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PBSD MSTBU Clam Bay Agenda 03/16/2026PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION Municipal Services Taxing & Benefit Unit NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING MARCH 16, 2026 THE CLAM BAY COMMITTEE OF THE PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION BOARD WILL MEET AT 1:30 PM ON MONDAY, MARCH 16 IN THE COMMUNITY CENTER AT PELICAN BAY, 8960 HAMMOCK OAK DRIVE, NAPLES, FLORIDA 34108. AGENDA 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll call 3. Agenda approval 4. Approval of 11/20/25 meeting minutes 5. Approval of 1/12/26 meeting minutes 6. Approval of 2/10/26 meeting minutes 7. Audience Comments 8. Introductions and opening remarks 9. Acceptance of Benthic Survey 10. Key takeaways from the workshop 11. "Approval of Hydrodynamic and Morphology Modeling Project 12. Final review and acceptance of Revised 2024 Water Quality Report 13. Review of Water Quality Data available for 2025 14. Recommendations to Board regarding Annual Dredging vs. Other Management Changes 15, Beach Renourishmem independent of County program: Feasibility, Advisability, Cost Implications 16. Status of COE permit renewal 17. Necessity or Advisability of Formally Amending the Clam Bay Management Plan 18. Seagrass Decline: Status of examination of variables 19. Controlling Nutrient Input and other Pollutants: How best to coordinate with community (Foundation, Bay Colony, Presidents' Council) 20. Adjournment 'indicates possible action item ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK ON AN AGENDA ITEM WILL RECEIVE UP TO THREE (3) MINUTES PER ITEM TO ADDRESS THE BOARD. THE BOARD WILL SOLICIT PUBLIC COMMENTS ON SUBJECTS NOT ON THIS AGENDA AND ANY PERSON WISHING TO SPEAK WILL RECEIVE UP TO THREE (3) MINUTES. THE BOARD ENCOURAGES YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS IN WRITING IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING. ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THIS BOARD WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDING PERTAINING THERETO, AND THEREFORE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD IS MADE, WHICH INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS AN ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING YOU ARE ENTITLED TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION AT (239) 252-1355. 3/9/2026 8:48 AM PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION CLAM BAY COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 20, 2025 The Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division met on Thursday, November 20 at 9:00 a.m. in the Community Center at Pelican Bay, 8960 Hammock Oak Drive, Naples, Florida 34108. In attendance were: Clam Bay Cmte. Bob Luflcin Michael Rodburg, Chair Cindy Polke Michael Fogg Rick Swider Pelican Bay Services Division Staff Dave Greenfield, Supr. -Field II (absent) Neil Dorrill, Administrator Karin Herrmann, Project Manager I Chad Coleman, Deputy Director Lisa Jacob, Project Manager II Dawn Brewer, Ops. Support Spec. II Barbara Shea, Admin. Support Spec. II Darren Duprey, Supervisor — Field I (absent) Also Present Jennifer Bobka, Earth Tech Jeremy Sterk, Earth Tech Mohamed Dabees, Humiston & Moore Dave Trecker, Vice Chair of the C.A.C. Tom Polke, Pelican Bay Foundation Rhonda Watkins, County Pollution Control Leah Reidenbach, Earth Tech Kathy Worley, Conservancy of S.W. Florida APPROVED AGENDA (AS PRESENTED) Pledge of Allegiance Roll call Agenda approval Approval of 6/16/25 meeting minutes Audience comments 6. Collier County Pollution Control discussion of water quality regulations 7. Chair comments a. Sept. 9 staff meeting with Seagate & Naples Cay residents on Clam Bay b. Aug. 14 staff presentation to the Coastal Advisory Corrunittee 8. Expected schedule for CB dredging, beach renourishment, and sand reclamation projects 9. Clam Pass dredging frequency, timing, and extension of permit 10. Clam Bay Management Plan review a. Evaluation of Clam Pass dredging criteria and template b. Alternative dredge section identification 11. Adjournment Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting November 20, 2025 ROLL CALL All members were present and a quorum was established. Ms. Polke motioned, Mr. Lufkin seconded to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously. IMs. Polke motioned, Mr. Lufldn seconded to approve the 6/16/25 meeting minutes I as presented. The motion carried unanimously. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Mr. Patrick Wack, President of the Seagate Association, acknowledged the recent momentum on dredging, mangrove restoration, and the 2024 Water Quality Report format and thanked Mr. Coleman and his team for making a lot of progress in these areas. Ms. Susan O'Brien commented that she had sent an email to Mr. Rodburg, Mr. Fogg, Mr. Dorrill, and Mr. Coleman asking who are the Pelican Bay representatives at meetings with the Seagate and Naples Cay communities. She also questioned how these meetings are publicized so that interested residents can attend. Ms. O'Brien commented that many PB residents are asking why the sand reclamation project did not occur immediately following Hurricane Ian and sooner after Hurricanes Milton and Helene. POLLUTION CONTROL DISCUSSION OF WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS Ms. Rhonda Watkins, County Pollution Control Project Manager responsible for the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Program, provided a general discussion of Clam Bay water quality followed by answering questions from the audience. Highlights included the following. • A new draft state list of impaired waters was issued yesterday. • Clam Bay has been designated as impaired for nitrogen, phosphorus, and dissolved oxygen. • Dissolved oxygen is not meeting the state criteria of 42% saturation. • Nitrogen and phosphorus are causative pollutants for dissolved oxygen impairment. • Clam Bay inland is impaired for copper. • In response to Mr. Rodburg asking what are next steps when impaired: The state will prioritize the list for TMDL (total maximum daily load) development based on public health issues (bacteria and mercury receive priority). There are multiple impairments all over County estuaries. If a TMDL is developed, then an action plan would be developed and discussed with all stakeholders. The County has had only three TMDLs since 2008. It is difficult to regulate inputs into estuary systems. All County estuaries are impaired for nutrients. • In response to Mr. Rodburg asking whether Clam Bay is uniquely impaired in relation to our neighbors north and south: Every estuary in the County is impaired. • In response to Mr. Rodburg asking the distance of nitrogen impairment in the Gulf: Nitrogen impairment is likely out to the limit of state waters. • In response to Mr. Swider asking whether there are any Clam Bay health issues: The state prioritizes any issues affecting public health (bacteria and mercury related). Although the system needs phosphorus and nitrogen, excesses can cause algae blooms which may create 2 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting November 20, 2025 potential toxins. DEP has not prioritized excess phosphorus and nitrogen. Whether Clam Bay has any health issues cannot be determined as this is too broad of a statement. • In response to Mr. Lufkin asking about what a short-term fix would be to address nutrient impairments: A decrease in reclaimed water and fertilizer inputs would directly reduce nutrient levels. County fertilizer ordinances should be followed. Communities should ensure that reclaimed water is kept off sidewalks and streets where this water would enter the stormwater system. • In response to Ms. Polke asking about steps to be taken internally to address our nutrient impairments: A ten -foot buffer around all PB lakes (including replacing grass with littoral shelves) is recommended. • In response to Ms. Polke asking whether water entering the Clam Bay system from the north could be tested: Water quality is tested quarterly and data is shared with IQ users so that they can factor in nutrient levels in determining the needs for fertilizer application. • In response to Mr. Rodburg asking whether the County has any plans to "clean up" their reuse water which contains approximately ten times the nutrients of what ambient levels are: It is unknown whether the County's Public Utilities Dept. has any plans for advanced wastewater treatment (similar to what the City of Naples has in place). • In response to Mr. Dorrill asking whether there are any active basin management action plans in Southwest Florida: Currently there is an active management plan for the Townsend Canal (north of Immokalee) which is impaired for macrophtyes. Mr. Dorrill commented (1) staff needs to become more familiar with basin management plans and related criteria, (2) a Clam Bay Management Plan is in place, (3) the PB community has not used copper sulfate fertilizer for at least ten years, (4) a large amount of copper is contained in the sediment in the northern end of Clam Bay, which may exist into perpetuity, and (5) a recent purchase order was approved for a major fertilizer contract for polymer -coated fertilizers, which are slow -release and very expensive. He noted and expressed appreciation for the Pollution Control Dept.'s water quality testing of hundreds of locations throughout Collier County. • In response to Mr. Rodburg asking for a discussion of chlorophyll -a: Clam Bay is not impaired for chlorophyll -a, the green pigment that makes plants green. The standard for Clam Bay is 11 micrograms per liter. • In response to Ms. Polke asking about fertilizer bans: The County no longer has a wet season ban on fertilizer. Native plants that do not need fertilizer are recommended. Slow -release fertilizer is recommended. • In response to Ms. O'Brien asking whether the DEP has provided (public access) the sample set that they used to determine that Clam Bay is impaired for nitrogen: Pollution Control collects samples for all of Clam Bay, enters the data in the DEP database, and then the DEP pulls from that database. The IWR_Run database information is available to the public. • In response to Ms. O'Brien asking whether the DEP takes into consideration the impact of hurricanes (Clam Bay total nitrogen was well under the 10% criteria for six out of the last ten years while slightly out of compliance for four years correlated to the occurrence of hurricanes): Pollution Control qualifies sample data only if there is a major event affecting the sample within 48 hours. Hurricanes are considered part of the natural ecosystem, which may affect water quality for months or years. • In response to Ms. Polke asking whether water volume comes into play as we had much more water volume in Clam Pass ten years ago: Water volume does not come into play at all and is not a factor in measuring impairment. Nutrient levels are measured in milligrams per liter. i� Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting November 20, 202S • In response to Mr. Tom Pollee asking if all County and/or neighboring waterways are impaired for dissolved oxygen, and noted that per a Google search, the cause for dissolved oxygen impairment is a lack of mixture: This is the first time that Clam Bay has been designated as impaired for dissolved oxygen. The only other waterway currently impaired for dissolved oxygen is the north end of Naples Bay. Other causes of this impairment include higher water temperature and algae blooms. CHAIR COMMENTS Mr. Rodburg commented that we received the Clam Bay benthic survey on Nov. 4 which will be discussed at our next committee meeting (January). The 2024 Water Quality report will also be discussed at this meeting. Mr. Rodburg provided a brief summary of how committee meetings are scheduled and noted that this committee will be meeting more frequently in the coming months. SEPT. 9 STAFF MEETING WITH SEAGATE & NAPLES CAY RESIDENTS Mr. Rodburg reported that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has directed us to work closely with the Seagate and Naples Cay community with issues relating to Clam Bay. As a result, a staff meeting with several representatives of these communities was held on Sept. 9, attended by Mr. Fogg. Mr. Fogg commented that in early summer the BCC had considered forming a Clam Bay oversight committee, but ultimately decided that an oversight committee would not be necessary and instead, directed the PBSD to work closely with all of the Clam Bay stakeholders, especially the Seagate and Naples Cay communities. Three sets of summary notes on the Sept. 9 staff meeting, prepared by Mr. Patrick Wack, staff, and Mr. Fogg, were included in the agenda packet. Mr. Fogg noted that every issue raised by Mr. Wack was discussed preliminarily, and most significantly, the frequency and extent of Clam Pass dredging. Highlights of comments by Mr. Fogg relating to Clam Bay included the following. • We have received a two-year extension of our dredging permit, with a new expiration of March 2028. • Work has begun on the exploration of possible changes to our permit, including impacts and unintended consequences, which will require significant study. • The sea grass die -off in Clam Bay has been observed throughout Southwest Florida. No sea grass is available for transplanting into Clam Bay. • Dune restoration, which was somewhat of an issue after Hurricane Ian, became more of an issue subsequent to Hurricanes Helene and Milton; staff discussions of addressing this began last fall and winter. In light of the success of the Tiger Beach sand reclamation project, our consultants and staff developed a sand reclamation project to move sand (out of the mangrove areas) to the back of the beach to restore and build up the dune. We are attempting to complete this work before the beach renourishment project begins in Pelican Bay. • Creating a meaningful dune will protect us from future storms. • The County's beach renourishment project is underway, just north of Vanderbilt Beach and will continue southward to Pelican Bay Beaches (expected Dec. 1) down to Marker 37 (just south of the Marker 36 facility). • Clam Pass dredging is underway and will continue for about a month. Dredged sand will be placed on the south end of Pelican Bay. • Work is planned to clean out mangrove trenching which experienced sand inundation during recent storms, especially in areas south of the pass, causing mangrove die -off. 4 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting November 20, 2025 • Seagate residents hired their own consultant to address their water quality concerns in their canals. Seagate representatives have suggested that if the tidal flow in and out of Clam Bay was improved, then there would be a positive impact on water quality in their canals. They recognize that some issues are their own, such as managing run-off from their homes. • A new tidal marker #1 has been installed at the south end of Clam Bay to monitor tidal flow in this area. Mr. Rodburg addressed an email from S. Susan O'Brien (former ten-year Chair of this committee) questioning the reason for an unadvertised staff meeting with Seagate and Naples Cay representatives on Sept. 9. He explained that this staff meeting, part of community outreach, was informal, unofficial, not public, and required no minutes. Mr. Rodburg commented that ultimately, the Clam Bay Committee takes issues to the board when action needs to be taken. Ms. O'Brien recommended that these meetings should be publicly noticed meetings, so that interested parties can attend. Mr. Rodburg commented that the issues raised by Seagate and Naples Cay representatives are part of the Clam Bay Committee responsibilities and that the solution would be to include these issues on committee agendas. Mr. Dorrill commented that staff meetings are deliberately private and that staff cannot be constrained by noticing every meeting. He reported that during August, September and October, staff made public presentations and answered questions pertaining to Clam Pass, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to attend public meetings. Mr. Fogg explained that the Sept. 9 meeting was an attempt to start discussions with Seagate and Naples Cay representatives on Clam Bay (as directed by the BCC) before this committee meeting was scheduled to take place, and noted that a Clam Bay Committee meeting is the right forum for future discussions. Mr. Fogg commented that Clam Bay Committee meetings will be scheduled on a regular basis, going forward. Ms. O'Brien suggested that our ten -year -old Clam Bay Management Plan may need some modifications which should be discussed at public meetings. Mr. Dorrill commented that proposals are typically brought to the board from a committee, and then ultimately brought to the BCC for approval by the board. Mr. Rodburg commented that board members do not typically attend staff meetings; however, Mr. Fogg attended the Sept. 9 meeting as a result of the direction of the BCC regarding Clam Bay issues. Mr. Fogg confirmed that this was an effort to get things started. Mr. Rodburg addressed Ms. O'Brien's question on why sand reclamation did not begin shortly after Hurricanes Ian, Milton, or Helene. He explained that in general, the PBSD does not disturb or remove whatever is nature based/caused within the NRPA, and therefore, we initially thought that the excess sand deposited fiom storm, had to remain undisturbed, as it was caused by nature. However, in early October 2024, following Milton, Governor Desantis signed an executive order to permit sand reclamation projects. Our sand reclamation project is now moving along. AUG.14 STAFF PRESENTATION TO THE COASTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC Mr. Dorrill commented that our presentation to the C.A.C. was a prrofessional courtesy, where we outlined the inlet dredging work scheduled at the conclusion of sea turtle nesting season and the results of the bathymetric survey, noting that dredged sand (approx. 13,500 yards) would be placed on the beaches north and south of the inlet, and that we had a contract in hand for the project. IIe noted that we also reported on our sand reclamation plan at Clam Pass Park, south of the inlet and a similar reconstruction effort at the north end of Pelican Bay to reclaim and reconstruct the dune. In response to a few questions from the C.A.C., Mr. Dorrill reported that mangrove planting would be a part of 5 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting November 20, 2025 our plan, to cornmence after the dune is reconstructed. Dune plantings would likely be installed in late spring/early summer to coincide with the beginning of the rainy season (in the absence of an irrigation system). Mr. Dorrill noted that the presentation was well received. Ms. Jo Ann Jany commented on January 2024 dune plantings by the County's Coastal Zone Dept. as well as sea grape plantings by Naples Cay, which are now established and thriving, and suggested that the PBSD considers dune planting sooner than late spring. Mr. Dorrill responded that he would defer a decision on this issue to our biologist. CLAM PASS DREDGING FREQUENCY, TIMING, AND EXTENSION OF PERMIT Mr. Rodburg commented that in 2013, dredging permits were issued to the PBSD to manage tidal flow in Clam Bay, based on critical tidal ratios. Once a critical ratio was reached, a dredge project would be planned. He noted that the original concept was that we would need a dredge approximately every three or four years. Mr. Rodburg commented that at this time, we are examining whether this criteria is appropriate and whether it should be changed. IIe noted that due to the small size of our dredging projects, it is often difficult to hire a contractor and it is near impossible to contract for a hydraulic dredge. Recently, some have suggested more frequent dredges and/or a change in the criteria. 2024 WATER QUALITY REPORT Mr. Rodburg commented that the 2024 Water Quality Report includes some differences from prior reports, including historical data of nutrient levels in the system, and information from prior reports. He noted that only water basins east of the berm are designated as impaired for copper, and therefore not an issue for Clam Bay. Mr. Rodburg reviewed the recommendations included in this report, none of which are new. He noted that the most critical recommendation is the management of phosphorus; the main sources are fertilizer and County reclaimed water. Mr. Rodburg noted that we have no jurisdiction over these issues and suggested that the PBF, the Bay Colony Association, and homeowners focus on these issues. Mr. Tom Polke commented that water volume in Clam Bay has decreased over time. He suggested that if we have half the water volume in our basins, with the same volume of inputs, then the concentration of nutrients would double. Mr. Polke suggested that as water bodies get shallower, nutrient concentrations typically increase. Ms. Leah Reidenbach, Environmental Consultant with Earth Tech, agreed that as water volume declines, with the same level of inputs, that the nutrient concentrations would increase. She suggested that the more important issue is how quickly the water is being flushed and noted that there is less flushing in the northern end of Clam Bay. Mr. Polke asked whether we have studied changes in depth in Clam Bay. Mr. Rodburg commented that a decision was made to defer the benthic study until the next committee meeting, which did look at the shoaling (for 15 years) which has not shown much change. He noted that the premise of a decline of water volume in Clam Bay is not supported by our data and that it may be worthwhile to obtain more data. Mr. Rodburg suggested that we may explore increasing the dredge template which would increase volume. Mr. Dorrill commented that twice each year, we do a bathymetric survey within Sections A, B, and C (which measures excess sand in cross -sections), but that we have not done any bathymetric surveys in the upper reaches of Clam Bay (during his time as PBSD Administrator). Mr. Polke suggested that we accumulate data on water depths in Clam Bay. Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting November 20, 2025 Mr. Fogg commented that the key issue here is flushing; the flow makes a difference, not the depth. He noted that flushing declines as distance fiom the Gulf increases. Mr. Fogg commented that "how to increase" flushing is the critical issue. Mr. Dorrill reported that the PBSD obtains aerial photography, aerial videos, and drone imagery on a monthly basis. Our drone imagery does not measure water depths. Ms. Judy I-Iushon commented that copper is contained in the sediment layer (in our lake bottoms and Clam Bay), and that copper should not be an issue to us unless copper levels increase in our water quality sampling data. She noted that if you disturb the sediment then the copper levels in your water samples are likely to increase. Mr. Rodburg commented that as long as residents are not using copper sulfate, then copper levels should remain stable. Ms. Reidenbach commented that we are only seeing copper exceedances in the north end of Clam Bay, and she does not see copper as a major concern for Clam Bay. Ms. Mary Johnson asked for comments on the effects of the shallowness of Clam Bay and recent drought conditions on dissolved oxygen levels. Ms. Reidenbach commented that quantities of algae and sea grass produce swings of levels of dissolved oxygen between daytime and nighttime. Mr. Rodburg commented that exceedances for dissolved oxygen are most persistent in northern Clam Bay, where there is the least tidal flushing. He questioned whether there could be data bias as a result of samples always being taken first (during a day) fiom the northern sample sites, and then working south. Ms. Reidenbach commented that if the northern sites were sampled in the afternoon, that we may see higher dissolved oxygen levels. Ms. O'Brien commented that the 2024 Water Quality Report differs from prior years. She provided a document to the Clam Bay Committee members and requested that the committee considers adding a similar table, such as the one she provided, which shows a ten-year snapshot of our water quality data, showing exceedances over time and in relation to hurricane events. Mr. Rodburg responded that he would provide the document to Earth Tech for consideration in future reports. Mr. Patrick Wack commented on the number of exceedances of total phosphorus and chlorophyll in the south end of Clam Bay, although not as high as the north end, and requested that chlorophyll levels are tracked over five years. He requested that this data is included in future water quality reports. Mr. Rodburg commented that all of these requests/suggestions will be referred to Earth Tech, for consideration. Dr. Dabees, Coastal Engineer with Humiston and Moore, commented on water quality issues which included the following. • Tide ratios are not sustainable. Over time, post dredging, tide ratios equilibrate to an expected range of 60-70%; migration of the pass is also expected. • An increase in volume of water in Clam Bay can only be achieved if the bay's area is increased, which is not an option. • Sediment in the bay bottom, with a high percentage of nutrients, should be left alone. Capping the sediment with material may be a better strategy. EXPECTED SCHEDULE FOR CB DREDGING. BEACH RENOUIZISHMENT. AND SAND RECLAMATION PROJECTS Dr. Dabees reported that we currently have three concurrent post -storm recovery activities in progress including (1) dune reconstruction, to include sand reclamation and the repopulation of dune vegetation, (2) inlet dredging, and (3) beach renourishment. These three projects will restore conditions to those existing prior to Hurricanes Ian, Debbie, Helene, and Milton. 7 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting November 20, 2025 Ms. Polke asked whether an area of sand, east of the pass on the back side," at 14 feet on a topographical map, is outside our dredge template. Dr. Dabees confirmed that this area is outside our dredge template. Ms. Polke asked whether this area could be added to our permitted area. Dr. Dabees commented that approval from the agencies is unlikely because (1) there is no mangrove die -off adjacent to this area, (2) this sandy area is a valuable habitat for wading birds, (3) this area is adjacent to the most viable sea grass habitat, and (4) there is no clear engineering justification to expand the template to include this area while mitigating environmental issues. Ms. Polke questioned the possibility of adding more water to the east side of the berm to create more brackish water in Clam Bay. She suggested that we review a topographical comparison of Clam Bay from 14 years ago to today, and noted that water volume has substantially declined. Dr. Dabees requested that she provides data and evidence of this. Ms. Polke commented that we could put data together based on existing resident photos. Dr. Dabees commented that areas of stressed mangroves are monitored (through aerial and infrared photography) by Earth Tech, and that there are no stressed areas on the east side of Clam Bay. Mr. Rodburg summarized that our discussion has resulted in three questions as follows. • Has the estuary shallowed out over time to the extent that there is less water now than at any other time? Dr. Dabees commented that 20 years of records of tidal exchange and data from the 1990s to the present indicate that our yearly average has not changed but that this is dependent on our maintenance program. He noted that our management plan requires us to monitor tidal ratios, and that whenever the ratios go below the critical threshold, maintenance work must be initiated so that there is no change in the volume of water. Dr. Dabees commented that immediately following a dredge event, we see ratios of .9, which are not sustainable as equilibration must take place. He reported that we are looking at improvements to our permit requirements. In response to a question from Mr. Lufkin, Dr. Dabees confirmed that our current dredge template is the same as the last dredge event. • Should our current dredge template (in place for over 10 years) be amended in some way? Dr. Dabees commented that since 1998, our initial management plan allows the County and the PBSD to perform dredging in an environmentally sensitive area for the sole purpose of preventing mangrove die -off and the degradation of environmental resources. Proposed amendments to the permit would need to pass the scrutiny of the environmental agencies and multiple advocacy groups. The purpose of a dredging event is to maintain the healthy flow through the system. • Is there a recommendation (from Humiston & Moore) to this committee that we consider modifying the scope of the template. Dr. Dabees commented that we have obtained a two-year extension of our existing permit and suggested taking the path of least resistance to ensure the continuation of our permit. He noted that we are making significant improvements to the entire system through (1) our three ongoing projects, (2) adding a fifth tidal gauge at the south end of Outer Clam Bay, and (3) adding significant environmental features. Monitoring will continue. Mr. Dorrill commented that we would be open to evaluating lengthening the dredge template both north and south (not wider). He expressed concerns over widening the template because of issues relating to mangrove erosion on the south side of the inlet. Mr. Dorrill noted that the additional material removed (in the event of widening the template) would likely not be beach compatible and would have disposal costs associated with it. Dr. Dabees commented that he would not recommend widening or deepening the inlet itself in areas A, B, and C. He noted that we do reconnaissance Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting November 20, 2025 surveying of the entire system every five years (last performed in 2024), which indicated that we may need to look into cross -sectional areas in one or two spots. Mr. Rodburg commented that we currently initiate a dredge based on tidal ratio data. However, a suggestion has been made that given lead times and the number of storms in recent years, that it is time to look at a scheduled dredge event perhaps annually or another period. Dr. Dabees commented that we currently have a good handle on the timing of dredging. He noted that if you look at the data points over the last ten years, there were only one or two months where the tidal ratios dropped below the critical threshold of 50%. Data indicates that we have maintained the flow as a result of (1) when an emergency dredge was needed, staff made a great effort to enable an emergency dredge, and (2) streamlining the administrative process through a County marine contract with potential dredging contractors. Dr. Dabees commented that if we increase the intervention unnecessarily, then we may adversely affect the ecosystem. Mr. Fogg commented that in 2024, storms pushed sand into the inlet, at which time a dredge was not pursued, even with the knowledge of the excess sand. He noted that we are now conducting a dredge, while the tidal ratios (pre -dredge) are the same as a year ago and questioned why we are dredging now. Dr. Dabees reported that tidal ratios in October 2025 actually improved. He explained that our current dredging project coincides with our post -storm recovery work, realigning the system as a whole. Dr. Dabees also explained that we needed to ensure the highest level of resiliency in the inlet in the event that our permit were to expire in March 2026 (we have since received an approval of a two-year extension). For these reasons, a dredge project was scheduled although the tidal ratio criteria was not met. Mr. Fogg commented that a lot of sand was pushed into the inlet from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and questioned whether a dredge should have occurred at that time in order to better withstand a possible subsequent storm. Dr. Dabees commented that Hurricanes Helene and Milton were surge events which actually benefitted the inlet, and that a dredge at that time would have been considered an "over -dredge" event. Mr. Lufkin asked about the possibility of installing a jetty. Dr. Dabees commented that jetties have been proven to cause heavy negative impacts to beaches as well as the overall environment. He noted that there is now no such thing as permitting a jetty unless it is for national security. Ms. Jo Arm Jany asked for an explanation of sand being placed inside of the pass. Dr. Dabees explained that instead of closing the inlet during our dredge work, we are working around the perimeter in an attempt for our intervention to cause the least environmental impacts. He noted that the project includes recovery of the mangrove shoreline. CLAM BAY MANAG);M);NT PLAN R)JVII;W Ms. O'Brien commented that since the management plan was completed, some of the variables have changed, and it may be time to try out annual dredging for a couple of years and explore/monitor the results, including possible changes to our template. She suggested changes including (1) it is now unrealistic to complete a hydraulic dredge every 3-4 years, (2) the pass is meandering to north, (3) four hurricanes in the last eight years, and (4) it appears that currently the BCC may be open to TDC funded annual dredge events. Dr. Dabees commented that we have tried to stick to a rough estimate of dredging every two years; however, during the last ten years we have dredged almost every year. IIe noted that to address meandering of the inlet, we are now working on stabilizing the inlet banks. Dr. Dabees commented that typically post dredge, the pass equilibrates within two months, followed by little change in the 9 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting November 20, 2025 tidal ratios over the next 12 months, unless we experience storm impacts. He summarized that we do dredge on an annual basis when needed, based on our existing monitoring system. Mr. Polke suggested that we need to look into (1) establishing a baseline of the volume of water in Clam Bay and monitoring levels every 6 or 12 months, (2) ditches on the berm which are drying up, (3) the possible dredging of the sand pile (nearly 14 feet high), east of the pass on the back side of the bay, (4) addressing the declining water quality at both ends of Clam Bay, and (5) addressing the dissolved oxygen impairment in Clam Bay which is unique to Clam Bay and one other location in Southwest Florida. Dr. Dabees responded with the following comments. • Humiston & Moore relies on Barth Tech's monitoring of the health of the mangroves and wildlife. The issue of the sand pile east of the pass on the back bay has been referred to Earth Tech. • The Conservancy of S.W. Florida and other stakeholders have put guardrails on where we have space for intervention in the Clam Bay system through their participation in creating our management plan. • Decline in water quality is a statewide issue; controlling nutrient inputs is the only method to improve water quality. An increase in water temperatures in recent years has affected sea grass acreage and nutrient levels. Ms. Kathy Worley, Director of Bnvironmental Science and Biologist at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, commented that triggers, included in the management plan, were put in place after much discussion by engineers/scientists/environmentalists, to not only manage the volume of flow, but also to safeguard the environment from over -dredging. She noted that we must balance the environmental pros and cons of dredging; negative impacts on the overall system may include increased erosion, causing loss of healthy mangroves along the edge of the inlet. Ms. Worley commented that environments do change and that the existing management plan may need to be revised. She suggested that the management plan needs to be looked at holistically and from other points of view. In conclusion, Ms. Worley commented that Clam Bay is an isolated system which can be managed, but not fixed. VOLUME OF RECLAIMED SAND EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS Mr. Coleman commented that the volume of sand being reclaimed (from mangrove areas) at both of our sand reclamation projects (south and north ends) have exceeded our expectations, and therefore, we can expect increased costs. The meeting was adjourned at 11:23 a.m. Michael Rodburg, Chair Minutes approved [_] as presented OR [�j as amended ON ( � date 10 January 121 2026 Glam Bay Report: Minutes: Page 3 Ms. Polke asked Mohamed Debees if we dredged further back Into the shallow areas of Clam Bay, to increase the volume of water would It dilute the toxins impairing the water; Mr. ❑ebees said the volume of water has no effect on the impaired water. The question was asked of Rhonda Watkind' and she also replied the volume of water has no effect on impaired water if proper flushing is achieVed. Ms. Polke shared the use of the live topographical map to measure the sand dune that has Infilled the estuary from the hurricanes in the back of Clam Bay at the south beach bridge over the last 5 years. The sand dune was measured at 14' and the mangroves directly behind the dune were 10', the dune is prohibiting water flow. The title gages were at 7' in the area where the data is collected. Mr. babees commented that he would never recommend dredging that dune area even though It is preventing water flow. It is outside the current permitted area and he would not recommend extending the permit to include the area of by the south beach boardwalk bridge. PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION CLAM BAY COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 12, 2026 The Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division met on Monday, January 12 at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Center at Pelican Bay, 8960 Hammock Oak Drive, Naples, Florida 34108. In attendance were: Clam Bay Cmte. Michael Rodburg, Chair Michael Fogg Bob Luflcin (absent) Cindy Polke Rick Swider Pelican Bay Services Division Staff Dave Greenfield, Supr. -Field II (absent) Neil Dot -rill, Administrator Karin Herrmann, Project Manager I Chad Coleman, Deputy Director Lisa Jacob, Project Manager II Dawn Brewer, Ops. Support Spec. II Barbara Shea, Admin, Support Spec. II Darren Duprey, Supervisor — Field I (absent) Also Present Jennifer Bobka, Earth Tech Jeremy Sterk, Earth Tech Mohamed Dabees, Humiston & Moore Kathy Worley, Conservancy of S.W. Florida APPROVED AGENDA (AS PRESENTED) 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll call 3. Agenda approval 4. Approval of 11/20/25 meeting minutes 5. Audience comments 6. Chair's comments a. Upcoming Feb. 10 workshop 7. Benthic Survey Report (Nov. 3) 8. Review of dredging frequency criteria 9. Proposal for updated hydrodynamic and morphology modeling 10. Feasibility of a future PBSD beach renourishment project 11. Adjournment ROLL CALL Mr. Lufkin was absent and a quorum was established. AGENDA APPROVAL Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 12,2026 Ms. Polke motioned, Mr. Fogg seconded to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF 11/20/25 MEETING MINUTES Ms. Polke commented that she has provided written additions to the 11/20/25 minutes, which were added to the record. Mr. Rodburg directed Ms. Shea to obtain a transcript of the sections of the 11/20/25 minutes which relate to Ms. Polke's suggested additions, and that approval of the minutes would be carried over to the next committee meeting for approval. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Ms. Jo Ann Jany, resident of Naples Cay and Clam Pass Park volunteer, requested that Mr. Sterk, Environmental Consultant with Earth Tech, provides evidence that the coconut fiber mat used around the mangrove plantings in Clam Pass is 100% biodegradable. She noted that she has observed pieces of plastic along the inlet (which are likely from the mat). Mr. Scott Schultz, Chairman of the Collier County Storm Risk Management Advisory Committee commented that the PBSD recently met with Commissioner Kowal, who shared that the PBSD is off to a good start and that we should keep up the good momentum in addressing Naples Cay/Seagate resident concerns relating to Clam Bay. Ms. Susan O'Brien gave kudos to all who worked on the Clam Pass project. She commented that the beaches north and south of the Pass look goad and suggested that the PBSD seriously considers an annual dredge of Clam Pass on a trial basis for 2-3 years. Ms. O'Brien commented that there were major changes in the PBSD's 2024 Water Quality Report and that she was unable to find minutes of a Clam Bay Committee meeting where the committee recommended these changes in the scope of work. Changes included (1) eliminating water quality data included in previous reports, (2) discarding 24% of the water quality data for total nitrogen and total phosphorus in 2024, due to errors in collecting and analyzing these water quality samples, and (3) aggregating water quality data for the last seven years, rather than focusing on changes from year to year that had been focused on in previous reports. Ms. O'Brien asked, (1) When did the committee recommend these changes in the scope of work? and (2) Have the issues with field sampling and lab analysis (relating to the loss of 2024 data) been addressed, so to avoid the same issues in future reports? Mr. Rodburg responded that dredging frequency is on this meeting's agenda and that the 2024 Water Quality Report is still in draft status; Earth Tech is preparing a revised report which will be reviewed by the committee at our March committee meeting. Ms. Polke questioned why the 2024 Water Quality Report was not received on time. Mr. Rodburg commented that the state provides the analyses of our sampling data and that they are typically far behind. He noted that we have now asked our consultants to take a look at data of quarters one and two of 2025 (and possibly three) which are available, and provide a snapshot of these results before all of the refinements and final data are included in the annual report. CHAIR'S COMMENTS Mr. Rodburg wrderscored Ms. O'Brien's comments on the job that has been done in the ongoing multi -million -dollar restoration of our beaches, dunes, mangroves, the Pass, and the swale. Mr. Rodburg provided an email received from the Audubon Society, provided to the committee and audience (and added to the record), which discussed bird activity on the Pelican Bay beach, including ospreys, skimmers, and an eagle. 2 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 12,2026 Mr. Rodburg reported that there will be a Clam Bay Committee workshop on Feb. 10 and requested that any proposed discussion items are forwarded to Ms. Shea. Mr. Rodburg commented that there has been a lot of interest in water quality and noted that our reports for many years have had the same recommendations relating to phosphorus and fertilizer; the PBSD has published numerous articles on best management practices. He noted that the PBF has now expressed a real interest in this topic. Mr. Rodburg commented that we all have a shared concern on the health and well-being of Clam Bay, but ultimately, we as a committee and staff must act and react based on what the data tells us and science recommends to us. MS. POLKE'S COMMENTS Ms. Polke provided a 14-minute commentary on her concerns and views relating to Clam Bay. Highlights of her 14-minute commentary include the following. • Ms. Polke has contacted various authorities on the disappearance of our benthic creatures, which were abundantly visible in the past. There is no quantitative data of benthic species in the Earth Tech Clam Bay Monitoring Report for the last seven years. • At a recent meeting, Mr. Fogg stated that tidal gauges measure water flow; however, they did not trigger a 2025 dredge, and he suggested that we need to change our management plan. • Dissolved oxygen levels of42% should have been reported to us sooner; this impairment tools years to collapse. This would have been a key indicator for the need to dredge to increase the volume of water, which would increase the dissolved oxygen levels. The infrll of sand to the estuary has shallowed the entire estuary. A healthy estuary should have a dissolved oxygen level of 80-100%, while a level of 40-45% causes a collapse of benthic life. When water volume decreases, the concentration of nutrients increases, circulation decreases, tidal flushing decreases and water temperatures increase. • If sand infill from hurricanes reduces water levels, dredging could increase water volume, increase dilution of nutrients, and increase tidal flushing. The water depth and volume need to be restored. Trucked -in sand, blown back into the estuary, has exacerbated the problem. • Scientists should be hired to perform daily testing in the estuary. Quarterly testing and a late annual report got us in this situation. The bar should be set higher, with a goal of at least a level of 80% dissolved oxygen. • A decline in wildlife has been observed by residents over recent years as a result of unhealthy conditions in Clam Bay. Large amounts of sand deposited in Clam Bay by recent hurricanes has reduced the water depth in Clam Bay. Humiston & Moore relies on tidal gauge measurements to assess the health of Clam Bay; however, this does not measure whether the estuary can support life. • Current approaches have not worked; Clam Bay conditions warrant the reassessment of the science guiding our restoration decisions. We should look at firms which will develop responsible dredge plans, develop reliable data, perform frequent sampling, and use quantitative methods to restore the dissolved oxygen to healthy levels. Mr. Rodburg requested that Ms. Polke supplies the data on the loss of wildlife in Clam Bay, Ms. Polke requested that Mr. Rodburg supplies the data. Ms. O'Brien commented that we have ten years of data of direct visuals of wildlife. She noted that in 2024, dissolved oxygen was only an issue in four sampling sites in Upper Clam Bay, where there is less tidal flow. In sampling sites south of Clam Pass, there was no issue with dissolved oxygen. In 2023, we were green -lit on dissolved oxygen. Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 12, 2026 Ms. O'Brien suggested that we get back to reporting only on PBSD water quality data, to enable year- to-year comparisons. She noted that FDEP data determined that we are on a "watch list" for being impaired for dissolved oxygen going back seven years, and aggregated all the data from the entire WBID. Mr. Rodburg commented that there is no decline in wildlife as Ms. Polke has suggested. He noted that our annual reports include data on species observed; consultants cannot corral each species and count them. Mr. Rodburg commented that a picture of Clam Pass in 1955 looks remarkably like Clam Pass today, with a similar amount of shoaling. He noted that we have water level data in Clam Bay, and that there is no evidence of a decline in the water level. Dr. Mohamed Dabees, Coastal Engineer with Humiston and Moore, provided the following comments in response to Ms. Polke's comments. • Humiston & Moore has been consulting on Clam Bay/Clam Pass for 25 years. Our currently implemented program is unsurpassed. • The guidelines we operate under are mandated by multiple highly specialized agencies including FDEP, USACE, and Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission & Services. • We do not invent protocols; we follow protocols. • We have permit authorizations, with significant layers of conditions that we must abide by. • Humiston & Moore, Earth Tech, and Turrell Hall have been serving this area for the lifetime of these companies. • Principals in scientific analysis and in making conclusions require data and evidence. BENTHIC SURVEY REPORT Mr. Rodburg commented that the key reporting pages and several photos from the Nov. 2025 Benthic Survey Report were included in the agenda packet; the full report is available to the public. Mr. Sterk commented that the annual Clam Bay Monitoring Reports include a list of species observations; it does not contain individual species counts, as it would be impossible to perform over 500 acres. He noted that we can estimate the tortoise population based on observations of the number of burrows; our tortoise population has declined by 90% as a result of recent storms. Mr. Sterk commented that he expects a bounce -back in this population over a period of time, as we re-establish dunes and vegetation, providing forage for the tortoises. Mr. Sterk commented that the Benthic Survey Report zooms in on a specific Benthic habitat in Section C of Clam Bay and provided photos of this area. Highlights of his comments on this report include the following. • Earth Tech was tasked with answering these questions: Is the shoal in Section C higher than it was historically? Is the shoal so high that we are not seeing Benthic organisms? Is the shoal impeding water flow? Conclusions: the shoal is not so high that it is impeding wildlife. We are seeing less seagrass in this area, but we are not seeing less benthic life over time. • Piezometers were installed north and south of this area to document the water level multiple times per day. • Clam Bay used to connect to waterways north of Vanderbilt Beach Road; however, this connection was cut off when this road was built. Mr. Rodburg noted that the water only flows out through Clam Pass, Mr. Fogg noted that this is a closed system. • A dissolved oxygen data point is a snapshot at an exact moment. If a reading is taken in cold weather, dissolved oxygen would likely show a level over 80%; there is a direct correlation with water temperature. • The listed species in this report were observed by two biologists during one entire day. 4 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 12,2026 • Although the shoal is exposed at low tide, there is a channel (several feet deep) along the mangroves, assisting in water flow around this shoal. Ms. Polke commented on a topographical map showing the shoal's height to be 14 feet. Dr. Dabees commented that this is not accurate. • Water level graphs, based on water logger data, indicate that there is no impedance of water flow. Ms. Jennifer Bobka, consultant with Earth Tech, commented on a whole series of connecting channels enabling flow within the system, including around shoals. She noted the existence of an entire colony of fiddler crabs in the north end of the shoal area. • Data shows that this specific area studied is healthy; there are no red flags of wildlife loss. Ms. Kathy Worley, Director at the Conservancy of S.W. Florida, commented that these systems are dynamic and that we should see the natural process of shoals building and eroding; a specific environment should not look the same as it did ten years ago. Mr. Sterk commented that we observed .12 acres of seagrass in July, and then .01 acres in October. He noted that we do not fully understand the cause of this decline; and therefore, he would not be in favor of a transplant program. Dr. Dabees commented that the dramatic loss in seagrass acreage began in 2017, after Hurricane Irma, which was followed by a further decline following Hurricane Ian. He noted that there has been a significant loss in seagrass acreage throughout Southwest Florida from Charlotte Harbor to Marco Island. Ms. Polke suggested that based on her research, the infill of sand into the system is a cause of the decline in seagrass acreage. Mr. Rodburg commented that Ms. Pollee is suggesting that an increase in sand in Clam Bay has caused the water to be shallower, which is not true. Dr. Dabees commented that annual surveys of Clam Pass and five- year surveys covering the entire system do not show any change in the volume of water in the system. Mr. Sterk recommended that we need to do more analyses of the variables that may be contributing to the seagrass acreage decline, and determine whether we have any control over them. Mr. Rodburg commented that we will pick up this discussion at our March committee meeting. Dr. Dabees commented that a new tidal gauge has been installed at the south end of Outer Clam Bay, and so far, there is virtually no difference between the data from this new gauge and the data from Marker 4 which is located at the north end of Outer Clam Bay. Mr. Rodburg commented that we are continuing to remove the sand which was pushed into the mangrove areas by the 2024 storms, and restoring the berms. He noted that our data shows that there is not more sand in Clam Bay or Clam Pass than there used to be (prior to the 2024 storms). Mr. Fogg commented that the sand that was washed into the mangrove areas did not reach the northern section of Clam Bay. Dr. Dabees noted that the agencies would never permit a dredging event in the northern sections of Clam Bay, as this would not serve any environmental purpose. Mr. Patrick Wacic questioned when the data from tidal gauge #1 would be displayed on the Humiston & Moore website. Dr. Dabees responded that it would be available this month. REVIEW OF DREDGING FREQUENCY CRITERIA Dr. Dabees commented that the original Clam Bay Management Plan was created in 1998, followed by an updated new plan in 2014 (with the input of many stakeholders), which was followed by a five-year review of the plan in 2019 (and presented to the BCC). He explained that he has been tasked with (1) completing a full numerical model assessment of the flow, (2) evaluating various dredge templates, and (3) assessing water quality in terms of flushing for each of the dredging alternatives being considered. Dr. Dabees commented that the earliest model in 2003 identified the lack of water flow in Upper Clam Bay which continues to be a challenge as it causes poor water 5 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 12, 2026 quality, poor circulation, and poor flushing. An engineering review suggested creating better water flow; however, an environmental assessment indicated that all species in this area have already equilibriated to the current level of water flow (a few inches at best). Dr. Dabees commented that Collier County has mandated that the goal of the management of the system is to support the habitat within the NRPA and that the agencies also initially allowed dredging to occur for this reason. We currently have a permit to dredge, which expires in 2028. Before and after photos of Clam Pass (related to our dredge project) were provided. Mr. Rodburg commented that historically tidal ratio data has been the determinant of a dredge, and if warranted, a pre -dredge bathymetric survey is completed, followed by the procurement process to get a contractor in place. Once the dredge is completed, an additional bathymetric survey is completed. He noted that it has been suggested that we schedule annual dredge projects. Dr. Dabees responded with the following comments. • Our existing management plan is unsurpassed. • We are able to quickly respond to storms when an emergency arises. • We do not always do a full template dredge; sometimes only a maintenance dredge is warranted. • The ability for a prompt response to conditions is key. • Our best tools are monthly monitoring of tidal ratios and aerials, and scheduling bathymetric surveys multiple times each year. • Over the last six years, we have dredged every year, ranging from a full to partial dredge. • We will complete a study to evaluate the physical feature of Clam Pass, evaluating alternatives, and evaluating flushing capacity for Outer Clam Bay, as provided in the scope included in the agenda packet. Mr. Rodburg commented that we as a committee and board, need to respond to those who feel there are better ways to manage the system. He noted that one way would be through the modeling proposal included in the agenda packet, so that we can consider alternatives and their feasibility. Some suggest (1) enlarging the template, or (2) scheduling annual dredges. Mr. Rodburg commented that we need to determine what is best for system; we need to maximize flushing which would maximize the best water quality possible. Mr. Fogg commented that 2024 storms trashed our beaches and deposited an abundance of sand into Clam Pass; constituents were concerned as to what would happen if these storms occurred again in 2025. He suggested that every Fall (post -storm season) we assess conditions, and if warranted, schedule a dredge before the following May; such a plan should be formalized. Mr. Fogg noted that although 2025 tidal ratios were good, we scheduled a Fall 2025 dredge to prevent a possible future emergency dredge. He suggested that we need to be more proactive. Ms. Kathy Worley commented on dredge frequency as follows. • A lot of work was done to establish triggers identified in the Management Plan. The reasons behind the triggers include (1) keeping the Pass open, (2) making sure the water was flowing, and (3) doing the least impact to the environment. • Performing more bathymetric surveys will give you a jump on dredging if necessary. • Negative impacts of dredging include more erosion, more mangroves dying on the fringe, and other environmental damage. Dredging should be limited to when it is warranted to avoid negative impacts to the environment. • Nature should drive your management actions; you need to work within and react to the system. • It is best to be prepared for when conditions warrant action. G'7 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting January12,2026 Ms. Polke commented that the benefits of dredging include increasing water flow, diluting pollutants, and bringing oxygenated water into the low -oxygenated system. Ms. Worley responded that the nutrient load entering the system is the problem. Mr. Rodburg commented that he is hearing Dr. Dabees saying that conducting more bathymetric surveys may tell us how to better manage the system, such as performing a partial dredge. Dr. Dabees suggested the possibility of scheduling a maintenance event, with a selected contractor, and then if a dredge is suddenly warranted, we would be ready to go. He noted that pre-emptive dredging is not necessarily the best path and that he recommends data -based responses. Dr. Dabees commented that we are always very responsive to our monthly monitoring. Mr. Coleman commented that we have established contracts with contractors who perform mechanical dredging. Mr. Trent Waterhouse commented that when we have a need for a dredge, we have identified two methods of dredging (hydraulic and mechanical) and questioned whether there is a third approach such as smaller barges, or faster to deploy systems. Dr. Dabees responded that our proposals include a description of the shoals to be dredged and then the contractor can decide the methodology. He noted that we can reach everywhere within the permitted template with mechanical equipment. Ms. Polke addressed Ms. Worley's comments: "When Vanderbilt Beach Rd. was constructed and the Clam Bay system was closed off, the water flow was now restricted, and therefore, the system will always need intervention, and can never function as nature intended." Ms. Worley responded that you should only dredge when necessary. PROPOSAL F012 UPDATED HYDRODYNAMIC AND MORPHOLOGY MODELS Mr. Rodburg commented that Dr. Dabees has provided a proposal for updated hydrodynamic and morphology modeling (included in the agenda packet), in response to a number of constituents. Mr. Rodburg motioned, Mr. Fogg seconded to recommend the proposal to the full board for approval. Mr. Fogg modified the motion to include a task to look at the feasibility of installing a connecting pipe from the north end of Clam Bay to Vanderbilt lagoon. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Fogg questioned whether the cross -sections (in this proposal) will be from the Ritz to Seagate. Mr. Rodburg confirmed this. Mr. Dorrill commented that the intent is to develop an alternative dredge template both north and south of Section C, and the effort is to model where that will increase the efficiency of the system or the velocity of the height of the tidal ratio between low and high tide. Mr. Fogg asked if there is an option to install a pipe under Vanderbilt Beach Road, to connect the north end of Clam Bay to Vanderbilt lagoon, to increase flow in the north areas of Clam Bay. Dr. Dabees commented that this could be looked at from a hydrodynamic perspective, but cautioned that we do not know what the water quality is in Vanderbilt lagoon. He stated that he will develop a task to explore this possibility. Ms. O'Brien asked what the cost and due date of the proposal is. Mr. Rodburg responded that Mr. Coleman will provide this information at the 1/14/26 board meeting. Ms. Polke questioned whether we could do benthic sampling so that we have a quantitative baseline. Mr. Dorrill commented that the tables in the report survey will be a starting point. Mr. Dorrill commented that the recent beach renourishment project from Vanderbilt Beach to Clam Pass brought in 216,000 tons of sand, while our recent Clam Pass dredge project took out 7,800 tons of sand from the Pass, or 3.5% of the beach renourishment project, which was placed on the 7 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 12, 2026 adjacent beaches. Dr. Dabees commented that Clam Pass is the smallest managed inlet in the state of Florida. Ms. Polke suggested that we ask the state to rename Clam Pass to Clam Inlet, for the safety of swimmers and the inlet itself. She suggested that we discuss this at a future meeting. Mr. Rodburg commented that N.O.A.A. has a website on which the causes of nutrient pollution are discussed, as well as those states and water bodies containing nutrient pollution. FEASIBILITY OF A FUTURE PBSD BEACH RENOURISHMENT PROJECT Mr. Rodburg commented that this agenda item will be carried over to the next committee meeting. The meeting was ad.iourned at 3:07 Michael Rodburg, Chair Minutes approved L� as presented OR �� as amended ON [ � date PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION CLAM BAY COMMITTEE WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 10, 2026 The Clam Bay Committee of the Pelican Bay Services Division met on Tuesday, February 10 at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Center at Pelican Bay, 8960 Hammock Oak Drive, Naples, Florida 34108. In attendance were: Clam Bay Cmte. Michael Rodburg, Chair (absent) Michael Fogg Pelican Bay Services Division Staff Neil Dot -rill, Administrator (absent) Chad Coleman, Deputy Director Dawn Brewer, Ops. Support Spec. II (absent) Darren Duprey, Supervisor — Field I (absent) Bob Lufkin Cindy Polke Rick Swider (absent) Dave Greenfield, Supr. -Field II (absent) Karin Herrmann, Project Manager I Lisa Jacob, Project Manager II Barbara Shea, Admin. Support Spec. II Also Present Tom Polke, PBF Board Jennifer Bobka, Earth Tech Jeremy Sterk, Earth Tech Terry Cake, Taylor Engineering Kay Soltysiak, Presidents Council Mohamed Dabees, Humiston & Moore Greg Stone, PBSD Board William Miller, Taylor Engineering (by telephone) Kathy Worley, Conservancy of S.W. Florida APPROVED AGENDA (AS PRESENTED) 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Roll call 3. Agenda approval 4. Approval of 11/20/25 meeting minutes 5. Approval of 1/12/26 meeting minutes 6. Introductions and opening remarks 7. Discussion requests by the Seagate/Naples Cay communities 8. Impairment: For what and what does it mean? 9. Clam Bay WBID vs Clam Bay NRPA boundaries 10. Dredge frequency: How often? How much? 11. Hydrographic Modeling Study 12. Next steps 13. Audience comments 14. Adjournment ROLL CALL Mr. Rodburg and Mr. Swider were absent and a quorum was established. Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting February 10,2026 Mr. Lufkin motioned, Ms. Polke seconded to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF 11/20/25 MEETING MINUTES Mr. Fogg postponed approval of the 11 /20/25 minutes. APPROVAL OF THE 1/12/26 MEETING MINUTES Mr. Fogg postponed approval of the 1/12/26 minutes. ACTIVE WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS Ms. Terry Calve, Mr. Chad Coleman, Dr. Mohamed Dabees, Mr. Michael Fogg, Mr. Bob Luflcin, Mr. William Miller, Ms. Cindy Polke, Mr. Tom Polke, Mr. Scott Schultz (Naples Cay resident), Ms. Kay Soltysiak, Mr. Jeremy Sterk, Mr. Patrick Wack (Seagate resident), and Ms. Kathy Worley were the active participants during this workshop. OPENING REMARKS Mr. Fogg commented that the purpose of the workshop is for an exchange of ideas relating to Clam Bay. He provided a brief history of the development surrounding Clam Bay and its effects on the NRPA and Clam Pass. Some have expressed concerns on water quality issues and a reduction in wildlife. He noted that we can only address water quality issues by managing inputs to and outflows from the system. Mr. Fogg commented that today's focus is on the latter (dredging). Improving ways of managing nutrient inflows to the system is critical to improving water quality. A future Clam Bay Committee meeting will be dedicated to that topic. DISCUSSION REQUESTS BY THE SEAGATE/NAPLES CAY COMMUNITIES A document listing the discussion requests by the Seagate/Naples Cay Communities was included in the agenda packet. Mr. Patrick Wack commented that his three major discussion points for this meeting are (1) getting an agreement on scheduling an annual dredge of Clam Pass, (2) obtaining a plan for the modeling study and determining the process, and (3) discussing the level of phosphorus impairment in Clam Bay. DREDGE FREQUENCY UNDER CURRENT MANAGEMENT PLAN/PERMIT: HOW OFTEN? HOW MUCH? Several participants were in favor of moving to an annual dredge, to ensure the greatest possible flushing is maintained, and to place the template in the best condition heading into the summer. Ms. Kathy Worley, Director of Environmental Science at the Conservancy of S.W. Florida, suggested that from an ecological perspective, dredging should be scheduled when necessary, and not scheduled on an annual basis. She noted that a dredge causes increased water velocity, increased erosion (affecting mangrove health), and disturbance of the benthic environment. Ms. Worley participated in the numerous meetings in 2014, which resulted in the creation of the 2014 Clam Bay Management Plan. Participants agreed that a bathymetric survey should be performed annually in October/November (post hurricane season), which will be followed by an assessment and recommendation by Dr. Dabees, PBSD Coastal Engineer with Humiston & Moore, of the need for a Spring dredge project (to be completed before the start of turtle nesting season). The assessment will 2 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting February 10, 2026 take into account tide gauge data, and the amount and distribution of sand in the "template." The assessment and recommendation will be discussed and approved at a December/January Clam Bay Committee meeting. Assessments of conditions in the template will continue to be monitored throughout the year and a plan for additional partial dredging or, in an "emergency situation" full scale dredging, will be implemented. There was discussion of difficulties encountered in engaging and scheduling contractors for such a small-scale dredging project and the increased cost of the dredging projects. Suggestions included the following. • Ways of streamlining the County procurement process. • Working with Commissioner Kowal, the County Manager, the TDC, and Coastal Zone Management to ensure that a larger budget is available to the PBSD for a potential dredge project each year. • Piggy -backing off of state -negotiated marine contracts. • Investigation of smaller scale dredging options (as alternatives to mechanical and hydraulic dredging). REVISIONS TO CURRENT MANAGEMENT PLAN/PERMIT: HYDROGRAPHIC MODELING STUDY Participants discussed a hydrographic modeling study of Clam Bay, prepared by Dr. Dabees, to be completed before the expiration of our permits in early 2028. The project will consist of four main elements including (1) collection of current bathymetric data and related status considerations in the NRPA, (2) selection of sections to be modeled and related modeling techniques, (3) evaluation of modeling results, and (4) recommendations. Dr. Ping Wang, Professor at the University of S. Florida Coastal Laboratory, will provide oversight of the collection of field data and the assessment of numerical modeling. An internal peer review will be provided by an additional U.S.F. professor. In addition, an independent engineering consultant will provide input. Peer review will provide input prior to selection of modeling, evaluation of results, and recommendations. Mr. Wack commented that his Taylor Engineering consultants have questions about the modeling study, which requires follow - from Dr. Dabees. Participants agreed that envirommental/biological impacts of modeling assessments need to be considered, and included in this project. An environmental consultant will provide feedback on environmental factors. In addition, University of S. Florida professors may be available to provide input on environmental factors/impacts to be considered. IMPAIRMENT: FOR WHAT AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Recent reports suggest that borderline water quality nutrient impairment in Clam Bay has existeA for many years; however, there is no discernible negative trend. Participants discussed the following. • Existing environmental/biological monitoring including the gopher tortoise population, seagrass acreage, observations of benthic life, and the health of mangroves and coastal scrub. Monitoring activities are in accordance with the Clam Bay Management Plan. • Status of wildlife and marine life. • Effects of current water quality on wildlife and marine life. • Increasing monitoring of wildlife and marine life. • Causes of the loss of seagrass acreage in Clam Bay and throughout S. Florida coastal areas. 3 Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting February 10,2026 It was noted that water quality, whether viewed as impaired or not, can only be addressed through controlling inputs and an effective dredging plan. CLOSING REMARKS In summary, Mr. Schultz commented that as a newly -elected member of the Naples City Council, he will actively work with Commissioner Kowal, County Manager Patterson, and Andy Miller (Coastal Zone Management Manager) on Clam Bay issues. Mr. Tom Polke, PBF Board Chair, commented that the PBF is willing to help in these efforts in any way possible. AUDIENCE COMMENTS None The meeting was adjourned at 3:02 Michael Rodburg, Chair Minutes approved [] as presented OR L� as amended ON � ]date C! Agenda Item #11 Page 1 of 2 i I HUMISTON&MOORS ENGINEERS { COASTAL ENGINEERING DESIGN AND PERMITTING tS RestorbigDeacho as Nah(ml Coestal4slenis' January 21, 2026 Lisa Jacob Pelican Bay Services 801 Laurel Oak Dr, Ste 102 Naples, FL 34108 RE: CLAM BAY MODEL SCOPE OF SERVICES" Humiston & Moore Engineers Clam Pass Hydrodynamic and Inlet Stability modeling services Dear Ms. Jacob; Humiston &Moore Engineers (ENGINEER) prepared this Scope of work to prepare hydrodynamic modeling and flushing analysis In support of PBSD efforts to evaluate Clam Pass/ Clam Bay management and potential Improvements. Humiston & Moore Engineers conducted hydrodynamic modeling and analysis for the Clam Bay system in 2013, and this scope of work will provide an updated model with additional detailed modeling to assess inlet stability and water quality Improvements. The following tasks list the scope of services (SOC) for the numerical modeling of Clam Pass and Clam Bay. This modeling effort will Include compiling available data and developing an updated hydrodynamic model for the pass and bay system. The updated model will provide assessment of the current dredging template and potential alternatives aimed to improve inlet stability and flow through the bay system; the numerical model prepared under this SOC will evaluate the effects of alternative Pass dredging on hydrodynamics, sediment transport and system flushing. The detailed proposed SOC Is presented below. 1.0 Tasl< 1 -Background Review &Model Setup Compile Existing and supplement with additional toao�raphic. bathvmetric, and environmental resource data as necessary: ENGINEER will review and compile recent topographic, bathvmetric data and benthic environmental resources, The data may Include inlet surveys from monitoring and construction projects, and also available detailed NOAA LIDAR data. Additionally, the data review will include hydrodynamic data collection including measured water levels from available tide stations and available offshore wave data from USACE. The data compiled will be used to generate an upAo-date bathvmetric grid and set up the numerical model. Data collection, Including: • Inlet bathvmetry will be conducted by Parl<Coastal Surveying, LLC, • Flow measurements within Inlet sections A, B, and C will be conducted W&R Solutions, Page � 1 Agenda Item #11 Page 2 of 2 2.o Tasl< 2 —Circulation Modeling & Analysis 2.1 Local Inlet and Coastal Process Modeling: The UASCE Army Corp SMS modeling suite Including RMA and CMS models will be used to assess the coastal processes and tidal flow and sand transport systems within Clam Bay, Calm Pass and Adjacent beaches. The models used will range from high resolution models In time and space for local areas to large-scale, long-term system models. Detailed high - resolution models with very small-time steps will be used to analyze the interaction of waves and currents and the nearshore sediment transport regime for the existing conditions (current dredge template). Large scale models will assess the tidal circulation and flow patterns throughout the entire system 2.2 Local Inlet and Coastal Process Modeling for alternative dredge template: The numerical model prepared under Task 2.1 will be updated with potential alternatives to the authorized dredge template. The model results will then be compared with the model results for the existing dredge template to assess the effects of the alternative dredge on the system. This task will include simulations of the existing and 2 design alternatives for the dredging template. 2.3 W&R Model Review and Inlet Stability Analysis: W&R Solutions will provide technical support and Independent review of modeling results. 3.0 Tasi<3 —Flushing Model &Analysis 3.1 Flushing Analysis: A flushing analysis will be performed for the south part of Outer Clam Bay to evaluate the flushing capacity near the south end of the system and potential water quality Improvements for each alternative with comparison to existing conditions. The coastal flushing analysis will be performed using RMA2 and RMA4 models, developed by UAACE Engineering Research Development Center (ERDC). RMA2 is a hydrodynamic model which simulates water level and velocities across the project area. RMA4 uses the hydrodynamic solution file from RMA2 to evaluate an Introduced contaminant, and its concentration changes over time. The flushing modeling runs will simulate the flushing of a conservative constituent released at select location at the south part of the system, (a conservative constituent Is one that doesn't go through chemical or biological transformation). The model computes the concentration change over time at the site due to the amount of released constituent, the ambient concentration, local hydrodynamlcflushing, mixing, and diffusion. The calculated concentration change over time will be analyzed at selected observation points. A comparison of the efficiency of the flushing will be provided by the elapsed time to reach the DEP criteria of.10% of the maximum concentration at a given location for existing and alternative configuration. 4.0 Task 4—Peer review, Report Presentations and Public Meetings A Draft report will be prepared to present a summary of the work prepared. The findings from the numerical modeling analysis will be presented along with recommendations. The draft report will be presented to the Clam Bay Committee for discussions and feedback prior to preparing a final report and recommendations. Final Report Sincerely yours, HUMISTON & MOORE ENGINEERS Digitally signed by MOHAMED AODEL U� MONEIMDAOEES Date: 2026,0/.21 17:47.:02 -OS'00' Mohamed A. Dabees, Ph.D., P.E. Vice President Page � 2