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PBSD Clam Bay Minutes 01/12/2026PELICAN BAY SERVICES DIVISION CLAM BAY COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 12, 2026 The Clain 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 Pelican Bay Services Division Staff Neil Dorrill, Administrator Chad Coleman, Deputy Director Dawn Brewer, Ops. Support Spec. II Darren Duprey, Supervisor — Field I (absent) Bob Lufltin (absent) Cindy Polke Rick Swider Dave Greenfield, Supr. -Field II (absent) Karin Herrmann, Project Manager I Lisa Jacob, Project Manager II Barbara Shea, Admin. Support Spec. II A►so 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 good 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 underscored 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 of 42% should have been reported to us sooner; this impairment took 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 infill 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 Clain 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. Pollee supplies the data on the loss of wildlife in Clam Bay. Ms. Pollee requested that Mr. Rodburg supplies the data. Ms. O'Brien cormmented 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 Barth Tech, commented on a whole series of comiecting 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. Polke 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 Wack 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. Mi•. 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. Pelican Bay Services Division Clam Bay Committee Meeting January 12, 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 FOR 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 recomunend 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 Clain 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 renourishmcnt 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. Minutes approved Ll/ ] as presented OR L� as amended ON � 3%6I � � � date