BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE PARK LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN

Submitted to

Collier County Board of County Commissioners

Prepared by

Amanda Townsend, Operations Analyst and

Nancy Olson, Sr. Park Naturalist

December 2007

PLAN OUTLINE

In accordance with Chapter 253, Florida Statutes and applicable revisions of Florida Administrative Code, textual information in the Land Management Plan is prepared to respond to the following outline.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Executive Summary 1

II. RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES

A. Topography 3 B. Archaeological and Historical Resources 4 C. Water Resources 4 D. Fish and Wildlife Species and Their Habitat 5 E. State and Federally Listed Species and Their Habitat 10 F. Beaches and Dunes 11 G. Swamps, Marshes, and other Wetlands 11 H. Mineral Resources 11 I. Unique Natural Features 11 J. Outstanding Native Landscapes 11 K. Actions to Locate and Identify Unknown Cultural Resources 12 L. Florida Natural Areas Inventory 12

III. SITE HISTORY

A. Past Uses of Site 13

IV. EXISTING AND PLANNED USES OF THE SITE

A. Existing Activities and Facilities 13 B. Planned Activities and Facilities 15 C. Alternative or Multiple Uses of Site 15

V. ASSESSMENT, WITH MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES, OF THE

IMPACT OF PLANNED USES ON RENEWABLE AND NON- RENEWABLE RESOURCES A. Primary Objective of the Management Plan 16 B. Unique or Sensitive Areas 16 C. Beach Dune 17 D. Coastal Strand 17 E. Maritime Hammock 17 F. Tidal Mangroves 18 G. Fish and Wildlife 18 H. Vegetation 19

I. Water Resources 19 J. Carrying Capacity 19 K. Restoration Strategy 21

VI. SITE AND VISITOR PROTECTION

A. Signage 21 B. Fencing or Barricades 21 C. On-site Residence of Park Staff 21 D. Staff or Local Law Enforcement Patrols 22 E. Public Access 23 F. Other 23

VII. MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Primary Agency 23 B. Other Agencies 24

VIII. MANAGEMENT NEEDS AND PROBLEMS 24 IX. IDENTIFICATION OF ADJACENT LAND USES THAT 24 CONFLICT WITH THE PLANNED USE OF SITE X. DESCRIPTION OF LEGISLATIVE OR EXECUTIVE 25

DIRECTIVES THAT CONSTRAIN THE USE OF SUCH PROPERTY

XI. STATE LANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN COMPLIANCE AND

INCORPORATION A. Federal 25 B. State 25 C. Additional Standards 25 D. Local 25 XII. AN ASSESSMENT AS TO WHETHER PROPERTY, OR ANY

PORTION SHOULD BE DECLARED SURPLUS 26

XIII. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES OF EACH AGENCY 26 XIV. PUBLIC AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE 26

LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN X. COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 26 XI. REFERENCES 28

XII. APPENDICES

Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park Land Management Plan

Executive Summary

Lead Agency: Collier County Parks and Recreation Common Name of the Property: Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park Location: Collier County, Florida Sections 8 and 17, T48S, R25E (See Appendix A for map) Acreage Total: 342 (See Appendix B for Legal Description) Acreage Breakdown: State County Land Cover Owned Owned Classification Acreage Acreage Beach 10 7 Coastal Strand 10 121 Maritime Hammock 252 0 Estuarine Swamp 111 167 Total 156 186 Lease: Lease #3868 (See Appendix C for Lease Agreement) Use: Single use for preservation and passive recreation preserve Management Responsibilities: Collier County Board of County Commissioners, Lessee

Collier County Parks and Recreation Department, Lead Management Agency

Designated Land Use: Land Preservation and Outdoor Passive Recreation Preserve Sublease(s): None Contract(s): None Encumbrances: None Type Acquisition: Environmental Lands Program: Fee Simple Unique Features: Natural: Beach, Dune, Coastal Strand, Maritime Hammock,

Mangroves Archaeological/Historical: One known archaeological site/Calusa Aquatic Preserve/Critical State Concern: The Preserve is not in an aquatic preserve or in an area of critical

state concern. Barefoot Beach Preserve is considered Outstanding Florida Waters by the Department of Environmental Regulation, as listed in Chapter 17-302.700(9), Florida Administrative Code.

1 This includes the small area impacted with parking, restrooms, etc. 2 This includes the negligible area of hammock owned by the County that lies within the County-owned outparcel.

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Management Needs: Exotic plant control, beach access, staff, equipment, cultural and natural resource protection

Acquisition Needs/Acreage: None

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RENEWABLE AND NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES:

A. Topography:

Barefoot Beach Preserve is part of a linear barrier island. Its topographic and vegetative profiles result from the interaction of plant growth habits and physical processes, principally wind-driven sand movement and salt spray deposition, and wave-driven erosion, accretion, and overwash. Elevations within the Preserve range from sea level to 9.5 feet above sea level on the crest of a coastal dune. Natural land slopes and natural drainage is both gulfward and bayward from the crest of the dune.

1. Soils: The Preserve land is typically composed of Holocene age barrier island sands that were deposited by barrier island processes in the last few thousand years as a result of sea level rise. Cores in the Naples area (Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc., 1988), and peat outcrops along beaches south of the Preserve indicate that the barrier island and is 15’ to 30’ thick along the Collier County coast. The barrier island sands with some sand and peat from old mangrove swamps typically underlain by limestone and marl of the Anastasia and Tamiami Formations (McCoy, 1962). According to information provided by the USDA Soil Conservation Office, there are two soil types within the Preserve’s boundaries. Canaveral Beaches Complex: is located on nearly level, moderately well drained soils on low ridges of the beach. The Canaveral soil has a surface layer of dark brown fine sand about 4” thick. The substratum is brown to light gray fine sand mixed with shell fragments to a depth of about 80”. Typically, beaches consist of sand mixed with shell fragments and shells. 90% of the area mapped, this complex Canaveral soil makes up 55%, and beach areas make up 45% of the map unit. The permeability of the Canaveral is rapid to very rapid. The available water capacity is very low. In most years, the seasonal high water table is at a depth of 18” to 40” for 1 to 4 months. In other months, the water table is below 40”. This soil is subject to tidal flooding under severe weather conditions. Durbin and Wulfert Mucks: are typically located in frequently flooded and level, very poorly drained soils in tidal mangrove swamps. The Durbin soil has a surface soil of dark reddish brown to black muck about 63” thick. The substratum is dark gray fine sand to a depth of about 80”. The Wulfert soil has a surface soil of dark reddish brown to black muck about 40” thick. The substratum is dark gray fine sand to a depth of about 80”. According to mapping by SCS in Collier County local conditions can consist entirely of Durbin soil, Wulfert soil, or any combination of both. The permeability of the Durbin soil is rapid and the available water capacity is high. The permeability of the Wulfert soil is rapid and the available water capacity is moderate. The water table fluctuates with the tide and is within 12” of the surface most of the year. The soil is subject to tidal flooding.

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B. Archaeological and Historical Resources:

1. Known/Identified Features:

An archaeological site inspection of a 1.69 acre county-owned parcel within the state-owned portion of Barefoot Beach Preserve was conducted on June 2, 2003 by the Cultural Resource Management Program at Florida Gulf Coast University. The project site is situated about 2000 feet north of Wiggins Pass near the mouth of the Cocohatchee River. The rectangular parcel extends 100 feet north-south and runs east-west for about 736 feet and is bound by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and estuarine waters to the east (Appendix D, Figure 1). A systematic surface inspection of the entire project area was conducted by traversing the property east-west at five-meter intervals. In the southeastern corner of the project area evidence of prehistory activity was encountered. More specifically, approximately six meters east of the southeast property marker a shell scatter extends approximately 20 m north along the edge of the mangrove fringe within the upper tidal zone (Appendix D, Figures 2 and 3). The density of shell is variable and three distinct shell piles approximately four meters in diameter rising about 15 cm above the surrounding mangrove muck comprised the most visible element of the site. The shell piles are comprised primarily of medium to large sized oysters (five to 12 cm in length), but an occasional quahog, and one or two whelk and arca shells were also observed on the surface. The shell deposits are definitely Calusa in origin as evidenced by the presence of three shell tools (Appendix D, Figures 2,3,4,5,6,7). The site now named the Half Shell Site was recorded in the Florida Master Site File where it was assigned the site number 8CR871.

C. Water Resources:

The property is surrounded by tidal saltwater on three quarters of its boundary. According to Florida DER Surface Water Standards (17-3.02) the adjacent water bodies have the following surface Water Quality classifications: Cocohatchee River - Class II (17-3.02.600 (3) ©11) Little Hickory Bay - Class II (17-3.02.600 (3) ©11) Wiggins Pass - Class II (17-3.02.600 (3) ©11) Class II waters have a designated use of shellfish propagation or harvesting. Waters with - Outstanding Florida Waters Class II (17.3.02.700 (9) (f) the Preserve.

Outstanding Florida Waters designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as worthy of special protection because of their natural attributes.

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D. Fish and Wildlife Species and Their Habitat:

The Preserve can be divided into five zones or parallel bands of vegetation. From west to east they are: the pioneer zone, the foredune, the coastal strand, the maritime hammock, and the tidal swamp beyond the dune proper. Fish and wildlife species that use, or may use, or are typical to the habitats in Barefoot Beach Preserve Park are listed below.

1. Pioneer Zone: Birds: Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularia Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres Sanderling Calidris alba Dunlin C. alpena Red knot C. canustus Western sandpiper C. mauri Least sandpiper C. minutilla Semiplamated sandpiper C. pusilla Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Semipalmated plover C. semipalmatus Killdeer C. vociferous Snowy egret Egretta thula American oystercatcher Larus argentatus Ring-billed gull L. delawarensis Shortbilled dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Marbled godwit Limosa fedoa Osprey Pandion haliaetus White pelican Pelecanus erthrorhynchos Brown pelican P. occidentalis Black-bellied plover Pluvialis squatarola Black skimmer Rynchops niger Least tern Sterna albifrons Royal tern Thalasseus maximus Robin Turdus migratorius Mammals: Raccoon Procyon lotor

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Reptiles: Atlantic loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta caretta Atlantic green turtle Chelonia mydas mydas Atlantic ridley turtle Lepidochelys kempii

2. Foredune, Coastal Strand, and Maritime Hammock

Amphibians: Florida gopher frog Rana areolata aesopus Birds: Great horned owl Bubo virginianus Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Red-shouldered hawk B. lineatus Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Common flicker Colaptes auratus Bobwhite quail Colinus virginianus Ground dove Columbigallina passerine Black vulture Coragyps atratus American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Fish crow C. ossifragus Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata Yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata Palm warbler D. palmarum Peregrine falcon Falco pergrinus American kestrel F. sparverius Southern bald eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus Red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Eastern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Great crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Common screech owl Otus asio Osprey Pandion haliaetus Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Rufous-sided towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Common grackle Quiscallus quiscula Eastern phoebe Sayornis phoebe Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovicianus Brown thrasher Toxostoma rufum House wren Troglodytes aedon Eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus

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Black-whiskered vireo Vireo altiloquus White-eyed vireo V. griseus Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Mammals: Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Opossum Didelphis virginiana Bobcat Lynx rufus Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis Beach mouse Peromyscus polionotus Raccoon Procyon lotot Cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus Spotted skunk Spilogale putorius Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Florida black bear Ursus amerianus floridanus Reptiles: Green anole Anolis carolinensis Brown anole A. sagrei sagrei Black racer Caluber constrictor Eastern diamondback Crotalus adamanteus Eastern indigo snake Drymarchron corais Corn snake Elaphe guttata Yellow rat snake E. obsolete quadrivittata Southeastern five-lined skink Eumeces inexpectatus Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus Eastern hognose snake Heterodon nasieus Florida kingsnake Lampropeltis getulus Scarlet kingsnake L. triangulum elapsoides Eastern coachwhip Masticophis flagellum Coral snake Micrurus fulvius Slender glass lizard Ophisaurus attenuatus Island glass lizard O. compressus Florida scrub lizard Sceloporus woodi Ground skink Scincella latralis

3. Tidal Swamp:

Birds: Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phooeniceus Blue-winged teal Anas discors Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Great blue heron Ardea herodias

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Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Red-shouldered hawk B. lineatus Green heron Butorides virescens Great egret Casmerodium albus Boat-tailed grackle Quiscalus major Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmtus Killdeer Charadrius vociferous Marsh hawk Circus cyaneus Mangrove cuckoo Coccyzus minor Black vulture Coragyps atratus American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Fish crow C. ossifragus Yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata Prairie warbler D. discolor Palm warbler D. palmarum Yellow warbler D. Petechia Great egret Egretta alba Reddish egret E. rufescens Snowy egret E. thula Swallow-tailed kite Elanoides forficatus White ibis Eudocimus albus Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus American kestrel F. sparverius Little blue heron Florida caerulea Common loon Gavis immer Common yellow throat Geothlypis trichas American oystercatcher Haematopus palliates Southern bald eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus Tricolor heron Hydranassa tricolor Herring gull Larus argentatus Laughing gull L. atricilla Ring-billed gull L. delawarensis Belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Wood stork Mycyeria Americana Yellow-crowned night heron Myctanassa violacea Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax Osprey Pandion haliaetus White pelican Pelecanus erthrorhynchos Brown pelican P. occidentalis Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Rufous-sided towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus Common grackle Quiscalus quiscula

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Black skimmer Rynchops niger Least tern Sterna albifrons Royal tern Thalasseus maximus Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovicianus Robin Turdus migratorius Black-whiskered vireo Vireo altiloguus Mammals: Raccoon Procyon lotor Marsh rabbit Sylvilagus palustris West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus Latirostris Bottlenosed dolphin Tursiops truncates Reptiles: American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Green anole Anolis carolinensis American crocodile Crocodylus acutus Diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin Macrospilta Mangrove salt marsh snake Nerodia fasciata S. Florida black swamp snake Seminatrix pygaea Peninsula ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus Sackeni Mollusks: American oyster Crassostrea virginica Southern hardshell clam Mercenaria campechiensis Arthropods: Mangrove tree crab Aratus pisonii Ivory barnacle Balanus eburneus Blue crab Callinectes sapidas Fragile barnacle Chthamalus fragilis Starred barnacle C. stellatus Stone crab Menippe mercenaria Mud crab Panopeus herbstii Pink shrimp Panaeus duorarum Mangrove crab Sesarma curacaoense Fish: Diamond killifish Adinia xenica Bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli Striped anchovy A. hepsetus

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Sheepshead Archosargus Probatocephalus Redfish Sciaenops ocellata

Silver perch Bairdiella chrysura Menhaden Brevoortia smithi Common snook Centropomus undecimalis Spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus Sheepshead minnow Cyprinodon variegates Silver jenny Eucinostomus gula Spotfin moiarra E. argenteus Marsh killifish Fundulus confluentus Gulf killifish F. grandis Mosquito fish Gambusia affinis Pinfish Lagodon rhomboids Mangrove snapper Lutjanus griseus Lane snapper L. chrysoptera Tarpon Megalops atlantica Fantail mullet Mugil trichodon Striped mullet M. cephalus Pigfish Orthropristis chrysoptera Gulf flounder Paralichthys albiguttata Sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna

E. State and Federally Listed Endangered or Threatened Species and their Habitat:

A representative inventory and analysis of natural resources in Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park by James Burch, PhD., is found in Appendix E. The analysis includes many of the listed species observed by Dr. Burch on field visits to the Preserve. A plant inventory was updated in 2005 by Maurice Araquistain, a biologist with the Collier County Park Ranger Service. (See Appendix F for table of contents.) The report is on file with CCPRD. Field observations by Collier County Park Rangers include: Atlantic Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta caretta Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus Southern Bald Eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus Osprey Pandion haliaetus White Pelican Pelecanus erthrorhynchos Brown Pelican P. occidentalis Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Little Blue Heron Ecretta caerulea Snowy egret E. thula Reddish egret E. rufescena Tricolor heron E. tricolor Least tern Sterma ancillarum Gopher frog Rana areolata

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Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarcher corais Common Snook Centromus undecimalis West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus Latirostris

F. Beaches and Dunes:

The northern portion of the Preserve, owned by Collier County, includes 3100 linear feet of beach. The southern portion of the Preserve, owned by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida, includes 5000 linear feet of beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The beach dune pioneer plant community is salt tolerant and composed of low growing dune grasses and herbaceous plants. This sensitive band of vegetation runs the length of the beach and provides natural erosion protection to the beach dune. The coastal strand, a shrub community located on the linear ridge of this barrier island is dominated by seagrape with scattered clumps of inkberry and bay cedar. This area is prime gopher tortoise habitat. The coastal strand occurs just behind the beach dune and extends south to Wiggins Pass. The most diverse vegetative community in the Preserve is the cabbage palm hammock (maritime hammock), located in the back dune zone between the coastal strand and the tidal swamp.

G. Swamps, Marshes, and other Wetlands:

A backbay area on the east side of the Preserve is where tidal water meanders through and around the mangrove islands. Water depths vary from 6” to 4’ throughout. Daily tide change is about 2’. These tidal creeks occur throughout the eastern two thirds of the Preserve. The mangrove swamp is a wetland ecotone in the backbay composed of red and black mangroves on the perimeter, and white mangroves and buttonwood in the center areas above the high tide line. This area is subject to tidal changes on a daily basis. This plant community is the dominant vegetation in the eastern two thirds of the Preserve.

H. Mineral Resources:

The State of Florida holds the title to the agricultural, timber, and mineral resource rights of the state owned portion of Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

I. Unique Natural Features:

Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park is a prime example of a relatively undisturbed barrier island beach system.

J. Outstanding Native Landscapes:

The mangrove swamp and portions of the coastal strand are examples of outstanding native landscapes.

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The foredune merges with the coastal strand to form a transitional zone between the foredune and the maritime hammock. In addition to the sea oats (Uniola paniculata), bitter panicum, (Panicum amarum), and bay cedar (Suriana maritime) found on the foredune, the coastal strand exhibits small trees and shrubby species such as sea grape (Cocoloba uvifera), Florida privet (Forestiera segregate), seven-year apple (Casasia clusiifolia), buckthorn (Bumelia celastrina), myrsine (Myrsine guianensis), necklace pod (Sophora tomentosa), white flower lantana (Lantana involucrate), white indigoberry (Randia aculeate), coin vine (Dalbergia ecastaphyllum), Spanish bayonet (Yucca aloifolia), prickly pear (Opuntia compressa), and dune evening primrose (Oenothera humifusa). The back dune maritime hammock drops sharply into the mangrove swamp. The mangrove swamp is a basin forest dominated by three species of mangroves: red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), and white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa). Associated species include buttonwood (Concocarpus erectus), leatherfern (Acrostichum aureum), glasswort (Salicornia spp.), saltwart (Batis maritime), sea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum), and sea lavender (Limonium carolinianum).

K. Actions to Locate and Identify Unknown Archaeological and Historical Resources:

A cultural resource survey will be performed on any area within the project site that is proposed for development prior to the commencement of proposed development activities in that area. The Division of Historical Resources will be notified immediately if evidence is found to suggest that further archaeological or historical resources exist on the project site. Collier County will work with professional archaeologists and the Southwest Florida Archaeological Society to coordinate with the Division of Historical Resources on the protection and management of any further cultural resources. The management of archaeological and historical resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267, Florida Statutes specifically Sections 267.061 2(a) and (b).

L. Florida Natural Areas Inventory:

The following element occurrence records were provided from the Florida Natural Inventory database. Information provided was based on wildlife sightings and plant communities identified between 1982 and 1992. An updated plant inventory (2005) is on file with CCPRD. (See Appendix F for table of contents.) Wildlife Sightings: West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris Atlantic Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta caretta Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus Florida prairie warbler Dendroica discolor Black-whiskered vireo Vireo altiloquus Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus Pygmy rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius

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Plant Communities: Coastal Strand Maritime Hammock Estuarine tidal swamp Plant Species: Necklace Pod Sophora tomentosa

M. Past Uses of Site:

The Preserve has always been an under-developed beach area in northwest Collier County because it is remote, and roads and utility infrastructures have been unavailable to encourage development. The only site improvements built prior to the State purchase of the property is a narrow trail behind the dune, running south down to Wiggins Pass, and the vacated upland roadway (the continuance of Barefoot Beach Boulevard or Gulf to Bay Drive) in the eastern portion of the hammock. Prior to 1972, the state owned portion of the Preserve, 156 acres, including 5000 linear feet of beach in the southern portion of the Preserve, had been subdivided into narrow beachfront lots. Since no utilities were available, these lots were never developed. In 1972, the State of Florida began purchasing these lots under the Environmental Endangered Lands program in order to save this rare example of pristine coastal strand. The Florida Department of Natural Resources, Division of Recreation and Parks managed the Preserve as Barefoot Beach State Recreation Area. In 1990, Collier County entered into a 50-year lease agreement to manage all lands in the Trustees-owned portion of the Preserve (see Appendix B for lease agreement). Today, both properties are managed as a Preserve.

N. Existing and Planned Use(s) of the Site

Existing Activities and Facilities on the Site (see Appendix G for map):

• Swimming and sunbathing: Swimming and sunbathing are allowed throughout the Preserve. • Fishing: Recreational fishing is permitted in the waters contiguous to the Preserve, provided

applicable ordinances, statutes, and laws are observed. Surf fishing is confined to the area extending from 1000 linear feet south of the third beach access dune crossover to Wiggins Pass. Fishing will also be allowed in the backbay area. Commercial fishing is prohibited in waters continguous to the Preserve within 500’. The Parks and Recreation Department monitors this activity to assure protection of the resource and visitor safety.

• Bird watching: The backbay, Alice and Harold Saylor Nature Trail, and the beach offer varied habitats for a variety of bird species.

• Beach combing, shell collecting: These are popular activities for Preserve visitors. However, live shelling is prohibited on Collier County beaches and preserves.

• Self-guided and Park Ranger guided nature walks: The Alice and Harold Saylor Nature Trail bisects the maritime hammock longitudinally. The trail is on the seaward side. The trail has been improved by staff and the Friends of Barefoot Beach, Inc., and includes numbered trail

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markers identifying native plants. At the trail entrance is an interpretive panel describing the habitat and the contributions Alice and Harold Saylor made to the Preserve. The trail is also used for patrol by Collier County Park Rangers. Patrol is carried out on foot and golfcart.

• Park Ranger led natural history programs: Collier County Park Rangers offer a variety of regularly scheduled natural history programs at the Preserve. Programs include guided canoe trips, nature walks, and informal lectures. “Park Ranger To Go”, a nationally recognized program, was developed for presentation at the Preserve or in the classroom. School programs meet curriculum needs and Florida Sunshine State Standards. “Nature Walk on Wheels” was developed to serve those park visitors with special needs. A Park Ranger drives a six-passenger club car through the Preserve and leads a discussion on the natural history of the resource and the area.

• Boating: Power boating is prohibited in the backbay canoe trail area of the Preserve due to the sensitive nature of the area. This area is also designated as a passive recreational use area. Non-commercial boats are allowed to anchor offshore only in designated areas. Beaching of watercraft is prohibited because of its deleterious affect on marine turtles and shore based wildlife. The rental of motorized vehicles is prohibited in any portion of the Preserve.

• Picnicking: Picnicking is allowed in designated picnic areas and on the beach. • The Friends of Barefoot Beach Learning Center: Established in 1990, the Friends of

Barefoot Beach Preserve built and maintain an open air learning center. The Learning Center hosts exhibits on the natural history of the preserve. The Friends host a weekly natural history lecture series annually from December through April. The Friends staff the center daily from November through April. The Collier County Park Rangers used the center as a site for regularly scheduled interpretive programs and school children on scheduled fieldtrips.

• Visiting the Friends of Barefoot Beach Butterfly and Cactus Gardens: adjacent to the learning center is an aquatic butterfly garden and cactus garden. All plant species are labeled in the gardens. Park Rangers offer guided tours of the gardens.

• An Interactive Education Kiosk: A Seminole style chickee was built on the 1.69 acre county-owned parcel within the state owned portion of the Preserve in October 2006. The moon-shaped kiosk’s interpretive panels will include information on listed species, barrier island dynamics, and the site’s archaeological resources. Panels will be 24x36 in size and constructed of a solid composite that is fire-retardant, fade-proof, and graffiti-proof. An acrylic overlay and UV inhibitor will cover each panel. The kiosk will also contain two discovery boxes housing artifacts and specimens that will offer visitors a multi-sensory educational experience. This kiosk was developed on a clearing created by the removal of exotic plant species that was completed in April 2004. Because the exotic removal has left a good part of the upland cleared, this proposed facility should not impact natural or cultural resources.

• Self-guided or Park Ranger guided canoe/kayak trips in the back bay area of the preserve: A one-mile marked canoe trail through the backbay gives visitors an opportunity to experience the tidal swamp first-hand.

• Park Ranger Station with Public Restrooms: These facilities have been constructed on the County’s portion of the Preserve. Bulletin boards, brochure racks, and interpretive signage at the Ranger Station describe the habitats found within the Preserve, facilitate changing natural history exhibits, and provide public information on the Preserve and the environment.

• Parking: The County’s portion of the Preserve has parking for 254 cars. A 100 car parking area was constructed within the State-owned portion, bringing the total number of automobile parking spaces to 354.

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• Dune Cross-overs: Three connecting dune cross-overs, constructed from material made from recycle milk cartons, have been constructed on the County-owned portion of the Preserve. The dune cross-overs provide beach access for all while protecting the sensitive and critical dune habitat. Two discovery boxes were mounted on these boardwalk dune cross-overs. These boxes contain artifacts that can be used by the Park Rangers for impromptu interpretive opportunities.

• Preserve Entrance Booth: An entrance booth has been constructed on the County owned portion of the Preserve. The booth is situated at the entrance of the Preserve where an attendant can provide visitors with Preserve brochures, accept float plans, and provide other visitor services.

Planned Activities and Facilities on the Site (see Appendix H for map):

• A boardwalk through the mangrove area to the back bay is proposed in the County owned portion of the Preserve. Constructed and managed by Collier County, the boardwalk would provide an opportunity to view wildlife, mangrove habitat, and the backbay area. The boardwalk will be accessible to walkers and special needs visitors who may otherwise not have an opportunity to experience this unique resource. The boardwalk will provide an area for temporary docking of excursion vessels to increase visitation and appreciation of the area to those arriving by boat. It will be an alternative to excursion vessels accessing the Preserve via the beach. Ranger and self-guided walks on the boardwalk will give visitors an opportunity to learn more about the Preserve and its natural features.

• The development of a “loop” trail connecting the Alice and Harold Saylor Nature Trail to the upland vacated roadway will give visitors an opportunity to visit and view the Preserve in depth. The walk will be approximately 2 miles long and will travel through the Coastal Strand and Maritime Hammock as well as the transitional zone on the east side of the Preserve near the Mangrove Swamp. It will also serve to educate those visitors on issues relating to exotic-invasive plant species and the importance of restoring the natural landscape. On the seaward side of the trail, beach access paths and nature trails will be developed and enhanced with native vegetation and identified so as to minimize erosion while providing additional access to the beach.

• Collier County Parks and Recreation will be investigating the viability of constructing a composting restroom near the southern end of the loop trail.

O. Alternative or Multiple Uses of the Property:

The single-use management concept is necessary since the property is a Preserve. This management program is outlined in Chapter 253.034, F.S., which defines “single use” as management for one particular purpose to the exclusion of all other purposes, except that the using agency shall have the option of including in its management program compatible secondary purposes that will not detract from, or interfere with the primary purpose. The primary objective of single use management is to protect the Preserve’s natural resources. According to the DNR/Collier County lease, public access for recreation as a secondary use is allowed.

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• Preservation of the representative objects or conditions is all-important and resource considerations must be given priority.

• Uses permitted are usually of a passive nature, related to the aesthetic, educational, and scientific enjoyment of the objects and conditions maintained in the Preserve. Other uses, in limited amounts, are permitted, if compatible. In Preserves where a portion of the property is a beach, other uses include active recreational pastimes such as swimming along the beach and accessing the beach by non-commercial vessel. Non-commercial vessels anchoring off shore require 40 linear feet of beach per vessel in designated areas.

• Organized recreational program activity is concerned with interpretation of the attributes of the Preserve for public enjoyment.

• Physical development for roads, parking, and structures are limited to 5% of the Preserve’s land area.

P. Assessment, with Management Strategies, of the Impact of Planned Uses on Renewable and Non-

Renewable Resources: The primary objective of the Land Management Plan is to protect the resource while allowing public access for passive recreational activities. According to the Conceptual State Lands Management Plan adopted March 17, 1981, Florida’s beach and dune systems can support both functions of recreation and act as protective barriers from storms. The Land Management Plan is based on allowing the first, and enhancing the second in the most cost effective means possible. The beach is the prime recreation area. All access improvements such as roads and parking will be placed near the existing paved road, increasing public access while minimizing cost and physical development of the Preserve. Completed and proposed physical developments, (roads, parking, boardwalks, walkovers, and structures), will keep with the 5% development limitation. Completed and proposed improvements will be located and designed according to latest standards described in the DNR Rules and Procedures for Coastal Construction and Excavation. Appropriate permits will be obtained. This area is roughly defined as the area westward of the existing access road and Gulf to Bay Drive (see Appendix H).

The existing vegetation is unique and very sensitive to development. The coastal strand is a diverse wildlife habitat and is used by sea turtles, gopher tortoises, and coastal birds. The mangrove fringe is important in maintaining the healthy marine habitat of the backbay. Efforts will continue to be made to place improvements in areas where there will be minimal or no impact on native flora and fauna. The other key function of the Land Management Plan is to provide for the removal of exotic-invasive plant species. The exotic-invasive plant species management program eliminates those species harmful to the Preserve and its mitigative function as a barrier island. Unique or Sensitive Resource Areas: The entire Preserve is considered ecologically sensitive and will require specific resource management strategies for each habitat. The primary focus of the resource management component of this plan has been the removal of exotic-invasive vegetation. There was extensive infestation throughout the Beach

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Dune, Coastal Strand, and Maritime Hammock habitats that inhibited the growth of native species, which in turn created less suitable habitat for wildlife and stability for the ecosystem. The exotic removal program has been directed by the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department. Park Rangers and maintenance staff assigned to the Preserve have been trained in exotic-invasive recognition and removal. Park staff, during the course of their regular duties at the Preserve, document in their logs any exotic-invasive plant species on site and remove those plant species from the Preserve. In 1998, a DEP Pollution Recovery Fund grant provided funding for the extensive removal of exotic vegetation throughout the Preserve. Beach Dune: The dune area provides erosion control and habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. Foot, bicycle, and vehicular traffic have in the past easily damaged the dune. Large portions of the beach foredune were taken over by Australian pines reducing the biodiversity necessary to sustain the dune’s erosion control capabilities. In addition, wildlife habitat was reduced or eliminated because the native vegetation was shaded out. The shallow and extensive root systems of the Australian pines posed serious threats to sea turtle nesting as they obstructed nesting sites. Brazilian pepper also infested the area.

• Management Strategy: Eradication of exotic vegetation from the beach dune system in the County-owned portion of the Preserve was completed in FY 91/92. This encompassed 3100 linear feet of beachfront. Only minimal replanting was necessary as there was sufficient native vegetation in the eastern portion of the dune to replenish the area naturally. The large Australian pines and Brazilian peppers were removed by mechanical means. Four large Australian pines were chemically treated; the limbs removed, and left standing as snags or perch trees for birds of prey. Southern Bald Eagles and Osprey currently utilize these snags. The Brazilian Pepper Trees were chemically treated, cut into manageable lengths and removed from the Preserve. Eradication of the exotic-invasive plant species in the State-owned portion of the Preserve was completed in 1998. Australian pines were chemically treated, cut into six foot lengths and left inconspicuously in the Preserve. Aggressive on-going follow-up is needed in this area to keep it exotic-invasive free. Contracted vendors, CCPRD staff, and authorized volunteers maintain these areas by routinely hand pulling exotic-invasive seedlings as they appear. CCPRD staff closely monitors these areas.

Coastal Strand: The coastal strand is a transitional zone between the Beach Dune and Maritime Hammock.

• Management Strategy: In the Coastal Strand, eradication of the Brazilian Peppers and Australian Pines was completed in 1998. The treatment process was selective because the Brazilian Peppers were intermingled with native vegetation. The restoration of this area is occurring naturally.

Maritime Hammock: This is the most diverse plant community in the Preserve. In addition to the Coastal Strand, it serves as prime gopher tortoise habitat, a species of special concern in Florida. The hammock vegetation is varied. The western portion is an open Sabal Palm Hammock while the eastern portion consists of dense sub-tropical foliage. In the eastern portion of the Maritime Hammock there is

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an unimproved sand road, Gulf to Bay Drive. This roadway will be vacated and used for patrol, and as a nature/hiking trail.

• Management Strategy: The bulk of the exotic-invasive plants were removed in 1998; however, eradication is ongoing. Natural renewal of native vegetation is occurring and this vacated roadway can now be used as a continuation of the Alice and Harold Saylor Nature Trail, creating a two-mile loop trail through the Preserve uplands. Current practices limit access to the vacated roadway to CCPRD staff, research associates, and contractual staff performing exotic removal and maintenance. Exotics in the western portion of the Hammock have been eradicated by hand and chemical methods as they were dispersed and intermingled with native vegetation. The Coastal Strand and Maritime Hammock will require ongoing exotic-invasive control. Eradication will be carried out chemically and by hand due to the exotics intermingling with the native species. Contractual staff will perform the majority of the removal and maintenance work and budget requests will be submitted annually to fund these ongoing efforts.

Tidal Mangroves: The saltwater ecotone is the dominant plant community landward of the coastal strand and provides protection from coastal storms.

• Management Strategy: The mangrove swamp has not been invaded by exotic-invasives and does not require restoration management. This plant community should be designated a Mangrove Preservation Zone so that no land modifications or structures, other than boardwalks, are permitted within this zone. The canoe launch is located on the County-owned portion of the Preserve. The trimming and pruning of red, white, and black mangroves within this zone is prohibited without proper State and County approval. Since Preserves are areas set aside to maintain objects or conditions existing thereon, the Land Management Plan is designed to protect the Barefoot Beach Preserve’s natural features. The proposed backbay pier will give park staff a controlled access point on the eastern side of the Preserve. The use of the Preserve by excursion vessels will be limited to this area, thereby eliminating the real and potential damages to other areas of the Preserve caused by unregulated excursion vessel access.

Fish and Wildlife: The tidal waters within the Preserve are productive Class II waters, and no activities or alterations that will adversely impact its productivity will be allowed. Manatee protection signage will be placed at all canoe and boat traffic areas within the Preserve. Gopher tortoise habitat exists throughout the beach dune, coastal strand, and maritime hammock of the Preserve. Since the gopher tortoise is listed in Florida as a species of special concern, this habitat is to be designated as a limited access zone. A gopher tortoise survey and behavior study was completed in 1998 by Jill Kusba, DVM and Bob Dienes (a copy of the report is on file with CCPRD). Dr. Kusba continues to study and monitor the gopher tortoise population at the Preserve. During sea turtle nesting season, the Collier County Environmental Services Department monitors nesting activity. After hours access to the Preserve is restricted to those individuals conducting research or compliance patrol. The Preserve’s varied habitats provide homes to a wide variety of animals. These habitats are utilized by different species at different times of the year for various activities including mating, feeding,

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loafing, and nesting. There is one nesting pair of Osprey in the Preserve. The on-site Preserve staff will designate these habitats as non-access during times when wildlife activities warrant exclusion to the public. Vegetation: All native vegetation is protected and any plants damaged by human activity will be restored as soon as possible. CCPRD staff will appraise the scope of any damage in order to determine the necessary restoration plan. When the construction of support facilities requires vegetation removal, as much native vegetation as possible will be transplanted to open areas cleared of exotics. Existing vegetation will be barricaded with fencing at the drip line. All restoration plantings will be done with plant species endemic to the site. Water Resources: No construction, except for boardwalks such as the proposed backbay pier, will be permitted in the tidal backbay water bodies within the Preserve. All parking within the Preserve will be constructed using previous materials in order to minimize storm water runoff into the adjacent water bodies. Carrying Capacity: Carrying capacity can be defined from several vantages. Economic carrying capacity addresses the optimization of revenue realized. Social carrying capacity addresses the optimization of the user experience. Ecological carrying capacity addresses long-term use of the land without damage to the resource. Because the primary management objective for Barefoot Beach Preserve is protection of the natural resources with passive recreational activities as a secondary and deferential use, carrying capacity will be addressed here from the ecological vantage.

The Preserve’s beach is its main attraction and therefore its use has the most significant relationship to carrying capacity levels. According to Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines, published by the National Recreation and Park Association, the national use standard for beach areas is 50 square feet of land and 50 square feet of water per user. The state standard, established by the Florida Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Guide, is 200 to 500 square feet of beach per person.

In response to public opinion that a variety of beach experiences is desirable, the Parks and Recreation Department recommends a variable standard for beach use throughout the County, based on the type of experience a given beach area supports. The square foot per person level of service established for the Preserve is 500.

Barefoot Beach Preserve offers approximately 750,000 square feet of beach. Based on this standard the sandy beach area at the Preserve can accommodate 1,500 persons at any point in time.

In addition to simple square footage of sandy area, the carrying capacity of a beach depends on providing needed support facilities and an access system that disperses the users. Using the standards of 2.4 park visitors per vehicle and 10% of visitors accessing by non-vehicular means, 1500 users would

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require 563 parking spaces. Because the Preserve offers only 354 parking spaces, the Preserve’s beach will never exceed carrying capacity.

Other passive recreational activities such as canoeing and natural history interpretation need to be taken into consideration. Once the extension of the Alice and Harold Saylor Nature Trail is complete, it will be a two-mile loop. The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Guide defines two carrying capacities for hiking trails: a maximum of 160 per day on a general hiking trail, recommended being a maximum of one mile; and a maximum of 20 per day for a primitive trail, recommended being a minimum of one mile. The Parks and Recreation Department is establishing a carrying capacity for the Alice and Harold Saylor Nature Trail of 40 per day unless a Park Ranger led program is occurring. Park Ranger-led activities on the nature trail will accommodate up to 60 people on the trail at a given time. The Parks and Recreation Department encourages volunteer-staffed grooming of the trail four times a year and will work with the Friends of Barefoot Beach and other community organizations to accomplish this.

Surf fishing is confined to the area extending from 1000 linear feet south of the third beach access dune crossover to Wiggins Pass. The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Guide recommends 5 linear feet of shoreline per user per day for this activity. Therefore, the maximum number of persons surf fishing per day at the Preserve is 200. Park Ranger observations reveal that this activity is not excessively popular at the Preserve. Should use of the beach for this purpose increase significantly, the Parks and Recreation Department will revisit this carrying capacity standard to assure protection of the resource and visitor safety.

The canoe trail in the backbay area of the Preserve is 1 mile long. In order to fully enjoy the pristine experience of this area, it is recommended that a maximum of 6 canoes be allowed in this area at any given time. The canoe trail is relatively short in length and has narrow passages. Therefore distance between canoes would be shortened, thus taking away from the passive recreational experience. Generally, there are two people per canoe and the trail takes approximately 1.5 hours to explore. If launch times begin at 8:00 am and canoes are off the water by 5:00 pm, a maximum of 36 trips could go through the canoe trail each day and with 2 people per canoe, there would be a maximum capacity of 72 people on the canoe trail each day.

Boats accessing the Preserve on the beach can anchor offshore of the area extending from 1000 linear feet south of the third beach access dune crossover to Wiggins Pass. This proposed area includes 2000 linear feet of beach. According to the guidelines in the definition of a Collier County Preserve, it is recommended that each boat have 40 linear feet of beachfront. Therefore, 50 vessels are able to anchor offshore in this area. As with surf fishing, this activity is not excessively popular at the Preserve. Should use of the beach for this purpose increase significantly, the Parks and Recreation Department will revisit this carrying capacity standard to assure protection of the resource and visitor safety.

Preserve capacity is a maximum of 1500 persons on the beach area, a maximum of 60 persons on the Alice and Harold Saylor Nature Trail, and a maximum of 24 persons on the canoe trail (6 canoes with 4 persons each) at any given time for a total of 1,584 at any give time.

Because there are multiple ways to access the Preserve, Parks Rangers have no way of knowing the total number of visitors in the Preserve at any given time. While parking lot capacity is not an indication of

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Preserve carrying capacity, parking lot capacity is less than Preserve capacity. Using the standard of 2.4 persons per vehicle and 10% accessing via land-based nonvehicular means, a maximum of 935 people can access the Preserve via Lely Barefoot Blvd and be counted by park staff. The proposed backbay pier will be used primarily for excursion vessel access to the Preserve. Excursion vessels will be allowed access by reservation only. Park rangers will schedule excursion vessels to accommodate numbers of users in fair consideration of general public access and the limits of the resource. Use of the backbay pier by motorized private recreational vessel will be highly discouraged through the Park Ranger education and enforcement program. Proposed maximum number of persons accessing the Preserve via the backbay pier at any one given time is 45. The Collier County Parks and Recreation staff assigned to the Preserve will monitor preserve usage and carrying capacity.

Restoration Strategy: Restoration of the Preserve is complete. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance, if required, is a component of the Land Management Plan. Site and Visitor Protection:

• Signage: There is signage through high use areas of the Preserve. Signage includes: Preserve rules and regulations, hours of operation, interpretive panels, plant identification, trailhead introductory panel, Preserve’s natural history and habitat panel. Road signs are designed and constructed according to FDOT standards. As designated activity and non-access areas are improved and established, appropriate signage will be posted accordingly.

• Fencing or Barricades: Upon completion of the backbay pier in the County owned portion of

the Preserve, a gate will need to be installed to prohibit after hours access to the Preserve.

Defensive landscape barricades and/or fencing using such species as Spanish bayonet have been planted to prevent dune crossover in prohibited areas of the Preserve.

• On-site Residence of Park Staff: The need for an on site Park Ranger residence is not

warranted at this time. Night patrols by Collier County Park Rangers and the Collier County Sheriff’s Department handle issues related to after hours illegal poaching, commercial and recreational fishing, camping, fires, and other illicit activities that have or could occur at the Preserve. Along with public education and support, this method seems to have been very effective in stopping these activities.

Should the need for an on site staff residence be warranted in the future, any construction will take place on the County owned portion of the Preserve. The ecological fragility of the property in the State owned portion of the Preserve would prohibit any disturbance of this type.

• Staff or Local Law Enforcement Patrols: There are currently two full-time and one part-time

Park Ranger positions assigned to the Preserve. The full-time Rangers are assigned five eight-hour work shifts per week. The part-time Ranger is assigned two ten-hour work shifts per week.

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This is a total of 100 hours per week to provide visitor services, patrol duties, compliance, and interpretation. During our high season, November 1 through April 30, an additional full-time/seasonal Park Ranger is assigned to the Preserve for a total of 140 hours per week to provide visitor services, patrol duties, compliance, and interpretation.

Collier County Park Rangers are trained with the park system for a highly visible profile, low-key law enforcement approach to park visitors. Full-time Rangers receive training that includes an in depth definition of Parks, image, public service, communication, safety, depreciative behavior, protection, patrol techniques and strategies, team building, problem solving, County and State ordinances, and area history and natural history. Portions of this in-house training were developed by Mr. John Waldron, Florida Division of Forestry and the Park Management Institute. Park Rangers are certified and trained in accordance with Collier County Resolution 91-462 in order to issue citations in the form of a Notice to Appear for violations in Collier County Park boundaries and for parking violations. Additional certifications include O/C Spray Techniques, Community CPR and First Aid, AED Use, and Defensive Driving. Additional training is the completion of the Florida Park Service Park Ranger Academy and completion of the Florida Master Naturalist Program. This resolution is in accordance with Florida Laws Chapter 89-449. Methods of patrol include: foot patrol, all-terrain vehicle, 4-wheel drive truck, bicycle, canoe, and kayak. All patrols are routine, yet irregular, to optimize effectiveness. All Park Rangers are equipped with hand held two-way radios with telephone interconnect for communication. A shallow draft power boat should be obtained for water patrol on both the bay and Gulf sides of the Preserve. Currently, Park Rangers have no way of reaching boaters, canoeists or swimmers in distress or in violation of the law. The proposed Barefoot Beach Preserve Ordinance will govern the Preserve in compliance issues. Currently, when a serious resource violation has occurred, local law enforcement officers are called on to assist. While Florida Marine Patrol Officers and Florida Wildlife Officers are eager to assist, they are often on duty some distance away in remote areas of Collier County. Additional Preserve staff includes 3 full-time booth attendants who staff the entrance booth, provide visitor information, and collect parking fees. One maintenance worker is assigned to the Preserve to perform minor repairs, exotic-invasive plant species removal, mowing, and regularly scheduled Preserve maintenance. Restroom facility cleaning and maintenance is out-sourced.

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Public Access: The Preserve is open daily, (365 days a year), from 8:00 am to sunset.

Visitors arriving by vehicle, bicycle, or walking must pass through the entrance booth that is staffed by a Parking Lot Attendant from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, (365 days a year). Access to the Preserve may also be accomplished by boat on the beach in the southern portion of the Preserve. With the addition of the backbay pier in the County portion of the Preserve, additional access will be provided by boat. This method will allow excursion vessels to be close to amenitites (shelter and restrooms), the Friends Learning Center, and should discourage anchoring and beaching at Wiggins Pass, where lack of amenities diminishes good stewardship and user safety. The Preserve is bordered to the north by the Lely Barefoot Beach PUD. Access to the Preserve is provided through the PUD by way of a legal easement. The Collier County Parks and Recreation Department (CCPRD) will use the following access control procedures:

o During open hours at the Preserve, a highly visible sign, located at the entrance of the Lely PUD will indicate to all Preserve visitors that they are to proceed directly to the Preserve without stopping.

o High visibility signage consistent with other CCPRD sites will be placed at the entrance of the Lely PUD to ensure public awareness.

o A CCPRD employee will control access to the Preserve at the Preserve entrance should parking reach capacity.

Other: All the information detailed in the preceding text illustrates the importance of this magnificent and rare southwest Florida resource. “Protection” in this section means just that: protection of the vegetation, wildlife, protection of the barrier island itself, protection of the park visitor, education and interpretation to promote awareness and stewardship. In order to achieve our goal of preservation and to provide safe, outdoor recreational activities for the public, it will be necessary to add additional full-time or part-time Park Rangers to the Preserve. In addition to Park Ranger staff, additional maintenance staff should be added as programs, facilities, and park usage expands. Maintenance Responsibilities (daily and long term):

• Primary Agency: For daily and long term maintenance responsibility, the Collier County Parks

and Recreation Department is the primary agency involved.

Equipment necessary to maintain the Preserve includes: one four wheel drive truck, one ATV, one riding lawn-mower, one push mower, numerous hand tools, chain-saw, related safety equipment, one Cushman dumpster, one generator, and assorted small equipment (weed-eater, edger).

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Heavy maintenance equipment is brought in and removed daily. A small storage area is maintained for supplies. It may be necessary in the future to provide a maintenance facility to house equipment on a permanent basis.

• Other Agencies:

The use of Community Service for maintenance is available and utilized. The Friends of Barefoot Beach have and continue to participate in maintenance efforts. Ameri-corp has participated in Preserve maintenance, exotic-invasive removal, and clean-up. Park visitors, members of the “Friends” and the Citizen’s Association of Bonita Beach patrol the beach for litter. The Citizens Association of Bonita Beach, C.A.B.B. is the official “Adopt-A-Shore” agency through “Keep America Beautiful” for the Barefoot Beach Preserve per contract dated February 12, 1992.

Q. Management Needs and Problems:

The southern end of the property at Wiggins Pass is being used by commercial and private vessel operators as a drop off and pick up point for Preserve visitors. This practice is becoming increasingly popular and is currently not regulated. Due to the dynamic nature of Wiggins Pass coupled with the periodic dredging of the Pass, the amount of sandy beach to accommodate this activity varies significantly. The visitors are accessing the Gulf side of the beach through the dune making it increasingly difficult to protect this dynamic and sensitive area. With the development of the proposed backbay pier in the County owned portion of the Preserve, Preserve staff will be able to regulate this activity. Motorized private recreational vessels will be encouraged to access the Preserve by anchoring offshore of the designated gulf-side area. Commercial excursion vessels will be able to use the backbay pier by pre-arrangement. Since the Preserve property is unique to the Collier County Real Property Inventory, a local Ordinance relating to Barefoot Beach Preserve and other designated County managed Preserves within Collier County; providing for intent and purpose; providing title and citation; setting forth applicability and definitions; providing for regulation of use and conduct in the Preserve(s); providing for vessel regulation; providing for penalties; providing for enforcement; providing for conflict and severability; and providing an effective date has been drafted and is pending approval.

R. Identification of Adjacent Land Uses That Conflict with the Planned Use of the Property:

None.

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S. Description of Legislative or Executive Directives that Constrain the Use of Such Property:

According to Tracy Peters, a planner for the Land Management Services of the Division of State Lands, there are no legislative or executive constraints affecting the development and management of Barefoot Beach Preserve.

T. State Lands Management Plan Compliance and Incorporation:

This management plant complies with the “State Lands Management Plan” Adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 17, 1981 and the plan represents balanced public utilization.

Federal: Section 10, River & Harbors Act of 1899 Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (Clean Water Act) State: Florida Statutes: Ch. 161, Beach and Shore Preservation Ch. 253, State Lands Ch. 403, Environmental Control, Part VIII Ch. 267, Historic Preservation Florida Administrative Code Rules: Ch. 17-4 Permits Ch. 17-3.01 Surface Waters of the State Ch. 17-3.02 Water Quality Standards Ch. 17-3.1 Dredge and Fill Activities Ch. 18-2 Management of Uplands Vested in the Board of Trustees Ch. 18-4 Land Management Advisory Committee Ch. 18-2.1 Sovereignty Submerged lands Management Additional Standards:

• Conceptual State Lands Management Plan, Bureau of State Lands Management, Division of State Lands • Official Lists of Endangered and Potentially Endangered Fauna and Flora in Florida, 4-1-91, Florida

Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission • Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State Owned or

Leased Lands • Barefoot Beach Preserve Lease Agreement No. 3868, between the Board of Trustees of the Internal

Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida and the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, signed 6-19-90. Local:

• Collier County Comprehensive Plan • Collier County Land Development Code • Collier County Park Ordinances, 76-48 & 89-11 and amendments thereto • Collier County Ordinances applicable to the proper management of the Preserve

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U. An Assessment as to Whether the Property, or Any Portion, Should Be Declared Surplus:

No part of the Preserve is considered surplus land in the Land Management Plan.

V. Management Responsibilities of Each Agency: Collier County Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the implementation of the Land Management Plan after the plan is adopted by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners and approved by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. The management of the archaeological and historical resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267, Florida Statutes specifically Sections 267.061 2(a) and (b). (See Appendix I).

W. Public and Local Government Involvement in the Land Management Plan:

The following local meetings provided the public with an opportunity to review the resource data and the proposed draft and management plan:

• Public report to Collier County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Barefoot Beach Preserve Land

Management Plan preparation process, September 18, 1991. • Public workshop on Barefoot Beach Preserve’s resource base and conceptual draft Land Management

Plan, October 29, 1991. • The Collier County Board of County Commissioners adopted Land Management Plan on January 26,

1993, prior to submittal to the Land Management Advisory Council and the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.

• The 2006 Update of the Land Management Plan presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, November 2006.

• The 2006 Update of the Land Management Plan presented to the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, January 2007.

X. Compliance with Local Comprehensive Plan:

The Barefoot Beach Preserve’s Land Management Plan complies with the following Objectives and Policies of the Collier County Comprehensive Plan. Conservation and Coastal Management Element Policy 10.3.3: The highest and best use of undeveloped coastal barriers are as functioning natural systems; therefore the first alternative to development should be consideration of acquisition by or for the public benefit to preserve the natural function.

Conservation and Coastal Management Element Policy 10.3.9: Native vegetation on undeveloped coastal barriers should be preserved. To the extent that native vegetation is lost during land development activities and the remaining native vegetation can be supplemented without damaging or degrading its natural function, any native vegetation lost during construction shall be replaced by supplementing with compatible native vegetation on site. All exotic vegetation shall be removed and replaced with native vegetation where appropriate.

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Conservation and Coastal Management Element Policy 10.4: Developed coastal barriers and developed shorelines shall continue to be restored and then maintained, when appropriate, by establishing mechanisms or project which limit the effects of development and which help in the restoration of the natural functions of coastal barriers and affected beaches and dunes.

Conservation and Coastal Management Element Policy 10.4.1: Promote environmentally acceptable and economically feasible restoration of the developed coastal barriers and the urban beach and dune systems.

Conservation and Coastal Management Element Policy 10.4.3: Prohibit activities which would result in man induced shoreline erosion beyond the natural beach erosion cycle or that would deteriorate the beach and dune system.

Conservation and Coastal Management Element Policy OBJECTIVE 10.5: For undeveloped shorelines, provide improved opportunities for recreational, educational, scientific, and esthetic enjoyment of coastal resources by protecting beaches and dunes and by utilizing or where necessary establishing construction standards, which will minimize the impact of manmade structures on the beach and dune systems.

Conservation and Coastal Management Element Policy 10.5.1: Recreation that is compatible with the natural functions of beaches and dunes is the highest and best land use.

Conservation and Coastal Management Element Policy 10.5.3: Prohibit activities which would result in man induced shoreline erosion beyond the natural beach erosion cycle or that would deteriorate the beach dune system. (I)

Conservation and Coastal Management Element OBJECTIVE 10.6: The County shall conserve the habitats, species, natural shoreline and dune systems contained within the County’s coastal zone.

Conservation and Coastal Management Element Objective 11.1 directs the County to protect history and archaeological resources. Conservation and Coastal Management Element Policy 11.1.2 states that there shall be no loss of historic or archaeological resources on County-owned property.

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References

The following resources used in the preparation of this plan came from both local and state agencies. The following persons and agencies were contacted for information and opinions: SOILS:

Source – USDA Soil Conservation Office, Immokalee, Florida

Aerial Photos from 1940, 1952, 1962, and 1985 Soil Map of northwest Collier County Soil Legend and Description Soil Interpretations Record James Burch, PhD Naples, Florida Mark Zeigler Geologist Coastal Engineering Consultants Naples, Florida Expert input on the site’s geology.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES:

Corbett McP. Torrence Co-Director, Cultural Resource Management Program Florida Gulfcoast University Ft. Myers, Florida Theresa M. Schober Co-Director, Cultural Resource Management Program Florida Gulfcoast University Ft. Myers, Florida

Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Site and Properties on State-Owned Lands. VEGETATION COVER TYPES: Source: Jim Muller Florida Natural Areas Inventory Tallahassee, Florida Element Occurrence Records Special Plant & Lichen List

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Matrix of Habitats and Distribution by County of Rare/Endangered Species in Florida James N. Burch, PhD Naples, Florida Inventory completed May 18, 2000 Mauricio Araquistain, Biologist Collier County Parks and Recreation Update plant inventory completed April 29, 2005 John G. Beriault Naples, Florida

Observations on the Vegetative Community of the Beach Dune Ridge North of Wiggins Pass, Northern Collier County Jeff Moore Landscape Architect Coastal Engineering Consultant Naples, Florida Field surveys on September 14-16, 1991

WATER QUALITY/OUTSTANDING FLORIDA WATERS:

Source – Dan VanNorman Department of Environmental Regulation Ft. Myers, Florida Susan Davis Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc. Naples, Florida AREA OF CRITICAL STATE CONCERN: Source -Jim Quinn Department of Community Affairs Tallahassee, Florida AQUATIC PRESERVES: Source -Charles Knight Department of Natural Resources Tallahassee, Florida

Mr. Knight indicated that Barefoot Beach Preserve was not in an aquatic preserve on 10-7-91 phone call. FOREST RESOURCES:

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Source -Jim Grubbs Division of Forestry Tallahassee, Florida

Mr. Grubbs indicated that Barefoot Beach Preserve was not an area managed for forest resources on 9-21-91 phone call.

LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN CRITERIA: Source -Delmas Barber Office of Environmental Services Division of State Lands Tallahassee, Florida Unit Classification System Conceptual State Lands Management Plan (adopted 5-17-81) RECREATIONAL AND OPERATIONAL INPUT: Source -Park Planning Guidelines National Parks and Recreation Association Nan Gerhardt Park Ranger Supervisor Collier County Parks and Recreation Department 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd. Naples, Florida 34116 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES, NEEDS, PROBLEMS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES: Murdo Smith

Region 1 Manager Collier County Parks and Recreation Department North Collier Regional Park 15000 Livingston Road Naples, Florida 34109 MAPS

Collier County GIS

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NKG May 22, 2000 January 23, 2001 January 31, 2001 March 16, 2001 March 30, 2001 April 3, 2001 May 30, 2001 AOT and NEO January 2006 October 2006 December 2007

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Barefoot Beach Preserve Mgt Plan Appendix A-

“Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park, Collier County FL

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Barefoot Beach Preserve� County Park�

Collier County, Florida�

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THE “PRESERVE THE PRESERVE” BAREFOOT BEACH

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Barefoot Beach Preserve Mgt Plan Appendix B- Legal Description Barefoot Beach Preserve Mgt Plan Appendix C- Legal Description

NEEDS to BE SCANNED

Barefoot Beach Preserve Mgt Plan Appendix D-

Archaeological Site Inspection of 1.69 acre parcel with Barefoot Beach Preserve

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o f\LtC. __FLORIDA ~ULFCOAST ------------------- ­ College of Arts and Sciences

UNIVERSITY

•

•

7 June 2003

Marla Ramsey, Director Collier County Parks & Recreation 3300 Santa Barbara Boulevard Naples, Florida 34116

Re: Archaeological Site Inspection of a 1.69 acre county-owned parcel within Barefoot Beach Preserve

Dear Marla Ramsey:

An archaeological site inspection ofa 1.69 acre county-owed parcel within the state­owned portion ofBarefoot Beach Preserve was conducted on June 2,2003 by the Cultural Resource Management Program at Florida Gulf Coast University. The parcel or project area was identified in the field by Amanda Townsend and is situated about 2000 feet north of Wiggins Pass near the mouth of the Cocohatchee River. The rectangular parcel extends 100 feet north-south and runs east-west for about 736 feet and is bound by the Gulf ofMexico to the west and estuarine waters to the east (Figure 1).. Physiographically, the project area is comprised of coastal dune and strand, coastal hardwood hammock, and mangrove communities. The distribution of these communities is determined by proximity to the GulfofMexico and elevation.

A systematic surface inspection of the entire project area was conducted by traversing the property east-west at five-meter intervals. In the southeastern comer of the project area evidence ofprehistoric activity was encountered. More specifically, approximately six meters east of the southeast property marker a shell scatter extends approximately 20 m north along the edge of the mangrove fringe within the upper tidal zone (Figures 2 and 3). The density of shell is variable and three distinct shell piles approximately four meters in diameter rising about 15 cm above the surrounding mangrove muck comprised the most visible element of the site. The shell piles are comprised primarily ofmedium to large sized oysters (five to 12 cm in length), but an occasional quahog, and, one or two whelks and arca shells were also observed on the surface.

(239) 590-7150 SUNCOM: 73 1-7150 FAX: (239) 590-7200 1050 I FGCU Boulevard South • Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565

An Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer • A member of the State University System of Florida

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• Figure 1. Location of county-owned parcel and Half Shell Site (8CR871) on portion of Bonita Springs USGS Quadrangle.

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• Figure 2. Schematic map showing location of shell deposits and artifacts collected at the Half Shell Site (8eR87!) and its relationship to vegetation regimes.

The shell deposits are definitively Calusa in origin as evidenced by the presence of three shell tools: a horse conch (Pleuroploca gigantea) Type B hammer (Specimen 3-1-1; Figure 4), a lightning whelk Type A hammer (Specimen 3-1-2; Figure 5), and an indeterminant lightning whelk (Busycon sinistrum) cutting edge tool possibly of the Type A variety (Specimen 3-1-4; Figure 6). In addition, a perforated oyster shell was identified (Specimen 3-1-3; Figure 7).

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Figure 3. Northern portion of the Half Shell Site (8CR871), general view to the southeast (left). Close up view of the northern portion of the site with artifacts in situ (right).

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• Figure 4. Type B horse conch hammer recovered from the Half Shell Site (Specimen 1).

Figure 5. Type A lightning whelk hammer recovered from the Half Shell Site (Specimen 2).

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• Figure 6. Indeterminant lightning whelk cutting edge tool (possible Type A) recovered from the Half Shell Site (Specimen 4).

Figure 7. Perforated oyster shell recovered from the Half Shell Site (Specimen 3).

The site area was mapped using a Brunton® pocket transit and pacing distances. The four tools encountered were tied into the southeastern concrete property marker using a Brunton® Pocket transit and calibrated cloth measuring tape (Table 1). The site now named the Half Shell Site was recorded in the Florida Master Site File where it was assigned the site number 8CR871.

Table 1: Artifact locations tied-in from southeast concrete property marker

Specimen Description Angle! Distance 3-1-1 Horse conch Type B hammer 0° 9.90 m 3-1-2 Lightning whelk Type A hammer 4° 9.60 m 3-1-3 Perforated Oyster shell 15° 7.55 m 3-1-4 Lightning whelk cutting edge tool 81.5° 6.20 m

!Angles recorded east of magnetic north.

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• The visible deposits at the Half Shell Site appear to represent a resource processing area. The spatial association between the oysters and the shell hammers and cutting edge tools suggest that the tools were used to open the oysters and extract the meat leaving the shells behind. All three tools were likely discarded or abandoned within the activity area at the site. The working edges on both hammers exhibit extensive step fractures probably resultant from their use-impact against other shells. Similarly, a portion ofthe cutting edge tool blade is absent, probably broken-off from use, and a large segment of the outer and superior whorl was absent in the area where a Type A hafting hole would have been situated. Such outer whirl damage is well documented in Type A and B tool assemblages. The perforated oyster may have served as a net or fishing weight suggesting that other resource extraction activities in addition to shellfish processing occurred at the site. Resource extraction activities were likely repeated several times given the apparent thickness and extent of the deposit.

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The Half Shell Site is similar in appearance to site 8LL721 - a barrier island site on Buck Key in Lee County (Torrence and Marquardt 1998). The site is situated on a peninsular upland feature surrounded by red mangroves, although the site is most visible along the upper tidal margin of the mangrove. Like the Half Shell Site, 8LL721 is evidenced by a series of dense shell clusters and associated tools and ceramics. About 90 m south of 8LL721 there is a moderate sized habitation site (8LL722) comprised of shell ridges and mounds, but limited sampling and radiocarbon dating can not definitively resolve the temporal relationship between the two sites. Given the available data however, site 8LL72lis either a resource processing area associated with habitation site 8LL22, or it predates the habitation site and represents a processing area for some other, more distant habitation site.

Ifhuman activities at the Half Shell Site are restricted to resource processing, then it is likely that there is a not too distant, larger habitation site, which may be evidenced by earthen- and shell-mound structures. The mouth of the Cocohatchee River would be an optimal location for such a site as this location would provide access to a diverse range of inland and coastal environments.

Because no subsurface testing was conducted, the extent of the site and the range of activities that have occurred there remain unknown. Archaeological testing in other mangrove environments in the region (Marquardt 1992; Torrence and Marquardt 1998, Torrence and Schober 2002a, in prep) indicate that archaeological deposits often extend below the modem water table and deposits may not be visible on the surface. Furthermore, subsurface testing in similar upland environments, particularly when tight interval sampling is employed, indicates the presence of buried archaeological deposits in situations when surface indicators are absent (Torrence and Marquardt 1998, Torrence and Schober 2002b).

We recommend that any and all potential adverse impacts to the site area be avoided. If any construction activities are proposed in the vicinity of the Half Shell Site, subsurface

• archaeological testing should be conducted to determine the size, age, content, structure, and integrity of archaeological deposits. The Cocohatchee River is situated in the vicinity

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of a proposed prehistoric cultural boundary that separates the Calusa Heartland from the Ten Thousand Island culture area. Consequently, archaeological sites in the area may contain significant clues thatwill help researches better understand the prehistoric and contact period cultural and political landscape.

We thank you for your concern and cooperation in protecting our valuable cultural resources. If you have any further questions regarding this assessment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

c:¥ret?: 7 -.... Corbett McP. Torrence Co-Director, Cultural Resource Management Program Office: (239) 590-7240 E-mail: ctorrenc@fgcu.edu

qLf£!.Sil~ Theresa M. Schober Co-Director, Cultural Resource Management Program Office: (239) 590-7239 E-mail: tschober@fgcu.edu

References Cited

Marquardt, William H. 1992 Recent Archaeological and Paleoenvironmental Investigations in Southwest Florida, In Culture

and Environment in the Domain ofthe Calusa, edited by William H. Marquardt, pp9-57. Institute ofArchaeology and Paleoenvironmental Studies, Monograph 1, University of Florida, Gainesville.

Torrence, Corbett McP. and William H. Marquardt 1998 Phase I Survey ofthe Upland Portions ofBuck Key Owned by Mariner Properties Development

Inc. A report submitted to Mariner Properties Development Corporation, Inc. and the Florida Department of State by the Florida Museum ofNatural History, Gainesville, Florida.

Torrence, Corbett McP. and Theresa M Schober 2002a An Archaeological Evaluation ofthe FGCU Campus Sites: Little Boar (8LLI 843) and Eagle Pond

(8LLI 844), Lee County, Florida· A report submitted to the Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State by the Cultural Resource Management Program, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida.

2002b Results of Phase I and II Archaeological Testing for Proposed Construction of the Teaching Pavilion, Randell Research Center, Pineland. Letter report submitted to the Lee County Community Development Office.

In prep Recent Investigations at the Pineland Site' Cultural Resource Management Program, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers.

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APPENDIX E- INVENTORY & ANALYSIS OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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Inventory and Analysis ofNatural Resources

Barefoot Beach

Collier County, Florida

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Submitted to:

Collier County Parks and Recreation Department

Submitted By:

James N. Burch, Ph.D. 18 May 2000

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Barefoot Beach PreserveI I I I I I

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Boardwalk protecting native beach and strand communities at Barefoot Beach Preserve.

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I Inventory and Analysis ofNatural Resources, Barefoot Beach, Collier County, FL.

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Introduction

Barefoot Beach Preserve is located in the northern part of coastal Collier County, Florida. The beach and associated native habitat recreation area is owned by the State of Florida and by Collier County, and is managed as a recreation facility by Collier County Parks and Recreation Department. The Preserve is located in northwestern Collier County: Twp. 48S, Rng. 26E, Sees. 8, 17. This survey was conducted to partly identify the natural resources occurring in this Preserve.

Several areas within the Preserve were selected for detailed description asexamples of communities found within the Preserve. Descriptions follow the format descnbing the general features ofthe Preserve (below); recommendations from the community descriptions are compiled after the descriptions. Identification ofcommunities generally follows Davis (1943).

General Description of Barefoot Beach Coastal Area: This area is part ofa coastal barrier system between the GulfofMexico and the back-bay intertidal mangrove forest. It may be described as a coastal beach dune and strand system, with associated hardwood hammock forest in the more protected landward side ofthe dune. The concept of dune communities, however, should be interpreted with regard to the topography ofthe southern Gulfcoast. In our area, dune systems are made up ofcomponents common tomore typical dune communities, but are modified with much less pronounced topography. Prevailing winds in southern Florida are from the east, so that deposition of aeolian sands, and build-up ofwell defined sand dunes occurs on the eastern shoreline ofthe Floridian

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peninsula, but is not common on the west coast. Nevertheless, maritime hammocks occur here, and are well represented as a sabal palm and hardwood hammock at Barefoot Beach Preserve.

Community Types: The prominent natural feature ofthe County facility is the maritime beach community on the Gulf ofMexico, with its associated landward, grassy dune and strand. Forested communities dominate the areas landward ofthe dune and strand communities.

Hardwood hammocks occur in areas landward ofbeach and strand systems, much as those described in areas with more pronounced dune systems. In these areas, protection fro the elements that are often associated with open beach systems (strong winds, salt

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spray, high temperatures) on the windward side of the dune is often attributed to allowing the development ofthese forested sustems. However, protection by a well formed dune does not occur on the lower gulf coast, but hammock development is common landward ofbeaches. Therefore successional development ofcoastal communities may be more ofa factor in the presence ofhardwood hammocks in our area. These communities are typically co-dominated by tropical trees (e. g., strangler fig, gumbo limbo)and temperate hardwood trees (mostly live oaks) and sable palms. Understory trees are common in these communities and are made up of small trees not yet recruited into the tree canopy, or maybe small trees that typically do not attain canopy height, such as stoppers, forestiera, or indigo berry. this part ofthe community is perhaps the most consistently associated with tropical species. Ground cover is usually sparse, as light levels within the hammock are low, and do not support many ofthe graminiod and herbaceous species that are otherwise common in coastal systems. Epiphytes are common as ferns associated with sabal palms (golden serpent fern, shoestring fern), or as tank bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.) or orchidsassociated with hardwood trees.

Intertidal (mangrove) forests dominate most of the area landward ofthe hardwood

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hammocks, and adjacent to the back bay marine system. These areas are partially defined by periodic tidal inundation and saline, organic soils. Other intertidal communities, called salterns, receive only extreme tides. These areas are mostly subtended by porous sand that is permeable to waters ofextreme tides. As frequent tidal flushing ofthese areas does not occur, evaporation leaves salt residue in the sand and results in hypersaline substrates. These areas are therefore able to support only extreme halophytes. They are usually open and have low diversities.

Substrates: Soils subtending upland communities in Barefoot Beach Preserve are mostly siliceous sand, occasionally with shell fragments mixed, or large areas of depositional shells. The areas with shells and shell fragments are generally found closer to the shorelines, suggesting deposition by wave action. Organic materials are commonly mixed with the sand substrate, and often form a mantle ofpartially decayed leaves on the soil ,

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Figure 1. Barefoot Beach

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surface. Liudahl (1998) indicated "Canaveral-Beaches Complex" soils beneath the upland beach, coastal strand and hardwood hammock communities.

Soils subtending the mangrove forest community are generally organic and saline,and are regularly inundated by tides. Liudahl (1998) indicated the soils beneath the mangrove community as "Durbin and Wulfert Mucks, Frequently Flooded" in this part ofthe Preserve.

Exotic Species: Non-native vascular plants are common but not domanant in much oftheupland, and in disturbed areas appear to have been a dominant part ofthe communities. Efforts by Preserve staff and volunteers have eliminated most ofthe non-native invasive plants from most ofthe upland area. In general, the native habitat assemblages that are undisturbed are healthy, and appear to have provided competition sufficient to prevent lagre scale exotic invasions. However, some exceptions exist: 1) Schinus is common to co-dominant in much of the upland/mangrove ecotonal community; 2) Casuarina continues to grow from seeds in areas that have been treated; 3) several exotics occur near·the northern part ofthe beach ridge, near Wiggins Pass. This was apparently a settlement area in recent history, and many yard plants appear to have escaped to become minor biotic

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features here. A few other exotics occur sparsely through the strand and hammocks; these may be plants that have become naturalized or persistent since settlement ofthe area several decades ago.

Vascular Plant and Animal Species Encountered: Descriptions ofcommunities includes lists ofvascular plants that may be important in evaluating these habitats. Taxonomy oflisted vascular plants generally follows Wunderlin (1998), but Small (1933),Long and Lakela (1978), Godfrey and Wooten (1979), Little (1979), and Tomlinson (1980) added taxonomic reference. Stevenson (1976) provided taxonomic reference for vertebrates that were noted.

Archaeological/Historic Features: No archaeological or.historic features were noted, but plants that were apparently common additions to early settlements were noted occasionally (see above, Exotic Species).

Recommendations: Recommendations are provided specific to each area described. These are reiterated together in one section after all ofthe descriptions.

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Detailed Descriptions of Individual Areas

Area 1. Upper and back ofdune between Parking Lot 1 and Parking Lot 2. Referenceis made to this community north of the northern parking lot, but the area between the lots is considered typical of this community.

Community Type: Strand and hardwood hammock ecotone. General Description: This ecotonal community extends from the north-to-south extents ofthe boardwalk, and is characterized by elements ofboth the beach strand and back dune hardwood hammock. It is a dry sandy commuity that appears to be in an early hammock successional stage. Much unweathered shell in the substrate suports this, suggesting recent accretion of this part of the beach ridge. The tree canopy is incomplete, covering ca. 70 % ofthe area; this is mostly sea grape trees fo ca. 4 m with occassional sabal palms, The shrub canopy is not well defined, but may be sparse beneath tall trees, to dense beneath a lower tree canopy, as the tree canopy is low enough to be considered part of the shrub layer. Ground cover is typically dominated by coastal ragweed with graminoids and occasional herbs, covering ca. 50% of the area. Substrates: About 50% siliceous snd and 50% shell fragments; little organic material; little or no organic mantle, but leaf litter is common beneath the sea grapes. Exotic Species: Brazilian pepper is a common, but not dominant component ofthe tree and shrub communities. Madagascar periwinkle and hurricane grass are common, but not dominant, ground cover components.

Vascular Plant Species Encountered: Agave decipiens Alternanthera ramosissima Ambrosia hispida Andropogon glomeratus Aristida patula Baccharis halimifolia Bidensalba Bumelia celastrina Bursea simaruba Canavalia maritima Casasia clusiaefolia Casuarina litorea Catharanthus roseus Cenchrus incertus Chamaesyce hirta Cocc%ba uvifera Croton glandulosus Cynanchum scoparium

agave

coastal ragweed grass tall threeawn saltbush beggar ticks buckthorn gumbo limbo beach bean seven year apple Australian pine Madagascar periwinkle sandspur spurge sea grape croton

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Cyperussp. Dactyloctenium aegyptium Dodonea viscosa Encyclia tampensis Ernodia littoralis Eugenia axillaris Eupatorium capillifolium Eustachys glauca Ficusaurea Fimbristilis spathacea Forsetiera segregata Galactea volubilis Hedyotis nigricans Helianthus debilis Heliotropium angiospermum Ipomoea indica Iresine diffusa Lantana involucrata Opuntia humifusa Ph/ebodium aureum Physalis arenicola Pithecel/obium unguis-cati Polygala grandiflora Psychotria nervosa Randia aculeata Rapanea punctata Rhynchelytrum repens Sabal palmetto Schinus terebinthifolius Sophora tomentosa Smilax auriculata Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Toxicodendron radicans Trichostema dichotomum Unio/a paniculata Verbesina virginica Vittaria lineata Yucca aloifolia

Animals Noted: Anolis sagrei Gopherus poyphemus Co/umbina passerina Gastracanthus sp. Coluber constrictor

sedge crow foot grass varnish leaf butterfly orchid beach creeper white stopper dog fennel grass strangler fig hurricane grass Florida privet milk pea diamond flowers beach sunflower heloitrope morning glory blood leaf white lantana prickly pear serpent fern ground cherry cat claw candy root wild coffee indigo berry myrsine Natal grass sabal palm Brazilian pepper necklace-pod greenbriar blue porter weed poison ivy blue curls sea oats frostweed shoestring fern Spanish dagger

anole gopher tortoise ground dove crab spider black racer

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Rabbit spoor was noted in several locations. One dead gopher tortoise was noted; one gopher tortoise was noted with a cracked crapace; this crack was located on the left rear ofthe animal and extended from the base ofthe carapace nearly to the mid-dorsal areas of the rear part ofthe shell.

ArchaeologicallHistoric Features: No archaeological or historic features were noted. North of the interpretive center, a concentration ofnon-native plant species suggests human influence in the past.

Recommendations: Continue removal ofexotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction ofexotics, if such a program is not in place.

Area 2. North of the first parking lot to south of the second parking lot.

Community Type: Beach and strand.

General Description: The shrub canopy is sparse, but occurs in association with the adjacent landward hammock; this canopy is usually seagrape with occasional sabal palms. Closer to the open beach area, bay cedar and Scaevola spp.are common, but widely spaced, and produce less than 10% cover. Ground cover is nearly complete and dominated by sea oats in much of the area adjacent to the open beach. Farther landward, cover is less complete, with open, sandy areas common; however, this area is generally more diverse, with occasional herbaceous ground cover and shrubs. Substrates: About 50% siliceous snd and 50% shell fragments; little organic material; little or no organic mantle, but leaflitter is common beneath the sea grapes.

Exotic Species: A few Australian pines occur, but the large ones have been killed. In areas beneath the dead Australian pines, weedy species have been recruited; these often are natives, but exotics, such as Madagascar periwinkle and crow foot grass are also common. Cassia sp. was common beneath a dead Australian pine. Madagascar periwinkle is common, but not dominant, in the back strand area. Naupka is common to sometimes dominant in many places on the seaward edge ofthe strand. Feral cat tracks were common on the upper beach.

Vascular Plant Species Encountered:

Acacia auriculaeformis ear-leaf acacia Altemanthera ramosissima Ambrosia hispida coastal ragweed Andropogon glomeratus grass Aristida patula grass

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Bidensalba Bumelia celastrina Bursea simaruba Caesalpinnia bonduc Capraria biflora Casasia clusiaejolia Cassia chamaecrista Cassia sp. Catharanthus roseus Casuarina litorea Cenchrus incertus Chamaesyce mesembrianthemejolium Coccoloba uvifera Dactyloctenium aegyptium Dalbergia ecastophyllum Distichlis spicata Ernodia littoralis Eustachys glauca Eustachys petraea Fimbristilis spathacea Forsetiera segregata Gaura angustifolia Hedyotis nigricans Ipomoea indica Ipomoea pes-caprae Iva imbricata Lantana involucrata Opuntia humijusa Opuntia stricta Physalis viscosa Poinsettia cyathophora Psychotria nervosa Randia aculeata Rapanea punctata Sabal palmetto Scaevola plumieri Scaevola sericea Schinus terebinthifolius Sesuvium portulacastrum Smilax auriculata Sophora tomentosa Stachytarphetajamaicensis Suriana maritima Uniola paniculata Verbesina virginica Waltheria indica

beggar ticks buckthorn gumbo limbo gray nickerbean goatweed seven year apple pigeon pea

Madagascar periwinkle Australian pine sandspur spurge sea grape crow foot grass coin vine salt grass beach creeper grass grass hurricane grass Florida privet

diamond flowers morning glory railroad vine

white lantana prickly pear prickly pear ground cherry wild poinsettia wild coffee indigo berry myrsme sabal palm left-handed flower naupka Brazilian pepper sea purslane greenbriar necklace-pod blue porter weed bay cedar sea oats frostweed yellow chocolate weed

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Yucca aloifolia Spanish dagger

Animals Noted: Feral cat tracks were common on the upper beach.

Archaeological/Historic Features: No archaeological or historic features were noted.

Recommendations: Continue removal ofexotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction ofexotics, ifsuch a program is not in place. Severalshrubby legumes (Cassia sp.?) were noted in the strand; these and other associated exotics should be removed. Naupka (Scaevola serecia) should be removed from strandcommunities and ifpossible, replaced with the native inkberry (Scaevola plumieri). A program to rid the area offeral cats should be considered, as these animals may prey on indeginous small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Figure 2. Back dune and strand community (left). Seven year apple (right) is common in the strand community here, but is generally uncommon on the Gulf Coast.

Area 3. South of the southern parking lot.

Community Type: Maritime hammock.

General Description: This hammock is not especially diverse, and appears to be in anearly seral stage. In many places it is little more than a strand and hammock ecotonal community dominated by large sea grapes and sabal palms. It is an open hammock dominated by sabal palms, with occasional shrubby hardwoods. The tree canopy is nearly complete and ca. 80% is sabal palms; sea grapes are commonly part ofthe canopy, especially on the seaward side, adjacent to the strand. The shrub canopy is mostly made up

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of occasional stoppers, wild coffee, and indigo berry, and covers about 20% ofthe area. Ground cover is sparse and is usually herbs, grarninoids, and tree seedlings. Substrates: Substrates are ca. half siliceous sand and half shell fragments with little organic material; 1-10 cm leaflitter occurs on the surface. Exotic Species: Several exotic plants occur in the area as occasional shrubs (e. g., Brazilian pepper), or ground cover (e. g., Madagascar periwinkle, hurricane grass), but these are not dominant. Seaside mahoe and papayas occur near the mangroves.

Vascular Plant Species Encountered:

Agave decipiens Alternanthera ramosissima Bumelia celastrina Catharanthus roseus Chrysobalanus icaco Clitoria jragrans Coccoloba wifera Crotalaria rotundifolia Cynanchum scoparium CyPeTUS sp. Dalbergia ecastophyllum Encyclia tampensis Eragrostis ciliaris Eugenia axillaris Eugenia foetida Eustachys petraea Ficusaurea Ipomoea indica Lantana involucrata Oplismenus setarius Phlebodium aureum Piscidia piscipula Pithecellobium guadalupense Psilotum nudum Psychotria nervosa Randia aculeata Rapanea punctata Rivina humilis Sabal palmetto Schinus terebinthifolius Setaria magna Smilax auriculata Sophora tomentosa Thespesia populnea Toxicodendron radicans Trema micrantha Trichostema dichotomum Verbesina virginica Vittaria lineata Waltheria indica Yucca aloifolia

false sisal chaffflower buckthorn Madagascar periwinkle cocoplum butterfly pea sea grape rabbit bells

sedge coin vine butterfly orchid lovegrass white stopper Spanish stopper grass stran~er fig mormng glory lantana basket grass serpent fern Jamaica dogwood black bead whisk fern wild coffee indigo berry myrsine blood berry sabal palm Brazilian pepper foxtail grass greenbriar necklace-pod seaside mahoe poison ivy Florida trema blue curls frostweed shoestring fern yellow chocolate weed Spanish dagger

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Animals Noted: Active gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows are common, usually near the strand community.

ArchaeologicallHistoric Features: None noted.

Recommendations: Continue removal ofexotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction of exotics, ifsuch a program is not in place. Severalpapaya plants are re-sprouting near the mangroves; these non-natives are usually not agressive components ofcoastal hammocks, but should be removed. The nearby, exotic seaside mahoe can spread rapidly in coastal systems and should be eliminated.

Figure 3. Palm and mixed hardwood hammock.

Area 4. North ofthe fenced lot, ca. 200 m south of the southern parking lot.

Community Type: Maritime hammock.

General Description: This area appears to be in early to intermediate successional stage ofcoastal hardwood hammock. The community is dominated by sabal palms; these trees appear to be old (although no reliable method ofaging these palms is known), and few juvenile sabals appear to be available for recruitment into the canopy. Occasional hardwoods (mostly sea grape) occur with the sabals, and contribute to the tree and shrub

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Conocarpus erectus buttonwood Crotalaria rotundifolia rabbit bells Cynanchum scoparium Eugenia axillaris white stopper Eugeniajoetida Spanish stopper Ficusaurea strangler fig Ficus benjamina Benjamin fig Fimbristilis spathacea hurricane grass Forsetiera segregata Florida privet Galactea volubilis milk pea Gaura angustifolia Ipomoea indica morning glory Ipomoea tuba morning glory Lantana involucrata lantana Mastichodendron joetidissimum mastic Myrica cerifera wax myrtle Opuntia humifusa prickly pear Parthenocissus quinquejolia Virginia creeper Phlebodium aureum serpent fern Pithecellobium keyensis black bead Pluchea odorata fleabane Psychotria nervosa wild coffee Quercus virginiana live oak Randia aculeata indigo berry Rapanea punctata myrsine Sabalpalmetto sabal palm Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Serenoa repens saw palmetto Smilax auriculata greenbriar Solanum americanum nightshade Solidago stricta goldenrod Sonchus oleraceus sow thistle Sophora tomentosa necklace-pod Tillandsia balbisiana air plant Tillandsiajasciculata air plant Tillandsia recurvata ball moss Toxicodendron radicans poison ivy Urechites lutea wild allamanda Vittaria lineata shoestring fern Yucca aloifolia Spanish dagger

Landward (east) of the hammock, and generally in the location ofa mangrove and hammock ecotone, is disturbed area with an unimproved access road. This was formerly dominated by exotics (Australian pine, Brazilian pepper), but these have been removed recently; this removal has contributed to the disturbance, but is an important first step in native habitat recovery.. In areas where the hammock community extended eastward, the mangrove ecotone occurs, but is significantly affected by the dense Brazilian peppers that previously occurred here. Soils are mostly fill from near the road, and are organic muck or shell hash and sand. The roadsides are dominated by ruderal plants, including:

Ambrosia artemesiifolia ragweed Baccharis halimifolia saltbush

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Bacopa monieri Bidensalba Borrichiafrutescens Dactyloctenium aegyptium Eupatorium capillifolium Eustachys petraea Fimbrystilis castanea Fimbristilis spathacea Heliotropium angiospermum Momordica charantia Physalis arenicola Pluchea odorata Samolus ebracteatus Solanum americanum Solidago stricta Sonchus oleraceus Stachytarphetajamaicensis

hyssop beggar ticks sea oxeye crow foot grass dog fennel grass sedge hurricane grass heliotrope bitter gourd ground cherry fleabane pimpernel nightshade goldenrod sow thistle blue porter weed

Animals Noted: Raccoon spoor is common; active gopher tortoise burrows are common. Skeletons of fish are common beneath several dead Australian pines~ these trees are apparently used as feeding roosts for fish-eating birds (e. g., ospreys, bald eagles). Seiurus aurocapillus oven bird Coragyps atratus black wlture Columbina passerina ground dove Coluber constrictor black racer

ArchaeologicallHistoric Features: None noted.

Recommendations: Continue removal of exotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction ofexotics, if such a program is not in place. Australian pine and Brazilian pepper plants are growing from stumps, so that periodic maintenance to minimize the re-introduction ofexotics into the hammock will be necessary. Planting native understory shrubs in the area may help minimize exotic recurrence. The three Ficus . benjamina trees growing herni-epiphytically on sabal palms should be removed~ a search and removal program for this species should be carried out at least annually.

In much ofthis area, the road between the hammock community and the mangrove community appears to have isolated low areas that are still dominated by mangroves. These low areas should be considered for restoration by re-establishing tidal flow beneath the existing road.

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Figure 4. Strangler fig (left) and red mulberry (right) are hardwoods that produce small, edible fruits; these are important food sources for birds and small mammals that inhabit coastal maritime hammocks.

Area 5. South of the fenced area.

Community Type: Maritime hammock.

General Description: The hammock community is perhaps widest in this area, often extending east of the access road. This forest appeares to be successionally more developed than the other areas, with a few more hardwoods and epiphytes than the surrounding communities; however, much influence from the nearby strand community is evident throughout. Weathered sabal palm trunks are moderately charred to ca. 1 m. South of the fenced property is an area from which exotic plants (mostly Australian pines and Brazilian pepper) have been removed. The community is now dominated by sabal palms with almost no shrub or ground cover communities; periodic maintenance to minimize exotics will be necessary. The tree canopy is nearly complete and made up mostly of sabal palms with occasional seagrapes. The shrub canopy provides ca. 20 % cover and is mostly small hardwoods (e.g., stoppers, indigo berry, wild coffee). Saw palmetto occurs in a few disjunct patches, suggesting previous dominance by a flatwoods community. Two slash pine trees were noted, but neither appeared to be old and vestigial offormer flatwoods populations. Ground cover is sparse and made up ofoccasional herbs and tree seedlings.

Substrates: Soils are ca. 90% siliceous sand and 10% shell fragments beneath the hammock commmunity, with little or no organic material. In areas more closely associated with the adjacent strand, the substrates contain more shell fragments. Leaf litter forms I­10 cm mantle over the sandy soils.

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Exotic Species: Many exotics have been removed from the hammock community in the area; Brazilian pepper and Australian pine trees are re-sprouting from roots or are becoming re-established by seed. Brazilian pepper persists in ecotones (both strand and mangrove), but do not dominate

Vascular Plant Species Encountered:

Agave decipiens Alternanthera ramosissima Aristidapatula Blechnum serru/atum Bume/ia celastrina Casasia clusiaefolia Catharanthus roseus Cenchrus incertus Chiococca alba Chrysobalanus icaco Coccoloba uvifera Cynanchum scoparium Encyc/ia tampensis Eugenia axi//aris Eugeniafoetida Ficusaurea Forsetiera segregata Ga/actea volubi/is Ipomoea tuba Lantana involucrata Morusrubra Myrica cerifera Parthenocissus quinquefolia Persea borbonia Phlebodium aureum Physalis viscosa Pinus elliottii Pithecellobium guadalupense Poinsettia cyathophora Psi/otum nudum Psychotria nervosa Quercus virginiana Randia aculeata Rapanea punctata Sabal palmetto Schinus terebinthifo/ius Serenoa repens Setaria magna Smilax auriculata Sophora tomentosa Ti//andsia balbisiana Tillandsia fasciculata Tillandsia recurvata Ti//andsia setacea

false sisal chaffflower grass blechnum fern buckthorn seven year apple Madagascar periwinkle sandspur snow berry cocoplum sea grape

butterfly orchid white stopper Spanish stopper strangler fig Florida privetmilk pea morning glory lantana red mulberry wax myrtle Virginia creeper red bay serpent fern ground cherry slash pine black bead wild poinsettia whisk fern wild coffee live oak indigo berry myrsine sabal palm Brazilian pepper saw palmetto foxtail grass greenbriar necklace-pod air plant air plant ball moss air plant

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Tillandsia usneoides Tillandsia utriculata Toxicodendron radicans Trichostema dichotomum Urechites lutea Verbesina virginica Vitis rotundifolia Vittaria lineata Yucca aloifolia

Animals Noted: Anolis sagrei Masticophis flagellum Sciurus carolinensis

Spanish moss air plant poison ivy blue curls wild allamanda frostweed muscadine grape shoestring fem Spanish dagger

brown anole coachwhip gray squirrel

Raccoon spoor is common; active gopher tortoise burrows are common.

ArchaeologicallHistoric Features: A sandy, grassy area in the mangroves east ofthe access road may have been a low road at one time. It now appears to have had no destination, as it ends in the mangroves. It is submerged during spring tides.

Recommendations: Continue removal·ofexotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction of exotics, if such a program is not in place. Brazilian pepper and Australian pine trees that are becoming re-established in areas from which they have been removed should be removed before they regain dominance. Considerations should be made for introducing native understory species in the area.

Area 6. North ofWiggins Pass.

Community Type: Beach and strand

General Description: This is an open community landward ofthe high energy beach environment. It is dominated by grassesand vines with occasional shrubs; shrubs are more common farther landward, where conditions are apparently less austere. Ground cover is dominated by sea oats, covering 80% ofthe substrate. Shrubs are mostly ink: berry and naupka in the area nearest the beach, with sea grape and other hardwoods becoming more frequent on the landward reaches of the strand.

Through much ofthis area, a significant area ofecotonal community between the open strand and the landward maritime hammock occurs. This is dominated by seagrape and saba! palms, with other occasional hardwoods, and could be considered a distinct ''back-dune'' woodland community. This community is described in greater detail above (see above, Area ). Substrates: Substrates are mostly 50% siliceous sand and 50% shell fragments with almost no organic material; almost no leaflitter acumulated on the substrate surface.

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Exotic Species: Brazilian pepper occurs, but is not a dominant component ofthe shrub community; Madagascar periwinkle occurs in the ground cover. Naupka is common tosometimes dominant in many places on the seaward edge ofthe strand. In the surf, several tree stumps are present; these appear to have been Australian pine trees.

Vascular Plant Species Encountered:

Agave decipiens Altemanthera ramosissima Ambrosia hispida Bumelia celastrina Bursea simaruba Casasia clusiaefolia Casuarina litorea Catharanthus roseus Chamaesyce mesembrianthemefolium Chiococca alba Coccoloba uvifera Conocarpus erectus Crotalaria rotundifolia Dodonea viscosa Ernodia littoralis Eugenia axillaris Ficusaurea Forsetiera segregata Galium hispidulum Ipomoea indica Iva imbricata Lantana involucrata Polygala grandiflora Randia aculeata Rapanea punctata Sabal palmetto Scaevola plumieri Scaevola sericea Schinus terebinthifolius Smilax auriculata Sophora tomentosa Stachytarphetajamaicensis Suriana maritima Uniola Paniculata Verbesina virginica

Animals Noted: None noted.

false sisal

coastal ragweed buckthorn gumbo limbo seven year apple Australian pine Madagascar periwinkle spurge snow berry sea grape buttonwood

varnish leaf beach creeper white stopper strangler fig Florida privet bedstraw morning glory

white lantana candyroot indigo berry myrsme sabal palm left-handed flower naupka Brazilian pepper greenbriar necklace-pod blue porter weed bay cedar sea oats frostweed

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ArchaeologicallHistoric Features: None noted.

Recommendations: Continue removal ofexotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction ofexotics, if such a program is not in place. Naupka (Scaevola serecia) should be removed from strand communities and ifpossible, replaced with the native inkberry (Scaevola plumieri).

Figure 5. Non-native naupka (left) closely resembles native inkberry (right). Both have similar habitat requirements, but naupka usually out-competes inkberry and other native plants to dominate beach communities. removal ofthis and other non-native plants is important to maintain healthy native systems.

Area 7. North, ca. 100 m from Wiggins Pass.

Community Type: Maritime hammock.

General Description: This hammock has a moderately dense canopy dominated by sabal palms with little understory in most places, but frequently the tree canopy is absent with areas dominated by saw palmetto. The saw palmetto community appears to be a remnant of a pine and palmetto flatwoods coastal ridge community, and the remaining saw palmettos and low hardwood species diversity suggests an early sere in coastal hammock development. Many sabal palms have trunks that are charred to nearly two meters, but no evidence of recent fire was noted. The tree canopy produces ca. 80% cover and is dominated by sabal palms with occasional seagrape and other hardwoods. The shrub canopy produces ca. 30% cover, and is typically saw palmetto in areas with little or no tree canopy. Cocoplum, other small hardwoods, and saw palmettos are common, but not dense beneath the tree canopy. Ground cover is sparse and is usually herbs, graminoids and tree seedlings. Substrates: Soils are loose and sandy with ca. 80% siliceous sand and 20% shell fragments, with little organic material. Leaf litter forms a layer 1-5 cm thick on the ground surface.

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Exotic Species: Areas that were dominated by Australian pine or Brazilian pepper were cleared ofthese trees, and natives ar now being recruited into the community. In mangrove ecotonal communities where brazilian pepper was removed or (apparently) poisoned, recruitment ofnatives is not as apparent. These areas may experience infrequent and sporadic tidal inundation, so that the suite ofnative plants that can tolerate changing salinities is limited. This occasional disturbance to the soil chemistry, and concomitant lack ofplant competition may also help to allow the establishment of exotic species. Areas from which exotics have been treated should be monitored with additional treatments as necessary to minimize the re-establishment ofthese plants. Several exotics that are often at former home sites were noted at the southern limit ofthe hammock, near Wiggin's Pass (see below: ArchaeologicallHistoric Features).

Vascular Plant Species Encountered:

Abrus precatorius Acrostichum danaeifolium Agave decipiens Albizia lebbeck Alternanthera ramosissima Ambrosia artemesiifolia Annona glabra Baccharis halimifolia Bumelia celastrina Bursea simaruba Caesalpinnia bonduc Casasia clusiaefolia Cassythafiliformis Casuarina litorea Catharanthus roseus Chiococca alba Coccoloba uvifera Crotalaria incana Cynanchum scoparium. Dichanthelium sp. Eugenia axillaris Ficusaurea Forsetiera segregata Iresine diffusa Kalanchoe pinnata Lantana involucrata Opuntia stricta Parthenocissus quinque/olia Passiflora suberosa Phlebodium aureum Physalis arenicola Pithecellobium guadalupense Pithecellobium unguis-cati Randia aculeata Rapanea punctata Sabal palmetto Schinus terebinthifolius

rosary pea leather fern false sisal woman's tongue chaffflower ragweed pond apple saltbush buckthorn gumbo limbo gray nickerbean seven year apple love vine Australian pine Madagascar periwinkle snow berry sea grape rattlesnake weed

grass white stopper strangler fig Florida privet blood leaf walking plant lantana prickly pear Vrrginia creeper passion vine serpent fern ground cherry black bead cat claw indigo berry myrsine sabal palm Brazilian pepper

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Serenoa repens Smilax auricu/ata Solidago stricta Sophora tomentosa Tillandsia ba/bisiana Tillandsia recurvata Toxicodendron radicans Vitis munsoniana Vittaria lineata Ximenia americana Yucca a/oijolia

Animals Noted:

Anolis sagrei

saw palmetto greenbriar goldenrod necklace-pod air plant ball moss poison ivy muscadine grape shoestring fern hog plum Spanish dagger

zebra swallowtail brown anole

Rabbit spoor and raccoon spoor are common in the hammock.

ArchaeologicallHistoric Features: None noted. Rosary pea (Abrus precatorius), woman's tongue (Albizia lebbeck), and walking plant (Kalanchoe pinnata) were noted near the southern limit ofthe hammock community. These plants were commonly cultivated by early settlers in southern Florida, and frequently persist in areas of pioneersettlement. Such plants (or other cultivars) may indicate a nearby early home site where no other indications offormer habitation occur.

Recommendations: Continue removal ofexotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction of exotics, if such a program is not in place. Areas from which exotics have been treated should be monitored with additional treatments as necessary to minimize the re-establishment ofthese plants. Historic records should be checked to determine whether early settlement occurred on the north side ofWiggins Pass, as plants growing there suggest an abandoned homesite. The exotic plants in this area should be removed. There is also a small amount ofold trash in the same area; this . should be removed.

Area 8. East ofAccess road.

Community Type: Maritime hammock.

General Description: This area is dominated by sabal palms with other hardwoods, mosty seagrape. The land supporting the hammock is slightly elevated, but does not become as high as the dunes to the west. At least two narrow, low areas, dominted by mangroves, cross the hammock and create separate hammock islands. The hammock is surrounded by intertidal mangrove forest, and to the west is a tidal creek that parallels most ofthe hammock's western margin. This creek appears to have been dredged to provide fill for the main access road to its west; tidal flow in this creek is blocked by fill that appears to

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have been placed since the creation ofthe creek. The southern end ofthe hammock grades into a low saltern community dominated by stunted mangroves, buckthorn, and cat claw; saltwort produces ground cover over much of the area. Salterns are areas with hypersaline soils that commonly occur in mangrove forests in our area. Their soils are often sandy and slightly elevated above the surrounding mangrove substrate, and are frequently continuous with hardwood hammocks that have substrates a little higher still. Salterns receive tidal inundation during extreme tides, so that the sandy soil soaks up the sea water, where the water evaporates, leaving its salt in the soil. Since only extreme tides flood these areas, the salt is not washed out by tidal exchange, so that salinities increase over time. Fresh water that falls as rain helps to wash out some salt, but the net result is soil salt content that is too high to support most plants.

In the hammock, the tree canopy is provides 80% cover and is dominted by sabal palms with seagrapes and occasional other hardwoods. The shrub canopy is sparse to moderate (to 50% cover), mostly made up of shrubby tropica hardwoods (stoppers, wild coffee, myrsine). Ground cover is sparse, consisting of occasional hardwood seedlings, graminoids, and herbs. Shrub layers (including vines) and ground cover can be expected to increase with continued remocal ofBrazilian pepper and other exotics. Substrates: Substrates are ca. 80% siliceous sand with varying amounts of organic material and shell fragments to 20%. Shell fragments occur patchily, often densely in places that appear to have been deposition areas. Leaflitter is variable from 0 to ca. 10 cm over the sandy substrate.

Exotic Species: Brazilian pepper is common in this hammock area, especially in the mangrove

ecotone. Efforts have been made to rid the community ofBrazilian pepper, and have been largely successful; however these shrubs have persisted in many locations, so that additional time and other resources will have to be comitted in this area to eliminate this exotic.

Vascular Plant Species Encountered:

Acacia auriculiformis Agave decipiens Alternanthera ramosissima Ambrosia artemiisifolia Ambrosia hispida Aristida patuia Andropogon virginicus Borrichia frutescens Bumelia celastrina Bursea simaruba Caesalpinnia bonduc Canavalia maritima Carica papaya Casuarina litorea Catharanthus roseus Chiococca alba

ear-leaf acacia false sisal chaffflower ragweed coastal ragweed grass blue-stem sea oxeye buckthorn gumbo limbo gray nickerbean beach bean papaya Australian pine Madagascar periwinkle snow berry

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Chrysobalanus icaco Coccoloba uvifera Conocarpus erectus Cynanchum scoparium Cyperus ligularis Desmodium incanum Ernodia littoralis Eugenia axil/aris Eugenia foetida Eustachys petraea Ficusaurea Forsetiera segregata Galactea volubilis Iresine diffusa Mikmzia scandens Myrica cerifera Opuntia humifusa Parthenocissus quinquefolia Passiflora suberosa Phlebodium aureum Phyllanthus abnormis Physalis arenicola Pinus elliottii Pithecellobium guadalupense Pithecellobium unguis-cati Polygala grandiflora Psi/otum nudum Psychotria nervosa Randia aculeata Rapanea punctata Rivina humilis Sabal palmetto Schinus terebinthifolius Serenoa repens Setaria magna Smilax auriculata Sophora tomentosa Spermacoce verticil/ata Til/andsia balbisiana Tillandsia fasciculata Tillandsia recurvata Tillandsia setacea Til/andsia usneoides Tillandsia utriculata Toxicodendron radicans Trichostema dichotomum Urechites lutea Verbesina virginica Vitis munsoniana Vittaria lineata Yucca aloifolia Zanthoxylum fagara

cocoplum sea grape buttonwood

sedge

beach creeper white stopper Spanish stopper grass strangler fig Florida privet milk pea blood leaf white vine wax myrtle prickly pear Virginia creeper passion vine serpent fern

ground cherry slash pine black bead cat claw candy root whisk fern wild coffee indigo berry myrsine blood berry sabal palm Brazilian pepper saw palmetto foxtail grass greenbriar necklace-pod

air plant air plant ball moss air plant Spanish moss air.plan~ pOlson tvy blue curls wild allamanda frostweed muscadine grape shoestring fern Spanish dagger wild lime

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Animals Noted:

Sylvilagus palustris marsh rabbit Anolis sagrei brown anole Columbina passerina ground doves

ArchaeologicallHistoric Features: None noted.

Recommendations: Consider studying the flow of the dredged creek that parallels much of the access road. If study warrants, placing culverts in the earthen plug near the preserve entrance may allow more complete tidal flow through the area, and enhance flushing in the back bay system. Also a small berm was created on the eastern edge ofthe channel; this may be available as a short path through the mangroves and along the creek bank. The hammock is relatively open, with a path now through much ofit. The area may be suitable for a short, self-guided hiking trail. Continue removal ofexotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction of exotics, if such a program is not in place.

Area, not indicated. Mangrove forest east of the beach and hammock systems.

Community Type: Intertidal forest.

General Description: This intertidal forest is a mature mangrove community that occurs nearly throughout the eastern part of the coastal barrier system. The mangrove forest occupies much ofthe back bay system, where tide and wave energies are moderated by the barrier islands. Tidal exchange appears to be nearly complete through most ofthe community, but appear to have been altered in small areas, by dredging and road construction. The tree canopy is nearly complete where low tides expose the substrate. Red mangroves are perhaps most common. Black mangroves are common in the interiors of the forests with white mangroves and buttonwoods common in slightly elevated, open areas that are often associated with hammocks or sand ridges. The shrub canopy and ground cover are sparse within most of the forest, but in hammock ecotones. or low sand ridges. shrubs and salt tolerant herbs and graminoids occur. Substrates: Substrates are mostly dark organic muck.

Exotic Species: Brazilian pepper appears to have been a common to dominant shrub in hammock ecotones. Eradication in many areas has reduced the Brazilian pepper population. so that natives, such as buttonwood or coin vine may be able to become re­established in these areas.

Vascular Plant Species Encountered:

Acrostichum danaeifolium leather fern Avicennia germinans black mangrove

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Baccharis halimifolia Batis maritima Borrichiafrutescens Bumelia celastrina Caesalpinnia bonduc Conocarpus erectus Dalbergia ecastophyllum Laguncularia racemosa Lycium carolinianum Salicornia virginica Schinus terebinthifolius Sesuvium portulacastrum Suaeda linearis

Animals Noted: None noted.

ArchaeologicallHistoric Features: None noted.

saltbush salt wort sea oxeye buckthorn gray nickerbean buttonwood coin vine white mangrove Christmas berry glasswort Brazilian pepper sea purslane sea blite

Recommendations: Mangrove areas that have been altered by dredging and road construction should be considered for restoration; see above: (Area 8. East of Access road). The Brazilian pepper eradication program that has been started in the hammocks and hammock ecotones that are associated with mangrove forests has been largely successful. This program should be continued to insure that Brazilian pepper does not become established in these areas again, so that establishment of native plants can be promoted in these areas. It will be important to maintain this program for an indefinite time, as problems with exotic species will continue for an indefinite time.

Recommendations: The following are recommendations compiled from the detailed descriptions of representative habitat areas, with supplemental information.

Recommendations Area 1: Continue removal of exotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction ofexotics, if such a program is not in place.

Recommendations Area 2: Continue removal of exotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction of exotics, if such a program is not in place. Several shrubby legumes (Cassia sp.?) were noted in the strand; these and other associated exotics should be removed. Naupka (Scaevola serecia) should be removed from strand communities and if possible, replaced with the native inkberry (Scaevola

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contemporaneously and maintain sparse, but stable, populations over time. This stability is often cited as a community's strongest defense against invasion by exotics, but more recent work (2000) has indicated that numbers of exotic propagules reaching a site is more directly associated with infestation by exotics. Elimination of all possible seed sources would help to slow future infestations and the commitment ofresources necessary to maintain the preserve free of these exotics.

Ifthe area is left undeveloped, but in private ownership, it will continue to infest the surrounding areas with these exotics. If the parcel is developed, the County may have an opportunity to recommend control ofexotics on the property, but this is not assured. Furthermore, development of the areas will almost certainly be associated with other exotic species and associated problems, many of which can't be anticipated and will not beregulated under state or local exotic species control ordinances. Ifthe area is permitted for development in the future, it will effectively interrupt the only contiguous coastal barrier system remaining in the nearly twenty miles between Lee County's Lover's Key Preserve and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve south ofNaples. In consideration of listed marine reptiles, development with associated artificial lighting is likely to disturb sea turtles during nesting season, even when complying with County coastal lighting restictions.

\\ Acquisition of the privately owned outparcel would provide the preserve with contiguous and uninterrupted native communities. Interruptions in communities can inhibit

succesful movements of small fauna and their associated genomes within populations. Proponents of discontinuous habitat areas may cite the value of reserve (founder) populations that can survive in the event of catastrophic losses to other, nearby preserves. This is a valuable consideration, but to function properly, the discontinuous preserve areas must be large enough to contain the diversity ofhealthy populations needed to re-populate affected areas. It is not known whether the areas within Barefoot Beach Preserve are adequate to stand alone as independent preserve areas. Generally low plant diversities in these areas suggests that these communities now are in an early successional stage and are progressing toward a more diverse system. Many ofthe hardwoods encountered in the hammock were noted only one or a few times, and many were small individuals, suggesting young populations early iIi hammock succession.

Recommendations Area 6: Continue removal of exotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction ofexotics, if such a program is not in place. Naupka (Scaevola serecia) should be removed from strand communities and if possible, replaced with the native inkberry (Scaevola plumieri).

Recommendations Area 7: Continue removal ofexotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction ofexotics, if such a program is not in place. Areas from which exotics have been treated should be monitored with additional treatments as necessary to minimize the re-establishment of these plants. Historic records should be checked to determine whether early settlement occurred on the north side of Wiggins Pass, as plants growing there suggest an abandoned homesite. The exotic plants in this area should be removed. There is also a small amount of old trash in the same area; this should be removed.

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Recommendations Area 8: Consider studying the flow ofthe dredged creek that parallels much ofthe access road. If study warrants, placing culverts in the earthen plug near the preserve entrance may allow more complete tidal flow through the area, and enhance flushing in the back bay system. Also a small berm was created on the eastern edge ofthe channel; this may be available as a short path through the mangroves and along the creek bank. The hammock is relatively open, with a path now through much of it. The area may be suitable for a short, self-guided hiking trail. Continue removal of exotic plants, and institute a maintenance program to prevent re-introduction of exotics, if such a program is not in place.

Recommendations Mangrove forest: Mangrove areas that have been altered by dredging and road construction should be considered for restoration; see above: (Area 8. East of Access road). The Brazilian pepper eradication program that has been started in the hammocks and hammock ecotones that are associated with mangrove forests has been largely successful. This program should be continued to insure that Brazilian pepper does not become established in these areas again, so that establishment of native plants can be promoted in these areas. It will be important to maintain this program for an indefinite time, as problems with exotic species will continue for an indefinite time.

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Barefoot Beach Preserve Mgt Plan Appendix F- BOTANICAL COLLECTION

“Tigertail Beach Park and Barefoot Beach Preserve Park

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BOTANICAL COLLECTION FROM:

"Tigertail Beach Park and Barefoot Beach Preserve Park"

By: Mauricio J. Araquistain Park Ranger/Biologist

2005

COLLIER COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT PARK RANGER SERVICE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

General Map ofNatural Vegetation of Florida

Tigertail Beach Plant Associations

Barefoot Beach Plant Associations

Description of Action Plan

Specimens Collection

Log Book General Description of the locality Description of the plant Sample of the plant Manipulation of the samples Pressing samples Drying samples Mounting samples Labeling samples Conservation of dried samples

Schedule collection

Barefoot Beach Preserve Mgt Plan Appendix G-

“Barefoot Beach County Park Existing Conditions Map"

Barefoot Beach Preserve Mgt Plan Appendix H-

Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park Planned Improvements

Barefoot Beach Preserve Mgt Plan Appendix I-

The "Preserve the Preserve" Barefoot Beach Outparcel Project Number 03-073-FF3 Land Management Plan

THE “PRESERVE THE PRESERVE” BAREFOOT BEACH OUTPARCEL

PROJECT NUMBER 03-073-FF3

LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN

Submitted to the Florida Communities Trust in compliance with the requirements of

FCT Contract Number 04-CT-92-03-F3-A1-073

Prepared by Amanda Oswald Townsend, Operations Analyst

Collier County Parks and Recreation

June 15, 2004

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Table of Contents I. Introduction 4 II. Purpose 5 III. Site Development and Improvement 7

A. Existing Physical Improvements 7 B. Proposed Physical Improvements 7 C. Landscaping 8 D. Wetland Buffer 8 E. Acknowledgment Sign 8 F. Parking 8 G. Stormwater Facilities 8 H. Hazard Mitigation 8 I. Permits 8 J. Easements, Concessions, and Leases 9

IV. Natural Resources 9

A. Natural Communities 9 B. Listed Animal Species 11 C. Listed Plant Species 12 D. Inventory of the Natural Communities 13 E. Water Quality 14 F. Unique Geological Features 15 G. Trail Network 15 H. Greenways 15

V. Resource Enhancement 16

A. Upland Restoration 16 B. Wetland Restoration 16 C. Invasive Exotic Plants 16 D. Prescribed Burn Plan 16 E. Feral Animal Program 17

VI. Archeological, Cultural, and Historical Resource Protection 17 VII. Education Signs and Program 17

A. Education Program 18 B. Museum and Nature Center 18

VIII. Coordinated Management 18 IX. Management Needs 18

A. Maintenance 18 B. Security 18

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C. Staffing 19

X. Cost Estimates and Funding Sources 19 XI. Priority Schedule 20 XII. Monitoring And Reporting 21 XIII. Appendix

A. Master Site Plan B. Location Map C. Florida Natural Inventory report forms D. Exotic Pest Council’s List of Florida’s Most Invasive Species

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I. Introduction

The “Preserve the Preserve” Barefoot Beach Outparcel is a 1.69-acre inholding within the state-owned lands leased by Collier County and managed together with County-owned lands as 342 contiguous acres of the Barefoot Beach Preserve, located in the northeastern corner of Collier County, on Florida’s southwest coast. Before its purchase by the County, the project site was privately owned and threatened with incompatible development. The state-owned lands within the Preserve were purchased in the 1970s under the Environmental Endangered Lands program, and State acquisition of the project site was a goal of the Preserve’s Land Management Plan.

To the south of the Preserve, across Wiggins Pass, is Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. That park occupies 160 acres. Hence, the project site was the only unprotected land within 517 continuous acres of public preserve. Public possession of the project site prevents incompatible development, allows for the protection of the entire greenway from the intrusion of invasive exotic plant species, ensures the greenway’s ability to function as a wildlife corridor, and offers additional recreational and educational opportunities to the visitors of Barefoot Beach Preserve.

The project site contains Beach Dune, Coastal Strand, Maritime Hammock, and Tidal Swamp habitats. Each natural area is surrounded by hundreds of acres of like communities. They provide habitat for numerous listed species including gopher tortoise and sea turtle and many varieties of raptors, shorebirds, and wading birds. Field observations of listed species by biologists and Park Rangers include gopher tortoise, loggerhead turtle, Southern bald eagle, osprey, white and brown pelican, least tern, piping plover, gopher frog, Eastern indigo snake, little blue heron, snowy egret, reddish egret, tricolor heron, common snook, and the rare plant species necklace pod. The project site also contains an archeological site of Calusa origin, cataloged in the Florida Master Site File.

In competition with the natural communities on the site, a monoculture of Australian pine infested about one half of the site’s upland portion. Brazilian pepper and other exotics pervaded the project site as well. An exotic removal program was completed in Barefoot Beach Preserve in 1998, but the natural communities were continuously threatened with reinfestation by seedlings from the project site. In April 2004 all exotic vegetation was uprooted and mulched on site, and the stems chemically treated, thereby protecting the adjacent natural communities from exotic intrusion. Planting of seedlings in the uplands will be done to jumpstart the succession process, and because over three hundred acres of healthy natural communities surround the infested area, the project site will quickly be restored.

The existing Alice and Harold Saylor Nature Trail crosses the dune area of the project site, and recrosses on the inland side of the site. The site is located about halfway along the trail and will be a suitable location for a connecting trail to serve as a shortcut or stopping-off point along the loop. The clearing created by the exotic removal will be developed with an educational kiosk and a pavilion. Collier County Parks and Recreation has a staff of 20 Park Rangers, who will use the trail, pavilion, and kiosk when they lead weekly nature walks and tri-annual Junior Park Ranger Camps.

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This Management Plan as well as the Barefoot Beach Preserve Land Management Plan will govern the project site. Both plans will allow for public access for recreation as a use secondary to protection of the Preserve’s natural resources. Existing activities under the Land Management Plan’s recreational component that will be extended to the project site include swimming, sunbathing, fishing, strolling on the beach, collecting shells, and boating, and well as the educational activities mentioned above. Recreational uses not compatible with the primary objective of protection of the Preserve’s natural resources will not be permitted. Grant funding from Florida Communities Trust (FCT) will reimburse the County for acquisition of the project site. This Management Plan has been prepared to ensure that the project site will be developed and managed in accordance with the Grant Award Agreement and in furtherance of the purpose of the grant application.

II. Purpose The site was acquired to prevent incompatible development, allow for the protection of the entire greenway from the intrusion of invasive exotic plant species, ensure the greenway’s ability to function as a wildlife corridor, and offer additional recreational and educational opportunities to the visitors of Barefoot Beach Preserve.

This Management Plan as well as the Barefoot Beach Preserve Land Management Plan will govern the project site. Both plans will allow for public access for recreation secondary to protection of the Preserve’s natural resources. Existing activities under the Preserve’s Land Management Plan’s recreational component that will be extended to the project site include swimming, sunbathing, fishing, strolling on the beach, collecting shells, and boating, and well as educational activities. Recreational uses not compatible with the primary objective of protection of the Preserve’s natural resources will not be permitted.

Management objectives for the project site are prioritized as follows:

1. Protect the natural resources of the project site and the Preserve 2. Provide educational opportunities 3. Preserve archeological resources 4. Provide beach access 5. Provide recreational opportunities

Management of the site as proposed is consistent in innumerable ways with the Collier County Growth Management Plan. The following policies are directly furthered by the management objectives listed above.

Policy 10.3.3 of the Conservation and Coastal Management Element states that “the highest and best use of undeveloped coastal barriers are as functioning natural systems; therefore the first alternative to development should be consideration of acquisition by or for the public benefit to preserve the natural function.” An ultimate goal for management of the project site is that the site, its management and ownership differ from the rest of Barefoot Beach Preserve only in the world of written documents. Visitors to the Preserve, as well as its natural communities and wildlife, should experience the Preserve as one functioning coastal barrier system, and one should be able to move seamlessly from the project site to the state-owned lands to the county-owned lands without seeing in the landscape the boundaries that exist on paper. Collier County will manage the site with this vision in mind and will synchronize the two management plans

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that govern the Preserve so as to achieve it. Only if this is so can the southern portion of Little Hickory Island function as natural coastal barriers system.

Policy 11.1.2 of the Conservation and Coastal Management Element directs, “There shall be no loss of historical or archeological resources on County-owned property and historical resources on private property shall be protected, preserved or utilized in a manner that will allow their continued existence.” It was through the FCT application process that an archeological site was discovered on the project site. The site consists of a scatter of shells, predominantly oysters, and three shell tools of Calusa origin were found there. The site has been filed with the Florida department of State, Division of Historical Resources as the Half Shell Site, Florida Master Site File #8CR871. The archeological site is located in a remote corner of the project site and the Preserve. No trail or boardwalk leads to it. In order to protect it and the surrounding natural area, the location of the archeological site will not be advertised to the public. The site is interpreted for the public, however, as part of on-going Park Ranger programs. A cultural resource survey will be performed on any area within the project site that is proposed for development prior to the commencement of proposed development activities in that area. The Division of Historical Resources will be notified immediately if evidence is found to suggest that further archeological or historical resources exist on the project site. Collier County will work with the Cultural Resources Management Program of Florida Gulf Coast University to coordinate with the Division of Historical Resources on the protection and management of any further archeological and historical resources. The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archeological and historic sites on the project site will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Division of Historical Resources.

Objective 10.2 of the Conservation and Coastal Management Element and Policy 1.3.2 of the Recreation and Open Space Element direct the County to “continue to ensure that access to beaches, shores and waterways remains available to the public and continue with its program to expand the availability of such access and a method to fund its acquisition.” Policy 10.5.1 of the Conservation and Coastal Management Element states, “recreation that is compatible with the natural functions of beaches and dunes is the highest and best land use.” Possession of the site has allowed for the removal of a six-foot chain-link fence that previously encircled the upland portion of he property and effectively cut off access to the southernmost portion of the Preserve. Public access to the shoreline for recreational use will be allowed secondary to protection of the project site’s natural resources. Permissible activities will include swimming, sunbathing, fishing, strolling on the beach, collecting shells, and boating. Recreational uses not compatible with the primary objective of protection of the Preserve’s natural resources will not be permitted.

The project site has a Future Land Use designation of Conservation and a Conservation Special Treatment Overlay designation within County zoning regulations.

The project site will be identified in all literature and advertising as acquired with funds from the Florida Communities Trust and operated as a natural conservation area.

III. Site Development and Improvement A. Existing Physical Improvements

The only improvement on the site is the existing Alice and Harold Saylor Nature Trail, which crosses the dune area of the project site, then recrosses on the inland side of the site. About one-half acre of the upland of the site has recently been cleared of exotic vegetation.

B. Proposed Physical Improvements

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An extension of the existing Alice and Harold Saylor Nature Trail and a pavilion will be developed on the site. The existing trail crosses the dune area of the project site, and recrosses on the inland side of the site. The site is located about halfway along the trail and will be a suitable location for a connecting trail to serve as a shortcut or stopping-off point along the loop. In addition, the relatively short distance of a trail that cuts perpendicularly across the island will serve to illustrate to visitors the dramatic shifts in natural communities that occur with only slight changes in elevation within the Preserve.

A 30’ x 30’ pavilion will be constructed on a portion of the clearing that has resulted from exotic removal. This facility will serve as a source of shade for beach goers and a stopping-off point for independent trail users and groups participating in Park Ranger-guided nature walks.

An interactive educational kiosk will be developed on the project site. The round kiosk will be divided into four wedge-shaped sections addressing the four major habitats within the Preserve (Beach Dune, Coastal Strand, Maritime Hammock, and Tidal Swamp). Listed species, barrier island dynamics, and the sites’ archeological resources will also be covered. Each section will contain two 18 x 24-inch solid composite phenolic panels with fire-retardant, fade-proof, and graffiti-proof properties. An acrylic overlay and UV inhibitor will cover each panel. The kiosk will also contain two discovery boxes housing artifacts and specimens that will offer visitors a multisensory educational experience.

Because exotic removal has left a good part of the upland cleared, these proposed facilities should not impact natural resources. If any damage to the dune system results from development activities, the dune will be repaired. A gopher tortoise relocation permit was obtained for the exotic removal project, but no tortoises had to be relocated. Care will be taken to protect gopher tortoises during facility development as well.

No user-oriented recreation facilities will be developed on the project site.

Exotic removal and monitoring are the only proposed alterations of land or vegetation at the project site.

Access to the project site will be via nature trail.

Trash cans will be installed near the pavilion and educational kiosk.

FCT review and approval will be obtained prior to any proposed modification of this document and/or the undertaking of any site alterations or physical improvements not addressed in this document.

C. Landscaping No landscaping will be performed on the project site.

D. Wetland Buffer The nature trail on the project site will not be paved. Minor facilities on the project site will

not be constructed within 25 feet of the wetland area. No major facilities will be constructed on the project site.

E. Acknowledgment Sign A 2’ x3’ sign, including the FCT logo, the year the site was acquired, and acknowledgment

that the project site was purchased with funds from the Florida Communities Trust will be located at the entrance area to the park.

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F. Parking There will be no parking on the project site. Access to the project site will be via nature

trail.

G. Stormwater Facilities There will be no stormwater facilities on the project site.

H. Hazard Mitigation The entire project site is within the Coastal High Hazard Area. Goals of the Collier County

Local Mitigation Strategy include the mitigation of erosion and the effects of storm surges and the retention of natural resources for public benefit. Mitigation Strategy workable projects include the maintenance of a long-term beach erosion control program and additional sea oats planting to minimize beach erosion. Development on the project site will be directed away from the dune and wetland areas. The minor structures developed on the project site will be located in the disturbed upland areas. Any damage to the dune system incurred during the course of development will be repaired.

I. Permits For the exotic removal project completed in April 2004, the County secured a field permit

from Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Office of Beaches and Wetland Resources to take the machinery over the dune, a Special Gopher Tortoise Relocation Permit from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (but never had to move any tortoises), a Vehicle on the Beach permit from Collier County to allow the machines to go down the beach, and approval from United States Fish and Wildlife Service before the project commenced, due to the presence of Eastern Indigo Snakes on the property.

For development of the kiosk and pavilion, it is anticipated that Collier County Community Development and Environmental Services will require the filing of a site development plan and the issuance of building permits, including coastal variance approvals. Florida DEP permitting will be required, as well. No other agency approval requirements are anticipated.

J. Easements, Concessions, and Leases A 60-foot right-of-way easement crosses the project site between the tidal swamp and

maritime hammock areas. This right-of-way was formerly used for vehicular access to the project site when it was privately owned. It now constitutes the inland side of the Harold and Alice Saylor Nature Trail loop. Vacation of this right-of-way is a goal of this management plan. No other easements, concessions, or leases exist or are proposed for the project site.

Should any lease or any interest, the operation of any concession, any sale or option, the granting of any management contracts, or any use by any person other than in such person’s capacity as a member of the general public arise or be proposed, FCT will be provided with 60-day prior written notice. No document will be executed without the prior written approval of FCT. All fees collected will be placed in a segregated account solely for the upkeep and maintenance of the project site.

IV. Natural Resources The Preserve is unique because it is a prime example of a relatively undisturbed barrier beach system. The project site is a Gulf-to-bay slice of a linear barrier island. Its topographic and vegetative profiles result from the interaction of plant growth habits and physical processes, principally wind-driven sand movement and salt spray deposition, and wave-driven erosion,

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accretion and overwash. Elevations within the project site range from sea level to 9.5 feet above sea level on the crest of the coastal dune. The land naturally slopes and drains both gulfward and bayward from the crest of dune.

Natural resources on the project site will be managed primarily through a program of non-intervention. Exotic plant species will be monitored and removed thereby protecting and enhancing the natural communities and the plant and animal species within them. Minimal development and low-impact recreational use only will allow for the protection and enhancement of water quality and geological features.

A. Natural Communities Barefoot Beach Preserve is an outstanding example of a subtropical coastal strand and

estuarine mangrove forest. The project site can be divided into five zones or parallel bands of vegetation. From west to east they are: the pioneer zone, the foredune, the coastal strand, the maritime hammock, and the tidal swamp beyond the dune proper. All communities are in excellent health unless otherwise noted.

PIONEER ZONE The wave-deposited upper beach zone is sparsely populated with pioneer species. This

zone is vegetated with railroad vine (Ipomoea pes-caprae), beach bean (Canavalia rosea), beach elder (Iva imbricata), inkberry (Scaevola plumieri), sea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum), and grasses, such as sea oats (Uniola paniculata), seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum), seashore dropseed (Sporobolus virginicus), crowfoot grass (Dactyloctenium aegyptium), and sandspurs (Cenchrus spp.). The upper beach is continuously recolonized by plants as storm waves and high tides periodically disturb the community.

FOREDUNE Beyond the pioneer zone, low bushes of beach elder and golden beach creeper (Ernodea

littoralis) grow, in addition to inkberry (Scaevola plumieri and S. frutescens) and bay cedar (Suriana maritima). Bitter panicum (Panicum amarum), coastal ragweed (Ambrosia hispida), ground cherry (Physalis spp.) and sandspurs (Cenchrus spp.) are also present. Sea oats grow in clumps with the other species, but then form distinctive clusters, or a band, along the upper portion of the foredune.

The Florida Natural Areas Inventory identifies beach dune as an imperiled plant community.

COASTAL STRAND The foredune merges with the coastal strand to form a transitional zone between the

foredune and maritime hammock. In addition to the sea oats, bitter panicum, and bay cedar noted on the foredune, the coastal strand exhibits small trees and shrubby species such as seagrape (Cocoloba uvifera), Florida privet (Forestiera segregata), seven-year apple (Casasia clusiifolia), buckthorn (Bumelia celastrina), myrsine (Myrsine guianensis), necklace pod (Sophora tomentosa), white flower lantana (Lantana involucrata), white indigoberry (Randia aculeata), coin vine (Dalbergia ecastaphyllum), Spanish bayonet (Yucca aloifolia), prickly pear (Opuntia compressa), and dune evening primrose (Oenothera humifusa).

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The Florida Natural Areas Inventory identifies coastal strand as an imperiled plant community.

EXOTIC INFESTATION Between the Coastal Strand and Maritime Hammock a large portion of the project site was

infested with a monoculture of Australian pine. These were mechanically removed, mulched on site, and the stems chemically treated in April 2004.

MARITIME HAMMOCK The increased shelter from salt spray by the coastal strand allows for a diversified and

stable back dune community. The maritime hammock, from the coastal strand east approximately 200 feet, is an open canopy cabbage palm hammock interspersed with large, open clearings. Moving further east, the community is more densely vegetated and the canopy closes, providing increased shelter, shade and humidity.

The west half of the maritime hammock is composed of cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) islands interspersed by large open areas. Seagrape, myrsine, buckthorn, Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia piscipula), Brazilian pepper (Schinustere binthifolius), and Florida privet grow in association with the cabbage palms. Bamboo-vine (Smilax laurifolia), lovevine (Cassytha filiformis) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron redicans) are common, intertwining and spreading over the shrubs and trees. Groundcovers in the open areas include low shrubs of white indigoberry, snowberry (Chicocca pinetorum), golden beach creeper, white flower lantana, blue curls (Trichostema dichotomum), and prickly pear. Additional groundcovers growing in both areas include periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), partridge pea (Cassia fasciculata), Spanish needles (Bidens pilosa), tickweed (Verbesina virginica), sea-beach atriplix (Atriplex arenaria), blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis), groundcherry, and melanthera (Melanthera parvifolia). Moving east, the hammock canopy closes and provides a habitat for tropical hardwood hammock species. In addition to cabbage palm and seagrape, gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba), cat’s claw (Pithecelloblum unguis-cati), buckthorn, coral bean (Erythrina herbacea), Florida privet, saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia), Spanish stopper (Eugenia foetida), white stopper (Eugenia axillaris), myrsine, Jamaica dogwood, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and Brazilian pepper are also present. Poison ivy and love vine are common. Groundcover and low shrubs include wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa), snowberry, and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Shoestring fern (Vittaria lineata) and golden polypody (Phlebodium aureum) inhabit the “boots” on the cabbage palm trunks. Butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis) has been noted previously to exist on the site.

The Florida Natural Areas Inventory identifies maritime hammock as an imperiled plant community.

TIDAL SWAMP The back dune maritime hammock drops sharply into the mangrove swamp. The mangrove

swamp is a basin forest dominated by three species, red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), black mangroves (Avicennia germinans), and white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa). Associated species include buttonwood (Concocarpus erectus), leatherfern (Acrostichum aureum), glasswort (Salicornia spp.), saltwart (Batis maritima), sea purslane, and sea lavender (Limonium carolinianum).

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B. Listed Animal Species A survey of listed plant and animal species located specifically on the project site has not

yet been undertaken.

The following listed species have been observed by Park Rangers within the boundaries of Barefoot Beach Preserve. As such, any of these may be found on the project site.

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ST

US

BIRDS Charadrius melodus Ecretta caerulea E. rufescens E. thula E. tricolor Haleaeetus leucccechalus Pelecanus occidentalis Sterma ancillarum

Piping plover Little blue heron Reddish egret Snowy egret Tricolor heron Bald eagle Brown pelican Least tern

T SSCSSCSSCSSCT SSCT

T E E

MAMMALS Trichechus manatus latirostris

West Indian manatee

E

E

REPTILES Caretta caretta caretta Drymarchor corais Gooherus polvohemus Rana areolata

Atlantic loggerhead turtleEastern indigo snake Gopher tortoise Gopher frog

T T SSCSSC

T T C C

FISH Centrooomus undecimalis

Common snook

SSC

E = Endangered T = Threatened

C = A candidate for listing, with some evidence of vulnerability, but for which not enough data exists to support listing.

SSC = Species of special concern

The project site does not contain habitat located in a Strategic Habitat Conservation Area, as identified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Comments from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on this

Management Plan and its proposed protection of listed species will be obtained and forwarded to FCT prior to July 2005.

C. Listed Plant Species A survey of listed plant and animal species located specifically on the project site has not

yet been undertaken.

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The following listed plant species were observed within Barefoot Beach Preserve by James N. Burch, Ph.D. in his report Status of Vascular Plants: Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park, preliminary species list. As such, any of these may be found on the project site.

Pteridophyta Polypodiaceae

Phlebodium aureum (L.) Small serpent fern. T(FDA)

Psilotaceae Psilotum nudum (L.) Sw. whisk fern. T(FDA)

Pteridaceae Acrostichum danaeifolium Langsd. & Fisch. leather fern. T(FDA)

Vittariaceae Vittaria lineata (L.) J. Smith shoestring fern. T(FDA)

Magnoliophyta Bromeliaceae

Tillandsia balbisiana Schult. air plant. T(FDA)

Tillandsia fasciculata Sw. air plant. CE(FDA)

Tillandsia flexuosa Sw. air plant. T(FDA)

Tillandsia paucifolia Baker air plant. T(FDA)

Tillandsia setacea Sw. air plant. T(FDA)

Tillandsia utriculata L. air plant. CE(FDA)

Cactaceae Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. prickly pear. T(FDA), II(CITES)

Opuntia stricta Haw. prickly pear. T(FDA), II(CITES)

Orchidaceae Encyclia tampensis (Lindl.) Small butterfly orchid. T(FDA), II(CITES)

Rubiaceae Ernodia littoralis Sw. beach creeper. T(FDA)

Surianaceae Suriana maritima bay cedar. E(FDA)

Status for protection designation is adapted from Official Lists of Endangered and Potentially Endangered Fauna and Flora in Florida (Wood, 1 June, 1994). Status designations are as follows:

E(FDA) = listed as Endangered by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

T(FDA) = listed as Threatened by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

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CE(FDA) = listed as Commercially Exploited by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

II(CITES) = listed in Appendix II for regulation in international trade by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna

C2(USFWS) = listed as a Candidate for federal listing with some evidence of vulnerability by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

SSC(GFC) = listed as a Species of Special Concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

D. Inventory of the Natural Communities Collier County will coordinate with the Friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve, a non-profit

organization, to initiate a biological inventory survey of natural communities on the project site and establish a monitoring cycle, proposed to be conducted every year for the first three years beginning in 2005, and then every three years thereafter. The Friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve have a Memorandum of Understanding with Florida Gulf Coast University that provides for student internships and projects to be conducted at the Preserve. University students will conduct the surveys under the cooperative direction of university faculty, Friends members and County staff. Information on identified listed species will be forwarded to the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) following each survey on the appropriate FNAI forms. The FNAI plant and animal species forms are located behind tab C in the Appendix.

The following element occurrence records were provided from the Florida Natural Areas Inventory database. Information provided was based on wildlife sightings and plant communities identified between 1982 and 1992 on or near the Barefoot Beach Preserve.

Wildlife Sightings: West Indian manatee Loggerhead turtle Florida black bear Florida prairie warbler

Black-whiskered vireo Gopher tortoise

Plant Communities Identified: Coastal strand Maritime hammock Estuarine tidal swamp Plant Species Sightings:

Necklace Pod

E. Water Quality The property is surrounded by tidal saltwater on three quarters of its boundary. According

to Florida DEP Surface Water Standards (17-3.02) the adjacent water bodies have the following surface Water Quality classifications:

Cocohatchee River Class II (17-3.02.600 (3) ©11)

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Little Hickory Bay Class II (17-3.02.600 (3) ©11) Wiggins Pass Class II (17-3.02.600 (3) ©11)

Class II waters have a designated use of shellfish propagation or harvesting.

Barefoot Beach Preserve Outstanding Florida Waters (17-3.02.700 (9) (f)

Outstanding Florida Waters designated by the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission as worthy of special protection because of their natural attributes.

No hydrological restoration will be performed on the project site.

F. Unique Geological Features The Preserve land is typically composed of Holocene age barrier islands sands that were

deposited by barrier island processes in the last few thousand years as a result of sea level rise. Cores in the Naples area (Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc., 1988), and peat outcrops along beaches south of the Preserve indicate that the barrier island sand is 15’ to 30’ thick along the Collier County coast. The barrier island sands with some sand and peat from old mangrove swamps are typically underlain by limestone and marl of the Anastasia and Tamiami Formations (McCoy, 1962).

According to information provided by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), there are two soil types within the Preserve’s boundary.

CANAVERAL BEACHES COMPLEX Canaveral Beaches Complex is located on nearly level, moderately well drained soil on

low ridges of beach. The Canaveral soil has a surface layer of dark brown fine sand about 4” thick. The substratum is brown to light gray fine sand mixed with shell fragments to a depth of about 80”. Typically, beaches consist of sand mixed with shell fragments and shells. In 90% of the area mapped, this complex Canaveral soil makes up 55%, and beach areas make up 45% of the map unit. The permeability of the Canaveral soil is rapid to very rapid. The available water capacity is very low. In most years, the seasonal high water table is at a depth of 18” to 40” for 1 to 4 months. In other months, the water table is below 40”. This soil is subject to tidal flooding under severe weather conditions.

DURBIN AND WULFERT MUCKS Typically located in frequently flooded and level, very poorly drained soils in tidal

mangrove swamps. The Durbin soil has a surface soil of dark reddish brown to black muck about 63” thick. The substratum is dark gray fine sand to a depth of about 80”. The Wulfert soil has a surface soil of dark reddish brown to black muck about 40” thick. The substratum is dark gray fine sand to a depth of about 80”. According to mapping by NRCS in Collier County local conditions can consist entirely of Durbin soil, Wulfert soil, or any combination of both. The permeability of the Durbin soil is rapid and the available water capacity is high. The permeability of the Wulfert soil is rapid and the available water capacity is moderate. The water table fluctuates with the tide and is within 12” of the surface most of the year. The soil is subject to tidal flooding.

G. Trail Network

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The project site will not enhance any existing local, regional, or statewide recreational trail system.

H. Greenways The same management objectives that govern the project site and Barefoot Beach Preserve

are observed in the management of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the other large publicly owned area that makes up the surrounding greenway. Both areas exist first for the protection of natural resources with recreational use a secondary purpose. Concerns over carrying capacities and exotic species are shared on both sides of Wiggins Pass. County staff meet occasionally with representatives from the state park, and each agency shares with the other management plans and information on future projects. A location map depicting project site and other existing parcels comprising the greenway is located behind tab B in the Appendix.

V. Resource Enhancement A. Upland Restoration

The portions of the one-half acre from which Australian pines have been removed (see discussion of invasive exotic plants, below) that are not developed with the educational kiosk and pavilion will be revegetated with native plantings consistent with the species found in the existing maritime hammock.

County staff is currently recommending a settling period for the area where the Australian pines were mulched on site. By September 2004 staff will be able to assess the pace at which the mulch will decompose and formulate a plan for restoration. That plan will be submitted to FCT as a supplement to the Land Management Plan by November 2004. The upland restoration area is indicated on the Master Site Plan behind tab A in the Appendix.

B. Wetland Restoration No wetland restoration will be undertaken on the project site.

C. Invasive Exotic Plants An invasive exotic control program has already been initiated on the project site. One-half

acre of mature Australian pines and several Brazilian pepper trees were removed using a Brontosaurus, a CAT machine with a chipper head. The stumps of the trees were then ground using a hydro-ax machine. Chipped material was allowed to remain on site. Smaller trees were cut by hand using a chainsaw. All stumps were treated with Garlon 4 per label rates.

The initial exotic removal was initiated on April 13, 2004 and completed on April 16, 2004. The Collier County Environmental Services Department will monitor and re-treat the site every 6 months for the first year and then annually after the first year, using the Exotic Pest Plant Council’s list of Florida’s Most Invasive Species to identify invasive exotics. A copy of the list is included behind tab D in the Appendix.

For a discussion of proposed revegetation, see the discussion of upland restoration, above.

D. Prescribed Burn Plan There will be no prescribed burning on the project site.

E. Feral Animal Program

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Currently there are no feral animals on the project site. Park Rangers will monitor the project site for feral animals. Should feral animals become an issue for the site in the future, Park Rangers will coordinate efforts with Collier County Domestic Animal Services for their removal.

VI. Archeological, Cultural, and Historical Resource Protection The project site was surveyed for archeological and historical resources on June 2, 2003 by the Cultural Resources Management Program of Florida Gulf Coast University. A systematic surface inspection of the entire site was conducted by traversing the property east-west at five-meter intervals. In the southeast corner of the project site evidence of prehistoric activity was encountered. The site consists of a scatter of shells, predominantly oysters, and three shell tools of Calusa origin were found there. The site has been filed with the Division of Historical Resources as the Half Shell Site, Florida Master Site File #8CR871. It is hypothesized that the site was a resource processing area and that a larger habitation site may be nearby.

The Half Shell Site is located in a remote corner of the project site and the Preserve. No trail or boardwalk leads to it. In order to protect the site and the surrounding natural area, the location of the site will not be advertised to the public. The site is interpreted for the public, however, as part of the on-going Park Ranger program “The Calusa: People of the Estuary.” This program is currently being offered in public schools and on site. It will be a regularly scheduled program at the Preserve in the fall of 2004. Calusa culture is also a topic interpreted regularly in canoe trips and nature walks offered by Park Rangers at the Preserve.

A cultural resource survey will be performed on any area within the project site that is proposed for development prior to the commencement of proposed development activities in that area.

The Division of Historical Resources will be notified immediately if evidence is found to suggest that further archeological or historical resources exist on the project site. Collier County will work with the Cultural Resources Management Program of Florida Gulf Coast University to coordinate with Division of Historical Resources on the protection and management of any further archeological and historical resources. The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archeological and historic sites on the project site will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. The management of the archeological and historical resources will comply with the provisions of Chapter 267, Florida Statutes specifically Sections 267.061 2(a) and (b).

In light of the site found on the project site, the County will be incorporating plans to perform an archeological site survey of the entire Barefoot Beach Preserve into the Preserve’s Land Management Plan.

VII. Education Signs and Program An interactive educational kiosk will be developed on the project site. The round kiosk will be divided into four wedge-shaped sections addressing the four major habitats within the Preserve (Beach Dune, Coastal Strand, Maritime Hammock, and Tidal Swamp). Listed species, barrier island dynamics, and the site’s archeological resources will also be covered. Each section will contain two 18 x 24-inch solid composite phenolic panels with fire-retardant, fade-proof, and graffiti-proof properties. An acrylic overlay and UV inhibitor will

16

cover each panel. The kiosk will also contain two discovery boxes housing artifacts and specimens that will offer visitors a multisensory educational experience.

A. Education Program Collier County Park Rangers have conducted 252 educational programs at Barefoot Beach

Preserve in the last year, 68 of which have made use of the project site. All programs are presented by Park Rangers who have attended the Florida State Park Ranger Academy and interpretive training conducted by the Senior Park Naturalist. Program topics include sea turtles, native plants, shells, native peoples, and general natural history topics. Target audiences are both residents and visitors. Park Rangers have also developed a suite of programs appropriate for elementary school children, especially 4th graders, who study Florida prehistory. The programs meet Florida Sunshine State Standards, and include pre and post activity sheets for educators. The Senior Park Naturalist is continuously updating and expanding the education component of the Park Ranger program.

B. Museum and Nature Center A staffed nature center or museum on the project site is not part of this project.

VIII. Coordinated Management Collier County owns or leases the 342 acres of the Barefoot Beach Preserve that surround the 1.69-acre project site. An ultimate goal for management of the project site is that the site, its management and ownership, differ from the rest of the Preserve only in the world of written documents. Visitors to the Preserve, as well as its natural communities and wildlife, should experience the Preserve as one functioning coastal barrier system, and one should be able to move seamlessly from the project site to the state-owned lands to the county-owned lands without seeing in the landscape the boundaries that exist on paper. Collier County will manage the site with this vision in mind and will synchronize the two management plans that govern the Preserve so as to achieve it. Land ownership and existing and proposed facilities are indicated on the Master Site Plan behind tab A in the Appendix.

IX. Management Needs A. Maintenance

Park Rangers and Beach and Water Maintenance personnel are responsible for day-to-day maintenance activities such as clean up and trash removal. Collier County Environmental Services Department will maintain the exotic plant removal and monitoring program. Collier County Parks and Recreations and Facilities Management Departments will coordinate responsibility for maintenance of permanent structures developed on the project site.

B. Security Collier County Park Rangers have the primary responsibility for the security of the project

site. Security is conducted in accordance with the Parks and Recreation Department Security and Protection Plan, with reliance on the Collier County Sheriff’s Office as necessary. The site is secured from theft and vandalism, as is the rest of the Preserve, through main entrance gates that are closed and locked from sundown to 8:00 am.

C. Staffing Two Park Rangers, one Beach and Water Maintenance personnel and one Park Attendant

are assigned to Barefoot Beach Preserve during park hours (8:00 am to sundown). The Friends of Barefoot Beach has 250 members, who volunteer regularly with trail maintenance

17

and coordinating lecture series and interpretive programs. No new staff has been required as a result of the acquisition of the project site.

X. Cost Estimates and Funding Sources Removal of the exotics cost approximately $30,000. Half was funded by a grant from the State of Florida, $4500 was funded by a grant from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the balance by Collier County Parks and Recreation from the exotic removal line item within the Capital Projects budget. Collier County Environmental Services will budget for and fund future monitoring.

Cost estimates for the pavilion and kiosk are as follows:

30’ x 30’ open pavilion $90,000 15’ radius kiosk 50,000 Connecting boardwalk 10,000 Lockable cabinets 10,000 Signage 2,000 Design and permitting 20,000 Survey 5,000 Permits 5,000 Subtotal 192,000 Contingency 8,000 TOTAL 200,000 Part of the FCT reimbursement of the purchase price of the project site will be used to fund the pavilion and kiosk.

Development of the nature trail is not expected to require additional expenditure beyond that which was incurred during exotic removal.

Upland restoration has yet to be estimated. It will be funded either by the Beach and Water Operating or the Capital Projects budget within Collier County Parks and Recreation, depending on the estimated cost.

Educational programming, maintenance, security, and staffing will be subsumed within the Parks and Recreation Beach and Water Operating budget.

XI. Priority Schedule Month & Year Activity August 2004 begin vacation of right-of-way September 2004 begin survey of plant and animal species

begin upland restoration plan October 2004 perform exotics monitoring

begin design and permit of pavilion and kiosk November 2004 request comments on land management plan from FWCC

submit upland restoration plan December 2004 complete survey of plant and animal species January 2005 submit annual stewardship report

18

February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 perform exotics monitoring

begin bidding of pavilion and kiosk May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 submit comments on land management plan from FWCC August 2005 September 2005 begin survey of plant and animal species October 2005 begin construction of pavilion and kiosk November 2005 December 2005 complete survey of plant and animal species January 2006 submit annual stewardship report February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 perform exotics monitoring

complete construction of pavilion and kiosk May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 begin survey of plant and animal species October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 complete survey of plant and animal species (repeat in 2009, 2012, 2015, etc.) January 2007 submit annual stewardship report February 2007 March 2007 April 2007 perform exotics monitoring May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 submit annual stewardship report February 2008 March 2008 April 2008 perform exotics monitoring May 2008 June 2008 July 2008 August 2008

19

20

September 2008 October 2008 November 2008 December 2008 January 2009 submit annual stewardship report February 2009 March 2009 April 2009 perform exotics monitoring May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 XII. Monitoring And Reporting

Collier County Parks and Recreation will prepare and submit an Annual Stewardship Report on January 30 of each year, evaluating the implementation of the Management Plan. Collier County Parks and Recreation will request prior review and approval from FCT for any proposed modification of the Management Plan and/or the undertaking any of site alterations or physical improvements that are not addressed in the approved Management Plan.

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BAREFOa,. BEACH PRESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX F

FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY - ELEMENT OCCURRENCE RECORD 10/03/91

scientific name: TRICHECHUS MANATUS common name: WEST INDIAN MANATEE

date last observed: 1990-08-27 county name: Collier, Lee, Monroe

quad name: EVERGLADES CITY, FORT MYERS BEACH, WHITE WATER BAY E, TARPON BAY, SANDY KEY, LAKE INGRAHAM WEST, LAKE INGRAHAM EAST, FLAMINGO, SHARK RIVER ISLAND, WHITE WATER BAY WEST, SHARK POINT, BARNEY RIVER, PLOVER KEY, LOSTMANS RIVER RANGER STATION, . BIG LOSTMANS BAY, PAVILLION KEY,ALLIGATOR BAY, CPE ROMANO, PANTHER KEY, CHOKOLOSKEE, MARCO ISLAND, ROYAL PALM HAMMOCK, WEAVERS STATION, NAPLES SOUTH, BELLE MEADE, NAPLES NORTH,BONITA SPRINGS, ESTERO, SANIBEL ISLAND, OCHOPEE, BIG BOY LAKE, GATER HOOK SWAMP

township and range: 0535029 section: precision: SC town/range comments: NO SECTION #.

General desc.: GULF COAST AND ASSOCiATED BAYS, RIVERS, PASSSES AND INLETS FROM EAST CAPE TO S END OF SAN CARLOS BAY; SUBMERGED SPERMATOPHYTES PLENTIFUL, FRESHWATER READILY AVAILABLE.

EO data: RELATIVELY COMMON PARTICULARLY IN "rEN THOUSAND ISLANDS AREA FEED ON SEA GRASSES AR ALGAE; CA. 150 MANATEES INHABIT THE AREA IN SUMMER AND 190 IN WINTER.

managed area name: OSBORN SANCTURARY, ESTERO BAY AQUATIC PRESERVE, ROOKERY BAY AQUATAIC PRESERVE, CAPE ROI\IIANO - 10,000 ISLANDS AQUATIC PRESERVE, EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK, MATANZAS PASS

owner: STATE OF FLORIDA owner comments: COASTAL WATERS UNDER STATE JURISDICTION

best source: OSHEA, T. STRENIA PROJECT, NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE LABORATORY, US FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE, 412 NE 16 T H

AVE., GAINESVILLE, FL 32601. (904) 372 -2571

eanuh.: AZA

data sens.:

FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY • ELEMENT OCCURANCE RECORD 10/03/91

scientific name: CARETTA CARETTA common name: LOGGERHEAD

date last observed: 1980 county name: Collier, Lee

quad name: BONITA SPRINGS, NAPLES NORTH

township and range: 0485025E section:07 precision: 5 town/range comments: ALSO T 475, T 495.

general desc. 13.4 KM. STRETCH OF GULF COASTAL BEACH.

EO data: NESTING BEACH. DATA PRESENTED AS YEAR: # NESTS OBSERVED (#/KM). BONITA BEACH (9.7 KM) MONITORED 1975-79: 1975: 4 (4.1), 1976: 44 (4.5), 1977: 32 (3.3), 1978: 40 (4.1), 1 52 (5.4). WIGGINS PASS (3.7 KM) ADDED 1980 TO TOTAL A MONITORED: 1980 22 (1.6).

managed area name: BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE, DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS STATE RECREATION AREA

owner: owner comments:

Best source: HOPKINS, S.R., AND J. RICHARDSON, EDS. 1981. DRAFT RECOVER PLAN FOR MARINE TURTLES. MARINE TURTLE RECOVERY TEAM. 266 PP.

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Ecnum.: 036

data sens.:

FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY - ELEMENT OCCURANCE RECORD 10/03/91

scientific name: URSUS AMERICAN US FLORIDANAS common name: FLORIDA BLACK BEAR

date last observed: 1984 county name: Collier

quad name: BONITA SPRINGS

township and range: 0485025E section :08 precision: M town/range comments: +SEC. 5-7, 17, 20 *

general desc. *(EORANKCOMM): POP. DATA, BASED ON PNDVRA02.

EO data: COMMON REPORTS CA. 1984.\

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managed area name: BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE, DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS STATE RECREATION AREA

I'

owner: FLORIDA DNR owner comments:

!' Best source: BRADY, JAMES R. FL GAME & FRESH WATER FISH COMMISSION, WILDLIFE RESERACH LAB., 4005 S. MAIN ST .• GAINESVILLE, FL 3261. (9-4 376-6481).

Ecnum.: 020

data sens.:

I:

I I I I I I

FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY - ELEMENT OCCURANCE RECORD 10/03/91

scientific name: DENDROICA DISCOLOR PALUDICOLA common name: FLORIDA PRAIRIE WARBLER

date last observed: 1983 county name: Collier

quad name: BONITA SPRINGS

township and range: 0485025E section:17 precision: M . town/range comments: SW4, +NW4 SEC. 20

general desc. IN MANGROVES OF BOTH AREAS.

EO data: COMMON REPORTS CA. 1984.

managed area name: NUMEROUS NESTS IN 1983 (P84ALV01).

owner: FLORIDA DNR, DIV REC & PARKS owner comments: DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS ST. REC. AREA;

BAREFOOT BEACH ST. PRESERVE

Best source: ALVAREZ, KEN, CAPT. DIST. VI BIOLOGIST, FL DNRDIV OF REC & PARKS; P.O BOX 398, OSPREY, FL 33559. OFC: 813-966-3594.

Ecnum.: 010

data sens.:

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FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY - ELEMENT OCCURANCE RECORD 10/03/91

scientific name: VIREO ALTILOQUOS common name: BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO

date last observed: 1983 county name: Collier

quad name: BONITA SPRINGS

township and range: 0485025E section:17 precision: M town/range comments: SW4, +NW4 SEC. 20

general desc. IN MANGROVES (& HAMMOCK?) OF BOTH AREAS.

EO data: COMMON REPORTS CA. 1984.

managed area name: NUMEROUS NESTS IN 1983 (P84ALV01).

owner: FLORIDA DNR, DIV REC & PARKS owner comments: DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS ST. REC. AREA;

BAREFOOT BEACH ST. PRESERVE

Best source: ALVAREZ, KEN, CAPT. OIST. VI BIOLOGIST, FL ONRDIV OF REC & PARKS; P.O BOX 398, OSPREY, FL 33559. OFC: 813-966-3594.

Ecnum.: 017

data sens.:

I

I

I I I I I I I

II

I" FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY - ELEMENT OCCURANCE RECORD

10/03/91

scientific name: GOPHERUS POLYPHEMUS common name: GOPHER TORTOISE

date last observed: 1991-02-23 county name: Collier

quad name: BONITA SPRINGS

township and range: 0485025E section:17 precision: SC town/range comments: W2

general desc. SANDY UPLAND STRIP CA. 1 MJ. LONG AND 500' WIDE FRONTING MANGROVE-FILLED BAY AREA CA. % MILE WIDE. HABITAT FOR GOPHERS CONSISTS OF CLUMPS OF SHRUBS AND PALMS WITH MUCH SHELL FRAGMENT ADMIXED. (F91JOH25FL)

EO data: NO QUANTITATIVE DATA BUT "SIGNIFICANT POPULATION" IN 1983 (P84ALV01). 91-02-23: 5 ACTIVE BURROWS SEEN -2 SMALL AND LARGE. ONE LARGE TORTOISE SEEN (18" LONG) WHICH DISAPPEARED INTO SU RROW (CA. 11 :30AM) (F91JOH25FL).

managed area name: BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE

owner: FL DNR owner comments: LEASED TO COLLIER COUNTY

Best source: ALVAREZ, KEN, CAPT. DIST. VI BIOLOGIST, FL DNRDIV OF REC & PARKS; P.O BOX 398, OSPREY, FL 33559. OFC: 813-966-3594.

Ecnum.: 017

datasens.:

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! I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY - ELEMENT OCCURANCE RECORD 10/03/91

scientific name: COASTAL STRAND common name:

d ate last observed: 1983 cou nty name: Collier

quad name: BONITA SPRINGS

township and range: 0485025E section:17 precision: M town/range comments: SW 4

general desc. BEHIND BEACH DUNE ZONE.

EO data: SEAGRAPE, SAW PALMETTO, SPANISH-BAYONET, PRICKLYPEAR (0 STRICTA), COIN VINE, CATCLAW, AGAVE, GRAY NICKER, LANTANA SP., SOPHORA TOMENTOSA, SCAEVOLA PLUMIERI, ERNODEA L1TTORALIS (U82DRP02).

managed area name: BAREFOOT BEACH. PRESERVE.

owner: FL DNR, DIV REC & PARKS owner comments: BAREFOOT BEACH STATE PRESERVE

best source: FL DNR, DIV OF REC & PARKS. 1982. MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BAREFOOT BEACH STATE PRESERVE (UN PUBLISHED, REVISED FROM 1979).

Ecnum.: 024

data sens.:

FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY - ELEMENT OCCURANCE RECORD 10/03/91

scientific name: MARI"r1ME HAMMOCK common name:

date last observed: 1991-02-23 county name: Collier

quad name: BONITA SPRINGS

township and range: 0485025E section:17 precision: SC town/range comments: SW 4

general desc. BEHIND COASTAL STRAND. SANDY UPLAND STRIP CA. 1MILE LONG 500' WIDE FRONTING MANGROVE­FILLED BAY AREA CA. ~ MILE WIDE. (F91 JOH25Fl)

EO data: CABBAGE PALM, MYRSINE, STRANGLER FIG, WHITE STOPPER, SEVEN-YEAR APPLE, RANDIA, GUMBO LIMBO (U82DRP02). 1991-02-23: LOW (25') CONTINUOUS UNDERSTORY NEAR MANGROVE BREAK UP INTO "ISLANDS" TOWARDS GULF WITH LARGE,OPEN, SHELLY AREAS BETWEEN. IN UNDERSTORY: PRIMARILY· RAPANEA PUNCTATA, SCHINUS TEREBINTHIFOLlUS, BUM EllA CALASTRINA, PSYCHOTRIA NERVOSA, EUGENiA AXILLARIS. IN OPEN, WOODY "ISLANDS" NEAR GULF: RAPANEA & FORESTIERA STILL ABUNDANT JOINED BY PITHECELLOBIUM KEYENSIS, LANTANA INVOLUCRATA, YUCCA ALOIFOL/A, CASASIA CLUTISIFOL/A, RANDIA ACULEATA, CHIOCOCCA ALBA. IN OPENINGS BETWEEN WOODY "ISLANDS" ARE FOUND LOW SHRUBS AND HERBS, INCLUDING: ERNODEA L1TTORAL/S, CHIOCOCCA PINETORUM, AMBROSIA HISPIDA, OPUNTIA STRICTA, AND THE EXOTIC CATHARANTHUS ROSEA. GOPHER BURROWS ARE FREQUENT IN THIS HABITAT. SAND OFTEN HAS A "SHELL PAVEMENT" ON SURFACE •. (F91JOH25FL)

managed area name: BAREFOOT BEACH. PRESERVE.

owner: FL DNR owner comments: LEASED TO COLLIER COUNTY.

best source: JOHNSON, ANN F. 1991. FI ELD SURVEY OF BAREFOOT BEACH STATE PRESERVE,COLLlER, CO., FL. 23 FEB. 1991

Ecnum.: 034

data sens.:

I

I

I

I

I I I I I I I

I I I I I (

I I I I I I I I I I

I

FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY - ELEMENT OCCURANCE RECORD 10103191

scientific name: ESTUARINE TIDAL SWAMP common name:

date last observed: 1983 county name: Collier

quad name: BONITA SPRINGS

township and range: 0485025E section:17 precision: M town/range comments: SW4, +NW4 SEC.20

general desc. MANGROVE SWAMP EXTENDING FULL LENGTHOF BOTH PROPERTIES ON BAY SIDE.

EO data: DOMINATED BY RED & BLACK MANGROVES, WITH SOME WHITE MANGROVE. BUTTONWOOD COMMON ABOVE HIGH TIDE LINE.

managed area name: DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS ST.REC.AREA; BAREFOOT BEACH ST. PRESERVE.

owner: fL DNR, DIV REC & PARKS owner comments: DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS ST .REC.AREA;BAREFOOT

BEACHST .PRESERVE.

Best source: FLA DNR,DIV OF REC & PARKS. 1982. MANAGMENT PLAN FOR BAREFOOT BEACH ST. PRESERVE (UNPUBLISHED, REVISED FROM 1979).

Ecnum.: 012

data sens.:

I

FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY· ELEMENT OCCURANCE RECORD 10/03/91

scientific name: SOPHORA TOMENTOSA common name: NECKLACE POD

d ate last observed: 1982? county name: Collier

quad name: BONITA SPRINGS

township and range: 0485025E section: 17 precision: M town/range comments: SW 4

general desc. IN COASTAL STRAND (CIT.024).

EO data: NO POPULATION ESTIMATE.

Managed area name: BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE

owner: FL DNR,DIV REC & PARKS owner comments: BAREFOOT BEACH STATE PREERVE.

Best source: FL DNR, DIV OF REC & PARKS. 1982. MANAGEM ENT PLAN FOR BAREFOOT BEACH STATE PRESERVE (UNPUBLISHED, REVISED FROM 1979).

Ecnum.: 040

data sens.:

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\ ~,

2003 FLEPPC Plant List Page 1 of 6

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•

f1.,o-v~ Exotic Pest Plant Council's

2003

List of Invasive Species

Purpose of the List: To focus attention on -­~ the adverse effects of exotic pest plants on Florida's biodiversity and ecosystems, ~ the habitat losses from exotic pest plant infestations, ~ the impacts on endangered species via habitat loss and alteration, ~ the need to prevent habitat losses through pest-plant management, ~ the socio-economic impacts of these plants (e.g., increased wildfires in Melaleuca areas), ~ changes in the seriousness of different pest plants over time, ~ the need to provide infonnation that helps managers set priorities for control programs.

DEFINITIONS: Exotic-a species introduced to Florida, purposefully or accidentally, from a natural range outside of Florida. Native-a species whose natural range included Florida at the time of European contact (1500 AD). Naturalized exotic-an exotic that sustains itself outside cultivation (it is still exotic; it has not "become" native). Invasive exotic-an exotic that not only has naturalized but is expanding on its own in Florida plant communities.

Abbreviations used: for "Gov. list": P =Prohibited by Fla. Dept. of Environmental Protection, N =Noxious weed listed by Fla. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services,U =Noxious weed listed by U.S. Department of Agriculture. for "Reg. Dis.": N = north, C = central, S = south, referring to each species' current distribution in general regions of Florida (not its potential range in the state). See following map.

For additional information on distributions of particular species by county, visit the University of South Florida's Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants web site, www.plantatlas.usf:edu. Many of those species entries also have habit and close-up pictures of the species. Additional images for some species may be found at the "Introduced Species" page on the Univ. of Florida Herbarium website, at Fairchild Tropical Garden's Virtual Herbarium and at the University of Florida's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plant Website http://plants.ifas.ufl.eduJ. For other additional information on plants included in this list, see related links and pages at this web site on the home page menu.

Category I - Invasive exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. This definition does not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but on the documented ecological damage caused.

http://www.fleppc.org/Plantlist/03Iist.htm 6/1612004

2003 FLEPPC Plant List Page 2of6

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Scientific Name Common Name EPPC Cat.

Gov. list

Reg. Dist.

kibrus vrecatorius rosary pea I C,S 14.cacia auriculiformis earleaf acacia I S V\lbizia julibrissin mimosa, silk tree I N,C IAlbizia lebbeck woman's tongue I C,S 14.rdisia crenata (= A. coral ardisia I N,C

crenulata) 14.rdisia ellivtica (=A. shoebutton ardisia I S

humilis) IAsvaral.'us densiflorus asparagus-fern I C,S lJiauhinia variegata orchid tree I C,S lBischofia iavanica bischofia I C,S Calovhvllum antillanum santa maria (names "mast

wood," "Alexandrian laurel" used in cultivation)

I S (=c. calaba; C. inophyllum misapplied)

Casuarina eauisetifolia Australian pine I P N,C,S Ca~uarinal!lauca suckering Australian pine I P C,S Cinnamomum camvhora camphor-tree I N,C,S Colocasia esculenta wild taro 1 N,C,S Colubrina asiatica lather leaf I S Cupaniopsis carrotwood I N C,S Ianacardioides iIJjoscorea alata winged yam I N N,C,S Dioscorea bulbifera air-potato I N N,C,S Eichhornia crassives water-hvacinth I P N,C,S Eugenia uni[l2ra Surinam cherry I C,S Ficus microcaroa (F. laurel fig I C,S nitida and F. retusa var. nitida misapplied)

Hvdrilla verticillata hydrilla I P,U N,C,S HVf!rovhila volvsverma green hygro I P,U N,C,S IHvmenachne West Indian marsh grass I C,S lamplexicaulis lmverata cvlindrica (I. cogon grass I N,U N,C,S brasiliensis misapplied) ~fJomoea aquatica waterspinach I P, U C lJasminum dichotomum Gold Coast jasmine I C,S lJasmin_um fluminense Brazilian iasmine I C,S Lantan.a camara lantana, shrub verbena I N,C,S Li!?ustrum lucidum glossy privet I N,C

igustrum sinense Chinese privet, hedge privet I N,C,S '1Jnicera ianonica Japanese honeysuckle I N,C,S LVf!odium iavonicum Japanese climbing fern I N N,C,S JYfwd(um microvhvllum Old World climbing fern I N C,S

Macfadvgna unguis-ca(i cat's claw vine I N,C,S Manilkara zapota sapodilla I S Melaleuca fJuinauenervia melaleuca, paper bark I P,N,U C,S Melia azedarach Chinaberry I N,C,S Mimosa vil.'ra catclaw mimosa I P.N.U C,S Nan.d}na domestica nandina,heavenlvbamboo I N lYg12hrol?ms cordjfQlia sword fern I N,C,S Nephrolepis multiflora Asian sword fern I C,S l1f!yraudia revnaudiana Burma reed; cane grass I N S Paederia cruddasiana sewer vine, onion vine I N S Paederia foetida skunk vine I N N,C,S iPanicum revens torpedo grass I N,C,S Pennisetum vumureum Napier grass I C,S

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2003 FLEPPC Plant List Page 3 of6

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Pistia stratiotes waterlettuce I P N,C,S Psidium cattleianum strawberry guava I C,S

(=P. littorale) Psidium f!uaiava guava I C,S Pueraria montana (=P. kudzu I N,U N,C,S

lobata) Rhodomvrtus tomentosa downy rose-myrtle I N C,S Rhoeo spathacea (see Tradescantia svathacea) Ruellia brittoniana (may Mexican petunia I N,C,S

also be referred to R. tweediana)

Saviunzsebiferunl popcorn tree, Chinese tallow tree

I N N,C,S

lscaevola sericea scaevola, half-flower, beach naupaka

I C,S (=Scaevola taccada var. sericea, S. frutescens)

lschefflera actinovhvlla schefflera, Queensland umbrella tree

I C,S =Brassaia actinovhvlla)

Is.s:hinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper I P.N N,C,S Senna pendula (=Cassia climbing cassia, Christmas

cassia, Christmas senna I C,S

coluteoides) ISolanum tamvicense wetland night shade, aquatic

soda apple I N,U C,S

(=S. houstonii) ISolanum viarum tropical soda apple I N.U N,C,S ls'yn,l,1onium vodovhyllum arrowhead vine I C,S SVZVfllum c:;umini iambolan, Java plum I C,S Tectaria incisa incised halberd fern I S Thf}SfLesiaJ2Jlll-ulnea seaside mahoe I C,S Tradescantia fluminensis white-flowered wandering

jew I N,C

Tradescantia snathacea oyster plant I S (= Rhoeo spathacea, Rhoeo discolor)

Urochloa mutica ( = Para grass I C,S Brachiaria mutica)

Category II - Invasive exotics that have increased in abundance or frequenty but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These species may become ranked Category I, if ecological damage is demonstrated.

•

Scientific Name Common Name EPPC Cat.

Gov. list

Reg. Dist.

Adenanthera vavonina red sandalwood II S A,l,1ave sisalana sisal hemp II C,S Aleurites fordii (=

Verniciafordii) tung oil tree II N,C

Alstonia macrovhvlla devil-tree II S Alternanthera

vhiloxeroides alligator weed II P N,C,S

Antif!onon levtovus coral vine II N,C,S Aristolochia littoralis calico flower II N,C ~systasia ,l,1an,l,1etica Ganges primrose II C,S lBef{onia cucullata wax begonia II N,C i}1roussonetia vavvrifera paper mulberry II N,C Callisia fraf{rans inch plant, spironema II C,S Casuarina

cunnin,l,1hamiana Australian pine II P C,S

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2003 FLEPPC Plant List Page 4 of6

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Cecropia palmata trumpet tree II S

Cestrum diurnum day jessamine II C,S

Chamaedorea seifrizii bamboo palm II S

Cryptostegia ,mada/!,ascariensis

rubber vine II C,S

Cyperus involucratus (c. 'alternifolius misapplied)

umbrella plant II C,S

Cvverus vrolirer dwarf papyrus II C lDalber/!,ia sissoo Indian rosewood, sissoo II C,S IElaeaJlnus vunJlens thorny eleagnus II N,C i,Epipremnum pinnatum

cv. Aureum pothos II C,S

IFicus altissima false banyan, council tree II S Flacourtia indica governor's plum II S lHemarthria altissima limpo grass II C,S !Hibiscus tiliaceus mahoe, sea hibiscus II C, S ITpomoea fistulosa (= I.

carnea ssp. fistulosa) shrub morning-glory II P C,S

lJasminum sambac Arabian iasmine II S Kalanchoe vinnata life plant II C,S lKoelreuteria ele/!,ans flamegold tree II C,S Leucaenaleucocevhala lead tree II N,C,S Limnovhila sessiliflora Asian marshweed II P N,C,S Livistona chinensis Chinese fan palm II C,S Merremia tuberosa wood-rose. II S Murraya paniculata orange-iessamine II S Mvriophyllum spicatum Eurasian water-milfoil II P N,C,S Nvmvhoides cristata snowflake II C,S Panicum maximum Guinea grass II C,S Passiflora biflora twin-flowered passion vine II S Pennisetum setaceum green fountain grass II S Phoenix reclinata Senegal date palm II C,S Phyllostachys aurea golden bamboo II N,C Pteris vittata Chinese brake fern II N,C,S Ptvchosverma eleJlans solitary palm II S Rhynchelvtrum repens Natal grass II N,C,S Ricinus communis castor bean II N,C,S ~ansevieria

hyacinthoides bowstring hemp II C,S

!Sesbania punicea purple sesban, rattlebox II N,C,S Isolanum diphyllum twinleaf nightshade II N,C,S !Solanum ;amaicense Jamiaca nightshade II C L'lolanum torvum susumber, turkey berrv II N.V N,C,S ~yagrus romanzoffiana

(= Arecastrum romanzoffianum)

queen palm II C,S

ISVZV.l.'ium iambos rose-apple II C,S Terminalia catappa tropical almond II C,S Terminalia muelleri Australian almond II C,S Tribulus cistoides puncture vine, bur-nut II N,C,S Urena lobata Caesar's weed II N,C,S Wedelia trilobata wedelia II N,C,S Wisteria sinensis Chinese wisteria II N,C \Xanthosoma

sa/!,ittifolium rnala~ga, elephant ear II N,C,S

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2003 FLEPPC Plant List Page 5 of6

Citation example:

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FLEPPC. 2003. List of Florida's Invasive Species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Internet: !:!t.1p://www..fkpm:~.r.g(J).Jl!$..Lhtm

The 2003 list was prepared by the FLEPPC Plant List Committee:

Keith A. Bradley Institute for Regional Conservation 22601 S.W. 152ud Ave. Miami, FL 33170

Kathy Craddock Burks (CHAIR) Bureau of Invasive Plant Management Florida Department of Environmental Protection 3800 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 705 Tallahassee, FL 32399

Nancy Craft Coile, Botanist Emeritus Division of Plant Industry Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 22804 N.W. CR-2054, Alachua, FL 32615

JameS G. Duquesnel Florida Park Service Florida Department of Environmental Protection P.O. Box 487 Key Largo, FL 33037

Edward Freeman The Nature Conservancy 1413 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236

David W. Hall Private Consulting Botanist 3666 N.W. 13th Place Gainesville, FL 32605

Roger L. Hammer Miami-Dade Parks Department Castellow Hammock Nature Center 22301 S.W. 162ud Ave. Miami, FL 33030

Kenneth A. Langeland Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, IFAS Univ~rsity of Florida 7922 N.W. 71st St. Gainesville, FL 32606 <![endif]> Robert·W. Pemberton Agricultural Research Station U.S. Department of Agriculture 2305 College Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314

Daniel B. Ward Department of Botany University of Florida 220 Bartram Hall

http://www.fleppc.org/Plantlist/03list.htm 6/16/2004

2003 FLEPPC Plant List

Gainesville, FL 32611

Richard P. Wunderlin Institute for Systematic Botany Department of Biological Sciences University of South Florida Tampa, FL 33620

Page 6 of6

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FCTContractNumberp'I-CT- 7i!.- t>7-'?7-,4/·$"):r

FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST 03-073-FF3 THE "PRESERVE THE PRESERVE" BAREFOOT BEACH OUTPARCEL CSFA# - 52002

GRANT CONTRACT

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into on ::JA//t-.e>.4'7 .;!.I , 200~ the date the last party executes this Agreement, by and between the FLORlDACOMMUNITIES TRUST (FCT), a nonregulatory agency within the State of Florida Department of Community Affairs, and COLLIER COUNTY, local government of the State of Florida (Recipient). The intent of this Agreement is to impose terms and conditions on the use of the proceeds of certain bonds, hereinafter described, and the lands acquired with such proceeds (Project Site), that are necessary to ensure compliance with applicable Florida law and federal income tax law and to otherwise implement provisions of Sections 259.105,259.1 051, and Chapter 380, Part III, Florida Statutes (F.S.).

* * * * * * *

WHEREAS, Chapter 380, Part III, F.S., the Florida Communities Trust Act, creates a nonregulatory agency within the Department of Community Affairs (Department) that will ~ssist

local governments in bringing local comprehensive plans into compliance and implementing the goals, objectives, and policies of the conservation, recreation and open space, and coastal management elements of local comprehensive plans, or in conserving natural resources and resolving land use conflicts by providing financial assistance to local governments and nonprofit environmental organizations to carry out projects and activities authorized by the Florida Communities Trust Act;

WHEREAS, Section 259.1 05(3)(c), F.S., of the Florida Forever Act provides for the distribution of twenty- two percent (22%) less certain reductions of the net Florida Forever Revenue Bond proceeds to the Department to provide land acquisition grants to local governments and nonprofit environmental organizations through the FCT for acquisition of community-based projects, urban open spaces, natural resource conservation areas, parks, greenways and outdoor recreation areas to implement local comprehensive plans;

. WHEREAS, the Bonds are issued as tax-exempt bonds, meaning that the interest on the Bonds is excluded from the gross income of bondholders for federal income tax purposes;

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• WHEREAS, Rule Chapter 9K-7, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), describes the procedures for evaluation and selection of lands proposed for acquisition using funds allocated to the FCT through the Department from the Florida Forever Trust Fund;

WHEREAS, the FCT Governing Board met on October 2 - 3, 2003, to score, rank, and select projects to receive approval for funding;

WHEREAS, the Recipient's project, described in an application submitted for evaluation, was selected for funding and in accordance with Rule Chapter 9K-7, F.A.C., and more particularly described within this Agreement;

WHEREAS, Rule 9K-7.009(1), F.A.C., authorizes FCT to impose conditions for funding on those FCT applicants whose projects have been selected for funding; and

WHEREAS, Rule9K-7.003(5) F.A.C., recognizes real property owned by the Recipient and included in the application as part of the Project Site as an eligible source of local match, provided that real property owned by the Recipient was acquired by the Recipient within 24 months prior to the application deadline for which the application was made. The date of this application deadline was June 10,2003;

WHEREAS, the Recipient acquired the fee simple title to the entire Project Site on DECEMBER 2.-t. ~OOI (Insert date[sJ)from Rlc.KY S'YA UFFER

• . (Insert Seller name[s});

WHEREAS, the Recipient has requested disbursement ofFCT Florida Forever Bond proceeds from FCT subsequent to the closing on the acquisition of the Project Site for the project costs expended for the acquisition of the Project Site by the Recipient; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of this Agreement is to set forth the conditions of approval that must be satisfied by Recipient prior to the disbursement of any FCT Florida Forever funds awarded, as well as the restrictions that are imposed on the Project Site subsequent to its cost reimbursement with the Bond proceeds.

NOW THEREFORE, FCT and Recipient mutually agree as follows:

1. GENERAL CONDITIONS

1. At least two original copies of this Agreement shall be executed by the Recipient and returned to the FCT office at 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100, as soon as possible and before December 11, 2003. If Recipient requires more than one original document, the Recipient should photocopy the number of additional copies needed, and then execute each as an original document. Upon receipt of the signed Agreements, FCT will execute

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• the Agreements, retain one original copy and return all other copies that have been executed to the Recipient.

2. This Agreement between the parties sets forth the requirements and responsibilities for cost reimbursement and management of the Project Site, described in the application that was submitted and selected for funding by FCT (Application).

3. Approval for funding shall be until April 3. 2004 (Expiration Date). In the event that the Project Plan described in Section V. below has not been approved by the Expiration Date, this Agreement shall be terminated. The FCT may extend this Agreement beyond the Expiration Date if the Recipient demonstrates that significant progress is being made toward Project Plan approval or that extenuating circumstances warrant an extension of time. A request for an extension must be made in writing to FCT, fully explaining the reason for the delay and

why the extension is necessary. If the Recipient does not request an extension, or if an extension is not granted to the Recipient by the FCT, the Florida Forever award granted to the Recipient shall terminate and all obligations hereunder shall cease.

4. This Agreement may be terminated before its Expiration Date at the written request of the Recipient. Such a request shall fully describe the circumstances that compel the Recipient to terminate the project. A request for termination should be mailed to the FCT at the address given in paragraph I above.

5. This Agreementmay be terminated before its Expiration Date by the FCT ifit is determined by the FCT that no significant progress is being made toward Project Plan approval, non-performance by the Recipient of the requirements listed or that other circumstances are present that would, in all likelihood, preclude or prevent the successful reimbursement for the acquisition costs for the Project Site within the established time frame. Prior to termination, notice of the proposed termination shall be mailed to the Recipient at the address given in paragraph 13 below.

6. Recipient agrees to submit the documentation to FCT that is required in this Agreement as soon as possible so that the Project Site acquisition costs may be reimbursed in an expeditious manner. Deadlines stated in this Agreement, as well as deadlines associated with any FCT activity relating to the project, are strictly enforced. Failure to adhere to deadlines may result in delays in the project, may result in allocation of time or resources to other recipients that responded timely, and may result in this Agreement being terminated by FCT.

It is the responsibility of the Recipient and its representatives to know all project deadlines, to devise a method of monitoring the project, and to adhere to all deadlines. The Recipient shall provide a monthly status report to FCT of progress towards reimbursement of the acquisition project costs.

,

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7. The FCT Florida Forever award granted to the Recipient will in no event exceed the lesser of Forty Percent (40.00%) of the final total eligible project costs, as defined in Rule 9K-7.002(29), F.A.C., or One Million Nine Hundred Nine Thousand Two Hundred Dollars And No Cents ($1,909,200.00), unless the FCT approves a different amount, after determination of the Maximum Approved Purchase Price as provided in Rule 9K-8.007, F.A.C., and which shall be reflected in an addendum to this Agreement. The amount of the grant shall not exceed the Limitation of Award provided in Rule 9K-7.003(3), F.A.C., and as advertised in the Notice of Application.

8. The grant amount stated in paragraph 7 above is based on the Recipient's estimate of total project costs in its Application, as well as limits on awards in the notice of application period announcing the application cycle. When disbursing funds for the project, the FCT will recognize the actual total project costs, defined in Rule 9K-7.002 (29), F.A.C., for acquisition of the Project Site. The total project costs will be reflected on a grant reconciliation statement prepared pursuant to paragraph 10 below. The FCT will participate in the land cost at either the actual purchase price, or the MaximumApproved Purchase Price based on appraisal reports that comply with requirements set forth in Rule 9K-8.007, F.A.C., whichever is less, and multiplied by the percent stated in paragraph 7 above.

9. The FCT Governing Board has selected the Recipient's Application for funding to acquire the entire Project Site identified in its Application. The FCT reserves the right to withdraw or adjust the FCT award if the acreage that comprises the Project Site is reduced or the project design in changed so that the objectives of the acquisition cannot be achieved. Any request for modification ofthe boundary of the Project Site identified in the Recipient's Application may be considered by the FCT following the procedures for submission and review of boundary modification requests set forth in Rule 9K-7.01O, F.A.C.

10. The FCT funds shall be delivered either in the form of eligible project costs prepaid by FCT to vendors or in the form of a State of Florida warrant to the Recipient. FCT award funds shall only be delivered after FCT approval of the Project Plan and terms ofthe acquisition of the Project Site. FCT will prepare a grant reconciliation statement prior to the reimbursement that will evidence the amount of local match, if any is required, provided by the Recipient. Funds expended by the FCT for eligible project costs incurred by the FCT will be recognized as part of the FCT grant award amount on the grant reconciliation statement.

11. The Recipient's local match, if any is required, shall be delivered either in the form of eligible project costs prepaid to vendors by the Recipient; purchase price paid to Seller; or eligible documented donation by Seller of land value. The funds expended by the Recipient for eligible project costs incurred by the Recipient will be recognized as part of the local match, if any is required, on the grant reconciliation statement prepared pursuant to paragraph 10 above.

In the event that preacquired land or donated land value is the source of local match, if any is required, the value attributed to the local match shall be determined after an appraisal report(s) that complies with the procedures and requirements set forth in Rule 9K-8.007, F.A.C. is reviewed and approved by FCT prior to FCT funds being delivered for the project. 03-073-FF3 11110/2003 Preacquisition

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12. The Recipient shall provide the required appraisal(s) for review by a date not to exceed 90 days after execution of this Agreement. FCT will review the appraisals and, upon approval, will determine the Maximum Approved Purchase Price as provided in Rule 9K­8.007(5) and (6),F.A.C., for FCT reimbursement.

13. Recipient hereby notifies the FeT that the following administrator, officer, or employee is the authorized key contact, or project manager, on behalf of the Recipient for purposes of coordinating project activities for the duration of the project:

AMAJ..JDA ()SWALD IDWNSENb

Title: OPEMrlOfJS ~ORDltJATOR

3.500 .5AI\JTA 8ARBAM 8LV'J). NAPLES J FL. 34Hb

Phone: 2.3Q -353·' btDf Fax: ~?ll- 353 - JDO£,

Email: 8fl1anda-rowllsend@coll,erBov.ne-l:

All contact and correspondence from FCT to the Recipient will be through the key contact. The Recipient must notify the FCT as to any change in the authorization of the key contact on behalf of the Recipient named above. This notification must be made in writing to the Executive Director and signed by the appropriate authorized administrator, officer, or employee or named in paragraph lIlA. below.

14. This Agreement may be amended at any time and must be set forth in a written instrument and agreed to by both the FCT and the Recipient. Such amendments shall become a part of this Agreement.

II. AUDIT REQUIREMENTS

Section 215.97, Florida Statutes, the Florida Single Audit Act, provides uniform state audit requirements for state financial assistance provided by state agencies over the audit threshold as defined in that Section as follows:

1. The Recipient agrees to maintain financial procedures and support documents, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, to account for the receipt and

expenditure of funds under this Agreement.

2. These records shall be available at all reasonable times for inspection, review, or audit by state personnel and other personnel duly authorized by FCT. "Reasonable" shall be

construed according to circumstances, but ordinarily shall mean normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., local time, Monday through Friday.

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'. 3. The Recipient shall also provide FCT with the records, reports or financial statements upon request for the purposes of auditing and monitoring the funds awarded under this Agreement.

4. Inthe event that the Recipient expends a total amount of State financial assistance from all state sources equal to or in excess of $300,000 in any fiscal year of such Recipient, the Recipient must have a State single or project-specific audit for such fiscal year in accordance with Section 215.97, Florida Statutes; applicable rules of the Executive Office of the Governor and the Comptroller, and Chapter 10.600, Rules of the Auditor General.

Section 1.7. above indicates State financial assistance through FCT by this Agreement. In determining the State financial assistance expended in its fiscal year, the Recipient shall consider all sources of State financial assistance, including State funds received from FCT, except that State financial assistance received by a nonstate entity for Federal program matching requirements shall be excluded from consideration. The funding for this Agreement was received by FCT as a grant appropriation.

a. The annual financial audit report shall include all management letters and the Recipient's response to all findings, including corrective actions to be taken.

b. The annual financial audit report shall include a schedule of financial assistance specifically identifying all Agreement and other revenue by sponsoring agency and Agreement number.

c. The complete financial audit report, including all items specified in (d) below, shall be sent directly to:

Department of Community Affairs Office of Audit Services

2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100

and State of Florida Auditor General

Room 401 574, Claude Pepper Building 111 West Madison Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1450

d. In connection with the audit requirements addressed above, the Recipient shall ensure that the audit complies with the requirements of Section 215.97(7), Florida Statutes. This includes submission of a reporting package as defined by Section 215.97(2)(d), Florida Statutes, and Chapter 10.550 and 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General.

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Name: ]f;:..<:_O_H,;-.N_D_u_IV_N_U_C_K _

Title: PUBLIC SERV\CES AbMltJ 15TAAToR.

Address: 33D1 -rAMIMAI lRA\L S. NA{)L.eD t FL·34I\2,

Phone: 2.Zfl~1ry4-&4b13 Fax: 2"{fl-73~-i-5t5

Email: johndwmuck@Golltev"gf"-DV_,..;....;.;fle=--i _

•

The Recipient must notify the FCT as to any change in the authorization of the administrator, officer or employee named in this paragraph to execute all documents on behalf of the Recipient. This notification must be made in writing to the Executive Director and signed by the appropriate administrator, officer or employee.

5. the Recipient hereby notifies the FCT that the Recipient's Federal Employer Identification Number is sq -c.,DOD5S3

IV. MANAGEMENT PLAN APPROVAL

• 1. Prior to approval of the Project Plan (described in Section V below), and final

disbursement of award funds by FCT, the Recipient must prepare a Management Plan that complies with Rule Chapter 9K-7 .011, F.A.C., and addresses the criteria and conditions set forth in Sections IV, VI, VII, VIII, and IX herein. Recipient is strongly urged to coordinate with the FCT staff in order to ensure that the FCT approval of the Management Plan occurs prior to the closing date of the real estate transaction(s) associated with the project and delivery ofFCT funds.

2. The Management Plan, which is intended to explain how the Project Site will be managed to further the purposes of the project and meet the tenns and conditions of this Agreement, shall include the following:

a. An introduction containing the project name, location and other background infonnation relevant to management.

b. The stated purpose for acquiring the Project Site as proposed in the Application and a prioritized list of management objectives.

c. The identification of known natural resources including natural communities, listed plant and animal species, soil types, surface and groundwater characteristics.

d. A detailed description of all proposed uses including existing and

• proposed physical improvements and the impact on natural resources.

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e. A detailed description of proposed restoration or enhancement activities, if any, including the objective of the effort and the techniques to be used.

f. A scaled site plan drawing showing the project site boundary, existing and proposed physicaL improvements and any natural resource restoration or enhancement areas.

g. The identification and protection of known cultural or historical resources and a commitment to conduct surveys prior to any ground disturbing activity, if applicable.

h. A description of how the management will be coordinated with other agencies and public lands, if applicable.

1. A schedule for implementing the development and management activities of the Management Plan.

k. Cost estimates and funding sources to implement the Management Plan.

I. A schedule for implementing the development and management activities of the Management Plan.

3. If the Recipient is not the proposed managing entity, the Management Plan must include a signed agreement between the Recipient and the managing entity stating the managing entity's willingness to manage the site, the manner in which the site will be managed to further the purpose(s) of the project, and identification of the source of funding for management.

In the eventthat the Recipient is a partnership, the Recipient must also provide FCT with the interlocal agreement that sets forth the relationship among the partners and the fiscal and _ management responsibilities and obligations incurred by each partner for the Project Site as a part of its Project Plan.

4. To ensure that future management funds will be available for the management of the site in perpetuity pursuant to Section 259.105 and Chapter 380, Part III, F.S., the Recipient(s) shall be required to provide the FCT with Reasonable Assurance, pursuant to Rule 9K-7.002(32), F.A.C., that it has the financial resources, background, qualifications and competence to manage the Project Site in perpetuity in a reasonable and professional manner. Where the Recipient does not include at least one Local Government, the FCT may: require the Recipient to post a performance or other bond in an amount sufficient to ensure that the Project Site shall be reasonably and professionally managed in perpetuity; require the Recipient to establish an endowment or other fund in an amount sufficient to ensure performance; require a guaranty or pledge by the Local Government, in whose jurisdiction the Project Site is located, which shall require the Local Government to take over the responsibility for management of the Project Site in the event the Nonprofit Environmental Organization Recipient is unable to, and may require 03-073-FF3 11110/2003 Preacquisition

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a. Tht:: following closing documents associated with the parcel(s):

(1) A copy of the Purchase Agreement(s) for sale and purchase of the parcel(s) between Recipient and RICk'l' STi\U FFER. ___________(Insert name[s] ofSeller[s]).

(2) A copy of closing statements from Buyer(s) and Seller(s) for the purchase of the parcels.

(3) A copy of the recorded deed(s) evidencing conveyance oftitle to the parcel(s) to the Recipient.

(4) Certified survey(s) of the parcel(s) that meets the requirements of Rule 9K-8.006, F.A.C., and dated within 90 days of the date of acquisition of the parcel(s) by Recipient.

(5) A copy of the title insurance policy(s) evidencing marketable title in Recipient to the parcel(s) and effective the date of acquisition of the parcel(s) by the Recipient, including a statement from the title insurer as to the minimum promulgated rate if premium was paid by Recipient, and all documents referenced in the title policy(s).

(6) Environmental site assessment(s) of the parcel(s) certified to the Recipient, which meets the standards and requirements of ASTM Practice E 1527, and with a date of certification within 45 days of the date of acquisition of the parcel(s) by Recipient, together with the statement required by Rule 9K-8.012(4), F.A.C.

b. A letter from FCT indicating approval of the Management Plan written according to Rule Chapter 9K-7.011, F.A.C., and as described in Section IV above.

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the Local Government to be a named co-signer on the Grant Award Agreement; or require such other assurances as the Governing Board may deem necessary to adequately protect the public interest.

V. PROJECT PLAN APPROVAL

'I. Prior to final disbursement of award funds by FCT, the Recipient must prepare a Project Plan that complies with Rule 9K-8.011, F.A.C. This Project Plan is a compilation of the following items listed below, which must be reviewed and approved by FCT.

The Project Plan shall include, and shall not be considered by FCT unless it includes all of the following documents, to be reviewed and approved by FCT to ensure that the interest of the State of Florida will be protected:

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c. A statement of the total Project Cost as defined in Rule Chapter 9K­7.002(29), F.A.C.

d. A statement of the amount of the award being requested from the FCT.

e. Supporting documentation that the conditions imposed as part of this Agreement have been satisfied.

f. A signed statement by the Recipient that the Recipient is not aware of any pending criminal, civil or regulatory violations imposed on the Project Site by any governmental agency or body.

g. Additional documentation as may be requested by FCT to provide Reasonable Assurance as set forth in Section IVA. above.

2. The FCT strongly encourages the Recipient to request a courtesy review of its Project Plan prior to submission of the ProjectPlan for approval and release of funds. FCT will recommend approval of complete and accurate Project Plans or disapproval of incomplete or insufficient project plans.

3. Reimbursement for project costs may be made only after FCT approval of the Project Plan.

VI. REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY CHAPTER 259 AND CHAPTER 380, PART III, F.S.

RECIPIENT AGREES AS FOLLOWS:

1. FCT shall approve the terms under which the interest in land is acquired, pursuant to Section 380.510(3), F.S. Such approval is deemed given when the FCT approves the Project Plan containing a copy of the document(s) vesting title to the Project Site in the Recipient.

2. Title to the Project Site shall be titled in the Recipient.

3. Each parcel to which the Recipient acquires title in the Project Site shall be subject to such covenants and restrictions as are, at a minimum, sufficient to ensure that the use ofthe Project Site at all times complies with Section 375.051 and 380.510, F.S.; Section lICe), Article VII of the State Constitution; the applicable bond indenture under which the Bonds were issued; and any provision of the Internal Revenue Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder that pertain to tax exempt bonds and shall contain clauses providing for the conveyance oftitle to the Project Site in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund or another local government or non-profit organization upon failure to use the Project Site conveyed thereby for such purposes.

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4. A Grant Award Agreement containing such covenants and restrictions as referenced in paragraph 3 above and describing the real property subject to the Agreement shall be executed by the FCT and Recipient at the time of the reimbursement for the Project Site and shall be recorded in the county in which the Project Site is located. The Grant Award Agreement shall restate the conditions that were placed on the Project Site at the time of project selection and initial grant approval. All statements contained in the Grant Award Agreement are contained in this Agreement, with the exception of statements that do not survive the reimbursement for costs for the acquisition of the Project Site.

5. If any essential term or condition of the Grant Award Agreement is violated, and the Recipient does not correct the violation within 30 days of written notice of violation, title to all interest in the Project Site shall be conveyed to the Board of Trustees of the Internal . Improvement Trust Fund. The deed transferring title to the Project Site to the Recipient shall set forth the executory interest of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.

6. The interest acquired by the Recipient in the Project Site shall not serve as security for any debt of the Recipient.

7. If the existence of the Recipient terminates for any reason, title to the Project Site shall be conveyed to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, unless FCT negotiates an agreement with another local government or nonprofit organization which agrees to accept title and to manage the Project Site.

VII. OBLIGATIONS OF THE FCT RECIPIENT AS A CONDITION OF PROJECT FUNDING

1. Following the reimbursement for costs of the Project Site, the Recipient shall ensure that the future land use designation assigned to the Project Site is for a category dedicated to open space, conservation, or outdoor recreation uses as appropriate. If an amendment to the applicable comprehensive plan is required, the amendment shall be proposed at the next comprehensive plan amendment cycle available to the Recipient subsequent to the reimbursement for costs for the acquisition of the Project Site.

2. Recipient shall ensure, and provide evidence thereof to FCT, that all activities under this Agreement comply with all applicable local, state, regional and federal laws and regulations, including zoningordinances and the applicable adopted and approved comprehensive plan.

3. The Recipient shall, through its agents and employees, prevent the unauthorized use of the Project Site or any use thereof not in conformity with the Management Plan approved by the FCT as a part of the Project Plan.

4. FCT staffor its duly authorized representatives shall have the right at any time to inspect the Project Site and the operations of the Recipient at the Project Site.

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5. All buildings, structures, improvements, and signs shall require the prior written approval of FCT as to purpose. Further, tree removal, other than non-native species, and major land alterations shall require the written approval ofFCT. The approvals required from FCT shall not be unreasonably withheld by FCT upon sufficient demonstration that the proposed structures, buildings, improvements, signs, vegetation removal or land alterations will not adversely impact the natural resources of the Project Site. The approval by FCT of the Recipient's Management Plan addressing the items mentioned herein shall be considered written approval from FCT.

VIII. OBLIGATIONS OF THE RECIPIENT RELATING TO THE USE OF BOND PROCEEDS

1. FCT is authorized by Section 380.510, F.S., to impose conditions for funding on Recipient in order to ensure that the project complies with the requirements for the use of Florida ForeverBond proceeds including without limitation the provisions ofthe Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder as the same pertain to tax exempt bonds.

2. Recipient agrees and acknowledges that the below listed transactions, events, and . circumstances, collectively referred to as the "disallowable activities", may be disallowed on the Project Site, as they may have negative legal and tax consequences under Florida law and federal income tax law. The Recipient further agrees and acknowledges that these disallowable activities may be allowed up to a certain extent based on guidelines or tests outlined in the Federal Private Activity regulations of the Internal Revenue Service:

a. any sale or lease of any interest in the Project Site to any person or organization;

b. the operation of any concession on the Project Site by any person or organization;

c. any sales contract or option to buy things attached to the Project Site to be severed from the Project Site, with any person or organization;

d. any use of the Project Site by any person other than in such person's capacity as a member of the general public;

e. any change in the character or use of the Project Site from that use expected at the date of the issuance of any series of Bonds from which the disbursement is to be made;

f. a management contract of the Project Site with any person or organization; or

g. such other activity or interest as may be specified from time to time in writing by FCT to the Recipient.

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3. If the Project Site, after its acquisition by the Recipient and/or th~ Trustees, is to remain subject to any of the "disallowable activities", the Recipient shall provide to FCT at least 60 calendar days advance written notice of any such transactions, events, and circumstances, and shall provide to FCT such infonnation as FCT reasonably requests in orderto evaluate the legal and tax consequences of such activity or interest for FCT approval.

4. In the event that FCT detennines at any time that the Recipient is engaging or allowing others to engage in disallowable activities on the Project Site, the Recipient agrees to immediately cease or cause the cessation of the disallowable activity upon receipt of written notice from the FCT. In addition to all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, FCT shall have the right to seek temporary and pennanent injunctions against Recipient for any disallowable activity on the Project Site.

DELEGATIONS AND CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE RECIPIENT AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL BODIES, NONPROFIT ENTITIES, OR NON GOVERNMENTAL PERSONS FOR USE OR MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT SITE WILL IN NO WAY RELIEVE THE RECIPIENT OF THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE CONDITIONS IMPOSED HEREIN ON THE PROJECT SITE AS A RESULT OF UTILIZING BOND PROCEEDS TO ACQUIRE THE PROJECT SITE ARE FULLY COMPLIED WITH BY THE CONTRACTING PARTY.

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IX. CONDITIONS PARTICULAR TO THE PROJECT SITE THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED IN THE MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Management Plan for the Project Site is mentioned throughout this Agreement, and is particularly described in Section IV. above. In addition to the various conditions already described in this Agreement, which apply to all sites acquired with FCT funds, the Management Plan shall address the following conditions that are particular to the Project Site and result from either commitments made in the application that received scoring points or observations made by the FCT staff during the site visit described in Rule 9K-7 .009(1), F .A.C.:

I. Two or more resource-based outdoor recreational facilities including a pavilion and nature trail, shall be provided. The facilities shall be developed in a manner that allows the general public reasonable access for observation and appreciation of the natural resources on the project site without causing hann to those resources.

2. A pennanent recognition sign shall be maintained in the entrance area ofthe Project Site. The sign shall acknowledge that the Project Site is open to the public and was purchased with funds from the Florida Communities Trust and Collier County.

3. An interpretive kiosk shall be provided to educate visitors about the natural environment and unique history of the Project Site.

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4. At least 24 regularly scheduled and ongoing educational classes or programs that promote the protection of natural and historic resources shall be provided at the project site.

.5. A survey ofthe natural communities and plant species on the project site shall be conducted prior to the development of the project site. The survey shall be used during development of the site to ensure the protection, restoration, and preservation of the natural communities on the project site

6. The beach dune, maritime hammock, and tidal swamp communities that occur on the project site shall be restored and appropriately managed to ensure the long-term viability of these communities.

7.. The project site shall be managed in a manner that protects and enhances habitat for listed wildlife species that utilize or could potentially utilize the project site, including sea turtles, listed wading and shore birds, gopher tortoises, and eastern indigo snakes. The development of the management plan shall be coordinated with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Office of Environmental Services to ensure the preservation and viability oflisted and non-listed native wildlife species and their habitat. Periodic surveys shall be conducted of listed species using the project site.

8. Approximately half of the project site has been colonized by invasive exotic vegetation. Exotic vegetation shall be removed and appropriate native vegetation shall be planted to restore the upland in terms of biological composition and ecological function .

9. An ongoing monitoring and control program for invasive vegetation including exotic (non­native) and nuisance native plant species shall be implemented at the project site. The objective of the control program shall be the elimination of invasive exotic plant species and the maintenance of a diverse association of native vegetation. The management plan shall reference the Exotic Pest Plant Council's List of Florida's Most Invasive Species to assist in identifying invasive exotics on the project site.

10. A feral animal removal program shall be developed and implemented for the project site.

11. An archaeological survey shall be preformed for any area within the project site proposed for development prior to the commencement of proposed developmentactivities in that area. All planned activities involving known archaeological sites or identified site areas shall be closely coordinated with the Department of State, Division of Historic Resources in order to prevent the disturbance of significant sites. A protection plan shall be developed and implemented in conjunction with the Division of Historic Resources for the protection of know historic site located on the project site.

12. The nature trail and pavilion shall be located in such a manner that these facilities will have minimal impact on the natural resources on the project site.

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• 13. The project site shall be protected and managed as part oflinked conservation larids and wildlife corridor extending from Barefoot Beach Preserve to Delnor-Wiggins State Recreation Area.

14. Proposed site improvements shall be designed and located to minimize or eliminate the long term risk of storm damage or flooding in conjunction with appropriate hazard mitigation agencies or experts.

15: The requirements imposed by other grant program funds that may be sought for activities associated with the project site shall not conflict with the terms and conditions of this award.

This Agreement including Exhibit"A", if required, embodies the entire agreement between the parties.

THE FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST'S OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE FUNDS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON AN ANNUAL APPROPRIATION BY THE LEGISLATURE. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement.

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