TEN-YEAR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN...Picayune Strand Ten-year Resource Management Plan Acronym Glossary AFB Alternatives Formulation Briefing ARC Acquisition and Restoration Council

TEN-YEAR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR THE

PICAYUNE STRAND STATE FOREST

COLLIER COUNTY

PREPARED BY

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF FORESTRY

APPROVED ON

August 15, 2008

Picayune Strand Ten-year Resource Management Plan Acronym Glossary AFB Alternatives Formulation Briefing ARC Acquisition and Restoration Council Big Cypress NP Big Cypress National Preserve BMP Best Management Practices BTIITF Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund CaFC Caloosahatchee Forestry Center CARL Conservation and Recreational Lands CERP Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Corkscrew Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary CREW Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed DEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection DHR Division of Historical Resources DOF Division of Forestry DOI Department of the Interior DOQQ Digital Ortho Quarter Quad DRP Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks DSL Division of State Lands FDACS Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services FLEPPC Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Florida Panther NWR Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge FNAI Florida Natural Areas Inventory FSPSP Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park FTE Full-time employee FWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FWCA Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act GGE Golden Gate Estates MOA Memorandum of Agreement MPAG Management Plan Advisory Group NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NRCS Natural Resource Conservation Service OALE Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement OHV Off-highway Vehicle OSSF Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest P-2000 Preservation 2000 PDT Project Delivery Team PIR Project Implementation Report PMP Project Management Plan PSRP Picayune Strand Restoration Project PSSF Picayune Strand State Forest RCW Red-cockaded woodpecker Rookery Bay NERR Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve SFWMD South Florida Water Management District SGGE Southern Golden Gate Estates SOE Save Our Everglades USFS United States Forest Service USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service Ten Thousand

Islands NWR Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge WMA Wildlife Management Area

PICAYUNE STRAND STATE FOREST TEN-YEAR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................1 I. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................2

A. Accomplishments, Goals, and Objectives .......................................................................3 1. Past Accomplishments….. ....................................................................................3 2. Future Goals and Objectives.................................................................................7

II. ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION ..........................................................................................11 A. Descriptive Information...............................................................................................11

1. Common Name of Property ................................................................................11 2. Location, Boundaries and Improvements ...........................................................11 3. Legal Description and Acreage...........................................................................11 4. Degree of Title Interest Held by the Board.........................................................12 5. Proximity to Other Public Resources..................................................................12 6. Aquatic Preserve/Area of Critical State Concern ...............................................12

B. Acquisition Information...............................................................................................13 1. Land Acquisition Program..................................................................................13 2. Legislative or Executive Constraints ..................................................................15 3. Purpose for Acquisition ......................................................................................15 4. Designated Single or Multiple-Use Management...............................................15 5. Alternate Uses Considered..................................................................................16 6. Additional Land Needs .......................................................................................16 7. Adjacent Conflicting Uses ..................................................................................16 8. Surplus Land Assessment ...................................................................................17

C. Agency & Public Involvement ....................................................................................17 1. Responsibilities of Managing Agencies .............................................................17 2. Public and Local Government Involvement .......................................................18 3. Compliance with Comprehensive Plan...............................................................18

III. RESOURCE SECTION........................................................................................................18 A. Past Uses ......................................................................................................................18 B. Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources ................................................................20

1. Soil Types ...........................................................................................................20 2. Archaeological and Historical Resources ...........................................................22 3. Water Resources .................................................................................................22 4. Fish and Wildlife.................................................................................................22 5. Endangered or Threatened Species.....................................................................23 6. Beaches and Dunes .............................................................................................25 7. Swamps, Marshes, or Other Wetlands................................................................26 8. Mineral Resources ..............................................................................................26 9. Unique Natural Features .....................................................................................26 10. Outstanding Native Landscapes..........................................................................26 11. Timber Resources ...............................................................................................26

IV. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS BY NATURAL COMMUNITY/COVER TYPES A. Existing and Planned Uses and General Guidelines ............................................................27

1. Fire Management .......................................................................................................27 2. Roads..........................................................................................................................29

3. Law Enforcement………………………………………………………...................29 4. Utility Corridors……………………………………………….................................29 5. Research Projects………………………………………….......................................30 6. Property Boundary Establishment and Preservation .................................................31 7. Water Management Guidelines..................................................................................31 8. Wildlife and Fish Management Guidelines ...............................................................32

a. Timber Management.........................................................................................32 b. Prescribed Burning...........................................................................................34 c. Hunting ............................................................................................................. 34 d. Managing Non-Game Species..........................................................................35 e. Sensitive Species ..............................................................................................35

9. Recreation Management ............................................................................................47 a. Public Access and Parking ...............................................................................48 b. Self Service Pay Stations..................................................................................48 c. Recreation Facilities .........................................................................................49 d. Recreational Trials ...........................................................................................49 e. Camping............................................................................................................49 f. Shooting Range .................................................................................................49 g. Hunting and Fishing .........................................................................................49

10. Silvicultural Guidelines .............................................................................................50 a. Objectives ............................................................................................................50 b. Silvicultural Operations .......................................................................................50 c. Timber Inventory Control ....................................................................................51 d. Timber Sales ........................................................................................................52 e. Traditional Resource Harvest and Use by Indigenous Tribes .............................52

11. Insects and Disease ....................................................................................................53 12. Non-native Invasive Species......................................................................................54 13. Apiaries ......................................................................................................................59 14. Cattle Grazing ............................................................................................................59 15. Groundcover .............................................................................................................59 16. Restoration .................................................................................................................60

a. Fire .......................................................................................................................62 b. Hydrology ............................................................................................................62 c. Species Composition............................................................................................63

17. Ground Disturbing Activities.....................................................................................63 18. On-Site Housing…………………………………………………………………….64

B. Description of Communities and Proposed Management Activities...............................64 1. Wet Flatwoods ...........................................................................................................66 2. Mesic Flatwoods…………. .......................................................................................74 3. Mesic Hammock………… ........................................................................................80

4. Hydric Hammock ………..........................................................................................84

5. Prairie Hammock……….. .........................................................................................89 6. Tropical Hardwood Hammock…….. ........................................................................93 7. Basin Swamp .............................................................................................................98

8. Strand Swamp………. ...............................................................................................104 9. Depression Marshes…………....................................................................................112

10. Wet Prairie…………………………………………………………… ....................116 11. Coastal Uplands .........................................................................................................121

C. Impact of Planned Uses on Resources of the Property ....................................................122 1. Timber........................................................................................................................122 2. Recreation ..................................................................................................................122

3. Historical/Archaeological ..........................................................................................122 4. Water .........................................................................................................................122 5. Wildlife ......................................................................................................................122 6. Mitigation...................................................................................................................122

V. MANAGEMENT SUMMARY .............................................................................................122 A. Administration, Operation, and Infrastructure.................................................................122 B. Management Priorities and Costs.....................................................................................124

C. Plans to Locate Fragile, Non-Renewable Natural and Cultural Resources .....................128 1. Archaeological Resources..........................................................................................128 2. Soil and Water Resources ..........................................................................................129 3. Other Resources………….........................................................................................129

D. Conformation to State Lands Management Plan .............................................................129 E. Multiple-Use Potential - Income Producing Activities ...................................................130 F. Management by Private Sector ........................................................................................130 VI. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................131

PICAYUNE STRAND STATE FOREST TEN-YEAR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

EXHIBITS Picayune Strand State Forest (PSSF) Location and Boundary Map.......................Exhibit A Other Public Land Map...........................................................................................Exhibit B PSSF Management Prospectus ...............................................................................Exhibit C PSSF Optimal Management Boundary Map...........................................................Exhibit D Management Procedures for Archaeological & Historical Sites and Properties on State-Owned or Controlled Lands ................................................. Exhibit E Public Hearing Summary and Management Plan Advisory Group Summary ...... Exhibit F Southern Golden Gate Estates (SGGE) Interim Use Protocol...............................Exhibit G SGGE Environmental Assessment ........................................................................Exhibit H Compliance with Local Comprehensive Plan.........................................................Exhibit I PSSF Post Restoration Road Map .......................................................................... Exhibit J PSSF Soils Map ......................................................................................................Exhibit K SGGE Hydrologic Restoration Project Alternative 3D Summary......................... Exhibit L PSSF Species List ...................................................................................................Exhibit M PSSF NRCS Habitat Types Map ............................................................................Exhibit N PSSF Utility Corridors............................................................................................Exhibit O Research Plots and Monitoring Wells ....................................................................Exhibit P Recreational Facilities Map ...................................................................................Exhibit Q PSSF Non-native Invasive Plant Infestations .........................................................Exhibit R

TABLES Table 1- Five Year Accomplishment Summary, SGGE………………………………Page 6 Table 2- Listed Species and Florida Natural Areas Inventory ………………………..Page 24 Table 3- Planned Recreation Items……………………………………………………Page 47 Table 4- Invasive Species …………………………………………………………….Page 58 Table 5- Equipment List………………………………………………………………Page 123 Table 6- Estimated Annual Expenditures Organized by Uniform Accounting Council Categories……………………………………………………...Page 128

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LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LEAD AGENCY: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry COMMON NAME OF PROPERTY: Picayune Strand State Forest LOCATION: Collier County ACREAGE TOTAL: 70,010.26 AS OF 2/2005

Plant Community Classification Acreage Plant Community Classification Acreage Shell Mounds 27 Basin Swamp 5,369 Mesic Flatwoods 6,926 Depression Marsh 454 Prairie Hammock 7,342 Hydric Hammock 2,588 Disturbed (fields, roads) 1,072 Mesic Hammock 184 Wet Flatwoods 17,241 Tropical Hammock 25 Wet Prairie 4,626 Water (canals) 545 Strand Swamp 23,611

LEASE/MANAGEMENT NUMBER: 3927 DESIGNATED LAND USE: Multiple-use State Forest Use: Single Multiple X

Management Agency Responsibility Division of Forestry Overall Management of Forest Resources, Recreation & Wildlife

Florida Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Resources & Laws Conservation Commission

Division of Historical Historical and Archaeological Resource Management

Resources

Others: South Florida Water Water Resource Management, Protection & Hydrologic Restoration

Management District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Restoration

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Hydrologic Restoration

SUBLEASE: None SURPLUS LANDS/ACREAGE: None ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES: 63 Known Sites ENCUMBRANCES: Oil and gas rights have been retained by the Barron Collier family. Numerous dedicated ingress/egress easements exist on the Belle Meade Tract. TYPE ACQUISITION: Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL), Preservation 2000, Florida Forever, Farm Bill UNIQUE FEATURES: Old growth south Florida slash pine, subtropical dwarf cypress savanna, cypress strand MANAGEMENT NEEDS: Restoration and maintenance of native ecosystems and disturbed site restoration ACQUISITION NEEDS: Remainder of the South Belle Meade Project PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, State Forest Liaison Group, Management Plan Advisory Group and a Public Hearing (06/10/08) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE (FOR DIVISION OF STATE LANDS USE ONLY) ARC Approval Date: BTIITF Approval Date: Comments:

I. INTRODUCTION The Picayune Strand State Forest (PSSF) is comprised of approximately 70,000 acres located in western Collier County. It is named after the Picayune Strand, which lies on the eastern part of Southern Golden Gate Estates (SGGE). It is made up of two tracts, the SGGE Tract and the Belle Meade Tract, both of which are Florida Forever projects. PSSF is designated for multiple use management and is managed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Forestry (DOF) as part of the state forest system. Most of the land within the forest boundaries was purchased under the Save Our Everglades (SOE), Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL), Preservation 2000 (P-2000), and Florida Forever programs at a cost of over one-hundred and thirty-one million dollars. Thirty-eight million dollars towards completion of the acquisition was provided by the federal government in SGGE through the Farm Bill. Major community groups represented on the forest include mesic and wet flatwoods, wet prairie, strand swamp and dwarf cypress savanna. The forest’s most notable feature is the Picayune Strand, which flows through the property. Significant species sighted on the forest include the Florida panther, Florida black bear, red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW), bald eagle, eastern indigo snake, Big Cypress fox squirrel, wood stork, gopher tortoise and sandhill crane. Major recreational activities enjoyed at PSSF include fishing, hunting, hiking, and horseback riding. The DOF’s mission is to protect Florida and its people from the dangers of wildland fire and manage the forest resources through a stewardship ethic to assure they are available for future generations. Multiple-use management is the overall concept used to perpetuate the sustainability of the forest’s native ecosystems and biodiversity. The goals of the DOF in managing Florida’s State Forests are:

► Restore, maintain, and protect in perpetuity all native ecosystems; ► Ensure the long-term viability of populations and species considered rare,

endangered, threatened, or of special concern;

► Integrate human use through a multiple-use concept, not emphasizing any particular use over the others, or over improvement, maintenance and protection of native ecosystems;

► Protect known archaeological and historical resources; and

► Practice sustainable forest management utilizing sound silvicultural techniques.

This management plan is provided in accordance with Sections 253.034, 259.032, and 373, Florida Statutes, and was prepared utilizing guidelines outlined in Section 18-2.021 of the Florida Administrative Code. It is not an annual work plan or detailed operational plan but provides general guidance for the management of PSSF for the next ten years and outlines the major concepts that will guide management activities on the forest.

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A. Accomplishments, Goals, and Objectives 1. Past Accomplishments The Five-Year Resource Management Plan, approved in May of 1996 by the Land Management Advisory Council, included several major goals and objectives. The following captures those goals/objective as proposed in the plan and includes a brief statement as to the status of completing those management “objectives.” Goal 1: Restore, maintain, and protect in perpetuity all native ecosystems. Objective 1 Develop fire management plan.

Status: 100% complete. A fire management plan has been prepared, and was approved in 1999, and will be updated with this 10-year plan. This plan will include public safety issues, including landowners in the Belle Meade Tract, and mitigation to reduce fuel loading. Continued revisions and refinements will be made related to burn unit boundaries and mapping of sensitive areas.

Objective 2 Implement prescription burn plans to decrease fuel loads, promote restoration, and

maintain native community structure.

Status: 75% complete. PSSF has been placed on a 3-7 year prescribe burn cycle that has focused on fuel reduction. Prescribe burning has been conducted at least once on each of the 36,100 acres of fire dependent communities. More fuel reduction burns are still needed on some areas. This has been delayed by the presence of melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) in Belle Meade. In SGGE, over-drainage and cabbage palm invasion have drastically reduced the window when burns can be accomplished.

Objective 3 Evaluate and develop work plan for restoring hydrology.

Status: 100% complete for the SGGE Tract. 10% complete for the Belle Meade Tract. A hydrologic restoration plan has been developed for the SGGE Tract by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and is referenced throughout this ten-year resource management plan. The SFWMD has a future plan to help restore water flow through Belle Meade but implementation will not begin for some time.

Objective 4 Develop and implement a Non-native Invasive Species Control Plan including

guidelines for detection, monitoring, prevention, and treatment of such species identified on the state forest.

Status: 90% complete. A draft non-native invasive species control plan has been written,

and is in the process of being implemented.

Goal 2: Ensure long-term viability of populations and species considered rare, endangered, threatened or of special concern.

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Objective 1 Inventory and monitor listed species.

Status: 40% complete. One plant inventory field trip has been conducted with Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). A list of threatened, endangered and species of special concern has been developed. Plans for follow up monitoring have not yet been completed. A sensitive species list that goes beyond listed species and includes plants such as bromeliads and orchids should be developed (will collaborate and get documentation of rare and unique species within the region from the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (Panther NWR), Larry Richardson; and from the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve (FSPSP), Mike Owen). The ecological and water monitoring plan of the USACE and SFWMD (2004) Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan-Picayune Strand Restoration Project Final Integrated Project Implementation Report and Environmental Impact Statement (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) should be consulted for methodology. A RCW monitoring plan has been developed. The Florida panther is traced by telemetry by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The Florida black bear is also being studied by the FWC, as part of a five year study. No other species have been inventoried. In 2005, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida under a contract with the USACE installed 100 motion activated cameras to monitor metafauna pre and post restoration. These cameras were removed in 2007, and reported results to DOF are pending.

Objective 2 Develop Wildlife Management Plan with the FWC.

Status: 50% complete. The Belle Meade Tract has been designated a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) since 2002. Annual surveys were completed and analyzed for deer, turkey and other vertebrates. Habitat area maps are not completed. The FWC added the SGGE Tract to the WMA in the 2003-04 season.

Goal 3: To integrate human use through a total resource concept, not emphasizing any particular use over the others, or over restoration, maintenance and protection of native ecosystems. Objective 1 Development of Recreation Plan.

Status: 100% complete. The Five-Year Recreation Plan, outlining recreation enhancement/maintenance activities over a five year period, has been written and is updated annually.

Objective 2 Develop security measures to protect the forest visitor, natural resources, facilities and

other improvements.

Status: 100% complete. Two law enforcement officers have been added to the PSSF staff. Additionally, there are 18 full-time employees (FTE) forestry positions that also share the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the forest visitors, natural resources and facilities.

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Goal 4: To protect known archaeological and historical resources.

Status: Division of Historical Resources (DHR), conducted several visits to the property. To date, 63 sites have been inventoried. An assessment is planned by the USACE in SGGE in advance of the hydrologic restoration.

Goal 5: To practice sustainable forest management utilizing sound silviculture techniques. Objective 1 Prepare, review and implement a Silviculture Management Plan.

Status: 40% complete. Reforestation projects are set up on two-year cycles. Initial stand description work has been completed and will be updated on an annual basis. A plan still needs to be developed. Palm frond sales, right-of-way timber and cabbage palm sales are planned annually.

Additional Objectives:

Objective 1 Develop a road management plan. Status: 100% complete. A post restoration road plan has been drafted for the forest and is

incorporated in the Project Implementation Report. A forest wide road maintenance plan was developed in 2007.

Objective 2 Provide sufficient facilities, staff and equipment to manage the state forest. Status: 70% complete. A field office with a pole barn has been established at 2121 52nd

Avenue SE. The forest has the following positions: a forestry supervisor II, a biologist II, a forester, a senior forest ranger, three forest rangers, and two law enforcement officers. The equipment assigned to the forest is listed in Table 5.

Objective 3 Establish and post boundaries, with fences as needed. Status: 50% complete. The east boundary is in the process of being restored and will be

posted after the restoration is complete. Inholdings in Belle Meade are scheduled for posting during the next planning period. As part of the Annual Operating Plan 20% of the boundaries on the forest are visited each year.

A compilation of management activities and public use on the PSSF is completed quarterly and an annual report completed at the end of each fiscal year. These reports are available from the forest manager. A table has been prepared for this plan that summarizes in numerical format these accomplishments for each of the past five years.

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Table 1. Five Year Accomplishment Summary

PROGRAM ACTIVITY FY 2002/03

FY 2003/04

FY 2004/05

FY 2005/06

FY 2006/07

5-YEAR TOTAL

Melaleuca 2,553 acres 1,300 acres 568 acres 767 acres 6,319 acres 11,507 acres Brazilian

Pepper 742 acres 93 acres 1,056 acres 1,891 acres

Cogon grass 25 acres 38 acres 293 acres 356 acres Follow-up 450 acres 55 acres 1,258 acres 1,208 acres 2,971 acres

Downy RM & Earleaf acacia 400 acres 400 acres

Lygodium 210 acres 210 acres

Invasive Species Control (Herbicide)

Other Species 3 acres 3 acres Timber Sale Revenue $16,195 $16,195

Palm Harvest $115,895 $105,910 $221,805 Revenue/Misc. Forest Products Palm Frond

Sale $2,200 $6,600 $82,540 $72,500 $163,840

Roads Graded -Maintained 18 miles 37 miles 31 miles 43 miles 129 miles

Roads Rebuilt 5.0 miles 2.4 miles 5 miles 12.4 miles Roads/Bridges Culverts Installed 1 1

Day Use 39 513 261 370 778 1,961 Overnight

(Other) 215 461 714 965 4,647 7,002 Recreation SF Use Permits 54 9 704 48 815

Programs-Demo Tours 11 1 4 5 21

Radio/TV 35 2 37

News Releases/

Media Articles

11 11

I & E Activities

Ed/Research Projects 1 1 1 6 2 11

Wildfire 42 acres 2,642 acres 206 acres 3,332 acres 22,959 acres 29,181 acres

Control Burning 5,579 acres 6,722 acres 4,942 acres 1,332 acres 6,834 acres 25,409 acres

Bird Count 3 2 2 3 2 12

Bobcat Survey 1 1 1 3 Fire

Coyote Survey 1 1 1

3

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2. Future Goals and Objectives The present plan has been prepared largely as a continuation of the above goals with some revision of incomplete objectives and with the addition of several new objectives. The following goals and objectives provide direction and focus for management resources over the next ten-year planning period. Funding, agency priorities, and wildfire (or other natural disasters) will be influential in determining the degree to which these objectives are met. The objectives below have been classified as having either short-term (less than two years) or long-term (up to ten years) timelines for completion. The short-term and long-term status of each objective is listed parenthetically following each objective. Management activities that have already been implemented and are anticipated to continue have been classified as “Ongoing, Long-term” for completion. GOAL 1: Restore, maintain, and protect all native ecosystems, insuring long-term viability of populations and species considered rare, threatened, endangered, or of special concern. Objectives:

1. Implement a natural fire regime in which most of the fires burn during the lightning season where fuel loads have previously been reduced to a more natural level (Ongoing, Long-term).

Performance Measure: Acres burned by month. Number of fires by month.

2. Update the Fire Management Plan as needed (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Fire Management Plan updated annually. 3. Develop a natural communities classification map (Short-term). Performance Measure: Natural communities classification map completed. 4. Update the Non-native Invasive Species Control Plan as needed

(Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Non-native Invasive Control Plan updated annually.

5. Develop and implement a Native Nuisance Species Control plan (Short-term). Performance Measure: Native Nuisance Control Plan written and implemented.

6. Maintain state forest boundaries. Establish perimeter lines in uplands to clearly

define property boundaries and assist in a total fire management program (Ongoing, Long-term).

Performance Measure: Miles of line established. 7. In conjunction with FWC and FNAI, conduct faunal and floral inventories to

identify presence and distribution of species that are threatened, endangered, or of special concern (Ongoing, Long-term).

Performance Measure: Inventory conducted. 8. Establish and update a series of photo plots that will be used to monitor sensitive

areas and define management needs for these areas (Short-term). Performance Measure: Update photo plots at least once every five years.

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9. Protect integrity of natural communities through acquisition of adjacent parcels within the optimal management boundary (Long-term). Performance Measures: Number of acres acquired.

10. Use the South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan (USFWS 1999) as a guide in wildlife management as it relates to listed species on PSSF (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measures: FWC verify the presence of twelve panthers on PSSF. This number includes four denning females. Stabilize RCW population to about 30 active clusters through translocation, natural growth and artificial cavity installation.

11. Train rangers to identify and protect sensitive areas (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance measure: Number of rangers trained.

GOAL 2: Encourage and enhance multiple-use in a manner that is compatible with other long-term goals, especially the restoration, protection and maintenance of native ecosystems. Objectives:

1. Update annually Outdoor Recreation Plan (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Outdoor Recreation Plan updated. 2. Update annually the State Forest Road Plan (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Road Plan updated. 3. Continue to hold liaison committee meetings to receive concerns and

feedback from various user groups of the state forest (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Number of liaison meetings held. 4. Develop and maintain an equestrian trail system in conjunction with interested

equestrian groups (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Miles of equestrian trails established and/or maintained. 5. Conduct annually an organized activity or media promotion for State Forest

Awareness Month (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: State Forest Awareness Month activity or article. 6. Pursue revenue-generating possibilities through miscellaneous forest product sales

(palm fronds, swamp cabbage, palmetto berries, etc.), recreation fees, and/or leases (cattle, apiary, etc.) (Ongoing, Long-term).

Performance Measure: Revenue generated through each sale.

GOAL 3: Practice sustainable forest management utilizing sound silvicultural techniques compatible for the restoration, protection, and maintenance of native ecosystems.

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Objectives: 1. Conduct forest inventory updates every year, according to established criteria

(Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Acres of forest inventoried annually. 2. Revise and update the five-year harvest schedule annually and use silviculture best

management practices for the protection of water quality during forestry operations (Ongoing, Long-term).

Performance Measure: Harvest schedule prepared and annually updated. 3. Conduct forest product sales, at appropriate times that minimize site disturbance

(Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Conduct a yearly sale sustainable to PSSF forest resources.

4. Conduct fuel reduction burns to begin the process for burning as outlined in

Section IV.B. “Desired Future Conditions” (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Acres burned. 5. Evaluate the effectiveness of previous reforestation/restoration projects, and

develop recommendations for additional treatments on sites where warranted (i.e. supplemental planting, herbicide applications, burning, etc.) (Ongoing, Long-term).

Performance Measure: Sites evaluated. 6. Implement methods of controlling cabbage palm (Short-term).

Performance Measure: Number of acres controlled.

GOAL 4: Protect known archaeological and historical resources. Objectives:

1. Train additional personnel as archaeological monitors (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Number of personnel trained as monitors. 2. Update “Environmentally Sensitive Areas” map in Fire Management Plan and

inform PSSF crews of archaeological sites where heavy equipment use should be avoided (Ongoing, Long-term).

Performance Measure: Update “Environmentally Sensitive Areas” map. GOAL 5: Restore, maintain, and protect hydrologic functions related to the quality and quantity of water resources and the health of associated wetland and aquatic natural communities.

Objectives: 1. Coordinate with the SFWMD and the USACE in the hydrologic restoration of

SGGE (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measures: Plans completed. Acres restored.

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2. Development of a protocol for accepting properties donated for mitigation (Short-term). Performance Measures: Plan completed.

3. Rehabilitate fire lines to reduce alteration of surface water flows and colonization

of non-native invasive plants (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measure: Miles of fire lines rehabilitated. 4. Evaluate impacts of past illegal off-highway vehicle (OHV) use (Short-term).

Performance Measure: Conduct evaluation. GOAL 6: Provide research, education and interpretive opportunities related to natural resource and multiple-use management. Objectives:

1. Develop programs to educate visitors, school groups, and local residents (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measures: Number of programs given. Number of media contacts.

2. Support research and monitoring projects (Ongoing, Long-term).

Performance Measures: Number of research projects. Number of monitoring projects.

3. Aggressively pursue additional marketing opportunities (Short-term). Performance Measure: Develop and implement a state lands marketing plan.

GOAL 7: Consistent with restoration, maintenance and protection of native ecosystems, provide for compatible public access, integrating human use through a program of resource-based forest recreation, not emphasizing any particular use over the others. Objectives:

1. Use routine observation to minimize negative impacts and to protect and maintain trails and campgrounds, also determine the carrying capacity for public use (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measures: Annual report.

2. Meet annually with FWC to develop specific season quotas; bags limits and

address other hunting issues to be agreed upon at the annual summer meeting held in Tallahassee (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measures: Annual meeting. Rules posted on kiosks at all trailheads.

3. Enlist additional volunteers and volunteer organizations to assist with recreation

and/or resource management (Ongoing, Long-term). Performance Measures: Number of volunteer hours.

GOAL 8: Provide necessary resources in order to accomplish all identified goals and objectives. 10

Objectives: 1. Expand the permanent staff necessary to properly manage the forest and the

environmental/recreational programs to include a three park rangers, one forest ranger, and an administrative assistant. For road maintenance a mechanic and two equipment operators are needed (Long-term). Performance Measure: 3 FTE park rangers added.

1 FTE forest ranger added. 1 FTE administrative assistant added. 1 FTE mechanic. 2 FTE equipment operators.

2. Expand the current equipment inventory necessary to properly manage the forest

and environmental/recreation programs to include a roller and front-end loader (Long-term). Performance Measure: Roller and front-end loader added to current inventory.

II. ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION A. Descriptive Information

1. Common Name of Property Picayune Strand State Forest (PSSF)

2. Location, Boundaries and Improvements

The main body of the state forest is located east of Naples, Florida. It is south of Interstate 75 (I-75), north of U.S. Highway 41 (US-41), and east of Collier Boulevard (Exhibit A). PSSF is made up of two tracts. The Belle Meade Tract is located three miles east of Collier Boulevard. The SGGE Tract is between Belle Meade and FSPSP to the east. The acquisition project for SGGE Tract began in 1983 with the purchase of 19,992 parcels totaling 52,370.62 acres has been completed. Belle Meade Tract was added to the project in 1993, with 463 parcels totaling 17,604.31 acres. Thereafter, a 25.4 acre parcel was added in April 2004 and a 9.93 acre parcel was added in February 2005. There are several improvements located on the property. The following improvements are in good condition and in use: headquarters office, pole barn, law enforcement officer house, FWC office, metal shop, house used for storage, and two Quonset (prefabricated) huts. Facilities are shown in Exhibit A.

3. Legal Description and Acreage

The PSSF is located in Sections 1 through 36, Township 50 South, Range 28 East. Sections 1 through 23, 25, 27 through 33, and that part of Section 36 that lies north of U. S. Highway 41, Township 51 South, Range 28 East. Section 4 and that part of Sections 5, 6 and 9 that lies north of U. S. Highway 41, Township 52 South, Range 28 East. Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25, and 36 of Township 50 South, Range 27 East. Sections 1, 12, 13, and 24 of Township 51 South, Range 27 East.

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4. Degree of Title Interest Held by the Board The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (BTIITF) holds fee simple title to all state owned parcels within the boundary of PSSF. A copy of the lease agreement #3927 between the BTIITF and the FDACS provides authority for the DOF to manage PSSF as the “lead agency.” Copies of these documents are on file at the DOF office in Tallahassee and the PSSF headquarters.

5. Proximity to Other Public Resources Lands managed by state, federal or local government for conservation of natural or cultural resources that are located within approximately twenty miles of the PSSF (Exhibit B) include: TRACT AGENCY DISTANCE Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge USFWS Adjacent N Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park DRP Adjacent E Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge USFWS Adjacent S Collier-Seminole State Park DRP Adjacent S Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve DEP, NOAA 3 miles SE Golden Gate Community Park CC 4 miles N Big Cypress National Preserve NPS 7 miles E Sugden Regional Park CC 7 miles W Max A. Hasse Jr. Community Park CC 8 miles N Vineyards Community Park CC 10 miles NW Lowdermilk Beach CC 10 miles W Everglades National Park NPS 11 miles SE North Naples Regional Park CC 12 miles NW Clam Pass County Park CC 14 miles NW Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary NAS 15 miles NW Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed SFWMD 15 miles NW Vanderbilt Beach CC 16 miles N Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park DRP 18 miles NW Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park CC 19 miles NW

Agency Key: CC- Collier County DEP- Florida Department of Environmental Protection DRP- Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks NAS- National Audubon Society NOAA- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPS- National Park Service SFWMD- South Florida Water Management District USFWS- United States Fish and Wildlife Service

6. Aquatic Preserve/Area of Critical State Concern

Within the PSSF boundary there are two areas contained within the Big Cypress Area of Critical State Concern. These are the areas known as “South of the Border” on the southern end of the property and the “Boot” on the northeastern section (Exhibit A). In addition, Collier County has rules in place to consider all of SGGE under the same protections as the Big Cypress Area of Critical State Concern.

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B. Acquisition Information

1. Land Acquisition Program Land acquisition began in 1983 under the Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) program and was titled the Save Our Everglades project. It has continued to the present using funds from Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever. Additional funds were obtained from the federal government (Department of the Interior, DOI) totaling approximately $38 million dollars. This money also allowed the use of the federal relocation program, which reimbursed homeowners for their homes, moving expenses, and paid the difference between the home they were selling and a similar size home outside the project area. Acquisition in SGGE was completed in 2006. This includes 19,993 parcels for a total of 55,371 acres. Those parcels located to the south and east of the canal system (formerly Prairie Canal to the east, to the east of Merritt Canal at roads numbered 126-134, and Faka-Union Canal to the south of 134 to US-41) will be managed by the Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) as part of FSPSP. The goals listed below are consistent with the goals for which the property was acquired. The following are the purposes for which the land was acquired, as set forth in the CARL project assessment and project design (Exhibit C1):

Southern Golden Gate Estates Tract 1. Preservation of habitat critical to or providing significant protection for

endangered species. 2. Restoration of an altered ecosystem to correct environmental damage that has

occurred over the past 40 years, including: a. Restoration of the natural patterns of water flow into the Fakahatchee

Strand; b. Restoration of productive wetland systems; c. Reduction of frequency and severity of wildfires; d. Reduction of water losses – increased amount of freshwater entering

the aquifer; e. Improvement of productivity (natural systems and functions) in the

bays and estuaries. 3. Furtherance of the objectives of the Big Cypress Area of Critical State

Concern. These are found in Chapters 28-25 of the Florida Administrative Code and in Florida State Statues Chapter 380.

4. For use as a State Preserve or WMA. 5. The goals of the SGGE Hydrological Restoration:

a. Reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydroperiods of wetlands to near historic levels;

b. Reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries;

c. Maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project;

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d. Restore and enhance habitat for fish and wildlife resources including threatened or endangered species such as the Florida panther, Florida black bear and wood stork, as well as rare habitat such as tropical hammocks and plant species including orchids and bromeliads;

e. Preserve upland habitat; f. Control non-native invasive plants; g. Improve water quality of storm water runoff; h. Provide resource based recreational opportunities; i. Provide contiguous habitat conservation for the greater Everglades

ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.

6. Consistency with the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) restoration objectives, authorizing legislation, and interagency and cooperative resource management agreements, including: a. Water Resources Development Acts of 1992 (Public Law 102-

580) b. 1996 Public Law 104-303 c. 2000 Public Law 106-541 d. 1996 Farm Bill – Section 390 of the Federal Agriculture

Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104-127 e. Central and Southern Florida Project Comprehensive Review

Study (Restudy) – Section 309 (1) of WRDA 1992 f. Interim Management Protocol agreements between the United States

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and DOF

7. Public Use a. Provide resource-based recreation opportunities such as hiking,

camping, hunting, fishing, and nature appreciation. Belle Meade Tract

The Belle Meade CARL project encompasses approximately 17,000 acres in southwestern Collier County. The DOF proposes to manage the Belle Meade project in accordance with, and in a manner designed to accomplish, the acquisition goals and objectives as approved by the Land Acquisition Advisory Council (Exhibit C2). These goals and objectives are as follows:

1. To conserve and protect environmentally unique and irreplaceable lands

that contains native, relatively unaltered flora and fauna representing a natural area unique to, or scarce within, a region of this state or a larger geographic area.

2. To conserve and protect native species habitat or endangered or threatened species.

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3. To conserve, protect, manage, or restore important ecosystems, landscapes, and forests, if the protection and conservation of such lands is necessary to enhance or protect significant surface water, ground water, coastal, recreational, timber [resources], or protect fish and wildlife resources which cannot otherwise be accomplished through local and state regulatory programs.

4. To provide areas, including recreational trails, for natural resource-based recreation.

5. To preserve archaeological or historic sites. The Belle Meade Tract is a willing seller multi-parcel project that has received funding from CARL, Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever. As of June 2003, 463 parcels totaling 17,604 acres had been acquired. Detailed legal descriptions are located in the Division of State Lands (DSL) office in Tallahassee and the PSSF headquarters. The total acreage of the currently acquired parcels comprising the PSSF is 70,010.26 acres. The BTIITF owns the tracts. Parcel information is on file at the PSSF office.

2. Legislative or Executive Constraints

There are no Florida Statutes specifically directed toward PSSF; however, there are numerous statutes, rules and ordinances that have the potential to impact the DOF’s ability to manage the property. The DOF makes every effort to comply with applicable statutes, rules and ordinances when managing the forest. For example, when public facilities are developed on state forests, every effort is made to comply with Public Law 101-336, the Americans with Disabilities Act. As new facilities are developed, the universal access requirements of this law are followed in all cases except where the law allows reasonable exceptions (e.g., where handicap access is structurally impractical, or where providing such access would change the fundamental character of the facility being provided).

3. Purpose for Acquisition PSSF is to be managed in accordance with the multiple-use management concept to restore, maintain and protect in perpetuity all native ecosystems; to integrate compatible human use; and to insure long-term viability of populations and species considered rare. Prior to acquisition, hydrologic restoration in portions of SGGE was identified as a possible management need.

4. Designated Single or Multiple-Use Management

The PSSF is designated for multiple-use management. Authority for multiple-use management is given under Florida Statute, Chapters 253 and 589. Multiple-use management is the overall goal. Multiple-use management includes, but is not limited to, silvicultural management, recreation, wildlife management, archeological and cultural resource management, ecosystem restoration, environmental education and watershed management.

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The goal of DOF is to restore, protect and manage ecosystems and to maintain biological diversity and ecosystem functions, while integrating public use through the multiple-use concept. A balanced multiple-use program does not necessarily result from an equal division of acreage to each use. Local demands and geographical features influence the array of uses to be applied to each area of the forest.

5. Alternate Uses Considered

The following uses were considered and determined not compatible: water resource development projects, water supply development projects, storm-water management projects, linear facilities, communication towers and antennas, except as otherwise outlined in this plan.

6. Additional Land Needs Additional lands outlined on the optimal management boundary map (Exhibit D) are recommended for future inclusion in PSSF. Belle Meade south of I-75 has numerous private inholdings. All such parcels, including those designated as a landowner request zone, are necessary for complete restoration of this project. The close proximity to Naples makes the threat of development the major threat, fragmenting the habitat. As these private parcels are developed, increased human disturbance will have a detrimental effect on listed species such as the Florida panther and the Florida black bear. Non-native invasive plants have infested most of the tract, and private landowners typically are not controlling these species. This is providing a seed source for re-infestation of adjacent state lands, and complicates prescribed burning. The area known as North Belle Meade has many listed species, and the habitat is relatively intact. It is adjacent to South Belle Meade and the proposed Regional Off-Site Mitigation Area in North Golden Gate Estates. Acquisition of parcels within this area will help connect this area to the Florida Panther NWR to the east. This area is designated a sending area for transfer of development rights under the Collier County Comprehensive Plan. See Exhibit D for additional lands that would facilitate restoration, protection, maintenance, and management of the natural resources on PSSF.

7. Adjacent Conflicting Uses I-75 to the north, US-41 to the south, and Collier Boulevard and the City of Naples to the west greatly constrain prescribed burning. There are two active gravel pits: one on Sabal Palm Road, and one to the west of the boundary; which will continue to affect water levels. The canal along I-75 is also negatively affecting water levels and flows. Development along the western boundary will affect listed species and land management. Naples is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Existing flood control maintenance for the areas north of I-75 is constraining restoration of SGGE.

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8. Surplus Land Assessment Smaller, disjunct parcels are challenging and costly to manage and may be considered surplus if no possibility of connecting to larger parcels within the state forest exists. Periodic assessments are done on each state forest to determine if parcels should be considered surplus. At this time, no parcels on PSSF are considered surplus.

C. Agency & Public Involvement

1. Responsibilities of Managing Agencies The DOF is the lead agency responsible for the overall management of PSSF. The FWC, a cooperating agency, is responsible for enforcing hunting regulations, setting hunting season dates, and conducting other wildlife management activities with input from DOF. The Department of State, DHR provides expertise concerning the archaeological and historical resources on the forest. Ground disturbing activities will be conducted following the guidelines of the Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State-Owned or Controlled Lands (Exhibit E). The SFWMD will be consulted as necessary in matters relating to water management and hydrological restoration on PSSF. The October 3, 1996 Framework Agreement established basic principles that govern the respective roles of the DOI, DEP, USACE, and SFWMD in the expenditure of Farm Bill funds for the Everglades ecosystem restoration and the management of lands that are acquired with Farm Bill funds for Everglades restoration purposes. The Framework Agreement is incorporated into the FB-3 Grant Agreement by reference. Article I of the Framework Agreement governs the acquisition of land intended to be used in a USACE project, while Article II governs acquisition of land to be used for general conservation purposes. Article I states that lands are to be managed, until they are incorporated into a USACE project, in a manner that is not inconsistent with the purpose of Everglades restoration. An Interim Management and Use Plan govern this interim management period. The Grant Agreement and Application for Federal Assistance contain specific provisions that address federal approval of land use and management. The Grant Agreement states that DOF will manage acquired conservation lands pursuant to FB-3 for conservation purposes within the scope of the authorities of the Farm Bill and Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) of 1958, as amended (48 Stat. 301; 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.). Any activities that are consistent with the Interim Management Plan but still modify the landscape or result in surface changes need prior approval by the USFWS in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act, and other

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statutes including Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as amended (87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Federal actions also require consultation with the USFWS under the ESA and the FWCA. For uses that are consistent with the PSSF plan but will not modify the landscape or result in surface changes, DOF should consult with the USFWS, so they may ensure that such uses are also consistent with the statutory authorities. Consultation may consist of notification in the annual report.

2. Public and Local Government Involvement

This plan has been prepared by DOF and will be implemented primarily by that agency. The DOF responds to public involvement through direct communication with individuals, user groups and government officials. A State Land Management Review Team conducted a review in October of 2003. The review team’s recommendations were incorporated into this plan as appropriate.

The plan was developed with input from the USFWS, USACE, SFWMD, DEP and the PSSF Management Plan Advisory Group (MPAG) through a process of review and comment. The MPAG also conducted a public hearing on June 10, 2008 to receive input from the general public. A summary of the advisory group’s meetings and discussions are included in Exhibit F. The Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) review and public hearing of the plan also served as an additional forum for public review. An environmental assessment has been drafted for the SGGE prior to the drafting of this ten-year resource management plan. There was a public scoping meeting at the beginning of the process, to identify public concerns and issues. An annual report is submitted by DOF to USFWS for SGGE, consistent with the Interim Use Protocol Procedures (Exhibit G) that outlines procedures to be followed by the DEP and the DOF in managing this property. In compliance with the NEPA, an environmental assessment is included (Exhibit H).

3. Compliance With Comprehensive Plan

This plan was submitted to the Board of County Commissioners in Collier County (see Exhibit I) for review and compliance with their local comprehensive plan. The most important issue to resolve is the zoning in SGGE, which needs to be changed from rural estates to rural agriculture, which allows for camping and silviculture.

III. RESOURCE SECTION A. Past Uses

In the 1940’s and 1950’s, much of the area of the PSSF was logged for cypress by the Lee Tidewater Cypress Company. After the timber was logged, the area known as Golden Gate Estates (GGE) was purchased in the 1960's by the Gulf American Corporation to develop a vacation and retirement community. At 173 square miles (111,053 acres), this

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became the largest subdivision in America. Two major canal systems, Golden Gate and Faka Union, were constructed in the early 1960s and between 1968-1971, respectively, to drain this area into Naples and Faka Union Bays. The GGE subdivision was approved in 1960, and included 183 miles of drainage canals with 25 water control structures and 813 miles of roads spaced at intervals of one-quarter mile. The buyers were shown the land from an airplane, and then subjected to high pressure sales pitches. Much of the land was swamp, and unsuited to development. Most of the buyers never saw their land on the ground. The corporation later merged with General Acceptance Corporation (GAC). By the early 1970's, the company was increasingly coming under fire for its selling practices. GAC eventually went bankrupt, due primarily to a heavy debt load and numerous lawsuits. The repercussions of the drainage affected the area in addition to reduced water levels. As early as 1971, the area was ravaged by terrible wildfires, resulting in tremendous damage to the ecosystem. The lack of water also allowed frequent frosts into areas previously protected by canopy and standing water. The shock loads of fresh water degraded the estuaries to the south into the Ten Thousand Islands. Public use began soon after the subdivision was constructed. In the 1970’s, riding swamp buggies, camping, target practicing, fishing and hunting were popular with the local residents. In later years, OHV use and dirt bikes became more prevalent. Damage to the soil and wildlife resources (associated with illegal OHV use, illegal and un-managed hunting, illegal target practice, and trespass in general) had increased to severe levels by the 1990’s.

In response to local environmental and other interests, a study was commissioned by the Collier County Board of Commissioners in 1975 to study the feasibility of restoring the area south of I-75. In September of 1977, the State of Florida submitted a request for federal funding for the environmental restoration of GGE. Authorization of a GGE Feasibility Study was initiated by the USACE in 1978 to consider various alternatives to water resource problems resulting from the extensive GGE canal system. A Reconnaissance Report subsequently concluded that there was a federal interest in conducting a second phase study of GGE. In 1985, the project area was identified as a component of Florida’s SOE program. In 1986, the USACE released a GGE Feasibility Report. Analysis of six alternative plans resulted in a determination that the project did not qualify for federal implementation. The report did conclude that the plans that were evaluated, particularly Plan C, would be generally beneficial to environmental concerns. Plan C (Flowway/Conservation Area) included establishment of a conservation area on the western portion of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project (PSRP), and restoration of a flowway on the eastern portion of the project, using canal plugs. In 1983, SGGE was added to the CARL acquisition list by the Land Acquisition Advisory Council. The SGGE subdivision originally included 22,000 lots with more than 17,000 individual landowners scattered worldwide. By 1991, only 1,353 acres had been purchased by the State (Ramsey and Addison 1996). In 1990, DEP estimated that it would take staff 10 to 20 years to acquire the PSRP project. In August of 1991, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida initiated a cooperative effort with DEP to expedite the

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process under a grant from the Harder Foundation. By May of 1993, the first round of acquisition offers had been sent to all 17,000 landowners. In February 1992, Governor Lawton Chiles issued a directive to the SFWMD to “develop a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan for SGGE, using the USACE Feasibility Report as a primary reference.” In February 1996, the Big Cypress Basin of the SFWMD completed the “Hydrologic Restoration of SGGE-Conceptual Plan.” The State of Florida in 1983 established the SGGE CARL project. Land acquisition for this project began in 1985 by the DEP. The Belle Meade CARL project and the SGGE CARL project were combined to form the PSSF. Between 1985 and 1997, FDEP had acquired only 31% of the 55,247 acres in SGGE. Acquisition was accelerated beginning in early 1998 as a result of the settlement of a lawsuit, and after the receipt by FDEP of federal funds from the DOI pursuant to Section 390 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (also known as the “Farm Bill”).

In March 1999, it was determined that the total project cost of $144 million would exceed the $50 million federal limit for critical projects since the project was 50/50 cost-shared. The USACE subsequently included the PSRP in the overall CERP in order to provide alternative authorization and funding authority. A Project Management Plan (PMP) was approved in March 2001. In October 2001, the Interagency Technical Advisory Committee reorganized to become the Project Delivery Team (PDT) for the PSRP. The USACE, SFWMD, and the PDT began development of a Project Implementation Report (PIR) in 2002. In November 2002, the USACE prioritized the PSRP to prepare it for inclusion in a potential Water Resources Development Act 2003. In February 2003, after preparation of a preliminary draft PIR, the USACE and SFWMD project management directed the PDT to develop additional alternatives to reduce project costs. An Alternatives Formulation Briefing (AFB) for the project was conducted on May 14, 2003. A Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Florida, SFWMD, and Collier County vacated county easements on approximately 279 miles of roadway within the restoration project in September 2003, providing for settlement of the last significant legal issue that would delay project implementation. Development of additional project alternatives narrowed the preferred alternative selection process to three alternatives in November 2003, when the project was once again prioritized for inclusion into Water Resources Development Act 2004. A CERP-PSRP Draft PIR/EIS was provided for public review in April 2004. A public hearing conducted for NEPA compliance was conducted on June 17, 2004. Acquisition is completed in SGGE and is ongoing in Belle Meade.

B. Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

1. Soil Types The Soil Survey of Collier County, Florida (USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service) identifies the soil types on PSSF (Exhibit K). The forest is made of many soil associations, which run in a generally northeast to southwest direction. The heart of the forest is the Picayune Strand, which is made

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up primarily of Boca, Riviera, limestone substratum and Copeland fine sands, depressional. These are level, poorly drained soils in depressions, cypress swamps, and marshes. The top soils are gray or black fine sand 4 to 6 inches deep, and the subsoils are fine sands (gray to brown) ranging from 18 to 32 inches deep. The subsoil is sandy clay loam to a depth of 24 to 54 inches. This is underlaid by a limestone bedrock. Under normal conditions these soils are ponded 6 to 9 months of the year. This time is reduced on the forest by excessive drainage. The water table recedes to a depth of 12 to 40 inches during extended dry periods. The natural vegetation is cypress, pickerel weed, rushes, fire flag, sawgrass, and Florida willow. Similar soils include Holopaw, Malabar, and Pineda.

Pennsuco silt loam is a level, poorly drained soil on low lying prairies. The

surface layer is very dark gray silt loam about 5 inches thick. The subsoil is dark gray silt loam to a depth of about 40 inches. The substratum is grayish brown fine sand to a depth of about 48 inches. Limestone bedrock is at a depth of about 48 inches. Under normal conditions, the water table is within 12 inches of the surface for 4 to 6 months of the year. The natural vegetation consists of sawgrass, reeds, scattered cypress, maidencane, needlegrass, sedges, wax myrtle, and other wetland plants.

Hallandale and Boca Fine Sand is nearly level, poorly drained soils in sloughs

and poorly defined drainage ways. The topsoil is very dark gray fine sand 3 to 4 inches thick. The subsurface layer is grayish brown fine sand to a depth of about 9 to 26 inches. The subsoil is yellowish brown fine sand to 12 inches (Hallandale) or dark grayish brown fine sandy loam to about 30 inches. The subsoil is underlaid by limestone bedrock. The seasonal high water table is within 12 inches of the surface for 3 to 6 months of the year, and recedes to 40 inches below the surface during dry periods. It is covered with slow moving water from 7 to 30 days a year. The natural vegetation is scrub cypress, sand cordgrass, wax myrtle, and maidencane.

Hallandale Fine Sand is a nearly level poorly drained soil in pine flatwoods. The

surface layer is very dark gray fine sand about 3 inches thick. The subsurface layer is grayish brown fine sand to a depth of about 9 inches. The subsoil is yellowish brown fine sand to a depth of about 12 inches. Limestone bedrock is at a depth of about 12 inches. In most years the high water table is between 6 to 18 inches of the surface for 1 to 6 months. During dry periods it recedes to a depth of 40 inches or more. Rarely is water above the surface. The natural vegetation consists of south Florida slash pine, saw palmetto, creeping bluestem and wiregrass. Similar soils include Boca and Jupiter soils.

Holopaw Fine Sand is a nearly level, poorly drained soil in sloughs and poorly

defined drainage ways. The surface layer is dark gray fine sand about 5 inches thick. The subsurface layer is fine sand to a depth of 52 inches, the upper part is light gray and the lower part is light brownish gray. The subsoil extends to a depth of about 62 inches, the upper part is dark grayish brown fine sand and the lower part is dark grayish brown fine sandy loam. The substratum is gray loamy fine

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sand to a depth of about 80 inches. Malabar, Pineda and Riviera soils are similar. The seasonal high water table is within 12 inches of the surface for 3 to 6 months of the year. It recedes to 40 inches during dry periods. It is covered with slow moving water for 7 to 30 days a year. The natural vegetation is scattered slash pine, cypress, cabbage palm, saw palmetto, wax myrtle and Gulf muhly.

2. Archaeological and Historical Resources DHR undertook an archaeological reconnaissance of SGGE in 1994. DHR staff conducted field trips in the spring and fall of 2002 and again in spring of 2003 in the Belle Meade Tract. Sixty-three (63) cultural resources sites have been identified in PSSF to date, and the possibility exists for additional sites to be discovered. As part of the permitting for the hydrologic restoration, additional surveys will be contracted out by SFWMD and/or the USACE in SGGE.

The results of the reconnaissance indicate that other archaeological and historic sites are likely to occur in the PSSF and DHR suggests that there is a reasonable probability of properties of historical or archaeological value, to occur within the state forest property. The Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research developed an inventory and assessment report of cultural resources on PSSF. This document is on file at the PSSF office. The DOF will comply with the procedures outlined in “Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historic Sites on State Owned Lands” (Exhibit E) and all appropriate provisions of Florida Statutes 267.061(2). The DHR will be contacted before any significant ground disturbing activities are conducted on the forest.

3. Water Resources Water resources management will be coordinated with SFWMD. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP FINAL PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheetflow. This includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest. A summary of the current “tentatively recommended plan” (Alternative 3D) can be found in Exhibit L of this plan. The restoration will be done in phases, beginning after the state has ownership of the affected area, and as funding is available for the project.

4. Fish and Wildlife The Belle Meade Tract became a WMA in 2002, and the SGGE Tract became a part of the same WMA during the 2003-04 hunting season. Current WMA information can be obtained from the FWC website at http://www.myfwc.com.

Birds More than one-hundred and sixteen species of neotropical migrants have been recorded in the south Florida ecosystem. Both resident and migratory birds utilize PSSF habitats. Eighty-seven different species of birds have been recorded in the forest. Red-bellied woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus), northern cardinals

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(Cardinalis cardinalis), and white-eyed vireos (Vireo griseus) are some of the more commonly encountered species. Other more rare species found in the forest are RCW’s, swallow-tailed kites (Elanoides forficatus), black-whiskered vireos (Vireo altiloquus) and white-crowned pigeons (Columba leucocephala). Common winter migrants found in the forest include the belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), American robin (Turdus migratorius), and palm warbler (Dendroica palmarum). Various waterfowl and wading birds use the seasonally wet prairies in the southern part of the Belle Meade Tract and the SGGE Tract, the isolated ponds found throughout the forest and the extensive canal system during the dry season. Many species of raptors frequent the forest including osprey (Pandion haliaetus), red-tailed (Buteo jamaicensis) and red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus). There is a pair of bald eagles (Haliaetus leucocephalus) that have been known to nest in the Belle Meade Tract since 1994. There is also a juvenile bald eagle roosting site where 30+ eagles have been known to roost at night in a single slash pine tree. Snail kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis) and short-tailed hawks (Buteo brachyurous) are infrequently encountered in the forest as well. Mammals There are twenty known species of mammals at PSSF, some of the more well-known species being the Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi), the Big Cypress fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia), and the Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridus). The forest also supports populations of prey species such as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), and feral hogs (Sus scrofa). Fish The canals, isolated freshwater ponds, and seasonally inundated wetlands support many native and non-native species of estuarine and freshwater fish. Non-native fish outnumber native fish in diversity and abundance in canals and borrow pits while the less disturbed, seasonally inundated wetlands have a more favorable ratio of native to non-native species. Reptiles and Amphibians There are twenty-six reptile species and sixteen recorded species of amphibians found in PSSF. Southern black racers (Coluber constrictor priapus), red rat snakes (Elaphe guttata guttata) and pine woods tree frogs (Hyla femoralis) are among the more common species encountered in the forest whereas gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus) are examples of the more rare species found in the forest. Exhibit M contains a complete species list.

5. Endangered and Threatened Species There are twenty-two animals and twenty-seven plant species with either state or federal listed status that occur on PSSF. The species in Table 2 have been verified

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to be present now or in the past on the forest. The list was compiled by FNAI, FWC, DEP and DOF biologists. Eight of the listed species have federal endangered or threatened status. The endangered wood stork does not presently nest on PSSF (but there is potential that foraging and nesting habitat will increase with hydrologic restoration, possibly connecting with the large nesting colony at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary) and will require no action other than protection while on state land. The threatened indigo snake requires a warm underground place to over winter, habitat which will increase in the future with proper forest management.

FNAI will be contacted before any significant ground disturbing activities are conducted on PSSF that would potentially impact endangered or threatened species. If rare, threatened or endangered plants and/or animals are identified on PSSF, field report forms (on file at the headquarters) will be completed and mailed to FNAI and the USFWS as it relates to wildlife species on SGGE. These forms will be completed by the FWC biologist and DOF forester or biologist. If areas of the forest are determined to be critical to some sensitive species, the area could be closed or designated as a “special use zone.” One plant inventory survey was conducted with the assistance of FNAI. This survey was intended to provide a listed plant species list for the forest. On-the-ground observations identified the need for ecosystem management (prescribed fire). Biological surveys should concentrate on high use areas; primarily trail corridors and locations where future impacts could impact established native ground cover. Surveys should also be conducted in all habitats through the forest for groundcover diversity levels as well as presence of state and federal threatened and endangered species. Determination of specific locations and type of surveys will be determined through consultation with the DOF ecologist, and FWC biologist.

Table 2. Listed Species and Florida Natural Areas Inventory STATE FEDERAL COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS* STATUS* Reptiles American alligator Alligator mississippiensis SC LT(S/A) Eastern indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi LT LT Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus SC --- Birds Roseate spoonbill Ajaia ajaja SC ---

Limpkin Aramus guarauna SC ---

White-crowned pigeon Columba leucocephala LT ---

Little blue heron Egretta caerulea SC ---

Reddish egret Egretta rufescens SC ---

Snowy egret Egretta thula SC ---

Tricolored (=Louisiana) heron Egretta tricolor SC ---

White ibis Eudocimus albus SC ---

Southern American kestrel Falco sparverius paulus LT ---

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STATE FEDERAL COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS* STATUS* Florida sandhill crane Grus canadensis pratensis LT ---

Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus LT LT Wood stork Mycteria americana LE LE Osprey Pandion haliaetus SC --- Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis SC LE Snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis (plumbeus) LE LE Mammals Florida panther Felis concolor coryi LE LE Big Cypress fox squirrel Sciurus niger avicennia LT --- West Indian (=Florida) manatee Trichechus manatus LE LE Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus LT --- Plants Bird's nest fern Asplenium serratum LE --- Pine pink orchid Bletia purpurea LT --- Many-flowered grass pink Calopogon multiflorus LE --- Tailed strap fern Campyloneurum costatum LE --- Yellow catopsis Catopsis berteroniana LE --- Satin leaf Chrysophyllum oliviforme LT --- Cowhorn (=cigar) orchid Cyrtopodium punctatum LE --- Clamshell orchid Encyclia cochleata LE --- Dingy-flowered epidendrum Epidendrum anceps LE --- Night-scented epidendrum Epidendrum nocturnum LE --- Rigid epidendrum Epidendrum rigidum LE --- Rein orchid Habeneria distans LE --- Delicate ionopsis Ionopsis utricularioides LE --- Simpson's ironwood Myrcianthes fragrans LT --- Sword fern Nephrolepis biserrata LT --- Hand Adder's tongue fern Ophioglossum palmatum LE --- Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea CE --- Royal fern Osmunda regalis CE --- Ghost orchid Polyrhiza lindenii LE --- Royal palm (not considered distinct from R. regia) Roystonea elata LE --- Southern ladies' tresses Spiranthes torta LE --- Inflated (=reflexed) wild pine Tillandsia balbisiana LT --- Common (=stiff-leaved) wild pine Tillandsia fasciculata LE --- Twisted (=banded) air plant Tillandsia flexuosa LT --- Fuzzy-wuzzy (=hoary) air plant Tillandsia pruinosa LE --- Giant wild pine; giant air plant Tillandsia utriculata LE --- Soft-leaved wild pine Tillandsia valenzuelana LT --- *STATUS/RANK KEY Federal Status (USFWS): LE= Listed Endangered, LT= Listed Threatened, LT(S/A) = Listed Threatened due to

similarity of appearance. State Status (FWC- Animals, DPI- Plants): LE= Listed Endangered, LT=Listed Threatened, SC=

Listed Species of Special Concern, CE = Commercially Exploited.

6. Beaches and Dunes PSSF is located in south peninsular Florida. No beaches or dunes occur on the forest.

7. Swamps, Marshes, or Other Wetlands

Cypress strands, hydric hammocks, depression marshes and wet flatwoods all occur on PSSF. Maintenance of naturally occurring wetland communities is a high priority and will be accomplished through prescribed fire when necessary and ensure proper planning and mitigation of activities that would threaten natural hydrology.

Consideration will be given to eliminating ditches if it can be accomplished without flooding necessary roads, structures or adjacent landowners. Wetland restoration will be coordinated with SFWMD and DEP as necessary. Any activities requiring water management district or DEP permits will be handled accordingly.

8. Mineral Resources

Small amounts of oil have been discovered in the nearby area, and may be present on PSSF.

9. Unique Natural Features

The strands of southwest Florida have one of the highest concentrations of unique plant and animal species in the state, due to the subtropical climate and high humidity levels maintained within the cypress swamps. On the more upland areas, there are subtropical hammocks, which also exhibit a high diversity of plants and animals. According to Cox, et al. 1994, "[Southwest Florida] has the only stable population of panthers east of the Mississippi; the only stable population of black bears south of Lakeland,... and provides important foraging and nesting habitat for large, diverse wading bird populations."

10. Outstanding Native Landscapes

Pond cypress savannas classified as basin swamp occur in Belle Meade. Most of the basin swamps in Florida occur on organic soils. Unique to south Florida, these areas instead occur on deep sandy areas that are seasonally deeply inundated. There are stunted pond cypress with a rich epiphytic flora of ferns, orchids and bromeliads. Prairie hammocks occur throughout the basin, with an extremely diverse subtropical component.

11. Timber Resources

Overall the DOF will implement silvicultural practices, including harvesting, thinning, burning and reforestation, in an attempt to establish a healthy forest with an age distribution that best duplicates natural conditions. Well timed and executed timber harvests play an integral role in the health of the forest by removing off-site trees to reestablish native species and thinning dense forest stands to improve under-story habitat. This allows for less damaging prescribed burns and improved forest health.

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The management of timber resources on the PSSF will not seek to maximize short-term economic revenue but rather to achieve a wide array of long-term public benefits many of which are intrinsic and not easily quantified. Good stewardship and resource sustainability are essential goals for any proposed silvicultural activity. The health of the forest ecosystem is paramount in importance.

A comprehensive inventory of merchantable pine stands was completed in September 1997, following DOF’s established procedure. Based upon the 1997 standing pine inventory and partial updates in 2001, it is estimated that there is approximately 64,248 tons of merchantable pine timber in Belle Meade and 403,541 tons in SGGE. Inventories will be updated on a continual basis according to guidelines established by the DOF, Forest Management Bureau. As part of the timber inventory, 1/100th acre plots were taken at each point to determine pine reproduction, cypress reproduction, and number of sabal palm per acre. Stands that were typed as pine flatwoods or cypress were sampled. Stands that have converted to sabal palm or other types of disturbance were not sampled. Pine Flatwoods Cruise Pine Repro Cypress Repro Sabal Palm SGGE (178 plots) 346/ac 1/ac 675/ac Belle Meade (150 plots) 340/ac 83/ac 203/ac Cypress Cruise SGGE (106 plots) 0/ac 205/ac 780/ac Belle Meade (35 plots) 114/ac 1,310/ac 0/ac

IV. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS BY NATURAL COMMUNITY/COVER TYPES A. Existing and Planned Uses and General Guidelines

1. Fire Management

The DOF utilizes a total fire management program on state forests that includes prevention, detection, suppression and prescribed burning. This program is the responsibility of the DOF’s Caloosahatchee Forestry Center (CaFC), particularly the rangers assigned to Collier County. Emphasis will be placed on prescribed burning, wildfire prevention, and education to help reduce wildfire occurrence on the forest. The DOF will use appropriate transportation methods (2-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, swamp buggies, etc.) necessary for management, emergency response and law enforcement purposes. The Incident Commander responding to wildfires on PSSF has three paramount considerations, listed in priority order: protection of human lives, both the firefighters and the public’s, protection of improvements, and protection of natural resources.

The annual forest prescribed burning program produces multiple benefits. The purpose of prescribed burning on PSSF is to restore, maintain, and protect in perpetuity all native ecosystems and their ecological processes. Additionally, fire management facilitates timber management operations and decreases fuel loading, and as an added benefit, enhances public safety. The average three to four year

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fire return interval for all flatwoods stands and wet prairie on PSSF translates into an annual prescribe burning goal of approximately 8,000 to 16,000 acres per year. Section IV.B. of this plan has specific prescriptions for each community type. A map of these FNAI community types is shown in (Exhibit N). The presence of melaleuca and cabbage palm is a major constraint on prescribed burning. Since 1998, drought has delayed the prescribed burning program and exceeded the ideal three to four year burn interval on PSSF. Because of this, dormant season burning will be required to facilitate converting more of the forest to the maintenance stage, allowing growing-season burns.

In using prescribed fire in the various pyric communities on PSSF, it is important to understand the ecological richness of the ecotones that divide them, especially those margins between wetland and upland communities. Every effort will be made to avoid the construction and/or maintenance of firelines in these environmentally sensitive areas. Staff will be trained to recognize sensitive areas and will be provided with guidelines for fireline construction. The biological diversity of these ecotones will benefit from prescribed fire being allowed to burn uninterrupted into the edges of the adjacent hydric communities. In this manner, fire also serves to limit the invasion of less fire-adapted, hydric species (e.g. wax myrtle) into the adjacent, more mesic communities.

Wetland communities, such as freshwater marshes and seasonal ponds, benefit from occasional fire which serves to limit peat accumulation and invasion of woody vegetation and helps to prevent undesired transition to plant species associated with more mesic conditions. In addition, moderately intense fires in swamps can benefit cypress and retard invasion of less fire-adapted hardwood species. Where these wetland communities are not sufficiently hydrated to prevent undesirable fire intensity or smoke problems, consideration should be given to delaying prescribed fire. When firelines are required, they should be located well out of the ecotone and up in the more mesic community type. Best Management Practices (BMP) for fireline construction should be followed as contained in Florida’s Silviculture BMP Manual. Non-native invasive plant occurrences and listed species will be assessed for each burn unit prior to the development of a burn prescription. Prescribed fire will be done so as not to promote invasive plants (especially melaleuca, Old World climbing fern and cogon grass).

A comprehensive Fire Management Plan has been developed for PSSF. This plan will be reviewed annually and amended as needed, based on current resource burning conditions and past year’s accomplishments. State forest staff will conduct pre-burn and post-burn evaluations, essential elements to a successful prescribed fire program. Monitoring levels will vary from burn to burn, based on burn objectives.

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2. Roads PSSF is in the unique position of having an excess of roads throughout the SGGE Tract. This area is a failed subdivision with approximately 279 miles of roadway (per the post restoration road plan as of November 14, 2003), of which approximately 227 miles are scheduled to be removed. The post restoration road map (Exhibit J) illustrates the classification of the road system within PSSF. Of the roughly 60 miles paved with asphalt, 18 miles will be removed and maintained as all season roads, another 21.2 +/- miles will be removed to ambient grade and maintained as gravel roads, and 20.8 +/- miles will be removed to ambient grade and abandoned. Of the approximately 219 miles with crushed limerock surface, 7.3 miles will be maintained as is, 5.1 miles will be removed to ambient grade and maintained, and 206.6 +/- miles will be removed to ambient grade and abandoned. The PSSF Road Plan will be written, when the PSSF Ten-Year Resource Management Plan is approved. Designated roads and trails are also available for use by hikers, bicycles and equestrians. PSSF uses the guidelines and regulations (road closures, maintenance, etc.) outlined by the DOF Road Plan. Reasons for road closures may include, but are not limited to, safety, environmental impacts, maintenance, recreation and periodic special needs. Plans for the establishment of any new roads will be reviewed by the DOF State Office and if needed, in consultation with the Forest Hydrology Section as well as the USACE and SFWMD (if proposed in the SGGE Tract) and processed through the DEP to the ARC.

3. Law Enforcement

Primary law enforcement responsibilities are handled by FDACS Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement (OALE), and the FWC wildlife officers. Additional assistance is rendered by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office as needed. Law enforcement and emergency response teams will use appropriate transportation methods (2-wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, swamp buggies, etc.) necessary for their purposes.

Special rules of the FDACS DOF were promulgated in 1972 and have been periodically updated for state forest use as well as to better control forest traffic and camping. These rules are under Chapter 5I-4 of the Florida Administrative Code.

4. Utility Corridors

During this ten year period, there are two antenna installations planned on Picayune Strand State Forest. The first is an antenna designed to enhance radio communications on PSSF for the DOF. Currently, there are a number of “dead-spots” scattered around both SGGE and Belle Meade. The location of this antenna has yet to be determined due to the testing requirements that are still being conducted by the CaFC Communications Technician in order to locate the optimal placement of the antenna.

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The second antenna will be at minimum 100’, with the location yet to be determined. This antenna will be used by the SFWMD for monitoring and control of the pump stations used in the restoration project. The DOF does not favor the fragmentation of natural communities with linear facilities; consequently, easements or transfer of ownership for such uses will be discouraged. The DOF does not consider PSSF suitable for any new linear facilities. When such is unavoidable, previously disturbed sites will be the preferred location. The objectives, when identifying possible locations for new linear facilities, will be to cause no damage to sensitive resources (e.g., listed species and archaeological sites), to avoid habitat fragmentation, and to limit disruption of management activities and resource-based recreation. Collocation with existing corridors will be considered but will be used only where expansion of existing corridors does not increase the level of habitat fragmentation and disruption of management and multiple-use activities. The DOF will further encourage the use of underground cable where scenic considerations are desirable. Easements are subject to approval of the BTIITF and will follow the procedure outlined in Chapter 18-2, Florida Administrative Code covering easements. See Exhibit O for a map showing existing utility corridor locations on PSSF.

5. Research Projects

Research projects may be performed on certain areas of the forest on a temporary or permanent basis for the purpose of obtaining information, which expands the knowledge of forestry, wildlife, and/or multiple-use management. The DOF cooperates with the United States Forest Service (USFS), the University of Florida, the USFWS, National Marine Fisheries Service, Florida Gulf Coast University, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Rookery Bay NERR), the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, FWC, non-profit organizations and other educational institutions and governmental agencies whenever feasible on research of this nature. All research projects must be authorized in writing by the Forest Ecologist, Forest Management Bureau, Division of Forestry, and copies of the results should be provided to the DOF.

An extensive monitoring program has been initiated as part of the hydrologic restoration. There are 27 piezometers, 24 permanent wells (20 feet deep) to measure water depth and duration. In addition there is pre and post restoration vegetation and wildlife, water quantity and quality, wading birds, and other monitoring to measure the success of the restoration. The CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS (USACE and USFWS 2004) contains a complete description of the monitoring program. The CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS can be found at the DOF’s state office in Tallahassee, the PSSF’s headquarter office, and the SFWMD office.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Station Invasive Plant Research Lab has a 40 acre research plot in Belle Meade. The purpose of the study is to develop an integrated pest management plan for melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) using biological controls (primarily Oxyops vitiosa and

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Boreioglycaspis melaleucae) and herbicide treatments. Use of prescribed fire will be examined in the future. The location of the plots and the monitoring wells is shown in Exhibit P.

6. Property Boundary Establishment and Preservation

Approximately 60 percent of the PSSF boundaries have had signs posted according to DOF boundary marking specifications, except for the east boundary. This lies in the corridor of the hydrologic restoration. This restoration will include blocking the canal and filling it as much as is possible with the fill that is available on site. This will be posted after that section has been restored. The inholdings in Belle Meade have not yet been surveyed due to acquisition not being completed. The perimeter fence is maintained to manage vehicle access by the general public on parts of the Belle Meade Tract. The north boundary is I-75, which does not have an exit within the PSSF. The south boundary is US-41, which will have two designated service roads for forest access. The remainder of this section of US-41 has a drainage ditch with a guard rail. All future acquisitions will have state forest boundary signs installed. DOF staff will routinely inspect and maintain all boundary fences and markings.

State forest boundary lines are maintained on an annual basis by DOF personnel. The identifying mark is a white painted band on boundary trees. White slash marks on the side of the tree indicate the direction of state forest lands. As rapidly as time and funds permit, boundaries not easily recognized will be clearly designated.

7. Water Management Guidelines

One of the primary reasons for acquisition of SGGE was hydrologic restoration. This is detailed in the April 2004 version of the Project Implementation Report. The CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS (USACE and SFWMD 2004) lists the more than twenty restoration alternatives considered and the analysis used in choosing a suitable alternative. According to the PIR, Alternative 3D is the “tentatively recommended plan.” Alternative 3D involves the removal of 227 miles of roads, installation of three spreader channels with pump stations, installation of 83 canal plugs and modification to certain east-west roads to allow water flow. In addition, culverts would be constructed under US-41 and levees would be constructed to prevent flooding of several private properties. A summary of Alternative 3D can be found in Exhibit L of this plan and also on the restoration project website (http://www.evergladesplan.org). The restoration will be accomplished by the SFWMD and the USACE.

Some damage has also resulted from past unauthorized OHV use in portions of the forest. The area north of U.S. Highway 41, known as Bad Luck Prairie, had been severely rutted and contains infestations of non-native invasive grasses.

PSSF falls within the jurisdiction of the SFWMD, Big Cypress Basin. DOF will coordinate with SFWMD, as necessary, on activities pertaining to water resource

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protection and management. Any activities requiring water management district, USACE, USFWS, DEP or Collier County permits will be handled accordingly. The DOF will coordinate with the SFWMD to monitor levels and quality of ground and surface water resources and to address hydrological restoration of areas in the Belle Meade Tract. There are 23 wells (20 feet deep) installed in 2003 that are electronically monitored every 15 minutes.

Concern over a continuous, usable source of fresh water requires emphasis on protecting this vital resource. All silviculture activities on PSSF will be conducted in compliance with the most recent edition of the Silviculture BMP Manual.

8. Wildlife and Fish Management Guidelines

Wildlife is an important component of the PSSF ecosystem. The restoration of existing resources and prevention of development-related impacts to contiguous public land holdings would total 2,602,144 acres when the PSSF and adjacent public lands are considered. An uninterrupted landscape is important to management and recovery of wide-ranging species, including migratory birds, state listed species such as the Florida black bear, and federal listed species such as the Florida panther and wood stork. The restoration of the SGGE Tract will result in direct benefits to 55,247 acres of fish and wildlife resources and could extend beneficial effects to more than 19,000 acres of downstream estuaries. Additionally, four surrounding public land holdings under the management of the DOF, the DEP, the USFWS, and the NOAA will be protected and enhanced by the completion of this project. Project components were designed by, and will be consistent with, multi-agency resource objectives and are sensitive to rare species and habitat components found nowhere else in the world offering unique educational and recreational access opportunities to the public. The presence and health of wildlife populations are a function of the habitats available to support them. Given the dramatic changes in hydrologic and fire regimes in the SGGE over the past thirty years, the current wildlife populations have undoubtedly changed from those present prior to development. The reduced duration of flooded conditions in SGGE has likely had dramatic impacts on tropical vegetation due to the loss of freeze protection from the moderating influence of standing water when winter cold fronts pass through the area. These effects include the possible elimination of tropical hammocks from the ecosystem and the loss of orchids and epiphytes from the majority of the SGGE, either due to freeze intolerance or fire associated with overdrainage. Restoration of the natural hydrology is hoped to reestablish conditions where tropical communities, and the animals associated with them, could reestablish. For example, amphibians, otters, wading birds, forage fish and aquatic invertebrates will likely see an increase in their populations.

a. Timber Management - The following general forest management guidelines

are observed to best meet the needs of both the wildlife and forest resources. All activities associated with silvicultural operations will target restoring the uplands to a more natural, uneven aged, forest. The intervention of stand

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improvement activities; to include thinning and group selection harvests will facilitate the establishment of advanced pine regeneration. As these stands mature, they would do so at a fairly uniform rate, and would reach biological maturity at the same time. The effects of this would be the creation of a newly regenerating forest with very little old growth, or trees of a sufficient diameter distribution to be useable by climax community dependant wildlife only.

For the purposes of this plan, an uneven-aged forest will be comprised of various stands that will have multiple age class distributions. At the stand level, at least three classes, ten years or more apart, shall classify as an uneven-aged stand. This will, in turn, provide beneficial wildlife habitat to both pioneer and climax community system dependant species. The early successional grass and perennial plants of a prairie system (pioneer community) are fire tolerant because of their roots and stems. Repeated fires effect shrubs, young trees, and other plants that would change the environment and result in further successional changes that would eventually result in the establishment of a climax community of wet or mesic pine flatwoods. The climax community describes an end product of succession that persists until disturbed by environmental change. Pioneer grassland species include the: Florida grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus), Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), rice rat (Oryzomys palustris natator), meadowlark (Sturnella magna), Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis), bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Mature pine flatwoods, on the other hand, provide tree canopy for canopy dependent species including neotropical migrants, tree-cavity dependent species, and tree-nesting species. Mesic flatwoods serve as ground bird nesting areas; adult tree frog climbing areas; black bear foraging, denning, and travelways; and essential RCW foraging and nesting habitat. Those areas where high stem densities of trees exist, pine or hardwood, will be candidates for thinning or group selection harvests. Those areas where low stem densities exist will become candidates for supplemental plantings. The stem density thresholds for treatments can be found in Section IV.B., the “Desired Future Conditions” portion of the plan. Areas of significant natural disaster damage, and where economically feasible, will be salvaged. Salvage operations will serve as a means to recoup economic loss as well as prevent future forest health problems across the forest; i.e.: Ips and black turpentine beetles. Areas can be salvaged in preparation for planting pines if there is insufficient seed source for regeneration of the stand. The DOF recognizes the importance of snags for wildlife value (e.g., pileated woodpecker, Dryocapus pileatus; RCW, eastern bluebird (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), Sialia sialis; and brown-headed nuthatch (Sitta pusilla). As a general rule, snags will be left alone in their natural environment unless they are deemed to be a potential safety hazard.

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b. Prescribed Burning – Maintenance of natural vegetation should be the

primary overall objective of the annual PSSF fire management plan, and burning for other purposes should be done in such a way that it does not alter the normal successional relationships and plant communities over large areas of the forest. No South Florida plant community burns year after year under natural conditions. Sawgrass commonly burns every 2-5 years, and pines will persist where there are fires every 3-10 years, but these are considered South Florida’s most fire-adapted communities. Sensitive areas such as wetlands containing endangered plants and animals (e.g., rare orchids, RCWs) should be given special consideration. To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned will be spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. A patchwork pattern of different age stands (time since last fire) within each habitat helps maintain animal and plant communities since it assures survival required to repopulate burned areas quickly.

An all-season burning program will be established utilizing existing practices

plus recent research findings. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks will be used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. Guidelines for burning near eagle nests will be followed. Burns in RCW habitat will be conducted following consultation with the DOF biologist. Burning is particularly beneficial to foraging deer, reducing midstory hardwoods, enhancing and protecting listed species such as gopher tortoises and RCWs, excludes shrubs from wet prairies to promote species such as sandhill cranes. Game management burning programs are designed to reduce midstory cover and increase forage value as much as possible without eliminating necessary cover. The available data generally indicate that fire improves game habitat by: 1. enhancing the productivity of the understory and thereby increasing the amount of forage available; 2. favoring more desirable forage species; 3. improving the nutritive quality of the understory or browse; and 4. removing accumulated litter, which expands the foraging area available to certain species.

c. Hunting- The forest is open to the public year round. Hunters and fishermen

are subject to site-specific fish and wildlife laws as well as those that apply on private lands. Hunts are managed by FWC, consistent with the “Picayune Strand State Forest and Wildlife Management Area Regulations Summary and Area Map,” which is modified annually. If there are any suggested increases to bag limits for deer or hogs, FWC will consult with the USFWS prior to meeting with the DOF. There is a series of short, primitive (archery and muzzle-loading) weapon and general gun hunts based on permit and quota system. The DOF provides land management and general supervision and coordinates with FWC regarding the biological aspect of wildlife and fish populations (e.g. setting hunting seasons and establishing bag and season limits) and overall wildlife and fish law enforcement. The FWC regulates hunting activities to restrict illegal hunting and game harassment during the breeding season. Mandatory or auxiliary check stations are used to monitor

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hunter numbers and collect biological data on harvested species. The WMA brochure is on file at the PSSF office and can be accessed on-line at http://www.myfwc.com.

d. Managing Non-Game Species - Non-game species will be managed and

protected through the restoration and maintenance of native ecosystems found on this state forest. Research among cooperating agencies will provide valuable information in determining future management objectives of non-game species.

e. Sensitive Species - Specialized forest management techniques will be used, as

necessary, to protect or increase endangered, threatened and species of special concern, as applicable for both plants and animals. The USFWS’s South Florida Multi-Species Recovery Plan (1999) will be consulted in this effort. Emphasis will be on managing the habitat, rather than single species management. A multi-species management plan will be developed for those species requiring specific actions outside of general habitat management. Currently, an updated management plan for the RCW is being developed.

Threatened or endangered species that are known to be present on the forest are listed in Section III.B.5. The following management practices are recommended to protect and preserve all such species.

1. Locate and map cover, habitat/foraging ranges, food, critical resources, and

breeding areas for all species considered rare, endangered or species of special concern if resources are available.

2. Other specialized management practices for rare and endangered species

may be implemented. This includes designation of buffers for aquatic and wetland resources.

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

The RCW population in the lower Florida peninsula from Orlando south is limited to approximately 244 occupied clusters (DeLotelle and Guthrie 2000). In 1992, approximately 25 occupied, 10 undetermined, and 11 abandoned clusters occurred in the east Naples area including the Belle Meade Tract of PSSF (Dryden, personal communication, 1999.) Although South Florida is not identified as a recovery population for RCW’s, it does contain significant support populations. The Belle Meade Tract of PSSF covers about 14,460 acres. In combination with the 59,294-acre SGGE Tract, the PSSF provides an opportunity to support between 20 to 30 clusters, assuming population expansion techniques and non-native invasive plant species control are successful (DeLotelle and Guthrie 2000). The Belle Meade population of RCW’s includes five occupied and 11 abandoned clusters located in mesic and wet pine flatwoods.

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Approximately 40 RCW clusters are located 37 miles east of existing active PSSF clusters, in the Big Cypress National Preserve (Big Cypress NP). Dispersal for RCW’s has been documented up to 56 miles but an outside estimate of 7.5 miles was used by Cox et al. (1994) in modeling Strategic Habitat Conservation Areas in Florida for this species. RCW’s in Florida traveled an average distance of 15.5 miles with young birds moving farther than adults (R. DeLotelle, personal communication, July 28, 2004).

Pine stands, or pine-dominated pine/hardwood stands, with a low or sparse understory and ample large pines, constitute primary RCW nesting, forging, and roosting habitat. RCW’s also forage in, but do not appear to prefer, cypress in south and central Florida (DeLotelle R., personal communication, 1996), indicating that cypress forest restoration may also benefit RCW’s. In southwest Florida (Charlotte, Collier and Lee Counties), wet slash pine (Elliotii var. densa) flatwoods provide the preferred nesting and foraging habitat for the RCW (Beever and Dryden 1992). This community has been maintained by fire and hydroperiod, and therefore does not have the dense midstory more typical of xeric and mesic flatwoods in southwest Florida. Also, wet pine flatwoods were not as accessible to historic forestry, agriculture, and land clearing practices as the xeric and mesic communities due to their wetland status. Flatwoods with significant midstory components are not preferred by the RCW. Cabbage palm midstory invasion in some areas may not be manageable within budget and personnel constraints, and removal of cabbage palm in some areas may be inconsistent with natural succession and biodiversity objectives. Restored flatwoods on the PSSF may not be immediately available to form a natural dispersal bridge between the Big Cypress NP and PSSF RCW populations. However, long-term management of this species could increase the viability of the regional population by increasing the gene pool and offering opportunities for translocation. Restoration of hydrology on the site, combined with prescribed fire management by DOF should restore flatwoods lost to wildfire and provide a better base for pine seed generation. Reforestation of pines should also benefit RCW’s. While large pine stands may take 60 to 70 years to regenerate, RCW’s in southwest Florida do forage on younger pines, so foraging habitat could be increased with management within 5 to 10 years after restoration. RCW habitat and population management will continue to be a priority of this plan, and will follow the established RCW management plan for the Belle Meade Tract, as well as federal guidelines and amendments of the current recovery plan for the RCW (USFWS 2003).

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Florida Panther The Florida panther presently occupies most of the counties in Central and South Florida. Panther habitats include cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, seasonally flooded prairies, freshwater marshes, and some agricultural lands. The PSSF, FSPSP, Florida Panther NWR, Big Cypress NP, Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest (OSSF), and ranches located in southern Hendry County and northeastern Collier County provide a contiguous landscape that supports the only extant breeding panther population east of the Mississippi River. Because of their wide-ranging movements and extensive spatial requirements, panthers are particularly sensitive to habitat fragmentation (Harris 1984). The survival and recovery of the Florida panther is dependent on protection and enhancement of this extant population, associated habitats, and prey resources. Panthers require adequate cover for resting and denning sites, prey, and a relative lack of disturbance in terms of road hazards and human activity. Reduced occurrence has been indicated by telemetry data, possibly consistent with human disturbance associated with 279 miles of roads (Land, personal communication, 2001). The effect of invasion by non-native invasive plants, such as melaleuca, on panther use of natural habitats is unknown.

Adult male panthers maintain large, virtually exclusive home ranges, which encompass the ranges of up to six adult females and their dependent offspring (Land 1994). Comiskey et al. (2002) examined the home range size for 50 adult panthers (greater than 1.5 years old) monitored in south Florida for the period from 1981 to 2000 and found resident males had a mean home range of 160,682 acres and females had a mean home range of 97,927 acres. The SGGE Tract of PSSF is utilized primarily by sub-adult male panthers, which disperse through the site to the Belle Meade Tract from Fakahatchee Strand. Without large areas of suitable habitat to accommodate dispersal, young males have few opportunities for recruitment as residents. As a result, the panther’s ability to increase and outbreed has been severely restricted. Successful male recruitment appears to depend on the death or home range shift of a resident adult male (Maehr et al. 1991). Intraspecific aggression (males killing other cats) continues to the most significant source of mortality. Numerous factors influence panther home range size and the reproductive success of females, including habitat quality, prey density, and landscape configuration (Belden 1988, Comiskey et al. 2002). Two den sites are located in the PSSF, one in the central portion of the project and one in the extreme northeastern corner of the property in proximity to FSPSP and the Florida Panther NWR (USFWS 2004). In 2006 there was a den site near abandoned agriculture fields within the southern end of the Belle Meade Tract, and in 2007 a den site was found near the south end of Merritt Road.

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White-tailed deer and wild hog are important prey items for the Florida panther throughout South Florida (Maehr et al. 1990). Deer densities on overdrained private lands being developed northwest of PSSF averaged one deer per 591 acres (Turrell & Associates, Incorporated 2001). Predictions of deer density in Fakahatchee Strand were estimated to be higher than one deer per 18.2 acres (McCown 1991). Deer densities in the Mullet Slough area of Big Cypress NP yielded an estimated density range of one deer per 93 acres and one deer per 250 acres. Harlow (1959) predicted deer density in wet prairie habitat in Florida to be one deer per 115 acres. Panther prey density, especially deer, is an important factor in evaluating the panther habitat. The type of prey available to the panther affects the health and distribution of the panther, as well as its ability to breed and support young. The area around PSSF is rapidly developing, and wildland-urban interface may increase homeowner encounters with bears and panthers. The FWC has several brochures at the website [http://myfwc.com/panther/ and http://myfwc.com/bear/Brochures.htm] on how to safely live in bear and panther country, and land management may implement the updated Florida Panther Recovery Plan (USFWS 1995). It is expected that the SGGE hydrologic restoration of wetlands and uplands will increase the panther’s ability to feed, breed, and shelter. Migratory Birds Migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712). The South Florida ecosystem is located along one of the primary migratory routes for bird species that breed in temperate North America and winter in the tropics of the Caribbean and South America. More than 129 bird species migrate to the South Florida ecosystem to overwinter, and another 132 species breed in South Florida. Because the South Florida ecosystem is located near Cuba and the West Indies, it draws tropical species that rarely appear elsewhere in North America (e.g., short-tailed hawk, Buteo brachyurus; and Everglades Snail Kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeous). The South Florida Ecosystem has an endemic race of the yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia) and contains the majority of the nesting locations for the reddish egret (Egretta rufescens), roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja), swallow-tailed kite, and short-tailed hawk in the United States. Swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus) Although unlisted, the swallow-tailed kite is an imperiled species (not classed as threatened, but protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Act) that suffered a precipitous decline in the United States over the last century (from draining of swamps, and shooting), resulting in its current distribution in seven states from Louisiana to South Carolina. Most of the known population is centered in the southern tip of Florida. In the winter swallow-tailed kites migrate to South America. The estimated population for the entire United States is 800 to 1,150 pairs (Cely and Sorrow 1990);

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about 60 to 65 percent of these birds reside in Florida (Meyer 1995). Based on telemetry research, swallow-tailed kites have a large home range that encompasses thousands of acres (Cely and Sorrow 1990). Southwest Florida has been identified as a core conservation area for the swallow-tailed kite (Meyer 1995). Foraging birds use a variety of stand types and ages and will often commute long distances, up to 24 km (15 miles), from the nest site, to feed on various insects. Other swallow-tailed kites are attracted to “hot spots” of insect abundance; feeding aggregations sometimes consist of more than 50 birds. Swallow-tailed kites breed once per year with two or three eggs laid, usually in mid-March to mid-April. This species requires tall, accessible trees for nesting with open areas that provide sufficient small, easily subdued prey. Suitable habitat may be small stands or tree islands in prairie-like settings, low-density forests of uneven structure interrupted by open areas of shrub, swamp, or marsh vegetation, or denser forest, frequently interspersed with various sorts of openings (Meyer 1995). Other kites are tolerated in the immediate area or even in the same tree, but do not participate in the nest activities. Other species of hawks are chased away. A large, pre-migratory roost (280 birds in 1988) of swallow-tailed kites has been documented 23 km away in Corkscrew, Collier County (Meyer and Collopy 1990), and surveys have identified the kite’s preference for the SGGE area. The hydrologic restoration of the SGGE to its pre-drainage character, including an increase in cypress and wet flatwoods, will provide increased nesting and foraging habitat for the swallow-tailed kite. Conservation recommendations: • Incorporate swallow-tailed kite nest locations into land management and protection efforts. • Assist in studies of demographics, nesting habitat, effects of disturbance and habitat alteration in order to develop more specific swallow-tailed kite management guidelines. • Assist with development of a feasible swallow-tailed kite monitoring method that would detect a population decrease in the state over a 10 to 15 year period. Short-tailed Hawks (Buteo brachyurus) The short-tailed hawk is a small hawk, only being about 17 inches long. It is rare in the North American Continent; only found in Florida and from central Mexico to Panama. The short-tailed hawk is rare, even for a raptor. However, it is not protected by the Endangered Species Act in the United States. Short-tailed hawks prefer wooded swamps and wetlands. The hawks begin nest construction in February or March and lay eggs from mid-March to

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mid-April or early May. Most nests are located in or adjacent to forested wetlands, such as large cypress strand swamps, mature slash pines on the fringes of swamps, wet flatwoods, and loblolly bay swamps, and are made out of cypress twigs and dried moss. They may be spotted, but generally are not. Incubation periods and egg laying dates are not known. Clutches range from one to three (typically two) white or bluish-white occasionally marked with brown, eggs. Incubation lasts approximately 34 days. The fledging period and number of broods raised per season are not known. Most foraging occurs from high-altitude soaring over adjacent open to scrubby dry prairies, oak scrub, marsh, and mangrove savannah. Surprisingly for a Buteo, prey is mainly small birds such as Eastern meadowlarks and red-winged blackbirds, which are captured at the end of long, falcon-like vertical stoops. The Avian Research and Conservation Institute have been studying the Florida population of short-tailed hawks since 1998 and are currently conducting research on nesting and wintering ecology using radio-telemetry. The study seeks to identify critical nesting sites and concentrations of hawks to determine area and habitat needs as well as threats, causes of mortality and demographic features that most influence population trends to develop a monitoring plan and recommend management and conservation action. Whenever short-tailed hawks are sighted on PSSF, the data (location, habitat, sex, etc.) should be recorded.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Bald eagles are considered a water-dependent species typically found near estuaries, large lakes, reservoirs, major rivers, and some seacoast habitats (USFWS 1999). Their distribution is influenced by the availability of suitable nest and perch sites near large, open water bodies, typically with high amounts of water-to-land edge. The bald eagle is an opportunistic feeder, but in South Florida the bulk of its diet is fish. Bald eagle use varies in the PSSF but is primarily confined to foraging activities. Bald eagle nests in Collier County are located within 10 miles of coastal estuaries, although most are located within two miles. Bald eagles in Collier County typically nest in pine trees, but are also known to nest in cypress.

There are several known bald eagle nests in the PSSF. One nest is documented from the southern portion of the SGGE, but this nest has been inactive since 2000. An active nest may occur in the vicinity of the proposed 6L. Another nest is located within the northwest portion of the Belle Meade Tract, and there is a roost area in this tract. Bald eagle nests are protected consistent with the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (USFWS 2007).

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Everglade Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus) The range of the endangered Everglade snail kite is restricted to habitats in south Florida. Snail kites are nomadic in response to water depth, hydroperiod, food availability, and other habitat changes (Sykes 1978, 1983a; Beissinger and Takekawa 1983; Bennetts et al. 1994). The snail kite feeds almost exclusively on apple snails (Pomacea paludosa) in Florida. The abundance of apple snails is closely linked to water regime (Kushlan et al. 1975; Sykes 1979, 1983a). Drainage of Florida’s interior wetlands has reduced the extent and quality of habitat for both the snail and the kite (Sykes 1983b). The kite nests over water, and nests become accessible to predators in the event of unseasonably dry conditions (Beissinger 1986, Sykes 1987). In dry years, the snail kite depends on water bodies which normally are suboptimal for feeding, such as canals, impoundments, or small marsh areas which are often removed from regularly used sites (Beissinger and Takekawa 1983; Bennetts et al. 1988; Kitchens et al. 2002). These secondary or refuge habitats are vital to the continued survival of this species in Florida. The principal threat to the snail kite is the loss or degradation of wetlands. Nearly half of the Everglades wetlands have been drained for agriculture and urban development (Davis and Ogden 1994). The development of the SGGE subdivision is a classic example of this severe landscape alteration. An adult Everglade snail kite was observed foraging along the Miller Canal in the PSRP on May 4, 2001, by USFWS and DOF staff (T. Doyle, personal communication, July 6, 2004). Snail kites have also been observed in the marshes of the Ten Thousand Islands NWR as well as the agricultural area west of the project site. A snail kite was observed foraging in ditches adjacent to U.S. 41, approximately 6 miles southwest of the SGGE (K. Dryden, personal communication, June 15, 2002). Snail kites are also present in wetlands within Lostman’s and Okaloacoochee Sloughs, Hinson Marsh, and the East Loop and Corn Dance Units of Big Cypress NP east of the project site (USFWS 1999). The SGGE, once restored, is unlikely to support snail kite nesting because of the relatively small area and lack of contiguity among wetlands in the area. However, peripheral wetlands that support apple snails may be a critical component of snail kite habitat in that they may provide the only foraging opportunities for kites during regional droughts or other events that make other portions of the kite’s range temporarily unsuitable. PSSF does not include designated critical habitat for the Everglade snail kite. Wading Birds Wading bird populations in South Florida have undergone declines far greater than the declines of their nesting habitats. Fifteen species of herons, storks, and ibises nest in South Florida and are considered ecological indicators because of their wide foraging ranges, relatively narrow food requirements, and relatively specific habitat requirements.

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According to current estimates, breeding populations of wading birds in South Florida have declined by more than 90 percent as their habitats have been reduced by 50 percent (Ogden 1994). Of the 15 species that breed in South Florida, the wood stork, great egret (Casmerodius albus), snowy egret, tricolored heron, and white ibis had declined by an estimated 75 to 80 percent between the 1930s and the late 1970s (Ogden 1994). The total number of wading birds nesting in the Big Cypress and Everglades basins has declined by more than 95 percent from peak estimates of nesting birds in the 1930s. Impacts of altered hydropatterns include: 1) reduced number of birds attempting to nest; 2) relocated colonies; 3) altered timing of nesting; and 4) fewer years of successful nesting. The hydrologic restoration within the SGGE should enhance natural habitat for migratory birds, and also increase wading bird prey species such as amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates.

Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) The wood stork is known to forage within suitable wetland habitats throughout the PSSF. Suitable wood stork foraging habitat consists of shallow wetlands with water depths of 2 to 15 inches. From January through June 2001, the USACE conducted monthly aerial wading bird surveys of the PSSF and surrounding public and private lands. The only water present in the SGGE was in canals with steep banks and deep water making these areas inaccessible to foraging wading birds. The excessive drainage by the SGGE canal network indicated that these conditions may not be that far removed from a normal dry season in the SGGE area. Twenty-seven wood storks were sighted during six survey flights (Nelson et al. 2001). Three active wood stork nesting colonies are known to occur near the area. Two of these colonies are located at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Corkscrew) within the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW), northeast of the PSSF. Corkscrew contains the largest historic and current wood stork colony in the United States. The third wood stork nesting colony is located east of the PSSF just north of the FSPSP. Wetlands within 18.6 miles (30 kilometers (km)) of rookery sites have been described as core foraging areas for wood storks (Cox et al. 1994). However, they may forage as far as 46.6 miles (75 km) from rookery sites (Ogden, personal communication, August 1, 2000). The northern portion of the SGGE is located in the core foraging area of the Corkscrew sanctuary wood stork colony. However, the PSSF is located within 46.6 miles of the wood stork colony. The most recent nesting data for the colony located north of the FSPSP indicate that 50 nests were observed during 1999 and 25 observed during 2000, and no data are available for 2001 or 2002. On average over the last 44 years (since 1958) in Corkscrew, 1,654 nests have been initiated yearly, producing an average of 2,161 fledged young, or 1.3 young fledged per

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nest. Before 1968, as many as 5,000 wood stork nests were annually initiated. Nesting activity peaked in 1961 when 6,000 nests produced a record 17,000 young fledged, or 2.8 fledged young per nest. The production of wood stork colonies varies considerably between years and locations, apparently in response to differences in food availability. Colonies that are limited by food resources may fledge an average of 0.5 to 1.0 young per active nest; whereas colonies that are not limited by food resources may fledge between 2.0 and 3.0 young per active nest (Ogden 1996). The 44-year average indicates that the two colonies at Corkscrew are generally limited by food resources. During the year 2002, these colonies were not limited by food resources. The ability of wood storks to forage successfully affects their decision to nest at historic rookeries and determines whether nest failure or fledgling survival will occur. Survey data show that the Corkscrew colonies represent an average of 12 percent (510 out of 4,065 nests based on a four-year average) of the Florida population. On average, the South Florida sub-population represents 53 percent of the Florida population and 34 percent of the southeastern United States population. Storks nesting in the Big Cypress Basin, under pre-drainage conditions (1930s to 1940s), formed colonies between November and January (December in most years) regardless of annual rainfall and water level conditions (Ogden and Davis 1994). In response to deteriorating habitat conditions in South Florida, wood storks in this region delayed the initiation of nesting until February or March, or about two months, in most years since the 1970s. This shift in the timing of nesting is believed to be responsible for the increased frequencies of nest failures and colony abandonment in this region over the last 20 years. Colonies that start after January in South Florida risk having young in the nests when May to June rains flood marshes and disperse forage fish. Historic data on colony locations identify the Everglades basin and Corkscrew colonies as the primary nesting locations for wood storks in South Florida (Ogden and Nesbitt 1979). In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Corkscrew colonies accounted for 51 percent of the Florida population. The primary factors affecting wood stork habitat surrounding the PSSF are the loss and alteration of wetlands due to development and agriculture. Secondary factors such as weather (freezes and hurricanes), parasites, disease, and chemical contamination may affect wood storks but there is insufficient information available to discuss the effects of these factors on this species. Wood storks forage most effectively in shallow-water areas with highly concentrated prey (Ogden et al. 1978, Browder 1984, Coulter 1987). In South Florida, low, dry-season water levels are often necessary to concentrate fish to densities suitable for effective foraging by wood storks (Kahl 1964, Kushlan et al. 1975). As a result, wood storks will forage in

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many different shallow wetland depressions where fish become concentrated, either due to local reproduction by fishes, or as a consequence of seasonal drying. It is critical that natural hydroperiods be established in post-restoration wetlands to support surface water connections (sheetflow) between wetlands to allow fish dispersal and establish dry-season or drought-resistant refugia, increase the extent and quality of wetlands, decrease competition between forage fish species, reduce predation on forage fishes, and reduce unwanted non-native fish species that compete with forage fishes. Canals that remain on the site will provide permanent habitat for predatory species of native and non-native fish. Predatory fish prey upon smaller fish species that provide an important forage base for wood storks. Wet season rainfall could allow predatory fish access to isolated wetlands and increase predation of small fishes on the site, reducing the small fish forage base used by wading birds, including wood storks. During wet years, water management practices could prevent the formation of shallow pools that concentrate wood stork forage fishes. During dry years, water management practices could over drain the freshwater sloughs, reduce freshwater flows into the downstream estuaries, and reduce wetland productivity of wood storks forage fishes. Variable water management practices could increase or decrease frequencies of wood stork nest failure in area rookeries.

West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) Published occurrences of manatees in Collier County date back to at least 1930 (Hartman 1974, Beeler and O’Shea 1985); although manatee remains in Indian middens demonstrate their presence in this area well before European civilization. Aerial surveys conducted in the mid-1970s through the early 1980s documented manatee distribution throughout the region, particularly in the Faka Union Canal (Beeler and O’Shea 1985). It is likely that manatees used the Faka Union River before the canal was dredged in the mid-1960s. One hundred and twenty-six watercraft-related deaths out of 464 total deaths were documented from Collier County from October 1979 through August 2004. Documented deaths from January 1985 through March 2001 have been concentrated in Naples, Marco Island, and Port of the Islands/Faka Union Canal, with substantial numbers also occurring near Cape Romano, and in Chokoloskee Bay, Barron River, and Tamiami Canal. The altered hydrology of the SGGE project area has caused problems in the estuaries south of SGGE. The rapid run-off rate from the watershed results in extreme variation of discharge to the Faka Union Estuary. Discharges are much higher than natural during the wet season and during storms. Discharges are much lower than normal during the dry season since over

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drainage reduces surficial aquifer recharge. This results in an unnaturally large range of fluctuations of salinity in the estuary. This puts stress on the biological components of the estuary and reduces the abundance of many species as well as the biodiversity of the communities. During the low flow dry season, salt water moves up the canal and disrupts the adjacent vegetation communities. In addition, with the interception of the natural/pre-drainage flow-ways by the roads and canals, other marshes and bays south of US-41, including Pumpkin, Buttonwood, and Blackwater Bays, are no longer receiving the fresh water input required to maintain their equilibrium. This has facilitated the northward invasion of salt-tolerant species and changes to wetland communities. The Port of the Islands basin, located within the marina and residential canals of the upper Faka Union Canal just south of US-41, is the second largest warm water refugia in southwest Florida, and has been documented to support as many as 300 manatees during periods of cold winter weather. The basin depth is probably the key feature responsible for creating a “passive” warm water refugium for this species. The Port of the Islands marina basin is a targeted overwintering site for manatees, and animals that use this site tend to use it exclusively. After passage of cold fronts and depending on adjacent Gulf of Mexico and inland bay temperatures, manatees move to inshore bays which provide warm water refugia at night. At high tide during the daytime, manatees move to shallow inshore bays to absorb solar heat. During the wet season, manatees are distributed throughout the Ten Thousand Islands and make fewer trips to the Port of the Islands marina basin. Freshwater input into the marina basin during the spring dry season (April-May) may be an important factor in determining effects of the project on manatees.

Manatee critical habitat was designated in 1976, although no specific primary or secondary constituent elements were included in the designation (50 CFR Part 17.95(a)). The SGGE has features essential to the conservation of the manatee, including warm water refugia, reliable sources of fresh water, and foraging habitat (seagrass beds) adjacent to relatively deeper waters with little boat traffic. No specific management guidelines have been set for manatees within PSSF at this time. American Crocodile (Crococylus acutus) The current distribution of the American crocodile is limited to extreme South Florida, including coastal areas of Collier and Lee Counties. The distribution of crocodiles during the non-nesting season may vary considerably between years since adult crocodiles can disperse great distances (Kushlan and Mazzotti 1989). Crocodiles do nest in Southwest Florida, but successful crocodile reproduction has not been documented. However, several small groups and individual crocodiles have been documented from Sanibel Island and Pine Island, Lee County, south to the Fakahatchee River, Collier County. Crocodiles have been reported in

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Rookery Bay north of Marco Island and at the Eagle Creek Country Club just southwest of State Route 951 and US-41. A crocodile was killed on US-41 near the Faka Union Canal in 1997. As many as eleven adult crocodiles have frequented manmade borrow pits at the Marco Airport site, approximately 9.5 miles west of the SGGE Tract. These crocodiles have repeatedly nested unsuccessfully on an adjacent elevated berm call the “Road to Nowhere.” Crocodiles have been reported in the Fakahatchee River southeast of the SGGE by National Park Service (NPS) and DEP staff in 2002 and 2003. The PSSF area does not include designated critical habitat for the American crocodile. Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) The eastern indigo snake is a large, black, non-venomous snake that is widely distributed throughout South Florida. Moler (1992) lists a broad number of suitable habitats ranging from mangrove swamps and wet prairies to xeric pinelands and scrub, but indigo snakes tend to be found most commonly in upland habitats or nearby wetlands. The indigo snake is wide ranging and may cover 50–100 ha (125–250 acres) during spring and summer. Because of these area requirements, Moler (1992) recommends that habitat protection efforts focus on large tracts of land, generally at least 1,000 ha (2,500 acres). The range during cooler winter months may be only 10% of the range during warmer periods. Dramatic population declines have been caused by over-collecting for the domestic and international pet trade, as well as mortality caused by rattlesnake collectors who gassed gopher tortoise burrows to collect snakes. Because of its relatively large home range, this snake is especially vulnerable to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation (Lawler 1977, Moler 1985). Habitat loss and fragmentation by residential and commercial expansion are more significant threats to the eastern indigo snake in southwest Florida. Lawler (1977) noted that eastern indigo snake habitat has been destroyed by residential and commercial construction, agriculture, and timbering. Extensive tracts of wildland are the most important refuge for large numbers of eastern indigo snakes (Diemer and Speake 1981, Moler 1985). Additional human population growth will increase the risk of direct mortality of the eastern indigo snake from property owners, domestic animals, and highway mortality. The eastern indigo snake is present within PSSF and on adjacent private and public lands in the region. The SGGE area, along with Northern Golden Gate Estates, is known to be a popular collection site for amphibians and reptiles due to the accessibility associated with the 279-mile roadway grid (L. Jones, personal communication, August 1, 1998). No specific survey data is available for the PSSF.

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It is expected that the project will increase the eastern indigo snake’s ability to feed, breed, and shelter, as a result of hydrological restoration of wetlands and protection and management of uplands on the forest. Reduction in disturbance due to road removal and degrading, and controlled access to prevent illegal take by reptile collectors are factors that should improve survival of the species in the project area. Estuarine Fish and Sea Turtles The hydrologic restoration of SGGE will redistribute freshwater flows from the Faka Union Canal system to other parts of estuaries and bays within the Ten Thousand Islands NWR region. Reestablishing a more natural hydrology will restore the slow year-round influx of fresh water needed to maintain the salinity in the natural range that is optimal for estuarine organisms. The only truly estuarine endangered species found in the region is the smalltooth sawfish, recently listed. Improvements in estuarine salinity gradients will in turn benefit (stimulate) estuarine secondary productivity, which will benefit the sawfish by favoring development of forage fish and invertebrate communities. No effects are expected on marine turtles, which are not normally present in the inner estuaries. The Faka Union Canal weir #1 that is just north of US-41 will remain in place as a barrier to salt water intrusion. It will act as a barrier to any upstream movement of these species thus protecting them during construction. Implementation of the hydrologic restoration should have a favorable impact on estuarine habitats used by these threatened and endangered fishes and turtles.

9. Recreation Management

The demand for resource-based outdoor recreational activities on PSSF is expected to be high and increasing yearly. The close proximity to Naples, one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, as well as visitors from the densely populated east coast, will increase recreational pressure exponentially. Recreational activities on the forest include hunting, fishing, hiking, primitive camping, horseback riding, bicycle riding, birding, picnicking, nature study and sightseeing, and will be balanced with the hydrological restoration and other resource management priorities. Recreational activities on PSSF are limited to day-use only, with the exception of permitted primitive camping. The Outdoor Recreation Plan outlines the following projects listed in Table 3.

Table 3: Planned Recreation Items Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008 OPS Park Ranger position (recreation) $21,500 Directional signs in SR & CR (Public Access) $ 5,000 Standardization of all informational Kiosk $ 3,000 Port of the Islands Kiosk, renovation $ 2,500 Sabal Palm Birding Trail Interpretative Signs $ 2,000 Eight portable toilets for sites $ 5,760

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Maps and brochure revision $ 1,000 Maintenance $ 2,000

Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Phase I off road bicycle/hiking trail $ 1,000 Campsite 48th Ave SE $ 5,000

Plan and develop the 20 mile outback hiking trail $ 2,500 Primitive campsite in Miller and 94th (old hunt camp) $ 8,000 OPS Park Ranger position (recreation) $21,500 Eight portable toilets for sites $ 5,760 Maps and brochures $ 2,000 Maintenance $ 5,000 Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Phase II off road bicycle/ hiking trail $ 5,000 OPS Park Ranger position (recreation) $21,500 One Clivus Multrum restrooms @ Kirkland Hammock $14,000 One Clivus Multrum restrooms @ Old Hunt Camp $14,000 Native plant species arboretum near the state forest headquarters $ 1,000 Eight portable toilets for sites $ 5,760 Maps and brochures $ 2,000 Maintenance $ 5,000 Fiscal Year 2010-2011

Boardwalk- Sabal Palm hiking trail $50,000 Campsites (4 campsites) $20,000 OPS Park Ranger position (recreation) $21,500 Shooting range $150,000 Primitive campsite development $ 5,000

Challenge Course $ 25,000 Eight portable toilets for Sites $ 5,760

Maps and brochures $ 2,000 Maintenance $ 5,000

a. Public Access and Parking

Parking is established at the field office. Additional parking will be established in conjunction with the road removal in SGGE. Parking will be established at all trailheads.

b. Self Service Pay Stations

While these sites have limited facilities, the fees are in line with those charged by other agencies and are in compliance with the legislative emphasis on charging user groups to help offset the cost of managing public lands. Fee collection has been authorized by Florida Statute 589.011(3) and Section 5I-4.004(1) of the Florida Administrative Code.

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c. Recreation Facilities

Exhibit Q shows all recreation facilities and other infrastructure improvements.

Canal plugging will leave isolated ponds throughout the SGGE Tract of PSSF, which may be an asset in fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities even though they may be temporary. The possibility of using these ponds for recreational purposes will be examined within the time frame of this 10-year plan.

d. Recreational Trails The following management policies are intended to regulate trail use:

► Trails will be designated and signed for specific types of use; ► A standard statewide trail sign system will be used to provide information

to trail users such as the types of use permitted, the name of the trail section, distances to other trail sections and forest areas, and the location of facilities;

► Trail use will be monitored for negative impacts through the use of visitor sign-in boxes, photographic plots and routine observations; and,

► Significant degradation may require the closing or rerouting of trails.

e. Camping Primitive camping areas have been established at the PSSF, one site by special use permit in Kirkland Hammock, one at the T-Canal, and one at the state forest headquarters. The T-Canal camping will be relocated in accordance with the hydrologic restoration. Special Use Permits are required for all group camping and individuals who park overnight at DOF trailheads and walk into a campsite. Fees may be charged for overnight camping. Camping sites are shown on recreation trail maps. During the planning period five more primitive camping sites are planned: one off Tomato Road, one on the Yellow Trail, one on the hiking trail, and two in Broken Wing. Additionally, a temporary camping area will be established at the rock mine formerly operated by Jesse Hardee. This area will be removed once the pump stations are complete, as public access and the security of the pumping stations are considered incompatible.

f. Shooting Range

PSSF will work with FWC in determining a suitable location on PSSF for a shooting range. The shooting range will not be located south of the pump stations in the Southern Golden Gate Estates Tract. Funding for establishing the shooting range will be sought through either a grant from FWC or other sources if needed. Management of the shooting range will be coordinated with FWC and will be in accordance with shooting range BMPs.

g. Hunting and Fishing

Hunting and fishing are permitted and managed by the FWC under the regulations of a WMA. Hunting on the forest will be scheduled annually through a cooperative effort between the DOF and the FWC. Specific season, quotas, and

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bag limits will be agreed upon between the two agencies at the annual meeting in the state office following a meeting and recommendations and input from local DOF and FWC staff.

10. Silvicultural Guidelines

a. Objectives

The objectives of these timber management guidelines are: 1. To restore health and vigor to the forest ecosystem through prescribed burning

and through reforestation, both naturally and artificially with species native to the site, including pond and bald cypress, and slash pine;

2. To maintain the forest over the long-term through natural regeneration,

uneven-aged, and even-aged management; and, 3. To create a naturally regenerating forest with old growth characteristics that

yields sustainable economic, ecological, and social benefits.

b. Silvicultural Operations The forest will be managed to promote and improve overall forest heath. Restoration of native species, even-age and uneven age management of pine stands, selective thinning, removal of off-site species, and prescribed fire are all actions used to promote healthy forest stands. Mechanical and chemical treatments may be used to reduce hardwood, cabbage palm, and other undesirable species competition where pine is desired. Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations. Prescribed fire and mechanical applications will be the primary methods of site preparation prior to tree planting. On sites where chemicals are necessary (due to past fire exclusion or non-native invasive plant infestation), applications will be limited to reflect the desired effects on all site species. Thinning, group selection, shelterwood, and clear-cutting will all be necessary techniques for maintenance and restoration of timber stands and communities. Panther and other listed species will be considered prior to operations and consistent with the Desired Future Conditions (Section IV.B.) and South Florida Multi-Species Recover Plan (USFWS 1999). All activities associated with silvicultural operations will have the ultimate goal of restoring the uplands to a more natural, uneven-aged, forest. For the purposes of this plan, an uneven-aged forest will be comprised of various stands that will have multiple age class distributions. A single age class is comprised of those trees that are within 15 years of age of each other. This will, in turn, provide beneficial wildlife habitat to both pioneer and climax community system dependant species. The intervention of stand improvement activities; to include thinning and group selection harvests will facilitate the establishment of advanced pine regeneration.

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In the absence of these activities the potential for a stand crash remains high, and as a consequence, a majority of the pine stands within the forest have stands with a single age class. As these stands mature, they will do so at a fairly uniform rate, and will reach biological maturity at the same time. The effects of this will be the creation of a newly regenerating forest with very little old growth, or trees of a sufficient diameter distribution to be useable by climax community dependant wildlife. Those areas where high stem densities of trees exist, pine or hardwood, will be candidates for thinning or group selection harvests. Those areas where low stem densities exist will become candidates for supplemental plantings. The stem density thresholds for treatments can be found in Section IV.B. “Desired Future Conditions” portion of the plan.

c. Timber Inventory Control

Within the State Forest System, the annual harvest volume on each forest will be determined by obtaining an accurate estimate of the standing timber, as this assures that the timber resources will not be depleted.

Forest salvage operations are undertaken when significant damage occurs within an area. The salvage operations are intended to recoup economic losses while preserving the safety, quality, and operability of the stand. In most instances the need for salvage is in response to a cataclysmic event such as a wildfire or hurricane, or in the wake of a biological agent or pathogen outbreak; i.e. Ips. Without the removal of the dead timber, fuel loading within the stand becomes extreme, and increases the potential for a devastating wildfire. The dead standing, and falling timber, also creates a major hazard for those individuals involved in the reforestation, fire protection, prescribed burning, and prescribed burn preparation of the stand. The situation also creates a hazardous condition to those members of the general public enjoying the forest when the dead standing and falling timber is close to trails heads, trails, and roads.

After all cutting activities subside within the stand, salvage operations or otherwise, it will be the priority of the field staff at PSSF to ensure that the area is reforested. This can be accomplished in any number of ways, including but not limited to, hand and mechanical planting, natural regeneration, and aerial seeding.

All current Division of Forestry harvesting policies will be observed during operations. These policies address Silvicultural BMP’s, minimizing soil disturbance, and leaving snags for wildlife. Selected stands on the forest will be re-inventoried each year, according to parameters established by the state lands staff. Overall volume will be determined using this updated inventory data and the growth and yield module for the remaining stands.

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d. Timber Sales Normally, timber sales are advertised for competitive bids and sold on a lump sum basis. A sealed minimum acceptable bid is set prior to bids being opened. This price is based on the particular class of timber for sale, local stumpage prices, and logging conditions. Salvage sales, where it is necessary to remove damaged timber rapidly, will be sold through a competitive bid process as well, but generally are sold on a per unit basis. With such sales, the mill receiving the wood furnishes weights of the timber, which will be acceptable for payment purposes. All timber sale operations on PSSF will be harvested under the supervision of a certified master logger. Palm fan and palm frond sales will be conducted, in areas deemed appropriate. Swamp cabbage (cabbage palm, Sabal palmetto) harvest, and whole tree harvest of sabal palms will be permitted in specific areas to reduce sabal palm densities. Practices that limit ground disturbance will be utilized for sabal palm harvests. Other miscellaneous products to include, but not limited to, palmetto berry sales, native seed, etc. will be conducted in limited areas. The DOF will pursue the sale of all forest products provided that the sales are either benign or beneficial to the forest resources.

e. Traditional Resource Harvest and Use by Indigenous Tribes

The DOF wishes to support the Florida indigenous tribes and peoples, as defined in Chapter 285, Florida Statutes. The DOF believes that traditional, sustainable use of resources on public lands by indigenous peoples can be done in a manner consistent with the conservation objectives and acquisition purposes of these lands, and that the presence of indigenous peoples on public lands can be a benefit to the protection, interpretation and management of these lands. Indigenous people and tribes, as defined in Florida Statutes, will be harvesting cypress, palm fronds and medicinal plants from PSSF by the methods described below. The DOF will monitor this activity during this 5-year pilot project beginning November 22, 2004. DOF will report back to the ARC the results, describing the impacts of these activities and recommending whether additional monitoring is needed, a revision to the process is needed, or whether this process should continue. Harvest of palm fronds will simply involve the removal of dead and living fronds from the lower levels of cabbage palms. Live cypress trees and saplings will be selected and harvested by hand, including the use of hand tools such as chainsaws, in such a manner that will encourage re-sprouting. The removal or clear-cutting of portions of cypress stands is not allowed. Dead and downed cypress trees (not cut down) may also be harvested. The DOF will designate the areas where harvesting of material will be authorized. All harvested material shall only be used for chickee construction and shall be removed to roadways by

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hand, and must only be used for traditional indigenous purposes. “Traditional indigenous purposes” does not include commercial use or resale of chickees to non-indigenous persons or entities. All vehicles will be operated only on roads designated by the DOF as open to such use. No vehicles of any kind will be operated in wetlands or off of designated roads. OHV use, as defined in Section 261.03(6), Florida Statutes, will only be authorized in designated OHV areas and will not be authorized for harvesting of materials. Harvest of these materials in this manner should have no measurable or negative impact on the resources and ecosystems at PSSF. Results from the hardwood/cypress inventory of PSSF show that cypress found in the drained SGGE Tract are not resprouting as well as cypress in the undrained areas. The DOF will develop a map that will direct cypress harvest by indigenous peoples into areas where resprouting is more likely. Areas will also be designated for palm frond and medicinal plant removal. Miccosukee and Seminole tribal members, and other indigenous persons eligible for membership in the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes, may practice these activities upon issuance by the DOF of a Special Use Permit and by presentation of said Permit when requested in the field. A sticker for vehicles will also be developed and issued to each person receiving said Permit so there will be less interference with activities in the field. The purpose of the Special Use Permit is to protect the indigenous persons, denote the designated harvest areas, and monitor the condition of the resources. Should questionable persons or activities be observed, DOF staff will take appropriate enforcement action. This pilot project does not allow contracting or subcontracting to conduct harvests for commercial use or any other purposes in the PSSF. If negative impacts to PSSF ecosystems result from these procedures, or failure to follow these procedures, the special use permits will be cancelled. Notification of such cancellations will be provided to all indigenous persons, and the ARC will be notified that the Pilot Project will be discontinued and this section removed from the Resource Management Plan. The DOF and the tribes will work together to prevent the abuse of these practices by anyone or any tribe not included in Florida Statute 285. This includes assistance from the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes in determining if other indigenous persons who are not members of these tribes are eligible for membership. These practices do not preclude the DOF from harvesting palm trees or fronds on the open market, the utilization of any of the resources, or from conducting any other management practices included in this plan.

11. Insect and Disease

Forest management practices will be conducted in such a way as to avoid insect and disease problems. If outbreaks do occur, operational and strategic plans will be implemented to control any infestations. Specific long range strategies to avoid

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and/or minimize losses to such outbreaks in the future will be the management objective. State Forest Management staff will consult with the Forest Health Section to develop scientifically sound responses and/or management prescriptions. In compliance with Florida Statute 388.4111, all lands contained within this lease have been evaluated and subsequently designated as environmentally sensitive and biologically highly productive. Such designation is appropriate and consistent with the previously documented natural resources and ecosystem values and affords the appropriate protection for these resources from arthropod control practices that would impose a potential hazard to fish, wildlife, and other natural resources existing on this property. After approval of this plan, the local arthropod control agency will be contacted and will be provided a description of the management objectives for PSSF. The local arthropod control agency must then prepare a public lands control plan that is subsequently approved by the DOF, prior to conducting any arthropod control activities for PSSF.

12. Nuisance and Non-native Invasive Species

The practice of the DOF is to locate, identify, and control (eradicate if possible) non-native invasive species. When these species are discovered, a monitoring and control plan will be developed and implemented based upon the severity of the infestation, its location, native species impacted and the availability of manpower and funding. The severity of the non-native and native (in the case of cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) and cattail (Typha domingencis)) invasive plant infestations on PSSF will warrant the use of outside funding sources (federal, state, other). The DOF will solicit support from the FWC in efforts to control non-native animals when deemed to have a negative effect on native species. A standard non-native invasive species management plan is currently being developed and will be completed for PSSF within this ten-year management period. Numerous non-native invasive species, including Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) category I and II invasive plants have been observed in the forest (Table 4, Exhibit S). Some of the most significant species include Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum), melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), West Indian marshgrass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis), Burma reed (Neraudia reynaudiana), torpedograss (Panicum repens), and air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera). A detailed invasive plant survey was conducted from 2005-2006 through a project funded cooperatively by the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District, the DEP, the USFS, and DOF. This survey mapped all FLEPPC Category I and II listed species in the majority of the Belle Meade Tract and a portion of the SGGE Tract. Additional surveys will be conducted as funding is available and needs are identified. Non-native invasive plant management has been ongoing at PSSF since 2000. Since 2007, management planning utilizes compartment boundaries and focuses on treating all non-native invasive species within each compartment, as opposed to

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the historic approach of single species management (i.e. Melaleuca). This will facilitate more efficient use of invasive plant management monies.

The primary goals for non-native invasive plant treatment within PSSF are as follows: 1) Eradicate outliers first (stop spread of small infestations like earleaf acacia,

woman’s tongue, scattered melaleuca within the SGGE Tract before they intensify).

2) The top six priority plants for treatment and funding are: melaleuca, lygodium spp., torpedo grass, cogon grass, Caesar’s weed, and Brazilian pepper.

3) All species with five acres or less infested within each tract will have top priority for in-house treatment within the first two years to reduce continued spread.

4) Maximize burnable/manageable acreage, and use prescribed burns to restore groundcover.

5) Maximize benefits through improved habitat quality to threatened and endangered species that occur on PSSF, primarily RCWs, wood storks and Florida panthers.

6) Complete initial non-native invasive treatment on a minimum of one compartment per fiscal year, or ≥500 acres, per fiscal year.

7) Complete initial melaleuca treatments by fiscal year 2015-2016. 8) Conduct maintenance treatments on a minimum of two compartments, or

≥1,000 acres, of infested areas per year. 9) Treat melaleuca and other non-native invasive species in-house or

contractually within the SGGE Tract prior to increasing hydroperiod as a component of the CERP (prior to 2020).

10) Continue to use biocontrols to limit seed production of melaleuca and other plants.

Non-indigenous amphibian, reptile, and mammal populations which may be present in the project area can change complex ecosystem relationships or reduce the food supply for native predators (DEP 1994). Feral hogs in the PSSF area degrade wildlife habitat, compete directly with native wildlife for food, and act as a reservoir for diseases communicable to man and domestic animals. Feral hog habitat includes the flatwoods, freshwater marshes, ponds, sloughs, and cabbage palm hammock plant communities. In general, most low and medium hog populations occur where habitat quality is limited. The detrimental effects of wild hogs are multi-faceted and result from their movements, habitat utilization, and food habits. Their rooting disrupts vegetative communities and successional patterns, as well as altering nutrient cycling. Therefore, they can have both direct and indirect effects on some fauna either through predation or alteration of the forest floor habitat (Tate 1983). It is hypothesized that the wild hog is a fairly significant competitor for food with a number of other wildlife species such as deer, turkey, squirrels, and even waterfowl (Thompson 1977). Trapping, sport hunting, and agricultural depredation control measures have been implemented to suppress populations in some areas of Florida where feral hogs are having detrimental effects. The DOF understands the relationship between the balance of

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a hog prey base for Florida panther and protection of the resources that benefit other listed species. There are currently no control measures within PSSF for non-indigenous mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, as these animals are widespread and no effective measures have been found. Non-native fish species, as well as non-native plants and other non-native animals, are also a potentially obstacle to achieving restoration in the project area. Shafland and Pestrak (1982) and others recognize that non-native fish can easily disperse through the numerous unobstructed waterways of Florida, and report that “unless limited by some other environmental factors, these fishes will eventually extend their ranges throughout Florida.” It remains difficult to assess the threat from non-native fish and measure ecological impacts due to variability in occurrence, density, and biomass within different habitats and geographic areas over time (Trexler et al. 2000). Canals, canal sections, or deeper ditches that remain on the PSSF site will provide permanent habitat for predatory species of native and non-native fish. Predatory fish prey upon smaller fish species that provide an important forage base for wood storks. Wet season rainfall could disperse predatory fish to isolated wetlands where increased predation on small fishes could reduce the forage base for wading birds, such as wood storks. In 1982, Shafland and Pestrak reported that 15 non-native fishes were established in Florida, and many other species had been documented within Florida waters by this time. In 1996, 75 non-native species had been collected in Florida, 23 were reproducing, and 18 were reported as “established” (Shafland 1996). There are now at least 32 species of non-native fish known to be reproducing within freshwater systems in Florida, and 22 of these are considered to be established (Shafland, personal communication, 2001; Shafland, personal communication 2003). Some reports indicate that over 120 non-native fish species have been documented in Florida waters (Benson et al. 2001), though information is lacking on the current status of most of these. The following non-native fish species were collected in the PSRP area: walking catfish (Clarias batrachus), pike killifish (Belonesox belizanus maxillosus), oscar (Astronotus ocellatus), black acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum), Mayan cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalamus), spotted tilapia (Tilapia mariae), and blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus). Both walking catfish and pike killifish are considered predators on native aquatic animals, are highly drought-tolerant, and use solution holes as refuges. The Mayan cichlid is a predator on native aquatic animals and competes for nest sites with native sunfishes. All non-indigenous fish species collected thus far have the potential for ecosystem damage via predation, local nesting competition, habitat disturbance, and/or spread of non-native parasites (Ceilley D., personal communication, 2004). Preliminary indications are that most of the non-native fish will be confined to disturbed canal remnants after project completion. However, because of the potential current and future threat resulting from non-native fishes and the broad policy-level support for action against invasive species, monitoring plans should identify non-native fishes and the extent to which these fishes invade adjacent restored habitats to determine if control

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measures are necessary. There is a significant question as to whether rehydration will act as the primary control mechanism for some invasive species, especially in the short term, or whether more intensive management activities may be necessary on a short or long-term basis. Additionally, management/control activities, or a lack thereof, may affect federally listed species.

Nuisance species: The SFWMD defines nuisance plants as "native plants that spread rapidly under disturbed conditions and displace more desirable plant communities." Cabbage Palm: A visible increase in the abundance of cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) mid-story of the pineland and wet-prairie habitats on PSSF and adjacent lands has been observed over the past forty years, correlating to the construction of drainage canals in the area. Although no quantitative data from actual vegetation sampling has been published on this phenomenon in Southwest Florida, National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) did produce a vegetation map comparing the extent of habitats from 1940 to 1995, showing a dramatic increase in acreage of cabbage palm dominated communities (Burch et. al 1998). The primary reason for the increase in cabbage palm density has been considered increased survival by palm seedlings due to drainage. This conclusion is based solely on the correlation of the timing of the increase in abundance with the construction of drainage canals, however, because older palm density is higher in lower adjacent areas of longer-hydroperiod (M.J. Barry personal observations in hydric hammocks of Florida Panther NWR), a combination of alteration of fire regime and the shortened hydroperiod may better explain the changes. Cabbage palms are known to have varying duration of establishment and in the pinelands of our area this is likely to be at least 20 years before achieving an above ground trunk (McPherson and Williams 1996). Mortality of pre-trunk palms was found to be negligible except for the newest recruits following typical controlled burns on Florida Panther NWR (McPherson and Williams 1997). However, anecdotal observations of mortality during this pre-trunk stage have been numerous under conditions of May-June wildfires and controlled burns since 1995 followed by rapid increase in water levels on the Florida Panther NWR and were quantified by vegetation transects at Panther Island Mitigation Bank (Barry 2000). Experimental plots will be set up in areas with high cabbage palm density (especially north of the restoration area) with several methods of palm mortality (herbicide, clipping, and whole palm removal) and the effect on neighboring vegetation. The goal of cabbage palm control would be to reduce cabbage palm density, while promoting native grasses and trees that used to dominate the area.

Cattail: Cattail (Typha domingensis) is a native Florida plant, but does not thrive in the low-nutrient ecosystems of South Florida (Daoust and Childers 1999). Increased nutrient loads may lead to the proliferation of nuisance species such as cattails or primrose willow (Ludwigia peruviana). Cattail replacement decreases both plant and animal diversity (Weller 1978, Newman et. al 1996), therefore it is

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considered a nuisance species. Studies have shown that cattail, which has grown to nuisance proportions in the Everglades, out-competes sawgrass under conditions of elevated nutrients and increased flooding. Therefore, restoration efforts will need to reduce nutrient loading and return to more natural hydroperiods (water depth, timing and duration). Cattail is problematic because it spreads rapidly, displaces more beneficial plants (such as spikerush, eelgrass, pepper grass, and sawgrass), and provides very poor habitat for fish. Its stalks grow together very densely, which allows very little light to penetrate between them, and which suppresses the microbial activity of periphyton algae (which produce oxygen in the water column). Prescribed fires and glyphosate will be used to curtail the spread of cattail, whose expansion is associated with high phosphorus levels.

Table 4. Non-native Invasive Species

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Common Name Genus Species Family Category

African spotted orchid Oeceoclades maculata Orchidacae Not listed

air-potato Dioscorea bulbifera Dioscoreaceae 1

Australian pine Casuarina equisetifolia Casuarinaceae 1

Brazilian pepper Schinus terebinthifolius Anacardiaceae 1

Burma reed Neyraudia reynaudiana Poaceae 1

Caesar's weed Urena lobata Malvaceae 2

castor bean Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae 2

Chinese brake fern Pteris vittata Pteridaceae 2

cogon grass Imperata cylindrica Poaceae 1

downy rose-myrtle Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Myrtaceae 1

earleaf acacia Acacia auriculiformis Fabaceae 1

Guinea grass Panicum maximum Poaceae 2

Indian rosewood Dalbergia sissoo Fabaceae 2

Java plum Syzygium cumini Myrtaceae 1

lantana Lantana camara Verbenaceae 1

lead tree Leucaena leucocephala Fabaceae 2

melaleuca Melaleuca quinquenervia Myrtaceae 1

Napier grass Pennisetum purpureum Poaceae 1

Natal grass Rhynchelytrum repens Poaceae 2

Old World climbing fern Lygodium microphyllum Lygodiaceae 1

orchid-tree Bauhinia variegata Begoniaceae 1

Para grass Urochloa mutica Poaceae 1

rosary pea Abrus precatorius Fabaceae 1

schefflera Schefflera actinophylla Araliaceae 1

Smut grass Sporabolus indicus Poaecae

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Common Name Genus Species Family Category

sword fern Nephrolepis cordifolia Dryopteridaceae 1

torpedo grass Panicum repens Poaceae 1

tropical soda apple Solanum viarum Solanaceae 1

Vasey grass Paspalum Urbillei Poaecae

water-hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Pontederiaceae 1

West Indian marsh grass Hymenachne amplexicaulis Poaceae 1

woman's tongue Albizia lebbeck Fabaceae 1

13. Apiaries There are currently no apiary leases on PSSF. The feasibility of pursuing and establishing apiary leases on PSSF in areas where appropriate will be evaluated in accordance with the guidelines stated in Chapter 9.1 of the State Forest Handbook. There have been unauthorized apiaries on PSSF in the past.

14. Cattle Grazing

Cattle grazing can be a useful tool in fuel reduction planning. Potential cattle grazing lease areas will be evaluated and established where appropriate in the Belle Meade Tract, following the U.S. Department of Agriculture, NCRS grazing program guidelines. Old farm fields will be evaluated based on reducing succession of woody vegetation. Spread of non-native invasive species, especially torpedo grass and Ceasar weed is exacerbated by cattle grazing in native range. Cattle grazing can damage natural ecosystems by introducing additional nutrients into the system, damaging ground cover, introducing disturbances that contribute to non-native invasive plant proliferation, altering surface water movements (trail erosion), and may offer competition to native wildlife foraging on common plant resources. There are no appropriate areas in SGGE Tract for grazing at this time. Cattle will be quarantined by NRCS standards prior to being allowed.

15. Groundcover

Management activities will be designed and conducted to protect and enhance the condition and integrity of the native ground cover. Management techniques, such as prescribed fire in the growing season, will be used to restore, recover and maintain a diversity of native groundcover to the greatest extent practical. Additionally, areas will be chosen for perpetual ground cover seed collection. The process will involve selecting an area with little to no overstory, that has the understory in-tact, or restoring all ground cover within an area, then utilizing that area as a seed source for further restoration activities. This will serve DOF in a number of ways. First, using seed sources located on the forest ensures the genetic history and identity of the plants and ground cover being restored. Next, DOF will save money by not purchasing seed for restoration projects. Finally, DOF will be able to sell excess seed. These seed collection areas will comprise less than 10% of the entire forest acreage.

16. Restoration Like many areas in Florida, fire and hydrology represent the key ecosystem processes. Thus, the PSSF restoration vision focuses on mimicking pre-Columbian fire and hydrologic patterns.

This restoration philosophy has produced three classes of restoration goals: restoring proper fire, hydrology, and species composition. These goals often interact and build upon each other. Specific actions to accomplish these goals are outlined in the natural community management section (IV.B.) of this plan. For vegetation and organisms associated with the restoration of vegetative structure, recovery can be expected to take much longer than for recovery of hydropatterns, the actual time being dependent on reproductive, dispersal, and developmental characteristics of the various species. Where major components of the plant communities have been lost, recovery rates following restoration can be expected to be slow initially, but to then increase over time as these components recolonize and begin to reproduce onsite. Some plant communities can take decades or centuries to reach their full structural development, and organisms dependent on these structural characteristics may not appear for many years following restoration.

The most dramatic initial changes in vegetation will be the mortality of upland and some wetland vegetation. When this occurs, early successional native plant species will likely dominate these sites for at least a few years, before later successional species arrive and begin to establish the more mature plant communities. Another dramatic but more localized change will be the conversion of some existing wetlands, which have lost substantial depths of organic soil, to open water communities because of the deeper water and longer hydroperiods. Current sites that would be most likely to become open water would be willow ponds and possibly some of the remaining cypress forests, where some cypress may survive, but only as relatively open forests. Accumulation of organic soils that is sufficient to reduce hydroperiods to a range suitable for the reestablishment of emergent vegetative communities on these sites will take centuries. Since the wet prairies seem to have been the least impacted by drainage, they will likely recover very rapidly. The main changes would involve reducing the density of woody shrubs and trees, including palms and Brazilian pepper, which have invaded them. It is uncertain whether the restored water depths and durations will be sufficient to eliminate the woody vegetation in this relatively shallow water community, and chemical or mechanical treatment may be required in some areas. However, once the woody vegetation is eliminated, reinvasion could be controlled with prescribed fire. A restored hydrology and a more natural fire regime would help to restore the pine communities over time by elimination of hardwoods that have invaded them. However, it is likely that an initial chemical and mechanical control effort will be required over a decade or more to reduce the palms to a more natural abundance

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and to bring Brazilian pepper down to the point where it requires only a low level long term maintenance effort. Where the pines have been lost to severe fires, it will take many decades for them to slowly reinvade and then grow into a mature forest. However, the most important component of the pineland is its diverse ground cover, and, hopefully, soil disturbance has not been so extensive in the SGGE pinelands to have eliminated it over large areas. Where it still exists, it should recover rapidly following the reestablishment of more natural hydrologic and fire regimes, and the elimination of the dense palm and Brazilian pepper canopy. Where soil disturbance has been extensive, only intensive restoration efforts are likely to restore the ground cover in less than many centuries and possibly a millennium.

Hardwood communities originally were uncommon in SGGE. Their current distribution is most likely a result of logging swamp forests, where they were present as a subcanopy component, and their fortuitous occurrence in portions of SGGE that have not yet burned since the area was drained. A restored hydrology and a more natural fire regime would set the stage for the restoration of the cypress and dwarf cypress communities. There currently is not a consensus as to whether existing populations of sabal palm and Brazilian pepper would be eliminated in the more deeply flooded areas by merely reestablishing overland flow in SGGE. However, it is generally agreed that they will not be eliminated in the more shallowly inundated cypress forests and that an initial chemical and mechanical control effort will be required over a decade or more to reduce the palms to a more natural abundance and to bring Brazilian pepper down to the point where it requires only a low level long term maintenance effort. However, once these two species have been eliminated, reinvasion could be controlled with prescribed fire. Where the cypress trees have been lost to severe fires, it will take many decades and possibly a few centuries for them to reinvade and grow into a mature forest. The remaining swamp forests will probably change primarily in terms of the loss of upland components that will be drowned by the restored water levels, which should happen over only a few years following the completion of construction. Swamp forests, where the cypress trees have been eliminated by fire, will likely take several centuries to reestablish their pre-drainage structure and composition. Available information, based primarily on aerial photography, indicates that mangroves have moved inland and replaced much of the coastal marshes between the early 1940s and mid-1990s. It is uncertain how much of this change is due to reductions in freshwater flows from the drained SGGE, as opposed to sea level rise or reductions in fire frequency. Thus, it is difficult to estimate how much change to expect in the location of the boundary between these two communities subsequent to hydrologic restoration in SGGE. As monitoring data becomes available, the CERP adaptive assessment process should provide a basis for needed modifications of the management of these areas.

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Another consideration in terms of vegetative change following restoration is the creation of more favorable conditions for some non-native invasive plant species, particularly melaleuca and climbing fern, which favor more moist conditions than currently exist in SGGE. The current melaleuca eradication effort in the PSSF by the DOF should greatly reduce the threat by this species in the restored SGGE. Biological control agents are the best long term hope for controlling the climbing fern throughout South Florida, although chemical and, in localized situations, mechanical control can reduce its rate of spread until effective biological controls become available. Given the planned non-native invasive vegetation monitoring and control program, it is reasonable to expect that while some non-native invasive vegetation will undoubtedly always be present in SGGE, it is unlikely to be a significant presence or to affect the viability of natural communities in the area. Given the expected changes in the plant communities following restoration, the vegetation monitoring effort would be fairly intensive over the first ten years following construction and then gradually decrease in intensity over the next forty years. This would allow evaluation of short term mortality in existing communities, rates of reinvasion where major components have been lost, and trends towards the development of more diverse mature communities over longer time periods. There are several abandoned agricultural fields within the PSSF, and many have contaminants such as chlordane present in the soil. The contaminated fields within the SGGE Tract are undergoing a soil inversion process by the SFWMD and USACE in 2006-2008.

a. Fire

Prior to European settlement, fires in Florida generally burned on a landscape scale until stopped by rain, a body of water, or other natural fire barrier, most extensive late in the dry season. These fires were frequent and burned most often in the lightning season. The combination of pronounced wet/dry seasons and nutrient poor soils produced a pyrogenic flora rich in one-hour and waxy fuels.

Management techniques to mirror ancient fire processes include: prescribing growing season burns at frequent intervals, burning across ecotones and transition zones, and restoring fuels to carry fire where the understory has been eliminated.

b. Hydrology

A marked wet and dry season coupled with permeable soils and lack of topographic relief results in great extremes of flooding and drought in Florida. The planned hydrologic restoration of the SGGE Tract is found in Exhibit L. Restoration of old farm fields will be undertaken as funds become available. Restoration of new fire lines will be by disking.

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c. Species Composition Ensuring that species vital to ecosystem processes are in place on PSSF is a restoration priority. A continuous pyrogenic ground cover in fire-adapted systems is important, as is the presence of south Florida slash pine. Juvenile slash pine and palmettos tolerate fire earlier than other woody vegetation allowing a shorter fire return interval to coexist with silviculture.

The multiple-use management approach used on PSSF includes the protection of ecosystems through the maintenance of habitat conditions suitable for the array of species typically found within the various ecosystems. This includes sensitive species such as the RCW and the Florida panther. As restoration proceeds and habitat on the forest is improved, monitoring will be conducted to determine whether these species establish a viable population.

There are no current plans to reintroduce any species that are thought to have been extirpated from PSSF. However, habitat conditions for key species will be monitored and, if habitat conditions become suitable, the case for reintroduction will be examined and attempted if it makes sense ecologically and from the standpoint of species recovery. Restoration also aspires to control non-native invasive species such as Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, cogon grass, and Old World climbing fern as well as native species which are locally invasive, such as the cabbage palm. A variety of aggressive control measures will be used to minimize these infestations. Biocontrol agents are in place for melaleuca, in the form of the snout weevil (Oxyops vitiosa) and the melaleuca psyllid (Boreioglycaspis melaleucae), and are being developed for other species. Because of its juxtaposition with adjacent landowners and highways, the potential for new infestations is high. Long-term monitoring is vital and will be conducted as staffing and funding allow.

17. Ground Disturbing Activities

The approach to handling ground disturbing activities is identified in DOF’s State Forest Handbook. DOF recognizes the importance of managing and protecting sensitive resources and will take all necessary steps to insure that ground disturbing activities will not adversely impact sensitive resources. This includes areas such as archaeological and historical sites, ecotones, wetlands, sensitive species, and non-native invasive species that are readily spread through soil disturbing activities (e.g. cogon grass). The construction of new pre-suppression fire lines will be limited to the greatest extent practicable. When new pre-suppression fire lines, recreational trails, or other low-impact recreational site enhancements are necessary their placement will be carefully reviewed by DOF’s Forest Management Bureau. Additionally, a training area for firefighters will be installed within the Belle Meade Tract. Areas with high degrees of disturbance will be the areas given

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highest priority. Activities conducted within the training areas will range from fireline construction to “live fire” suppression exercises. These activities are critical to maintain the highest levels of preparedness by our crews. Historically, individual landowners would allow DOF to conduct these activities as an in-kind service for pre-suppression lines or prescribed burning assistance, however, these landowners are currently non-existent in Collier County. Finally, a large firebreak around the Lee-Williams subdivision will be installed during this planning period. The firebreak will be large, and improved, enough to accommodate a type IV engine or approximately 10’ – 12’ wide. The DOF will consult with FNAI and DHR for other ground disturbing activities such as construction of buildings, parking lots and new roads

18. On-Site Housing DOF may establish on-site housing (mobile/manufactured home) on PSSF if deemed necessary to alleviate security and management issues. The need and feasibility specific for the state forest will be evaluated and established if considered appropriate by the center/district manager and approved by the DOF Director. On-site housing will only be available to individuals approved by the Director. This type of housing will not exceed three homes per location with the possibility of more than one on-site housing location occurring if considered necessary by the center/district manager and approved by the DOF Director.

Prior to the occurrence of any ground disturbing activity for the purpose of establishing on-site housing, a notification will be sent to the Division of State Lands as well as packages to the DHR and FNAI to review and provide recommendations. The package will contain a description of the project (location, number of units, type and amount of ground disturbance, affected natural community type and nearby known archaeological or historical sites), maps (topographic and aerial) and photographs of the area.

B. Description of Natural Communities and Proposed Management Activities

The plant communities types found on the SGGE Tract were mapped by NRCS staff generally following soils mapping and vegetation using 1940’s black and white aerial photography and 1995 Digital Ortho Quarter Quad (DOQQ) infra-red photography. Re-mapping areas of SGGE and initial mapping of the Belle Meade is being conducted using true-color aerial photography with 6” to 12” pixel resolution which has allowed for much more precise mapping. The most detailed mapping is completed in the areas treated for melaleuca and restoration burns conducted over the past two years as these areas are methodically ground truthed by the DOF biologist. Incomplete areas are done on an even broader scale than the NRCS map.

The Plant Community classification in the Executive Summary and the treatment of plant communities given in this section are based on combining the existing NRCS Habitat Types (Burch et. al 1998 and Exhibit N) into plant community types that roughly parallel the FNAI Natural Community classification system.

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When the current mapping effort is complete, a more detailed and accurate map of natural communities will be developed. The long-term goal of Alternative 3D is to return the hydrology of the SGGE Project Area downstream of the pumps and spreader canals to a condition comparable to that which existed prior to drainage and development. This alternative will also produce a beneficial ground water effect on the upland plant communities that are upstream of the pumps. The combination of a restored hydrology, a more natural fire regime, and an appropriate non-native invasive vegetation control program can be expected to reestablish the pre-drainage character of SGGE plant communities. This means that plant communities that have developed under the existing hydrologic and fire regimes, but were not present prior to drainage, will be greatly reduced or eliminated during the decades following restoration, and will be replaced by communities more similar to those present prior to drainage. In addition, extant plant and animal communities that also existed in SGGE prior to construction of the canal system, but have become established in new areas as a result of drainage, will likely return to their original distribution.

The time frame for restoration of the original communities will vary, but tree-dominated cover types do not change rapidly. The time to full community restoration will depend on the type of community to be reestablished and the degree to which they have been disturbed, particularly by severe fires. Loss of older forest trees would require at least several decades to replace, during which time the sites will be dominated by earlier successional communities, most likely willow in the cypress swamps and a mixture of wax myrtle and herbaceous species in the pine flatwoods. The significantly reduced duration of flooding in SGGE under the current drainage regime has likely had dramatic impacts on tropical vegetation due to the loss of freeze protection from the moderating influence of standing water when winter cold fronts pass through the area. Restoring the natural hydrology by implementing Alternative 3D will reestablish conditions where many of these tropical communities could reestablish. Restoration Activities Impacts: Pump Stations, Spreader Channels and Berms: If the width of construction for three spreader canals associated with Alternative 3D is a 60-foot intake canal and 50-foot berm for a distance of 12,900 feet (0.81 miles), total habitat impacts could be 32.58 acres. The majority of this impact would be to pine flatwoods and cabbage palm forest. It is estimated that approximately four miles of new roadway construction may be associated with construction of access to the spreader canal, berm, and pump station features. Only minor habitat impacts are expected, as long as long-term non-native invasive plant eradication takes place. Road Demolition: Roads in the SGGE Tract are elevated a few inches to a foot above the adjacent ground and they intercept water that would otherwise flow across the ground surface. Roads provide disturbed habitat which serves as introduction sites for non-native invasive plant species like Brazilian pepper. Ditches located parallel to the roads intercept surface and

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groundwater and limit historic flow patterns. Road demolition is defined as reducing the elevation of the road to match the adjacent natural land surface. Material will be pushed aside and leveled, and excess fill will be pushed into SGGE canals to serve as plugs. A 150-foot clearing limit is estimated for paved and unpaved roadway demolition or degradation. Of the 150 feet, approximately 20 feet may be paved or filled road surface, 30 feet is roadside swales, and approximately 60 feet is spoil berm or rocks.

1. Wet Flatwoods Area 17,241 acres

(Note: no FNAI survey has been completed for PSSF – results are from NRCS survey.) Desired Future Condition

Overstory Wet flatwoods are characterized as relatively open canopy (10-20% coverage in unlogged stands) forests of scattered south Florida slash pine trees (Pinus elliottii var. densa) or cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto). There will be at least three age classes present, with a minimum of 15 years between each age class and distributed to mimic an inverse “J” shaped curve. Large diameter trees will be well represented in the stands, with overall stocking in the 20 to 80 square feet per acre range. Non-native invasive plants will not be present within these stands, and a cabbage palm component will be present but at minimal levels.

Midstory and Groundcover

Wet south Florida slash pine flatwoods are in dynamic equilibrium between drought and flood, and are regularly and predictably perturbed by fire and water. This allows for both upland and wetland plant species to utilize the same habitat through temporal displacement, and so this habitat has the highest plant species diversity in South Florida. They are distinct from mesic and xeric pine flatwoods in the absence of understory dominance by saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and more xeric species such as pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida), pawpaw (Asimina spp.) and prickly pear (Opuntia spp.). Several variations exist in this community between the extreme of both thick/scrubby understory and very sparse ground cover, or a sparse understory and a dense ground cover of hydrophytic herbs and shrubs. Diverse, primarily herbaceous groundcover will be present with about 500 species, e.g. wiregrass, bluestems, saw palmetto. Midstory shrubs and vines will remain at a frequency and height that allows the formation and maintained health of continuous, species diverse, groundcover. It will remain low enough and broken in nature so it will not support stand altering type wildfires. Midstory plants include cypress (Taxodium spp.), cabbage palm, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), red bay (Persea palustris), red maple (Acer rubrum), and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). The ground cover is continuous, species rich, and composed of fine herbaceous plants that will facilitate low intensity fires under a wide range of burning conditions. Wet pine flatwoods are likely to be dominated by a dense and diverse

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herbaceous ground cover of grasses, sedges, and forbs. The most dominant grasses include Gulf-dune paspalum (Paspalum monostachyum), little blue maidencane (Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum), and muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris var. filipes). During the wet season, periphyton green and blue-green algal mats are also a major component of the understory vegetation, and precipitates significant amounts of calcium carbonate to form the typical marl soil type of wet flatwoods.

Fauna PSSF supports 56 species of plants and animals found on the Florida Endangered

Species, Threatened Species and Species of Special Concern List published by FWC in 1997. In addition to the state status, eight of those species are federally listed threatened or endangered including: eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi), American alligator, bald eagle, wood stork (Mycteria americana), RCW, snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus) and Florida panther.

. Wet pine flatwoods are one of the principal dominant forest covers and are unique to South Florida. Healthy, diverse and sustainable faunal populations will be present throughout the community. The diversity of wetland and upland plant life provides for an abundant variety of invertebrate and vertebrate fauna. They provide essential forested habitat for a diversity of wildlife including wide-ranging species such as the Florida panther, the Florida black bear, mid-sized carnivores, Big Cypress fox squirrels, canopy-dependant bird species including neotropical migrants, tree-cavity dependent species, and tree-nesting species. Some of the typical animals include oak toad (Bufo quercicus), cricket frog (Acris gryllus dorsalis), squirrel tree frog (Hyla squirella), southern black racer, yellow rat snake (Elaphe obsolete quadrivittata), eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), dusky pigmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus milarius barbouri), red-shouldered hawk, raccoon (Procyon lotor), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and white-tailed deer. This community provides essential habitat to the breeding life cycle of aquatic and wetland-dependent animals, providing both aquatic habitat for young and adults (especially amphibians) and upland habitat for more terrestrial species adult forms. Snags are also important in this community, as 53 different animal species depend on the cavities found in the dead trees.

Ecotone Natural ecotones between flatwoods and adjoining and embedded plant

communities will contain the highest diversity of plants and animals. Ecotones remain elastic and continue to change in shape, location, and size depending upon environmental processes. Often these ecotones may be an entirely different plant community such as a mixed hardwood forest hammock or wet prairie surrounding a wetland. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Prescribed burns will be conducted on a 3-10 year rotation during the “lightning” season, to mimic natural fire frequency. Wet pine flatwoods are a fire-climax, hydroperiod-mediated community. Nearly all plants and animals in this habitat are adapted to periodic fires. The herbaceous plant community survives fire by

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seeding and resprouting from root stock. They display a resilient recovery from overstory damage due to fire, if the natural hydrology and fire regime are allowed to continue. The longer the time since the last fire, the more developed the understory shrub layer. Without regular fire, wet flatwoods are expected to succeed into hardwood dominated forests with a closed canopy, eliminating groundcover herbs and shrubs (FNAI 1989). A diverse pattern of burning, similar to the natural burn conditions for wet pine flatwoods, appears to produce the highest species diversity (Beever and Dryden 1998).

Hydrology The topography of the area is limited, and so small changes in elevation and in the

water table have potentially large impacts on the soil composition and hydroperiod within each stand. Sheetflow will be maintained within the community. Man-made improvements such as firebreaks and roads should be at grade, and will neither hinder the movement of water nor collect water. Wet flatwoods occur on relatively flat, poorly drained terrain of sand, marl or rock substrates. Wet flatwoods on PSSF have wet season water depths of 2-6 inches above ground, a hydroperiod of 1-2 months, and an annual water table fluctuation of 3-4 ft. During the rainy season, water frequently stands on the surface, inundating the flatwoods for one or more months per year. Typically, wet pine flatwoods do not form organic soils due to regular aerobic drying and periodic fires. During the dry season, evapotranspiration from the surface water and the vegetative component of the community draws most of the water out of the upper soil horizons, drying them out. Thus, many plants are under stress due to hydric changes such as water saturation during the wet season and dehydration during the dry season.

Silviculture The ultimate goal of this community is to maintain an open stand of trees

representing at least three evenly-distributed age classes. To maintain this condition and mimic flare-ups caused by natural fires, there will be uneven-aged management accomplished by group selection across the stand. Restoration of native species, even-age and uneven age management of pine stands, selective thinning, removal of off-site species, and prescribed fire are all actions used to promote healthy forest stands. Mechanical and chemical treatments may be used to reduce non-native invasive plant competition where pine is desired. Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.

Recreation This community will be multi-use including, but not limited to campgrounds,

hiking trails, hunting, equestrian trails, and wildlife viewing areas. A picnic shelter, restroom, shooting range, boardwalk, and paved bike path are expected to be added to current recreation areas. Public use of PSSF will be limited to day-use only, with the exception of permitted primitive camping. These areas must be maintained and monitored for non-native invasive plant and animal pests, and kept at a capacity that recreational opportunities are maximized without causing detriment to the resource.

Existing Condition Wet flatwoods systems on PSSF have had hydroperiod and substrate disturbance coupled with 68

fire exclusion and so accumulate litter loads quickly, resulting in plant diversity degradation with invasion by opportunistic species such as cabbage palm and grape vine (Vitis spp.), accelerated non-native invasive plant invasions, declines in pine tree recruitment, and increases in wildfire. Currently in SGGE there is a moderate reduction in the acreage of wet pine flatwoods, although they generally have tended to expand into what were cypress communities in 1940 and the distribution has changed. Drainage has altered the wet flatwoods in the northern portions of Belle Meade, otherwise acreage and distribution has not likely changed significantly, although pine has established in formerly cypress dominated areas. Areas of fire exclusion threaten much of the flatwoods in the northern half of the Belle Meade which still contain numerous old (>150 years) slash pines. Other areas, especially the central portion of the Belle Meade have had canopy removed by wildfires. There has been a substantial increase in the acreage of pine flatwoods that have been heavily invaded by sabal palms, which provide 30% or more shrub cover. These palms are usually of similar size and appear to be even-aged. Dense palm stands occur on calcareous substrates in both natural uplands and uplands created by drainage. Disturbed pine flatwoods are very limited in extent, but can be identified by the presence of physically altered soils; large areas of charred, dead trees; and dominance or partial dominance by ruderal species such as saltbush (Atriplex spp.), wax myrtle, muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), or Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius). Restoration of pine flatwoods communities to their original condition will likely take several decades, once pre-development hydrology has been restored. Since the canopy pine were probably about 50-100 years old, where they have been eliminated or greatly reduced in numbers, it will take longer. Where most of the older pine are still present, but have been invaded by palms or hardwoods, it should take less time. The application of an appropriate fire regime and/or chemical/mechanical clearing would expedite the recovery of these latter sites. Certain areas are not expected to be restored, such as those located upstream of the pumps and spreader system. Also, those areas where canals and roads have not been removed will obviously not be restored. Overstory There has been a substantial increase in the acreage of pine flatwoods that have

been heavily invaded by sabal palms, which provide 30% or more understory cover. These palms are usually of similar size and appear to be even-aged. Dense palm stands occur on calcareous substrates in both natural uplands and uplands created by drainage. The open character of the canopy and shrub strata and the dense groundcover are maintained by intense and frequent fires. Epiphytes are not common due to the small number of trees and their limited branching, as well as the frequent fires.


The midstory of these communities has a large component of non-native invasive plants, and generally is denser with melaleuca in the Belle Meade, and Brazilian pepper in the SGGE. In Belle Meade, there is an understory of pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) in many of the areas. Groundcover in these areas ranges from quite diverse to just a few species, as they are reduced due to shading by shrubs and/or non-native plants. For those improved pasture areas covered with non-native invasive grasses and shrubs, ground cover restoration and south Florida slash pine and/or cypress planting is necessary, where economically and

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logistically feasible. Tree planting and site preparation will be used to establish stocking densities of trees that would allow for perpetual natural regeneration of trees at natural densities and distributions.

Fauna The fauna currently found in many of the wet flatwoods areas mimic those in the

desired future conditions. The main difference is that the diversity and abundance of other species and the distribution of indicator species (e.g., RCW’s) are somewhat limited. Faunal diversity and abundance should increase with the adoption of a frequent fire regime, along with restoration of hydrology and native plants.

Ecotone The ecotones and inclusions in many areas are limited in their diversity due to the

reduction in fire occurrence and frequency. These are mainly in need of an increase in frequency and intensity of burns. Also, many of these areas are experiencing non-native invasive vegetation invasion on some level and need to be eradicated and maintained.

Prescribed Burning

To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned are spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program has been established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks are used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. Guidelines for burning near eagle nests are followed. Burns in RCW habitat are reviewed by the biologist prior to burning. Natural fire frequency in the mesic flatwoods is every two to six years. Stem char, scorched needles and other visible features of fire-maintained ecosystems provide evidence of past fires. The occurrence of these fires is primarily during the growing season but burns may occur nearly any month of the year. Ongoing biological processes such as insect-plant interactions are evidenced by occasional dead trees, which become snags for use by wildlife. Dormant season burns will be used to reduce heavy fuels and to minimize invasive wax myrtle and salt bush in the old pasture fields.

Hydrology Drainage of wet flatwoods has resulted in expansion of pine dominance and

decreases in plant (and animal) diversity and is also very susceptible to invasion by melaleuca when over drained. If over drainage continues, there could be an increase in the area of palmetto-dominated prairie from historic conditions (Wade et al. 1980).

PSSF is working with the SFWMD to restore the hydrology back to what it was pre-1940’s, to be completed by November 2011. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheetflow. This includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest.

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The goals of PSSF hydrological restoration include: reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydroperiods of wetlands to near historic levels; reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries; Maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project; improve water quality of stormwater runoff; and provide contiguous habitat conservation for the greater Everglades ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.

Silviculture Overall the DOF will implement silvicultural practices, including harvesting,

thinning, burning and reforestation, in an attempt to establish a healthy forest with an age distribution that best duplicates natural conditions. Well timed and executed timber harvests play an integral role in the health of the forest, to reestablish native species and thin dense forest stands to improve under-story habitat. This allows for less damaging prescribed burns and improved forest health. Swamp cabbage, cabbage palm, and palm frond harvest will be permitted to reduce densities, especially in RCW forage and recruitment areas.

Based upon the 1997 standing pine inventory and partial updates in 2001, it is estimated that there is approximately 64,248 tons of merchantable pine timber in Belle Meade and 403,541 tons in SGGE. Inventories will be updated on a continual basis according to guidelines established by the Forest Management Bureau. As a general rule, snags will be left alone in their natural environment unless they are deemed to be a potential safety hazard. Areas with significant pine timber mortality will be harvested as directed by the severity of the situation.

Recreation The demand for resource-based outdoor recreational activities on PSSF is expected

to be high and increasing yearly. The close proximity to Naples and the densely populated east coast will increase recreational pressure exponentially. Recreational activities on the forest include, but are not limited to, hunting, fishing, hiking, primitive camping, horseback riding, bicycle riding, birding, picnicking, nature study and sightseeing.

Non-native Invasives Wet flatwoods are vulnerable to disruptions of fire and hydrological regimes, and

non-native invasive plants readily invade wet flatwoods and must be controlled promptly. These plant species represent one of the largest obstacles to restoration for PSSF. Currently, >26 FLEPPC category one and two invasive plants are spreading throughout the forest. The species with the largest impact and are the toughest to control include melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, cogon grass and Old World climbing fern. During 2005, the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District received a $150,000 DEP South District of Watershed Management and Restoration grant to survey the entire PSSF for all non-native invasive plants. Ground transect lines, 150 feet apart, show all non-native invasive plants (with GPS locations) within each vertical structure layer of the area, as well as the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. This information will be used for contracting treatment, as it shows the density levels,

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age class, and treatment type needed for each species. Also, estimates can be made on how long each area takes to treat and the type of equipment needed (machete, chainsaw, both, or aerial spray).

PSSF is currently developing a five-year non-native invasive plant eradication and control plan that will outline the steps needed for recovery. Biocontrol agents are in place for melaleuca, in the form of the snout weevil (Oxyops vitiosa) and the melaleuca psyllid (Boreioglycaspis melaleucae), and are being developed for other species. Because of its juxtaposition with adjacent landowners and highways, the potential for new infestations is high. Long-term monitoring is important and will be conducted as staffing and funding allow. Removal or control of invasive and non-invasive non-native plant species is achievable by direct mechanical and chemical control, and restoration of hydroperiod and natural fire regimes.

Restoration Restoration of this vegetation type will focus on the four following priorities: non-native invasive and native nuisance vegetation eradication and control, hydrological restoration (including decrease of sabal palm density), prescribed burning, and harvest/reforestation. Natural regeneration will be used where possible. Restoration of pine flatwoods communities in SGGE to their original condition will likely take several decades, once pre-development hydrology has been restored. Since the canopy pine were probably about 50-100 years old, it will take longer where they have been eliminated or greatly reduced in numbers. Where most of the older pine are still present, but have been invaded by palms or hardwoods, it should take less time. The application of an appropriate fire regime and/or chemical and/or mechanical clearing would expedite the recovery of these latter sites. Certain areas are not expected to be restored, such as those located upstream of the pumps and spreader system. Also, those areas where canals and roads have not been removed will obviously not be restored. Wet flatwoods in the Belle Meade may recover more quickly except in severe wildfire areas. Non-native invasive species and heavy fuel loading are the biggest challenges in some areas. This approach is being adopted for several reasons. The health of South Florida natural systems is linked: the more abundant and diverse a groundcover is within a stand, the greater the floral and faunal diversity (and the greater its ability to withstand invasion from non-native pests). Many of these species are adapted to and/or dependant upon fire, so frequent burning will reduce fire intensity and help control non-native invasive species. Unfortunately, some non-native invasive plants such as melaleuca, cogon grass and Caesar’s weed are also fire-adapted and so infested areas must be treated prior to burning. Reforestation and harvesting represent the last stage of restoration because these efforts could be easily countermanded if newly planted trees are killed (directly or indirectly) by rising water levels or by surrounding vegetation (through a change in soil conditions, light intensity, etc.).

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Existing Condition Prescription for Management

Well Stocked Overstory (+40ft2) Well Represented Understory

These stands will be thinned to 40 ft2 if basal areas exceed 60 ft2 of basal area per acre. Thinnings will consist of group selection cuts along the inverse “J” curve. Burning will be conducted at an interval of 3-10 years during the lightning season. The main goal of the prescription will be to monitor and maintain the community.

Well Stocked Overstory (+40ft2) Limited Diversity Understory

These stands will be thinned to 40 ft2 if basal areas exceed 60 ft2 of basal area per acre. Thinnings will consist of group selection cuts along the inverse “J” curve. Burning will be conducted during the dormant season as often as possible to reduce fuel loading, and then (once burning can be done without damage to the trees) will be returned to an interval of 3-10 years during the lightning season.

Inadequately Stocked Overstory Well Represented Understory

In areas of low basal area, there are too many cabbage palms. These stands will be site prepped for burning by chopping excess cabbage palms and palmettos, to reduce fuel loading. After site preparation, either silvicultural or artificial planting techniques will be used to help increase pine basal areas above 40 square feet. If planting is needed, it will be accomplished through the use of hand crews, and site preparation will consist of a growing season burn. These plantations will be burned when they become large enough to withstand prescribed burning without causing damage, and then will be returned to an interval of 3-10 years during the lightning season. Burn frequency will depend on depth of water table, as pine mortality is higher in South Florida from dormant season burns. The diversity and composition of ground cover will be monitored, and if necessary, burning will begin earlier.

Inadequately Stocked Overstory Limited Diversity Understory

These stands will be subjected to high intensity fires during the growing season to reduce competition, as this is normally the reason for the limited diversity. In areas of low basal area, there are too many cabbage palms. These stands will be site prepped for burning by chopping excess cabbage palms, and palmettos, to reduce fuel loading. Once the shrubs have been reduced, and a more diverse ground cover is established, a supplemental hand planting at a density of 300 stems per acre will commence (where natural regeneration is not possible). Planting will be accomplished through the use of hand crews, and site preparation will consist of a growing season burn.

No Overstory Well Represented Understory

These areas will be treated as if they had an inadequately stocked overstory, except that full plantings at 300 stems per acre will be required rather than supplemental plantings.

No Overstory Limited Understory

These areas will be treated as if they had an inadequately stocked overstory, with limited understory except that full plantings at 300 stems per acre will be required rather than supplemental plantings.

Non-native Invasive Species

All areas will be monitored for FLEPPC category I and II invasive non-native species, and will be controlled/eradicated prior to conducting any silvicultural operations. Further details and a timeline can be found in the 5-year non-native invasive species control plan currently being developed.

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2. Mesic Flatwoods [Under FNAI, mesic flatwoods are included into uplands but the “rolling hills” description does not fit, because change in topography is about one foot per mile here.]

Area 6,926 acres

(Note: no FNAI survey has been completed for PSSF – results are from NRCS survey.) Desired Future Condition Overstory The overstory of mesic flatwoods will be characterized by an open canopy of

uneven-aged south Florida slash pine. There will be at least three age classes present, with a minimum of 15 years between each age class and distributed to mimic an inverse “J” shaped curve. Large diameter trees will be well represented in the stands, with overall stocking in the 20 to 80 square feet per acre range. Invasive non-native plants will not be present within these stands, and a cabbage palm component should be present but at minimal levels.


Midstory shrubs and vines will remain at a frequency and height that allows the formation and maintained health of continuous, species diverse, groundcover. Typical shrubs will include saw palmetto, gallberry, fetterbush, wax myrtle, dwarf live oak, and blueberries/heath species. It will remain low enough and broken in nature so it will not support stand altering type wildfires, but will allow areas of large palmettos for hunting and denning cover for the Florida panther. The ground cover is continuous, species rich, and composed of fine herbaceous plants that will facilitate low intensity fires under a wide range of burning conditions. Preferred species are native grasses and herbs adapted to frequent fire, including muhly grass, beard grass species, white topped aster, and Catesby’s lily.

Fauna PSSF supports 56 species of plants and animals found on the Florida Endangered

Species, Threatened Species and Species of Special Concern List published by FWC in 1997. In addition to the state status, eight of those species are federally listed threatened or endangered including: eastern indigo snake, bald eagle, wood stork, RCW, snail kite and Florida panther.

Healthy, diverse and sustainable faunal populations will be present throughout the community. Indicator species such as Big Cypress fox squirrels, gopher tortoises and RCW’s will be present. In areas that there is not an active population, the habitat will be capable of sustaining them. Species such as the Florida panther, bobcat, white-tailed deer and Florida black bears will also utilize these areas for forage and denning.

Ecotone Natural ecotones between flatwoods and adjoining and embedded plant

communities will contain the highest diversity of plants and animals. Ecotones remain elastic and continue to change in shape, location, and size depending upon environmental processes. Often these ecotones may be an entirely different plant community such as a mixed hardwood hammock or wet prairie surrounding a

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wetland. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Prescribed burns will be conducted on a 2-6 year rotation during the “lightning” season, to mimic natural fire frequency. South Florida slash pine is more tolerant of hot fires than the north Florida varieties, so will not be damaged by fires made moderate in intensity from scattered clumps of large palmettos. For example, Ketcham and Bethune (1963) found that 23% of south Florida slash pine seedlings can survive a head fire and 56% a backing fire, while < 0.1% of north Florida slash seedlings survive. Almost all species inhabiting these communities are fire-adapted, and many of them depend on frequent fires for sustainment.


water table have potentially large impacts on the soil composition and hydroperiod within each stand. Mesic flatwoods typically have water slightly above (<6 in) or below ground during the peak of the wet season and short hydroperiods (<2 months). These areas are inundated 0 - 1 month per year and have a normal wet season with water depths from 0-3 ft below ground. The annual water table has a fluctuation of 3-4 ft. Sheetflow will be maintained within the community. Man-made improvements such as firebreaks and roads should be at grade, and will neither hinder the movement of water nor collect water.

Silviculture The ultimate goal of this community is to maintain an open stand of trees

representing at least three evenly-distributed age classes. To maintain this condition and mimic flare-ups caused by natural fires, there will be uneven-aged management accomplished by group selection across the stand. Restoration of native species, even-age and uneven age management of pine stands, selective thinning, removal of off-site species, and prescribed fire are all actions used to promote healthy forest stands. Mechanical and chemical treatments may be used to reduce non-native invasive plant competition where pine is desired. Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.

Recreation This community will be multi-use including, but not limited to, campgrounds,

hiking trails, hunting, equestrian trails, and wildlife viewing areas. A picnic shelter, restroom, shooting range, boardwalk, and paved bike path are expected to be added to current recreation areas. Public use of PSSF will be limited to day-use only, with the exception of permitted primitive camping. These areas must be maintained and monitored for non-native invasive species plant and animal species, and kept at a capacity that recreational opportunities are maximized without causing detriment to the resource.

Existing Condition Currently there is a moderate reduction in the acreage of mesic and wet pine flatwoods, although they generally have a very different distribution from where they occurred in 1940. Wet pine flatwoods have tended to expand into what were cypress communities in 1940. There has been a 75

substantial increase in the acreage of pine flatwoods that have been heavily invaded by sabal palms, which provide 30% or more understory cover. Mesic pine flatwoods in the Belle Meade have changed little in terms of extent and location since the 1940’s, except for infestation by non-native invasive species, especially melaleuca. However, drainage in the northern portion has facilitated an increase in cabbage palm abundance. Areas of fire exclusion threaten much of the flatwoods in the northern half of the Belle Meade which still contain numerous old (>150 years) slash pines. Other areas, especially the central portion of the Belle Meade have had canopy removed by wildfires. In contrast, the southern Belle Meade, which has had the least amount of hydrological alteration, the mesic flatwoods has been maintained by a relatively natural fire regime and still supports RCWs. Overstory Mesic flatwoods overstory on the forest range from nearly intact to absent and are

more likely to be dominated by a dense understory of saw palmetto. Pine flatwoods with an abundance of sabal palms in the subcanopy were also common, particularly in the northern portion of SGGE. The open character of the canopy and shrub strata and the dense groundcover are maintained by intense and frequent fires. Epiphytes are not common due to the small number of trees and their limited branching, as well as the frequent fires.


The midstory of these communities has a large component of non-native invasive plants, and generally is denser with melaleuca in the Belle Meade, and Brazilian pepper in the SGGE. Groundcover in these areas ranges from quite diverse to just a few species, as they are reduced due to shading by shrubs and/or non-native plants. For those improved pasture areas covered with non-native invasive grasses and shrubs, ground cover restoration and south Florida slash pine and cypress planting is necessary, where economically feasible. Tree planting and site preparation will be used to establish stocking densities of trees that would allow for perpetual natural regeneration of trees at natural densities and distributions.

Fauna The fauna currently found in many of the mesic flatwoods areas mimic those in the desired future conditions. The main difference is that the diversity and abundance of other species and the distribution of indicator species (e.g., RCW’s) are somewhat limited. Faunal diversity and abundance should increase with the adoption of a frequent fire regime, along with restoration of hydrology and native plants.

Ecotone The ecotones and inclusions in many areas are limited in their diversity due to the

reduction in fire occurrence and frequency. These are mainly in need of an increase in frequency and intensity of burns. Also, many of these areas are experiencing non-native invasive vegetation invasion on some level and need to be eradicated and maintained.

Prescribed Burning

To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned are spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program has

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been established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks are used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. Guidelines for burning near eagle nests are followed. Prescribed burns in RCW habitats are reviewed by the biologist prior to burning. Natural fire frequency in the mesic flatwoods is every two to six years. Stem char, scorched needles and other visible features of fire-maintained ecosystems provide evidence of past fires. The occurrence of these fires is primarily during the growing season but burns may occur nearly any month of the year. Ongoing biological processes such as insect-plant interactions are evidenced by occasional dead trees, which become snags for use by wildlife. Dormant season burns will be used to reduce heavy fuels and to minimize invasive wax myrtle and salt bush in the old pasture fields.

Hydrology PSSF is working with SFWMD to restore the hydrology back to what it was pre-

1940’s, to be completed by November 2011. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheetflow. This includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest. The goals of PSSF hydrological restoration include: reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydroperiods of wetlands to near historic levels; reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries; maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project; improve water quality of storm water runoff; provide contiguous habitat conservation for the greater Everglades ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.

Silviculture Overall the DOF will implement silvicultural practices, including harvesting,

thinning, burning and reforestation, in an attempt to establish a healthy forest with an age distribution that best duplicates natural conditions. Well timed and executed timber harvests play an integral role in the health of the forest, to reestablish native species and thin dense forest stands to improve under-story habitat. This allows for less damaging prescribed burns and improved forest health. Cabbage palms, swamp cabbage, and palm fronds will be harvested to reduce densities, especially in RCW forage and recruitment areas.

Based upon the 1997 standing pine inventory and partial updates in 2001, it is

estimated that there is approximately 64,248 tons of merchantable pine timber in Belle Meade and 403,541 tons in SGGE. Inventories will be updated on a continual basis according to guidelines established by the Forest Management Bureau. As a general rule, snags will be left alone in their natural environment unless they are deemed to be a potential safety hazard. Areas with significant pine timber mortality will be harvested as directed by the severity of the situation.


to be high and increasing yearly. The close proximity to Naples, and the densely 77

populated east coast, will increase recreational pressure exponentially. Recreational activities on the forest include, but are not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, primitive camping, horseback riding, boardwalks, bicycle riding, birding, picnicking, nature study and sightseeing.

Non-native Invasives Non-native invasive plants represent one of the largest obstacles to restoration for

PSSF. Currently, 26 FLEPPC category one and two invasive plants are spreading throughout the forest. The species with the largest impact and are the toughest to control include melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, cogon grass and Old World climbing fern. During 2005, the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District received a $150,000 DEP South District of Watershed Management and Restoration grant to survey the entire PSSF for all non-native invasive plants. Ground transect lines, 150 ft apart, show all non-native invasive plants (with GPS locations) within each vertical structure layer of the area, as well as the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. This information will be used for contracting treatment, as it shows the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. Also, we can estimate how long each area takes to treat and the type of equipment needed (machete, chainsaw, both, or aerial spray).

PSSF is currently developing a five-year non-native invasive plant eradication and control plan that will outline the steps needed for recovery. Biocontrol agents are in place for melaleuca, in the form of the snout weevil and the melaleuca psyllid, and are being developed for other species. Because of its juxtaposition with adjacent landowners and highways, the potential for new infestations is high. Long-term monitoring is vital and will be conducted as staffing and funding allow.

Restoration Restoration of this vegetation type will focus on the four following priorities: non-native invasive and nuisance vegetation eradication and control, hydrological restoration (including decrease of sabal palm density), prescribed burning, and harvesting/reforestation. Natural regeneration will be used where possible. Restoration of pine flatwoods communities in SGGE to their original condition will likely take several decades, once pre-development hydrology has been restored. Since the canopy pine were probably about 50-100 years old, it will take longer where they have been eliminated or greatly reduced in numbers. Certain areas are not expected to be restored, such as those located upstream of the pumps and spreader system. Also, those areas where canals and roads have not been removed will obviously not be restored. Mesic flatwoods in the Belle Meade may recover more quickly except in severe wildfire areas. Non-native invasive plant species and heavy fuel loading are the biggest challenges in some areas. This approach is being adopted for several reasons. The health of south Florida natural systems is linked: the more abundant and diverse a groundcover is within a stand, the greater the floral and faunal diversity (and the greater its ability to withstand invasion from non-native invasive species). Many of these species are adapted to and/or dependant upon fire, so frequent burning will reduce fire intensity and help control non-native invasive species. Unfortunately, some non- 78

native invasive plants such as melaleuca, cogon grass and Caesar’s weed are also fire-adapted and so infested areas must be treated prior to burning. Reforestation and harvest represent the last stage of restoration because these efforts could be easily countermanded if newly planted trees are killed (directly or indirectly) by rising water levels or by surrounding vegetation (through a change in soil conditions, light intensity, etc.) Existing Condition Prescription for Management


These stands will be thinned to maintain 40-60 ft2 of pine basal area. A variety of thinning techniques will be implemented to help create and maintain uneven-aged stands. Burning will be conducted at an interval of 2-6 years during the lightning season. The main goal of the prescription will be to monitor and maintain the community.

Well Stocked Overstory (+40ft2) Limited Diversity Understory

These stands will be thinned to 40-60 ft2 of pine basal area. A variety of thinning techniques will be implemented to help create and maintain uneven-age stands. Burning will be conducted during the dormant season as often as possible to reduce fuel loading, and then (once burning can be done without damage to the trees) will be returned to an interval of 2-6 years during the lightning season.


In areas of low basal area, there are too many cabbage palms. These stands will be site prepped for burning by chopping excess cabbage palms and palmettos, to reduce fuel loading. After site preparation, either silvicultural or artificial planting techniques will be used to help increase pine basal areas above 40 square feet. If planting is needed, it will be accomplished through the use of hand crews, and site preparation will consist of a growing season burn. These plantations will be burned when they become large enough to withstand prescribe burning without causing damage, and then will be returned to an interval of 2-6 years during the lightning season. Burn frequency will depend on depth of water table, as pine mortality is higher in South Florida from dormant season burns. The diversity and composition of ground cover will be monitored, and if necessary, burning will begin earlier.


These stands will be subjected to high intensity fires during the growing season to reduce competition, as this is normally the reason for the limited diversity. In areas of low basal area, there are too many cabbage palms. These stands will be site prepped for burning by chopping excess cabbage palms and palmettos, to reduce fuel loading. Once the shrubs have been reduced, and a more diverse ground cover is established, a supplemental hand planting at a density of 300 stems per acre will commence (where natural regeneration is not possible). Planting will be accomplished through the use of hand crews, and site preparation will consist of a growing season burn.


These areas will be treated as if they had an inadequately stocked overstory, except that full plantings at 300 stems per acre will be required rather than supplemental plantings.

No Overstory Limited Understory

These areas will be treated as if they had an inadequately stocked overstory, with limited understory except that full plantings at 300 stems per acre will be required rather than supplemental plantings. Re-establish understory.

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All areas will be monitored for FLEPPC category I and II non-native invasive species, and will be controlled/eradicated prior to conducting any silvicultural operations. Further details and a timeline can be found in the 5-year non-native invasive species control plan currently being developed.

3. Mesic Hammock Area 184 acres

Desired Future Condition Overstory Mesic temperate hammock is a closed canopy forest, dominated by temperate

evergreen tree species, mainly characterized by live oak (Quercus virginiana) and cabbage palm. This community was characterized by FNAI in April 2005, and is primarily found in Florida. Non-invasive plants will not be present within this community. This community is distinguished from prairie hammock by its situation bordering wetlands in an upland landscape, rather than on rises in a marshy, wetland landscape; it differs from hydric hammock in the absence of wetland trees such as sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana) and swamp bay (Persea palustris). There is a closed canopy of live oak and/or tropical hardwoods, and groundcover is sparse.


This community often has a fairly open and diverse shrub layer dominated by palms and a sparse, species-poor groundcover. Midstory shrubs and vines will remain at a frequency and height that allows the formation and maintained health of continuous, species diverse, groundcover. Shrubby understory may be dense or open, tall or short and is composed of saw palmetto, beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), myrsine (Myrsine floridana), marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides), poison ivy, and wax myrtle, with the addition of tropical shrubs, such as Simpson’s stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans), wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa) and soft leaf coffee (Psychotria sulzneri). The herb layer is often sparse or patchy and consists of various grasses, including low panic grasses (Dichanthelium spp.) and basket grass (Oplismenus hirtellus), and sedges. Epiphyte diversity is usually greater than groundcover diversity, and includes orchids, ferns, and bromeliads.

Fauna The closed canopy of mesic hammocks provides food, cover, roosting, and nesting

sites to a wide variety of wildlife species. Healthy, diverse and sustainable faunal populations will be present throughout the community. Common animals found here include the Coopers hawk (Accipiter cooperii), short-tailed hawk, barred owl (Strix varia), flycatchers (Tyrannidae), warblers (Parulidae), red-bellied woodpecker, pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), white-tailed deer, bobcat, eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus caroliniensis), Florida box turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri), southern toad (Bufo terrestris), squirrel treefrog (Hyla squirrella), green treefrog (Hyla cinerea), southern black racer, yellow rat snake, pygmy

rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri), corn snake (Elaphe guttata guttata) and Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis getulus floridana). Species of concern found in this community include the Florida panther, eastern indigo snake, bald eagle and Bachman’s warbler (Vermivora bachmanii).

Ecotone Mesic hammocks represent natural ecotones and usually occur as fringes or small

patches in a matrix of dry prairie, mesic flatwoods, floodplain marshes, or hydric hammock. Ecotones remain elastic and continue to change in shape, location, and size depending upon environmental processes. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Because mesic hammocks are usually surrounded by wetlands, these communities are naturally protected and rarely burn (>100 years typical since last burned). Prescribed fire will not be excluded from the mesic hammocks; however, the composition and fuel load will likely result in fire exclusion.


water table have potentially large impacts on the soil composition and hydroperiod within each stand. Mesic hammocks occur in slightly more elevated sites than hydric hammocks. Sheet flow, which rarely occurs, will be maintained within the community. These areas are inundated 0-1 month per year and have a normal wet season with water depths from 0-3 ft below ground. The annual water table has a fluctuation of 3-4 ft in this community. Man-made improvements such as firebreaks and roads should be at grade, and will neither hinder the movement of water nor collect water. Mesic hammocks on PSSF have wet season water depths of -24 to 2 inches above ground and a dry season depth of -46 to -76 inches, with a hydroperiod of ≤ 1 month. Mesic hammocks occur on low, flat, sites where limestone may be near the surface and frequently outcrops. Hammocks occur on soils that are sand mixed with organic matter and are normally dry underfoot. Soil types in Collier County include Basinger fine sand (occasionally flooded) and Fort Drum and Malabar (high, fine sands). These soils remain moist most of the time but do not flood for extended periods. They differ from hydric hammocks in that the area is rarely inundated.

Silviculture Silvicultural management will not be emphasized in these areas and no

commercial timber harvesting is planned. Recreation Intensive uses will be kept out of these types of communities. Public use of PSSF

will be limited to day-use only, with the exception of permitted primitive camping. These areas must be maintained and monitored for non-native invasive plant and animal species, and kept at a capacity that recreational opportunities are maximized without causing detriment to the resource.

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Existing Condition Overstory This community has expanded substantially in distribution. Most mesic

hammocks are small and have changed little except where drainage has encouraged severe wildfires. Currently, the sabal palm component of this community may be more prevalent than the oak in the canopy layer.


Although non-native invasive plants are not as severe an obstacle in this community, native ground and shrub species are reduced due to shading and/or non-native plants. Ground and shrub covers in these areas range from quite diverse to just a few species. More specific information may be attained after a thorough inventory (including ground truthing, in progress) is conducted within these stands.

Fauna The fauna currently found in many of the mesic hammocks mimic those in the desired future conditions. The main difference is that the diversity and abundance of other species and the distribution of indicator species (e.g., eastern indigo snake) are somewhat limited. Faunal diversity and abundance should increase with the adoption of a frequent fire regime, along with restoration of hydrology and native plants.

Ecotone Mesic hammocks are found scattered as isolated pockets usually either completely

surrounded by cypress or on the edges of mesic flatwoods as an ecotone to cypress where the change in elevation is relatively quick.

Prescribed Burning

To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned are spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program has been established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks are used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. The occurrence of these fires is primarily during the growing season but burns may occur nearly any month of the year. Ongoing biological processes such as insect-plant interactions are evidenced by occasional dead trees, which become snags for use by wildlife.

Hydrology PSSF is working with the SFWMD to restore the hydrology back to what it was

pre-1940’s, to be completed by November 2011. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheet flow. This includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest. The goals of PSSF hydrological restoration include: reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydro periods of wetlands to near historic levels; reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries; maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project; improve water quality of storm water runoff; and provide contiguous

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habitat conservation for the greater Everglades ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.


commercial timber harvesting is planned. Recreation The demand for resource-based outdoor recreational activities on PSSF is expected


Non-native Invasives Currently, >26 FLEPPC category I and II non-native invasive plant species are

spreading throughout PSSF. Mesic hammocks, functioning as ecotones, are susceptible to non-native invasive plant encroachment on PSSF. Within this community, the prevalent category I non-native invasive species include Brazilian pepper, Old World climbing fern, air potato, and Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia). Category II species that have the potential to be in these hammocks include Caesar’s weed (Urena lobata) and woman’s tongue (Albizia lebbeck).

PSSF is currently developing a five-year non-native invasive plant eradication and control plan that will outline the steps needed for recovery. Long-term monitoring is vital and will be conducted as staffing and funding allow. Removal or control of invasive and non-invasive non-native plant species is achievable by direct mechanical and chemical control, and restoration of hydro period and natural fire regimes.

During 2005, the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District received a $150,000 DEP South District of Watershed Management and Restoration grant to survey the entire PSSF for all non-native invasive plants. Ground transect lines, 150 ft apart, show all non-native invasive plants (with GPS locations) within each vertical structure layer of the area, as well as the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. This information will be used for contracting treatment, as it shows the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. Also, estimates can be made on how long each area takes to treat and the type of equipment needed (machete, chainsaw, both, or aerial spray). The presence of feral hogs in this system also creates conditions that encourage non-native invasive plant invasion (e.g., soil structure disturbance, interrupted regeneration of trees and shrubs). Also, these animals compete with native species like white-tailed deer, Florida black bears and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) for mast.

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Restoration Restoration of this vegetation type will focus on the three following priorities: non-native invasive and nuisance vegetation eradication and control, hydrological restoration (including reduction of sabal palm density), and prescribed burning. Although these hammocks have natural fire exclusion, prescribed fires will be conducted in their vicinity to reduce fuel loads and help minimize non-native invasive plant invasions. Natural regeneration will be used where possible, and anthropogenic influences will be minimized to a low intensity. The health of South Florida natural systems is linked: the more abundant and diverse a groundcover is within a stand, the greater the floral and faunal diversity (and the greater its ability to withstand invasion from non-native invasive species). Existing Condition Prescription for Management

Well Stocked Overstory Well Represented Understory

Burning will be conducted at an interval of 3-10 years during the lightning season for the communities surrounding mesic hammocks. The main goal of the prescription will be to monitor and maintain the adjacent communities without burning the hammocks.


In areas of low basal area, there are too many cabbage palms. Mechanical removal will be used to control the palms. The diversity and composition of the adjacent community ground cover will be monitored, and if necessary, burning will begin earlier.


These stands have been subjected to high intensity fires. In areas of low basal area, there are too many cabbage palms. Herbicide will be used to control the palms, with some low-impact mechanical removal of larger trees.



4. Hydric Hammock Area 2,588 acres

Desired Future Condition Overstory Hydric hammock is a closed canopy forest, dominated by temperate evergreen tree

species, mainly characterized by laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), live oak, and cabbage palm. Other overstory and subcanopy species include red maple, dahoon holly, sweetbay, south Florida slash pine and swamp bay. Non-native invasive plants will not be present within this community. This community is distinguished from prairie hammock by its situation bordering wetlands in an upland landscape, rather than on rises in a marshy, wetland landscape; it differs from mesic hammock in the presence of wetland trees such as sweetbay and swamp bay. This community is characterized by a closed canopy that includes a variety of tree species, e.g. laurel oak, sabal palm, red maple, swamp bay. Groundcover is sparse.

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Midstory and Groundcover This community often has a fairly open and diverse shrub layer dominated by palms and a sparse, species-poor groundcover, but varies between sites. Midstory shrubs and vines will remain at a frequency and height that allows the formation and maintained health of continuous, species diverse, groundcover. Shrubby understory may be dense or open, tall or short and is composed of wax myrtle, myrsine, marlberry and poison ivy, with the addition of tropical shrubs, such as Simpson’s stopper, wild coffee and soft leaf coffee (Psychotria sulzneri). Ground cover may be absent or consists of a dense growth of sedges, greenbriers (Smilax spp.), and grasses, including low panic grasses and basket grass. Epiphyte diversity is usually greater than ground cover diversity, and includes orchids, ferns, and bromeliads.

Fauna The variable open to closed canopy of hydric hammocks provides food, cover,

roosting, and nesting sites to a wide variety of wildlife species. Healthy, diverse and sustainable faunal populations will be present throughout the community. Common animals found here include the Coopers hawk, short-tailed hawk, barred owl, flycatchers, warblers, red-bellied woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, Florida black bear, white-tailed deer, bobcat, eastern gray squirrel, Florida box turtle, green anole (Anolis caroliniensis), southern toad, squirrel treefrog, green treefrog, southern black racer, yellow rat snake, pygmy rattlesnake, corn snake and Florida kingsnake. Species of concern found in this community include the Florida black bear, Florida panther, and eastern indigo snake.

Ecotone Hydric hammocks represent natural ecotones and usually occur as fringes or small

patches in a matrix of floodplain swamp, strand swamp, basin swamp, hydric flatwoods, and is often difficult to differentiate from mesic hammock, prairie hammock, and slough. Ecotones remain elastic and continue to change in shape, location, and size depending upon environmental processes. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Because hydric hammocks generally have saturated soils and sparse herbaceous ground cover, this community rarely burns (>100 years typical since last burned). Prescribed fire will not be excluded from the hydric hammocks; however, the composition and fuel load will likely result in fire exclusion.


water table have potentially large impacts on the soil composition and hydroperiod within each stand. Sheet flow, which occasionally occurs, will be maintained within the community. These areas are inundated 1-2 months per year and have a normal wet season with water depths from 0-0.5 ft above ground. The annual water table has a fluctuation of 3-4 ft. Man-made improvements such as firebreaks and roads should be at grade, and will neither hinder the movement of water nor collect water.

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Hydric hammocks on PSSF have wet season water depths of 2 to 6 inches above ground and a dry season depth of -30 to -60 inches, with a hydroperiod of 1 to 2 months.

Hydric hammock occurs on low, flat, wet sites where limestone may be near the surface and frequently outcrops. Soils are light to dark sands with considerable organic material on sites with little topographic relief. Soil types in Collier County include Tuscawilla fine sand. They differ from mesic hammocks in that the area is inundated for part of the year.




Existing Condition Overstory This community is probably more extensive now than historically (pre-drainage).

Most hydric hammocks are small and have changed little except where drainage has encouraged severe wildfires. They are dominated by hardwoods such as red maple, sabal palm, and laurel oak on wetter sites. Bald cypress occurs, but is not common.


Although non-native invasive plants are not as severe an obstacle in this community, native ground and shrub species are reduced due to shading and/or non-native invasive plants. Shrub density is sparse to moderate, and usually made up of small hardwoods including myrsine, wild coffee or dahoon holly. Ground cover is variable, often dominated by ferns. Epiphytic bromeliads are common in trees and ferns are common on palm trunks.

Fauna The fauna currently found in many of the hydric hammock areas mimic those in

the desired future conditions. The main difference is that the diversity and abundance of other species and the distribution of indicator species (e.g., eastern indigo snake) are somewhat limited. Faunal diversity and abundance should increase with the adoption of a frequent fire regime, along with restoration of hydrology and native plants.

Ecotone Hydric hammocks are found scattered as isolated pockets usually either completely

surrounded by cypress or on the edges of mesic flatwoods as an ecotone to cypress where the change in elevation is relatively abrupt.

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Prescribed Burning To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned are spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program has been established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks are used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. The occurrence of these fires is primarily during the growing season but burns may occur nearly any month of the year. Ongoing biological processes such as insect-plant interactions are evidenced by occasional dead trees, which become snags for use by wildlife.


pre-1940’s, to be completed by November 2011. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheet flow. This includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest. The goals of PSSF hydrological restoration include: reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydro periods of wetlands to near historic levels; reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries; maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project; improve water quality of storm water runoff; and provide contiguous habitat conservation for the greater Everglades ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.




Non-native Invasives Currently, >26 FLEPPC category I and II non-native invasive plant species are

spreading throughout PSSF. Hydric hammocks, functioning as ecotones, are susceptible to non-native invasive plant encroachment on PSSF. Within this community, the prevalent category I non-native invasive species include Brazilian pepper, Old World climbing fern, air potato, and Australian pine. Category II non-native species that have the potential to be in these hammocks include Caesar’s weed and woman’s tongue.

PSSF is currently developing a five-year non-native invasive plant eradication and control plan that will outline the steps needed for recovery. Long-term monitoring is vital and will be conducted as staffing and funding allow. Removal or control of

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invasive and non-invasive non-native plant species is achievable by direct mechanical and chemical control, and restoration of hydroperiod and natural fire regimes.

During 2005, the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District received a $150,000 DEP South District of Watershed Management and Restoration grant to survey the entire PSSF for all non-native invasive plants. Ground transect lines, 150 feet apart, show all non-native invasive plant species (with GPS locations) within each vertical structure layer of the area, as well as the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. This information will be used for contracting treatment, as it shows the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. Also, estimates can be made on how long each area takes to treat and the type of equipment needed (machete, chainsaw, both, or aerial spray). The presence of feral hogs in this system also creates conditions that encourage non-native invasive plant species invasion (e.g., soil structure disturbance, interrupted regeneration of trees and shrubs). Also, these animals compete with native species like white-tailed deer, Florida black bears and turkeys for mast.

Restoration Restoration of this vegetation type will focus on the three following priorities: non-native invasive and nuisance vegetation eradication and control, hydrological restoration (including decrease of sabal palm density), and prescribed burning. Hydric hammock and wet pine flatwoods communities have primarily replaced cypress communities in SGGE. Restoration of SGGE would be expected to substantially reduce the coverage of hammocks, once pre-development hydrology has been reestablished. However, restoration is likely to require more than just fixing the hydrology. A restored hydrology could be expected to eliminate or at least severely stress substantial areas of all of the hammock types. Although these hammocks have natural fire exclusion, prescribed fires will be conducted in their vicinity to reduce fuel loads and help minimize non-native invasive plant invasions. A combination of a restored fire regime and some amount of mechanical clearing will probably be required to remove hardwoods or palms that have become established either on shallower wetlands or on pine flatwood sites. Existing Condition Prescription for Management


Burning will be conducted at an interval of 3-10 years during the lightning season for the communities surrounding hydric hammocks. The main goal of the prescription will be to monitor and maintain the adjacent communities without burning the hammocks.


In areas of low basal area, there are too many cabbage palms. Mechanical removal will be used to control palms. The diversity and composition of the adjacent community ground cover will be monitored, and if necessary, burning will begin earlier.

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5. Prairie Hammock Area 7,342 acres

Desired Future Condition Overstory Prairie hammock is characterized as a clump of tall cabbage palms and live oaks in

the midst of prairie or marsh communities. Other overstory and subcanopy species include wax myrtle and water oak (Quercus laurifolia). Non-native invasive plants will not be present within this community. Prairie hammock may be associated with or grades into hydric hammock, rockland hammock, or shell mound. It is an advanced successional stage of mesic flatwoods, dry prairie, or marl prairie. Prairie hammock also shares many species with xeric hammock and maritime hammock. Prairie hammock is largely restricted to peninsular Florida. Although prairie hammocks are widespread and fairly common, their generally small size increases their vulnerability to disturbances.


This community often has a fairly open and diverse shrub layer dominated by palms and a sparse, species-poor groundcover, but varies between sites. Midstory shrubs and vines will remain at a frequency and height that allows the formation and maintained health of continuous, species diverse, groundcover. Shrubby understory may be dense or open, tall or short and is composed of saw palmetto ringing the perimeter of these rounded clumps. Other typical plants include wax myrtle, marlberry, white indigoberry (Randi aculeata), poison ivy, stoppers (Eugenia spp.), pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia), and orchids.

Fauna Prairie hammocks provide food, cover, roosting, and nesting sites to a wide variety

of wildlife species. Healthy, diverse and sustainable faunal populations will be present throughout the community. Common animals occurring in this community include the Florida box turtle, southeastern five-lined skink (Eumeces inexpectatus), southern black racer and various species of shrews and rodents. Species of concern found in this community include the Florida panther and eastern indigo snake.

Ecotone Prairie hammocks represent natural ecotones and usually occur as fringes or small patches in a matrix of dry prairie, mesic flatwoods, floodplain marshes, or hydric hammock. Ecotones remain elastic and continue to change in shape, location, and size depending upon environmental processes. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Oak and palm dominated prairie hammocks on drier sites tolerate occasional light ground fires, but more diverse hammocks rarely burn because they are usually surrounded by wetlands and are naturally protected. Sites with heavy shrub layers are liable to be severely damaged by a canopy fire. Prescribed fire will not be excluded from the prairie hammocks; however, the composition and fuel load will likely result in fire exclusion.


water table have potentially large impacts on the soil composition and hydroperiod within each stand. Prairie hammocks may flood during periods of extreme high water but are rarely inundated for more than 10 to 40 days during the year. Sheet flow, which rarely occurs, will be maintained within the community. Man-made improvements such as firebreaks and roads should be at grade, and will neither hinder the movement of water nor collect water. These communities on PSSF have wet season water depths of -24 to 2 inches above ground and a dry season depth of -46 to -76 inches, with a hydroperiod of ≤ 1 month. Prairie hammocks occur on slight rises in relatively flat terrain. Soils generally consist of sands overlying calcareous marls but may be a more complex association of marl, peat, and sand over limestone.




Existing Condition The lower elevation and wetter prairie hammock was not present in SGGE in 1940 to the scale that is currently observed. In 1995, it occupied over 2,500 acres. Prairie hammock and wet pine flatwoods communities have primarily replaced cypress communities in SGGE. The replacement by prairie hammock of a large area of cypress along the eastern boundary of SGGE to the south of Prairie Canal, which is probably less affected by drainage, suggests that lack of fire is probably also playing a role in this conversion. Prairie hammock areas in the Belle Meade have likely changed significantly and are restricted to small areas between flatwoods and cypress sloughs. 90

Overstory The prairie hammocks on PSSF are in relatively good condition and generally similar to the above description. Lack of fire has resulted in a light to moderate build up of fuels. Currently, the sabal palm component of this community may be more prevalent than the oak in the canopy layer.


Although non-native invasive plant species are not as severe an obstacle in this community, native ground and shrub species are reduced due to shading and/or non-native invasive plants. Ground and shrub covers in these areas range from quite diverse to just a few species. More specific information may be attained after a thorough inventory (including ground truthing, in progress) is conducted within these stands.

Fauna The fauna currently found in many of the prairie hammocks mimic those in the desired future conditions. The main difference is that the diversity and abundance of other species and the distribution of indicator species (e.g., eastern indigo snake) are somewhat limited. Faunal diversity and abundance should increase with the adoption of a frequent fire regime, along with restoration of hydrology and native plants.

Ecotone Prairie hammocks are found scattered as isolated pockets in a matrix of dry prairie,

mesic flatwoods, floodplain marshes, or hydric hammock. Prescribed Burning

To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned are spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program has been established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks are used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. The occurrence of these fires is primarily during the growing season but burns may occur nearly any month of the year. Ongoing biological processes such as insect-plant interactions are evidenced by occasional dead trees, which become snags for use by wildlife.


pre-1940’s, to be completed by November 2011. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheet flow. This includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest. The goals of PSSF hydrological restoration include: reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydro-periods of wetlands to near historic levels; reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries; maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project; improve water quality of storm water runoff; and provide contiguous habitat conservation for the greater Everglades ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.

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Silviculture Silvicultural management will not be emphasized in these areas and no commercial timber harvesting is planned.



Non-native Invasives Currently, >26 FLEPPC category I and II non-native invasive plants are spreading

throughout PSSF. Prairie hammocks, functioning as ecotones, are susceptible to non-native invasive plant encroachment on PSSF. Within this community, the prevalent category I non-native invasive species include Brazilian pepper, Old World climbing fern, air potato, and Australian pine. Category II non-native invasive species that have the potential to be in these hammocks include Caesar’s weed and woman’s tongue.

PSSF is currently developing a five-year non-native invasive plant species eradication and control plan that will outline the steps needed for recovery. Long-term monitoring is vital and will be conducted as staffing and funding allow. Removal or control of invasive and non-invasive non-native plant species is achievable by direct mechanical and chemical control, and restoration of hydro period and natural fire regimes.

During 2005, the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District received a $150,000 DEP South District of Watershed Management and Restoration grant to survey the entire PSSF for all non-native invasive plant species. Ground transect lines, 150 feet apart, show all non-native invasive plants (with GPS locations) within each vertical structure layer of the area, as well as the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. This information will be used for contracting treatment, as it shows the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. Also, estimates can be made on how long each area takes to treat and the type of equipment needed (machete, chainsaw, both, or aerial spray).

Restoration Restoration of this vegetation type will focus on the three following priorities: non-native invasive and nuisance vegetation eradication and control, hydrological restoration (including reduction of sabal palm density), and prescribed burning. Although these hammocks have natural fire exclusion, prescribed fires will be conducted in their vicinity to reduce fuel loads and help minimize non-native invasive plant invasions. Natural regeneration will be used where possible, and anthropogenic influences will be minimized to a low intensity.

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The health of South Florida natural systems is linked: the more abundant and diverse a groundcover is within a stand, the greater the floral and faunal diversity (and the greater its ability to withstand invasion from non-native pests). Existing Condition Prescription for Management


Burning will be conducted at an interval of 3-10 years during the lightning season for the communities surrounding prairie hammocks. The main goal of the prescription will be to monitor and maintain the community.


In areas of low basal area, there are too many cabbage palms. Herbicide will be used to control the palms, with some low-impact mechanical removal of larger trees. The diversity and composition of the adjacent community ground cover will be monitored, and if necessary, burning will begin earlier.


These stands have been subjected to high intensity fires In areas of low basal area, there are too many cabbage palms. Herbicide will be used to control the palms, with some low-impact mechanical removal of larger trees.


All areas will be monitored for FLEPPC category I and II non-native invasive species, and will be eradicated prior to conducting any silvicultural operations. Further details and a timeline can be found in the 5-year non-native invasive species control plan currently being developed.

6. Tropical Hardwood Hammock Area 25 acres Desired Future Condition Overstory Tropical hammock is a well developed closed canopy forest, dominated by

evergreen and semi-deciduous tree species, mostly of West Indian origin. This cold-intolerant tropical community has very high plant species diversity, sometimes containing over 35 species of trees and about 65 species of shrubs. Typical species include live oak, cabbage palm, gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba), strangler fig (Ficus aurea), wild mastic (Sideroxylon foetidissimum), paradise tree (Simarouba glauca), pigeon-plum (Coccoloba diversifolia) and willow-bustic (Sideroxylon sallicifolium). Some epiphytes are also found in the canopy, including Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) and ball-moss (Tillandsia recurvata). Non-native invasive plant species will not be present within this community.

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Midstory and Groundcover This community often has a fairly open and diverse shrub layer dominated by palms and a sparse, species-poor groundcover, but varies between sites. Midstory shrubs and vines will remain at a frequency and height that allows the formation and maintained health of continuous, species diverse, groundcover. Shrubby understory may be dense or open, tall or short and is composed of stoppers, soapberry (Sapindus saponaria), wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara), wild coffee, lancewood (Ocotea coriacea), white indigo berry (Randia aculeata), graytwig (Schoepfia chrysophylloides), inkwood (Exothea paniculata), myrsine, marlberry, satinleaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme), firebush (Hamelia patens), poison ivy, Simpson’s stopper, wild coffee, and in the wet areas pond apple (Annona glabra) and red mulberry (Morus rubra). Groundcover may be absent or include rougeplant (Rivina humilis), false mint (Dicliptera sexangularis) and woodsgrass (Oplismenus hirtellus). Epiphyte diversity is usually greater than ground cover diversity, and includes orchids, ferns, and bromeliads.

Fauna The variable open to closed canopy of tropical hammocks provides food, cover,

roosting, and nesting sites to a wide variety of wildlife species. Healthy, diverse and sustainable faunal populations will be present throughout the community. Common animals found here include the Coopers hawk, short-tailed hawk, barred owl, flycatchers, warblers, red-bellied woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, eastern gray squirrel, Florida box turtle, green anole, southern toad, squirrel treefrog, green treefrog, and yellow rat snake. Species of concern found in this community include the Florida panther and eastern indigo snake.

Ecotone Tropical hammocks represent natural ecotones and usually occur as fringes or

small patches in a matrix of floodplain swamp, strand swamp, basin swamp, and wet flatwoods. Ecotones remain elastic and continue to change in shape, location, and size depending upon environmental processes. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Because tropical hammocks generally have saturated soils (surrounded by wetlands) and sparse herbaceous ground cover, this community rarely burns. Prescribed fire will not be excluded from the tropical hammocks; however, the composition and fuel load will likely result in fire exclusion.


water table have potentially large impacts on the soil composition and hydroperiod within each stand. Sheet flow, which rarely occurs, will be maintained within the community. Man-made improvements such as firebreaks and roads should be at grade, and will neither hinder the movement of water nor collect water. Tropical hammocks on PSSF have wet season water depths of -12 to 0 inches above ground, with a hydroperiod of <1 months.

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Tropical hammocks occur on low, flat, wet sites on limestone, sand and shell substrates which are moist but usually do not flood. Mesic conditions are developed by a combination of the hammock’s rounded profile and dense edges, which deflect wind. The dense canopy minimizes temperature fluctuations by reducing soil warming during the day and heat loss during the night. Soils are generally composed of organic material which has accumulated directly on top of mineral substrate and are moist. They differ from hydric hammocks and mesic hammocks in that there is usually a deeper water area surrounding the hammock, especially to the north, where the water serves as protection from freezes and in that the area is rarely inundated.


commercial timber harvesting is planned. Active management will be limited to existing road maintenance.

Recreation Intensive uses will be kept out of these types of communities. Public use of PSSF


Existing Condition The lower elevation and wetter tropical hammock was not present in SGGE in 1940 (i.e., 299 acres) to the scale currently observed (i.e., 740 acres in 1995). Overstory Most tropical hardwood hammocks are small and have changed little except where

drainage and past isolated disturbance, including plow lines from wildfires has altered them. They are found scattered as isolated pockets usually completely surrounded by cypress. The most significant tropical hardwood hammocks are found in the Belle Meade or the southern portion of SGGE. They are dominated by hardwoods such as sabal palm and live oak, and pond cypress occurs but is not common.


Although non-native invasive plants are not as severe an obstacle in this community, native ground and shrub species are reduced due to shading and/or non-native plants. Shrub density is sparse to moderate, and usually made up of small hardwoods including myrsine, wild coffee, indigo berry, stoppers, wild lime, and poison ivy. Groundcover is variable, often dominated by ferns. Epiphytic bromeliads are common in trees and ferns are common on palm trunks.

Fauna The fauna currently found in many of the tropical hammocks mimic those in the

desired future conditions. The main difference is that the diversity and abundance of other species and the distribution of indicator species (e.g., eastern indigo snake) are somewhat limited. Faunal diversity and abundance should increase

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with the adoption of a frequent fire regime, along with restoration of hydrology and native plants.

Ecotone Tropical hammocks are found scattered as isolated pockets usually either

completely surrounded by cypress or on the edges of wet flatwoods as an ecotone to cypress where the change in elevation is relatively quick.

Prescribed Burning

Prescribed fire will be passively excluded from the tropical hammocks; however, the position in the landscape and composition and fuel load will likely result in nearly total fire exclusion. To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned are spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program has been established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks are used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. The occurrence of these fires is primarily during the growing season but burns may occur nearly any month of the year. Ongoing biological processes such as insect-plant interactions are evidenced by occasional dead trees, which become snags for use by wildlife.

Hydrology Hydrology may be the key to perpetuate the tropical species which need protection

by way of surrounding standing water during freezes. PSSF is working with SFWMD to restore the hydrology back to what it was pre-1940’s, to be completed by November 2011. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheet flow. This includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest. The goals of PSSF hydrological restoration include: reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydroperiods of wetlands to near historic levels; reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries; maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project; improve water quality of storm water runoff; and provide contiguous habitat conservation for the greater Everglades ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.



to be high and increasing yearly. The close proximity to Naples, one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, will increase recreational pressure exponentially. Recreational activities on the forest include, but are not limited to, hunting, fishing, hiking, primitive camping, horseback riding, bicycle riding, birding, picnicking, nature study and sightseeing.

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throughout PSSF. Tropical hammocks, functioning as ecotones, are susceptible to non-native invasive plant encroachment on PSSF. Within this community, the prevalent category I non-native invasive species include Brazilian pepper, Old World climbing fern, air potato, Australian pine, and leatherleaf (Colubrina asiatica). Category II non-native invasive species that have the potential to be in these hammocks include Caesar’s weed and woman’s tongue.

PSSF is currently developing a five-year non-native invasive plant eradication and control plan that will outline the steps needed for recovery. Long-term monitoring is vital and will be conducted as staffing and funding allow. Removal or control of invasive and non-invasive non-native plant species is achievable by direct mechanical and chemical control, and restoration of hydroperiod and natural fire regimes.

During 2005, the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District received a $150,000 DEP South District of Watershed Management and Restoration grant to survey the entire PSSF for all non-native invasive plants. Ground transect lines, 150 feet apart, show all non-native invasive plants (with GPS locations) within each vertical structure layer of the area, as well as the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. This information will be used for contracting treatment, as it shows the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. Also, estimates can be made on how long each area takes to treat and the type of equipment needed (machete, chainsaw, both, or aerial spray).

Restoration Restoration of this vegetation type will focus on the three following priorities: non-native invasive and nuisance vegetation eradication and control, hydrological restoration (including decrease of sabal palm density), and prescribed burning. Restoration of SGGE would be expected to substantially reduce the coverage of hammocks, once pre-development hydrology has been reestablished. However, restoration is likely to require more than just fixing the hydrology. A restored hydrology could be expected to eliminate or at least severely stress substantial areas of all of the hammock types. Although these hammocks have natural fire exclusion, prescribed fires will be conducted in their vicinity to reduce fuel loads and help minimize non-native invasive plant invasions. A combination of a restored fire regime and some amount of herbicide control will probably be required to reduce palms that have become established either on shallower wetlands or on pine flatwoods sites. Existing Condition Prescription for Management


Burning will be conducted at an interval of 3-10 years during the lightning season for the communities surrounding tropical hammocks. The main goal of the prescription will be to monitor and maintain the community. Some chemical clearing of excess sabal palms would be carried out on an individual stand basis.

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In areas of low basal area, there are too many cabbage palms. Herbicide will be used to control the palms, with some low-impact mechanical removal of larger trees. The diversity and composition of the adjacent community ground cover will be monitored, and if necessary, burning will begin earlier.





7. Basin Swamp Area 5,369 acres

(Note: no FNAI survey has been completed for PSSF – results are from NRCS survey, and dome swamp is included in this category.)

Desired Future Condition Overstory Swamps are wetlands with trees, having saturated soils and standing water for at

least part of the year. Hydrologically speaking, there are two major swamp categories: river swamps (e.g., strands) and stillwater swamps (e.g., basins). They differ by their water source, period of saturation, and flow rate. Basin swamp is generally characterized as a relatively large and irregularly shaped basin that is not associated with rivers, but is vegetated with hydrophytic trees and shrubs that can withstand an extended hydroperiod (FNAI 1990). Dominant plants include bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) and south Florida slash pine. Other typical plants include red maple, sweetbay, dahoon holly, coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana), and swamp redbay (Persea palustris). Basin swamps often are associated with and may grade into wet flatwoods, wet prairies or hydric hammock, and there may be a depression marsh or pond in the center. Small basin swamps may be difficult to distinguish from large dome swamps, and the species composition frequently overlaps with floodplain swamp, strand swamp, wet flatwoods and baygall. Dome swamps have small young pond cypress trees towards their outer edges, grading into larger and older bald cypress towards the interior, creating a doughnut shape that characterizes this system.


Typical midstory plants of basin swamps include wax myrtle, buttonbush, dahoon holly, laurel greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia), strangler fig, ferns and Spanish moss. These plants are also present in dome swamps, along with St. John’s wort

(Hypericum spp.), chain fern (Woodwardia spp.), poison ivy, and fireflag (Thalia geniculata) towards the interior (FNAI 1990). Hydrophytic shrubs such as coastal plain willow commonly grow on "hummocks" at the bases of trees and herbaceous ground cover varies from dense to sparse, depending on length of hydroperiod. Epiphytic bromeliads and orchids will be common in trees, and ferns common on palm trunks.

Fauna Typical basin swamp animals include the Florida black bear, raccoon, river otter (Lutra canadensis), gray squirrel, wood duck (Aix sponsa), hawks, great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), barred owl, pileated woodpecker, songbirds, striped mud turtle (Kinosternon bauri), crayfish snake (Regina alleni), pig frog and cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus). Invertebrates such as leeches, worms, insects, crustaceans, and mollusks comprise the foundation for the swamp food chain. Federally listed species that occur in this habitat include the Florida panther, bald eagle, Everglade snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus), Big Cypress fox squirrel and eastern indigo snake (USFWS 1999).

Dome swamps include the above animals plus the southern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus punctatus), scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides), Everglades mink (Mustela vision evergladensis), bobcat, and white-tailed deer, wood stork, swallow-tailed kite, great crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitis), eastern mud snake (Farancia a. abacura) and oak toad (USFWS 1999).

Ecotone Dome and basin swamps are typically found in landscapes with acidic peats, often

overlying a clay lens or other impervious layer with very little relief. Basin swamps often are associated with and may grade into wet flatwoods, hydric hammock, or bottomland forest. Basin swamps are thought to have developed in oxbows of former rivers or sinkholes or tidal channels in ancient coastal swales and lagoons that existed during higher sea levels. Small basin swamps may be difficult to distinguish from large dome swamps, and the species composition frequently overlaps with floodplain swamp, strand swamp, and baygall. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Prescribed burning will be conducted on a 3-5 year rotation during the “lightning” season throughout PSSF, to mimic natural fire frequency. Typical fire intervals in basin swamps may be anywhere from 3-5 years along the outer edge of the basin or dome, and as long as 100-150 years towards the center. The frequency of fire within swamps varies and, therefore, influences the character of the swamp. Cypress and pines are very tolerant of light surface fires, but muck fires burning into the peat can kill the trees, lower the ground surface, and transform a basin swamp into a lake and a dome swamp into a pond. Without periodic fires, hardwood invasion and peat accumulation would convert dome and basin swamps into a hydric hammock or bayhead.

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Hydrology The topography of the area is limited, and so small changes in elevation and in the water table have potentially large impacts on the soil composition and hydroperiod within each stand. Sheetflow will be maintained within the community. Man-made improvements such as firebreaks and roads should be at grade, and will neither hinder the movement of water nor collect water. These areas are inundated 8-10 months per year and have a normal wet season with water depths of 1.5-2 ft. The annual water table has a fluctuation of 2-4 ft. Like other wetland communities, normal hydroperiods must be maintained in basin and dome swamps. If water levels must be artificially manipulated, somewhat deeper than normal water is not likely to do much harm, but extended hydroperiods will limit tree growth and prevent reproduction (USACE and SFWMD 2004). Shortened hydroperiods will permit invasion of mesophytic species and change the character of the understory, or will allow a devastating fire to enter which would drastically alter the community. Basin and dome swamps on PSSF have variable wet season water depths of 12 to 24 inches above ground, with a hydroperiod of 6 to 10 months and a water table fluctuation of 4 feet (USACE and SFWMD 2004). Swamp areas are found on acidic peats, often overlying a clay lens or other impervious layer of deep (>1 foot) organic soils. Collier County swamp forest soils consist of (1) Chobee, limestone substratum and Dania Mucks, depressional; (2) Boca, Riviera, limestone substratum and Copeland fine sands, depressional; (3) Jupiter – Boca complex; or (4) Riviera, limestone substratum – Copeland fine sands.

Silviculture The ultimate goal of this community is to maintain a closed canopy forest of cypress with occasional hardwoods. Because cypress was heavily logged from the 1940’s through the 1950’s, seedling plantings of cypress, pop ash and pond apple are planned to regenerate the area as needed while hydrological restoration is taking place. Mechanical and chemical treatments may be used to reduce non-native invasive plant competition, including areas with dense cabbage palms, Brazilian pepper, and melaleuca. Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.



Existing Condition As historic cypress strands within the SGGE became drier due to the canal-induced draw down, there was a shift in vegetative succession toward a mixed cypress-hardwood-sabal palm system. As a result of these abnormally dry conditions, hotter fire now frequently burns farther from prairies and flatwoods communities into adjacent cypress strands or other hydric forested systems. Pines, sabal palms and saw palmettos that are adapted to drier conditions and more intensive fire regimes have replaced most of the cypress forest communities. Often non-native invasive species like Brazilian pepper and melaleuca have become dominant or co-dominant in

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many of these formerly hydric communities, especially areas that have burned in wildfires. Unlike most basin swamps, the swamp in Belle Meade is located on deep sands, and peat accumulation is not expected. Overstory Dwarf or scrub pond cypress savannas generally have a relatively low density of

stunted pond cypress with sparse understories, much exposed sandy soil during the dry season, and a mixture of wetland herbaceous plants. In some of these pond cypress savannas there are small isolated prairie hammocks with a dense shrub layer of saw palmetto. Within the dome swamps in the Belle Meade, pop ash (Fraxinus caroliniana) and pond apple present along with pond cypress in the interior, with bald cypress is present at the exterior of the dome.


The vegetation is similar to the typical description, with several areas containing higher densities of cabbage palm and other upland species in this habitat. There are few shrubs present, which include St. John’s wort and corkwood (Stillingia aquatica). Groundcover plants include beakrushes (Rhynchospora spp.), yellow hatpin (Syngonanthus flavidulus), swamp sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), and grasses such as gulfdune paspalum (Paspalum monostachyum), blue maidencane, and bluejoint panicum (Panicum tenerum). Epiphytes include air plants and the butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis).

Fauna The fauna currently found in the basin and dome swamp areas mimic those in the desired future conditions. The main difference is that the diversity and abundance of species and the distribution of indicator species (e.g., wood storks) are somewhat limited. Faunal diversity and abundance should increase with the restoration of hydrology and native plants.

Ecotone Basin swamps often are associated with and may grade into wet flatwoods, hydric

hammock, or bottomland forest. Wet prairies are also found embedded within cypress domes. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned are spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program has been established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. When possible, burns will take place with light surface fires rather than muck fires that burn the peat. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks are used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. Fires in the dry season or early wet season burn back the fuel load of many wetland types.


pre-1940’s, to be completed by November 2011. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheet flow. This includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of

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spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest. The goals of PSSF hydrological restoration include: reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydroperiods of wetlands to near historic levels; reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries; maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project; improve water quality of storm water runoff; and provide contiguous habitat conservation for the greater Everglades ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.

Silviculture The ultimate goal of this community is to maintain a closed canopy forest of

cypress with pop ash and pond apple trees in the interior that are covered with epiphytes. No silvicultural operations have been put into effect, but regeneration plantings of cypress, pop ash and pond apple from seedlings should take place within the five years after non-native invasive species control has been carried out and hydrology is restored. Seedlings should be tall enough to escape inundation (Brandt and Ewel 1989). Mechanical and chemical treatments will be used to reduce non-native invasive plant competition in some areas, including sites with dense cabbage palms, Brazilian pepper, and melaleuca. Soil compaction in silviculture operations will be minimized, as increased soil bulk density resulting from compaction impedes root penetration of cypress, reduces aeration, restricts the movement of air and water, and decreases cypress germination ability from seedlings (Brandt and Ewel 1989). Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.




throughout PSSF. Basin and dome swamps, functioning as ecotones, are susceptible to non-native plant encroachment on PSSF. Within this community, the prevalent category I and II non-native invasive species include melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, skunk vine (Paederia foetida), and Old World and Japanese climbing ferns. Non-native invasive fauna in this community include feral hogs, feral cats (Felis silvestris), Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalus) and walking catfish (Clarias batrachus).

PSSF is currently developing a 5-year non-native invasive plant eradication and control plan that will outline the steps needed for recovery. Long-term monitoring is vital and will be conducted as staffing and funding allow. Removal or control of

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invasive and non-invasive non-native plant species is achievable by direct mechanical and chemical control, and restoration of hydroperiod and natural fire regimes.

During 2005, the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District received a $150,000 DEP South District of Watershed Management and Restoration grant to survey the entire PSSF for all non-native invasive plants. Ground transect lines, 150 feet apart, show all non-native invasive plants (with GPS locations) within each vertical structure layer of the area, as well as the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. This information will be used for contracting treatment, as it shows the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. Also, estimates can be made on how long each area takes to treat and the type of equipment needed (machete, chainsaw, backpack spray, or aerial spray).

Restoration Restoration of this vegetation type will focus on the three following priorities: hydrological restoration, non-native invasive and nuisance vegetation eradication and control, and prescribed burning in the growing season. Preservation and restoration of natural landscape matrices (via landscape-level burns and hydrological restoration) of flatwoods and prairies are the most critical long-term needs for basin and dome swamp preservation. Acquisition of inholdings is also critical to restoration and maintenance of this area. Restoring hydrological patterns and control fire will permit accumulation of peat in drained or burned swamps, as well as buffering the wetlands from agricultural and urban runoff. Once hydrology is restored and native plant regeneration is underway, the PSSF Biologist will be working with the Naples Native Orchid Restoration Project, Florida Panther NWR, Rookery Bay NERR, FSPSP, and Big Cypress NP to reintroduce native arboreal and terrestrial orchids to the swamp systems via seed capsules and mycorrhizal symbiots. Control of the melaleuca and climbing fern infestation is necessary, with follow-up when needed. Control of wildfires during drought periods will prevent destruction of the cypress overstory and associated epiphytes. Existing Condition Prescription for Management


The main goal of the prescription will be to monitor and maintain a diverse herbaceous understory and restore high cypress densities. When soil moisture permits, moderately intense prescribed fire from the adjacent communities will be allowed to burn into the swamps. The fire interval is expected to be very infrequent (every 100-150 years) within cypress domes, but more frequent (every 3-5 years) along the edges. Herbicide will be used to control areas with high cabbage palm, melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, and climbing fern densities.

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When soil moisture permits, moderately intense prescribed fire from the adjacent communities will be allowed to burn into the swamps. The fire interval is expected to be very infrequent (every 100-150 years) within cypress domes, but more frequent (every 3-5 years) along the edges. Herbicide will be used to control areas with high cabbage palm, melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, and climbing fern densities. These stands will then undergo supplemental plantings of pond apple throughout the swamps, and pop ash and bald cypress towards the swamp interior (where natural regeneration is not possible) to increase the stem density to 300 trees per acre. Planting will be accomplished through the use of hand crews, and site preparation will consist of a growing season burn. These plantations will be burned beginning 3 years after establishment, and then will be returned to an interval of 2-6 years along the swamp edge during the lightning season.


These areas will be treated as if they had an inadequately stocked overstory, except that full plantings at 300 stems per acre of bald cypress, with pop ash and pond apple in the interior of the swamps will be required rather than supplemental plantings.



8. Strand Swamp Area 23,611 acres

(Note: no FNAI survey has been completed for PSSF – results are from NRCS survey, and dome swamp is included in this category.)

Desired Future Condition Overstory Swamps are wetlands with trees, having saturated soils and standing water for at

least part of the year. Hydrologically speaking, there are two major swamp categories: river swamps (e.g., strands) and stillwater swamps (e.g., basins). They differ by their water source, period of saturation, and flow rate. Strand swamps are shallow, forested, usually elongated depressions or channels dominated by bald cypress, generally situated in troughs in a flat limestone plain. Canopy plants are mainly temperate, while understory and epiphytic plants are mainly tropical. This community has small young pond cypress trees towards their outer edges, grading into larger and older bald cypress towards the interior, giving a strand a distinctly rounded cross-sectional profile. In the central part of the strand, there may be open ponds or deeper sloughs dominated by a hardwood subcanopy of pop ash and pond apple, providing less than 30% canopy cover and filled with epiphytes. Other canopy plants typically found in this community include: red maple, laurel oak, cabbage palm, strangler fig, swamp redbay, sweetbay, coastal plain willow,

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and royal palm (Roystonea regia). Ideally, strand swamps within PSSF will become healthy enough to mimic the composition, hydroperiod, and overall health of the systems found at FSPSP.


Typical midstory plants include coastal plain willow and wax myrtle. Groundcover plants vary in density, and include myrsine, buttonbush, poison ivy, swamp lily (Crinum spp.), leather fern (Acrostichum spp.), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), sawgrass, swamp primrose (Ludwigia spp.), water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri), floating heart (Nymphoides aquatica), dotted smartweed (Polygonum punctatum), and arum (Peltandra virginica).

Many tropical epiphytes are dependent upon the warm moist microclimate of strand interiors for survival of winter freezes. They typically grow on the rough bark of pond apple and pop ash trees in the central sloughs, where they are also sheltered from the wind and securely anchored to resist destruction during hurricanes. Most of these are state listed tropical orchids and bromeliads that reach the northern limits of their ranges, while a few are globally rare species. Tropical epiphytes listed by FNAI (1990) for strand swamps include: birds nest spleenwort (Asplenium serratum), tailed strap fern (Campyloneuron costatum), many flowered catopsis (Catopsis floribunda), nodding catopsis (Catopsis nutans), cowhorn orchid (Cyrtopodium punctatum), clamshell orchid (Encyclia pygmaea), Acuna’s epidendrum (Epidendrum blancheanum), nightscented orchid (Epidendrum nocturnum), pendant epidendrum (Epidendrum strobiliferum), Fuch’s bromeliad (Guzmania monostachia), hanging clubmoss (Huperzia dichotoma), delicate ionopsis (Ionopsis utriculariodes), blunt leaved peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia), frost-flower orchid (Pleurothallus gelida), ghost orchid (Polyrrhiza lindenii), fuzzywuzzy air plant (Tillandsia pruiosa), entire winged bristle fern (Trichomanes holopterum), and brown-flowered vanilla (Vanilla phaeantha). All of these species are listed as endangered by the state, all are found in Fakahatchee Strand in Collier County, and will all hopefully be found within PSSF once hydrology is restored [but some may need to be reintroduced to the area].

Fauna Federally listed species that depend upon or utilize the flowing water swamp

community in South Florida include: Florida panther, bald eagle, wood stork, and eastern indigo snake (USFWS 1999). Typical strand swamp animals include white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, raccoon, river otter, little blue heron (Florida caerulea), great egret (Casmerodius albus), blue-grey gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus sackenii), cottonmouth, opossum (Didelphis virginianus), wood rat (Neotoma floridana), bobcat, Everglades mink, marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris), red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), common grackle (Quiscalus quiscala), boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major), limpkin (Aramus guarauna), red-shouldered hawk, barred owl, American alligator, Florida banded water snake (Nerodia fasciata pictiventris), soft shelled turtle (Apalone ferox), southern leopard frog

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(Rana sphenocephala), green treefrog, barking treefrog (Hyla gratiosa), squirrel tree frog, lesser siren (Siren intermedia), two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma m. means), mosquito fish (Gambusia spp.), yellow bullhead (Ameiurus natalis), swamp darter (Etheostoma barratti), sailfin molly (Mollienesia latipinna), flagfish (Jordanella floridae), least killifish (Heterandria formosa), bowfin (Amia calva), warmouth (Chaenobryttus coronarius), Florida gar (Lepisosteus spp.), and bluespotted sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus) (USFWS 1999).

Ecotone Strand swamps are generally situated in troughs in a flat limestone plain, and are

usually surrounded by pine flatwoods and prairies. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Prescribed burning will be conducted on a 3 to 5 year rotation during the “lightning” season throughout PSSF, to mimic natural fire frequency. Fire occurs on a cycle of 30 to 200 years, with the center of the strand burning the least frequently. The frequency of fire within swamps varies and, therefore, influences the character of the swamp. Without periodic fires for maintenance, hardwood invasion and peat accumulation would convert strand swamps into a hydric hammock in a few hundred years. Periodic fire is further necessary to reduce understory vegetation and allow for cypress regeneration. Maintained by light- moderate intensity surface fires every 20-60 years. Frequent fire, however, can destroy seed sources and young trees and retard the growth of mature trees. Cypress is very tolerant of light surface fires and can resprout from the stump, but muck fires burning into the peat can kill the above-ground portion of the trees, lower the ground surface, and transform a strand into a slough.


water table have potentially large impacts on the soil composition and hydroperiod within each stand. Sheetflow will be maintained within the community. Man-made improvements such as firebreaks and roads should be at grade, and will neither hinder the movement of water nor collect water. These areas are inundated 6-8 months per year and have a normal wet season with water depths of 1-1.5 ft. The annual water table has a fluctuation of 3-5 ft. Like other wetland communities, normal hydroperiods must be maintained in strand swamps. Strand swamps have sandy soils along their shallower fringes and increasingly deep peat soils towards their deeper central channels, over limestone. The best developed forests are on deep peat that acts as a wick to draw moisture from groundwater up into the root zone during droughts. Cypress grows much better in flowing water than in standing water, probably due to increased aeration and nutrient availability.

Strand swamps on PSSF have variable wet season water depths of 18 to 30 inches maximum above ground, with a hydroperiod of 6 to 10 months and a water table fluctuation of 3 feet (USACE and SFWMD 2004). Water is deepest and remains longest near the center where the trees are biggest. Longer hydroperiods slow growth rates and prevent cypress reproduction, since cypress do not grow when

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inundated and seed germination may be inhibited or seedlings drowned. The latter is especially true when inundation occurs during the growing season (Brandt and Ewel 1989). During periods of prolonged drought such as that caused by canal draw-down, cypress may be out competed by shrubs and hardwoods. Collier County swamp forest soils consist of (1) Chobee, limestone substratum and Dania Mucks, depressional; (2) Boca, Riviera, limestone substratum and Copeland fine sands, depressional; (3) Jupiter-Boca complex; or (4) Riviera, limestone substratum-Copeland fine sands.

Silviculture The ultimate goal of this community is to maintain a closed canopy forest of cypress with occasional hardwoods, mainly pond apple and pop ash in the subcanopy of the interior. Because cypress was heavily logged from the 1940’s through the 1950’s, seedling plantings of cypress, pop ash and pond apple are planned to regenerate the area as needed while hydrological restoration is taking place. Mechanical and chemical treatments may be used to reduce non-native invasive plant competition, including areas with dense cabbage palms, Brazilian pepper, and melaleuca. Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.



Existing Condition This community type has been the habitat most heavily impacted on PSSF by logging operations and canal-induced drainage. Based on the 1940 NRCS vegetation map, almost 40,000 acres of the lands within SGGE were classed as cypress or cypress with palm forest. As historic cypress strands within the SGGE became drier due to the canal-induced draw down, there was a shift in vegetative succession toward a mixed cypress-hardwood-sabal palm system (USACE and SFWMD 2004). Cypress forest was reduced by about 20,000 acres, and cypress with palm forest changed in location [to formerly all-cypress areas], but not acreage. As a result of these abnormally dry conditions, hotter fire now frequently burns farther from prairies and flatwoods communities into adjacent cypress strands or other hydric forested systems. Pines, sabal palms and saw palmettos that are adapted to drier conditions and more intensive fire regimes have replaced most of the cypress forest communities. Often non-native invasive species like Brazilian pepper and melaleuca have become dominant or co-dominant in many of these formerly hydric communities, especially areas that have burned in wildfires. A small portion of the cypress forest has been converted to cypress-with-hardwoods, probably due to a lack of fire compounded with drier conditions, which has allowed succession to proceed. These forests are dominated by bald cypress and a variety of hardwoods that provide more than 30% canopy cover, such as red maple, pop ash, and pond apple. Epiphytic bromeliads are common in trees in this community, and ferns are common on palm trunks. 107

Currently there are about 1,200 acres of the original cypress that are classified as disturbed. Disturbed cypress forests have been significantly changed as evidenced by physically altered soils; large areas of charred, dead trees; and/or dominance or partial dominance by ruderal species such as saltbush (Atriplex cristata), wax myrtle, muscadine grape, poison ivy, and/or Brazilian pepper. Cypress areas in the Belle Meade are less affected by drainage except in the northern portions. In the drained northern areas, ponds which were logged did not regenerate. In other areas, pine has become established. Most of the cypress in the Belle Meade area has changed [comparatively] little except through past logging operations, roads and wildfire control lines, and non-native invasive species invasions. Overstory Cypress forests in SGGE are dominated by dense stands of bald cypress, pond

cypress, and occasional hardwoods such as red maple, pop ash, or pond apple, where these hardwoods provide less than 30% canopy cover (see above descriptions for existing conditions). One variation of the cypress forest is cypress-with-palms, which were typically shallow cypress communities in 1940 and drained cypress communities in 1995.


The vegetation is somewhat similar to the typical description, although many areas contain higher densities of cabbage palm and other upland species in this habitat than should typically be present. Groundcover is usually sparse, and should be emergent in standing water during normal wet season conditions, which will improve with hydrological restoration. Epiphytic bromeliads and orchids are common in trees in some locations, and ferns are common on palm trunks in some areas.

Fauna The fauna currently found in the strand swamp areas mimic those in the desired future conditions. The main difference is that the diversity and abundance of species and the distribution of indicator species (e.g., wood storks) are somewhat limited. Faunal diversity and abundance should increase with the restoration of hydrology and native plants.

Ecotone Strand swamps often are associated with and may grade into wet flatwoods, hydric

hammock, or prairie. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned are spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program has been established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. When possible, burns will take place with light surface fires rather than muck fires that burn the peat. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks are used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. Fires in the dry season or early wet season burn back the fuel load of many wetland types.

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Hydrology This community may occur on any type of soil, including sand, marl, rock, and organic. PSSF is working with SFWMD to restore the hydrology back to what it was pre-1940’s, to be completed by November 2011. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheet flow. This includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest. The goals of PSSF hydrological restoration include: reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydroperiods of wetlands to near historic levels; reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries; maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project; improve water quality of storm water runoff; and provide contiguous habitat conservation for the greater Everglades ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.

Silviculture The ultimate goal of this community is to maintain a closed canopy forest of

cypress with pop ash and pond apple trees in the interior that are covered with epiphytes. No silvicultural operations have been put into effect, but regeneration plantings of cypress, pop ash and pond apple from seedlings should take place within the five years after non-native invasive control and hydrologic restoration has been carried out. Seedlings should be tall enough to escape inundation and should be protected from herbivory (Brandt and Ewel 1989). Mechanical and chemical treatments will be used to reduce non-native invasive plant competition in some areas, including sites with dense cabbage palms, Brazilian pepper, and melaleuca. Soil compaction in silviculture operations will be minimized, as increased soil bulk density resulting from compaction impedes root penetration of cypress, reduces aeration, restricts the movement of air and water, and decreases cypress germination ability from seedlings (Brandt and Ewel 1989). Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.


to be high and increasing yearly. The close proximity to Naples, one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, will increase recreational pressure exponentially. Recreational activities on the forest include, but are not limited to, hunting, fishing, hiking, primitive camping, horseback riding, bicycle riding, birding, picnicking, nature study and sightseeing.


throughout PSSF. Strand swamps, functioning as ecotones, are susceptible to non-native invasive plant encroachment on PSSF. Within this community, the prevalent category I and II non-native invasive species include melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, skunk vine, and Old World and Japanese climbing ferns. Non-native invasive fauna in this community include feral hogs, feral cats, Cuban treefrog and walking catfish.

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During 2005, the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District received a $150,000 DEP South District of Watershed Management and Restoration grant to survey the entire PSSF for all non-native invasive plants. Ground transect lines, 150 feet apart, show all non-native invasive plants (with GPS locations) within each vertical structure layer of the area, as well as the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. This information will be used for contracting treatment, as it shows the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. Also, estimates can be made on how long each area takes to treat and the type of equipment needed (machete, chainsaw, backpack spray, or aerial spray).

Restoration Restoration of this vegetation type will focus on the three following priorities: hydrological restoration, non-native invasive and nuisance vegetation eradication and control, and prescribed burning in the growing season. Restoration of cypress communities in SGGE to their original condition on sites where pre-development hydrology has been restored will likely take many decades. Where most of the older cypress trees are still present, but have been invaded by palms or hardwoods, it should take a few decades for the system to recover once hydrology is restored and cypress is allowed to dominate again. The application of an appropriate fire regime and/or mechanical clearing would expedite the recovery of these sites. In areas where the original canopy cypress (which was probably about 100-200 years old) has been eliminated or greatly reduced in numbers (e.g., disturbed areas), it will take even longer to restore the strand to its natural state. Non-native invasive species control will continue in the Belle Meade, and planting of cypress has been conducted within the Belle Meade Tract in the past. Wildfire lines through cypress in certain areas should be rehabilitated and may be blocked and/or planted with cypress. Certain areas are not expected to be restored to their pre-development condition, such as those located upstream of the pumps and spreader system. They will likely remain in a drier condition that would support pine flatwoods and wet prairie communities, although the vegetative composition of these communities would depend on the fire and non-native invasive plant management that will exist in the future. Also, those areas where canals and roads have not been removed will obviously not be restored.

Acquisition of inholdings is also critical to restoration and maintenance of this area. Restoring hydrological patterns and control fire will permit accumulation of peat in drained or burned swamps, as well as buffering the wetlands from agricultural and urban runoff. Once hydrology is restored and native plant regeneration is underway, the PSSF Biologist will be working with the Naples Native Orchid Restoration Project, Florida Panther NWR, Rookery Bay NERR, FSPSP,

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and Big Cypress NP to reintroduce native arboreal and terrestrial orchids to the swamp systems via seed capsules and mycorrhizal symbiots. The control of wildfires during drought periods will prevent destruction of the cypress overstory and associated epiphytes. Existing Condition Prescription for Management Well Stocked Overstory Well Represented Understory

The main goal of the prescription will be to monitor and maintain a diverse herbaceous understory and restore high cypress densities. When soil moisture permits, moderately intense prescribed fire from the adjacent communities will be allowed to burn into the swamps. The fire interval is expected to be very infrequent (light to moderate fires every 30-200 years) within the interior, but will need to be more frequent (every 3-5 years) along the edges until proper overstory is established and non-native invasive species are controlled/eradicated. Herbicide will be used to control areas with high cabbage palm, melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, and climbing fern densities.


When soil moisture permits, moderately intense prescribed fire from the adjacent communities will be allowed to burn into the swamps. The fire interval is expected to be very infrequent (light to moderate fires every 30-200 years) within the interior, but will need to be more frequent (every 3-5 years) along the edges until proper overstory is established and non-native invasive species are eradicated. Herbicide will be used to control areas with high cabbage palm, melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, and climbing fern densities. These stands will then undergo supplemental plantings of pond cypress throughout the swamps, bald cypress towards the swamp interior (where natural regeneration is not possible) to increase the stem density to 300 trees per acre. Planting will be accomplished through the use of hand crews, and site preparation will consist of a growing season burn. These plantations will be burned beginning 3 years after establishment, and then will be returned to an interval of 2-6 years along the swamp edge during the lightning season.


These areas will be treated as if they had an inadequately stocked overstory, except that full plantings at 300 stems per acre of, pond cypress with bald cypress in the interior of the swamps will be required rather than supplemental plantings.

Non-native Invasive Species All areas will be monitored for FLEPPC category I and II non-native invasive species, and will be controlled/eradicated prior to conducting any silvicultural operations. Further details and a timeline can be found in the 5-year non-native invasive species control plan currently being developed.

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9. Depression Marshes Area 154 acres

(Note: no FNAI survey has been completed for PSSF – results are from NRCS survey.) Desired Future Condition Overstory Depression mashes are typically shallow, rounded depressions that often occur in

concentric bands. There are generally no overstory trees present except an occasional coastal plain willow. This community is similar in vegetation and physical features to basin marsh, but generally is much smaller in size. Freshwater marshes occur in deeper, more strongly inundated situations than wet prairies and are characterized by herbaceous perennial vegetation species. Epiphytes are uncommon due to the lack of trees.


The groundcover of depression marshes usually forms concentric rings from the landward edge to the frequently flooded center. Because of their isolation and small size, depression marshes support a different assemblage of species than those found in larger, more permanent wetlands. Vegetative density varies with hydrology and fire frequency. Fluctuating water levels may make it difficult for plants to colonize the ecotone between the upland and marsh, and may appear as a band of white sand around concentric bands of vegetation. A common pattern is an outer ring of hummocked grasses and sedges, a zone of marsh St. John’s wort (Hypericum fasciculatum), maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), buttonbush, coastal plain willow, or fireflag in the center. Other hydrophytic vegetation such as yellow-eyed grass (Xyris sp.), Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), Ludwigia sp., and sawgrass may be present. These habitats may also contain plants that require regular dry seasons, such as southern bayberry (Myrica cerifera), spikerushes (Eleocharis sp.), beakrushes and bulrushes (Scirpus sp.).

Fauna Depression marshes are considered extremely important in providing breeding and foraging habitat for a variety of herpetofauna and wading birds. Characteristic animals include wood stork, marsh rabbit, round-tailed muskrat (Neofiber alleni), river otter, American alligators, a variety of fishes, mud turtles (Kinosternon spp.), Florida chicken turtle, pig frog (Rana grylio), cottonmouth, mud snake (Farancia abacura), common buckeye (Junonia coenia), birds such as the common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), great egret, wood stork, anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) and white ibis (Eudocimus albus). Amphibians such as the central newt (Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis), two-toed amphiuma, Everglades dwarf siren (Pseudobranchus striatus belli), Florida cricket frog, green treefrog, squirrel treefrog, oak toad, and southern toad use these wetlands for breeding.

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Ecotone Depression marshes are typically found in landscapes with sandy soils with very little relief, especially in pine flatwoods and hammocks. The ecotone between the pine flatwoods and depression marsh is often demarcated by a ring of saw palmetto, and sometimes the saw palmetto will form a short "trunk" in the ecotone. This community often is associated with and grade into wet prairie, seepage slope, dome swamp, or wet and mesic flatwoods. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Prescribed burns will be conducted on a 3 to 5 year rotation during the “lightning” season throughout PSSF, to mimic natural fire frequency. Spring and summer burns promote flowering of grasses (Main and Barry 2002) and increase diversity and forage values for fauna. Fire plays an important role in this community by restricting the invasion of shrubs and trees and by reducing the accumulation of peat. Fire frequency is usually greatest around the periphery of the marsh and decreases toward the center. All depression marshes and their ecotones will be afforded protection from adjacent silvicultural and fire suppression operations.


water table have potentially large impacts on the soil composition and hydroperiod within each stand. Sheetflow will be maintained within the community. Man-made improvements such as firebreaks and roads should be at grade, and will neither hinder the movement of water nor collect water. Freshwater marshes on PSSF have wet season water depths of 12 to 24 inches above ground, with a hydroperiod of 6 to 10 months. Depression marsh is characterized as a shallow, sometimes round depression in a sandy substrate. Soils are usually acidic sands with deepening peat toward the center, and consist of Winder, Riviera, limestone substratum and Chobee soils depressional soil types in Collier County.

Silviculture The ultimate goal of this community is to maintain an open stand of herbaceous

vegetation with very few shrubs and trees. Therefore, no silvicultural operations are planned for this community. Mechanical and chemical treatments may be used to reduce non-native invasive and nuisance plant competition. Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.



Existing Condition Prior to drainage on PSSF, there were only a few small marshes present, with most of them located in the northern portion of the salt marshes near the coast. The conversion of sheetflow conditions would be expected to have converted all the freshwater marshes along the coast to salt 113

marshes. However, the data cannot show if this has actually happened because the 1995 plant community classification combined salt and fresh marsh into a single class along the coast. Sea level rise may impede freshwater marsh reestablishment (USACE and SFWMD 2004). Overstory Depression marshes are found throughout the forest, primarily in the mesic

flatwoods, and occur as remnants in the abandoned pastures. They are also found embedded within cypress domes. Several of these marshes have been altered by drainage and the invasion of shrub species including wax myrtle and baccharis (Baccharis halimifolia). Previous fire history is unknown.


Although non-native invasive plants are not as severe an obstacle in this community, native ground and shrub species are reduced due to shading and/or non-native invasive plants. There is one very large freshwater marsh located in the north end of SGGE. The vegetation of this particular marsh is primarily alligator flag, pickerel weed, and scattered pond cypress. While relatively intact, this area may not receive sufficient water from the restoration to restore the hydrology of the area. There is some damage from OHV use, and from dumping.

Fauna The fauna currently found in the depression marsh areas mimic those in the desired future conditions. The main difference is that the diversity and abundance of other species and the distribution of indicator species (e.g., wood storks) are somewhat limited. Faunal diversity and abundance should increase with the adoption of a frequent fire regime, along with restoration of hydrology and native plants.

Ecotone Depression marshes are found throughout the forest, primarily in the mesic

flatwoods, and occur as remnants in the abandoned pastures. They are also found embedded within cypress domes. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned are spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program has been established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks are used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. Fires in the dry season or early wet season burn back the fuel load of many wetland types, and this is especially well documented for saw grass marshes. Prescribed fire will be used to control the buildup of peat, which controls the expansion of hardwood perennials, trees, and tree islands.

Hydrology Hydrology is the key to perpetuate the concentric rings of vegetation found in

depression marshes. PSSF is working with SFWMD to restore the hydrology back to what it was pre-1940’s, to be completed by November 2011. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheet flow. This plan

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includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest. The goals of PSSF hydrological restoration include: reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydroperiods of wetlands to near historic levels; reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries; maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project; improve water quality of storm water runoff; and provide contiguous habitat conservation for the greater Everglades ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.


vegetation with very few shrubs and trees. All depression marshes and their ecotones will be afforded protection from adjacent silvicultural and, when possible, fire suppression operations. Mechanical and chemical treatments may be used to reduce non-native invasive and nuisance plant competition. Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.




throughout PSSF. Depression marshes, functioning as ecotones, are susceptible to non-native invasive plant encroachment on PSSF. Within this community, the prevalent category I and II non-native invasive species include torpedo grass (Panicum repens), melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, Old world and Japanese climbing ferns, air potato, water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), and West Indian marsh grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis).

Non-native invasive fauna in this community include the walking catfish; live bearing pike killifish (Belonesox belizanus) and cichlids of the genera Astronotus, Cichlasoma, Hemichromis and Tilapia.


During 2005, the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District received a $150,000 DEP South District of Watershed Management and Restoration grant to

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survey the entire PSSF for all non-native invasive plants. Ground transect lines, 150 feet apart, show all non-native invasive plants (with GPS locations) within each vertical structure layer of the area, as well as the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. This information will be used for contracting treatment, as it shows the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. Also, estimates can be made on how long each area takes to treat and the type of equipment needed (machete, chainsaw, backpack spray, or aerial spray).

Restoration The major factors regulating freshwater marsh dynamics are: hydropattern, water quality, sea level change, hurricanes and tropical storms, freezes, fire regimes, salt water intrusion, non-native invasive species, and water management and flood control practices (DeAngelis and White 1994, Duever et al. 1994, Wanless et al.1994). Restoration of this vegetation type will focus on the three following priorities: non-native invasive and nuisance vegetation eradication and control, hydrological restoration (with seasonally variable hydropatterns to maximize vegetative diversity) and prescribed burning. Existing Condition Prescription for Management


The main goal of the prescription will be to monitor and maintain a diverse herbaceous understory and reduce shrub and tree occurrence. When soil moisture permits, moderately intense prescribed fire from the adjacent communities will be allowed to burn into the marshes. The fire interval is expected to be two to five years during the growing season (i.e., spring), but very infrequent within cypress domes. Herbicide will be used to control areas with high cabbage palm density, with some low-impact mechanical removal of larger trees.



10. Wet Prairie Area 4,626 acres

(Note: no FNAI survey has been completed for PSSF – results are from NRCS survey.) Desired Future Condition Overstory Wet prairie is characterized as a nearly treeless plain that may contain scattered

bald cypress or south Florida slash pine with less than 30% canopy coverage, and a sparse to dense ground cover of grasses, sedges, and forbs. This community type occurs in depressional and flow-way wetlands or along fringes of lakes and

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streams on mineral soils. Wet prairies occur as scattered, shallow depressions within dry prairie and flatwoods habitat and on marl prairie areas in South Florida. This community is associated closely with and often grades into wet flatwoods, depression marsh, basin marsh, seepage slope, mesic flatwoods, or dry prairie. Freshwater marshes occur in deeper, more strongly inundated situations than wet prairies and are characterized by herbaceous perennial vegetation species.


Short (1.5-4.5 ft), open, diverse herbaceous community with many species of grasses, sedges, and forbs, e.g. sand cordgrass, beak sedges, milkworts, St. Johns-wort, muhly and short sawgrass. There is no midstory present within this community, and groundcover species primarily consist of muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaries), gulf dune paspalum (Paspalum monostachyum), and south Florida bluestem (Schizachyrium rhizomatum). Other plants within prairies include sand cordgrass (Spartina bakeri), sparse short sawgrass, lobelia (Lobelia spp.), beakrushes, black sedge (Schoenus nigricans), black bogrush (Schoenus nigricans), marsh St. John’s wort (Hypericum fasciculatum), maidencane, bluestem (Andropogon spp.), and various orchids such as grass pink (Calopogon spp.) and ladies tresses (Spirantha spp.). Vegetative density varies with hydrology and fire frequency.

Fauna Wet prairies are considered extremely important in providing breeding and

foraging habitat for a variety of herpetofauna and wading birds. Characteristic animals include wood stork, Florida panthers, round-tailed muskrat, cotton rat, river otter, American alligators, a variety of fishes, mud turtles, Florida chicken turtle, pig frog, cottonmouth, mud snake, common buckeye, marsh rabbit, the anhinga, common moorhen, wading birds such as great blue heron, great egret, wood stork, and white ibis. Amphibians such as the central newt, two-toed amphiuma, Everglades dwarf siren, Florida cricket frog, green treefrog, squirrel treefrog, oak toad, and southern toad use these wetlands for breeding.

Ecotone Wet prairies are typically found in landscapes with sandy soils with very little

relief, especially in pine flatwoods and hammocks. This community often is associated with and grade into depression marsh, seepage slope, dome swamp, or wet and mesic flatwoods. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Prescribed burns will be conducted on a 3 to 5 year rotation during the “lightning” season throughout PSSF, to mimic natural fire frequency. This community occurs in low, nearly flat, poorly drained areas where fire is frequent (every 2-4 years) and soils are seasonally saturated or inundated. Spring and summer burns promote flowering of grasses (Main and Barry 2002) and increase diversity and forage values for fauna. Fire plays an important role in this community by restricting the invasion of shrubs such as wax myrtle and groundsel tree (Baccharis halimifolia), and by reducing the accumulation of peat. All wet prairies and their ecotones will be afforded protection from adjacent silvicultural and fire suppression operations.

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water table have potentially large impacts on the soil composition and hydroperiod within each stand. Sheetflow will be maintained within the community. These areas are inundated 2-6 months per year and have a normal wet season with water depths of 0.5-1.3 ft. The annual water table has a fluctuation of 3-4 ft. Man-made improvements such as firebreaks and roads should be at grade, and will neither hinder the movement of water nor collect water. Wet prairies on PSSF have variable wet season water depths of 6 to 15 inches above ground, with a hydroperiod of 2 to 6 months. They are found on mineral soils, including sand, marl and rock with a substantial organic component, and consist of (1) Chobee, Winder and Gator soils, depressional; (2) Ochopee fine sandy loam, low; or (3) Pennsuco silt loam soil types in Collier County.


vegetation with very few shrubs and trees. Therefore, no silvicultural operations are planned for this community. Mechanical and chemical treatments may be used to reduce non-native invasive and nuisance plant competition, including areas with dense cabbage palms. Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.



Existing Condition Prior to drainage on PSSF in 1940, wet prairies were most extensive (approximately 7,600 acres) just upstream of the brackish marshes along the coast, with smaller scattered areas in the northern and eastern portions of the SGGE Tract. The lack of change between 1940 and 1995 in the larger, more downstream wet prairies is most likely due to their low elevation and proximity to the coast, which could reduce the ability of the canals to drain these sites. There is currently substantial acreage of wet prairie with palms on sites that were cypress forests prior to drainage. These probably represent sites where sabal palm invaded following drainage, and subsequent fires eliminated the cypress. There are some small areas of disturbed wet prairie that were cypress forest and are now at least partially dominated by ruderal species such as saltbush, wax myrtle, muscadine grape, poison ivy, or Brazilian pepper. Fires have probably eliminated the cypress, and with the drier conditions following drainage, early succession upland species are now invading these sites. The acreage and distribution of wet prairies in the Belle Meade may also have changed little, except for the abundance of cabbage palms in the northern portion and melaleuca throughout. The wet prairies are smaller in the Belle Meade than in SGGE and represent more of a narrow ecotone between wet flatwoods and cypress communities. Overstory Wet prairies are found throughout the forest, primarily in the mesic flatwoods,

embedded within cypress domes, and occur as remnants in the abandoned pastures. 118

Several of these prairies have been altered by drainage and the invasion of shrub species including wax myrtle and groundsel tree.


The vegetation is similar to the typical description, with several areas containing higher densities of cabbage palm and other upland species in this habitat. Also, damage from OHV use is extensive. Over 50% of the prairies have been rutted, soils compacted and the vegetation destroyed. Torpedo grass, a non-native invasive species, most often dominates areas that were damaged by OHV use during the wet season.

Fauna The fauna currently found in the wet prairies mimic those in the desired future conditions. The main difference is that the diversity and abundance of other species and the distribution of indicator species (e.g., wood storks) are somewhat limited. Faunal diversity and abundance should increase with the adoption of a frequent fire regime, along with restoration of hydrology and native plants.

Ecotone Prairies are found throughout the forest, primarily in the mesic flatwoods, and

occur as remnants in the abandoned pastures. They are also found embedded within cypress domes. Both ecotones and inclusions (e.g., cypress domes, wet prairies, etc.) will be regarded as distinct stands and managed accordingly.

Prescribed Burning

Shrubs such as wax myrtle and groundsel tree dominate in areas not subjected to frequent fires, although the burn regime is improving. To the greatest extent possible, areas to be burned are spread over the forest annually in a checkerboard or mosaic pattern. An all-season burning program has been established utilizing existing practices plus recent research findings. Whenever possible, existing roads and natural breaks are used to contain and control prescribed and natural fires. Fires in the dry season or early wet season burn back the fuel load of many wetland types. Prescribed fire will be used to control the buildup of peat, which controls the expansion of hardwood perennials, trees, and tree islands.

Hydrology PSSF is working with SFWMD to restore the hydrology back to what it was pre-

1940’s, to be completed by November 2007. The USACE and SFWMD (2004) have developed a conceptual hydrologic restoration plan (CERP-PSRP Final PIR/EIS) to restore overall hydrology, including sheet flow. This includes blocking the canals, removing sections of roadbed, and installing a system of spreader channels and pumps to control water north of I-75 and to distribute it onto the forest. The goals of PSSF hydrological restoration include: reestablish historic flow ways, sheet flow, and hydroperiods of wetlands to near historic levels; reduce point discharges of freshwater to improve the health and productivity of downstream estuaries; maintain flood protection for developed areas north of the project; improve water quality of storm water runoff; and provide contiguous habitat conservation for the greater Everglades ecosystem including the Florida Panther NWR, FSPSP, Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Collier-Seminole State Park and the Belle Meade CARL area.

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vegetation with very few shrubs and trees. All wet prairies and their ecotones will be afforded protection from adjacent silvicultural and, when possible, fire suppression operations. Mechanical and chemical treatments may be used to reduce non-native invasive and nuisance plant competition and density of cabbage palms. Protection of native groundcover will be emphasized during all silvicultural operations.


to be high and increasing yearly. The close proximity to Naples and densely populated east coast will increase recreational pressure exponentially. Recreational activities on the forest include, but are not limited to, hunting, fishing, hiking, primitive camping, horseback riding, bicycle riding, birding, picnicking, nature study and sightseeing.


throughout PSSF. Wet prairies, functioning as ecotones, are susceptible to non-native invasive plant encroachment on PSSF. Within this community, the prevalent category I and II non-native invasive species include torpedo grass, melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, Old World and Japanese climbing ferns, air potato, and West Indian marsh grass.

Non-native invasive fauna in this community include the walking catfish; live bearing pike killifish and cichlids of the genera Astronotus, Cichlasoma, Hemichromis and Tilapia.


During 2005, the Collier County Soil and Water Conservation District received a $150,000 DEP South District of Watershed Management and Restoration grant to survey the entire PSSF for all non-native invasive plant species. Ground transect lines, 150 feet apart, show all non-native invasive plants (with GPS locations) within each vertical structure layer of the area, as well as the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. This information will be used for contracting treatment, as it shows the density levels, age class, and treatment type needed for each species. Also, estimates can be made on how long each area takes to treat and the type of equipment needed (machete, chainsaw, backpack spray, or aerial spray).

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Restoration The major factors regulating wet prairie dynamics are: hydropattern, water quality, sea level change, hurricanes and tropical storms, freezes, fire regimes, salt water intrusion, non-native invasive pest species, and water management and flood control practices (DeAngelis and White 1994, Duever et al. 1994, Wanless et al.1994). Restoration of this vegetation type will focus on the three following priorities: non-native invasive and nuisance vegetation eradication and control, hydrological restoration (with seasonally variable hydropatterns to maximize vegetative diversity) and prescribed burning. Since most of the wet prairie acreage is still currently intact in the southern portion of SGGE, restoration of this habitat to pre-development condition should be relatively expeditious, once the pre-development hydrology has been restored. Some small areas will not be restored, including those upstream of the pumps and spreader canals and where canals and roads are not scheduled to be removed. Otherwise the restored hydrology and an appropriate fire regime could be expected to restore most of the altered SGGE wet prairies to their original condition within a decade. Control of illegal OHV use is critical to the restoration of these areas, especially in the southern portion of SGGE. Existing Condition Prescription for Management


The main goal of the prescription will be to monitor and maintain a diverse herbaceous understory and reduce shrub and tree occurrence. When soil moisture permits, moderately intense prescribed fire from the adjacent communities will be allowed to burn into the marshes. The fire interval is expected to be two to four years during the growing season (i.e., spring). Mechanical removal will be used to control areas with high cabbage palm density.



11. Coastal Uplands

Shell mounds (Indian mound) Area 27 acres

(Note: no FNAI survey has been completed for PSSF – results are from NRCS survey.) Desired Future Condition Archaeological sites are unusual among the biological communities in that they are largely a result of the activities of indigenous people, instead of natural physical factors. These sites are generally characterized as elevated mounds of mollusk shells and aboriginal garbage on which hardwood, closed-canopy forests develop. Typical plants include live and laurel oaks, hackberry, mulberry, stoppers and subtropical vegetation. Because they are constructed of archaeological 121

remains, archaeological sites are vulnerable to damage by artifact-seekers and illegal archaeological excavations.

Current Conditions PSSF contains numerous archaeological sites and one historical site. These are located throughout the forest, primarily near sites that historically had permanent water sources. A phase two inventory was done in conjunction with the hydrologic restoration.

Management Actions to Attain Desired Condition Phase one and phase two surveys are planned for SGGE, as part of the hydrologic restoration. All recorded archaeological sites are listed as sensitive areas in the fire management plan.

C. Impact of Planned Uses on Property Resources

1. Timber- Silviculture management will be implemented to ensure a continuing renewable timber resource and diverse ecological resources for an indefinite time period.

2. Recreation- Recreational uses will be monitored to evaluate impacts on the natural systems. Modification to recreational uses will be implemented, should significant negative impact be identified.

3. Historical/Archaeological - In the event of any significant ground disturbing activity, DHR will be contacted for review and comment. The DOF will then follow the management procedures outlined in Exhibit E and will comply with all appropriate provisions of Florida Statutes 267.061(2).

4. Water- Water resources will be protected through the use of Silvicultural BMP manual and/or other appropriate measures as deemed necessary by DOF’s Forest Hydrologist and/or Watershed Specialist in consultation with the BMP Forester.

5. Wildlife- Wildlife resources, both game and non-game species, will be protected through multiple-use management techniques coordinated between DOF and FWC.

6. Mitigation- Mitigation protocol for local developers, establishing priority parcels and procedure for donation and maintenance. Establishment of a Regional Offsite Mitigation Area for single family landowners.

V. MANAGEMENT SUMMARY A. Operations Infrastructure

The 2006-2007 fiscal year budget was $691,624, however annual appropriations are known to change. This amount included salaries, expense and operating capital outlay and was broken down as follows:

Salary and Benefits (ten full-time employees) $421,734 Expense (general costs for fuel, supplies, parts, etc.) $247,390 Other Personal Services (one park ranger) $ 22,500

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To carry out the resource management work on the state forest as well as in order to maintain forest improvements such as trails, roads and facilities Table 5 lists the equipment that has been assigned or is immediately available for work on PSSF.

TABLE 5: EQUIPMENT LIST TYPE YEAR

Ford 4x4 F250 Pickup 2007 Ford Explorer 4x4 2007

Ford 4x4 Pickup (Diesel) 2006 Sterling Dump Truck 2006 Type VI Engine 2005 Road Grader 2004

IHC Transport 2003 JD 650H Tractor w/Winch 2003 FescoHester 2-Disc Plow 2003 48” Self-Propelled Lawnmower 2003 Ford 4x4 Pickup (Diesel) 2002 Dodge 4x4 Pickup 2001 Chevrolet 4X4 Blazer 2001

4x2 Sonoma 2000 Dodge 4x4 Pickup 2000 Sterling 12-Ton Dump Truck 2000

18” Lawnmower 2000 Box Blade 2000 Heavy Duty Farm Disk 1999 Bushog 1999

Young Swamp Buggy 1999 ATV 4x6/with Trailer 1998 New Holland Farm Tractor 1998 Ford 4x4 Pickup (Diesel) 1997 GMC 4x4 Pickup (Diesel) 1995

A review of facilities and improvements on the forest that provide infrastructure support for staff and equipment include:

-2,320 sq. ft. DOF Forest Headquarters (converted home) -2,500 sq. ft. pole barn for equipment storage -100 sq. ft. pump house/storage building -2,842 sq. ft. law enforcement officer house -1,050 sq. ft. metal shop @ Broken Wing -2 2,400 sq. ft. Quonset huts in Hole-In-The-Donut (Lord Property) -1,960 sq. ft. PSSF Forestry Supervisor II house -1,932 sq. ft. on-site employee housing -5 1,200 sq. ft. mobile homes (FEMA)

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Utilities that serve the public and forest staff are as follows: -2” well for potable water at the PSSF Headquarters -4” well for potable water located at Senior Ranger residence -2” well for potable water located at the OALE officer residence -Two, 4” wells for potable water located at mobile home sites, One is installed, other planned for 08’-09’ Fiscal Year

-2” well located at employee on-site housing, crew house -One septic tank/drain field system at headquarters site -One septic tank/drain field system at Senior Rangers residence -One septic tank/drain field system at OALE residence -One septic tank/drain field system at employee on-site housing, crew house -Three septic tank/drain field systems at mobile home sites installed, Two planned for 08’-09’ Fiscal Year

-Six telephone lines (two for headquarters/administration; one fax line; and two for the law enforcement officers office) provided by Sprint -Electric service provided by Florida Power & Light

In order to supplement the staff assigned to PSSF, the Recreation Coordinator is responsible for recruiting interested volunteers that can bring needed experience and skills to assist with the management of the forest recreation program as well as the resource management activities. Volunteers have been used for working on trail maintenance, vegetative inventory work, and educational events. Additional volunteer recruitment will be encouraged to assist with other activities to further DOF’s mission. In addition, a state forest liaison committee of private citizens and representatives of forest user groups has been meeting semiannually to provide input on forest management activities and volunteer their ideas to DOF staff to improve the state forest. B. Management Needs - Priority Schedule and Cost Estimates The following management needs and priorities have been established for PSSF:

1. Aggressive use of prescribed fire is needed to restore and maintain natural communities; 2. The invasive and nuisance species control plan needs funded. 3. Develop monitoring strategies for recreational use and threatened and endangered

species; 4. High visibility by cooperating law enforcement agencies will be needed to discourage

unauthorized OHV use, poaching, illegal trespass, forest use violations, unauthorized camping, etc.;

5. A comprehensive hydrological needs assessment/inventory should be developed for the Belle Meade Tract. During the next ten years the property will be researched and evaluated in coordination with the DOF Forest Hydrologist and SFWMD. A list of potential restoration projects will be prepared and sources of funding, including regional mitigation funds, will be investigated; and,

6. Mitigation protocol for local developers, establishing priority parcels and procedure for donation and maintenance.

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Management activities on PSSF during this management period must serve to conserve and protect the natural and historical resources, enhance forest health and productivity, and manage resource-based public outdoor recreation, which is compatible with the conservation and protection of this forest. The management activities listed below will be addressed within the ten-year management period and are divided by priority levels:

Priority 1 - activities considered as paramount to carrying out DOF’s mission. Priority 2 - activities key to furthering the mission. Priority 3 - activities considered significant to our mission, but less urgent.

Cost estimates (Table 6) are provided below for DOF services and contract services where sufficient information is available to make projections. Costs for some activities cannot be estimated at this time. Other activities will be completed with minimal overhead expense and existing staff. Priority 1

1. Hydrologic Restoration of SGGE – Support, assist and participate in the

planning and implementation of the hydrologic restoration by the SFWMD and the USACE.

Average cost per year: In-kind services

2. Prescribed Burning – Prescribed burning is the primary management tool for the

forest. Prescribed burning supports vegetative communities that are fire dependent, most of which will be burned on an average rotation of four years or less. Cost estimates are based on DOF's contract burning rate schedule. Manpower and equipment costs are included.

Average acreage per year: 16,250 Estimated annual cost (DOF): $224,000

3. Non-native invasive and Nuisance Species Control – Plan development,

identify, mapping, eradication, control, and monitoring of non-native invasive and nuisance species. DOF will pursue the inclusion of these activities under Regional Offsite Mitigation Area protocol to off-set annual costs.

Average acreage per year: 500 initial (minimum), 1,000 follow-up (minimum) Estimated annual cost: $548,000

4. Roads – Maintenance. Cost estimates are dependent on needs identified in the

road plan. Right-of-ways are needed on Sabal Palm Road, and other roads as identified in the plan. Public access and access for landowners is a priority.

Estimated annual cost: $60,000

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5. Recreation - Development and implementation, recreation facility improvements and maintenance of existing facilities as discussed earlier in the plan. Estimates are based on known needs and potential future improvements.

Fiscal Year 2007 - 2008 OPS Park Ranger position (recreation) $21,500 Directional signs in SR & CR (Public Access) $ 5,000 Standardization of all informational Kiosk $ 3,000 Port of the Islands Kiosk, renovation $ 2,500 Sabal Palm Birding Trail Interpretative Signs $ 2,000 Eight portable toilets for sites $ 5,760 Maps and brochure revision $ 1,000 Maintenance $ 2,000

Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Phase I off road bicycle/hiking trail $ 1,000 Campsite 48th Ave SE $ 5,000

Plan and develop the 20 mile outback hiking trail $ 2,500 Primitive campsite in Miller and 94th (old hunt camp) $ 8,000

OPS Park Ranger position (recreation) $21,500 Eight portable toilets for sites $ 5,760 Maps and brochures $ 2,000 Maintenance $ 5,000 Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Phase II off road bicycle/ hiking trail $ 5,000 OPS Park Ranger position (recreation) $21,500 One Clivus Multrum restrooms @ Kirkland Hammock $14,000 One Clivus Multrum restrooms @ Old Hunt Camp $14,000 Native plant species arboretum near the state forest headquarters $ 1,000 Eight portable toilets for sites $ 5,760 Maps and brochures $ 2,000 Maintenance $ 5,000 Fiscal Year 2010-2011

Boardwalk- Sabal Palm hiking trail $50,000 Campsites (4 campsites) $20,000 OPS Park Ranger position (recreation) $21,500 Shooting range $150,000 Primitive campsite development $ 5,000

Challenge Course $ 25,000 Eight portable toilets for Sites $ 5,760

Maps and brochures $ 2,000 Maintenance $ 5,000

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6. Wildlife Management Plan – Draft a wildlife management plan in two years in cooperation with the FWC.


7. Law Enforcement Program – Provide for resource protection and public safety.

Two full-time law enforcement officers and equipment.


8. Facility Maintenance - Facility and infrastructure.

Estimated annual cost: $75,000 Priority 2

1. Fire Line/Trails - Improvements and maintenance. Rehab of firelines. Maintenance will be by DOF staff.


2. Biological Survey and Vegetation Mapping - This is an on going process being

conducted by DOF, and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. (annual)

Estimated annual cost: Grant funded by SFWMD

3. Plant and Animal Survey and Monitoring

Estimated annual cost: $52,000 (grant funded by SFWMD)

4. Mitigation Projects - Needs assessment and prioritization of projects will be developed, as opportunity arises. (Assessment and prioritization are ongoing at this time.)

Priority 3

1. Hydrological Plan Belle Meade - Needs assessment and plan development. (during current planning period)


2. Silvicultural Plan – Plan development based upon forest inventory. (Updated

every 2 years)


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3. Forest Inventory – Continue annual pine inventory work. DOF staff will conduct

inventories.

Estimated annual cost (DOF): $800

4. Cultural Resource Management – Inventory and protect sites.


Table 6- Estimated Annual Expenditures Organized by Uniform Accounting Council Categories CATEGORY PRIORITY 1 PRIORITY 2 PRIORITY 3 TOTAL Resource Management: -Exotic Species Control $548,000 $548,000 -Prescribed Burning (incl.

fireline/trail maint.) $224,000 $15,000 $239,000

-Cultural Resources Management $5,000 $5,000 -Timber Management $5,800 $5,800 -Hydrological Management In-kind $5,000 $5,000 -Other (wildlife mgmt., plant &

animal survey and monitoring) $15,000 $52,000 (SFWMD grant) $67,000

Administration: -Units/Projects $110,000 $110,000 Support: -Vehicle Purchase $150,000 $150,000 -Vehicle Operation and Maintenance $30,000 $30,000 -Other Capital Improvements: -New Facility Construction $367,900 $367,900 -Facility Maintenance (including infrastructure) $135,000 $135,000

Visitor Services/Recreation: -Information/Education Programs $8,500 $8,500 -Operations $12,760 $12,760 Law Enforcement: $100,000 $100,000

TOTAL $1,701,160 $67,000 $15,800 $1,783,960 C. Plans to Locate Fragile, Non-renewable Natural and Cultural Resources

1. Archaeological Resources

Representatives of DHR and FNAI will be consulted prior to the initiation of those ground disturbing activities requiring review as outlined in the State Forest Handbook. The DOF will make every effort to protect known archaeological and historical resources. Ground disturbing activities not specifically covered by this plan will follow the guidelines of the

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Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State-Owned or Controlled Lands (Exhibit E). The DOF will arrange for at least one staff member from PSSF to attend a DHR Archaeological Resource Management class to become a trained archaeological monitor. Trained monitors will oversee ground disturbing activities in which DHR recommends monitoring. The DOF will utilize the services of DHR CARL archaeologists to locate and evaluate unknown resources, and to make recommendations in the management of known resources. As information becomes available, and as staffing allows, known archaeological and historical sites will be identified on maps and training provided to aid state forest and law enforcement personnel in patrolling and protecting sites.

As mentioned above, significant ground disturbing projects that are not specifically identified in an approved management plan will be sent to DHR and FNAI for review. Recommendations outlined in the Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State Owned or Controlled Lands (Exhibit E) will be followed whenever and wherever appropriate. DOF staff will consult with the State Lands Section of the Forest Management Bureau during the process of planning and implementing multiple-use management activities. The DOF and other assisting agencies will remain alert for any environmentally or archaeologically significant resources, and protective actions will be taken as necessary.

2. Soil and Water Resources Most of the natural communities on PSSF are intact. Planned projects will restore and/or maintain ecological integrity while allowing controlled recreational access. Management activities will be executed in a manner to minimize the potential for soil erosion. All activities planned for the forest will be conducted in accordance with Florida’s Silviculture BMP’s and/or other appropriate measures as deemed necessary by the DOF’s Forest Hydrologist and/or Watershed Specialist in consultation with the BMP Forester, and will meet or exceed standards for BMP’s for public lands. In addition, if future soil and water resource problems should arise, they will be immediately assessed and the appropriate action will be proposed and implemented under the direction of the DOF’s Forest Hydrologist and/or Watershed Specialist in consultation with the BMP Forester. As previously stated, the DOF, through its Forest Hydrology Section, will work with the SFWMD to monitor levels and quality of ground and surface water resources.

3. Other Resources Applicable surveys will be conducted by DOF staff or others during the process of planning and implementing multiple-use management activities. DOF personnel will remain alert for any environmentally significant resources (e.g. eagle nests) and protective actions will be taken as necessary.

D. Conformation to State Lands Management Plan

Management of the forest under the multiple-use concept, utilizing multiple-use management principles, complies with the State Lands Management Plan and provides optimum balanced public utilization of the property.

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Specific authority for the Division of Forestry’s management of public lands is derived from Florida Statutes, Chapters 253 and 589.

E. Multiple-Use Potential – Income Producing Activities/Alternative Uses Considered

A palm fan (unopened fan from center of top of cabbage palm) harvest lease has been conducted on the SGGE Tract in 2000 and 2001. The annual income has been $2,000 in 2000 and $500 in 2001. The first palm frond sale was bid out in 2002. Three palm frond sales are schedules per fiscal year, in areas not scheduled for prescribed burns. The revenue generated during the FY 2005-2006 was $82,500 and in FY 2006-2007 $72,500. Swamp cabbage areas will be set up for the general public. Commercial sales of swamp cabbage will be allowed if a suitable market can be developed. Cabbage palms from disturbed sites will be sold prior to those areas being restored. The first sale was awarded in 2005. Cabbage palm sales have been conducted during the FY 2005 – 2006 returning $115,895 in revenue, and in FY 2006 – 2007 and returning $105,910. These sales are expected to continue during the next planning period. Pine harvesting has been conducted since FY 2006-2007 returning $16,194 during FY 2006-2007. Pine harvesting will also be considered as a viable income producing opportunity during the next planning period. Palmetto berries, apiaries, firewood, and all other income producing opportunities, which do not have a demonstrable negative impact on the forest resource, will be pursued during this 10-year period.

F. Potential Use of Private Land Managers

The forest manager makes ongoing evaluations of use of private land managers, consultants and contractors to facilitate the restoration or management of this state forest. Opportunities for such outsourcing of land management work have included or are anticipated to include:

Tree planting – private equipment/forestry operations company hired to hand plant acres with south Florida slash pine tubelings in 2000 and 2002.

Non-native invasive species control - PSSF routinely contracts non-native invasive species control (mainly melaleuca), beginning in 2000, with a combination of internal funding and external funding from the DEP Upland Invasive Plant Management Program and SFWMD. In FY 2006, a $1,773,903 dollar contract treated 2,434 acres; FY 2005, a $112,500 dollar contract treated 757 acres; FY 2004, a $247,781 dollar contract treated 1,067 acres; FY 2003, a $373,519 dollar contract treated 1,300 acres; FY 2002 a $510,000 dollar contract treated 1,630 acres; and FY 2001 a $277,000 dollar contract treated 1,039 acres. PSSF staff intends to continue this aggressive treatment of melaleuca and other

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FLEPPC Category I and II non-native invasive plants species. Specific information on species and treatment control and scheduled plans can be found in the PSSF 5-year non-native invasive species control plan. Wildlife surveys - A contract with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for wildlife surveys in connection with the hydrologic restoration has been contracted out for the last three years. RCW monitoring and habitat enhancement has been contracted out annually from 1998 to 2006.

VI. REFERENCES

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Documents

TEN-YEAR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN...Picayune Strand Ten-year Resource Management Plan Acronym Glossary AFB Alternatives Formulation Briefing ARC Acquisition and Restoration Council