North Fork of St. Lucie River Aquatic Preseve Management Plan

North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic PreserveManagement Plan • August 2009 - July 2019 FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection CoastalandAquaticManagedAreas

Thispublicationfundedin

partthroughagrantagreement

fromtheFloridaDepartmentof

EnvironmentalProtection,Florida

CoastalManagementProgram

byagrantprovidedbytheOffice

ofOceanandCoastalResource

ManagementundertheCoastal

ZoneManagementActof1972,

asamended,NationalOceanic

andAtmosphericAdministration

AwardNo.NA05NOS4191074-

CZ625,NA06NOS4190129-CZ709,

NA06NOS4190129-CZ726,and

NA07NOS4190071-CZ823.

Theviews,statements,finding,

conclusions,andrecommendations

expressedhereinarethoseofthe

author(s)anddonotnecessarily

reflecttheviewsoftheStateof

Florida,NationalOceanicand

AtmosphericAdministration,

oranyofitssub-agencies.

August2009-July2019

North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic PreserveManagement Plan • August 2009 - July 2019 NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve

3300LewisStreet•FortPierce,FL34981•772.429.2995 FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection CoastalandAquaticManagedAreas 3900CommonwealthBlvd.,MS#235 Tallahassee,FL32399•aquaticpreserves.org

Mission StatementThemissionoftheOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)inrelationtoFlorida’s41AquaticPreserves(APs),threeNationalEstuarineResearchReserves(NERRs),NationalMarineSanctuary,andCoralReefConservationProgramistoprotectFlorida’scoastalandaquaticresources.

Long-term goals of the Aquatic Preserve Program

•ProtectandenhancetheecologicalintegrityoftheAquaticPreserves;•Restoreareastotheirnaturalcondition;•Encouragesustainableuseandfosteractivestewardshipbyengaginglocal

communitiesintheprotectionofaquaticpreserves;and•Improvemanagementeffectivenessthroughaprocessbasedonsound

science,consistentevaluation,andcontinualreassessment.

Great egrets with breeding plumage on the North Fork bird rookery.

Executive SummaryNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan

LeadAgency FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP)OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)

CommonNameofProperty NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve

Location St.LucieandMartincounties,Florida

AcreageTotal 2,972acressurfacewater

Acreage Breakdown According to Florida Natural Areas Inventory Natural Community Types

FNAI Natural Communities Acreage according to GIS

NaturalCommunities 2,972acres

SeagrassBed Ephemeral(short-lived)patches

Mollusk(Oyster)Reef 31acres

EstuarineTidalSwamp 535acres

FreshwaterTidalSwamp 119acres

Slough 40acres

UnconsolidatedSubstrate 2,247acres

TotalAcreage 2,972acres

ManagementAgency FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection’sOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas

Designation AquaticPreserve

Archeological/Historical TheDivisionofHistoricalResourcesMasterSiteFile,FloridaDepartmentofState,indicatesthattherearesixhistoricalsiteslocatedwithinoradjacenttothepreserve;threeshellmiddens,onehistoricroadscar,oneshack,andonebridge.

Management Needs

EcosystemScience Naturalresourceprotectionwithinthepreserverequiresageneralunderstandingoftheresourcelocationandextentaswellasuniquespecies-specificinteractionsassociatedwitheachresource.Anincreaseinmonitoring,especiallyofrareandprotectedspecies,willalsoincreasetheabilitytoprotectimportantresourcesthreatenedbyconstructionactivitiesandpoorwaterquality.Monitoringthepreserve’stransitionzone(areawherewaterchangesfromfreshtoestuarine)isneededtodocumentwaterqualitychangesassociatedwithlarge-scalewatershedrestorationprojects.

ResourceManagement Thepreserveanditswatershedhavebeendramaticallyalteredbylarge-scaledredgingpracticesandaninterconnectednetworkofcanalsthatultimatelydischargeintotheSt.LucieRiver.TheneedtorestoretheSt.LucieRiverhasbeenacknowledgedbylocal,stateandfederalgovernments,andisdirectlyaddressedinseveralexistingprojects.

TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverhasbeenverifiedasimpairedwaterthroughthejointU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandDEPTotalMaximumDailyLoadprogram.ABasinManagementActionPlanisbeingdevelopedtouniteSt.LucieCounty,MartinCounty,Stuart,andPortSt.LucietoproduceaplanthataddressesspecificactionsnecessarytoreducetheamountofnutrientsenteringtheNorthFork.Thiseffortwillhelptomeldthegoalsofallregionalplans,includingthoseoutlinedwithinforthepreserve;especiallythosethatpertaintohydrologicrestoration,shorelinestabilization,andthecreationofoysterreefhabitat.

NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan

Education&Outreach Mosteducationandoutreachactivitiesforthepreserveareclassifiedascommunityoutreach.Materialsareneededtofacilitateunderstandingoftheconnectionbetweenwatershedactivities,climatechange,andthehealthofthepreserve.Abrochurespecifictothepreserveandaspeciesposterareneededtoprovidegraphicaldisplayofresourcesinneedofprotection.IncreasedcommunityinvolvementisalsoneededandisexpectedtobeobtainedthroughfuturereactivationoftheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,Inc.CitizenSupportOrganization.

PublicUse Althoughavarietyofusergroupsareregularlyobservedwithinthepreserve,littleisknownaboutthetypeandintensityofusethroughouttheyear.Boatingactivitiesinthenarrowandwindingupperreachesofthepreserveneedtobeevaluatedtobetterunderstandpotentialimpactstonaturalresources,waterquality,andpublicsafety.Removalofderelictvesselsandothersubmergeddebrisarenecessarytoincreaseboatersafetyandreduceimpacttonaturalresources.

PublicInvolvement Publicsupportofgovernmentconservationprogramsisvitaltothesuccessofthoseprograms.Thegoalofthepublicprocessistofosterunderstandingoftheproblemsfacingthesefragileecosystemsandthestepsnecessarytomanagetheresourceswithinthepreserve.TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveadvisorycommitteewasformedinJune2007toprovideguidanceduringtheplanningprocess.Threeadvisorycommitteemeetings(June,August,andNovember2007)andtwopublicmeetings(July2007andMarch2008)wereheldtohelprevisetheplan.TheplanwaspresentedtotheAcquisitionandRestorationCouncilandtheGovernorandCabinetatpublichearingsforapproval.

SiteSummary

CoastalZoneManagementIssues-TheStateofFloridahasover17millionresidentsandover76millionvisitorsannually.Floridahasthesecondlongeststatecoastline,andnowhereelseinthecountryaresomanypeoplesoclosetosuchanextensiveandeconomicallyvaluablecoastline.Withinthesecoastalcommunities,recreationalactivitiessuchasboatingandfishingshapecommunitycultureandprovidepositiveeconomicgrowth.However,rapidcoastaldevelopment,increasingpublicaccess,andchanginglandusepatternsarecomplicatingregulationandmanagementeffortswithinvaluableaquaticsystems.ToprotectandenhancetheuniquecoastalresourcesthroughoutFlorida,avarietyofissuesthataffectwaterquality,quantity,andgrowthmanagementmustbeaddressed(FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],2005).ChallengesfacingtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverincludelowwaterqualitythatisfurtherdegradedbyunnaturalwatermanagementpractices,theneedforhands-onresourcemanagement,rapidconversionofagriculturallandstourbandevelopmentsdeemedtohavesignificantregionalimpact,reducedlocalawareness,littleunderstandingofpublicusetrends,andtheimpactsofpublicuseontheprotectedresources.

Goals-Themanagementgoalsandassociatedstrategiesoutlinedinthisdocumentprovideanactionplanthatwillbeusedtoaddressthesechallengesoverthenextdecade.Becauseoflimitedresourcesandtheoverlapofjurisdictionalboundaries,successwilldependonpartnershipsformedwithprivate,local,regional,state,andfederalorganizationsandagencies.Partnershipswillbeformedtopromotethemaintenanceorimprovementofthequalityofwaterreachingthepreservetomeettheneedsofthenaturalresources.Routineassessmentofwaterqualitystatusisrequiredtodocumentchangeovertime.Resourcemanagementgoalsthatwillimprovewaterqualityincludehydrologicrestoration,muckremoval,andcreationofoysterreefhabitat.Documentationofnaturalresourcelocationandextentwillallowmangerstoevaluatethesuccessoflarge-scalewatershedrestorationprojects.Maintenanceofasafeenvironmentforfish,wildlife,andusergroups,andthepromotionoflow-impactrecreationalopportunitiesarealsoimportantgoalsthatwillbeaddressedbypreservestaff.

CAMA/BTIITFApprovalCAMAapprovaldate: March13,2009 BTIITFapprovaldate: August11,2009Comments:

Table of ContentsPart One / Basis for Management

Chapter1/Introduction....................................................................................................................... 11.1/ManagementPlanPurposeandScope...................................................................................... 31.2/PublicInvolvement...................................................................................................................... 3

Chapter2/FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection’sOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas................................................................................. 5

2.1/Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 52.2/ManagementAuthority................................................................................................................ 62.3/StatutoryAuthority....................................................................................................................... 62.4/AdministrativeRules.................................................................................................................... 7

Chapter3/TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.......................................................... 93.1/DescriptionofRepresentativeEcosystemRegion...................................................................... 9

HistoricalBackground.............................................................................................................. 9GeneralDescription............................................................................................................... 11ResourceDescription............................................................................................................. 13Values..................................................................................................................................... 29CitizenSupportOrganization................................................................................................. 29AdjacentPublicLandandDesignatedResources............................................................... 30SurroundingLandUse........................................................................................................... 34

Part Two / Management Programs and Issues

Chapter4/CAMA’sManagementPrograms.................................................................................. 374.1/TheEcosystemScienceManagementProgram...................................................................... 37

BackgroundofEcosystemScienceatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve........... 37CurrentStatusofEcosystemScienceatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve........ 44

4.2/TheResourceManagementProgram....................................................................................... 48BackgroundofResourceManagementatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve........... 49CurrentStatusofResourceManagementatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve........ 52

4.3/TheEducationandOutreachManagementProgram............................................................... 54BackgroundofEducationandOutreachatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.......... 55CurrentStatusofEducationandOutreachatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve...... 56

4.4/ThePublicUseManagementProgram..................................................................................... 58BackgroundofPublicUseatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.......................... 58CurrentStatusofPublicUseatNorthForSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve........................ 60

Chapter5/Issues............................................................................................................................... 635.1/IntroductiontoIssue-BasedManagement................................................................................ 635.2/IssueOne:WaterQuality.......................................................................................................... 645.3/IssueTwo:NaturalResourceManagement............................................................................. 745.4/IssueThree:CoastalDevelopment.......................................................................................... 805.5/IssueFour:PublicUseandAccess......................................................................................... 84

Part Three / Additional Plans

Chapter6/AdministrativePlan......................................................................................................... 89

Chapter7/FacilitiesPlan.................................................................................................................. 91

List of Maps

Map1/AquaticPreserveandCAMASystemMap............................................................................. 2Map2/RegionalConnectivity.......................................................................................................... 10Map3/NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveSiteMap........................................................ 11Map4/PublicAccessSites.............................................................................................................. 12Map5/PhysiographicRegions........................................................................................................ 14Map6/BermLocationsandHistoricRivercourse........................................................................... 15Map7/St.LucieRiverSediments.................................................................................................... 15Map8/AlterationsandWatershed................................................................................................... 16Map9/ImpairedWaters................................................................................................................... 17Map10/BathymetryandSurroundingElevation............................................................................. 18Map11/WatershedRestorationProjects......................................................................................... 19Map12/NaturalLands..................................................................................................................... 21Map13/SuitableSAVHabitatintheSt.LucieRiver........................................................................ 24Map14/PublicLands....................................................................................................................... 32Map15/ProposedBoundaryExpansion......................................................................................... 33Map16/LandUse............................................................................................................................ 35Map17/HistoricSeagrassCoverintheSt.LucieRiver.................................................................. 38Map18/HistoricOysterReefCoverintheSt.LucieRiver............................................................... 40Map19/SuitableSubstrateforOysterRecruitmentintheSt.LucieRiver...................................... 40Map20/WaterQualityMonitoringSites........................................................................................... 45Map21/OysterMonitoringandRestorationSites........................................................................... 47Map22/CompletedHydrologicRestorationSites.......................................................................... 51Map23/DerelictVesselLocations................................................................................................... 59Map24/RecentDevelopmentofRegionalImpactProposals......................................................... 81Map25/ManateeSpeedZones....................................................................................................... 85

List of Tables

Table1/NaturalcommunitieswithintheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.................. 23

List of Figures

Figure1/StateManagementStructure.............................................................................................. 8Figure2/SedimentationTrendsintheSt.LucieRiver..................................................................... 17Figure3/TenMileCreekWaterPreserveArea................................................................................ 31Figure4/TheImpactofDrainageCanalDischargeontheSalinityGradientintheSt.LucieRiver..... 42Figure5/LiDARDataShowingIsolatedWetlandsasaResultofthe 1920sRiverStraighteningProject................................................................................................. 49Figure6/AverageTotalNitrogenLevelsintheSt.LucieRiver........................................................ 64Figure7/AverageTotalPhosphorusLevelsintheSt.LucieRiver.................................................. 65Figure8/ContributionofNitrogenfromEachSub-basinintheSt.LucieRiverWatershed........... 66Figure9/ContributionofTotalPhosphorusfromEachSub-basinintheSt.LucieRiverWatershed... 67

List of Appendices

AppendixA/LegalDocuments......................................................................................................... 94A.1/AquaticPreserveResolution..................................................................................................... 94A.2/FloridaStatutes(F.S.)................................................................................................................ 95A.3/FloridaAdministrativeCode(F.A.C.)......................................................................................... 95

AppendixB/ResourceData.............................................................................................................. 96B.1/AcronymList............................................................................................................................. 96B.2/GlossaryofTerms..................................................................................................................... 97B.3/References.............................................................................................................................. 100B.4/SpeciesLists........................................................................................................................... 104

B.4.1/NativeSpeciesList............................................................................................................ 104B.4.2/Non-nativeSpeciesList.................................................................................................... 119

B.5/RestorationandMonitoringData............................................................................................ 121B.5.1/St.LucieRiverMiles.......................................................................................................... 121B.5.2/HydrologicRestorationSiteMapandHistoricRivercourse............................................. 122B.5.3/TidalFluctuationinReconnectedFloodplain................................................................... 135B.5.4/BiologicalMonitoringatHydrologicRestorationSites..................................................... 136B.5.5/WoodstorkMonitoringData.............................................................................................. 137B.5.6/WaterQualityMonitoringMatrix....................................................................................... 138B.5.7/OysterReefMonitoringData............................................................................................ 139B.5.8/FloodplainElevation(LIDAR)Data.................................................................................. 144B.5.9/LandAcquisitionMaps.................................................................................................... 145B.5.10/AquaticPlantsSuitableforRestorationEfforts............................................................... 157B.5.11/StormwaterRunoffAnalysis............................................................................................ 158B.5.12/ClassIIIWaterQualityStandards................................................................................... 159B.5.13/ImpairedBasinsandTMDLDevelopmentSchedule..................................................... 165

B.6/FloridaNaturalAreasInventoryDescriptions......................................................................... 166

AppendixC/PublicInvolvement.................................................................................................... 169C.1/AdvisoryCommittee................................................................................................................ 169C.2/PublicScopingMeeting.......................................................................................................... 181C.3/FormalPublicMeeting............................................................................................................ 189

AppendixD/Goals,Objectives,andStrategiesTable................................................................. 195D.1/CurrentGoals,Objectives,andStrategiesTable.................................................................... 195D.2/BudgetTable........................................................................................................................... 199D.3/BudgetSummaryTable.......................................................................................................... 214D.4/MajorAccomplishmentssincetheApprovalofthePreviousPlan......................................... 215

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Part One

Basis for ManagementChapter One

IntroductionTheFloridaaquaticpreservesareadministeredonbehalfofthestatebytheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection’s(DEP)OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)aspartofanetworkthatincludes41aquaticpreserves,3NationalEstuarineResearchReserves(NERRs),aNationalMarineSanctuary,theCoralReefConservationProgramandtheFloridaOceansandCoastalCouncil.Thisprovidesforasystemofsignificantprotectionstoensurethatourmostpopularandecologicallyimportantunderwaterecosystemsarecaredforinperpetuity.Eachofthesespecialplacesismanagedwithstrategiesbasedonlocalresources,issuesandconditions.

OurexpansivecoastlineandwealthofaquaticresourceshavedefinedFloridaasasubtropicaloasis,attractingmillionsofresidentsandvisitors,andthebusinessesthatservethem.Florida’ssubmergedlandsplayimportantrolesinmaintaininggoodwaterquality,hostingadiversityofwildlifeandhabitats(includingeconomicallyandecologicallyvaluablenurseryareas),andsupportingatreasuredqualityoflifeforall.Inthe1960s,itbecameapparentthattheecosystemsthathadattractedsomanypeopletoFloridacouldnotsupportrapidgrowthwithoutscience-basedresourceprotectionandmanagement.Tothisend,statelegislatorsprovidedextraprotectionforcertainexceptionalaquaticareasbydesignatingthemasaquaticpreserves.

TitletosubmergedlandsnotconveyedtoprivatelandownersisheldbytheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund(theTrustees).TheGovernorandCabinet,sittingastheTrustees,actasguardiansforthepeopleoftheStateofFlorida(§253.03,FloridaStatutes[F.S.])andregulatetheuseofthesepubliclands.Throughstatute,theTrusteeshavetheauthoritytoadoptrulesrelatedtothemanagementofsovereigntysubmergedlands(FloridaAquaticPreserveActof1975,§258.36,F.S.).Ahigherlayerofprotectionisaffordedtoaquaticpreservesincludingareasofsovereigntylandsthathavebeen“setasideforeverasaquaticpreservesorsanctuariesforthebenefitoffuturegenerations”dueto“exceptionalbiological,aesthetic,andscientificvalue”(FloridaAquaticPreserveActof1975,§258.36,F.S.).

Anhingas use the North Fork St. Lucie River for foraging and breeding.

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Thistraditionofconcernandprotectionoftheseexceptionalareascontinues,andnowincludes:theRookeryBayNERRinSouthwestFlorida,designatedin1978;theApalachicolaNERRinNorthwestFlorida,designatedin1979;andtheGuanaTolomatoMatanzasNERRinNortheastFlorida,designatedin1999.Inaddition,theFloridaOceansandCoastalCouncilwascreatedin2005todevelopFlorida’soceanandcoastalresearchpriorities,andestablishastatewideoceanresearchplan.Thegroupalsocoordinatespublicandprivateoceanresearchformoreeffectivecoastalmanagement.ThisdedicationtotheconservationofcoastalandoceanresourcesisaninvestmentinFlorida’sfuture(SeeMap1).

Polk

Collier

Marion

Lake

Levy

Osceola

Taylor

Bay

Miami-Dade

Palm Beach

Hendry

Volusia

Broward

Dixie

Leon

Walton

ClayGulf

Orange

Lee

Liberty

Pasco

Alachua

Jackson

Highlands

Brevard

Glades

Baker

Citrus

Okaloosa

Hardee

Santa Rosa

Duval

MartinDeSoto

Madison

Hillsborough

Monroe

Sumter

Nassau

Wakulla

Putnam

Flagler

Calhoun

Suwannee

Holmes

St. Lucie

Lafayette

Hamilton

Charlotte

Gadsden

Franklin

Hernando

Union

Seminole

Manatee

Columbia

Escambia

Jefferson

Sarasota

Okeechobee

St. Johns

Washington

Gilchrist

Indian River

Bradford

Pinellas

Coupon Bight

Lignumvitae Key

Biscayne Bay

Biscayne Bay -Cape Florida

to MonroeCounty Line

Cape Romano -Ten Thousand Islands

Rookery Bay

Estero Bay

PineIslandSound

Matlacha PassCape Haze

Lemon Bay

Gasparilla Sound -Charlotte Harbor

LoxahatcheeRiver - LakeWorth Creek

Jensen Beachto Jupiter Inlet

Indian River -Vero Beachto Fort Pierce

Indian River -Malabar toVero Beach

Banana River

North Fork,St. Lucie

MosquitoLagoon

TomokaMarsh

Pellicer Creek

Guana River Marsh

Nassau River -St. Johns

River Marshes

Fort Clinch

Terra Ceia

CockroachBay

WekivaRiver

OklawahaRiver

RainbowSprings

PinellasCounty

Boca CiegaBay

St. MartinsMarsh

Big BendSeagrasses

AlligatorHarbor

LakeJackson

ApalachicolaBay

St.Joseph

Bay

St. Andrews

RockyBayou

Yellow RiverMarsh

Fort Pickens

Gulf of Mexico

AtlanticO

cean

GeorgiaAlabama

0 50 10025Miles ±

Aquatic PreservesNational Estuarine Research Reserves

Florida Keys National Marine SanctuaryCoral Reef Conservation Program

Rookery Bay

Guana - Tolomato - Matanzas

Apalachicola

December 2006

Aquatic Preserves layer maintained by: Office of Coastal andAquatic Managed Areas, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd, MS 235,Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000, 850-245-2094

Aquatic Preserves include all the state-owned submergedlands within their boundaries. This map is not intendedfor use for determination of wetlands or land ownership.

Map � / Aquatic preserve and CAMA system map.

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1.1 / Management Plan Purpose and Scope

Withincreasingdevelopment,recreationandeconomicpressures,ouraquaticresourceshavethepotentialtobesignificantlyimpacted,eitherdirectlyorindirectly.Thesepotentialimpactstoresourcescanreducethehealthandviabilityoftheecosystemsthatcontainthem,requiringactivemanagementtoensurethelong-termhealthoftheentirenetwork.Effectivemanagementplansfortheaquaticpreservesareessentialtoaddressthisgoalandeachsite’sownsetofuniquechallenges.Thepurposeoftheseplansistoincorporate,evaluateandprioritizeallrelevantinformationaboutthesiteintoacohesivemanagementstrategy,allowingforappropriateaccesstothemanagedareaswhileprotectingthelong-termhealthoftheecosystemsandtheirresources.

ThemandatefordevelopingaquaticpreservemanagementplansisoutlinedinSection18-20.013andSubsection18-18.013(2)oftheFloridaAdministrativeCode(F.A.C.).Managementplandevelopmentandreviewbeginswiththecollectionofresourceinformationfromhistoricaldata,researchandmonitoring,andincludesinputfromindividualCAMAmanagersandstaff,areastakeholders,andmembersofthegeneralpublic.Thestatisticaldata,publiccomment,andcooperatingagencyinformationisthenusedtoidentifymanagementissuesandthreatsaffectingthepresentandfutureintegrityofthesite,itsboundaries,andadjacentareas.Thisinformationisusedinthedevelopmentandreviewofthemanagementplan,whichisexaminedforconsistencywiththestatutoryauthorityandintentoftheAquaticPreserveProgram.Eachmanagementplanisevaluatedperiodicallyandrevisedasnecessarytoallowforstrategicimprovements.Intendedtobeusedbysitemanagersandotheragenciesorprivategroupsinvolvedwithmaintainingthenaturalintegrityoftheseresources,theplanincludesscientificinformationabouttheexistingconditionsofthesiteandthemanagementstrategiesdevelopedtorespondtothoseconditions.

Toaidintheanalysisanddevelopmentofthemanagementstrategiesforthesiteplans,fourcomprehensivemanagementprogramsareidentified.Ineachofthesemanagementprograms,relevantinformationaboutthespecificsitesisdescribedinanefforttocreateacomprehensivemanagementplan.Itisexpectedthatthespecificneedsorissuesareuniqueandvaryateachlocation,butthefourmanagementprogramswillremainconstant.Thesemanagementprogramsare:

•EcosystemScience•ResourceManagement•EducationandOutreach•PublicUse

Inaddition,uniquelocalandregionalissuesareidentified,andgoals,objectivesandstrategiesareestablishedtoaddresstheseissues.Finally,theprogramandfacilityneedsrequiredtomeetthesegoalsasidentified.Thesecomponentsareallkeyelementsinaneffectivecoastalmanagementprogramandforachievingthemissionofthesites.ThisdocumentservesasanupdatetotheoriginalNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlanadoptedonMay22,1984(FloridaDepartmentofNaturalResources[DNR],1984).

1.2 / Public Involvement

CAMArecognizestheimportanceofstakeholderparticipationandencouragestheirinvolvementinthemanagementplandevelopmentprocess.CAMAisalsocommittedtomeetingtherequirementsoftheSunshineLaw(§286.011,F.S.):

•Meetingsofpublicboardsorcommissionsmustbeopentothepublic;•Reasonablenoticeofsuchmeetingsmustbegiven;and•Minutesofthemeetingsmustberecorded.

Severalkeystepsaretobetakenduringmanagementplandevelopment.First,stafforganizesanadvisorycommitteecomprisedofkeystakeholders.Next,staffadvertisesandconductsoneormorepublicmeetingstoreceiveinputfromstakeholdersontheconcernsandperceivedissuesaffectingeachofthesites.ThisinputisusedinthedevelopmentofadraftmanagementplanthatisreviewedbyCAMAstaffandtheadvisorycommittee.Aftertheinitialreviews,thestaffadvertisesandconducts,inconjunctionwiththeadvisorycommittee,additionalpublicmeetingstoengagethestakeholdersforfeedbackonthedraftplanandthedevelopmentofthefinaldraftofthemanagementplan.ForadditionalinformationabouttheadvisorycommitteeandthepublicmeetingsrefertoAppendixC-PublicInvolvement.

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Chapter Two

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas

2.1 / Introduction

TheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP)protects,conservesandmanagesFlorida’snaturalresourcesandenforcesthestate’senvironmentallaws.TheDEPistheleadagencyinstategovernmentforenvironmentalmanagementandstewardshipandcommandsoneofthebroadestchargesofallthestateagencies,protectingFlorida’sair,waterandland.TheDEPisdividedintothreeprimaryareas:RegulatoryPrograms,LandandRecreation,andPlanningandManagement(SeeFigure1).Florida’senvironmentalprioritiesincluderestoringAmerica’sEverglades;improvingairquality;restoringandprotectingthewaterqualityinoursprings,lakes,riversandcoastalwaters;conservingenvironmentally-sensitivelands;andprovidingcitizensandvisitorswithrecreationalopportunities,nowandinthefuture.

TheOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)istheunitwithintheDEPthatmanagesmorethanfourmillionacresofsubmergedlandsandselectcoastaluplands.Thisincludes41aquaticpreserves,3NationalEstuarineResearchReserves(NERRs),theFloridaKeysNationalMarineSanctuaryandtheCoralReefConservationProgram.ThethreeNERRs,theFloridaKeysNationalMarineSanctuaryandtheCoralReefConservationProgramaremanagedincooperationwiththeNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA).

CAMAmanagessitesinFloridafortheconservationandprotectionofnaturalandhistoricalresourcesandresource-basedpublicusethatiscompatiblewiththeconservationandprotectionoftheselands.CAMAisastrongsupporteroftheNERRsystemanditsapproachtocoastalecosystemmanagement.TheStateofFloridahasthreedesignatedNERRsites,eachencompassingatleastoneaquaticpreservewithinitsboundaries.RookeryBayNERRincludesRookeryBayAquaticPreserveandCapeRomano-TenThousandIslandsAquaticPreserve;ApalachicolaNERRincludesApalachicolaBayAquaticPreserve;andGuanaTolomatoMatanzasNERRincludesGuanaRiverMarshAquaticPreserveandPellicerCreekAquaticPreserve.TheseaquaticpreservesprovidediscreteareasdesignatedforadditionalprotectionbeyondthatofthesurroundingNERRandmayaffordafoundationforadditionalprotectivezoninginthefuture.

EachoftheFloridaNERRmanagersservesasaregionalmanageroverseeingmultipleotheraquaticpreservesintheirregion.ThismanagementstructureadvancesCAMA’sabilitytomanageitssitesaspartofthelargerstatewidesystem.

Mature oaks provide shade for fishermen at White City Park.

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2.2 / Management Authority

Establishedbylaw,aquaticpreservesaresubmergedlandsofexceptionalbeautythataretobemaintainedintheirnaturalorexistingconditions.Theintentwastoforeversetasidesubmergedlandswithexceptionalbiological,aesthetic,andscientificvaluesassanctuaries,calledaquaticpreserves,forthebenefitoffuturegenerations.

Thelawssupportingaquaticpreservemanagementarethedirectresultofthepublic’sawarenessofandinterestinprotectingFlorida’saquaticenvironment.Theextensivedredgeandfillactivitiesthatoccurredinthelate1960sspawnedthiswidespreadpublicconcern.In1966,theBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund(theTrustees)createdthefirstaquaticpreserve,EsteroBay,inLeeCounty.

In1967,theFloridaLegislaturepassedtheRandallAct(Chapter67-393,LawsofFlorida),whichestablishedproceduresregulatingpreviouslyunrestricteddredgeandfillactivitiesonstate-ownedsubmergedlands.Thatsameyear,theLegislatureprovidedthestatutoryauthority(§253.03,FloridaStatutes[F.S.])fortheTrusteestoexerciseproprietarycontroloverstate-ownedlands.Alsoin1967,governmentfocusonprotectingFlorida’sproductivewaterbodiesfromdegradationduetodevelopmentledtheTrusteestoestablishamoratoriumonthesaleofsubmergedlandstoprivateinterests.AnInteragencyAdvisoryCommitteewascreatedtodevelopstrategiesfortheprotectionandmanagementofstate-ownedsubmergedlands.

In1968,theFloridaConstitutionwasrevisedtodeclareinArticleII,Section7,thestate’spolicyofconservingandprotectingnaturalresourcesandareasofscenicbeauty.ThatconstitutionalprovisionalsoestablishedtheauthorityfortheLegislaturetoenactmeasuresfortheabatementofairandwaterpollution.Laterthatsameyear,theInteragencyAdvisoryCommitteeissuedareportrecommendingtheestablishmentof26aquaticpreserves.

TheTrusteesactedonthisrecommendationin1969byestablishing16aquaticpreservesandadoptingaresolutionforastatewidesystemofsuchpreserves.In1975thestateLegislaturepassedtheFloridaAquaticPreserveActof1975(Act)thatwasenactedasChapter75-172,LawsofFlorida,andlaterbecameChapter258,PartII,F.S.ThisActcodifiedthealreadyexistingaquaticpreservesandestablishedstandardsandcriteriaforactivitieswithinthosepreserves.Additionalaquaticpreserveswereindividuallyadoptedatsubsequenttimesupthrough1989.

In1980,theTrusteesadoptedthefirstaquaticpreserverule,Chapter18-18,FloridaAdministrativeCode(F.A.C.),fortheadministrationoftheBiscayneBayAquaticPreserve.AllotheraquaticpreservesareadministeredunderChapter18-20,F.A.C.,whichwasoriginallyadoptedin1981.Theserulesapplystandardsandcriteriaforactivitiesintheaquaticpreserves,suchasdredging,filling,andbuildingdocksandotherstructuresthatarestricterthanthoseofChapter18-21,F.A.C.,whichapplytoallsovereigntylandsinthestate.

ThisplanisincompliancewiththeConceptualStateLandsManagementPlan,adoptedMarch17,1981bytheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundandrepresentsbalancedpublicutilization,specificagencystatutoryauthority,andotherlegislativeorexecutiveconstraints.TheConceptualStateLandsManagementPlanalsoprovidesessentialguidanceconcerningthemanagementofsovereigntylandsandaquaticpreservesandtheirimportantresources,includinguniquenaturalfeatures,seagrasses,endangeredspecies,andarchaeologicalandhistoricalresources.

ThroughdelegationofauthorityfromtheTrustees,theDEPandCAMAhaveproprietaryauthoritytomanagethesovereigntylands,thewatercolumn,spoilislands(whicharemerelydepositsofsovereigntylands),andsomeofthenaturalislandsandselectcoastaluplandstowhichtheTrusteesholdtitle.

Enforcementofstatestatutesandrulesrelatingtocriminalviolationsandnon-criminalinfractionsrestswiththeFloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommissionMarinePatrol,DEPlawenforcement,andlocallawenforcementagencies.EnforcementofadministrativeremediesrestswithCAMA,theDEPDistricts,andWaterManagementDistricts.

2.3 / Statutory Authority

ThefundamentallawsprovidingmanagementauthorityfortheaquaticpreservesarecontainedinChapters258and253,F.S.ThesestatutesestablishtheproprietaryroleoftheGovernorandCabinet,sittingastheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund,asTrusteesoverallsovereigntylands.Inaddition,thesestatutesempowertheTrusteestoadoptandenforcerulesandregulationsformanagingallsovereigntylands,includingaquaticpreserves.TheFloridaAquaticPreserveActwasenactedbytheFloridaLegislaturein1975andiscodifiedinChapter258,F.S.

ThelegislativeintentforestablishingaquaticpreservesisstatedinSection258.36,F.S.:“ItistheintentoftheLegislaturethatthestate-ownedsubmergedlandsinareaswhichhaveexceptionalbiological,

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aesthetic,andscientificvalue,ashereinafterdescribed,besetasideforeverasaquaticpreservesorsanctuariesforthebenefitoffuturegenerations.”Thisstatement,alongwiththeotherapplicablelaws,providesafoundationforthemanagementofaquaticpreserves.Managementwillemphasizethepreservationofnaturalconditionsandwillincludelandsthatarespecificallyauthorizedforinclusionaspartofanaquaticpreserve.

ManagementresponsibilitiesforaquaticpreservesmaybefulfilleddirectlybytheTrusteesorbystaffoftheDEPthroughdelegationofauthority.OthergovernmentalbodiesmayalsoparticipateinthemanagementofaquaticpreservesunderappropriateinstrumentsofauthorityissuedbytheTrustees.CAMAstaffservesastheprimarymanagerswhoimplementprovisionsofthemanagementplansandrulesapplicabletotheaquaticpreserves.CAMAdoesnot“regulate”thelandsperse;rather,thatisdoneprimarilybytheDEPDistricts(inadditiontotheWaterManagementDistricts)whichgrantregulatorypermits.TheFloridaDepartmentofAgricultureandConsumerServicesthroughdelegatedauthorityfromtheTrustees,mayissueproprietaryauthorizationsformarineaquaculturewithintheaquaticpreservesandregulatesallaquaculturalactivitiesasauthorizedbyChapter597,FloridaAquaculturePolicyAct,F.S.Staffevaluatesproposedusesoractivitiesintheaquaticpreserveandassessesthepossibleimpactsonthenaturalresources.ProjectreviewsareprimarilyevaluatedinaccordancewiththecriteriaintheAct,Chapter18-20,F.A.C.,andthismanagementplan.

CAMAstaffcomments,alongwithcommentsofotheragenciesandthepublicaresubmittedtotheappropriatepermittingstaffforconsiderationintheirissuanceofanydelegatedauthorizationsinaquaticpreservesorindevelopingrecommendationstobepresentedtotheTrustees.ThismechanismprovidesabasisfortheTrusteestoevaluatepublicinterestandthemeritsofanyprojectwhilealsoconsideringpotentialenvironmentalimpactstotheaquaticpreserves.Anyactivitylocatedonsovereigntylandsrequiresaletterofconsent,alease,aneasement,orotherapprovalfromtheTrustees.

ManyprovisionsoftheFloridaStatutesthatempowernon-CAMAprogramswithinDEPorotheragenciesmaybeimportanttothemanagementofCAMAsites.Forexample,Chapter403,F.S.,authorizesrulesconcerningthedesignationof“OutstandingFloridaWaters”(OFW),aprogramthatprovidesaquaticpreserveswithadditionalregulatoryprotection.Chapter379,F.S.,regulatessaltwaterfisheries,andprovidesenforcementauthorityandpowersforlawenforcementofficers.Additionally,itprovidessimilarpowersrelatingtowildlifeconservationandmanagement.Thesheernumberofstatutesthataffectaquaticpreservemanagementpreventsanexhaustivelistofallsuchlawsfrombeingprovidedhere.

2.4 / Administrative Rules

Chapters18-18,18-20and18-21,F.A.C.,arethethreeadministrativerulesdirectlyapplicabletotheusesallowedinaquaticpreservesspecificallyandsovereigntylandsgenerally.Theserulesareintendedtobecumulative,meaningthatChapter18-21,F.A.C.,shouldbereadtogetherwithChapter18-18,F.A.C.,orChapter18-20,F.A.C.,todeterminewhatactivitiesarepermissiblewithinanaquaticpreserve.IfChapter18-18,F.A.C.,orChapter18-20,F.A.C.,aresilentonanissue,Chapter18-21,F.A.C.,willcontrol;ifaconflictisperceivedbetweentherules,thestricterstandardsofChapter18-18,F.A.C.,orChapter18-20,F.A.C.,supersedethoseofChapter18-21,F.A.C.BecauseChapter18-21,F.A.C.concernsallsovereigntylands,itislogicaltodiscussitsprovisionsfirst.

Originallycodifiedin1982,Chapter18-21,F.A.C.,ismeant“toaidinfulfillingthetrustandfiduciaryresponsibilitiesoftheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundfortheadministration,managementanddispositionofsovereigntylands;toinsuremaximumbenefitanduseofsovereigntylandsforallthecitizensofFlorida;tomanage,protectandenhancesovereigntylandssothatthepublicmaycontinuetoenjoytraditionalusesincluding,butnotlimitedto,navigation,fishingandswimming;tomanageandprovidemaximumprotectionforallsovereigntylands,especiallythoseimportanttopublicdrinkingwatersupply,shellfishharvesting,publicrecreation,andfishandwildlifepropagationandmanagement;toinsurethatallpublicandprivateactivitiesonsovereigntylandswhichgeneraterevenuesorexcludetraditionalpublicusesprovidejustcompensationforsuchprivileges;andtoaidintheimplementationoftheStateLandsManagementPlan.”

Tothatend,Chapter18-21,F.A.C.,containsprovisionsongeneralmanagementpolicies,formsofauthorizationforactivitiesonsovereigntylands,andfeesapplicableforthoseactivities.“Activity,”inthecontextoftherule,includes“constructionofdocks,piers,boatramps,boardwalks,mooringpilings,dredgingofchannels,filling,removaloflogs,sand,silt,clay,gravelorshell,andtheremovalorplantingofvegetation”(Rule18-21.003,F.A.C.).Tobeauthorizedonsovereigntylands,activitiesmustbenotcontrarytothepublicinterest(Rule18-21.004,F.A.C.).

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Chapter18-21,F.A.C.,alsosetspoliciesonaquaculture,geophysicaltesting(usinggravity,shockwaveandothergeologicaltechniquestoobtaindataonoil,gasorothermineralresources),andspecialeventsrelatedtoboatshowsandboatdisplays.OfparticularimportancetoCAMAsitemanagement,itadditionallyaddressesspoilislands,preventingtheirdevelopmentinmostcases.

Chapters18-18and18-20,F.A.C.,applystandardsandcriteriaforactivitiesintheaquaticpreservesthatarestricterthanthoseofChapter18-21,F.A.C.Chapter18-18,F.A.C.,isspecifictotheBiscayneBayAquaticPreserveandismoreextensivelydescribedinthatsite’smanagementplan.Chapter18-20,F.A.C.,isapplicabletoallotheraquaticpreserves.Itfurtherrestrictsthetypeofactivitiesforwhichauthorizationsmaybegrantedforuseofsovereigntylandsandrequiresthatstructuresthatareauthorizedbelimitedtothosenecessarytoconductwaterdependentactivities.Moreover,forcertain

activitiestobeauthorized,“itmustbedemonstratedthatnootherreasonablealternativeexistswhichwouldallowtheproposedactivitytobeconstructedorundertakenoutsidethepreserve”(Paragraph18-20.004(1)(g),F.A.C.).

Chapter18-20,F.A.C.,expandsonthedefinitionof“publicinterest”byoutliningabalancingtestthatistobeusedtodeterminewhetherbenefitsexceedcostsintheevaluationofrequestsforsale,lease,ortransferofinterestofsovereigntylandswithinanaquaticpreserve.Therulealsoprovidesfortheanalysisofthecumulativeimpactsofarequestinthecontextofprior,existing,andpendinguseswithintheaquaticpreserve,includingbothdirectandindirecteffects.

Chapter18-20,F.A.C.,directsmanagementplansandresourceinventoriestobedevelopedforeveryaquaticpreserve.Further,theruleprovidesprovisionsspecifictocertainaquaticpreservesandindicatesthemeansbywhichtheTrusteescanestablishneworexpandexistingaquaticpreserves.

Aswithstatutes,aquaticpreservemanagementreliesontheapplicationofmanyotherDEPandoutsideagencyrules.Perhapsmostnotably,Chapter62-302,F.A.C.,concernstheclassificationofsurfacewaters,includingcriteriaforOFW,adesignationthatprovidesforthestate’shighestlevelofprotectionforwaterquality.AllaquaticpreservescontainOFWdesignations.NoactivitymaybepermittedwithinanOFWthatdegradesambientwaterqualityunlesstheactivityisdeterminedtobeinthepublicinterest.Onceagain,thelistofotheradministrativerulesthatdonotdirectlyaddressCAMA’sresponsibilitiesbutdoaffectCAMAsitesissolongastobeimpracticaltocreatewithinthecontextofthismanagementplan.

Figure 1 / State structure for managing aquatic preserves.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

SECRETARY

LawEnforcement

DeputySecretary

Regulatory Programs

Siting Coordinator

Waste Management

Water Res. Mgmt.

Air Res. Mgmt.

Labs

RegulatoryDistricts

DeputySecretaryLand &

Recreation

Chief of Staff

Office of Ombudsman

Communications

DeputySecretary

Planning &Management

Strategic Planning

AdministrativeServices

IntergovernmentalPrograms

LegislativeAffairs

National EstuarineResearch Reserve

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Coral ReefConservation Program

Florida Oceans &Coastal Council

Aquatic Preserves

Greenways& Trails

State Lands

Cabinet Affairs

Recreation& Parks

Coastal & Aquatic Managed Areas

Geology

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Chapter Three

The North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

3.1 / Description of Representative Ecosystem Region

�.�.� / Historical Background

TheearliestknownsettlersintheSt.LuciewatershedweretheAisandSeminoleIndians.TheAiswerefirstdocumentedin1568occupyinglandsadjacenttotheSt.LucieRiver(SLR)butweredecimatedby1763whentheBritishtookpossessionofFlorida.Aftertheirdisappearance,theSeminoles(amixofMicossukee,Creek,andChoctaw)occupiedFlorida.TheNorthForkwasusedbytheSeminoleIndiansasatransportationroutelinkingtheSLRareawiththelowerSt.JohnsRivermarshestothenorthwest.TheSeminoleswerebelievedtousetheseroutesinseasonalhuntingexcursionsfromtheSt.JohnsmarshestoHutchinsonIslandwheretheywouldhuntbear(Ursus americanus)andWestIndianmanatee(Trichechus manatus).TheNorthForkwasalsousedintheSeminoleWarsofthe1800s.Largemilitaryforcesarebelievedtohavetraveledthroughthisareaduringthe1838wintercampaignofGeneralJessupduringtheSecondSeminoleWar.

TheearliestEuropeansettlementsalongtheSLRdatebacktothe1890satSpruceBluffandWhiteCity.SpruceBluffwasthefirstorganizednon-Indiansettlement.ThesmallScandinaviancommunity,locatednearpresentdayNorseman’sHarborinPortSt.Lucie,includedasmallschoolhouse,sawmill,postoffice,andasmall(seven-person)cemetery.SpruceBluffisnowdesignatedasa97-acrepublicrecreationareaownedandmanagedbySt.LucieCounty.WhiteCitywascolonizedbyasmall,mid-westernDanishgroup.Thename“WhiteCity”wasinspiredbythelargewhitebuildingsobservedbytheDanishsettlersatthe1896ChicagoWorldFair.MidwayRoad,WhiteCity’smainthoroughfareandthepreserve’snorthernboundary,wasnamedafterMidwayPlaisance,thefair’smainentertainmentattractionthatfeaturedtheoriginalFerrisWheelandBuffaloBill’sWildWestShow(Burgess,2007).

PriortoEuropeansettlement,theSLRwasafreshwatersystemthatdrainedintotheIndianRiverLagoon(IRL).ThecreationofSt.LucieInletin1892connectedtheIndianRiverLagoontotheAtlanticOceanatthemouthoftheSLR.Thisprojectultimatelyconvertedthefreshwatertributarytoariverineestuary(freshwaterintheupperreachesandsaltwaterinthemiddleandlowersections).ThisuniquesalinitygradientchangedthenaturalresourcesfoundintheSLR.Therivernowservesasanimportantbroodingandnurserygroundformigratoryfish,suchassnook(Centropomusspp.),snapper(Lutjanusspp.),andopossumpipefish(Microphis brachyurus lineatus)thatrequireestuarineandfreshwatertocompletetheirlifecycle.

Ebbing tides at St. Lucie Inlet show the connectivity of Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River and its watershed, the Indian River Lagoon, and the nearshore reefs. (Photo taken by Chris Perry.)

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ConstructionoftheCentralandSouthernFlorida(C&SF)FloodControlProjectduringtheearlyandmid-1900sfurtherchangedthedynamicsanddiversitywithintheSLRbyalteringthedistribution,timing,andflowofwaterreachingtheriver.TheC&SFProject,authorizedbyseveralfederalfloodcontrolacts,wasprimarilydesignedtoaddressfloodcontrolanddrainageforlandreclamationincentralandsouthernFlorida.TheC&SFcanalsinMartinandSt.Luciecounties(C-44,C-23,andC-24)formadirectconnectionbetweentheSouthForkandLakeOkeechobee,andhaveexpandedtheNorthForkSLRwatershed(SeeMap2).Drainageofthewatershedallowsforconversionofnaturallandtoagriculturalandurbandevelopments.AnunprecedentedpopulationincreaseadjacenttotheNorthForkbeganin1958.Asof2006,theCityofPortSt.Luciehadapproximately144,159residentslivingwithina112squaremilearea–ahigherpopulationthanWestPalmBeach(97,500in2005)(UniversityofFlorida[UF],2007).ImpactsfromtheconstructionofdrainagecanalsandagriculturalandurbandevelopmentpracticesextendintotheIRLwherewatereitherflowsnorthtoFt.PierceInlet,southintoPeck’sLakeoroutSt.LucieInlettonearshorereefswithinSt.LucieInletPreserveStatePark(Byrne&Patino,2004;Smith,unpublisheddata).

AfloodcontrolprojectdirectlyimpactingtherateatwhichwaterflowedthroughtheNorthForktotheMiddleEstuarywassimultaneouslybeingconductedbytheNorthSt.LucieWaterControlDistrict(NSLWCD)andU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers(USACE)fromthe1920stothe1940s.TheprojectfocusedonstraighteningportionsoftheNorthForktopromoterapiddrainageofwatertotheMiddleandLowerestuariesandeventuallytheAtlanticOcean.Intheprocessofstraighteningtheriver,thedredgedspoilwaspiledintoberms(mounds)alongthebanksofthenewchannel.Thesespoilpiles,whichcanmeasureupto50feetwideand25feettall,blockformerriverbendsandoxbowsaswellasisolatealargeportionoftheNorthForkfloodplain(PBS&J,2003).Historically,theslowandmeanderingpathoftheNorthForkallowedsuspendedsolidstosettleoutofthewatercolumnandnutrientstobefilteredbyfloodplainandshorelinevegetation.ThedirectrivercoursedoesnotallowtheNorthForktofunctionasitoncedid,whichaffectsthewaterqualityandsedimentloadsreachingtheestuary.

TheSLRisdividedintofoursections:NorthFork,SouthFork,MiddleEstuary,andLowerEstuary.A16-mileportionoftheNorthForkwasdesignatedasanaquaticpreserve(APorpreserve)in1972toprotecttheaesthetic,biological,andscientificvalueforfuturegenerations(SeeMap3).Becauseofits

geographiclocationandtidalconnectionthroughSt.LucieInlet,theaquaticpreservesupportshighspeciesdiversityandservesasanimportantnurserygroundforavarietyoffishandwildlife(SeeMap2).Diversehabitats,whichcurrentlyrangefromfreshwatertidalswampstoestuarinemangroveforestsandoysterreefs,arekeytothewiderangeofdiversityinthepreserve.

Today,large-scalerestorationprojectshavebeenidentifiedthatwillallowwatermanagementpracticestoimprovethesalinityregimeandwaterqualityintheSLR.TheseprojectscallforstateandfederalfundingtoimprovetheenvironmentalqualityandmanagementoftheNorthernEverglades(SLRandIRLinMartinandSt.Luciecounties).

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LakeOkeechobee

Martin County

St. Lucie County

Ft. Pierce Inlet

St. LucieInlet

County Line Canal (C-23)

St. Lucie Canal (C-44)

C-23

C-24

Ten Mile Creek

Five

C-24 (Diversion Canal)

IndianRiver Lagoon

AtlanticO

cean

S-49

S-97

S-80

S-308

Martin County

St. Lucie County

LoxahatcheeRiver

MileCreek

St. LucieInlet

PreserveState

Park

SavannasPreserve

StatePark

_̂ Southeast Florida Aquatic Preserves Field OfficeAquatic Preserves

State ParksË SFWMD Structures

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NorthFork

SouthFork

Estuary

Lower Estuary

Middle

0 6 123Miles

January 2009

Map � / Connectivity of the St. Lucie River to Lake Okeechobee and the nearshore reefs within St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park.

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�.�.� / General Description

International/National/State/RegionalSignificance

TheSLRreceivesfederalandstateattentionthroughitsconnectiontotheIndianRiverLagoon(IRL),LakeOkeechobee,andnearshorecoralreefsanditsdesignationasanAquaticPreserve(SeeMap3).TheIRLisoneofthemostbiodiverseestuariesinNorthAmerica(Swainetal.,1995).AsthelargesttributaryoftheIRL,theSLRhasbeenintegratedintotheIRLNationalEstuaryProgram(NEP),apartnershipbetweenwatermanagementdistrictsandtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.TheSt.LucieconnectiontoLakeOkeechobee(viatheC-44canal)makestherestorationprojectsinthepreserveanditswatershedthenorthernmostcomponentoftheComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlan(CERP).ThemouthoftheSLRisadjacenttoSt.LucieInlet,thenorthernmostextentoftropicalcoralreefsonFlorida’seastcoast.ThereefsimmediatelysouthofSt.LucieInlet(inSt.LucieInletPreserveStatePark)areexposedtoriverinewatersfromtheSLRandIRLduringoutgoingtides.TheseMartinCountyreefshavebeenincorporatedintoFlorida’sCoralReefConservationProgram,apartnershipbetweentheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA)andFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP).Asastateaquaticpreserve,theNorthForkSLRisdesignatedasanOutstandingFloridaWaters(pursuanttoChapter62-302F.A.C.).

TheSLRprovidesrelativelycontiguoushabitatforfishandwildlife.Thewidesalinityrange(freshupperreachesandsalinelowerreaches)andassociatedhabitatsintheNorthForkareuniquetotheregionandserveasaproductivenurseryandspawninggroundforrecreationallyandcommerciallyimportantspeciesoffishandwildlife.SeveralrarefishspeciesthatrelyonatidalsystemwithwidesalinityrangesforoneormorephasesoftheirlifecyclearelimitedtothetributariesoftheIRL,suchastheSLR.Adjacentstateandcounty-ownedpubliclandswithnaturalshorelinesprovideawildlifecorridorwhichconnectsavarietyofnaturalcommunitiesandfacilitatesawildernessexperiencethatiseasilyaccessibletotheresidentsofWhiteCity,PortSt.Lucie,andStuart.

Location/Boundaries

TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve(NFSLRAP)islocatedinsoutheastFlorida,approximately40milesnorthwestofWestPalmBeach.MostofthepreserveiswithinSt.LucieCounty,andcontinuessouthintoMartinCounty.MuchofthepreservelieswithinthecityofPortSt.Lucie,anestablishedbutunincorporatedcommunitywithinSt.LucieCounty,locatedapproximatelytwomilessouthofFt.Pierce.AportionofthepreservelieswithinthecityofStuartandtwoestablishedbutunincorporatedcommunitieswithinMartinCounty:JensenBeachandPalmCity.

ThepreserveisboundedonthenorthbyMidwayRoadinWhiteCity.ThesouthernpreserveboundaryextendsfromCoconutPointinStuart(northshore)toJenkinsPointinPalmCity(south

Ë

Ë

ForkPoint

PendarvisPoint

CoconutPoint

JenkinsPoint Dyer

Point

Savannas PreseveState Park

Halpatiokee Nature Trails

Midway Rd.

S t. Lucie West Prima Vista Blvd.

IndianRiver Lagoon

Walton Rd.

Port St. Lucie Blvd.

S-49

S-97

Jensen Beach Blvd.

Murphy Rd.

Mapp Rd.

C-23 (County Line Canal)St. Lucie County

Martin County

Evans

Cre ek

B lvd.


C-23A

LongCreek

MudCove

KitchingCove

HowardCreek

BrittCreek

BlakesleeCreek

WintersCreek

BesseyCreek

./1

§̈¦95

Gulf of Mexico

AtlanticO

ceanMartin County

St. Lucie County

NFSLR Aquatic Preserve

Ë SFWMD Structures

±0 1 20.5Miles

January 2009

Map � / North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve site map.

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shore)justwestoftheRooseveltBridge(U.S.Highway1)inMartinCounty(SeeMap3).Theeasternandwesternboundariesencompassthestate-ownedsovereignsubmergedlandsoccurringbelowthemeanhighwater(MHW)linetowhichthestateholdstitle.Thepreserveisapproximately16mileslongthrough

thenaturalriverbends(SeeAppendixB.5.1).Itis0.01miles(53feet)wideatthenorthernboundary,and0.7miles(3,696feet)wideatthesouthernboundary.

Thepreserverunsroughlyparalleltoseveralmainhighways;itisapproximatelythreemileseastoftheFloridaTurnpike,fivemileseastofInterstate95,and0.5milewestofU.S.Highway1.Fivebridgescurrentlycrosstheaquaticpreserve:1)MidwayRoadatthenorthernboundary,2)PrimaVistaBoulevard,approximatelyfourmilessouthofthenorthernboundary,3)PortSt.LucieBoulevard,approximately10milessouthofthenorthernboundary,4)MappRoad,and5)MurphyRoad,bothovertheC-23Canalatthesouthwestboundary.

Thepreservecurrentlycontainsfourpublicboatramps,threepubliccanoestopovers,andonepublicmarina(SeeMap4).Thefourpublicboatrampsinclude:1)WhiteCityPark,2)RiverParkMarina,3)Veteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate,and4)ClubMed-Sandpiper.ThethreecanoestopoversarelocatedatSt.LucieCounty’sOxbowEco-Center,IdabelleIsland,andSavannasPreserveStatePark-HalpatiokeeCanoeandNatureTrail.WiththeexceptionofClubMed-Sandpiper,publicaccesspointstothepreserveareassociatedwithadjacentpubliclandsandaremanagedbylocalandstateagencies.AsofJune2007,379privatesingle-familydocks,12privatemulti-slipdocks,andeightprivateboatrampsprovideadditionalaccesstothepreserve(SoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,unpublisheddata).Theseprivatefacilitiesreducecongestionatpublicaccesspoints.

TheheadquartersfortheNFSLRAPistheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves(SEFLAP)FieldOffice,locatedat3300LewisStreetinFt.Pierce,Florida34981.TheofficeissituatedonpubliclandmanagedbytheSavannasPreserveStateParklocatedattheconfluenceofFiveMileandTenMilecreeks.TheheadquartersisapproximatelytwomilesnorthoftheaquaticpreserveboundaryatMidwayRoad.

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Midway Rd.


Prima

1

2

7

4

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3

Aquatic Preserve Access Points

1 White City Park

2 River Park Marina

3 Veteran's Memorial Park at Rivergate

4 Club Med - Sandpiper

Canoe Stopovers within the Preserve

5 Idabelle Island

6 Oxbow Eco-Center

7 Savannas Preserve State Park

Marina with Public Restaurant

8 Club Med - Sandpiper

Public Amenities

6

5

January 2009

NFSLR Aquatic Preserve!( Boat Ramp!( Canoe Stopover!( Marina

0 1 20.5Miles ±January 2009

Ve

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Pa

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Map 4 / North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve public amenities.

Public Amenities

Aquatic Preserve Access Points

1. White City Park

2. River Park Marina

3. Veteran’s Memorial Park at Rivergate

4. Club Med - Sandpiper

Canoe Stopovers within the Preserve

5. Idabelle Island

6. Ocbow Eco - Center

7. Savannas Preserve State Park

Marina with Public Restaurant

8. Club Med - Sandpiper

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�.�.� / Resource Description

Theinformationinthissectiondescribestheresourcesfoundthroughouttheaquaticpreserve.

SurroundingPopulationDataandFutureProjectedChanges

Between2000and2007Florida’spopulationmorethandoubled(17%)thatofthecountry(7%)(U.S.CensusBureau,n.d.).DuringthesametimeperiodMartinCounty’spopulationincreased13%andSt.LucieCounty’spopulationincreased41%,morethanfivetimestherateofthecountry(Schenker,n.d.).WhilethenumberofunincorporatedresidentsofMartinandSt.LuciecountiesandtheCityofStuartincreasedasimilar14%,13%,and13%,respectively,thepopulationoftheCityofPortSt.Lucieexperiencedadramaticincreaseof75%(Schenker,n.d.).TheexponentialgrowthofPortSt.LucieissupportedbytheconversionofnaturalandagriculturallandslocatedwestofInterstate95tolarge-scaledevelopmentsofregionalimpact.

TheestimatedpopulationsofMartinandSt.LuciecountieshavemorethandoubledsinceadoptionoftheoriginalNFSLRAPManagementPlanin1984(Schenker,n.d.).By2019,whenthenextmanagementplanrevisionisscheduled,thepopulationsofMartinandSt.Luciecountiesareprojectedtoincreasebyanadditional28%.Theincreasinglocalpopulationaffectsthepreserveincomplexways,andlong-termpopulationprojectionsmustbetakenintoconsiderationfortheprotectionoflocalnaturalresources.Projectionsfor2030indicatethatthepopulationsofMartinandSt.Luciecountieswillincreasebyanadditional56%fromthe2008statistics(UF,2007).Atthattime,boththecitiesofStuartandPortSt.Luciewillhavereachedcompletebuild-outinwhichalllotshaveeitherbeenbuiltuponorarebeingusedforanotherspecificpurpose(Castellano,2004;MartinCountyGrowthManagementDepartment,2005).Studieshaveshownthatbetween1990and2003thepopulationincreaseofMartinandSt.Luciecountieswasprimarilyfromnewpeoplemovingintothearea(UF,2007).

TopographyandGeomorphology(surfacefeaturesandformation)

TheNorthForkSLRwatershedisdefinedbyfourphysiogeographicregions(regionswithdifferinglandcharacteristics).TheNorthForkSLRitselfislocatedintheEasternValleyregionwithinSt.LucieCounty,whichisborderedtothesouthwestbytheOsceolaPlainandtotheeastbytheAtlanticCoastalRidge(SeeMap5).Thisvalleyiscomposedoflong,low,narrowridgesrangingfrom15to30feetinelevation.TheGreenRidgeextendsfromwesternPortSt.LuciealongInterstate95totheC-44Canal.TheheadwatersoftheNorthForkdraintheEasternValleybetweentheOsceolaPlainandtheAtlanticCoastalRidge.Naturaltopography(surfacefeatures)intheNorthForkSLRwatershedisgenerallyflatwithfewnaturalrises.Adjacentuplandelevationsincrease10feetandconsistsofscrub,scrubbyflatwoods,

The Southeast Florida Aquatic Preserves Field Office.

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andpineflatwoodshabitats.Mostofthepreserveisbetweenoneandfivefeetelevationandconsistsofwetlandcommunitiesincludingtidalandfloodplainswampandforest.Tallerfeaturesinthewatershedallaremanmadeandincludebridges,roads,highrisebuildings,communicationtowers,spoilpiles,andwatercontrolstructuressuchaspumpstations,canals,andlevees.

SectionsoftheNorthForkSLRwerestraightenedbetweenthe1920sand1940sbyNSLWCDandUSACEfornavigationandfloodcontrolpurposes.Theassociatedspoilwaspiledasmuchas25feethighand50feetwidealongthenewly-createdchannel.Theexistingspoildepositshaveformedanon-contiguousbermthathasisolatedhistoricfloodplainsandcutoffoldriverbends(SeeMap6)(PBS&J,2003).

InadditiontoincreasingbankelevationsalongtheNorthFork,theC&SFFloodControlProjectexpandedtheNorthForkwatershedandalteredassociatedtopographyanddrainagepatterns.ProjectcanalsandassociatedcontrolstructureswithintheNorthForkwatershedincludetheC-44,C-23,andC-24canalsandtheS-80,S-97,andS-49structures.Priortodrainage,wetseasonrainspooledbroadlyacrosstheSLRwatershed.Whensheetflow(waterflowacrossaflatsurface)occurreditmovedtowardthenaturallylowerelevationssurroundingtheNorthForkSLR,fromthenorthwesttothesoutheast.Theconstructionofadrainagecanalsystemhasresultedincontrolleddischargesofwaterfromwesttoeastthroughtheprimarycanalsystemwhichisfedbynumerousfeedercanalsandditchesthatcrisscrossthewatershed.HistoricalflowsfromtheNorthandSouthForksoftheSLRhavedecreased,andlargevolumesofwaternowentertheMiddleEstuary.StormwaterrunofftotheNorthForkhistoricallyaccountedfor60%ofallsurfacewaterflowstotheSt.LucieEstuary(SLE).Approximately25%ofthesurfacewaterrunoffcurrentlyflowstotheestuarythroughthathistoricroute.FreshwaterrunoffintotheMiddleEstuaryhasincreasedsubstantially(from3%to25%throughBesseyCreek)asaresultofthecanals.Historically,mostrainwaterwasabsorbedbytheregion’swetlandsystem,whichreducedtheamountofnutrientsandsedimentreachingtheriverduringthewetseasonandincreasedtheamountofgroundwaterreachingthepreserveduringthedryseason.

Geology(rockstructure)

TheSLRanditswatershedarecomprisedofcoastallowlandswhichformedduringtheadvanceandretreatofglaciersduringthemostrecenticeage(PleistoceneEpoch).Theregioncontainsfoursurface

geologicformations:Holocene,Holocene/Pleistocene,Pleistocene,andPliocene.Themostrecentformedover10,000yearsagoduringtheHoloceneandconsistsprimarilyofsand,clay,andorganics.Itoccursnearthecoastlineatelevationslowerthanfivefeet.TheHolocene/PleistoceneformationisassociatedwiththeAtlanticCoastalRidge,andiscomposedprimarilyofsandlocatedalongthebeachridgeanddunes.TheAnastasiaformation,whichformedduringthePleistoceneover1.8millionyearsago,iscomposedoflimestone,coquina,andsand.ThisformationliesundertheAtlanticCoastalRidgefromSt.John’sCountysouthtoPalmBeachCounty.Itcanbeexposedalongthecoast,andextendsupto20milesinland.The

LakeOkeechobee

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Preserve WatershedAtlantic Coastal RidgeEastern ValleyGreen RidgeOsceola Plain

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Map � / Physiographic regions within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed.

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Anastasiaformationispartofthesurficialaquifersystem.ThePlioceneformationdatesbacktoover5.3millionyearsandcontainssomeofthemostabundantanddiversefossilsintheworld.Thesecomplexsediments,composedofshells,sand,andclay,confoundtheoriginofthisformation.OncecategorizedastheCaloosahatcheeformation,itisnowknownastheTertiary-Quaternaryshellunit.ThesefoursurfacegeologicformationsoverliebasementrocksoftheFloridaPlatform,includingPrecambrian-Cambrianigneousrocks,Ordovician-Devoniansedimentaryrocks,andTriassic-Jurassicvolcanicrocks(Scott,2001).

SedimentanalysesoftheSLRhavedocumentedthetransitionfromcoarse,well-sortedsandsalongtheshallowmarginsoftherivertofinesiltandclayparticles(muck)inthedeepestareasoftheNorthFork(SeeMap7)(Haunert,1988;Shropp,McFetridge,&Taylor,1994).IncomparisontoothersitesintheSLR,theNorthForkshowedtheleastamountofsandandthemostmud,silt/clay,andooze(softdecayingorganicmatter).WhilemappingseagrassintheSLR,IbisEnvironmental,Inc.(2007)documentedonetothreefeetofsiltsubstrateintheNorthFork(KitchingCovetoBesseyCreek)comparedwith2-18inchesintheSouthForkandinfrequentoccurrencesintheMiddleandLowerEstuary.ThehighconcentrationsoffinegrainsedimentsintheNorthForknegativelyimpactthehealthandabundanceoftheseagrassandoysterreefswithinthepreserve(Chamberlain&Hayward,1996).


Five Mile Creek

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Map � / The pre-altered �� rivercourse and berm locations associated with the straightening process along Ten Mile Creek, Five Mile Creek, and the North Fork St. Lucie River upstream of Prima Vista Boulevard.

Figure5-1N

Projection: State Plane, East Zone

SubstrateSt. Lucie Estuary, Florida

1 0 1 2 Miles

Primary Substrate1 Rocks/Gravel2 Oyster Bar/Dense Shell3 Coarse/Medium Firm Sand4 Well Sorted Fine Sand5 Mucky/Muddy Fine Sand6 Firm Mud/Clays/Silts7 Muck/Organics/Detritus8 Muck9 Ooze

Legend

Map � / Sediment type and location in the St. Lucie River (URS Greiner Woodward Clyde, ��).

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HydrologyandWatershed

ThehydrologyoftheNorthForkanditsheadwaterswasalteredintheearlytomid1900stosupportthegrowingdemandsofdevelopment(agriculturalandurban)andnavigation.ThisbeganwithanetworkofagriculturalandresidentialcanalsanddrainagesmanagedbytheNSLWCD,SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict(SFWMD),theCityofPortSt.Lucie,theCityofFt.Pierce,andSt.LucieCounty.PriortothesedrainageeffortstheNorthForkSLRwatershedencompassed187squaremiles(119,732acres)(SeeMap8).Theprimarycanalsystem,developedaspartoftheC&SFFloodControlProject,includestheC-44(St.LucieCanal),C-23(CountyLineCanal),andC-24(DiversionCanal).AlthoughtheC-23andC-24aretheonlyprimarycanalsthatdraindirectlyinthepreserve,waterfromtheC-44(consistingofwatershedrunoffandwaterreleasedfromLakeOkeechobee)entersthesouthernsectionoftheNorthForkduringfloodingtides(Murdock,1954a).TheportionofthepreservemostinfluencedbydischargefromtheC-44isalsothemostsuitableareaforoystersandseagrasswhichcanbenegativelyaffectedbyprolongedexposuretoexcessiveamountsoffreshwater.Constructionofthesecanalshasexpandedthewatershedto821squaremiles(525,440acres)inSt.LucieandMartincountiesbydivertingflowsfromtheareasthatwerehistoricallyintheSt.JohnsRiverorLakeOkeechobeebasinstotheNorthFork(SeeMap8).

Alterationandexpansionofthehistoricwatershedcoupledwithecologically-degradinglandusepracticeshavesetthestageforthecurrentimpairedconditionoftheNorthForkandmostotherSLRwatershedbasins(SeeMap9).Historicwetlandecosystems,mostlypineflatwoodsanddryprairieswithdepressionalwetlands,facilitateddynamicwatershedstorageandsheetflow.Reducedmovementthroughnaturalfeatureskeptwetlandsfloodedandprovidedformovementofgroundwatertotheriverduringthedryseason.ThismadehistoricwetlandsandestuarieslessvulnerabletoFlorida’svariablerainfall.

TherateatwhichwatermovedthroughboththeSLRanditswatershedwasfurtherincreasedin1922whentheUSACEandNSLWCDbegandredgingtheheadwaters,TenMileCreek,andtheupperreachesoftheNorthForkforfloodcontrolandnavigation.Spoildepositedalongthenewly-createdchannelisolatedbothfloodplainhabitat(primarilytidalswampandhydrichammock)andoxbows(blackwater

river)fromtheoriginalrivercourse(SeeMap6)(PBS&J,2003).FiveMileCreekwasalsostraightenedforfloodcontrol.Today,FiveandTenMilecreeksarecanalswithsteepbanksandnarrowremainsoffloodplainhabitatsdegradedbydensestandsofnon-nativevegetation(mostlyBrazilianpepper(Schinus terebinthifolius)).Withtheexceptionoftwohydrologicrestorationsites,(oneoxbowandonefloodplainreconnectionsite)completedin2002-2003,theseareasremainisolatedfromtheexistingmainriverchannel.Thus,asignificantportionoftheriver’spotentialnaturalfiltrationofnutrientsandsedimentsisnotutilizedtoitsfullcapacity.

BathymetricdatafortheSLRhasbeencollectedbetween1872and2007


Current WatershedHistoric WatershedSFWMD Canals

Hydrology0 2 41

Miles ±January 2009

Map � / Hydrologic alterations within historic and current watersheds of the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.

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(Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998;SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,unpublisheddata).Themostrecentmap,producedbySFWMDin1998,indicateslittlechangehasoccurredneartheshorelinessince1944(Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998).Themostsubstantialbathymetricchangeshaveoccurredinthedeeper,morecentral,zonesoftheNorthForkcharacterizedbyhighamountsoffinesediment.Datashowsanaccumulationofsedimentfrom0.5to4feetinsomeareassince1963(SeeMap10)(Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998;URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999).

AccumulationofmuckintheSLRbegan4,000yearsagowhentheSLRwasdeeperandmainlyfreshwater(SeeFigure2)(He,Stoffella,Calvert,Zhang&Yang, 2003).Recentconstructionandoperationofmajorcanals,urbandevelopment,agriculturalpractices,andstraighteningoftheNorthForkSLRarebelievedtohaveacceleratedthenaturalprocessofmuckformationthatcurrentlyplaguesthissystem(Schrader,1984;Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998;PBS&J,2003;St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.,2004).

AcomprehensivestudyofmuckintheSLRwascompletedbySt.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.(2004)inresponsetoregulatoryandpublicpolicyissuesconcerningmuckanditsremoval.Conclusionsfromthereportindicatethat:

1.MucksedimentsintheSLEoriginatefromuplandswithinthewatershed(Schrader,1984;He etal.,2003);

2.Althoughmuckaccumulatedwithinthesystempriortoanthropogenicchangestothewatershed,accumulationrateshavedramaticallyincreasedwithinthepast200years(Schrader,1984;He etal.,2003);

3.SeveralmuckdepositswithintheSLRaregreaterthan15feetdeep(St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.,2004);

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Map � / Impaired waters within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed.

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Figure � / Sedimentation trends in the St. Lucie River (He et al., �00�).

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4.Toxicand/orhazardouscharacteristicsofSt.Luciemucksedimentsarebelowstateandfederalstandardsfortoxicand/orhazardousclassification(He,Zhang,Stoffella,Calvert,&Wilson, 2001);

5.Muckremovedduringpilotprojectshashighsaltcontentthatcomplicatesapplicationonagriculturallands(Heetal.,2001;Heetal.,2003);

6.Cost-effectivebeneficialusesofSLRmucksedimentsremaintobeidentified(He,Stoffella,Zhang,Calvert,Banks,Yang&Yu,2004);

7.Sedimenttrapsshouldbeexcavatedinthedeepestmuckdepositstobestcontrolturbidityasitisexpectedthatloosesurfacelayersfromshallowareaswillgraduallymigratetothedeepertraps(St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.,2004);and

8.Finalmuckdisposalshouldfocusonsimpleuplandcontainmentknowingthatpotentialbeneficialusesareaffectedbytheuplanddisposalsitedesign(St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.,2004).

Today,muchofthewatershedrunofffromtheNorthForkdrainagebasinsflowsquicklyfromsmaller,residentialcanalsintolargecanalsthatcrossthecoastalridge(C-23andC-24)insteadofbeingdetained,evaporated,cleansed,andheldbynaturalsystems.Thisdrainagesystemhasbecomeanimportantsourceofirrigationwaterandfreezeprotectionforagriculturallands.Rainfall,groundwater,andinflowfromtheFloridanAquiferreplenishsurfacewaterstoredinthecanals.Priortolarge-scalecitrusexpansioninthe1960s,canalstorageinSt.LucieCountywasadequatetomeetirrigationdemands.However,drainageandsubsequentdevelopmentofthelargewetlandareasinwesternSt.LucieCountyhavedepletedmuchofthehistoricsurfacewaterstoragesites.RapidmovementofexcessstormwaterproducedduringthewetseasontotheNorthForkcoupledwithincreaseddemandforwaterforagricultureandurbanusesresultinanunnaturallyhighvolumeofwaterreachingtheNorthForkinthe

wetseasonandalowvolumeofwaterduringthedryseason(USACE&SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],2004).

Ongoing Restoration Projects in the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

CERP

TheCERPisacomponentoftheC&SFRestudyReportof1999thatwasformulatedtoachieveecologicalrestorationoftheGreaterEvergladesEcosystem(Everglades,theFloridaKeys,andthecontiguousnearshorecoastalwatersofSouthFlorida)whileprovidingforotherwaterresourceneedsoftheregion.TheIndianRiverLagoon-South(IRL-S)Project,aregionalcomponentofCERP,includes$1.2billioninprojectstobecost-sharedbetweenSFWMDandUSACE(SeeMap11).Itspurposeistomakethestructuraland

St. Lucie County

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Bathymetry (Feet)-25 to -18-18 to -12-12 to -6-6 to -3-3 to 0

Elevation (Feet)0 to 33 to 66 to 1212 to 1818 to 23

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Map �0 / Bathymetry of the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve and surrounding watershed elevations

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operationalchangesnecessaryinMartinandSt.Luciecountiestoimprovethequalityoftheenvironment,theprotectionoftheaquifer,andtheintegrity,capability,andconservationofurbanandagriculturalwatersupplies.SpecificcomponentsproposedintheIRL-SProjectthatwilldirectlyimpactthequalityofthepreserveincludereservoirs,stormwatertreatmentareas(STAs),naturalstorageandtreatmentareas,NorthForkfloodplainrestoration,diversionofflow,muckremoval,andcreationofartificialhabitat.

Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area

AnotherprojectdeemedcriticaltotherestorationoftheSouthFloridaecosystemistheTenMileCreekWaterPreserveArea(WPA).ThisprojectlieswithintheTenMileCreekbasin,whichcontributesalargevolumeofstormwatertotheheadwatersoftheNorthForkSLR(SeeMap11).The550-acrereservoirand110-acreSTAfacilityareintendedtocleansestormwaterrunoffenteringTenMileCreekandcreateamorenaturalsalinityrangeintheSLR.ThiscriticalrestorationprojectwillgreatlyenhancetheabilitytomaintainappropriatesalinitiesinthepreserveandhelpoffsetthedamagingeffectsofreleasesthroughC&SFcanalsuntilcomponentsoftheIRL-Scanbeimplemented.ConstructionoftheTenMileCreekWPAbeganinAugust2003andwascompletedinDecember2005.ItiscurrentlyintheInterimOperationalPhase,consistingofcarefulobservationsandassessmentofsiteconditions.Continuedevaluationofsiteconditionsandoperationalfactorswillbeon-goinguntilthefacilitybecomesfullyoperational.

Hydrologic Restoration

AneedsassessmentforhydrologicrestorationoftheNorthForkanditsheadwaterswasdraftedbyPBS&JinJune2003.ThestudyhighlightssuitablefloodplainandoxbowreconnectionsitestohelpoffsethydrologicimpactstotheSLR(SeeAppendixB.5.2).Theserestorationprojectsalignwiththegoalsoutlinedinthe1993IRLSurfaceWaterImprovementManagement(SWIM)Planandthe2004IRL-SProjectImplementationReport(PIR)NorthForkFloodplainRestorationcomponent.Approximately324acresoffloodplainwetlandsalongtheNorthForkcanbehydrologicallyreconnectedtotheriver(PBS&J,2003).Itisexpectedthatfundsdirectedatfloodplainandoxbowreconnectionswillpromoteashiftfromhabitathomogeneity(channels)tohabitatheterogeneity(oxbows,meanders,streams,braids,andsheetflowacrosswetlands),decreasesedimentation,andimprovewaterqualityconditions.Thus,hydrologicrestorationactivitiesintheupperreachesoftheNorthForkareexpectedtoimprovedownstreamconditionsandwillhelpsupportrecruitmentandlong-termestablishmentofoystersandseagrassinthesouthernportionofthepreserve.

Climate

TheNorthForkSLRislocatedinasubtropicalclimate.Theaverageannualrainfallinthewatershedisapproximately55inches,withthemajorityoccurringfromMaytoOctober(wetseason)asaresultofthunderstormevents.Airtemperaturesrangefromthe90sinthesummertothe40sinthewinterwithanaveragemonthlytemperatureinthelow70s.Watertemperaturesrangefromthehigh80sinthesummertothehigh50sinthewinter(Gunter&Hall,1963;Chamberlain&Hayward,1996).HeavyraineventsandunpredictabletropicalstormsandhurricanesresultinincreasedfreshwaterinputsbetweenJuneandNovember.

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Restoration SiteC-23/24 North ReservoirCypress Creek/Trail RidgeC-25 ReservoirTen Mile Creek Water Preserve AreaNorth Fork FloodplainC-23/24 South ReservoirAllapattah Natural AreaSouth Fork Water Storage AreaC-44 East Stormw ater Treatment AreaAtlantic RidgePALMAR ComplexJ.W. Corbett Wildlife Management AreaDuPuis Reserve

NFSLR Aquatic Preserve0 4 82


Map �� / Large-scale restoration efforts within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed.

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Threehurricanesimpactedtheregionin2004-2005andnegativelyaffectedtheresourcesintheSLE(Switzer,Winner,Dunham,Whittington&Thomas,2006;L.Burgess,personalcommunication,September6,2007).HurricanesFrancesandJeanne(Categories2and3,respectively)madeunprecedentedlandfallsonly20daysapartinthesamelocationovertheIRLandSLRnearSt.LucieInletinSeptember2004.HurricaneWilmaarrivedfromthesouthwestandstrucktheareaasaCategory1hurricaneinOctober2005.Theeffectsofthehurricanescanstillbeseeninthenumberoffelledtrees,debris,derelictvessels,anddamageddocks.

HurricanescancauseanincreaseintheamountoffreshwaterreleasedthroughtheC-23,C-24,andC-44canalswhichcanalterthespeciesmakeupwithinthepreserve(Switzeretal.,2006).Thesechangesaretemporarybutnoticeable.AfterhurricanesFrancesandJeanne,numbersofsaltwaterspeciessuchasstripedmullet(Mugil cephalus)andwhitemullet(Mugil curema)declinedintheNorthForkwhilefreshwaterandoligohaline(nearfreshwaterconditions)speciessuchasbluecrab(Callinectes sapidus),gizzardshad(Dorosoma cepedianum),andladyfish(Elops saurus)increased(Switzeretal.,2006).

NaturalCommunities

ThenaturalcommunityclassificationsystemutilizedinthisplanwasdevelopedbytheFloridaNaturalAreasInventory(FNAI)andtheFloridaDepartmentofNaturalResources(DNR).Thecommunitytypesaredefinedbyvegetationstructureandcomposition,hydrology,fireregime,topography,andsoiltype.Thecommunitytypesarenamedforthemostcharacteristicbiologicalorphysicalfeature(FloridaNaturalAreasInventory[FNAI]&FloridaDepartmentofNaturalResources[DNR],1990).FNAIalsoassignsglobal(G)andstate(S)rankstoeachnaturalcommunityandspeciesthatFNAItracks.Theseranksreflectthestatusofthenaturalcommunityorspeciesworldwide(G)andinFlorida(S).Lowernumbersreflectahigherdegreeofimperilment(e.g.G1representsthemostimperilednaturalcommunitiesworldwide,S1representsthemostimperilednaturalcommunitiesinFlorida).AppendixB.6providesafullexplanationoftheFNAIcommunitytypesandtherankingsystem.

TheIRLandSLRstraddlethetemperateandsubtropicalbiogeographiczones.SpeciesdiversityinthesystemisamongthehighestinNorthAmericaasitsupportsrepresentativespeciesfromeachzoneaswellasendemicspeciesthatarespecifictothisregion(Swainetal.,1995).Thepreserveiscomprisedofoligohalineandestuarinehabitattypesandissurroundedbyavarietyofuplandcommunitiesthat

The Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area is anticipated to reduce the nutrient, sediment, and pollutant loads of the water flowing into Ten Mile Creek and, consequently, the preserve.

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bufferthepreservefromoutsideinfluences(SeeMap12)(Teas,1971).DescriptionsandcurrentstatusofpreservelandsandbufferingnaturallandsusingFNAIcodesareprovidedindetailbelowandinabbreviatedforminAppendixB.6.TheprovidedFNAImapwascreatedusing2003FNAIdatafortheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverBufferPreserve(nowmanagedbySavannasPreserveStatePark)anda1999SFWMDnaturallandsgeographicinformationsystem(GIS)shapefilethatwerecrosswalkedtoFNAIclassifications.The2003FNAIdataservedastheprimarylayerandtheSFWMDmappingefforts,oncecrosswalkedtoFNAI,wereusedtofillgaps.Futureground-truthingisnecessarytodepicttheactualcoverageofeachhabitattype.SFWMDprovidedboththeoysterandseagrassGISdatausedinthisplan.Mollusk(oyster)reefdatawerecollectedin2003andalthoughhistoricallypresent,noseagrasseswerelocatedwithinthepreserveduringtheSJRWMD’s2007seagrassmappingeffort.FiveFNAIcommunitiesarecurrentlylocatedwithinthepreserveandanadditionalsevencommunitiesarelocatedadjacenttothepreserve(Table1).Aportionofthefloodplainconsistsofdredgedspoildepositsandisclassifiedasruderal/disturbed.TheglobalandstateranksforthecommunitieswithinthepreserveareallG3andS3,respectively,withtheexceptionofunconsolidatedsubstratewhichisconsideredG5andS5,respectively.TheglobalandstaterankingsystemsaredescribedinAppendixB.6.

NaturalCommunitieswithinthePreserve

MolluskReef-InFlorida,themostdevelopedmolluskreefsaregenerallyrestrictedtoestuarineareasandaredominatedbytheEasternoyster(Crassostrea virginica). RelativelylargeoysterbedsintheMiddleEstuary,smallbedsintheSouthFork,andscatteredbedsintheNorthForkwerefirstdocumentedintheearly1940s(Steward,Brockmeyer,Gostel,Sime&VanArman,2003;Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998).Likeseagrasses,theoysterpopulationinthepreservehasbeennegativelyaffectedbythequality,quantity,timing,anddistributionoffreshwaterenteringthesystemthroughwatercontrolstructures.Inadditiontohighersalinitylevels,oystersrequireahard(consolidated)substrateonwhichthespat(molluskjuveniles)settleandcompletedevelopment.Spatdieiftheysettleonsoft(unconsolidated)substratessuchassoftmudorshiftingsand.Hardsubstrates,andthereforeoysterreefs,arelimitedinthepreserveduetohighamountsoffineorganic(mucky)sediments(St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.,2004).Thelatestoysterreefmappingeffort(2003)showed31acresofmollusk(liveanddeadoyster)reefweredocumentedinthesouthern,moresaline,portionsofthepreserve.Predatorsincludeman,bluecrab,sheepshead(Archosargus probatocephalus),andblackdrum(Pogonias cromis).

UnconsolidatedSubstrates-Mostsubmergedlandswithinthepreserveareclassifiedasunconsolidatedsubstrate(2,247acres).ThisincludesonebeachinKitchingCove,areaswithsandandshellbottom,tidalmudflats,andsoftbottom.Estuarineunconsolidatedsubstratesaremineral-basednaturalcommunitiesgenerally

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Mesic FlatwoodsScrubby Flatwoods

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Map �� / Natural lands within and adjacent to the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.

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characterizedasexpansive,relativelyopenareasthatlackdensepopulationsofattachedplantandanimalspecies.Whiletheseareasmayappearrelativelybarren,withintheNorthForktheysupportpopulationsofinsects,tubeworms,mollusks,isopods,amphipods,burrowingshrimp,crabs,andbottom-dwellingfishessuchasblennies,gobies,sleepers,andmangroverivulus(Rivulus marmoratus).Densitiesoftheseorganismsbelowthemeanlowwaterlinecanreachthetensofthousandspersquaremeter,makingtheseareasimportantfeedinggroundsforbottom-feedingfishsuchasredfish(Sciaenops ocellatus),flounder,spot(Leiostomus xanthurus),andsheepshead.Theareasabovethemeanlowwaterlineareextremelyimportantfeedinggroundsforbirdsandinvertebrates.Unconsolidatedsubstratecommunitiesareimportantinthattheywillformthefoundationforthedevelopmentofotherestuarinenaturalcommunitieswhenconditionsbecomeappropriate.Unconsolidatedsubstratecommunitiescurrentlygradeintotidalswamps,molluskreefs,andsmallpatchesofshort-livedseagrass.Gradationofunconsolidatedsubstrateintoseagrassbedsandoysterreefsisoneoftheprimarybiologicalgoalsoffederal,state,andlocally-fundedSLRrestorationprojects(Stewardetal.,2003;USACE&SFWMD,2004).

EstuarineTidalSwamp-Approximately535acresoftidalswampormangroveforestsarelocatedinthesouthern,moresalineportionofthepreserve.Thiscommunityisprimarilycomprisedofredmangrove(Rhizophora mangle)withoccasionalgiantleatherfern(Acrostichum danaeifolium)andcoastalplainwillow(Salix caroliniana).Thesehabitatsplayacriticalroleintheecologyoftheriverandtheestuary.Theyprotecttheshorelinefromerosionbyreducingwaveenergy,contributeheavilytotheinputoforganicmaterialtotheestuarinefoodweb,andprovidehabitatfornumerousestuarinefishes,crabs,andshrimps.Mangrovesalsoplayaroleastheprimaryroostingandnestingsiteforwadingbirdsandpelicans.Onewadingbirdrookery,madeoftwoadjacentmangroveislands,islocatedwithinthepreserve.Asof2008,theupstreamextentofmangrovesisroughlyonemilenorthofPrimaVistaBoulevard.FuturehydrologicchangeswithinthewatershedcanbemonitoredbyassessingmangrovesurvivalandrecruitmentalongtheNorthFork.InmanyareasBrazilianpepper,aninvasivenon-native,hasreplacedthemangroves.ThisispartiallytheresultofartificiallystraighteningtheNorthForkanditsheadwatersandtheopportunisticcharacterofBrazilianpepper.Non-nativeremovaleffortshavehistoricallyconcentratedonremovingpeppertreesfromthetidalswamps.Mangroveshavenaturallyrecruitedintoareaswherepeppertreesweretreatedwithherbicideandoneartificialcanalhasbeenplantedwithredmangrovesasamitigationproject.

FreshwaterTidalSwamp-Alargeportionofthepreserve,119acres,isclassifiedasfreshwatertidalswamp.Thishabitattypeoccursalongfloodplainsjustinland(upstream)fromthemangrovetidalswampsfoundinthepreserve.Theseareascontainnumerousspeciesincludinganoverstoryofpopash(Fraxinus

Oyster reefs in the preserve are susceptible to prolonged exposure to freshwater released from canals draining the watershed and Lake Okeechobee. (Photo taken by Heather Hitt at Florida Oceanographic Society.)

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caroliniana),laureloak(Quercus laurifolia),redmaple(Acer rubrum),pondapple(Annona glabra),dahoonholly(Ilex cassine),andcabbagepalm(Sabal palmetto)withagroundcoverofsaltbush(Baccharisspp.),wildcoffee(Psychotriaspp.),giantleatherfern,pimpernel(Samolussp.),buttonbush(Cephalanthus occidentalis),ardisias(Ardisiaspp.),swamplily(Crinum americanum),arrowhead(Sagittariasp.),andstoppers(Eugenia spp.andMyrcianthes fragrans).Thetallertreesandshrubsprovidehabitatforvariousvinesandepiphytes(plantsthatgrowonotherplants)suchaspoisonivy(Toxicodendron radicans),bromeliads(airplants[Bromeliaceae]),andorchids(Orchidaceae).Theswampsarefloodedtwicedailyinresponsetotidalcyclesandareoftenfedbyoxbowsandsloughs.TheyareextremelyvulnerabletohydrologicmodificationsandhavebeenimpactedbypastdredgingoperationsalongtheNorthFork.

Slough-Asloughisadepressionassociatedwithswampsandmarshlandscontainingareasofslightlydeeperwaterandaslowcurrent.Severalsloughs,totaling40acres,feedintotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.Mostsloughshavebeenchannelizedtofacilitatedrainageofstormwaterfromurbanareas.Thequalityofthiswaterisunknown,buttheNorthForkreceivesconsiderablestormwaterrunoffandmostofitappearstobeuntreated.Alteredsloughsaresusceptibletodisturbancecausedbyregularmaintenanceofdrainageeasements(e.g.non-nativeinvasions,erosion)andbyincreasedwatervolumeandflowfromstormwateralterationsandnewdevelopmentinthewatershed.Withinthepreserve,thesloughscontainwetlandspeciessuchasswamplily,arrowhead,pickerelweed(Pontedaria cordata),andleatherfern.Unalteredsloughsaredominatedbynativespecies.Thesloughbankscontainadiversearrayofspeciesincludingswamp(Persea palustris)andredbay(P. borbonia),popash,laureloak,pondapple,waxmyrtle(Myrica cerifera),saltbush,primrose(Ludwigia spp.),stoppers,wildcoffee,andvariousvinesandepiphytessuchaspoisonivy,bromeliads,andmuscadinegrape(Vitis rotundifolia).

Giant leather fern along the upper reaches of the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.

NaturalCommunities

FNAINaturalCommunityType #Acres %ofArea

FederalRank

StateRank Comments

MolluskReef 31 1 G3 S3 LiveanddeadoysterreefUnconsolidatedsubstrates 2,247 76 G5 S5TidalSwamp 535 18 G3 S3 EstuarinespeciesFreshwaterTidalSwamp 119 4 G3 S3 FreshwaterspeciesSlough 40 1 G3 S3

Table � / Natural communities within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.

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NaturalCommunitiesAdjacenttothePreserve

SeagrassBeds-Mappingeffortsindicatethatshoalgrass(Halodule wrightii) andwidgeongrass(Ruppia maritima)werehistoricallypresentalongtheshorelinesinthesouthernsectionofthepreserve.ThelastevidenceofseagrassseenintheNorthForkSLRwasanephemeralpatchofwidgeongrassobservedin2002(R.Robbins,personalcommunication,October31,2007).Alteredsalinityregimes(andaregularpatternoftheiroccurrence),poorwaterquality,andlimitedamountsofsuitablesubstratehavereducedtheabilityoftheNorthForktosupportthesevaluedecosystemcomponents(Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998;USACE&SFWMD,2004;IbisEnvironmental,Inc.,2007).Muckdepositsthroughoutalargeportionofthesouthernsectionofthepreservehavereducedtheamountofpotentialsubmergedaquaticvegetation(SAV)habitattotheshallowedgeslinedwithahigherconcentrationofcoarse-grainsediments(SeeMap13).FutureCERPmuckremovaleffortsandwatershedrestorationprojectsareexpectedtofacilitatereestablishmentofseagrassbedsinthepreserve.

HydricHammock-Thehydrichammockfoundadjacenttothepreserveisdominatedbyhardwoods,suchasredmaple,sweetgum(Liquidambar styraciflua),swampandredbay,dahoonholly,laureloak,gumbolimbo(Bursera simaruba),intermingledwithcabbagepalm,waxmyrtle,andnumerousepiphytessuchaspoisonivy,bromeliads,andorchids.Hydrichammockshavewetsoilslessthan60daysoutoftheyearandsupportsparsegroundcoversuchasroyal(Osmunda regalis),bracken(Pteridium aquilinum),andcinnamonferns(O. cinnamomea),wildcoffee,andstoppers.

FloodplainMarsh–Theadjacentfloodplainmarshcommunityisgenerallyfoundinlowspotsandoxbows.Adensegroundcoverofsawgrass(Cladium jamaicense)andleatherfernexistswithasparseoverstoryoftreesandshrubs(suchascoastalplainwillowandwaxmyrtle)supportedbysaturatedsoils.Theherbaceousplantsaretwotofivefeettall.Floodplainmarshesareextremelyimportantashabitatforbirdsandjuvenileestuarineandfreshwaterorganismssuchasfishes,crabs,andshrimps.Non-nativespeciessuchasBrazilianpepperhaveheavilyinvadedthefloodplainmarshprimarilybecauseofintensefloodplainalterationassociatedwithstraighteningtheriverintheearly1900s.

FloodplainForest-Long-livedfloodplainforestsarelocateddirectlyadjacenttotheSLRasatransitionalzonebetweentheSLRandmesicandscrubbyhabitats.Theysupportmixedwetanddryhabitatassociatessuchasredmaple,coastalplainwillow,waxmyrtle,variousferns,andoaks.Theplantspeciesherearesimilartothoseofhydrichammocksandareverysusceptibletoactivitiesthatnegativelyimpactthehydrologyofthesite.Thefloodplainforestsalongthepreservealsosupportsawpalmetto(Serenoa repens),cabbagepalm,wildcoffee,androyal,bracken,leatherandcinnamonferns.

DepressionMarsh-Afewdepressionmarshesarelocatedadjacenttothepreservewithinflatwoodsorscrubbyhabitats.DepressionalmarshesgenerallycontainSt.Johnswort(Hypericumspp.),yellowhatpin(Syngonathus flavidulus),cattail(Typha latifolia),jointedspikerush(Eleocharis interstincta),pickerelweed,arrowhead,yellow-eyedgrass(Xyrissp.),redroot(Lachnanthes caroliniana),andchalkybluestem(Andropogon virginicus).Severalofthesemarsheshavebeenimpactedbyaltereddrainageandareinneedofrestoration.

ScrubbyFlatwoods–Scrubbyflatwoodsarewell-drainedandcommonlyfoundadjacenttoxerichammock

Map �� / Potential submerged aquatic vegetation habitat in the St. Lucie River (URS Greiner Woodward Clyde, ��).

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habitatsalongtheNorthFork.Theoaksinthiscommunityaredenseandaverage15feettall.Fireisessentialtomaintaincommunitybalanceandperpetuatefire-dependentspeciesbuthasbeenabsentfromthesehabitatsfordecades.TheoverstoryconsistsofscatteredsouthFloridaslashpine(Pinus elliotti var. densa)mixedwithsandpine(P. clausa)andlargescruboaks(live[Quercus virginiana],sandlive[Q. geminata],andmyrtle[Q. myrtifolia]).Thegroundcoverconsistsofsawpalmettowithgallberry(Ilex glabra),lyonias(Lyoniaspp.),tarflower(Befaria racemosa),blueberries(Vaccinium spp.),andoccasionalwiregrass(Aristida beyrichiana).

XericHammock-Pocketsofxerichammockoccuralongthepreserveinsandyareasadjacenttoscrubbyflatwoodhabitats.Thecommunityappearstobetheresultofdecadesoffiresuppressionandcontainsprimarilyscruboaks,withsawpalmetto,tarflower,lyonias,gallberry,blueberries,groundlichens,andoccasionallysandpine.Populationsofherbaceousgroundcoverarereduced.Thexerichammockhasbeenusedasaneducationaltooltoteachtheimportanceoffiretotheecologyofthearea.

AreasAdjacenttothePreserve

Ruderal/Disturbed-Theseareasrepresent178acresalongthepreserveandarecharacterizedbyhistoricalgrounddisturbance(loggingorclearing)andsubsequentinvasionbyprimarilynon-nativespeciessuchasBahiagrass(Paspalum notatum),Brazilianpepper,andCaesarweed(Urena lobata).Somenativespeciesremain,suchassawpalmetto,waxmyrtle,andmuscadinegrape.Approximately25,200linearfeetofshorelinealongthepreservefromForkPointtoMidwayRoadisfilledwithsedimentfromdevelopmentordredgespoil(SeeMap2)(USACE&SFWMD,2004).Thisincludessmallareasnearresidencesoftenassociatedwithcanalscreatedfordrainageandmodifiedriverbanksthatcontainriverbottomspoilfromthe1920sdredgingoperation.Thesemodifiedbanksgenerallycontainspeciesassociatedwiththefloodplainforestandhydrichammockcommunitiesfoundadjacenttothepreserve,includingverylargeoaks.Thesespoilareasoftenpreventriverwatermovementintotheadjacentfloodplain.Disturbedareasalsoincludedirtroadsanddrainageareas(swalesandbanks)comprisedofBahiagrass.

NativeSpecies

Duetothegeographiclocation,tidalconnectivitythroughSt.LucieInlet,andfreshwaterupperreaches,thepreserveisteemingwithauniquecombinationoftemperateandtropicalspeciesthattolerateawidesalinityrange(freshtoestuarine).Todate,over650nativespecies,includingfish,amphibians,

American alligators nest along the banks of the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve and its headwaters.

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reptiles,birds,mammals,invertebrates,plants,andphytoplankton,havebeenlocatedandidentifiedwithinthepreserveandadjacentfloodplain(SeeAppendixB.4.1forcompletelisting).Theonlyknownrookeryfortheendangered(federalandstate)woodstork(Mycteria americana)inSt.LucieCountyisinMudCove,withinthepreserve.Itsupportswoodstork,greategret(Ardea alba),snowyegret(Egretta thula),tricoloredheron(E. tricolor),andanhinga(Anhinga anhinga)populations.Therookeryandthesurroundingmangrovevegetationserveasimportantroostinghabitatforbrownpelican(Pelecanus occidentalis),littleblueheron(Egretta caerulea),nightheron(Nycticorax spp.),glossyibis(Plegadis falcinellus)andwhiteibis(Eudocimus albus).PreservespeciesthathavethepotentialtoaffectnestingsuccessintheserookeriesincludetheAmericanalligator(Alligator mississippiensis),bobcat(Lynx rufus),andraccoon(Procyon lotor).Theosprey(Pandion haliaetus)iscommonlyseennestinginthefloodplainandforagingwithinthepreserve.

TheWestIndianmanateeisoftenseeninthehistoricriverbendswithinthepreservewheretheyoccasionallyfeedonshorelinevegetationandreproduce(M.Meeker,personalcommunication,August13,2007;K.Cairnes,personalcommunication,August8,2007).Atleastthreespeciesofbats,theMexicanfree-tailed(Tadarida brasiliensis),evening(Nycticeius humeralis),andEasternyellow(Lasiurus intermedius),residewithinthepreserveandareusuallyseenfeedingatdusk.TheMexicanfree-tailedbatisthemostcommonspeciesandcanbefoundontheundersideofbridgesandinsidebuildings.TheEasternyellowbatistheleastcommonspeciesandisusuallyfoundinpalmtrees(K.Gioeli,personalcommunication,August21,2007).Batsfeedoninsects,includingmosquitoesandagriculturalpests,andthereforeplayacriticalroleinreducingtheneedforchemicalpesticidesnearaquaticareas(U.S.GeologicalSurvey[USGS],2003).

Thesalinityrangecoupledwiththeemergentvegetationandredmangrovescreateproductivenurseryhabitatforcommerciallyimportantspeciesincludingthebluecrab,cinnamonrivershrimp(Machrobrachium acanthurus),penaeidshrimp(pink[Farfantepenaeus duorarum],brown[F. aztecus],andwhite[Penaeus setiferus]),andseveralspeciesoffishincludingsnapper,snook,tarpon(Magalops atlanticus),mullet(Mugilspp.),drum(Sciaenidae),sheepshead,andpompano(Carangidae).Freshwaterspeciesintheupperreachesofthepreserveincludecrappie(Pomoxisspp.),bass(Serranidae),andsunfish(Lepomisspp.).

ListedSpecies

Thepreserveprovidesvaluablehabitatandprotectionforavarietyofrareandprotectedspecies.Currently33listedspecies(11plants,2fish,5reptiles,13birds,and2mammals)andthreecommerciallyexploitedplantspecieshavebeendocumentedinandadjacenttothepreserve(SeeAppendixB.4.1.).Anadditional20rarespecies(includingfish,reptiles,andbirds)supportedbythepreservehavebeenidentifiedbytheFloridaCommitteeonRareandEndangeredPlantsandAnimals(FCREPA)(Ashton,1992;SeeAppendixB.4.1.).TherareplantlistcreatedbyFCREPAisoutdated(R.Ashton,personalcommunication,January29,2009).RareplantspecieswithinandadjacenttothepreservewillbeincludedintheNFSLRAPspecieslistonceanupdateddocumenthasbeenpublishedbyFCREPA.

Themangroverivulusandopossumpipefish aretheonlytwofederally-listedfishspeciesinthepreserve.ThesespecieshaveaverylimiteddistributionwithinthecontinentalUnitedStates(U.S.)andhaveuniquehabitatrequirementsthatshouldbeprotectedtothegreatestextentpossible.ThemangroverivulusisatropicalkillifishthatiswidelydistributedfromFloridatoBrazilbutlocallyrareasitreachesthenorthernextentofitsrangeonbothcoastsincentralFlorida(Taylor,1993;Taylor,Davis&Turner,1995).ThisspecieswaslistedbyNOAANationalMarineFisheriesService(NMFS)asaSpeciesofSpecialConcern(SSC)in1997.

Theopossumpipefishisacircum-tropical(organismswhichoccuraroundthetropicsoftheworld)speciesthatwasdesignatedasanSSCthroughNOAANMFSin1991andThreatenedbyFCREPAduetohabitatdestruction(associatedwithseawall,dock,andriprapconstruction),isolationfromhabitatduetowatercontrolstructuresanddegradedwaterquality.PredictablebreedingadultpopulationsinFloridaarelimitedtothetributariesoftheIRL(e.g.St.LucieandLoxahatcheerivers)(Gilmore,1992;1999).

TheAmericanalligatorandFloridabrownsnake(Storeria dekayi victa)aretheonlylistedreptilesthatinhabitthepreserve.Alligatorsareafederally-listedthreatenedspeciesandastate-listedSSCbecauseoftheirsimilarityinappearancetotheendangeredAmericancrocodile(Crocodylus acutus). Alligatorsaremostcommoninthemajorriverdrainagebasins,suchasthetributariestotheIRLandlargelakesincentralandsouthFlorida.Theyaretolerantofpoorwaterqualityandarecommonlyseeninlocaldrainagecanals,retentionponds,andditches.Varioussizeshavebeenobservedwithinthepreserveandbreedingisknowntooccuralongtheriverbanks(Teas,1971;G.Evans,personalcommunication,

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November15,2007;D.Wade,personalcommunication,November15,2007).TheFloridabrownsnakeisthreatenedatthestatelevelandresidesinthemarshesanduplandsadjacenttothepreserve,buttheyfeedonfishcollectedintheNorthFork.

TheWestIndianmanateeistheonlylistedmammal(endangeredatboththefederalandstatelevel)foundwithinthepreserve.Spanningfreshtooceanwater,theyhavebeenobservedusinghistoricriverbends,whichareshallowerandlesstraveledthanthemainchannel,asbreedinggrounds.Oneofthelargestpotentialthreatstomanateesinthepreserveisboatstrikes.TheSherman’sfoxsquirrel(Sciurus niger shermani),listedthroughthestateasanSSC,canbefoundadjacenttothepreservewithinSavannasPreserveStatePark.

Severallistedbirdspeciesutilizethepreserve(SeeAppendixB.4.1).Thewoodstork,bothfederallyandstate-listedasendangered,andseveralSSC,includinglittleblueheron,osprey,snowyegret,andtricolorheron, usethepreserveasbreedinggroundsfromFebruarythroughJulyeachyear(Griffin,Morris,Rodgers&Snyder,accepted).Mostofthesespeciesareregularlyseenforagingwithinthepreserve,evenoutsidethebreedingseason.Thebrownpelican,anSSC,usesthemangrovesforroostingbuthavenotbeenobservedtobuildnestsalongtheNorthFork.ThelossordegradationofwetlandsincentralandsouthFloridaistheprimarythreattowoodstorksandotherwadingbirds.

SeveralspecieswithinthepreservehavebeendesignatedbytheFCREPAasrareduetolimitedavailabilityofsubtropicalaquatichabitatanddegradationofhabitatqualityinFlorida.Theseincludeanimalssuchastropicalperipheralfish(thosethatareonorneartheedgeoftheirgeographicalrange)thataremorecommonlyseenintheCaribbean.FourtropicalfishareknowntooccuralongtheNorthForkandareconsideredindicatorspeciesduetotheirspecifichabitatrequirements(Beal,Hitt,Herren,Kaufmann&Hauck,2006;USACE&SFWMD,2004).Thesefourfish,thebigmouthsleeper(Gobiomorus dormitor),rivergoby(Awaous banana),slashcheekgoby(Gobionellus psuedofasciatus),andopossumpipefish,arelistedasthreatenedbyFCREPA(Ashton,1992).Anadditionalrarefishspecies,themangroverivulus, islistedbyFCREPAasanSSC(Ashton,1992).ThelargestU.S.populationsofthreeraresnookspecies,thefatsnook(Centropomus parallelus),theswordspinesnook(C. ensiferus),andthetarponsnook(C. pectinatus),havealsobeendocumentedintheNorthForkSLR(Bealetal.,2006;G.Gilmore,personalcommunication,February1,2008;Dutka-Gianelli,unpublisheddata).Ichthyologists(scientiststhatstudythebiologyandecologyoffish)believethatmanyoftheabovespecieswarrantconsiderationforpossiblelistingundertheEndangeredSpeciesAct(ESA)of1973(G.Gilmore,personalcommunication,February1,2008).

Mangrove rivulus are rare and hearty fish generally associated with great land crab (Cardisomaguanhumi) burrows and areas of low oxygen. (Image provided by Dr. Scott Taylor.)

Wood stork chicks at the Mud Cove Rookery.

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InvasiveNon-nativeSpecies

LikemostwaterbodiesinFlorida,thepreserveishometonon-nativespeciesthatcompetewithnativeresidentsforfoodandspace.Severalnon-nativespecieshavebeenidentifiedwithinandalongtheNorthForkSLR(SeeAppendixB.4.2foracompletelisting).

Fishspeciesincludesailfishcatfish(Pterygoplichthysspp.),blue(Oreochromis aureus) andspottedtilapia(Tilapia mariae),walkingcatfish(Clarias batrachus),SouthAmericanbrownhoplo(Hoplosternum littorale),grasscarp(Ctenopharyngodon idella),andMayancichlid(Cichlasoma urophthalmus).Thesailfincatfishisthemostsuccessful,abundant,andwidespreadofthearmoredcatfishspeciesandisfoundthroughoutcentralandsouthFlorida.FrequentsightingsindicatethatareproductivepopulationexistsintheNorthForkSLR.BluetilapiahybridswerepositivelyidentifiedintheNorthForkSLRin2006(Gilmore,unpublisheddata).NativetoNorthAfricaandtheMiddleEast,bluetilapiawereimportedin1961andhavebecomeestablishedthroughoutcentralandsouthFlorida.Tilapiascompetewithothernativespeciesthatfeedprimarilyonplanktonandsmallorganismslivinginoronbottomdetritus(FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission[FWC],2007b).WalkingcatfishhavebeenidentifiedintheSouthForkSLRandFiveMileCreekheadwaterstotheNorthForkSLRandarepresumedtoresideintheupperreachesofthepreserveaswell.NativetoSoutheastAsia,walkingcatfishareanopportunisticspeciesthatconsumeawidevarietyoffooditemsincludingsmallfishes,aquaticinsects,plantmaterial,anddetritus.Duetoitsabilitytobreathair,thisspeciesthrivesinwaterwithlittletonooxygenandiswell-adaptedtoshort-livedwaterbodieswithmuddybottoms.Habitatpreferencestendtosegregateindividualsandreduceitsoveralleffectonnativespecies(SmithsonianMarineStationatFortPierce,2007).TheSouthAmericanbrownhoplowasfirstdocumentedintheIRLsystemin1995andisnowfoundthroughoutcentralandsouthFlorida.Brownhoplocanbefoundinavarietyoffreshwaterhabitatsincludingmuddybottomandslowmovingrivers,streams,sidechannels,ponds,marshes,andmanmadewaterwayssuchasditchesandborrowpits.Thespeciesfeedsonbenthicinvertebratesandiscapableofgulpingairtosurviveinareaswithlowdissolvedoxygenandhighhydrogensulfidelevels.ElectroshockingeffortsinSeptember2005revealedthepresenceofgrasscarpintheNorthForkSLR(J.Beal,personalcommunication,August9,2007).Toreducemaintenancecosts,localmunicipalitiesstockretentionandgolfcoursepondswithtriploid(sterile)grasscarp.Thesepondsmaybehydrologicallyconnectedtothepreserveduringheavyrainevents.Thefundamentalthreatthatgrasscarppresenttothenaturalresourceswithinthepreserveincludestheirabilitytoconsumemassiveamountsofemergent(vegetationthatgrowsinthewaterwiththemajorityoftheplantabovethewaterssurface)andsubmergedvegetation.Aquaticvegetationissparsewithinthepreserveandservesashabitatandreproductivegroundsforavarietyoffish(e.g.opossumpipefishandgar[Lepisosteusspp.]).TheMayancichlidisnativetotheAtlanticwatersoffCentralandSouthAmericaandwasfirstrecordedinFloridaBayin1983.ThisspeciesisnowabundantthroughLakeOkeechobeeandtheSt.LucieCanalandtoleratesawidesalinityrangeandhabitatsincludingcanalsandrivers.Mayancichlidconsumegrassshrimp(Palaeomononetes spp.),smallfish,snails,andinsects.Specimensfromthepreservehavebeencaughtonhookandlineandphotographedbyrecreationalanglers.

TheAfricancattleegret(Bubulcus ibis)naturallyexpandeditsrangetoFloridaintheearly1940sandhasbecomeever-present.Cattleegretfeedprimarilyinterrestrialpastureswithcattle.Theiruniqueforagingbehavior,whichisnottiedtoaquaticenvironments,haseliminatedfeedingcompetitionwithothernativewadingbirds.Thelargestthreatthatthecattleegretpresentstonativespeciesisthecompetitionfornestingmaterialsandrookeryspace.CattleegretnestlateintheyearinFloridawhichreducesbutdoesnoteliminatethecompetitionforspacewithnativewoodstork,egrets,andherons.

BrazilianpepperisregulatedbyFloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission(FWC)asaClassIProhibitedPlant,whichmeansthatthisplantisunderthehighestamountofregulationand“undernocircumstanceswillthisspeciesbepermittedforpossession,collection,transportation,cultivation,andimportationexceptasprovidedinRule62C-52.004,F.A.C.”ThisspecieshasdisplacednativevegetationalongthealteredshorelinesoftheNorthFork(suchasmangrovesandleatherfern),FiveMileCreek,andTenMileCreek.Removalofthisspeciesalongtheriverhasbeeninitiatedbylocalstateparkstaff.Thisisanintensiveprocessthatrequiresconstantattentionandfunding.

ArchaeologicalandHistoricalResources

TheFloridaDepartmentofState,DivisionofHistoricalResourcesMasterSiteFileindicatesthattherearesixhistoricalsiteslocatedwithinoradjacenttothepreserve.Theyincludethreeshellmiddens(oneofwhichisscattered),onehistoricroadscar,ashack,andabridge.SpruceBluffandWhiteCityaretwooftheearliestknownEuropeansettlements(bothScandinavian)alongthepresentdayNFSLRAP(circa

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1900).AllthatremainsoftheSpruceBluffsettlementisasmallgravesite.WhiteCitywaslargerandseveraloftheoriginalhomesofthefoundersstillexistalongwiththeMercantileBuildingconstructedbetween1900and1905.ThesestructuresareincludedintheMasterSiteFile.

�.�.4 / Values

TheNFSLRAPwasdesignatedin1972becauseofitssignificantbiologicalvalue.Duetoitslatitudeanddirecttidalconnectiontonearbyseagrassbeds,wormrock,andcoralreefhabitats,thepreservesupportsauniquecombinationoftemperateandsubtropicalaquaticspecies.TheNorthForkservesasavaluablenurserygroundforrecreationalandcommerciallyimportantandrarespecies.Thepreservealsoservesasforaginggroundsandsupportsarookeryfortheendangeredwoodstork.

Thepreserveiseconomicallyimportanttolocalecotourismandwatersportcompanies,andcommercialandrecreationalanglerswhoallrelyongoodwaterquality.TheNorthForkSLRprovidesopportunitiesforresource-basedrecreationinahighlydevelopedarea.Theaestheticvalueoftheriverandassociatedfloodplaincoupledwiththeabundanceoffishandwildlifesetthestageforsuchactivitiesasbird-watching,photography,painting,andpaddling.Boatingandfishingarecommonactivities,especiallynearpublicaccesspoints,andcanoeandkayakstopoversprovideaccesstopublichikingtrailsalongtheriver.

Thepreserveiscriticaltoavianandaquaticbiologyandecology,geology,hydrology,andrestorationscience.BecauseofthehighlyalteredstateoftheSLR,thesystemservesasaprimestudysitetoanalyzetheeffectofsedimentation,algalblooms,hypoxia,wideandrapidsalinityfluctuations,heavymetals,pesticides,andnon-nativespeciesonnativeSAVandfauna.AspartofCERP,theSLRanditswatershedwillcontinuetoprovidecriticalinformationfortheadvancementofrestorationscienceonagloballevel.KnowledgegainedfrompilotrestorationprojectswithinthepreserveandNorthForkwatershedwilllaythefoundationforfuturesimilarprojects.

�.�.� / Citizen Support Organization

Currentlyinactive,StewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesInc.,a501(c)(3)CitizenSupportOrganization(CSO),wasformedonJune25,1996tosupporttheNFSLRAP.

WhiletheCSOisinactive,volunteerinitiatives,citizeninvolvement,andcommunitypartnershipsarestillvaluableenhancementstothepreserve’sefforts.Volunteersprovideaninvaluableresourcetotheaquaticpreservestaffandtothepublictrust.Theyperformtasksandassistwithongoingandintermittentprojectsthatwouldnotbepossibleotherwise.

Three public fishing piers are located within the preserve.

The River Lilly Cruise provides guided tours of the North Fork St. Lucie River.

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�.�.� / Adjacent Public Lands and Designated Resources

StateManagedLandsandWaters

Since1988,moniesfromthestate’sConservationandRecreationLands(CARL)TrustFund(nowknownasFloridaForever)andSaveOurRiversprogramhavebeenusedtopurchasethemajorityoftheundevelopedpubliclandsadjacenttotheNFSLRAPandTenMileCreek(headwatersoftheNorthFork)(SeeMap14).Thestate-managedlandsadjacenttothepreserveinclude:

DEP-ManagedLands

IRL - Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet Aquatic Preserve

TheNFSLRAPstaffalsomanagetheIRL-JensenBeachtoJupiterInletAquaticPreserve.Althoughcalledariver,theIRL-JensenBeachtoJupiterInletAquaticPreserveisactuallyanestuarywherefreshwaterfromtheSLRconvergeswithsaltwaterfromtheAtlanticOcean.TheIRL-JensenBeachtoJupiterInletAquaticPreserveis37mileslongandencompasses22,000acres.Despiteitslegalname,itstretchesfromFt.PiercetoJupiterInlet.Therearenumerousboatramps,canoelaunches,publicparksandmarinasforpublicuse,aswellaseducationcenters,museums,andspoilislandslocatedwithinoradjacenttothisaquaticpreserve.

Savannas Preserve State Park - North Fork St. Lucie River Property

SavannasPreserveStatePark’sNorthForkSLRpropertyismanagedunderDEP’sDivisionofRecreationandParks(DRP).ThemissionofDRPis“toprovideresource-basedrecreationwhilepreserving,interpreting,andrestoringnaturalandculturalresources.”Providingrecreationalopportunitiesisacomponentoftheparkbuttheemphasisisplacedonpreservationandlandmanagement.TheSavannasPreserveStateParkconsistsofmultiplediscontinuousparcelstotaling8,147acres.TheNorthForkSLRportionofthepropertycontainsseveralparcelsalongtheNFSLRAPtotaling967acres.TheprimaryreasonforacquiringtheNorthForkpropertywastomaintainaviablebufferthatwascapableoffilteringwaterpriortoitsenteringthepreserve.

TherearecurrentlytwopublicaccesspointsalongtheNorthForkproperty:

1.Miller-WildatthenorthernportionoftheparkinFt.Piercewhichhasaparkinglot,trailsystem,andacanoestopover;and,

2.Halpatiokeewhichhasaparkinglot,trailsystem,boardwalk,andacanoestopover.

Athirdparcel,Rivergreen,hasaproposedtrailsystemandboardwalk.

SFWMDManagedLands

ThemissionoftheSFWMDis“tomanageandprotectwaterresourcesoftheregionbybalancingandimprovingwaterquality,floodcontrol,naturalsystems,andwatersupply.”

Ten Mile Creek WPA

The922-acreTenMileCreekWPA(SeeFigure3)iscomposedofareservoirandastormwatertreatmentarea(polishingcell),totalingapproximately5,000acre-feetofstoragecapacity.Anacre-footisthevolumeofwaternecessarytocoveroneacreofsurfaceareatoadepthofonefoot.ThepurposeoftheTenMileCreekWPAistotemporarilystorestormwaterfromtheTenMileCreekBasin,thelargestsubbasinoftheNorthForkSLR.Storageofexcessstormwater,asopposedtoitsflowingintoTenMileCreekatthetimeofrainfall,willallowsedimentstosettle,nutrientuptakebyvegetation,andthetimed,measuredreleaseofthewater.Thereducedsedimentandnutrientloads,andtimelydeliveryareexpectedtoimprovethewaterqualityandrestorethehabitatoftheNorthForkSLR.

Strazulla Tract

Apilotoxbowreconnectionprojectwascompletedin2003ontheStrazullaTract,whichliesjustsouthofPlatt’sCreekapproximatelyonemilenorthofMidwayRoad.Atrailsystem,canoedock,andcampingareaareproposedforthissite.

County-ManagedPublicLands

St.LucieCountypubliclandsaremanagedundertheirDepartmentofParksandRecreationandtheirEnvironmentalResourceDepartment.St.LucieCounty’smissionis“toprovideservice,infrastructureandleadershipnecessarytoadvanceasafecommunity,maintainahighqualityoflife,andprotectthenaturalenvironmentforallourcitizens.”

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St.LucieCounty-ownedlandsadjacenttothepreserveanditsheadwatersinclude:

1.TenMileCreekRecreationArea:includesalake,canoelaunch,pavilion,interpretivetrail,restrooms,picnictables,andaparkinglot;

2. GordyRoadRecreationArea:includesalake,canoelaunch,discgolfcourse,interpretivetrail,pavilion,picnictables,andrestrooms;

3. GeorgeE.LeStrangeNaturalArea:includesalake,canoelaunch,andparkinglot(acanoeslipisproposedforfutureconstruction);

4. JonesHammock:atrailisproposedtoconnectPlatt’sCreektoTenMileCreek;

5. SweetwaterHammock:includesatrail,canoeslip,andpicnictables;

6. Platt’sCreekRestorationArea:locationoftheEnvironmentalResourcesDivisionoffices,andincludesastormwaterretentionpond(acanoelaunchandhikingtrailsareproposed);

7. WhiteCityPark:includesaboatramp,fishingdock,picnictables,publicrestrooms,andacanoelaunch;

8. Lepore:includesapond;adrainageprojectisproposed;

9. CaptainHammond’sHammockNaturalArea:includesacanoedock,trail,boardwalk,andapicnictable;

10. OxbowEco-Center:includesboardwalks,trailsystem,bridges,observationtower,canoelaunch,andaneducationcenter;

11. IdabelleIsland:acanoestopoverandpicnictable;aprimitivecampingsiteisproposed;

12. CitrusHammockNaturalArea:includesacanoedockandpicnictable(astormwaterretentionpondisproposed);

13. RiverParkMarina:includesaboatramp,canoelaunch,naturetrail,playground,publicrestrooms,andfishingpiers;and

14. SpruceBluff:includesaparkinglot,smallcemetery,trails,boardwalks,andIndianmounds(acanoedockandpicnictablesareproposed)

Severalotherparcelsexistthatarenotyetnamed,someofthesehaveproposedinfrastructure.

Figure � / Layout of the Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area (Provided by SFWMD).

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CityofPortSt.LucieManagedPublicLands

PortSt.Lucie’spubliclandsaremanagedbythecity’sDepartmentofParksandRecreation.Theirmottois“PortSt.LucieParksandRecreation,creatingasenseofcommunity.”

CityofPortSt.Lucielandsadjacenttothepreserveinclude:

1. LyngatePark:activeusefacilitieswithnightuseandlights;2. MidportLake:neighborhoodopenspacewithmodelboatinganddogspermittedonleash;3. Veteran’sMemorialPark:communityspecialfacilitieswithceremonialgroundsandmonuments;4. Veteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate:communityspecialfacilitieswithcoveredpavilionsanda

boatramp;5. TomHooperPark:communityspecialfacilitieswithlightedboardwalkontheSLR;6. RiverPlacePark:neighborhoodparkwithactiveandpassiveusefacilitiesthatcloseatdusk;and7.WestmorelandRegionalPark:siteiscurrentlyundeveloped;gardensareproposed.

Non-GovernmentalOrganizationManagedPublicLands

Twonon-governmentalorganizationsownlandadjacenttotheNFSLRAPanditsmajortributary,TenMileCreek.

AudubonofFlorida

AudubonofFloridaisaprivateconservationorganizationwhosemissionis“toconserveandrestorenaturalecosystems,focusingonbirdsandotherwildlifeforthebenefitofhumanityandtheearth’sbiologicaldiversity.”AudubonofFloridaownsfourparcelsadjacenttotheNFSLRAP:Audubon,

AudubonIsland,Hall/Audubon,andErrett-McDermottSanctuary.

FloridaPowerandLight

FloridaPowerandLight(FPL)isanelectricalutilitycompanyowningbothcoalandnuclearpowerplantsinFlorida.TheirgoalistoprovidethebestpossibleservicetotheircustomerswhilekeepingupwiththesteadygrowthrateinFlorida.TheFPLpropertyisaconservationeasementstretchingfromthenuclearpowerplantonHutchinsonIslandinSt.LucieCountywestwardacrosstheIRL-JensenBeachtoJupiterInletAquaticPreserve,theSavannasPreserveStatePark,U.S.Highway1,theNFSLRAP,andtheFloridaTurnpike,endingjustwestofInterstate95.TheeasementservesasoneoftwowildlifecorridorsconnectingSavannasPreserveStateParkandtheNFSLRAP.

ST778

St. Lucie County

Martin County

Walton Rd.

St. Lucie County

Martin County

AtlanticO

cean

14

5

6

16

14

1517

10

18

2726

28

31

6

2

1068

22

21

9

24

11

32

23

25

5

19

3

20

7

13 12


Midway Rd.

Prima

Blvd.

Hogpen

Slough

10

Vista

10

IndianRiver Lagoon

29

30

# Public Land Name

1 Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area

2 Ten Mile Creek Recreation Area

3 Gordy Road Recreation Area

4 George E. Lestrange Natural Area

5 Savannas - North Fork SLR Property

6 North Fork Audubon Properties

7 Jones Hammock

8 Sweetwater Hammock Natural Area

9 Platt's Creek Restoration Area

10 NFSLR (unnamed)

11 Strazulla Tract

12 Errett-McDermott Sanctuary

13 Lepore

14 White City Park

15 Captain Hammond Hammock

16 Oxbow Eco-Center

17 Idabelle Island

18 Citrus Hammock Natural Area

19 FPL Conservation Easement

20 River Place Park

21 River Park Marina

22 Lyngate Park

23 Midport Lake

24 Veteran's Memorial Park

25 Veteran's Memorial Park at Rivergate

26 Tom Hooper Park

27 Westmoreland Regional Park

28 Spruce Bluff

29 Blakeslee Creek

30 Howard Creek Park

31 Savannas Preserve State Park

32 IRL - Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet AP

NFSLR Aquatic PreserveStateCountyCityNon-Governmental OrganizationConservation Easement

0 1 20.5Miles

January 2009 ±Map �4 / Public lands within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed.

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AcquisitionofAdditionalProperty

Thepurposeofpurchasingundevelopedpubliclandsupstreamandadjacenttothepreserveistomaintainorimprovewaterqualityandtoconserveandprotecthabitatfortheconservationandprotectionofwildlifespecies,includingthreatenedandendangeredspeciesthatrelyontheNorthForkSLRforfood,protection,andreproduction.Manyoftheselandscontainimportantresources,suchasbirdrookeries,archaeologicalorhistoricalsites,endangeredspecieshabitat,andfreshwatersourcewetlands.Landsthathavealreadybeenacquiredpreservearelativelyunspoiledwildlifecorridorinthemiddleofahighlyurbanizedarea.ThiscorridorisconnectedtoSavannasPreserveStateParkintwolocations,theFPLpropertysouthoftheOxbowEco-Center,andHogpenSloughjustsouthofHalpatiokee.

Overthepast25years,stateandlocalprogramshavedoneanexceptionaljobofacquiringlandadjacenttothepreserve.Theselandsnotonlyprovideaccessto,andrecreationalopportunitieswithinthepreserve,butalsoimprovewaterqualitybyactingasafilterforstormwaterrunoffpriortoitsenteringthepreserve.Approximately73%(1,920acres)oftheoriginal2,620-acreriverinecorridorproposedforpurchaseundertheFloridaForeverprogramhasbeenacquired(FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],2003).Theremainingparcelsrepresentcriticalfloodplaincommunitiesandbufferinguplandsalongtherivercorridor.Severaloftheoriginallyproposedparcelshavebeenremovedfromtheacquisitionlistbecauseofdevelopment,whichemphasizesthecurrenttime-sensitivenatureoftheacquisitionprocess.In2004theNorthForkSLRProjectwastransferredfromtheFloridaForeverprogramtotheFloridaCommunitiesTrust(FCT).Counties,municipalities,andnon-profitorganizationscanapplyforFCTfundingtopurchaseapropertyifitisavailable.However,unliketheFloridaForeverprogram,FCTdoesnotkeepalistofprioritizedpropertiesforacquisition.ParcelswithintheFloridaForeverboundaryarestillbeingconsideredforacquisitionbySFWMDandSt.LucieCountyEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsprogram.ThisincludesproposedacquisitionoflandsalongTenMileCreekandtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve(SeeAppendixB.5.9).Recommendationsinthe2003DraftBufferPreservePlanincludeextensionoftheFloridaForeverboundaryupstreamtotheintersectionofInterstate95andtheFloridaTurnpike(DEP,2003).Thiswouldrequireacquisitionofadditionalparcels,someofwhichalreadyoverlapwithFloridaForeverandSt.LucieCountyEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsprogramproposedacquisitionparcels.LandacquiredupstreamofthepreservewouldbenefitdownstreamwaterqualityandthereforewouldbesupportedbyDEP’sOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA).

Inadditiontoacquiringbufferinguplands,partnersandthepublichaveutilizedtheformalpublicmeetingprocesstorequestthattheboundaryofthepreservebeextendedtoincludeitsheadwaters(FiveandTenMileCreeks)andsmallsectionsomittedfromthecurrent

Midway Road

Edwards Road

Gordy

Road

Okeechobee Road

§̈¦95

0 1 20.5Miles

Current Aquatic Preserve Boundary Proposed Boundary Expansion

±January 2008

Map �� / Proposed boundary expansion for the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.

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preserveboundary(SeeAppendixC).ItwasproposedthatextensionintoFiveMileCreekshouldendatthenorthernboundaryoftheSavannasPreserveStateParkMiller-WildparceljustsouthofEdwardsRoadandtheextensioninTenMileCreekshouldincludethetidally-connectedareadownstreamoftheGordyRoadwatercontrolstructure(SeeMap15).ExtensiontotheGordyRoadwatercontrolstructurewouldaddanadditional4.8rivermilestothenorthoftheexistingpreserve(currently16rivermileslong).

�.�.� / Surrounding Land Use

LandusewithintheNFSLRAPwatershedwasclassifiedaccordingtothefollowingcategories:commercial/residential,agricultural,natural,water/wetlands,andinfrastructure(SeeMap16).Thecommercialandresidentiallanduseclassesincludeindustrial,municipal,business,utility,single-familyhomes,multi-familyhomes,mobilehomes,ruralhomes,andestatehomes.Agriculturallanduseincludescitrus,rowcrops,ornamentalnurseries,andranches(cattle,horse,andgoat).Naturallanduseincludesundevelopedland,conservationland,andsilviculture(treefarming).Waterandwetlandslanduseincludessubmergedland,andinfrastructurelanduseincludesroads.

Asof2004,landusewithintheNorthForkSLRwatershedisprimarilyagricultural(56%)andcommercial/residential(17%)(SeeMap16);however,urbangrowthwithinthelastfiveyearshasspreadwestwardandacceleratedtheconversionofagriculturallandstourbanlands.Verylittlenaturalareaisleftwithinthisurbancorridor.AgriculturallandsarenowconcentratedwestofthenewdevelopmentborderingInterstate95.

Landusedirectlyadjacenttothepreserveisprimarilycommercialandresidential(urban),whichisintermixedwithnaturallands(SeeMap16).Withtheexceptionoftheadjacentpublicconservation

lands,thepreserveisalmostentirelysurroundedbyurbanareas.Inmanyplacesthereisnobufferbetweenthepreserveandurbanland.Inthesecases,thenaturalshorelinehasbeenremovedandhomeowner’sbackyardsandcommercialpropertiesextendtoaseawall,uplandretainingwall,riprap,ordirectlytothemeanhighwaterline.WithintheCityofPortSt.Lucie,whichsurroundsapproximatelyhalfofthepreserve,residentialandcommerciallanduseaccountsfor84%ofthetotalarea(Castellano,2004).

Bothagriculturalandcommercial/residentiallandusewithinthewatershedcanaffectthewaterqualityofthepreserve.Lowqualitywater(highturbidity,highnutrients,lowdissolvedoxygen)entersthepreservefromagriculturallandsthroughtheC&SFcanalsystem,andfromcommercialand

Loss of native shoreline vegetation reduces water quality and the amount of habitat available to fish and wildlife.

Stormwater outfalls commonly discharge directly into the preserve.

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residentiallandsvialocaldrainagecanals.Inbothcases,untreatedstormwaterrunofffromdevelopedlandshasheavilyimpactednotonlythepreserve,butalsoitsheadwaters.TenMileCreekandtheNorthForkSLRhavesufferedseverewaterqualitydegradationandpollution(Graves,Thompson,&Fike,2002),andhavebeenclassifiedbytheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyasimpairedwaters.AccordingtotheUniversityofFlorida(2007),urbanizationisexpectedtosteadilyincreasewithinthepreservewatershed.Asdevelopmentincreasesandagriculturallandsareconvertedtourbanlands,itisreasonabletopredictthatwaterqualitywithinthepreservewillcontinuetodegrade.

§̈¦95

SFWMD 2004 Land UseCommercial and ResidentialAgricultural

NaturalWater and WetlandsInfrastructure

Aquatic Preserve

0 4 82Miles ±

January 2008

Map �� / Land use within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed.

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Part Two

Management ProgramsChapter Four

CAMA’s Management ProgramsTheworkperformedbyCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)isdividedintocomponentscalledmanagementprograms.Inthismanagementplanallsiteoperationalactivitiesareexplainedwithinthefollowingfourmanagementprograms:ecosystemscience,resourcemanagement,educationandoutreachandpublicuse.

4.1 / The Ecosystem Science Management Program

TheEcosystemScienceManagementProgramsupportsscience-basedmanagementbyprovidingresourcemapping,modeling,monitoring,research,andscientificoversight.Theprimaryfocusofthisprogramistosupportanintegratedapproach(research,education,andstewardship)foradaptivemanagementofeachsite’suniquenaturalandculturalresources.CAMAensuresthat,whenapplicable,consistenttechniquesareutilizedacrosssitestostrengthentheStateofFlorida’sabilitytoassesstherelativeconditionofcoastalresources.Thisenablesdecision-makerstomoreeffectivelyprioritizerestorationandresourceprotectiongoals.Inaddition,byscientificallycharacterizingbaselineconditionsofaquatichabitats,theEcosystemScienceManagementProgramallowsforobjectiveanalysesofthechangesoccurringinthestate’snaturalandculturalresources.

4.�.� / Background of Ecosystem Science at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

ThefoundationforthecurrentEcosystemScienceManagementProgram(whichfocusesonmapping,modeling,monitoring,andresearch)wasprimarilygeneratedusingresourcesanddatafromotherlocal,state,andfederalagencies,mostnotablySouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict(SFWMD).MuchoftheresearchwithintheSt.LucieRiver(SLR)hasfocusedontheeffectsthatlarge-scalewatermanagement

DEP personnel sampling water from the North Fork St. Lucie River as part of an ongoing surface water quality monitoring program.

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practiceshaveonthesystem.AmappinganddatainventoryfortheNorthForkwascreatedbypreservestaffin2007todocumentandorganizeavailablegeographicinformationsystem(GIS)resourceshelpfulinnaturalresourcemanagement.WoodwardClydeInternational-Americas(1998)producedaliteratureandmappingreviewfortheSLRthatminimizedtheeffortnecessarytoproducethisinventory.

SubmergedandEmergentHerbaceousPlantMappingandMonitoring-Submergedandemergentplants(thosebelowandpartiallyabovethewaterline,respectively)benefitthewaterqualityandbiologicalconditionsintheNorthForkSLR.AquaticvegetationhastheabilitytoreduceshorelineerosionandoverallturbiditylevelsintheSLRbyslowingthewatervelocityenoughtofacilitatesettlementofsuspendedsediments.Accumulationofsedimentswithinvegetatedareassuppliestheplantswithnutrientsneededforgrowththatcouldotherwisehavebeenusedtofuelalgalbloomsduringthewarm,wetmonths.Filtrationofsuspendedsedimentsalsoimprovesthewaterclaritywhichultimatelyallowsmoresunlighttopenetratethewatercolumn.Plantsrequiresunlight,inadditiontonutrients,togrow.Therefore,thelessturbidthewaterthemorelikelysubmergedplantsaretothriveintheNorthForkSLR.Aquaticplantsalsoprovidespawningandnurseryhabitatthatultimatelyoffersfishandinvertebratesprotectionfrompredators.TheeconomicvalueofthesecurrentlysmallpatchesofaquaticvegetationaremagnifiedwhenonelooksatthenumberofcommerciallyimportantspeciesusingtheNorthForkSLR(e.g.bluecrab,commercialshrimp,snook,andsnapper).ResourcemanagershavedocumentedseagrassdynamicsintheSLRsincethe1940sbutlittleisknownaboutthelocation,abundance,andspeciesofothersubmergedandemergentvegetationintheNorthForkSLR.

SeagrassmappingeffortsintheSLRbeganinthe1940sandspecificlocationdataareavailableforthefollowingyears:1940-1960,1960-1980,1990-1996,2002(SFWMD),and2007(SFWMD)(WoodwardClydeInternational-Americas,1998;IbisEnvironmental,Inc.,2007).Historicsightingdataindicatethepresenceofwidgeongrassandshoalgrasswithinthesouthern(wide)portionofthepreserve(SeeMap17)(WoodwardClydeInternational-Americas,1998).Supportingdocumentationincludesobservationsof:1)abundant,verysparse,andrarelevelsofwidgeongrassinSeptember1957,March1958,andOctober1958,respectively,nearBrittCreekinthesouthernportionofthepreserve(PhillipsandIngle,1960);2)onesmallpatchofwidgeongrassalongthewesternshorejustnorthoftheC-23inApril1996,June1998(flowering),February2001,andMarch2002(flowering)(Robbins,1996;1998;2005);and3)severalsmallpatchesofshoalgrassalongthewesternshorelinejustnorthoftheC-23inApril1996andJune1998(SeeMap17)(Robbins,1996;1998).SFWMDstaffsurveyedtheareajustnorthoftheC-23inApril2005andJuly2007butnoseagrasswaslocated(Robbins,2005;B.Welch,personalcommunication,July27,2007).Asofsummer2007,seagrassdistributionwaslimitedtotheLowerEstuaryneartheconfluencewiththeIRLandinsmallsectionsoftheMiddleEstuary(SeeMap17)(IbisEnvironmental,Inc.,2007).AlthoughseagrasswaslastobservedwithinthepreserveinMarch2002,itisexpectedthatthecompletionoffuturerestorationeffortsoutlinedintheIndianRiverLagoon–South(IRL-S)ProjectImplementationReport(PIR)willpromoterecolonization

andestablishmentofsubmergedaquaticvegetation(SAV)intheNorthForkSLR(Robbins,2005).NaturalresourcemanagerswillusebaselineconditionsestablishedthoughhistoricmappingeffortstomeasurethefuturesuccessofproposedIRL-SPIRrestorationprojects(IbisEnvironmental,Inc.,2007).CurrentSLRSAVtargetsincludeexpansionofseagrassbedstocoverallareaslessthan1.0meterindepth(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],2007a).

Oncethesalinityregimeisrestored,itispossiblethattapegrass(Valisneria americana),andother

!(!(!(!(!(

!(!(!(!(!(!(!(

!(!(!(!(

!(

!(!(

!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(

!(!(

!(!(!(!(!(!(!(

!(

!(

!(!(

St. Lucie County

Martin County

IndianRiver Lagoon

North Fork

Middle Estuary

Lower Estuary

SouthFork

NFSLR Aquatic Preserve!( SAV 2007!( Ruppia maritima 2002

SAV 1980-1996SAV 1960-1980SAV 1940-1960

January 2009 ±0 1 20.5Miles

Map �� / Seagrass in the St. Lucie River.

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freshwatergrassessuchasmuskgrass(Charasp.),pondweed(Potamogeton spp.),andsouthernwaternymph(Najas guadalupensis)couldbesupportedintheNorthForkSLR.

Emergentvegetation,includingrush(Juncussp.)(Robbins,1996),panicgrass(Panicumspp.),smartweed(Polygnum spp.),giantleatherfern(DNR,1984),swamplily(DNR,1984),yellowwaterlily(Nuphar lutea),thecommonreed(Phragmites australis)(nowconsiderednative),sawgrass,andpickerelweedhavebeenobservedordocumentedwithintheSLR.Thisemergentvegetationhasnotbeenmappedwithinthepreserve.Althoughmappingallsubmergedandemergentvegetationwithinthepreserveisapriority,themappingofpanicgrassandsmartweedintheupperreachesoftheNorthForkSLRareespeciallyimportantastheyarebothknowntoprovidespawninghabitatfortheopossumpipefish,afederally-listedSpeciesofSpecialConcern(Gilmore,1999).LocatingandmappingthesegrasseswillimprovetheabilityofpreserveandregulatorystafftoprotectopossumpipefishandtheirhabitatwhenreviewingenvironmentalresourcepermitswithintheNorthForkSLR.

OysterReefMapping,MonitoringandResearch-Likeseagrass,oysterreefswerefirstdocumentedintheSLRinthe1940s.GISdatalayershavebeencreatedforthefollowingyears:1940-1960,1960-1980,1990-1996,1997(SFWMD),and2003(SFWMD).In1997,SFWMDcontractedURSGreinerWoodwardClyde(1999)tomapandcomparetheamountofestablishedoysterreefstotheamountofpotentiallysuitablesubstrateforoysterswithintheSLR.IbisEnvironmental,Inc.wascontractedbySFWMDin2003toupdatethe1997maps.The2003datawereusedintheFloridaNaturalAreasInventory(FNAI)naturallandsmapandshows31acresofoystermaterial(deadandalive)withinthepreserve(SeeMap12andMap18).Gambordella,McEachron,Beals,andArnold(2007)mappedoysterreefswithinfiveeastcoastestuaries,includingthreeselectoysterreefswithintheSLR,inwinter2005-2006.TheSLRoyster-mappingeffortconductedbyGambordellaetal.(2007)wasnotintendedtobeacomprehensiveupdatetothe2003data.Instead,threeSLRoysterreefswereusedastestsitesfornewverticalmappingtechniques.Resultsofthe1997,2003,andselect2005-2006mappingeffortsshowthatregardlessoftheavailabilityofpotentiallysuitablesubstrate,oysterreefsaredecliningwithintheSLR(SeeMap19).Wilson,Scotto,Scarpa,Volety,Laramore,andHaunert (2005)comparedsettlementintheSLRandtheIRLandfoundsignificantlyfewerspatintheSLR.GiventheestablishedtolerancelevelsfortheEasternoyster,itissuspectedthatthesedifferencesresultfromextendedexposuretoreducedsalinity(<10ppt)associatedwithfreshwaterdischargesfromLakeOkeechobeeandthesurroundingwatershed(URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999;Wilsonetal.,2005;Gambordellaetal.,2007).Gambordellaetal.(2007)notedthatoystersintheSLRaretheleasthealthyofthosesampledinLakeWorthLagoon,theLoxahatcheeRiver,SLR,andSebastianRiver.Thesmallersize(meanshellheightof5.9cm)anddensity(0.2relicshellsper0.25squaremeter)oftheSLRoysterssuggestsayoungerpopulation(possiblydue

Opossum pipefish spawn in emergent vegetation, such as this smartweed, in the North Fork St. Lucie River.

40

torecentdisturbance)thanthoseinLakeWorthLagoonandtheLoxahatcheeRiver(Gambordellaetal.,2007).Currentoystertargets,setthroughtheComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlan(CERP)Research,Coordination,andVerification(RECOVER)teams,includetheprovisionof900acresofsuitableoysterhabitatwiththeconstructionandoperationofproposedIRL-SPIRprojects(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],2007b).

FloodplainVegetationMonitoring-Six100-metertransectswereestablishedatawetlandreconnectionsite(Site5)inApril2001tomonitorchangeinfloodplainvegetation(woodyandherbaceousspeciesandcanopydensity)beforeandafterconstructionofthreebermbreaches.MonitoringmethodologieswerederivedfromCox(1990)andpre-constructiondatawerecollectedinApril2001.Photopointswereestablishedanddigitalphotographsweretakenalongeachtransect

(endsandmiddle)andattheopeningtotheriverinJune2001.Non-nativespecies(Brazilianpepperandshoebuttonardesia[Ardisia elliptica])withintherestorationsitewereremovedthroughaDEPBureauofInvasivePlantManagementgrantinSeptember2002.ThelastvegetationmonitoringefforttookplaceinApril2003.

Piezoelectrictidalstagedataloggerswereinstalledonthemarshsurfaceattwoofthebreaches(non-culvertsites)inwinter2001tomonitorchangesinresidencetimeandvolumeofwater(SeeAppendixB.5.3).Dataloggermalfunctionsinsummer2004preventedthecollectionofqualitydataandbothunitsweredamagedduringhurricanesFrancesandJeanneinSeptember2004.Theunitswerereturnedtothemanufacturerinanattempttorecoverthecollecteddata.TheseunitsweredecommissionedbecauseoffundingconstraintsbutwaterlevelatthesiteiswellcorrelatedwiththeU.S.GeologicalSurvey(USGS)tidegaugeatRiverParkMarinaboatramponPrimaVistaBoulevard.Thus,datacanbeextrapolatedfromthisnearbygauge.

ForkPoint

CoconutPoint

JenkinsPoint

Sewall'sPoint

Hell'sGate

St. Lucie County

Martin County

IndianRiver Lagoon

North Fork

Middle EstuaryLower Estuary

SouthFork

NFSLR Aquatic Preserve200319971990-19961960-19801940-1960


Map �� / Oyster reefs in the St. Lucie River.

Map �� / Location of suitable substrate for oyster recruitment in the St. Lucie River (URS Greiner Woodward Clyde, ��).

4�

NaturalLandsMapping-Currently,naturallandsdataislimitedtothefollowing:

1.1999SFWMDmappingprojectforuplandareas(notground-truthed);

2.2003FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission(FWC)projectforuplandareas(notground-truthed);

3.2003FNAImappingprojectfortheNorthForkSLRBufferPreservethatwaspartiallyground-truthed(nowtheNorthForkpropertymanagedbySavannasPreserveStatePark);

4.2003SFWMDoystermapping;

5.2007SFWMDseagrassmappingproject;and

6.2008NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve(NFSLRAP)ManagementPlanFNAImap(SeeMap12)whichcombinesthe2003FNAIbufferpreservedataalongwithSFWMDdatacross-walkedtoFNAIcodes.

Withtheexceptionofthe2003oystermaps,2003FNAIdatacollectedforthebufferpreserve,and2007seagrassmappingdata,noneoftheexistingnaturallandmapsforthepreservehavebeenground-truthedforaccuracy.Itisimportantthatfuturenaturallandsmappingeffortsincludeemergentandsubmergentvegetation(otherthanseagrass)andthatthemapprovidedinthisplan(SeeMap12)beground-truthedinthefuturetoprovideamoreaccuratedescriptionofthepreserve’scurrentnaturallandscompositionanddistribution.

Modeling-SFWMDhasledeffortstomodelsouthernIRLandSLRusing:1)watershedhydrologyandwaterqualitymodeland2)receivingwaterhydrodynamicsandsalinitymodel.ThereceivingwatersinthisdocumentrefertotheSLRandIRL.

Watershed Hydrology and Water Quality Modeling

WatershedmodelinginsouthernIRLandSLRbeganin1994whenthegeneralHydrologicalSimulationProgramFortran(HSPF)modelwasmodifiedforsouthFloridahydrology.Theprojectwascompletedin1998withthegenerationofthenewestversionofHSPF(version12).ThisversionofthemodelwasusedintheSouthernIRL-SFeasibilitystudyandsubsequentIRL-SPIR(Wan,Konyha&Sculley,2002;USACE&SFWMD,2004;Wan,Labadie,Konyha&Conboy,2006).

InordertomodelwatershedwaterqualitytheSFWMDinitiatedanotherprojectin1999todevelopahydrologyandwaterqualitymodelforthewatershed(Wan,Reed&Roaza,2003).TheWatershedWaterQuality(WaSh)ModelhasbeenimplementedintheSLRwatershedtosimulatethecomplexnaturalsystems,flattopography,high-watertableconditions,operationofstructurestocontrolwaterlevels,andirrigationpractices.Thewaterqualitycomponentofthemodeliscapableofsimulatingnutrientloadinganddetailedin-streamprocesses.

Receiving Water Hydrodynamics and Salinity Modeling

ThepioneeringestuarymodelingworkintheSLRwasthedevelopmentoftwohydrodynamic/salinitymodels:Dynamictransport(DYNTRAN)andRMA(Morris,1987;Hu,1999).DynamicequilibriumsimulationsgeneratedfromRMAmodelingeffortsidentifythesalinityenvelopethatoysterscantoleratethroughouttheestuary(SeeFigure4).TheoutputsgeneratedbythesemodelshaveprovidedscientificsupporttotheIRL-SFeasibilitystudyandsystemoperations.TheRMAmodelwasalsoadaptedandextendedtoprovidesalinitypredictioncapabilitiesforestablishingtheSLRminimumflowsandlevels..

BathymetryandSediments-Rapidsedimentationrateshavepromotedtheformationoflarge,oxygendepletedmuckdepositswithintheSLR(Figure2).Historicbathymetricdatahavehelpedwaterandresourcemanagerstargetspecificsitesknowntoaccumulatefineorganicsedimentsforsystemrestoration.BathymetricdatafortheSLRwerecollectedbetween1872and2007andincludemapproductionin1872,1887,1893,1944(allU.S.CoastandGeodeticSurvey),1981(SFWMD),and2007(SFWMD)(WoodwardClydeInternational-Americas,1998;C.Conrad,personalcommunication,July27,2007).Sedimenttypesanddistributionmapswereproducedin1999byURSGreinerWoodward-Clyde(SeeMap7).SedimentdatahasalsobeencollectedbyPhillipsandIngle(1960),MartinCountyEnvironmentalStudiesCenter(ESC)(unpublisheddatacollectedbetween1987and1998),Haunert(1988),andShroppetal.(1994),butnoneofthesedatahavebeendigitizedandaddedasGISdatalayerstothegrowingSLRGISdatabase.

Alterations-Severallarge-scalealterationshavebeenmadetotheNorthForkSLRanditssurroundingwatershedoverthepastcenturyincludingdredgingofsubmergedlandsandfloodplainhabitat,andcreationandmaintenanceofdrainagecanalsbyUSACE,SFWMD,NorthSt.LucieWaterControl

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District(NSLWCD),PortSt.Lucie,andSt.LucieCounty.TenMileCreekandtheNorthForkSLRwerestraightenedbetweenthe1920sand1940sbyUSACEandNSLWCD.AhistoricrivercoursemapproducedbyIshamRandolf&CompanyforUSACEwascreatedin1919,justpriortothechannelizationproject(SeeMap6)(Dames&Moore,1996).ThefollowingentitiesprovidedpreservestaffwiththedrainagealterationGISshapefileslistedinparentheses:1)SFWMD(CentralandSouthFlorida[C&SF]FloodControlProjectandsecondarywatershedcanals),2)PortSt.Lucie(NationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem[NPDES]dischargebasinsandsites,cityparks,landuseclassifications,2007aerials,andculverts),3)NSLWCD(canalsystemandrespectivenorthernwatershedboundary),4)St.LucieCounty(parks,communities,zoning,landuse,hydrology,andEnvironmentallySensitiveLands),and5)MartinCounty(2007aerialsandparks).TheCityofPortSt.Luciecreateddrainageoutfallswhenthecitywasplottedinthemid-1950sthatarenotrequiredtomeettoday’sstandardsfordirectdischargetoanOutstandingFloridaWaterswaterbody(62-302.700and62-4.242F.A.C.).Today,theCityofPortSt.LuciehasanNPDESprogramthatshouldimprovethequalityofwaterdischargedfromthe359documenteddrainageoutfallswithinthepreservewatershed.

FishResearchandMonitoring-EarlystudiesaddressingcommunitystructureandtheeffectsoffreshwaterdischargefromwatermanagementcanalsonfishcommunitieswereconductedbySpringer(1960)andGunterandHall(1963).Sincethen,fishcommunityresearchandmonitoringintheSLR,andmorespecificallythepreserve,hasbecomeacollaborationamongseveralstateagencies(DEP,FWC,andSFWMD),non-governmentalorganizations(FloridaOceanographicSociety[FOS]andEstuarine,CoastalandOceanScience,Inc.[ECOS]),andvolunteers.FWCTequestaFieldLaboratoryinitiatedaFisheriesIndependentMonitoringProgramin1998inresponsetoreportsofpoorfishhealth(e.g.lesions,fungalinfections)intheSLRafterlargeregulatorydischargesfromLakeOkeechobeebeganinearly1998.ThisprograminvolvesmonthlysamplingateightsiteswithintheSLR:twointheNorthFork,twointheSouthFork,andfourattheconfluenceofthetwoforks.Datacollectedthroughtheprogram,includingfishspecies,speciesabundance,length,andnotationofdisease,isstoredinadatabaseattheFWCFloridaWildlifeResearchInstituteinSt.Petersburg.In2007,FWCTequestaFieldLaboratoryalsoreceivedfundsthroughtheSportfishRestorationProgramtoinitiateasnookandbassstudyintheNorthandSouthforksofSLR,LoxahatcheeRiver,andtheSebastianRiver.Theobjectiveofthisstudyistodocumenthabitatassociation,diet,andmovementofsnookandbass.

OutsideoftheworkconductedthroughFWC’sTequestaFieldLaboratory,mostoftherecentichthyologicalresearchandmonitoringisfundedthroughSFWMDforSLRIssuesTeamprojectsortheCERPRECOVERMonitoringandAssessmentProgram.RECOVERwasestablishedunderCERPtomonitorthesuccessoftheproposedrestorationprojectsbyusingasperformancemeasuresvaluedecosystemcomponentssuchasSAV,oysters,andfish.TheMonitoringandAssessmentProgramcomponentofRECOVERisdesigned

Figure 4 / The effect of six different discharge volumes (in cubic feet per second) on the salinity gradient in the St. Lucie River. Yellow represents freshwater and purple represents full-strength salt water. (Provided by SFWMD.)

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toprovideadiverseapproachtodocumentinganddescribingtheimpactsofchangedfreshwaterflowtothefloraandfaunainhabitinginlandlandscapesandcoastalwaters.PriorityrestorationprojectsidentifiedintheIRL-SPIRincludereconnectionofisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitatintheNorthForkSLRanditsheadwaters.Twopilotreconnectionprojects,onefloodplainandoneoxbow,werecompletedin2002and2003respectively.FishandinvertebratemonitoringatthefloodplainrestorationsiteswereconductedbyCAMAandFWCstaffduringthehighesttidesofspring(April–May)andfall(October–November)totrapfishandinvertebratesbothenteringandleavingthefloodplain.Samplingtookplacebetween2000and2005atthefloodplainreconnectionsiteandincludedfourpre-restoration(beforeJune2002)andsevenpost-restoration(afterJune2002)samplingevents.Duetothickmuckdepositsattheoxbowreconnectionsite,nopre-constructionsamplingwasconducted.Threesamplingeventswereconductedpost-restoration(afterJune2003).Resultsofthemonitoringeffortswerepresentedinposterformatatthe3rdNationalConferenceonCoastalandEstuarineHabitatRestorationinNewOrleans(SeeAppendixB.5.4)(Bealetal.,2006).

Todate,littleefforthasbeenexplicitlydevotedtolocatingandmonitoringtheabundanceofmangroverivulusintheNorthForkSLR.Onlytwoindividualsofthisspecieshavebeendocumentedwithinthepreserve.ThefirstindividualwascapturedbyBillLoftusin1992withintheCityofPortSt.Lucieinfresh(zeroppt)water(S.Taylor,personalcommunication,November26,2007).ThesecondcaptureoccurredinaBredertraponthemarshsurfaceatthenorth(culvert)breachsiteatSite5byJeffBeal(J.Beal,personalcommunication,August9,2007).EstimatingspeciesabundancehasbeencomplicatedbythefactthatthisspeciesinhabitsavarietyofdifficulttoreachhabitattypesinfreshandbrackishwaterintheIRLandSLR.Theyinhabitshallow,mud-bottomedditches,bays,saltmarshes,andotherbrackish-waterenvironments;andoftenassociatewithcrabburrows,especiallygreatlandcrab,andotherstressfulenvironmentswithlowoxygen(Taylor,1990;Tayloretal.,1995;Litweller,O’Donnell&Wright,2006).ThemostsuitablehabitatalongtheNorthForkcurrentlyappearstobesmalldepressionalwetlands(e.g.sawgrassmarshes)thatsupportgreatlandcrab,fewmangroves,andnootherfish(S.Taylor,personalcommunication,November26,2007).Theseareasmaybesetbackfromtheshorelineanddifficulttoaccess.

SpawningresearchintheIRLandSLRhasrecentlybeenfundedbySFWMDthroughCERPRECOVER.Manyfish,especiallyinthedrumfamily,areknowntoproducesoundwhilespawning.Transectswereestablishedin2005,basedonpriorresearchbyDr.GrantGilmore,tolookfornewandhistoricalspawningaggregationsintheIRLandSLR.OneofthespawningsiteswaslocatedintheMiddleEstuaryoftheSLRnearHell’sGate.Duetolarge-scalewatermanagementpracticesinthewatershed,thisspawningsiteissusceptibletoprolongedfreshwaterexposure.Iffreshwaterisreleasedatatimewhenthefish,suchas

A fike net was used to document fish and invertebrates migrating into the reconnected oxbow near Platt’s Creek.

This freshwater river shrimp was found in the reconnected wetlands near Prima Vista Boulevard.

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sandseatrout(Cynoscion arenarius),spottedseatrout(Cynoscion nebulosus),andsilverperch(Bairdiella chrysoura)(allinthedrumfamily)arespawning,theexposuremaynegativelyaffectreproduction(Alshuth&Gilmore,1994,1995).In2006,aremotely-operatedhydrophonewasinstalledonaresidentialdockadjacenttothespawningsite.Thissystemremainsinplaceandtheacousticdataarecurrentlyavailableonlytotheresearchers.In2007,SFWMDgrantedfundstoFOSundertheoversightofDanHaunert(SFWMD)andDr.GrantGilmorewithECOSto:1)correlatesoundproductionwitheggproductionofsandseatroutandsilverperch,2)correlatesoundproductionwithwaterqualityparameters–especiallysalinity,3)studythedistributionofeggsandlarvaefromthespawningsitewithintheSLR,and4)studythedistributionoffoodforlarvalfishintheSLR.Alargegroupofgovernmentagencies(SFWMD,FWC,andDEP),non-governmentalorganizations(FOSandECOS),andvolunteersteameduptoconductbimonthlycollectionsoffisheggs,larvae,andfoodsources(e.g.copepods)betweenMayandAugust2007.

AstudybySwitzeretal.(2006)documentedtheinitialeffectandrecoveryrateoffishcommunitiesintheSLRafterdirecthitsbyhurricanesFrancesandJeannethreeweeksapartinSeptember2004andtheassociatedfreshwaterreleasesthroughtheC-23,C-24,andC-44in2004and2005.NormalsalinitypatternsandcommunitystructurewerereestablishedwithinfourmonthsfollowingHurricaneJeannebutwerethenaffectedbysummer2005releases.FindingsbySwitzeretal.(2006)corroboratepreviousstudiesandpersonalobservationsbylocalcommercialcrabbersindicatingthatfreshwaterandoligohalinespeciesmigratesouththroughtheNorthForkduringprolonged(threeweekorgreater)freshwaterreleaseevents(Haunert&Startzman,1985;L.Burgess,personalcommunication,September6,2007).

BirdRookeryResearchandMonitoring-TheNorthForkSLRcurrentlyhasonerookeryinMudCovethatsupportswoodstork,egrets(Ardeidae),herons(Ardeidae),andanhinga.Reproductivesuccessofthefederallyandstate-endangeredwoodstorkwasmonitoredweeklyduringthe2004,2005,and2006nestingseasonsaspartofaDoctorofPhilosophy(Ph.D.)dissertationthroughFloridaInstituteofTechnology(FIT)(Rodgers,Schwikert,Griffin,Brooks,Bear-Hull,Elliottetal.,2008;Griffinetal., accepted).Monitoringmethodsincludeddocumentation,determinationofstartdate(basedonfirstsignofincubation),andweeklyphotographsofeachnestlocation.Thenumberofattendingadultsandyoungwerealsorecordedonaweeklybasis.Oncechicksdevelopedprimaryflightfeathers(approximatelyeightweeksfromhatchdate),theywererecordedasfledged.Nestsweremonitoredpost-fledginginordertoascertainhowlongfledglingsremainedatthenestpasttheirfledgingdate.Thenumberoffledglingswererecordedpernestthenusedforstatisticalanalysis.BasedonGriffinetal.(accepted)themediannestingsuccessattheNorthForkrookerywastwochicksin2004and2005andthreechicksin2006(SeeAppendixB.5.5).Thisrookeryhasbeenmonitoredlessfrequentlysince2004forspeciesabundancebyDEP’sDivisionofRecreationandParks(DRP),preservestaff,andFWC.SignageattherookeryhasbeenpostedbyFWCandmaintainedbypreservestaff.Despitethesignage,usershavebeenseentoapproachtheislandsanddisturbthenestingadultsandchicks.Increasedpatrollingbylocalandstatelawenforcement(FWC,St.LucieCounty,andPortSt.Lucie)mayhelptoreducerookerydisturbance.TheAudubonChristmasBirdCounthasbeenorganizedontheNorthForksince1998byCAMAandDRP.TheresultsofthesurveyhavebeenincorporatedintothespecieslistfortheNorthForkSLRpropertymanagedbySavannasPreserveStateParkandsubsequentlyintothismanagementplan.

WaterQualityMonitoring-WaterqualitymonitoringintheSLRiscurrentlyconductedbysixseparateagenciesandnon-governmentalorganizationsincludingDEPSurfaceWaterAmbientMonitoringProgram(SWAMP),SFWMD,USGS,St.LucieCountyDepartmentofHealth,andriparianhomeownerscollectingdataforFOSandMarineResourcesCouncil’sVolunteerWaterQualityMonitoringNetworks(SeeMap20andAppendixB.5.6).Synthesisfortheprotectionofnaturalresourceswithinthepreservehasbeenchallengingasdifferentparametersarebeingsampledatdifferentfrequenciesduringdifferenttimesbydifferentagenciesandorganizations.Adocumentwasdraftedin2007bypreservestaffthatidentifiesthevariousgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreserve,theirmonitoringsites,samplingfrequency,parameterscollectedbyeachgroup,howtoaccessindividualdatabasesforregularupdates,andprimarypointsofcontactforquestionsandpubliccomments.PreservestaffalsocreatedareferencelibraryforSLRwaterqualitydatareportsandpeer-reviewedliterature.

4.�.� / Current Status of Ecosystem Science at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

Effectiveresourcemanagementbeginswithknowingthelocation,condition,extent,andbiologyoftheresourcesinneedofprotection.Thepreserve’sEcosystemScienceManagementProgramcontainsthetools(e.g.monitoring,mapping,research,andmodeling)thatpreservestaffusetoassessthenaturalresourcesintheNorthForkSLR.EcosystemSciencegoalsforthepreserveinclude:1)formationandmaintenanceofpartnershipstocaptureresourcedatanecessarytounderstandandmanagethesystem,2)dataanalysisandinterpretation,and3)facilitationofinformationexchangeamonggroupscollectingdatawithinthepreserve.

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Mapping-Althoughamorerecenttoolusedbystaff,mappinghasproventobeessentialtoresourcemanagementwithinthepreserve.Becauseofthehighlymodifiedwatershed,complexinteractionsoccurwithintheSLRthatmaybedifficulttocomprehendwithoutavisualrepresentation.Withtheexceptionofcollectingglobalpositioningsystem(GPS)waypointswithinthepreserve,preservestaffcurrentlyobtainmostGISdataformapping(e.g.bathymetry,seagrass,oysters)fromexternalsources(e.g.SFWMD).ContinuingtodeveloppartnershipswithGISstaffatotheragenciesandorganizationsiscriticaltoobtainingGISdata,maintainingacurrentGISdatabase,andassemblingmapsforthepreserve.Staffcurrentlyhasadequatetrainingtoassemblemapsforthepreserve;however,additionaltrainingwillbeneededtoanalyzeGISdata,suchaschangesinhabitat,overtime.

Baselinehabitatmapping(usingFNAIcodes)forareaswithinandadjacenttothepreserveisoneofthefundamentalneedsfornaturalresourcemanagement.TheNorthForkpropertyofSavannasPreserveStateParkwasmappedusingFNAIcodesin2003,seagrasswaslastmappedin2007,andoysterswerelastmappedin2003.Thus,mappingofsubmergentandemergentvegetationisneededthroughoutthepreserve,andmangrovehabitatmappingisneededwithinthepreserveoutsideofthe2003mappingeffortfortheformerNorthForkSLRBufferPreserve(whichincludesmangrove/tidalswamp).Ground-truthingFNAIhabitattypeswithinthepreserve(SAV,oysterreef,emergentvegetation,etc.)everyfiveyearswillallowpreservestafftomeasuretheamountofchangeovertime.FuturemappingeffortsofseagrassandoystersareexpectedtocontinuethroughSFWMD.ProposalsforadditionalhabitatmappingeffortswillbesubmittedforfundingthroughIRLNationalEstuaryProgram(NEP),St.LucieRiverInitiative,andtheIRLLicensePlateTrustFund.Mappingmaybesuggestedasapublicinterestprojectfordevelopmentpermittedwithinthepreserve.Oncecreated,thehabitatmapswillserveasabaselayerforlistedspeciessightingdataandultimatelylinkspecieslocationdatawithhabitattypes.

Modeling-Oftentimesastaticmapofbiologicalandchemicalfactorsdoesnotadequatelyrepresenttheirinteractions,especiallyinsystemsthathavelargeseasonalfluctuations.ModelsproducedbySFWMDcanaidpreservestaffinunderstandingtheseinteractionsandtheeffectstheyhaveonthenaturalresourceswithintheNFSLRAP.

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Watershed Hydrology and Water Quality Modeling

TheWaShmodeliscurrentlybeingusedbyDEPtodeveloptotalmaximumdailyloads(TMDL)fortheSt.Luciebasins.

Receiving Water Hydrodynamics and Salinity Modeling

SFWMDrecentlydevelopedtwohydrodynamicmodels,theCurvilinearHydrodynamicsinThreeDimensions(CH3D)andEnvironmentalFluidDynamicsComputerCode(EFDC)hydrodynamic/salinity/waterqualitymodel,toassistwiththedevelopmentofstormwatermanagementstrategiesandevaluatetheeffectivenessofpollutantreductionstrategies.

ListedandRareSpeciesMonitoring-WoodstorknestingactivitieshavebeenmonitoredattheMudCoverookerysince2004bypreservestaff,SavannasPreserveStatePark,FWC,andonePh.D.studentfromFIT.Preservestaffwillcontinuetomonitorwoodstorknestingactivitiesatthisrookeryandlookforadditionalnestingactivitywithinthepreserveeachyear.Monitoringdatawillbecirculatedappropriatelyandkeptinadatabaseforspeciesprotectionefforts.Theneedalsoexiststomonitorotherlisted,rare,anddecliningspecies.MangroverivulusandopossumpipefisharelistedbytheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration’sNationalMarineFisheriesService(NOAANMFS)asaSpeciesofSpecialConcernwhichmeansthatNOAAisconcernedabouttheirstatusbutinsufficientinformationisavailabletoindicateaneedtolistthespeciesundertheEndangeredSpeciesAct.Partnershipswithotheragencies,academicinstitutions,andnon-governmentalorganizationswillbeformedtosurveyandmonitorthesespecieswithinthepreserve.Greatlandcrabburrowsareknowntosupportmangroverivulusintheregion(Tayloretal.,1995).BecauseofthisassociationandthedecliningtrendofsoutheastFloridagreatlandcrabpopulations,preservestaffwillalsoinitiateagreatlandcrabmonitoringprojectthatiscompatiblewithmethodologiesestablishedthoughotherprograms.

BirdRookeryMonitoring-Inadditiontowoodstork,preservestaffwillcontinuetomonitorotherbirdspecies(currentlygreategret,snowyegret,cattleegret,tricoloredheron[Egretta tricolor],andanhinga)utilizingtheMudCoveand/ornewlyestablishedrookerieswithinthepreserve.Whencollectinganddistributingthesedata,itisimportantforrecipientstobeabletocompareprovidedmonitoringdataatdifferentgeographiclevels(e.g.local,regional,state,federal,andglobal).Currently,aninconsistencyexistsamongagenciesanduniversitiescollectingnestingdata.Preservestaffwillensurethatwoodstorkandotherspeciesmonitoringdatawillbecompatiblewithothersources,especiallyDRPandFWC.

SubmergedandEmergentHerbaceousPlantMonitoring-TheNorthForkSLRhasbeendesignatedanImpairedWaterbodybyDEPandtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SeeMap9).Measurestoreducetheamountofnutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)andincreasetheamountofdissolvedoxygenintheSLRarecurrentlyintheprocessofbeingcreatedthroughastateTMDLprogram.Asstrategiesareimplementedtoimprovethewaterquality,theabundanceandhealthofsubmergedvegetationisexpectedtoincrease.Althoughwidgeongrassandshoalgrasswerehistoricallylocatedinthesouthernsectionofthepreserve,thelastdocumentedsightingwasanephemeralpatchofwidgeongrassin2002(SeeMap17).SFWMDbiologistshavebeendedicatedtomonitoringtheoccurrenceofsubmergedvegetationintheSLRtodate.PreservestaffwillassistSFWMDwithfutureNorthForkSLRmonitoringeffortsandseekfundingtomapemergentvegetation.Themethodologyusedfor1997and2007submergedvegetation(seagrass)mappingeffortsintheSLRwillbeusedforfutureprojectsandcanbefoundinthefinalreportbyIbisEnvironmental,Inc.(2007).

OysterReefMonitoring-OysterresearchandmonitoringintheSLRiscurrentlybeingconductedbyFOSandFWC(SeeMap21).UndertheMonitoringandAssessmentProgramcomponentofCERP,SFWMDprovidesfundstoFWCtomonitorfouraspectsofoysterecology:1)spatialandsizedistributionpatternsofadultoysters,2)distributionandfrequencypatternsoftheoysterdiseases“dermo”(Perkinsus marinus)andMSX(Haplosporidium nelsoni),3)reproductionandrecruitment,and4)juvenileoystergrowthandsurvivalincoastalareassubjecttofreshwaterdischargefromtheC&SFcanalsystem(SeeFigure4).FWCmonitoringsitesarelocatedinBiscayneBay,LakeWorthLagoon,LoxahatcheeRiver(SouthForkandNorthwestFork),andSLR(NorthFork,SouthFork,andMiddleEstuary).TworeferencesitesnotconnectedtotheC&SFcanalsystem,SebastianRiverandMosquitoLagoon,aremonitoredbyFWCforcomparisonpurposes.MonitoringeffortsbyFWCbeganinJanuary2005andareexpectedtocontinueuntil2010.FOSestablishedanoysterreefrestorationprogramin2006thatinvolvesplacementofjuvenileoystersonexistingnaturalreefsandseedingofnewlycreatedrecycledoystershellreefs.AmonitoringcomponenthasbeenestablishedbyFOStodocumentrestorationsuccess.Specificmonitoringactivitiesentailmeasuring:1)growthandmortalityofcage-raisedjuvenilespriortoreleaseontoexistingoysterreefswithintheSLR,and2)density(oysterspersquaremeter)andgrowth

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onaugmentedoysterreefs(bothnaturalreefsandrecycled-oystershellreefs)(SeeAppendixB.5.7).MonitoringbyFOSstaffisexpectedtocontinuethroughout2009.

FloodplainVegetationMonitoring-SFWMDhasrecentlyestablishedfourbelttransectstoidentifyandexaminethehealthoffloodplainvegetationcommunitiesoftheNorthForkSLRandTenMileCreek.ThecurrentprojectwillfollowasimilarfloodplainvegetationmonitoringprojectconductedalongtheNorthwestForkoftheLoxahatcheeRiverin2005(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD]andFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],2006).Projectresults,expectedbyJanuary2010,willallowSFWMDstafftomakerecommendationsontheimpactofenhancingcurrentfreshwaterflowandsalinitypatternstothesewetlandsystemsandtheriver.BettermanagementofflowisanticipatedtoimprovewaterqualityandreducesedimentdepositionintheSLR.ThecurrentstudywillalsosupporttheneedforrestorationoftheNorthForkfloodplainidentifiedintheIRL-SPIR(USACE&SFWMD,2004).AreferencecollectionoffloodplainvegetationwillbecreatedbyacontractorandhousedattheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves(SEFLAP)FieldOfficeforfuturereference.

WaterQualityMonitoring-AnextensivewaterqualitymonitoringnetworkexistsfortheSLRsystemthatincludesseveralsiteswithinthepreserve(SeeMap20andAppendixB.5.6).Todate,preservestaffhavenotcollectedwaterqualitydataorestablishedregularcommunicationwithwaterqualitymonitoringgroupsthatsamplewithinthepreserve.Becauseoftheextensive

Florida Oceanographic Society biologists use oyster rakes to monitor the density of oyster reefs in the St. Lucie River.

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Map �� / St. Lucie River oyster reef monitoring and restoration sites.

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degradationofwaterqualityintheSLRasawhole,itisimperativethatpreservestaffestablishamodeofcommunicationwithSFWMD,DEPSWAMP,St.LucieCountyDepartmentofHealth,USGS,FOS,andMarineResourcesCouncilandusethedatacollectedbythesegroupstobetterunderstandaveragefluctuationsinwaterqualitywithinthepreserveandthendisseminatetheinformationthrougheducationandoutreachevents.Althoughcriticaltounderstandingandmanagingthisimpairedwaterway,anadditionalpositionattheSEFLAPFieldOfficewouldbenecessarytoaccomplishthistask.Withaddedsupport,adatabaseforwaterqualitydatacollectedwithinthepreservecouldbeestablishedandusedtohelppreservestaffidentifyandaddressproblematicareas.

Recentuseandtestingoftechnical(someprototype)equipment,suchassidescanandDualFrequencyIdentificationSonar(DIDSON)units,remotelyoperatedvehicleswithunattendedwaterqualitysamplingunitsandplanktonsamplersthattransmitdataviasatellitetelemetry,Kilroyunitsthatcollectandtransmitreal-timewaterqualitydatabacktoacomputer,andunattendedhydrophonesthatcanberemotelyactivatedandtransmitsoundwavesviasatellitetelemetrytostudyspawningfishpopulationshaveintroducednewopportunitiesforcontinuedresearchandmonitoringofallmarineprotectedareas,includingthepreserve.Duetothelimitedamountofresourcesavailabletomanuallycollectsuchdata,itisvitalthatcontinueduseandtestingofnewtechnologybySFWMD,ECOS,andOceanResearch&ConservationAssociation,besupportedbypreservestaff.

Research-Recentspawningresearchindicatesthateggproductionindrums(e.g.spottedseatrout)isdirectlyproportionaltosoundproductionatthissite.Inthefuture,biologistsandmanagersanticipatebeingabletoremotelyusesoundproductiontodeterminethearrivalandsuccessofspawningaggregationsthatmaybenegativelyaffectedbyfreshwaterreleases.Continueduseofavailabletechnologyandfutureuseofunattendedsamplingunitswillgreatlyincreaseourunderstandingofthisdrasticallyaltered,andthereforeevenmorecomplicated,system.

OftentimespreservestaffarenotawareofresearchbeingconductedintheNorthForkSLR.Toimprovecommunication,preservestaffwillestablishavoluntaryprogramtocollectinformation(projectproposalsandfinalreports)fromlocalandvisitingresearcherswithinthepreserve.ThesystemwillbesimilartotheSpecialUseRequestprogramestablishedforresearchandmonitoringactivitieswithinFloridastateparks.Preservestaffcurrentlymaintainalibraryofscientificliteraturethatrelatestoresearchprojectswithinandadjacenttothepreserve.Stayinginformedabouttheresearchandmonitoringconductedwithinandadjacenttothepreserveenablespreservestafftomakeeducatedmanagementdecisions.Someofthecurrentresearchprojectsbeingconductedwithinthepreserveincludeasnookdietarystudy(FWC),fishspawningandplanktonresearch(SFWMD,ECOS,andFOS),oystercultivationandstockingresearch(FOS),andbenthicinfaunalresearch(SmithsonianMarineStation).Althoughpreservestaffmayassistwithvariousprojectaspects,mostresearchconductedwithinthepreserveisheadedbyotheragenciesandnon-governmentalorganizations.Preservestaffplantocreateandmaintainalistofneededresearchandmonitoringprojectswithinthepreserve.TheseideaswilleventuallybepromotedtoprofessorsatlocaleducationalinstitutionssuchasHarborBranchOceanographicInstitute(HBOI)atFloridaAtlanticUniversity(FAU),SmithsonianMarineStation,IndianRiverStateCollege(IRSC),andFIT.Futurestudiesconductedbycollegestudentsandprofessorswillhopefullyresultfrom:1)thedesiretotransformtheTreasureCoastintoahotspotformarineandbiomedicalscience,2)expansionofFAUtoPortSt.LucieandHBOI,and3)theincorporationoffour-yeardegreeprogramsintotheIRSCsystem.

4.2 / The Resource Management Program

TheResourceManagementProgramaddresseshowCAMAmanagestheNFSLRAPanditsresources.TheprimaryconceptofNFSLRAPResourceManagementprojectsandactivitiesareguidedbyCAMA’smissionstatement:“ToprotectFlorida’sCoastalandAquaticResources.”CAMAaquaticpreservesaccomplishresourcemanagementbyphysicallyconductingmanagementactivitiesontheresourcesforwhichithasdirectmanagementresponsibilityandbyinfluencingtheactivitiesofotherswithinandadjacenttoitsmanagedareasandwithinitswatershed.Watershedandadjacentareamanagementactivities,andtheresultantchangesinenvironmentalconditionsaffecttheconditionandmanagementoftheresourceswithinthepreserve’sboundaries.CAMA-managedareasareespeciallysensitivetoupstreamactivitiesaffectingwaterqualityandquantity.CAMAworkstoensurethatthemosteffectiveandefficienttechniquesusedinmanagementactivitiesareutilizedconsistentlywithinitssites,throughoutitsprogram,andwhenpossiblethroughoutthestate.ThestronglyintegratedEcosystemScience,EducationandOutreach,andPublicUseProgramsprovideguidanceandsupporttotheResourceManagementProgram.Theseprogramsworktogethertoprovidedirectiontothevariousagenciesthatmanageadjacentproperties,thepreserve’spartners,andthepreserve’sstakeholders.Preservestaffalsocollaborateswiththesegroupsbyreviewing

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variousprotectedareamanagementplans.ThesoundscienceprovidedbytheEcosystemScienceProgramiscriticaltothedevelopmentofeffectivemanagementprojectsanddecisions.Theconditionsofnaturalandculturalresourceswithinthepreservearediverse.Thissectionexplainsthehistoryandcurrentstatusofthepreserve’sresourcemanagementefforts.

4.�.� / Background of Resource Management at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

TheNorthForkSLRwasartificiallystraightenedbyUSACEandNSLWCDintheearly1900’stoprovidefloodcontrolandimprovenavigation(SeeMap6).Duringthisprocess,originalriverbendsandadjacentwetlandswereisolatedfromtheriverasthebanksofthenewlychannelizedareawerelinedwithlargedredgespoildeposits(SeeFigure5).ErosionofthebanksalongtheshorelineincreasedturbidityinthepreservewhileisolationoffloodplainhabitatandoxbowsdramaticallydecreasedtheresidencetimeofwaterwithintheNorthFork.ReducedresidencetimeultimatelydecreasedtheamountofnutrientabsorptionandsettlementofsuspendedsolidsbeforethewaterreachedseagrassandoysterreefhabitatinthesouthernsectionofthepreserveandtheMiddleEstuary.RestorationgoalsidentifiedintheIRL-SPIRincluderestorationofNorthForkfloodplainhydrologythroughoxbowandfloodplainreconnections,muckremovalintheSLR(includingsouthernsectionofthepreserve),andcreationofhabitatsuitablefortheestablishmentofoysterreefs(USACE&SFWMD,2004).

HydrologicRestoration-Restorationofhistoricalwatermovementpatternsthroughoxbowsandfloodplainsisexpectedtoimprovewaterqualityandreducetheamountofmuckdepositedinthelowerportionofthepreserve.AfeasibilitystudywasdraftedbyPBS&Jin2003.Thisstudyidentified42hydrologicrestorationsites(21oxbowreconnectionand21floodplainreconnectionsites)inTenandFiveMilecreeksandtheNorthForknorthofthePrimaVistaBoulevardbridge.AdditionalreconnectionsiteswereidentifiedintheNorthFork,TenMileCreek,andFiveMileCreekbySt.LucieCountyMosquitoControlDistrict(SLCMCD)staffin2007inanattempttoreducetheamountofwaterlettuceandotherhabitatregularlyusedbybreedingmosquitoes.In2008,amulti-agencyteamincludingCAMA,DRP,SLCMCD,FWC,andSFWMDwasformedtocombinebothsetsofhydrologicrestorationdataandcreatearankingmatrixthatidentifiespriorityprojects(SeeAppendixB.5.2)(Herren,Tucker,Beal,Sharpe&Conrad,inprep).

HydrologicrestorationoftheNorthForkbeganinJune2002whenpreservestaffreestablishedflowtoanisolatedportionofthe

Figure � / Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data are used to identify hydrologic restoration areas along the North Fork St. Lucie River and its headwaters. (Data provided by SFWMD.)

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NorthForkfloodplainapproximatelyonehalfmilenorthofPrimaVistaBoulevard(SeeMap22).Thissite,referredtoasSite5,isanislandthatwascreatedduringthestraighteningprocess.Restorationeffortsincludedconstructionofthreebreachesinthespoilbermliningthebankoftheriver(oneculvertandtwocreek-likesystems).Biologicalmonitoringofthesitebypreserveandstateparksstaffand

FWCthreeyearspost-constructionindicatessuccessfuluseofthereconnectedwetlandsbyfishandinvertebrates(Beal etal.,2006).Asecondpilothydrologicrestorationproject,thereconnectionofanoxbowonSFWMD’sStrazullaTractlocatedjustsouthofPlatt’sCreek,wascompletedinJuly2003(SeeMap22).AlthoughnorthofthepreserveboundaryatMidwayRoad,reconnectionofthishistoricriverbendtotheNorthForkisexpectedtoimprovethequalityofwaterreachingthepreserve.BiologicalsamplingatthereconnectionsitebyFWC,preservestaff,andstateparkstaffindicatesmovementoffishandinvertebratesintotheoxbow.Original,unalteredriverbendsgenerallycontainmoresubmergentandemergentvegetationneartheshorelineand,basedonunpublishedelectroshockingdata,appeartoattractmorenativefaunathanthechannelizedarea(G.Gilmore, personalcommunication,February1,2008).TheculvertatSite5hasalsobeendocumentedtoeffectivelymovewaterintothefloodplainwetland(J.Beal,personalcommunication,August9,2007).However,fewfishanddecapodspecieshavebeencapturedmovingthroughtheculvert,unlikestudiesconductedinlocalestuarinemarshes(Brockmeyer,Rey,Virnstein,Gilmore&Earnest,1997).

Waterqualityparameters(turbidityanddissolvedoxygen)weremonitoredpre-andpost-constructionatthethreeSite5breachesandtheoxbowreconnectionsite.WaterqualitymonitoringdataattheSite5breachesindicatedthatelevatedturbiditylevelsassociatedwith

constructionactivitieswerereducedtobackground(river)levelswithinweeksofconstruction.Dataalsosuggestsignificantpost-constructionimprovementsindissolvedoxygenlevelswithintherestoredwetlandsandoxbow(J.Beal,personalcommunication,August9,2007).

ShorelineStabilization-Todate,shorelinestabilizationprojectsalongtheNorthForkhavebeenassociatedwiththethreebreachesatSite5andtheoxbowreconnectiononSFWMDStrazullaTract(SeeMap22).StabilizationofthebermbreachesatSite5entailedliningthetwocreek-likebreacheswithriprap(onfilterclothatthetoeoftheslope)andreducingtheslopeoftheadjacentshoreline.Redmangroveandleatherfernwereplantedintheriprap.Emergentvegetation,includingswamplily,leather

Eroded shoreline at White City Park.

Reconnection of isolated oxbows will improve water quality by decreasing nutrients and suspended solids.

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fern,andarrowhead,wereinterspersedintheintertidalzone.Theadjacent(upland)shorelineswerelinedwithjuteandplantedwithredmaple,wildcoffee,marlberry,whitestopper,andSpartina bakeri.Aturbidityscreenhasbeeninplacetoprotecttheemergentvegetationsince2004.MostplantingssurvivedthedirecthitsbyhurricanesFrancesandJeanneinSeptember2004andwindsfromthenorthernbandsofHurricaneWilmainOctober2005.Thestabilityoftheshorelineisincreasingandtheturbidityscreenswillberemovedduringspring2009.Noriprapwasneededattheculvertbuttheadjacentshorelinewasenhancedinthesamemannerastheshorelineadjacenttothestream-likebreaches.Photodocumentationofthestabilizationprojectswasconductedannuallybypreservestaffduring2003-2009(SeeAppendixB.5.8).Riprapandnativeplantings,suchasleatherfernandswamplily,wereusedtostabilizetheshorelinealongtheoxbowreconnection.

LandAcquisition–AlandacquisitionmapseriesandassociateddatabasebasedonproposedFloridaForeveradditionswascreatedin2009bypreservestaff(SeeAppendixB.5.9).Theparcelshavenotbeenprioritized,soadjacentpubliclandsandplannedhydrologicrestorationsiteswereidentifiedonthemapseriestofacilitatetherankingprocess.

MuckRemoval–AlthoughitisgenerallyacceptedthatremovaloflargemuckdepositsfromtheSLRwouldbefavorable,severalmonetaryandenvironmentalconcernshaveslowedtheprocess(St.LucieRiverInitiative,2004).Threepilotmuckremovalprojects,LakeOkeechobee(2002),SouthForkSLR(2002),andNorthForkSLR(2003),haveprovidedanswerstoquestionsregardingsuchissuesasequipmentandtechniques,sedimenttoxicity,nutrientloadingofuplanddepositionsites,andplantresponsetodepositiononvariousuplanddepositionsites.However,theprocesswillbeexpensive,andcost-effectivebeneficialusesofSt.Luciemucksedimentsremaintobeidentified(Heetal.,2004).

OysterReefRestoration–TheFOSinitiatedanoysterreefrestorationprogramintheSLRin2006followingthereleasesassociatedwiththe2004and2005hurricaneseasons.Thisprogramhastwoprinciplecomponents:1)oystergardeningandrelease,and2)seedingofnewlycreatedreefsmadeofrecycledshellmaterialfromlocalestablishments.Thegardeningcomponent,whichbeganin2006,reliesonyear-roundsupportfromlocaldockownersthatgrow(i.e.garden)thejuvenileoystersundertheirdocksforthreemonthsatatimebeforetheyarereleasedontoanearbyoysterreef(SeeAppendixB.5.7).In2008,FOSinitiatedasecondprojectinwhichstaffgrowoysterlarvaeandseedthemontorecycledshellreefspositionedwithincontainmentbooms.Fouroysterreefscomprising400squarefeetofhabitatwillbecreatedintheLowerEstuaryinthespringof2009.

MartinCountyinitiatedacommunitybasedRiverReefsProjecttosupporttheidentifiedneedtoenhanceandrestoremarinehabitatsuchasoysterreefsintheIRLandSLR(USACE&

!(

Midway Rd.

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Prima

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NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 Rivercourse

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Map �� / Sites of completed hydrologic restoration projects on the North Fork St. Lucie River.

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SFWMD,2004).FundstocreateadditionaloysterreefhabitatalongthenorthernandsouthernshorelinesoftheMiddleEstuarywerereceivedfromSFWMDIRLLicensePlateTrustFundin2005.MartinCountyworkedcloselywithFOS,MartinCountyESC,andContinentalShelfAssociatesInternational,Inc.inthecreation,deployment,andmonitoringoftheseartificialreefs(CSAInternational,Inc.,2007).Eighty-

eightreefpatches(44patchesalongeachshoreline)totaling1,029squaremeterswerecreatedin2005and2006(CSAInternational,Inc.,2007).ThesereefshavesuccessfullyincreasedtheabundanceoffilterfeedingorganismsandproviderefugeforjuvenilefishandinvertebratesintheSLR.

Permitting-TheSEFLAPFieldOfficewasestablishedin1986atwhichtimemostofthemanagementactivitiesentailedregulatoryreviewofpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitieswithinthepreserve.Agencyreorganization,acquisition,andapprovaloftheNorthForkSLRStateBufferPreserveManagementPlanbetween1994and1997markedatransitionatwhichpreservestaffdecreasedtheamountoftimeonregulatoryreviewandincreasedtheamountoftimespentonremovalandmaintenanceofnon-nativespecies,restoration,research,andmonitoringwithinthebufferandaquaticpreserves.ThebufferpreserveisnowmanagedastheNorthForkpropertyofSavannasPreserveStateParkbutbothstateparkandaquaticpreservestaffcontinuetofocusonrestorationactivitiesthatimprovethequalityoftheaquaticpreserve.RegularcommunicationhasbeenestablishedwithDEPSoutheastDistrictregulatorystaffandnoticesofproposedactivitieswithinthepreserveareregularlyreceivedviapostande-mail.Listsofpotentialprojectsthatwouldhelpapplicantsmeettheirpublicinterestcriteria(e.g.conservationeasements,habitatmappingandhabitatandhydrologicrestoration)havebeenprovidedtolocalregulatorystaff.

Onsitemitigationthroughtheacquisitionandprotectionofadjacentbufferinglandsandhabitatandhydrologicrestorationareencouragedforproposedconstructionactivitieswithinthepreserve.

4.�.� / Current Status of Resource Management at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

Mostknowledgeofthenaturalresourceswithinthepreserveisgainedthroughthepreserve’sEcosystemScienceProgram.Actionstakenbypreservestaffandtheirpartnersasaresultoftheinformationgainedthroughmapping,modeling,monitoring,andresearchactivitieswithintheSLRfallsundertherealmofresourcemanagement.Thepreserve’sResourceManagementProgramcurrentlyfocusesoninformationdissemination,groupcoordination,andecosystemrestoration.

Stabilization of the shoreline at a wetland reconnection site near Prima Vista Boulevard.

Creation of oyster reefs in the Middle Estuary. (Image provided by Continental Shelf Associates, Inc.)

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HydrologicRestoration–Amulti-agencyteamhasidentifiedandrankedthemostappropriatehydrologicrestorationsitesalongtheNorthForkanditsheadwaters(SeeAppendixB.5.2)(Herrenetal.,inprep).Informationgainedduringthecompletionoftworestorationprojects,oneoxbowreconnectionatSFWMD’sStrazullaTractandonefloodplainreconnectionatSite5inthestatepark,willfacilitatefutureprojectdevelopment.TheFWC,stateparkbiologists,andtheSLCMCDarepartneringtoreconnectasecondoxbowalongthenorthsideofTenMileCreekontheNorthForkparcel(Miller-Wildproperty)ofSavannasPreserveStateParkinfiscalyear2009-2010.CurrentandfutureeffortstofosterpartnershipsamongFWC,CAMA,DRP,DEPSoutheastDistrictregulatoryoffice,SFWMDscientists,SFWMDregulatorystaff,USACEregulatorystaff,St.LucieCountyEnvironmentalResourcesDepartment,andSLCMCDarenecessarytoreachhydrologicrestorationgoals.

ShorelineStabilization-NoadditionalshorelinestabilizationhasbeencompletedsincethestabilizationofthefloodplainreconnectionsitesnorthofPrimaVistaBoulevardandontheSFWMDStrazullaTract.Preservestaffwillcontinuetophotodocumentthestabilizationofthesesites,identifyotherlocationsinneedofstabilization,formpartnerswithSLCEnvironmentalResourcesDepartment,DEPstateparks,andDEPandSFWMDregulatorystaff,BoyScoutsofAmerica,andrequestfundsfromtheSt.LucieRiverInitiativesTeamandtheIRLLicensePlateTrustFundtocompleteadditionalstabilizationprojects.Suitablesubmergedandemergentvegetationwillbeincludedintheplantingplansforfuturestabilizationprojects(AppendixB.5.10).

LandAcquisition-PrioritizationoftheparcelsidentifiedonthelandacquisitionmapseriesinAppendixB.5.9isneeded.Amulti-agencyteamwillbeformedtoidentifyrankingcriteriaandconductfieldvisits.Adjacentpubliclandsandplannedhydrologicrestorationsiteswereidentifiedonthemapseriestofacilitatetherankingprocess.

MuckRemoval-In2008,theCityofPortSt.LuciesubmittedanEnvironmentalResourcePermitapplicationtoremoveapproximately13acresofmuckfromeightcanalsthatdischargeintothepreserve(Elkcam,SouthCoralReef,Degan,Harbor,Schooner,Surfside,Sagamore,andOceanBreeze).

OysterReefRestoration-Restorationofoysterhabitatisoccurringwithinandadjacenttothepreserve(SeeMap21).AlthoughMartinCountyhasplanstocreateadditionaloysterreefsintheMiddleEstuaryaspartoftheirRiverReefsProject,FOSistheonlyorganizationthatcurrentlyhaspermittedprojectsaimedatrestoringoysterreefswithintheSLR.Twoofthesixrestorationsitesarelocatedinthepreserve:oneatBrittCreekandoneatHarborRidge(SeeAppendixB.5.7).SupportofMartinCounty’sfutureoysterreefcreationeffortsandFOS’soystergardeningandreleaseprogramwithinthesouthernsectionofthepreserveisapriority.St.LucieCountyalsocreatesfishhabitatbydeployingartificialmaterialsoffshoreandrecycledoystershellmaterialintheIRLthroughtheirArtificialReefprogram.Preservestaffwouldsupportexpansionofthisprogram,especiallycreationofoysterreefsusingrecycledshellmaterial,into

Staff at Florida Oceanographic Society places oyster spat (juvenile oysters) in cages hung from private docks, allows the spat to grow for three months, and then transplants them onto existing reefs in the St. Lucie River.

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thesouthernsectionofthepreservewithinSt.LucieCounty.AnoysterreefrestorationprojectwithintheLoxahatcheeRiverbeganin2008thatwilltesttheeffectivenessofpotentialsubstrates(e.g.limestonerock,baggedrelictoystershell,andconcreteoysterreefballs)thatcouldbeusedascultchinfuturereefcreationandrestorationprojects.ResultsfromthisprojectwillhelpguidefutureeffortsintheSLR.

Permitting–Preservestaffcommentonenvironmentalresourcepermitssubmittedforleaseorconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve.Dredgingandconstructionprojectspermittedwithinthepreservemustbeinthepublicinterest(18-20F.A.C).Beneficialpublicinterestprojectshavebeenidentifiedandcommunicatedtothelocalregulatorystaffbutpreservestaffwillmaintainandregularlydistributeanupdatedlisttolocalregulators.Inadditiontothedisseminationofupdatedprojectideas,preservestaffwillprovideregulatorswithresourceupdatesforthepreserveandofferoneboattourofthepreserveeachyeartohelpfamiliarizenewstaffwiththeaquaticresourcesanddiscussspecificregulatoryandresourceprotectionissueswithinthepreserve.Useofecosystemsciencedatashouldbeusedtostrengthentheaquaticpreserverule(18-20F.A.C.)andcountycomprehensiveplansectionsthatdirectlyrelatetodevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.Suchimprovementswouldallowregulatorystafftominimizetheamountofnaturalresourceimpactswithinthepreserve.

Mitigation-Impactstonaturalresourcesmustbeavoidedorminimizedbyapplicantswishingtoconstructwithinthepreserve(Chapter18-20F.A.C.).Regardlessofcompromisingeffortstominimizeimpacts,resourcesoftenaredegradedorcompletelyremovedfromthepreservethroughtheregulatoryprocessandmustbemitigated.Insuchsituations,preservestaffareabletouseinformationgainedthroughmultiplepartnerstorecommendmitigationoptions(e.g.landacquisition,habitatandhydrologicrestoration,waterqualityimprovementprojects,shorelinestabilizationwithnativeplants,plantingofemergentandsubmergentvegetation)thatwoulddirectlybenefitthequalityofnaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.Alistofpotentialmitigationoptionsforthepreservehasbeenestablishedforquickreferenceandconsiderationbypreserveandregulatorystaff.Comparedtothehighamountofvisibleresources,mainlyseagrassandmangroves,intheadjacentestuarineIRL,theupperreachesofthepreserveareafresh,blackwatersystemthatsupportsvisiblemangroves(toalatitudejustnorthofPrimaVistaBoulevard)andemergentvegetation.Theremainingresourcesareprimarilyunconsolidatedsubstrates(76%ofthepreserve)andpossiblysubmergentvegetation(whichhasbeenidentifiedasamappingneed).UnconsolidatedsubstratesintheNorthForkSLRsupportinfaunalorganismsandbottom-dwellingfishsuchasgobies(especiallythehyphengoby[Gobionellus oceanicus])andsleepers(FNAI&DNR,1990andG.Gilmore,personalcommunication,February1,2008).Emergentandsubmergentvegetationfoundthroughoutthepreserveiscriticalforlarvae,juveniles,spawning,andnurserygroundforfishandinvertebrates(G.Gilmore,personalcommunication,February1,2008).Becauseofthelackofsubmergentvegetation,bothemergentandsubmergentvegetationlocatedwithinthepreserveshouldbeconsideredvaluablehabitat(ResourceProtectionArea1or2)worthyofmitigationwhenreviewingpermitapplications.Oncewaterqualityandclarityimprovesandseagrassbeginstorecruitwithinthepreserve,allpossiblemeasurestoavoidimpactshouldbetakenbyregulatorystaffandapplicants.

IncidentResponse-Mostincidentsinthepreserveinvolveharassmentofwildlife,primarilyadultsandchicksattheMudCovebirdrookery,reportsofillegalfishingactivities(e.g.useofgillnets),unlawfulspeed,cuttingofmangroves,andpotentialpermitviolations.Eachcomplaintisdocumentedbypreservestaffbycompletingacomplaintformthatidentifiesthecaller,theircontactinformation,incidentdescription,actiontaken,andresults.Dependingonthereportedincident,preservestaffcoordinateswithFWCwildlifeofficers,DEPorSFWMDcomplianceandenforcementstaff,SLCEnvironmentalResourcesDepartmentorSt.LucieorMartincountyparksandrecreationdepartments.Maintainingastrongpartnershipwithcomplianceandenforcementstaffiscriticaltothesuccessofincidentresponsewithinthepreserve.Preservestaffalsoencouragestewardshipamonghomeowners,whooftenserveastheeyesandearsofthepreserve.FuturecoordinationwithlawenforcementofficialswillhelppreservestaffdocumentadditionalincidentsandincidentlocationswithinthepreservethatarenotreportedthroughtheSEFLAPFieldOffice(e.g.nearmissesbetweenvarioususergroups,issuedspeedingticketsandwarnings).Identifiedtrendswillbedocumentedanddiscussedwithlawenforcementofficialsforlocalizedsupport.

4.3 / The Education and Outreach Management Program

TheEducationandOutreachManagementProgramcomponentsareessentialmanagementtoolsusedtoincreasepublicawarenessandpromoteinformedstewardshipbylocalcommunities.Educationprogramsincludeonandoff-siteeducationandtrainingactivities.Theseactivitiesinclude:fieldstudiesforstudentsandteachers,thedevelopmentanddistributionofmedia,thedisseminationofinformationatlocalevents,therecruitmentandmanagementofvolunteersandtrainingworkshopsforlocalcitizens

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anddecision-makers.Thedesignandimplementationofeducationprogramsincorporatesthestrategictargetingofselectaudiences.Theseaudiencesincludeallagesandwalksoflife;however,eachrepresentskeystakeholdersanddecision-makers.Theseeffortsbystaff,utilizingthecomponentsoftheEducationandOutreachProgram,allowthepreservetobuildrelationshipsandconveyknowledgetothecommunity,invaluablecomponentstosuccessfulmanagement.

4.�.� / Background of Education and Outreach at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

TheSEFLAPFieldOfficeissmall,remote,andnotwell-suitedforon-siteeducationalprograms.Themajorityofthepreserve’s“EducationandOutreach”hasbeenintheformofvolunteercoordinationandoutreach.Spreadsheetswerecreatedin2006totrackvolunteer-basedprojectsandoutreachevents.

Education-Inthelate1980stomid1990s,theSEFLAPFieldOfficewasdividedintotwosections:EducationandOutreachandNaturalResourceManagement.Atthattime,theeducationalstaffestablishedaprograminwhichbimonthlycanoetripswerelaunchedfromWhiteCityboatramponMidwayRoad.Canoetripswerescheduledforboththegeneralpublicandlocaldecision-makers.Educationalstaffalsocreatedanaquaticpreservecoloringbook,Aquatic Preserves are Exceptional,whichisnowdistributedstate-wide.Thetwo-sectionapproachtomanagingtheNFSLRAPdissolvedin1997withthemanagementauthorityoverthenewNorthForkSt.LucieBufferPreserve.Sincethen,theprimaryeducationalprogramssupportedbypreservestaffhavebeentheIRLEnvirothonandtheTreasureCoastEnvironmentalEducationCouncil(TCEEC).TheIRLEnvirothon,Inc.isanon-profitorganizationestablishedin1993tobringlocalenvironmentaleducationintoregional(St.Lucie,Martin,IndianRiver,Okeechobee,andBrevardcounties)middleandhighschoolclassrooms.TCEECiscomprisedofover50agenciesandorganizationswithenvironmentaleducationinterestsintheTreasureCoastarea,andwasestablishedin2005to1)allowfornetworkingopportunitiesandidea-sharingamonglocalenvironmentaleducators,and2)facilitatelarge-scaleenvironmentaleducationprojectsbeyondthescopeofeachindividualagencyororganization.TCEECdesignedportableoutdoorclassroomsthatareavailabletoTreasureCoastteachers,presentedacurriculumresourcefairforSt.LucieCountyteachers,andcreatedaTCEEClogo.

ThequantityandqualityofeducationabouttheNorthForkandthenaturalresourceswithinthepreserveweregreatlyimprovedwiththeestablishmentofSt.LucieCounty’seducationalfacilityknownasthe

St. Lucie County’s Oxbow Eco-Center plays a lead role in educating children and adults about the North Fork St. Lucie River.

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OxbowEco-Center.TheOxbowEco-Centerwasbuiltin2000,ona220acreparcelpurchasedwithfundsfromSt.LucieCounty’sEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsandSFWMDSaveOurRiversprograms.Theland,whichbuffersthepreserve,ismanagedtosustainitsnativewildlife,utilizingboardwalks,trails,bridges,observationtowers,andacanoelaunchthatallowvisitorstoexperiencenaturewithoutdisruptingit.OxbowEco-Center’sstaffhavetakentheleadroleineducatingSt.LucieCountystudentsandlocalresidentsabouttheSLRandthenaturalresourceslocatedwithinthepreservebyincorporatingindoordisplayswithoutdoorprogramming.Monthlycanoetripsalongthenarrowandscenicupperreachesofthepreservearealsoofferedbytheireducationalstaff.TheOxbowEco-Centerisknown

fortheincorporatedgreenbuildingtechnologies(e.g.passivelightdesign,solarpanels,recycledandrecyclablematerials,acisternsystemusedtocapturerainfalltoflushthetoilets,andfloorsmadefromsalvagedpinetreeslostintheSt.JohnsRiverintheearlyloggingdays)andservesasamodelforsustainability.

Outreach-TheprimaryformofoutreachforthepreservehasbeenthedeliveryofPowerPointpresentationsatvariousgroupmeetingsanduseofeducationaldisplaysandfieldequipmentdemonstrationsatlocaleventsandfestivalshostedbyotherenvironmentaleducatorsandconservationgroups.OutreacheventsfortheNorthForkhaveprimarilyincludedparticipationinOxbowEco-Center’sEarthDayCelebration,St.LucieConservationAlliance’sPartyintheParkatFortPierceInletStatePark,

PortSalerno’sSeafoodFestival,theManateeCenter’sNaturefest,andSLCAgriculturalTour.Overtheyears,preservestaffhavekeyedinontheeducationalmaterialsandinformationthathavebeenofmostinteresttolocalresidentsattendingtheoutreachevents.Gradualincorporationofnewapproachesbasedontheseobservationshasfacilitatedcommunicationandunderstandingduringtheseorganizedevents.

Signage-Preservesignagehasbeenpostedattwoofthesixpreserveaccesspoints,WhiteCityParkandVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate(SeeMap4).

Volunteers-Volunteersareanintegralpartofpreservestaff’sabilitytoreachmanagementgoals.Thevolunteercoordinationprocesswasstreamlinedin2006byappointingallcoordinationeffortstooneemployee.Atthistime,aspreadsheetwasalsocreatedtohelptrackvolunteereventsandhourscontributedtoNFSLRAPprojects.Over4,000volunteerhourshavebeendedicatedtosuchprojectsasclean-upevents,aderelictvesselsurvey,andapublicandprivateaccesssurveybetweenJuly2006andFebruary2009.Thestreamliningprocesshasallowedformoreeffectivecommunicationwiththevolunteersthroughawell-maintainede-maildistributionlist,volunteerapplications,andanemergencycontactlist.

4.�.� / Current Status of Education and Outreach at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

CurrentEducationandOutreachprogramsfortheNFSLRAPfocusoncreatingstewardswhoeducateandengageothersaswellaspromoteresponsiblenaturalresourceuse.

Education-EducationaltoolsfortheNFSLRAPincludeGISmapsofthepreserveandthesurroundingwatershed,children’saquaticpreservecoloringbooks,plantandanimalspeciesidentificationposters,PowerPointpresentations,abrochure,andeducationalmaterialsregardingspecificresourceswithinthepreserve(e.g.manatees,seagrasses,oysters,mangroves).Duetothelimitedamountofspaceandresources,educationalprogramsthatincorporatepreserveissuesarecurrentlyconductedbySLCOxbowEco-Center’seducationalstaff.Althoughformaleducationalprogramswillprobablynotbeincorporatedintothepreserve’smanagementplan,itisimportantthatpreservestaffsupporttheOxbowEco-Center’seducationaleffortsbyprovidingsupportivestaff,boats,technicalassistance,andeducationalmaterialsproducedthroughtheSEFLAPFieldOfficetoincreaselocalknowledgeofthepreserve.ItisalsoimportantforpreservestafftofacilitatecommunicationwithDEP’sSavannas

Preserve signage at Veteran’s Memorial Park at Rivergate.

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PreserveStateParkEducationalCenterstaff.TheSavannasEducationalCenterwasbuiltin2000withinthestateparkonthenorthsideofWaltonRoad.CurrentfeaturesincludeinteractiveenvironmentalandhistoricalexhibitsrelatingtotheSavannasPreserveStateParkandthesurroundingarea.AlthoughmanagementauthorityoftheNorthForkSLRBufferPreservewastransferredtoSavannasPreserveStateParkin2004,itisimportantthatpreservestaffworkwiththestateparkstafftodevelopdisplaysandeducationalmaterialsfortheNorthForkproperty.

InadditiontoplayingasupportiveroletotheOxbowEco-CenterandSavannasPreserveStateParkEnvironmentalEducationCenter,preservestaffremainactiveintheIRLEnvirothonandTCEECprograms.

Outreach-OutreachfortheNorthForkhashistoricallyfocusedonparticipationineventsorganizedbyotherorganizations.Inthefuture,staffwouldliketoreachouttoseveraltargetaudiencesbydeliveringpresentationstoappropriatehomeownerassociations,localbusinesses,andenvironmentalgroupssuchasSt.LucieandMartincountychaptersofAudubonandSLCConservationAlliance,topromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreserve.PreservestaffwillalsocoordinatewithSLC’sOxbowEco-Center,DEP’sSavannasPreserveStateParkEducationCenter,andMartinCounty’sESCtoincorporatepresentationsaboutthepreserveandtheassociatedresourcesintotheirexistinglectureseries.

TheexistingNFSLRAPbrochureisextremelyoutdated.Preservestaffareintheprocessofcreatinganewtri-foldbrochurespecifictothepreserve.Thenewbrochureprovidesusefulinformationincluding,butnotlimitedto,thereasonsbehindtheaquaticpreservedesignation,associatedstatutesandcodes,pointsofcontactforpotentialviolations,andamapthatidentifiesthepreserveboundary,publicaccesspoints,andrecreationalopportunities.

Signage-Signagewithinandataccesspointstothepreserveneedstobeimproved.Currently,onlytwooffourpublicaccesspointshavesignagepostedthatindicatethatthewaterwayisanaquaticpreserve.Futureeffortstoconstructandraiseeducationalkiosksthatinformusersaboutthepreserveareahighpriorityforpreservestaff.ThesignageatVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergateisingoodconditionanddoesnotneedtobereplaced.TheexistingsignageatWhiteCityParkisweatheredandiscurrentlyinneedofreplacement.Preservestaffwillworkwithvolunteers,EagleScouts,andmanagersofeachaccesspointtobuildandraiseeducationalkiosksatWhiteCityPark,theOxbowEco-Center,theHalpatiokeestop-overalongEvan’sCreek,andRiverParkMarina.PreservestaffwillworkwithSLC’sOxbowEco-Centerstafftodeterminethemostappropriateformofsignagefortheiraccesspointasakioskwoulddistractfromthenaturalviewthatstaffaretryingtoprotect.

Becauseofthelackofsignageatthepublicaccesspointsandrapidgrowth,somevisitorsareunawarethatalargeportionoftheNorthForkisanaquaticpreserve.Toaddressthis,preservestaffwillworkwithFWCDivisionofLawEnforcementBoatingandWaterwayssectiontoinstallsignageonchannelmarkersthatinformboatersthattheyareenteringtheNFSLRAP.

Volunteers-AlthoughSEFLAPFieldOfficevolunteershavetraditionallyhelpedwithintheIRL-VeroBeachtoFortPierceAquaticPreserve,moreemphasisiscurrentlybeingplacedontheNorthForkSLR.Theseprojectsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,constructionandmaintenanceofeducationalkiosksatpublicaccesspoints,assistancewithbirdrookerymonitoring,resourcemanagementsurveys,citizenpatrolling,clean-upevents(especiallyremovalofmonofilamentwithinthevegetationalongtheWhiteCityParkoxbowandalongthefishingpiersatRiverParkMarinaandVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate),outreachopportunities,informationgathering,andoffice-relatedprojects.Theopportunitieshavebeenwell-receivedbythepublic,andpreservestaffanticipatesuccessfulimplementationofmanystrategiesoutlinedinChapter5throughthesupportofvolunteers.

Volunteers help preserve staff remove debris from the North Fork St. Lucie River.

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AsthevolunteernetworkforthepreserveincreasesandSEFLAPFieldOfficestaffreestablishestheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesInc.CitizensSupportOrganization(CSO),preservestaffwouldliketointeractwithboththepreservevolunteersaswellasthestatepark’sCSO,FriendsofSavannasPreserveStatePark,Inc.Programsthatbenefitboththebufferingstateparklandaswellasthepreserve(e.g.non-nativespeciesremoval,shorelinestabilization,andhydrologicrestoration)maybeofinteresttobothgroupsofvolunteers.Preservestaffwillcontinuetouseavolunteerdatabasecreatedin2006todocumenttheneedforafuturefull-timevolunteercoordinatorposition,aresponsibilitythatiscurrentlybeingcoveredbyanOtherPersonalServices(OPS)(time-limited)employeewithseveralotherresponsibilities.

4.4 / The Public Use Management Program

ThePublicUseManagementProgramaddressesthedeliveryandmanagementofpublicuseopportunitiesatthepreserve.Thecomponentsofthisprogramfocusonprovidingthepublicrecreationalopportunitieswithinthesite’sboundarieswhicharecompatiblewithresourcemanagementobjectives.ThegoalforpublicaccessmanagementinCAMAmanagedareasis:“Toadegreethatisconsistentwithourgoalsfornaturalandculturalresourceprotection,wewillpromoteandmanagepublicuseofourpreservesandreservesthatsupportstheresearch,education,andstewardshipmissionofCAMA.”

Whileaccessbythegeneralpublichasalwaysbeenapriority,theconservationofCAMA’ssitesistheprimarymanagementconcernforCAMA.Itisessentialforstafftoanalyzeexistingpublicusesanddefinemanagementstrategiesthatbalancetheseactivitieswherecompatibleinamannerthatprotectsnatural,cultural,andaestheticresources.Thisrequiresgatheringexistinginformationonuse,needs,andopportunities,aswellasathoroughconsiderationoftheexistingandpotentialimpactstocriticalupland,wetland,andsubmergedhabitats.Thiswouldincludethecoordinationofvisitorprogramplanningwithsocialscienceresearch.OneofCAMA’scriticalmanagementchallengesduringthenext10yearsisbalancinganticipatedincreasesinpublicusewiththeneedtoensurepreservationofsiteresources.Thissectionexplainsthehistoryandcurrentstatusofourpublicuseefforts.

4.4.� / Background of Public Use at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

TheNorthForkSLRisaccessibletothepublicyear-roundforconsumptiveandnon-consumptiveuse.Nopublicusesurveyshavebeenconductedwithinthepreservetodate.Suchsurveyswouldhelpdocumenttheuser’sage,activity,andfrequencyofusebylocalsandvisitors.Thesedatawouldultimatelyallowpreservestafftotargetspecificusergroupsandissues.Primarypublicuseconcernsidentifiedtodatehavebeenboatingsafety(conflictsbetweenmotorboatersandpaddlers)andpoorwaterqualityconditions(SeeAppendixC).Anecdotalreportsfromlocalsindicatethatthesportfishinghasbeennegativelyaffectedinthepreserveduetofreshwaterreleasesfromthedrainagenetworkinthewatershed(Murdock,1954b).Despitewaterqualityconcerns,anglersareregularlyseenusingthepreservefromboats,publicboatramps,andfishingpiers.

PublicAccess–AnaccesssurveywithintheNFSLRAPwascompletedinJune2007.Atthattime,fourpublicboatramps,onepublicmarina,threepubliccanoestopovers,andthreepublicfishingpiers(locatedatpublicboatramps)werelocatedwithinthepreserve.ThefourpublicboatrampsarelocatedatWhiteCityPark,RiverParkMarina,Veteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate,andClubMed-Sandpiper.TheonlymarinainthepreserveisapublicmarinaoperatedbyClubMed-Sandpiper.PubliccanoestopovershavebeenbuiltbySt.LucieCountyandFDEPattheOxbowEco-Center,IdabelleIsland,andtheHalpatiokeeParcelofSavannasPreserveStateParkNorthForkProperty.Althoughnottechnicallywithinthepreserve,publiclandsadjacenttotheNorthFork(northofMidwayRoad)andTenMileCreekprovideadditionalpublicaccessandrecreationalopportunities.Anadditionaleightprivateboatramps,379privatedocks,and12privatemulti-slipdockshavebeenpermittedwithinthepreserve.

Boating/DerelictVessels–Fourpublicboatrampsareavailabletoboaterswithinthepreserve.BecausethepreservecanbeaccessedfromtheIRL,boatersmayaccessthepreservefromanyIRLorSLRpublicramp.ThenumberofderelictvesselsincreasedafterhurricanesFrances,Jeanne,andWilmapassedin2004and2005.InJune2007,sixabandoned/derelictvessels(rangingfromapaddleboattolargesailboats)weredocumentedwithinthepreserve.Twoofthesesixvesselshavebeenremoved.ThelocationsofthefourremainingvesselscanbeseenonMap23.

ConsumptiveUse-PredominantconsumptivepublicusesoftheNFSLRAParefishingandcrabbing.TherearethreepublicfishingpierswithinthepreservelocatedatWhiteCityPark,RiverParkMarina,andVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate.Thesepiersaretheeasiestwayforthepublictoaccessthe

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preserve,andthereforereceiveregularuse.Bothcommercialandrecreationalanglersuseboatstofishinthepreserve.Netandhookandlinemethodsareusedtocatchtargetspeciessuchasmullet,croakers,sheepshead,snapper,andsnook.CommercialcastnettersrelyontheNorthForkSLRsouthofVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergateformullet,croakers,andsheepshead.Somesellwholesaletolocalmarkets,butlittleiscurrentlyknownaboutthesuccessoftheseoperations.TheNorthForkalsosupportsyear-roundcommercialandrecreationalbluecraboperations.OnecommercialcrabberhasreliedonNorthForkresourcesasasolesourceofincomesince1985.CrabsharvestedfromthepreservearesoldwholesaletocommercialmarketsinPortSt.LucieandJensenBeachandareoccasionallysoldalongMidwayRoadinWhiteCity.Anecdotalevidencefromrecreationalandcommercialfishermenandcrabbersrelatestheabundanceandhealthoftheircatchtowaterqualityinthepreserve.Runoffafterlargestormeventsandconversionofnaturaltohardenedshorelines,bothassociatedwithincreaseddevelopmentinthewatershed,havehadthelargestimpactonthebluecrabbusinesssincethemid-1980s(URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999;L.Burgess,personalcommunication,September6,2007).RecreationalcrabbersthatusetheNorthForkareresponsibleforaddingfeaturesthatmakerecreationaltrapslegalandarelimitedtofewertrapsthancommercialoperations.AlthoughtheNorthForkhasfewercrabs,hencefewercrabbers,thanotherareasalongtheeastcoast,thecrabsareofhighquality(L.Burgess,personalcommunication,September6,2007).

Non-ConsumptiveUse-Opportunitiesfornon-consumptivepublicusesofthepreserveincludecanoeing,kayaking,motorboating,sailing,waterskiing,wakeboarding,catch-and-releasefishing,andnatureviewing.Twoeco-touroperations,theRiverLillyCruiseandSunshineWildlifeTours,providepontoontripstoeducateresidentsandvisitorsaboutthebiologyandecologyoftheNorthForkSLR.AhighlightofbothtoursisavisittothebirdrookeryinMudCoveduringthepeakofthenestingseason(FebruarytoJuly).ToursleavefrompublicboatrampsinPortSt.LucieandStuart.ClubMed-Sandpiper,whichoccupiesover1,000acresalongKitchingCoveinPortSt.Lucie,providesrecreationalopportunitiestogueststhataredirectly

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associatedwiththepreserve.Aprivately-ownedwaverunnerandsportboatconcession,WorldWaterTours,operatesoutofClubMed-Sandpiper’sDiscoveryCenter.Year-roundboatrentalshavebeenavailableforrecreationwithinthepreservefornearly20years.AnorientationcoveringtherulesassociatedwithmanateeprotectionzonesandthecommonlyvisitedbirdrookeryinMudCoveisprovidedpriortoleavingClubMed-Sandpiper.TheguidedtoursspanfromSt.LucieInlettothePrimaVistaBridgewithafocalpointbeingthebirdrookery,particularlybetweenFebruaryandJuly.Otherwater-relatedactivitiesatClubMed-Sandpiperincludetriathlons,swimming,andsunbathingonthepreserve’sonlysandybeach.St.LucieCountyCanoeandKayakrentstopaddlersthatwishtoexploretheNorthForkbetweenPrimaVistaBoulevardand

WhiteCityPark.Mapsareprovided,andinterestforadditionalpreserveinformationhasbeenexpressedbecauseguidedtoursarenotprovided.

4.4.� / Current Status of Public Use at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

OnechallengeforFlorida’saquaticpreserveprogramistopromotesustainableuseofthepreservewhileminimizingadverseuserimpactstothenaturalresources.Thesuccessofgovernmentconservationprogramsisproportionaltopublicsupportofthoseprograms,andpublicsupportismostoftenderivedfrompublicuse.Manyusersarenotawareofhowtheirdailyactivitiesimpactpreserveresourcesorotherusergroups.Therefore,manyoftheidentifiedfutureneedswithinthePublicUseManagementProgramoverlapwiththatoftheEducationandOutreachManagementProgram.

PublicAccess-TheClubMed-Sandpiperpublicmarinaistheonlymarinalocatedwithinthepreserve.AninformationalpackageandPowerPointpresentationabouttheDEPCleanMarinaandCleanVesselprogramswillbepresentedtoClubMed-Sandpiperdecision-makers.Preservestaffknowwherepublicandprivateaccesspointsarealongthepreserve,butitisalsoimportantformanagerstoknowthetype,frequency,andintensityofusethepreserveissubjectedto.Assistancefromvolunteerswillberequested

toconductapublicusesurveyateachofthefourpublicboatrampswithinthepreserve(SeeMap4).Communicationswiththerentalfacilitieswillbeimprovedbyprovidingpreservebrochuresanddeliveringpresentations.Thiswillhelpproprietorsgaintheinformationtheyneedtoeducateandinformtheircustomersaboutthepreserveanditsnaturalresources.

Boating/DerelictVessels-FourderelictvesselswerelocatedwithinthepreserveasofFebruary2009,allinSt.LucieCounty(SeeMap23).Photographs,locationdata,andtechnicalassistancewithmapproductionandgrantproposalswillbeprovidedtolocalgovernments,FWClawenforcement,andregulatorystafftofacilitatetheirremoval.

ConsumptiveUse-Fishingandcrabbingarepopularconsumptiveusesofthepreserve.Monofilamentlinefromfishingactivitiesisregularlyseenaroundboatramps,fishingpiers,andentangledaroundtheMudCovebirdrookery.Birds(adultsandchicks)attheMudCoveRookeryhavediedfromentanglement

Derelict vessels, such as this sailboat removed in February �00�, have been identified for future removal from the preserve.

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inmonofilamentline.Supportfromlocalvolunteerswillberequestedtohelpremovemonofilamentlineonandaroundthepublicboatrampsandfishingpiersandatallbirdrookerieslocatedwithinthepreservejustpriortothenestingseason.Thesesiteshavebeenidentifiedasdebrishotspotsthatrequireconstantattention(basedonpreservestaffobservationsandtheresultsofdebrisremovalefforts).Educationalprogramsareexpectedtocultivateasenseofstewardshipandbehavioralchange.Monofilamentrecyclingcontainersarecurrentlylocatedattwooffourpublicboatramps.StaffwillworkwithlocalgovernmentsandFloridaSeaGranttoinstallandmaintainthepolyvinylchloride(PVC)monofilamentcontainersatallpublicboatrampsandfishingpiersalongthepreserve.

Non-ConsumptiveUse-Themostpopularnon-consumptiveuseofthepreserveisboating.CleanboatingpracticeswillbeadvocatedtotheboatingcommunitythoughastrongerpartnershipwithFloridaSeaGrantandmanagersofpublicboatrampsandmarinas.Preservestaffwillalsopromotelow-impactrecreationalopportunity(e.g.paddling)tohelppreventunforeseendamagetonaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.

Interpretation-SignageidentifyingtheNFSLRAPislocatedatonlytwoofthefourpublicboatrampswithaccesstothepreserve.Preservestaffwillconstructandestablisheducationalkiosksateachofthepublicboatrampsalongthepreserve.ThesekioskswilldepictGISmapsoutliningthepreserveboundaryandassociatednaturalresources,identifythepublicaccesspointsalongthepreserve,documentstatutesandcodethatwillfacilitateenforcementbylawenforcementofficers,andhighlightrecreationalopportunitiesprovidedbyothergroupssuchastheSavannasPreserveStateParkandSLCEnvironmentallySensitiveLandshikingtrailsystemsandecotouroperations.Additionalinformationwillalsobeincludedinthekiosksregardingnativeandnon-nativespecies,rulesandregulationsthatgovernaquaticpreserves,andSEFLAPFieldOfficecontactinformation.

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Chapter Five

Issues5.1 / Introduction to Issue-Based Management

ThehallmarkofFlorida’saquaticpreserveprogramisthateachsite’snaturalresourcemanagementeffortsareindirectresponseto,anddesignedforuniquelocalandregionalissues.WhenissuesareaddressedbyanaquaticpreserveitallowsforanintegratedapproachbythestaffusingprinciplesoftheEcosystemScience,ResourceManagement,EducationandOutreach,andPublicUsePrograms.Thiscompletetreatmentofissuesprovidesamechanismthroughwhichthegoals,objectives,andstrategiesassociatedwithanissuehaveagreaterchanceofbeingmet.Forinstance,anaquaticpreservemayaddressdeclinesinwaterclaritybymonitoringlevelsofturbidityandchlorophyll(EcosystemScience-research),plantingerodedshorelineswithmarshvegetation(ResourceManagement-habitatrestoration),creatingadisplayorprogramonpreventingwaterqualitydegradation(EducationandOutreach),andofferingtrainingtomunicipalofficialsonretrofittingstormwaterfacilitiestoincreaselevelsoftreatment(EducationandOutreach).

Issue-basedmanagementisameansthroughwhichanynumberofpartnersmaybecomeinvolvedwithanaquaticpreserveinaddressinganissue.Becausemostaquaticpreservesaremanagedwithveryfewstaff,partneringisanecessity,andbybringingissuesintoabroadpublicconsciousness,partnerswhowishtobeinvolvedareabletodoso.Involvingpartnersinissue-basedmanagementensuresthataparticularissuereceivesattentionfromanglesthat,possibly,theaquaticpreservemaynotnormallyaddress.

ThissectionwillexploreissuesthatimpactthemanagementoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve(NFSLRAP)directly,orareofsignificantlocalorregionalimportancethattheaquaticpreserve’sparticipationinthemmayprovebeneficial.Whileanissuemaybethesamefrompreservetopreserve,thegoals,objectivesandstrategiesemployedtoaddresstheissuewilllikelyvarydependingontheecologicalandsocioeconomicconditionspresentwithinandaroundaparticularaquaticpreserve’sboundary.Inthismanagementplan,thepreservewillcharacterizeeachofitsissuesanddelineatetheuniquegoals,objectives,andstrategiesthatwillsettheframeworkformeetingthechallengespresentedbytheissues.

Emergent swamp lily is found in the upper reaches of the North Fork St. Lucie River.

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Eachissuewillhavegoals,objectives,andstrategiesassociatedwithit.Goalsareabroadstatementofwhattheorganizationplanstodoand/orenableinthefuture.Theyshouldaddressidentifiedneedsandadvancethemissionoftheorganization.Objectivesareaspecificstatementofexpectedresultsthatcontributetotheassociatedgoal,andstrategiesarethegeneralmeansbywhichtheassociatedobjectiveswillbemet.AppendixDcontainsasummarytableofallthegoals,objectives,andstrategiesassociatedwitheachissue.

Tobesuccessful,thestrategiesidentifiedinthisplanwillbeaccomplishedinpartnershipwithlocalcitizens,city,county,state,andfederalofficials,collegeanduniversitystudentsandfaculty,non-governmentalorganizations,andthebusinesscommunity.Fullimplementationofthestrategiesidentifiedinthismanagementplanisdependentuponadministrativesupportforreassigningorotherwiseacquiringstaff,volunteers,contractservices,equipment,training,andsupplies.Managementwillseekadditionaladministrativestaffingsupporttoprocesscontractsandgrantstoexpanditsabilitytopursueoutsidefundingandprocesscontractsforservices.

5.2 / Issue One: Water Quality

ThedegradationofwaterqualitywithintheSt.LucieRiver(SLR)andtheeffectsofstormwaterdischargesontheestuarinesystemarewell-documented(Murdock,1954a;Haunert&Startzman,1980,1985;Rudolph,1990;Graves&Strom,1992,1995a,1995b;Chamberlain&Hayward,1996;Doering,1996;Gravesetal.,2002;Graves,Wan&Fike,2004).PrimaryfactorsaffectingwaterqualityintheSLRarethequantity,quality,timing,anddistributionofstormwaterrunofffromurbanandagriculturalsources.Morespecifically,thesystemsuffersfromsalinityimbalances,turbidwater,highnutrientandsedimentloading,hypoxia,andheavymetalandpesticideaccumulationinthesediments(Wang,Krivan,&Johnson,1979;Haunert,1988;Rand,Carriger,Lee,&Pfeuffer,2003).Theconsequencesofthesephysicalandchemicaldisturbancesincludefishkills,chronicfishabnormalities(finrot,ulcerations,scoliosis,abnormallaterallines,scaledisorientation,discoloredpatches,liverotonbody,eyeandbodydeformities,growths,bleeding,andsevereparasiteinfestation),

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IssueOne/WaterQuality_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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algalblooms,ashiftfromnektontoplankton-dominatedsystem,lowtransparency,andalackofsubmergedaquaticvegetation(SAV)andoysterreefs(Murdock,1954b;Chamberlain&Hayward,1996;Doering,1996;Ewing,Browder,Kandrashoff,&Kandrashoff,2006).

TheinitialstormwaterrunoffduringaraineventhasthehighestconcentrationofcontaminantsbelievedtodegradetheSLR.Herr(1995)estimatesthat60%ofthepollutantloadofnutrients(phosphorusandnitrogen)andsuspendedsolidsiscontainedinthefirstone-quarterinchofrunoff,and95%containedinthefirstoneinch.StormwaterdrainingintotheSLRhas:1)lowlevelsofdissolvedoxygen,2)sedimentandnutrientloadsthatcorrespondwithspecificlandusepractices(SeeAppendixB.5.11),and3)heavymetals(especiallyarsenicfromcitrusgrovesandgolfcourses)andpesticides(mainlysimazinefromcitrusgroves)(SeeAppendixB.5.11)(Gravesetal.,2004).

AsaClassIIIwaterbody,thepreserveshouldbesuitableforhumanrecreationandmaintenanceofahealthy,well-balancedpopulationoffishandwildlife(62-302.400F.A.C.).Poorwaterqualityhasmadelocalsquestionthesafetyofswimming,boating,andfishingintheriver(Murdock1954b).Historically,SAVandoysterpopulationswerelocatedwithinthepreserve;nowtheyareprimarilyfoundinthemiddleandlowerestuaries.InNovember2006,22waterfrontownersfiledsuitagainsttheU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers(USACE)fordegradingthequalityofthewaterintheSLR(includingthepreserve)

whichultimatelyviolatesriparianhomeowners’righttosafelyuseandenjoythewateradjacenttotheirland.AccordingtoSt.LucieRiverInitiativemembers,ifthecasegoestotrialandtheriparianhomeownersarecompensatedfortheirlosses,allallocatedfundswillbeusedtoimprovewaterqualitywithintheSLR(e.g.muckremoval).

LargemuckdepositsintheSLRserveasasinkforheavymetals,pesticides,andnutrientsenteringthesystem.StatewaterqualitystandardshavebeenexceededintheSLRforcopper,lead,arsenic,zinc,ethion,diazinon,simazine,malathion,chlorpyrifosethyl,andendosulfan(Wangetal.,1979;Haunert,1988;FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],1999;Gravesetal.,2004;Graves&Strom,1995a;Randetal.,2003;Rand,Schuler&Hoang,2007).PesticidesfromagriculturalandurbanpracticeshavebeenlinkedtolargefishkillsinTenMileCreek(Graves&Strom,1995a).Thesepesticideshavealsobeendocumentedinthesedimentsofthepreserve(nearMidwayRoad)andarebelievedto


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havetraveleddownstreamfromtheheadwaters(Graves&Strom,1995a;1995b;Graves,1996).Most(65%)ofthewastewaterresidualsludgefromutilityoperationsinSouthFlorida(Miami-Dade,Broward,PalmBeach,Martin,andSt.Luciecounties)iscurrentlydisposedofinSt.LucieCountythroughalandspreadingagreement.Approximately34,000tonsofresidualswerespreadinwesternSt.LucieCountyin2004(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],2009).St.LucieCountyisawareofthepotentialforenvironmentaldegradationassociatedwiththisprocessandiscurrentlyresearchingalternativestolandspreading(e.g.gasification).SpreadingofwastematerialsonagriculturallandsthatdrainintothecentralandsouthFloridacanals,andultimatelythepreserve,contributetoitsimpairedwaterbodystatus(Gravesetal.,2002;SFWMD,2009).Thelong-termeffectsofcontaminantsandexcessnutrientsareexacerbatedbyepisodicre-suspensionevents(e.g.storms)thatpromotereleasebackintothewatercolumn.RemovalofSLRmuckformationsanddecreasedpesticideandfertilizerapplicationinthewatershedarenecessarytoreducenutrientandheavymetalloadingintheSLR.

Asanimpairedwaterbody(SeeMap9)(Gravesetal., 2002),theSLRisnotmeetingitsClassIIIdesignatedusetosupporthumanrecreation,andpropagationandmaintenanceofahealthy,well-balancedpopulationoffishandwildlife(62-302.400F.A.C.,Chamberlain&Hayward,1996;Doering,1996;Graves&Strom,1995a;Gravesetal.,2002).St.LucieCountyDepartmentofHealth,DEP,MarineResourcesCouncil,andFloridaOceanographicSocietymonitorentericbacteriacounts(bacteriathatnormallyinhabittheintestinaltractofhumanandnon-humananimals)intheNorthForkSLR.Thepresenceofentericbacteria(fecalcoliformandenterococci)isanindicationoffecalpollution,whichmaycomefromstormwaterrunoff,petsandwildlife,andhumansewage.Iftheyarepresentinhighconcentrationsinrecreationalwatersandareingestedwhileswimmingorentertheskinthroughacutorsore,theymaycausehumandisease,infectionsorrashes(FloridaDepartmentofHealth,2007b).HealthwarningswereissuedfortheSLRbecauseofhighlevelsofEnterococcusspp.andfecalcoliformbacteriafromSeptember2004toOctober2005(FloridaDepartmentofHealth,2007a).BelangerandPrice(2007)werefundedbytheSt.LucieRiverIssuesTeamtoquantifynutrientandbacterialcontributionsofwaterfronton-sitesewagedisposalsystems(OSDSorsepticsystems)totheSLR.ResultsfromtheirstudyindicatethatevenproperlyfunctioningOSDShavethepotentialtoexacerbate

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Figure � / Contribution of total nitrogen from each sub-basin in the St. Lucie Estuary watershed (SFWMD, �00�).


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nutrientloadingwithintheSLR(especiallyphosphate).However,thesandycharacteristicofthesoilsadjacenttothedrainfieldappeartomakethemeffectivebacteriafilterswhichcapturethecoliformbacteriabeforeitreachesthewater(Belanger&Price,2007).

TheneedtoimprovewaterqualitywithintheSLRisbeingaddressedatthestateandfederallevelsthroughthedevelopmentoftotalmaximumdailyloads(TMDL),anSLRWatershedProtectionPlan(WPP),andthecreationandimplementationofaBasinManagementActionPlan(BMAP).

TotalMaximumDailyLoads

ThedevelopmentofTMDLsfortheSLRismandatedbySection303(d)oftheCleanWaterActwhichrequiresthateachstatelistthosewaterswithinitsboundariesthatarenotmeetingwaterqualitystandardsapplicabletosuchwaters.OverseenbytheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,DEPisrequiredtodevelopTMDLsforeachwaterqualityparameterthatexceedsClassIIIstandardsfortheSLR(SeeAppendixB.5.11andB.5.12)(62-302.530F.A.C).AlistoftheimpairedbasinsandtheiranticipatedTMDLdevelopmentdatesislocatedinAppendixB.5.13.RecentanalysisofwaterqualitydatacollectedbySFWMDbetween1991and2006showsthataveragephosphorusandnitrogenlevelsintheSLRdonotmeetanacceptablelevelforsupportinghealthybiologicalcommunities(Figures6and7).TMDLsare

currentlybeingdevelopedfornutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)anddissolvedoxygenintheC-24,NorthSt.Lucie,andBesseyCreekbasinstohelpaddressthisissue.Gravesetal.(2004)alsodetectedlevelsofcopperinstormwaterrunoffthatexceededthesetstandard(SeeAppendixB.5.11).Riskstoaquaticorganismswithinthepreservedependontheindividualspecies’sensitivity,thelengthofexposure,andthecontaminantmixtureandconcentration(Wilson&Foos,2006;Schuler&Rand,2007;Randetal.,2007).ThesecopperlevelsandotherimpairmentswillbeaddressedinthenextroundsofTMDLsduein2009and2011.

St.LucieRiverWatershedProtectionPlan

The2007“NorthernEverglades”legislativebill(SenateBill#392)appropriatedfundstodevelopaWPP,watershedconstructionplan,andaresearchandwaterqualitymonitoringplanfortheSt.LucieandCaloosahatcheewatersheds.Theseplansincludeconstructionofwaterqualityimprovement

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North

Fork

Total Phosphorus From Each Sub Basin in the St. Lucie Estuary Watershed

TPO4 mg/LGood (0.000 - 0.058)

Fair (0.058 - 0.111)

Degraded (0.111 - 0.186)

Poor (0.186 - 0.350)

Figure � / Contribution of total phosphorus from each sub-basin in the St. Lucie Estuary watershed (SFWMD, �00�).


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projects,investigationandimplementationofpollutantcontrolandalternativetechnologies,andresearchandwaterqualitymonitoring.TheSLRWPPincorporatestherestorationgoalsofsupportingdocuments,suchastheIndianRiverLagoon–SouthProjectImplementationReport(IRL-SPIR),theIRLSurfaceWaterImprovementandManagement(SWIM)Plan,andtheIRLCCMP,andprovidethebasisfortheBMAPbyidentifyingandrankingmanyoftheconstructionprojects,pollutioncontrolmeasures,andwaterqualitymonitoringefforts.

BasinManagementActionPlan

OnceTMDLshavebeendevelopedforthesub-basinsidentifiedinAppendixB.5.13,DEPwillbeginworkingwithlocalmunicipalitiestodraftanactionplanintendedtoincreasethedissolvedoxygenlevelsandreducetheamountofnitrogenandphosphorusreachingtheSLR.DEPandthelocalmunicipalitieswillidentifyhigh-priorityareasusingdatarecentlyanalyzedbySFWMD(SeeFigures8and9)(SFWMD,2009).BMAPimplementationwillbedirectlylinkedwithmanyoftheconstructionprojects,pollutioncontrolmeasures,andwaterqualitymonitoringeffortsidentifiedintheSLRWPP.AdditionalmanagementactionsbeyondtheSLRWPPwillalsobeincludedintheBMAP,developedincooperationwithlocalstakeholders.

AdditionalRestorationPrograms

TheSLRhasbeentargetedforrestorationundertheIRL-SPIR,aportionoftheComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlan(CERP)(USACE&SFWMD,2004).AnentiresectionoftheimplementationreportisdedicatedtotheinformationandrestorationneedsoftheNorthFork.TheIRLSWIMPlan(Stewardetal.,2003)andtheIRLCCMP(St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict[SJRWMD],SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],&UnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency[USEPA],1996)alsoaddresstheimmediaterestorationneedsoftheSLR.TheseplansalsoidentifyrestorationgoalsthataimtowardimprovingthehealthoftheSLR,notrestoringthesystemtohistoricconditions.TheSLRWPPwillincorporatetheimprovementprojectsoutlinedintheIRL-SPIR,theIRLSWIMPlan,andtheIRLCCMPandserveasanoverallumbrellaoverthethreedocuments.

St.LucieandMartincountiesandthelocalmunicipalitieswillneedtopoolresourcestoimprovewaterqualityintheSLR.BothSt.LucieandMartincountiesareretrofittingstormwatersystems,includingthecreationofretentionpondstotreatstormwaterrunoffinresidentialneighborhoods.St.LucieCountyhasbuilta20-acrereservoiratthePlatt’sCreekRestorationAreathatpresentlycollectsandtreatslocalstormwaterrunofffromanapproximately1,000acredrainagebasinpriortoitsreachingtheSLR.Plansarecurrentlybeingdiscussedtodeterminethebestuseofthisparceltoimprovewaterquality,fosterscientificeducationandresearch,andprovideapassiverecreationaloutletthatfocusesonthenaturalhistory,biology,andecologyoftheSLR.BothcountiesalsosupporttheeffortssetforthintheIRL-SPIR.

AllIRL-SPIRrestorationprojectsareexpectedtoimprovethequalityoftheSLR;however,thosethatmostdirectlyaffectthepreserveincludehydrologicrestorationthroughfloodplainandoxbowreconnections,muckremoval,andplacementofsubstrate(cultch)thatarecapableofsupportingoysterrecruits.CoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)contractedPBS&JtodevelopahydrologicneedsassessmentoftheNorthForkin2003andthenconductedariverbankbreachingpilotstudytore-hydratefloodplainwetlandswithinthepreserve.Anhistoricoxbowwasalsoreconnectednorthofthepreserve,nearPlatt’sCreek,tohelpslowtheflowofwaterandallowadequatetimeforsuspendedsolidstosettlebeforereachingareasdownstreamwithinthepreserve.ReconnaisanceworkintheNorthForkSLRwasperformedbyTaylorEngineeringin1993andpilotmuckremovalprojectswereconductedin2002(SouthForkSLRandLakeOkeechobee)and2003(NorthForkSLR)(Schropp,McFetridge&Taylor,1994;St.LucieRiverInitiative,2004).Theneedtoremovedeep,oxygen-depletedmucklayersinthelowerportionsofthepreservearewidelyagreeduponbuttechnical,logistic,andfinancialproblemsneedtobefurtherevaluatedbeforeagenciesarereadytoproceedwithlarge-scaleremovalefforts.MuchofthehistoricallysuitablehabitatinthelowerNorthForkhasbeencoveredoverbyfinegrainsediments(muck)thatpreventrecruitmentofoysterspatandestablishmentofSAV.Oncelargemuckdepositshavebeenremovedandproposedsedimenttrapscreated,naturalandartificialsubstrateswillbeusedtopromotereestablishmentofoysters.Asablackwaterriver,theNorthForkanditstributarystreamscontaintanninsfromwatershedplantsgivingthewaterabrowntoblackcolor.Blackwaterstreamsshouldbedarkandclear.TheNorthForkanditsstreamsareoftenbrownincolor


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withlittleornoclaritybecauseofhighturbidityandnutrientloadings.TheNorthFork,andmostofthedownstreamSLR,containsnoSAVbecauseofthesepoorwaterqualityconditions.Projectsthatimprovewaterclarity,suchasthoseidentifiedintheIRL-SPIR,willbethemostbeneficialforthere-establishmentofSAV.

RoutinewaterqualitymonitoringintheNorthForkisbeingperformedbylocal,state,andfederalgovernmentagenciesandnon-governmentalorganizationsbutimprovedcoordinationandinformationdisseminationamonginvolvedgroupsisneeded.Manyaquaticpreserveofficesaroundthestatemonitorwaterqualitywithintheirboundaries.Becauseofawell-establishedwaterqualitymonitoringnetwork,thelackofsuitableofficespace,andlimitedstaffing,theSoutheastAquaticPreserveFieldOffice(SEFLAP)hasexpendedtheirlimitedtimeandresourcesonothermanagementareas.AmoresuitablerolefortheSEFLAPFieldOfficeistoserveasaliaisonbetweenentitiescollectingwaterqualitydata.AstheTMDLprocessandimplementationofCERPrestorationeffortsproceed,anentitysuchastheSEFLAPFieldOfficeisneededtofacilitateinformationexchangeandtohelppartnersdisseminatewaterqualityupdatesinawaythatpromoteslocalknowledge.Additionalstaffing(onefull-timeposition)wouldbenecessaryfortheSEFLAPFieldOfficetofillthiscoordination-basedrole.

WaterQuality(WQ)

WQGoal1/Maintainandimprovewaterqualitywithinandenteringthepreservetomeettheneedsofthenaturalresources.

WQObjective1.1/Regularlyassesswaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserveandthepotentialimpactsonnaturalresources.

IntegratedStrategies

WQ1.1.1/Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions(ecosystemscience).WaterqualitydataintheSLRarecollectedbymultipleagenciesandnon-profitgroups.Awaterqualityguidethatidentifieshowtoaccessrawdatafromeachoftheentitiescollectingwaterqualitydatawillbedraftedandmaintainedforusebythegeneralpublic.Summariesproducedbythosecollectingwaterqualitydatawillallowstafftobetterunderstandwaterqualityconditionsandhowtheseconditionsmaybeimpactingthenaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.InitiatedFiscalYear(FY)2007-2008,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Auser-friendlyguidethatidentifiesthelocationofwaterqualitymonitoringstationswithinthepreserveandhowtoaccessrawdatafromeachoftheentitiescollectingwaterqualitydata.

WQ1.1.2/IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSLR(ecosystemscience).TheIRLBiotoxinandAquaticAnimalHealthWorkingGroupwasformedthroughtheIRLNationalEstuaryProgram(NEP)tofacilitateresearch,promotesharingofpertinentdata,anddisseminaterelatedinformationtothegeneralpublic.Preservestaffwillsupporttheworkinggroupbyattendingmeetings,providingcopiesofrelatedliteraturetothecoordinatingentity,St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict(SJRWMD),anddisseminatinglearnedinformationtothepublicthoughoutreachevents.InitiatedFY2007-2008,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.IRLNEPsponsoredIRLBiotoxinandAquaticAnimalHealthWorkingGroupmeetingsummaries.

WQObjective1.2/Protectnaturalresourcesbyrestoringalteredareasthatcontributetolowwaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserve.


WQ1.2.1/Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat(resourcemanagement).Hydrologicrestorationprojects,suchasoxbowandfloodplainreconnection,willbeimplementedtoincreasetheresidencetimeofwaterenteringtheNorthFork.UsingthefoundationprovidedbyPBS&J(2003)andSt.LucieCounty(SLC)MosquitoControlDistrict,amulti-agencyteamwasformedin2008tocompileinformationandranktheidentifiedrestorationprojects(SeeAppendixB.5.2)(Herrenetal.,


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inprep).Biologicalandwaterqualitymonitoring,similartothatperformedatthepilotreconnectionsites(SeeMap22),willalsobeconductedforoneyearpre-constructionandforatleastthreeyearsaftercompletionofalllarge-scalehydrologicrestorationprojects.Anannualprogressreportwillbesubmittedtothepermittingagencyandpartnerseachyear.InitiatedFY2002-2003,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Completionofatechnicalreportthatusesthehistoric(1919)rivercourse,LightDetectionandRanging(LiDAR)data,andsite-specificinformationtoidentifyandrankhydrologicrestorationsiteswithintheNorthForkSLRanditsheadwaters,TenMileCreek(SeeAppendixB.5.2).2.Annualprogressreportsassociatedwithpre-andpost-biologicalandwaterqualitymonitoringathydrologicrestorationsites(minimumthreeyearsofpost-restorationmonitoring).

WQ1.2.2/Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants(resourcemanagement).Preservestaffwillimplementprojectstoreduceshorelineerosion.Shorelinestabilizationprojectswillincludegradationandplantingalongtheerodingshoreline,plantingofsubmergentandemergentvegetation(SeeAppendixB.5.10),andquarterlymonitoring.Anannualprogressreportwillbeproducedforeachstabilizationsite.Oncesubmergentandemergentvegetationareestablished,biologicalmonitoringwillbeconductedtodocumentspeciesuseandabundance.FY2010-2011,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Completionofatechnicalreportthatidentifiesandranksshorelinestabilizationsiteswithinthepreserveandprovidesapreferredspecieslistforuseintherestorationprocess(SeeAppendixB.5.10).2.Annualprogressreportsforgrowthandbiologicalandwaterqualitymonitoringforatleastthreeyearspost-projectcompletion.

WQ1.2.3/Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials(resourcemanagement).OysterreefhabitatmapsfortheSLRdatebacktothe1940s(SeeMap18).Thesehistoricmapsandcurrentfieldconditionsshouldbeusedtoguidefutureoysterreefrestorationplans.Useoflooseoystershellwhenappropriateispreferred.Whenmaterialisnecessarytoholdoystersinplace(e.g.oysterbags),CAMAwillsupporttheuseofnatural,biodegradablematerialswithinthepreserve.FY2010-2011,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Annualprogressreportsthatindicatethesuccessoftheproject(foraminimumofthreeyears).

WQ1.2.4/Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses(resourcemanagement).Althoughhistoricallypresent,submergedgrasseswerelastseeninthepreservein2002(SeeMap18)(Robbins,2005).Supportingplans(draftedandinprep),includingtheIRL-SPIR,IRLSWIM,IRLCCMP,SLRWPP,andSLRBMAP,identifytheneedtoimprovewaterqualityforthebenefitofsuchnaturalresourcesassubmergedgrasses.CurrentSLRSAVtargetsincludeexpansionofseagrassbedstocoverallareaslessthan1.0meterindepth(SRWMD),2007a).InitiatedFY2002-2003,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Lettersofsupport,meetingsummariesoractiveparticipationinwaterqualityimprovementprojectswithinthepreserveanditswatershed.

WQ1.2.5/Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSLR(resourcemanagement).Removalof7.9millioncubicyardsofmuckhasbeenidentifiedasapriorityintheIRL-SPIR(2004)toimprovewaterqualityconditionsandpromoteestablishmentandgrowthofoystersandseagrasswithintheMiddleEstuaryandNorthandSouthForksoftheSLR.Pilotmuckremovalprojectswerecompletedin2002intheSouthForkand2003intheNorthForktohelpstreamlinetheprocessforlarger-scaleprojects.Preservestaffwilldraftlettersofsupporttoagenciesfortheremovalofmuckinthepreserveasitisexpectedtoincreasetheamountofsuitablesubstratenecessaryforseagrassandoysterrecruitmentinthelowerportionsofthepreserve(KitchingCovetoBesseyCreek).InitiatedFY2008-2009,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Lettersofsupporttoagenciesfortheremovalofmuckinthepreserve.

WQ1.2.6/ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve(resourcemanagement).TheIRL-SPIRrestorationprojectsareaimedatrestoringtheNorthForkSLRfloodplain.Theseprojectswillimprovethequalityofwaterenteringthepreservefromthe


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watershedandcreatehabitat,suchasoysterreefs,thatwillimprovethequalityofwaterlocatedwithintheSLR.Preservestaffwillworkwithpartnerstosupportproposedprojectsbyattendingmeetings,providingcommentsandrecommendations,anddraftinglettersofsupportforrestorationprojects.ThisincludesplayinganactiveroleintheadaptivemanagementoftheNorthernEvergladesperformancemeasuresforsalinity,waterquality,oysterhabitat,benthicmacroinvertebrates,SAV,andfish(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],2007c).InitiatedFY2004-2005,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.WrittencommentsthatfacilitateadaptivemanagementoftheNorthernEvergladesperformancemeasures.2.LettersofsupportoractiveparticipationinrestorationprojectsidentifiedbytheIRL-SPIR.

WQ1.2.7/EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon(resourcemanagement).Preservestaffwillreviewandcommenton:1)CERPdocumentsthataffecttheNorthForkSLR,especiallytheNorthForkFloodplainRestorationPlanprojectsidentifiedintheIRL-SPIR(USACEandSFWMD2004),2)TMDLdevelopmentanddraftsoftheBMAPfortheNorthForkSLR,3)urbanandagriculturalbestmanagementpractices(BMP)documents,4)IRLCCMPrevisions,5)SLRWPPdraftsfromSFWMD,6)localcomprehensiveplanrevisionsforSt.LucieCounty(originallyadoptedin1990withtworevisions-2002and2004),PortSt.Lucie(originallyadoptedin1990withtworevisions-1998and2007),MartinCounty(originallyadoptedin1990)andStuart(originallyadoptedin2002andcodifiedin2005),and7)otherrelevantplansthatmayarise.PreservestaffwillalsosupportSt.LucieCounty’sefforttoidentifyfeasiblealternativestolandspreadingofnutrient-richutilitywastewithinthepreservewatershed.InitiatedFY2008-2009,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.FormalcommentsencouragingtheincorporationofSLRrestorationstrategiesintorelevantprotectiveplans.2.Lettersofsupportforfeasiblealternativestolandspreadingpracticeswithinthewatershed.

WQObjective1.3/Reducewaterqualityimpactscausedbystormwaterandsepticsystemsourceswithinthewatershed.


WQ1.3.1/Inventorystormwaterretrofitsystemstohelpidentifyfutureimprovementneeds(resourcemanagement).PreservestaffwillfacilitatecoordinationamongthecityofPortSt.Lucie,St.LucieCounty,cityofStuart,andMartinCountytodocumentcollectiveretrofitefforts,identifygaps,andprioritizefutureneedsforthecrossjurisdictionalpreservewatershedboundary.Geographicinformationsystems(GIS)shapefilesthatdocumentcollectiveretrofiteffortswithinthewatershedwillberequestedfromlocalgovernmentandmunicipalities.Preservestaffwillthenproducemapsthatshowcumulativeaccomplishmentsandfutureneeds.Preservestaffwillalsoworkwithlocalgovernmentsandhomeownerassociationstoidentifylarge(oneacreorlarger)retentionpondsadjacenttothepreservethatcouldbeenhancedtofilternutrients,providehabitatforwildlife,andimprovetheaestheticsoftheneighborhood.FY2011-2012,2years.

Performance Measures:1.GISmapthatidentifiesgapsandclearlyshowscumulativeaccomplishmentsandfutureneeds.2.Listoflarge(greaterthanoneacre)retentionpondsadjacenttothepreservethatcouldbeenhancedtofilternutrients,providehabitatforwildlife,andimprovetheaestheticsoftheneighborhood.

WQ1.3.2/Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices(resourcemanagement).AwaterqualityworkinggroupwithrepresentativesfromUniversityofFlorida’s(UF)InstituteofFoodandAgriculturalSciences(IFAS),localgovernments,utilities,watercontroldistricts,andotherappropriateentitieswillbeformedtohelpaddresslocalurbanandagriculturalstormwaterissuesandprovideachievablerecommendationsforimprovingcurrentconditions.Theworkinggroupwillmeetonanannualbasistohelppreservestafffacilitateinformationexchangeandgeneralunderstandingofcurrentconditionsatthewatershedlevel.Informationexchangedduringthemeetingsandsubsequentmeetingsummarieswillbeusedtoidentifyandprioritizefutureneeds.Listsofpriorityprojectswillbeevaluatedandadjustedduringeachannualmeeting.FY2012-13,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Establishmentofawaterqualityworkinggroupthatcollectivelyproducesalistofprioritystormwaterprojects.


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WQ1.3.3/Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances(resourcemanagement).AmeetingwithSt.LucieCounty,PortSt.Lucie,FortPierce,Stuart,andMartinCountyrepresentativeswillbeorganizedtodiscusscurrentstormwaterdrainageordinances.Thefocusofthemeetingwillbetodocumentwhichordinancecomponentsareeffectiveandwhichmayneedtobeadjustedforeachentityandthendiscusswaystostandardizeacrossjurisdictionalboundaries.Asummaryreportwithrecommendationswillbedraftedanddistributedtolocalgovernmentagencies.Afollow-upmeetingwillbescheduledtodocumentchangesthathavebeenincorporatedsincetheinitialmeeting.FY2010-2011,recurring,asnecessary.

Performance Measures:1.Summaryreportfromthelocalordinancemeetingwithrecommendationstolocalagencies.

WQ1.3.4/Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer(resourcemanagement).Preservestaffwillfacilitatecoordinationamonglocalmunicipalitiestodocumentlocationofsewermainsandsupportedareas,identifygaps,andprioritizefutureneedsforthecross-jurisdictionalpreserveboundary.Onceprioritieshavebeenidentified,preservestaffwillmeetwithlocalutilitymanagersandlocalandstateregulatorystafftodiscusstheneedtoconverthighpriorityareasfromon-sitesewagedisposalsystems(OSDSorsepticsystems)tosewer,documentlimitingfactorsthatcouldpreventconversion,andhelpfindsolutions.FY2010-2011,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Summariesfrommeetingswithlocalutilitymanagersandlocalandstateregulatorystafftodiscusstheneedtoconverthighpriorityareastosewer.

WQ1.3.5/Promotebestmanagementpractices(BMPs)thatmaintainorimprovewaterquality(resourcemanagement).UFIFASdevelopsBMPguidelinesforallagriculturalcommodities,whichareimplementedthroughtheeffortsoftheFloridaDepartmentofAgricultureandConsumerServices,OfficeofAgriculturalWaterPolicy.RegulatorystaffreviewpermitapplicationsforvariousuplandandinwaterconstructionprojectsandareroutinelyexposedtonewBMPtechnologiesforurbanredevelopment.UrbanareaswithintheSt.Luciewatershedarealsopermit-holdersundertheNationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES),MunicipalSeparateStormSewerSystemprogram.ThisprogramisimplementedentirelythroughtheuseofBMPstocontroltheimpactsofurbanstormwateruponwaterresources.PreservestaffwillcoordinatewithUFIFAS,regulatorystaffatDEPandSFWMD,andlocalNPDEScoordinatorstomaintainacurrentunderstandingoftheavailableBMPsandtheireffectiveness.FY2010-2011,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.SummariesfrommeetingswithUFIFAS,DEPandSFWMDregulatorystaff,andlocalNPDEScoordinatorsthatresultinamaintainedlistofavailableagriculturalandurbanbestmanagementpracticesscientificallydemonstratedtoimprovewaterqualityintheNorthForkSLRanditswatershed.

WQObjective1.4/Protectlandstoconservethewaterqualityandnaturalresourcesofthepreserve.


WQ1.4.1/Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources(resourcemanagement).MuchofthebufferinglandalongtheNorthForkandTenMileCreekareinthepublictrust,andhelptoimprovethequalityoftheSLR(SeeMap15)butadditionalundevelopedorminimally-developedprivateparcelsareavailableforacquisition(SeeAppendixB.5.9).Amulti-agencyteamwillbeestablishedtoranktheparcelsandproduceaprioritylistwhichwillbeusedtosupportmanagementdecisions.Preservestaffwilldraftlettersofsupportforlandacquisitionprojectsalongthepreserveanditsheadwaters.InitiatedFY2008-2009,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Prioritizedlistofparcelswithanassociateddatabase.2.Lettersofsupportforlandacquisitionprojectsalongthepreserveanditsheadwaters.


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WQGoal2/Increasepublicawarenessaboutwaterqualityissueswithinthepreserve.

WQObjective2.1/Informthepublicandpartnersaboutwaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserve.


WQ2.1.1/Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners(educationandoutreach).Multipleagenciesandnon-profitgroupsarecollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreserve(SeeAppendixB.5.6).Preservestaffwillcoordinatewithentitiescollectingwaterqualitydatatohelpaccuratelydisseminateinformationinawaythatpromoteslocalknowledge.Availablemediaresources(e.g.localtelevision,localradio,PowerPointpresentations,handouts)andactive,hands-onopportunitieswillbeusedtomaximizeeducationalefforts.Recommendationstohelpimprovethequalityofwaterwithinthepreservewillbeincludedinalleducationandoutreachactivities.FY2011-2012,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Currentconditionsummariesthatcanbedisseminatedtothepublic.

WQObjective2.2/Facilitateknowledgeandunderstandingofhowactivitiesinthewatershedimpactthepreserve.


WQ2.2.1/Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents(educationandoutreach).APowerPointpresentationwillbecreatedtohighlighttheprogressionofwatershedalterationincludingresidentialdevelopmentanddrainageprojects,currenturbanandagriculturalpractices,howtheseactionsdirectlyaffectthehealthofthesystem,speciesthatutilizetheNorthForkSLR,andrecommendationsforriver-friendlyalternativestotraditionalpractices.UrbaninterestgroupswillbetargetedthroughtheAssociationofHomeowners’AssociationsinSt.LucieCountyandselectMartinCountyhomeownerassociations.AgriculturalinterestswillbetargetedthroughUFIFAS.Presentationswillalsobedeliveredtoappropriatebusinesses,academicinstitutions,andenvironmentalgroups.InitiatedFY2008-2009,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.DeliveryofPowerPointpresentationstohomeownersassociations,businesses,academicinstitutions,andenvironmentalgroups.

WQ2.2.2/Provideeducationalboattourstoinformthepublicabouttheeffectofwatershedpracticesonthepreserve’snaturalresources(educationandoutreach).Partnershipswitheco-touroperators(pontoonboatandpaddlecraft)willbeformedtoorganizetwoboattourswithinthepreserveeachyeartodiscusstheeffectofwatershedpractices(urbanandagricultural)onthepreserve’snaturalresources.FY2013-2014,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Signinsheetsfromtours.

WQ2.2.3/ReactivatetheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,Inc.CitizenSupportOrganization(educationandoutreach).StewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,Inc.CitizenSupportOrganization(CSO)wasestablishedin1996to:1)increaseawarenessoftheaquaticpreserveprogramandissuesthataffectit,2)fosterstewardshipinthevolunteersandmembers,and3)assistthestaffwithimplementingtheaquaticpreservemanagementplansthroughenvironmentaleducationandoutreach,resourcemanagement,ecosystemscience,andpublicuse.TheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,Inc.CSOhasbeenininactivestatussince2004.PreservestaffwillreactivatetheCSOandpromoteprolongedsuccessbymeetingallrequirements,includingsubmissionofannualreports,priortotheestablisheddeadlines.Oncereactivated,itisanticipatedthatStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,Inc.willhelppreservestaffreachthegoalsoutlinedinthisPlan.FY2011-2012,1year.

Performance Measures:1.Meetingsummaries.

WQ2.2.4/CreateandpromoteaHomeowner’s Guide to Living on the North Fork SLR Aquatic Preserve(educationandoutreach).Preservestaffwillresearch,draft,print,anddistributeaneducationalpackagethatincludesenvironmentallyresponsiblealternativestotraditionalpracticesforriparianhomeownerswithinthepreservewatershed.Associatedmaterialswill


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includerecommendationsforretentionofstormwater,nativelandscapingandlawncarethatspanthewidesalinityrange(freshtobrackish)alongthepreserve,alternativesforcleaningdocksandboats,watershedhistorythathighlightsalterationsandtheireffectsontheSLR,apreserveboundarymap,alistofphonenumbersforcommonquestionsandconcerns,informationonhowtominimizeindividualcarbonfootprints,andalistofvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreserve.TheHomeowner’sGuidewillsupportsuchexistingprogramsastheFloridaYardsProgramandDEP’sboatanddockBMPs.Packageswillbedistributedbylocalvolunteersandstaffataworkshopdesignedtoprovidehands-onopportunitiestopromotetheinformationpresentedintheguide.Packageswillalsobedistributedatoutreacheventsandmeetingswithhomeowners’associations.FundswillberequestedfromtheIRLLicensePlateTrustFund(SFWMD)ortheIRLNEP(SJRWMD)formaterialsandprinting.Preservestaffwillalsoorganizeaworkshopwithhands-ondemonstrationsandvendorsthatsupporttheinformationincorporatedintotheHomeowner’s Guide to Living on the North Fork SLR Aquatic Preserve.FY2010-2011,1year.

Performance Measures:1.CopyoftheHomeowner’s Guide to Living on the North Fork SLR Aquatic Preserve.2.Organizationofaworkshopwithhands-ondemonstrationsandvendorsthatsupporttheinformationincorporatedintothehomeownersguide.

WQ2.2.5/Informstudentsaboutlocalissues(educationandoutreach).EducationalmaterialswillbeprovidedtoSLCOxbowEco-CenterandtheSavannasPreserveStateParkEducationCentertohelpeducatestudents(K-12)aboutwatershedandnaturalresourceissueswithintheSLR.PresentationsregardinglocalissueswillalsobepreparedforcollegestudentsandadvertisepresentationdatesandtimesthroughcontactsintheIndianRiverStateCollege(IRSC)andFloridaAtlanticUniversity(FAU)NaturalScienceDepartments.FY2013-2014,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.EducationalmaterialsprovidedtoSLCOxbowEco-CenterandtheSavannasPreserveStateParkEducationCenter.2.Sign-insheetsforPowerPointpresentationshighlightinglocalissuesdeliveredtoIRSCandFAUstudents.

WQ2.2.6/ExpandtheIndianRiverLagoondrainstencilingandsignageprograminhighlydevelopedareasadjacenttothepreserve(educationandoutreach).Alistofappropriatedrainstencilingsitesacceptablebylocalhomeownerassociationsandlocalgovernmentswillbepreparedbypreservestaff.GrantproposalswillbesubmittedforfundingbytheIRLLicensePlateTrustFund(SFWMD),theIRLNEP(SJRWMD),ortheSt.LucieRiverInitiativeTeamforservices.FY2014-2015,1year.

Performance Measures:1.Grantproposalssubmittedtocompleteidentifieddrainstencilingneeds.

5.3 / Issue Two: Natural Resource Management

ManagementwithintheNorthForkSLRhasbeenlimitedsincetheadoptionofthe1984managementplanprimarilybecauseofthelackofresources(i.e.fundingandstaffing)coupledwithalargegeographicareaofresponsibility(encompassingfouraquaticpreservesandonebufferpreserve).In2004,managementauthorityofallstatebufferpreserves,includingtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverBufferPreserve,wastransferredtothestateparksystemoverseenbyDEP’sDivisionofRecreationandParks(DRP).Todate,mostofCAMA’smanagementactivitiesalongtheSLRhavefocusedontheNorthForkSLRBufferPreserve(until2004,whenmanagementauthoritywasturnedovertoSavannasPreserveStatePark),regulatoryreviewofpermitapplications,siteinspections,educationaloutings,andmorerecently,biologicalsurveysandrestoration.MostagencieswithjurisdictionalongtheSLRcurrentlyfocusonwaterqualitymonitoringandstatusandhealthofvaluedecosystemcomponents,suchasSAVandoystersinthesouthernendofthepreserve.SFWMDisalsomodelingwaterqualityandthesalinityenvelope.In2008,SFWMDinitiatedafloodplainvegetationstudythatistobemodeledafterasimilarprojectalongtheLoxahatcheeRiverfloodplain.AlthoughtheSLRcollectivelyreceivesmuchattention,additionalmappingandmonitoringeffortsarestillneededtoproperlymanagethenaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.

Creationofhabitatmapsthatidentifytype,location,andextentofhabitatswithinthepreserveisessentialforprotectionofnaturalresourcesandarefundamentalforfuturemanagementwithinthepreserve.Habitatmapslaythefoundationnecessaryfornaturalresourcemanagerstoproperlymanageprotectedareas.Thesemapsareanessentialtoolinunderstandingandprotectingspecies-


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habitatinteractions.OnlythreedatasourcesarecurrentlyavailabletocreateaNFSLRAP-specifichabitatmap(excludingtheadjacentbufferinglands).ThefirstisahabitatmapthatwascreatedusingFNAIclassificationsfortheNorthForkSLRBufferPreservein2003beforemanagementauthoritywastransferredtoDEP’sDRP(DEP,2003).Theboundaryofthebufferpreservewaslocatedatmeanhighwatersosomesectionsofthismapwereusedtomaphabitatswithintheaquaticpreserve.Thesecondisfroma2003oysterreefmappingeffortfundedbySFWMD.Thethirdisaseagrassmappingeffortconductedin2007(IbisEnvironmental,Inc.,2007).Remainingmappingneedsincludethedocumentationofcurrentoysterreefs(live,dead,andpotentiallysuitablehabitatforrestoration/creationefforts),mangrovefringe,clambeds,andnon-seagrasssubmergentandemergentvegetation.Mappingoftheseproductivehabitatswillhelptoestablishabaselinefromwhichtomeasurechange.ItisimportanttonotethatseagrasswashistoricallypresentintheNorthForkSLRbuthasnotbeendocumentedsince2002(Robbins,2005;SeeMap17).Reestablishmentofgrasseswithinthepreserveisapriority.Oncereestablished,regular(<3year)mappingeffortswillbenecessarytomanageandprotectthisimportantresource.

AsatidallyconnectedtributarytotheIRL,theSLRprovideshabitatforavarietyofcommerciallyimportant,listed,andrareaquaticspecies.Naturalresourcemanagersneedmoredocumentationofspecies-habitatassociationstohelpprotecttheresourceswithinthepreserve.Aspecieslistcreatedforthe1984managementplanhasbeencarefullyupdatedtoincludeadditionalspeciesdocumentedintheadjacentbufferinglands(throughCAMAandDivisionofRecreationandParks,intheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection),peerreviewedliterature,andpersonalcommunicationwithlocalexperts.Althoughdocumentationandmaintenanceofthespecieslistforthepreserveisimportant,thereisaneedforpreservestafftouseArcGISsoftwaretoanalyze,betterunderstand,anddisseminateinformationregardingtheinteractionsbetweenparticularhabitatsandspeciesofconcern(nativeandnon-native)fornaturalresourceprotection.

CommunicationbetweenCAMAandregulatorystaffwillheightenawarenessandimprovenaturalresourceprotectionwithinthepreserve.Regulatorystaffisencouragedtocommunicatewithpreservestaffregardingpermitapplicationsforsubmergedlandleasesandconstructionprojectswithinthepreserve.Conversely,preservestaffshouldprovideavailabledatacollectedfrommonitoringandmappingeffortstoinformregulatorystaffofcurrentandhistoricconditionsattheproposedprojectsite.Preservestaffshouldalsoassistregulatoryofficialsbysuggestingpublicinterestprojectsthatwillhavethemostbenefit.

Sailfin molly (Poecilialatipinna) captured at a hydrologic restoration site.

IssueTwo/NaturalResourceManagement_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Expansionofnaturalresourcemonitoringthroughacollaborativeeffortamongpreservestaff,academicinstitutions,commercialfishermen,andvolunteersisnecessarytodocumentcurrentnaturalresourceconditionswithinthepreserve.Periodicmonitoringofthenaturalresourcesbypreservestaffbeganin2002withfishandinvertebratesamplingatrecenthydrologicrestorationsites,nestingsurveysattheMudCoverookery,andannualAudubonChristmasBirdCountsalongtheNorthForkSLR.Littleinformationisknownaboutmostpopulations,includingthosemonitoredtodateutilizingthepreserve.Newpartnershipsandinternalmonitoringprogramswillfocusonmonitoringgreatlandcrabpopulations(whichalsosupporttheraremangroverivulus),opossumpipefish,oysters,andSAV.SoundmonitoringprogramswillsupportCERPrestorationeffortsbyestablishingabaselineforcomparisonwithpost-restorationdata.

NaturalResourceManagement(NR)

NRGoal1/Documentthenaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.

NRObjective1.1/Establishabaselineofthecurrentlocations,extents,andconditionsofthedifferenthabitattypes.


NR1.1.1/Surveyandmapeachhabitattypelocatedwithinthepreserve(ecosystemscience).FNAInaturallandmapsarenotcompleteforthepreserve.PartialFNAImaps,createdbyCAMAstaffin2003,areavailableforthehistoricNorthForkSLRBufferPreserveandincludesomemangrove(tidalswamp)habitatlocatedwithinthepreserve.Fundamentalmanagementneedsforthepreserveincludemappingofoysterreefhabitat(lastmappedin2003),mangroves(partialmappingin2003byDEPCAMA),submergentandemergentvegetation(seagrasslastmapped2007),andclambeds.SeagrasswashistoricallypresentintheNorthForkSLRbuthasnotbeendocumentedsince2002(SeeMap18)(Robbins,2005).Reestablishmentofgrasseswithinthepreserveisapriority.Oncereestablished,regular(<3year)mappingeffortsarenecessarytomanagethisimportantresource.Mappingneedswillbepresentedtoregulatorystaffaspublicinterestprojects(18-20F.A.C.),performedbyotheragencies,orpreservestaffwillrequestfundsthroughtheSt.LucieIssuesTeam,theIRLNEP,andtheIRLLicensePlateTrustFundtoperformthework.FY2010-2011,3years.

Performance Measures:1.CollectiveGIS-basednaturallands(FNAI)mapfortheareawithinthepreserveboundary.

NR1.1.2/Ground-truthhabitatmapsonafive-yearcycle(ecosystemscience).OnceFNAImapsarecreatedforthepreserve,mapsshouldbeground-truthedeveryfiveyearstodocumentchangeovertime.Regularaccuracycheckswillimprovepreservestaff’sabilitytomakeeducatedmanagementdecisionsandprotectnaturalresources.FY2015-2016,3years.

Performance Measures:1.UpdatedGIS-basedhabitatmapsfortheareawithinthepreserveboundary.

NRObjective1.2/Associateaquaticspecies,especiallyrareandprotectedspecies,withspecifichabitatslocatedwithinthepreserve.


NR1.2.1/DevelopaGISdatabaseandmapsthatlinkaquaticspecieslocationstospecificaquatichabitats(ecosystemscience).TheconsolidatedFNAInaturallandsmapwillserveasabaselayerinArcGISforoverlayingaquaticspeciessightingdata.Thiswillultimatelyfacilitateunderstandingofspecies-habitatassociationpatternsandimproveprotectionefforts.Documentationoftheseassociations,especiallywhenworkingwithrare,listed,andcommerciallyimportantspecies,willhelpjustifytheneedforprotectionwhenreviewingpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitieswithinthepreserve.Associationmapswillalsoprovidepreservestaffwiththenecessarydocumentationtobetterunderstandandcommentonthecumulativeimpactsofpermittedprojectsonnaturalresourcecommunities(i.e.seagrass,oyster,emergentvegetation)andindividualspecies(i.e.opossumpipefishormangroverivulus)withspecifichabitatrequirementswithinthepreserve.FY2011-2012,1year.


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Performance Measures:1.Waypointlist(includingdate,species,andobserver)forcollected/observedrareandlistedaquaticspecies.2.GISmapwithspeciessightingdataoverlainontheFNAInaturallandsmap.

NR1.2.2/Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory(resourcemanagement).Theexistingspeciesinventorydatabase(includingsourcedata)willbemaintainedbypreservestaffasnewspeciesaredocumentedinthepreserve.Speciesmaybedocumentedthroughpeer-reviewedliterature,personalobservationsfrompreservestafforotherusers,andphotographs.Toensureaccuracy,preservestaffwillverifynewlydocumentedspecieswithinthepreserve.ThespecieslistwillbeavailableontheNFSLRAPwebsiteandfromtheSEFLAPFieldOffice.InitiatedFY2007-2008,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.AnnuallyupdatedspecieslistforthepreservepostedontheNFSLRAPwebsite.

NRObjective1.3/MonitorchangestotheresourcesresultingfromNorthernEvergladesrestorationefforts.


NR1.3.1/Mapthelocationoftheestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRivereverytwoyears(ecosystemscience).Thesalinityregimeinthepreserveisseverelyaltered,andnaturallyestuarineconditionsinthelowerportionofthepreservecanrapidlyfluctuatefromestuarinetofreshwaterwithindaysbecauseofwatermanagementpractices.SFWMDhasmodeledthesalinityenvelopeandexpects,withtheconstructionofCERPrestorationprojects,torestorehistoric(pre-drainage)salinityregimestotheSLR.Thecurrentestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneisjustnorthofthePrimaVistaBoulevard.ThistransitionareawillbedocumentedusingGlobalPositioningSystem(GPS),andvegetationmaps(e.g.swamplilyversusredmangrove).Thistransitionzoneshouldbeevaluatedeverytwoyearstodocumentchanges.Thiswillsetthebaselineconditionandhelptorecordchangesasrestorationeffortstorestorethesalinityregimeareimplemented.FY2009-2010,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.GISmapsshowingthevegetation-basedestuarine-freshwatertransitionzone.

NR1.3.2/Documentseagrassandoysterrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve(ecosystemscience).SeagrassandoysterrecruitmentareexpectedtooccurinthesouthernportionofthepreserveasCERPrestorationprojects,suchasmuckremovalandcaptureandtreatmentofstormwater,areimplemented.Section3.3.3.3oftheResearch,Coordination,andVerification(RECOVER)MonitoringandAssessmentProgramspecifiesSAVmappingtodocumentcoverageandvariabilityofthatcoveragetohelpestablishthepre-CERPreferencestateforSAVintheSLR.Preservestaffwillhelpdocumentcurrent(shiftedbaseline)conditionssothatrecruitmentofthesespeciescanbedocumentedandprotected.FY2015-2016,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.GISmapsthatshowchangesinseagrassandoysterreefcoverwithinthepreserve.

NRGoal2/Implementmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimproveviablehabitatsandpopulationswithinthepreserve.

NRObjective2.1/Establishandimplementroutinebiologicalmonitoringprogramsforessentialhabitatsandrareandlistedspecies.


NR2.1.1/Monitorbirdrookeries(ecosystemscience).Allnestingcoloniesandnestingactivities(abundanceanddiversity)withinthepreservewillbedocumentedonamonthlybasiseachnestingseason.Preservestaffwilluseadatacollectionmethod(datasheet)thatwillfacilitatecomparisonwithothernestingdatacollectedaroundthestate.DatacollectedfromrookerieswillbeanalyzedanddistributedtotheSavannasPreserveStateParkoffice,FloridaFishandWildlifeConservation


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Commission(FWC),U.S.FishandWildlifeService,St.LucieandMartincountyAudubonSocietychapters,andotherinterestedparties.PresentationswillbedeliveredtoSt.LucieandMartinCountyAudubonchapterstoeducateandfacilitateinformationalexchange.InitiatedFY2006-2007,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Annualmonitoringsummaries.

NR2.1.2/Monitorgreatlandandfiddlercrablocationsanddensities(ecosystemscience).AneedhasbeenidentifiedbytheNationalOceanographicandAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA)NationalMarineFisheriesService(NMFS)todocumentthecorrelationbetweengreatlandandfiddlercrab(Ucaspp.)burrowsandmangroverivulus,afederallylistedspeciesofspecialconcern(SCC).GreatlandcrabpopulationsaredeclininginsoutheastFloridabecauseofhabitatdestructionanddirecthumaninteractions(vehiclemortalityandharvest).Thisspeciesislocatedinandreliesuponthepreserveforreproduction.Littleisknownaboutthegreatlandandfiddlercrabpopulationswithinthepreserveortheassociationoflocalpopulationsofthesespeciesandtheraremangroverivulus.Someofthelocationsthatsupportgreatlandcrabs,andpotentiallymangroverivulus,aresmallpocketeddepressionalwetlandsthatmaybevisibleonlyonaerialphotographsorfromtheair.PreservestaffwilllookatFNAImapsandaerialphotographstoidentifypotentialsitesthatneedtobelookedatfromtheair.Oncealistofpotentialsitesiscreated,staffwillvisitthesitesduringtheactivesummermonthstolookforthesespecies.Oncethesiteshavebeenselected,preservestaffwilldocumentgreatlandandfiddlercrablocationsanddensitiesusingamethodologythatwillfacilitatethecomparisonofpopulationdatacollectedbyothergreatlandcrabresearchersinFloridaandtheCaribbean.Thesesiteswillserveasafoundationforestablishingamonitoringprogramforthemangroverivulus.FY2011-2012,3years.

Performance Measures:1.Creationofamonitoringspreadsheettodocumentgreatlandandfiddlercrabdensities(usingamethodologythatwillfacilitatethecomparisonofpopulationdatacollectedbyothergreatlandcrabresearchersinFloridaandtheCaribbean).

NR2.1.3/Monitormangroverivuluspopulationsatsitesdocumentedtosupportgreatlandandfiddlercrabs(ecosystemscience).Greatlandandfiddlercrabsitesidentifiedinthepreviousstrategywillbeusedasafoundationforestablishingamonitoringprogramforthemangroverivulus.StaffwillworkwithDr.ScottTaylortodesignthesamplingequipment(trapsandnets)andtorefinethesamplingprotocolfortheNorthForkSLR.FY2012-2013,2years.

Performance Measures:1.Papersubmittedtoapeer-reviewedjournalthathighlightsthecorrelationbetweengreatlandandfiddlercrabburrowsandmangroverivulus(afederalSCC)intheNorthForkSLR.

NR2.1.4/Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve(ecosystemscience).SpawningandaggregationsitesforcommerciallyimportantspeciesofdrumhavebeendocumentedinthemiddleestuaryoftheSLRandthepreserve,whichprovideessentialnurserygroundsfortheseandothercommerciallyimportantandrarefishspecies.Preservestaffareresponsibleforcommunicatingwithichthyologiststodocumentandprotectimportantspawning,aggregation,andpreferrednurserysites.Theopossumpipefish,afederalSSC,migratesfromtheAtlanticOceanthroughSt.LucieInlettospawninselectspeciesofemergentfreshwatervegetation.Preservestaffwilldocumentandadvocateprotectionofspawningsitesforopossumpipefishandotherrarespecieswithspecifichabitatrequirements.FY2010-2011,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.GISmapidentifyinglocationsofimportantaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsites.

NR2.1.5/Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure(ecosystemscience).Preservestaffwillsupportlocation,mapping,andmonitoringeffortsforallbenthiccommunitystructure(e.g.oysterreef,submergedgrasses,clambeds,etc.)withinthepreserve.TheseeffortsarecurrentlybeingconductedbyFOS,FWC,andSFWMDandmonitoringprotocolsmayvary.FY2010-2011,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Writtenprotocolsformonitoringthedifferentbenthichabitatswithinthepreserve.


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NR2.1.6/Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts(ecosystemscience).RECOVERsubteamsareresponsiblefordeterminingthemosteffectivewaytomonitorthesuccessofCERPrestorationprojects.Thekeytodeterminingthissuccessistoestablishthecurrentbaseline,althoughshifted,onwhichtocomparefuturemonitoringefforts.Thus,severalresearchandmonitoringactivitiesareinplaceintheSLRtoestablishbaselineconditionsfortheimplementationoftheregionalcomponentofCERP,theIRL-Srestorationprojects.PreservestaffwillcontinuetoassistwithallCERP-relatedmonitoringwithinthepreserve,especiallyfloodplainvegetationmonitoringconductedthroughSFWMD,andseagrass,fish,oyster,andotherinvertebratemonitoring.InitiatedFY1986-1987,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Stafftimededicatedtonon-CAMAinitiatednaturalresourcemonitoringwithinthepreserve,especiallybaselineCERP/IRL-Sprojectssuchasfloodplainvegetationmonitoring,oysterreef,seagrass,fish,andotherinvertebratemonitoring.

NR2.1.7/Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds(ecosystemscience).Alistofresearchneedsnecessarytoaddressmanagementquestionswithinthepreservewillbecreatedandmaintainedbypreservestaff.MeetingswillbeheldwithprofessorsandscientistsatIRSC,FAU,HarborBranchOceanographicInstitute,SmithsonianInstitutionMarineFieldStationatFortPierce,UF,andotheracademicinstitutionstodiscussresearchneedsandfundingopportunities.FY2009-2010,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Summariesfrommeetingswithprofessorsandscientistsatacademicinstitutions.

NRObjective2.2/Synthesizeanddistributespeciesandcommunitydatatoinformpolicy,regulatory,andnaturalresourcemanagementdecisions.


NR2.2.1/Establishaprogramtocollectinformationfromresearchersandcommercialfishermenwithinthepreserve(resourcemanagement).AprogramwasimplementedinFlorida’sstateparksinwhichresearcherscollectingdataonthesepubliclandsarerequiredtocompleteanon-regulatorypermitapplicationwhichwouldhelpmanagersdocumenttheworkandobtainacopyofthewrittenreportstomakeeducatedmanagementdecisionsabouttheresourceswithinthepark.Asimilarvoluntary-basedprogramhasbeenestablishedatRookeryBayNationalEstuarineResearchReserveinNaples.Staffwillusetheseexistingdocumentstocreateasimilarresearchformthatlocalandvisitingscientistscanvoluntarilycompletetohelpthepreservemanagerdocumentresearchbeingconductedwithinthepreserve.Thecompletedresearch/collectionapplicationwillbepromotedonthepreservewebsite,viae-mail,andatmeetings.Theultimategoalofthisstrategyistoincreasecommunicationamongscientistsandnaturalresourcemanagersbyservingasaclearinghouseforinformationexchangeanddissemination.FY2016-2017,2years.

Performance Measures:1.Anon-regulatory,voluntaryresearch/collectionapplicationformdesignedtohelpthepreservemanagerdocumentresearch,monitoring,andcollection/harvestbeingconductedwithinthepreserve.

NR2.2.2/Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve(resourcemanagement).Preservestaffwillcreateane-maildistributionlistcomprisedofkeylocal,state,andfederalregulatorystafftofacilitatefrequentcommunication.Updateswillincludeinformationrelevanttopermittedprojects,sensitiveresources,cumulativeeffects,newresourcemappingefforts,andpotentialmitigationandpublicinterestprojects.PowerPointpresentationsregardingmulti-componentrestorationeffortsthatmaybeusedasmitigationorpublicinterestprojectswillalsobedeliveredtocommunicateexistingpreserveneeds.PreservebrochureswillbeprovidedtotheDEP,SFWMD,andcountyregulatoryofficesfordistributiontopermitapplicants.FY2011-2012,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.DeliveryofPowerPointpresentationsaimedatinformingregulatorystaffofpotentialmitigationandpublicinterestprojectsandresourcemapsanddatathatmaybeusefulintheapplicationreviewprocess.


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NRObjective2.3/Documentandreducetheabundanceanddiversityofnon-nativeaquaticspecieswithinthepreserve.


NR2.3.1/Createanon-nativespeciesdatabaseandsightingsmap(resourcemanagement).Anon-nativespeciessightingdatabasethatincludeswaypoints,theobserver,andobservationdatewillbecreatedandmaintained.Speciessightingdatawillbeoverlainonnaturallands(habitat)mapstobetterunderstandhabitatassociationforeachnon-nativespecieswithinthepreserve.FY2013-2014,oneyear.

Performance Measures:1.Anon-nativespeciessightingdatabase.2.GISmapshowinglocationdataandtheassociatedhabitatwithinthepreserve.

NR2.3.2/Assistotheragenciesincontrollingnon-nativeaquaticspecies(resourcemanagement).DEPandFWCaretheleadagenciesforcontrolanderadicationofmanynon-nativeplantsandanimals.Preservestaffwillworkwithgovernmentagencies,non-profitorganizations,andcommunitygroupstoidentify,inform,andimplementeradicationstrategiesfornon-nativespecies,especiallypriorityinvasivenon-nativespecies.FY2015-2016,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Stafftimededicatedtoworkingwithgovernmentagencies,non-profitorganizations,andcommunitygroupstoimplementnon-nativeplantandanimalcontrolstrategieswithinthepreserve.

NRGoal3/Protectthepreserve’snaturalresourcesatanecosystemscale.

NRObjective3.1/Workwithpartnerstoprotectthepreserve’sheadwaters.


NR3.1.1/Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata(ecosystemscience).Duringthepublicmeetingsheldasapartofthemanagementreviewprocess,requestsweremadebypartnersandthepublictoincludetheheadwatersoftheNorthForkSLR(TenandFiveMileCreeks)intothepreserveboundarytoprotectthedownstreamareasdesignatedasaquaticpreserve(SeeAppendixC).Theexpandedareaproposedbythepublicwouldneedtobeincorporatedintotheaquaticpreserverule(Chapter18-20F.A.C.)andthenshouldbeaddedtothelistofmanagedareasprotectedbytheOutstandingFloridaWatersrule(Chapter62-302.700).Expansionwouldfacilitatenaturalresourceprotectiontotheextentcurrentlyofferedwithintheexistingpreserve,andwouldnotbeintendedtopreventplannedprojectdevelopment.Preservestaffwillprovideunbiased,scientificdatatopartnersandagenciesasneededthroughtheevaluationprocess.FY2010-2011,recurringasnecessary.

Performance Measures:1.Scientificdataprovidedtopartnersandagenciesasrequested.

5.4 / Issue Three: Coastal Development

TheharmfuleffectofcoastaldevelopmentonadjacentwaterwaysisnotuniquetosoutheastFloridabutlocaldevelopmentpracticescoupledwithintensewatershedandshorelinealterationseverelyimpactwaterqualityintheNorthForkSLR.ThepreserveisprimarilylocatedinSt.LucieCounty,oneofthefastestgrowingcountiesinFlorida.Itisimperativethatpreservestaffworkwithlocal,state,andfederalregulatoryandplanningpersonneltominimizedevelopment-relatedimpacts.

TheDevelopmentofRegionalImpact(DRI)processwascreatedbytheEnvironmentalLandandWaterManagementActof1972andisthestate’slongest-standinggrowthmanagementtool.Theprocessrequiresregionalandstateoversightoflarge-scalelanddevelopmentprojectsdeemedtohavearegionalimpact.PursuanttoChapter380F.S.,regionalplanningcouncils,includingthelocalTreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil(TCRPC),arechargedwiththecoordinationofmulti-jurisdictionalagencyreviewofsuchlarge-scaledevelopmentprojectsthatmayimpactmorethanonecounty.TwoDRIswerepresentalongtheNorthForkatthetimetheoriginalmanagementplanwasadoptedin1984;Sharrett(22,000projectedresidents)onthenorthwestboundaryandHarborRidge(1,700projectedresidents)on


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thesouthwestboundary.Aremarkableamountofurbansprawlhasoccurredinthewatershedsincetheadoptionofthelastmanagementplan.Since2005,sixapprovedDRIsoccupying18,162acresandfivependingDRIsoccupying6,169acres(totalof24,331acresor5%ofthewatershed)havebeenproposedforconversiontoresidentialhousinginthepreservewatershed(SeeMap24)(TreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil,unpublisheddata).RecentDRIs(approvedandpending)constitute31%ofthecurrentresidential/commerciallanduse.WiththeexceptionofasmallportionofLTCRanch,allDRIsarewestofInterstate95andtheyformasolidlinefromthesouthernboundaryoftheTenMileCreekWaterPreserveAreatotheC-23canal.InSt.LucieCounty,allapprovedandproposedDRI’s,withtheexceptionoftheProvences,arelocatedinrecentlyannexedportionsoftheCityofPortSt.Lucie.QuillenandIndiantownarelocatedinunincorporatedMartinCounty.VerylittleundevelopedlandexistseastofInterstate95andthelandwestofInterstate95isprimarilyusedforagriculture.ThenegativeeffectsofrapidconversionfromagriculturalandnaturallandstourbandevelopmentonthequalityofthepreserveareexacerbatedthroughthelargenetworkofcanalsdesignedtorapidlydrainurbanandagriculturalareasintotheSLR.Collaborationwithregulatorypersonnel,environmentaleducators,thepublic,andelectedofficialsareessentialstepstowardaddressingandreducingtheassociatedimpactsofDRI’sinthewatershedandthemoredirecteffectsofadjacenthigh-densityhousingwithintheCityofPortSt.Lucie.

Sinceadoptionofthe1984managementplan,mostofthelanddirectlyadjacenttothepreservehaseitherbeendevelopedorputintopublictrust.Theincreasingdensity,bothovertimeandasonegetsclosertothepreserve,tendstoconcentratetheenvironmentaldegradationwithintheNorthForkSLRanditsheadwaters.In2000,PortSt.Luciereportedapopulationdensityof1,175peoplepersquaremile,comparedto2,320inStuart,336inSt.LucieCounty(upfrom281in1993)(FloridaNetLink,n.d.),228inMartinCounty(upfrom192in1993)(FloridaNetLink,n.d.),296inFlorida,and80intheU.S.(U.S.CensusBureau,n.d.).Urbanplanningpracticeshavepromotedcrowdingandtheneedforadditionalinfrastructurethatnegativelyimpactsthequalityofthepreserve.Theimpactsofthisgrowthhaveincludeddegradationofwaterqualityandhabitatloss.Becauseofthetidalnatureofthe

Martin County

C-44 (St. Lucie Canal)

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2

1110

3

4

56

7

8

9

2

St. Lucie County

£¤1

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# DRI Name1 Provences2 LTC Ranch3 The Reserves4 Verano5 Tradition6 Western Grove7 Southern Grove8 Riverland9 Wilson Groves10 Quillen11 Indiantown

0 3 61.5Miles

NFSLR Aquatic PreservePort St. Lucie City Limits

Development of Regional ImpactApprovedPending

January 2009 ±Map �4 / Proposed or permitted developments of regional impact within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed since �00�.

IssueThree/CoastalDevelopment_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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SLR,urbandevelopmentpracticesaffecttheSLRasawhole.AdditionalcoastalconstructionproposedbytheCityofPortSt.Luciethatwilldirectlyaffectthepreserveincludeaboatlaunch,ariverwalkwithhotelsandrestaurants,andathirdeast-westrivercrossing(six-lanebridge)overtheAquaticPreserveandpotentiallytheHalpatiokeeConservationandRecreationLand(CARL)parcelmanagedaspartofSavannasPreserveStatePark.

Inadditiontothedramaticwatershedchanges,shorelineandbenthiccommunitieshavebeenseverelyimpactedbyshorelinealterationsandadjacentuplandactivities.ShorelineandintertidalareasoftheNorthForkthatoncewerepopulatedbymangrovesandotheremergentandsubmergentspeciesnowsupportverylittlevegetation.Inmanyareas,seawalls,docks,andripraphavereplacedmangrovesandseagrass.Thenaturalshorelineoncehelpedstabilizethesubstrate,dissipatewaveaction,filterstormwaterrunoff,andprovidequalityhabitatforaquaticspecies.Itisimportanttopromotesoft,livingshorelinestoregulatorystaffandriparianhomeownersresearchingstabilizationoptions.

Allcoastalareas,includingmanyofFlorida’s41aquaticpreservesareincreasinglysusceptibletosealevelriseassociatedwithclimatechange.Aspartofanongoingprogramtoevaluateglobalclimatechange,theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyissuedagranttotheSouthwestFloridaRegionalPlanningCouncilin2000tocoordinateasealevelrisestudyfortheStateofFlorida.TheTCRPC,whichoverseesIndianRiver,St.Lucie,Martin,andPalmBeachcounties,producedmapsthatidentifythemostsusceptibleareaswithintheTreasureCoasttosea-levelrise.OfthefourTreasureCoastcounties,St.LuciehasthemostwetlandacreagewhichisprimarilyassociatedwiththeNorthForkSLRandtheIRL.ThewetlandsandislandswithintheIRLandNorthForkareexpectedtobethefirsttobeimpacted.DevelopmentadjacenttotheNorthFork,largelyencompassingthecityofPortSt.Lucie,hasprecludedinlandmigrationofwetlands.Furthermore,assealevelrisesthesaltwaterwedgemaymigratenorththroughtheNorthForkSLRresultinginconversionoffreshwatermarshesintheupperreachesoftherivertoanestuarinesystem(TreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil,2005).

Theeffectthatthegrowingpopulationwillhaveonthepreserveoverthenexttwodecadespartlydependsuponthedegreetowhichresidentslearnfrompreservestaffandpartneringresourcemanagers.However,asthepopulationsofMartinandSt.Luciecountiesincrease,itisreasonabletoexpectan

Submerged lands near upland retaining walls can provide habitat for fish and wildlife if planted with sufficient native vegetation.


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increasedrateofenvironmentaldecline,especiallyiftheissuesofwaterqualitydegradationandhabitatlossarenotaddressed.SLCOxbowEco-CenterandtheSavannasPreserveStateParkEducationCentercurrentlyconductmostoftheenvironmentaleducationalprogramsinSt.LucieCounty.PreservestaffwillcontinuetosupporttheireffortsrelatedtocoastaldevelopmentontheNorthForkSLR.

CoastalDevelopment(CD)

CDGoal1/Protectthepreservefromimpactsrelatedtolandusechangesthatdisrupttheecologicalfunctionsofthenaturalresources.

CDObjective1.1/Coordinatewithregulatoryprograms,localgovernment,andadjacentlandownerstoreduceimpactstothepreservefromadjacentdevelopmentactivities.


CD1.1.1/Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve(resourcemanagement).AquaticPreservemanagementplansandlocalcomprehensiveplansshouldworksynergisticallytoprotecttheSLR.AlistofscheduledcomprehensiveplanupdatesandrecommendationletterssupportedbytheNFSLRAPmanagementplanandotherrelatedplanswillbedrafted.FY2010-2011,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.RecommendationlettersforlocalcomprehensiveplansthatsupporttheNFSLRAPmanagementplanandotherrelatedplans.

CD1.1.2/Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters(resourcemanagement).LargedevelopmentsadjacenttoandupstreamoftheNorthForkSLRhavethepotentialtonegativelyimpactthepreserve.Permitapplicationsforproposeddevelopmentwillbereviewedandrecommendationstohelpminimizeimpactswillbesubmittedtotheregulatoryreviewer.FY2010-2011,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Writtencommentstoregulatoryandplanningstaffthatsuggestwaystominimizeimpactstothepreserve.

CD1.1.3/Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve(resourcemanagement).CommentsonenvironmentalresourcepermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitieswithinthepreservewillbesubmittedtoDEPandSFWMDregulatorystaff.Itisimportantthatthesecommentssuggestwaystominimizeimpactstothepreserveandsupporteco-friendlyengineeringdesigns.Amaintainedlistofhighpriorityprojectsthatcouldhelpapplicantsmeetthepublicinterestrequirementsoutlinedintheaquaticpreserverule(Chapter18-20F.A.C.)willalsobeprovidedtoregulatorystaff.InitiatedFY1986-1987,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Writtencommentstoregulatorystaffthatsuggestswaystominimizeimpactstothepreserve.2.Amaintainedlistofhighpriorityprojectsthatwouldhelpproposedactivitiesmeetthepublicinterestrequirementswithinthepreserve.

CD1.1.4/Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve(resourcemanagement).Mosthardenedshorelineswithinthepreservearedevoidofaquaticvegetationwhichisimportantforabsorbingwaveenergy,improvingwaterquality,andprovidinghabitatforaquaticspeciesandbirds.StaffwillcreateGISmapsthatshowtheextentofhardenedshorelineswithinthepreserveanddraftrecommendationsfortheuseoflivingshorelinestoriparianhomeownersandregulatorystaffwhenshorelineerosionisaconcern.Ifastructureisunavoidable,wewillsupporttheuseofuplandretainingwallsthatusebestmanagementpracticeswiththegoalofestablishingdenseemergentvegetationplantedontheseawardsidetohelpprovidetheenergyabsorption,waterquality,andhabitatbenefitsofferedbyunalteredshorelines.FY2010-2011,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.LettersofrecommendationfortheuseoflivingshorelinesalongtheNorthForkSLRanditsheadwaters.


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CDObjective1.2/Informlocalresidentsabouttheircontributiontoglobalissuesthatimpactthepreserve.


CD1.2.1/Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions(educationandoutreach).WithoutdirectinteractionwiththeSLR,itmaybechallengingforlocalstofullyappreciatethepotentialaffectthatclimatechangeandsealevelrisemayhaveonthepreserveandsurroundinglands.PreservestaffwillorganizevolunteeropportunitiesthatallowdirectinteractionwiththeSLRtofacilitateunderstandingofthepotentialtransformationsthatclimatechangeandsealevelrisemayhaveonthepreserveandsurroundinglands.Thiswillnotonlyallowresidentstounderstandtheconnectionbetweensustainabledecisionsmadeathomeandthequalityofthepreserve,butalsoprovidevaluableassistancenecessarytoaccomplishtheactionstrategiesoutlinedinthisPlan.Promotionofvolunteeropportunitieswilloccurthroughane-mail-baseddistributionlist,andvariousmediaoutlets(radio,television,andnewspaperannouncements)toincreaselocalknowledgeandunderstandingwhilehelpingtoimprovethequalityofthepreserve.InitiatedFY2007-2008,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Sign-insheetsfromorganizedvolunteereventsthatfacilitateunderstandingofthepotentialtransformationsthatclimatechangeandsealevelrisemayhaveonthepreserveandsurroundinglands.

CD1.2.2/Informresidentsaboutclimatechangeandsea-levelrise,andhowtheycouldaffectthepreserve(educationandoutreach).Informationaboutclimatechangeandtheimpactsthatsea-levelrisewillmostlikelyhaveonnaturalresourceswithinthepreserve(e.g.oysterreefsandmangroves)andadjacentlandwillbeincorporatedintoeducationandoutreacheventsanddocuments.PreservestaffwillcoordinatewiththeTCRPCandTheNatureConservancytolocallyaddressglobalwarmingissues.FY2014-2015,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Educationalmaterialsthatincorporateinformationonwaysthatclimatechangemayaffectthepreserve.

CD1.2.3/Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint(educationandoutreach).Inadditiontoeducatinglocalsaboutthecausesandeffectsofglobalwarming,Preservestaffwillencouragebehavioralchangebysuggestingsimplewaystoreducetheamountofcarbonusedbyindividualsandhouseholds.Suggestionswillrangefromnocostchanges(e.g.unpluggingunusedlampsandappliances)tohigh-costinvestments(e.g.useofsolarandwind-generatedsystems).FY2010-2011,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Listofsuggestionstoreducetheamountofcarbonusedbyindividualsandhouseholds.

5.5 / Issue Four: Public Use and Access

Thepreservecurrentlycontainsfourpublicboatramps,onepublicmarina,andthreepubliccanoestopoversalongtheriver.Boatramps,fishingpiers,restrooms,andpicnictablesarelocatedatWhiteCityPark,RiverParkMarina(whichalsohasacanoelaunch),andVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate(SeeMap4).Afourthpublicboatramp,whichhaslittleparkingspaceandnoamenities,wasconstructedattheClubMed-SandpiperfacilityonKitchingCovealongwiththepreserve’sonlypublicmarina.PubliccanoestopovershavebeenconstructedattheOxbowEco-Center,IdabelleIsland,andSavannasPreserveStatePark’sHalpatiokeeCARLparcel.ThecanoestopoversareconnectedtohikingtrailsattheOxbowEco-CenterandHalpatiokee.ThehikingtrailsattheOxbowEco-CenterlinktotheeducationalbuildingandasecondtrailsystemmaintainedbyRiverPlaceDevelopmenttothesouth.WiththeexceptionofClubMed-Sandpiper,publicaccesspointstothepreserveareassociatedwithadjacentpubliclandspurchasedthroughSaveOurRiversandFloridaForeverprogramsandaremanagedbylocal,state,andnon-governmentalentities.

AsofJune2007,393privatedockingfacilitiesweredocumentedwithintheNFSLRAP.Dockingfacilitiesarebrokendownintothreecategoriesaccordingtotheaquaticpreserverule(Chapter


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18-20F.A.C.):1)Revenue-generating(commercial,industrial,etc.),2)privateresidentialmulti-slip,and3)privateresidentialsingle-family.Mostdockingfacilities(379)withinthepreserveareprivateresidentialsingle-familydocks.Twelveprivateresidentialmulti-slipdocksarelocatedinthewide,southernportionofthepreserveincluding,butnotlimitedto,theAnchorage,KitchingCoveEstates,TarponBayYachtClub,TarponBayMoorings,BallantraeYachtClub,theEstuaryAssociation,PalmCoveYachtClub,andHarbourRidge.ClubMed-Sandpiperisapublicmarinaandtheonlyrevenue-generatingdockingfacilitywithinthepreserve.ClubMed-SandpiperhasaneconomicstakeinthehealthoftheNorthForkSLRastheresortpromotesswimming,motorboating,anduseofWaveRunnerswithinthepreserve.

Debrisfromusergroups,primarilyrecreationalanglers,isacontinuouschallengewithinthepreserve.Resultsfrompastclean-upeventsshowthatmonofilamentlineismostconcentratedaroundWhiteCityParkasmanyusersfishfromtheshorelineandcannotremovemonofilamentlinethatbecomesentangledinoverhangingoaksandpalmtrees.Otherdebrishotspotsincludethefishingpiersatotherpublicboatramps.

AmanateesurveywasconductedforSt.LucieCountyintheearly1990sbypresentdayFWCDivisionofLawEnforcementtodetermineappropriatespeedlimitsandidentifyslowspeedzoneswithintheNorthForkSLR.Speedlimitsoutsideofthemanateeandotherslowspeedzonesare25milesperhour(mph)northofand30mphsouthoftheupstreamendofEvansCreek(SeeMap25).Currentspeedlimitscoupledwiththenarrow,curvedshapeofthepreservehaspromoteduserconflictsbetweenmotorboatsandpaddlers(thoseusingcanoesandkayaks).Unlikefederal,state,andlocallawenforcementofficers,CAMAdoesnothaveauthoritytoregulateboatspeedwithinthepreserve.However,localgovernments(St.LucieCountyandtheCityofPortSt.Lucie)havetheauthoritytoadoptlocalordinancesthatlimitthespeedinareaswherehumansafetyisanissue.

PublicUseandAccess(PU)

PUGoal1/Maintainasafeenvironmentforfish,wildlife,andusergroups.

PUObjective1.1/Reducetheamountofdebrisandcontaminantsassociatedwithusergroupactivities.

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Map �� / Speed zones in the St. Lucie River based on �� manatee surveys in St. Lucie and Martin counties.

IssueFour/PublicUseandAccess_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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PU1.1.1/Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear(resourcemanagement).Twocommunity-basedclean-upeventswillbeorganizedwithinthepreserveeachyear.Resultsfrompastclean-upeventsindicatearecurringneedatWhiteCityParkandtoalesserdegreeotherboatrampsthatsupportfishingactivities.BoatsarenecessarytoremovehookandlinedebrisfromtheoaksoverhangingthewaterintheoxbowatWhiteCityPark.Preservestaffwilldraftanddistributeanelectronicsummarytoallparticipantsandstakeholdersaftereachevent,whichcomparescurrentfindingstohistoriceffortsandlinkstypesofdebristousergroupstohelpdirectfutureeducationefforts.Staffwillworkwiththelocalmedia(e.g.newspapers,television,radio)tofacilitatelocaleducation.InitiatedFY2007-2008,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Clean-upeventsummaries.

PU1.1.2/Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason(resourcemanagement).TheonlyrookerycurrentlylocatedwithintheNorthForkSLRisfoundinMudCove(SeeMap3).Fatalitiesofnestingbirdsfromentanglementinmonofilamentfishinglinehavebeendocumentedduringthenestingseason.Toreducethechancesofentanglement,debrisfromtheMudCoverookery,andanyfuturerookerieslocatedwithinthepreserve,willberemovedbeforeeachnestingseason(December).Asummaryoftheamountandtypesofdebriswillbedraftedaftereachannualclean-upeventtohelpevaluatetheneedforhigherprotectioneffortsattherookeries(e.g.designationasacriticalwildlifearea).InitiatedFY2007-2008,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Annualsummarythatidentifiestherookerylocation,cleanupdate,anddebrisremoved.

PU1.1.3/PromoteDEP’sCleanMarinaProgramtoClubMed-Sandpiper(educationandoutreach).Onepublicmarinacurrentlyexistswithinthepreserve(ClubMed-Sandpiper).ClubMed-SandpiperhasexpressedinterestinDEP’sCleanMarinaProgrambutisnotcurrentlydesignatedaCleanMarina.ThecleanmarinadesignationletsboatersknowthatthefacilitymeetsorexceedsmarinaenvironmentalmeasuresandBMPsprogramcriteria.Preservestaffwillorganizeameetingwiththedecision-makersatClubMed-SandpipermarinatodiscusstheCleanMarinaProgram(whichincludesMarinaBMPsdraftedin2003)andhowparticipationwouldbenefitthepreserveandtheirbusinesses.PreservestaffwillalsoworkwithFloridaSeaGrantandClubMed-Sandpipertofindinnovativesolutionsforday-to-daymarinaoperationsthathelpprotecttheenvironment.Educationalbrochuresthatexplaintheimportanceofthepreservewillbeprovidedtothemarinafordistributiontothegeneralpublicandspecialinterestgroups.FY2010-2011,1year.

Performance Measures:1.DeliveryofaPowerPointpresentationandwrittenmaterial.

PU1.1.4/Installandmaintainmonofilamentrecyclingcontainersatallpublicboatrampsandfishingpiers(resourcemanagement).PreservestaffwillcoordinatewithFloridaSeaGrantandlandowners/managerstoinstalltherecyclingtubesatpublicboatrampsandfishingpiers.PreservestaffwillfollowupwithFloridaSeaGranttodocumentthesuccessoftherecyclingprogramwithinthepreserve.FY2009-2010,1year.

Performance Measures:1.Installationandmaintenancerecordsformonofilamentrecyclingcontainersatallpublicboatrampsandfishingpierswithinthepreserve.

PU1.1.5/Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve(resourcemanagement).Toprotectthenaturalresources,waterquality,andtoimprovesafenavigation,preservestaffwillprovidewrittennotificationofabandonedvesselswithinthepreservetoFWClawenforcementofficerstopromoteproactiveremovalofvesselsbytheresponsibleparty.Staffwillalsocoordinatewithlocalgovernment,FWClawenforcement,andDEPregulatorystafftoidentifyandremovederelictvesselsfromthepreserve.Alistandlocationmapofabandonedandderelictvesselswithassociatedphotographs,registration,location,andmake/modeldatacreatedinJune2007willbeupdatedasnecessary.Staffwilldraftaprocedureforrespondingtoabandonedandderelictvesselswithinthepreserveandplaceacopy


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ineachofthevessellogs.Submergeddebris,suchasoldboattrailersandtires,hasalsobeendocumentedinthepreserve.Sidescansonariseffectiveinlocatingsubmergeddebris.Iffeasible,locationandremovalofsubmergeddebriswillberecommendedasapotentialpublicinterestprojecttotheDEPandSFWMDregulatorystaff.InitiatedFY2006-2007,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.AlistandGISmapshowingexistingandremovedvesselanddebrislocations.2.WrittennotificationofabandonedvesselswithinthepreserveprovidedtoFWClawenforcementofficers.3.Proceduredraftedforstaffrespondingtoabandonedandderelictvesselswiththepreserve.4.RemovalofsubmergeddebrisinthepreserverecommendationsubmittedtoDEPandSFWMDregulatorystaffasapublicinterestproject.

PU1.1.6/Postsignageaboutdebrisinaquaticenvironmentsatpublicaccesspoints(educationandoutreach).Partnershipswithpublicaccessmanagerswillbeformedtoinstalleducationalkiosksatallpublicboatrampswithinthepreserve.Preservesignagecurrentlyexistsattwopublicramps,WhiteCityParkandVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate,butitisoutdatedanddifficulttoread.Informationalandaestheticdisplaysthathighlighttheramificationsdebriscanhaveonfishandwildlifeandnavigationwithinthepreservewillbeconstructedateachofthepublicboatramps.FY2013-2014,1year.

Performance Measures:1.Displayinformationaboutdebris-relatedthreatstofishandwildlifeatpublicboatramps.

PUObjective1.2/Betterunderstandtheimpactofcurrentspeedlimitsonthepreserveanditsusergroups.


PU1.2.1/Documentandmonitorboatingimpactstonaturalresources(ecosystemscience).AmanateesurveywasconductedforSt.LucieCountyintheearly1990sbypresentdayFWCDivisionofLawEnforcementtodetermineappropriatespeedlimitsandidentifyslowspeedzoneswithintheNorthForkSLR.Withtheexceptionofafewslowspeedzones,speedlimitsweredeterminedtobe25mphnorthofand30mphsouthoftheupstreamentrancetoEvansCreek(Seemap26).Humansafetyandnaturalresourceprotectionaretwoconcernsraisedbythepublicduringthemanagementplanrevisionprocess(SeeAppendixC).Bothofwhichmaybeaffectedbythesetspeedlimitswithinthepreserve.PreservestaffwillpartnerwithSavannasPreserveStateParktomonitorboaterimpacts,especiallyfromboatwakesinthenarrowupperreachesoftheriver,tonaturalresourcesinthepreserve.Partnershipswithlocallawenforcementofficerswillfacilitatedocumentationofnearmissesofnon-motorizedboats(canoesandkayaks)bymotorboatswithinthepreserve.FY2015-2016,3years.

Performance Measures:1.Summaryofmonitoringresults.2.Documentationofnearmissesbymotorboats.

PUObjective1.3/Increasetheamountandfrequencyoflawenforcementandcitizenpatrolwithinthepreserve.


PU1.3.1/Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities(resourcemanagement).Anannualmeetingwithlocalandstatelawenforcementofficers(FWC,otherbranchesofDEP,SLCMarineUnit,MartinCountyMarineUnit,CoastGuardAuxiliary,lawenforcementvolunteers,andtheCityofPortSt.Lucielawenforcementofficers)willbeorganizedtodiscussspeedlimits,boatersafety,derelictvessels,harassmentortakeofprotectedfishandwildlife,gillnetting,mangroveimpacts,usergroupconflicts,andotherpertinentissues.Staffwillproducequick-referenceliststhatidentifylocal,state,andfederallawenforcementpointsofcontactinMartinandSt.Luciecounties.FY2011-2012,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Meetingsummaries.2.Quick-referencelistswithpointsofcontactforlawenforcementinMartinandSt.Luciecounties.


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PU1.3.2/Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve(resourcemanagement).Unlikepreservestaff,riparianhomeownersareabletowatchoverthewell-beingofthepreserveonadailybasis.Currentresponsibilities,whichspantothreeotheraquaticpreservesfromIndianRivertoPalmBeachCounty,limittheabilityofstafftoregularlypatrolthepreserve.Staffwillrequestassistancefromriparianhomeownersbyattendinghomeownerassociationmeetings,directcommunication,andmeetingwithlocallawenforcementvolunteergroups.Otheruserswillberequestedtopatrolthepreserveandnotifystaffofsuspiciousactivitiesorconditions.Whensuspiciousactivitiesarereported,preservestaffwillvisitthesiteandifnecessary,coordinatewithregulatoryand/orlawenforcementstafftoaddresstheproblem.FY2011-2012,recurring.

Performance Measures:1.Listofcitizenpatrols.

PUGoal2/Promotelow-impactrecreationalopportunities.

PUObjective2.1/Supporttheadditionofcanoestopoversandlaunchesonpubliclands.


PU2.1.1/Identifyandsupportappropriatelocationsforcanoestopoversandlaunches(resourcemanagement).CAMAwillsupportlow-impactrecreationalopportunitieswithinthepreserveaslongasnaturalresourcesarenotbeingimpactedbythecumulativeefforttodoso.SLCEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsofficehasrecentlyinstalledonecanoestopoverbetweenPrimaVistaBoulevardandMidwayRoad.TheCityofPortSt.Lucieisproposingtobuildaneducationcenterwithacanoelaunch.PreservestaffwillworkwithMartinCounty,St.LucieCounty,theCityofPortSt.Lucie,andDEPregulatorystafftopromoteenvironmentally-friendlyprojectsthatsupportthegoalsoutlinedinthepreservemanagementplan.FY2010-2011,1year.

Performance Measures:1.GISmapshowingappropriatecanoestopoverlocationswithinthepreserve.2.Lettersofsupportforproposedlow-impactrecreationalopportunitiesthatdonotcumulativelyimpactthenaturalresourcesofthepreserve.

PUObjective2.2/Promotecompleteinclusionofthepreserveintocountywaterwayprograms.


PU2.2.1/Promotewaterwayprogramconsistency(resourcemanagement).BothMartinandSt.LuciecountiessupportpaddlingeffortsintheSLR.Preservestaffwillcoordinatewithbothagenciestopromoteregionalconsistencywithinthepreserve.Staffwillalsogeneratemapsthatidentifyexistingfacilitiesandpotentialsitesforfutureexpansionwithinthepreserve.Threecanoe/kayak-specificstopoverscurrentlyexistwithinthepreserve–allofwhicharelocatedinSt.LucieCounty(SeeMap4).FY2011-2012,1year.

Performance Measures:1.ConsistentsignageatcanoestopoversinSt.LucieandMartincounties.


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Part Three

Additional Plans Chapter Six

Administrative Plans

TheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves(SEFLAP)programhasastaffofthreefull-timeequivalentpositions(FTE;twofieldandoneadministrative),andonefull-time,temporary,ParkServiceSpecialistposition(OPS)tomanagefouraquaticpreserves.Thefourpreservestotalapproximately48,327acresinfourhighly-developedcountiesofsoutheastFlorida:IndianRiver,St.Lucie,Martin,andPalmBeach.ThemanagementgoalsidentifiedinthisplanfortheNFSLRAPmustbebalancedwiththemanagementgoalsofthreeadditionalpreservesaffiliatedwiththeIRLandtheLoxahatcheeRiver.TheSEFLAPprogramhasdevelopedastrategicworkplantoincludestaffresponsibilitybreakdown,vehicleandvesselreplacement,andfacility,staffing,andprogramneeds,thatisrevisedonanannualbasis.

Successfulimplementationofthestrategiesidentifiedinthemanagementplandependsuponunpredictablefundingandstaffingfactorsoverthenext10years.Forexample,engagingthecommunityandboostingtheeducationandoutreachprogramhasbeenidentifiedasanissuebylocalresidentsandtheNFSLRAPAdvisoryCommittee.Currently,lessthan10%ofstafftimeisspentoneducationandoutreachforthepreserve.Afull-timeeducationpositionwillbenecessaryforstafftoreachtheseeducationgoals.Thehelpoflocalresidentsandvolunteersisanotheressentialkeytoreachingtheidentifiedgoalsassociatedwiththeclean-upevents,distributionofinformation,andcitizenpatrol.Avolunteerdatabaseanddistributionlisthasalreadybeenestablishedandwillbemaintainedtoeffectivelydocumenttheamountofassistancethecommunityprovidesinmanagementofthepreserve.

The North Fork floodplain is comprised of a unique combination of temperate and subtropical species such as this rare butterfly orchid (Encycliatampensis).

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Chapter Seven

Facilities PlansFacilities-TheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesfieldofficeislocatedattheMiller-WildtractinFortPierce,asubparcelmanagedbySavannasPreserveStatePark.Officecomponentsconsistofone1,456-square-footmodularbuildingwithfiveoffices,whichwasbuiltin2003andhasadesignlifeof30years,threeportableshedspurchasedin2001,2002,and2006,andanopentwo-baypolebarnforboatstoragebuiltin2004thathasadesignlifeof20years.Theofficewasnotleveledproperlywhenitwasplacedonthepropertyin2003.Duetothisoversight,thesidesoftheofficearesettlingandthebuildingisseparatingdowntheridgeline.Theofficewasrelocatedon-sitein2009toremedythesituationbutitisunlikelythatthebuildingwillmeettheexpecteddesignlifeof30years.

Futureconstructionandmaintenanceneedsinclude,butarenotlimitedto: 1.repairandeventuallyreplacementoftheexistingshingleroofontheofficebuilding; 2.regradethedirtdrivewaytothecompound; 3.completetheopenairpolebarntoincludeoneenclosedbay; 4.repairandeventualreplacementoftheshingleroofonthepolebarn; 5.maintaintheseptictank; 6.repairandreplacewellpump; 7.repairandreplacecentralairandheatingsystem; 8.maintainplumbing; 9.replacecarpeting; 10.repairofthestairsandentranceramptotheoffice; 11. landscape(includingstumpgrinding); 12. repairandeventualreplacementofthethreeexistingstoragesheds; 13. hookuptoSt.LucieCountyutilitiesoncesepticsystemfails; 14. paintexteriorandinteriorofficewalls; 15. repairandreplacewatersoftenersystem;and 16. boatandvehiclereplacement.

An example of the natural, meandering riverbends of the North Fork St. Lucie River.

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Upontheapproachofahurricane,allvesselsandvehiclesofthepreservewillfollowtheproceduresoutlinedintheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesHurricanePlanwhichisupdatedannually.

VehiclesandVessels-Allmajorvehiclesandvesselsdeemednecessaryinthestrategicplanhavebeenacquired.Aspartoftheprogram’sstrategicplanningcycle,allvehiclesandvesselsintheprogramundergoamonthlyinspectionandmaintenancebystafforanauthorizedvendor.Theannualcostforfuelandmaintenanceisapproximately$1,100forthetwovesselsand$3,400forthetwovehicles,respectively.Thisisexpectedtoincreasewithincreasingcostoffuelandvesselandvehicleage.

Vesselsandvesselfunctions:

1.19’CarolinaSkiffwith90HpMercuryFourStrokeEngine-Acquiredin2001forfieldworkinshallowcoastalwaterswithinfourSoutheastAquaticPreserves.TheCarolinaSkiffhasawide(6foot)beamandasideconsolewhichmakesitanexcellentvesselforhaulingfieldequipmenttomonitoringandenhancementsites.

2.19’TwinVeeBayCatwith115HpYamahaFourStrokeEngine-Acquiredin2007forfieldworkincoastalwatersinfourSoutheastAquaticPreservesandnearshorereefenvironmentswithinSt.LucieInletPreserveStatePark.

Vehiclesandvehiclefunctions:

1.GMC35004x4DuallySierra(withwinch)-Acquiredin2000forNorthForkSLRBufferPreservelandmanagementprojectsandfortowingboats.SincethemanagementtransferoftheNorthForkSLRStateBufferPreservetoSavannasStateParkin2004,theGMChasprimarilybeenusedtotowboatsandtransferbuildingsuppliesfortheIRLSpoilIslandProject.ThefuelefficiencyoftheGMCispooranddespitelowmileagethevehicleisbecomingunreliableandcostlytomaintain.FundshavebeenrequestedtoreplacetheGMCduringthe08-09FiscalYearwithamoreefficientfour-wheeldrivevehiclethatcantoweitherboat,haulheavybuildingsupplies,andserveasasecondvehiclefortravel.

2.ChevyBlazer4x4-Acquiredin1998fortravelandtowingboatstofourSoutheastAquaticPreserves.With117,000miles,theBlazerisalsobecomingunreliableandcostlytomaintain.Thisistheprimaryvehicleusedforlong-distancetraveltomeetings,sciencesymposia,andworkshops.Areplacementfour-wheeldrivevehiclewillbeneededinthenearfuturetomaintainefficientoperationofAquaticPreserveprograms.

3.ChevyBlazer4x4-1998modeltransferredfromDEP’sSoutheastDistrictOfficetotheSoutheastAquaticPreservesFieldOfficein2007.Thissurplusvehiclehas103,000miles,iswithoutairconditioning,andistheprimaryvehicleusedbythegrant-fundedIndianRiverLagoonShorelineRevegetationCoordinator.ThevehicleisusedtotravelandtowaboatthroughouttheshorelinerevegetationprojectboundarywhichextendsfromBrevardtoPalmBeachCounties.Fournewtiresandatowpackagewereinstalledonthevehicleafterthetransferin2007.

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Lists of Appendices

AppendixA/LegalDocuments............................................................................................................................94

A.1/AquaticPreserveResolution........................................................................................................................94

A.2/FloridaStatutes(F.S.)..................................................................................................................................95

A.3/FloridaAdministrativeCode(F.A.C.)...........................................................................................................95

AppendixB/ResourceData.................................................................................................................................96

B.1/AcronymList................................................................................................................................................96

B.2/GlossaryofTerms........................................................................................................................................97

B.3/References.................................................................................................................................................100

B.4/SpeciesLists..............................................................................................................................................104

B.4.1/NativeSpeciesList..............................................................................................................................104

B.4.2/Non-nativeSpeciesList......................................................................................................................119

B.5/RestorationandMonitoringData...............................................................................................................121

B.5.1/St.LucieRiverMiles............................................................................................................................121

B.5.2/HydrologicRestorationSiteMapandHistoricRivercourse...............................................................122

B.5.3/TidalFluctuationinReconnectedFloodplain.....................................................................................135

B.5.4/BiologicalMonitoringatHydrologicRestorationSites.......................................................................136

B.5.5/WoodstorkMonitoringData................................................................................................................137

B.5.6/WaterQualityMonitoringMatrix..........................................................................................................138

B.5.7/OysterReefMonitoringData...............................................................................................................139

B.5.8/FloodplainElevation(LIDAR)Data....................................................................................................144

B.5.9/LandAcquisitionMaps.......................................................................................................................145

B.5.10/AquaticPlantsSuitableforRestorationEfforts.................................................................................157

B.5.11/StormwaterRunoffAnalysis..............................................................................................................158

B.5.12/ClassIIIWaterQualityStandards.....................................................................................................159

B.5.13/ImpairedBasinsandTMDLDevelopmentSchedule.......................................................................165

B.6/FloridaNaturalAreasInventoryDescriptions............................................................................................166

AppendixC/PublicInvolvement.......................................................................................................................169

C.1/AdvisoryCommittee..................................................................................................................................169

C.2/PublicScopingMeeting............................................................................................................................181

C.3/FormalPublicMeeting...............................................................................................................................189

AppendixD/Goals,Objectives,andStrategiesTable....................................................................................195

D.1/CurrentGoals,Objectives,andStrategiesTable......................................................................................195

D.2/BudgetTable..............................................................................................................................................199

D.3/BudgetSummaryTable.............................................................................................................................214

D.4/MajorAccomplishmentssincetheApprovalofthePreviousPlan...........................................................215

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Appendix A

Legal DocumentsA.1 / Aquatic Preserve Resolution

WHEREAS,theStateofFlorida,byvirtueofitssovereignty,istheownerofthebedsofallnavigablewaters,saltandfresh,lyingwithinitsterritory,withcertainminorexceptions,andisalsotheownerofcertainotherlandsderivedfromvarioussources;and

WHEREAS,titletothesesovereigntyandcertainotherlandshasbeenvestedbytheFloridaLegislatureintheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund,tobeheld,protectedandmanagedforthelong-rangebenefitofthepeopleofFlorida;and

WHEREAS,theStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund,asapartofitsoverallmanagementprogramforFlorida’sstate-ownedlands,doesdesiretoinsuretheperpetualprotection,preservationandpublicenjoymentofcertainspecificareasofexceptionalqualityandvaluebysettingasideforeverthesecertainareasasaquaticpreservesorsanctuaries;and

WHEREAS,theadhocFloridaInter-AgencyAdvisoryCommitteeonSubmergedLandManagementhasselectedthroughcarefulstudyanddeliberationanumberofspecificareasofstate—ownedlandhavingexceptionalbiological,aestheticandscientificvalue,andhasrecommendedtotheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundthattheseselectedareasbeofficiallyrecognizedandestablishedastheinitialelementsofastatewidesystemofaquaticpreservesforFlorida;

NOW,THEREFORE,BEITRESOLVEDbytheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund:

THATitdoesherebyestablishastatewidesystemofaquaticpreservesasameansofprotectingandpreservinginperpetuitycertainspeciallyselectedareasofstate-ownedland:and

THATspecificallydescribed,individualareasofstate-ownedlandmayfromtimetotimebeestablishedasaquaticpreservesandincludedinthestatewidesystemofaquaticpreservesbyseparateresolutionoftheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund;and

THATthestatewidesystemofaquaticpreservesandallindividualaquaticpreservesestablishedthereundershallbeadministeredandmanaged,eitherbythesaidStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundoritsdesigneeasmaybespecificallyprovidedforintheestablishingresolutionforeachindividualaquaticpreserve,inaccordancewiththefollowingmanagementpoliciesandcriteria:

(1)Anaquaticpreserveisintendedtosetasideanexceptionalareaofstate-ownedlandanditsassociatedwatersforpreservationessentiallyintheirnaturalorexistingconditionbyreasonableregulationofallhumanactivitywhichmighthaveaneffectonthearea.

(2)AnaquaticpreserveshallincludeonlylandsorwaterbottomsownedbytheStateofFlorida,andsuchprivatelandsorwaterbottomsasmaybespecificallyauthorizedforinclusionbyappropriateinstrumentfromtheowner.Anyincludedlandsorwaterbottomstowhichaprivateownershipclaimmightsubsequentlybeprovedshalluponadjudicationofprivateownershipbeautomaticallyexcludedfromthepreserve,althoughsuchexclusionshallnotprecludetheStatefromattemptingtonegotiateanarrangementwiththeownerbywhichsuchlandsorwaterbottomsmightbeagainincludedwithinthepreserve.

(3)Noalterationofphysicalconditionswithinanaquaticpreserveshallbepermittedexcept:(a)minimumdredgingandspoilingforauthorizedpublicnavigationprojects,or(b)otherapprovedactivitydesignedtoenhancethequalityorutilityofthepreserveitself.Itisinherentintheconceptoftheaquaticpreservethat,otherthanascontemplatedabove,therebe:nodredgingandfillingtocreateland,nodrillingofoilwellsorexcavationforshellorminerals,andnoerectionofstructuresonstiltsorotherwiseunlessassociatedwithauthorizedactivity,withintheconfinesofapreserve-totheextenttheseactivitiescanbelawfullyprevented.

(4)Specifically,thereshallbenobulkheadlinessetwithinanaquaticpreserve.Whentheboundaryofapreserveisintendedtobethelineofmeanhighwateralongaparticularshoreline,anybulkheadlinesubsequentlysetforthatshorelinewillalsobeatthelineofmeanhighwater.

(5)AllhumanactivitywithinanaquaticpreserveshallbesubjecttoreasonablerulesandregulationspromulgatedandenforcedbytheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundand/oranyotherspecificallydesignatedmanagingagencySuchrulesandregulationsshallnotinterfereundulywithlawfulandtraditionalpublicusesofthearea,suchasfishing(bothsportandcommercial),hunting,boating,swimmingandthelike.

(6)Neithertheestablishmentnorthemanagementofanaquaticpreserveshallinfringeuponthelawfulandtraditionalriparianrightsoprivatepropertyownersadjacenttoapreserve.Infurtheranceoftheserights,reasonableimprovementforingressandegress,mosquitocontrol,shoreprotectionandsimilarpurposesmaybepermittedbytheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundandotherjurisdictionalagencies,afterreviewandformalconcurrencebyanyspecificallydesignatedmanagingagencyforthepreserveinquestion.

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(7)Otherusesofanaquaticpreserve,orhumanactivitywithinapreserve,althoughnotoriginallycontemplated,maybepermittedbytheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalimprovementTrustFundandotherjurisdictionalagencies,butonlyafteraformalfindingofcompatibilitymadebythesaidTrusteesontheadviceofanyspecificallydesignatedmanagingagencyforthepreserveinquestion.

INTESTIMONYWHEREOF,theTrusteesforandonbehalfoftheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundhavehereuntosubscribedtheirnamesandhavecausedtheofficialsealofsaidStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundtobehereuntoaffixed,intheCityofTallahassee,Florida,onthisthe24thdayofNovemberA.D.1969.

CLAUDER.KIRK,JR,Governor TOMADAMS,SecretaryofState

EARLFAIRCLOTH,AttorneyGeneral FREDO.DICKINSON,JR.,Comptroller

BROWARDWILLIAMS,Treasurer FLOYDT.CHRISTIAN,CommissionerofEducation

DOYLECONNER,CommissionerofAgriculture

AsandConstitutingtheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund

A.2 / Florida Statutes (F.S.)

• Florida Statutes, Chapter 253: State Lands www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0��/titl0��.htm

• Florida Statutes, Chapter 258: State Parks and Preserves www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0��/ch0��.htm

Part II (Aquatic Preserves): http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0��/part0�.htm

• Florida Statutes, Chapter 370: Saltwater Fisheries www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0��0/titl0��0.htm

• Florida Statutes, Chapter 372: Wildlife www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0��/titl0��.htm

• Florida Statutes, Chapter 403: Environmental Control (Statute authorizing FDEP to create Outstanding Florida Waters is at 40�.0��(��)) www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch040�/ch040�.htm

A.3 / Florida Administrative Codes (F.A.C.)

• Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 18-20: Florida Aquatic Preserves www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/Rules/shared/��-�0.pdf

• Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 18-21: Sovereignty Submerged Lands Management http://www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/Rules/shared/��-��.pdf

• Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 62-302: Surface Water Quality Standards (Rule designating Outstanding Florida Waters is at ��-�0�.�00) www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/Rules/shared/��-�0�/��-�0�.pdf

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Appendix B

Resource DataB.1 / Acronym List

Acronym Definition Acronym DefinitionAP aquaticpreserve MHW meanhighwater

BMAP BasinManagementActionPlan MOA memorandumofagreementBMP bestmanagementpractices MOU memorandumofunderstanding

C&SF CentralandSouthernFlorida mph milesperhourCAMA OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,

intheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionMSX Haplosporidium nelsoni

CARL ConservationandRecreationLands NEP NationalEstuaryProgramCCMP ComprehensiveConservationand

ManagementPlanNERR NationalEstuarineResearchReserve

CD coastaldevelopment NFSLRAP NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveCERP ComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlan NMFS NationalMarineFisheriesServiceCH3D CurvilinearHydrodynamicsinThree

DimensionsNOAA NationalOceanicandAtmospheric

AdministrationCSO CitizenSupportOrganization NPDES NationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystemCZM coastalzonemanagement NR NaturalResourceManagementDEP FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection NSLWCD NorthSt.LucieWaterControlDistrictDHR DivisionofHistoricalResources OFW OutstandingFloridaWaters

DIDSON DualFrequencyIdentificationSonar OPS otherpersonalservicesDNR FloridaDepartmentofNaturalResources

(nowDEP)OSDS on-sitesewagedisposalsystems

DRI DevelopmentofRegionalImpact Ph.D. DoctorofPhilosophyDRP DivisionofRecreationandParks,inthe

DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionPIR ProjectImplementationReport

DYNTRAN DynamicTransport ppt partsperthousandECOS Estuarine,Coastal,andOceanScience,Inc. PU publicuseandaccessEFDC EnvironmentalFluidDynamicsComputerCode PVC polyvinylchloride

ESC EnvironmentalStudiesCenter RECOVER Research,Coordination,andVerificationESA EndangeredSpeciesAct SAV submergedaquaticvegetation

F.A.C. FloridaAdministrativeCode S.D. standarddeviationFAU FloridaAtlanticUniversity SEFLAP SoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves

F.A.W. FloridaAdministrativeWeekly SFWMD SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrictFCREPA FloridaCommitteeonRareandEndangered

PlantsandAnimalsSJRWMD St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict

FCT FloridaCommunitiesTrust SLC St.LucieCountyFDACS FloridaDepartmentofAgricultureand

ConsumerServicesSLCMCD St.LucieCountyMosquitoControlDistrict

FIT FloridaInstituteofTechnology SLE St.LucieEstuaryFNAI FloridaNaturalAreaInventory SLR St.LucieRiverFOS FloridaOceanographicSociety SSC speciesofspecialconcernFPL FloridaPowerandLight STA stormwatertreatmentareaF.S. FloridaStatutes SWAMP SurfaceWaterAmbientMonitoringProgramFTE full-timeequivalent SWIM SurfaceWaterImprovementand

ManagementPlanFWC FloridaFishandWildlifeConservation

CommissionTCEEC TreasureCoastEnvironmentalEducation

CouncilFWS U.S.Fish&WildlifeService TCRPC TreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil

FY fiscalyear TMDL totalmaximumdailyloadGMC GeneralMotorsCorporation UF UniversityofFlorida

GIS geographicinformationsystem U.S. UnitedStatesGPS globalpositioningsystem USACE U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineersGTM GuanaTolomatoMatanzas USEPA UnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency

HBOI HarborBranchOceanographicInstitute USGS U.S.GeologicalSurveyHSPF HydrologicalSimulationProgramFortran WaSh WatershedWaterQualityIFAS InstituteofFoodandAgricultureScience WMD watermanagementdistrictIRSC IndianRiverStateCollege WPA waterpreservearea

IRL IndianRiverLagoon WPP watershedprotectionplanIRL-S IndianRiverLagoon-South WQ waterquality

LiDAR lightdetectionandranging

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B.2 / Glossary

Acceler8:Florida’scommitmenttoprovide$1.5billiontoacceleratethedesignandconstructionofasuiteofrestorationprojectsselectedfortheimmediatebenefitstheycanprovidetotheEvergladesandtheSouthFloridaEcosystem.

acre-feet:Thevolumeofwaternecessarytocoveroneacreofsurfaceareatoadepthofonefoot.

aquaculture:Thecultivationornurturingofaquaticorganisms.

basin/sub-basin:Theentiretractoflanddrainedbyariveranditstributaries;smallerportionofalargertractoflanddrainedbyariveranditstributaries.

benthic:Of,relatedto,oroccurringatthebottomofabodyofwater.

berm:Amoundofearthusuallyengineeredbyhumans,especiallythebankofacanal.

bromeliads:Anymemberofthepineapplefamilyofplants,usuallyhavingstiff,leatheryleavesandspikesofbrightflowers(manyliveonotherplantsandarecommonlyreferredtoasairplants).

brooding:Productionbyorasifbyincubation.

build-out:Indicatesthatalllandparcelsarebuiltuponwitheitherhousingorotheruses.

candidatespecies:ThosepetitionedspeciesthatareactivelybeingconsideredforlistingasendangeredorthreatenedundertheESA,aswellasthosespeciesforwhichNMFShasinitiatedanESAstatusreviewthatithasannouncedintheFederal Register.Neither“candidatespecies”nor“speciesofconcern”carriesanyproceduralorsubstantiveprotectionsundertheESA.

circumtropical:Existingaround,about,orsurroundingatropicalareaorclimate.

codified:Theprocessofcollectingandrestatingthelawofajurisdictionincertainareas,usuallybysubject,formingalegalcase.

commercial,industrial,andotherrevenuegenerating/incomerelateddocks:Dockingfacilitiesforanactivitywhichproducesincome,throughrentaloranyothermeans,orwhichservesasanaccessoryfacilitytootherrental,commercial,orindustrialoperations.Itshallinclude,butnotbelimitedtodockingfor:marinas,restaurants,hotels,motels,commercialfishing,shipping,boatorshipconstruction,repair,andsales.

ComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlan(CERP):AcomprehensiveplanforthewaterresourcesofcentralandsouthernFloridaauthorizedintheWaterResourcesDevelopmentActof2000.TheoverarchingobjectivesofthisComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlanaretherestoration,preservation,andprotectionofthesouthFloridaecosystemwhileprovidingfortheotherwater-relatedneedsoftheregion.

conjunction:Tojointogether;combination,association,oroverlap.

ConservationandRecreationLands(CARL):Floridacreatedthislandacquisitionprogramin1979toacquirelandstoconserveandprotectuniquenaturalareas,endangeredspecies,unusualgeologicfeatures,wetlands,andsignificantarchaeologicalandhistoricalsites.CARLprojectswerefundedbytheCARLTrustFundandPreservation2000.TheFloridaForeverprogramisCARL’ssuccessor.

conservationeasement:Alegalagreementbetweenalandownerandagovernmentagencyornonprofitorganizationtoprotectthenaturalresourcesofapropertypermanentlyorforsomedesignatedperiodoftime.Thepropertystillbelongstothelandowner,butrestrictionsareplacedbothonthecurrentlandownerandsubsequentlandowners.

consolidatedsubstrate:Acompactedmassofsediment,typicallystratified.

conveyance:Theactofmovingsomethingfromonelocationtoanother.

crosswalk:Conversionofonenaturalareaclassification(e.g.FloridaLandUseCoverandFormsClassificationSystem)toanother(e.g.FloridaNaturalAreasInventory),thelayeringofmapstoaligngeologicalandnaturalfeatures.

cultch:Material,typicallyoystershells,depositedonoystergroundstofurnishpointsofattachmentforspat.

cumulative:Increasedbysuccessiveadditions.

developmentofregionalimpact(DRI):Anydevelopmentwhich,becauseofitscharacter,magnitude,orlocation,wouldhaveasubstantialeffectuponthehealth,safety,orwelfareofcitizensofmorethanonecounty.DRIsmustundergoregionalandstatereviewinadditiontothelocaldevelopmentreviewprocess.

disseminate:Toscatterwidelyordisperse.

dredgespoil:Materialorsoiltakenoutofanareamechanicallyandstoredinapileorridge,orgradedevenly.

emergent:Growinginwaterwiththemajorityoftheplantextendingabovethewatersurface.

endangeredspecies:TheESAdefinestheterm“endangeredspecies”asanyspecieswhichisindangerofextinctionthroughoutallorasignificantportionofitsrange.

endemic:Nativeto,characteristicof,orrestrictedtoalocalityorregion.

ephemeral:Temporary.

epiphyte:Aplantthatusuallylivesonotherplantswithoutdamagingthem.

equilibrium:Astateofbalancebetweenopposingforces.

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estuarine:Consistingofanestuaryenvironment,whichisasemi-enclosedcoastalwaterbodywithafreeconnectiontotheopenseaandwithinwhichseawaterismeasurablydilutedwithfreshwater.

FloridaForever(FF):The10-year,$3billionprogramestablishedbytheFloridaLegislaturetoconserveenvironmentallysensitiveland,restorewaterways,andpreserveimportantculturalandhistoricalresources.FloridaForeverreplacedPreservation2000.

gasification:Conversionintogas,specificallytheconversionofresidualwastesludgeintonaturalgas.

geology:Thestructureofaspecificregionoftheearth’scrust.

geomorphology:Thestudyofform,nature,andevolutionoftheearth’ssurface.

greaterevergladesecosystem:AnareaconsistingofthelandsandwaterswithintheboundaryoftheSouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,includingtheEverglades,theFloridaKeys,andthecontiguousnearshorecoastalwatersofSouthFlorida.

ground-truthing:Toverifylocationsonamapbyactuallyvisitingthesite.

heterogeneity:Thequalityorstateofbeingheterogeneous(Withdissimilarelementsorparts).

homogeneity:Thequalityorstateofbeinghomogeneous(Uniformthroughoutinstructure).

hydrologic:Dealingwiththeproperties,distribution,andcirculationofwater.

hydrology:Thescienceandstudyoftheproperties,distributionandcirculationofwateronandbelowtheearth’ssurfaceandintheatmosphere.

hydrologicregime:Flowvariations,usuallyrepresentedbythemonthlyaverageflowgraphics(calculatedforacertainnumberofyears).

hydroperiod:Thecyclicalchangesintheamountorstageofwaterinanaqueoushabitat.

hypoxic:Whereoxygenisdeficientinawaterbody(<2mg/L).

impairedwaterbody:Ariver,lake,orcoastalwaterthat,becauseofpollutionlevels,isnotmeetingwaterqualitystandardsforitsdesignateduse,suchasfishing,swimming,shellfishharvesting,orasasourceofdrinkingwater.

LakeOkeechobeeestuaryrecovery:PlantorestoretheecologicalhealthofLakeOkeechobeeandtheSt.LucieandCaloosahatcheeEstuaries.

limnetic(fresh):Waterwithlessthan0.5partsperthousand(ppt)salinity.

loading:Thetotalamountofmaterialenteringasystemfromallsources.

mandate:Anobligationhandeddownbyaninter-governmentalagency.

mesohaline:Between5and18partsperthousandsaltconcentration.

minimumflowandlevel:Theestablishedlimitsatwhichfurtherwithdrawalsofwaterwouldbesignificantlyharmfultothewaterresourcesorecologyofanarea.

mitigation:Anactionorseriesofactionsthatoffsettheadverseenvironmentalimpactofapermittedactivity.

muck:Finegrainedsedimentsthatcontainasignificantamountofclayandsiltandabout10percentorganicmatter.

nekton:Activelyswimminganimalsinabodyofwater.

northerneverglades:EcosystemwithintheSFWMDboundaryencompassingtheLakeOkeechobee,CaloosahatcheeRiver,andSt.LucieRiverbasins.KeyfeaturesincludeKissimmeearealakesandrivers,LakeOkeechobee,andtheCaloosahatcheeandSt.LucieRiverestuaries.

oligohaline:Between0.5and5partsperthousandsaltconcentration.

ooze:Asoftdeposit(mud,slime,shells)onthebottomofabodyofwater.

pelagic:Relatingto,living,oroccurringintheopensea.

peripheral:Organismsonorneartheedgeoftheirgeographicalranges.

physiogeographic:Describingthecharacteristicsofasite’sphysicalgeographyintermsofelevation,slope,ororientation.

piezoelectric:Relatingto,orfunctioningby,theelectricityorelectricpolarityofpressure.

planktonic:Driftingaquaticplants(phytoplankton)andanimals(zooplankton).

polishingcell:Anareawherefinaltreatmentisachievedbeforereleasingcontents,usuallywater,toawaterwayorwetlandarea.

polyhaline:Between18and30partsperthousandsaltconcentration.

Preservation2000:A10-yearprogram,initiatedbytheStateofFloridain1990,thatraised$300millionperyearforatotalof$3billionforenvironmentallandacquisition.

privateresidentialmulti-slipdock:Adockingfacilityusedforprivaterecreationorleisurepurposesformulti-unitresidentialdwellings,whichshallincludebutisnotlimitedtocondominiums,townhouses,subdivisions,andothersuchdwellingsorresidentialareasandwhichisdesignatedtomoorthreeormoreboats.Yachtclubsassociatedwithresidentialdevelopments,whereutilizationofthedockingfacilityrequiressomerealpropertyinterestintheresidentialarea,shallalsobeincluded.

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privateresidentialsingle-familydock:Adockusedforprivate,recreational,orleisurepurposesforsinglefamilyresidence,cottage,orothersuchsingledwellingunitandwhichisdesignedtomoornomorethantwoboats.Thisalsoincludesdocks,withmooringofnomorethanatotaloffourboats,locatedonpropertylinesbetweentwouplandsingle-familyresidences,wherethedockissharedforusebyupland,single-familyresidences.

prototype:Thefirstfull-scale,functionalformofanewdesignorequipment.

regime:Aregularpatternofoccurrence,action,orconditions(asofseasonalrainfall).

regionalplanningcouncils:Floridaplanningandpublicpolicyagenciesthatworkwithpublicandprivateleadershiponregionalissues.

residencetime:Thedurationofpersistenceofamassorsubstanceinamediumorplace.

riparian:Relatedto,living,oroccurringonthebankofanaturalwatercourse.

ruderal/disturbed:Referringtoplantslivingonwastelandinbuilt-upareas,withsedimentsnotoccurringinthenaturalstates.

saline:Consistingoforcontainingsalt.

SaveOurRivers:This1981FloridaprogramcreatedtheWaterManagementLandsTrustFund.Thistrustfundenablesthewatermanagementdistrictstoacquirelandsnecessaryforwatermanagement,watersupply,andtheconservationandprotectionofwaterresources.SaveOurRiversprojectscanbejointlyfundedthroughtheWaterManagementLandsTrustFundandPreservation2000/FloridaForever.

sedimentation:Theactionorprocessofformingordepositingsediments.

sessilebenthicorganism:Anyorganismanchoredtothebenthicenvironment(bottom).

shapefile:ComputerizedmapsandimagesdepictingdifferentnaturalfeaturescreatedwithGeographicInformationSystems(GIS).

sheetflow:Theflowofwateracrossagivensurfaceareasuchasafield,parkinglot,orroadduringaraineventwithoutaformalconveyancesystem(pipe,swale,etc).

sovereigntyoflands:Supremeandindependentpowerorauthorityingovernmentaspossessedorclaimedbyastateorcommunityoverlandsorsubmergedlands.

spat:Anoysterorsimilarbivalvemolluskinthejuvenilestage,especiallyafteritsettlestothebottomandstartstodevelopashell.

spawningaggregation:Agroupofindividualsofaspecieslivingincloseproximityduringmatingorreproductivecycles.

speciesofspecialconcern:ThosespeciesaboutwhichNOAA’sNationalMarineFisheriesService(NMFS)hassomeconcernsregardingstatusandthreats,butforwhichinsufficientinformationisavailabletoindicateaneedtolistthespeciesundertheEndangeredSpeciesAct.

stakeholder:Individualororganizationwhostandtogainorlosefromthesuccessorfailureofasystemorprogram.

standarddeviation(S.D.):Ameasureofthevariationinasample,calculatedasthesquarerootofthevariance.

submerged:Occurringbelowthesurfaceofthewater;completelyunderwater.

substrate:Thesoilsandsedimentsthatcomprisetheground.

telemetry:Theuseofanelectricalapparatusformeasuringaquantityandtransmittingtheresultelectronicallytoadistantstation.

threatened:Theterm“threatenedspecies”isdefinedasanyspecieswhichislikelytobecomeanendangeredspecieswithintheforeseeablefuturethroughoutallorasignificantportionofitsrange.

toeofslope:Insurveying,theloweredgeofanabruptchangeinelevation,typicallywherethegroundlevelsout.

topography:Thesurfacefeaturesofaplaceorregion.

totalmaximumdailyload(TMDL):Ascientificdeterminationofthemaximumamountofagivenpollutantthatsurfacewatercanabsorbandstillmeetthewaterqualitystandardsthatprotecthumanhealthandaquaticlife.

transverse:Acting,lying,orbeingacross.Madeatrightanglestothelongaxisofabody.

triploid:Havingthreetimesthehaploidnumberofchromosomes.

turbid/turbidity:Watercloudedbysuspendedsedimentororganicmatter.

unconsolidatedsubstrate:Loose,un-compactedandun-stratifiedsediment.

vestige:Atrace,mark,orvisiblesignleftbysomethingvanishedorlost.Smallestquantityortrace.

watercolumn:Theareaofabodyofwaterfromthesurfacetothesubstrate.

WaterResourcesDevelopmentAct:ThefederalauthorizinglegislationforU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers’waterresourceprojects.

watershed:Thegeographicareathroughwhichwaterflowsacrossthelandanddrainsintoacommonbodyofwater,whetherastream,river,lake,orocean,includingtributaries(wetlands,streams,canals,ditches,etc.)aswellasstormwaterrunofffromtheland.

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Graves,G.A.,Wan,Y.,&Fike,D.L.(2004).WaterqualitycharacteristicsofstormwaterfrommajorlandusesinSouthFlorida.Journal of the American Water Resources Association,December,1405-1419.

Griffin,G.,Morris,J.,Rodgers,J.,&Snyder,B.(accepted).Changes in wood stork (Mycteria americana) nestling success observed in four Florida bird rookeries during the �004, �00�, and �00� breeding seasons.AcceptedforpublicationinActaZoologica.

Gunter,G.,&Hall,G.E.(1963).Biological investigation of the St. Lucie Estuary in connection with Lake Okeechobee discharges through the St. Lucie Canal(GulfResearchReportsVol1,No5).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.

Haunert,D.E.(1988).Sediment characteristics and toxic substances in the St. Lucie Estuary, Florida(TechnicalReportNos.80-3,88-10&88-100).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,EnvironmentalSciencesDivision,ResourcePlanningDepartment.

Haunert,D.E.,&Startzman,J.R.(1980).Some seasonal fisheries trends and effects of a �,000 cfs fresh water discharge on the fishes and macroinvertebrates in the St. Lucie estuary, Florida(TechnicalPublicationNo.80-3).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.

Haunert,D.E.,&Startzman,J.R.(1985).Short term effects of a fresh water discharge on the biota of St. Lucie Estuary, Florida (TechnicalPublicationNo.85-1).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,EnvironmentalSciencesDivision,ResourcePlanningDepartment.

He,Z.L.,Stoffella,P.J.,Calvert,D.V.,Zhang,M.K.,&Yang,X.E.(2003).Characterization of organic and inorganic colloidal fractions in the St. Lucie marine muck sediments.Stuart,FL:UniversityofFlorida,IndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter.

He,Z.L.,Stoffella,P.J.,Zhang,M.K.,Calvert,D.V.,BanksD.J.,Yang,X.E.,&Yu,S.(2004).Beneficial re-use of marine muck sediments to improve pastureland (FinalReport).Stuart,FL:UniversityofFlorida,IndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter.

He,Z.L.,Zhang,M.K.,Stoffella,P.J.,Calvert,D.V.,&Wilson,C.(2001).Beneficial re-use of marine muck sediments – St. Lucie River (FinalReport).UniversityofFlorida,IndianRiverResearchandEducation.

Herr,J.L.(1995).Methodology for determination of stormwater treatment volume requirements.SouthwestFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,4thbiennialstormwaterconference.Clearwater,FL:EnvironmentalResearchandDesign.

Herren,L.,Tucker,J.,Beal,J.,Sharpe,B.,Conrad,C.(inprep).Hydrologic Restoration of the North Fork St. Lucie River and Ten Mile Creek.TechnicalReport.Ft.Pierce,FL:FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,SoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesFieldOffice.

Hu,G.(1999).Two-dimensionalhydrodynamicmodelofSt.LucieEstuary.Environmental Engineering ��.ProceedingsoftheASCE-CSCENationalConferenceonEnvironmentalEngineering,(pp434-443).AmericanSocietyofCivilEngineers.

IbisEnvironmental,Inc.(2007).�00� St. Lucie Estuary submerged aquatic vegetation mapping study.Stuart,FL.Litweller,S.L.,O’Donnell,M.J.,&Wright,P.A.(2006).RapidincreaseinthepartialpressureofNH3onthe

cutaneoussurfaceofair-exposedmangrovekillifish,Rivulus marmoratus.Journal of Experimental Biology,�0�,1737-1745.

MartinCountyGrowthManagementDepartment.(2005).Population technical bulletin.Stuart,FL.Millie,D.F.,Carrick,H.J.,Doering,P.H.,&Steidinger,K.A.(2004).Intra-annualvariabilityofwaterqualityand

phytoplanktonintheNorthForkoftheSt.LucieRiverEstuary,Florida(USA):Aquantitativeassessment.Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science,��(1),137-149.

�0�

Morris,F.W.(1987).Modeling of hydrodynamics and salinity in the St. Lucie Estuary(TechnicalPublication87-1).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.

Murdock,J.F.(1954a).A preliminary survey of the effects of releasing water from Lake Okeechobee through the St. Lucie & Caloosahatchee Estuaries(FinalReport,ContractNo.DA-08-123-ENG-1376).Miami,FL:UniversityofMiami.

Murdock,J.F.(1954b).Fish catch statistics in relation to water release from the St. Lucie Canal.Miami,FL:UniversityofMiami.

PBS&J.(2003).Feasibility study for the reconnection of wetlands and oxbows along the North Fork St. Lucie River.WestPalmBeach,FL.

Phillips,R.C.,&Ingle,R.M.(1960).Report on the marine plants, bottom types and hydrography of the St. Lucie Estuary and adjacent Indian River, Florida(SpecialScientificReportNo.4).St.Petersburg,FL:FloridaStateBoardofConservation,MarineLaboratory.

Rand,G.M.,Carriger,J.F.,Lee,T.A.,&Pfeuffer,R.J.(2003).SedimenttoxicityintheSt.LucieRiverwatershedandEvergladesAgriculturalArea.Ecotoxicology,��(3),261-274.

Rand,G.M.,Schuler,L.J.,&Hoang,T.(2007).Aquatic probabilistic risk assessment of copper for South Florida fresh and saltwater ecosystems, including the St. Lucie/Indian River Lagoon area[Abstract].2007St.LucieRiver/IndianRiverLagoonResearchForum.FortPierce,FL.

Robbins,B.(1996).St. Lucie Estuary VEC study (ReconnaissanceTripReport).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.UnpublishedFieldReport.

Robbins,B.(1998).Amendment to St. Lucie Estuary VEC study (ReconnaissanceTripReport).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.UnpublishedFieldReport.

Robbins,B.(2005).North Fork of the St. Lucie River, west shore, upstream of the mouth of C-�� (Bessey Creek)(SiteInspectionReport).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.UnpublishedFieldReport.

RodgersJr.,J.A.,Schwikert,S.T.,Griffin,G.A.,Brooks,W.B.,Bear-Hull,D.,Elliott,P.M.,Ebersol,K.J.,&Morris,J.(2008).Productivityofwoodstorks(Mycteria americana)inNorthandCentralFlorida.Waterbirds,31(1),25-34.

Rudolph,H.D.(1990).North Fork of the St. Lucie River macroinvertebrate survey in February and August, ��, with a comparison to previous macroinvertebrate surveys – A biological basin assessment survey.PortSt.Lucie,FL:FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalRegulation.Unpublishedreport.

Schenker,P.(n.d.).Florida demographic summary.RetrievedSeptember,2007fromTheFloridaLegislatureOfficeofEconomicandDemographicResearchWebsite:http://edr.state.fl.us/population.htm.

Schrader,D.L.(1984).Holocene sedimentation in a low energy microtidal estuary, St. Lucie River, Florida (U. S. A.).AthesissubmittedinpartialfulfillmentoftherequirementsforthedegreeofMasterofScienceintheDepartmentofGeology,UniversityofSouthFlorida.

Schropp,S.J.,McFetridge,W.F.,&Taylor,R.B.(1994).St. Lucie Estuary muck removal demonstration project.(FinalReport,Contractc-3269).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.

Schuler,L.J.&Rand,G.M.(2007).AquaticriskassessmentofherbicidesinfreshwaterecosystemsofSouthFlorida.Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, �4(4),571-583.

Scott,T.M.(2001).Text to accompany the geologic map of Florida(Open-FileReport80).Tallahassee,FL:FloridaGeologicalSurvey.

SmithsonianMarineStationatFortPierce.(2007).Clarias batrachus. RetrievedMarch15,2008fromtheIndianRiverLagoonSpeciesInventoryWebsiteat:http://www.sms.si.edu/irLspec/Clarias_batrachus.htm.

SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2004).Upper East Coast water supply plan update.WestPalmBeach,FL.SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2007a).Northern estuaries performance measure submerged aquatic

vegetation.RetrievedJanuary23,2009fromComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlanRECOVERWebsite:http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/recover/recover_docs/et/ne_pm_sav.pdf.

SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2007b).Northern estuaries performance measure oyster habitat.RetrievedJanuary23,2009fromComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlanRECOVERWebsite:http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/recover/recover_docs/et/ne_pm_oysterhabitat.pdf.

SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2007c).Northern estuaries performance measures.RetrievedJanuary23,2009fromComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlanRECOVERWebsite:http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/recover/perf_measures_all.aspx.

SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2009).The state of the St. Lucie Estuary: A report to the citizens of the estuary region(DRAFT).Stuart,FL.

SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,&FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.(2006).Restoration plan for the northwest fork of the Loxahatchee River.WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrictWatershedManagementDivision;WestPalmBeach,FL:FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionSoutheastDistrictOffice.

Springer,V.G.(1960).Ichthyological surveys of the lower St. Lucie and Indian Rivers, Florida east coast.St.Petersburg,FL:FloridaStateBoardofConservationMarineLaboratoryMaritimeBase.

Steward,J.S.,Brockmeyer,R.,Gostel,P.,Sime,P.&VanArman,J.(2003).Indian River Lagoon Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM)Plan, �00� Update. PalatkaFL:St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict;WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.pp.272.

�0�

St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict,SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,&U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.(1996).The Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.pp.357.

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Swain,H.M.,Breininger,D.R.,Busby,D.S.,Clark,K.B.,Cook,S.B.,Day,R.A.,etal.(1995).IntroductiontotheIndianRiverBiodiversityConference.Bulletin of Marine Science, ��(�), 1-7.

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Taylor,D.S.(1990).AdaptivespecializationsofthecyprinodontfishRivulus marmoratus.Florida Science, ��,239-248.Taylor,D.S.(1993).NotesontheimpactoftheDecember1989freezeonlocalpopulationsofRivulus marmoratusin

Florida,withadditionaldistributionrecordsinthestate.Florida Scientist, ��,129-134.Taylor,D.S.,Davis,W.P.,&Turner,B.J.(1995).Rivulus marmoratus:EcologyofdistributionalpatternsinFloridaand

thecentralIndianRiverLagoon.Bulletin of Marine Sciences, ��,202-207.Teas,H.(1971).Biological survey of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River(FinalReport).Submittedto:General

DevelopmentCorporation.Miami,FL:UniversityofMiami.TreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil.(1984).Wetland and deepwater habitat policy (EconomicImpact

Statement). Stuart,FL.TreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil.(2005).SeaLevel Rise in the Treasure Coast Region.Stuart,FL.UnitedStatesArmyCorpsofEngineers,&SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2004).Central and South

Florida Project: Indian River Lagoon - South project implementation report.Jacksonville,FL:U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers;WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.

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URSGreinerWoodwardClyde.(1999).Distribution of oysters and submerged aquatic vegetation in the St. Lucie Estuary.WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.

Wan,Y.,Konyha,K.D.,&Sculley.S.(2002).An integrated modeling approach for coastal ecosystems restoration.ProceedingoftheSecondInter-AgencyHydrologicModelingConference.(p13).LasVegas,NV.

Wan,Y.,Labadie,J.W.,Konyha,K.D.,&Conboy,T.(2006).Optimizationoffrequencydistributionofstorm-waterdischargesforcoastalecosystemrestoration.Journal of Water Resource Planning and Management, ��(5),320-329.

Wan,Y.,Reed,C.,&Roaza.E.(2003).Modeling watershed with high groundwater and dense drainage canals: Model development.ProceedingofAWRA2003InternationalCongress.NewYork.

Wang,T.C.,Krivan,J.P.Jr.,&Johnson,R.S.(1979).ResiduesofpolychlorinatedbiphenylsandDDTinwaterandsedimentoftheSt.LucieEstuary,Florida,1977.Pesticide Monitoring Journal, ��(2),69-71.

Wilson,P.C.,&Ferguson-Foos,J.(2006).SurveyofcarbamateandorganophosphatepesticideexportfromaSouthFloridaagriculturalwatershed:implicationsofsamplingfrequencyonecologicalriskestimation.Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry, ��,2847-2852.

Wilson,P.C.,Scotto,L.,Scarpa,J.,Volety,A.,Laramore,S.,&Haunert,D.(2005).Surveyofwaterquality,oysterreproductionandoysterhealthstatusintheSt.LucieEstuary.Journal of Shellfish Research, �4(1),157-165.

Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas.(1998).St. Lucie Estuary historical, SAV, and American oyster literature review(FinalReport).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.

PersonalCommunicationReferencesAshton,R.FloridaCommitteeonRareandEndangeredPlantsandAnimals.Gainesville,Florida.January29,2009.Beal,J.FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission.FortPierce,Florida.August9,2007.Burgess,L.Localcommercialcrabber.PortSt.Lucie,Florida.September6,2007.Cairnes,K.U.S.FishandWildlifeService.VeroBeach,Florida.August8,2007.Conrad,Cecelia.SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.WestPalmBeach,Florida.July27,2007.Evans,G.Riparianhomeowner.PortSt.Lucie,Florida.November15,2007.Gilmore,G.Estuarine,Coastal,andOceanScience,Inc.VeroBeach,Florida.February1,2008.Gioeli,K.St.LucieCountyIFASExtension.FortPierce,Florida.August21,2007.Meeker,M.HesperidesGroup,LLC.Stuart,Florida.August13,2007.Robbins,R.SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.Stuart,Florida.October31,2007.Taylor,S.BrevardCountyEnvironmentallyEndangeredLandsProgram.Viera,Florida.November26,2007.Wade,D.RiverLillyCruise.PortSt.Lucie,Florida.November15,2007.Welch,Barbara.SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.Stuart,Florida.July27,2007.

�04

B.4 / Species Lists

ThepresenceofthesespeciesintheNFSLRAPareconfirmedviathefollowingreferences:

(Ashton,1992),(Bealetal.,2006),(Coile&Garland,2003),(FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],2003),(FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],2007),(FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmen-talProtection[DEP],unpublisheddata),(FloridaDepartmentofNaturalResources[DNR],1984),(Gilmore,2005)(Gioeli,2007),(Gunter&Hall,1963),(Millieetal.,2004),(Robbins,1996),(Springer,1960),(Teas,1971),(URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999)

B.4.� / Native Species Within and Adjacent to the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

CommonName SpeciesName.

Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

KingdomFungi(fungi)DivisionMycophycophyta(lichens)Reindeermoss Cladonia sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007KingdomPlantae(plants)DivisionPterophyta(ferns)Bostonfern Nephrolepis exaltata DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Chainfern Woodwardia virginica DNR,1984

Cinnamonfern Osmunda cinnamomea CE DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Goldenpolypody Phlebodium aureum DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Handfern Ophioglossum palmatum E DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;

DEP,2003;DEP,2007Marshfern Thelypteris palustris DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pinelandbrakenfern Pteridium aquilinum DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Resurrectionfern Polypodium polypodioides DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Royalfern Osmunda regalis CE DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Shoestringfern Vittaria lineata DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Strapfern Campyloneurum phyllitidis DNR,1984

Swampfern Blechnum serrulatum DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Waterfern Salvinia rotundifolia DNR,1984;DEP,2003

Waterhornfern Ceratopteris thalictroides DEP,2007

Whiskfern Psilotum nudum DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Woodfern Thelypteris interrupta DNR,1984DivisionPteridophyta(ferns)

Giantleatherfern Acrostichum danaeifolium DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

DivisionPinophyta(cone-bearingplants)Sandpine Pinus clausa DEP,2003;DEP,2007SouthFloridaslashpine Pinus elliotti var. densa DEP,2003;DEP,2007DivisionMagnoliophyta(floweringplants)ClassLiliopsida(grass-likefloweringplants)Adam’sneedle Yucca filamentosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Airpine Tillandsia fasciculata E Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Arrowarum Peltandra virginica DNR,1984Arrowhead Sagittaria sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ballmoss Tillandsia recurvata DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Butterflyorchid Encyclia tampensis CE Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Cabbage(Sabal)palm Sabal palmetto DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Catbrier Smilax laurifolia DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Cattail Typha latifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

�0�


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Cordgrass Spartina bakeri DEP,2003;DEP,2007Dayflower Commelina erecta DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Durbancrowfootgrass Dactyloctenium aegyptium DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Giantairpine Tillandsia utriculata E Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Greenbrier Smilax auriculata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Groundorchid Habenaria sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Leatherleafairplant Tillandsia variabilis T Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

ManateeRiverairplant Tillandsia simulata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Needle-leafairplant Tillandsia setacea DNR,1984;DEP,2007

Northernneedleleaf Tillandsia balbisiana T DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Panicgrass Panicum joorii DNR,1984

Pinelily Lilium catesbaei T Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Pipewort Eriocaulon decangulare DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Redroot Lachnanthes caroliniana DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Rush Juncus sp. Robbins,1996;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sawgreenbrier Smilax bona-nox DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sawpalmetto Serenoa repens DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sedge Cyperus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Shoalgrass Halodule wrightii URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999Small’sairplant Tillandsia smalliana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spanishmoss Tillandsia usneoides DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spikemoss Selaginella arenicola DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spoonflower Peltandra sagittifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Starrush Rhynchospora latifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Swampgrass Carex sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Swamplily Crinum americanum DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Twistedairplant Tillandsia flexuosa T Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Twistedwild-pine Tillandsia paucifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Whitetop Rhynchospora colorata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Widgeongrass Ruppia maritima URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999Wiregrass(Threeawn) Aristida beyrichiana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowblue-eyedgrass Sisyrinchium exile DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellow-eyedgrass Xyris sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007ClassMagnoliopsida(woodyfloweringplants)Americanbeautyberry Callicarpa americana DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Americanwhitewaterlily Nymphaea odorata DEP,unpublisheddataArgeratum Conoclinium coelestinum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Barbara’sbutton Marshallia tenuifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bastardindigo Amorpha fruiticosa DNR,1984Blackmangrove Avicennia germinans DEP,2003;DEP,2007Blackroot Pterocaulon virgatum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Blazingstar Liatris barberi DEP,2003;DEP,2007Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Calusagrape Vitis shuttleworthii DNR,1984Camphorweed Pluchea rosea DEP,2003;DEP,2007Climbingaster Aster caroliniensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Climbinghempweed Mikania scandens DEP,2003;DEP,2007Coastalplainwillow Salix caroliniana DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Coinvine Dalbergia ecastophyllum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Coralbean Erythrina herbacea DNR,1984Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

�0�


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Dahoonholly Ilex cassine DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Deer-tongue Carphephorous paniculatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Dogfennel Eupatorium sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Drumheads Polygala cruciata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Elderberry Sambucus simpsonii DNR,1984Erectscrubspurge Euphorbia polyphylla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Falsenettle Boehmeria cylindrica DEP,2003;DEP,2007Floridabluebell Campanula floridana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Fragranteryngium Eryngium aromaticum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Galactia Galactia regularis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Goldenaster Pityopsis graminifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gopherapple Licania michauxii DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gumbolimbo Bursera simaruba DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ironweed Vernonia sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Knotweed Polygonum sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Large-floweredconradina Conradina grandiflora T Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Large-floweredsabatia Sabatia grandiflora DEP,2003;DEP,2007Laureloak Quercus laurifolia DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Liveoak Quercus virginiana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Lizard’stail Saururus cernuus DNR,1984Loblollybay Gordonia lisianthus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Lovevine Cassytha filiformis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mangroverubbervine Rhabdadenia biflora DEP,2003;DEP,2007Marlberry Ardisia escallonioides DEP,2003;DEP,2007Marshpennywort Hydrocotyle umbellata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Meadowbeauty Rhexia nashii DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mexicanclover Richardia brasiliensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Moonflower Ipomoea alba DEP,2003;DEP,2007Muscadinegrape Vitis rotundifolia DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Myrsine Myrsine guianensis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Myrtleoak Quercus myrtifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Noddingpinweed Lechea cernua T Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003Partridgepea Cassia fasciculata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pennyroyal Piloblephis rigida DEP,2003;DEP,2007Peppergrass Lepidium virginicum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Persimmon Diospyros virginiana DNR,1984Pinebarrengoldenrod Solidago fistulosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pinksundew Drosera capillaris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Poisonivy Toxicodendron radicans DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pondapple Annona glabra DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Popash Fraxinus caroliniana DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Prickly-pearcactus Opuntia sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Primrosewillow Ludwigia peruviana DNR,1984Redmangrove Rhizophora mangle DEP,2003;DEP,2007Redmaple Acer rubrum DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Redmulberry Morus rubra DNR,1984Rosegentian Sabatia sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Saltbush Baccharis angustifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Saltbush(Seamyrtle) Baccharis halimifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sandliveoak Quercus geminata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sawgrass Cladium jamaicensis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Scrubhickory Carya floridana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sensitivebriar Schrankia microphylla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Shinyblueberry Vaccinium myrsinites DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

�0�


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Shinysumac Rhus copallina DEP,2003;DEP,2007Shiny-leavedwildcoffee Psychotria nervosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Showypartridgepea Cassia chamaecrista DEP,2003;DEP,2007Smatweed Polygonum sp. DEP,2003Soft-leavedwildcoffee Psychotria sulzneri DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernfoxgrape Vitis munsoniana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernguara Gaura angustifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spanishneedle Bidens alba DEP,2003;DEP,2007St.Andrewscross Hypericum hypericoides DEP,2003;DEP,2007St.Johnswort Hypericum reductum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Staggerbush Lyonia fruticosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Stiffcorneldogwood Cornus foemina DNR,1984Stranglerfig Ficus aurea DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Swampbay Persea palustris DEP,2007Swampmilkweed Asclepias incarnata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sweetbay Magnolia virginiana DNR,1984;DEP,2003Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tallmilkwort Polygala cymosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tallow-wood(Hogplum) Ximenia americana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tarflower Befaria racemosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tickseed Coreopsis leavenworthii DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tinypolygala(Tinymilkwort) Polygala smallii E Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;

DEP,2007Trailingmorningglory Stylisma patens DEP,2003;DEP,2007Twistleafgoldenrod Solidago tortifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Verbena Glandularia tampensis E Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Virginiacreeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Waterhemlock Cicuta mexicana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Waterhickory Carya aquatica DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Waterhyssop Bacopa monnieri DNR,1984Wateroak Quercus nigra DNR,1984Waterpimpernel Samolus parviflorus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Waxmyrtle(Southernbayberry) Myrica cerifera DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Whitemangrove Laguncularia racemosa DEP,2007Whitestopper Eugenia axillaris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Whitevine Sarcostemma clausa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Wildbachelor’sbutton Polygala nana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Wildcoffee Psychotria undata DNR,1984Wildlime Zanthoxylum fagara DEP,2003;DEP,2007Wireplant Stipulicida setacea DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowbachelor’sbutton Polygala rugelii DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowwaterlily(Spatterdock) Nuphar lutea DEP,unpublisheddata

KingdomAnimalia(animals)PhylumCnidariaClassScyphozoa(jellyfishes)Moonjellyfish Aurelia aurita Gunter&Hall,1963PhylumCtenophora(combjellies)Combjelly Mnemiopsis mccradyi Gunter&Hall,1963PhylumAnnelida(segmentedworms)Neriedpolychaeteworm Nereidae Bealetal.,2006Oligochaeteworm Oligochaeta sp. Bealetal.,2006Polychaeteworm Polychaeta sp. Bealetal.,2006Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

�0�


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

PhylumArthropoda(insects,crustaceans)SubphylumCrustacea(shrimpandcrabs)Bluecrab Callinectes sapidus Gunter&Hall,1963;Bealetal.,2006Brownshrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus Gunter&Hall,1963;Bealetal.,2006

Cinnamonrivershrimp Macrobrachium acanthurus Gunter&Hall,1963

Crayfish Procambridae (multiple spp.) Bealetal.,2006

Floridagrassshrimp Palaemon floridanus Bealetal.,2006Grassshrimp Palaemonetes cf. pugio Bealetal.,2006

Grassshrimp Palaemonetes sp. Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971;Bealetal.,2006

Greatlandcrab Cardisoma guanhumi DEP,unpublisheddataLong-armprawn Macrobrachium sp. Bealetal.,2006Mangrovecrab Sesarma sp. Bealetal.,2006Mudcrab Xanthidae Bealetal.,2006Ornatecrab Callinectes ornatus Gunter&Hall,1963

Pinkshrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum Gunter&Hall,1963

Squarebackmarshcrab Armases cinereum Bealetal.,2006Swimmingcrab Callinectes bocourti Bealetal.,2006Thinstripehermitcrab Clibanarius vitattus Gunter&Hall,1963ClassGastropoda(snails)Commonmarshsnail Melampus bidentatus Bealetal.,2006Commonnassa Nassarius vibex Gunter&Hall,1963Neritesnail Neritidae Bealetal.,2006Snail Gastropoda spp. Bealetal.,2006ClassBivalvia(clams,mussels,oysters)Easternoyster Crassostrea virginica URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999Falsemuscle Congeria leucophaeta Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971Floridamarshclam Pseudocyena floridiana Teas,1971Rangiaclam Rangia cuneata Gunter&Hall,1963Quahogclam Venus sp. Teas,1971SubphylumVertebrata(vertebrates)ClassChondrichthyes(cartilaginousfishes)

Southernstingray Dasyatis sabina Gunter&Hall,1963;Robbins,1996;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

SuperclassOsteichthyes(bonyfishes)Americaneel Anguilla rostrata DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007Anchovy,juvenile Engraulidae, juvenile Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Atlanticbumper Chloroscombrus chrysurus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Atlanticcroaker Micropogonias undulatus Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Atlanticcutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticmenhaden Brevoortia tyrannus Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticmidshipman Porichthys porosissimus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticmoonfish Vomer setapinnis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticneedlefish Strongylura marina DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticspadefish Chaetodipterus faber DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticthreadherring Opisthonema oglinum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ballyhoo Hemiramphus brasiliensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Bayanchovy Anchoa mitchilli Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Baywhiff Citharichthys spilopterus Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Bigeyestargazer Dactyloscopus crossotus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

�0�


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Bigheadsearobin Prionotus tribulus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Bigmouthsleeper Gobiomorus dormitor T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Blackcrappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Blackdrum Pogonias cromis Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Blackmargate Anisotremus surinamensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Bluebackherring Alosa aestivalis Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Bluefinkillifish Lucania goodei Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Bluegill Lepomis macrochirusGunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Bluerunner Caranx crysos DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bluespottedcornetfish Fistularia tabacaria DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Bluespottedsunfish Enneacanthus gloriosus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Bluestripedgrunt Haemulon sciurus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bonefish Albula vulpes DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bowfin(Mudfish) Amia calva DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007Brooksilverside Labidesthes sicculus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Brownbullhead Ameiurus nebulosus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Chainpipefish Syngnathus louisianae DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Channelcatfish Ictalurus punctatus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Checkeredpuffer Sphoeroides testudineus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Clowngoby Microgobius gulosus DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007Codegoby Gobiosoma robustum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commonpompano Trachinotus carolinus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Commonsnook Centropomus undecimalis

Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Crestedgoby Lophogobius cyprinoides DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Crevallejack Caranx hippos Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Cubananchovy Anchoa cubana DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Dartergoby Gobionellus boleosoma Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Dollarsunfish Lepomis marginatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Duskyanchovy Anchoa lyolepis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Duskypipefish Syngnathus floridae DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easternmosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007Emeraldgoby Gobionellus smaragdus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Emeraldsleeper Erotelis smaragdus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Fatsleeper Dormitator maculates DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007Fatsnook Centropomus parallelus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Flagfish Jordanella floridae DEP,2003;DEP,2007Frenchgrunt Haemulon flavolineatum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Frillfingoby(Mollymiller) Bathygobius soporator DEP,2003;DEP,2007Fringedflounder Etropus crossotus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gafftopsailcatfish Bagre marinus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gar Lepisosteus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gizzardshad Dorosoma cepedianum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

��0


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Goldenshiner Notemigonus crysoleucas DEP,2003;DEP,2007Goliathgrouper Epinephelus itajara DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Graysnapper Lutjanus griseus DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Graytriggerfish Balistes capriscus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Greatbarracuda Sphyraena barracuda Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Greengoby Microgobius thalassinus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Grunt Haemulonsp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gulfflounder Paralichthys albigutta DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gulfpipefish Syngnathus scovelli DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gulfwhiff Citharichthys macrops DEP,2003;DEP,2007Hairyblenny Labrisomus nuchipinnis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Hardheadcatfish Arius felis Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Herring,juvenile Clupeidae, juvenile DEP,2003;DEP,2007Highfinblenny Lupinoblennius nicholsi DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Hogchoker Trinectes maculates Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Horse-eyejack Caranx latus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Houndfish Tylosurus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Inlandsilverside Menidia beryllina Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Inshorelizardfish Synodus foetens DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Irishpompano Diapterus auratus Springer,1960;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Jawfish Opisthognathus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Ladyfish Elops saurus Springer,1960;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007

Lanesnapper Lutjanus synagris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Largemouthbass Micropterus salmoides DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007

Leastkillifish Heterandria formosa Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Leatherjacket Oligoplites saurus Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Linedsole Achirus lineatusGunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Lookdown Selene vomer Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Lyregoby Evorthodus lyricus DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Mahoganysnapper Lutjanus mahogoni DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mangroverivulus Rivulus marmoratus SCC SSC SSC Ashton,1992;Bealetal.,2006

Marshkillifish Fundulus confluentus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Morayeel,larval Muraenidea, leptocephalus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971;DEP,2003

Muttonsnapper Lutjanus analis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Nakedgoby Gobiosoma bosci DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007Nassaugrouper Epinephelus striatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Needlefishes Strongylura sp. Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003Northernkingfish Menticirrhus saxatilis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernpuffer Sphoeroides maculatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernseahorse Hippocampus hudsonius DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernsennet Sphyraena borealis DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Opossumpipefish Microphis brachyurus lineatus T SSC SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

��


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Oystertoadfish Opsanus tau DEP,2003;DEP,2007Parrotfish Scarus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Parrotfish Sparisoma sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Permit Trachinotus falcatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pigfish Orthopristis chrysopterus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Pinfish Lagodon rhomboidesSpringer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Planeheadfilefish Monacanthus hispidus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Plumedscorpionfish Scorpaena grandicornis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Rainwaterkillifish Lucania parva DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Reddrum(Redfish) Sciaenops ocellatus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Redearsunfish Lepomis microlophus DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007Redgrouper Epinephelus morio DEP,2003;DEP,2007Rivergoby Awaous banana T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Rockseabass Centropristis philadelphica DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Roughsilverside Membras martinica Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Sailfinmolly Poecilia latipinna Springer,1960;Teas,1971;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Sailor’schoice Haemulon parra DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Sandperch Diplectrum formosum Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Sandstargazer Gillellus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sargassumfish Histrio histrio DEP,2003;DEP,2007Scaledsardine Harengula jagauna DEP,2003;DEP,2007Schoolmaster Lutjanus apodus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Scorpionfish Scorpaena sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Seabass,juvenile Serranidae, juvenile DEP,2003;DEP,2007Seacatfish Galeichthys felis Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963Seahorse Hippocampus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Searobin Prionotus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Seminolekillifish Fundulus seminolis Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Sergeantmajor Abudefduf saxatilis DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Sharptailgoby Gobionellus hastatus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus

Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007

Sheepsheadminnow Cyprinodon variegatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Silverjenny Eucinostomus gula Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Silverperch Bairdiella chrysura Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Silverporgy Diplodus argenteus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Silverseatrout Cynoscion nothus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Silverside Menidia sp. Springer,1960;Bealetal.,2006Skilletfish Gobiesox strumosus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Slashcheekgoby Gobionellus pseudofasciatus T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Sleeper Eleotris sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Slimgoby Gobionellus gracillimus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Slipperydick Halichoeres bivittatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Small-scaledgoby Gobionellus oceanicus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Smoothpuffer Lagocephalus laevigatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

��


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Smoothtrunkfish Lactophrys triqueter DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernflounder Paralichthys lethostigma DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Southernkingfish Menticirrhus americanus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Southernpuffer Sphoeroides nephelus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernsennet Sphyraena picudilla DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Spanishmackeral Scomberomorus maculatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Spanishsardine Sardinella anchovia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spinycheeksleeper Eleotris pisonis Bealetal.,2006

Spot Leiostomus xanthurus Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Spotfinmojarra Eucinostomus argenteus Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Spottedgar Lepisosteus platyrhincus Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007

Spottedpinfish Diplodus holbrooki DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spottedscorpionfish Scorpaena plumieri DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Spottedseatrout Cynoscion nebulosus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Spottedsunfish Lepomis punctatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Stardrum Stellifer lanceolatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Stripedanchovy Anchoa hepsetus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Stripedburrfish Chilomycterus schoepfi DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Stripedmojarra Eugerres plumieri Springer,1960;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Stripedmullet Mugil cephalusSpringer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Swordspinesnook Centropomus ensiferus Bealetal.,2006Taillightshiner Notropis maculatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tarpon Magalops atlanticus Teas,1971DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tarponsnook Centropomus pectinatus DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007Threadfin Polydactylus octonemus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Threadfinshad Dorosoma petenense Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Tidewatermojarra Eucinostomus harengulus Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006

Tonguefish Symphurus plagiusa Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Triggerfish,juvenile Balistidae, juvenile DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tripletail Lobotes surinamensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Trunkfish Lactophrys trigonus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Violetgoby Gobioides broussonnetti Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Weakfish Cynoscion regalis Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Whitecatfish Ictalurus catus Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Whitegrunt Haemulon plumieri DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Whitemullet Mugil curemaGunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Wormeel Myrophis punctatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowbullhead Ictalurus natalis DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Yellowfinmenhaden Brevoortia smithi Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Yellowfinmojarra Gerres cinereus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowgoatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowjack Caranx bartholomaei DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

��


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

ClassAmphibia(frogs,toads,salamanders)Barkingtreefrog Hyla gratiosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Dwarfsalamander Eurycea quadridigitata DNR,1984Easternnarrow-mouthedtoad

Gastrophryne carolinensis DNR,1984

Easternspadefoottoad Scaphiopus holbrooki DEP,2003;DEP,2007Floridacricketfrog Acris gryllus DNR,1984Greatersiren Siren lacertina DNR,1984;Bealetal.,2006Greentreefrog Hyla cinerea DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Littlegrassfrog Limnaoedus ocularis DNR,1984

Narrow-stripeddwarfsiren Pseudobranchus axanthus DNR,1984

Oaktoad Bufo quercicus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Peninsulanewt Notophthalmus viridescens DNR,1984

Pigfrog Rana grylio DNR,1984Siren Siren sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernleopardfrog Rana utricularia DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southerntoad Bufo terrestris DNR,1984Squirreltreefrog Hyla squirella DNR,1984Two-toedamphiuma Amphiuma means DNR,1984ClassReptilia(reptiles)

Americanalligator Alligator mississippiensis SSC T DNR,1984;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,

2006;DEP,2007Coastaldunescrownedsnake Tantilla relicta pamlica DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Commonmuskturtle Sternotherus odoratus DNR,1984Cornsnake Elaphe guttata guttata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Duskypygmyrattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius DNR,1984

Easterncoachwhipsnake Masticophis flagellum flagellum DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Easterncoralsnake Micrurus fulvius DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easterndiamondbackrattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Easterngartersnake Thamnophis sirtalis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Easternindigosnake Drymarchon corais couperi SSC T T DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,

2003;DEP,2007Easternribbonsnake Thamnophis sauritus DNR,1984

Floridaboxturtle Terrapene carolina bauri DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Floridabrownsnake Storeria dekayi victa T T DNR,1984;Ashton,1992Floridacottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Floridapinesnake Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus ud SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Floridared-belliedturtle Chrysemys nelsoni DNR,1984Floridascrublizard Sceloporus woodi T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Floridasoftshell Trionyx ferox DNR,1984;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007

Floridawatersnake Nerodia fasciata DNR,1984

Gophertortoise Gopherus polyphemus T SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Greenanole Anolis carolinensis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Groundskink Sciencella lateralis DNR,1984Kingsnake Lompropeltis sp. DNR,1984

Peninsulamoleskink Eumeces egregious onocrepis DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Ratsnake Elaphe sp. DNR,1984Roughgreensnake Opheodrys aestivus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

��4


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Six-linedracerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus DNR,1984

Snappingturtle Chelydra serpentine DNR,1984;Bealetal.,2006Southeasternfive-linedskink Eumeces inexpectatus DNR,1984

Southernblackracer Coluber constrictor DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernring-neckedsnake Diadophis punctatus DNR,1984

Stripedmudturtle Kinosternon baurii DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Yellowratsnake Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata DEP,2003;DEP,2007

ClassAves(birds)

Americancoot Fulica americana Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Americangoldfinch Carduelis tristis Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Americankestrel Falco sparverius T Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Americanredstart Setophaga ruticilla R Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Americanrobin Turdus migratorius Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Americanwidgeon Anas americana DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Baldeagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T T T Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,

1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Barnswallow Hirundo rustica DNR,1984

Barredowl Strix varia DNR,1984;Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Beltedkingfisher Ceryle alcyon Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Blackandwhitewarbler Mniotilta varia Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Black-belliedplover Pluvialis squatarola Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Black-crownednghtheron Nycticorax nycticorax SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Black-neckedstilt Himantopus mexicanus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Blackskimmer Rynchops niger SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Black-throatedbluewarbler

Dendroica caerulescens DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Blackvulture Coragyps atratus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Blue-graygnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Bluejay Cyanocitta cristata Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Blue-wingedteal Anas discors DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Boat-tailedgrackle Quiscalus major Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bonaparte’sgull Lanus philadelphia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Broad-wingedhawk Buteo platypterus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Brown-headedcowbird Molothrus ater DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Brownpelican Pelecanus occidentalis T SSC Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Brownthrasher Toxostoma rufum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bufflehead Bucephala albeola DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Carolinawren Thryothorus ludovicianus

Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Caspiantern Sterna caspia SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

��


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Cedarwaxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Chippingsparrow Spizella passerina DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Chuck-will’swidow Caprimulgus carolinensis Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Clapperrail Rallus longirostris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commonbobwhite Colinus virginianus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commoncrow Corvus brachyrhynchos DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Commongallinule Gallinula chloropus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Commongrackle Quiscalus quiscula Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commonloon Gavia immer Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commonsnipe Gallinago gallinago DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commonyellowthroat Geothlypis trichas DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Cooper’shawk Accipiter cooperii SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Double-crestedcormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Downywoodpecker Picoides pubescens DEP,2003;DEP,2007Duck Anatidae DEP,2007Dunlin Calidris alpina DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easternbluebird Sialia sialis Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Easternmeadowlark Sturnella magna Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Easternphoebe Sayornis phoebe Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easterntowhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Fishcrow Corvus ossifragus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Flycatcher Empidonax sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Forster’stern Sterna forsteria DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gadwall Anas strepera DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Graycatbird Dumetella carolinensis Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Graykingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Teas,1971Greatblack-backgull Larus marinus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Greatblueheron Ardea herodias Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Greatcrestedflycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Greategret Ardea alba SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Greathornedowl Bubo virginianus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Greenheron Butorides virescens Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Green-wingedteal Anas crecca DEP,2003;DEP,2007Grounddove Columbina passerina Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Hairywoodpecker Picoides villosus SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Hermitthrush Catharus ustulatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Herringgull Larus argentatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Hoodedmerganser Lophodytes cucullatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Housewren Troglodytes aedon DEP,2003;DEP,2007Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Laughinggull Larus atricilla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Leastbittern Botaurus lentiginosus SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Leastsandpiper Calidris minutilla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Lesserscaup Aythya affinis Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Lesseryellowlegs Tringa flavipes DEP,2003;DEP,2007Limpkin Aramus guarauna SSC SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003

Littleblueheron Egretta caerulea SSC SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Loggerheadshrike Lanius ludovicianus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

��


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Louisiannawaterthrush Seiurus motacilla R Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Magnificentfrigatebird Fregata magnificens T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Marshwren Cistothorus palustris SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Merlin Falco columbarius ud Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mottledduck Anas fulvigula DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mourningdove Zenaida macroura Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Northerncardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Northernflicker Colaptes auratus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernharrier(Marshhawk) Circus cyaneus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;

DEP,2007

Northernmockingbird Mimus polyglottos Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Northernparula Parula americana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernshoveler Anas clypeata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernwaterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Orange-crownedwarbler Vermivora celata DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Osprey Pandion haliaetus T SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Paintedbunting Passerina ciris ud Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Palmwarbler Dendroica palmarum Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Pied-billedgrebe Podilymbus podiceps Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Pileatedwoodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Pinewarbler Dendroica pinus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pipingplover Charadrius melodus E T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Prariewarbler Dendroica discolor ud Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Purplegallinule Porphyrio martinica Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Red-belliedwoodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Red-breastedmerganser Mergus serrator DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Red-headedwoodpecker Melanerpes erthrocephalus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Red-shoulderedhawk Buteo lineatus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Red-tailedhawk Buteo jamaicensis Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Red-wingedblackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Ring-billedgull Larus delawarensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ring-neckedduck Aythya collaris DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Royaltern Sterna maxima SSC Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Ruby-crownedkinglet Regulus calendula DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ruby-throatedhummingbird Archilochus colubris DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Ruddyturnstone Arenaria interpres DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sanderling Calidris alba DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Sandhillcrane Grus canadensis T T E Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Sandwichtern Sterna sandvicensis SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Savannahsparrow Passerculus sandwichensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Screechowl Otus asio DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

��


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Semipalmatedplover Charadrius semipalmatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Semipalmatedsandpiper Calidris pusilla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sharp-shinnedhawk Accipiter striatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Short-earedowl Asio flammeus DNR,1984

Snowyegret Egretta thula SSC SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Solitaryvireo Vireo solitarius DEP,2003;DEP,2007Songsparrow Melospiza melodia Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southeasternkestrel Falco sparverius paulus T T DNR,1984;Ashton,1992Spottedsandpiper Actitis macularia Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Swallow-tailedkite Elanoides forficatus T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Swampsparrow Melospiza georgiana Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Towhee Pipilo sp. Teas,1971

Treeswallow Tachycineta bicolor Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Tricolorheron Egretta tricolor SSC SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Tuftedtitmouse Parus bicolor DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Turkeyvulture Cathartes aura Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Warbler Parulidae spp. DEP,2007Westernsandpiper Calidris mauri DEP,2003;DEP,2007Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus pelagica DEP,2003;DEP,2007

White-eyedvireo Vireo griseus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Whiteibis Eudocimus albus SSC SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Wildturkey Meleagris gallopavo DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatis DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Wilson’splover Charadrius wilsonia SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Woodduck Aix sponsa Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Woodstork Mycteria americana E E E Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Woodcock Scolopax sp. Teas,1971

Yellow-belliedsapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Yellow-billedcuckoo Coccyzus americanus Can-didate

Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Yellow-crownednightheron Nyctanassa violacea SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Yellow-rumpedwarbler Dendroica coronata Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Yellow-throatedwarbler Dendroica dominca Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowwarbler Dendroica petechia DEP,2003;DEP,2007ClassMammalia(mammals)Atlanticbottlenosedolphin Tursiops truncatus DEP,unpublisheddataBobcat Lynx rufus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Commongrayfox Urocyon cinereoargenteus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

Commonopossum Didelphis marsupialis DNR,1984Cottontailrabbit Sylvilagus floridanus DNR,1984Easterngraysquirrel Sciurus carolinensis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easternmole Scalopus aquaticus DNR,1984Easternspottedskunk Spilogale putorius DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easternyellowbat Lasiurus intermedius Gioeli,2007Eveningbat Nycticeius humeralis Gioeli,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined

��


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Leastshrew Cryptotis parva DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Marshrabbit Sylvilagus palustris DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mexicanfree-tailedbat Tadarida brasiliensis Gioeli,2007Nine-bandedarmadillo Dasypus novemcinctus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pocketgopher Geomys pinetis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Racoon Procyon lotor DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ricerat Oryzomys palustris DNR,1984Riverotter Lutra canadensis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sherman’sfoxsquirrel Sciurus niger shermani T SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southeasternshrew Sorex longerostris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Stripedskunk Mephitis mephitis DNR,1984Virginiaopossum Didelphis virginiana DEP,2003;DEP,2007

WestIndianmanatee Trichechus manatus E E E Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007

White-taileddeer Odocoileus virginianus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007KingdomProtista(phytoplankton)PhylumDinoflagellata(dinoflagellates)

Ceratium furca Millieetal.,2004Gonyaulax spinifera Millieetal.,2004Gymnodinium sanguineum Millieetal.,2004

Gymnodinium spp. Millieetal.,2004Gymnodinium varians Millieetal.,2004Gyrodinium spp. Millieetal.,2004Heterocapsa rotundata Millieetal.,2004Karlodinium micrum Millieetal.,2004Katodinium rotundata Millieetal.,2004Prorocentrum minimum Millieetal.,2004Scrippsiella subsalsa Millieetal.,2004

PhylumBacillariophyta(diatoms)Asterionellopsis gracilis Millieetal.,2004Chaetoceros danicus Millieetal.,2004Cyclotella spp. Millieetal.,2004Ditylum brightwellii Millieetal.,2004Leptocylindrus minimus Millieetal.,2004Odontella mobiliensis Millieetal.,2004Rhizosolenia delicatula Millieetal.,2004Rhizosolenia pungens Millieetal.,2004Skeletonema costatum Millieetal.,2004Synedra sp. Millieetal.,2004Thalassiosiera spp. Millieetal.,2004

PhylumChrysophyta(goldenalgae)Chromulina sp. Millieetal.,2004Chrysochromulina parva Millieetal.,2004Dinobryon spp. Millieetal.,2004Metramonas simplex Millieetal.,2004Ochromonas nana Millieetal.,2004Ochromonas ovalis Millieetal.,2004Pseudopedinella pyriforme Millieetal.,2004

PhylumCryptophyta(cryptomonads)Cryptomonas erosa Millieetal.,2004Hemiselmisspp. Millieetal.,2004Katablepharis ovalis Millieetal.,2004Rhodomonas lens Millieetal.,2004


��


Status

ReferencesFCREPA

StateFWC/

FDACS

FederalNOAA/FWS

Rhodomonas minuta Millieetal.,2004Rhodomonas sp. Millieetal.,2004

PhylumCyanophyta(cyanobacteria)Oscillatoria spp. Millieetal.,2004Synechococcus spp. Millieetal.,2004Synechocystis spp. Millieetal.,2004

PhylumChlorophyta(greenalgae)Chlamydomonas coccoides Millieetal.,2004

Chlamydomonas quadrilobata Millieetal.,2004

Dunaliella primolecta Millieetal.,2004Micromonas pusilla Millieetal.,2004Pyraminonas spp. Millieetal.,2004

PhylumChoanozoaChoanoflagellate spp. Millieetal.,2004

PhylumEuglenophyta(euglenoids)Eutreptiella marina Millieetal.,2004


B.4.� / Non-native Species List

CommonName SpeciesName StateStatus

FederalStatus References

KingdomPlantae(plants)DivisionPteridophytaOldworldclimbingfern Lygodium microphyllum DEP,2003;DEP,2007DivisionMagnoliophyta(floweringplants)ClassLiliopsida(grass-likefloweringplants)Airpotato Dioscorea bulbifera DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Arrowheadvine Syngonium podophyllum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Asparagusfern Asparagus denssiflorus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Cogongrass Imperata cylindrica DEP,2003;DEP,2007Dwarfpapyrus Cyperus prolifer DEP,2003;DEP,2007Greenwanderingjew Tradescantia fluminensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Guineagrass Panicum maximum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Oysterplant Tradescantia spathacea DEP,2003;DEP,2007Torpedograss Panicum repens DEP,2003;DEP,2007Waterlettuce Pistia stratiotes DEP,unpublisheddataWildtaro Colocasia esculenta DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007ClassMagnoliopsida(woodyfloweringplants)AustralianPine Casuarina glauca Teas,1971Balsamapple Momardica balsamina DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bischofia Bischofia javanica DEP,2003;DEP,2007Brazilianpepper Schinus terebinthifolius Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;

DEP,2007Caesarweed Urena lobata DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Carrotwood Cupaniopsis anacardioides DEP,2003;DEP,2007Castorbean Ricinus communis DEP,2007Chandelierplant Kalanchoe delaqoensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Coralardisia Ardisia crenata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Coralvine Antigonon leptopus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Earleafacacia Acacia auriculiformis DEP,2003;DEP,2007


��0

CommonName SpeciesName StateStatus

FederalStatus References

Earpodtree Enterolobium cyclocarpum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Guava Psidium guajava DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Javaplum Syzygium cumini DEP,2003;DEP,2007Lantana Lantana camara DEP,2003;DEP,2007Melaleuca Melaleuca quinquenervia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mexicanpetunia Ruellia brittoniana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Philodendron Philodendron sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Rosarypea Abrus precatorius DEP,2003;DEP,2007Schefflera Schefflera actinophylla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sesbania Sesbania sp. DEP,2007Shoebuttonardesia Ardisia elliptica DEP,2003;DEP,2007Strawberryguava Psidium cattleianum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Surinamcherry Eugenia uniflora DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tropicalalmond Terminalia cattapa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tropicalsodaapple Solanum viarum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Twinleafnightshade Solanum diphyllum DEP,2007Vitex Vitex trifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Wedilia Wedelia trilobata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Women’stongue Albizzia lebbeck DEP,2003;DEP,2007KingdomAnimalia(animals)SubphylumVertebrata(vertebrates)SuperclassOsteichthyes(bonyfishes)Bluetilapia Oreochromis hybrid Gilmore,2005Grasscarp Ctenopharyngodon idella DEP,unpublisheddataMayancichlid Cichlasoma urophthalmus Bealetal.,2006Plecostomus Plecostomus sp. Gilmore,2005Sailfincatfish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus DEP,unpublisheddataClassAmphibia(frogs,toads,salamanders)Cubantreefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Greenhousefrog Eleutherodactylus

planirostris DNR,1984ClassReptilia(reptiles)Basilisklizard Basiliscus basiliscus DEP,unpublisheddataBrownanole Anolis sagrei sagrei DEP,2003;DEP,2007Greeniguana Iguana iguana DEP,2003;DEP,2007ClassAves(birds)Africancattleegret Bubulcus ibis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Europeanstarling Sturnus vulgaris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Housesparrow Passer domesticus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007ClassMammalia(mammals)Feralhog Sus scrofa DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007


��

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Martin County

St. Lucie County

St.LucieInlet

Midway Rd.


PrimaIndian

River Lagoon

AtlanticO

cean

Martin County

St. Lucie County

IndianRiver Lagoon

Vista Blvd.

AtlanticO

cean

32 31 3029

28

27

26

25

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232221

2019

18

1716

15

1413

12

119 8

76

5

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10

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12

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!( River Miles

0 2 41Miles±January 2009

B.5 / Restoration and Monitoring Data

B.�.� / St. Lucie River Miles

��

B.�.� / North Fork St. Lucie River and Ten Mile Creek Hydrologic Restoration Sites.SitesidentifiedalongtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters,TenMileCreek,thatrequirehydrologicresto-rationtoimprovewaterqualitywithinthepreserve.

Midway Rd.

Prima Vista Blvd.


Map 1Map 2

Map 3Map 4

Map 5

Map 6

Map 7

Map 8

Map 9

Map 10

Map 11

River Mile

NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area

Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park

0 1 20.5Miles ±February 2009

Hydrologicrestorationprojectareaoverviewmap.

��

Creekside WestGentile

Spillway

Creekside

Creekside Pond

Map 1

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009

Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap1.

��4

Spillway

Creekside

Creekside Pond

Coolidge

Gordy Road

Map 2

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009


��

Jenkins

Ralls

Brown

Shelby West31

Map 3

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009


��

Brown

Shelby West

Shelby East

Map 4

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009


��

Scout Camp Miller

Scout Camp South

Railroad West

Railroad East

Cargill

River Oaks

30

Map 5

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009


��

Raintree Upstream

Evans

Divine Upstream

28

Map 6

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±Febuary 2009


��

Midway

Broken Bench

Haupt Upstream

Roberts UpstreamCharleston

Oaks

27

Map 7

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles±February 2009


��0

Idabelle

Otter Trail

OxbowEco-Center

26

Map 8

River Mile



0 0.05 0.10.025Miles ±February 2009


��

RiverplaceUpstream

Site 5West

24

Map 9

River Mile



0 0.05 0.10.025Miles ±February 2009


��

Prima Vista

Prima Vista East

Map 10

River Mile



0 0.05 0.10.025Miles ±February 2009


��


Evans Creek

Veterans

Memoria

lPa

rkw

ay

20

19

18

17

Map 11

River Mile



0 0.25 0.50.125Miles ±February 2009


��4

Thefollowingtableprovidestherestorationtype,ownership,andcostestimateforeachoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverandTenMileCreekHydrologicRestorationProjectsitesidentifiedintheabovemapseries.

��

Wat

er H

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D

Date in 2002

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

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04/1 4/15 4/29 5/13 5/27 6/10 6/24 7/8 7/22 8/5 8/19 9/2 9/16 9/30 10/14 10/28 11/11 11/25 12/9 12/23

MinMax

minimum water heightmaximum water height

Max - Min Unit 1 - 2002

Piezoelectrictidalstagedataloggerscanbeusedtomonitorchangesinresidencetimeandvolumeofwateronthereconnectedmarshsurface.

B.�.� / Tidal Fluctuation in Reconnected FloodplainDatashowingthewaterlevelsinaartificiallyisolatedfloodplainafterthehydrologicconnectionwasrestoredin2002.

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inna

, 1.

1

culv

ert

Mid

dle

brea

ch

Sout

hbr

each

Slough

50’ s

eine

Lege

nd

Box

trap

with

ba

rrier

net

s an

d 12

Bre

der t

raps

Fike

net

Marsh surface

Site

5 re

stor

atio

n

Nat

ural

brea

ch

Intro

duct

ion

The

St.

Luci

e R

iver

is a

mai

n tri

buta

ry in

to th

e so

uthe

rn p

ortio

n of

the

Indi

an

Riv

er L

agoo

n, a

n E

stua

ry o

f Nat

iona

l Sig

nific

ance

con

tain

ing

a hi

ghly

div

erse

bi

olog

ical

com

mun

ity.

A s

igni

fican

t por

tion

of th

e flo

odpl

ain

of th

e riv

er’s

Nor

th

Fork

is c

ompl

etel

y or

par

tially

isol

ated

from

the

river

’s m

ain

bran

ch b

ecau

se o

f dr

edgi

ng c

ondu

cted

dur

ing

the

1920

s-19

40s.

Cer

tain

nat

ural

com

mun

ities

(e.g

., flo

odpl

ain

swam

p an

d fo

rest

, bla

ckw

ater

rive

r oxb

ows)

from

the

orig

inal

wat

er

cour

se a

re n

o lo

nger

fully

con

nect

ed to

the

river

, the

refo

re a

sig

nific

ant p

ortio

n of

th

e riv

er’s

nat

ural

filtr

atio

n of

wat

er-b

orne

nut

rient

s is

not

util

ized

. A

lso,

util

izat

ion

of th

ese

habi

tats

by

aqua

tic o

rgan

ism

s ha

s be

en li

mite

d. D

redg

e sp

oil o

ccup

ies

8.9

mile

s (1

6.2%

) of t

he ri

ver’s

55

mile

s of

mai

n br

anch

rive

rfron

t, ex

istin

g as

be

rms

2-18

’ hig

h an

d 10

-30’

wid

e. T

hese

spo

il be

rms

cons

trict

ing

natu

ral f

low

w

ere

brea

ched

dur

ing

two

pilo

t stu

dies

usi

ng a

var

iety

of m

etho

ds.

The

resp

onse

s of

the

biol

ogic

al c

omm

uniti

es (f

ish

and

deca

pod

utili

zatio

n) w

ere

stud

ied

pre-

and

post

-res

tora

tion.

Historical rivercourse

Artificial rivercourse

Exca

vatio

n ar

ea

(250

’x40

’) d

one

June

, 200

3

Stag

ing

area

at

Plat

t’s C

reek

Artificial rivercourse

His

toric

rive

rcou

rse

pre-

1920

Exca

vatio

n ar

eas

done

June

, 200

2

Mat

eria

ls a

nd M

etho

dsTh

e st

udy

site

s al

ong

the

Nor

th F

ork

are

know

n as

Site

5 (a

n is

land

cre

ated

dur

ing

river

dre

dgin

g) a

nd th

e S

trazu

lla o

xbow

(iso

late

d fro

m th

e riv

er o

n its

nor

th e

nd d

urin

g riv

er d

redg

ing)

(see

gra

phic

s ab

ove)

. Site

5

was

bre

ache

d in

Jun

e, 2

002

to a

llow

wat

er to

she

et fl

ow a

cros

s th

e m

arsh

sur

face

and

to in

crea

se

utili

zatio

n by

aqu

atic

org

anis

ms.

At S

ite 5

, fis

h an

d de

capo

d sa

mpl

ing

was

con

duct

ed a

s on

e-w

eek

sam

plin

g ev

ents

at t

he h

ighe

st ti

des

of s

prin

g (A

pril-

May

) and

fall

(Oct

ober

-Nov

embe

r). E

vent

s in

clud

ed

box

trap,

Bre

der t

rap,

and

fike

net

set

s (2

4 ho

urs

of c

ontin

uous

col

lect

ing)

and

phy

sica

ls d

ata

colle

ctio

n.

Sei

ning

was

con

duct

ed a

long

the

river

edg

e (5

0’ b

ag s

eine

with

¼” m

esh)

and

into

the

new

ly-c

reat

ed c

uts

know

n as

mid

dle

and

sout

h br

each

es. F

our p

re-r

esto

ratio

n sa

mpl

ing

even

ts w

ere

cond

ucte

d an

d 7

post

(in

clud

ing

one

even

t in

sum

mer

200

2, o

ne w

eek

afte

r exc

avat

ion)

. Spe

cim

ens

capt

ured

wer

e id

entif

ied

to

the

low

est t

axon

pos

sibl

e an

d m

easu

red

(SL

for f

ishe

s, T

L fo

r shr

imps

, car

apac

e w

idth

for c

rabs

). P

air-

wis

e co

mpa

rison

s of

dat

aset

mea

ns w

ere

cond

ucte

d us

ing

t-tes

t or A

NO

VA

(for

nor

mal

ly d

istri

bute

d da

ta)

or M

ann-

Whi

tney

Ran

k S

um T

est (

Sig

maS

tat).

Stra

zulla

oxb

ow’s

nor

th e

nd w

as re

conn

ecte

d to

allo

w

wat

er to

flow

alo

ng th

e hi

stor

ical

rive

rcou

rse.

No

pre-

cons

truct

ion

sam

plin

g oc

curr

ed in

the

oxbo

w d

ue to

m

uck

depo

sits

gre

ater

than

7 fe

et. T

hree

sam

plin

g ev

ents

wer

e co

nduc

ted

post

-res

tora

tion

usin

g a

fike

net

with

bar

rier n

ets

stru

ng a

cros

s th

e en

tire

new

ly-o

pene

d ox

bow

mou

th a

nd s

eine

and

Bre

der t

raps

. A

ll im

pact

ed a

reas

for b

oth

pilo

t stu

dies

wer

e se

cure

d w

ith n

ativ

e pl

antin

gs a

nd m

onito

red

usin

g ph

otop

oint

s.

Stra

zulla

Oxb

ow re

stor

atio

n

1 FL

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e C

onse

rvat

ion

Com

mis

sion

, Ft.

Pie

rce,

FL

2 E

colo

gica

l Ass

ocia

tes,

Jen

sen

Bea

ch, F

L3

FL D

ept.

of E

nviro

nmen

tal P

rote

ctio

n, F

t. P

ierc

e, F

L

Fish

es:A

chiru

s lin

eatu

s, C

entro

pom

us e

nsife

rus,

Cen

tropo

mus

und

ecim

alis

,Cic

hlid

ae s

pA, C

ichl

asom

a ur

opht

halm

us, C

ithar

icht

hys

spilo

pter

us,

Dia

pter

us a

urat

us, D

orm

itato

r mac

ulat

us, E

leot

ris p

ison

is,E

ucin

osto

mus

har

engu

lus,

Euc

inos

tom

us g

ula,

Eug

erre

s pl

umie

ri,Ev

orth

odus

lyric

us,

Gam

busi

a ho

lbro

oki,

Gob

ioso

ma

bosc

, Het

eran

dria

form

osa,

Lag

odon

rhom

boid

es, L

epom

is m

acro

chiru

s, L

utja

nus

gris

eus,

Men

idia

sp.

, M

icro

gobi

us g

ulos

us,M

ugil

ceph

alus

, Mug

il cu

rem

a,Pe

rcid

ae s

pA, P

oeci

lia la

tipin

na, R

ivul

us m

orm

orat

us, S

ciae

nops

oce

llata

, Trin

ecte

s m

acul

atus

, D

ecap

ods:

Cal

linec

tes

sapi

dus,

Cal

linec

tes

boco

urti,

Arm

ases

cin

ereu

m,S

esar

ma

sp. A

, Pal

aem

onet

es c

f. pu

gio,

Pala

emon

flor

idan

us,

Farfa

ntep

enae

us a

ztec

us,P

roca

mbr

idae

sp.

A, P

roca

mbr

idae

sp.

B,X

anth

idae

sp. A

, Pal

eom

onid

ae s

p. B

,Pal

eom

onid

ae s

p. C

Res

ults

: Site

5D

urin

g th

e co

urse

of t

he s

tudy

, 149

2 fis

h an

d de

capo

ds w

ere

colle

cted

(104

5 fis

h, 4

47 d

ecap

ods)

re

pres

entin

g 40

taxa

(28

fishe

s, 1

2 de

capo

ds).

See

taxa

in b

oxes

bel

ow.

CP

UE

rate

s pe

r gea

r typ

e ar

e as

fo

llow

s: s

eine

16.

6 +/

- 34.

5 (m

ax.=

187)

, box

trap

7.53

+/-

8.4

(max

.=42

), B

rede

r tra

p 0.

2 +/

- 0.8

(max

.=8)

, fik

e ne

t 16.

2 +/

- 29.

1 (m

ax.=

94).

Mos

t sta

tistic

al a

naly

ses

(e.g

., nu

mbe

r of s

peci

es o

r ind

ivid

uals

cap

ture

d on

the

mar

sh s

urfa

ce p

re- a

nd p

ost-r

esto

ratio

n, le

ngth

of d

omin

ant t

axa

on m

arsh

sur

face

pre

and

pos

t, da

ta c

ompa

ring

the

two

new

bre

ache

s co

nstru

cted

) wer

e no

n-si

gnifi

cant

. S

igni

fican

t diff

eren

ces

wer

e fo

und

for D

O o

n th

e m

arsh

sur

face

(poo

led

data

) bef

ore

(mea

n=3.

8ppm

) and

afte

r (m

ean=

5.9p

pm) r

esto

ratio

n (p

=0.0

04) a

nd fo

r Gam

busi

a ho

lbro

oki l

engt

hs in

the

mid

bre

ach

(mea

n=22

.3m

m) v

ersu

s so

uth

brea

ch

(mea

n=19

.3m

m)(

p=<0

.001

). F

ish

and

deca

pod

com

mun

ity s

truct

ure

chan

ged

as a

resu

lt of

rest

orat

ion

(see

fig

ures

bel

ow).

On

the

mar

sh s

urfa

ce, r

esto

ratio

n re

sulte

d in

the

loss

of M

ugil

ceph

alus

and

the

appe

aran

ce

of 5

taxa

(hig

hlig

hted

in b

old

belo

w).

In th

e riv

er a

nd c

uts,

rest

orat

ion

resu

lted

in th

e lo

ss o

f Sci

anop

soc

ella

ta a

nd th

e ap

pear

ance

of 1

5 ta

xa (u

nder

lined

bel

ow).

Gra

phic

s be

low

sum

mar

ize

dom

inan

t tax

a.

Res

ults

: Stra

zulla

oxb

owD

urin

g th

e co

urse

of t

he s

tudy

, 36

fish

and

deca

pods

wer

e ca

ptur

ed, r

epre

sent

ing

10 ta

xa (G

ambu

sia

holb

rook

i, E

leot

ris p

ison

is, C

entro

pom

us u

ndec

imal

is,

Euc

inos

tom

us h

aren

gulu

s, M

ugil

ceph

alus

, Lag

odon

rhom

boid

es, L

epom

is

mac

roch

irus,

Gob

iom

orus

dor

mito

r, C

allin

ecte

s sa

pidu

s, M

acro

brac

hium

sp.

).O

ther

ani

mal

s w

ere

also

cap

ture

d in

clud

ing

rept

iles

(Apa

lone

fero

x, C

hely

dra

serp

entin

e, A

lliga

tor m

issi

ssip

iens

is) a

nd a

n am

phib

ian

(Sire

n la

certi

na).

Stra

zulla

Oxb

ow b

efor

e

Stra

zulla

Oxb

ow a

fter

Dorm

itato

r mac

ulat

us,

2.8

Eucin

osto

mus

ha

reng

ulus

, 9.6

Evor

thod

us ly

ricus

, 1.

6

Gam

busia

hol

broo

ki,

27.9

Lago

don

rhom

boid

es,

2.1

Men

idia

spA

, 3.6

Mug

il cep

halu

s, 5

.4

Pala

emon

etes

cf.

pugi

o, 1

9.6

Poec

ilia la

tipin

na,

11.5

Trin

ecte

s m

acul

atus

, 1.

1O

ther

(10

spec

imen

s or

fewe

r), 5

.5

Callin

ecte

s sa

pidu

s,

7.7

Cent

ropo

mus

un

decim

alis,

1.5

Ave

rage

abu

ndan

ce o

f fis

h an

d de

capo

ds o

n m

arsh

sur

face

per

sam

plin

g pe

riod

024681012 C. sap

idus

C. cf. b

ocourti

C. und

ecimali

sD. m

aculatus E. lyric

us G. holb

rooki

M. cep

halus

P. cf. p

ugio

P. florid

anus P. la

tipinn

aPerc

idae s

pA

Procam

brid sp

A

R. morm

oratus

Sesarm

a spA

T. mac

ulatus Xan

thid s

pA

seas

onal

pre

-co

nstru

ctio

n1-

wee

k po

st-

cons

truct

ion

seas

onal

pos

t-co

nstru

ctio

n

Ave

rage

abu

ndan

ce p

er s

ampl

ing

perio

d of

fish

and

dec

apod

s in

the

river

and

cut

s

05101520253035 A. cine

reum C. s

apidu

s

C. und

ecim

alis

D. mac

ulatus

E. hare

ngulu

s E. lyric

us F. azte

cus G. b

osc

G. holb

rooki

L. mac

rochir

us

L. rho

mboide

sMen

idia s

pA M. gulo

sus

M. cep

halus P. c

f. pug

ioP. la

tipinn

aT. m

acula

tusXan

thid s

pA

Spec

ies

Abundance

river

pre

-con

stru

ctio

nriv

er p

ost-c

onst

ruct

ion

"nat

ural

" cut

pre

-con

stru

ctio

nne

w c

uts

post

-con

stru

ctio

n

Spe

cies

Abundance

Evo

rthod

us ly

ricus

Rel

ativ

e ab

unda

nce

of fi

sh a

nd d

ecap

ods

on th

e m

arsh

sur

face

pre

-res

tora

tion

Rel

ativ

e ab

unda

nce

of fi

sh a

nd d

ecap

ods

on th

e m

arsh

sur

face

pos

t-res

tora

tion

Rel

ativ

e ab

unda

nce

of fi

sh a

nd d

ecap

ods

in th

e riv

er a

nd c

ut p

re-r

esto

ratio

nR

elat

ive

abun

danc

e of

fish

and

dec

apod

s in

the

river

and

cut

s po

st-r

esto

ratio

n

Dis

cuss

ion

This

stu

dy a

sses

sed

the

feas

ibili

ty a

nd b

enef

it of

impr

ovin

g hy

drol

ogic

co

nnec

tivity

of f

lood

plai

n w

etla

nds

and

oxbo

ws

isol

ated

due

to d

redg

ing

alon

g th

e N

orth

For

k S

t. Lu

cie

Riv

er.

Res

tora

tion

of a

sim

ilarly

-impa

cted

sys

tem

in

the

regi

on (K

issi

mm

ee R

iver

) ser

ves

as a

mod

el fo

r thi

s ef

fort

(Dah

m e

t al.,

19

95) a

nd th

e ch

alle

nges

ass

ocia

ted

with

exc

avat

ion

and

mon

itorin

g. T

he

habi

tat t

ype

(fore

sted

floo

dpla

in w

etla

nds)

, sub

stra

te (f

ines

, muc

k), a

nd w

ater

de

pth

(<12

”) p

ose

prob

lem

s fo

r mos

t con

vent

iona

l sam

plin

g ge

ar ty

pes

and

ther

efor

e fe

w s

peci

men

s w

ere

colle

cted

. Fo

r thi

s st

udy,

the

bene

fits

of

rest

orat

ion

incl

uded

:

-incr

ease

d D

O le

vels

with

in n

ewly

reco

nnec

ted

wet

land

s an

d ox

bow

s

-form

atio

n of

stre

ams,

bra

ids,

und

ercu

ts, S

mal

l Woo

dy D

ebris

(SW

D),

Larg

e W

oody

Deb

ris (L

WD

) allo

win

g in

crea

sed

habi

tat c

ompl

exity

-incr

ease

d hy

drop

erio

d of

floo

dpla

in w

etla

nds

and

habi

tat u

tiliz

atio

n by

aqu

atic

or

gani

sms

-util

izat

ion

of n

ew c

uts,

rehy

drat

ed w

etla

nds,

and

the

oxbo

w b

y co

mm

erci

ally

an

d re

crea

tiona

lly im

porta

nt s

peci

es (e

.g.,

snoo

ks, b

lue

crab

s, b

row

n sh

rimp,

m

ulle

ts, m

ojar

ras)

and

rare

spe

cies

(big

mou

th s

leep

er, m

angr

ove

rivul

us)

-the

five

com

pone

nts

of re

stor

atio

n of

fish

hab

itat:

dept

h an

d ar

ea

impr

ovem

ent f

or v

ario

us li

fe s

tage

s, w

ater

qua

lity,

sea

sona

l cur

rent

pat

tern

s,

refu

gia,

and

food

ava

ilabi

lity

(Tre

xler

, 199

5).

Res

tora

tion

of th

e N

orth

For

k S

t. Lu

cie

Riv

er th

roug

h hy

drol

ogic

reco

nnec

tion

of o

ligoh

alin

e flo

odpl

ain

wet

land

s an

d is

olat

ed o

xbow

s is

ben

efic

ial (

aqua

tic

anim

al u

tiliz

atio

n, w

ater

qua

lity

impr

ovem

ents

, nut

rient

cyc

ling)

and

feas

ible

(r

ough

ly $

60,0

00 p

er c

ut a

nd $

90,0

00 p

er o

xbow

end

poin

t). N

umer

ous

site

s al

ong

the

Nor

th F

ork

have

bee

n id

entif

ied

for s

imila

r res

tora

tion

effo

rts (P

BS

J,

2003

) and

will

be

fund

ed th

roug

h th

e In

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er L

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outh

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m, C

.N.,

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995.

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of t

he re

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n of

the

Kis

sim

mee

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er. R

esto

ratio

n E

colo

gy 3

(3):

225-

238.

Trex

ler,

J.C

. 199

5. R

esto

ratio

n of

the

Kis

sim

mee

Riv

er: a

con

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ual m

odel

of

past

and

pre

sent

fish

com

mun

ities

and

its

cons

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nces

for e

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atin

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esto

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n E

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(3):

195-

210.

Pos

t, B

uckl

ey, S

hue,

and

Jer

niga

n. 2

003.

Fin

al re

port

to F

DE

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easi

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tudy

for t

he re

conn

ectio

n of

wet

land

s an

d ox

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s al

ong

the

NFS

LR. 3

0pp.

PosterpresentationfromtheNationalConferenceonCoastalandEstuarineHabitatRestorationinNewOrleans(Bealet.al.2006).

B.�.4 / Biological Monitoring at Hydrologic Restoration Sites

��

2004 2005 2006 2004 2005 2006

Number of Nests 254 176 249 86 68 132 87 74 147 78 29 0

Nest Density (#Nests/m2 ) 0.15 0.10 0.19 0.08 0.06 0.08 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 <0.01 N/A

% Failures 25 77 9 31 60 5 48 89 2 42 100 N/A

Number of Fledglings 376 77 645 118 44 335 83 14 340 72 0 N/A

Mean Nestling Success 1.48 0.44 2.59 1.37 0.65 2.54 0.95 0.19 2.31 0.92 0.00 N/A

Median Nestling Success 2 0 3 1 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 N/A

(Excluding Failures) Mean Nestling Success 1.98 1.88 2.73 2.00 1.63 2.68 1.84 1.75 2.36 1.60 N/A N/A

Median Nestling Success (Excluding Failures) 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 N/A N/A

2004 2005 2006 2004 2005 2006

Desert Ranch

Florida

Gulf of Mexico

Source: ESRI World Basemap Data

§

Pelican Island

North Fork Bird Island

Kilometers

Atlantic Ocean

B.�.� / Woodstork Monitoring Data

SummaryofwoodstorkreproductivesuccessdatacollectedatfourFloridabreedingbirdcoloniesforthe2004,2005,and2006breedingseasonsfromGriffinetal.acceptedintoActaZoologicain2008.

��

3

WaterQualityParametersMonitoredintheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverbyFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP),SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict(SFWMD),St.LucieCountyDepartmentofHealth(SLCDOH),FloridaOceanographicSociety(FOS),MarineResourcesCouncil(MRC),andUnitedStatesGeologicalSurvey(USGS).

B.�.� / Water Quality Monitoring Matrix

��

St.LucieRiverOysterGardnerVolunteerLocationMap.

B.�.� / Oyster Reef Monitoring DataTwoentities,FloridaOceanographicSocietyandFloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission,collectoysterreefmonitoringdatawithinthepreserve.Thefollowingdataprovideacomarativesynopsisofoysterdensity,size,andrecruitmentabilitieswithintheNorthForkSt.LucieRiver.

�40

ComparisonofoysterdensityintheSt.LucieRiverfromSeptember2006toMay2007(dataprovidedbyFloridaOceanographicSociety).

Oyster Length

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0Le

ngth

(cm

)

Middle Estuary

Oyster Density

0

100

200

300

400

500

Den

sity

(o

yste

rs/s

qu

are

met

er)

Stuart Pendarvis Cove Britt CreekRio Harbor RidgeBay Haven

Stuart Pendarvis Cove Britt CreekRio Harbor RidgeBay Haven

Sept 2006 Dec 2006 May 2007

North ForkSouth Fork

Middle Estuary North ForkSouth Fork

Sept 2006 Dec 2006 May 2007

ComparisonofoysterlengthintheSt.LucieRiverfromSeptember2006toMay2007(dataprovidedbyFloridaOceanographicSociety).

�4�

FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommissionoysterreefmonitoringsitesthroughoutFlorida(reproducedfromFloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission[FWC],2006).

�4�

Sal

inity

Mea

n Li

ve O

yste

rs/m

2M

ean

She

ll H

eigh

t (m

m)

Site

50

40

30

20

10

0

1000

800

600

400

200

0

100

80

60

40

20

0TB ML SR SL-N SL-C SL-S LX-N LX-S LW BB

TB ML SR SL-N SL-C SL-S LX-N LX-S LW BB

TB ML SR SL-N SL-C SL-S LX-N LX-S LW BB

A

B

CSpring, 2006Fall, 2006

A)Mean,maximum,andminimumsalinitiesrecordedateachstudysiteduringthesixmonthspriortoeachsurvey.B)Meannumberofliveoysterspresentateachstudysiteduringthespring2006andfall2006surveys.C)Meanshellheight(mm)ofoysterspresentateachstudysiteduringthespring2006andfall2006surveys.(TB=TampaBay,ML=MosquitoLagoon,SR=SebastianRiver,SL-N=St.Lucie-North,SL-C=St.Lucie-Central,SL-S=St.Lu-cie-South,LX-N=Loxahatchee-North,LX-S=Loxahatchee-South,LW=LakeWorthLagoon,BB=BiscayneBay)(ReproducedfromFloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission[FWC],2007a).

�4�

Tampa Bay

0

5

10

15

20

0

10

20

30

40

St. Lucie - South

0

5

10

15

20

0

10

20

30

40

Loxahatchee - North

0

5

10

15

20

0

10

20

30

40

Mosquito Lagoon

0

5

10

15

20

0

10

20

30

40

Loxahatchee - South

0

5

10

15

20

0

10

20

30

40

Sebastian River

0

5

10

15

20

0

10

20

30

40

Lake Worth

Date

0

5

10

15

20

0

10

20

30

40

St. Lucie - North

0

5

10

15

20

0

10

20

30

40

Biscayne Bay

0

5

10

15

20

0

10

20

30

40

St. Lucie - Central

Sal

inity

and

Mea

n S

pat

/Sh

ell

0

5

10

15

20

0

10

20

30

40

Spat/Shell

Salinity

10/05 12/05 2/06 4/06 6/06 8/06 10/06 10/05 12/05 2/06 4/06 6/06 8/06 10/06

Mean(±S.D.)numberofoysterrecruitscollectedpershelleachmonthandthemean,maximum,andminimumsalinitiesrecordedeachmonthfromOctober2005toOctober2006(reproducedfromFWC,2006).

�44

B.�.� / Shoreline Stabilization at Hydrologic Restoration Sites

Shorelinestabilizationisanecessarycomponentofhydrologicrestorationprojectsbecauseoftheneedtobreachlargespoilbermsinordertorestoreflowtoartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplains.TheimagesaboveshowasuccessfulshorelinestabilizationprojectatafloodplainreconnectionsitelocatedonemilenorthofPrimaVistaBoulevard.

�4�

B.�.� / Land Acquisition Maps

PrivateparcelslocatedalongtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters(TenMileCreek)that,ifacquired,wouldbenefitthepreserve.

Midway Rd.

Prima Vista Blvd.

Walton Rd.

Map 1 Map 2 Map 3

Map 4

Map 5

Map 6

Map 7

Map 9

Map 8

St. Lucie Blvd.Port

River Mile

NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseProposed Florida Forever Additions


0 1 20.5Miles ±February 2009

Landacquisitionoverviewmap.

�4�

1

23

4

5

6

78 9

10

11

12

13

14

1518

17

16Coolidge

Gordy

32

Map 1

River Mile

NFSLR Aquatic PreserveHydrologic Restoration SiteProposed Florida Forever Additions


0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009

Landacquisitionmap1.

�4�

11

12

13

14

15

18

17

16

18

19

20 21 22

23

24

25

2628

2729

JenkinsRalls

BrownShelbyWest

32 31

Map 2

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009


�4�

25 26

28

27 29

BrownShelbyWest

ShelbyEast

30

31

32

33

3435

35

36

37

38

ScoutCamp

Miller

Scout CampSouth

RailroadWest Railroad

East

RailroadEast

Cargill

RiverOaks

29

30

Map 3

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009


�4�

39

40

41

42 43

44

45

46

4748

49

50

51

52

53

54 55

Evans

DivineUpstream

Midway

28

Map 4

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009


��0

49 50 51 52 53

5455

Midway

56

57

5859

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

7071

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

7980

BrokenBench

Haupt

RobertsUpstream

81

82

27

Map 5

River Mile



0 0.05 0.10.025Miles ±February 2009


��

80Roberts

Upstream

81

82

83

84

85

8687 88 89 90 91

92

9394 95

CharlestonOaks

Idabelle

OtterTrail

9697

9899

100

Haupt

26

Map 6

River Mile



0 0.05 0.10.025Miles ±February 2009


��

112

River PlaceUpstream

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120 121

Site 5West

OxbowEco-Center

25

24Map 7

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009


��

122

123

124

EvansCreek

Prima VistaEast

Prima Vista Blvd.

23

22

21

20

Map 8

River Mile



0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009


��4

125

127128

129

EvansCreek

EvansCreek

126


Veter

ans Memorial Parkway

20

19

18

17

Map 9

River Mile



0 0.25 0.50.125Miles ±February 2009


��

Map# Parcel# Section Township Range Lat. Long. Acreage Waterfront(meters)

1 1 26 35S 39E -80.403 27.406 9.97 8001 2 26 35S 39E -80.405 27.406 65.44 8001 3 26 35S 39E -80.404 27.408 2.40 01 4 26 35S 39E -80.404 27.403 6.40 3051 5 26 35S 39E -80.401 27.402 7.71 3751 6 26 35S 39E -80.400 27.402 0.82 01 7 26 35S 39E -80.403 27.400 0.57 01 8 26 35S 39E -80.405 27.399 8.99 881 9 25 35S 39E -80.398 27.401 8.57 01 10 25 35S 39E -80.396 27.397 5.79 01 11 25 35S 39E -80.394 27.404 105.30 12001 12 25 35S 39E -80.395 27.401 24.81 12001 13 25 35S 39E -80.391 27.402 6.14 1401 14 25 35S 39E -80.391 27.402 0.82 1401 15 25 35S 39E -80.395 27.399 22.58 02 16 25 35S 39E -80.384 27.402 29.23 4202 17 25 35S 39E -80.386 27.398 62.90 6702 18 25 35S 39E -80.389 27.396 28.96 02 19 30 35S 40E -80.382 27.401 3.66 1902 20 30 35S 40E -80.382 27.402 0.93 02 21 30 35S 40E -80.381 27.402 1.05 02 22 30 35S 40E -80.379 27.403 11.56 1302 23 30 35S 40E -80.378 27.402 1.45 1162 24 30 35S 40E -80.377 27.403 2.95 1002 25 30 35S 40E -80.376 27.404 3.23 02 26 30 35S 40E -80.375 27.402 3.08 2082 27 30 35S 40E -80.375 27.401 9.87 3152 28 30 35S 40E -80.374 27.403 2.08 1003 29 30 35S 40E -80.370 27.404 72.62 9603 30 30 35S 40E -80.369 27.406 4.96 2503 31 30 35S 40E -80.367 27.405 3.19 1003 32 30 35S 40E -80.367 27.403 3.05 303 33 29 35S 40E -80.365 27.403 10.39 4003 34 29 35S 40E -80.364 27.401 19.00 603 35 29 35S 40E -80.359 27.397 12.20 5103 36 29 35S 40E -80.358 27.400 0.27 03 37 29 35S 40E -80.353 27.400 2.38 03 38 29 35S 40E -80.355 27.396 17.60 2504 39 33 35S 40E -80.346 27.387 16.42 2804 40 33 35S 40E -80.345 27.384 27.33 4304 41 33 35S 40E -80.345 27.382 8.67 04 42 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.381 2.88 1504 43 04 36S 40E -80.341 27.381 6.36 704 44 04 36S 40E -80.347 27.380 11.13 2004 45 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.379 1.50 704 46 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.379 1.44 604 47 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.378 3.46 1554 48 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.377 24.31 1904 49 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.375 2.21 04 50 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.375 3.91 04 51 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.375 3.62 04 52 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.376 1.43 404 53 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.375 2.00 754 54 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.375 0.27 204 55 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.375 0.39 355 56 04 36S 40E -80.348 27.373 9.43 1055 57 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.371 0.60 1505 58 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.371 0.75 05 59 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.371 0.67 305 60 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.370 0.64 305 61 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.370 1.02 435 62 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.370 0.25 245 63 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.369 1.04 77

ThefollowingtableprovidesthelocationandacreageforeachoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverandTenMileCreekLandAcquisitionsitesidentifiedintheabovemapseries.

��

Map# Parcel# Section Township Range Lat. Long. Acreage Waterfront(meters)

5 64 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.369 0.57 875 65 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.373 0.25 965 66 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.373 0.67 105 67 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.373 0.63 335 68 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.372 2.02 955 69 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.371 1.63 725 70 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.371 0.93 385 71 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.371 N/A 985 72 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.370 0.45 405 73 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.370 0.39 405 74 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.370 1.05 2505 75 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.370 0.47 475 76 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.369 2.98 685 77 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.368 5.45 1005 78 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.368 2.03 355 79 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.367 4.06 686 80 09 36S 40E -80.346 27.365 30.51 2,2506 81 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.366 2.47 806 82 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.365 0.99 2406 83 09 36S 40E -80.342 27.364 0.54 556 84 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.363 1.95 1556 85 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.362 1.83 06 86 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.361 2.15 06 87 09 36S 40E -80.345 27.358 4.28 4556 88 09 36S 40E -80.346 27.359 0.99 06 89 09 36S 40E -80.345 27.359 1.05 06 90 09 36S 40E -80.344 27.359 1.05 06 91 09 36S 40E -80.344 27.359 0.60 06 92 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.359 1.73 06 93 09 36S 40E -80.342 27.358 1.51 566 94 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.358 0.52 456 95 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.357 0.39 306 96 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.357 0.37 326 97 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.357 0.42 336 98 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.357 0.22 186 99 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.356 0.23 186 100 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.356 0.76 447 101 16 36S 40E -80.349 27.349 3.02 07 102 16 36S 40E -80.344 27.347 2.44 07 103 16 36S 40E -80.343 27.346 84.52 1,3007 104 16 36S 40E -80.340 27.346 21.33 2057 105 16 36S 40E -80.344 27.344 11.17 07 106 16 36S 40E -80.343 27.344 4.80 07 107 16 36S 40E -80.345 27.343 7.69 07 108 16 36S 40E -80.348 27.340 21.30 1107 109 16 36S 40E -80.346 27.338 2.17 2007 110 16 36S 40E -80.340 27.339 84.52 1,3257 111 16 36S 40E -80.340 27.341 84.52 8007 112 16 36S 40E -80.338 27.347 11.67 3007 113 16 36S 40E -80.336 27.348 0.88 07 114 16 36S 40E -80.335 27.347 4.75 07 115 16 36S 40E -80.338 27.346 21.33 2057 116 16 36S 40E -80.338 27.345 19.69 1627 117 16 36S 40E -80.338 27.343 13.05 1807 118 16 36S 40E -80.338 27.342 10.75 3877 119 16 36S 40E -80.336 27.338 3.03 2867 120 21 36S 40E -80.334 27.334 1.26 1577 121 22 36S 40E -80.334 27.333 0.25 108 122 27 36S 40E -80.322 27.316 69.60 4,0308 123 27 36S 40E -80.325 27.315 4.60 3758 124 27 36S 40E -80.326 27.314 4.16 4459 125 02 37S 40E -80.317 27.291 4.31 2639 126 02 37S 40E -80.317 27.291 1.53 1759 127 02 37S 40E -80.315 27.290 49.45 4909 128 02 37S 40E -80.308 27.292 16.55 09 129 02 37S 40E -80.314 27.286 0.85 0

��

B.�.�0 / Aquatic Plants Suitable for Restoration Efforts

AquaticvegetationsuitableforuseinrestorationeffortsalongtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters,FiveandTenMileCreeks.

Emergent Vegetation

Estuarine

Giant leatherfern Freshwater

Beaked panicgrass Bitter panicgrass Blue water hyssop

Bog smartweed Bulltongue arrowhead Chapman’s arrowhead Common reed Dotted smartweed

Fall panicgrass Gaping panicgrass Giant leatherfern Maidencane

Panicgrass Pickerel weed Redtop panicgrass Sawgrass Swamp lily

Swamp smartweed

Estuarine Shoal grass Widgeon grass Freshwater

Muskgrass Pondweed Pondweed Southern water nymph

Tapegrass Widgeon grass

Freshwater Duckweed

Yellow water lily (Spadderdock) White water lily

Acrostichum danaeifolium

Panicum ancepsPanicum amarumBacopa caroliniana

Polygonum setaceumSagittaria lancifoliaSagittaria graminea var. chapmanii Phragmites australis Polygonum punctatum

Panicum dichotomiflorumPanicum hiansAcrostichum danaeifoliumPanicum hematomim

Panicum longifoliumPontedaria cordataPanicum rigidulumCladium jamaicenseCrinum americanum

Polygonum hydropiperoides

Halodule wrightii Ruppia maritima

Chara sp. Potamogeton illinoiensisPotamogeton pusillusNajas guadalupensis

Vallisneria americanaRuppia maritima

Lemna sp.

Nuphar luteaNymphaea odorata

Submerged / Floating Vegetation

Submerged Vegetation

��

B.�.�� / Stormwater Runoff Analysis

NutrientlevelsinstormwaterrunofffromprominentlandusetypesintheSt.LucieRiverwatershed(Gravesetal.,2004).

HeavymetalconcentrationsinstormwaterrunofffromprominentlandusetypeswithintheSt.LucieRiverwatershed(Gravesetal.,2004).

Land Use # Samples Total P (mg L-1)Mean Median

Total N (mg L-1)Mean Median

Organic N (mg L-1)Mean Median

Inorganic N (mg L-1)Mean Median

NH3-N (mg L-1)Mean Median

NOX-N (mg L-1)Mean Median

Citrus

Pasture

Urban

Golf Course

Wetland

Row crop

Residual

Dairy

127

53

115

28

30

20

21

8

0.29

0.29

0.22

0.24

0.02

0.63

0.26

12.54

0.16

0.22

0.09

0.19

0.01

0.45

0.20

8.86

1.37

1.46

1.07

1.62

1.18

1.88

1.09

38.90

1.23

1.09

0.82

1.51

0.94

1.31

0.87

24.60

1.11

1.32

0.92

1.27

1.10

1.14

0.87

9.98

1.05

0.94

0.72

1.22

0.99

0.97

0.81

7.39

0.26

0.15

0.13

0.32

0.14

0.77

0.21

28.90

0.13

0.08

0.05

0.22

0.02

0.33

0.14

11.50

0.13

0.11

0.06

0.20

0.14

0.20

0.09

28.50

0.06

0.06

0.03

0.10

0.02

0.04

0.05

11.00

0.14

0.03

0.07

0.12

0.00

0.57

0.11

0.39

0.04

0.01

0.01

0.07

0.00

0.27

0.05

0.03

As

Mn

Cd

Cr

Cu

Pb

Ni

Zn

3.00

0.25

0.30

1.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

1.80

24

196

1

8

141

4

75

52

50

1003

25 - 400

66.5 - 644

3.62 - 38.66

0.545 - 18.6

48.8 - 509.4

32.7 - 343.1

72.1

865.0

0.44

6.6

77.4

7.1

18.2

119.0

1

NA

none

none

15

1

none

2

Golf Course

NA

none

noneGolf Course, Citrus,

Row Crop

Urban

none

Row Crop

Urban

All

Pasture

Urban, Citrus

Urban

Citrus, Row Crop Citrus, Row Crop,

Urban

Citrus, Urban

Heavy Metal

Detection Limit (mg L-1)

# SamplesDetected

Florida Fresh Water Criteria (mg L-1)

Max. ConcentrationDetected (mg L-1)

# Samples ExceedingFlorida Criteria

Land Use AboveFlorida Criteria

Other DetectedLand Use

Chlorpyrifos ethyl

Diazinon

Endosulfan

Ethion

Malathion

Metalaxyl

Atrazine

Bromacil

Simazine

Pesticide

High

Moderate

Extremely high

Very high

Low

Low

Very low

Very low

Very low

Rating inToxiicity toEstuarine

Biota*

Very Strong

Strong

Very Strong

Very Strong

Moderate

Weak

Weak

Weak

Weak

Rating inAffinity to

Soil orSediment

Moderate

Moderate

Low

High

Low

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Rating inPersistencein Aquatic

Environment

Citrus

Urban

Row Crop

Citrus

Citrus

Citrus

Citrus, Urban, Golf Course

Citrus, Row Crop

Citrus, Row Crop, Golf Course, Pasture

Land UseDetected

PesticideType

Insecticide

Insecticide

Insecticide

Insecticide

Insecticide

Fungicide

Herbicide

Herbicide

Herbicide

DetectionLimit in Water

(mg L-1)

0.1

0.1

0.01

0.05

0.15

0.6

0.05

0.3

0.05

FL ChronicToxicity

Standard(mg L-1)

0.00176

0.01

0.056

0.003

0.1

299

2

1,400

1

# SamplesDetected

1

1

2

4

1

1

22

22

44

# SamplesExceeding

FloridaCriteria

1

1

1

4

1

0

0

0

12

MaxConcentration

Detected(mg L-1)

0.98

0.12

0.086

0.068 - 2.7

0.82

1.3

0.85

63

53

AnalysisofpesticidesidentifiedinstormwaterrunofftakenfromprominentlandusetypeslocatedwithintheSt.LucieRiverwatershed(Gravesetal.,2004).

��

B.�.�� / Class III Water Quality Standards

ClassIIIsurfacewatercriteriatable(modifiedfromchapter62-302.530F.A.C.).

62-302.530, Criteria for Surface Water Quality Classifications

(1) Alkalinity Milligrams/L as CaCO

Shall not be depressed below 20

< L/smargilliM munimulA )2( 1.5

(3) Ammonia (un-ionized) Milligrams/L as NH3 < 20.0

(4) Antimony Micrograms/L < 4,300 < 4,300

(5) (a) Arsenic (total) Micrograms/L < < 05 50

(5) (b) Arsenic (trivalent) Micrograms/L measured as total recoverable Arsenic

< 36

(6) Bacteriological Quality (Fecal Coliform Bacteria)

Number per 100 ml (Most Probable Number (MPN) or Membrane Filter (MF))

MPN or MF counts shall not exceed a monthly average of 200, nor exceed 400 in 10% of the samples, nor exceed

800 on any one day. Monthly averages shall be expressed as geometric means based

on a minimum of 10 samples taken over a 30 day period.

MPN or MF counts shall not exceed a monthly average of

200, nor exceed 400 in 10% of the samples, nor exceed 800

on any one day. Monthly averages shall be expressed

as geometric means based on a minimum of 10 samples

taken over a 30 day period.

L/smargilliM muiraB )7(

(8) Benzene Micrograms/L < 71.28 annual avg. < 71.28 annual avg.

(9) Beryllium Micrograms/L < 0.13 annual avg. < 0.13 annual avg.

(10) Biological Integrity Percent reduction of Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index

The Index for benthic macroinvertebrates shall not be reduced to less than 75% of established background levels as measured using

organisms retained by a U.S. Standard No. 30 sieve and collected and composited from a minimum of three

Hester-Dendy type artificial substrate samplers of 0.10 to 0.15 m2 area each, incubated

for a period of four weeks.

The Index for benthic macroinvertebrates shall not be reduced to less than 75% of established background levels as measured using

organisms retained by a U.S. Standard No. 30 sieve and

collected and composited from a minimum of three natural

substrate samples, taken with Ponar type samplers with minimum sampling area of

225 cm2.

(11) BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)

Shall not be increased to exceed values which would cause dissolved oxygen to be depressed below the limit established

for each class and, in no case, shall it be great enough to produce nuisance conditions.

L/smargilliM noroB )21(

< L/smargilliM setamorB )31( 100

< L/smargilliM )ralucelom eerf( enimorB )41( 0.1

(15) Cadmium Micrograms/L See Notes (1) and (3).

Cd < e (0.7409 [ln H] - 4.719) < 8.8

(16) Carbon tetrachloride Micrograms/L < 4.42 annual avg. < 4.42 annual avg.

(17) Chlorides Milligrams/L Not increased more than 10% above normal background. Normal daily and seasonal

fluctuations shall be maintained.

Class III: Recreation, Propagation and Maintenance Healthy, Well-Balanced Population of Fish and Wildl

of a ife

3

Predominantly Fresh Waters Predominantly Marine WatersParameter Units

��0

(18) Chlorine (total residual) Milligrams/L < < 10.0 0.01

(19) (a) Chromium (trivalent) Micrograms/L measured as total recoverable Chromium See Notes (1) and (3).

Cr (III) ≤ e (0.819 [ln H] + 0.6848)

(19) (b) Chromium (hexavalent)

Micrograms/L See Note (3).

< < 11 50

(20) Chronic Toxicity (see definition in Section 62-302.200(4), F.A.C. and also see below, "Substances in concentrations which...")

(21) Color, etc. (see also Minimum Criteria, Odor, Phenols, etc.)

Color, odor, and taste producing substances and other deleterious substances, including other chemical compounds attributable to domestic wastes, industrial wastes, and other wastes

(22) Conductance, Specific Micromhos/cm Shall not be increased more than 50% above background

or to 1,275, whichever is greater.

(23) Copper Micrograms/L Cu ≤ e (0.8545 [ln H] - 1.702) ≤ 3.7

(24) Cyanide Micrograms/L < < 2.5 1.0

(25) Definitions (see Section 62-302.200, F.A.C.)

(26) Detergents Milligrams/L < < 5.0 0.5

(27) 1,1-Dichloroethylene (1,1-dichloroethene)

Micrograms/L < 3.2 annual avg. < 3.2 annual avg.

(28) Dichloromethane (methylene chloride)

Micrograms/L < 1,580 annual avg. < 1,580 annual avg.

(29) 2,4-Dinitrotoluene Micrograms/L < 9.1 annual avg. < 9.1 annual avg.

(30) Dissolved Oxygen Milligrams/L Shall not be lesNormal daily and seasonal fluctuations above these

levels shall be maintained.

Shall not average less than 5.0 in a 24-hour period and shall never be less than 4.0. Normal daily and seasonal

fluctuations above these levels shall be maintained.

L/smargilliM sdiloS devlossiD )13(

(32) Fluorides Milligrams/L < < 0.01 5.0

(33) "Free Froms" (see Minimum Criteria in Section 62-302.500, F.A.C.)

(34) "General Criteria" (see Section 62-302.500, F.A.C. and individual criteria)



of a ife


��

(35) (a) Halomethanes (Total trihalomethanes) (total of bromoform, chlorodibromomethane, dichlorobromomethane, and chloroform). Individual halomethanes shall not exceed (b) 1. to (b) 5. below.

L/smargorciM

(35) (b) 1. Halomethanes (individual): Bromoform

Micrograms/L < 360 annual avg. < 360 annual avg.

(35) (b) 2. Halomethanes (individual): Chlorodibromomethane


(35) (b) 3. Halomethanes (individual): Chloroform


(35) (b) 4. Halomethanes (individual): Chloromethane (methyl chloride)


(35) (b) 5. Halomethanes (individual): Dichlorobromomethane


(36) Hexachlorobutadiene Micrograms/L < 49.7 annual avg. < 49.7 annual avg.

(37) Imbalance (see Nutrients)

(38) Iron Milligrams/L < < 0.1 0.3

(39) Lead Micrograms/L See Notes (1) and (3).

Pb < e (1.273 [ln H] - 4.705) ≤ 8.5

L/smargilliM esenagnaM )04(

520.0 210.0 L/smargorciM yrucreM )14(

(42) Minimum Criteria (see Section 62-302.500, F.A.C.)

(43) Mixing Zones (See Section 62-4.244, F.A.C.)

(44) Nickel Micrograms/L See Notes (1) and (3).

Ni ≤ e (0.846 [ln H] + 0.0584) < 8.3

N sa L/smargilliM etartiN )54(

(46) Nuisance Species Substances in concentrations which result in the dominance of nuisance species: none shall be present.

(47) (a) Nutrients The discharge of nutrients shall continue to be limited as needed to prevent violations of other standards contained in this chapter. Man-induced nutrient enrichment (tota l nitrogen

or total phosphorus) shall be considered degradation in relation to the provisions of Sections 62-302.300, 62-302.700,

and 62-4.242, F.A.C.

(47) (b) Nutrients In no case shall nutrient concentrations of a body of water be altered so as to cause an imbalance in natural popu lations of

aquatic flora or fauna.

(48) Odor (also see Color, Minimum Criteria, Phenolic Compounds, etc.)

Threshold odor number

(49) (a) Oils and Greases Milligrams/L Dissolved or emulsified oils and greases shall not exceed

5.0

Dissolved or emulsified oils and greases shall not exceed

5.0



of a ife


��



of a ife


(49) (b) Oils and Greases No dissolved oil, or visible oil defined as iridescence, shall be present so as to cause taste or odor, or otherwise interfere

with the beneficial use of waters.

(50) Pesticides and Herbicides

L/smargorciM PT-5,4,2 )a( )05(

L/smargorciM D-4-2 )b( )05(

(50) (c) Aldrin Micrograms/L < 0.00014 annual avg.; 3.0 max

< 0.00014 annual avg.; 1.3 max

(50) (d) Beta-hexachlorocyclo-hexane (b-BHC)


(50) (e) Chlordane Micrograms/L < 0.00059 annual avg.; 0.0043 max

< 0.00059 annual avg.; 0.004 max

(50) (f) DDT Micrograms/L < 0.00059 annual avg.; 0.001 max

< 0.00059 annual avg.; 0.001 max

(50) (g) Demeton Micrograms/L < < 1.0 0.1

(50) (h) Dieldrin Micrograms/L < 0.00014 annual avg.; 0.0019 max

< 0.00014 annual avg.; 0.0019 max

(50) (i) Endosulfan Micrograms/L < 0.056 < 0.0087

(50) (j) Endrin Micrograms/L < 0.0023 < 0.0023

(50) (k) Guthion Micrograms/L < < 10.0 0.01

(50) (l) Heptachlor Micrograms/L < 0.00021 annual avg.; 0.0038 max

< 0.00021 annual avg.; 0.0036 max

(50) (m) Lindane (g-benzene hexachloride)

Micrograms/L < 0.063 annual avg.; 0.08 max

< 0.063. annual avg.; 0.16 max

(50) (n) Malathion Micrograms/L < < 1.0 0.1

(50) (o) Methoxychlor Micrograms/L < < 30.0 0.03

(50) (p) Mirex Micrograms/L < 0.001 < 0.001

(50) (q) Parathion Micrograms/L < < 40.0 0.04

(50) (r) Toxaphene Micrograms/L < 0.0002 < 0.0002

(51) (a) pH (Class I and Class IV Waters)

stinU dradnatS

stinU dradnatS )sretaW II ssalC( Hp )b( )15(

(51) (c) pH (Class III Waters) Standard Units Shall not vary more than one unit above or below naturalbackground of predominantly fresh waters and coastal waters as defined in Section 62-302.520(3)(b), F.A.C. or m ore than two-tenths unit above or below natural background of open

waters as defined in Section 62-302.520(3)(f), F.A. C., provided that the pH is not lowered to less than 6 units in

predominantly fresh waters, or less than 6.5 units in predominantly marine waters, or raised above 8.5 units. If

natural background is less than 6 units in predominantly fresh waters or 6.5 units in predominantly marine waters, the pH shall not vary below natural background or vary more than one unit above natural background of predominantly fresh waters and coastal waters, or more than two-tenths unit

above natural background of open waters. If natural background is higher than 8.5 units, the pH shall not vary

above natural background or vary more than one unit below natural background of predominantly fresh waters and coastal

waters, or more than two-tenths unit below natural background of open waters.

stinU dradnatS )sretaW V ssalC( Hp )d( )15(

��

(52) (a) Phenolic Compounds: Total

ht yb decudorp esoht naht rehto sdnuopmoc cilonehP e natural decay of plant material, listed or unlisted, shall not taint

the flesh of edible fish or shellfish or produce objectionable taste or odor in a drinking water supply.

(52) (b) Total Chlorinated Phenols and Chlorinated Cresols

Micrograms/L 1. The total of all chlorinated phenols, and chlorinated cresols, except as set forth in (c) 1. to (c) 4. below, shall not exceed

1.0 unless higher vales are shown not to be chronically toxic. Such higher values shall be approved in writing by the

Secretary. 2. The compounds listed in (c) 1. to (c) 6. below shall not

exceed the limits specified for each compound.

(52) (c) 1. Phenolic Compound: 2-chlorophenol

Micrograms/L < 400See Note (2).

< 400See Note (2).

(52) (c) 2. Phenolic Compound: 2,4-dichlorophenol

Micrograms/L < 790See Note (2).

< 790See Note (2).

(52) (c) 3. Phenolic Compound: Pentachlorophenol

Micrograms/L < 30 max;< 8.2 annual avg;< e

(1.005 [pH] - 5.29)

< 7.9

(52) (c) 4. Phenolic Compound: 2,4,6-trichlorophenol


(52) (c) 5. Phenolic Compound: 2,4-dinitrophenol

Milligrams/L < 14.26See Note (2).

< 14.26 See Note (2).

(52) (c) 6. Phenolic Compound: Phenol

Milligrams/L < < 3.0 0.3

< L/smargorciM )latnemelE( surohpsohP )35( 0.1

(54) Phthalate Esters Micrograms/L < 0.3

(55) Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Micrograms/L < 0.000045 annual avg.; 0.014 max

< 0.000045 annual avg.; 0.03 max

(56) (a) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total of: Acenaphthylene; Benzo(a)anthracene; Benzo(a)pyrene; Benzo(b)fluoran-thene; Benzo(ghi)perylene; Benzo(k)fluoranthene; Chrysene; Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene; Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene; and Phenanthrene

Micrograms/L < 0.031annual avg. < 0.031 annual avg.

(56) (b) 1 (Individual PAHs): Acenaphthene

Milligrams/L < 2.7See Note (2).

< 2.7See Note (2).

(56) (b) 2. (Individual PAHs): Anthracene

Milligrams/L < 110See Note (2).

< 110See Note (2).

(56) (b) 3. (Individual PAHs): Fluoranthene

Milligrams/L < 0.370 See Note (2).

< 0.370See Note (2).

(56) (b) 4. (Individual PAHs): Fluorene


< 14See Note (2).

(56) (b) 5. (Individual PAHs): Pyrene


< 11See Note (2).

(57) (a) Radioactive substances (Combined radium 226 and 228)

Picocuries/L < < 5 5



of a ife


��4



of a ife


(57) (b) Radioactive substances (Gross alpha particle activity including radium 226, but excluding radon and uranium)

Picocuries/L < < 51 15

(58) Selenium Micrograms/L < < 0.5 71

(59) Silver Micrograms/L See Note (3).

< 0.07 See Minimum criteria in Section 62-302.500(1)(c)

(60) Specific Conductance (see Conductance, Specific, above)

(61) Substances in concentrations which injure, are chronically toxic to, or produce adverse physiological or behavioral response in humans, plants, or animals

None shall be present.

(62) 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane Micrograms/L < 10.8 annual avg. < 10.8 annual avg.

(63) Tetrachloroethylene (1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethene)


3.6 < 3.6 < L/smargorciM muillahT )46(

(65) Thermal Criteria (See Section 62-302.520)

(66) Total Dissolved Gases Percent of the saturation value for gases at the existing atmospheric and hydrostatic pressures

< 110% of saturation value < 110% of saturation value

(67) Transparency Depth of the compensation point for photosynthetic activity

Shall not be reduced by more than 10% as compared to the

natural background value.

Shall not be reduced by more than 10% as compared to the

natural background value.

(68) Trichloroethylene (trichloroethene)


(69) Turbidity Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU)

< 29 above natural background conditions

< 29 above natural background conditions

(70) Zinc Micrograms/L See Notes (1) and (3).

Zn ≤ e (0.8473 [ln H] + 0.884) < 86

Notes: (1) “ln H” means the natural logarithm of total hardness expressed as milligrams/L of CaCO3 . For metals criteria involving equations with hardness, the hardness shall be set at 25 mg/L if actual hardness is < 25 mg/L and set at 400 mg/L if actual hardness is > 400 mg/L; (2) This criterion is protective of human health not of aquatic life; (3) For application of dissolved metals criteria see 62-302.500(2)(d), F.A.C.

��

B.�.�� / Impaired Basins and TMDL Development Schedule

TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverhasbeenverifiedasanimpairedwaterbody,whichmeansthatitdoesnotmeetthecriteriaoutlinedforitsdesignationasaClassIIIsurfacewaterbody.TotalMaximumDailyLoadsfornutrientsarecur-rentlybeingdevelopedforthiswaterbody.DEPstaffwillbeginworkingwithlocalgovernmentstodraftaBasinActionManagementPlanthatwillidentifyspecificprojectstoreducetheamountofnutrientsreachingtheSt.LucieRiver.

St.LucieBasinImpairedWaterbodiesandTMDLDevelopmentDates.

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Integrated Assessment Category Descriptions* 1 - Attains all designated uses, 2 - Attains some designated uses, 3a - No data and information available to determine if any designated use is attained, 3b - Some data and information available but they are insufficient for determining if any designated use is attained, 3c - Meets planning list criteria and is potentially impaired for one or more designated uses, 4a - Impaired for one or more designated uses and the TMDL is complete, 4b - Impaired for one or more designated uses, but no TMDL is required because a proposed pollution control measure provides reasonable assurance that the water will attain standards in the future, 4c - Impaired for one or more designated uses but no TMDL will be developed because the impairment is not caused by a pollutant, 4b - Impaired for one or more designated uses, but no TMDL is required because a proposed pollution control measure provides reasonable assurance that the water will attain standards in the future, 5 - Water quality standards are not attained and a TMDL is required. May 17, 2006, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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B.6/Florida Natural Areas Inventory Descriptions

81NaturalCommunitiesareclassifiedbytheFloridaNaturalAreasInventory(FNAI).ANaturalCommunity(NC)isdefinedasadistinctandreoccurringassemblageofpopulationsofplants,animals,fungiandmicroorganismsnaturallyassociatedwitheachotherandtheirphysicalenvironment.Thelevelsofthisclassificationbecomeincreasinglymorecomplexandfinelysubdivided.Atalllevels,however,thereareoverlapsbetweentypesbecauseofoverlappingspeciesdistributionsandintergradingphysicalconditions.

Atthebroadestlevel,theNaturalCommunitiesaregroupedintosevenNaturalCommunityCategoriesbasedonhydrologyandvegetation.AsecondlevelofthehierarchysplitstheNaturalCommunityCategoriesintoNaturalCommunityGroups.Thethirdleveloftheclassification,NaturalCommunityTypes,isthelevelatwhichNaturalCommunitiesarenamedanddescribed.NaturalCommunitiesarecharacterizedanddefinedbyacombinationofphysiognomy,vegetationstructureandcomposition,topography,landform,substrate,soilmoisturecondition,climate,andfire.Theyarenamedfortheirmostcharacteristicbiologicalorphysicalfeature.

3LevelsofNaturalCommunities

•CATEGORIES-basedonhydrologyandvegetation

•Groups-definedbylandform,substrate,andvegitation

•Types-characterizedanddefinedbyacombinationofphysiognomy,vegetationstructureandcomposition,topography,landform,substrate,soilmoisturecondition,climate,andfire

7NaturalCommunityCategories

1.Terrestrial Natural Communities-uplandhabitatsdominatedbyplantswhicharenotadaptedtoanaerobicsoilconditionsimposedbysaturationorinundationformorethan10%ofthegrowingseason.

2.Palustrine Natural Communities-freshwaterwetlandsdominatedbyplantsadaptedtoanaerobicsubstrateconditionsimposedbysubstratesaturationorinundationduring10%ormoreofthegrowingseason.

3.Lacustrine Natural Communities-nonflowingwetlandsofnaturaldepressionslackingpersistentemergentvegetationexceptaroundtheperimeter.

4.Riverine Natural Communities-natural,flowingwatersfromtheirsourcetothedownstreamlimits oftidalinfluence,andboundedbychannelbanks.

5.Subterranean Natural Communitiesoccurbelowgroundsurface.

6.Estuarine Natural Communities-subtidal,intertidal,andsupratidalzonesofcoastalwaterbodies,usuallypartiallyenclosedbylandbutwithaconnectiontotheopensea,withinwhichseawaterissignificantlydilutedwithfreshwaterinflowfromtheland.

7. Marine Natural Communities–occurinsubtidal,intertidal,andsupratidalzonesofthesea,landwardtothepointatwhichseawaterbecomessignificantlydilutedwithfreshwaterinflowfromtheland.

DescriptionsoftheNaturalCommunityTypesfoundinNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve

Terrestrial

XericHammock-characterizedaseitherascrubby,dense,lowcanopyforestwithlittleunderstoryotherthanpalmetto,oramulti-storiedforestoftalltreeswithanopenorclosedcanopy.

ScrubbyFlatwoods-characterizedasanopencanopyforestofwidelyscatteredpinetreeswithasparseshrubbyunderstoryandnumerousareasofbarrenwhitesand.

Palustrine

HydricHammock-characterizedasawelldevelopedhardwoodandcabbagepalmforestwithavariableunderstoryoftendominatedbypalmsandferns.

FloodplainForest-occurondriersoilsatslightelevationswithinfloodplains,suchasonlevees,ridgesandterraces,andareusuallyfloodedforaportionofthegrowingseason.FloodplainForestsarelargelyrestrictedtothealluvialriversofthepanhandle.

FloodplainMarsh-wetlandsofherbaceousvegetationandlowshrubsthatoccurinriverfloodplains,mainlyinCentralFloridaandalongtheSt.Johns,KissimmeeandMyakkarivers,onsandyalluvialsoilswithconsiderablepeataccumulation.

FreshwaterTidalSwamp-occuronfloodplainsnearthemouthsofriversjustinlandfrommangrovesorsaltmarshes.Theyareswampforestswithwell-developedtreesinlandandincreasinglydwarfedtreestowardsthecoast,oftenwithanextensivematofconvolutedsurfaceroots.

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Slough-characterizedasbroadshallowchannels,inundatedwithflowingwater,exceptduringextremedroughts,thatarethedeepestdrainagewayswithinStrandSwampsandSwalesystems.

DepressionMarsh-characterizedasashallow,usuallyroundeddepressioninsandsubstratewithherbaceousvegetationofteninconcentricbands.DepressionMarshesaresimilarinvegetationandphysicalfeaturesto,butaregenerallysmallerthan,BasinMarshes.

Marine and Estuarine

MineralBased

UnconsolidatedSubstrate-characterizedasexpansive,relativelyopenareasofsubtidal,intertidal,andsupratidalzoneswhichlackdensepopulationsofsessileplantandanimalspecies.UnconsolidatedSubstratesareunsolidifiedmaterialandincludecoralgal,marl,mud,mud/sand,sandorshell.Thiscommunitymaysupportalargepopulationofinfaunalorganismsaswellasavarietyoftransientplanktonicandpelagicorganisms

FaunalBased

MolluskReef-characterizedasexpansiveconcentrationsofsessilemollusksoccurringinintertidalandsubtidalzonestoadepthof40feet.InFlorida,themostdevelopedMolluskReefsaregenerallyrestrictedtoestuarineareasandaredominatedbytheAmericanoyster.

FloralBased

SeagrassBed-characterizedasexpansivestandsofvascularplants.Thiscommunityoccursinsubtidal(rarelyintertidal)zones,inclear,coastalwaterswherewaveenergyismoderate.Seagrassesarenottruegrasses.

TidalSwamp-characterizedasdense,lowforestsoccurringalongrelativelyflat,intertidalandsupratidalshorelinesoflowwaveenergyalongsouthernFlorida.

FloridaNaturalAreasInventory,NaturalCommunitiesRankings

BelowaretherelativeranksoftheNCs.FNAIusesseveralcriteriatodeterminetherelativerarityandthreattoeachcommunitytype;thesearetranslatedorsummarizedintoaglobalandastaterank,theGandSranks,respectively.MostGranksforNCsaretemporarypendingcomparisonandcoordinationwithotherstatesusingthismethodologytoclassifyandrankvegetationtypes.(ContactFloridaNaturalAreasInventoryformostrecentnaturalcommunityranks.)AfewNCsandseveralPlantCommunitiesoccuronlyormostlyinFloridaandcanbeconsideredendemictoFlorida.(SeeJ.W.Mulleretal.1989.“SummaryReportontheVascularPlants,AnimalsandPlantCommunitiesEndemictoFlorida”.FloridaGameandFreshWaterFishCommission,NongameWildlifeProgram,TechnicalReportNo.7.)TheonlyopportunityforprotectionofthesecommunitiesisinFloridaandtheyshouldbegivenspecialconsiderationinFlorida’sprotectionefforts

Terrestrial

XericUplands

G3S3XericHammock

MesicFlatlands

G3S3ScrubbyFlatwoods

Paulstrine

WetFlatlands

G4S4HydricHammock

FloodplainWetlands

G4S3FloodplainForest

G3S2FloodplainMarsh

G3S3FreshwaterTidalSwamp

G3S3Slough

BasinWetlands

G4S4DepressionMarsh*

Marine&Estuarine

MineralBased

G5S5UnconsolidatedSubstrate

FaunalBased

G3S3MolluskReef

FloralBased

G2S2SeagrassBed

G3S3TidalSwamp

DefinitionofGlobal(G)elementranks:

G1-Criticallyimperiledgloballybecauseofextremerarity(5orfeweroccurrencesorverylittle remainingarea,e.g.,<2,000acres)orbecauseofsomefactor(s)makingitespeciallyvulnerable toextinction;

G2 -Imperiledgloballybecauseofrarity(6-20occurrencesorverylittleremainingarea,e.g.,<10,000 acres)orbecauseofsomefactor(s)makingitveryvulnerabletoextinctionthroughoutitsrange;

G3-Eitherveryrareandlocalthroughoutitsrangeorfoundlocally(evenabundantlyatsomeofits locations)inarestrictedrangeorbecauseofotherfactorsmakingitvulnerabletoextinction throughoutitsrange,21to100occurrences;

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G4-Apparentlysecureglobally,thoughitmaybequiterareinpartsofitsrange,especiallyatthe periphery;

G5-Demonstrablysecureglobally,thoughitmaybequiterareinpartsofitsrange,especiallyatthe periphery;

G?-uncertainGlobalrank.

DefinitionofState(S)elementranks:

S1-Criticallyimperiledinstatebecauseofextremerarity(5orfeweroccurrencesorverylittle remainingarea)orbecauseofsomefactor(s)makingitespeciallyvulnerabletoextinction;

S2-Imperiledinstatebecauseofrarity(6-20occurrencesorlittleremainingarea)orbecauseofsome factor(s)makingitveryvulnerabletoextinctionthroughoutitrange;

S3-Rareoruncommoninstate(ontheorderof21to100occurrences);

S4-Apparentlysecureinstate,althoughitmayberareinsomepartsofitsstaterange;

S5 -Demonstrablysecureinstateandessentiallyineradicableunderpresentconditions;

S?-uncertainStaterank.

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Appendix C

Public Involvement

C.1 / Advisory Committee

ThefollowingAppendixescontaininformationaboutwhoservesontheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveAdvisoryCommittee,whenmeetingswereheld,copiesofthepublicadvertisementsforthosemeetings,andsummaryofeachmeeting(asrequiredbyCh.259.032(10),F.S.).

C.�.� / List of members and their affiliations

Name Affiliation CountyGregKaufmann DEPSavannasStatePark St.LucieJeffBeal FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission St.LucieDougCoward St.LucieCountyBoardofCountyCommissioners St.LucieMichelleBerger PortSt.LucieCityCouncil St.LuciePatrickGostel SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict St.LucieBoydGunsalus SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict St.LucieWalterEngland CityofPortSt.Lucie St.LucieAnneBirch TheNatureConservancy St.LucieGordonEvans RiparianLandOwner St.LucieDanaWade RiverLillyCruises St.LucieSandyBogan OxbowEco-Center St.LucieAmyMott St.LucieCountyEnvironmentalRegulations St.LucieDougSmith MartinCountyBoardofCountyCommissioners MartinBobbieDeemer LocalResident Martin

C.�.� / Florida Administrative Weekly (F.A.W.) Postings

Meeting: Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Florida Administrative Weekly, Volume ��, Number ��, June �, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ��

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,actingasstafftotheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundannouncesapublicmeetingtowhichallpersonsareinvited.

DateandTime:Wednesday,June27,2007,7:00p.m.

Place:St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-Center,5400N.E.St.JamesDr.,PortSt.Lucie,FL34983

GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:ThepurposeisformembersoftheAdvisoryCommitteetodiscusstherevisionoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan.

AcopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.

PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,1(800)955-8771(TDD)or1(800)955-8770(Voice).

Meeting: Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Florida Administrative Weekly, Volume ��, Number ��, July �0, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ��4�


DateandTime:Wednesday,August15,2007,10:00a.m.


GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:ThepurposeisformembersoftheAdvisoryCommitteetodiscusstherevisionoftheNorthFork,St.LucieAquaticPreserveManagementPlan.


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Meeting: Thursday, November 15, 2007

Florida Administrative Weekly Volume ��, Number 4�, October ��, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. 4��


DateandTime:Thursday,November15,2007,6:00p.m.


GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:ThepurposeisformembersoftheAdvisoryCommitteetodiscusstherevisionoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan.

AcopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat772)429-2995.


C.�.� / Meeting Summaries

Wednesday,June27,2007,7:00P.M.(St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-Center)

AttendanceName AffiliationBeal,Jeff FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommissionBerger,Michelle CityofPortSt.LucieBirch,Anne TheNatureConservancyBogan,Sandra St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-CenterCombs,Chris DEP/CAMACotton,Kim PortSt.LucieHometownNewsCoward,Doug St.LucieCountyBoardofCountyCommissionersCoward,Walter CitizenEngland,Walter CityofPortSt.LucieEvans,DavidG. CitizenFerry,Steve AirbourneMTBFisher,T. CitizenFousek,Steve St.LucieCountyGostel,Pat SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrictGunsalus,Boyd SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrictHaunert,Dan SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrictKaplan,David CitizenKaufmann,Greg DEP/SavannasPreserveStateParkKoroly,Karen CitizenLocke,Vera MarineIndustriesAssociationMott,Amy St.LucieCountyEnvironmentalResourcesDepartmentOpland,Bruce CitizenParis,Joan CitizenPatterson,Mike CitizenPerry,Mark FloridaOceanographicSocietyPovinelli,Andrea TheNatureConservancyShea,Eric DEP-SoutheastDistrictStinnette,Kevin IndianRiverKeeperWade,Dana RiverLillyEco-CruiseRiverToursWade,Deanna RiverLillyEco-CruiseRiverToursWard,GeraldM MarineIndustriesAssociationWetherell,Cathy CityofPortSt.LucieWyskowski,Alan CitizenZano,Frank Citizen

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MeetingSummary

Themeetingstartedwithbriefintroductions.TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservemanager,LauraHerren,gaveapresentationaboutthecurrentstateoftheAquaticPreserve.KarenBarefordprovidedsummaryoftheManagementPlanreviewprocessandwentoverkeydateswiththeCommittee.Finally,themeetingwasturnedovertotheAdvisoryCommitteetoprovideinputaboutwhattheythoughttheissuesandconcernsfacingtheNorthForkare.AsummaryoftheAdvisoryCommitteememberscommentsarebelow.

AdvisoryCommitteeComments

Doug Coward (St. Lucie County BOCC)•InviteelectedofficialfromMartinCountytoAdvisoryCommittee•Activeenvironmentalrestoration-localandstatefunding•Environmentaleducationandcommunityinvolvement-understandingleadstoownership•Publicaccess-workinconcertwithPortSt.LucieandSt.LucieCountytrailsystem•Landacquisition•MitigationwithinAquaticPreserveratherthanoutsideaffectedarea•ProhibitSouthFloridasludgedisposalinSt.LucieCounty•3-tierapproachtoissuesanddocumentstructure:

1.whataffectstheAquaticPreservebutisoutsidethewatershed-canmakerecommendations,2.whataffectstoAquaticPreserveandiswithinthewatershed,and3.whataffectstheAquaticPreserveandiswithintheAquaticPreserveboundary

•Waterquality-publichealth•SupportCERP•Specificactionplanforissues•DraftManagementPlanframeworkrequested

Dana Wade (River Lilly River Cruise)•Erosion•Runoff•Exoticspecies•Enforcement•Whotoreportproblemsto•Updatespeedlimits-northofPrimaVistaBoulevardshouldbenowakezonebecauseofpublicsafetyanderosionduetoboatwakes

Greg Kaufmann (Savannas State Park)•Encroachmentonandprotectionofthewetlandsanduplandssurroundingthesubmergedlands•Exoticspecies•Landusechangesandproposedinfrastructurechanges•Landacquisition•Lawenforcement-vegetationcutting,vessels,urbanencroachment-needtobemoreproactive•Permitting-developmentsetbacks,currentconstruction,floodplainchanges•MakerecommendationsforAquaticPreserveRuleandlocalcodessolawsareenforceable

Jeff Beal (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)•1984ManagementPlandescribesthestateoftheNorthForkratherthangoalsandobjectives•Waterquality•Floodplainconstrainedandmodified•Encroachmentofdevelopment•Publichealthandsafety-E. coli,boatingsafety,pathogens,andpollutants•CERPefforts-AquaticPreservestaffneedtocontinuetobeinvolved•NorthForkistheleastunderstoodofallthetributariesintheIRL•Exoticaquaticspecies•LeaveC-44inwatershed-volumeandqualityofwateraffectsAquaticPreserve•DefineManagementPlanaudience-AquaticPreservestaff,partners,andpublic

Anne Birch (The Nature Conservancy)•Resource-basedmanagementplanwithpublicusethatwouldnotcompromisetheresources•IncludeglobalwarmingandoutsideissuesthataffectAquaticPreservebutthatAquaticPreservestaffcannotchange•ProposedAdvisoryCommitteemeetingafterpublicmeeting-WednesdayAugust15at10amatOxbow•ManagementPlanboilerplaterequested

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Michelle Berger (Port St. Lucie City Council)•SunshineLaw-howtotalktoback-upmemberofAdvisoryCommittee•PortSt.Lucieplanningrestorationanddredgingofrunoffareas-expandtoentireAquaticPreserve•Collaboratewithcountiesandotherorganizationsaboutriverissues•RunoffintotheriverfromC-44,C-24,LakeOkeechobee-E. coli,cattleantibiotics,agriculture•IncludeHarborBranchinAdvisoryCommittee-E. coli anddolphinwork•AlternateAdvisoryCommitteemeetingtimesbetweenAMandPM

Boyd Gunsalus (South Florida Water Management District)•Biggerpicture-10MileCreekReservoir,C-23Reservoir,C-24Reservoir,TMDL,CERPScienceplanforNorthFork•IncludeC-23,C-24,BesseyCreekBasins•C-25BasinnotinAquaticPreservewatershed-emptiesintoIRL•5MileCreekhasitsownwatershed•ManagementPlanframeworkrequested

Dan Haunert (South Florida Water Management District)•DefinethegeographicscopeofManagementPlan•Whatareascanyouactuallymanage-LakeOkeechobeedischargesoutofpurview,takeontoo••muchifincludeAquaticPreservewatershed•ManagementPlanstrawmanrequested

Pat Gostel [sitting in for Yongshan Wan] (South Florida Water Management District)•Identifyfundingsourcesforprojectstoaddressissues

Amy Mott (St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department)•Educationprograms-targetNorthForkhomeownerissues-theybecomestewards

1.Limitthefertilizer,pesticide,andherbicide2.Capturerainwatertodecreasestormwaterrunoff3.Alternativestoseawalls4.Plantnativesratherthanexoticsandxeriscape

•Codeconsistencywithincross-jurisdictionalboundaries-PortSt.Lucie,Ft.Pierce,andSt.LucieCounty•Increaseddevelopmentpressure•Bankerosion•Septictanks-MSTU’scommunitytaxincreaseforcitysewerandwater•SupportCERP•ProcesstoextendAquaticPreserveboundarynorthofMidwayRoad•CanimprovecountycodesandcomplianceinconcertwithAquaticPreserveManagementPlan•Speedzonechanges-makerecommendationstootheragencies•Supportotheragency’stasksinexistingwaterqualityimprovements•Supportlegislationtoincreasefunding•Landacquisition

Gordon Evans (Riparian home owner)•SetboatspeedlimitonNorthForklikeICW-speedapplicabletomiddlethirdofriver,buteastandwestofchannelisnowakezone•ExistingboundaryofAquaticPreservewaspoliticaldecision-proposedboundaryincluded10MileCreekuptoturnpike;St.LucieCountyhadaproposeddrainageprojectnorthofMidwayRd.;sixmonthslatertaxfordrainageprojectvoteddownandprojectneveroccurredandboundaryremainedatMidwayRoad.

PublicComments

Kevin Stinnette•TimedpubliccommentperiodbeforeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting•AlternateAdvisoryCommitteemeetingdates;3rdWed.eachmonthisConservationAllianceofSt.LucieCountymeeting•Waterqualitytestingbroadenedanddonemorefrequently•ChrisWilsonofIFASNorthForkwaterqualitystudy-aldecarb,ethion•NorthForkisClassIII,somaintainitforswimming•Stormwaterdischarges-LakeOkeechobee,PortSt.Lucie•ControlstructuresfortheC-23,C-24,andtheNorthForkneedimprovements-dischargingfromthetopnotthebottom•SupporttheRiversCoalition•Globalwarming

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Dave Kaplan•Waterqualitymonitoring•C-24humanwaste•Opentrenchwateringforgroves•Nutrientloads-testforvisibility,NTUs,E. coli•Education-cutgrassshouldn’tbeblownintostormdrains•LocalwaterqualitymonitoringwithSecchidisk•Combinewatertestingbetweenagencies•Solo-GabrieleofU.MiamiNorthForkwaterqualitystudy•InvolveIRCCCSIlabintrackingsourceofwaterpollutants

Mark Perry•PulltogetherTMDL,CERP,othersciencesince1984ManagementPlan•Haunertstudy-pesticidesandcopperinsediment•Graves1994study-ethionandotherchemicalsinC-23andC-24•TakeonoutsideinfluencesandimpactsthataffecttheAquaticPreserve•Developstrategieswithspecificactions,whoisresponsibletoimplement,andfollowthrough

Bruce Opland•Guidelinesoncleaningsolventsfordocksandboats•Emphasisonpublicuseofthewaterway-useleadstocareforandsupportofwaterway

Gerald Ward•Howisthemeetingbeingrecordedandreported-provideacopy(119)•Publicaccesstopublicwaters-fishing,boating,swimming•Resolveconflictbetweenthe1984AquaticPreserveManagementPlanTrusteedescriptionaswildernesspreserveversusstatutorydescription(258.38)•SplittheAquaticPreserveintwozones-northofC-28Aandsouth•1954AuthorizationofC-23A•Resourceinventoryandreferencelistfrom1984AquaticPreserveManagementPlan-provideacopy(18-20.013)•Schedulerejected(120)•Adopted1984ManagementPlanintorule(18-20.004-7)•Stakeholderisabadterm•ManagementPlanisadirectiontostaffratherthanfeel-gooddocument•AdvisoryCommitteeisbiasedtowardsgovernmentrepresentatives-needmorepublicinvolvedindevelopingManagementPlan•Limitboundary

Steve Fousek•LowerspeedlimitsontheNorthFork•CoordinatewithSt.LucieCountyon25publicaccesssitesalongNorthForkand10MileCreek•CoordinatewithNorthSt.LucieRiverWaterControlDistrict

WrittenPublicComments

David Kaplan / [email protected]

Thankyouforleadingsuchagreatcause.Ihopeyouhavemanysuccesses.Findingachievablegoalswillbeadaunting.ThesewagebeingdumponopengroundsitesnexttotheC-24canalissomethingyoucanonlybelievewhenyousmellitandseeit.

IwouldliketosubmitthisarticleIwrote,andreadsomefromattheOxbowmeeting,forourhomeownersassociation’searthdaynewsletter,asmypubliccomment.OurhomeisontheRiveraswellasmanyofthemembersinourassociation.TheRiverParkMarinawasourcommunityparkandpoolsitewhenGeneralDevelopmentbuiltourneighborhood.

ItwasnicetoseeJamieworkingwithyou.ShedovewiththediveteamIhelpfoundinBrowardCountywhileingraduateschoolatNOVA.Shehasshowndedicateddesiretohelpourenvironmentformanyyearsnow,Thankyouagain!

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Don’tSwimorDrinktheWaterinRiverPark?

June28,2007

DataprovidedbyUniversityofMiamiDr.Solo-GabrieleduringSurfriders’monthlymeetingMarch10th2007,(www.surfrider.org),raisesgreatconcern.GuestspeakerDr.Solo-Gabrieleleda2005-2007studyoftheIRLafterhighbacteriacountsclosedMartinCountybeaches.OneofhereightsamplepointsisPrimaVistabridgeattheRiverParkMarina.PrimaVistaandWhiteCityhavebeeninthetoptwoworstsamplesforeverytimeriverwaterwastested.Allsamplesaredirectlyaffectedbyrain.Theonlytimessamplesarefoundovertheconsideredsafeminimumdailycounts,areafterrainevents.Rainmovesenoughwaterthroughourstormdrainpipesthatitflushessurfacewaterandpurgesdrainfieldsandseptictanksputtinghigherthanconsideredsafelimitsforbacteriaintotheriver.

TheothersadrealitydiscussedisthatNOONEknowswhattosamplefororwhattodowhenlimitsareexceeded.Thisisbyfarthemostin-depthsamplingI’veeverseen.Dr.Solo-Gabrieleadmitsitisonlyforaselectfewindicatorsthattheytestfor.Ateachofhersamplessitestheyhavethreedifferentsamplemethods.Twousefiltersthatrequiremanygallonsofwatertobepassedthroughfiltersthatareelectricallychargedsothattheyattracttheirtargetedprey.ThankstoSenatorKenPruittforgettingthemoneyagainthisyearforanotherstudy.Twentyfoursamplescost$100,000.00toprocess.TheonlycertifiedlabforthisdataisinTampaandHarborBranchrunstheothertests.Theactualpoisonousvirusrequiresanothersetofteststodeterminewhatstrainitis.Anadditionaldownsidetothisverywellthoughtoutlaborioustesting,iswhatdoyoudowhenitdoesn’train?Highreadingshappenafterrainevents,butthishasbeenanunusuallydryperiod.Twoyearsagotheyhadtopickthedateswhensampleswouldbecollected.Soitlookslikethisyear’sresultswillshowallsiteswithinthesafeallowablelimits.

February28thScrippsreportedthatOceanResearch&ConservationAssociationistestinganewwatersamplingdeviceintheIRL.Itwillcollectsixdifferentbitsofinformationandsenditviawirelesstobereportedonawebsite.Theinformationwillbecolorcodedastothequalityofwaterinthelagoon.Youwillbeabletocheckoutthequalityofwaterbehindyourhouse.Gotowww.oceanrecon.orgformoreinfo.BacteriaareNOToneoftheindicatorsthattheywillbesamplingfor.

FebruaryissueofSeaTechnologyeditorialbyUniversityofConnecticutPeterJ.Austerrstates,“Whatdowemeasure,wheredowemeasureit,atwhatpointdoweactandwhatdowedotoreversethetrendinanyparticularmetric?”Seemoreatwww.sea-technology.com.

February24,2007SunSentinelreporterAndyReidwrote,“TestingsoonmaytellEverglade’sclean-upstatus.”HequotesU.S.SugarspokeswomanJudySanchezassaying,“Pointingfingersandsettingdeadlinesdoesnotcleanonedropofwater.”YearsofwranglingledtoaDec.31,2006deadlinetocleanupphosphors.Billionsofdollarshavebeenspentandnowthedeadlinehascomeandgoneandtheresultsarenotin.That’sforonlyonechemicalcompound.Ourriverhasmanyinfluentialcompoundsaffectingit.

WhenwaterisfoundunsafeMartinCountyHealthofficialswillpostsignsonthebeaches,DONOTSWIM.InSaintLucieCountytheypostsignsBewareoftheAlligators.ISTHEWATERSAFE?Itdependstowhoyoutalktoandtheweather.Iwouldnotencourageyoutoswimoreatfishfromourriver.FromallI’vereadandseennooneknowsjustwhatisinourwaterandwhereitiscomingfrom.Allthesearticlesandmeetingsleavemefeelingthatwearenobetteroffthanwewereyearsago.Nooneknowswhattolookfororwhattodoaboutit.TheDEPandEPAbothusedifferentindicators.Someorganizationslookatthebeachesforindicatorsandotherslookinthelagoon.Nooneiscoordinatingallthedifferentgroups.ThelatestistestingforDNAtoprovethatthebacteriaindicatorsarefromhumansoranimals.$$$$expensivetosaytheleast.Inthesetimesoftightbudgetswemusttakethenextstep.Testingandlabscostalotofmoney.

ThismonthScrippsreportedthattheWaterResourcesDevelopmentActpassedHouseCommitteeandtheGovernorwillsignthebillsoon.Thelegislationwouldauthorize$1.37billiontorestorehabitatintheIRLbyremoving7.7millioncubicyardsofmuck.Congresshasnotpassedtheactsince2000.TodonothingwillmeanthecertaindeathoftheRiver.Callyourrepresentativestoday!

IwouldalsoaskforyoursupportfortheIRCCCrimelabthatwillhavetheabilitytotestforDNA.WhatagreatopportunityforourlocalstudentstobetrainedintheCSIprofession.IwouldhopethattheywouldbeallowedtorunDNAtestsonthebacteriafoundinthewater.TorreyPineswillhavethetypeoflabsweneedbutarenotworkingonourwaterproblem.Thisisthelevelandqualityoftestingrequiredifwearegoingtofindtheanswerstoourwaterproblems.

Pumpingwaterfromtheriverforouryard,thisyearforthefirsttime,alltheleavesonourgrapefruittreefelloffafterbeinghitbycanalwaterfromoursprinkler.Whyisthisyeardifferentfromanyother?Idon’tknowanditlookslikenooneelseknowseither.Forcopiesofthesearticlesandotherse-mailmeatdavid.kaplan@gbfinc.netorcall879-6237.

April22from1PMtill3PMRiverParkHomeownersAss.willholdarallybarbequeatRiverParkMarina/boatrampandIencourageyoutocomeoutandsupportRiverParksefforttomakeourcommunityabetterplacetolive.Besafeandbepartofthesolutionandnottheproblem,supportRPHOA.

David Kaplan Treasurer/Director River Park Homeowners Assoc., Unit-4B, Director South Florida Reef Research Team, Inc. (��4) ��-��DON’T DRINK OR SWIM IN THE WATER IN THE NORTH FORK OF THE SAINT LUCIE RIVER!

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Vera Locke, Executive DirectorMarine Industries Association of the Treasure [email protected]. Box ��Stuart, FL �4��(��) ��-��

ThereshouldberepresentationformMartinCountyonyourcommittee.TheNorthForkdoesflowintoMartinCounty.GaryRoderick?PaulMiller?MarkPerryofFloridaOceanographicSociety?KevinHendersonofSt.LucieRiverInitiative?*Also,MartinCountyCommissionersDougSmith&MichaelD.Ferlizzi–PartsoftheirdistrictsareontheNorthFork.

AnonymousBoatingspeedlimitshouldbereducedfrommarker33north.Waterskiingtakesplaceduringtheearlyeveninginthisnarrowchannel.

Bruce Opland, ��-��0IncludeElcamWaterwayinaccessvenuesdefinedinplan.Provideguidelinesoncleaningsolventsrecommendedfordocksandboatsalongthewaterway.

Kevin Stinnette, Indian River Keeper, ��-��, keeper@indianriverkeeper.orgThepublicneedsassurancethatthewaterisswimmable.IFAStestinghasindicatedveryhighlevelsofgldicarb,ethionandotheragriculturalchemicals.Theirmustbeamonitoringprogramfororganiccompoundsandwaterquality.TheSavannasReserveStateParkmustnotbediminishedordamagedbyabridge.Pubicinformationshoulddocumentimpactsandconsequences.ie.Turbidityimpactfromdischargesshouldbeknow.

Mark Perry, Florida Oceanographic Society6/27/07Issues–WaterQuality–AquaticHabitat,(WatershedHabitat)TSS-ClimateChangeTieredApproach(DougCowardNeed“Actions”forPlan

Mary Murphy, DEP - Port St. LucieConversationheldwithDanHaunert(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict)AlargereasonnooystersinupperNorthFork,believedtohavehistoricallybeenthere,duetosedimentbuildupandmuckbottom.Restorationofsubstrateforoysterandgrassgrowthwillmostlikelyhavetoaddressdemucking.Notonlywoulditimprovesuitablesubstrate,butreducenutrientloadandimproveclarity.Thiswouldprobablybeastrategytoachievealargegoal.

Wednesday,August15,2007,10:00A.M.(St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-Center)

Attendance

Name AffiliationBeal,Jeff FloridaFishandWildlifeCommissionBerger,Michelle CityofPortSt.LucieBogan,Sandra St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-CenterCoward,Doug St.LucieCountyBoardofCommissionsEvans,Gordon RiparianHomeownerEvans,Nancy CitizenGostel,Pat SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict

Kaufmann,GregFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionSavannasPreserveStatePark

Mott,Amy St.LucieCountyEnvironmentalResourcesDepartmentNadeau,Larry CityofPortSt.LuciePovinelli,Andrea(sittinginforAnneBirch) TheNatureConservancyWard,Gerald MarineIndustriesAssociation

ThemeetingstartedwithbriefintroductionsandanupdateoftheAdvisoryCommitteemembersandthePublicscopingMeetingbytheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservemanager,LauraHerren.TheAdvisoryCommitteemettodiscussIssues/Goals/Objectives/StrategiesthatincorporatedconcernsandsuggestionsbyboththeAdvisoryCommitteeattheJune27,2007BriefingMeetingandthegeneralpublicfromtheJuly18,2007PublicScopingMeeting.AsummaryoftheAdvisoryCommitteememberscommentsregardingIssues/Goals/Objectives/Strategiesforthemanagementplanfollow.

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•ProvideaclearinghouseofinformationonwaterqualitystudiesoccurringinandaroundtheNorthFork•Asbestaspossible,assistwiththesynthesisofwaterqualitydatathathasbeen,andis,collected.[cityis

workingonthedevelopmentofpdffilesofdata]•Pullinpostdocforverificationofdatasynthesis[SFWMDisworkingonanassessmentoftheSt.Luciewatershed

data]possiblyutilizeauniversitybasedinvolvement•CommentonIRLCCMPUpdate•CommentontheSt.LucieRiverWatershedProtectionPlan•Potential$fromNorthEvergladesRestorationPlanning•FecalColiformtaskforcedatasynthesiseffortfundedbyDEP?(checkwithJenniferGihringinTally)•Holdanannual“statusoftheAP”symposium•Incorporatecommentingonanyotherplansthatmayariseovertime•Forshorelinestabilizationneedtoaddsubmergentandemergentvegetation.•Seekrestorationfunds(andothers:e.g.St.LucieRiverWatershedProtectionPlan)•Attemptplantingofvegetation(submergent&emergent)withinthePreserve(waituntilWQimproves)•Mapsubmergent&emergenthabitatswithinthePreserve•Studytofindoutwhatisactuallycausingtheerosiontotheshorelines•ObtainandmaintainGISmapsofthecurrentstormwaterdrainagesystemsthatincludealloutfallstothe

Preserve.[MichelleBergercanprovide]Rememberthatnoteverythingthatisoutthereismappedsomewhere.•PossiblepartnerwithIFAStoimprovetheaestheticsofneighborhoods•WorkwithIFAS,localgovernments,utilities,(etc.)toeducatethepublicaboutoptionsforretention,etc.(possible

retreatforeducation,workinggroup,documentarytypetelevisioncoverage,etc.)•Workwithlocalgovernmentsontostandardizeordnances•Figureouthowtoidentifylandforacquisitionandthenprioritizeforbufferandretention•Utilitycompaniesmayhaveinfoonsepticlocationsandconditions•Needactionitem(s)toaddressgainedknowledgefromabovestrategies(maybeproposalsforERPA,WMD

publicinterestprojectideas)•WemayneedtodevelopmaterialsthatareNorthForkspecific(butnotre-createthewheel)•Possiblyworkwithlocallandscapingcompaniestocertifythemin‘riverfriendly’bestmgmtpractices(provide

signagetothecompanies&theircustomersas‘green’)thecertificationprocessexists,findoutwhodoesit&whatittakes

•TheonlywaytogettothepublicisviaTVorschoolprograms•Possibly‘certify’homeownersassociationsin‘greenpractices’(Countyhasanassociationofhomeowner

associationsthatmeetseverymonth–theyhaveadatabase/mailinglist)•Potentialstrategy/goalfor“muck”removal•BrazilianPepperasawaterqualityissue•Inmanagementplan,incorporatespecifictargets•Theamountandcurrentstatus–developconditionindicesofthedifferentAquatichabitatwithintheNorthForkSt

LucieRiver•Establishabaseline)[WoodwardClide,1999]foraquatichabitat•Measurechangeovertime(afterbaselineisestablished)needtoidentifyaconsistenttimingofthis•Importanceofneedtoprotectandrestorehabitatsneedstobeprominent•Tiethisintoareasontomonitor.•Provideinformationregardingtheactualresources,andtheirimportance,inthepreservetoregulatorystaff)•Tiesintohabitatmapping,est.ofdiversityrange,importanceofspecifichabitatsforsettlement&aggregation

[note:canbeextremelysensitivetosalinitychanges]areas,historicbreedinggrounds“hotspots”)•Develophabitatmapsforcommerciallyandrecreationallyimportantspecies(e.g.snooks,edibleshrimp,blue

crabs,tarpon,redfish)•MayalsoincludeSt.LucieCounty&WaterMgmtDistrictsinquarterlyresourceupdates•Needtospecifyexactlywhatwillbemonitored(cannotdoitallsopickyourtargetswell–maywanttogetwith

GrantGillmore&DanHaunert•Potentiallyusecitizengroupstomonitorwhereappropriate(canpartnerwithOxbowCenter,County&Harbor

Branch)•Ifpossiblemaintainanexoticspeciesdatabase.•Focusprimarilyonaquaticspeciesforthebrochureandpossiblyplaceinkiosks•NeededGoal:Improveconditionofexoticspecies(e.g.Assistotheragencies,esp.FWC,inidentifyingand

implementeradicationstrategiesforexistingandnewexotic,orinvasiveexotic,species)•Possiblyadd“andentering”,theamountofdebrisinthepreserve•MichelleBergerwillassistwithcoordinationofdiscussingdebrisinaquaticenvironments•Removesubmergeddebris(crabtraps,etc.).•Identifythelocationofsubmergeddebris•EvaluationofStrategy(ies)•Identifysourcesofdebris•Seekopportunitiesfortheinstallationofbottlereturn(funds)[MichelleBergerwillassistwithcoordination]•Enforcementofmanateeprotectionplans

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•FortheBirdrookeriespossiblyusethesheriff’sofficevolunteerprogramorretiredpeopleworkingonthewater&theCoastGuardAuxiliary

•IncludeFiveMileCreekuptotheMillerProperty(northernlimitsoftheBufferPreserve)inthepossibilityofthepreserveexpansion

•Needmoreinformationonwhat“Blueways”areandwhatthedesignationmeans

PublicCommentsGerald Ward•RecognizethatMartinCountyandtherecreationalboatingcommunityisnotrepresented.•EnvironmentalQuality-obtaindatafromhigherlevelgovernmentofficialsfortheAquaticPreserves.•FundingpotentialsneedtobeincorporatedintheManagePlanasprovidedbythelegislators•Waterqualityrelatedhealthissues•Didnotaddresstheboundariesanddifferentiationofthepreservenorthandsouth•Findareferencelistofwhathasbeendone

WrittenPublicCommentsLarry Nadeau•Providea$incentivetosepticlocationsthathaveamunicipalsewerlineandthathavebeengrantedand

exemptiontoconnectinguntilsepticfailure,toencourageanearlyconnection•Fordebris:Recommendastrongerrecyclingprogram,StatemandatesthresholdsBottlelaw–redeem/recycling

andetc.,Strongerlitterlaws•Linkandorreferencetherelationshipsbetweengoals,objectives,andorstrategies•Developamanagementplanforbothenvironmentalandstormwaterbenefitsthroughmaintenance•Fundat75-25plandevelopments•Recommendguardsonpropellers(boat)

Christy J. Church•Iamdeeplyconcernedwithregardtowaterqualityandhumanhealth.Weneedimprovedwaterqualitytesting

andmonitoring•PortSt.LuciedrainagecanalsanddischargesfromtheC-23andC-24canalsshouldbeaddressed•ExcessivefreshwaterfilledwithpollutantsarehavingaSEVEREdetrimentaleffectontheNorthForkAquatic

Preserve•Limitherbicideuseincanals•Protectionofwetlandareas•Removalofexoticvegetationandspecies.(note:NilemonitorlizardalreadyidentifiedinC-24Canal)•Updatespeedlimitsduetopublicsafetyanderosion•IncreasedLawEnforcement•SupportCERP•LandAcquisition•EnvironmentalEducation•CleanWaterAct1972

Thursday,November15,2007,6:00P.M.(St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-Center)

Attendance

Name Affiliation ACMemberBeal,Jeff FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission YesEvans,DavidG. Citizen YesGunsalus,Boyd SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict YesCoward,Doug St.LucieCountyBoardofCountyCommissioners YesBirch,Anne TheNatureConservancy YesKaufmann,Greg DEP/StateParks YesDeemer,Bobbie Citizen YesBogan,Sandra SLCOxbow/EnvironmentalResourcesDepartment YesEngland,Walter CityofPortSt.Lucie YesGostel,Pat SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict YesWade,Dana Citizen YesWard,Gerald MarineIndustriesAssociationTechnicalCommittee NoEvans,Nancy Citizen NoKaplan,David RiverParkHomeownersAssociation NoCoward,Walt Citizen No

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Themeetingstartedwithbriefintroductions.APowerPointpresentationoutliningthemanagementplantimelineandtheincorporationofmajorrevisionsafterthedraftwasdistributedtotheAdvisoryCommitteewasdeliveredbytheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservemanager,LauraHerren.TheAdvisoryCommitteemettodiscussthefirstdraftoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservemanagementplan.AsummaryoftheAdvisoryCommitteememberscommentsregardingthemanagementplanandmanagementplanprocessfollow.


Comment Source Location

PopulationofPSL–112sqmi;Maps-someofstraightsectionsofriverblastedbynavyseals-Dept.ofwarrecords1920s–filecanbeobtainedfromWalter.

W.England Page10

HowwaspropertyacquiredfromPSL–1995soldtoDNRover1000acresalongwater$1.5mil,uplandsandwetlands–filecanbeobtainedfromWalter

W.England Page12

Veteran’sMemorialParkway–Veteran’sMemorialPark–oldrailroadtrestlestillonislandasyoucrossriver–harvestedlumberwestofriver–PSLBlvd/CaneSloughRd.

W.England

Veteran’sMemorialParkway–Veteran’sMemorialPark–onboardwalkusedtobeabletoseepilings

G.Evans

RestorationMap–PSLownspropertyforSite5–GregwilllookintowhetherornotitisStateParkproperty.

W.England Page66

Informationundocumented–personalcommunication–needformat. W.England

Name,Title,documenttherestintheliteraturecited. B.Gunsalus

Coordinationofallprojectsgoingonintheriververyimportant. B.DeemerPage63

Research,2ndParagraph

Reportingsuspiciousactivities–onegoalshouldbetohaveanorderlywaytobringthingstotheattentionoftheproperauthoritiessothatitcanbetakencareofquickly(esp.forhomeowners).

B.Deemer

Homeownersguidecouldhavealistofnumbersfordifferentissues. M.Shirley

Mapofadditionaloxbowreconnections;atSite5recentlyandsawgoodthingsandwildlifethathaven’tbeenseenrecentlyorinotherareasoftheriver.

D.Wade

Educationmaterialscanbenon-consumptive(i.e.,website,gov’taccessTV,webcasts,recycledpaperforbrochures);highereducation(i.e.,FAU);industryeducation(i.e.,commercial,landscapers).

S.Bogan Objective3

TMCarcheologicalsociety–artifacts–sourceSFWMD,DHR,Sandyhascopy,NewSouthcontractorforSFWMD.

S.Bogan History

Archeological–SpruceBluff–goalsobjectives,etc.aboutpreservingtheseresources(SLCESL,Savannas-NF).

D.Coward

Interestinpromotinghighereducationfornaturalresources(UF,FAU,HBOI)–encourageuniversitysysteminthisareawithprogramsforenvt’lengineering,fisheries,etc.

D.Coward

Localresidentstohaveownership–CSO. D.Coward Page45

Communityownership–goalorobjectiveistoresurrectCSOandotherstrategiesunderthisgoal–onpage84objective1

D.CowardPage95

Mitigation–Platt’sCreekMitigationBankwillrequire$5mil,probablywon’tcometofruition;concernaboutmitigationinregionasopposedtowithinoradjacenttopreserve(i.e.,reconnectoxbowsandotherAPrestorationneeds)–forsmallprojects,havepermittingagenciespool$untilalargeprojectcanbedone

D.CowardPage70,middle

paragraph

Strategytocoordinatewithpermittersforaboverecommendation A.BirchNaturalResource

ManagementGoal2

Tabulatemitigationvalueofrestorationprojects D.Coward

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Restorationefforts–N.Everglades$-goal/objectivetousethesefundstorestoreAPandwatershed;differentfromCERPbecausenotsomuchengineering;strategyforstatelegislature

D.Coward

NaturalCommunitiesMap–acreagesincludesprivateandpubliclands–recommendtoremoveacreageandjustdescribehabitatsbecausesomeofitmaybedeveloped,andacreageislargerthanthatofconservationlandsaroundtheriver

G.Kaufmann

“workingwith”or“identifying”languagenotspecificenough–statetoppriorityofrestorationprojects

G.Kaufmann

Strategy-Floodplainteamasvehicleforrestorationpriorities J.Beal&M.Shirley

Chapter5laysoutwhatwe’lldo,butprioritizeisimportantandnotinchapter5(i.e.,top5oxbowstodoinnext5years);Timeframedoesn’tpopout–publicwillwanttoseetimeframeandpriorities;Statethatwehaveanannualworkplanandthatitwillbehowtheseprojectsgetdone;Thecleareritisstated,themoresupportwecangetfromthepublic

P.Gostel

ImplementationschedulecolumninMPwillhelpwithpriorities;annualworkplanwillcomefromthisMP

M.Shirley

Implementationdatecanbedifferentfrompriority(duetodate,fundingavailability)

B.Gunsalus

TNCfeelsprioritizationneedstospelledout–toolsexisttodothat–partnersneedtoknowCAMA’spriorities

A.Birch

Developreportcardsforhowwe’redoingbasedontheplan P.Gostel

TalktoScottTayloraboutRivuluscapture#1 J.Beal Page37

Addgrasscarptoexoticspecies–recentelectroshockefforts–don’tknowifthereisabreedingpopulation

J.Beal Page41

GrasscarpbeingaddedtopondbyPSLforaquaticvegetationmanagement–sendconcernstoW.England

G.Kaufmann

Seagrassmonitoring–changetitletoandincludesubmergedandemergent J.Beal Page61

Othermonitoringwithhydrorest–turbidityandDO J.Beal Page65

Platt’sCreekMitigationBank–nextfewweekdwillhavemoreinfoforpublicaccess,restoration,envt’leducation

J.Beal

Numberofletterstrategieswithinchapter5 J.Beal

Specieslistdocumentation(reference)important J.Beal

IncludeCERPperformancemeasures(salinity),additionalproposedconveyance;humanhealthandwaterquality,workwithpartnerstoalertpeople;strategiesneedtobemeasurable;prioritiesnecessary,butperhapsnottop5oxbowreconnects–notreadyforthatyet

J.Beal

Execsumneedstomatchdocument–expandto4-5pageswithprioritiesatend;Potentially2reports–APMgmtPlan;backgroundandhistoryasupportdoc;Oxbowrecon–WQandfisherieshabitat;Severalpagescanbeputintomaporothergraphic–canworkwithSFWMDonthese;EditRedundancy;Edandoutreach–practicaltobringawarenesstoresidents;agindustrystepsupmorethenurban;Workwithuniversitiestohelpurban;Scienceplan–wquantityeachcanals;Ground-truthforaccuratehabitatmaps;TMCproblemverbiage–builtbeforeHurricaneKatrina–newdesigncriteria;Needstobeeasilyreadandshorter

B.Gunsalus

WQ&Q–needtoaddressquantityingoalsandstrategies;AdditionalgoalinWQ&Q–toprotectlandsasbuffer(rightnowit’sastrategy);Goal1–otherstrategies(WQuantity,CERPprojectsthatimproveWQ&Q);G1,I1,Obj2–education-printedpiecenotalwayssuccessful–speakwithgrouptoseewhattheirneedsareandhowbesttopresentinfotogroup;Pathogensandparasites(lookinto&partnerwithNEPbiotoxinprogram);Defineconversionofhigh-priorityareastosewer;Agreewithmitigationcommentsearlier;I2–addimplementationonmanagementnotjustmonitoringG2–ifbeingspecific,includeshellfish,finfish,SAV–orsavespecificsforworkplan;Eradicationofexotics–needtoimplementnotjustmonitor;Prioritize

A.Birch Chapter5

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Recordofalligatorbreeding–23babieswhenboughtproperty;Greg&DanaWadecanshowusnests;MiamigrouptosurveySLRin‘60s–EvansCreekwasfullofwaterhyacinthandsawmanyalligators;Numberofplantslistedismeagerinnaturalcommunitiesdescription–liveoaksandotheroaksdominatecertainareas,cypresstrees-listmoreobvioustrees;Needtohavesomeoneinchargeofpublicrelations–peopleareinterestedinknowingwhat’sgoingon(ie.,MosquitoControleffectivewithparticularreporteratnewspaperinterestedinnaturalareas)–APcanusethistypeofpublicitytogetthepublicinterested;canbemanagedoutofAPoffice;HavesomeonesurveyAPatleastonce/month–presence,observe,combinewithsampling–cancatchproblemsbeforetheygettoobig(i.e.,likeRiverkeeper)–Wade’sonrivereveryday(Nov1-July)–expandsosurveyentireriver

G.Evans Page39

CypressatMillerproperty G.Kaufmann

Cypressatoxbowrecon D.Wade

Publicrelations–SLCountyTVtogetmessageout–APstaffdospecialshow–whatwe’redoing,deadlines,givewebsitesotheycanseeplan–checkwithDEPPRstaff

D.Coward

OxbowSLRexhibitDec3-10installed–promotionofriver S.Bogan

JDstateparkRiverfest–makeoneeventspecifictorivertobuildsupportandawareness

G.Kaufmann

PieceofAPvideothatwasdoneonNF–copytoSandy J.Beal

Notjustroutineed&out,but1personwithmarketingpointofview P.Gostel

Workinggroup–ArchieCarrhasonemeets3x/yearwithcitizens,agency,etc.- A.Birch

NeedacommunitygrouptohelpwithtasksthatAPstaffdon’thavetime(i.e.,exoticspeciesremoval,personwithmarketingexperience)

D.Coward

GirlScoutswereworkingonriveratonetime B.Deemer

Grant$forcommunitygroupnotavailabletojustagency(501c3) D.Coward

GTMNERRhasstandingadvgroupmeetscoupleoftimesayear–brainstormoverstumblingblocksonceimplementMP–canbeinformal,goaltohelpimplementplan–workinggroup;DifferentthanGTMCSO

M.Shirley

RecommendbothCSO(forpublicawareness,outreach,andfundraising)andworkinggroup/TAC(forresourcemanagement);otherwisegoalscanconflict

G.Kaufmann&A.Birch

GetwithKellytodeterminehowtoarrangeCSOandworkinggroup. M.Shirley

Timeline–canwehaveanextensionifnecessarytocreatebestproductpossible;LetterfromcommitteetoCAMAdirectorandCZMProgramre:1)highqualityplanneedstotakepriorityoverdeadlines;and2)moremeaningfulpublicinvolvementMotiontoextendatleast1month-voted

B.Gunsalus

Referencethefactthatthereareworkplans;Peopleneedtoknowtogotoworkplantoseedetailsthataren’tinMP

P.Gostel

Pushingitbackallowsformoremeaningfulpublicinvolvement(i.e.,TVshowandotheroutlets)

D.Coward

Provideemailwithessentialpersonsforletterwriting. A.Birch

PublicCommentsGerald Ward•RepresentsMarineIndustriesandFloridaEngineeringConservationandEnvironmentalQuality•HashadnocontactsinceSeptember•MajorCh.120problems–DEPlawyerneedstobeatmeetings•MeetingpursuanttoCh.25837.1•Mr.Englandtoldussomemajorproblems–payattention•AskedforexistingresourceinventorypursuanttoCh.119•Mr.CowardraisedissueofROMAs–notagoodidea•Expandingdocksandmitigationcontraryto25844andtherule•Verbalcommentsexpungedfromprevioussummaries•CSO–stateparksystemhasbetterprocess,orstandingcommitteesuggestionmoreproductivethanCSO•AbolishCAMA,putunderDivisionofRecreationandParks•180pagesisobnoxious–goalshouldbeunder100pages,doublespaced

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•NoMartinCountyrepresentative•NoMarineIndustriesrepresentative•Focuson8squaremiles

Walt Coward•PropertyowneralongNorthFork•SeesmeritincommunityinvolvementgoalofreestablishingCSOasavehicletohavevolunteershelpAPstaffwith

activities•Suggestsdifferentangleforadditionalcommunityinvolvementgoal:co/joint-managementbycreatinga

“standingcommittee,”composedofagencyfolkaswellascommunitygroup,toassistAPstaffwithimplementingmanagementplanactivitiesaswellasperiodicupdatingofmanagementplan

WrittenPublicComments

David Kaplan•Howsoonwillbrochure/flyerbeready?IwouldliketoincludeitinourhomeownernewslettergoingoutDec7th.

C.2 / Public Scoping Meeting(s)

ThefollowingAppendixescontaininformationaboutthePublicScopingMeeting(s)whichwasheldinordertoobtaininputfromthepublicaswhattheythoughttheissuesinNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservewere.Therearecopiesofthepublicadvertisementsforthosemeetings,alistofattendees,asummaryofthemeeting(s)(asrequiredbyCh.259.032(10),F.S.),andacopyofthewrittencommentsreceived.

C.�.� / Florida Administrative Weekly (F.A.W.) Posting

Meeting: Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Florida Administrative Weekly, Volume ��, Number ��, June �, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ��


DateandTime:Wednesday,July18,2007,7:00p.m.

Place:UniversityofFloridaIndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter,299SouthRockRd.,FortPierce,FL34945

GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:Thepurposeofthismeetingistoinformthepubliconthemanagementplanreviewprocessandtosolicitinputonissuestheyareinterestedinseeingaddressedintheplan.

AcopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,(800)955-8771(TDD)or(800)955-8770(Voice).


Florida Administrative Weekly Volume ��, Number �4, June ��, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ��0




GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:TheJune1,2007noticeregardingtheJuly18,2007meetingforthepurposeofinformingthepubliconthemanagementplanreviewprocessandtosolicitinputonissuestheyareinterestedinseeingaddressedintheplaninadvertentlyomittedthenameofthesitebeingdiscussed.ThismeetingisfortheNorthFork,St.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.


PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,(800)955-8771(TDD)or(800)955-8770(Voice).

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Florida Administrative Weekly Volume ��, Number ��, June ��, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ��4�




GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:TheNorthFork,St.LucieAquaticPreserveAdvisoryCommitteemeetingwillbeheldinconjunctionwiththepublicmeetingadvertisedintheJune1,2007,F.A.W.,toinformthepubliconthemanagementplanreviewprocessandtosolicitinputonissuestheyareinterestedinseeingaddressedintheNorthFork,St.LucieAquaticPreserveManagementPlan.



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C.�.� / Advertisement Flyers

North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve

Public MeetingWednesday, July 18, 2007, 7:00 pm

University of Florida Indian River Research & Education Center

2199 South Rock Rd.Fort Pierce, FL 34945

Florida Department of Environmental Protection • Office of Coastal & Aquatic Managed Areas

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) is responsible for the management of Florida’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, 3 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR), 1 National Marine Sanctuary, and the Coral Reef Conservation Program. These protected areas comprise more than 4 million acres of the most valuable submerged lands and select coastal uplands in Florida. CAMA is updating the site specific management plans, and currently has three plans under review. These sites will be holding formal public meetings to receive input on the new draft plans.

These scoping meetings will assist in crafting the content for individual site management plans.The information from each meeting will be recorded, compiled, and presented to CAMA by facilitators.The objectives of the public scoping meetings are to:

• Inform the public about the history, purpose, and scope of management plan development

• Solicit public input regarding issues and opportunities that should be addressed in the management plan

For more information, please contact Aquatic Preserve Manager, Laura Herren, at (772) 429-2995/[email protected], or visit our website at www.aquaticpreserves.org. Written comments are welcome and can be submitted via by fax: (850) 245-2110 Attn: North Fork; or email [email protected].

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the a agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting Laura Herren at (772) 429-2995. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (Voice).

This publication funded in part through a grant agreement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Coastal Management Program by a grant provided by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Award No. NA06NOS4190129-CZ709. The views, statements, finding, conclusions, and recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Florida, NOAA, or any of its subagencies. June, 2007.

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C.�.� / Summary of the Public Scoping Meeting

Wednesday,July18,2007,7:00P.M.(UniversityofFloridaIndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter) Attendance

Name Affiliation County

Beall,Baret MartinCountyParks MartinBerger,Michelle CityofPortSt.Lucie St.LucieBirch,Anne TheNatureConservancy St.LucieCassens,Steve NorthSt.LucieWaterControlDistrict St.LucieChapman,Mary EAC-Lawyer MartinCook,Fred Citizen St.LucieCoward,Doug SLCBoardofCountyCommissioners St.LucieCoward,Rose Citizen St.LucieDahan,Mike Citizen St.LucieDahan,Amy HeathcoteBotanicalGardens St.LucieDeemer,Bobbie AdvisoryCommittee St.LucieDewey,Gretchen G.DeweyRealtorEhrlich,Barry K&S BrowardEngland,Walter CityofPortSt.Lucie St.LucieEvans,Gordon AdvisoryCommittee St.LucieEvans,Nancy RiparianHomeowner St.LucieGarcia,Ray IBFH/NorthSt.LucieWaterControlDistrict MartinGordon,Bill Citizen St.LucieGostel,Pat SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict MartinGunsalus,Boyd SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict MartinHerren,Rick IndianRiverCounty IndianRiverHiller,John PortSt.LucieCitizen St.LucieHilley,Louise Citizen St.LucieHolt,John Citizen St.LucieKaplan,David PortSt.Lucie St.LucieKaufman,Greg DEP/SavannasPreserveStatePark St.LucieKean,Bridgit CityofPortSt.Lucie St.LucieKeller,Doug CreechEngineers MartinLaMartina,Kathy SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict MartinMcDevitt,Erin FFWCC St.LucieOpland,Bruce Citizen St.LuciePhillips,Harold St.LucieAudubon St.LuciePovinelli,Andrea TheNatureConservancyPrice,AprilComm ASMFC St.LucieRau,Kenneth CreechEngineers MartinRichards,Joe Citizen St.LucieRichards,Richards Citizen St.LucieSculley,Jim Citizen St.LucieSmall,Danna KimleyHornAssoc.Steward,Kristine Keith&Schnars BrowardStinnette,Kevin IndianRiverkeeper MartinTanblyn,Mark FloridaInlandNavigationDistrictTurner,Wade FloridaDept.ofEnvironmentalProtection MartinWard,Gerald Fes-CedMiatcLeg.Comm

Introduction

OnJuly18,2007theSt.LucieAquaticPreserveconductedapublicmeetingtomeetthefollowingobjectives:

1. Reviewpurposeofandprocessforreviewingthesitemanagementplan.

2. ReceiveinputregardingtheperceivedissuesandconcernsfortheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.

Thiswasthefirstpublicmeetingrelatedtothedraftingofthesite’smanagementplan.Asecondmeetingwillbeplannedtoreviewthefindingsfromthisfirstpublicmeeting

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Themeetingfollowedthefollowingagenda:

•OfficialWelcomeandintroductiontomeeting

•OverviewPresentation:presentationthatdescribesthemanagementarea’sboundaries,availablemanagementresources,currentprojects,andotherkeypointsthatparticipantsshouldhavebeforeprovidinginput.

•PublicCommentandStakeholderFeedback:Opportunityforpublictoprovidewrittenandverbalinputtothemanagementareastaffbyvisitinga“kiosks.”

•KioskReports:Staffprovidesaverbalsummaryofthecommentstheyreceivedattheirkiosk.

•PublicComment:Participantswhowantedtomakeaverbalpublicstatementwereaskedtosignaposted“speakerslist”.Anopportunityforthoseparticipantsthatsignedthe“speakerslist”tomakepublicstatementtothefullassemblywasgivenattheendofeachevening.Onlywrittencommentswereincludedinthismeetingsummary.

Themeetingwasdesignedtoencouragedialoguebetweenthepublicandstaffonspecificissuesaswellasprovidingaforumforgeneralcommentsandobservations.

CAMA’sPlanningProgram

TheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection’sOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)isresponsibleforthemanagementofFlorida’s41AquaticPreserves,3NationalEstuarineResearchReserves(NERR),1NationalMarineSanctuary,andtheCoralReefConservationProgram.Theseprotectedareascomprisemorethan4millionacresofthemostvaluablesubmergedlandsandselectcoastaluplandsinFlorida.CAMAiscurrentlyintheprocessofrevisingitssitemanagementplans,includingtheplanfortheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.Theseplanswillprovideacriticalmanagementframeworkforthesites,settingprioritiesandguidingimplementationforthenext10years.

Thisdocument

Thisdocumentincludesbothwrittencommentsreceivedattheworkshopsandbyemail/postalmailduringthecommentperiod.Italsoincludesasummaryofthereportsmadebythestaffattheendofthekioskperiod.Thissummaryisnotmeanttobeadetaileddescriptionoftheproceedings,butarecordofthemajorthemesandcommentsreceived.Onlywrittencommentswereincludedinthismeetingsummary.

GeneralSummaryoftheMeeting

Belowisanoverallsummaryofthecommentsreceivedduringthepublicmeetingprocess:

•TheimportanceoffocusingonareasonablenumberofissuesandmanagementactionsthatcouldbesuccessfullyimplementedwithintheAquaticPreserve’scurrentandanticipatedhumanandfinancialresources.Theincompleteimplementationofthepreviousmanagementplanwasnoted.

•Impact,bothintermsofqualityandquantityofwater,fromdrainagecanalsanditsaffectonthewaterquality,floraandfaunawithintheAquaticPreserve.

•TheimportanceofconnectingthecommunitywiththeAquaticPreserveandenlistingthemtomitigatelocalimpacts.

•Increasingpotentialforusergroupconflicts.

•StormwatermanagementwithintheAquaticPreserveboundaryanditsaffectonthewaterquality.

Writtencommentsreceivedoncommentcardsatmeeting

AsapastmemberandtwiceChairmanofthePortSt.LucieCityPlanningandZoningBoard,Ihavebeenawareoftheneedforandtheprogressofourcitiesthirdeast-westcorridorfromourwesternbeachestoUSHWY1.Thepreservenowhas5000acresinMartinandSt.Luciecounties.In1991St.Luciesold1000+acresoftheriverlandtothestatefor$1,502,000.00,approximately$1380dollarsanacre.Atthattimearequesttoprovideaccessacrosstheriverwasdenied,reason,toopremature.Now15yearslaterwearestilldiscussingthewaystocrosstheriver.MeantimetheCityisconstructingitsGlaneCrossTownParkwayaprogrammanyarecallingthehighwaytonowherecausingmoreproblemsforourcommunitycitizens.Withtoday’sknowledgeandequipmentthisareacanbetraversedwithlittleornoharmtotheriverarea.Sowhyisitbeingdelayed,orinmyopinion,ignored?Comment provided Fred Cook �� Year resident of Port St. Lucie, FL.

Dowecoordinateand/orcooperatewithMartinCountysothatwedon’tduplicateand/orworkagainsteachotherbutreinforcetheworkcompletedastheriveriscontinuous.Comment provided by Anonymous

Publiceducationtoinformrecreationalwaterusersastohowtohaveminimalimpact.Comment provided by Anonymous

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TheplanshouldincorporateadvocacyforTMDL’sthatwilladdresssalinityandturbidityaswellaspreviouslyidentifiedparameters.Thereneedstobeasalinitybasedcontrolthatprovidesspeciestherightsalinityattherighttimesfortheirlifecycles.Thequantityofwaterdischargedisimportantturbiditystandardsshouldprecludeturbidwaterbeingdischarged.Comment provided by Kevin Stinnette

Justasasuggestion-needtofocusonwhatdidnotworkforcurrentplanandthenlookatneedsandrealisticrevisions.Focusonwhatcanactuallybeaddressedinmanagementplaninthesemeetings-beyondthatisnotagooduseofthepublic’stime.Danna Small, [email protected]

Thebiggestissueislanduseanddrainageinthewatershed.Pollutingchemicals,includingnutrients,donotevaporateordisappearduringdryperiods.Evensettingpondsdonotdestroythem.Whentheraincomes,thepollutantsrunoff.Withwind,sedimentsarestirredupandreleasemore.Allthepollutantsonthewatershedendinthenorthfork,theSt.LucieRiugtz,andthentheIRLandtheocean.Comment provided by John Holt, [email protected]

Needcontrolofspeedofboats-theriverisnarrowinmanyplacesandthewakeresultsinerosion.Thereisalsoasafetyissue-thewakescanupsetcanoesandkayaks.Alsothereseemstobeaproblemaboutpolicejurisdictionontheriver-isitPLSorCountyorWildlifeManagement?Comment provided by anonymous

Thereshouldbeaprogramoflandacquisitionstotrytoexertbettercontrolofpollutingrun-off.Irealizethisisprobablybeyondyourscope.Thereshouldbeagreatereffortatpubliceducationforlandownersandboatersastohowtheirpracticesaffectthepreserve.Comment provided by anonymous.

Makesurebaselinestudiesarecompletesothatweknowwhatspeciesretherethosethatweneedtohelppreserveandexoticsthatneedtobecontrolledand/oreradicated.Comment provided by anonymous

ArewetryingtoincreaselandacquisitiontoincreasethePreserveandbufferasdevelopmentincreases.Comment provided by anonymous

OpossumPipefishHabitatmustbeprotected.Theremustbelimitsonherbicideuseincanalsandimportantplantsmustbeprotected(Panicumandothers).Wetlandsmustbeprotectedinthewatershed.Comment provided by anonymous

Stormwaterattenuationneedstobeexpandedallalongtheboundariesofthepreserve.PortSt.Lucieneedstoremoveswalelinersthatincreasestormwatertothepreserve.Comment provided by anonymous

St.LucieAudubonSocietyandAudubonofFloridasupportthe“NoBuild”optionre:aproposedBridgecrossingonthenorthforkSt.LucieRiver.WhenwillCAMArequestaELAandwhyhastheworkprogressedthisfartoStage4withoutaELAbeingrequested.WhatistheimpactonthewatershedoftheParkway(WestVirginiaCorridor)doesCAMAsupportanobuildoption?Ifnotwhy?Comment provided by Harold Philips- Conservation Officer St. Lucie Audubon Society.

Pleaseaddressagriculturalpollutioncomingfromthecanalsaswellastheswalescalerun-offfromtheneighborhoods,(lawns,leakingseptictanks)andmunicipalities(stormwatersewers).Comments provided by Gretchen L. Dewey- Recitor Martin Company, Environmentalist

Mypersonalandprofessionalgoalsinclude:1.EducatingTreasureCoastresidentsinwisewater-managementandchemicalgardenapplicationsthataffectrun-offandwaterandenvironmentalquality,2.Inspiringresidentstoappreciateournaturallandscape,3.Partneringwithotheragencies,volunteersandnon-profitstoachievethis,4.Promotingnativeplantsandavoidanceofmassiveexotics.Comment provided by Amy Dahan, Director, Heathcote Botanical Gardens, [email protected]

Withinthewatershed,whatimprovementshavebeenmadetoimproveH2Oqualitysince1984?Haveyouinvolvedallthemunicipalitiesandcountieswithinthewatershed?Doyouintendtodoso?Comment provided by Amy Price, ASMFC, [email protected]

Createamanualinformingnewwaterfronthomebuyersaboutnotremovingwateredgevegetationtopreservetheriverbankinitsnaturalstate.Eliminateneedtoripraptopreservetheriverbank.Comment provided by anonymous.

MartinCountywouldliketoseeaBluewaysprogramassociatedwiththepreservethecountywouldbeinterestedinpartneringwithDEP/CAMAtoimplementthisprogram.AbluewaysprogramcurrentlyexistsinMartinCountyandcouldeasilybeexpandedtoincludeareasinthepreserve.Comments provided by anonymous.

MorereconnectionsandexpansionofpreserveNorth.Comments provided by anonymous.

Concernaboutpollutionrun-offcomingfromlargerscaleagricultureoperationsaswellasstormwaterrun-offcomingfrommunicipalitiesandresidentialneighborhoods(sewers,leakingseptictanks,etc).Perhapsmorepressureongovernmentstoinact/enforceregulations?Comments provided by Gretchen Dewey- Martin County Realtor- Environmentalist.

Areweacquiringthemoststrategiclandareaswithinthewatershedtohelpbuffertheeffectsasdevelopmentonthepreserveitself.Comment provided by anonymous.

Piggybackonexistingpostersandstormdraininletmarkers,stencils,everyoneisdownstream.Comment provided by Q. Kaple.

Thereshouldbegreatereffortatpubliceducationaboutthepreserveandhowthepracticesofindividuals,businesses,andthegovernmentagenciesaffectthepreserve.Also,letthepublicknowthevalueofthepreserve.Comment provided by anonymous.

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Whatmanagementchangesareyouexpectingtoadoptthatarenotinthecurrentplan.2.Whathavebeentheresultsthathavebeenadheredtodatebasedonthecurrentmanagementplan?3.Whatdoyouconsidertobetheprimaryissues?Comments provided by April Price, FL Commissioner, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, [email protected]

Whatareyoudoingforpublicaccess?Whatforms?AreweincompliancewithChapter120?Isuggestyounarrowyourscopetothe10yearplantoitemsthatyouhavenotbeenabletoaccomplishinyour20yearplantodate!Comments provided by April Price, FL Comm., ASMFC. [email protected]

TheMiamiareaemploysan“UrbanDevelopmentBoundary”toprotecttheareaswestofDadeCounty.WiththerapidgrowthofPortSt.Lucieinmind,doyoubelieveasimilarlyboundarywillbediscussedinthenearfuture?Comment provided by Doug Keller, ��-�40-��.

Writtencommentssubmittedduringcommentperiod.

Thesearewrittencommentsreceivedwithinthecommentperiod,whichendedonMay7th.

From: Ray Garcia [[email protected]]

Subject: Public Scoping Meeting July ��, �00�

Ms.Herren,

ItwasapleasuremeetingyouattheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservemeetinglastweek.ThefollowingaretwocommentswehadrepresentingtheNorthSt.LucieRiverWaterControlDistrict(NSLRWCD),whichwedidnothavetimesubmitduringthemeeting.

1.RegardingtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservewatershedboundary,werecommendyourevisethenorthboundarylinetocoincidewiththenorthboundarylineoftheNSLRWCD.TherearesomeindividualconnectionsbetweenNSLRWCDandtheSFWMDC-25Canal,however,amajorityoftheannualrunofffromthisareatravelssouth.

2.WesuggestyouincludetheFiveMileCreekandTenMileCreeksystemsnorthofMidwayRoadintothemanagementprogram.TheNSLRWCDwasdesignedaroundthesestreamsintheearlypartofthecentury,however,NSLRWCDdoesnotownright-of-wayalongthesestreamsandtheyarenotcurrentlyinanyagencymaintenanceprogramthatweareawareof.Intheearlydays,theyweremodifiedtofacilitatedrainageforroughly65,000acres.Thesestillfunctioninconceptasoriginallydesigned,however,NSLRWCDdoesnothavejurisdictionformaintenance.Largeportionsofthesereachesareinpoorcondition,andcontaininvasivesandsedimentationwhichcanadverselyimpactthedownstreampreservesystem.Restrictionstoflowthroughthisareawerenoticeableduringtherecenthurricaneactivity.Improvingthesesystemswouldimprovecontroloftheupstreamflow,whichisalsoanimportantelementinwaterquality.

PleasecallmeatanytimeifyouhaveanyquestionsorwouldliketofurtherdiscusstheNSLRWCDsystem.

Sincerely,

RayGarcia,PE,LBFHIncorporated

ConsultingCivilEngineers,Surveyors&Mappers

3550SWCorporateParkway,PalmCity,FL34990

772-219-2832,772-286-3925/fax,[email protected]

From: Phil and Gerry Tafoya [[email protected]]

Subject: St Lucie Estuary

DearLaura:

Sorrywecouldnotmakethemeeting.Thefollowingaresomeideaswehavetomakeourriverabetterplaceforpeopleandespeciallyourwildlifethatisslowlydisappearing.

Wefeelthereshouldbestricterenforcementonhowclosepeoplebuildtothewater.Wehadtohavea50footsetbackwhenwebuiltourhome,butweseeotherhousesmuchclosertothewater.Wehaveseenpeoplebuildingdockswithoutturbiditybooms,sawingthepressuretreatedwoodwithpiecesandsawdustfallingintothewater.Wedonotneedmorearsenicinthewater.Idonotknowiftheyhavepermitsforthedocksandretentionwallsthataregoingup.IdoknowwhenwebuiltourdocktheArmyCorp.andtheDEPcametoourhouseandtolduswherewecouldbuildourdockandgaveusguidelinesonkeepingthewaterclean.Ialsothoughtyouneededpermitstoremovelivetreesunlesstheyarepeppertrees.Thistooneedscloserwatch.TheCountyissuestoomanypermits.Iknowthereisstillafewmilliondollarsinthe“SaveOurLands”kitty.Iheartheyarelookingtobuylandforaschoolwiththis.Whatisthatabout?Ithinkweneedmoreretentionareasoratleastmorebaffleboxes.

IcouldgoonbutIknowIhavesaidenough.Youprobablydonothavetheauthoritytodomostofthesethings,butifsomethingcouldbedoneitisbetterthannothing.Thankyouforyourtimeandinterestinpreservingourriver.Weloveithereanditwouldbeashametoloosethistomorebuilding.

Bye,PhilandGerryTafoya

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From: Ted Guy [mailto:[email protected]]

Subject: Aquatic Preserve management plan

Laura,

Pleaseputmeonyourmailinglistandsendmeanyagendasfortheseriesofmeetingsyou’reholdinginSt.LucieCounty,andanydraftofthemanagementplan.

IattendedyourJuly2006meetinginPalmBay,butapparentlydidnotgetputonthelist.

Also,IwouldliketobeappointedtoyourNorthForkadvisorycommitteesinceIrepresentusergroupssuchastheMarineIndustry,amajorstakeholder,andhavebeeninvolvedinAquaticPreservePlanformulationsincepriorto1984.

Unfortunately,IwasoutoftownforyourJunemeetingandcouldnotattendtonight’smeetingduetofamilyvisitingfromChicago;thereforeIsubmitthesecommentsinwriting,relatedtotheNorthForkoftheSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve:

1.I’mnotawarethatFDEPhaseveraccomplishedtheresourcesinventoryfortheNorthFork.Wasn’tthatrequiredbythe1984Plan?Shouldn’titbeaccomplishedbeforethenewplangoestopress?Howcanweplanintelligentlywithoutit?Wasn’tittoprovideabaselinetomeasureprogressagainst?Arewegoingintoanewplanstillwithoutabaseline?OramImissingsomething?

2.ThemostsignificantandimportantinfluencesonwaterqualityandthehealthofthebenthiccommunityonsovereigntysubmergedlandsintheNorthForkAquaticPreservearethedischargesfromtheC-23andC-24drainagecanals,aswellassomePortSt.Luciedrainagecanals.Idon’trememberthosedischargesbeingaddressedinthe1984plan,buttheyshouldbeaddressedmostprominentlyinthenewplan.Everythingelseaddressedbytheplanpalesbycomparisonwiththosemajorinfluencesonthehealthofthepreserve.

3.ThenextmostsignificantinfluenceonthehealthofthePreserveistheexcessivefresh,nutrientladen,toxicalgaeproducingdumpingofLakeOkeechobeewaterintotheestuary,suchasoccurredin1995,1998,2003,2004,and2005fromtheC-44canal.Shouldn’twebeaddressingthosedischarges?

4.ManateesareNOTthehotissuetheyusedtobein1984.Themanateepopulationhasrecoverednicelysincethen,roughlytriplingtheFloridaspeciespopulation,andwhenwasthelasttimeyouheardofonebeingkilledbyaboatintheNorthForkAquaticPreserve?

Thecommentsaboveareverygeneralandpreliminary;it’shardtogetmorespecificwithoutseeingadraftplan.

W.E.“Ted”Guy,Jr.,Stuart,FL34997

From: Michael Kiefer [[email protected]]

Subject: RE: Aquatic Preserve management plan

Laura,IconcurwithTed’scomments.IwasinvolvedinthepermittingofdocksatHarbourRidgeinthemid80’s;IconductedextensiveaerialflightsovertheNorthForkandSouthForkperformingmanateeobservations,andIhavepermittedanumberdocksintheNorthForksincethen.IlikewisesubmitthesewrittencommentsrelatedtotheNorthForkoftheSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve:

a.DoestheNorthForkoftheSt.LucieRiverstillmeetthecriteriafordesignationasanAquaticPreserve?

b.ShouldnottheboundariesbechangedtofocusmoreonnarrowupperreachesoftheNorthFork?WhatissosignificantaboutthewideopenwatersoftheNorthForkthatseparatesitapartfromtheSouthForkortherestoftheSt.LucieRiver?Theaquaticresourcesarelimited.

c.Ifwehavenotaccomplishedmostofthegoalsinthemanagementplan,whyhaveaplan?IfyouaregoingtocontinuewithaplanIwouldsuggesttakingoutthoseitemswhichyouarenotlikelytoaccomplish.Theprogramdidn’thavethemoneythen,(althoughithadmoremanpower);itdoesn’thavethemoneynow,anditwon’tlikelyhavethemoneyinthefuturetoimplementmanyoftheactionsandgoalsinthemanagementplan.

d.Giventhelimitedmoneyandmanpower,relativetomanagingAP’s,weshouldfocusonwhatistrulyimportant,andmanageitwell.

Iknowthesearegeneralthoughtsandcomments,andIwilllikelywanttooffermoreasthisprogresses.

Thankyou.

MichaelE.Kiefer,Jr.,Kimley-HornAndAssociates,Inc.

10521SWVillageCenterDrive,Suite103,PortSt.Lucie,FL34987

Voice772-345-3800DirectDial772-345-3824,Fax772-286-0138,[email protected]

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C.3 / Formal Public Meeting(s)

ThefollowingAppendixescontaininformationabouttheFormalPublicMeeting(s)whichwasheldinordertoobtaininputfromthepublicabouttheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveDraftManagementPlan.Therearecopiesofthepublicadvertisementsforthosemeetings,alistofattendees,asummaryofthemeeting(s)(asrequiredbyCh.259.032(10),F.S.),andacopyofthewrittencommentsreceived.

C.�.� / Florida Administrative Weekly (F.A.C.) Posting(s)

Florida Administrative Weekly Volume �4, Number �, February �, �00� Section VII - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ��


DateandTime:Thursday,March20,2008,6:00p.m.

Place:UniversityofFloridaIndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter,2199SouthRockRd.,Ft.Pierce,FL34945

GeneralSubjecMattertobeConsidered:ThepurposeistoreceivepubliccommentonthedraftNorthFork,St.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan.AcopyofthedraftplanwillbeavailableforviewingstartingFebruary15,2008,atwww.dep.state.fl.us/coastal.TheNorthFork,St.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveAdvisoryCommitteewillbeparticipating.

Acopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontacting:AquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.

PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontacting:AquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,1(800)955-8771(TDD)or1(800)955-8770(Voice).

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C.�.� / Advertisement Flier

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C.�.� / Summary of the Formal Public Meeting(s)

Thursday,March20,2008,6:00P.M.(UniversityofFloridaIndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter)

Attendance

Name Affiliation ACMember

JeffBach DEP-RecreationandParks No

JeffBeal FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission Yes

BaretBeall MartinCounty No

RobertDay St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict No

BobbieDeemer Citizen Yes

GordonEvans Citizen Yes

NancyEvans Citizen No

GrantGilmore Estuarine,CoastalandOceanScience,Inc., No

PatrickGostel SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict Yes

BoydGunsalus SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict No

TedGuy MarineIndustriesAssociationoftheTreasureCoast No

RickHerren IndianRiverCounty No

DavidKaplan RiverPartyHomeOwnersAssociation No

GregKaufmann DEP-RecreationandParks Yes

JoshLiller Citizen No

TomMcGowan BoyleEngineering No

LarryPatterson Citizen No

AndreaPovinelli(for Ann Birch)

TheNatureConservancy Yes

OctavioReis CreechEngineers No

JimSculley PortSt.LucieConservationAlliance No

KrisStewart KeithSchnars No

MarkTamblyn FloridaInlandNavigationDistrict No

JohnTucker St.LucieCounty No

BruceTurner Citizen No

DanaWade RiverLillyEco-CruiseRiverTours Yes

DeenaWade RiverLillyEco-CruiseRiverTours No

GeraldM.Ward FloridaEngineeringSociety&MarineIndustriesAssociationoftheTreasureCoast

No

MeetingSummary

ThisreportfundedinpartthroughagrantagreementformtheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,FloridaCoastalManagementProgram,byagrantprovidedbytheOfficeofOceanandCoastalResourceManagementundertheCoastalZoneManagementActof1972,asamended,NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministrationAwardNo.NA07NOS4190071CZ823.Theviews,statements,findings,conclusionsandrecommendationsexpressedhereinarethoseoftheauthor(s)anddonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsoftheStateofFlorida,NOAAoranyofitssubagencies.April2008.

Introduction

OnMarch20,2008theNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveconductedapublicmeetingtomeetthefollowingobjectives:

1.PresentcurrentdraftofSiteManagementPlan,withafocusonissuesandobjectives.

2.Receivefeedbackfromthepubliconthecurrentdraftmanagementplan.

Thiswasthesecondpublicmeetingrelatedtothedraftingofthesite’smanagementplan.

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Themeetingfollowedthefollowingagenda:

•OfficialWelcomeandIntroduction

•OverviewPresentation:Describedthemanagementarea’sboundaries,availablemanagementresources,currentprojects,andproposedissuesandmanagementactions.

•PublicCommentandStakeholderFeedback:Opportunityforthepublictoprovidewrittenandverbalcommentstostaffbyvisiting“kiosks”organizedaccordingtotheissuesidentifiedinthedraftplan(WaterQuality,NaturalResourceManagement,CoastalDevelopment,andPublicUseandAccess).

•PublicComment:Anopportunityforparticipantswhowantedtomakeaverbalpublicstatementtothefullassemblywasgivenattheendoftheevening.Onlywrittencommentswereincludedinthismeetingsummary.

Theworkshopwasdesignedtoencouragedeepdialoguebetweenthepublicandthefocusteamsonspecificissuesaswellasprovidingaforumforgeneralcommentsandobservations.

CoastalandAquaticManagedAreasBackground

TheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection’sOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)isresponsibleforthemanagementofFlorida’s41AquaticPreserves,3NationalEstuarineResearchReserves(NERR),1NationalMarineSanctuary,andtheCoralReefConservationProgram.Theseprotectedareascomprisemorethan4millionacresofthemostvaluablesubmergedlandsandselectcoastaluplandsinFlorida.CAMAiscurrentlyintheprocessofrevisingitssitemanagementplans,includingtheplanfortheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.Theseplanswillprovideacriticalmanagementframeworkforthesites,settingprioritiesandguidingimplementationforthenext10years.

Thisdocument

Thisdocumentincludesbothwrittencommentsreceivedattheworkshopsandbyemail/postalmailduringthecommentperiod.Italsoincludesasummaryofthereportsmadebythestaffattheendofthekioskperiod.Thissummaryisnotmeanttobeadetaileddescriptionoftheproceedings,butarecordofthemajorthemesandcommentsreceived.Onlywrittencommentswereincludedinthismeetingsummary.

Summaryofcomments

BelowisanoverallsummaryofthecommentsreceivedbytheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveduringthepublicmeetingprocess:

•Overall,thepublicendorsedthefocusandapproachbeingappliedbyNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservePlan.Thepublicrecognizedthat,generally,themanagementissuesandproposedactionthathavebeenidentifiedaccuratelyreflectthepriorityissuesandpossibleactionsthattheaquaticpreservehastheauthorityandcapacitytoaddress.

•Thevalueandimportanceofimprovingwaterqualitywasraisedconsistentlyandnotedasacriticalpartoftheoverallplanofaction.

•Commentswheremadeaboutexpandingthepreserve’sboundariestothenorth.

•Recreationalboatingwasnotedasanimportantissuewithmanydifferentmanagementfacets.Theteamwasencouragedtoconsiderdifferentoptionsasitaddressesboatspeedanduseinthepreserveandtoincreaseboatingaccesstothepreserve’swaterways.

Writtencommentsreceivedoncommentcardsatmeeting

GeneralComments:

Focusonoystersversusshellfishmakesnosense.Halfofthepreserveisinacountythathasmultipleshellfishexperts-manyforforce(HarborBranch)Bifurcationofpreservediscussedearliermeeting.Southhalfismoreusefulasscientificvs.biologicalor.Destination.ExpansiontoNorthisneededtobeconsidered.CommentprovidedbyGeraldWard-wardgm@gate.net

IsupporttheexpansionoftheNorth,whateveritrequires,dredgingornot.OfficeofCoastal&AquaticManagedAreasshouldoverseethisarea.CommentprovidedbyDavidKaplan,854-275-5638

WaterQuality:

Goal1.tostopdegradationofwaterinthepreserve.2.Makewatersafetohumans.3.Percentalgaebloomsandredtides.4.Makefishsafetoeat.Jobwelldone.Hatsofftoallofyouputtingtogetherthisplan.CommentprovidedbyDavidKaplan,RiverparkHomeownersAssoc.954-275-5638

Muckremovalisthegreatestsingleneedandwouldbeofthemostusefulbenefit!CommentprovidedbyTedGuy,MIA-TC,[email protected]

��

NaturalResourceManagement:

TheexpansionofthePreserveBoundarywouldbeofgreatvaluetotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.CommentprovidedbyMikePatterson.

Iheartilysupportmorecanoe/kayakaccesspointstoincreaseandsupportrecreationuseoftheriver.Ialsosupporttheexpansiontoinclude5mileand10-milecreek.Oxbowreopeningisnotonlygoodforthewildlifewaterqualitybutalsodecreasesboatvs.canoe/kayakconflictandmakestherivermoreattractivetocanoes&kayaks.Commentprovidedbyanonymous.

CoastalDevelopment:

Re:GlobalWarmingandsealevel-justprovideweblinkstobothsidesofthecontroversy.

Thereisnopointinwastingmoneyonprintingmore-informationisalreadyavailableontheweb.CommentprovidedbyTedGuy,MIA-TC,[email protected]

Pg.119SpeciesList-AlphabetizebyLatinname.Commentprovidedbyanonymous

Followingrecenthurricanesthatdamagedmanyoftheshorelineprotectionsystemsbuiltalongtheriver,moreresearchneedstobedonetoestablishhardiersystemsthatcanwithstandlargestorms.Commentprovidedbyanonymous

PublicUseandAccess:

IwishthatwecouldhavesometypeoflawenforcementonaregularbasisontheNorthForkoftheSt.LucieRiver.Weneedtoupdatethespeedlimitsandmanateezonesontheriver.

CommentprovidedbyDanaWade,772-489-8344

Whyistherenolineitemforpublicboatlaunchesformotorizedboats?Thatisthebiggestsingleneedforpublicuseandaccess.CommentprovidedbyTedGuy,MIA-TC,[email protected]

StopSpeedingBoatsandBoatWakesCommentProvidedbyDavidKaplan,RiverparkHomeownersAssoc.

Writtencommentssubmittedduringcommentperiod

Thesearewrittencommentsreceivedwithinthecommentperiod,whichendedonMarch27,2008.

VIAe-mailandUSMail/March24,2008

TrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund

c/oFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection

OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas

3300LewisStreet

FortPierce,Florida34981

Attention:LauraHerren,ManagerSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves

Re:NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlanUpdateDrafts18-20.005(7)FloridaAdministrativeCode

Ladies&Gentlemen:

AsstafftothetrusteesoftheinternalImprovementTrustFund,youhavenotinitiatedRuleDevelopmentforthereferencedRuleandManagementPlanUpdate.Severalofourassociationmembershaveparticipatedwithsomedifficultyinnoticeandprocess,sincethesummerof2006foryourIndianRiverLagoonandvicinitymeetings,andwedowishtocontinuetobefullyinvolvedinyourupdatingofnotjusttheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverManagementPlan,butallplansaffectingourAssociation’sarea.

TwoofourmemberswereabletoattendlastThursdayevening’smeetingbeforeGoodFriday,butthestructureofthemeetingonceagaindidnotlenditselftocorrectingsomenearly210pagesofso-calledManagementPlandocument.Theoneweekgivenuntil27March2008forfurtherwrittencommentsisgrosslyinadequateforprovidingsuchcomments,regardlessoftheshorttimethematerialswerepostedpriortoyour20March2008“FormalPublicMeeting”.SincetheDepartmentisrequiredtousetheChapter120FloridaStatutesrulemakingprocessasitsfurthermeansofaccomplishingaNorthForkSt.LucieRiverManagementPlan.Weherebyrequestparticularnoticetotheletterheadaddressesofanyfutureactions,meetingsandrulemaking.

WedounderstandthattheDepartmentmaybeintendingtofurther“rewrite”theDRAFTmaterialstomorecorrectlyprovidea“management”planformat.WerequestwebenotifiedateachtimechangesaremadeintheDRAFTmaterials.

��4

Verytrulyyours,

MARINEINDUSTRIESASSOCIATIONOFTHETREASURECOAST,INC.

VeraLocke,ExecutiveDirector

Cc:

MIATCLegislativeCommittee

MIATCBoardofDirectors

From:TomMcGowan[mailto:[email protected]]

Sent:Friday,March28,20082:12PM

To:Herren,Laura

Cc:[email protected]

Subject:RE:DraftNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlanDraftAvailable

Laura,

Atit’sBoardmeetingyesterday,theNSLRWCDBoardofSupervisorsdidaskthatIaddacommenttothepublicrecordregardingtheexpansionoftheaquaticpreservetoincludethenorthforkoftheSt.LucieRiver,10-MileCreektoGordyRoadand5-MileCreektoEdwardsRoad.Theircommentwasrelativelybasicandisconsistentwithwhatwediscussedthenightofthepublicmeeting.While5-Mileand10-MileCreekareimportanttotheoverallenvironmentalhealthofourarea,theyarenolongerexclusively“natural”systemsandareinfactthebackboneofaverylargedrainagesystem,andtheymustbeabletobecleaned(sedimentremoval)andkeptfreeofexcessivedownedvegetationinordertocontinuetofunctionasaviabledrainageconveyancesystemforthearea.ThisisespeciallytrueinlightoftheincreasedvolumeofwateranticipatedtobereleasedintotheNSLRWCDfromtheSFWMD/ACOEC-23/C24reservoirandSTAproject-potentiallydoublingthevolumeofwaterflowingdown10-MileCreek.ThiswaterinturnwillbedischargedviatheVarnControlStructureatGordyRoadinto10-MileCreekandwhatwouldbeanaquaticpreserve.Whatprovisionsarebeingmadetoallowforthisnecessarymaintenanceandwhatentity(ies)willbepermittedtoperformand/orberesponsibleforthiswork?Oursameconcernsaresharedforthatportionof5-MileCreekbeingconsideredforinclusionintheaquaticpreserve.

Hopethisisnottoolate,andthanksforyourconsideration.

ThomasF.McGowan,PE

DistrictEngineer

NorthSt.LucieRiverWaterControlDistrict

772-219-2825-direct

772-260-8370-cell

��

Appendix D

Goals, Objectives, and Strategies Table

D.1 /Current Goals, Objectives and Strategies Table

Thefollowingtableisasummaryoftheissues,goals,objectivesandstrategiesidentifiedinChapter6.The“ManagementProgram”columnidentifieswhichmanagementprogrameachstrategyfallswithin.The“ImplementationDate”columnidentifiesthefiscalyearwhenthestrategywas,orwillbe,initiated.The“ProjectInitiation”columnindicatesifthisisanactivitythatisalreadyunderway,currentlyunderinitialdevelopment,orwilloccurinthefuture.The“LengthofInitiative”columnindicateshowlongitisexpectedtocompletethestrategy,andthe“EstimatedYearlyCost”columnidentifiestheanticipatedexpensesassociatedwiththestrategy.

Goals,Objectives&IntegratedStrategies ManagementProgram

ImplementationDate(Planned)

LengthofInitiative

EstimatedYearlyCost

Issue1:WaterQuality

WQGoal1:Maintainandimprovewaterqualitywithinandenteringthepreservetomeettheneedsofthenaturalresources.

WQObjective1.1:Regularlyassesswaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserveandthepotentialimpactsonnaturalresources.

WQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.

EcosystemScience

2007-2008 Recurring $32,000

WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver.

EcosystemScience

2007-2008 Recurring $250

WQObjective1.2:Protectnaturalresourcesbyrestoringalteredareasthatcontributetolowwaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserve.

WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat.

ResourceManagement

2002-2003 Recurring $200,000

WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants.

ResourceManagement

2010-2011 Recurring $20,000

WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials.

ResourceManagement

2010-2011 Recurring $65,000

WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses.

ResourceManagement

2002-2003 Recurring $250

WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver.

ResourceManagement

2008-2009 Recurring $250

WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve.

ResourceManagement

2004-2005 Recurring $500

WQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.

ResourceManagement

2008-2009 Recurring $250

WQObjective1.3:Reducewaterqualityimpactscausedbystormwaterandsepticsourcessystemswithinthewatershed.

WQ1.3.1:Inventorystormwaterretrofitsystemstohelpidentifyfutureimprovementneeds.

ResourceManagement

2011-2012 2yrs $200

WQ1.3.2:Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices.

ResourceManagement

2012-2013 Recurring $500

WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances.

ResourceManagement

2010-2011 Recurring,as

necessary

$250

WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer.

ResourceManagement

2010-2011 Recurring $250

WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality.

ResourceManagement

2010-2011 Recurring $200

WQObjective1.4:Protectlandstoconservethewaterqualityandnaturalresourcesofthepreserve.

WQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources.

ResourceManagement

2008-2009 Recurring $250

��



LengthofInitiative

EstimatedYearlyCost

WQGoal2:Increasepublicawarenessaboutwaterqualityissueswithinthepreserve.

WQObjective2.1:Informthepublicandpartnersaboutwaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserve.

WQ2.1.1Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners.

EducationandOutreach

2011-2012 Recurring $400

WQObjective2.2:Facilitateknowledgeandunderstandingofhowactivitiesinthewatershedimpactthepreserve.

WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents.


2008-2009 Recurring $300

WQ2.2.2:Provideeducationalboattourstoinformthepublicabouttheeffectofwatershedpracticesonthepreserve’snaturalresources.


2013-2014 Recurring $400

WQ2.2.3:ReactivatetheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesCitizenSupportOrganization.


2011-2012 1yr $4,400

WQ2.2.4:CreateandpromoteaHomeowner’s Guide to Living on the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.


2010-2011 1yr $2,000

WQ2.2.5:Informstudentsaboutlocalissues. EducationandOutreach

2013-2014 Recurring $250

WQ2.2.6:ExpandtheIndianRiverLagoondrainstencilingandsignageprograminhighlydevelopedareasadjacenttothepreserve.


2014-2015 1yr $10,000

Issue2:NaturalResourceManagement

NRGoal1:Documentthenaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.

NRObjective1.1:Establishabaselineofthecurrentlocations,extents,andconditionsofthedifferenthabitattypes.

NR1.1.1:Surveyandmapeachhabitattypelocatedwithinthepreserve.

EcosystemScience

2010-2011 3yrs $50,000

NR1.1.2:Ground-truthhabitatmapsonafive-yearcycle.

EcosystemScience

2015-2016 3yrs $30,000

NRObjective1.2:Associateaquaticspecies,especiallyrareandprotectedspecies,withspecifichabitatslocatedwithinthepreserve.

NR1.2.1:DevelopaGISdatabaseandmapsthatlinkspecieslocationstospecificaquatichabitats.

EcosystemScience

2011-2012 1yr $300

NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory.

ResourceManagement

2007-2008 Recurring $200

NRObjective1.3:MonitorchangestotheresourcesresultingfromNorthernEvergladesrestorationefforts.

NR1.3.1:Mapthelocationoftheestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRivereverytwoyears.

EcosystemScience

2009-2010 Recurring $1,000

NR1.3.2:Documentseagrassandoysterrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve.

EcosystemScience

2015-2016 Recurring $300

NRGoal2:Implementmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimproveviablehabitatsandpopulationswithinthepreserve.

NRObjective2.1:Establishandimplementroutinebiologicalmonitoringprogramsforessentialhabitatsandrareandlistedspecies.

NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. EcosystemScience

2006-2007 Recurring $1,500

NR2.1.2:Monitorgreatlandandfiddlercrablocationsanddensities.

EcosystemScience

2011-2012 3yrs $1,400

NR2.1.3:Monitormangroverivuluspopulationsatsitesdocumentedtosupportgreatlandandfiddlercrabs.

EcosystemScience

2012-2013 2yrs $1,400

��



LengthofInitiative

EstimatedYearlyCost

NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve.

EcosystemScience

2010-2011 Recurring $1,300

NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. EcosystemScience

2010-2011 Recurring $1,300

NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts.

EcosystemScience

1986-1987 Recurring $1,300

NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds.

EcosystemScience

2009-2010 Recurring $300

NRObjective2.2:Synthesizeanddistributespeciesandcommunitydatatoinformpolicy,regulatory,andnaturalresourcemanagementdecisions.

NR2.2.1:Establishaprogramtocollectinformationfromresearchersandcommercialfishermenwithinthepreserve.

ResourceManagement

2016-2017 2yrs $300

NR2.2.2:Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve.

ResourceManagement

2011-2012 Recurring $400

NRObjective2.3:Documentandreducetheabundanceanddiversityofnon-nativeaquaticspecieswithinthepreserve.

NR2.3.1:Createanon-nativespeciesdatabaseandsightingsmap.

ResourceManagement

2013-2014 1yr $200

NR2.3.2:Assistotheragenciesincontrollingnon-nativeaquaticspecies.

ResourceManagement

2015-2016 Recurring $250

NRGoal3:Protectthepreserve’snaturalresourcesatanecosystemscale.

NRObjective3.1:Workwithpartnerstoprotectthepreserve’sheadwaters.

NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata.

EcosystemScience

2010-2011 Recurring,as

necessary

$1,000

Issue3:CoastalDevelopment

CDGoal1:Protectthepreservefromimpactsrelatedtolandusechangesthatdisrupttheecologicalfunctionsofthenaturalresources.

CDObjective1.1:Coordinatewithregulatoryprograms,localgovernment,andadjacentlandownerstoreduceimpactstothepreservefromadjacentdevelopmentactivities.

CD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.

ResourceManagement

2010-2011 Recurring $250

CD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.

ResourceManagement

2010-2011 Recurring $250

CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve.

ResourceManagement

1986-1987 Recurring $250

CD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.

ResourceManagement

2010-2011 Recurring $250

CDObjective1.2:Informlocalresidentsabouttheircontributiontoglobalissuesthatimpactthepreserve.

CD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions.


2007-2008 Recurring $1,400

CD1.2.2:Informresidentsaboutclimatechangeandsea-levelrise,andhowtheycouldaffectthepreserve.


2014-2015 Recurring $250

CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint.


2010-2011 Recurring $250

��



LengthofInitiative

EstimatedYearlyCost

Issue4:PublicUseandAccess

PUGoal1:Maintainasafeenvironmentforfish,wildlife,andusergroups.

PUObjective1.1:Reducetheamountofdebrisandcontaminantsassociatedwithusergroupactivities.

PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear.

ResourceManagement

2007-2008 Recurring $1,300

PU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.

ResourceManagement

2007-2008 Recurring $500

PU1.1.3:PromoteDEP’sCleanMarinaProgramtoClubMed-Sandpiper.


2010-2011 1yr $250

PU1.1.4:Installandmaintainmonofilamentrecyclingcontainersatallpublicboatrampsandfishingpiers.

ResourceManagement

2009-2010 1yr $500

PU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.

ResourceManagement

2006-2007 Recurring $15,000

PU1.1.6:Postsignageaboutdebrisinaquaticenvironmentsatpublicaccesspoints.


2013-2014 1yr $1,500

PUObjective1.2:Betterunderstandtheimpactofcurrentspeedlimitsonthepreserveanditsusergroups.

PU1.2.1:Documentandmonitorboatingimpactstonaturalresources.

EcosystemScience

2015-2016 3yrs $500

PUObjective1.3:Increasetheamountandfrequencyoflawenforcementandcitizenpatrolwithinthepreserve.

PU1.3.1:Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities.

ResourceManagement

2011-2012 Recurring $500

PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve.

ResourceManagement

2011-2012 Recurring $1,500

PUGoal2:Promotelowimpactrecreationalopportunities.

PUObjective2.1:Supporttheadditionofcanoestopoversandlaunchesonpubliclands.

PU2.1.1:Identifyandsupportappropriatelocationsforcanoestopoversandlaunches.

ResourceManagement

2010-2011 1yr $500

PUObjective2.2:Promotecompleteinclusionofthepreserveintocountywaterwayprograms.

PU2.2.1:PromoteWaterwayProgramconsistency.

ResourceManagement

2011-2012 1yr $200

��

D.2 / Budget Table

Thefollowingtableprovidesacostestimateforconductingtheprioritymanagementactivitiesidentifiedinthisplan.Activitiesarecarriedoutwiththehelpofvariouspartners,thusestimatesreflecttheaquaticpreserveprogramroleineachproject.ThedataisorganizedbyyearandManagementProgramwithsubtotalsforeachprogramandyear.ThefollowingrepresentstheactualbudgetaryneedsformanagingtheresourcesoftheAquaticPreserve.ThisbudgetwasdevelopedusingdatafromCAMAandothercooperatingentities,andisbasedonactualcostsformanagementactivities,equipmentpurchasesandmaintenance,andfordevelopmentoffixedcapitalfacilities.ThebudgetbelowexceedsthefundsCAMAhasbeenreceivingthroughthestateappropriationsprocess,butisconsistentwiththedirectionnecessarytoachievethegoalsandobjectivesidentifiedintheGoals,ObjectivesandStrategiesTableinAppendixD.1.BudgetcategoriesidentifiedcorrelatewiththeCAMAManagementProgramAreas.Estimatesaresubjecttochangebasedondetailedcostanalysis.

Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation

EstimatedYearlyCost

2008-2009CostEstimateEcosystemScience

WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.

2007-2008 $32,000

WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250

NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500

NaturalResourceManagement

NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300

EcosystemScienceSubtotal $35,050

ResourceManagement

WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000

WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250

WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250

WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500

WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.

2008-2009 $250

WaterQualityWQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources.

2008-2009 $250

NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200

CoastalDevelopment CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve. 1986-1987 $250

PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300

PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.

2007-2008 $500

PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.

2006-2007 $15,000

ResourceManagementSubtotal $218,750

Education&Outreach

WaterQuality WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents. 2008-2009 $300

CoastalDevelopmentCD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions.

2007-2008 $1,400

Education&OutreachSubtotal $1,700$255,500 2008-2009Total

�00


EstimatedYearlyCost

2009-2010CostEstimate

EcosystemScience


2007-2008 $32,000




2009-2010 $1,000





NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds. 2009-2010 $300


ResourceManagement






2008-2009 $250


2008-2009 $250





2007-2008 $500

PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.4:Installandmaintainmonofilamentrecyclingcontainersatallpublicboatrampsandfishingpiers. 2009-2010 $500


2006-2007 $15,000


Education&Outreach



2007-2008 $1,400

Education&OutreachSubtotal $1,700

$257,300 2009-2010Total

�0�


EstimatedYearlyCost



2007-2008 $32,000



NR1.1.1:Surveyandmapeachhabitattypelocatedwithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $50,000



NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $1,300

NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. 2010-2011 $1,300






NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata. 2010-2011 $1,000


ResourceManagement


WaterQuality WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants. 2010-2011 $20,000

WaterQuality WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials. 2010-2011 $65,000





2008-2009 $250

WaterQuality WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances. 2010-2011 $250

WaterQuality WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer. 2010-2011 $250

WaterQuality WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality. 2010-2011 $200

WaterQuality WQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources. 2008-2009 $250


CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.

2010-2011 $250

CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.

2010-2011 $250


CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.

2010-2011 $250


�0�


EstimatedYearlyCost


2007-2008 $500


2006-2007 $15,000

PublicUseandAccess PU2.1.1:Identifyandsupportappropriatelocationsforcanoestopoversandlaunches. 2010-2011 $500


Education&Outreach


WaterQuality WQ2.2.4:CreateandpromoteaHomeowner’s Guide to Living on the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve. 2010-2011 $2,000

CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions. 2007-2008 $1,400

CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint. 2010-2011 $250

PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.3:PromoteDEP’sCleanMarinaProgramtoClubMed-Sandpiper. 2010-2011 $250




2007-2008 $32,000





NR1.2.1:DevelopaGISdatabaseandmapsthatlinkspecieslocationstospecificaquatichabitats. 2011-2012 $300


NR1.3.1:Mapthelocationoftheestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRivereverytwoyears. 2009-2010 $1,000



NR2.1.2:Monitorgreatlandandfiddlercrablocationsanddensities. 2011-2012 $1,400











ResourceManagement




�0�


EstimatedYearlyCost





2008-2009 $250

WaterQuality WQ1.3.1:Inventorystormwaterretrofitsystemstohelpidentifyfutureimprovementneeds. 2011-2012 $200







NR2.2.2:Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve. 2011-2012 $400


2010-2011 $250


2010-2011 $250



2010-2011 $250



2007-2008 $500


2006-2007 $15,000

PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.1:Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities. 2011-2012 $500

PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve. 2011-2012 $1,500PublicUseandAccess PU2.2.1:Promotewaterwayprogramconsistency. 2011-2012 $200


Education&Outreach

WaterQuality WQ2.1.1Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners. 2011-2012 $400


WaterQuality WQ2.2.3:ReactivatetheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesCitizenSupportOrganization. 2011-2012 $4,400




�04


EstimatedYearlyCost



2007-2008 $32,000








NR2.1.3:Monitormangroverivuluspopulationsatsitesdocumentedtosupportgreatlandandfiddlercrabs. 2012-2013 $1,400











ResourceManagement








2008-2009 $250

WaterQuality WQ1.3.1:Inventorystormwaterretrofitsystemstohelpidentifyfutureimprovementneeds. 2011-2012 $200

WaterQuality WQ1.3.2:Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices. 2012-2013 $500









2010-2011 $250

�0�


EstimatedYearlyCost


2010-2011 $250



2010-2011 $250



2007-2008 $500


2006-2007 $15,000


PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve. 2011-2012 $1,500


Education&Outreach








2007-2008 $32,000




2009-2010 $1,000





NR2.1.3:Monitormangroverivuluspopulationsatsitesdocumentedtosupportgreatlandandfiddlercrabs. 2012-2013 $1,400











�0�


EstimatedYearlyCost

ResourceManagement








2008-2009 $250






2008-2009 $250





NR2.3.1:Createanon-nativespeciesdatabaseandsightingsmap. 2013-2014 $200


2010-2011 $250


2010-2011 $250

CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve.

1986-1987 $250


2010-2011 $250



2007-2008 $500


2006-2007 $15,000




�0�


EstimatedYearlyCost

Education&Outreach



WaterQualityWQ2.2.2:Provideeducationalboattourstoinformthepublicabouttheeffectofwatershedpracticesonthepreserve’snaturalresources.

2013-2014 $400

WaterQuality WQ2.2.5:Informstudentsaboutlocalissues. 2013-2014 $250


2007-2008 $1,400


PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.6:Postsignageaboutdebrisinaquaticenvironmentsatpublicaccesspoints. 2013-2014 $1,500




2007-2008 $32,000













ResourceManagement








2008-2009 $250


�0�


EstimatedYearlyCost





2008-2009 $250





2010-2011 $250


2010-2011 $250

CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve.

1986-1987 $250


2010-2011 $250



2007-2008 $500


2006-2007 $15,000




Education&Outreach


WaterQualityWQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents.

2008-2009 $300


2013-2014 $400


WaterQualityWQ2.2.6:ExpandtheIndianRiverLagoondrainstencilingandsignageprograminhighlydevelopedareasadjacenttothepreserve.

2014-2015 $10,000


2007-2008 $1,400

CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.2:Informresidentsaboutclimatechangeandsea-levelrise,andhowtheycouldaffectthepreserve. 2014-2015 $250



�0�


EstimatedYearlyCost



2007-2008 $32,000


NaturalResourceManagement NR1.1.2:Ground-truthhabitatmapsonafive-yearcycle. 2015-2016 $30,000



2009-2010 $1,000


NR1.3.2:Documentseagrassandoysterrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2015-2016 $300











PublicUseandAccess PU1.2.1:Documentandmonitorboatingimpactstonaturalresources. 2015-2016 $500


ResourceManagement








2008-2009 $250






2008-2009 $250




��0


EstimatedYearlyCost


NR2.3.2:Assistotheragenciesincontrollingnon-nativeaquaticspecies. 2015-2016 $250


2010-2011 $250


2010-2011 $250



2010-2011 $250



2007-2008 $500


2006-2007 $15,000




Education&Outreach




2013-2014 $400



2007-2008 $1,400






2007-2008 $32,000






��


EstimatedYearlyCost












ResourceManagement








2008-2009 $250








NR2.2.1:Establishaprogramtocollectinformationfromresearchersandcommercialfishermenwithinthepreserve. 2016-2017 $300






2010-2011 $250


2010-2011 $250



2010-2011 $250


��


EstimatedYearlyCost


2007-2008 $500


2006-2007 $15,000




Education&Outreach




2013-2014 $400



2007-2008 $1,400






2007-2008 $32,000





2009-2010 $1,000















��


EstimatedYearlyCost

ResourceManagement








2008-2009 $250






2008-2009 $250



NR2.2.1:Establishaprogramtocollectinformationfromresearchersandcommercialfishermenwithinthepreserve. 2016-2017 $300






2010-2011 $250


2010-2011 $250



2010-2011 $250



2007-2008 $500


2006-2007 $15,000




��4


EstimatedYearlyCost

Education&Outreach




2013-2014 $400



2007-2008 $1,400




D.3 / Budget Summary Table





2008-2009Total $255,500





2009-2010Total $257,300





2010-2011Total $398,850





2011-2012Total $406,400





2012-2013Total $402,400





2013-2014Total $355,550





2014-2015Total $360,300





2015-2016Total $382,350





2016-2017Total $381,650





2017-2018Total $382,650

��

D.4 / Major Accomplishments since the Approval of the Previous Plan

TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservewasadoptedbytheTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundonMarch30,1972.Untiltheestablishmentofalocalfieldofficein1986,allaquaticpreservematterswerehandledinTallahassee.Managementofthefieldoffice,foursoutheastaquaticpreservesandonestatebufferpreserve(from1997to2004)hasbeenoverseenbyfiveseparatemanagers.Previousmanagerswereinterviewedtoensurethatallsignificantmanagementeffortshavebeenaccuratelydocumentedsinceadoptionof1984managementplan.Increasedcommunicationwithpreviousmanagersandthepublichashelpedtoestablishafoundationonwhichtobasefuturemanagementplanning.

Overthefirst10years(1986-1996),activitiesinthepreserveinvolvednaturalresourceprotectionthroughtheregulatorypermitreviewprocessandeducationandoutreach.Staffroutinelycoordinatedwiththeregulatorydivisionwhenpermitapplicationsweresubmittedforprojectswithinthepreserve.Thisincludedsitevisitsoftheproposedprojectareasandcompletingdetailedreportsfortheregulatoryofficetoreview.OrganizationofeducationalcanoetripsoutofWhiteCityParkwashistoricallyoneofthestrongestoutreachprograms.Aninformativechildren’scoloringbook,AquaticPreservesareExceptional,wasdesignedbySoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservestaffintheearly1990sandisstillproducedanddistributedstate-widetoday.Signageidentifyingthepreservewasinstalledattwopublicboatramps:WhiteCityParkandVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate.InJune1996,preservestaffalsohelpedtoestablishtheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesInc.,a501(c)(3)CitizenSupportOrganization.TheCSOprojectsontheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverincludedboattours,canoetrips,andclean-ups.GuidedtoursattheHalpatiokeeCanoeandNatureTrail,exoticspeciesremoval,plantingofnativevegetation,andmarshreconnectionwereconductedadjacenttothepreserve.

AlthoughtheprotectionandmanagementofthenaturalresourceswithintheAquaticPreservehasalwaysbeenapriority,theprimaryfocusalongtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiversincetheadoptionofthe1984planhasbeenmanagementoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverBufferPreserve.ThehighlightsoftheworkassociatedwiththebufferpreservebytheOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)staffincludethedraftingoftwomanagementplans(DEP,1997;2003),removalofexoticspecies(>$1Million),installingfencelinesandpostingsignagealongthe967acreproperty,andmanaginga50acreCARLparcel(Halpatiokee)embeddedwithinthebufferpreserve.Exoticspeciesremoval,especiallyBrazilianpepperandoldworldclimbingfern(SeeAppendixB.4.2)occurredthroughoutthebufferpreserve,butHalpatiokeewas,andremainstoday,apriorityparcel.OtherimprovementsatHalpatiokeeincludeoneparkinglot,educationalsignage,trails,boardwalks,andacanoe/kayaklaunch.HalpatiokeeandanorthernparcelattheconfluenceofFiveandTenMileCreeks,theMiller-Wildparcel,aretheonlytwopublicaccesspointstothebufferpreserve.HalpatiokeeistheonlydirectaccesspointtotheAquaticPreservethroughstateparklands.FNAImapswerecreatedandground-truthedforthebufferpreservein2003.Managementofallstatebufferpreserves,includingtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverBufferPreserve,wastransferredfromCAMAtotheDivisionofLandandRecreation(stateparks)in2004.ThebufferpreserveisnowaparcelmanagedunderSavannasPreserveStatePark.Arevisiontothe1997NorthForkSt.LucieRiverBufferwasdraftedpriortotransferofmanagementtostateparks.ThisrevisionhasnotbeenadoptedbytheTrusteesandthereforeonlyservesasanupdatedsourceofinformationforpreserveandstateparkstaffatthistime.

InvolvementwiththeCERPand,morespecifically,theIRL-SProjectbecameapriorityforpreservestaffin2002.DuetodedicatedeffortsfromCAMAstaff,reconnectionoftheNorthForkfloodplainandoxbowsisidentifiedasapriorityintheIRL-SPIR(USACEandSFWMD2004).AcostanalysisforhydrologicrestorationfromPrimaVistaBoulevardBridgethroughTenMileCreekwaspreparedbyPBS&Jin2003forDEPwithSt.LucieRiverIssuesTeam,U.S.FishandWildlifeServiceCoastalProgram,SFWMD,andFloridaDepartmentofTransportationmitigationmonies.CAMAstaffalsoworkedwithcontractorstoreconnectoneoxbowjustsouthofPlattsCreekin2002andthreebermbreachestorehydrateisolatedfloodplainapproximately1/2milenorthofPrimaVistaBoulevardin2003.Biologicalmonitoringoffishandinvertebratesassociatedwiththerestorationsitestookplaceforthreeyears.Shorelinestabilizationalongtheriver’sedgeofthethreebermbreechprojectswerecompletedin2004(SeeAppendixB.5.2).ResearchandmonitoringprojectsdesignedtodocumentthesuccessofCERPrestorationprojectsthroughtheCERPResearch,Coordination,andVerification(RECOVER)teamshavebeensupportedbyCAMAstaffaswellasotheragencystaffwithinandadjacenttothepreserve.TheseincludefishstudiesandafloodplainvegetationstudyoverseenbySFWMD.

DuetotheimprovementofGeographicInformationSystems(GIS)capabilitiesatthefieldoffice,ArcGISsoftwareisroutinelyusedinallaspectsofmanagingtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.GISgivesstaffthecapabilitytobetterdocumentandusethecurrentconditiondatatohelpfosterlocalstewardshipandprotectnaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.AccessandderelictvesselsurveyswereperformedthroughoutthelengthofthepreserveinJune2007.TheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesFieldOfficeiscurrentlyworkingwithDEPregulatorystaffandFWClawenforcementtoremovethederelictvesselslocatedwithinthepreserve.AGIS-basedexoticspeciesdatabasehasalsobeencreatedtodocumentandmanageexoticspecies.

Themostnotableeducationalmaterialsproducedsince1986forthepreserveincludethechildren’scoloringbook,atri-foldbrochure,andaspeciesposter.Datacreatedandroutinelymaintainedbypreservestaffinclude:1)specieslist,2)exoticspeciessightingsdatabase,3)e-maildistributionlistforpreservestakeholders,and4)agencycontactlistforboating,wildlife,andotherwork-relatedemergencies.In2007,staffcreatedanadvisorycommitteeforassistancewiththemanagementplanrevisionprocessandinitiatedabiannualcommunity-basedclean-upprogramforthepreserve.

��

ThefollowingdirectiveswereoutlinedintheMay22,1984plan:

1.fieldfamiliarizationanddocumentation;

2.literaturefamiliarization;

3.monitoringofplantandanimalspeciesforchangesduetonaturalcauses;

4.protectionofplantandanimallifefromhumanusesoftheaquaticpreserve;

5.identificationofresearchneeds;

6.identifyrestorationneeds;

7.restorationofplantandanimal-basedcommunities;

8.coordinationwithotherresearchers;

9.familiarizationwithandmonitoringofactivitiesanduserswhichregularlycontributepollutantstopreservewaters;

10.familiarizationwiththejurisdiction,personnel,andmonitoringprogramsofgovernmentagenciesandotherentities;

11.monitoringofwaterresourcesbycooperativedatacollectionandreview

12.permitandleaseapplicationreviewforaquaticpreserveusesandwatershedactivitiesthatwouldaffectthepreserveresources;and

13.guidelinepreparationforthemanagementoftheendangeredspecieswithintheaquaticpreserve.

Alldirectives,except(13)guidelinepreparationforthemanagementofendangeredspecieswithinthepreserve,havebeenaddressedtosomeextentinthemanagementprogramoverthepast24years.Managementofthepreservehasbeenaffectedbyshortageofstaff,undersizedannualbudgets,andmanagementresponsibilityoverfouradditionalpreserves(threeaquaticandonebuffer).TheSt.LucieRiverisreceivingnational,state,andlocalattentionduetothewell-documentedneedtoimprovethequalityofthewater.AdditionalstaffwouldbethemosteffectivewayforCAMAtosupportthesehighpriorityefforts.

NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan•August2009-July2019

NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve3300LewisStreetFortPierce,FL34981772.429.2995

FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas3900CommonwealthBlvd.,MS#235Tallahassee,FL32399•aquaticpreserves.org