordinator
could focus on acquisitions. Depending on what properties are finally approved for acquisition,
another land manager may also be needed. The following tables show Conservation Collier
expenditures during FY19 – FY20.
Looking forward the Program will have a new funding source of an ad valorem property tax of up
to .25 mil for 10 years. Section 6.1.e. of the Ordinance provides that up to seventy-five percent
(75%) of all revenues collected for Conservation Collier may be used for acquisition. Section 7.2.a.
of the Ordinance provides that management funds shall be no less than twenty-five percent (25%)
of revenues collected in one year.
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Staff advised with the Referendum Ballot language agenda item 11.A. on January 28, 2020 that if
the referendum were to pass, the CCLAAC has proposed that up to ten percent (10%) of the
acquisition funding be available for use for amenities on an annual basis to improve access to
existing and future Conservation Collier preserves. Amenities may include boardwalks, facilities,
parking lots, and interpretive staff. This will be evaluated on an annual basis during the Board’s
review of the annual budget. This would result in an allocation of a minimum of sixty-five percent
(65%) for acquisition, twenty-five percent (25%) for maintenance and a maximum of ten percent
(10%) for access improvements.
In order to allow for longevity of management of the preserves, the end goal after the next phase
of acquisition is to maintain annual operating costs that are equal to or less than annual revenue
including interest, leases, and other revenue.
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Table(s) 4 – Summary of Conservation Collier Financial Activity for FY19
and FY20
FY2020
35
FY2019
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6. Conservation Collier Programs, Events, and Community/Educational
Outreach
Pepper Ranch Hunt Program
Two separate hunt programs exist at Pepper Ranch Preserve - a public hunt program that
is open to all Collier County residents, regardless of age, and an FWC sponsored youth hunt
program that is open to children aged 12-17 (12-15 for youth turkey hunts). Although
children from Collier County are given first choice of youth hunt participation, youth hunts
are open to all Florida youths if openings cannot be filled by Collier County residents. Hogs
are considered a nuisance species and are hunted without limit. Staff conducts annual deer
surveys to set quotas.
2018-2019 Hunt Season:
A total of 8 hunts were conducted at Pepper Ranch Preserve during the 2018-2019 hunting season,
starting in October 2018: 5 public and 3 youth hunts. Three (3) of the public hunts were hog
hunts, 1 for deer and 1 for turkey. Youth hunts included 1 hog, 1 deer and 1 turkey hunt.
Eighty-nine (89) applications were received for the hunting season, with 37 hunter permits issued.
A total of 11 hogs, 1 male deer, 3 female deer, and 0 turkeys were harvested during the 2018-2019
hunting season.
2019-2020 Hunt Season:
A total of 6 hunts were conducted at Pepper Ranch Preserve during the 2018-2019 hunting season,
starting in October 2019: 4 public and 2 youth hunts. One public hog hunt in April of 2020 was
cancelled due to COVID-19 and reduced hunter interest. Two (2) of the public hunts were hog
hunts, 1 for deer and 1 for turkey. Youth hunts included 1 hog and 1 turkey hunt.
One hundred and thirty-five (135) applications were received for the public hunting season, with
35 hunter permits issued. A total of 4 hogs, 1 male deer, and 6 turkey were harvested during the
2019-2020 hunting season.
2020-2021 Hunt Season
A total of 8 hunts are scheduled at Pepper Ranch Preserve during the 2020-2021 hunting season,
which is still ongoing including 5 public and 3 youth hunts. Three (3) of the public hunts are hog
hunts, 1 for deer and 1 for turkey. Youth hunts included 1 hog hunt, 1 deer hunt, and 1 turkey hunt.
One hundred and thirty-two (132) applications were received for the public hunting season. So far,
13 hunter permits have been issued. A total of 3 deer, 3 turkey, and zero hog have been harvested
to date from the public deer hunt, youth deer hunt, public turkey hunt, youth turkey hunt, public
hog hunts, and youth hog hunt that have taken place during the 2020-2021 hunting season.
Caracara Prairie Preserve Hunt Program
Caracara Prairie Preserve is established as part the Corkscrew Marsh Unit of the CREW Wildlife
Environmental Area (WEA). This allows for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission regulated public hunting for hog and spring turkey to occur within Caracara Prairie
Preserve as part of the CREW Corkscrew Marsh Unit.
FWC manages these hunts and data is captured for the entire WEA without separating out the
Caracara Prairie harvest data from the rest of the Corkscrew Marsh Unit, but in speaking to FWC
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staff, 1 turkey was harvested in the 2018-2019 hunt season; 7 turkey, 3 hog, 1 gray squirrel, and
1 rabbit in the 2019-2020 hunt season; and to date 1 male hog and 1 rabbit have been harvested
in the ongoing 2020-2021 hunt season.
Pepper Ranch Sunflower Viewing – The Sunflower Viewing Weekend was an event
hosted by Conservation Collier and the Parks and Recreation Department at the Pepper Ranch
Preserve in 2019. Visitors were invited to enter the preserve October 11-13, 2019 in advance of
opening for the season in November. Because the preserve is only open seasonally due to the water
levels, staff opened the preserve for visitors to drive through to see the sunflowers this one
weekend. The weekend viewing was highly successful with 2,200 visitors driving through the 3
days the preserve was open. In 2020, due to fewer sunflower blooms, wet conditions at the ranch,
and COVID 19, a sunflower viewing weekend was not made available to the public. If conditions
allow for sunflower viewing in 2021, a public viewing weekend will be made available.
Social Media
Conservation Collier staff maintain a Facebook page titled “Conservation Collier” that was created
in 2011. Conservation Collier staff created an Instagram account in April of 2019 with the handle
“conservation.collier.” As of January 2021, the Conservation Collier Facebook page has 8,945
followers and the Conservation Collier Instagram Account has 1,019. Staff post content on both
sites related to environmental education, preserve awareness, volunteer opportunities, and
upcoming events.
Conservation Collier maintains a website within the Collier County website at
www.conservationcollier.com. Visitors can find information about preserves, preserve locations,
amenities, contact information for staff, volunteering information, links to hiking information, and
preserve public access opportunities. Land Management Plans, forms, all meeting agendas,
agenda item backup, and meeting minutes are also maintained on the website.
Printed Materials
During 2019 the Outreach subcommittee developed outreach materials and distributed them at
hotels, the Chamber of Commerce, museums, attractions, and other public locations throughout
the County. The Committee has designed a rack card and a panel that will be placed at the Naples
Preserve, to expand and complement the existing 8 preserve brochures.
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7. Mitigation Programs
Conservation Collier has followed 2007 Board direction (6/26/07, Agenda Item 10A) in pursuing
both wetland and Panther Habitat Unit (PHU) mitigation credit for those properties where the
opportunity exists. Wetland mitigation credits have not been economical for the Program to pursue.
The costs associated with wetland mitigation bank establishment within Conservation Collier lands
are high, because only hydrologic restoration can provide the “lift” or “functional gain” necessary
to generate credits. Credits are not provided by state or federal agencies for exotic vegetation
removal since this restoration activity is already required as part of the Conservation Collier
Program. The Program has pursued Panther Habitat Unit (PHU) mitigation credits at Caracara
Prairie and Pepper Ranch preserves.
Caracara Prairie Preserve – Collier County’s Solid Waste Department has used all
2,272.72 PHU credits available at Caracara Prairie Preserve to mitigate for development of the
Collier Resource Recovery Park. The Conservation Collier Program received a total of $1,301,600
in revenue over FY14 and FY15 for the PHU credits. This revenue is estimated to fund 25% of
routine management costs and 100% of costs associated with US Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) PHU mitigation requirements.
Pepper Ranch Preserve – The Pepper Ranch Preserve Panther Habitat Conservation
Bank Agreement document was signed by the Board of County Commissioners in September 2018
and by USFWS in October 2018.The Panther Habitat Conservation Bank allows multiple County
projects to be mitigated through the preservation and enhancement of Pepper Ranch Preserve. The
agreement provided for 8,669 PHU credits expected to be used for development of future County
projects at a cost savings of $1,077,123.25. Between 2019 and 2020, 1,245 PHUs were purchased
from various County Departments to mitigate for four different County projects generating a total
of $747,934 in revenue. There are currently 6,141.41 PHUs remaining in the Conservation Bank.
Portions of the revenue are allocated annually for exotic vegetation removal and restoration of the
Conservation Bank portions of the Pepper Ranch Preserve.
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8. Partners
Conservation Collier is pleased to have developed acquisition funding, land management,
research, project development, and other related Program partnerships with a multitude of agencies
and organizations. These agencies and the nature of their partnerships are listed alphabetically
below:
x Audubon of Collier County – Community and Advisory Committee Support
x Boy Scouts of America – 25 Eagle Scout projects have been completed or are in the process
on Conservation Collier Preserves
x City of Marco Island – Management partnership – Otter Mound Preserve
x City of Naples – Gordon River Greenway partner
x Collier County Parks and Recreation Department –
o Freedom Park and Gordon River Greenway Park management partnership –
Management Plan approved through Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Grant
Program in place.
o Cocohatchee Creek Preserve – management assistance.
x Collier County Solid Waste Department – Caracara Prairie Preserve - panther mitigation
credit (PHUs) for Resource Recovery Park.
x Collier County Facilities Management Department – Pepper Ranch Preserve – PHUs for
Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Big Corkscrew Regional Park and the Collier County Sports and
Events Complex
x Collier County Public Utilities Engineering and Project Management Department – PHUs
for the Northeast Water Treatment Plant
x Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) – Labor for preserve projects under the
Weekender Workers Program
x Conservancy of Southwest Florida – Community and Advisory Committee Support
x Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Trust (CREW) – Caracara Prairie Preserve -
acquisition and education programs, Land donation in Red Maple Swamp
x Florida Division of Forestry – Prescribed fire within urban preserves
x Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
o Exotic Removal funding
o Pepper Ranch Preserve Youth Hunt partnership.
x Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
o Research - Caracara Prairie Preserve, Lake Trafford Management Team, Railhead
Scrub Preserve
o Volunteers
x Florida Southwestern State College (FSW) – Student Field Trips, Volunteers
x Florida Wildlife Federation – Community and Advisory Committee support
x Naples Airport Authority – Gordon River Greenway partner
x Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Rookery Bay NERR) – Management
partnership for Shell Island Preserve and McIlvane Marsh management activities.
x South Florida Water Management District – Caracara Prairie Preserve – property
management, wildlife monitoring, Lake Trafford Management Team
x Southwest Florida Land Preservation Trust – Gordon River Greenway partner
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x University of Florida (UF) – Logan Woods Preserve-exotic removal, Lake Trafford
Management Team
x U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – Exotics removal grants under the Partners
Program and Coastal Program for Otter Mound, Shell Island, Railhead Scrub, Rivers Road,
Pepper Ranch and McIlvane Marsh.
9. Grants and Funding Assistance
Conservation Collier has actively pursued grants and funding assistance for both acquisition and
management purposes. Currently, there have been no awards for land acquisition, but many for
management, primarily for the removal of invasive, exotic species but also for needed equipment
and plant community restoration. Exotic removal grants and funding assistance have come from
state and federal government agencies, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Partners
Program) and the State of Florida through the Invasive Plant Management Section. The table
below shows the amount of funding assistance obtained between 2019 and 2020. Conservation
Collier has had approximately 17% of all land management activities funded through grants. The
total value of grants awarded to the Program for land management since 2003 is $1,088,714.
Preserve Agency Grant or Funding
Assistance
Amount
Awarded
Fiscal Year
Funding
Assistance
Red Maple Swamp State Funding Assistance $38,912 2019
Pepper Ranch State Funding Assistance $106,569 2019
$145,481
McIlvane Marsh State Funding Assistance $97,246 2020
Red Maple Swamp State Funding Assistance $63,156 2020
Dr. Robert H. Gore III State Funding Assistance $32,480 2020
McIlvane Marsh
USFWS Partners
Grant Grant $10,000 2020
$202,882
Total 2019-2020 $348,363
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10. Volunteers
During 2019, Conservation Collier was the grateful recipient of 1,345 volunteer hours.
During 2020, Conservation Collier was the grateful recipient of 1,019 volunteer hours.
Volunteer tasks accomplished include:
x Preserve monitoring and maintenance
x Trail creation and maintenance
x Hike leadership
x Mountain bike trail construction and maintenance
x FWC Youth Hunt guides
x Wildlife surveys
x Vegetation management
The above does not include Eagle Scout projects where total hours worked are not collected.
The service of volunteers for Conservation Collier is governed by Collier County and Parks and
Recreation Volunteer Policies. The following are Eagle Scout projects done for Conservation
Collier between 2019 and 2020:
x Logan Johnson- Troop 2, Alligator District, SW Florida Council- Nancy Payton Preserve Trailhead
Kiosk and Bench
x Lance Miller Troop 252- Alligator District, SW Florida Council- Nancy Payton Preserve Trailhead
Kiosk and Bench
11. 2020-2021 Objectives
1. Acquire newly approved lands as part of Acquisition Cycle 10 and place them under
management.
2. Continue to accept donation properties under the Land Development Code Offsite Preservation
Option.
3. Continue to develop public access for acquired properties as directed by the Board of County
Commissioners.
4. Continue to implement land management practices at all preserves as outlined in each Board-
approved Land Management Plan.
5. Continue to implement the Collier County Hunt Program at the Pepper Ranch Preserve.
6. Secure grant funding and funding assistance wherever possible.
7. Look for any and all ways to reduce expenditures without sacrificing quality of land
management and public access amenities.
8. Continue to pursue mitigation opportunities on acquired lands.
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Exhibits
Exhibit A. 2020 Map of Conservation Collier Program Lands
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Exhibit B. Conservation Collier Program Public Amenity Work Plan
Conservation Collier Program Public Amenity Work Plan
Introduction:
The Conservation Collier Program is responsible for implementing the mandate of the
electorate of Collier County as provided by public referendum votes in November 2002,
and again in November 2006 confirming that mandate, to levy a 0.25 mill ad valorem
property tax for a period not to exceed 10 years for acquisition, protection, restoration,
and management of environmentally sensitive lands in Collier County for the benefit of
present and future generations. A nine (9) member citizen’s advisory committee named
the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC) was appointed
in early 2003 to make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on land
purchases and Program policies. Members are appointed for 3-year terms.
Conservation Collier has been implementing its mandate for 17 years. During this time
4,345 acres have been acquired in 21 different locations. Two approved multi-parcel
projects, Winchester Head and North Golden Gate Estates Unit 53, have continued to
acquire through offsite preservation donations between 2019-2020.
Per the Conservation Collier Ordinance (2002-63, as amended, Section 2), the main
objective of Conservation Collier is to acquire, preserve, restore, and maintain vital and
significant threatened natural lands, forest, upland, and wetland communities located in
Collier County, for the benefit of present and future generations. However, one ancillary
purpose of the Program is “to have the acquired sites available, with minimal risk to the
environmental integrity of the site, to educate Collier County's school-age population and
the general public about the uniqueness and importance of Collier County's subtropical
ecosystems and natural communities” (Collier County Ordinance 2019-03, Section 4.10.).
In 2011, the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (CCLAAC)
categorized each preserve based upon its existing and proposed public access amenities.
The “Conservation Collier Preserve Public Amenity Matrix” (Exhibit A) identifies all public
amenities - existing and proposed - at all 19 Conservation Collier Preserves and
categorizes each preserve into 1 of 5 categories. Additionally, the CCLAAC created a
“Conservation Collier Public Amenity Priority List.” This identified not only the public
amenities recommended at each preserve, but also the priority in which these public
amenities should be constructed. In 2013, after considering the current financial status of
the Program, some planned amenities were postponed or reduced. With the exception
Gordon River Greenway Preserve and Pepper Ranch Preserve, which receive a high
volume of public visitation, the improvements proposed at each preserve represent the
minimum amenities necessary to provide safe and economically feasible public access.
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This plan may be revised annually, or as needed. The Work Plan will be re-evaluated by
the CCLAAC in 2021 and addressed in the next annual report.
Background:
As mandated by Collier County Ordinance 2007-65, 15% of ad valorem taxes received
through the Conservation Collier Program were placed into a “Land Management Fund”
annually since FY 2003. This 15% transfer stopped in FY 2013, when the levy ceased.
The “Land Management Fund” is separate and distinct from the Conservation Collier
“Land Acquisition Fund” and is intended to generate enough interest annually so that only
the interest will be used to fund recurring annual management activities at all
Conservation Collier preserves in perpetuity. With interest rates around half a percent
following the economic downturn, a reassessment of planned expenses was necessary
to conserve principal in the Land Management Fund.
Concern about long term Program finances began in 2009, when data gathered on
management costs, coupled with revenue forecasts and future interest rate projections,
suggested that there would be insufficient funds in the “Land Management Fund” to
complete all Board approved land management activities and potential public access
improvements. CCLAAC budget workshops were held to discuss long term maintenance
funding for Conservation Collier preserves during the July 13, 2009 and September 14,
2009 CCLAAC meetings. As a result of these workshops, on May 25, 2010, Agenda Item
16E2, the Board of County Commissioners authorized a transfer of up to an additional
$10.3 million, above the ordinance mandated 15% of ad valorem taxes, from the “Land
Acquisition Fund” to the “Land Management Fund” during FY2011 – FY2013 to ensure
land management funding in perpetuity.
In November 2010, the Collier County Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
recommended that projected future interest rates be revised downward. These revisions
severely impacted the projected “Land Management Fund” balance. Because of this
situation and in order to ensure sufficient management funds in perpetuity, on January
25, 2011, Agenda Item 10B, the Board: directed the County Manager, or his designee,
to prepare a Public Amenity Master Plan for all Conservation Collier preserves, suspend
all Conservation Collier acquisitions until a Master Plan was approved by the Board, and
approved the Conservation Collier Cycle 8 Active Acquisition List for purchase when
funds are available. The 2012 Public Amenity Work Plan was the Board requested Master
Plan drafted by Conservation Collier staff based upon recommendations by the CCLAAC.
It was approved on October 23, 2012, Agenda Item 16D4.
Between 2013 and 2015, interest rates remained low, and the Public Amenity Work Plan
was further revised. This 2016-2018 Public Amenity Work Plan represents the most
current status of this plan.
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Preserve Categories:
Conservation Collier Ordinance 2019-03 defines natural resource-based recreation as,
“all forms of uses which are consistent with the goals of this program and are compatible
with the specific parcel. Such uses shall include but not be limited to hiking, nature
photography, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hunting, and fishing.”
To date, the Conservation Collier Program manages 21 separate preserves throughout
the County, 13 of which are officially open to the public. See Exhibit A. Recreational
opportunities offered at these open preserves are compatible and appropriate to their
location, hydrology, and plant communities. Additionally, the natural resource-based
recreational opportunities coincide with the approved Land Management Plans of these
preserves. The “Conservation Collier Preserve Public Amenity Matrix” (Exhibit C)
identifies all public amenities, existing and proposed, at all 21 Conservation Collier
Preserves, and categorizes each preserve into 1 of 5 categories. Category descriptions
are provided below. Regardless of category, preserves may be closed to the general
public when deemed appropriate by staff (i.e., conducting a prescribed burn, after storm
events, debris removal, levels of unusually high water, days when hunting is permitted,
etc.).
46
Category 1 – Primary Use Preserve
• Easily accessible and enough space to construct parking on or near the parcel and
other amenities such as restrooms may be available on or near the preserve.
• ADA accessibility (parking and trails) will be provided.
• May have a daily staff presence (as appropriate) and staff is available to conduct
interpretive tours of the preserve by request.
• Occasional field trips and/or educational programs may be provided.
• Natural resource-based recreational opportunities offered will correspond with the
preserve’s approved Land Management Plan.
• Marked trails and interpretive materials will be available on-site.
• Capital improvements, such as boardwalks, canoe/kayak, launches, overlooks,
picnic benches, and bike racks will be provided for visitors where feasible.
• Will be open to the public during daytime hours unless special arrangements are
made.
Category 2 - Intermediate Use Preserve
• Has space to provide limited parking on or near the parcel without degrading the
hydrology and plant communities and may be conducive to providing a primitive
trail system. In such cases, an unimproved trailhead may be provided.
• Additional natural resource-based recreational opportunities may be offered where
feasible and will correspond with the preserve’s approved Land Management Plan.
• Restrooms may be provided on or near the site where feasible.
• Will not have a daily staff presence but staff will be available to conduct interpretive
tours of the preserve by request.
• Interpretive signs, brochures, picnic tables and bike racks may be present.
• Will be open to the public during daytime hours unless special arrangements are
made.
Category 3 - Neighborhood (Limited Use) Preserve
• Intended to be a “neighborhood” preserve. There is no space available for parking
for either ecological, access, or safety reasons. Members of the public who would
like to visit may have to walk or bike a distance from public parking areas.
• No restroom facilities will be available.
47
• Primitive trails will be provided.
• Interpretive signs, brochures, picnic tables and bike racks may be present.
• Additional natural resource-based recreational opportunities may be offered where
feasible and will correspond with the preserve’s approved Land Management Plan.
• Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary
for the proper management of the preserve.
• Staff will be available to conduct interpretive tours of the preserve by request.
• Will be open to the public during daytime hours.
Category 4 - Seasonal Use Preserve
• Parking may be available for the public on or near the site.
• Seasonal (usually winter months), marked, primitive trails will be available during
appropriate times of the year.
• Restroom facilities may be available.
• Interpretive signs, brochures, bike racks may be present.
• Additional natural resource-based recreational opportunities may be offered where
feasible and will correspond with the preserve’s approved Land Management Plan.
• Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary
for the proper management of the preserve.
• Staff will be available to conduct interpretive tours of the preserve by request.
• Will be open to the public seasonally and only during daytime hours. The public is
advised to check with Conservation Collier staff or on the Conservation Collier
website for up-to-date information.
Category 5 - Resource Protection/Restoration Use Preserve
• Provide no public access. Public access may not be feasible due to the lack of
physical and legal access or where the land stewardship activities could create
unsafe conditions for the public.
• No restrooms or marked trails will be offered.
• Staff will be present for periodic site inspections and at other times as necessary
for the proper management of the preserve.
48
Exhibit C: Conservation Collier Preserve Public Amenity Matrix
Preserves
Category 1
Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5
Primary Use
- Easy access
- Public amenities
& parking
Intermediate Use
- Few/no amenities
- Limited parking
& primitive trails
Neighborhood Use
- No onsite parking
- Amenities limited
to benches, trails,
and picnic tables
Seasonal Use
- Parking & trails
may be available
- Closed during
rainy season
Protection/Restore
Resource Use
- No public access
no physical or
legal access or
unsafe for public
1 Alligator Flag X
2 Camp Keais X
3 Caracara Prairie X
4 Cocohatchee Creek X
5 Robert H Gore III X
6 Freedom Park X
7 Gordon River Greenway X
8 Logan Woods X
9 McIlvane Marsh X
10 Nancy Payton X
11 Otter Mound X
12 Panther Walk X
13
Pepper Ranch
Currently Seasonal,
Off-season use by Appt.
X X
14 Railhead Scrub X
15 Red Maple Swamp X
16 Redroot X
17 Rivers Road X
18 Rattlesnake Hammock X
19 Shell Island X
20 Wet Woods X
21 Winchester Head X
49
Exhibit D. Conservation Collier Preserves by Commission District
Conservation Collier
Target Mailing List Maps Cycle 10 (2021)
•Attached are maps for 13 areas throughout Collier County for targeted mailing
o 11 of the areas are adjacent to existing Conservation Collier Preserves
•Maps show “Adjacent Conservation Lands” and “Existing Conservation Easements.”
o The Adjacent Conservation Lands were sourced from the Florida Natural Areas
Inventory which includes Federal, State, Local, and other conservation areas.
o The Existing Conservation Easement areas were sourced from Collier County
Government and represent easement held by Local, State, and Federal agencies.
•The areas of the maps are in order generally starting in the northwest, then central, and
finally eastern portions of the County. The order does not reflect any ranking.
Area Name of Target Area
Number
of
parcels
Total
acreage
1 Railhead Scrub Preserve 2 80.5
2 Cocohatchee Bay parcels 2 172
3 Gordon River Greenway 13 40
4 Rattlesnake Hammock Preserve 38 323
5 Bayshore parcels 5 112
6 Shell Island Preserve 15 278
7 Rivers Road Preserve 54 549
8 Panther Walk Preserve 291 554
9 Dr. Robert H. Gore Preserve 73 177
10 Nancy Payton Preserve 42 311
11 Caracara Prairie Preserve 20 466
12 Pepper Ranch Preserve 41 1428
13 McIlvane Marsh Preserve 10 251
Total 606 4,741.50
TAMIAM
I
TRL
NOLD US 41ROYAL COVE DR
WIGGINS PASS RD EWIGGINS PASS RD
COLLIER CENTER WAY
TYLER CTMIMOSA CT0 0.75 1.5
Miles
Area 1- Railhead Scrub Preserve
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionLands
ExistingConservationEasements
F Wet WoodsPreserve
Total Parcels: 2
Total Acreage: 80.5
Parcels shown are contiguous with the Railhead Scrub Preserve.These parcels are comprised of hydric flatwoods,a cypress dome,and two quarry ponds.Trails exist through the parcels.
Address: Sun Century Rd, Naples, FL 34110
Railhead ScrubPreserve
TAMIAMI TRL NVANDERBILT DRWIGGINS PASS RD
PARK AVE
VENETIAN WAYWEST LNCENTER LNGRAND CANAL DREAST LN0 0.5 1
Miles
Area 2 - Cocohatchee Bay
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionLands
ExistingConservationEasements
F Wet WoodsPreserve
Total Parcels: 2
Total Acreage: 172
Parcels shown are within 1 mile of Railhead Scrub Preserveand Wet Woods Preserve in North Naples
Address: Wiggins Bay Drive,Naples, FL 34110
TAMIAMI TRL NGOLDEN GATE PKY
GOODLETTE RD NOUTRIGGER LN
LONGBOAT DR
RIVER REACH DR
CLIPPER WAY
13TH AVE N
14TH AVE N
BEMBURY DR
0 0.75 1.5
Miles
Area 3- Gordon River Greenway
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionParcels
AdjacentConservationLands
ExistingConservationEasements
F
Total Parcels: 13
Total Acreage: 40
Parcels shown are adjacent to the GordonRiver Greenway consisting of pine flatwood, freshwaterponds, and mangrove habitat
Address: 1596 Golden GateParkway, Naples, FL 34105
Freedom Park
County Barn RDSanta Barbara BLVDRattlesnake Hammock RD
0 1 2
Miles
Area 4 - Rattlesnake Hammock Preserve
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionLands
ExistingConservationEasements
F
Total Parcels: 38Total Acreage: 323
Parcels shown would create connectivity between the Rattlesnake Hammock Preserve and the Picayune Strand State Forest via an extensive network of conservation easements
Urban
Preserve Address: 6371 Adkins Ave Naples, FL 34112
Rattlesnake Hammock Preserve
Collier BLVDRadio RD
Davis BLVD
I-75 S I-75 N
Ta
m
i
a
m
i
T
R
L
E Santa Barbara BLVDRattlesnake Hammock RDCounty Barn RD0 3 6
Miles
Area 4: Rattlesnake Hammock area overview
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionLands
AdjacentConservationLands
ExistingConservationEasements
F
Total Parcels: 38Total Acreage: 323
Parcels shown would create connectivity between the Rattlesnake Hammock Preserve and the Picayune Strand State Forest via an extensive network of conservation easements
UrbanAddress: 6371 Adkins Ave,Naples, FL 34112
TA
M
I
A
M
I
T
R
L
E
THOMASSON DR HAWAII BLVDFERN STLAKEWOOD BLVDO
U
T
E
R
D
R KENT DRALBI RDBAY ST
GUILFORD RD
CATALINA DRMINDI AVE
LUNAR ST
LOMBARDY LNBOCA CIEGA DRPALM DRLINDA DR
KINGS LAKE BLVD
ARECA AVE
KAREN DR
WEST RD
BERKELEY DR
BARRETT AVE
REPUBLIC DR
PINE TREE DR
WOODSIDE AVE
COLONIAL DR ACADIA LNBAYVIEW DR
PINE STTOPAZ LN
VERITY LNCOLLEE CT
CALOOSA STALLADIN LNGULFVIEW DR
0 1 2
Miles
Area 5- Bayshore Parcels
PotentialAcquisitionLands
ExistingConservationEasement
AdjacentConservationLands
F
Total Parcels: 5
Total Acreage: 112
Southern parcels shown are within 0.5 mile ofthe Naples Botanical Garden and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Address: Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL 34112
NaplesBotanicalGarden
Collier BLVD0 1 2
Miles
Area 6 - Shell Island Preserve
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionParcels
F
Total Parcels: 15Total Acreage: 278
These parcels providehabitat connectivitywith the Shell IslandPreserve and RookeryBay Estuarine Reserve
Address: Shell Island Road, Naples, FL, 34114
Adjacent ConservationLands
Existing Conservation Easements
Rookery BayNational EstuarineResearch Reserve
Immokalee RD
0 1 2
Miles
Area 7- Rivers Road Preserve
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionLands
ExistingConservationEasements
F
Total Parcels: 54Total Acreage: 549
Parcels shown widen a north-south corridor that connects the Golden Gate Estates to the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed
Non TPAAddress: 2021 Rivers Rd,Naples, FL 34120
Rivers RoadPreserve
Immokalee RD
Wilson BLVD N0 2.5 5
Miles
Area 7- Rivers Road Preserve area overview
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionLands
ExistingConservationEasements
F
Total Parcels: 54Total Acreage: 549
Parcels shown widen a north-south corridor that connects the Golden Gate Estates to the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed
Non TPAAddress: 2021 Rivers Rd,Naples, FL 34120
Rivers RoadPreserve
70th AVE NE
58th AVE NE
60th AVE NE
56th AVE NE
66th AVE NE
64th AVE NE
62nd AVE NE 40th ST NEPantera LN
Platt RD
Immokalee RD
Big Island Ranch RDFriendship LNEverglades BLVD N72nd AVE NE
68th AVE NE
70th AVE NE
66th AVE NE 40th ST NE40th ST NEEverglades BLVD N68th AVE NE
Everglades BLVD N72nd AVE NE
64th AVE NE
Immokalee RD
Friendship LN58th AVE NE
56th AVE NE
60th AVE NE 40th ST NEPlatt RD
Immokalee RD
Everglades BLVD N62nd AVE NE
Immokalee RD
40th ST NE0 1 2
Miles
Area 8: Panther Walk Preserve
Existing
Conservation
Collier Preserve
Potential
Acquisition
Lands
Adjacent
Conservation
Lands
Existing
Conservation
Easements
F
Total Parcels: 291Total Acreage: 554Parcels shown preserve portions of the Horsepen Strand
NGGE TPAAddress: 60th Ave NE, Naples, FL 34120
70th AVE NE
58th AVE NE
60th AVE NE
56th AVE NE
Angela RD
66th AVE NE
64th AVE NE
52nd AVE NE
62nd AVE NE
Limpkin RD Lilac LN68th AVE NERed Hawk LN44th ST NE72nd AVE NE
Sanctuary RD
Rookery LNWild Turkey DR Friendship LNPurple Martin DR
40th ST NEPantera LN
Platt RD
Rabbit Run RD
Corkscrew LNImmokale
e
R
D Oil Well Grade RDDaffodil CT
Fawn LN
54th AVE NE
Honeybee DR
68th AVE NE
54th AVE NE
52nd AVE NE 40th ST NEPantera LN
Sanctuary RD
62nd AVE NE
Platt RD
62nd AVE NE
Platt RD
66th AVE NE
60th AVE NE
58th AVE NEImmokalee RD56th AVE NE
54th AVE NE
66th AVE NE
64th AVE NE
70th AVE NE
56th AVE NE
70th AVE NE
72nd AVE NE
58th AVE NE
Immokalee RD
60th AVE NE
Immokalee RD
68th AVE NE
72nd AVE NE
Platt RD
64th AVE NE
Platt RD
Immokalee RD
0 3 6
Miles
Area 8: Panther Walk Preserve area overview
Existing
Conservation
Collier Preserve
Potential
Acquisition
Lands
Adjacent
Conservation
Lands
Existing
Conservation
Easements
F
Total Parcels: 291Total Acreage: 554Parcels shown preserve portions of the Horsepen Strand
NGGE TPAAddress: 60th Ave NE, Naples, FL 34120
Panther Walk
Preserve
Corkscrew Regional
Ecosystem Watershed
I-75 S I-75 N
34th AVE SE
36th AVE SE
38th AVE SE
40th AVE SE Desoto BLVD S42nd AVE SE
0 0.5 1
Miles
Area 9: Robert H Gore III Preserve
Existing
Conservation
Collier Preserve
Potential
Acquisition Lands
Phase 2 Potential
Acquisition Lands
Adjacent
Conservation Lands
Existing
Conservation
Easements
F
Phase 1Total Parcels: 73 Total Acreage: 177
Phase 2Total Parcels: 141 Total Acreage: 354
Phase 1 parcels would create continuous management units and connect the preserve to the Miller Canal wildlife underpass. Phase 2 parcels would improve connectivity to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
Address: 4055 40th Ave SE, Naples, FL 34117
Robert H Gore III
PreserveCypress Cove Landkeepers
Picayune Strand State Forest
I-75 S I-75 N
0 1 2
Miles
Area 9: Robert H Gore III area overview
ExistingConservationCollier Preserve
Phase 2 PotentialAcquisitionLands
PotentialAcquisitionLands
AdjacentConservationLands
ExistingConservationEasements
F
Phase 1Total Parcels: 73Total Acreage: 177
Phase 2Total Parcels: 141Total Acreage: 354
Phase 1 parcels would create continuous management units and connect the preserve to the Miller Canal wildlife underpass. Phase 2 parcels would improve connectivity to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
Address: 4055 40th Ave SE,Naples, FL 34117
Robert H Gore IIIPreserve
Picayune Strand State Forest
FloridaPantherNational WildlifeRefuge
23RD ST SW21ST AVE SW
27TH AVE SW
25TH AVE SW
17TH AVE SW
19TH AVE SW
23RD AVE SW
0 0.75 1.5
Miles
Area 10 - Nancy Payton Preserve
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionLands
ExistingConservationEasement
F
Total Parcels: 42
Total Acreage: 311
Parcels shown are adjacent to the NancyPayton Preserve. These parcels includea known Florida pantherden site, as well as endangered red-cockaded woodpeckernesting habitat
Address: 1540 Blue Sage Drive, Naples, FL 34117
Caracara PrairiePreserve
PepperRanchPreserve
0 2.5 5
Miles
Area 11- Caracara Prairie Preserve
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitonLands
AdjacentConservationLands
F
Corkscrew RegionalEcosystem WatershedHeadwaters
Total Parcels: 20
Total Acreage: 466
Parcels shown are contiguouswith the CREW Marsh,CREW Cypress Dome, and Caracara Prairie Preserve. These parcels preserve a wildlife corridor between the Caracara PrairiePreserve and Pepper RanchPreserve in Immokalee.
Address: 2320 Corkscrew Rd, Immokalee, FL 33928
PepperRanchPreserve
PEPPER RD
LAKE TRAFFORD RD
TRAFFORD OAKS RDMIRAHAM DR
0 2.5 5
Miles
Area 12 - Pepper Ranch Preserve
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionLands
AdjacentConservationLands
ExistingConservationEasements
F
Corkscrew RegionalEcosystem WatershedHeadwaters
Total Parcels: 41
Total Acreage: 1428
Parcels shown are contiguous with the CREW Marsh, CREW Cypress Dome, Caracara Prairie Preserve, Pepper Ranch Preserve, and Lake Trafford. These parcels preserve a wildlife corridor between the Caracara Prairie Preserve and Pepper RanchPreserve and through to Camp Keais Strand
Address: 6315 Pepper Road Immokalee, FL 34142
San M
arc
o
R
D Curcie RDEnsenada
D
R
Greenwood D
R
Sandtrap DR
Royal Hammock BLVDAuto Ranch RDAuto Ranch RD0 1 2
Miles
Area 13 - McIlvane Marsh Preserve
ExistingConservationCollierPreserve
PotentialAcquisitionLands
AdjacentConservationLands
ExistingConservationEasements
F
Total Parcels: 10Total Acreage: 251
Parcels shown would create continuous management units, preserve scrub habitat, and potentially provide additional access points
Non TPAAddress: Curcie Rd,Naples, FL 34114
McIlvane Marsh Preserve
Rookery Bay
National Estaurine
Research Reserve
Ten Thousand Islands
National Wildlife Refuge
Collier
Seminole
State
Park
Conservation Collier
Annual Public Meeting
May 25, 2021
Presented by: Summer Araque, Program Coordinator
Objectives
1. Update on the Program’s past, current,
and planned activities as provided in the
Conservation Collier Annual Report
2. Solicit proposals and applications from
the public for Acquisition Cycle 10
3. Obtain approval for the Cycle 10 TPA
mailing strategy
Program
Milestones
Approved in 2002 referendum by 60% of voters.
Affirmed in 2006 referendum by 82% of voters.
Approved in 2020 referendum by 77% of voters.
Phase 1: Ad valorem tax of 0.25 mills collected 2004-2013.
Phase 2: Ad valorem tax of up to 0.25 mills proposed to start
collection in tax year 2021 for 10 years.
Phase 1: Acquired 21 different preserves for a total of 4,345 acres.
Phase 2: Acquisition Cycle 10 started in February 2021.
Continue management of existing preserves using existing
management funds set aside to manage the land in perpetuity.
Your Logo or Name Here
Program Lands Acquisition
Status
•2003-2020 acquired and
restored 4,345 acres of natural
lands in 21 different locations
•13 preserves open to the
public
•2018-2020 acquired 237 acres
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Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
Threatened Gopher
Tortoise at Railhead Scrub
Preserve
Alligator Flag Preserve
Otter Mound Preserve
Protected Live oak scrub at
Railhead Scrub Preserve
Threatened Pine Lily at
Wet Woods Preserve
Conservation Collier Program Lands Acquisition Status
Immokalee Rd.
I-75
Collier Blvd.Airport Pulling Rd.
Your Logo or Name Here
Program Land Management Status
•Treatment and Removal of Exotic
Plant Species
•Prescribed Burning
•Vegetation Mowing
•Restoration of native plant
communities through plantings
•Trail Maintenance
•Preserve Security and Resource
Protection
Management Funds are used to restore
and maintain natural lands through
activities including:
Your Logo or Name Here
PUBLIC USES
•Hiking, mountain-biking, equestrian
trails, fishing, hunting
•Bird-watching, picnicking, wildlife
viewing, photography
•Historical preserves with interpretive
signage
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Thank You to
our Community
Volunteers!
•Community volunteers
dedicate hundreds of hours
each year to improving
Conservation Collier
Preserves
•2019 – 1,345 hours
•2020 – 1,019 hours
•Eagle Scouts improve
visitor amenities, access
and restore lands with
native plantings
Your Logo or Name Here
ACQUISITION PROCESS & TIMELINE
February – July 30, 2021
Applications received as a
result of:
1. Program Mailing to
Target Protection Areas
2. Nomination
3. Owner application (in
any area of the County)
May – December 2021
•Properties evaluated by
Conservation Collier Land
Acquisition Advisory
Committee (CCLAAC)
•Ranking of properties
December 2021 to create
Active Acquisition List
January 2022
•Board reviews and
approves Active
Acquisition List Rankings
•Staff starts process to
acquire properties
approved by the Board
Conservation Collier started accepting applications for consideration for Cycle 10 on February 24, 2021
3 ways properties come to
Program for consideration
within a Cycle
Review of properties by
Advisory Committee
Board Ranking
of Properties
Your Logo or Name Here
Target Mailing Areas Cycle 10
Your Logo or Name Here
There are 13 areas throughout the
County recommended by the CCLAAC.
For more details, see document titled
“Target Mailing List Maps Cycle 10” in
agenda packet.
See overviewmap on next slide.
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Target Mailing Areas Cycle 10
Your Logo or Name Here
Recommendation
That the Board:
Accept the Annual Report as presented
Approve the 10th Cycle Target Protection Areas mailing
strategy
QUESTIONS?