North Fork of St. Lucie River Aquatic Preseve Management Plan
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Transcript of North Fork of St. Lucie River Aquatic Preseve Management Plan
North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic PreserveManagement Plan • August 2009 - July 2019 FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection CoastalandAquaticManagedAreas
Thispublicationfundedin
partthroughagrantagreement
fromtheFloridaDepartmentof
EnvironmentalProtection,Florida
CoastalManagementProgram
byagrantprovidedbytheOffice
ofOceanandCoastalResource
ManagementundertheCoastal
ZoneManagementActof1972,
asamended,NationalOceanic
andAtmosphericAdministration
AwardNo.NA05NOS4191074-
CZ625,NA06NOS4190129-CZ709,
NA06NOS4190129-CZ726,and
NA07NOS4190071-CZ823.
Theviews,statements,finding,
conclusions,andrecommendations
expressedhereinarethoseofthe
author(s)anddonotnecessarily
reflecttheviewsoftheStateof
Florida,NationalOceanicand
AtmosphericAdministration,
oranyofitssub-agencies.
August2009-July2019
North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic PreserveManagement Plan • August 2009 - July 2019 NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve
3300LewisStreet•FortPierce,FL34981•772.429.2995 FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection CoastalandAquaticManagedAreas 3900CommonwealthBlvd.,MS#235 Tallahassee,FL32399•aquaticpreserves.org
Mission StatementThemissionoftheOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)inrelationtoFlorida’s41AquaticPreserves(APs),threeNationalEstuarineResearchReserves(NERRs),NationalMarineSanctuary,andCoralReefConservationProgramistoprotectFlorida’scoastalandaquaticresources.
Long-term goals of the Aquatic Preserve Program
•ProtectandenhancetheecologicalintegrityoftheAquaticPreserves;•Restoreareastotheirnaturalcondition;•Encouragesustainableuseandfosteractivestewardshipbyengaginglocal
communitiesintheprotectionofaquaticpreserves;and•Improvemanagementeffectivenessthroughaprocessbasedonsound
science,consistentevaluation,andcontinualreassessment.
Great egrets with breeding plumage on the North Fork bird rookery.
Executive SummaryNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan
LeadAgency FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP)OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)
CommonNameofProperty NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve
Location St.LucieandMartincounties,Florida
AcreageTotal 2,972acressurfacewater
Acreage Breakdown According to Florida Natural Areas Inventory Natural Community Types
FNAI Natural Communities Acreage according to GIS
NaturalCommunities 2,972acres
SeagrassBed Ephemeral(short-lived)patches
Mollusk(Oyster)Reef 31acres
EstuarineTidalSwamp 535acres
FreshwaterTidalSwamp 119acres
Slough 40acres
UnconsolidatedSubstrate 2,247acres
TotalAcreage 2,972acres
ManagementAgency FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection’sOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas
Designation AquaticPreserve
Archeological/Historical TheDivisionofHistoricalResourcesMasterSiteFile,FloridaDepartmentofState,indicatesthattherearesixhistoricalsiteslocatedwithinoradjacenttothepreserve;threeshellmiddens,onehistoricroadscar,oneshack,andonebridge.
Management Needs
EcosystemScience Naturalresourceprotectionwithinthepreserverequiresageneralunderstandingoftheresourcelocationandextentaswellasuniquespecies-specificinteractionsassociatedwitheachresource.Anincreaseinmonitoring,especiallyofrareandprotectedspecies,willalsoincreasetheabilitytoprotectimportantresourcesthreatenedbyconstructionactivitiesandpoorwaterquality.Monitoringthepreserve’stransitionzone(areawherewaterchangesfromfreshtoestuarine)isneededtodocumentwaterqualitychangesassociatedwithlarge-scalewatershedrestorationprojects.
ResourceManagement Thepreserveanditswatershedhavebeendramaticallyalteredbylarge-scaledredgingpracticesandaninterconnectednetworkofcanalsthatultimatelydischargeintotheSt.LucieRiver.TheneedtorestoretheSt.LucieRiverhasbeenacknowledgedbylocal,stateandfederalgovernments,andisdirectlyaddressedinseveralexistingprojects.
TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverhasbeenverifiedasimpairedwaterthroughthejointU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandDEPTotalMaximumDailyLoadprogram.ABasinManagementActionPlanisbeingdevelopedtouniteSt.LucieCounty,MartinCounty,Stuart,andPortSt.LucietoproduceaplanthataddressesspecificactionsnecessarytoreducetheamountofnutrientsenteringtheNorthFork.Thiseffortwillhelptomeldthegoalsofallregionalplans,includingthoseoutlinedwithinforthepreserve;especiallythosethatpertaintohydrologicrestoration,shorelinestabilization,andthecreationofoysterreefhabitat.
NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan
Education&Outreach Mosteducationandoutreachactivitiesforthepreserveareclassifiedascommunityoutreach.Materialsareneededtofacilitateunderstandingoftheconnectionbetweenwatershedactivities,climatechange,andthehealthofthepreserve.Abrochurespecifictothepreserveandaspeciesposterareneededtoprovidegraphicaldisplayofresourcesinneedofprotection.IncreasedcommunityinvolvementisalsoneededandisexpectedtobeobtainedthroughfuturereactivationoftheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,Inc.CitizenSupportOrganization.
PublicUse Althoughavarietyofusergroupsareregularlyobservedwithinthepreserve,littleisknownaboutthetypeandintensityofusethroughouttheyear.Boatingactivitiesinthenarrowandwindingupperreachesofthepreserveneedtobeevaluatedtobetterunderstandpotentialimpactstonaturalresources,waterquality,andpublicsafety.Removalofderelictvesselsandothersubmergeddebrisarenecessarytoincreaseboatersafetyandreduceimpacttonaturalresources.
PublicInvolvement Publicsupportofgovernmentconservationprogramsisvitaltothesuccessofthoseprograms.Thegoalofthepublicprocessistofosterunderstandingoftheproblemsfacingthesefragileecosystemsandthestepsnecessarytomanagetheresourceswithinthepreserve.TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveadvisorycommitteewasformedinJune2007toprovideguidanceduringtheplanningprocess.Threeadvisorycommitteemeetings(June,August,andNovember2007)andtwopublicmeetings(July2007andMarch2008)wereheldtohelprevisetheplan.TheplanwaspresentedtotheAcquisitionandRestorationCouncilandtheGovernorandCabinetatpublichearingsforapproval.
SiteSummary
CoastalZoneManagementIssues-TheStateofFloridahasover17millionresidentsandover76millionvisitorsannually.Floridahasthesecondlongeststatecoastline,andnowhereelseinthecountryaresomanypeoplesoclosetosuchanextensiveandeconomicallyvaluablecoastline.Withinthesecoastalcommunities,recreationalactivitiessuchasboatingandfishingshapecommunitycultureandprovidepositiveeconomicgrowth.However,rapidcoastaldevelopment,increasingpublicaccess,andchanginglandusepatternsarecomplicatingregulationandmanagementeffortswithinvaluableaquaticsystems.ToprotectandenhancetheuniquecoastalresourcesthroughoutFlorida,avarietyofissuesthataffectwaterquality,quantity,andgrowthmanagementmustbeaddressed(FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],2005).ChallengesfacingtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverincludelowwaterqualitythatisfurtherdegradedbyunnaturalwatermanagementpractices,theneedforhands-onresourcemanagement,rapidconversionofagriculturallandstourbandevelopmentsdeemedtohavesignificantregionalimpact,reducedlocalawareness,littleunderstandingofpublicusetrends,andtheimpactsofpublicuseontheprotectedresources.
Goals-Themanagementgoalsandassociatedstrategiesoutlinedinthisdocumentprovideanactionplanthatwillbeusedtoaddressthesechallengesoverthenextdecade.Becauseoflimitedresourcesandtheoverlapofjurisdictionalboundaries,successwilldependonpartnershipsformedwithprivate,local,regional,state,andfederalorganizationsandagencies.Partnershipswillbeformedtopromotethemaintenanceorimprovementofthequalityofwaterreachingthepreservetomeettheneedsofthenaturalresources.Routineassessmentofwaterqualitystatusisrequiredtodocumentchangeovertime.Resourcemanagementgoalsthatwillimprovewaterqualityincludehydrologicrestoration,muckremoval,andcreationofoysterreefhabitat.Documentationofnaturalresourcelocationandextentwillallowmangerstoevaluatethesuccessoflarge-scalewatershedrestorationprojects.Maintenanceofasafeenvironmentforfish,wildlife,andusergroups,andthepromotionoflow-impactrecreationalopportunitiesarealsoimportantgoalsthatwillbeaddressedbypreservestaff.
CAMA/BTIITFApprovalCAMAapprovaldate: March13,2009 BTIITFapprovaldate: August11,2009Comments:
Table of ContentsPart One / Basis for Management
Chapter1/Introduction....................................................................................................................... 11.1/ManagementPlanPurposeandScope...................................................................................... 31.2/PublicInvolvement...................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter2/FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection’sOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas................................................................................. 5
2.1/Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 52.2/ManagementAuthority................................................................................................................ 62.3/StatutoryAuthority....................................................................................................................... 62.4/AdministrativeRules.................................................................................................................... 7
Chapter3/TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.......................................................... 93.1/DescriptionofRepresentativeEcosystemRegion...................................................................... 9
HistoricalBackground.............................................................................................................. 9GeneralDescription............................................................................................................... 11ResourceDescription............................................................................................................. 13Values..................................................................................................................................... 29CitizenSupportOrganization................................................................................................. 29AdjacentPublicLandandDesignatedResources............................................................... 30SurroundingLandUse........................................................................................................... 34
Part Two / Management Programs and Issues
Chapter4/CAMA’sManagementPrograms.................................................................................. 374.1/TheEcosystemScienceManagementProgram...................................................................... 37
BackgroundofEcosystemScienceatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve........... 37CurrentStatusofEcosystemScienceatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve........ 44
4.2/TheResourceManagementProgram....................................................................................... 48BackgroundofResourceManagementatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve........... 49CurrentStatusofResourceManagementatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve........ 52
4.3/TheEducationandOutreachManagementProgram............................................................... 54BackgroundofEducationandOutreachatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.......... 55CurrentStatusofEducationandOutreachatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve...... 56
4.4/ThePublicUseManagementProgram..................................................................................... 58BackgroundofPublicUseatNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.......................... 58CurrentStatusofPublicUseatNorthForSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve........................ 60
Chapter5/Issues............................................................................................................................... 635.1/IntroductiontoIssue-BasedManagement................................................................................ 635.2/IssueOne:WaterQuality.......................................................................................................... 645.3/IssueTwo:NaturalResourceManagement............................................................................. 745.4/IssueThree:CoastalDevelopment.......................................................................................... 805.5/IssueFour:PublicUseandAccess......................................................................................... 84
Part Three / Additional Plans
Chapter6/AdministrativePlan......................................................................................................... 89
Chapter7/FacilitiesPlan.................................................................................................................. 91
List of Maps
Map1/AquaticPreserveandCAMASystemMap............................................................................. 2Map2/RegionalConnectivity.......................................................................................................... 10Map3/NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveSiteMap........................................................ 11Map4/PublicAccessSites.............................................................................................................. 12Map5/PhysiographicRegions........................................................................................................ 14Map6/BermLocationsandHistoricRivercourse........................................................................... 15Map7/St.LucieRiverSediments.................................................................................................... 15Map8/AlterationsandWatershed................................................................................................... 16Map9/ImpairedWaters................................................................................................................... 17Map10/BathymetryandSurroundingElevation............................................................................. 18Map11/WatershedRestorationProjects......................................................................................... 19Map12/NaturalLands..................................................................................................................... 21Map13/SuitableSAVHabitatintheSt.LucieRiver........................................................................ 24Map14/PublicLands....................................................................................................................... 32Map15/ProposedBoundaryExpansion......................................................................................... 33Map16/LandUse............................................................................................................................ 35Map17/HistoricSeagrassCoverintheSt.LucieRiver.................................................................. 38Map18/HistoricOysterReefCoverintheSt.LucieRiver............................................................... 40Map19/SuitableSubstrateforOysterRecruitmentintheSt.LucieRiver...................................... 40Map20/WaterQualityMonitoringSites........................................................................................... 45Map21/OysterMonitoringandRestorationSites........................................................................... 47Map22/CompletedHydrologicRestorationSites.......................................................................... 51Map23/DerelictVesselLocations................................................................................................... 59Map24/RecentDevelopmentofRegionalImpactProposals......................................................... 81Map25/ManateeSpeedZones....................................................................................................... 85
List of Tables
Table1/NaturalcommunitieswithintheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.................. 23
List of Figures
Figure1/StateManagementStructure.............................................................................................. 8Figure2/SedimentationTrendsintheSt.LucieRiver..................................................................... 17Figure3/TenMileCreekWaterPreserveArea................................................................................ 31Figure4/TheImpactofDrainageCanalDischargeontheSalinityGradientintheSt.LucieRiver..... 42Figure5/LiDARDataShowingIsolatedWetlandsasaResultofthe 1920sRiverStraighteningProject................................................................................................. 49Figure6/AverageTotalNitrogenLevelsintheSt.LucieRiver........................................................ 64Figure7/AverageTotalPhosphorusLevelsintheSt.LucieRiver.................................................. 65Figure8/ContributionofNitrogenfromEachSub-basinintheSt.LucieRiverWatershed........... 66Figure9/ContributionofTotalPhosphorusfromEachSub-basinintheSt.LucieRiverWatershed... 67
List of Appendices
AppendixA/LegalDocuments......................................................................................................... 94A.1/AquaticPreserveResolution..................................................................................................... 94A.2/FloridaStatutes(F.S.)................................................................................................................ 95A.3/FloridaAdministrativeCode(F.A.C.)......................................................................................... 95
AppendixB/ResourceData.............................................................................................................. 96B.1/AcronymList............................................................................................................................. 96B.2/GlossaryofTerms..................................................................................................................... 97B.3/References.............................................................................................................................. 100B.4/SpeciesLists........................................................................................................................... 104
B.4.1/NativeSpeciesList............................................................................................................ 104B.4.2/Non-nativeSpeciesList.................................................................................................... 119
B.5/RestorationandMonitoringData............................................................................................ 121B.5.1/St.LucieRiverMiles.......................................................................................................... 121B.5.2/HydrologicRestorationSiteMapandHistoricRivercourse............................................. 122B.5.3/TidalFluctuationinReconnectedFloodplain................................................................... 135B.5.4/BiologicalMonitoringatHydrologicRestorationSites..................................................... 136B.5.5/WoodstorkMonitoringData.............................................................................................. 137B.5.6/WaterQualityMonitoringMatrix....................................................................................... 138B.5.7/OysterReefMonitoringData............................................................................................ 139B.5.8/FloodplainElevation(LIDAR)Data.................................................................................. 144B.5.9/LandAcquisitionMaps.................................................................................................... 145B.5.10/AquaticPlantsSuitableforRestorationEfforts............................................................... 157B.5.11/StormwaterRunoffAnalysis............................................................................................ 158B.5.12/ClassIIIWaterQualityStandards................................................................................... 159B.5.13/ImpairedBasinsandTMDLDevelopmentSchedule..................................................... 165
B.6/FloridaNaturalAreasInventoryDescriptions......................................................................... 166
AppendixC/PublicInvolvement.................................................................................................... 169C.1/AdvisoryCommittee................................................................................................................ 169C.2/PublicScopingMeeting.......................................................................................................... 181C.3/FormalPublicMeeting............................................................................................................ 189
AppendixD/Goals,Objectives,andStrategiesTable................................................................. 195D.1/CurrentGoals,Objectives,andStrategiesTable.................................................................... 195D.2/BudgetTable........................................................................................................................... 199D.3/BudgetSummaryTable.......................................................................................................... 214D.4/MajorAccomplishmentssincetheApprovalofthePreviousPlan......................................... 215
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Part One
Basis for ManagementChapter One
IntroductionTheFloridaaquaticpreservesareadministeredonbehalfofthestatebytheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection’s(DEP)OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)aspartofanetworkthatincludes41aquaticpreserves,3NationalEstuarineResearchReserves(NERRs),aNationalMarineSanctuary,theCoralReefConservationProgramandtheFloridaOceansandCoastalCouncil.Thisprovidesforasystemofsignificantprotectionstoensurethatourmostpopularandecologicallyimportantunderwaterecosystemsarecaredforinperpetuity.Eachofthesespecialplacesismanagedwithstrategiesbasedonlocalresources,issuesandconditions.
OurexpansivecoastlineandwealthofaquaticresourceshavedefinedFloridaasasubtropicaloasis,attractingmillionsofresidentsandvisitors,andthebusinessesthatservethem.Florida’ssubmergedlandsplayimportantrolesinmaintaininggoodwaterquality,hostingadiversityofwildlifeandhabitats(includingeconomicallyandecologicallyvaluablenurseryareas),andsupportingatreasuredqualityoflifeforall.Inthe1960s,itbecameapparentthattheecosystemsthathadattractedsomanypeopletoFloridacouldnotsupportrapidgrowthwithoutscience-basedresourceprotectionandmanagement.Tothisend,statelegislatorsprovidedextraprotectionforcertainexceptionalaquaticareasbydesignatingthemasaquaticpreserves.
TitletosubmergedlandsnotconveyedtoprivatelandownersisheldbytheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund(theTrustees).TheGovernorandCabinet,sittingastheTrustees,actasguardiansforthepeopleoftheStateofFlorida(§253.03,FloridaStatutes[F.S.])andregulatetheuseofthesepubliclands.Throughstatute,theTrusteeshavetheauthoritytoadoptrulesrelatedtothemanagementofsovereigntysubmergedlands(FloridaAquaticPreserveActof1975,§258.36,F.S.).Ahigherlayerofprotectionisaffordedtoaquaticpreservesincludingareasofsovereigntylandsthathavebeen“setasideforeverasaquaticpreservesorsanctuariesforthebenefitoffuturegenerations”dueto“exceptionalbiological,aesthetic,andscientificvalue”(FloridaAquaticPreserveActof1975,§258.36,F.S.).
Anhingas use the North Fork St. Lucie River for foraging and breeding.
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Thistraditionofconcernandprotectionoftheseexceptionalareascontinues,andnowincludes:theRookeryBayNERRinSouthwestFlorida,designatedin1978;theApalachicolaNERRinNorthwestFlorida,designatedin1979;andtheGuanaTolomatoMatanzasNERRinNortheastFlorida,designatedin1999.Inaddition,theFloridaOceansandCoastalCouncilwascreatedin2005todevelopFlorida’soceanandcoastalresearchpriorities,andestablishastatewideoceanresearchplan.Thegroupalsocoordinatespublicandprivateoceanresearchformoreeffectivecoastalmanagement.ThisdedicationtotheconservationofcoastalandoceanresourcesisaninvestmentinFlorida’sfuture(SeeMap1).
Polk
Collier
Marion
Lake
Levy
Osceola
Taylor
Bay
Miami-Dade
Palm Beach
Hendry
Volusia
Broward
Dixie
Leon
Walton
ClayGulf
Orange
Lee
Liberty
Pasco
Alachua
Jackson
Highlands
Brevard
Glades
Baker
Citrus
Okaloosa
Hardee
Santa Rosa
Duval
MartinDeSoto
Madison
Hillsborough
Monroe
Sumter
Nassau
Wakulla
Putnam
Flagler
Calhoun
Suwannee
Holmes
St. Lucie
Lafayette
Hamilton
Charlotte
Gadsden
Franklin
Hernando
Union
Seminole
Manatee
Columbia
Escambia
Jefferson
Sarasota
Okeechobee
St. Johns
Washington
Gilchrist
Indian River
Bradford
Pinellas
Coupon Bight
Lignumvitae Key
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay -Cape Florida
to MonroeCounty Line
Cape Romano -Ten Thousand Islands
Rookery Bay
Estero Bay
PineIslandSound
Matlacha PassCape Haze
Lemon Bay
Gasparilla Sound -Charlotte Harbor
LoxahatcheeRiver - LakeWorth Creek
Jensen Beachto Jupiter Inlet
Indian River -Vero Beachto Fort Pierce
Indian River -Malabar toVero Beach
Banana River
North Fork,St. Lucie
MosquitoLagoon
TomokaMarsh
Pellicer Creek
Guana River Marsh
Nassau River -St. Johns
River Marshes
Fort Clinch
Terra Ceia
CockroachBay
WekivaRiver
OklawahaRiver
RainbowSprings
PinellasCounty
Boca CiegaBay
St. MartinsMarsh
Big BendSeagrasses
AlligatorHarbor
LakeJackson
ApalachicolaBay
St.Joseph
Bay
St. Andrews
RockyBayou
Yellow RiverMarsh
Fort Pickens
Gulf of Mexico
AtlanticO
cean
GeorgiaAlabama
0 50 10025Miles ±
Aquatic PreservesNational Estuarine Research Reserves
Florida Keys National Marine SanctuaryCoral Reef Conservation Program
Rookery Bay
Guana - Tolomato - Matanzas
Apalachicola
December 2006
Aquatic Preserves layer maintained by: Office of Coastal andAquatic Managed Areas, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd, MS 235,Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000, 850-245-2094
Aquatic Preserves include all the state-owned submergedlands within their boundaries. This map is not intendedfor use for determination of wetlands or land ownership.
Map � / Aquatic preserve and CAMA system map.
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1.1 / Management Plan Purpose and Scope
Withincreasingdevelopment,recreationandeconomicpressures,ouraquaticresourceshavethepotentialtobesignificantlyimpacted,eitherdirectlyorindirectly.Thesepotentialimpactstoresourcescanreducethehealthandviabilityoftheecosystemsthatcontainthem,requiringactivemanagementtoensurethelong-termhealthoftheentirenetwork.Effectivemanagementplansfortheaquaticpreservesareessentialtoaddressthisgoalandeachsite’sownsetofuniquechallenges.Thepurposeoftheseplansistoincorporate,evaluateandprioritizeallrelevantinformationaboutthesiteintoacohesivemanagementstrategy,allowingforappropriateaccesstothemanagedareaswhileprotectingthelong-termhealthoftheecosystemsandtheirresources.
ThemandatefordevelopingaquaticpreservemanagementplansisoutlinedinSection18-20.013andSubsection18-18.013(2)oftheFloridaAdministrativeCode(F.A.C.).Managementplandevelopmentandreviewbeginswiththecollectionofresourceinformationfromhistoricaldata,researchandmonitoring,andincludesinputfromindividualCAMAmanagersandstaff,areastakeholders,andmembersofthegeneralpublic.Thestatisticaldata,publiccomment,andcooperatingagencyinformationisthenusedtoidentifymanagementissuesandthreatsaffectingthepresentandfutureintegrityofthesite,itsboundaries,andadjacentareas.Thisinformationisusedinthedevelopmentandreviewofthemanagementplan,whichisexaminedforconsistencywiththestatutoryauthorityandintentoftheAquaticPreserveProgram.Eachmanagementplanisevaluatedperiodicallyandrevisedasnecessarytoallowforstrategicimprovements.Intendedtobeusedbysitemanagersandotheragenciesorprivategroupsinvolvedwithmaintainingthenaturalintegrityoftheseresources,theplanincludesscientificinformationabouttheexistingconditionsofthesiteandthemanagementstrategiesdevelopedtorespondtothoseconditions.
Toaidintheanalysisanddevelopmentofthemanagementstrategiesforthesiteplans,fourcomprehensivemanagementprogramsareidentified.Ineachofthesemanagementprograms,relevantinformationaboutthespecificsitesisdescribedinanefforttocreateacomprehensivemanagementplan.Itisexpectedthatthespecificneedsorissuesareuniqueandvaryateachlocation,butthefourmanagementprogramswillremainconstant.Thesemanagementprogramsare:
•EcosystemScience•ResourceManagement•EducationandOutreach•PublicUse
Inaddition,uniquelocalandregionalissuesareidentified,andgoals,objectivesandstrategiesareestablishedtoaddresstheseissues.Finally,theprogramandfacilityneedsrequiredtomeetthesegoalsasidentified.Thesecomponentsareallkeyelementsinaneffectivecoastalmanagementprogramandforachievingthemissionofthesites.ThisdocumentservesasanupdatetotheoriginalNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlanadoptedonMay22,1984(FloridaDepartmentofNaturalResources[DNR],1984).
1.2 / Public Involvement
CAMArecognizestheimportanceofstakeholderparticipationandencouragestheirinvolvementinthemanagementplandevelopmentprocess.CAMAisalsocommittedtomeetingtherequirementsoftheSunshineLaw(§286.011,F.S.):
•Meetingsofpublicboardsorcommissionsmustbeopentothepublic;•Reasonablenoticeofsuchmeetingsmustbegiven;and•Minutesofthemeetingsmustberecorded.
Severalkeystepsaretobetakenduringmanagementplandevelopment.First,stafforganizesanadvisorycommitteecomprisedofkeystakeholders.Next,staffadvertisesandconductsoneormorepublicmeetingstoreceiveinputfromstakeholdersontheconcernsandperceivedissuesaffectingeachofthesites.ThisinputisusedinthedevelopmentofadraftmanagementplanthatisreviewedbyCAMAstaffandtheadvisorycommittee.Aftertheinitialreviews,thestaffadvertisesandconducts,inconjunctionwiththeadvisorycommittee,additionalpublicmeetingstoengagethestakeholdersforfeedbackonthedraftplanandthedevelopmentofthefinaldraftofthemanagementplan.ForadditionalinformationabouttheadvisorycommitteeandthepublicmeetingsrefertoAppendixC-PublicInvolvement.
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Chapter Two
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas
2.1 / Introduction
TheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP)protects,conservesandmanagesFlorida’snaturalresourcesandenforcesthestate’senvironmentallaws.TheDEPistheleadagencyinstategovernmentforenvironmentalmanagementandstewardshipandcommandsoneofthebroadestchargesofallthestateagencies,protectingFlorida’sair,waterandland.TheDEPisdividedintothreeprimaryareas:RegulatoryPrograms,LandandRecreation,andPlanningandManagement(SeeFigure1).Florida’senvironmentalprioritiesincluderestoringAmerica’sEverglades;improvingairquality;restoringandprotectingthewaterqualityinoursprings,lakes,riversandcoastalwaters;conservingenvironmentally-sensitivelands;andprovidingcitizensandvisitorswithrecreationalopportunities,nowandinthefuture.
TheOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)istheunitwithintheDEPthatmanagesmorethanfourmillionacresofsubmergedlandsandselectcoastaluplands.Thisincludes41aquaticpreserves,3NationalEstuarineResearchReserves(NERRs),theFloridaKeysNationalMarineSanctuaryandtheCoralReefConservationProgram.ThethreeNERRs,theFloridaKeysNationalMarineSanctuaryandtheCoralReefConservationProgramaremanagedincooperationwiththeNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA).
CAMAmanagessitesinFloridafortheconservationandprotectionofnaturalandhistoricalresourcesandresource-basedpublicusethatiscompatiblewiththeconservationandprotectionoftheselands.CAMAisastrongsupporteroftheNERRsystemanditsapproachtocoastalecosystemmanagement.TheStateofFloridahasthreedesignatedNERRsites,eachencompassingatleastoneaquaticpreservewithinitsboundaries.RookeryBayNERRincludesRookeryBayAquaticPreserveandCapeRomano-TenThousandIslandsAquaticPreserve;ApalachicolaNERRincludesApalachicolaBayAquaticPreserve;andGuanaTolomatoMatanzasNERRincludesGuanaRiverMarshAquaticPreserveandPellicerCreekAquaticPreserve.TheseaquaticpreservesprovidediscreteareasdesignatedforadditionalprotectionbeyondthatofthesurroundingNERRandmayaffordafoundationforadditionalprotectivezoninginthefuture.
EachoftheFloridaNERRmanagersservesasaregionalmanageroverseeingmultipleotheraquaticpreservesintheirregion.ThismanagementstructureadvancesCAMA’sabilitytomanageitssitesaspartofthelargerstatewidesystem.
Mature oaks provide shade for fishermen at White City Park.
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2.2 / Management Authority
Establishedbylaw,aquaticpreservesaresubmergedlandsofexceptionalbeautythataretobemaintainedintheirnaturalorexistingconditions.Theintentwastoforeversetasidesubmergedlandswithexceptionalbiological,aesthetic,andscientificvaluesassanctuaries,calledaquaticpreserves,forthebenefitoffuturegenerations.
Thelawssupportingaquaticpreservemanagementarethedirectresultofthepublic’sawarenessofandinterestinprotectingFlorida’saquaticenvironment.Theextensivedredgeandfillactivitiesthatoccurredinthelate1960sspawnedthiswidespreadpublicconcern.In1966,theBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund(theTrustees)createdthefirstaquaticpreserve,EsteroBay,inLeeCounty.
In1967,theFloridaLegislaturepassedtheRandallAct(Chapter67-393,LawsofFlorida),whichestablishedproceduresregulatingpreviouslyunrestricteddredgeandfillactivitiesonstate-ownedsubmergedlands.Thatsameyear,theLegislatureprovidedthestatutoryauthority(§253.03,FloridaStatutes[F.S.])fortheTrusteestoexerciseproprietarycontroloverstate-ownedlands.Alsoin1967,governmentfocusonprotectingFlorida’sproductivewaterbodiesfromdegradationduetodevelopmentledtheTrusteestoestablishamoratoriumonthesaleofsubmergedlandstoprivateinterests.AnInteragencyAdvisoryCommitteewascreatedtodevelopstrategiesfortheprotectionandmanagementofstate-ownedsubmergedlands.
In1968,theFloridaConstitutionwasrevisedtodeclareinArticleII,Section7,thestate’spolicyofconservingandprotectingnaturalresourcesandareasofscenicbeauty.ThatconstitutionalprovisionalsoestablishedtheauthorityfortheLegislaturetoenactmeasuresfortheabatementofairandwaterpollution.Laterthatsameyear,theInteragencyAdvisoryCommitteeissuedareportrecommendingtheestablishmentof26aquaticpreserves.
TheTrusteesactedonthisrecommendationin1969byestablishing16aquaticpreservesandadoptingaresolutionforastatewidesystemofsuchpreserves.In1975thestateLegislaturepassedtheFloridaAquaticPreserveActof1975(Act)thatwasenactedasChapter75-172,LawsofFlorida,andlaterbecameChapter258,PartII,F.S.ThisActcodifiedthealreadyexistingaquaticpreservesandestablishedstandardsandcriteriaforactivitieswithinthosepreserves.Additionalaquaticpreserveswereindividuallyadoptedatsubsequenttimesupthrough1989.
In1980,theTrusteesadoptedthefirstaquaticpreserverule,Chapter18-18,FloridaAdministrativeCode(F.A.C.),fortheadministrationoftheBiscayneBayAquaticPreserve.AllotheraquaticpreservesareadministeredunderChapter18-20,F.A.C.,whichwasoriginallyadoptedin1981.Theserulesapplystandardsandcriteriaforactivitiesintheaquaticpreserves,suchasdredging,filling,andbuildingdocksandotherstructuresthatarestricterthanthoseofChapter18-21,F.A.C.,whichapplytoallsovereigntylandsinthestate.
ThisplanisincompliancewiththeConceptualStateLandsManagementPlan,adoptedMarch17,1981bytheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundandrepresentsbalancedpublicutilization,specificagencystatutoryauthority,andotherlegislativeorexecutiveconstraints.TheConceptualStateLandsManagementPlanalsoprovidesessentialguidanceconcerningthemanagementofsovereigntylandsandaquaticpreservesandtheirimportantresources,includinguniquenaturalfeatures,seagrasses,endangeredspecies,andarchaeologicalandhistoricalresources.
ThroughdelegationofauthorityfromtheTrustees,theDEPandCAMAhaveproprietaryauthoritytomanagethesovereigntylands,thewatercolumn,spoilislands(whicharemerelydepositsofsovereigntylands),andsomeofthenaturalislandsandselectcoastaluplandstowhichtheTrusteesholdtitle.
Enforcementofstatestatutesandrulesrelatingtocriminalviolationsandnon-criminalinfractionsrestswiththeFloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommissionMarinePatrol,DEPlawenforcement,andlocallawenforcementagencies.EnforcementofadministrativeremediesrestswithCAMA,theDEPDistricts,andWaterManagementDistricts.
2.3 / Statutory Authority
ThefundamentallawsprovidingmanagementauthorityfortheaquaticpreservesarecontainedinChapters258and253,F.S.ThesestatutesestablishtheproprietaryroleoftheGovernorandCabinet,sittingastheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund,asTrusteesoverallsovereigntylands.Inaddition,thesestatutesempowertheTrusteestoadoptandenforcerulesandregulationsformanagingallsovereigntylands,includingaquaticpreserves.TheFloridaAquaticPreserveActwasenactedbytheFloridaLegislaturein1975andiscodifiedinChapter258,F.S.
ThelegislativeintentforestablishingaquaticpreservesisstatedinSection258.36,F.S.:“ItistheintentoftheLegislaturethatthestate-ownedsubmergedlandsinareaswhichhaveexceptionalbiological,
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aesthetic,andscientificvalue,ashereinafterdescribed,besetasideforeverasaquaticpreservesorsanctuariesforthebenefitoffuturegenerations.”Thisstatement,alongwiththeotherapplicablelaws,providesafoundationforthemanagementofaquaticpreserves.Managementwillemphasizethepreservationofnaturalconditionsandwillincludelandsthatarespecificallyauthorizedforinclusionaspartofanaquaticpreserve.
ManagementresponsibilitiesforaquaticpreservesmaybefulfilleddirectlybytheTrusteesorbystaffoftheDEPthroughdelegationofauthority.OthergovernmentalbodiesmayalsoparticipateinthemanagementofaquaticpreservesunderappropriateinstrumentsofauthorityissuedbytheTrustees.CAMAstaffservesastheprimarymanagerswhoimplementprovisionsofthemanagementplansandrulesapplicabletotheaquaticpreserves.CAMAdoesnot“regulate”thelandsperse;rather,thatisdoneprimarilybytheDEPDistricts(inadditiontotheWaterManagementDistricts)whichgrantregulatorypermits.TheFloridaDepartmentofAgricultureandConsumerServicesthroughdelegatedauthorityfromtheTrustees,mayissueproprietaryauthorizationsformarineaquaculturewithintheaquaticpreservesandregulatesallaquaculturalactivitiesasauthorizedbyChapter597,FloridaAquaculturePolicyAct,F.S.Staffevaluatesproposedusesoractivitiesintheaquaticpreserveandassessesthepossibleimpactsonthenaturalresources.ProjectreviewsareprimarilyevaluatedinaccordancewiththecriteriaintheAct,Chapter18-20,F.A.C.,andthismanagementplan.
CAMAstaffcomments,alongwithcommentsofotheragenciesandthepublicaresubmittedtotheappropriatepermittingstaffforconsiderationintheirissuanceofanydelegatedauthorizationsinaquaticpreservesorindevelopingrecommendationstobepresentedtotheTrustees.ThismechanismprovidesabasisfortheTrusteestoevaluatepublicinterestandthemeritsofanyprojectwhilealsoconsideringpotentialenvironmentalimpactstotheaquaticpreserves.Anyactivitylocatedonsovereigntylandsrequiresaletterofconsent,alease,aneasement,orotherapprovalfromtheTrustees.
ManyprovisionsoftheFloridaStatutesthatempowernon-CAMAprogramswithinDEPorotheragenciesmaybeimportanttothemanagementofCAMAsites.Forexample,Chapter403,F.S.,authorizesrulesconcerningthedesignationof“OutstandingFloridaWaters”(OFW),aprogramthatprovidesaquaticpreserveswithadditionalregulatoryprotection.Chapter379,F.S.,regulatessaltwaterfisheries,andprovidesenforcementauthorityandpowersforlawenforcementofficers.Additionally,itprovidessimilarpowersrelatingtowildlifeconservationandmanagement.Thesheernumberofstatutesthataffectaquaticpreservemanagementpreventsanexhaustivelistofallsuchlawsfrombeingprovidedhere.
2.4 / Administrative Rules
Chapters18-18,18-20and18-21,F.A.C.,arethethreeadministrativerulesdirectlyapplicabletotheusesallowedinaquaticpreservesspecificallyandsovereigntylandsgenerally.Theserulesareintendedtobecumulative,meaningthatChapter18-21,F.A.C.,shouldbereadtogetherwithChapter18-18,F.A.C.,orChapter18-20,F.A.C.,todeterminewhatactivitiesarepermissiblewithinanaquaticpreserve.IfChapter18-18,F.A.C.,orChapter18-20,F.A.C.,aresilentonanissue,Chapter18-21,F.A.C.,willcontrol;ifaconflictisperceivedbetweentherules,thestricterstandardsofChapter18-18,F.A.C.,orChapter18-20,F.A.C.,supersedethoseofChapter18-21,F.A.C.BecauseChapter18-21,F.A.C.concernsallsovereigntylands,itislogicaltodiscussitsprovisionsfirst.
Originallycodifiedin1982,Chapter18-21,F.A.C.,ismeant“toaidinfulfillingthetrustandfiduciaryresponsibilitiesoftheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundfortheadministration,managementanddispositionofsovereigntylands;toinsuremaximumbenefitanduseofsovereigntylandsforallthecitizensofFlorida;tomanage,protectandenhancesovereigntylandssothatthepublicmaycontinuetoenjoytraditionalusesincluding,butnotlimitedto,navigation,fishingandswimming;tomanageandprovidemaximumprotectionforallsovereigntylands,especiallythoseimportanttopublicdrinkingwatersupply,shellfishharvesting,publicrecreation,andfishandwildlifepropagationandmanagement;toinsurethatallpublicandprivateactivitiesonsovereigntylandswhichgeneraterevenuesorexcludetraditionalpublicusesprovidejustcompensationforsuchprivileges;andtoaidintheimplementationoftheStateLandsManagementPlan.”
Tothatend,Chapter18-21,F.A.C.,containsprovisionsongeneralmanagementpolicies,formsofauthorizationforactivitiesonsovereigntylands,andfeesapplicableforthoseactivities.“Activity,”inthecontextoftherule,includes“constructionofdocks,piers,boatramps,boardwalks,mooringpilings,dredgingofchannels,filling,removaloflogs,sand,silt,clay,gravelorshell,andtheremovalorplantingofvegetation”(Rule18-21.003,F.A.C.).Tobeauthorizedonsovereigntylands,activitiesmustbenotcontrarytothepublicinterest(Rule18-21.004,F.A.C.).
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Chapter18-21,F.A.C.,alsosetspoliciesonaquaculture,geophysicaltesting(usinggravity,shockwaveandothergeologicaltechniquestoobtaindataonoil,gasorothermineralresources),andspecialeventsrelatedtoboatshowsandboatdisplays.OfparticularimportancetoCAMAsitemanagement,itadditionallyaddressesspoilislands,preventingtheirdevelopmentinmostcases.
Chapters18-18and18-20,F.A.C.,applystandardsandcriteriaforactivitiesintheaquaticpreservesthatarestricterthanthoseofChapter18-21,F.A.C.Chapter18-18,F.A.C.,isspecifictotheBiscayneBayAquaticPreserveandismoreextensivelydescribedinthatsite’smanagementplan.Chapter18-20,F.A.C.,isapplicabletoallotheraquaticpreserves.Itfurtherrestrictsthetypeofactivitiesforwhichauthorizationsmaybegrantedforuseofsovereigntylandsandrequiresthatstructuresthatareauthorizedbelimitedtothosenecessarytoconductwaterdependentactivities.Moreover,forcertain
activitiestobeauthorized,“itmustbedemonstratedthatnootherreasonablealternativeexistswhichwouldallowtheproposedactivitytobeconstructedorundertakenoutsidethepreserve”(Paragraph18-20.004(1)(g),F.A.C.).
Chapter18-20,F.A.C.,expandsonthedefinitionof“publicinterest”byoutliningabalancingtestthatistobeusedtodeterminewhetherbenefitsexceedcostsintheevaluationofrequestsforsale,lease,ortransferofinterestofsovereigntylandswithinanaquaticpreserve.Therulealsoprovidesfortheanalysisofthecumulativeimpactsofarequestinthecontextofprior,existing,andpendinguseswithintheaquaticpreserve,includingbothdirectandindirecteffects.
Chapter18-20,F.A.C.,directsmanagementplansandresourceinventoriestobedevelopedforeveryaquaticpreserve.Further,theruleprovidesprovisionsspecifictocertainaquaticpreservesandindicatesthemeansbywhichtheTrusteescanestablishneworexpandexistingaquaticpreserves.
Aswithstatutes,aquaticpreservemanagementreliesontheapplicationofmanyotherDEPandoutsideagencyrules.Perhapsmostnotably,Chapter62-302,F.A.C.,concernstheclassificationofsurfacewaters,includingcriteriaforOFW,adesignationthatprovidesforthestate’shighestlevelofprotectionforwaterquality.AllaquaticpreservescontainOFWdesignations.NoactivitymaybepermittedwithinanOFWthatdegradesambientwaterqualityunlesstheactivityisdeterminedtobeinthepublicinterest.Onceagain,thelistofotheradministrativerulesthatdonotdirectlyaddressCAMA’sresponsibilitiesbutdoaffectCAMAsitesissolongastobeimpracticaltocreatewithinthecontextofthismanagementplan.
Figure 1 / State structure for managing aquatic preserves.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
SECRETARY
LawEnforcement
DeputySecretary
Regulatory Programs
Siting Coordinator
Waste Management
Water Res. Mgmt.
Air Res. Mgmt.
Labs
RegulatoryDistricts
DeputySecretaryLand &
Recreation
Chief of Staff
Office of Ombudsman
Communications
DeputySecretary
Planning &Management
Strategic Planning
AdministrativeServices
IntergovernmentalPrograms
LegislativeAffairs
National EstuarineResearch Reserve
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Coral ReefConservation Program
Florida Oceans &Coastal Council
Aquatic Preserves
Greenways& Trails
State Lands
Cabinet Affairs
Recreation& Parks
Coastal & Aquatic Managed Areas
Geology
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Chapter Three
The North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
3.1 / Description of Representative Ecosystem Region
�.�.� / Historical Background
TheearliestknownsettlersintheSt.LuciewatershedweretheAisandSeminoleIndians.TheAiswerefirstdocumentedin1568occupyinglandsadjacenttotheSt.LucieRiver(SLR)butweredecimatedby1763whentheBritishtookpossessionofFlorida.Aftertheirdisappearance,theSeminoles(amixofMicossukee,Creek,andChoctaw)occupiedFlorida.TheNorthForkwasusedbytheSeminoleIndiansasatransportationroutelinkingtheSLRareawiththelowerSt.JohnsRivermarshestothenorthwest.TheSeminoleswerebelievedtousetheseroutesinseasonalhuntingexcursionsfromtheSt.JohnsmarshestoHutchinsonIslandwheretheywouldhuntbear(Ursus americanus)andWestIndianmanatee(Trichechus manatus).TheNorthForkwasalsousedintheSeminoleWarsofthe1800s.Largemilitaryforcesarebelievedtohavetraveledthroughthisareaduringthe1838wintercampaignofGeneralJessupduringtheSecondSeminoleWar.
TheearliestEuropeansettlementsalongtheSLRdatebacktothe1890satSpruceBluffandWhiteCity.SpruceBluffwasthefirstorganizednon-Indiansettlement.ThesmallScandinaviancommunity,locatednearpresentdayNorseman’sHarborinPortSt.Lucie,includedasmallschoolhouse,sawmill,postoffice,andasmall(seven-person)cemetery.SpruceBluffisnowdesignatedasa97-acrepublicrecreationareaownedandmanagedbySt.LucieCounty.WhiteCitywascolonizedbyasmall,mid-westernDanishgroup.Thename“WhiteCity”wasinspiredbythelargewhitebuildingsobservedbytheDanishsettlersatthe1896ChicagoWorldFair.MidwayRoad,WhiteCity’smainthoroughfareandthepreserve’snorthernboundary,wasnamedafterMidwayPlaisance,thefair’smainentertainmentattractionthatfeaturedtheoriginalFerrisWheelandBuffaloBill’sWildWestShow(Burgess,2007).
PriortoEuropeansettlement,theSLRwasafreshwatersystemthatdrainedintotheIndianRiverLagoon(IRL).ThecreationofSt.LucieInletin1892connectedtheIndianRiverLagoontotheAtlanticOceanatthemouthoftheSLR.Thisprojectultimatelyconvertedthefreshwatertributarytoariverineestuary(freshwaterintheupperreachesandsaltwaterinthemiddleandlowersections).ThisuniquesalinitygradientchangedthenaturalresourcesfoundintheSLR.Therivernowservesasanimportantbroodingandnurserygroundformigratoryfish,suchassnook(Centropomusspp.),snapper(Lutjanusspp.),andopossumpipefish(Microphis brachyurus lineatus)thatrequireestuarineandfreshwatertocompletetheirlifecycle.
Ebbing tides at St. Lucie Inlet show the connectivity of Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River and its watershed, the Indian River Lagoon, and the nearshore reefs. (Photo taken by Chris Perry.)
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ConstructionoftheCentralandSouthernFlorida(C&SF)FloodControlProjectduringtheearlyandmid-1900sfurtherchangedthedynamicsanddiversitywithintheSLRbyalteringthedistribution,timing,andflowofwaterreachingtheriver.TheC&SFProject,authorizedbyseveralfederalfloodcontrolacts,wasprimarilydesignedtoaddressfloodcontrolanddrainageforlandreclamationincentralandsouthernFlorida.TheC&SFcanalsinMartinandSt.Luciecounties(C-44,C-23,andC-24)formadirectconnectionbetweentheSouthForkandLakeOkeechobee,andhaveexpandedtheNorthForkSLRwatershed(SeeMap2).Drainageofthewatershedallowsforconversionofnaturallandtoagriculturalandurbandevelopments.AnunprecedentedpopulationincreaseadjacenttotheNorthForkbeganin1958.Asof2006,theCityofPortSt.Luciehadapproximately144,159residentslivingwithina112squaremilearea–ahigherpopulationthanWestPalmBeach(97,500in2005)(UniversityofFlorida[UF],2007).ImpactsfromtheconstructionofdrainagecanalsandagriculturalandurbandevelopmentpracticesextendintotheIRLwherewatereitherflowsnorthtoFt.PierceInlet,southintoPeck’sLakeoroutSt.LucieInlettonearshorereefswithinSt.LucieInletPreserveStatePark(Byrne&Patino,2004;Smith,unpublisheddata).
AfloodcontrolprojectdirectlyimpactingtherateatwhichwaterflowedthroughtheNorthForktotheMiddleEstuarywassimultaneouslybeingconductedbytheNorthSt.LucieWaterControlDistrict(NSLWCD)andU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers(USACE)fromthe1920stothe1940s.TheprojectfocusedonstraighteningportionsoftheNorthForktopromoterapiddrainageofwatertotheMiddleandLowerestuariesandeventuallytheAtlanticOcean.Intheprocessofstraighteningtheriver,thedredgedspoilwaspiledintoberms(mounds)alongthebanksofthenewchannel.Thesespoilpiles,whichcanmeasureupto50feetwideand25feettall,blockformerriverbendsandoxbowsaswellasisolatealargeportionoftheNorthForkfloodplain(PBS&J,2003).Historically,theslowandmeanderingpathoftheNorthForkallowedsuspendedsolidstosettleoutofthewatercolumnandnutrientstobefilteredbyfloodplainandshorelinevegetation.ThedirectrivercoursedoesnotallowtheNorthForktofunctionasitoncedid,whichaffectsthewaterqualityandsedimentloadsreachingtheestuary.
TheSLRisdividedintofoursections:NorthFork,SouthFork,MiddleEstuary,andLowerEstuary.A16-mileportionoftheNorthForkwasdesignatedasanaquaticpreserve(APorpreserve)in1972toprotecttheaesthetic,biological,andscientificvalueforfuturegenerations(SeeMap3).Becauseofits
geographiclocationandtidalconnectionthroughSt.LucieInlet,theaquaticpreservesupportshighspeciesdiversityandservesasanimportantnurserygroundforavarietyoffishandwildlife(SeeMap2).Diversehabitats,whichcurrentlyrangefromfreshwatertidalswampstoestuarinemangroveforestsandoysterreefs,arekeytothewiderangeofdiversityinthepreserve.
Today,large-scalerestorationprojectshavebeenidentifiedthatwillallowwatermanagementpracticestoimprovethesalinityregimeandwaterqualityintheSLR.TheseprojectscallforstateandfederalfundingtoimprovetheenvironmentalqualityandmanagementoftheNorthernEverglades(SLRandIRLinMartinandSt.Luciecounties).
_̂
[
[
[[
[[
§̈¦95
LakeOkeechobee
Martin County
St. Lucie County
Ft. Pierce Inlet
St. LucieInlet
County Line Canal (C-23)
St. Lucie Canal (C-44)
C-23
C-24
Ten Mile Creek
Five
C-24 (Diversion Canal)
IndianRiver Lagoon
AtlanticO
cean
S-49
S-97
S-80
S-308
Martin County
St. Lucie County
LoxahatcheeRiver
MileCreek
St. LucieInlet
PreserveState
Park
SavannasPreserve
StatePark
_̂ Southeast Florida Aquatic Preserves Field OfficeAquatic Preserves
State ParksË SFWMD Structures
±£¤1
NorthFork
SouthFork
Estuary
Lower Estuary
Middle
0 6 123Miles
January 2009
Map � / Connectivity of the St. Lucie River to Lake Okeechobee and the nearshore reefs within St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park.
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�.�.� / General Description
International/National/State/RegionalSignificance
TheSLRreceivesfederalandstateattentionthroughitsconnectiontotheIndianRiverLagoon(IRL),LakeOkeechobee,andnearshorecoralreefsanditsdesignationasanAquaticPreserve(SeeMap3).TheIRLisoneofthemostbiodiverseestuariesinNorthAmerica(Swainetal.,1995).AsthelargesttributaryoftheIRL,theSLRhasbeenintegratedintotheIRLNationalEstuaryProgram(NEP),apartnershipbetweenwatermanagementdistrictsandtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.TheSt.LucieconnectiontoLakeOkeechobee(viatheC-44canal)makestherestorationprojectsinthepreserveanditswatershedthenorthernmostcomponentoftheComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlan(CERP).ThemouthoftheSLRisadjacenttoSt.LucieInlet,thenorthernmostextentoftropicalcoralreefsonFlorida’seastcoast.ThereefsimmediatelysouthofSt.LucieInlet(inSt.LucieInletPreserveStatePark)areexposedtoriverinewatersfromtheSLRandIRLduringoutgoingtides.TheseMartinCountyreefshavebeenincorporatedintoFlorida’sCoralReefConservationProgram,apartnershipbetweentheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA)andFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP).Asastateaquaticpreserve,theNorthForkSLRisdesignatedasanOutstandingFloridaWaters(pursuanttoChapter62-302F.A.C.).
TheSLRprovidesrelativelycontiguoushabitatforfishandwildlife.Thewidesalinityrange(freshupperreachesandsalinelowerreaches)andassociatedhabitatsintheNorthForkareuniquetotheregionandserveasaproductivenurseryandspawninggroundforrecreationallyandcommerciallyimportantspeciesoffishandwildlife.SeveralrarefishspeciesthatrelyonatidalsystemwithwidesalinityrangesforoneormorephasesoftheirlifecyclearelimitedtothetributariesoftheIRL,suchastheSLR.Adjacentstateandcounty-ownedpubliclandswithnaturalshorelinesprovideawildlifecorridorwhichconnectsavarietyofnaturalcommunitiesandfacilitatesawildernessexperiencethatiseasilyaccessibletotheresidentsofWhiteCity,PortSt.Lucie,andStuart.
Location/Boundaries
TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve(NFSLRAP)islocatedinsoutheastFlorida,approximately40milesnorthwestofWestPalmBeach.MostofthepreserveiswithinSt.LucieCounty,andcontinuessouthintoMartinCounty.MuchofthepreservelieswithinthecityofPortSt.Lucie,anestablishedbutunincorporatedcommunitywithinSt.LucieCounty,locatedapproximatelytwomilessouthofFt.Pierce.AportionofthepreservelieswithinthecityofStuartandtwoestablishedbutunincorporatedcommunitieswithinMartinCounty:JensenBeachandPalmCity.
ThepreserveisboundedonthenorthbyMidwayRoadinWhiteCity.ThesouthernpreserveboundaryextendsfromCoconutPointinStuart(northshore)toJenkinsPointinPalmCity(south
Ë
Ë
ForkPoint
PendarvisPoint
CoconutPoint
JenkinsPoint Dyer
Point
Savannas PreseveState Park
Halpatiokee Nature Trails
Midway Rd.
S t. Lucie West Prima Vista Blvd.
IndianRiver Lagoon
Walton Rd.
Port St. Lucie Blvd.
S-49
S-97
Jensen Beach Blvd.
Murphy Rd.
Mapp Rd.
C-23 (County Line Canal)St. Lucie County
Martin County
Evans
Cre ek
B lvd.
C-24 (Diversion Canal)
C-23A
LongCreek
MudCove
KitchingCove
HowardCreek
BrittCreek
BlakesleeCreek
WintersCreek
BesseyCreek
./1
§̈¦95
Gulf of Mexico
AtlanticO
ceanMartin County
St. Lucie County
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve
Ë SFWMD Structures
±0 1 20.5Miles
January 2009
Map � / North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve site map.
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shore)justwestoftheRooseveltBridge(U.S.Highway1)inMartinCounty(SeeMap3).Theeasternandwesternboundariesencompassthestate-ownedsovereignsubmergedlandsoccurringbelowthemeanhighwater(MHW)linetowhichthestateholdstitle.Thepreserveisapproximately16mileslongthrough
thenaturalriverbends(SeeAppendixB.5.1).Itis0.01miles(53feet)wideatthenorthernboundary,and0.7miles(3,696feet)wideatthesouthernboundary.
Thepreserverunsroughlyparalleltoseveralmainhighways;itisapproximatelythreemileseastoftheFloridaTurnpike,fivemileseastofInterstate95,and0.5milewestofU.S.Highway1.Fivebridgescurrentlycrosstheaquaticpreserve:1)MidwayRoadatthenorthernboundary,2)PrimaVistaBoulevard,approximatelyfourmilessouthofthenorthernboundary,3)PortSt.LucieBoulevard,approximately10milessouthofthenorthernboundary,4)MappRoad,and5)MurphyRoad,bothovertheC-23Canalatthesouthwestboundary.
Thepreservecurrentlycontainsfourpublicboatramps,threepubliccanoestopovers,andonepublicmarina(SeeMap4).Thefourpublicboatrampsinclude:1)WhiteCityPark,2)RiverParkMarina,3)Veteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate,and4)ClubMed-Sandpiper.ThethreecanoestopoversarelocatedatSt.LucieCounty’sOxbowEco-Center,IdabelleIsland,andSavannasPreserveStatePark-HalpatiokeeCanoeandNatureTrail.WiththeexceptionofClubMed-Sandpiper,publicaccesspointstothepreserveareassociatedwithadjacentpubliclandsandaremanagedbylocalandstateagencies.AsofJune2007,379privatesingle-familydocks,12privatemulti-slipdocks,andeightprivateboatrampsprovideadditionalaccesstothepreserve(SoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,unpublisheddata).Theseprivatefacilitiesreducecongestionatpublicaccesspoints.
TheheadquartersfortheNFSLRAPistheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves(SEFLAP)FieldOffice,locatedat3300LewisStreetinFt.Pierce,Florida34981.TheofficeissituatedonpubliclandmanagedbytheSavannasPreserveStateParklocatedattheconfluenceofFiveMileandTenMilecreeks.TheheadquartersisapproximatelytwomilesnorthoftheaquaticpreserveboundaryatMidwayRoad.
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
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Midway Rd.
Port St. Lucie Blvd.
Prima
1
2
7
4
Vista
Blvd.
£¤1
8
3
Aquatic Preserve Access Points
1 White City Park
2 River Park Marina
3 Veteran's Memorial Park at Rivergate
4 Club Med - Sandpiper
Canoe Stopovers within the Preserve
5 Idabelle Island
6 Oxbow Eco-Center
7 Savannas Preserve State Park
Marina with Public Restaurant
8 Club Med - Sandpiper
Public Amenities
6
5
January 2009
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve!( Boat Ramp!( Canoe Stopover!( Marina
0 1 20.5Miles ±January 2009
Ve
terans Me m
oria
l
Pa
rkw
ay
Map 4 / North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve public amenities.
Public Amenities
Aquatic Preserve Access Points
1. White City Park
2. River Park Marina
3. Veteran’s Memorial Park at Rivergate
4. Club Med - Sandpiper
Canoe Stopovers within the Preserve
5. Idabelle Island
6. Ocbow Eco - Center
7. Savannas Preserve State Park
Marina with Public Restaurant
8. Club Med - Sandpiper
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�.�.� / Resource Description
Theinformationinthissectiondescribestheresourcesfoundthroughouttheaquaticpreserve.
SurroundingPopulationDataandFutureProjectedChanges
Between2000and2007Florida’spopulationmorethandoubled(17%)thatofthecountry(7%)(U.S.CensusBureau,n.d.).DuringthesametimeperiodMartinCounty’spopulationincreased13%andSt.LucieCounty’spopulationincreased41%,morethanfivetimestherateofthecountry(Schenker,n.d.).WhilethenumberofunincorporatedresidentsofMartinandSt.LuciecountiesandtheCityofStuartincreasedasimilar14%,13%,and13%,respectively,thepopulationoftheCityofPortSt.Lucieexperiencedadramaticincreaseof75%(Schenker,n.d.).TheexponentialgrowthofPortSt.LucieissupportedbytheconversionofnaturalandagriculturallandslocatedwestofInterstate95tolarge-scaledevelopmentsofregionalimpact.
TheestimatedpopulationsofMartinandSt.LuciecountieshavemorethandoubledsinceadoptionoftheoriginalNFSLRAPManagementPlanin1984(Schenker,n.d.).By2019,whenthenextmanagementplanrevisionisscheduled,thepopulationsofMartinandSt.Luciecountiesareprojectedtoincreasebyanadditional28%.Theincreasinglocalpopulationaffectsthepreserveincomplexways,andlong-termpopulationprojectionsmustbetakenintoconsiderationfortheprotectionoflocalnaturalresources.Projectionsfor2030indicatethatthepopulationsofMartinandSt.Luciecountieswillincreasebyanadditional56%fromthe2008statistics(UF,2007).Atthattime,boththecitiesofStuartandPortSt.Luciewillhavereachedcompletebuild-outinwhichalllotshaveeitherbeenbuiltuponorarebeingusedforanotherspecificpurpose(Castellano,2004;MartinCountyGrowthManagementDepartment,2005).Studieshaveshownthatbetween1990and2003thepopulationincreaseofMartinandSt.Luciecountieswasprimarilyfromnewpeoplemovingintothearea(UF,2007).
TopographyandGeomorphology(surfacefeaturesandformation)
TheNorthForkSLRwatershedisdefinedbyfourphysiogeographicregions(regionswithdifferinglandcharacteristics).TheNorthForkSLRitselfislocatedintheEasternValleyregionwithinSt.LucieCounty,whichisborderedtothesouthwestbytheOsceolaPlainandtotheeastbytheAtlanticCoastalRidge(SeeMap5).Thisvalleyiscomposedoflong,low,narrowridgesrangingfrom15to30feetinelevation.TheGreenRidgeextendsfromwesternPortSt.LuciealongInterstate95totheC-44Canal.TheheadwatersoftheNorthForkdraintheEasternValleybetweentheOsceolaPlainandtheAtlanticCoastalRidge.Naturaltopography(surfacefeatures)intheNorthForkSLRwatershedisgenerallyflatwithfewnaturalrises.Adjacentuplandelevationsincrease10feetandconsistsofscrub,scrubbyflatwoods,
The Southeast Florida Aquatic Preserves Field Office.
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andpineflatwoodshabitats.Mostofthepreserveisbetweenoneandfivefeetelevationandconsistsofwetlandcommunitiesincludingtidalandfloodplainswampandforest.Tallerfeaturesinthewatershedallaremanmadeandincludebridges,roads,highrisebuildings,communicationtowers,spoilpiles,andwatercontrolstructuressuchaspumpstations,canals,andlevees.
SectionsoftheNorthForkSLRwerestraightenedbetweenthe1920sand1940sbyNSLWCDandUSACEfornavigationandfloodcontrolpurposes.Theassociatedspoilwaspiledasmuchas25feethighand50feetwidealongthenewly-createdchannel.Theexistingspoildepositshaveformedanon-contiguousbermthathasisolatedhistoricfloodplainsandcutoffoldriverbends(SeeMap6)(PBS&J,2003).
InadditiontoincreasingbankelevationsalongtheNorthFork,theC&SFFloodControlProjectexpandedtheNorthForkwatershedandalteredassociatedtopographyanddrainagepatterns.ProjectcanalsandassociatedcontrolstructureswithintheNorthForkwatershedincludetheC-44,C-23,andC-24canalsandtheS-80,S-97,andS-49structures.Priortodrainage,wetseasonrainspooledbroadlyacrosstheSLRwatershed.Whensheetflow(waterflowacrossaflatsurface)occurreditmovedtowardthenaturallylowerelevationssurroundingtheNorthForkSLR,fromthenorthwesttothesoutheast.Theconstructionofadrainagecanalsystemhasresultedincontrolleddischargesofwaterfromwesttoeastthroughtheprimarycanalsystemwhichisfedbynumerousfeedercanalsandditchesthatcrisscrossthewatershed.HistoricalflowsfromtheNorthandSouthForksoftheSLRhavedecreased,andlargevolumesofwaternowentertheMiddleEstuary.StormwaterrunofftotheNorthForkhistoricallyaccountedfor60%ofallsurfacewaterflowstotheSt.LucieEstuary(SLE).Approximately25%ofthesurfacewaterrunoffcurrentlyflowstotheestuarythroughthathistoricroute.FreshwaterrunoffintotheMiddleEstuaryhasincreasedsubstantially(from3%to25%throughBesseyCreek)asaresultofthecanals.Historically,mostrainwaterwasabsorbedbytheregion’swetlandsystem,whichreducedtheamountofnutrientsandsedimentreachingtheriverduringthewetseasonandincreasedtheamountofgroundwaterreachingthepreserveduringthedryseason.
Geology(rockstructure)
TheSLRanditswatershedarecomprisedofcoastallowlandswhichformedduringtheadvanceandretreatofglaciersduringthemostrecenticeage(PleistoceneEpoch).Theregioncontainsfoursurface
geologicformations:Holocene,Holocene/Pleistocene,Pleistocene,andPliocene.Themostrecentformedover10,000yearsagoduringtheHoloceneandconsistsprimarilyofsand,clay,andorganics.Itoccursnearthecoastlineatelevationslowerthanfivefeet.TheHolocene/PleistoceneformationisassociatedwiththeAtlanticCoastalRidge,andiscomposedprimarilyofsandlocatedalongthebeachridgeanddunes.TheAnastasiaformation,whichformedduringthePleistoceneover1.8millionyearsago,iscomposedoflimestone,coquina,andsand.ThisformationliesundertheAtlanticCoastalRidgefromSt.John’sCountysouthtoPalmBeachCounty.Itcanbeexposedalongthecoast,andextendsupto20milesinland.The
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Map � / Physiographic regions within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed.
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Anastasiaformationispartofthesurficialaquifersystem.ThePlioceneformationdatesbacktoover5.3millionyearsandcontainssomeofthemostabundantanddiversefossilsintheworld.Thesecomplexsediments,composedofshells,sand,andclay,confoundtheoriginofthisformation.OncecategorizedastheCaloosahatcheeformation,itisnowknownastheTertiary-Quaternaryshellunit.ThesefoursurfacegeologicformationsoverliebasementrocksoftheFloridaPlatform,includingPrecambrian-Cambrianigneousrocks,Ordovician-Devoniansedimentaryrocks,andTriassic-Jurassicvolcanicrocks(Scott,2001).
SedimentanalysesoftheSLRhavedocumentedthetransitionfromcoarse,well-sortedsandsalongtheshallowmarginsoftherivertofinesiltandclayparticles(muck)inthedeepestareasoftheNorthFork(SeeMap7)(Haunert,1988;Shropp,McFetridge,&Taylor,1994).IncomparisontoothersitesintheSLR,theNorthForkshowedtheleastamountofsandandthemostmud,silt/clay,andooze(softdecayingorganicmatter).WhilemappingseagrassintheSLR,IbisEnvironmental,Inc.(2007)documentedonetothreefeetofsiltsubstrateintheNorthFork(KitchingCovetoBesseyCreek)comparedwith2-18inchesintheSouthForkandinfrequentoccurrencesintheMiddleandLowerEstuary.ThehighconcentrationsoffinegrainsedimentsintheNorthForknegativelyimpactthehealthandabundanceoftheseagrassandoysterreefswithinthepreserve(Chamberlain&Hayward,1996).
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Map � / The pre-altered ���� rivercourse and berm locations associated with the straightening process along Ten Mile Creek, Five Mile Creek, and the North Fork St. Lucie River upstream of Prima Vista Boulevard.
Figure5-1N
Projection: State Plane, East Zone
SubstrateSt. Lucie Estuary, Florida
1 0 1 2 Miles
Primary Substrate1 Rocks/Gravel2 Oyster Bar/Dense Shell3 Coarse/Medium Firm Sand4 Well Sorted Fine Sand5 Mucky/Muddy Fine Sand6 Firm Mud/Clays/Silts7 Muck/Organics/Detritus8 Muck9 Ooze
Legend
Map � / Sediment type and location in the St. Lucie River (URS Greiner Woodward Clyde, ����).
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HydrologyandWatershed
ThehydrologyoftheNorthForkanditsheadwaterswasalteredintheearlytomid1900stosupportthegrowingdemandsofdevelopment(agriculturalandurban)andnavigation.ThisbeganwithanetworkofagriculturalandresidentialcanalsanddrainagesmanagedbytheNSLWCD,SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict(SFWMD),theCityofPortSt.Lucie,theCityofFt.Pierce,andSt.LucieCounty.PriortothesedrainageeffortstheNorthForkSLRwatershedencompassed187squaremiles(119,732acres)(SeeMap8).Theprimarycanalsystem,developedaspartoftheC&SFFloodControlProject,includestheC-44(St.LucieCanal),C-23(CountyLineCanal),andC-24(DiversionCanal).AlthoughtheC-23andC-24aretheonlyprimarycanalsthatdraindirectlyinthepreserve,waterfromtheC-44(consistingofwatershedrunoffandwaterreleasedfromLakeOkeechobee)entersthesouthernsectionoftheNorthForkduringfloodingtides(Murdock,1954a).TheportionofthepreservemostinfluencedbydischargefromtheC-44isalsothemostsuitableareaforoystersandseagrasswhichcanbenegativelyaffectedbyprolongedexposuretoexcessiveamountsoffreshwater.Constructionofthesecanalshasexpandedthewatershedto821squaremiles(525,440acres)inSt.LucieandMartincountiesbydivertingflowsfromtheareasthatwerehistoricallyintheSt.JohnsRiverorLakeOkeechobeebasinstotheNorthFork(SeeMap8).
Alterationandexpansionofthehistoricwatershedcoupledwithecologically-degradinglandusepracticeshavesetthestageforthecurrentimpairedconditionoftheNorthForkandmostotherSLRwatershedbasins(SeeMap9).Historicwetlandecosystems,mostlypineflatwoodsanddryprairieswithdepressionalwetlands,facilitateddynamicwatershedstorageandsheetflow.Reducedmovementthroughnaturalfeatureskeptwetlandsfloodedandprovidedformovementofgroundwatertotheriverduringthedryseason.ThismadehistoricwetlandsandestuarieslessvulnerabletoFlorida’svariablerainfall.
TherateatwhichwatermovedthroughboththeSLRanditswatershedwasfurtherincreasedin1922whentheUSACEandNSLWCDbegandredgingtheheadwaters,TenMileCreek,andtheupperreachesoftheNorthForkforfloodcontrolandnavigation.Spoildepositedalongthenewly-createdchannelisolatedbothfloodplainhabitat(primarilytidalswampandhydrichammock)andoxbows(blackwater
river)fromtheoriginalrivercourse(SeeMap6)(PBS&J,2003).FiveMileCreekwasalsostraightenedforfloodcontrol.Today,FiveandTenMilecreeksarecanalswithsteepbanksandnarrowremainsoffloodplainhabitatsdegradedbydensestandsofnon-nativevegetation(mostlyBrazilianpepper(Schinus terebinthifolius)).Withtheexceptionoftwohydrologicrestorationsites,(oneoxbowandonefloodplainreconnectionsite)completedin2002-2003,theseareasremainisolatedfromtheexistingmainriverchannel.Thus,asignificantportionoftheriver’spotentialnaturalfiltrationofnutrientsandsedimentsisnotutilizedtoitsfullcapacity.
BathymetricdatafortheSLRhasbeencollectedbetween1872and2007
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve
Current WatershedHistoric WatershedSFWMD Canals
Hydrology0 2 41
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Map � / Hydrologic alterations within historic and current watersheds of the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.
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(Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998;SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,unpublisheddata).Themostrecentmap,producedbySFWMDin1998,indicateslittlechangehasoccurredneartheshorelinessince1944(Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998).Themostsubstantialbathymetricchangeshaveoccurredinthedeeper,morecentral,zonesoftheNorthForkcharacterizedbyhighamountsoffinesediment.Datashowsanaccumulationofsedimentfrom0.5to4feetinsomeareassince1963(SeeMap10)(Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998;URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999).
AccumulationofmuckintheSLRbegan4,000yearsagowhentheSLRwasdeeperandmainlyfreshwater(SeeFigure2)(He,Stoffella,Calvert,Zhang&Yang, 2003).Recentconstructionandoperationofmajorcanals,urbandevelopment,agriculturalpractices,andstraighteningoftheNorthForkSLRarebelievedtohaveacceleratedthenaturalprocessofmuckformationthatcurrentlyplaguesthissystem(Schrader,1984;Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998;PBS&J,2003;St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.,2004).
AcomprehensivestudyofmuckintheSLRwascompletedbySt.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.(2004)inresponsetoregulatoryandpublicpolicyissuesconcerningmuckanditsremoval.Conclusionsfromthereportindicatethat:
1.MucksedimentsintheSLEoriginatefromuplandswithinthewatershed(Schrader,1984;He etal.,2003);
2.Althoughmuckaccumulatedwithinthesystempriortoanthropogenicchangestothewatershed,accumulationrateshavedramaticallyincreasedwithinthepast200years(Schrader,1984;He etal.,2003);
3.SeveralmuckdepositswithintheSLRaregreaterthan15feetdeep(St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.,2004);
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Map � / Impaired waters within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed.
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Figure � / Sedimentation trends in the St. Lucie River (He et al., �00�).
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4.Toxicand/orhazardouscharacteristicsofSt.Luciemucksedimentsarebelowstateandfederalstandardsfortoxicand/orhazardousclassification(He,Zhang,Stoffella,Calvert,&Wilson, 2001);
5.Muckremovedduringpilotprojectshashighsaltcontentthatcomplicatesapplicationonagriculturallands(Heetal.,2001;Heetal.,2003);
6.Cost-effectivebeneficialusesofSLRmucksedimentsremaintobeidentified(He,Stoffella,Zhang,Calvert,Banks,Yang&Yu,2004);
7.Sedimenttrapsshouldbeexcavatedinthedeepestmuckdepositstobestcontrolturbidityasitisexpectedthatloosesurfacelayersfromshallowareaswillgraduallymigratetothedeepertraps(St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.,2004);and
8.Finalmuckdisposalshouldfocusonsimpleuplandcontainmentknowingthatpotentialbeneficialusesareaffectedbytheuplanddisposalsitedesign(St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.,2004).
Today,muchofthewatershedrunofffromtheNorthForkdrainagebasinsflowsquicklyfromsmaller,residentialcanalsintolargecanalsthatcrossthecoastalridge(C-23andC-24)insteadofbeingdetained,evaporated,cleansed,andheldbynaturalsystems.Thisdrainagesystemhasbecomeanimportantsourceofirrigationwaterandfreezeprotectionforagriculturallands.Rainfall,groundwater,andinflowfromtheFloridanAquiferreplenishsurfacewaterstoredinthecanals.Priortolarge-scalecitrusexpansioninthe1960s,canalstorageinSt.LucieCountywasadequatetomeetirrigationdemands.However,drainageandsubsequentdevelopmentofthelargewetlandareasinwesternSt.LucieCountyhavedepletedmuchofthehistoricsurfacewaterstoragesites.RapidmovementofexcessstormwaterproducedduringthewetseasontotheNorthForkcoupledwithincreaseddemandforwaterforagricultureandurbanusesresultinanunnaturallyhighvolumeofwaterreachingtheNorthForkinthe
wetseasonandalowvolumeofwaterduringthedryseason(USACE&SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],2004).
Ongoing Restoration Projects in the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
CERP
TheCERPisacomponentoftheC&SFRestudyReportof1999thatwasformulatedtoachieveecologicalrestorationoftheGreaterEvergladesEcosystem(Everglades,theFloridaKeys,andthecontiguousnearshorecoastalwatersofSouthFlorida)whileprovidingforotherwaterresourceneedsoftheregion.TheIndianRiverLagoon-South(IRL-S)Project,aregionalcomponentofCERP,includes$1.2billioninprojectstobecost-sharedbetweenSFWMDandUSACE(SeeMap11).Itspurposeistomakethestructuraland
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Bathymetry (Feet)-25 to -18-18 to -12-12 to -6-6 to -3-3 to 0
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Map �0 / Bathymetry of the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve and surrounding watershed elevations
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operationalchangesnecessaryinMartinandSt.Luciecountiestoimprovethequalityoftheenvironment,theprotectionoftheaquifer,andtheintegrity,capability,andconservationofurbanandagriculturalwatersupplies.SpecificcomponentsproposedintheIRL-SProjectthatwilldirectlyimpactthequalityofthepreserveincludereservoirs,stormwatertreatmentareas(STAs),naturalstorageandtreatmentareas,NorthForkfloodplainrestoration,diversionofflow,muckremoval,andcreationofartificialhabitat.
Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area
AnotherprojectdeemedcriticaltotherestorationoftheSouthFloridaecosystemistheTenMileCreekWaterPreserveArea(WPA).ThisprojectlieswithintheTenMileCreekbasin,whichcontributesalargevolumeofstormwatertotheheadwatersoftheNorthForkSLR(SeeMap11).The550-acrereservoirand110-acreSTAfacilityareintendedtocleansestormwaterrunoffenteringTenMileCreekandcreateamorenaturalsalinityrangeintheSLR.ThiscriticalrestorationprojectwillgreatlyenhancetheabilitytomaintainappropriatesalinitiesinthepreserveandhelpoffsetthedamagingeffectsofreleasesthroughC&SFcanalsuntilcomponentsoftheIRL-Scanbeimplemented.ConstructionoftheTenMileCreekWPAbeganinAugust2003andwascompletedinDecember2005.ItiscurrentlyintheInterimOperationalPhase,consistingofcarefulobservationsandassessmentofsiteconditions.Continuedevaluationofsiteconditionsandoperationalfactorswillbeon-goinguntilthefacilitybecomesfullyoperational.
Hydrologic Restoration
AneedsassessmentforhydrologicrestorationoftheNorthForkanditsheadwaterswasdraftedbyPBS&JinJune2003.ThestudyhighlightssuitablefloodplainandoxbowreconnectionsitestohelpoffsethydrologicimpactstotheSLR(SeeAppendixB.5.2).Theserestorationprojectsalignwiththegoalsoutlinedinthe1993IRLSurfaceWaterImprovementManagement(SWIM)Planandthe2004IRL-SProjectImplementationReport(PIR)NorthForkFloodplainRestorationcomponent.Approximately324acresoffloodplainwetlandsalongtheNorthForkcanbehydrologicallyreconnectedtotheriver(PBS&J,2003).Itisexpectedthatfundsdirectedatfloodplainandoxbowreconnectionswillpromoteashiftfromhabitathomogeneity(channels)tohabitatheterogeneity(oxbows,meanders,streams,braids,andsheetflowacrosswetlands),decreasesedimentation,andimprovewaterqualityconditions.Thus,hydrologicrestorationactivitiesintheupperreachesoftheNorthForkareexpectedtoimprovedownstreamconditionsandwillhelpsupportrecruitmentandlong-termestablishmentofoystersandseagrassinthesouthernportionofthepreserve.
Climate
TheNorthForkSLRislocatedinasubtropicalclimate.Theaverageannualrainfallinthewatershedisapproximately55inches,withthemajorityoccurringfromMaytoOctober(wetseason)asaresultofthunderstormevents.Airtemperaturesrangefromthe90sinthesummertothe40sinthewinterwithanaveragemonthlytemperatureinthelow70s.Watertemperaturesrangefromthehigh80sinthesummertothehigh50sinthewinter(Gunter&Hall,1963;Chamberlain&Hayward,1996).HeavyraineventsandunpredictabletropicalstormsandhurricanesresultinincreasedfreshwaterinputsbetweenJuneandNovember.
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NFSLR Aquatic Preserve0 4 82
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Map �� / Large-scale restoration efforts within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed.
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Threehurricanesimpactedtheregionin2004-2005andnegativelyaffectedtheresourcesintheSLE(Switzer,Winner,Dunham,Whittington&Thomas,2006;L.Burgess,personalcommunication,September6,2007).HurricanesFrancesandJeanne(Categories2and3,respectively)madeunprecedentedlandfallsonly20daysapartinthesamelocationovertheIRLandSLRnearSt.LucieInletinSeptember2004.HurricaneWilmaarrivedfromthesouthwestandstrucktheareaasaCategory1hurricaneinOctober2005.Theeffectsofthehurricanescanstillbeseeninthenumberoffelledtrees,debris,derelictvessels,anddamageddocks.
HurricanescancauseanincreaseintheamountoffreshwaterreleasedthroughtheC-23,C-24,andC-44canalswhichcanalterthespeciesmakeupwithinthepreserve(Switzeretal.,2006).Thesechangesaretemporarybutnoticeable.AfterhurricanesFrancesandJeanne,numbersofsaltwaterspeciessuchasstripedmullet(Mugil cephalus)andwhitemullet(Mugil curema)declinedintheNorthForkwhilefreshwaterandoligohaline(nearfreshwaterconditions)speciessuchasbluecrab(Callinectes sapidus),gizzardshad(Dorosoma cepedianum),andladyfish(Elops saurus)increased(Switzeretal.,2006).
NaturalCommunities
ThenaturalcommunityclassificationsystemutilizedinthisplanwasdevelopedbytheFloridaNaturalAreasInventory(FNAI)andtheFloridaDepartmentofNaturalResources(DNR).Thecommunitytypesaredefinedbyvegetationstructureandcomposition,hydrology,fireregime,topography,andsoiltype.Thecommunitytypesarenamedforthemostcharacteristicbiologicalorphysicalfeature(FloridaNaturalAreasInventory[FNAI]&FloridaDepartmentofNaturalResources[DNR],1990).FNAIalsoassignsglobal(G)andstate(S)rankstoeachnaturalcommunityandspeciesthatFNAItracks.Theseranksreflectthestatusofthenaturalcommunityorspeciesworldwide(G)andinFlorida(S).Lowernumbersreflectahigherdegreeofimperilment(e.g.G1representsthemostimperilednaturalcommunitiesworldwide,S1representsthemostimperilednaturalcommunitiesinFlorida).AppendixB.6providesafullexplanationoftheFNAIcommunitytypesandtherankingsystem.
TheIRLandSLRstraddlethetemperateandsubtropicalbiogeographiczones.SpeciesdiversityinthesystemisamongthehighestinNorthAmericaasitsupportsrepresentativespeciesfromeachzoneaswellasendemicspeciesthatarespecifictothisregion(Swainetal.,1995).Thepreserveiscomprisedofoligohalineandestuarinehabitattypesandissurroundedbyavarietyofuplandcommunitiesthat
The Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area is anticipated to reduce the nutrient, sediment, and pollutant loads of the water flowing into Ten Mile Creek and, consequently, the preserve.
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bufferthepreservefromoutsideinfluences(SeeMap12)(Teas,1971).DescriptionsandcurrentstatusofpreservelandsandbufferingnaturallandsusingFNAIcodesareprovidedindetailbelowandinabbreviatedforminAppendixB.6.TheprovidedFNAImapwascreatedusing2003FNAIdatafortheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverBufferPreserve(nowmanagedbySavannasPreserveStatePark)anda1999SFWMDnaturallandsgeographicinformationsystem(GIS)shapefilethatwerecrosswalkedtoFNAIclassifications.The2003FNAIdataservedastheprimarylayerandtheSFWMDmappingefforts,oncecrosswalkedtoFNAI,wereusedtofillgaps.Futureground-truthingisnecessarytodepicttheactualcoverageofeachhabitattype.SFWMDprovidedboththeoysterandseagrassGISdatausedinthisplan.Mollusk(oyster)reefdatawerecollectedin2003andalthoughhistoricallypresent,noseagrasseswerelocatedwithinthepreserveduringtheSJRWMD’s2007seagrassmappingeffort.FiveFNAIcommunitiesarecurrentlylocatedwithinthepreserveandanadditionalsevencommunitiesarelocatedadjacenttothepreserve(Table1).Aportionofthefloodplainconsistsofdredgedspoildepositsandisclassifiedasruderal/disturbed.TheglobalandstateranksforthecommunitieswithinthepreserveareallG3andS3,respectively,withtheexceptionofunconsolidatedsubstratewhichisconsideredG5andS5,respectively.TheglobalandstaterankingsystemsaredescribedinAppendixB.6.
NaturalCommunitieswithinthePreserve
MolluskReef-InFlorida,themostdevelopedmolluskreefsaregenerallyrestrictedtoestuarineareasandaredominatedbytheEasternoyster(Crassostrea virginica). RelativelylargeoysterbedsintheMiddleEstuary,smallbedsintheSouthFork,andscatteredbedsintheNorthForkwerefirstdocumentedintheearly1940s(Steward,Brockmeyer,Gostel,Sime&VanArman,2003;Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998).Likeseagrasses,theoysterpopulationinthepreservehasbeennegativelyaffectedbythequality,quantity,timing,anddistributionoffreshwaterenteringthesystemthroughwatercontrolstructures.Inadditiontohighersalinitylevels,oystersrequireahard(consolidated)substrateonwhichthespat(molluskjuveniles)settleandcompletedevelopment.Spatdieiftheysettleonsoft(unconsolidated)substratessuchassoftmudorshiftingsand.Hardsubstrates,andthereforeoysterreefs,arelimitedinthepreserveduetohighamountsoffineorganic(mucky)sediments(St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.,2004).Thelatestoysterreefmappingeffort(2003)showed31acresofmollusk(liveanddeadoyster)reefweredocumentedinthesouthern,moresaline,portionsofthepreserve.Predatorsincludeman,bluecrab,sheepshead(Archosargus probatocephalus),andblackdrum(Pogonias cromis).
UnconsolidatedSubstrates-Mostsubmergedlandswithinthepreserveareclassifiedasunconsolidatedsubstrate(2,247acres).ThisincludesonebeachinKitchingCove,areaswithsandandshellbottom,tidalmudflats,andsoftbottom.Estuarineunconsolidatedsubstratesaremineral-basednaturalcommunitiesgenerally
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Map �� / Natural lands within and adjacent to the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.
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characterizedasexpansive,relativelyopenareasthatlackdensepopulationsofattachedplantandanimalspecies.Whiletheseareasmayappearrelativelybarren,withintheNorthForktheysupportpopulationsofinsects,tubeworms,mollusks,isopods,amphipods,burrowingshrimp,crabs,andbottom-dwellingfishessuchasblennies,gobies,sleepers,andmangroverivulus(Rivulus marmoratus).Densitiesoftheseorganismsbelowthemeanlowwaterlinecanreachthetensofthousandspersquaremeter,makingtheseareasimportantfeedinggroundsforbottom-feedingfishsuchasredfish(Sciaenops ocellatus),flounder,spot(Leiostomus xanthurus),andsheepshead.Theareasabovethemeanlowwaterlineareextremelyimportantfeedinggroundsforbirdsandinvertebrates.Unconsolidatedsubstratecommunitiesareimportantinthattheywillformthefoundationforthedevelopmentofotherestuarinenaturalcommunitieswhenconditionsbecomeappropriate.Unconsolidatedsubstratecommunitiescurrentlygradeintotidalswamps,molluskreefs,andsmallpatchesofshort-livedseagrass.Gradationofunconsolidatedsubstrateintoseagrassbedsandoysterreefsisoneoftheprimarybiologicalgoalsoffederal,state,andlocally-fundedSLRrestorationprojects(Stewardetal.,2003;USACE&SFWMD,2004).
EstuarineTidalSwamp-Approximately535acresoftidalswampormangroveforestsarelocatedinthesouthern,moresalineportionofthepreserve.Thiscommunityisprimarilycomprisedofredmangrove(Rhizophora mangle)withoccasionalgiantleatherfern(Acrostichum danaeifolium)andcoastalplainwillow(Salix caroliniana).Thesehabitatsplayacriticalroleintheecologyoftheriverandtheestuary.Theyprotecttheshorelinefromerosionbyreducingwaveenergy,contributeheavilytotheinputoforganicmaterialtotheestuarinefoodweb,andprovidehabitatfornumerousestuarinefishes,crabs,andshrimps.Mangrovesalsoplayaroleastheprimaryroostingandnestingsiteforwadingbirdsandpelicans.Onewadingbirdrookery,madeoftwoadjacentmangroveislands,islocatedwithinthepreserve.Asof2008,theupstreamextentofmangrovesisroughlyonemilenorthofPrimaVistaBoulevard.FuturehydrologicchangeswithinthewatershedcanbemonitoredbyassessingmangrovesurvivalandrecruitmentalongtheNorthFork.InmanyareasBrazilianpepper,aninvasivenon-native,hasreplacedthemangroves.ThisispartiallytheresultofartificiallystraighteningtheNorthForkanditsheadwatersandtheopportunisticcharacterofBrazilianpepper.Non-nativeremovaleffortshavehistoricallyconcentratedonremovingpeppertreesfromthetidalswamps.Mangroveshavenaturallyrecruitedintoareaswherepeppertreesweretreatedwithherbicideandoneartificialcanalhasbeenplantedwithredmangrovesasamitigationproject.
FreshwaterTidalSwamp-Alargeportionofthepreserve,119acres,isclassifiedasfreshwatertidalswamp.Thishabitattypeoccursalongfloodplainsjustinland(upstream)fromthemangrovetidalswampsfoundinthepreserve.Theseareascontainnumerousspeciesincludinganoverstoryofpopash(Fraxinus
Oyster reefs in the preserve are susceptible to prolonged exposure to freshwater released from canals draining the watershed and Lake Okeechobee. (Photo taken by Heather Hitt at Florida Oceanographic Society.)
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caroliniana),laureloak(Quercus laurifolia),redmaple(Acer rubrum),pondapple(Annona glabra),dahoonholly(Ilex cassine),andcabbagepalm(Sabal palmetto)withagroundcoverofsaltbush(Baccharisspp.),wildcoffee(Psychotriaspp.),giantleatherfern,pimpernel(Samolussp.),buttonbush(Cephalanthus occidentalis),ardisias(Ardisiaspp.),swamplily(Crinum americanum),arrowhead(Sagittariasp.),andstoppers(Eugenia spp.andMyrcianthes fragrans).Thetallertreesandshrubsprovidehabitatforvariousvinesandepiphytes(plantsthatgrowonotherplants)suchaspoisonivy(Toxicodendron radicans),bromeliads(airplants[Bromeliaceae]),andorchids(Orchidaceae).Theswampsarefloodedtwicedailyinresponsetotidalcyclesandareoftenfedbyoxbowsandsloughs.TheyareextremelyvulnerabletohydrologicmodificationsandhavebeenimpactedbypastdredgingoperationsalongtheNorthFork.
Slough-Asloughisadepressionassociatedwithswampsandmarshlandscontainingareasofslightlydeeperwaterandaslowcurrent.Severalsloughs,totaling40acres,feedintotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.Mostsloughshavebeenchannelizedtofacilitatedrainageofstormwaterfromurbanareas.Thequalityofthiswaterisunknown,buttheNorthForkreceivesconsiderablestormwaterrunoffandmostofitappearstobeuntreated.Alteredsloughsaresusceptibletodisturbancecausedbyregularmaintenanceofdrainageeasements(e.g.non-nativeinvasions,erosion)andbyincreasedwatervolumeandflowfromstormwateralterationsandnewdevelopmentinthewatershed.Withinthepreserve,thesloughscontainwetlandspeciessuchasswamplily,arrowhead,pickerelweed(Pontedaria cordata),andleatherfern.Unalteredsloughsaredominatedbynativespecies.Thesloughbankscontainadiversearrayofspeciesincludingswamp(Persea palustris)andredbay(P. borbonia),popash,laureloak,pondapple,waxmyrtle(Myrica cerifera),saltbush,primrose(Ludwigia spp.),stoppers,wildcoffee,andvariousvinesandepiphytessuchaspoisonivy,bromeliads,andmuscadinegrape(Vitis rotundifolia).
Giant leather fern along the upper reaches of the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.
NaturalCommunities
FNAINaturalCommunityType #Acres %ofArea
FederalRank
StateRank Comments
MolluskReef 31 1 G3 S3 LiveanddeadoysterreefUnconsolidatedsubstrates 2,247 76 G5 S5TidalSwamp 535 18 G3 S3 EstuarinespeciesFreshwaterTidalSwamp 119 4 G3 S3 FreshwaterspeciesSlough 40 1 G3 S3
Table � / Natural communities within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.
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NaturalCommunitiesAdjacenttothePreserve
SeagrassBeds-Mappingeffortsindicatethatshoalgrass(Halodule wrightii) andwidgeongrass(Ruppia maritima)werehistoricallypresentalongtheshorelinesinthesouthernsectionofthepreserve.ThelastevidenceofseagrassseenintheNorthForkSLRwasanephemeralpatchofwidgeongrassobservedin2002(R.Robbins,personalcommunication,October31,2007).Alteredsalinityregimes(andaregularpatternoftheiroccurrence),poorwaterquality,andlimitedamountsofsuitablesubstratehavereducedtheabilityoftheNorthForktosupportthesevaluedecosystemcomponents(Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas,1998;USACE&SFWMD,2004;IbisEnvironmental,Inc.,2007).Muckdepositsthroughoutalargeportionofthesouthernsectionofthepreservehavereducedtheamountofpotentialsubmergedaquaticvegetation(SAV)habitattotheshallowedgeslinedwithahigherconcentrationofcoarse-grainsediments(SeeMap13).FutureCERPmuckremovaleffortsandwatershedrestorationprojectsareexpectedtofacilitatereestablishmentofseagrassbedsinthepreserve.
HydricHammock-Thehydrichammockfoundadjacenttothepreserveisdominatedbyhardwoods,suchasredmaple,sweetgum(Liquidambar styraciflua),swampandredbay,dahoonholly,laureloak,gumbolimbo(Bursera simaruba),intermingledwithcabbagepalm,waxmyrtle,andnumerousepiphytessuchaspoisonivy,bromeliads,andorchids.Hydrichammockshavewetsoilslessthan60daysoutoftheyearandsupportsparsegroundcoversuchasroyal(Osmunda regalis),bracken(Pteridium aquilinum),andcinnamonferns(O. cinnamomea),wildcoffee,andstoppers.
FloodplainMarsh–Theadjacentfloodplainmarshcommunityisgenerallyfoundinlowspotsandoxbows.Adensegroundcoverofsawgrass(Cladium jamaicense)andleatherfernexistswithasparseoverstoryoftreesandshrubs(suchascoastalplainwillowandwaxmyrtle)supportedbysaturatedsoils.Theherbaceousplantsaretwotofivefeettall.Floodplainmarshesareextremelyimportantashabitatforbirdsandjuvenileestuarineandfreshwaterorganismssuchasfishes,crabs,andshrimps.Non-nativespeciessuchasBrazilianpepperhaveheavilyinvadedthefloodplainmarshprimarilybecauseofintensefloodplainalterationassociatedwithstraighteningtheriverintheearly1900s.
FloodplainForest-Long-livedfloodplainforestsarelocateddirectlyadjacenttotheSLRasatransitionalzonebetweentheSLRandmesicandscrubbyhabitats.Theysupportmixedwetanddryhabitatassociatessuchasredmaple,coastalplainwillow,waxmyrtle,variousferns,andoaks.Theplantspeciesherearesimilartothoseofhydrichammocksandareverysusceptibletoactivitiesthatnegativelyimpactthehydrologyofthesite.Thefloodplainforestsalongthepreservealsosupportsawpalmetto(Serenoa repens),cabbagepalm,wildcoffee,androyal,bracken,leatherandcinnamonferns.
DepressionMarsh-Afewdepressionmarshesarelocatedadjacenttothepreservewithinflatwoodsorscrubbyhabitats.DepressionalmarshesgenerallycontainSt.Johnswort(Hypericumspp.),yellowhatpin(Syngonathus flavidulus),cattail(Typha latifolia),jointedspikerush(Eleocharis interstincta),pickerelweed,arrowhead,yellow-eyedgrass(Xyrissp.),redroot(Lachnanthes caroliniana),andchalkybluestem(Andropogon virginicus).Severalofthesemarsheshavebeenimpactedbyaltereddrainageandareinneedofrestoration.
ScrubbyFlatwoods–Scrubbyflatwoodsarewell-drainedandcommonlyfoundadjacenttoxerichammock
Map �� / Potential submerged aquatic vegetation habitat in the St. Lucie River (URS Greiner Woodward Clyde, ����).
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habitatsalongtheNorthFork.Theoaksinthiscommunityaredenseandaverage15feettall.Fireisessentialtomaintaincommunitybalanceandperpetuatefire-dependentspeciesbuthasbeenabsentfromthesehabitatsfordecades.TheoverstoryconsistsofscatteredsouthFloridaslashpine(Pinus elliotti var. densa)mixedwithsandpine(P. clausa)andlargescruboaks(live[Quercus virginiana],sandlive[Q. geminata],andmyrtle[Q. myrtifolia]).Thegroundcoverconsistsofsawpalmettowithgallberry(Ilex glabra),lyonias(Lyoniaspp.),tarflower(Befaria racemosa),blueberries(Vaccinium spp.),andoccasionalwiregrass(Aristida beyrichiana).
XericHammock-Pocketsofxerichammockoccuralongthepreserveinsandyareasadjacenttoscrubbyflatwoodhabitats.Thecommunityappearstobetheresultofdecadesoffiresuppressionandcontainsprimarilyscruboaks,withsawpalmetto,tarflower,lyonias,gallberry,blueberries,groundlichens,andoccasionallysandpine.Populationsofherbaceousgroundcoverarereduced.Thexerichammockhasbeenusedasaneducationaltooltoteachtheimportanceoffiretotheecologyofthearea.
AreasAdjacenttothePreserve
Ruderal/Disturbed-Theseareasrepresent178acresalongthepreserveandarecharacterizedbyhistoricalgrounddisturbance(loggingorclearing)andsubsequentinvasionbyprimarilynon-nativespeciessuchasBahiagrass(Paspalum notatum),Brazilianpepper,andCaesarweed(Urena lobata).Somenativespeciesremain,suchassawpalmetto,waxmyrtle,andmuscadinegrape.Approximately25,200linearfeetofshorelinealongthepreservefromForkPointtoMidwayRoadisfilledwithsedimentfromdevelopmentordredgespoil(SeeMap2)(USACE&SFWMD,2004).Thisincludessmallareasnearresidencesoftenassociatedwithcanalscreatedfordrainageandmodifiedriverbanksthatcontainriverbottomspoilfromthe1920sdredgingoperation.Thesemodifiedbanksgenerallycontainspeciesassociatedwiththefloodplainforestandhydrichammockcommunitiesfoundadjacenttothepreserve,includingverylargeoaks.Thesespoilareasoftenpreventriverwatermovementintotheadjacentfloodplain.Disturbedareasalsoincludedirtroadsanddrainageareas(swalesandbanks)comprisedofBahiagrass.
NativeSpecies
Duetothegeographiclocation,tidalconnectivitythroughSt.LucieInlet,andfreshwaterupperreaches,thepreserveisteemingwithauniquecombinationoftemperateandtropicalspeciesthattolerateawidesalinityrange(freshtoestuarine).Todate,over650nativespecies,includingfish,amphibians,
American alligators nest along the banks of the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve and its headwaters.
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reptiles,birds,mammals,invertebrates,plants,andphytoplankton,havebeenlocatedandidentifiedwithinthepreserveandadjacentfloodplain(SeeAppendixB.4.1forcompletelisting).Theonlyknownrookeryfortheendangered(federalandstate)woodstork(Mycteria americana)inSt.LucieCountyisinMudCove,withinthepreserve.Itsupportswoodstork,greategret(Ardea alba),snowyegret(Egretta thula),tricoloredheron(E. tricolor),andanhinga(Anhinga anhinga)populations.Therookeryandthesurroundingmangrovevegetationserveasimportantroostinghabitatforbrownpelican(Pelecanus occidentalis),littleblueheron(Egretta caerulea),nightheron(Nycticorax spp.),glossyibis(Plegadis falcinellus)andwhiteibis(Eudocimus albus).PreservespeciesthathavethepotentialtoaffectnestingsuccessintheserookeriesincludetheAmericanalligator(Alligator mississippiensis),bobcat(Lynx rufus),andraccoon(Procyon lotor).Theosprey(Pandion haliaetus)iscommonlyseennestinginthefloodplainandforagingwithinthepreserve.
TheWestIndianmanateeisoftenseeninthehistoricriverbendswithinthepreservewheretheyoccasionallyfeedonshorelinevegetationandreproduce(M.Meeker,personalcommunication,August13,2007;K.Cairnes,personalcommunication,August8,2007).Atleastthreespeciesofbats,theMexicanfree-tailed(Tadarida brasiliensis),evening(Nycticeius humeralis),andEasternyellow(Lasiurus intermedius),residewithinthepreserveandareusuallyseenfeedingatdusk.TheMexicanfree-tailedbatisthemostcommonspeciesandcanbefoundontheundersideofbridgesandinsidebuildings.TheEasternyellowbatistheleastcommonspeciesandisusuallyfoundinpalmtrees(K.Gioeli,personalcommunication,August21,2007).Batsfeedoninsects,includingmosquitoesandagriculturalpests,andthereforeplayacriticalroleinreducingtheneedforchemicalpesticidesnearaquaticareas(U.S.GeologicalSurvey[USGS],2003).
Thesalinityrangecoupledwiththeemergentvegetationandredmangrovescreateproductivenurseryhabitatforcommerciallyimportantspeciesincludingthebluecrab,cinnamonrivershrimp(Machrobrachium acanthurus),penaeidshrimp(pink[Farfantepenaeus duorarum],brown[F. aztecus],andwhite[Penaeus setiferus]),andseveralspeciesoffishincludingsnapper,snook,tarpon(Magalops atlanticus),mullet(Mugilspp.),drum(Sciaenidae),sheepshead,andpompano(Carangidae).Freshwaterspeciesintheupperreachesofthepreserveincludecrappie(Pomoxisspp.),bass(Serranidae),andsunfish(Lepomisspp.).
ListedSpecies
Thepreserveprovidesvaluablehabitatandprotectionforavarietyofrareandprotectedspecies.Currently33listedspecies(11plants,2fish,5reptiles,13birds,and2mammals)andthreecommerciallyexploitedplantspecieshavebeendocumentedinandadjacenttothepreserve(SeeAppendixB.4.1.).Anadditional20rarespecies(includingfish,reptiles,andbirds)supportedbythepreservehavebeenidentifiedbytheFloridaCommitteeonRareandEndangeredPlantsandAnimals(FCREPA)(Ashton,1992;SeeAppendixB.4.1.).TherareplantlistcreatedbyFCREPAisoutdated(R.Ashton,personalcommunication,January29,2009).RareplantspecieswithinandadjacenttothepreservewillbeincludedintheNFSLRAPspecieslistonceanupdateddocumenthasbeenpublishedbyFCREPA.
Themangroverivulusandopossumpipefish aretheonlytwofederally-listedfishspeciesinthepreserve.ThesespecieshaveaverylimiteddistributionwithinthecontinentalUnitedStates(U.S.)andhaveuniquehabitatrequirementsthatshouldbeprotectedtothegreatestextentpossible.ThemangroverivulusisatropicalkillifishthatiswidelydistributedfromFloridatoBrazilbutlocallyrareasitreachesthenorthernextentofitsrangeonbothcoastsincentralFlorida(Taylor,1993;Taylor,Davis&Turner,1995).ThisspecieswaslistedbyNOAANationalMarineFisheriesService(NMFS)asaSpeciesofSpecialConcern(SSC)in1997.
Theopossumpipefishisacircum-tropical(organismswhichoccuraroundthetropicsoftheworld)speciesthatwasdesignatedasanSSCthroughNOAANMFSin1991andThreatenedbyFCREPAduetohabitatdestruction(associatedwithseawall,dock,andriprapconstruction),isolationfromhabitatduetowatercontrolstructuresanddegradedwaterquality.PredictablebreedingadultpopulationsinFloridaarelimitedtothetributariesoftheIRL(e.g.St.LucieandLoxahatcheerivers)(Gilmore,1992;1999).
TheAmericanalligatorandFloridabrownsnake(Storeria dekayi victa)aretheonlylistedreptilesthatinhabitthepreserve.Alligatorsareafederally-listedthreatenedspeciesandastate-listedSSCbecauseoftheirsimilarityinappearancetotheendangeredAmericancrocodile(Crocodylus acutus). Alligatorsaremostcommoninthemajorriverdrainagebasins,suchasthetributariestotheIRLandlargelakesincentralandsouthFlorida.Theyaretolerantofpoorwaterqualityandarecommonlyseeninlocaldrainagecanals,retentionponds,andditches.Varioussizeshavebeenobservedwithinthepreserveandbreedingisknowntooccuralongtheriverbanks(Teas,1971;G.Evans,personalcommunication,
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November15,2007;D.Wade,personalcommunication,November15,2007).TheFloridabrownsnakeisthreatenedatthestatelevelandresidesinthemarshesanduplandsadjacenttothepreserve,buttheyfeedonfishcollectedintheNorthFork.
TheWestIndianmanateeistheonlylistedmammal(endangeredatboththefederalandstatelevel)foundwithinthepreserve.Spanningfreshtooceanwater,theyhavebeenobservedusinghistoricriverbends,whichareshallowerandlesstraveledthanthemainchannel,asbreedinggrounds.Oneofthelargestpotentialthreatstomanateesinthepreserveisboatstrikes.TheSherman’sfoxsquirrel(Sciurus niger shermani),listedthroughthestateasanSSC,canbefoundadjacenttothepreservewithinSavannasPreserveStatePark.
Severallistedbirdspeciesutilizethepreserve(SeeAppendixB.4.1).Thewoodstork,bothfederallyandstate-listedasendangered,andseveralSSC,includinglittleblueheron,osprey,snowyegret,andtricolorheron, usethepreserveasbreedinggroundsfromFebruarythroughJulyeachyear(Griffin,Morris,Rodgers&Snyder,accepted).Mostofthesespeciesareregularlyseenforagingwithinthepreserve,evenoutsidethebreedingseason.Thebrownpelican,anSSC,usesthemangrovesforroostingbuthavenotbeenobservedtobuildnestsalongtheNorthFork.ThelossordegradationofwetlandsincentralandsouthFloridaistheprimarythreattowoodstorksandotherwadingbirds.
SeveralspecieswithinthepreservehavebeendesignatedbytheFCREPAasrareduetolimitedavailabilityofsubtropicalaquatichabitatanddegradationofhabitatqualityinFlorida.Theseincludeanimalssuchastropicalperipheralfish(thosethatareonorneartheedgeoftheirgeographicalrange)thataremorecommonlyseenintheCaribbean.FourtropicalfishareknowntooccuralongtheNorthForkandareconsideredindicatorspeciesduetotheirspecifichabitatrequirements(Beal,Hitt,Herren,Kaufmann&Hauck,2006;USACE&SFWMD,2004).Thesefourfish,thebigmouthsleeper(Gobiomorus dormitor),rivergoby(Awaous banana),slashcheekgoby(Gobionellus psuedofasciatus),andopossumpipefish,arelistedasthreatenedbyFCREPA(Ashton,1992).Anadditionalrarefishspecies,themangroverivulus, islistedbyFCREPAasanSSC(Ashton,1992).ThelargestU.S.populationsofthreeraresnookspecies,thefatsnook(Centropomus parallelus),theswordspinesnook(C. ensiferus),andthetarponsnook(C. pectinatus),havealsobeendocumentedintheNorthForkSLR(Bealetal.,2006;G.Gilmore,personalcommunication,February1,2008;Dutka-Gianelli,unpublisheddata).Ichthyologists(scientiststhatstudythebiologyandecologyoffish)believethatmanyoftheabovespecieswarrantconsiderationforpossiblelistingundertheEndangeredSpeciesAct(ESA)of1973(G.Gilmore,personalcommunication,February1,2008).
Mangrove rivulus are rare and hearty fish generally associated with great land crab (Cardisomaguanhumi) burrows and areas of low oxygen. (Image provided by Dr. Scott Taylor.)
Wood stork chicks at the Mud Cove Rookery.
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InvasiveNon-nativeSpecies
LikemostwaterbodiesinFlorida,thepreserveishometonon-nativespeciesthatcompetewithnativeresidentsforfoodandspace.Severalnon-nativespecieshavebeenidentifiedwithinandalongtheNorthForkSLR(SeeAppendixB.4.2foracompletelisting).
Fishspeciesincludesailfishcatfish(Pterygoplichthysspp.),blue(Oreochromis aureus) andspottedtilapia(Tilapia mariae),walkingcatfish(Clarias batrachus),SouthAmericanbrownhoplo(Hoplosternum littorale),grasscarp(Ctenopharyngodon idella),andMayancichlid(Cichlasoma urophthalmus).Thesailfincatfishisthemostsuccessful,abundant,andwidespreadofthearmoredcatfishspeciesandisfoundthroughoutcentralandsouthFlorida.FrequentsightingsindicatethatareproductivepopulationexistsintheNorthForkSLR.BluetilapiahybridswerepositivelyidentifiedintheNorthForkSLRin2006(Gilmore,unpublisheddata).NativetoNorthAfricaandtheMiddleEast,bluetilapiawereimportedin1961andhavebecomeestablishedthroughoutcentralandsouthFlorida.Tilapiascompetewithothernativespeciesthatfeedprimarilyonplanktonandsmallorganismslivinginoronbottomdetritus(FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission[FWC],2007b).WalkingcatfishhavebeenidentifiedintheSouthForkSLRandFiveMileCreekheadwaterstotheNorthForkSLRandarepresumedtoresideintheupperreachesofthepreserveaswell.NativetoSoutheastAsia,walkingcatfishareanopportunisticspeciesthatconsumeawidevarietyoffooditemsincludingsmallfishes,aquaticinsects,plantmaterial,anddetritus.Duetoitsabilitytobreathair,thisspeciesthrivesinwaterwithlittletonooxygenandiswell-adaptedtoshort-livedwaterbodieswithmuddybottoms.Habitatpreferencestendtosegregateindividualsandreduceitsoveralleffectonnativespecies(SmithsonianMarineStationatFortPierce,2007).TheSouthAmericanbrownhoplowasfirstdocumentedintheIRLsystemin1995andisnowfoundthroughoutcentralandsouthFlorida.Brownhoplocanbefoundinavarietyoffreshwaterhabitatsincludingmuddybottomandslowmovingrivers,streams,sidechannels,ponds,marshes,andmanmadewaterwayssuchasditchesandborrowpits.Thespeciesfeedsonbenthicinvertebratesandiscapableofgulpingairtosurviveinareaswithlowdissolvedoxygenandhighhydrogensulfidelevels.ElectroshockingeffortsinSeptember2005revealedthepresenceofgrasscarpintheNorthForkSLR(J.Beal,personalcommunication,August9,2007).Toreducemaintenancecosts,localmunicipalitiesstockretentionandgolfcoursepondswithtriploid(sterile)grasscarp.Thesepondsmaybehydrologicallyconnectedtothepreserveduringheavyrainevents.Thefundamentalthreatthatgrasscarppresenttothenaturalresourceswithinthepreserveincludestheirabilitytoconsumemassiveamountsofemergent(vegetationthatgrowsinthewaterwiththemajorityoftheplantabovethewaterssurface)andsubmergedvegetation.Aquaticvegetationissparsewithinthepreserveandservesashabitatandreproductivegroundsforavarietyoffish(e.g.opossumpipefishandgar[Lepisosteusspp.]).TheMayancichlidisnativetotheAtlanticwatersoffCentralandSouthAmericaandwasfirstrecordedinFloridaBayin1983.ThisspeciesisnowabundantthroughLakeOkeechobeeandtheSt.LucieCanalandtoleratesawidesalinityrangeandhabitatsincludingcanalsandrivers.Mayancichlidconsumegrassshrimp(Palaeomononetes spp.),smallfish,snails,andinsects.Specimensfromthepreservehavebeencaughtonhookandlineandphotographedbyrecreationalanglers.
TheAfricancattleegret(Bubulcus ibis)naturallyexpandeditsrangetoFloridaintheearly1940sandhasbecomeever-present.Cattleegretfeedprimarilyinterrestrialpastureswithcattle.Theiruniqueforagingbehavior,whichisnottiedtoaquaticenvironments,haseliminatedfeedingcompetitionwithothernativewadingbirds.Thelargestthreatthatthecattleegretpresentstonativespeciesisthecompetitionfornestingmaterialsandrookeryspace.CattleegretnestlateintheyearinFloridawhichreducesbutdoesnoteliminatethecompetitionforspacewithnativewoodstork,egrets,andherons.
BrazilianpepperisregulatedbyFloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission(FWC)asaClassIProhibitedPlant,whichmeansthatthisplantisunderthehighestamountofregulationand“undernocircumstanceswillthisspeciesbepermittedforpossession,collection,transportation,cultivation,andimportationexceptasprovidedinRule62C-52.004,F.A.C.”ThisspecieshasdisplacednativevegetationalongthealteredshorelinesoftheNorthFork(suchasmangrovesandleatherfern),FiveMileCreek,andTenMileCreek.Removalofthisspeciesalongtheriverhasbeeninitiatedbylocalstateparkstaff.Thisisanintensiveprocessthatrequiresconstantattentionandfunding.
ArchaeologicalandHistoricalResources
TheFloridaDepartmentofState,DivisionofHistoricalResourcesMasterSiteFileindicatesthattherearesixhistoricalsiteslocatedwithinoradjacenttothepreserve.Theyincludethreeshellmiddens(oneofwhichisscattered),onehistoricroadscar,ashack,andabridge.SpruceBluffandWhiteCityaretwooftheearliestknownEuropeansettlements(bothScandinavian)alongthepresentdayNFSLRAP(circa
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1900).AllthatremainsoftheSpruceBluffsettlementisasmallgravesite.WhiteCitywaslargerandseveraloftheoriginalhomesofthefoundersstillexistalongwiththeMercantileBuildingconstructedbetween1900and1905.ThesestructuresareincludedintheMasterSiteFile.
�.�.4 / Values
TheNFSLRAPwasdesignatedin1972becauseofitssignificantbiologicalvalue.Duetoitslatitudeanddirecttidalconnectiontonearbyseagrassbeds,wormrock,andcoralreefhabitats,thepreservesupportsauniquecombinationoftemperateandsubtropicalaquaticspecies.TheNorthForkservesasavaluablenurserygroundforrecreationalandcommerciallyimportantandrarespecies.Thepreservealsoservesasforaginggroundsandsupportsarookeryfortheendangeredwoodstork.
Thepreserveiseconomicallyimportanttolocalecotourismandwatersportcompanies,andcommercialandrecreationalanglerswhoallrelyongoodwaterquality.TheNorthForkSLRprovidesopportunitiesforresource-basedrecreationinahighlydevelopedarea.Theaestheticvalueoftheriverandassociatedfloodplaincoupledwiththeabundanceoffishandwildlifesetthestageforsuchactivitiesasbird-watching,photography,painting,andpaddling.Boatingandfishingarecommonactivities,especiallynearpublicaccesspoints,andcanoeandkayakstopoversprovideaccesstopublichikingtrailsalongtheriver.
Thepreserveiscriticaltoavianandaquaticbiologyandecology,geology,hydrology,andrestorationscience.BecauseofthehighlyalteredstateoftheSLR,thesystemservesasaprimestudysitetoanalyzetheeffectofsedimentation,algalblooms,hypoxia,wideandrapidsalinityfluctuations,heavymetals,pesticides,andnon-nativespeciesonnativeSAVandfauna.AspartofCERP,theSLRanditswatershedwillcontinuetoprovidecriticalinformationfortheadvancementofrestorationscienceonagloballevel.KnowledgegainedfrompilotrestorationprojectswithinthepreserveandNorthForkwatershedwilllaythefoundationforfuturesimilarprojects.
�.�.� / Citizen Support Organization
Currentlyinactive,StewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesInc.,a501(c)(3)CitizenSupportOrganization(CSO),wasformedonJune25,1996tosupporttheNFSLRAP.
WhiletheCSOisinactive,volunteerinitiatives,citizeninvolvement,andcommunitypartnershipsarestillvaluableenhancementstothepreserve’sefforts.Volunteersprovideaninvaluableresourcetotheaquaticpreservestaffandtothepublictrust.Theyperformtasksandassistwithongoingandintermittentprojectsthatwouldnotbepossibleotherwise.
Three public fishing piers are located within the preserve.
The River Lilly Cruise provides guided tours of the North Fork St. Lucie River.
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�.�.� / Adjacent Public Lands and Designated Resources
StateManagedLandsandWaters
Since1988,moniesfromthestate’sConservationandRecreationLands(CARL)TrustFund(nowknownasFloridaForever)andSaveOurRiversprogramhavebeenusedtopurchasethemajorityoftheundevelopedpubliclandsadjacenttotheNFSLRAPandTenMileCreek(headwatersoftheNorthFork)(SeeMap14).Thestate-managedlandsadjacenttothepreserveinclude:
DEP-ManagedLands
IRL - Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet Aquatic Preserve
TheNFSLRAPstaffalsomanagetheIRL-JensenBeachtoJupiterInletAquaticPreserve.Althoughcalledariver,theIRL-JensenBeachtoJupiterInletAquaticPreserveisactuallyanestuarywherefreshwaterfromtheSLRconvergeswithsaltwaterfromtheAtlanticOcean.TheIRL-JensenBeachtoJupiterInletAquaticPreserveis37mileslongandencompasses22,000acres.Despiteitslegalname,itstretchesfromFt.PiercetoJupiterInlet.Therearenumerousboatramps,canoelaunches,publicparksandmarinasforpublicuse,aswellaseducationcenters,museums,andspoilislandslocatedwithinoradjacenttothisaquaticpreserve.
Savannas Preserve State Park - North Fork St. Lucie River Property
SavannasPreserveStatePark’sNorthForkSLRpropertyismanagedunderDEP’sDivisionofRecreationandParks(DRP).ThemissionofDRPis“toprovideresource-basedrecreationwhilepreserving,interpreting,andrestoringnaturalandculturalresources.”Providingrecreationalopportunitiesisacomponentoftheparkbuttheemphasisisplacedonpreservationandlandmanagement.TheSavannasPreserveStateParkconsistsofmultiplediscontinuousparcelstotaling8,147acres.TheNorthForkSLRportionofthepropertycontainsseveralparcelsalongtheNFSLRAPtotaling967acres.TheprimaryreasonforacquiringtheNorthForkpropertywastomaintainaviablebufferthatwascapableoffilteringwaterpriortoitsenteringthepreserve.
TherearecurrentlytwopublicaccesspointsalongtheNorthForkproperty:
1.Miller-WildatthenorthernportionoftheparkinFt.Piercewhichhasaparkinglot,trailsystem,andacanoestopover;and,
2.Halpatiokeewhichhasaparkinglot,trailsystem,boardwalk,andacanoestopover.
Athirdparcel,Rivergreen,hasaproposedtrailsystemandboardwalk.
SFWMDManagedLands
ThemissionoftheSFWMDis“tomanageandprotectwaterresourcesoftheregionbybalancingandimprovingwaterquality,floodcontrol,naturalsystems,andwatersupply.”
Ten Mile Creek WPA
The922-acreTenMileCreekWPA(SeeFigure3)iscomposedofareservoirandastormwatertreatmentarea(polishingcell),totalingapproximately5,000acre-feetofstoragecapacity.Anacre-footisthevolumeofwaternecessarytocoveroneacreofsurfaceareatoadepthofonefoot.ThepurposeoftheTenMileCreekWPAistotemporarilystorestormwaterfromtheTenMileCreekBasin,thelargestsubbasinoftheNorthForkSLR.Storageofexcessstormwater,asopposedtoitsflowingintoTenMileCreekatthetimeofrainfall,willallowsedimentstosettle,nutrientuptakebyvegetation,andthetimed,measuredreleaseofthewater.Thereducedsedimentandnutrientloads,andtimelydeliveryareexpectedtoimprovethewaterqualityandrestorethehabitatoftheNorthForkSLR.
Strazulla Tract
Apilotoxbowreconnectionprojectwascompletedin2003ontheStrazullaTract,whichliesjustsouthofPlatt’sCreekapproximatelyonemilenorthofMidwayRoad.Atrailsystem,canoedock,andcampingareaareproposedforthissite.
County-ManagedPublicLands
St.LucieCountypubliclandsaremanagedundertheirDepartmentofParksandRecreationandtheirEnvironmentalResourceDepartment.St.LucieCounty’smissionis“toprovideservice,infrastructureandleadershipnecessarytoadvanceasafecommunity,maintainahighqualityoflife,andprotectthenaturalenvironmentforallourcitizens.”
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St.LucieCounty-ownedlandsadjacenttothepreserveanditsheadwatersinclude:
1.TenMileCreekRecreationArea:includesalake,canoelaunch,pavilion,interpretivetrail,restrooms,picnictables,andaparkinglot;
2. GordyRoadRecreationArea:includesalake,canoelaunch,discgolfcourse,interpretivetrail,pavilion,picnictables,andrestrooms;
3. GeorgeE.LeStrangeNaturalArea:includesalake,canoelaunch,andparkinglot(acanoeslipisproposedforfutureconstruction);
4. JonesHammock:atrailisproposedtoconnectPlatt’sCreektoTenMileCreek;
5. SweetwaterHammock:includesatrail,canoeslip,andpicnictables;
6. Platt’sCreekRestorationArea:locationoftheEnvironmentalResourcesDivisionoffices,andincludesastormwaterretentionpond(acanoelaunchandhikingtrailsareproposed);
7. WhiteCityPark:includesaboatramp,fishingdock,picnictables,publicrestrooms,andacanoelaunch;
8. Lepore:includesapond;adrainageprojectisproposed;
9. CaptainHammond’sHammockNaturalArea:includesacanoedock,trail,boardwalk,andapicnictable;
10. OxbowEco-Center:includesboardwalks,trailsystem,bridges,observationtower,canoelaunch,andaneducationcenter;
11. IdabelleIsland:acanoestopoverandpicnictable;aprimitivecampingsiteisproposed;
12. CitrusHammockNaturalArea:includesacanoedockandpicnictable(astormwaterretentionpondisproposed);
13. RiverParkMarina:includesaboatramp,canoelaunch,naturetrail,playground,publicrestrooms,andfishingpiers;and
14. SpruceBluff:includesaparkinglot,smallcemetery,trails,boardwalks,andIndianmounds(acanoedockandpicnictablesareproposed)
Severalotherparcelsexistthatarenotyetnamed,someofthesehaveproposedinfrastructure.
Figure � / Layout of the Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area (Provided by SFWMD).
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CityofPortSt.LucieManagedPublicLands
PortSt.Lucie’spubliclandsaremanagedbythecity’sDepartmentofParksandRecreation.Theirmottois“PortSt.LucieParksandRecreation,creatingasenseofcommunity.”
CityofPortSt.Lucielandsadjacenttothepreserveinclude:
1. LyngatePark:activeusefacilitieswithnightuseandlights;2. MidportLake:neighborhoodopenspacewithmodelboatinganddogspermittedonleash;3. Veteran’sMemorialPark:communityspecialfacilitieswithceremonialgroundsandmonuments;4. Veteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate:communityspecialfacilitieswithcoveredpavilionsanda
boatramp;5. TomHooperPark:communityspecialfacilitieswithlightedboardwalkontheSLR;6. RiverPlacePark:neighborhoodparkwithactiveandpassiveusefacilitiesthatcloseatdusk;and7.WestmorelandRegionalPark:siteiscurrentlyundeveloped;gardensareproposed.
Non-GovernmentalOrganizationManagedPublicLands
Twonon-governmentalorganizationsownlandadjacenttotheNFSLRAPanditsmajortributary,TenMileCreek.
AudubonofFlorida
AudubonofFloridaisaprivateconservationorganizationwhosemissionis“toconserveandrestorenaturalecosystems,focusingonbirdsandotherwildlifeforthebenefitofhumanityandtheearth’sbiologicaldiversity.”AudubonofFloridaownsfourparcelsadjacenttotheNFSLRAP:Audubon,
AudubonIsland,Hall/Audubon,andErrett-McDermottSanctuary.
FloridaPowerandLight
FloridaPowerandLight(FPL)isanelectricalutilitycompanyowningbothcoalandnuclearpowerplantsinFlorida.TheirgoalistoprovidethebestpossibleservicetotheircustomerswhilekeepingupwiththesteadygrowthrateinFlorida.TheFPLpropertyisaconservationeasementstretchingfromthenuclearpowerplantonHutchinsonIslandinSt.LucieCountywestwardacrosstheIRL-JensenBeachtoJupiterInletAquaticPreserve,theSavannasPreserveStatePark,U.S.Highway1,theNFSLRAP,andtheFloridaTurnpike,endingjustwestofInterstate95.TheeasementservesasoneoftwowildlifecorridorsconnectingSavannasPreserveStateParkandtheNFSLRAP.
ST778
St. Lucie County
Martin County
Walton Rd.
St. Lucie County
Martin County
AtlanticO
cean
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5
6
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14
1517
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18
2726
28
31
6
2
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# Public Land Name
1 Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area
2 Ten Mile Creek Recreation Area
3 Gordy Road Recreation Area
4 George E. Lestrange Natural Area
5 Savannas - North Fork SLR Property
6 North Fork Audubon Properties
7 Jones Hammock
8 Sweetwater Hammock Natural Area
9 Platt's Creek Restoration Area
10 NFSLR (unnamed)
11 Strazulla Tract
12 Errett-McDermott Sanctuary
13 Lepore
14 White City Park
15 Captain Hammond Hammock
16 Oxbow Eco-Center
17 Idabelle Island
18 Citrus Hammock Natural Area
19 FPL Conservation Easement
20 River Place Park
21 River Park Marina
22 Lyngate Park
23 Midport Lake
24 Veteran's Memorial Park
25 Veteran's Memorial Park at Rivergate
26 Tom Hooper Park
27 Westmoreland Regional Park
28 Spruce Bluff
29 Blakeslee Creek
30 Howard Creek Park
31 Savannas Preserve State Park
32 IRL - Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet AP
NFSLR Aquatic PreserveStateCountyCityNon-Governmental OrganizationConservation Easement
0 1 20.5Miles
January 2009 ±Map �4 / Public lands within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed.
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AcquisitionofAdditionalProperty
Thepurposeofpurchasingundevelopedpubliclandsupstreamandadjacenttothepreserveistomaintainorimprovewaterqualityandtoconserveandprotecthabitatfortheconservationandprotectionofwildlifespecies,includingthreatenedandendangeredspeciesthatrelyontheNorthForkSLRforfood,protection,andreproduction.Manyoftheselandscontainimportantresources,suchasbirdrookeries,archaeologicalorhistoricalsites,endangeredspecieshabitat,andfreshwatersourcewetlands.Landsthathavealreadybeenacquiredpreservearelativelyunspoiledwildlifecorridorinthemiddleofahighlyurbanizedarea.ThiscorridorisconnectedtoSavannasPreserveStateParkintwolocations,theFPLpropertysouthoftheOxbowEco-Center,andHogpenSloughjustsouthofHalpatiokee.
Overthepast25years,stateandlocalprogramshavedoneanexceptionaljobofacquiringlandadjacenttothepreserve.Theselandsnotonlyprovideaccessto,andrecreationalopportunitieswithinthepreserve,butalsoimprovewaterqualitybyactingasafilterforstormwaterrunoffpriortoitsenteringthepreserve.Approximately73%(1,920acres)oftheoriginal2,620-acreriverinecorridorproposedforpurchaseundertheFloridaForeverprogramhasbeenacquired(FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],2003).Theremainingparcelsrepresentcriticalfloodplaincommunitiesandbufferinguplandsalongtherivercorridor.Severaloftheoriginallyproposedparcelshavebeenremovedfromtheacquisitionlistbecauseofdevelopment,whichemphasizesthecurrenttime-sensitivenatureoftheacquisitionprocess.In2004theNorthForkSLRProjectwastransferredfromtheFloridaForeverprogramtotheFloridaCommunitiesTrust(FCT).Counties,municipalities,andnon-profitorganizationscanapplyforFCTfundingtopurchaseapropertyifitisavailable.However,unliketheFloridaForeverprogram,FCTdoesnotkeepalistofprioritizedpropertiesforacquisition.ParcelswithintheFloridaForeverboundaryarestillbeingconsideredforacquisitionbySFWMDandSt.LucieCountyEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsprogram.ThisincludesproposedacquisitionoflandsalongTenMileCreekandtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve(SeeAppendixB.5.9).Recommendationsinthe2003DraftBufferPreservePlanincludeextensionoftheFloridaForeverboundaryupstreamtotheintersectionofInterstate95andtheFloridaTurnpike(DEP,2003).Thiswouldrequireacquisitionofadditionalparcels,someofwhichalreadyoverlapwithFloridaForeverandSt.LucieCountyEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsprogramproposedacquisitionparcels.LandacquiredupstreamofthepreservewouldbenefitdownstreamwaterqualityandthereforewouldbesupportedbyDEP’sOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA).
Inadditiontoacquiringbufferinguplands,partnersandthepublichaveutilizedtheformalpublicmeetingprocesstorequestthattheboundaryofthepreservebeextendedtoincludeitsheadwaters(FiveandTenMileCreeks)andsmallsectionsomittedfromthecurrent
Midway Road
Edwards Road
Gordy
Road
Okeechobee Road
§̈¦95
0 1 20.5Miles
Current Aquatic Preserve Boundary Proposed Boundary Expansion
±January 2008
Map �� / Proposed boundary expansion for the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.
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preserveboundary(SeeAppendixC).ItwasproposedthatextensionintoFiveMileCreekshouldendatthenorthernboundaryoftheSavannasPreserveStateParkMiller-WildparceljustsouthofEdwardsRoadandtheextensioninTenMileCreekshouldincludethetidally-connectedareadownstreamoftheGordyRoadwatercontrolstructure(SeeMap15).ExtensiontotheGordyRoadwatercontrolstructurewouldaddanadditional4.8rivermilestothenorthoftheexistingpreserve(currently16rivermileslong).
�.�.� / Surrounding Land Use
LandusewithintheNFSLRAPwatershedwasclassifiedaccordingtothefollowingcategories:commercial/residential,agricultural,natural,water/wetlands,andinfrastructure(SeeMap16).Thecommercialandresidentiallanduseclassesincludeindustrial,municipal,business,utility,single-familyhomes,multi-familyhomes,mobilehomes,ruralhomes,andestatehomes.Agriculturallanduseincludescitrus,rowcrops,ornamentalnurseries,andranches(cattle,horse,andgoat).Naturallanduseincludesundevelopedland,conservationland,andsilviculture(treefarming).Waterandwetlandslanduseincludessubmergedland,andinfrastructurelanduseincludesroads.
Asof2004,landusewithintheNorthForkSLRwatershedisprimarilyagricultural(56%)andcommercial/residential(17%)(SeeMap16);however,urbangrowthwithinthelastfiveyearshasspreadwestwardandacceleratedtheconversionofagriculturallandstourbanlands.Verylittlenaturalareaisleftwithinthisurbancorridor.AgriculturallandsarenowconcentratedwestofthenewdevelopmentborderingInterstate95.
Landusedirectlyadjacenttothepreserveisprimarilycommercialandresidential(urban),whichisintermixedwithnaturallands(SeeMap16).Withtheexceptionoftheadjacentpublicconservation
lands,thepreserveisalmostentirelysurroundedbyurbanareas.Inmanyplacesthereisnobufferbetweenthepreserveandurbanland.Inthesecases,thenaturalshorelinehasbeenremovedandhomeowner’sbackyardsandcommercialpropertiesextendtoaseawall,uplandretainingwall,riprap,ordirectlytothemeanhighwaterline.WithintheCityofPortSt.Lucie,whichsurroundsapproximatelyhalfofthepreserve,residentialandcommerciallanduseaccountsfor84%ofthetotalarea(Castellano,2004).
Bothagriculturalandcommercial/residentiallandusewithinthewatershedcanaffectthewaterqualityofthepreserve.Lowqualitywater(highturbidity,highnutrients,lowdissolvedoxygen)entersthepreservefromagriculturallandsthroughtheC&SFcanalsystem,andfromcommercialand
Loss of native shoreline vegetation reduces water quality and the amount of habitat available to fish and wildlife.
Stormwater outfalls commonly discharge directly into the preserve.
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residentiallandsvialocaldrainagecanals.Inbothcases,untreatedstormwaterrunofffromdevelopedlandshasheavilyimpactednotonlythepreserve,butalsoitsheadwaters.TenMileCreekandtheNorthForkSLRhavesufferedseverewaterqualitydegradationandpollution(Graves,Thompson,&Fike,2002),andhavebeenclassifiedbytheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyasimpairedwaters.AccordingtotheUniversityofFlorida(2007),urbanizationisexpectedtosteadilyincreasewithinthepreservewatershed.Asdevelopmentincreasesandagriculturallandsareconvertedtourbanlands,itisreasonabletopredictthatwaterqualitywithinthepreservewillcontinuetodegrade.
§̈¦95
SFWMD 2004 Land UseCommercial and ResidentialAgricultural
NaturalWater and WetlandsInfrastructure
Aquatic Preserve
0 4 82Miles ±
January 2008
Map �� / Land use within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed.
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Part Two
Management ProgramsChapter Four
CAMA’s Management ProgramsTheworkperformedbyCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)isdividedintocomponentscalledmanagementprograms.Inthismanagementplanallsiteoperationalactivitiesareexplainedwithinthefollowingfourmanagementprograms:ecosystemscience,resourcemanagement,educationandoutreachandpublicuse.
4.1 / The Ecosystem Science Management Program
TheEcosystemScienceManagementProgramsupportsscience-basedmanagementbyprovidingresourcemapping,modeling,monitoring,research,andscientificoversight.Theprimaryfocusofthisprogramistosupportanintegratedapproach(research,education,andstewardship)foradaptivemanagementofeachsite’suniquenaturalandculturalresources.CAMAensuresthat,whenapplicable,consistenttechniquesareutilizedacrosssitestostrengthentheStateofFlorida’sabilitytoassesstherelativeconditionofcoastalresources.Thisenablesdecision-makerstomoreeffectivelyprioritizerestorationandresourceprotectiongoals.Inaddition,byscientificallycharacterizingbaselineconditionsofaquatichabitats,theEcosystemScienceManagementProgramallowsforobjectiveanalysesofthechangesoccurringinthestate’snaturalandculturalresources.
4.�.� / Background of Ecosystem Science at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
ThefoundationforthecurrentEcosystemScienceManagementProgram(whichfocusesonmapping,modeling,monitoring,andresearch)wasprimarilygeneratedusingresourcesanddatafromotherlocal,state,andfederalagencies,mostnotablySouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict(SFWMD).MuchoftheresearchwithintheSt.LucieRiver(SLR)hasfocusedontheeffectsthatlarge-scalewatermanagement
DEP personnel sampling water from the North Fork St. Lucie River as part of an ongoing surface water quality monitoring program.
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practiceshaveonthesystem.AmappinganddatainventoryfortheNorthForkwascreatedbypreservestaffin2007todocumentandorganizeavailablegeographicinformationsystem(GIS)resourceshelpfulinnaturalresourcemanagement.WoodwardClydeInternational-Americas(1998)producedaliteratureandmappingreviewfortheSLRthatminimizedtheeffortnecessarytoproducethisinventory.
SubmergedandEmergentHerbaceousPlantMappingandMonitoring-Submergedandemergentplants(thosebelowandpartiallyabovethewaterline,respectively)benefitthewaterqualityandbiologicalconditionsintheNorthForkSLR.AquaticvegetationhastheabilitytoreduceshorelineerosionandoverallturbiditylevelsintheSLRbyslowingthewatervelocityenoughtofacilitatesettlementofsuspendedsediments.Accumulationofsedimentswithinvegetatedareassuppliestheplantswithnutrientsneededforgrowththatcouldotherwisehavebeenusedtofuelalgalbloomsduringthewarm,wetmonths.Filtrationofsuspendedsedimentsalsoimprovesthewaterclaritywhichultimatelyallowsmoresunlighttopenetratethewatercolumn.Plantsrequiresunlight,inadditiontonutrients,togrow.Therefore,thelessturbidthewaterthemorelikelysubmergedplantsaretothriveintheNorthForkSLR.Aquaticplantsalsoprovidespawningandnurseryhabitatthatultimatelyoffersfishandinvertebratesprotectionfrompredators.TheeconomicvalueofthesecurrentlysmallpatchesofaquaticvegetationaremagnifiedwhenonelooksatthenumberofcommerciallyimportantspeciesusingtheNorthForkSLR(e.g.bluecrab,commercialshrimp,snook,andsnapper).ResourcemanagershavedocumentedseagrassdynamicsintheSLRsincethe1940sbutlittleisknownaboutthelocation,abundance,andspeciesofothersubmergedandemergentvegetationintheNorthForkSLR.
SeagrassmappingeffortsintheSLRbeganinthe1940sandspecificlocationdataareavailableforthefollowingyears:1940-1960,1960-1980,1990-1996,2002(SFWMD),and2007(SFWMD)(WoodwardClydeInternational-Americas,1998;IbisEnvironmental,Inc.,2007).Historicsightingdataindicatethepresenceofwidgeongrassandshoalgrasswithinthesouthern(wide)portionofthepreserve(SeeMap17)(WoodwardClydeInternational-Americas,1998).Supportingdocumentationincludesobservationsof:1)abundant,verysparse,andrarelevelsofwidgeongrassinSeptember1957,March1958,andOctober1958,respectively,nearBrittCreekinthesouthernportionofthepreserve(PhillipsandIngle,1960);2)onesmallpatchofwidgeongrassalongthewesternshorejustnorthoftheC-23inApril1996,June1998(flowering),February2001,andMarch2002(flowering)(Robbins,1996;1998;2005);and3)severalsmallpatchesofshoalgrassalongthewesternshorelinejustnorthoftheC-23inApril1996andJune1998(SeeMap17)(Robbins,1996;1998).SFWMDstaffsurveyedtheareajustnorthoftheC-23inApril2005andJuly2007butnoseagrasswaslocated(Robbins,2005;B.Welch,personalcommunication,July27,2007).Asofsummer2007,seagrassdistributionwaslimitedtotheLowerEstuaryneartheconfluencewiththeIRLandinsmallsectionsoftheMiddleEstuary(SeeMap17)(IbisEnvironmental,Inc.,2007).AlthoughseagrasswaslastobservedwithinthepreserveinMarch2002,itisexpectedthatthecompletionoffuturerestorationeffortsoutlinedintheIndianRiverLagoon–South(IRL-S)ProjectImplementationReport(PIR)willpromoterecolonization
andestablishmentofsubmergedaquaticvegetation(SAV)intheNorthForkSLR(Robbins,2005).NaturalresourcemanagerswillusebaselineconditionsestablishedthoughhistoricmappingeffortstomeasurethefuturesuccessofproposedIRL-SPIRrestorationprojects(IbisEnvironmental,Inc.,2007).CurrentSLRSAVtargetsincludeexpansionofseagrassbedstocoverallareaslessthan1.0meterindepth(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],2007a).
Oncethesalinityregimeisrestored,itispossiblethattapegrass(Valisneria americana),andother
!(!(!(!(!(
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!(!(!(!(
!(
!(!(
!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(!(
!(!(
!(!(!(!(!(!(!(
!(
!(
!(!(
St. Lucie County
Martin County
IndianRiver Lagoon
North Fork
Middle Estuary
Lower Estuary
SouthFork
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve!( SAV 2007!( Ruppia maritima 2002
SAV 1980-1996SAV 1960-1980SAV 1940-1960
January 2009 ±0 1 20.5Miles
Map �� / Seagrass in the St. Lucie River.
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freshwatergrassessuchasmuskgrass(Charasp.),pondweed(Potamogeton spp.),andsouthernwaternymph(Najas guadalupensis)couldbesupportedintheNorthForkSLR.
Emergentvegetation,includingrush(Juncussp.)(Robbins,1996),panicgrass(Panicumspp.),smartweed(Polygnum spp.),giantleatherfern(DNR,1984),swamplily(DNR,1984),yellowwaterlily(Nuphar lutea),thecommonreed(Phragmites australis)(nowconsiderednative),sawgrass,andpickerelweedhavebeenobservedordocumentedwithintheSLR.Thisemergentvegetationhasnotbeenmappedwithinthepreserve.Althoughmappingallsubmergedandemergentvegetationwithinthepreserveisapriority,themappingofpanicgrassandsmartweedintheupperreachesoftheNorthForkSLRareespeciallyimportantastheyarebothknowntoprovidespawninghabitatfortheopossumpipefish,afederally-listedSpeciesofSpecialConcern(Gilmore,1999).LocatingandmappingthesegrasseswillimprovetheabilityofpreserveandregulatorystafftoprotectopossumpipefishandtheirhabitatwhenreviewingenvironmentalresourcepermitswithintheNorthForkSLR.
OysterReefMapping,MonitoringandResearch-Likeseagrass,oysterreefswerefirstdocumentedintheSLRinthe1940s.GISdatalayershavebeencreatedforthefollowingyears:1940-1960,1960-1980,1990-1996,1997(SFWMD),and2003(SFWMD).In1997,SFWMDcontractedURSGreinerWoodwardClyde(1999)tomapandcomparetheamountofestablishedoysterreefstotheamountofpotentiallysuitablesubstrateforoysterswithintheSLR.IbisEnvironmental,Inc.wascontractedbySFWMDin2003toupdatethe1997maps.The2003datawereusedintheFloridaNaturalAreasInventory(FNAI)naturallandsmapandshows31acresofoystermaterial(deadandalive)withinthepreserve(SeeMap12andMap18).Gambordella,McEachron,Beals,andArnold(2007)mappedoysterreefswithinfiveeastcoastestuaries,includingthreeselectoysterreefswithintheSLR,inwinter2005-2006.TheSLRoyster-mappingeffortconductedbyGambordellaetal.(2007)wasnotintendedtobeacomprehensiveupdatetothe2003data.Instead,threeSLRoysterreefswereusedastestsitesfornewverticalmappingtechniques.Resultsofthe1997,2003,andselect2005-2006mappingeffortsshowthatregardlessoftheavailabilityofpotentiallysuitablesubstrate,oysterreefsaredecliningwithintheSLR(SeeMap19).Wilson,Scotto,Scarpa,Volety,Laramore,andHaunert (2005)comparedsettlementintheSLRandtheIRLandfoundsignificantlyfewerspatintheSLR.GiventheestablishedtolerancelevelsfortheEasternoyster,itissuspectedthatthesedifferencesresultfromextendedexposuretoreducedsalinity(<10ppt)associatedwithfreshwaterdischargesfromLakeOkeechobeeandthesurroundingwatershed(URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999;Wilsonetal.,2005;Gambordellaetal.,2007).Gambordellaetal.(2007)notedthatoystersintheSLRaretheleasthealthyofthosesampledinLakeWorthLagoon,theLoxahatcheeRiver,SLR,andSebastianRiver.Thesmallersize(meanshellheightof5.9cm)anddensity(0.2relicshellsper0.25squaremeter)oftheSLRoysterssuggestsayoungerpopulation(possiblydue
Opossum pipefish spawn in emergent vegetation, such as this smartweed, in the North Fork St. Lucie River.
40
torecentdisturbance)thanthoseinLakeWorthLagoonandtheLoxahatcheeRiver(Gambordellaetal.,2007).Currentoystertargets,setthroughtheComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlan(CERP)Research,Coordination,andVerification(RECOVER)teams,includetheprovisionof900acresofsuitableoysterhabitatwiththeconstructionandoperationofproposedIRL-SPIRprojects(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],2007b).
FloodplainVegetationMonitoring-Six100-metertransectswereestablishedatawetlandreconnectionsite(Site5)inApril2001tomonitorchangeinfloodplainvegetation(woodyandherbaceousspeciesandcanopydensity)beforeandafterconstructionofthreebermbreaches.MonitoringmethodologieswerederivedfromCox(1990)andpre-constructiondatawerecollectedinApril2001.Photopointswereestablishedanddigitalphotographsweretakenalongeachtransect
(endsandmiddle)andattheopeningtotheriverinJune2001.Non-nativespecies(Brazilianpepperandshoebuttonardesia[Ardisia elliptica])withintherestorationsitewereremovedthroughaDEPBureauofInvasivePlantManagementgrantinSeptember2002.ThelastvegetationmonitoringefforttookplaceinApril2003.
Piezoelectrictidalstagedataloggerswereinstalledonthemarshsurfaceattwoofthebreaches(non-culvertsites)inwinter2001tomonitorchangesinresidencetimeandvolumeofwater(SeeAppendixB.5.3).Dataloggermalfunctionsinsummer2004preventedthecollectionofqualitydataandbothunitsweredamagedduringhurricanesFrancesandJeanneinSeptember2004.Theunitswerereturnedtothemanufacturerinanattempttorecoverthecollecteddata.TheseunitsweredecommissionedbecauseoffundingconstraintsbutwaterlevelatthesiteiswellcorrelatedwiththeU.S.GeologicalSurvey(USGS)tidegaugeatRiverParkMarinaboatramponPrimaVistaBoulevard.Thus,datacanbeextrapolatedfromthisnearbygauge.
ForkPoint
CoconutPoint
JenkinsPoint
Sewall'sPoint
Hell'sGate
St. Lucie County
Martin County
IndianRiver Lagoon
North Fork
Middle EstuaryLower Estuary
SouthFork
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve200319971990-19961960-19801940-1960
0 1 20.5Miles ±January 2009
Map �� / Oyster reefs in the St. Lucie River.
Map �� / Location of suitable substrate for oyster recruitment in the St. Lucie River (URS Greiner Woodward Clyde, ����).
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NaturalLandsMapping-Currently,naturallandsdataislimitedtothefollowing:
1.1999SFWMDmappingprojectforuplandareas(notground-truthed);
2.2003FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission(FWC)projectforuplandareas(notground-truthed);
3.2003FNAImappingprojectfortheNorthForkSLRBufferPreservethatwaspartiallyground-truthed(nowtheNorthForkpropertymanagedbySavannasPreserveStatePark);
4.2003SFWMDoystermapping;
5.2007SFWMDseagrassmappingproject;and
6.2008NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve(NFSLRAP)ManagementPlanFNAImap(SeeMap12)whichcombinesthe2003FNAIbufferpreservedataalongwithSFWMDdatacross-walkedtoFNAIcodes.
Withtheexceptionofthe2003oystermaps,2003FNAIdatacollectedforthebufferpreserve,and2007seagrassmappingdata,noneoftheexistingnaturallandmapsforthepreservehavebeenground-truthedforaccuracy.Itisimportantthatfuturenaturallandsmappingeffortsincludeemergentandsubmergentvegetation(otherthanseagrass)andthatthemapprovidedinthisplan(SeeMap12)beground-truthedinthefuturetoprovideamoreaccuratedescriptionofthepreserve’scurrentnaturallandscompositionanddistribution.
Modeling-SFWMDhasledeffortstomodelsouthernIRLandSLRusing:1)watershedhydrologyandwaterqualitymodeland2)receivingwaterhydrodynamicsandsalinitymodel.ThereceivingwatersinthisdocumentrefertotheSLRandIRL.
Watershed Hydrology and Water Quality Modeling
WatershedmodelinginsouthernIRLandSLRbeganin1994whenthegeneralHydrologicalSimulationProgramFortran(HSPF)modelwasmodifiedforsouthFloridahydrology.Theprojectwascompletedin1998withthegenerationofthenewestversionofHSPF(version12).ThisversionofthemodelwasusedintheSouthernIRL-SFeasibilitystudyandsubsequentIRL-SPIR(Wan,Konyha&Sculley,2002;USACE&SFWMD,2004;Wan,Labadie,Konyha&Conboy,2006).
InordertomodelwatershedwaterqualitytheSFWMDinitiatedanotherprojectin1999todevelopahydrologyandwaterqualitymodelforthewatershed(Wan,Reed&Roaza,2003).TheWatershedWaterQuality(WaSh)ModelhasbeenimplementedintheSLRwatershedtosimulatethecomplexnaturalsystems,flattopography,high-watertableconditions,operationofstructurestocontrolwaterlevels,andirrigationpractices.Thewaterqualitycomponentofthemodeliscapableofsimulatingnutrientloadinganddetailedin-streamprocesses.
Receiving Water Hydrodynamics and Salinity Modeling
ThepioneeringestuarymodelingworkintheSLRwasthedevelopmentoftwohydrodynamic/salinitymodels:Dynamictransport(DYNTRAN)andRMA(Morris,1987;Hu,1999).DynamicequilibriumsimulationsgeneratedfromRMAmodelingeffortsidentifythesalinityenvelopethatoysterscantoleratethroughouttheestuary(SeeFigure4).TheoutputsgeneratedbythesemodelshaveprovidedscientificsupporttotheIRL-SFeasibilitystudyandsystemoperations.TheRMAmodelwasalsoadaptedandextendedtoprovidesalinitypredictioncapabilitiesforestablishingtheSLRminimumflowsandlevels..
BathymetryandSediments-Rapidsedimentationrateshavepromotedtheformationoflarge,oxygendepletedmuckdepositswithintheSLR(Figure2).Historicbathymetricdatahavehelpedwaterandresourcemanagerstargetspecificsitesknowntoaccumulatefineorganicsedimentsforsystemrestoration.BathymetricdatafortheSLRwerecollectedbetween1872and2007andincludemapproductionin1872,1887,1893,1944(allU.S.CoastandGeodeticSurvey),1981(SFWMD),and2007(SFWMD)(WoodwardClydeInternational-Americas,1998;C.Conrad,personalcommunication,July27,2007).Sedimenttypesanddistributionmapswereproducedin1999byURSGreinerWoodward-Clyde(SeeMap7).SedimentdatahasalsobeencollectedbyPhillipsandIngle(1960),MartinCountyEnvironmentalStudiesCenter(ESC)(unpublisheddatacollectedbetween1987and1998),Haunert(1988),andShroppetal.(1994),butnoneofthesedatahavebeendigitizedandaddedasGISdatalayerstothegrowingSLRGISdatabase.
Alterations-Severallarge-scalealterationshavebeenmadetotheNorthForkSLRanditssurroundingwatershedoverthepastcenturyincludingdredgingofsubmergedlandsandfloodplainhabitat,andcreationandmaintenanceofdrainagecanalsbyUSACE,SFWMD,NorthSt.LucieWaterControl
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District(NSLWCD),PortSt.Lucie,andSt.LucieCounty.TenMileCreekandtheNorthForkSLRwerestraightenedbetweenthe1920sand1940sbyUSACEandNSLWCD.AhistoricrivercoursemapproducedbyIshamRandolf&CompanyforUSACEwascreatedin1919,justpriortothechannelizationproject(SeeMap6)(Dames&Moore,1996).ThefollowingentitiesprovidedpreservestaffwiththedrainagealterationGISshapefileslistedinparentheses:1)SFWMD(CentralandSouthFlorida[C&SF]FloodControlProjectandsecondarywatershedcanals),2)PortSt.Lucie(NationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem[NPDES]dischargebasinsandsites,cityparks,landuseclassifications,2007aerials,andculverts),3)NSLWCD(canalsystemandrespectivenorthernwatershedboundary),4)St.LucieCounty(parks,communities,zoning,landuse,hydrology,andEnvironmentallySensitiveLands),and5)MartinCounty(2007aerialsandparks).TheCityofPortSt.Luciecreateddrainageoutfallswhenthecitywasplottedinthemid-1950sthatarenotrequiredtomeettoday’sstandardsfordirectdischargetoanOutstandingFloridaWaterswaterbody(62-302.700and62-4.242F.A.C.).Today,theCityofPortSt.LuciehasanNPDESprogramthatshouldimprovethequalityofwaterdischargedfromthe359documenteddrainageoutfallswithinthepreservewatershed.
FishResearchandMonitoring-EarlystudiesaddressingcommunitystructureandtheeffectsoffreshwaterdischargefromwatermanagementcanalsonfishcommunitieswereconductedbySpringer(1960)andGunterandHall(1963).Sincethen,fishcommunityresearchandmonitoringintheSLR,andmorespecificallythepreserve,hasbecomeacollaborationamongseveralstateagencies(DEP,FWC,andSFWMD),non-governmentalorganizations(FloridaOceanographicSociety[FOS]andEstuarine,CoastalandOceanScience,Inc.[ECOS]),andvolunteers.FWCTequestaFieldLaboratoryinitiatedaFisheriesIndependentMonitoringProgramin1998inresponsetoreportsofpoorfishhealth(e.g.lesions,fungalinfections)intheSLRafterlargeregulatorydischargesfromLakeOkeechobeebeganinearly1998.ThisprograminvolvesmonthlysamplingateightsiteswithintheSLR:twointheNorthFork,twointheSouthFork,andfourattheconfluenceofthetwoforks.Datacollectedthroughtheprogram,includingfishspecies,speciesabundance,length,andnotationofdisease,isstoredinadatabaseattheFWCFloridaWildlifeResearchInstituteinSt.Petersburg.In2007,FWCTequestaFieldLaboratoryalsoreceivedfundsthroughtheSportfishRestorationProgramtoinitiateasnookandbassstudyintheNorthandSouthforksofSLR,LoxahatcheeRiver,andtheSebastianRiver.Theobjectiveofthisstudyistodocumenthabitatassociation,diet,andmovementofsnookandbass.
OutsideoftheworkconductedthroughFWC’sTequestaFieldLaboratory,mostoftherecentichthyologicalresearchandmonitoringisfundedthroughSFWMDforSLRIssuesTeamprojectsortheCERPRECOVERMonitoringandAssessmentProgram.RECOVERwasestablishedunderCERPtomonitorthesuccessoftheproposedrestorationprojectsbyusingasperformancemeasuresvaluedecosystemcomponentssuchasSAV,oysters,andfish.TheMonitoringandAssessmentProgramcomponentofRECOVERisdesigned
Figure 4 / The effect of six different discharge volumes (in cubic feet per second) on the salinity gradient in the St. Lucie River. Yellow represents freshwater and purple represents full-strength salt water. (Provided by SFWMD.)
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toprovideadiverseapproachtodocumentinganddescribingtheimpactsofchangedfreshwaterflowtothefloraandfaunainhabitinginlandlandscapesandcoastalwaters.PriorityrestorationprojectsidentifiedintheIRL-SPIRincludereconnectionofisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitatintheNorthForkSLRanditsheadwaters.Twopilotreconnectionprojects,onefloodplainandoneoxbow,werecompletedin2002and2003respectively.FishandinvertebratemonitoringatthefloodplainrestorationsiteswereconductedbyCAMAandFWCstaffduringthehighesttidesofspring(April–May)andfall(October–November)totrapfishandinvertebratesbothenteringandleavingthefloodplain.Samplingtookplacebetween2000and2005atthefloodplainreconnectionsiteandincludedfourpre-restoration(beforeJune2002)andsevenpost-restoration(afterJune2002)samplingevents.Duetothickmuckdepositsattheoxbowreconnectionsite,nopre-constructionsamplingwasconducted.Threesamplingeventswereconductedpost-restoration(afterJune2003).Resultsofthemonitoringeffortswerepresentedinposterformatatthe3rdNationalConferenceonCoastalandEstuarineHabitatRestorationinNewOrleans(SeeAppendixB.5.4)(Bealetal.,2006).
Todate,littleefforthasbeenexplicitlydevotedtolocatingandmonitoringtheabundanceofmangroverivulusintheNorthForkSLR.Onlytwoindividualsofthisspecieshavebeendocumentedwithinthepreserve.ThefirstindividualwascapturedbyBillLoftusin1992withintheCityofPortSt.Lucieinfresh(zeroppt)water(S.Taylor,personalcommunication,November26,2007).ThesecondcaptureoccurredinaBredertraponthemarshsurfaceatthenorth(culvert)breachsiteatSite5byJeffBeal(J.Beal,personalcommunication,August9,2007).EstimatingspeciesabundancehasbeencomplicatedbythefactthatthisspeciesinhabitsavarietyofdifficulttoreachhabitattypesinfreshandbrackishwaterintheIRLandSLR.Theyinhabitshallow,mud-bottomedditches,bays,saltmarshes,andotherbrackish-waterenvironments;andoftenassociatewithcrabburrows,especiallygreatlandcrab,andotherstressfulenvironmentswithlowoxygen(Taylor,1990;Tayloretal.,1995;Litweller,O’Donnell&Wright,2006).ThemostsuitablehabitatalongtheNorthForkcurrentlyappearstobesmalldepressionalwetlands(e.g.sawgrassmarshes)thatsupportgreatlandcrab,fewmangroves,andnootherfish(S.Taylor,personalcommunication,November26,2007).Theseareasmaybesetbackfromtheshorelineanddifficulttoaccess.
SpawningresearchintheIRLandSLRhasrecentlybeenfundedbySFWMDthroughCERPRECOVER.Manyfish,especiallyinthedrumfamily,areknowntoproducesoundwhilespawning.Transectswereestablishedin2005,basedonpriorresearchbyDr.GrantGilmore,tolookfornewandhistoricalspawningaggregationsintheIRLandSLR.OneofthespawningsiteswaslocatedintheMiddleEstuaryoftheSLRnearHell’sGate.Duetolarge-scalewatermanagementpracticesinthewatershed,thisspawningsiteissusceptibletoprolongedfreshwaterexposure.Iffreshwaterisreleasedatatimewhenthefish,suchas
A fike net was used to document fish and invertebrates migrating into the reconnected oxbow near Platt’s Creek.
This freshwater river shrimp was found in the reconnected wetlands near Prima Vista Boulevard.
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sandseatrout(Cynoscion arenarius),spottedseatrout(Cynoscion nebulosus),andsilverperch(Bairdiella chrysoura)(allinthedrumfamily)arespawning,theexposuremaynegativelyaffectreproduction(Alshuth&Gilmore,1994,1995).In2006,aremotely-operatedhydrophonewasinstalledonaresidentialdockadjacenttothespawningsite.Thissystemremainsinplaceandtheacousticdataarecurrentlyavailableonlytotheresearchers.In2007,SFWMDgrantedfundstoFOSundertheoversightofDanHaunert(SFWMD)andDr.GrantGilmorewithECOSto:1)correlatesoundproductionwitheggproductionofsandseatroutandsilverperch,2)correlatesoundproductionwithwaterqualityparameters–especiallysalinity,3)studythedistributionofeggsandlarvaefromthespawningsitewithintheSLR,and4)studythedistributionoffoodforlarvalfishintheSLR.Alargegroupofgovernmentagencies(SFWMD,FWC,andDEP),non-governmentalorganizations(FOSandECOS),andvolunteersteameduptoconductbimonthlycollectionsoffisheggs,larvae,andfoodsources(e.g.copepods)betweenMayandAugust2007.
AstudybySwitzeretal.(2006)documentedtheinitialeffectandrecoveryrateoffishcommunitiesintheSLRafterdirecthitsbyhurricanesFrancesandJeannethreeweeksapartinSeptember2004andtheassociatedfreshwaterreleasesthroughtheC-23,C-24,andC-44in2004and2005.NormalsalinitypatternsandcommunitystructurewerereestablishedwithinfourmonthsfollowingHurricaneJeannebutwerethenaffectedbysummer2005releases.FindingsbySwitzeretal.(2006)corroboratepreviousstudiesandpersonalobservationsbylocalcommercialcrabbersindicatingthatfreshwaterandoligohalinespeciesmigratesouththroughtheNorthForkduringprolonged(threeweekorgreater)freshwaterreleaseevents(Haunert&Startzman,1985;L.Burgess,personalcommunication,September6,2007).
BirdRookeryResearchandMonitoring-TheNorthForkSLRcurrentlyhasonerookeryinMudCovethatsupportswoodstork,egrets(Ardeidae),herons(Ardeidae),andanhinga.Reproductivesuccessofthefederallyandstate-endangeredwoodstorkwasmonitoredweeklyduringthe2004,2005,and2006nestingseasonsaspartofaDoctorofPhilosophy(Ph.D.)dissertationthroughFloridaInstituteofTechnology(FIT)(Rodgers,Schwikert,Griffin,Brooks,Bear-Hull,Elliottetal.,2008;Griffinetal., accepted).Monitoringmethodsincludeddocumentation,determinationofstartdate(basedonfirstsignofincubation),andweeklyphotographsofeachnestlocation.Thenumberofattendingadultsandyoungwerealsorecordedonaweeklybasis.Oncechicksdevelopedprimaryflightfeathers(approximatelyeightweeksfromhatchdate),theywererecordedasfledged.Nestsweremonitoredpost-fledginginordertoascertainhowlongfledglingsremainedatthenestpasttheirfledgingdate.Thenumberoffledglingswererecordedpernestthenusedforstatisticalanalysis.BasedonGriffinetal.(accepted)themediannestingsuccessattheNorthForkrookerywastwochicksin2004and2005andthreechicksin2006(SeeAppendixB.5.5).Thisrookeryhasbeenmonitoredlessfrequentlysince2004forspeciesabundancebyDEP’sDivisionofRecreationandParks(DRP),preservestaff,andFWC.SignageattherookeryhasbeenpostedbyFWCandmaintainedbypreservestaff.Despitethesignage,usershavebeenseentoapproachtheislandsanddisturbthenestingadultsandchicks.Increasedpatrollingbylocalandstatelawenforcement(FWC,St.LucieCounty,andPortSt.Lucie)mayhelptoreducerookerydisturbance.TheAudubonChristmasBirdCounthasbeenorganizedontheNorthForksince1998byCAMAandDRP.TheresultsofthesurveyhavebeenincorporatedintothespecieslistfortheNorthForkSLRpropertymanagedbySavannasPreserveStateParkandsubsequentlyintothismanagementplan.
WaterQualityMonitoring-WaterqualitymonitoringintheSLRiscurrentlyconductedbysixseparateagenciesandnon-governmentalorganizationsincludingDEPSurfaceWaterAmbientMonitoringProgram(SWAMP),SFWMD,USGS,St.LucieCountyDepartmentofHealth,andriparianhomeownerscollectingdataforFOSandMarineResourcesCouncil’sVolunteerWaterQualityMonitoringNetworks(SeeMap20andAppendixB.5.6).Synthesisfortheprotectionofnaturalresourceswithinthepreservehasbeenchallengingasdifferentparametersarebeingsampledatdifferentfrequenciesduringdifferenttimesbydifferentagenciesandorganizations.Adocumentwasdraftedin2007bypreservestaffthatidentifiesthevariousgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreserve,theirmonitoringsites,samplingfrequency,parameterscollectedbyeachgroup,howtoaccessindividualdatabasesforregularupdates,andprimarypointsofcontactforquestionsandpubliccomments.PreservestaffalsocreatedareferencelibraryforSLRwaterqualitydatareportsandpeer-reviewedliterature.
4.�.� / Current Status of Ecosystem Science at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
Effectiveresourcemanagementbeginswithknowingthelocation,condition,extent,andbiologyoftheresourcesinneedofprotection.Thepreserve’sEcosystemScienceManagementProgramcontainsthetools(e.g.monitoring,mapping,research,andmodeling)thatpreservestaffusetoassessthenaturalresourcesintheNorthForkSLR.EcosystemSciencegoalsforthepreserveinclude:1)formationandmaintenanceofpartnershipstocaptureresourcedatanecessarytounderstandandmanagethesystem,2)dataanalysisandinterpretation,and3)facilitationofinformationexchangeamonggroupscollectingdatawithinthepreserve.
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Mapping-Althoughamorerecenttoolusedbystaff,mappinghasproventobeessentialtoresourcemanagementwithinthepreserve.Becauseofthehighlymodifiedwatershed,complexinteractionsoccurwithintheSLRthatmaybedifficulttocomprehendwithoutavisualrepresentation.Withtheexceptionofcollectingglobalpositioningsystem(GPS)waypointswithinthepreserve,preservestaffcurrentlyobtainmostGISdataformapping(e.g.bathymetry,seagrass,oysters)fromexternalsources(e.g.SFWMD).ContinuingtodeveloppartnershipswithGISstaffatotheragenciesandorganizationsiscriticaltoobtainingGISdata,maintainingacurrentGISdatabase,andassemblingmapsforthepreserve.Staffcurrentlyhasadequatetrainingtoassemblemapsforthepreserve;however,additionaltrainingwillbeneededtoanalyzeGISdata,suchaschangesinhabitat,overtime.
Baselinehabitatmapping(usingFNAIcodes)forareaswithinandadjacenttothepreserveisoneofthefundamentalneedsfornaturalresourcemanagement.TheNorthForkpropertyofSavannasPreserveStateParkwasmappedusingFNAIcodesin2003,seagrasswaslastmappedin2007,andoysterswerelastmappedin2003.Thus,mappingofsubmergentandemergentvegetationisneededthroughoutthepreserve,andmangrovehabitatmappingisneededwithinthepreserveoutsideofthe2003mappingeffortfortheformerNorthForkSLRBufferPreserve(whichincludesmangrove/tidalswamp).Ground-truthingFNAIhabitattypeswithinthepreserve(SAV,oysterreef,emergentvegetation,etc.)everyfiveyearswillallowpreservestafftomeasuretheamountofchangeovertime.FuturemappingeffortsofseagrassandoystersareexpectedtocontinuethroughSFWMD.ProposalsforadditionalhabitatmappingeffortswillbesubmittedforfundingthroughIRLNationalEstuaryProgram(NEP),St.LucieRiverInitiative,andtheIRLLicensePlateTrustFund.Mappingmaybesuggestedasapublicinterestprojectfordevelopmentpermittedwithinthepreserve.Oncecreated,thehabitatmapswillserveasabaselayerforlistedspeciessightingdataandultimatelylinkspecieslocationdatawithhabitattypes.
Modeling-Oftentimesastaticmapofbiologicalandchemicalfactorsdoesnotadequatelyrepresenttheirinteractions,especiallyinsystemsthathavelargeseasonalfluctuations.ModelsproducedbySFWMDcanaidpreservestaffinunderstandingtheseinteractionsandtheeffectstheyhaveonthenaturalresourceswithintheNFSLRAP.
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Map �0 / North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve water quality monitoring sites.
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Watershed Hydrology and Water Quality Modeling
TheWaShmodeliscurrentlybeingusedbyDEPtodeveloptotalmaximumdailyloads(TMDL)fortheSt.Luciebasins.
Receiving Water Hydrodynamics and Salinity Modeling
SFWMDrecentlydevelopedtwohydrodynamicmodels,theCurvilinearHydrodynamicsinThreeDimensions(CH3D)andEnvironmentalFluidDynamicsComputerCode(EFDC)hydrodynamic/salinity/waterqualitymodel,toassistwiththedevelopmentofstormwatermanagementstrategiesandevaluatetheeffectivenessofpollutantreductionstrategies.
ListedandRareSpeciesMonitoring-WoodstorknestingactivitieshavebeenmonitoredattheMudCoverookerysince2004bypreservestaff,SavannasPreserveStatePark,FWC,andonePh.D.studentfromFIT.Preservestaffwillcontinuetomonitorwoodstorknestingactivitiesatthisrookeryandlookforadditionalnestingactivitywithinthepreserveeachyear.Monitoringdatawillbecirculatedappropriatelyandkeptinadatabaseforspeciesprotectionefforts.Theneedalsoexiststomonitorotherlisted,rare,anddecliningspecies.MangroverivulusandopossumpipefisharelistedbytheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration’sNationalMarineFisheriesService(NOAANMFS)asaSpeciesofSpecialConcernwhichmeansthatNOAAisconcernedabouttheirstatusbutinsufficientinformationisavailabletoindicateaneedtolistthespeciesundertheEndangeredSpeciesAct.Partnershipswithotheragencies,academicinstitutions,andnon-governmentalorganizationswillbeformedtosurveyandmonitorthesespecieswithinthepreserve.Greatlandcrabburrowsareknowntosupportmangroverivulusintheregion(Tayloretal.,1995).BecauseofthisassociationandthedecliningtrendofsoutheastFloridagreatlandcrabpopulations,preservestaffwillalsoinitiateagreatlandcrabmonitoringprojectthatiscompatiblewithmethodologiesestablishedthoughotherprograms.
BirdRookeryMonitoring-Inadditiontowoodstork,preservestaffwillcontinuetomonitorotherbirdspecies(currentlygreategret,snowyegret,cattleegret,tricoloredheron[Egretta tricolor],andanhinga)utilizingtheMudCoveand/ornewlyestablishedrookerieswithinthepreserve.Whencollectinganddistributingthesedata,itisimportantforrecipientstobeabletocompareprovidedmonitoringdataatdifferentgeographiclevels(e.g.local,regional,state,federal,andglobal).Currently,aninconsistencyexistsamongagenciesanduniversitiescollectingnestingdata.Preservestaffwillensurethatwoodstorkandotherspeciesmonitoringdatawillbecompatiblewithothersources,especiallyDRPandFWC.
SubmergedandEmergentHerbaceousPlantMonitoring-TheNorthForkSLRhasbeendesignatedanImpairedWaterbodybyDEPandtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(SeeMap9).Measurestoreducetheamountofnutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)andincreasetheamountofdissolvedoxygenintheSLRarecurrentlyintheprocessofbeingcreatedthroughastateTMDLprogram.Asstrategiesareimplementedtoimprovethewaterquality,theabundanceandhealthofsubmergedvegetationisexpectedtoincrease.Althoughwidgeongrassandshoalgrasswerehistoricallylocatedinthesouthernsectionofthepreserve,thelastdocumentedsightingwasanephemeralpatchofwidgeongrassin2002(SeeMap17).SFWMDbiologistshavebeendedicatedtomonitoringtheoccurrenceofsubmergedvegetationintheSLRtodate.PreservestaffwillassistSFWMDwithfutureNorthForkSLRmonitoringeffortsandseekfundingtomapemergentvegetation.Themethodologyusedfor1997and2007submergedvegetation(seagrass)mappingeffortsintheSLRwillbeusedforfutureprojectsandcanbefoundinthefinalreportbyIbisEnvironmental,Inc.(2007).
OysterReefMonitoring-OysterresearchandmonitoringintheSLRiscurrentlybeingconductedbyFOSandFWC(SeeMap21).UndertheMonitoringandAssessmentProgramcomponentofCERP,SFWMDprovidesfundstoFWCtomonitorfouraspectsofoysterecology:1)spatialandsizedistributionpatternsofadultoysters,2)distributionandfrequencypatternsoftheoysterdiseases“dermo”(Perkinsus marinus)andMSX(Haplosporidium nelsoni),3)reproductionandrecruitment,and4)juvenileoystergrowthandsurvivalincoastalareassubjecttofreshwaterdischargefromtheC&SFcanalsystem(SeeFigure4).FWCmonitoringsitesarelocatedinBiscayneBay,LakeWorthLagoon,LoxahatcheeRiver(SouthForkandNorthwestFork),andSLR(NorthFork,SouthFork,andMiddleEstuary).TworeferencesitesnotconnectedtotheC&SFcanalsystem,SebastianRiverandMosquitoLagoon,aremonitoredbyFWCforcomparisonpurposes.MonitoringeffortsbyFWCbeganinJanuary2005andareexpectedtocontinueuntil2010.FOSestablishedanoysterreefrestorationprogramin2006thatinvolvesplacementofjuvenileoystersonexistingnaturalreefsandseedingofnewlycreatedrecycledoystershellreefs.AmonitoringcomponenthasbeenestablishedbyFOStodocumentrestorationsuccess.Specificmonitoringactivitiesentailmeasuring:1)growthandmortalityofcage-raisedjuvenilespriortoreleaseontoexistingoysterreefswithintheSLR,and2)density(oysterspersquaremeter)andgrowth
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onaugmentedoysterreefs(bothnaturalreefsandrecycled-oystershellreefs)(SeeAppendixB.5.7).MonitoringbyFOSstaffisexpectedtocontinuethroughout2009.
FloodplainVegetationMonitoring-SFWMDhasrecentlyestablishedfourbelttransectstoidentifyandexaminethehealthoffloodplainvegetationcommunitiesoftheNorthForkSLRandTenMileCreek.ThecurrentprojectwillfollowasimilarfloodplainvegetationmonitoringprojectconductedalongtheNorthwestForkoftheLoxahatcheeRiverin2005(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD]andFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],2006).Projectresults,expectedbyJanuary2010,willallowSFWMDstafftomakerecommendationsontheimpactofenhancingcurrentfreshwaterflowandsalinitypatternstothesewetlandsystemsandtheriver.BettermanagementofflowisanticipatedtoimprovewaterqualityandreducesedimentdepositionintheSLR.ThecurrentstudywillalsosupporttheneedforrestorationoftheNorthForkfloodplainidentifiedintheIRL-SPIR(USACE&SFWMD,2004).AreferencecollectionoffloodplainvegetationwillbecreatedbyacontractorandhousedattheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves(SEFLAP)FieldOfficeforfuturereference.
WaterQualityMonitoring-AnextensivewaterqualitymonitoringnetworkexistsfortheSLRsystemthatincludesseveralsiteswithinthepreserve(SeeMap20andAppendixB.5.6).Todate,preservestaffhavenotcollectedwaterqualitydataorestablishedregularcommunicationwithwaterqualitymonitoringgroupsthatsamplewithinthepreserve.Becauseoftheextensive
Florida Oceanographic Society biologists use oyster rakes to monitor the density of oyster reefs in the St. Lucie River.
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Map �� / St. Lucie River oyster reef monitoring and restoration sites.
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degradationofwaterqualityintheSLRasawhole,itisimperativethatpreservestaffestablishamodeofcommunicationwithSFWMD,DEPSWAMP,St.LucieCountyDepartmentofHealth,USGS,FOS,andMarineResourcesCouncilandusethedatacollectedbythesegroupstobetterunderstandaveragefluctuationsinwaterqualitywithinthepreserveandthendisseminatetheinformationthrougheducationandoutreachevents.Althoughcriticaltounderstandingandmanagingthisimpairedwaterway,anadditionalpositionattheSEFLAPFieldOfficewouldbenecessarytoaccomplishthistask.Withaddedsupport,adatabaseforwaterqualitydatacollectedwithinthepreservecouldbeestablishedandusedtohelppreservestaffidentifyandaddressproblematicareas.
Recentuseandtestingoftechnical(someprototype)equipment,suchassidescanandDualFrequencyIdentificationSonar(DIDSON)units,remotelyoperatedvehicleswithunattendedwaterqualitysamplingunitsandplanktonsamplersthattransmitdataviasatellitetelemetry,Kilroyunitsthatcollectandtransmitreal-timewaterqualitydatabacktoacomputer,andunattendedhydrophonesthatcanberemotelyactivatedandtransmitsoundwavesviasatellitetelemetrytostudyspawningfishpopulationshaveintroducednewopportunitiesforcontinuedresearchandmonitoringofallmarineprotectedareas,includingthepreserve.Duetothelimitedamountofresourcesavailabletomanuallycollectsuchdata,itisvitalthatcontinueduseandtestingofnewtechnologybySFWMD,ECOS,andOceanResearch&ConservationAssociation,besupportedbypreservestaff.
Research-Recentspawningresearchindicatesthateggproductionindrums(e.g.spottedseatrout)isdirectlyproportionaltosoundproductionatthissite.Inthefuture,biologistsandmanagersanticipatebeingabletoremotelyusesoundproductiontodeterminethearrivalandsuccessofspawningaggregationsthatmaybenegativelyaffectedbyfreshwaterreleases.Continueduseofavailabletechnologyandfutureuseofunattendedsamplingunitswillgreatlyincreaseourunderstandingofthisdrasticallyaltered,andthereforeevenmorecomplicated,system.
OftentimespreservestaffarenotawareofresearchbeingconductedintheNorthForkSLR.Toimprovecommunication,preservestaffwillestablishavoluntaryprogramtocollectinformation(projectproposalsandfinalreports)fromlocalandvisitingresearcherswithinthepreserve.ThesystemwillbesimilartotheSpecialUseRequestprogramestablishedforresearchandmonitoringactivitieswithinFloridastateparks.Preservestaffcurrentlymaintainalibraryofscientificliteraturethatrelatestoresearchprojectswithinandadjacenttothepreserve.Stayinginformedabouttheresearchandmonitoringconductedwithinandadjacenttothepreserveenablespreservestafftomakeeducatedmanagementdecisions.Someofthecurrentresearchprojectsbeingconductedwithinthepreserveincludeasnookdietarystudy(FWC),fishspawningandplanktonresearch(SFWMD,ECOS,andFOS),oystercultivationandstockingresearch(FOS),andbenthicinfaunalresearch(SmithsonianMarineStation).Althoughpreservestaffmayassistwithvariousprojectaspects,mostresearchconductedwithinthepreserveisheadedbyotheragenciesandnon-governmentalorganizations.Preservestaffplantocreateandmaintainalistofneededresearchandmonitoringprojectswithinthepreserve.TheseideaswilleventuallybepromotedtoprofessorsatlocaleducationalinstitutionssuchasHarborBranchOceanographicInstitute(HBOI)atFloridaAtlanticUniversity(FAU),SmithsonianMarineStation,IndianRiverStateCollege(IRSC),andFIT.Futurestudiesconductedbycollegestudentsandprofessorswillhopefullyresultfrom:1)thedesiretotransformtheTreasureCoastintoahotspotformarineandbiomedicalscience,2)expansionofFAUtoPortSt.LucieandHBOI,and3)theincorporationoffour-yeardegreeprogramsintotheIRSCsystem.
4.2 / The Resource Management Program
TheResourceManagementProgramaddresseshowCAMAmanagestheNFSLRAPanditsresources.TheprimaryconceptofNFSLRAPResourceManagementprojectsandactivitiesareguidedbyCAMA’smissionstatement:“ToprotectFlorida’sCoastalandAquaticResources.”CAMAaquaticpreservesaccomplishresourcemanagementbyphysicallyconductingmanagementactivitiesontheresourcesforwhichithasdirectmanagementresponsibilityandbyinfluencingtheactivitiesofotherswithinandadjacenttoitsmanagedareasandwithinitswatershed.Watershedandadjacentareamanagementactivities,andtheresultantchangesinenvironmentalconditionsaffecttheconditionandmanagementoftheresourceswithinthepreserve’sboundaries.CAMA-managedareasareespeciallysensitivetoupstreamactivitiesaffectingwaterqualityandquantity.CAMAworkstoensurethatthemosteffectiveandefficienttechniquesusedinmanagementactivitiesareutilizedconsistentlywithinitssites,throughoutitsprogram,andwhenpossiblethroughoutthestate.ThestronglyintegratedEcosystemScience,EducationandOutreach,andPublicUseProgramsprovideguidanceandsupporttotheResourceManagementProgram.Theseprogramsworktogethertoprovidedirectiontothevariousagenciesthatmanageadjacentproperties,thepreserve’spartners,andthepreserve’sstakeholders.Preservestaffalsocollaborateswiththesegroupsbyreviewing
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variousprotectedareamanagementplans.ThesoundscienceprovidedbytheEcosystemScienceProgramiscriticaltothedevelopmentofeffectivemanagementprojectsanddecisions.Theconditionsofnaturalandculturalresourceswithinthepreservearediverse.Thissectionexplainsthehistoryandcurrentstatusofthepreserve’sresourcemanagementefforts.
4.�.� / Background of Resource Management at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
TheNorthForkSLRwasartificiallystraightenedbyUSACEandNSLWCDintheearly1900’stoprovidefloodcontrolandimprovenavigation(SeeMap6).Duringthisprocess,originalriverbendsandadjacentwetlandswereisolatedfromtheriverasthebanksofthenewlychannelizedareawerelinedwithlargedredgespoildeposits(SeeFigure5).ErosionofthebanksalongtheshorelineincreasedturbidityinthepreservewhileisolationoffloodplainhabitatandoxbowsdramaticallydecreasedtheresidencetimeofwaterwithintheNorthFork.ReducedresidencetimeultimatelydecreasedtheamountofnutrientabsorptionandsettlementofsuspendedsolidsbeforethewaterreachedseagrassandoysterreefhabitatinthesouthernsectionofthepreserveandtheMiddleEstuary.RestorationgoalsidentifiedintheIRL-SPIRincluderestorationofNorthForkfloodplainhydrologythroughoxbowandfloodplainreconnections,muckremovalintheSLR(includingsouthernsectionofthepreserve),andcreationofhabitatsuitablefortheestablishmentofoysterreefs(USACE&SFWMD,2004).
HydrologicRestoration-Restorationofhistoricalwatermovementpatternsthroughoxbowsandfloodplainsisexpectedtoimprovewaterqualityandreducetheamountofmuckdepositedinthelowerportionofthepreserve.AfeasibilitystudywasdraftedbyPBS&Jin2003.Thisstudyidentified42hydrologicrestorationsites(21oxbowreconnectionand21floodplainreconnectionsites)inTenandFiveMilecreeksandtheNorthForknorthofthePrimaVistaBoulevardbridge.AdditionalreconnectionsiteswereidentifiedintheNorthFork,TenMileCreek,andFiveMileCreekbySt.LucieCountyMosquitoControlDistrict(SLCMCD)staffin2007inanattempttoreducetheamountofwaterlettuceandotherhabitatregularlyusedbybreedingmosquitoes.In2008,amulti-agencyteamincludingCAMA,DRP,SLCMCD,FWC,andSFWMDwasformedtocombinebothsetsofhydrologicrestorationdataandcreatearankingmatrixthatidentifiespriorityprojects(SeeAppendixB.5.2)(Herren,Tucker,Beal,Sharpe&Conrad,inprep).
HydrologicrestorationoftheNorthForkbeganinJune2002whenpreservestaffreestablishedflowtoanisolatedportionofthe
Figure � / Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data are used to identify hydrologic restoration areas along the North Fork St. Lucie River and its headwaters. (Data provided by SFWMD.)
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NorthForkfloodplainapproximatelyonehalfmilenorthofPrimaVistaBoulevard(SeeMap22).Thissite,referredtoasSite5,isanislandthatwascreatedduringthestraighteningprocess.Restorationeffortsincludedconstructionofthreebreachesinthespoilbermliningthebankoftheriver(oneculvertandtwocreek-likesystems).Biologicalmonitoringofthesitebypreserveandstateparksstaffand
FWCthreeyearspost-constructionindicatessuccessfuluseofthereconnectedwetlandsbyfishandinvertebrates(Beal etal.,2006).Asecondpilothydrologicrestorationproject,thereconnectionofanoxbowonSFWMD’sStrazullaTractlocatedjustsouthofPlatt’sCreek,wascompletedinJuly2003(SeeMap22).AlthoughnorthofthepreserveboundaryatMidwayRoad,reconnectionofthishistoricriverbendtotheNorthForkisexpectedtoimprovethequalityofwaterreachingthepreserve.BiologicalsamplingatthereconnectionsitebyFWC,preservestaff,andstateparkstaffindicatesmovementoffishandinvertebratesintotheoxbow.Original,unalteredriverbendsgenerallycontainmoresubmergentandemergentvegetationneartheshorelineand,basedonunpublishedelectroshockingdata,appeartoattractmorenativefaunathanthechannelizedarea(G.Gilmore, personalcommunication,February1,2008).TheculvertatSite5hasalsobeendocumentedtoeffectivelymovewaterintothefloodplainwetland(J.Beal,personalcommunication,August9,2007).However,fewfishanddecapodspecieshavebeencapturedmovingthroughtheculvert,unlikestudiesconductedinlocalestuarinemarshes(Brockmeyer,Rey,Virnstein,Gilmore&Earnest,1997).
Waterqualityparameters(turbidityanddissolvedoxygen)weremonitoredpre-andpost-constructionatthethreeSite5breachesandtheoxbowreconnectionsite.WaterqualitymonitoringdataattheSite5breachesindicatedthatelevatedturbiditylevelsassociatedwith
constructionactivitieswerereducedtobackground(river)levelswithinweeksofconstruction.Dataalsosuggestsignificantpost-constructionimprovementsindissolvedoxygenlevelswithintherestoredwetlandsandoxbow(J.Beal,personalcommunication,August9,2007).
ShorelineStabilization-Todate,shorelinestabilizationprojectsalongtheNorthForkhavebeenassociatedwiththethreebreachesatSite5andtheoxbowreconnectiononSFWMDStrazullaTract(SeeMap22).StabilizationofthebermbreachesatSite5entailedliningthetwocreek-likebreacheswithriprap(onfilterclothatthetoeoftheslope)andreducingtheslopeoftheadjacentshoreline.Redmangroveandleatherfernwereplantedintheriprap.Emergentvegetation,includingswamplily,leather
Eroded shoreline at White City Park.
Reconnection of isolated oxbows will improve water quality by decreasing nutrients and suspended solids.
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fern,andarrowhead,wereinterspersedintheintertidalzone.Theadjacent(upland)shorelineswerelinedwithjuteandplantedwithredmaple,wildcoffee,marlberry,whitestopper,andSpartina bakeri.Aturbidityscreenhasbeeninplacetoprotecttheemergentvegetationsince2004.MostplantingssurvivedthedirecthitsbyhurricanesFrancesandJeanneinSeptember2004andwindsfromthenorthernbandsofHurricaneWilmainOctober2005.Thestabilityoftheshorelineisincreasingandtheturbidityscreenswillberemovedduringspring2009.Noriprapwasneededattheculvertbuttheadjacentshorelinewasenhancedinthesamemannerastheshorelineadjacenttothestream-likebreaches.Photodocumentationofthestabilizationprojectswasconductedannuallybypreservestaffduring2003-2009(SeeAppendixB.5.8).Riprapandnativeplantings,suchasleatherfernandswamplily,wereusedtostabilizetheshorelinealongtheoxbowreconnection.
LandAcquisition–AlandacquisitionmapseriesandassociateddatabasebasedonproposedFloridaForeveradditionswascreatedin2009bypreservestaff(SeeAppendixB.5.9).Theparcelshavenotbeenprioritized,soadjacentpubliclandsandplannedhydrologicrestorationsiteswereidentifiedonthemapseriestofacilitatetherankingprocess.
MuckRemoval–AlthoughitisgenerallyacceptedthatremovaloflargemuckdepositsfromtheSLRwouldbefavorable,severalmonetaryandenvironmentalconcernshaveslowedtheprocess(St.LucieRiverInitiative,2004).Threepilotmuckremovalprojects,LakeOkeechobee(2002),SouthForkSLR(2002),andNorthForkSLR(2003),haveprovidedanswerstoquestionsregardingsuchissuesasequipmentandtechniques,sedimenttoxicity,nutrientloadingofuplanddepositionsites,andplantresponsetodepositiononvariousuplanddepositionsites.However,theprocesswillbeexpensive,andcost-effectivebeneficialusesofSt.Luciemucksedimentsremaintobeidentified(Heetal.,2004).
OysterReefRestoration–TheFOSinitiatedanoysterreefrestorationprogramintheSLRin2006followingthereleasesassociatedwiththe2004and2005hurricaneseasons.Thisprogramhastwoprinciplecomponents:1)oystergardeningandrelease,and2)seedingofnewlycreatedreefsmadeofrecycledshellmaterialfromlocalestablishments.Thegardeningcomponent,whichbeganin2006,reliesonyear-roundsupportfromlocaldockownersthatgrow(i.e.garden)thejuvenileoystersundertheirdocksforthreemonthsatatimebeforetheyarereleasedontoanearbyoysterreef(SeeAppendixB.5.7).In2008,FOSinitiatedasecondprojectinwhichstaffgrowoysterlarvaeandseedthemontorecycledshellreefspositionedwithincontainmentbooms.Fouroysterreefscomprising400squarefeetofhabitatwillbecreatedintheLowerEstuaryinthespringof2009.
MartinCountyinitiatedacommunitybasedRiverReefsProjecttosupporttheidentifiedneedtoenhanceandrestoremarinehabitatsuchasoysterreefsintheIRLandSLR(USACE&
!(
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Map �� / Sites of completed hydrologic restoration projects on the North Fork St. Lucie River.
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SFWMD,2004).FundstocreateadditionaloysterreefhabitatalongthenorthernandsouthernshorelinesoftheMiddleEstuarywerereceivedfromSFWMDIRLLicensePlateTrustFundin2005.MartinCountyworkedcloselywithFOS,MartinCountyESC,andContinentalShelfAssociatesInternational,Inc.inthecreation,deployment,andmonitoringoftheseartificialreefs(CSAInternational,Inc.,2007).Eighty-
eightreefpatches(44patchesalongeachshoreline)totaling1,029squaremeterswerecreatedin2005and2006(CSAInternational,Inc.,2007).ThesereefshavesuccessfullyincreasedtheabundanceoffilterfeedingorganismsandproviderefugeforjuvenilefishandinvertebratesintheSLR.
Permitting-TheSEFLAPFieldOfficewasestablishedin1986atwhichtimemostofthemanagementactivitiesentailedregulatoryreviewofpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitieswithinthepreserve.Agencyreorganization,acquisition,andapprovaloftheNorthForkSLRStateBufferPreserveManagementPlanbetween1994and1997markedatransitionatwhichpreservestaffdecreasedtheamountoftimeonregulatoryreviewandincreasedtheamountoftimespentonremovalandmaintenanceofnon-nativespecies,restoration,research,andmonitoringwithinthebufferandaquaticpreserves.ThebufferpreserveisnowmanagedastheNorthForkpropertyofSavannasPreserveStateParkbutbothstateparkandaquaticpreservestaffcontinuetofocusonrestorationactivitiesthatimprovethequalityoftheaquaticpreserve.RegularcommunicationhasbeenestablishedwithDEPSoutheastDistrictregulatorystaffandnoticesofproposedactivitieswithinthepreserveareregularlyreceivedviapostande-mail.Listsofpotentialprojectsthatwouldhelpapplicantsmeettheirpublicinterestcriteria(e.g.conservationeasements,habitatmappingandhabitatandhydrologicrestoration)havebeenprovidedtolocalregulatorystaff.
Onsitemitigationthroughtheacquisitionandprotectionofadjacentbufferinglandsandhabitatandhydrologicrestorationareencouragedforproposedconstructionactivitieswithinthepreserve.
4.�.� / Current Status of Resource Management at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
Mostknowledgeofthenaturalresourceswithinthepreserveisgainedthroughthepreserve’sEcosystemScienceProgram.Actionstakenbypreservestaffandtheirpartnersasaresultoftheinformationgainedthroughmapping,modeling,monitoring,andresearchactivitieswithintheSLRfallsundertherealmofresourcemanagement.Thepreserve’sResourceManagementProgramcurrentlyfocusesoninformationdissemination,groupcoordination,andecosystemrestoration.
Stabilization of the shoreline at a wetland reconnection site near Prima Vista Boulevard.
Creation of oyster reefs in the Middle Estuary. (Image provided by Continental Shelf Associates, Inc.)
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HydrologicRestoration–Amulti-agencyteamhasidentifiedandrankedthemostappropriatehydrologicrestorationsitesalongtheNorthForkanditsheadwaters(SeeAppendixB.5.2)(Herrenetal.,inprep).Informationgainedduringthecompletionoftworestorationprojects,oneoxbowreconnectionatSFWMD’sStrazullaTractandonefloodplainreconnectionatSite5inthestatepark,willfacilitatefutureprojectdevelopment.TheFWC,stateparkbiologists,andtheSLCMCDarepartneringtoreconnectasecondoxbowalongthenorthsideofTenMileCreekontheNorthForkparcel(Miller-Wildproperty)ofSavannasPreserveStateParkinfiscalyear2009-2010.CurrentandfutureeffortstofosterpartnershipsamongFWC,CAMA,DRP,DEPSoutheastDistrictregulatoryoffice,SFWMDscientists,SFWMDregulatorystaff,USACEregulatorystaff,St.LucieCountyEnvironmentalResourcesDepartment,andSLCMCDarenecessarytoreachhydrologicrestorationgoals.
ShorelineStabilization-NoadditionalshorelinestabilizationhasbeencompletedsincethestabilizationofthefloodplainreconnectionsitesnorthofPrimaVistaBoulevardandontheSFWMDStrazullaTract.Preservestaffwillcontinuetophotodocumentthestabilizationofthesesites,identifyotherlocationsinneedofstabilization,formpartnerswithSLCEnvironmentalResourcesDepartment,DEPstateparks,andDEPandSFWMDregulatorystaff,BoyScoutsofAmerica,andrequestfundsfromtheSt.LucieRiverInitiativesTeamandtheIRLLicensePlateTrustFundtocompleteadditionalstabilizationprojects.Suitablesubmergedandemergentvegetationwillbeincludedintheplantingplansforfuturestabilizationprojects(AppendixB.5.10).
LandAcquisition-PrioritizationoftheparcelsidentifiedonthelandacquisitionmapseriesinAppendixB.5.9isneeded.Amulti-agencyteamwillbeformedtoidentifyrankingcriteriaandconductfieldvisits.Adjacentpubliclandsandplannedhydrologicrestorationsiteswereidentifiedonthemapseriestofacilitatetherankingprocess.
MuckRemoval-In2008,theCityofPortSt.LuciesubmittedanEnvironmentalResourcePermitapplicationtoremoveapproximately13acresofmuckfromeightcanalsthatdischargeintothepreserve(Elkcam,SouthCoralReef,Degan,Harbor,Schooner,Surfside,Sagamore,andOceanBreeze).
OysterReefRestoration-Restorationofoysterhabitatisoccurringwithinandadjacenttothepreserve(SeeMap21).AlthoughMartinCountyhasplanstocreateadditionaloysterreefsintheMiddleEstuaryaspartoftheirRiverReefsProject,FOSistheonlyorganizationthatcurrentlyhaspermittedprojectsaimedatrestoringoysterreefswithintheSLR.Twoofthesixrestorationsitesarelocatedinthepreserve:oneatBrittCreekandoneatHarborRidge(SeeAppendixB.5.7).SupportofMartinCounty’sfutureoysterreefcreationeffortsandFOS’soystergardeningandreleaseprogramwithinthesouthernsectionofthepreserveisapriority.St.LucieCountyalsocreatesfishhabitatbydeployingartificialmaterialsoffshoreandrecycledoystershellmaterialintheIRLthroughtheirArtificialReefprogram.Preservestaffwouldsupportexpansionofthisprogram,especiallycreationofoysterreefsusingrecycledshellmaterial,into
Staff at Florida Oceanographic Society places oyster spat (juvenile oysters) in cages hung from private docks, allows the spat to grow for three months, and then transplants them onto existing reefs in the St. Lucie River.
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thesouthernsectionofthepreservewithinSt.LucieCounty.AnoysterreefrestorationprojectwithintheLoxahatcheeRiverbeganin2008thatwilltesttheeffectivenessofpotentialsubstrates(e.g.limestonerock,baggedrelictoystershell,andconcreteoysterreefballs)thatcouldbeusedascultchinfuturereefcreationandrestorationprojects.ResultsfromthisprojectwillhelpguidefutureeffortsintheSLR.
Permitting–Preservestaffcommentonenvironmentalresourcepermitssubmittedforleaseorconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve.Dredgingandconstructionprojectspermittedwithinthepreservemustbeinthepublicinterest(18-20F.A.C).Beneficialpublicinterestprojectshavebeenidentifiedandcommunicatedtothelocalregulatorystaffbutpreservestaffwillmaintainandregularlydistributeanupdatedlisttolocalregulators.Inadditiontothedisseminationofupdatedprojectideas,preservestaffwillprovideregulatorswithresourceupdatesforthepreserveandofferoneboattourofthepreserveeachyeartohelpfamiliarizenewstaffwiththeaquaticresourcesanddiscussspecificregulatoryandresourceprotectionissueswithinthepreserve.Useofecosystemsciencedatashouldbeusedtostrengthentheaquaticpreserverule(18-20F.A.C.)andcountycomprehensiveplansectionsthatdirectlyrelatetodevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.Suchimprovementswouldallowregulatorystafftominimizetheamountofnaturalresourceimpactswithinthepreserve.
Mitigation-Impactstonaturalresourcesmustbeavoidedorminimizedbyapplicantswishingtoconstructwithinthepreserve(Chapter18-20F.A.C.).Regardlessofcompromisingeffortstominimizeimpacts,resourcesoftenaredegradedorcompletelyremovedfromthepreservethroughtheregulatoryprocessandmustbemitigated.Insuchsituations,preservestaffareabletouseinformationgainedthroughmultiplepartnerstorecommendmitigationoptions(e.g.landacquisition,habitatandhydrologicrestoration,waterqualityimprovementprojects,shorelinestabilizationwithnativeplants,plantingofemergentandsubmergentvegetation)thatwoulddirectlybenefitthequalityofnaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.Alistofpotentialmitigationoptionsforthepreservehasbeenestablishedforquickreferenceandconsiderationbypreserveandregulatorystaff.Comparedtothehighamountofvisibleresources,mainlyseagrassandmangroves,intheadjacentestuarineIRL,theupperreachesofthepreserveareafresh,blackwatersystemthatsupportsvisiblemangroves(toalatitudejustnorthofPrimaVistaBoulevard)andemergentvegetation.Theremainingresourcesareprimarilyunconsolidatedsubstrates(76%ofthepreserve)andpossiblysubmergentvegetation(whichhasbeenidentifiedasamappingneed).UnconsolidatedsubstratesintheNorthForkSLRsupportinfaunalorganismsandbottom-dwellingfishsuchasgobies(especiallythehyphengoby[Gobionellus oceanicus])andsleepers(FNAI&DNR,1990andG.Gilmore,personalcommunication,February1,2008).Emergentandsubmergentvegetationfoundthroughoutthepreserveiscriticalforlarvae,juveniles,spawning,andnurserygroundforfishandinvertebrates(G.Gilmore,personalcommunication,February1,2008).Becauseofthelackofsubmergentvegetation,bothemergentandsubmergentvegetationlocatedwithinthepreserveshouldbeconsideredvaluablehabitat(ResourceProtectionArea1or2)worthyofmitigationwhenreviewingpermitapplications.Oncewaterqualityandclarityimprovesandseagrassbeginstorecruitwithinthepreserve,allpossiblemeasurestoavoidimpactshouldbetakenbyregulatorystaffandapplicants.
IncidentResponse-Mostincidentsinthepreserveinvolveharassmentofwildlife,primarilyadultsandchicksattheMudCovebirdrookery,reportsofillegalfishingactivities(e.g.useofgillnets),unlawfulspeed,cuttingofmangroves,andpotentialpermitviolations.Eachcomplaintisdocumentedbypreservestaffbycompletingacomplaintformthatidentifiesthecaller,theircontactinformation,incidentdescription,actiontaken,andresults.Dependingonthereportedincident,preservestaffcoordinateswithFWCwildlifeofficers,DEPorSFWMDcomplianceandenforcementstaff,SLCEnvironmentalResourcesDepartmentorSt.LucieorMartincountyparksandrecreationdepartments.Maintainingastrongpartnershipwithcomplianceandenforcementstaffiscriticaltothesuccessofincidentresponsewithinthepreserve.Preservestaffalsoencouragestewardshipamonghomeowners,whooftenserveastheeyesandearsofthepreserve.FuturecoordinationwithlawenforcementofficialswillhelppreservestaffdocumentadditionalincidentsandincidentlocationswithinthepreservethatarenotreportedthroughtheSEFLAPFieldOffice(e.g.nearmissesbetweenvarioususergroups,issuedspeedingticketsandwarnings).Identifiedtrendswillbedocumentedanddiscussedwithlawenforcementofficialsforlocalizedsupport.
4.3 / The Education and Outreach Management Program
TheEducationandOutreachManagementProgramcomponentsareessentialmanagementtoolsusedtoincreasepublicawarenessandpromoteinformedstewardshipbylocalcommunities.Educationprogramsincludeonandoff-siteeducationandtrainingactivities.Theseactivitiesinclude:fieldstudiesforstudentsandteachers,thedevelopmentanddistributionofmedia,thedisseminationofinformationatlocalevents,therecruitmentandmanagementofvolunteersandtrainingworkshopsforlocalcitizens
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anddecision-makers.Thedesignandimplementationofeducationprogramsincorporatesthestrategictargetingofselectaudiences.Theseaudiencesincludeallagesandwalksoflife;however,eachrepresentskeystakeholdersanddecision-makers.Theseeffortsbystaff,utilizingthecomponentsoftheEducationandOutreachProgram,allowthepreservetobuildrelationshipsandconveyknowledgetothecommunity,invaluablecomponentstosuccessfulmanagement.
4.�.� / Background of Education and Outreach at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
TheSEFLAPFieldOfficeissmall,remote,andnotwell-suitedforon-siteeducationalprograms.Themajorityofthepreserve’s“EducationandOutreach”hasbeenintheformofvolunteercoordinationandoutreach.Spreadsheetswerecreatedin2006totrackvolunteer-basedprojectsandoutreachevents.
Education-Inthelate1980stomid1990s,theSEFLAPFieldOfficewasdividedintotwosections:EducationandOutreachandNaturalResourceManagement.Atthattime,theeducationalstaffestablishedaprograminwhichbimonthlycanoetripswerelaunchedfromWhiteCityboatramponMidwayRoad.Canoetripswerescheduledforboththegeneralpublicandlocaldecision-makers.Educationalstaffalsocreatedanaquaticpreservecoloringbook,Aquatic Preserves are Exceptional,whichisnowdistributedstate-wide.Thetwo-sectionapproachtomanagingtheNFSLRAPdissolvedin1997withthemanagementauthorityoverthenewNorthForkSt.LucieBufferPreserve.Sincethen,theprimaryeducationalprogramssupportedbypreservestaffhavebeentheIRLEnvirothonandtheTreasureCoastEnvironmentalEducationCouncil(TCEEC).TheIRLEnvirothon,Inc.isanon-profitorganizationestablishedin1993tobringlocalenvironmentaleducationintoregional(St.Lucie,Martin,IndianRiver,Okeechobee,andBrevardcounties)middleandhighschoolclassrooms.TCEECiscomprisedofover50agenciesandorganizationswithenvironmentaleducationinterestsintheTreasureCoastarea,andwasestablishedin2005to1)allowfornetworkingopportunitiesandidea-sharingamonglocalenvironmentaleducators,and2)facilitatelarge-scaleenvironmentaleducationprojectsbeyondthescopeofeachindividualagencyororganization.TCEECdesignedportableoutdoorclassroomsthatareavailabletoTreasureCoastteachers,presentedacurriculumresourcefairforSt.LucieCountyteachers,andcreatedaTCEEClogo.
ThequantityandqualityofeducationabouttheNorthForkandthenaturalresourceswithinthepreserveweregreatlyimprovedwiththeestablishmentofSt.LucieCounty’seducationalfacilityknownasthe
St. Lucie County’s Oxbow Eco-Center plays a lead role in educating children and adults about the North Fork St. Lucie River.
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OxbowEco-Center.TheOxbowEco-Centerwasbuiltin2000,ona220acreparcelpurchasedwithfundsfromSt.LucieCounty’sEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsandSFWMDSaveOurRiversprograms.Theland,whichbuffersthepreserve,ismanagedtosustainitsnativewildlife,utilizingboardwalks,trails,bridges,observationtowers,andacanoelaunchthatallowvisitorstoexperiencenaturewithoutdisruptingit.OxbowEco-Center’sstaffhavetakentheleadroleineducatingSt.LucieCountystudentsandlocalresidentsabouttheSLRandthenaturalresourceslocatedwithinthepreservebyincorporatingindoordisplayswithoutdoorprogramming.Monthlycanoetripsalongthenarrowandscenicupperreachesofthepreservearealsoofferedbytheireducationalstaff.TheOxbowEco-Centerisknown
fortheincorporatedgreenbuildingtechnologies(e.g.passivelightdesign,solarpanels,recycledandrecyclablematerials,acisternsystemusedtocapturerainfalltoflushthetoilets,andfloorsmadefromsalvagedpinetreeslostintheSt.JohnsRiverintheearlyloggingdays)andservesasamodelforsustainability.
Outreach-TheprimaryformofoutreachforthepreservehasbeenthedeliveryofPowerPointpresentationsatvariousgroupmeetingsanduseofeducationaldisplaysandfieldequipmentdemonstrationsatlocaleventsandfestivalshostedbyotherenvironmentaleducatorsandconservationgroups.OutreacheventsfortheNorthForkhaveprimarilyincludedparticipationinOxbowEco-Center’sEarthDayCelebration,St.LucieConservationAlliance’sPartyintheParkatFortPierceInletStatePark,
PortSalerno’sSeafoodFestival,theManateeCenter’sNaturefest,andSLCAgriculturalTour.Overtheyears,preservestaffhavekeyedinontheeducationalmaterialsandinformationthathavebeenofmostinteresttolocalresidentsattendingtheoutreachevents.Gradualincorporationofnewapproachesbasedontheseobservationshasfacilitatedcommunicationandunderstandingduringtheseorganizedevents.
Signage-Preservesignagehasbeenpostedattwoofthesixpreserveaccesspoints,WhiteCityParkandVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate(SeeMap4).
Volunteers-Volunteersareanintegralpartofpreservestaff’sabilitytoreachmanagementgoals.Thevolunteercoordinationprocesswasstreamlinedin2006byappointingallcoordinationeffortstooneemployee.Atthistime,aspreadsheetwasalsocreatedtohelptrackvolunteereventsandhourscontributedtoNFSLRAPprojects.Over4,000volunteerhourshavebeendedicatedtosuchprojectsasclean-upevents,aderelictvesselsurvey,andapublicandprivateaccesssurveybetweenJuly2006andFebruary2009.Thestreamliningprocesshasallowedformoreeffectivecommunicationwiththevolunteersthroughawell-maintainede-maildistributionlist,volunteerapplications,andanemergencycontactlist.
4.�.� / Current Status of Education and Outreach at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
CurrentEducationandOutreachprogramsfortheNFSLRAPfocusoncreatingstewardswhoeducateandengageothersaswellaspromoteresponsiblenaturalresourceuse.
Education-EducationaltoolsfortheNFSLRAPincludeGISmapsofthepreserveandthesurroundingwatershed,children’saquaticpreservecoloringbooks,plantandanimalspeciesidentificationposters,PowerPointpresentations,abrochure,andeducationalmaterialsregardingspecificresourceswithinthepreserve(e.g.manatees,seagrasses,oysters,mangroves).Duetothelimitedamountofspaceandresources,educationalprogramsthatincorporatepreserveissuesarecurrentlyconductedbySLCOxbowEco-Center’seducationalstaff.Althoughformaleducationalprogramswillprobablynotbeincorporatedintothepreserve’smanagementplan,itisimportantthatpreservestaffsupporttheOxbowEco-Center’seducationaleffortsbyprovidingsupportivestaff,boats,technicalassistance,andeducationalmaterialsproducedthroughtheSEFLAPFieldOfficetoincreaselocalknowledgeofthepreserve.ItisalsoimportantforpreservestafftofacilitatecommunicationwithDEP’sSavannas
Preserve signage at Veteran’s Memorial Park at Rivergate.
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PreserveStateParkEducationalCenterstaff.TheSavannasEducationalCenterwasbuiltin2000withinthestateparkonthenorthsideofWaltonRoad.CurrentfeaturesincludeinteractiveenvironmentalandhistoricalexhibitsrelatingtotheSavannasPreserveStateParkandthesurroundingarea.AlthoughmanagementauthorityoftheNorthForkSLRBufferPreservewastransferredtoSavannasPreserveStateParkin2004,itisimportantthatpreservestaffworkwiththestateparkstafftodevelopdisplaysandeducationalmaterialsfortheNorthForkproperty.
InadditiontoplayingasupportiveroletotheOxbowEco-CenterandSavannasPreserveStateParkEnvironmentalEducationCenter,preservestaffremainactiveintheIRLEnvirothonandTCEECprograms.
Outreach-OutreachfortheNorthForkhashistoricallyfocusedonparticipationineventsorganizedbyotherorganizations.Inthefuture,staffwouldliketoreachouttoseveraltargetaudiencesbydeliveringpresentationstoappropriatehomeownerassociations,localbusinesses,andenvironmentalgroupssuchasSt.LucieandMartincountychaptersofAudubonandSLCConservationAlliance,topromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreserve.PreservestaffwillalsocoordinatewithSLC’sOxbowEco-Center,DEP’sSavannasPreserveStateParkEducationCenter,andMartinCounty’sESCtoincorporatepresentationsaboutthepreserveandtheassociatedresourcesintotheirexistinglectureseries.
TheexistingNFSLRAPbrochureisextremelyoutdated.Preservestaffareintheprocessofcreatinganewtri-foldbrochurespecifictothepreserve.Thenewbrochureprovidesusefulinformationincluding,butnotlimitedto,thereasonsbehindtheaquaticpreservedesignation,associatedstatutesandcodes,pointsofcontactforpotentialviolations,andamapthatidentifiesthepreserveboundary,publicaccesspoints,andrecreationalopportunities.
Signage-Signagewithinandataccesspointstothepreserveneedstobeimproved.Currently,onlytwooffourpublicaccesspointshavesignagepostedthatindicatethatthewaterwayisanaquaticpreserve.Futureeffortstoconstructandraiseeducationalkiosksthatinformusersaboutthepreserveareahighpriorityforpreservestaff.ThesignageatVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergateisingoodconditionanddoesnotneedtobereplaced.TheexistingsignageatWhiteCityParkisweatheredandiscurrentlyinneedofreplacement.Preservestaffwillworkwithvolunteers,EagleScouts,andmanagersofeachaccesspointtobuildandraiseeducationalkiosksatWhiteCityPark,theOxbowEco-Center,theHalpatiokeestop-overalongEvan’sCreek,andRiverParkMarina.PreservestaffwillworkwithSLC’sOxbowEco-Centerstafftodeterminethemostappropriateformofsignagefortheiraccesspointasakioskwoulddistractfromthenaturalviewthatstaffaretryingtoprotect.
Becauseofthelackofsignageatthepublicaccesspointsandrapidgrowth,somevisitorsareunawarethatalargeportionoftheNorthForkisanaquaticpreserve.Toaddressthis,preservestaffwillworkwithFWCDivisionofLawEnforcementBoatingandWaterwayssectiontoinstallsignageonchannelmarkersthatinformboatersthattheyareenteringtheNFSLRAP.
Volunteers-AlthoughSEFLAPFieldOfficevolunteershavetraditionallyhelpedwithintheIRL-VeroBeachtoFortPierceAquaticPreserve,moreemphasisiscurrentlybeingplacedontheNorthForkSLR.Theseprojectsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,constructionandmaintenanceofeducationalkiosksatpublicaccesspoints,assistancewithbirdrookerymonitoring,resourcemanagementsurveys,citizenpatrolling,clean-upevents(especiallyremovalofmonofilamentwithinthevegetationalongtheWhiteCityParkoxbowandalongthefishingpiersatRiverParkMarinaandVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate),outreachopportunities,informationgathering,andoffice-relatedprojects.Theopportunitieshavebeenwell-receivedbythepublic,andpreservestaffanticipatesuccessfulimplementationofmanystrategiesoutlinedinChapter5throughthesupportofvolunteers.
Volunteers help preserve staff remove debris from the North Fork St. Lucie River.
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AsthevolunteernetworkforthepreserveincreasesandSEFLAPFieldOfficestaffreestablishestheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesInc.CitizensSupportOrganization(CSO),preservestaffwouldliketointeractwithboththepreservevolunteersaswellasthestatepark’sCSO,FriendsofSavannasPreserveStatePark,Inc.Programsthatbenefitboththebufferingstateparklandaswellasthepreserve(e.g.non-nativespeciesremoval,shorelinestabilization,andhydrologicrestoration)maybeofinteresttobothgroupsofvolunteers.Preservestaffwillcontinuetouseavolunteerdatabasecreatedin2006todocumenttheneedforafuturefull-timevolunteercoordinatorposition,aresponsibilitythatiscurrentlybeingcoveredbyanOtherPersonalServices(OPS)(time-limited)employeewithseveralotherresponsibilities.
4.4 / The Public Use Management Program
ThePublicUseManagementProgramaddressesthedeliveryandmanagementofpublicuseopportunitiesatthepreserve.Thecomponentsofthisprogramfocusonprovidingthepublicrecreationalopportunitieswithinthesite’sboundarieswhicharecompatiblewithresourcemanagementobjectives.ThegoalforpublicaccessmanagementinCAMAmanagedareasis:“Toadegreethatisconsistentwithourgoalsfornaturalandculturalresourceprotection,wewillpromoteandmanagepublicuseofourpreservesandreservesthatsupportstheresearch,education,andstewardshipmissionofCAMA.”
Whileaccessbythegeneralpublichasalwaysbeenapriority,theconservationofCAMA’ssitesistheprimarymanagementconcernforCAMA.Itisessentialforstafftoanalyzeexistingpublicusesanddefinemanagementstrategiesthatbalancetheseactivitieswherecompatibleinamannerthatprotectsnatural,cultural,andaestheticresources.Thisrequiresgatheringexistinginformationonuse,needs,andopportunities,aswellasathoroughconsiderationoftheexistingandpotentialimpactstocriticalupland,wetland,andsubmergedhabitats.Thiswouldincludethecoordinationofvisitorprogramplanningwithsocialscienceresearch.OneofCAMA’scriticalmanagementchallengesduringthenext10yearsisbalancinganticipatedincreasesinpublicusewiththeneedtoensurepreservationofsiteresources.Thissectionexplainsthehistoryandcurrentstatusofourpublicuseefforts.
4.4.� / Background of Public Use at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
TheNorthForkSLRisaccessibletothepublicyear-roundforconsumptiveandnon-consumptiveuse.Nopublicusesurveyshavebeenconductedwithinthepreservetodate.Suchsurveyswouldhelpdocumenttheuser’sage,activity,andfrequencyofusebylocalsandvisitors.Thesedatawouldultimatelyallowpreservestafftotargetspecificusergroupsandissues.Primarypublicuseconcernsidentifiedtodatehavebeenboatingsafety(conflictsbetweenmotorboatersandpaddlers)andpoorwaterqualityconditions(SeeAppendixC).Anecdotalreportsfromlocalsindicatethatthesportfishinghasbeennegativelyaffectedinthepreserveduetofreshwaterreleasesfromthedrainagenetworkinthewatershed(Murdock,1954b).Despitewaterqualityconcerns,anglersareregularlyseenusingthepreservefromboats,publicboatramps,andfishingpiers.
PublicAccess–AnaccesssurveywithintheNFSLRAPwascompletedinJune2007.Atthattime,fourpublicboatramps,onepublicmarina,threepubliccanoestopovers,andthreepublicfishingpiers(locatedatpublicboatramps)werelocatedwithinthepreserve.ThefourpublicboatrampsarelocatedatWhiteCityPark,RiverParkMarina,Veteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate,andClubMed-Sandpiper.TheonlymarinainthepreserveisapublicmarinaoperatedbyClubMed-Sandpiper.PubliccanoestopovershavebeenbuiltbySt.LucieCountyandFDEPattheOxbowEco-Center,IdabelleIsland,andtheHalpatiokeeParcelofSavannasPreserveStateParkNorthForkProperty.Althoughnottechnicallywithinthepreserve,publiclandsadjacenttotheNorthFork(northofMidwayRoad)andTenMileCreekprovideadditionalpublicaccessandrecreationalopportunities.Anadditionaleightprivateboatramps,379privatedocks,and12privatemulti-slipdockshavebeenpermittedwithinthepreserve.
Boating/DerelictVessels–Fourpublicboatrampsareavailabletoboaterswithinthepreserve.BecausethepreservecanbeaccessedfromtheIRL,boatersmayaccessthepreservefromanyIRLorSLRpublicramp.ThenumberofderelictvesselsincreasedafterhurricanesFrances,Jeanne,andWilmapassedin2004and2005.InJune2007,sixabandoned/derelictvessels(rangingfromapaddleboattolargesailboats)weredocumentedwithinthepreserve.Twoofthesesixvesselshavebeenremoved.ThelocationsofthefourremainingvesselscanbeseenonMap23.
ConsumptiveUse-PredominantconsumptivepublicusesoftheNFSLRAParefishingandcrabbing.TherearethreepublicfishingpierswithinthepreservelocatedatWhiteCityPark,RiverParkMarina,andVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate.Thesepiersaretheeasiestwayforthepublictoaccessthe
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preserve,andthereforereceiveregularuse.Bothcommercialandrecreationalanglersuseboatstofishinthepreserve.Netandhookandlinemethodsareusedtocatchtargetspeciessuchasmullet,croakers,sheepshead,snapper,andsnook.CommercialcastnettersrelyontheNorthForkSLRsouthofVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergateformullet,croakers,andsheepshead.Somesellwholesaletolocalmarkets,butlittleiscurrentlyknownaboutthesuccessoftheseoperations.TheNorthForkalsosupportsyear-roundcommercialandrecreationalbluecraboperations.OnecommercialcrabberhasreliedonNorthForkresourcesasasolesourceofincomesince1985.CrabsharvestedfromthepreservearesoldwholesaletocommercialmarketsinPortSt.LucieandJensenBeachandareoccasionallysoldalongMidwayRoadinWhiteCity.Anecdotalevidencefromrecreationalandcommercialfishermenandcrabbersrelatestheabundanceandhealthoftheircatchtowaterqualityinthepreserve.Runoffafterlargestormeventsandconversionofnaturaltohardenedshorelines,bothassociatedwithincreaseddevelopmentinthewatershed,havehadthelargestimpactonthebluecrabbusinesssincethemid-1980s(URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999;L.Burgess,personalcommunication,September6,2007).RecreationalcrabbersthatusetheNorthForkareresponsibleforaddingfeaturesthatmakerecreationaltrapslegalandarelimitedtofewertrapsthancommercialoperations.AlthoughtheNorthForkhasfewercrabs,hencefewercrabbers,thanotherareasalongtheeastcoast,thecrabsareofhighquality(L.Burgess,personalcommunication,September6,2007).
Non-ConsumptiveUse-Opportunitiesfornon-consumptivepublicusesofthepreserveincludecanoeing,kayaking,motorboating,sailing,waterskiing,wakeboarding,catch-and-releasefishing,andnatureviewing.Twoeco-touroperations,theRiverLillyCruiseandSunshineWildlifeTours,providepontoontripstoeducateresidentsandvisitorsaboutthebiologyandecologyoftheNorthForkSLR.AhighlightofbothtoursisavisittothebirdrookeryinMudCoveduringthepeakofthenestingseason(FebruarytoJuly).ToursleavefrompublicboatrampsinPortSt.LucieandStuart.ClubMed-Sandpiper,whichoccupiesover1,000acresalongKitchingCoveinPortSt.Lucie,providesrecreationalopportunitiestogueststhataredirectly
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associatedwiththepreserve.Aprivately-ownedwaverunnerandsportboatconcession,WorldWaterTours,operatesoutofClubMed-Sandpiper’sDiscoveryCenter.Year-roundboatrentalshavebeenavailableforrecreationwithinthepreservefornearly20years.AnorientationcoveringtherulesassociatedwithmanateeprotectionzonesandthecommonlyvisitedbirdrookeryinMudCoveisprovidedpriortoleavingClubMed-Sandpiper.TheguidedtoursspanfromSt.LucieInlettothePrimaVistaBridgewithafocalpointbeingthebirdrookery,particularlybetweenFebruaryandJuly.Otherwater-relatedactivitiesatClubMed-Sandpiperincludetriathlons,swimming,andsunbathingonthepreserve’sonlysandybeach.St.LucieCountyCanoeandKayakrentstopaddlersthatwishtoexploretheNorthForkbetweenPrimaVistaBoulevardand
WhiteCityPark.Mapsareprovided,andinterestforadditionalpreserveinformationhasbeenexpressedbecauseguidedtoursarenotprovided.
4.4.� / Current Status of Public Use at North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
OnechallengeforFlorida’saquaticpreserveprogramistopromotesustainableuseofthepreservewhileminimizingadverseuserimpactstothenaturalresources.Thesuccessofgovernmentconservationprogramsisproportionaltopublicsupportofthoseprograms,andpublicsupportismostoftenderivedfrompublicuse.Manyusersarenotawareofhowtheirdailyactivitiesimpactpreserveresourcesorotherusergroups.Therefore,manyoftheidentifiedfutureneedswithinthePublicUseManagementProgramoverlapwiththatoftheEducationandOutreachManagementProgram.
PublicAccess-TheClubMed-Sandpiperpublicmarinaistheonlymarinalocatedwithinthepreserve.AninformationalpackageandPowerPointpresentationabouttheDEPCleanMarinaandCleanVesselprogramswillbepresentedtoClubMed-Sandpiperdecision-makers.Preservestaffknowwherepublicandprivateaccesspointsarealongthepreserve,butitisalsoimportantformanagerstoknowthetype,frequency,andintensityofusethepreserveissubjectedto.Assistancefromvolunteerswillberequested
toconductapublicusesurveyateachofthefourpublicboatrampswithinthepreserve(SeeMap4).Communicationswiththerentalfacilitieswillbeimprovedbyprovidingpreservebrochuresanddeliveringpresentations.Thiswillhelpproprietorsgaintheinformationtheyneedtoeducateandinformtheircustomersaboutthepreserveanditsnaturalresources.
Boating/DerelictVessels-FourderelictvesselswerelocatedwithinthepreserveasofFebruary2009,allinSt.LucieCounty(SeeMap23).Photographs,locationdata,andtechnicalassistancewithmapproductionandgrantproposalswillbeprovidedtolocalgovernments,FWClawenforcement,andregulatorystafftofacilitatetheirremoval.
ConsumptiveUse-Fishingandcrabbingarepopularconsumptiveusesofthepreserve.Monofilamentlinefromfishingactivitiesisregularlyseenaroundboatramps,fishingpiers,andentangledaroundtheMudCovebirdrookery.Birds(adultsandchicks)attheMudCoveRookeryhavediedfromentanglement
Derelict vessels, such as this sailboat removed in February �00�, have been identified for future removal from the preserve.
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inmonofilamentline.Supportfromlocalvolunteerswillberequestedtohelpremovemonofilamentlineonandaroundthepublicboatrampsandfishingpiersandatallbirdrookerieslocatedwithinthepreservejustpriortothenestingseason.Thesesiteshavebeenidentifiedasdebrishotspotsthatrequireconstantattention(basedonpreservestaffobservationsandtheresultsofdebrisremovalefforts).Educationalprogramsareexpectedtocultivateasenseofstewardshipandbehavioralchange.Monofilamentrecyclingcontainersarecurrentlylocatedattwooffourpublicboatramps.StaffwillworkwithlocalgovernmentsandFloridaSeaGranttoinstallandmaintainthepolyvinylchloride(PVC)monofilamentcontainersatallpublicboatrampsandfishingpiersalongthepreserve.
Non-ConsumptiveUse-Themostpopularnon-consumptiveuseofthepreserveisboating.CleanboatingpracticeswillbeadvocatedtotheboatingcommunitythoughastrongerpartnershipwithFloridaSeaGrantandmanagersofpublicboatrampsandmarinas.Preservestaffwillalsopromotelow-impactrecreationalopportunity(e.g.paddling)tohelppreventunforeseendamagetonaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.
Interpretation-SignageidentifyingtheNFSLRAPislocatedatonlytwoofthefourpublicboatrampswithaccesstothepreserve.Preservestaffwillconstructandestablisheducationalkiosksateachofthepublicboatrampsalongthepreserve.ThesekioskswilldepictGISmapsoutliningthepreserveboundaryandassociatednaturalresources,identifythepublicaccesspointsalongthepreserve,documentstatutesandcodethatwillfacilitateenforcementbylawenforcementofficers,andhighlightrecreationalopportunitiesprovidedbyothergroupssuchastheSavannasPreserveStateParkandSLCEnvironmentallySensitiveLandshikingtrailsystemsandecotouroperations.Additionalinformationwillalsobeincludedinthekiosksregardingnativeandnon-nativespecies,rulesandregulationsthatgovernaquaticpreserves,andSEFLAPFieldOfficecontactinformation.
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Chapter Five
Issues5.1 / Introduction to Issue-Based Management
ThehallmarkofFlorida’saquaticpreserveprogramisthateachsite’snaturalresourcemanagementeffortsareindirectresponseto,anddesignedforuniquelocalandregionalissues.WhenissuesareaddressedbyanaquaticpreserveitallowsforanintegratedapproachbythestaffusingprinciplesoftheEcosystemScience,ResourceManagement,EducationandOutreach,andPublicUsePrograms.Thiscompletetreatmentofissuesprovidesamechanismthroughwhichthegoals,objectives,andstrategiesassociatedwithanissuehaveagreaterchanceofbeingmet.Forinstance,anaquaticpreservemayaddressdeclinesinwaterclaritybymonitoringlevelsofturbidityandchlorophyll(EcosystemScience-research),plantingerodedshorelineswithmarshvegetation(ResourceManagement-habitatrestoration),creatingadisplayorprogramonpreventingwaterqualitydegradation(EducationandOutreach),andofferingtrainingtomunicipalofficialsonretrofittingstormwaterfacilitiestoincreaselevelsoftreatment(EducationandOutreach).
Issue-basedmanagementisameansthroughwhichanynumberofpartnersmaybecomeinvolvedwithanaquaticpreserveinaddressinganissue.Becausemostaquaticpreservesaremanagedwithveryfewstaff,partneringisanecessity,andbybringingissuesintoabroadpublicconsciousness,partnerswhowishtobeinvolvedareabletodoso.Involvingpartnersinissue-basedmanagementensuresthataparticularissuereceivesattentionfromanglesthat,possibly,theaquaticpreservemaynotnormallyaddress.
ThissectionwillexploreissuesthatimpactthemanagementoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve(NFSLRAP)directly,orareofsignificantlocalorregionalimportancethattheaquaticpreserve’sparticipationinthemmayprovebeneficial.Whileanissuemaybethesamefrompreservetopreserve,thegoals,objectivesandstrategiesemployedtoaddresstheissuewilllikelyvarydependingontheecologicalandsocioeconomicconditionspresentwithinandaroundaparticularaquaticpreserve’sboundary.Inthismanagementplan,thepreservewillcharacterizeeachofitsissuesanddelineatetheuniquegoals,objectives,andstrategiesthatwillsettheframeworkformeetingthechallengespresentedbytheissues.
Emergent swamp lily is found in the upper reaches of the North Fork St. Lucie River.
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Eachissuewillhavegoals,objectives,andstrategiesassociatedwithit.Goalsareabroadstatementofwhattheorganizationplanstodoand/orenableinthefuture.Theyshouldaddressidentifiedneedsandadvancethemissionoftheorganization.Objectivesareaspecificstatementofexpectedresultsthatcontributetotheassociatedgoal,andstrategiesarethegeneralmeansbywhichtheassociatedobjectiveswillbemet.AppendixDcontainsasummarytableofallthegoals,objectives,andstrategiesassociatedwitheachissue.
Tobesuccessful,thestrategiesidentifiedinthisplanwillbeaccomplishedinpartnershipwithlocalcitizens,city,county,state,andfederalofficials,collegeanduniversitystudentsandfaculty,non-governmentalorganizations,andthebusinesscommunity.Fullimplementationofthestrategiesidentifiedinthismanagementplanisdependentuponadministrativesupportforreassigningorotherwiseacquiringstaff,volunteers,contractservices,equipment,training,andsupplies.Managementwillseekadditionaladministrativestaffingsupporttoprocesscontractsandgrantstoexpanditsabilitytopursueoutsidefundingandprocesscontractsforservices.
5.2 / Issue One: Water Quality
ThedegradationofwaterqualitywithintheSt.LucieRiver(SLR)andtheeffectsofstormwaterdischargesontheestuarinesystemarewell-documented(Murdock,1954a;Haunert&Startzman,1980,1985;Rudolph,1990;Graves&Strom,1992,1995a,1995b;Chamberlain&Hayward,1996;Doering,1996;Gravesetal.,2002;Graves,Wan&Fike,2004).PrimaryfactorsaffectingwaterqualityintheSLRarethequantity,quality,timing,anddistributionofstormwaterrunofffromurbanandagriculturalsources.Morespecifically,thesystemsuffersfromsalinityimbalances,turbidwater,highnutrientandsedimentloading,hypoxia,andheavymetalandpesticideaccumulationinthesediments(Wang,Krivan,&Johnson,1979;Haunert,1988;Rand,Carriger,Lee,&Pfeuffer,2003).Theconsequencesofthesephysicalandchemicaldisturbancesincludefishkills,chronicfishabnormalities(finrot,ulcerations,scoliosis,abnormallaterallines,scaledisorientation,discoloredpatches,liverotonbody,eyeandbodydeformities,growths,bleeding,andsevereparasiteinfestation),
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algalblooms,ashiftfromnektontoplankton-dominatedsystem,lowtransparency,andalackofsubmergedaquaticvegetation(SAV)andoysterreefs(Murdock,1954b;Chamberlain&Hayward,1996;Doering,1996;Ewing,Browder,Kandrashoff,&Kandrashoff,2006).
TheinitialstormwaterrunoffduringaraineventhasthehighestconcentrationofcontaminantsbelievedtodegradetheSLR.Herr(1995)estimatesthat60%ofthepollutantloadofnutrients(phosphorusandnitrogen)andsuspendedsolidsiscontainedinthefirstone-quarterinchofrunoff,and95%containedinthefirstoneinch.StormwaterdrainingintotheSLRhas:1)lowlevelsofdissolvedoxygen,2)sedimentandnutrientloadsthatcorrespondwithspecificlandusepractices(SeeAppendixB.5.11),and3)heavymetals(especiallyarsenicfromcitrusgrovesandgolfcourses)andpesticides(mainlysimazinefromcitrusgroves)(SeeAppendixB.5.11)(Gravesetal.,2004).
AsaClassIIIwaterbody,thepreserveshouldbesuitableforhumanrecreationandmaintenanceofahealthy,well-balancedpopulationoffishandwildlife(62-302.400F.A.C.).Poorwaterqualityhasmadelocalsquestionthesafetyofswimming,boating,andfishingintheriver(Murdock1954b).Historically,SAVandoysterpopulationswerelocatedwithinthepreserve;nowtheyareprimarilyfoundinthemiddleandlowerestuaries.InNovember2006,22waterfrontownersfiledsuitagainsttheU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers(USACE)fordegradingthequalityofthewaterintheSLR(includingthepreserve)
whichultimatelyviolatesriparianhomeowners’righttosafelyuseandenjoythewateradjacenttotheirland.AccordingtoSt.LucieRiverInitiativemembers,ifthecasegoestotrialandtheriparianhomeownersarecompensatedfortheirlosses,allallocatedfundswillbeusedtoimprovewaterqualitywithintheSLR(e.g.muckremoval).
LargemuckdepositsintheSLRserveasasinkforheavymetals,pesticides,andnutrientsenteringthesystem.StatewaterqualitystandardshavebeenexceededintheSLRforcopper,lead,arsenic,zinc,ethion,diazinon,simazine,malathion,chlorpyrifosethyl,andendosulfan(Wangetal.,1979;Haunert,1988;FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],1999;Gravesetal.,2004;Graves&Strom,1995a;Randetal.,2003;Rand,Schuler&Hoang,2007).PesticidesfromagriculturalandurbanpracticeshavebeenlinkedtolargefishkillsinTenMileCreek(Graves&Strom,1995a).Thesepesticideshavealsobeendocumentedinthesedimentsofthepreserve(nearMidwayRoad)andarebelievedto
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havetraveleddownstreamfromtheheadwaters(Graves&Strom,1995a;1995b;Graves,1996).Most(65%)ofthewastewaterresidualsludgefromutilityoperationsinSouthFlorida(Miami-Dade,Broward,PalmBeach,Martin,andSt.Luciecounties)iscurrentlydisposedofinSt.LucieCountythroughalandspreadingagreement.Approximately34,000tonsofresidualswerespreadinwesternSt.LucieCountyin2004(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],2009).St.LucieCountyisawareofthepotentialforenvironmentaldegradationassociatedwiththisprocessandiscurrentlyresearchingalternativestolandspreading(e.g.gasification).SpreadingofwastematerialsonagriculturallandsthatdrainintothecentralandsouthFloridacanals,andultimatelythepreserve,contributetoitsimpairedwaterbodystatus(Gravesetal.,2002;SFWMD,2009).Thelong-termeffectsofcontaminantsandexcessnutrientsareexacerbatedbyepisodicre-suspensionevents(e.g.storms)thatpromotereleasebackintothewatercolumn.RemovalofSLRmuckformationsanddecreasedpesticideandfertilizerapplicationinthewatershedarenecessarytoreducenutrientandheavymetalloadingintheSLR.
Asanimpairedwaterbody(SeeMap9)(Gravesetal., 2002),theSLRisnotmeetingitsClassIIIdesignatedusetosupporthumanrecreation,andpropagationandmaintenanceofahealthy,well-balancedpopulationoffishandwildlife(62-302.400F.A.C.,Chamberlain&Hayward,1996;Doering,1996;Graves&Strom,1995a;Gravesetal.,2002).St.LucieCountyDepartmentofHealth,DEP,MarineResourcesCouncil,andFloridaOceanographicSocietymonitorentericbacteriacounts(bacteriathatnormallyinhabittheintestinaltractofhumanandnon-humananimals)intheNorthForkSLR.Thepresenceofentericbacteria(fecalcoliformandenterococci)isanindicationoffecalpollution,whichmaycomefromstormwaterrunoff,petsandwildlife,andhumansewage.Iftheyarepresentinhighconcentrationsinrecreationalwatersandareingestedwhileswimmingorentertheskinthroughacutorsore,theymaycausehumandisease,infectionsorrashes(FloridaDepartmentofHealth,2007b).HealthwarningswereissuedfortheSLRbecauseofhighlevelsofEnterococcusspp.andfecalcoliformbacteriafromSeptember2004toOctober2005(FloridaDepartmentofHealth,2007a).BelangerandPrice(2007)werefundedbytheSt.LucieRiverIssuesTeamtoquantifynutrientandbacterialcontributionsofwaterfronton-sitesewagedisposalsystems(OSDSorsepticsystems)totheSLR.ResultsfromtheirstudyindicatethatevenproperlyfunctioningOSDShavethepotentialtoexacerbate
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nutrientloadingwithintheSLR(especiallyphosphate).However,thesandycharacteristicofthesoilsadjacenttothedrainfieldappeartomakethemeffectivebacteriafilterswhichcapturethecoliformbacteriabeforeitreachesthewater(Belanger&Price,2007).
TheneedtoimprovewaterqualitywithintheSLRisbeingaddressedatthestateandfederallevelsthroughthedevelopmentoftotalmaximumdailyloads(TMDL),anSLRWatershedProtectionPlan(WPP),andthecreationandimplementationofaBasinManagementActionPlan(BMAP).
TotalMaximumDailyLoads
ThedevelopmentofTMDLsfortheSLRismandatedbySection303(d)oftheCleanWaterActwhichrequiresthateachstatelistthosewaterswithinitsboundariesthatarenotmeetingwaterqualitystandardsapplicabletosuchwaters.OverseenbytheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,DEPisrequiredtodevelopTMDLsforeachwaterqualityparameterthatexceedsClassIIIstandardsfortheSLR(SeeAppendixB.5.11andB.5.12)(62-302.530F.A.C).AlistoftheimpairedbasinsandtheiranticipatedTMDLdevelopmentdatesislocatedinAppendixB.5.13.RecentanalysisofwaterqualitydatacollectedbySFWMDbetween1991and2006showsthataveragephosphorusandnitrogenlevelsintheSLRdonotmeetanacceptablelevelforsupportinghealthybiologicalcommunities(Figures6and7).TMDLsare
currentlybeingdevelopedfornutrients(nitrogenandphosphorus)anddissolvedoxygenintheC-24,NorthSt.Lucie,andBesseyCreekbasinstohelpaddressthisissue.Gravesetal.(2004)alsodetectedlevelsofcopperinstormwaterrunoffthatexceededthesetstandard(SeeAppendixB.5.11).Riskstoaquaticorganismswithinthepreservedependontheindividualspecies’sensitivity,thelengthofexposure,andthecontaminantmixtureandconcentration(Wilson&Foos,2006;Schuler&Rand,2007;Randetal.,2007).ThesecopperlevelsandotherimpairmentswillbeaddressedinthenextroundsofTMDLsduein2009and2011.
St.LucieRiverWatershedProtectionPlan
The2007“NorthernEverglades”legislativebill(SenateBill#392)appropriatedfundstodevelopaWPP,watershedconstructionplan,andaresearchandwaterqualitymonitoringplanfortheSt.LucieandCaloosahatcheewatersheds.Theseplansincludeconstructionofwaterqualityimprovement
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C-2
3
C-2
4
C-25
11
0 2 4 6 8 101Miles
.
North
Fork
Total Phosphorus From Each Sub Basin in the St. Lucie Estuary Watershed
TPO4 mg/LGood (0.000 - 0.058)
Fair (0.058 - 0.111)
Degraded (0.111 - 0.186)
Poor (0.186 - 0.350)
Figure � / Contribution of total phosphorus from each sub-basin in the St. Lucie Estuary watershed (SFWMD, �00�).
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projects,investigationandimplementationofpollutantcontrolandalternativetechnologies,andresearchandwaterqualitymonitoring.TheSLRWPPincorporatestherestorationgoalsofsupportingdocuments,suchastheIndianRiverLagoon–SouthProjectImplementationReport(IRL-SPIR),theIRLSurfaceWaterImprovementandManagement(SWIM)Plan,andtheIRLCCMP,andprovidethebasisfortheBMAPbyidentifyingandrankingmanyoftheconstructionprojects,pollutioncontrolmeasures,andwaterqualitymonitoringefforts.
BasinManagementActionPlan
OnceTMDLshavebeendevelopedforthesub-basinsidentifiedinAppendixB.5.13,DEPwillbeginworkingwithlocalmunicipalitiestodraftanactionplanintendedtoincreasethedissolvedoxygenlevelsandreducetheamountofnitrogenandphosphorusreachingtheSLR.DEPandthelocalmunicipalitieswillidentifyhigh-priorityareasusingdatarecentlyanalyzedbySFWMD(SeeFigures8and9)(SFWMD,2009).BMAPimplementationwillbedirectlylinkedwithmanyoftheconstructionprojects,pollutioncontrolmeasures,andwaterqualitymonitoringeffortsidentifiedintheSLRWPP.AdditionalmanagementactionsbeyondtheSLRWPPwillalsobeincludedintheBMAP,developedincooperationwithlocalstakeholders.
AdditionalRestorationPrograms
TheSLRhasbeentargetedforrestorationundertheIRL-SPIR,aportionoftheComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlan(CERP)(USACE&SFWMD,2004).AnentiresectionoftheimplementationreportisdedicatedtotheinformationandrestorationneedsoftheNorthFork.TheIRLSWIMPlan(Stewardetal.,2003)andtheIRLCCMP(St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict[SJRWMD],SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],&UnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency[USEPA],1996)alsoaddresstheimmediaterestorationneedsoftheSLR.TheseplansalsoidentifyrestorationgoalsthataimtowardimprovingthehealthoftheSLR,notrestoringthesystemtohistoricconditions.TheSLRWPPwillincorporatetheimprovementprojectsoutlinedintheIRL-SPIR,theIRLSWIMPlan,andtheIRLCCMPandserveasanoverallumbrellaoverthethreedocuments.
St.LucieandMartincountiesandthelocalmunicipalitieswillneedtopoolresourcestoimprovewaterqualityintheSLR.BothSt.LucieandMartincountiesareretrofittingstormwatersystems,includingthecreationofretentionpondstotreatstormwaterrunoffinresidentialneighborhoods.St.LucieCountyhasbuilta20-acrereservoiratthePlatt’sCreekRestorationAreathatpresentlycollectsandtreatslocalstormwaterrunofffromanapproximately1,000acredrainagebasinpriortoitsreachingtheSLR.Plansarecurrentlybeingdiscussedtodeterminethebestuseofthisparceltoimprovewaterquality,fosterscientificeducationandresearch,andprovideapassiverecreationaloutletthatfocusesonthenaturalhistory,biology,andecologyoftheSLR.BothcountiesalsosupporttheeffortssetforthintheIRL-SPIR.
AllIRL-SPIRrestorationprojectsareexpectedtoimprovethequalityoftheSLR;however,thosethatmostdirectlyaffectthepreserveincludehydrologicrestorationthroughfloodplainandoxbowreconnections,muckremoval,andplacementofsubstrate(cultch)thatarecapableofsupportingoysterrecruits.CoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)contractedPBS&JtodevelopahydrologicneedsassessmentoftheNorthForkin2003andthenconductedariverbankbreachingpilotstudytore-hydratefloodplainwetlandswithinthepreserve.Anhistoricoxbowwasalsoreconnectednorthofthepreserve,nearPlatt’sCreek,tohelpslowtheflowofwaterandallowadequatetimeforsuspendedsolidstosettlebeforereachingareasdownstreamwithinthepreserve.ReconnaisanceworkintheNorthForkSLRwasperformedbyTaylorEngineeringin1993andpilotmuckremovalprojectswereconductedin2002(SouthForkSLRandLakeOkeechobee)and2003(NorthForkSLR)(Schropp,McFetridge&Taylor,1994;St.LucieRiverInitiative,2004).Theneedtoremovedeep,oxygen-depletedmucklayersinthelowerportionsofthepreservearewidelyagreeduponbuttechnical,logistic,andfinancialproblemsneedtobefurtherevaluatedbeforeagenciesarereadytoproceedwithlarge-scaleremovalefforts.MuchofthehistoricallysuitablehabitatinthelowerNorthForkhasbeencoveredoverbyfinegrainsediments(muck)thatpreventrecruitmentofoysterspatandestablishmentofSAV.Oncelargemuckdepositshavebeenremovedandproposedsedimenttrapscreated,naturalandartificialsubstrateswillbeusedtopromotereestablishmentofoysters.Asablackwaterriver,theNorthForkanditstributarystreamscontaintanninsfromwatershedplantsgivingthewaterabrowntoblackcolor.Blackwaterstreamsshouldbedarkandclear.TheNorthForkanditsstreamsareoftenbrownincolor
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withlittleornoclaritybecauseofhighturbidityandnutrientloadings.TheNorthFork,andmostofthedownstreamSLR,containsnoSAVbecauseofthesepoorwaterqualityconditions.Projectsthatimprovewaterclarity,suchasthoseidentifiedintheIRL-SPIR,willbethemostbeneficialforthere-establishmentofSAV.
RoutinewaterqualitymonitoringintheNorthForkisbeingperformedbylocal,state,andfederalgovernmentagenciesandnon-governmentalorganizationsbutimprovedcoordinationandinformationdisseminationamonginvolvedgroupsisneeded.Manyaquaticpreserveofficesaroundthestatemonitorwaterqualitywithintheirboundaries.Becauseofawell-establishedwaterqualitymonitoringnetwork,thelackofsuitableofficespace,andlimitedstaffing,theSoutheastAquaticPreserveFieldOffice(SEFLAP)hasexpendedtheirlimitedtimeandresourcesonothermanagementareas.AmoresuitablerolefortheSEFLAPFieldOfficeistoserveasaliaisonbetweenentitiescollectingwaterqualitydata.AstheTMDLprocessandimplementationofCERPrestorationeffortsproceed,anentitysuchastheSEFLAPFieldOfficeisneededtofacilitateinformationexchangeandtohelppartnersdisseminatewaterqualityupdatesinawaythatpromoteslocalknowledge.Additionalstaffing(onefull-timeposition)wouldbenecessaryfortheSEFLAPFieldOfficetofillthiscoordination-basedrole.
WaterQuality(WQ)
WQGoal1/Maintainandimprovewaterqualitywithinandenteringthepreservetomeettheneedsofthenaturalresources.
WQObjective1.1/Regularlyassesswaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserveandthepotentialimpactsonnaturalresources.
IntegratedStrategies
WQ1.1.1/Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions(ecosystemscience).WaterqualitydataintheSLRarecollectedbymultipleagenciesandnon-profitgroups.Awaterqualityguidethatidentifieshowtoaccessrawdatafromeachoftheentitiescollectingwaterqualitydatawillbedraftedandmaintainedforusebythegeneralpublic.Summariesproducedbythosecollectingwaterqualitydatawillallowstafftobetterunderstandwaterqualityconditionsandhowtheseconditionsmaybeimpactingthenaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.InitiatedFiscalYear(FY)2007-2008,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Auser-friendlyguidethatidentifiesthelocationofwaterqualitymonitoringstationswithinthepreserveandhowtoaccessrawdatafromeachoftheentitiescollectingwaterqualitydata.
WQ1.1.2/IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSLR(ecosystemscience).TheIRLBiotoxinandAquaticAnimalHealthWorkingGroupwasformedthroughtheIRLNationalEstuaryProgram(NEP)tofacilitateresearch,promotesharingofpertinentdata,anddisseminaterelatedinformationtothegeneralpublic.Preservestaffwillsupporttheworkinggroupbyattendingmeetings,providingcopiesofrelatedliteraturetothecoordinatingentity,St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict(SJRWMD),anddisseminatinglearnedinformationtothepublicthoughoutreachevents.InitiatedFY2007-2008,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.IRLNEPsponsoredIRLBiotoxinandAquaticAnimalHealthWorkingGroupmeetingsummaries.
WQObjective1.2/Protectnaturalresourcesbyrestoringalteredareasthatcontributetolowwaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserve.
IntegratedStrategies
WQ1.2.1/Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat(resourcemanagement).Hydrologicrestorationprojects,suchasoxbowandfloodplainreconnection,willbeimplementedtoincreasetheresidencetimeofwaterenteringtheNorthFork.UsingthefoundationprovidedbyPBS&J(2003)andSt.LucieCounty(SLC)MosquitoControlDistrict,amulti-agencyteamwasformedin2008tocompileinformationandranktheidentifiedrestorationprojects(SeeAppendixB.5.2)(Herrenetal.,
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inprep).Biologicalandwaterqualitymonitoring,similartothatperformedatthepilotreconnectionsites(SeeMap22),willalsobeconductedforoneyearpre-constructionandforatleastthreeyearsaftercompletionofalllarge-scalehydrologicrestorationprojects.Anannualprogressreportwillbesubmittedtothepermittingagencyandpartnerseachyear.InitiatedFY2002-2003,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Completionofatechnicalreportthatusesthehistoric(1919)rivercourse,LightDetectionandRanging(LiDAR)data,andsite-specificinformationtoidentifyandrankhydrologicrestorationsiteswithintheNorthForkSLRanditsheadwaters,TenMileCreek(SeeAppendixB.5.2).2.Annualprogressreportsassociatedwithpre-andpost-biologicalandwaterqualitymonitoringathydrologicrestorationsites(minimumthreeyearsofpost-restorationmonitoring).
WQ1.2.2/Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants(resourcemanagement).Preservestaffwillimplementprojectstoreduceshorelineerosion.Shorelinestabilizationprojectswillincludegradationandplantingalongtheerodingshoreline,plantingofsubmergentandemergentvegetation(SeeAppendixB.5.10),andquarterlymonitoring.Anannualprogressreportwillbeproducedforeachstabilizationsite.Oncesubmergentandemergentvegetationareestablished,biologicalmonitoringwillbeconductedtodocumentspeciesuseandabundance.FY2010-2011,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Completionofatechnicalreportthatidentifiesandranksshorelinestabilizationsiteswithinthepreserveandprovidesapreferredspecieslistforuseintherestorationprocess(SeeAppendixB.5.10).2.Annualprogressreportsforgrowthandbiologicalandwaterqualitymonitoringforatleastthreeyearspost-projectcompletion.
WQ1.2.3/Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials(resourcemanagement).OysterreefhabitatmapsfortheSLRdatebacktothe1940s(SeeMap18).Thesehistoricmapsandcurrentfieldconditionsshouldbeusedtoguidefutureoysterreefrestorationplans.Useoflooseoystershellwhenappropriateispreferred.Whenmaterialisnecessarytoholdoystersinplace(e.g.oysterbags),CAMAwillsupporttheuseofnatural,biodegradablematerialswithinthepreserve.FY2010-2011,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Annualprogressreportsthatindicatethesuccessoftheproject(foraminimumofthreeyears).
WQ1.2.4/Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses(resourcemanagement).Althoughhistoricallypresent,submergedgrasseswerelastseeninthepreservein2002(SeeMap18)(Robbins,2005).Supportingplans(draftedandinprep),includingtheIRL-SPIR,IRLSWIM,IRLCCMP,SLRWPP,andSLRBMAP,identifytheneedtoimprovewaterqualityforthebenefitofsuchnaturalresourcesassubmergedgrasses.CurrentSLRSAVtargetsincludeexpansionofseagrassbedstocoverallareaslessthan1.0meterindepth(SRWMD),2007a).InitiatedFY2002-2003,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Lettersofsupport,meetingsummariesoractiveparticipationinwaterqualityimprovementprojectswithinthepreserveanditswatershed.
WQ1.2.5/Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSLR(resourcemanagement).Removalof7.9millioncubicyardsofmuckhasbeenidentifiedasapriorityintheIRL-SPIR(2004)toimprovewaterqualityconditionsandpromoteestablishmentandgrowthofoystersandseagrasswithintheMiddleEstuaryandNorthandSouthForksoftheSLR.Pilotmuckremovalprojectswerecompletedin2002intheSouthForkand2003intheNorthForktohelpstreamlinetheprocessforlarger-scaleprojects.Preservestaffwilldraftlettersofsupporttoagenciesfortheremovalofmuckinthepreserveasitisexpectedtoincreasetheamountofsuitablesubstratenecessaryforseagrassandoysterrecruitmentinthelowerportionsofthepreserve(KitchingCovetoBesseyCreek).InitiatedFY2008-2009,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Lettersofsupporttoagenciesfortheremovalofmuckinthepreserve.
WQ1.2.6/ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve(resourcemanagement).TheIRL-SPIRrestorationprojectsareaimedatrestoringtheNorthForkSLRfloodplain.Theseprojectswillimprovethequalityofwaterenteringthepreservefromthe
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watershedandcreatehabitat,suchasoysterreefs,thatwillimprovethequalityofwaterlocatedwithintheSLR.Preservestaffwillworkwithpartnerstosupportproposedprojectsbyattendingmeetings,providingcommentsandrecommendations,anddraftinglettersofsupportforrestorationprojects.ThisincludesplayinganactiveroleintheadaptivemanagementoftheNorthernEvergladesperformancemeasuresforsalinity,waterquality,oysterhabitat,benthicmacroinvertebrates,SAV,andfish(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict[SFWMD],2007c).InitiatedFY2004-2005,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.WrittencommentsthatfacilitateadaptivemanagementoftheNorthernEvergladesperformancemeasures.2.LettersofsupportoractiveparticipationinrestorationprojectsidentifiedbytheIRL-SPIR.
WQ1.2.7/EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon(resourcemanagement).Preservestaffwillreviewandcommenton:1)CERPdocumentsthataffecttheNorthForkSLR,especiallytheNorthForkFloodplainRestorationPlanprojectsidentifiedintheIRL-SPIR(USACEandSFWMD2004),2)TMDLdevelopmentanddraftsoftheBMAPfortheNorthForkSLR,3)urbanandagriculturalbestmanagementpractices(BMP)documents,4)IRLCCMPrevisions,5)SLRWPPdraftsfromSFWMD,6)localcomprehensiveplanrevisionsforSt.LucieCounty(originallyadoptedin1990withtworevisions-2002and2004),PortSt.Lucie(originallyadoptedin1990withtworevisions-1998and2007),MartinCounty(originallyadoptedin1990)andStuart(originallyadoptedin2002andcodifiedin2005),and7)otherrelevantplansthatmayarise.PreservestaffwillalsosupportSt.LucieCounty’sefforttoidentifyfeasiblealternativestolandspreadingofnutrient-richutilitywastewithinthepreservewatershed.InitiatedFY2008-2009,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.FormalcommentsencouragingtheincorporationofSLRrestorationstrategiesintorelevantprotectiveplans.2.Lettersofsupportforfeasiblealternativestolandspreadingpracticeswithinthewatershed.
WQObjective1.3/Reducewaterqualityimpactscausedbystormwaterandsepticsystemsourceswithinthewatershed.
IntegratedStrategies
WQ1.3.1/Inventorystormwaterretrofitsystemstohelpidentifyfutureimprovementneeds(resourcemanagement).PreservestaffwillfacilitatecoordinationamongthecityofPortSt.Lucie,St.LucieCounty,cityofStuart,andMartinCountytodocumentcollectiveretrofitefforts,identifygaps,andprioritizefutureneedsforthecrossjurisdictionalpreservewatershedboundary.Geographicinformationsystems(GIS)shapefilesthatdocumentcollectiveretrofiteffortswithinthewatershedwillberequestedfromlocalgovernmentandmunicipalities.Preservestaffwillthenproducemapsthatshowcumulativeaccomplishmentsandfutureneeds.Preservestaffwillalsoworkwithlocalgovernmentsandhomeownerassociationstoidentifylarge(oneacreorlarger)retentionpondsadjacenttothepreservethatcouldbeenhancedtofilternutrients,providehabitatforwildlife,andimprovetheaestheticsoftheneighborhood.FY2011-2012,2years.
Performance Measures:1.GISmapthatidentifiesgapsandclearlyshowscumulativeaccomplishmentsandfutureneeds.2.Listoflarge(greaterthanoneacre)retentionpondsadjacenttothepreservethatcouldbeenhancedtofilternutrients,providehabitatforwildlife,andimprovetheaestheticsoftheneighborhood.
WQ1.3.2/Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices(resourcemanagement).AwaterqualityworkinggroupwithrepresentativesfromUniversityofFlorida’s(UF)InstituteofFoodandAgriculturalSciences(IFAS),localgovernments,utilities,watercontroldistricts,andotherappropriateentitieswillbeformedtohelpaddresslocalurbanandagriculturalstormwaterissuesandprovideachievablerecommendationsforimprovingcurrentconditions.Theworkinggroupwillmeetonanannualbasistohelppreservestafffacilitateinformationexchangeandgeneralunderstandingofcurrentconditionsatthewatershedlevel.Informationexchangedduringthemeetingsandsubsequentmeetingsummarieswillbeusedtoidentifyandprioritizefutureneeds.Listsofpriorityprojectswillbeevaluatedandadjustedduringeachannualmeeting.FY2012-13,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Establishmentofawaterqualityworkinggroupthatcollectivelyproducesalistofprioritystormwaterprojects.
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WQ1.3.3/Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances(resourcemanagement).AmeetingwithSt.LucieCounty,PortSt.Lucie,FortPierce,Stuart,andMartinCountyrepresentativeswillbeorganizedtodiscusscurrentstormwaterdrainageordinances.Thefocusofthemeetingwillbetodocumentwhichordinancecomponentsareeffectiveandwhichmayneedtobeadjustedforeachentityandthendiscusswaystostandardizeacrossjurisdictionalboundaries.Asummaryreportwithrecommendationswillbedraftedanddistributedtolocalgovernmentagencies.Afollow-upmeetingwillbescheduledtodocumentchangesthathavebeenincorporatedsincetheinitialmeeting.FY2010-2011,recurring,asnecessary.
Performance Measures:1.Summaryreportfromthelocalordinancemeetingwithrecommendationstolocalagencies.
WQ1.3.4/Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer(resourcemanagement).Preservestaffwillfacilitatecoordinationamonglocalmunicipalitiestodocumentlocationofsewermainsandsupportedareas,identifygaps,andprioritizefutureneedsforthecross-jurisdictionalpreserveboundary.Onceprioritieshavebeenidentified,preservestaffwillmeetwithlocalutilitymanagersandlocalandstateregulatorystafftodiscusstheneedtoconverthighpriorityareasfromon-sitesewagedisposalsystems(OSDSorsepticsystems)tosewer,documentlimitingfactorsthatcouldpreventconversion,andhelpfindsolutions.FY2010-2011,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Summariesfrommeetingswithlocalutilitymanagersandlocalandstateregulatorystafftodiscusstheneedtoconverthighpriorityareastosewer.
WQ1.3.5/Promotebestmanagementpractices(BMPs)thatmaintainorimprovewaterquality(resourcemanagement).UFIFASdevelopsBMPguidelinesforallagriculturalcommodities,whichareimplementedthroughtheeffortsoftheFloridaDepartmentofAgricultureandConsumerServices,OfficeofAgriculturalWaterPolicy.RegulatorystaffreviewpermitapplicationsforvariousuplandandinwaterconstructionprojectsandareroutinelyexposedtonewBMPtechnologiesforurbanredevelopment.UrbanareaswithintheSt.Luciewatershedarealsopermit-holdersundertheNationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES),MunicipalSeparateStormSewerSystemprogram.ThisprogramisimplementedentirelythroughtheuseofBMPstocontroltheimpactsofurbanstormwateruponwaterresources.PreservestaffwillcoordinatewithUFIFAS,regulatorystaffatDEPandSFWMD,andlocalNPDEScoordinatorstomaintainacurrentunderstandingoftheavailableBMPsandtheireffectiveness.FY2010-2011,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.SummariesfrommeetingswithUFIFAS,DEPandSFWMDregulatorystaff,andlocalNPDEScoordinatorsthatresultinamaintainedlistofavailableagriculturalandurbanbestmanagementpracticesscientificallydemonstratedtoimprovewaterqualityintheNorthForkSLRanditswatershed.
WQObjective1.4/Protectlandstoconservethewaterqualityandnaturalresourcesofthepreserve.
IntegratedStrategies
WQ1.4.1/Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources(resourcemanagement).MuchofthebufferinglandalongtheNorthForkandTenMileCreekareinthepublictrust,andhelptoimprovethequalityoftheSLR(SeeMap15)butadditionalundevelopedorminimally-developedprivateparcelsareavailableforacquisition(SeeAppendixB.5.9).Amulti-agencyteamwillbeestablishedtoranktheparcelsandproduceaprioritylistwhichwillbeusedtosupportmanagementdecisions.Preservestaffwilldraftlettersofsupportforlandacquisitionprojectsalongthepreserveanditsheadwaters.InitiatedFY2008-2009,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Prioritizedlistofparcelswithanassociateddatabase.2.Lettersofsupportforlandacquisitionprojectsalongthepreserveanditsheadwaters.
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WQGoal2/Increasepublicawarenessaboutwaterqualityissueswithinthepreserve.
WQObjective2.1/Informthepublicandpartnersaboutwaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserve.
IntegratedStrategies
WQ2.1.1/Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners(educationandoutreach).Multipleagenciesandnon-profitgroupsarecollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreserve(SeeAppendixB.5.6).Preservestaffwillcoordinatewithentitiescollectingwaterqualitydatatohelpaccuratelydisseminateinformationinawaythatpromoteslocalknowledge.Availablemediaresources(e.g.localtelevision,localradio,PowerPointpresentations,handouts)andactive,hands-onopportunitieswillbeusedtomaximizeeducationalefforts.Recommendationstohelpimprovethequalityofwaterwithinthepreservewillbeincludedinalleducationandoutreachactivities.FY2011-2012,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Currentconditionsummariesthatcanbedisseminatedtothepublic.
WQObjective2.2/Facilitateknowledgeandunderstandingofhowactivitiesinthewatershedimpactthepreserve.
IntegratedStrategies
WQ2.2.1/Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents(educationandoutreach).APowerPointpresentationwillbecreatedtohighlighttheprogressionofwatershedalterationincludingresidentialdevelopmentanddrainageprojects,currenturbanandagriculturalpractices,howtheseactionsdirectlyaffectthehealthofthesystem,speciesthatutilizetheNorthForkSLR,andrecommendationsforriver-friendlyalternativestotraditionalpractices.UrbaninterestgroupswillbetargetedthroughtheAssociationofHomeowners’AssociationsinSt.LucieCountyandselectMartinCountyhomeownerassociations.AgriculturalinterestswillbetargetedthroughUFIFAS.Presentationswillalsobedeliveredtoappropriatebusinesses,academicinstitutions,andenvironmentalgroups.InitiatedFY2008-2009,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.DeliveryofPowerPointpresentationstohomeownersassociations,businesses,academicinstitutions,andenvironmentalgroups.
WQ2.2.2/Provideeducationalboattourstoinformthepublicabouttheeffectofwatershedpracticesonthepreserve’snaturalresources(educationandoutreach).Partnershipswitheco-touroperators(pontoonboatandpaddlecraft)willbeformedtoorganizetwoboattourswithinthepreserveeachyeartodiscusstheeffectofwatershedpractices(urbanandagricultural)onthepreserve’snaturalresources.FY2013-2014,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Signinsheetsfromtours.
WQ2.2.3/ReactivatetheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,Inc.CitizenSupportOrganization(educationandoutreach).StewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,Inc.CitizenSupportOrganization(CSO)wasestablishedin1996to:1)increaseawarenessoftheaquaticpreserveprogramandissuesthataffectit,2)fosterstewardshipinthevolunteersandmembers,and3)assistthestaffwithimplementingtheaquaticpreservemanagementplansthroughenvironmentaleducationandoutreach,resourcemanagement,ecosystemscience,andpublicuse.TheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,Inc.CSOhasbeenininactivestatussince2004.PreservestaffwillreactivatetheCSOandpromoteprolongedsuccessbymeetingallrequirements,includingsubmissionofannualreports,priortotheestablisheddeadlines.Oncereactivated,itisanticipatedthatStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves,Inc.willhelppreservestaffreachthegoalsoutlinedinthisPlan.FY2011-2012,1year.
Performance Measures:1.Meetingsummaries.
WQ2.2.4/CreateandpromoteaHomeowner’s Guide to Living on the North Fork SLR Aquatic Preserve(educationandoutreach).Preservestaffwillresearch,draft,print,anddistributeaneducationalpackagethatincludesenvironmentallyresponsiblealternativestotraditionalpracticesforriparianhomeownerswithinthepreservewatershed.Associatedmaterialswill
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includerecommendationsforretentionofstormwater,nativelandscapingandlawncarethatspanthewidesalinityrange(freshtobrackish)alongthepreserve,alternativesforcleaningdocksandboats,watershedhistorythathighlightsalterationsandtheireffectsontheSLR,apreserveboundarymap,alistofphonenumbersforcommonquestionsandconcerns,informationonhowtominimizeindividualcarbonfootprints,andalistofvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreserve.TheHomeowner’sGuidewillsupportsuchexistingprogramsastheFloridaYardsProgramandDEP’sboatanddockBMPs.Packageswillbedistributedbylocalvolunteersandstaffataworkshopdesignedtoprovidehands-onopportunitiestopromotetheinformationpresentedintheguide.Packageswillalsobedistributedatoutreacheventsandmeetingswithhomeowners’associations.FundswillberequestedfromtheIRLLicensePlateTrustFund(SFWMD)ortheIRLNEP(SJRWMD)formaterialsandprinting.Preservestaffwillalsoorganizeaworkshopwithhands-ondemonstrationsandvendorsthatsupporttheinformationincorporatedintotheHomeowner’s Guide to Living on the North Fork SLR Aquatic Preserve.FY2010-2011,1year.
Performance Measures:1.CopyoftheHomeowner’s Guide to Living on the North Fork SLR Aquatic Preserve.2.Organizationofaworkshopwithhands-ondemonstrationsandvendorsthatsupporttheinformationincorporatedintothehomeownersguide.
WQ2.2.5/Informstudentsaboutlocalissues(educationandoutreach).EducationalmaterialswillbeprovidedtoSLCOxbowEco-CenterandtheSavannasPreserveStateParkEducationCentertohelpeducatestudents(K-12)aboutwatershedandnaturalresourceissueswithintheSLR.PresentationsregardinglocalissueswillalsobepreparedforcollegestudentsandadvertisepresentationdatesandtimesthroughcontactsintheIndianRiverStateCollege(IRSC)andFloridaAtlanticUniversity(FAU)NaturalScienceDepartments.FY2013-2014,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.EducationalmaterialsprovidedtoSLCOxbowEco-CenterandtheSavannasPreserveStateParkEducationCenter.2.Sign-insheetsforPowerPointpresentationshighlightinglocalissuesdeliveredtoIRSCandFAUstudents.
WQ2.2.6/ExpandtheIndianRiverLagoondrainstencilingandsignageprograminhighlydevelopedareasadjacenttothepreserve(educationandoutreach).Alistofappropriatedrainstencilingsitesacceptablebylocalhomeownerassociationsandlocalgovernmentswillbepreparedbypreservestaff.GrantproposalswillbesubmittedforfundingbytheIRLLicensePlateTrustFund(SFWMD),theIRLNEP(SJRWMD),ortheSt.LucieRiverInitiativeTeamforservices.FY2014-2015,1year.
Performance Measures:1.Grantproposalssubmittedtocompleteidentifieddrainstencilingneeds.
5.3 / Issue Two: Natural Resource Management
ManagementwithintheNorthForkSLRhasbeenlimitedsincetheadoptionofthe1984managementplanprimarilybecauseofthelackofresources(i.e.fundingandstaffing)coupledwithalargegeographicareaofresponsibility(encompassingfouraquaticpreservesandonebufferpreserve).In2004,managementauthorityofallstatebufferpreserves,includingtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverBufferPreserve,wastransferredtothestateparksystemoverseenbyDEP’sDivisionofRecreationandParks(DRP).Todate,mostofCAMA’smanagementactivitiesalongtheSLRhavefocusedontheNorthForkSLRBufferPreserve(until2004,whenmanagementauthoritywasturnedovertoSavannasPreserveStatePark),regulatoryreviewofpermitapplications,siteinspections,educationaloutings,andmorerecently,biologicalsurveysandrestoration.MostagencieswithjurisdictionalongtheSLRcurrentlyfocusonwaterqualitymonitoringandstatusandhealthofvaluedecosystemcomponents,suchasSAVandoystersinthesouthernendofthepreserve.SFWMDisalsomodelingwaterqualityandthesalinityenvelope.In2008,SFWMDinitiatedafloodplainvegetationstudythatistobemodeledafterasimilarprojectalongtheLoxahatcheeRiverfloodplain.AlthoughtheSLRcollectivelyreceivesmuchattention,additionalmappingandmonitoringeffortsarestillneededtoproperlymanagethenaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.
Creationofhabitatmapsthatidentifytype,location,andextentofhabitatswithinthepreserveisessentialforprotectionofnaturalresourcesandarefundamentalforfuturemanagementwithinthepreserve.Habitatmapslaythefoundationnecessaryfornaturalresourcemanagerstoproperlymanageprotectedareas.Thesemapsareanessentialtoolinunderstandingandprotectingspecies-
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habitatinteractions.OnlythreedatasourcesarecurrentlyavailabletocreateaNFSLRAP-specifichabitatmap(excludingtheadjacentbufferinglands).ThefirstisahabitatmapthatwascreatedusingFNAIclassificationsfortheNorthForkSLRBufferPreservein2003beforemanagementauthoritywastransferredtoDEP’sDRP(DEP,2003).Theboundaryofthebufferpreservewaslocatedatmeanhighwatersosomesectionsofthismapwereusedtomaphabitatswithintheaquaticpreserve.Thesecondisfroma2003oysterreefmappingeffortfundedbySFWMD.Thethirdisaseagrassmappingeffortconductedin2007(IbisEnvironmental,Inc.,2007).Remainingmappingneedsincludethedocumentationofcurrentoysterreefs(live,dead,andpotentiallysuitablehabitatforrestoration/creationefforts),mangrovefringe,clambeds,andnon-seagrasssubmergentandemergentvegetation.Mappingoftheseproductivehabitatswillhelptoestablishabaselinefromwhichtomeasurechange.ItisimportanttonotethatseagrasswashistoricallypresentintheNorthForkSLRbuthasnotbeendocumentedsince2002(Robbins,2005;SeeMap17).Reestablishmentofgrasseswithinthepreserveisapriority.Oncereestablished,regular(<3year)mappingeffortswillbenecessarytomanageandprotectthisimportantresource.
AsatidallyconnectedtributarytotheIRL,theSLRprovideshabitatforavarietyofcommerciallyimportant,listed,andrareaquaticspecies.Naturalresourcemanagersneedmoredocumentationofspecies-habitatassociationstohelpprotecttheresourceswithinthepreserve.Aspecieslistcreatedforthe1984managementplanhasbeencarefullyupdatedtoincludeadditionalspeciesdocumentedintheadjacentbufferinglands(throughCAMAandDivisionofRecreationandParks,intheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection),peerreviewedliterature,andpersonalcommunicationwithlocalexperts.Althoughdocumentationandmaintenanceofthespecieslistforthepreserveisimportant,thereisaneedforpreservestafftouseArcGISsoftwaretoanalyze,betterunderstand,anddisseminateinformationregardingtheinteractionsbetweenparticularhabitatsandspeciesofconcern(nativeandnon-native)fornaturalresourceprotection.
CommunicationbetweenCAMAandregulatorystaffwillheightenawarenessandimprovenaturalresourceprotectionwithinthepreserve.Regulatorystaffisencouragedtocommunicatewithpreservestaffregardingpermitapplicationsforsubmergedlandleasesandconstructionprojectswithinthepreserve.Conversely,preservestaffshouldprovideavailabledatacollectedfrommonitoringandmappingeffortstoinformregulatorystaffofcurrentandhistoricconditionsattheproposedprojectsite.Preservestaffshouldalsoassistregulatoryofficialsbysuggestingpublicinterestprojectsthatwillhavethemostbenefit.
Sailfin molly (Poecilialatipinna) captured at a hydrologic restoration site.
IssueTwo/NaturalResourceManagement_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Expansionofnaturalresourcemonitoringthroughacollaborativeeffortamongpreservestaff,academicinstitutions,commercialfishermen,andvolunteersisnecessarytodocumentcurrentnaturalresourceconditionswithinthepreserve.Periodicmonitoringofthenaturalresourcesbypreservestaffbeganin2002withfishandinvertebratesamplingatrecenthydrologicrestorationsites,nestingsurveysattheMudCoverookery,andannualAudubonChristmasBirdCountsalongtheNorthForkSLR.Littleinformationisknownaboutmostpopulations,includingthosemonitoredtodateutilizingthepreserve.Newpartnershipsandinternalmonitoringprogramswillfocusonmonitoringgreatlandcrabpopulations(whichalsosupporttheraremangroverivulus),opossumpipefish,oysters,andSAV.SoundmonitoringprogramswillsupportCERPrestorationeffortsbyestablishingabaselineforcomparisonwithpost-restorationdata.
NaturalResourceManagement(NR)
NRGoal1/Documentthenaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.
NRObjective1.1/Establishabaselineofthecurrentlocations,extents,andconditionsofthedifferenthabitattypes.
IntegratedStrategies
NR1.1.1/Surveyandmapeachhabitattypelocatedwithinthepreserve(ecosystemscience).FNAInaturallandmapsarenotcompleteforthepreserve.PartialFNAImaps,createdbyCAMAstaffin2003,areavailableforthehistoricNorthForkSLRBufferPreserveandincludesomemangrove(tidalswamp)habitatlocatedwithinthepreserve.Fundamentalmanagementneedsforthepreserveincludemappingofoysterreefhabitat(lastmappedin2003),mangroves(partialmappingin2003byDEPCAMA),submergentandemergentvegetation(seagrasslastmapped2007),andclambeds.SeagrasswashistoricallypresentintheNorthForkSLRbuthasnotbeendocumentedsince2002(SeeMap18)(Robbins,2005).Reestablishmentofgrasseswithinthepreserveisapriority.Oncereestablished,regular(<3year)mappingeffortsarenecessarytomanagethisimportantresource.Mappingneedswillbepresentedtoregulatorystaffaspublicinterestprojects(18-20F.A.C.),performedbyotheragencies,orpreservestaffwillrequestfundsthroughtheSt.LucieIssuesTeam,theIRLNEP,andtheIRLLicensePlateTrustFundtoperformthework.FY2010-2011,3years.
Performance Measures:1.CollectiveGIS-basednaturallands(FNAI)mapfortheareawithinthepreserveboundary.
NR1.1.2/Ground-truthhabitatmapsonafive-yearcycle(ecosystemscience).OnceFNAImapsarecreatedforthepreserve,mapsshouldbeground-truthedeveryfiveyearstodocumentchangeovertime.Regularaccuracycheckswillimprovepreservestaff’sabilitytomakeeducatedmanagementdecisionsandprotectnaturalresources.FY2015-2016,3years.
Performance Measures:1.UpdatedGIS-basedhabitatmapsfortheareawithinthepreserveboundary.
NRObjective1.2/Associateaquaticspecies,especiallyrareandprotectedspecies,withspecifichabitatslocatedwithinthepreserve.
IntegratedStrategies
NR1.2.1/DevelopaGISdatabaseandmapsthatlinkaquaticspecieslocationstospecificaquatichabitats(ecosystemscience).TheconsolidatedFNAInaturallandsmapwillserveasabaselayerinArcGISforoverlayingaquaticspeciessightingdata.Thiswillultimatelyfacilitateunderstandingofspecies-habitatassociationpatternsandimproveprotectionefforts.Documentationoftheseassociations,especiallywhenworkingwithrare,listed,andcommerciallyimportantspecies,willhelpjustifytheneedforprotectionwhenreviewingpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitieswithinthepreserve.Associationmapswillalsoprovidepreservestaffwiththenecessarydocumentationtobetterunderstandandcommentonthecumulativeimpactsofpermittedprojectsonnaturalresourcecommunities(i.e.seagrass,oyster,emergentvegetation)andindividualspecies(i.e.opossumpipefishormangroverivulus)withspecifichabitatrequirementswithinthepreserve.FY2011-2012,1year.
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Performance Measures:1.Waypointlist(includingdate,species,andobserver)forcollected/observedrareandlistedaquaticspecies.2.GISmapwithspeciessightingdataoverlainontheFNAInaturallandsmap.
NR1.2.2/Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory(resourcemanagement).Theexistingspeciesinventorydatabase(includingsourcedata)willbemaintainedbypreservestaffasnewspeciesaredocumentedinthepreserve.Speciesmaybedocumentedthroughpeer-reviewedliterature,personalobservationsfrompreservestafforotherusers,andphotographs.Toensureaccuracy,preservestaffwillverifynewlydocumentedspecieswithinthepreserve.ThespecieslistwillbeavailableontheNFSLRAPwebsiteandfromtheSEFLAPFieldOffice.InitiatedFY2007-2008,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.AnnuallyupdatedspecieslistforthepreservepostedontheNFSLRAPwebsite.
NRObjective1.3/MonitorchangestotheresourcesresultingfromNorthernEvergladesrestorationefforts.
IntegratedStrategies
NR1.3.1/Mapthelocationoftheestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRivereverytwoyears(ecosystemscience).Thesalinityregimeinthepreserveisseverelyaltered,andnaturallyestuarineconditionsinthelowerportionofthepreservecanrapidlyfluctuatefromestuarinetofreshwaterwithindaysbecauseofwatermanagementpractices.SFWMDhasmodeledthesalinityenvelopeandexpects,withtheconstructionofCERPrestorationprojects,torestorehistoric(pre-drainage)salinityregimestotheSLR.Thecurrentestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneisjustnorthofthePrimaVistaBoulevard.ThistransitionareawillbedocumentedusingGlobalPositioningSystem(GPS),andvegetationmaps(e.g.swamplilyversusredmangrove).Thistransitionzoneshouldbeevaluatedeverytwoyearstodocumentchanges.Thiswillsetthebaselineconditionandhelptorecordchangesasrestorationeffortstorestorethesalinityregimeareimplemented.FY2009-2010,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.GISmapsshowingthevegetation-basedestuarine-freshwatertransitionzone.
NR1.3.2/Documentseagrassandoysterrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve(ecosystemscience).SeagrassandoysterrecruitmentareexpectedtooccurinthesouthernportionofthepreserveasCERPrestorationprojects,suchasmuckremovalandcaptureandtreatmentofstormwater,areimplemented.Section3.3.3.3oftheResearch,Coordination,andVerification(RECOVER)MonitoringandAssessmentProgramspecifiesSAVmappingtodocumentcoverageandvariabilityofthatcoveragetohelpestablishthepre-CERPreferencestateforSAVintheSLR.Preservestaffwillhelpdocumentcurrent(shiftedbaseline)conditionssothatrecruitmentofthesespeciescanbedocumentedandprotected.FY2015-2016,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.GISmapsthatshowchangesinseagrassandoysterreefcoverwithinthepreserve.
NRGoal2/Implementmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimproveviablehabitatsandpopulationswithinthepreserve.
NRObjective2.1/Establishandimplementroutinebiologicalmonitoringprogramsforessentialhabitatsandrareandlistedspecies.
IntegratedStrategies
NR2.1.1/Monitorbirdrookeries(ecosystemscience).Allnestingcoloniesandnestingactivities(abundanceanddiversity)withinthepreservewillbedocumentedonamonthlybasiseachnestingseason.Preservestaffwilluseadatacollectionmethod(datasheet)thatwillfacilitatecomparisonwithothernestingdatacollectedaroundthestate.DatacollectedfromrookerieswillbeanalyzedanddistributedtotheSavannasPreserveStateParkoffice,FloridaFishandWildlifeConservation
IssueTwo/NaturalResourceManagement_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Commission(FWC),U.S.FishandWildlifeService,St.LucieandMartincountyAudubonSocietychapters,andotherinterestedparties.PresentationswillbedeliveredtoSt.LucieandMartinCountyAudubonchapterstoeducateandfacilitateinformationalexchange.InitiatedFY2006-2007,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Annualmonitoringsummaries.
NR2.1.2/Monitorgreatlandandfiddlercrablocationsanddensities(ecosystemscience).AneedhasbeenidentifiedbytheNationalOceanographicandAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA)NationalMarineFisheriesService(NMFS)todocumentthecorrelationbetweengreatlandandfiddlercrab(Ucaspp.)burrowsandmangroverivulus,afederallylistedspeciesofspecialconcern(SCC).GreatlandcrabpopulationsaredeclininginsoutheastFloridabecauseofhabitatdestructionanddirecthumaninteractions(vehiclemortalityandharvest).Thisspeciesislocatedinandreliesuponthepreserveforreproduction.Littleisknownaboutthegreatlandandfiddlercrabpopulationswithinthepreserveortheassociationoflocalpopulationsofthesespeciesandtheraremangroverivulus.Someofthelocationsthatsupportgreatlandcrabs,andpotentiallymangroverivulus,aresmallpocketeddepressionalwetlandsthatmaybevisibleonlyonaerialphotographsorfromtheair.PreservestaffwilllookatFNAImapsandaerialphotographstoidentifypotentialsitesthatneedtobelookedatfromtheair.Oncealistofpotentialsitesiscreated,staffwillvisitthesitesduringtheactivesummermonthstolookforthesespecies.Oncethesiteshavebeenselected,preservestaffwilldocumentgreatlandandfiddlercrablocationsanddensitiesusingamethodologythatwillfacilitatethecomparisonofpopulationdatacollectedbyothergreatlandcrabresearchersinFloridaandtheCaribbean.Thesesiteswillserveasafoundationforestablishingamonitoringprogramforthemangroverivulus.FY2011-2012,3years.
Performance Measures:1.Creationofamonitoringspreadsheettodocumentgreatlandandfiddlercrabdensities(usingamethodologythatwillfacilitatethecomparisonofpopulationdatacollectedbyothergreatlandcrabresearchersinFloridaandtheCaribbean).
NR2.1.3/Monitormangroverivuluspopulationsatsitesdocumentedtosupportgreatlandandfiddlercrabs(ecosystemscience).Greatlandandfiddlercrabsitesidentifiedinthepreviousstrategywillbeusedasafoundationforestablishingamonitoringprogramforthemangroverivulus.StaffwillworkwithDr.ScottTaylortodesignthesamplingequipment(trapsandnets)andtorefinethesamplingprotocolfortheNorthForkSLR.FY2012-2013,2years.
Performance Measures:1.Papersubmittedtoapeer-reviewedjournalthathighlightsthecorrelationbetweengreatlandandfiddlercrabburrowsandmangroverivulus(afederalSCC)intheNorthForkSLR.
NR2.1.4/Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve(ecosystemscience).SpawningandaggregationsitesforcommerciallyimportantspeciesofdrumhavebeendocumentedinthemiddleestuaryoftheSLRandthepreserve,whichprovideessentialnurserygroundsfortheseandothercommerciallyimportantandrarefishspecies.Preservestaffareresponsibleforcommunicatingwithichthyologiststodocumentandprotectimportantspawning,aggregation,andpreferrednurserysites.Theopossumpipefish,afederalSSC,migratesfromtheAtlanticOceanthroughSt.LucieInlettospawninselectspeciesofemergentfreshwatervegetation.Preservestaffwilldocumentandadvocateprotectionofspawningsitesforopossumpipefishandotherrarespecieswithspecifichabitatrequirements.FY2010-2011,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.GISmapidentifyinglocationsofimportantaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsites.
NR2.1.5/Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure(ecosystemscience).Preservestaffwillsupportlocation,mapping,andmonitoringeffortsforallbenthiccommunitystructure(e.g.oysterreef,submergedgrasses,clambeds,etc.)withinthepreserve.TheseeffortsarecurrentlybeingconductedbyFOS,FWC,andSFWMDandmonitoringprotocolsmayvary.FY2010-2011,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Writtenprotocolsformonitoringthedifferentbenthichabitatswithinthepreserve.
IssueTwo/NaturalResourceManagement_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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NR2.1.6/Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts(ecosystemscience).RECOVERsubteamsareresponsiblefordeterminingthemosteffectivewaytomonitorthesuccessofCERPrestorationprojects.Thekeytodeterminingthissuccessistoestablishthecurrentbaseline,althoughshifted,onwhichtocomparefuturemonitoringefforts.Thus,severalresearchandmonitoringactivitiesareinplaceintheSLRtoestablishbaselineconditionsfortheimplementationoftheregionalcomponentofCERP,theIRL-Srestorationprojects.PreservestaffwillcontinuetoassistwithallCERP-relatedmonitoringwithinthepreserve,especiallyfloodplainvegetationmonitoringconductedthroughSFWMD,andseagrass,fish,oyster,andotherinvertebratemonitoring.InitiatedFY1986-1987,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Stafftimededicatedtonon-CAMAinitiatednaturalresourcemonitoringwithinthepreserve,especiallybaselineCERP/IRL-Sprojectssuchasfloodplainvegetationmonitoring,oysterreef,seagrass,fish,andotherinvertebratemonitoring.
NR2.1.7/Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds(ecosystemscience).Alistofresearchneedsnecessarytoaddressmanagementquestionswithinthepreservewillbecreatedandmaintainedbypreservestaff.MeetingswillbeheldwithprofessorsandscientistsatIRSC,FAU,HarborBranchOceanographicInstitute,SmithsonianInstitutionMarineFieldStationatFortPierce,UF,andotheracademicinstitutionstodiscussresearchneedsandfundingopportunities.FY2009-2010,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Summariesfrommeetingswithprofessorsandscientistsatacademicinstitutions.
NRObjective2.2/Synthesizeanddistributespeciesandcommunitydatatoinformpolicy,regulatory,andnaturalresourcemanagementdecisions.
IntegratedStrategies
NR2.2.1/Establishaprogramtocollectinformationfromresearchersandcommercialfishermenwithinthepreserve(resourcemanagement).AprogramwasimplementedinFlorida’sstateparksinwhichresearcherscollectingdataonthesepubliclandsarerequiredtocompleteanon-regulatorypermitapplicationwhichwouldhelpmanagersdocumenttheworkandobtainacopyofthewrittenreportstomakeeducatedmanagementdecisionsabouttheresourceswithinthepark.Asimilarvoluntary-basedprogramhasbeenestablishedatRookeryBayNationalEstuarineResearchReserveinNaples.Staffwillusetheseexistingdocumentstocreateasimilarresearchformthatlocalandvisitingscientistscanvoluntarilycompletetohelpthepreservemanagerdocumentresearchbeingconductedwithinthepreserve.Thecompletedresearch/collectionapplicationwillbepromotedonthepreservewebsite,viae-mail,andatmeetings.Theultimategoalofthisstrategyistoincreasecommunicationamongscientistsandnaturalresourcemanagersbyservingasaclearinghouseforinformationexchangeanddissemination.FY2016-2017,2years.
Performance Measures:1.Anon-regulatory,voluntaryresearch/collectionapplicationformdesignedtohelpthepreservemanagerdocumentresearch,monitoring,andcollection/harvestbeingconductedwithinthepreserve.
NR2.2.2/Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve(resourcemanagement).Preservestaffwillcreateane-maildistributionlistcomprisedofkeylocal,state,andfederalregulatorystafftofacilitatefrequentcommunication.Updateswillincludeinformationrelevanttopermittedprojects,sensitiveresources,cumulativeeffects,newresourcemappingefforts,andpotentialmitigationandpublicinterestprojects.PowerPointpresentationsregardingmulti-componentrestorationeffortsthatmaybeusedasmitigationorpublicinterestprojectswillalsobedeliveredtocommunicateexistingpreserveneeds.PreservebrochureswillbeprovidedtotheDEP,SFWMD,andcountyregulatoryofficesfordistributiontopermitapplicants.FY2011-2012,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.DeliveryofPowerPointpresentationsaimedatinformingregulatorystaffofpotentialmitigationandpublicinterestprojectsandresourcemapsanddatathatmaybeusefulintheapplicationreviewprocess.
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NRObjective2.3/Documentandreducetheabundanceanddiversityofnon-nativeaquaticspecieswithinthepreserve.
IntegratedStrategies
NR2.3.1/Createanon-nativespeciesdatabaseandsightingsmap(resourcemanagement).Anon-nativespeciessightingdatabasethatincludeswaypoints,theobserver,andobservationdatewillbecreatedandmaintained.Speciessightingdatawillbeoverlainonnaturallands(habitat)mapstobetterunderstandhabitatassociationforeachnon-nativespecieswithinthepreserve.FY2013-2014,oneyear.
Performance Measures:1.Anon-nativespeciessightingdatabase.2.GISmapshowinglocationdataandtheassociatedhabitatwithinthepreserve.
NR2.3.2/Assistotheragenciesincontrollingnon-nativeaquaticspecies(resourcemanagement).DEPandFWCaretheleadagenciesforcontrolanderadicationofmanynon-nativeplantsandanimals.Preservestaffwillworkwithgovernmentagencies,non-profitorganizations,andcommunitygroupstoidentify,inform,andimplementeradicationstrategiesfornon-nativespecies,especiallypriorityinvasivenon-nativespecies.FY2015-2016,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Stafftimededicatedtoworkingwithgovernmentagencies,non-profitorganizations,andcommunitygroupstoimplementnon-nativeplantandanimalcontrolstrategieswithinthepreserve.
NRGoal3/Protectthepreserve’snaturalresourcesatanecosystemscale.
NRObjective3.1/Workwithpartnerstoprotectthepreserve’sheadwaters.
IntegratedStrategies
NR3.1.1/Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata(ecosystemscience).Duringthepublicmeetingsheldasapartofthemanagementreviewprocess,requestsweremadebypartnersandthepublictoincludetheheadwatersoftheNorthForkSLR(TenandFiveMileCreeks)intothepreserveboundarytoprotectthedownstreamareasdesignatedasaquaticpreserve(SeeAppendixC).Theexpandedareaproposedbythepublicwouldneedtobeincorporatedintotheaquaticpreserverule(Chapter18-20F.A.C.)andthenshouldbeaddedtothelistofmanagedareasprotectedbytheOutstandingFloridaWatersrule(Chapter62-302.700).Expansionwouldfacilitatenaturalresourceprotectiontotheextentcurrentlyofferedwithintheexistingpreserve,andwouldnotbeintendedtopreventplannedprojectdevelopment.Preservestaffwillprovideunbiased,scientificdatatopartnersandagenciesasneededthroughtheevaluationprocess.FY2010-2011,recurringasnecessary.
Performance Measures:1.Scientificdataprovidedtopartnersandagenciesasrequested.
5.4 / Issue Three: Coastal Development
TheharmfuleffectofcoastaldevelopmentonadjacentwaterwaysisnotuniquetosoutheastFloridabutlocaldevelopmentpracticescoupledwithintensewatershedandshorelinealterationseverelyimpactwaterqualityintheNorthForkSLR.ThepreserveisprimarilylocatedinSt.LucieCounty,oneofthefastestgrowingcountiesinFlorida.Itisimperativethatpreservestaffworkwithlocal,state,andfederalregulatoryandplanningpersonneltominimizedevelopment-relatedimpacts.
TheDevelopmentofRegionalImpact(DRI)processwascreatedbytheEnvironmentalLandandWaterManagementActof1972andisthestate’slongest-standinggrowthmanagementtool.Theprocessrequiresregionalandstateoversightoflarge-scalelanddevelopmentprojectsdeemedtohavearegionalimpact.PursuanttoChapter380F.S.,regionalplanningcouncils,includingthelocalTreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil(TCRPC),arechargedwiththecoordinationofmulti-jurisdictionalagencyreviewofsuchlarge-scaledevelopmentprojectsthatmayimpactmorethanonecounty.TwoDRIswerepresentalongtheNorthForkatthetimetheoriginalmanagementplanwasadoptedin1984;Sharrett(22,000projectedresidents)onthenorthwestboundaryandHarborRidge(1,700projectedresidents)on
IssueTwo/NaturalResourceManagement_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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thesouthwestboundary.Aremarkableamountofurbansprawlhasoccurredinthewatershedsincetheadoptionofthelastmanagementplan.Since2005,sixapprovedDRIsoccupying18,162acresandfivependingDRIsoccupying6,169acres(totalof24,331acresor5%ofthewatershed)havebeenproposedforconversiontoresidentialhousinginthepreservewatershed(SeeMap24)(TreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil,unpublisheddata).RecentDRIs(approvedandpending)constitute31%ofthecurrentresidential/commerciallanduse.WiththeexceptionofasmallportionofLTCRanch,allDRIsarewestofInterstate95andtheyformasolidlinefromthesouthernboundaryoftheTenMileCreekWaterPreserveAreatotheC-23canal.InSt.LucieCounty,allapprovedandproposedDRI’s,withtheexceptionoftheProvences,arelocatedinrecentlyannexedportionsoftheCityofPortSt.Lucie.QuillenandIndiantownarelocatedinunincorporatedMartinCounty.VerylittleundevelopedlandexistseastofInterstate95andthelandwestofInterstate95isprimarilyusedforagriculture.ThenegativeeffectsofrapidconversionfromagriculturalandnaturallandstourbandevelopmentonthequalityofthepreserveareexacerbatedthroughthelargenetworkofcanalsdesignedtorapidlydrainurbanandagriculturalareasintotheSLR.Collaborationwithregulatorypersonnel,environmentaleducators,thepublic,andelectedofficialsareessentialstepstowardaddressingandreducingtheassociatedimpactsofDRI’sinthewatershedandthemoredirecteffectsofadjacenthigh-densityhousingwithintheCityofPortSt.Lucie.
Sinceadoptionofthe1984managementplan,mostofthelanddirectlyadjacenttothepreservehaseitherbeendevelopedorputintopublictrust.Theincreasingdensity,bothovertimeandasonegetsclosertothepreserve,tendstoconcentratetheenvironmentaldegradationwithintheNorthForkSLRanditsheadwaters.In2000,PortSt.Luciereportedapopulationdensityof1,175peoplepersquaremile,comparedto2,320inStuart,336inSt.LucieCounty(upfrom281in1993)(FloridaNetLink,n.d.),228inMartinCounty(upfrom192in1993)(FloridaNetLink,n.d.),296inFlorida,and80intheU.S.(U.S.CensusBureau,n.d.).Urbanplanningpracticeshavepromotedcrowdingandtheneedforadditionalinfrastructurethatnegativelyimpactsthequalityofthepreserve.Theimpactsofthisgrowthhaveincludeddegradationofwaterqualityandhabitatloss.Becauseofthetidalnatureofthe
Martin County
C-44 (St. Lucie Canal)
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St. Lucie County
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# DRI Name1 Provences2 LTC Ranch3 The Reserves4 Verano5 Tradition6 Western Grove7 Southern Grove8 Riverland9 Wilson Groves10 Quillen11 Indiantown
0 3 61.5Miles
NFSLR Aquatic PreservePort St. Lucie City Limits
Development of Regional ImpactApprovedPending
January 2009 ±Map �4 / Proposed or permitted developments of regional impact within the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve watershed since �00�.
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SLR,urbandevelopmentpracticesaffecttheSLRasawhole.AdditionalcoastalconstructionproposedbytheCityofPortSt.Luciethatwilldirectlyaffectthepreserveincludeaboatlaunch,ariverwalkwithhotelsandrestaurants,andathirdeast-westrivercrossing(six-lanebridge)overtheAquaticPreserveandpotentiallytheHalpatiokeeConservationandRecreationLand(CARL)parcelmanagedaspartofSavannasPreserveStatePark.
Inadditiontothedramaticwatershedchanges,shorelineandbenthiccommunitieshavebeenseverelyimpactedbyshorelinealterationsandadjacentuplandactivities.ShorelineandintertidalareasoftheNorthForkthatoncewerepopulatedbymangrovesandotheremergentandsubmergentspeciesnowsupportverylittlevegetation.Inmanyareas,seawalls,docks,andripraphavereplacedmangrovesandseagrass.Thenaturalshorelineoncehelpedstabilizethesubstrate,dissipatewaveaction,filterstormwaterrunoff,andprovidequalityhabitatforaquaticspecies.Itisimportanttopromotesoft,livingshorelinestoregulatorystaffandriparianhomeownersresearchingstabilizationoptions.
Allcoastalareas,includingmanyofFlorida’s41aquaticpreservesareincreasinglysusceptibletosealevelriseassociatedwithclimatechange.Aspartofanongoingprogramtoevaluateglobalclimatechange,theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyissuedagranttotheSouthwestFloridaRegionalPlanningCouncilin2000tocoordinateasealevelrisestudyfortheStateofFlorida.TheTCRPC,whichoverseesIndianRiver,St.Lucie,Martin,andPalmBeachcounties,producedmapsthatidentifythemostsusceptibleareaswithintheTreasureCoasttosea-levelrise.OfthefourTreasureCoastcounties,St.LuciehasthemostwetlandacreagewhichisprimarilyassociatedwiththeNorthForkSLRandtheIRL.ThewetlandsandislandswithintheIRLandNorthForkareexpectedtobethefirsttobeimpacted.DevelopmentadjacenttotheNorthFork,largelyencompassingthecityofPortSt.Lucie,hasprecludedinlandmigrationofwetlands.Furthermore,assealevelrisesthesaltwaterwedgemaymigratenorththroughtheNorthForkSLRresultinginconversionoffreshwatermarshesintheupperreachesoftherivertoanestuarinesystem(TreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil,2005).
Theeffectthatthegrowingpopulationwillhaveonthepreserveoverthenexttwodecadespartlydependsuponthedegreetowhichresidentslearnfrompreservestaffandpartneringresourcemanagers.However,asthepopulationsofMartinandSt.Luciecountiesincrease,itisreasonabletoexpectan
Submerged lands near upland retaining walls can provide habitat for fish and wildlife if planted with sufficient native vegetation.
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increasedrateofenvironmentaldecline,especiallyiftheissuesofwaterqualitydegradationandhabitatlossarenotaddressed.SLCOxbowEco-CenterandtheSavannasPreserveStateParkEducationCentercurrentlyconductmostoftheenvironmentaleducationalprogramsinSt.LucieCounty.PreservestaffwillcontinuetosupporttheireffortsrelatedtocoastaldevelopmentontheNorthForkSLR.
CoastalDevelopment(CD)
CDGoal1/Protectthepreservefromimpactsrelatedtolandusechangesthatdisrupttheecologicalfunctionsofthenaturalresources.
CDObjective1.1/Coordinatewithregulatoryprograms,localgovernment,andadjacentlandownerstoreduceimpactstothepreservefromadjacentdevelopmentactivities.
IntegratedStrategies
CD1.1.1/Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve(resourcemanagement).AquaticPreservemanagementplansandlocalcomprehensiveplansshouldworksynergisticallytoprotecttheSLR.AlistofscheduledcomprehensiveplanupdatesandrecommendationletterssupportedbytheNFSLRAPmanagementplanandotherrelatedplanswillbedrafted.FY2010-2011,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.RecommendationlettersforlocalcomprehensiveplansthatsupporttheNFSLRAPmanagementplanandotherrelatedplans.
CD1.1.2/Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters(resourcemanagement).LargedevelopmentsadjacenttoandupstreamoftheNorthForkSLRhavethepotentialtonegativelyimpactthepreserve.Permitapplicationsforproposeddevelopmentwillbereviewedandrecommendationstohelpminimizeimpactswillbesubmittedtotheregulatoryreviewer.FY2010-2011,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Writtencommentstoregulatoryandplanningstaffthatsuggestwaystominimizeimpactstothepreserve.
CD1.1.3/Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve(resourcemanagement).CommentsonenvironmentalresourcepermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitieswithinthepreservewillbesubmittedtoDEPandSFWMDregulatorystaff.Itisimportantthatthesecommentssuggestwaystominimizeimpactstothepreserveandsupporteco-friendlyengineeringdesigns.Amaintainedlistofhighpriorityprojectsthatcouldhelpapplicantsmeetthepublicinterestrequirementsoutlinedintheaquaticpreserverule(Chapter18-20F.A.C.)willalsobeprovidedtoregulatorystaff.InitiatedFY1986-1987,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Writtencommentstoregulatorystaffthatsuggestswaystominimizeimpactstothepreserve.2.Amaintainedlistofhighpriorityprojectsthatwouldhelpproposedactivitiesmeetthepublicinterestrequirementswithinthepreserve.
CD1.1.4/Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve(resourcemanagement).Mosthardenedshorelineswithinthepreservearedevoidofaquaticvegetationwhichisimportantforabsorbingwaveenergy,improvingwaterquality,andprovidinghabitatforaquaticspeciesandbirds.StaffwillcreateGISmapsthatshowtheextentofhardenedshorelineswithinthepreserveanddraftrecommendationsfortheuseoflivingshorelinestoriparianhomeownersandregulatorystaffwhenshorelineerosionisaconcern.Ifastructureisunavoidable,wewillsupporttheuseofuplandretainingwallsthatusebestmanagementpracticeswiththegoalofestablishingdenseemergentvegetationplantedontheseawardsidetohelpprovidetheenergyabsorption,waterquality,andhabitatbenefitsofferedbyunalteredshorelines.FY2010-2011,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.LettersofrecommendationfortheuseoflivingshorelinesalongtheNorthForkSLRanditsheadwaters.
IssueThree/CoastalDevelopment_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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CDObjective1.2/Informlocalresidentsabouttheircontributiontoglobalissuesthatimpactthepreserve.
IntegratedStrategies
CD1.2.1/Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions(educationandoutreach).WithoutdirectinteractionwiththeSLR,itmaybechallengingforlocalstofullyappreciatethepotentialaffectthatclimatechangeandsealevelrisemayhaveonthepreserveandsurroundinglands.PreservestaffwillorganizevolunteeropportunitiesthatallowdirectinteractionwiththeSLRtofacilitateunderstandingofthepotentialtransformationsthatclimatechangeandsealevelrisemayhaveonthepreserveandsurroundinglands.Thiswillnotonlyallowresidentstounderstandtheconnectionbetweensustainabledecisionsmadeathomeandthequalityofthepreserve,butalsoprovidevaluableassistancenecessarytoaccomplishtheactionstrategiesoutlinedinthisPlan.Promotionofvolunteeropportunitieswilloccurthroughane-mail-baseddistributionlist,andvariousmediaoutlets(radio,television,andnewspaperannouncements)toincreaselocalknowledgeandunderstandingwhilehelpingtoimprovethequalityofthepreserve.InitiatedFY2007-2008,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Sign-insheetsfromorganizedvolunteereventsthatfacilitateunderstandingofthepotentialtransformationsthatclimatechangeandsealevelrisemayhaveonthepreserveandsurroundinglands.
CD1.2.2/Informresidentsaboutclimatechangeandsea-levelrise,andhowtheycouldaffectthepreserve(educationandoutreach).Informationaboutclimatechangeandtheimpactsthatsea-levelrisewillmostlikelyhaveonnaturalresourceswithinthepreserve(e.g.oysterreefsandmangroves)andadjacentlandwillbeincorporatedintoeducationandoutreacheventsanddocuments.PreservestaffwillcoordinatewiththeTCRPCandTheNatureConservancytolocallyaddressglobalwarmingissues.FY2014-2015,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Educationalmaterialsthatincorporateinformationonwaysthatclimatechangemayaffectthepreserve.
CD1.2.3/Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint(educationandoutreach).Inadditiontoeducatinglocalsaboutthecausesandeffectsofglobalwarming,Preservestaffwillencouragebehavioralchangebysuggestingsimplewaystoreducetheamountofcarbonusedbyindividualsandhouseholds.Suggestionswillrangefromnocostchanges(e.g.unpluggingunusedlampsandappliances)tohigh-costinvestments(e.g.useofsolarandwind-generatedsystems).FY2010-2011,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Listofsuggestionstoreducetheamountofcarbonusedbyindividualsandhouseholds.
5.5 / Issue Four: Public Use and Access
Thepreservecurrentlycontainsfourpublicboatramps,onepublicmarina,andthreepubliccanoestopoversalongtheriver.Boatramps,fishingpiers,restrooms,andpicnictablesarelocatedatWhiteCityPark,RiverParkMarina(whichalsohasacanoelaunch),andVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate(SeeMap4).Afourthpublicboatramp,whichhaslittleparkingspaceandnoamenities,wasconstructedattheClubMed-SandpiperfacilityonKitchingCovealongwiththepreserve’sonlypublicmarina.PubliccanoestopovershavebeenconstructedattheOxbowEco-Center,IdabelleIsland,andSavannasPreserveStatePark’sHalpatiokeeCARLparcel.ThecanoestopoversareconnectedtohikingtrailsattheOxbowEco-CenterandHalpatiokee.ThehikingtrailsattheOxbowEco-CenterlinktotheeducationalbuildingandasecondtrailsystemmaintainedbyRiverPlaceDevelopmenttothesouth.WiththeexceptionofClubMed-Sandpiper,publicaccesspointstothepreserveareassociatedwithadjacentpubliclandspurchasedthroughSaveOurRiversandFloridaForeverprogramsandaremanagedbylocal,state,andnon-governmentalentities.
AsofJune2007,393privatedockingfacilitiesweredocumentedwithintheNFSLRAP.Dockingfacilitiesarebrokendownintothreecategoriesaccordingtotheaquaticpreserverule(Chapter
IssueThree/CoastalDevelopment_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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18-20F.A.C.):1)Revenue-generating(commercial,industrial,etc.),2)privateresidentialmulti-slip,and3)privateresidentialsingle-family.Mostdockingfacilities(379)withinthepreserveareprivateresidentialsingle-familydocks.Twelveprivateresidentialmulti-slipdocksarelocatedinthewide,southernportionofthepreserveincluding,butnotlimitedto,theAnchorage,KitchingCoveEstates,TarponBayYachtClub,TarponBayMoorings,BallantraeYachtClub,theEstuaryAssociation,PalmCoveYachtClub,andHarbourRidge.ClubMed-Sandpiperisapublicmarinaandtheonlyrevenue-generatingdockingfacilitywithinthepreserve.ClubMed-SandpiperhasaneconomicstakeinthehealthoftheNorthForkSLRastheresortpromotesswimming,motorboating,anduseofWaveRunnerswithinthepreserve.
Debrisfromusergroups,primarilyrecreationalanglers,isacontinuouschallengewithinthepreserve.Resultsfrompastclean-upeventsshowthatmonofilamentlineismostconcentratedaroundWhiteCityParkasmanyusersfishfromtheshorelineandcannotremovemonofilamentlinethatbecomesentangledinoverhangingoaksandpalmtrees.Otherdebrishotspotsincludethefishingpiersatotherpublicboatramps.
AmanateesurveywasconductedforSt.LucieCountyintheearly1990sbypresentdayFWCDivisionofLawEnforcementtodetermineappropriatespeedlimitsandidentifyslowspeedzoneswithintheNorthForkSLR.Speedlimitsoutsideofthemanateeandotherslowspeedzonesare25milesperhour(mph)northofand30mphsouthoftheupstreamendofEvansCreek(SeeMap25).Currentspeedlimitscoupledwiththenarrow,curvedshapeofthepreservehaspromoteduserconflictsbetweenmotorboatsandpaddlers(thoseusingcanoesandkayaks).Unlikefederal,state,andlocallawenforcementofficers,CAMAdoesnothaveauthoritytoregulateboatspeedwithinthepreserve.However,localgovernments(St.LucieCountyandtheCityofPortSt.Lucie)havetheauthoritytoadoptlocalordinancesthatlimitthespeedinareaswherehumansafetyisanissue.
PublicUseandAccess(PU)
PUGoal1/Maintainasafeenvironmentforfish,wildlife,andusergroups.
PUObjective1.1/Reducetheamountofdebrisandcontaminantsassociatedwithusergroupactivities.
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Midway Rd.
Port St. Lucie Blvd.
Walton Rd.
St. Lucie County
Martin County
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NFSLR Aquatic Preserve
!( Manatee Mortality 1974-2007Slow SpeedSlow Speed, Channel Excluded25 MPH30 MPH
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Map �� / Speed zones in the St. Lucie River based on ���� manatee surveys in St. Lucie and Martin counties.
IssueFour/PublicUseandAccess_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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IntegratedStrategies
PU1.1.1/Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear(resourcemanagement).Twocommunity-basedclean-upeventswillbeorganizedwithinthepreserveeachyear.Resultsfrompastclean-upeventsindicatearecurringneedatWhiteCityParkandtoalesserdegreeotherboatrampsthatsupportfishingactivities.BoatsarenecessarytoremovehookandlinedebrisfromtheoaksoverhangingthewaterintheoxbowatWhiteCityPark.Preservestaffwilldraftanddistributeanelectronicsummarytoallparticipantsandstakeholdersaftereachevent,whichcomparescurrentfindingstohistoriceffortsandlinkstypesofdebristousergroupstohelpdirectfutureeducationefforts.Staffwillworkwiththelocalmedia(e.g.newspapers,television,radio)tofacilitatelocaleducation.InitiatedFY2007-2008,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Clean-upeventsummaries.
PU1.1.2/Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason(resourcemanagement).TheonlyrookerycurrentlylocatedwithintheNorthForkSLRisfoundinMudCove(SeeMap3).Fatalitiesofnestingbirdsfromentanglementinmonofilamentfishinglinehavebeendocumentedduringthenestingseason.Toreducethechancesofentanglement,debrisfromtheMudCoverookery,andanyfuturerookerieslocatedwithinthepreserve,willberemovedbeforeeachnestingseason(December).Asummaryoftheamountandtypesofdebriswillbedraftedaftereachannualclean-upeventtohelpevaluatetheneedforhigherprotectioneffortsattherookeries(e.g.designationasacriticalwildlifearea).InitiatedFY2007-2008,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Annualsummarythatidentifiestherookerylocation,cleanupdate,anddebrisremoved.
PU1.1.3/PromoteDEP’sCleanMarinaProgramtoClubMed-Sandpiper(educationandoutreach).Onepublicmarinacurrentlyexistswithinthepreserve(ClubMed-Sandpiper).ClubMed-SandpiperhasexpressedinterestinDEP’sCleanMarinaProgrambutisnotcurrentlydesignatedaCleanMarina.ThecleanmarinadesignationletsboatersknowthatthefacilitymeetsorexceedsmarinaenvironmentalmeasuresandBMPsprogramcriteria.Preservestaffwillorganizeameetingwiththedecision-makersatClubMed-SandpipermarinatodiscusstheCleanMarinaProgram(whichincludesMarinaBMPsdraftedin2003)andhowparticipationwouldbenefitthepreserveandtheirbusinesses.PreservestaffwillalsoworkwithFloridaSeaGrantandClubMed-Sandpipertofindinnovativesolutionsforday-to-daymarinaoperationsthathelpprotecttheenvironment.Educationalbrochuresthatexplaintheimportanceofthepreservewillbeprovidedtothemarinafordistributiontothegeneralpublicandspecialinterestgroups.FY2010-2011,1year.
Performance Measures:1.DeliveryofaPowerPointpresentationandwrittenmaterial.
PU1.1.4/Installandmaintainmonofilamentrecyclingcontainersatallpublicboatrampsandfishingpiers(resourcemanagement).PreservestaffwillcoordinatewithFloridaSeaGrantandlandowners/managerstoinstalltherecyclingtubesatpublicboatrampsandfishingpiers.PreservestaffwillfollowupwithFloridaSeaGranttodocumentthesuccessoftherecyclingprogramwithinthepreserve.FY2009-2010,1year.
Performance Measures:1.Installationandmaintenancerecordsformonofilamentrecyclingcontainersatallpublicboatrampsandfishingpierswithinthepreserve.
PU1.1.5/Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve(resourcemanagement).Toprotectthenaturalresources,waterquality,andtoimprovesafenavigation,preservestaffwillprovidewrittennotificationofabandonedvesselswithinthepreservetoFWClawenforcementofficerstopromoteproactiveremovalofvesselsbytheresponsibleparty.Staffwillalsocoordinatewithlocalgovernment,FWClawenforcement,andDEPregulatorystafftoidentifyandremovederelictvesselsfromthepreserve.Alistandlocationmapofabandonedandderelictvesselswithassociatedphotographs,registration,location,andmake/modeldatacreatedinJune2007willbeupdatedasnecessary.Staffwilldraftaprocedureforrespondingtoabandonedandderelictvesselswithinthepreserveandplaceacopy
IssueFour/PublicUseandAccess_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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ineachofthevessellogs.Submergeddebris,suchasoldboattrailersandtires,hasalsobeendocumentedinthepreserve.Sidescansonariseffectiveinlocatingsubmergeddebris.Iffeasible,locationandremovalofsubmergeddebriswillberecommendedasapotentialpublicinterestprojecttotheDEPandSFWMDregulatorystaff.InitiatedFY2006-2007,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.AlistandGISmapshowingexistingandremovedvesselanddebrislocations.2.WrittennotificationofabandonedvesselswithinthepreserveprovidedtoFWClawenforcementofficers.3.Proceduredraftedforstaffrespondingtoabandonedandderelictvesselswiththepreserve.4.RemovalofsubmergeddebrisinthepreserverecommendationsubmittedtoDEPandSFWMDregulatorystaffasapublicinterestproject.
PU1.1.6/Postsignageaboutdebrisinaquaticenvironmentsatpublicaccesspoints(educationandoutreach).Partnershipswithpublicaccessmanagerswillbeformedtoinstalleducationalkiosksatallpublicboatrampswithinthepreserve.Preservesignagecurrentlyexistsattwopublicramps,WhiteCityParkandVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate,butitisoutdatedanddifficulttoread.Informationalandaestheticdisplaysthathighlighttheramificationsdebriscanhaveonfishandwildlifeandnavigationwithinthepreservewillbeconstructedateachofthepublicboatramps.FY2013-2014,1year.
Performance Measures:1.Displayinformationaboutdebris-relatedthreatstofishandwildlifeatpublicboatramps.
PUObjective1.2/Betterunderstandtheimpactofcurrentspeedlimitsonthepreserveanditsusergroups.
IntegratedStrategies
PU1.2.1/Documentandmonitorboatingimpactstonaturalresources(ecosystemscience).AmanateesurveywasconductedforSt.LucieCountyintheearly1990sbypresentdayFWCDivisionofLawEnforcementtodetermineappropriatespeedlimitsandidentifyslowspeedzoneswithintheNorthForkSLR.Withtheexceptionofafewslowspeedzones,speedlimitsweredeterminedtobe25mphnorthofand30mphsouthoftheupstreamentrancetoEvansCreek(Seemap26).Humansafetyandnaturalresourceprotectionaretwoconcernsraisedbythepublicduringthemanagementplanrevisionprocess(SeeAppendixC).Bothofwhichmaybeaffectedbythesetspeedlimitswithinthepreserve.PreservestaffwillpartnerwithSavannasPreserveStateParktomonitorboaterimpacts,especiallyfromboatwakesinthenarrowupperreachesoftheriver,tonaturalresourcesinthepreserve.Partnershipswithlocallawenforcementofficerswillfacilitatedocumentationofnearmissesofnon-motorizedboats(canoesandkayaks)bymotorboatswithinthepreserve.FY2015-2016,3years.
Performance Measures:1.Summaryofmonitoringresults.2.Documentationofnearmissesbymotorboats.
PUObjective1.3/Increasetheamountandfrequencyoflawenforcementandcitizenpatrolwithinthepreserve.
IntegratedStrategies
PU1.3.1/Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities(resourcemanagement).Anannualmeetingwithlocalandstatelawenforcementofficers(FWC,otherbranchesofDEP,SLCMarineUnit,MartinCountyMarineUnit,CoastGuardAuxiliary,lawenforcementvolunteers,andtheCityofPortSt.Lucielawenforcementofficers)willbeorganizedtodiscussspeedlimits,boatersafety,derelictvessels,harassmentortakeofprotectedfishandwildlife,gillnetting,mangroveimpacts,usergroupconflicts,andotherpertinentissues.Staffwillproducequick-referenceliststhatidentifylocal,state,andfederallawenforcementpointsofcontactinMartinandSt.Luciecounties.FY2011-2012,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Meetingsummaries.2.Quick-referencelistswithpointsofcontactforlawenforcementinMartinandSt.Luciecounties.
IssueFour/PublicUseandAccess_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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PU1.3.2/Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve(resourcemanagement).Unlikepreservestaff,riparianhomeownersareabletowatchoverthewell-beingofthepreserveonadailybasis.Currentresponsibilities,whichspantothreeotheraquaticpreservesfromIndianRivertoPalmBeachCounty,limittheabilityofstafftoregularlypatrolthepreserve.Staffwillrequestassistancefromriparianhomeownersbyattendinghomeownerassociationmeetings,directcommunication,andmeetingwithlocallawenforcementvolunteergroups.Otheruserswillberequestedtopatrolthepreserveandnotifystaffofsuspiciousactivitiesorconditions.Whensuspiciousactivitiesarereported,preservestaffwillvisitthesiteandifnecessary,coordinatewithregulatoryand/orlawenforcementstafftoaddresstheproblem.FY2011-2012,recurring.
Performance Measures:1.Listofcitizenpatrols.
PUGoal2/Promotelow-impactrecreationalopportunities.
PUObjective2.1/Supporttheadditionofcanoestopoversandlaunchesonpubliclands.
IntegratedStrategies
PU2.1.1/Identifyandsupportappropriatelocationsforcanoestopoversandlaunches(resourcemanagement).CAMAwillsupportlow-impactrecreationalopportunitieswithinthepreserveaslongasnaturalresourcesarenotbeingimpactedbythecumulativeefforttodoso.SLCEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsofficehasrecentlyinstalledonecanoestopoverbetweenPrimaVistaBoulevardandMidwayRoad.TheCityofPortSt.Lucieisproposingtobuildaneducationcenterwithacanoelaunch.PreservestaffwillworkwithMartinCounty,St.LucieCounty,theCityofPortSt.Lucie,andDEPregulatorystafftopromoteenvironmentally-friendlyprojectsthatsupportthegoalsoutlinedinthepreservemanagementplan.FY2010-2011,1year.
Performance Measures:1.GISmapshowingappropriatecanoestopoverlocationswithinthepreserve.2.Lettersofsupportforproposedlow-impactrecreationalopportunitiesthatdonotcumulativelyimpactthenaturalresourcesofthepreserve.
PUObjective2.2/Promotecompleteinclusionofthepreserveintocountywaterwayprograms.
IntegratedStrategies
PU2.2.1/Promotewaterwayprogramconsistency(resourcemanagement).BothMartinandSt.LuciecountiessupportpaddlingeffortsintheSLR.Preservestaffwillcoordinatewithbothagenciestopromoteregionalconsistencywithinthepreserve.Staffwillalsogeneratemapsthatidentifyexistingfacilitiesandpotentialsitesforfutureexpansionwithinthepreserve.Threecanoe/kayak-specificstopoverscurrentlyexistwithinthepreserve–allofwhicharelocatedinSt.LucieCounty(SeeMap4).FY2011-2012,1year.
Performance Measures:1.ConsistentsignageatcanoestopoversinSt.LucieandMartincounties.
IssueFour/PublicUseandAccess_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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Part Three
Additional Plans Chapter Six
Administrative Plans
TheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves(SEFLAP)programhasastaffofthreefull-timeequivalentpositions(FTE;twofieldandoneadministrative),andonefull-time,temporary,ParkServiceSpecialistposition(OPS)tomanagefouraquaticpreserves.Thefourpreservestotalapproximately48,327acresinfourhighly-developedcountiesofsoutheastFlorida:IndianRiver,St.Lucie,Martin,andPalmBeach.ThemanagementgoalsidentifiedinthisplanfortheNFSLRAPmustbebalancedwiththemanagementgoalsofthreeadditionalpreservesaffiliatedwiththeIRLandtheLoxahatcheeRiver.TheSEFLAPprogramhasdevelopedastrategicworkplantoincludestaffresponsibilitybreakdown,vehicleandvesselreplacement,andfacility,staffing,andprogramneeds,thatisrevisedonanannualbasis.
Successfulimplementationofthestrategiesidentifiedinthemanagementplandependsuponunpredictablefundingandstaffingfactorsoverthenext10years.Forexample,engagingthecommunityandboostingtheeducationandoutreachprogramhasbeenidentifiedasanissuebylocalresidentsandtheNFSLRAPAdvisoryCommittee.Currently,lessthan10%ofstafftimeisspentoneducationandoutreachforthepreserve.Afull-timeeducationpositionwillbenecessaryforstafftoreachtheseeducationgoals.Thehelpoflocalresidentsandvolunteersisanotheressentialkeytoreachingtheidentifiedgoalsassociatedwiththeclean-upevents,distributionofinformation,andcitizenpatrol.Avolunteerdatabaseanddistributionlisthasalreadybeenestablishedandwillbemaintainedtoeffectivelydocumenttheamountofassistancethecommunityprovidesinmanagementofthepreserve.
The North Fork floodplain is comprised of a unique combination of temperate and subtropical species such as this rare butterfly orchid (Encycliatampensis).
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Chapter Seven
Facilities PlansFacilities-TheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesfieldofficeislocatedattheMiller-WildtractinFortPierce,asubparcelmanagedbySavannasPreserveStatePark.Officecomponentsconsistofone1,456-square-footmodularbuildingwithfiveoffices,whichwasbuiltin2003andhasadesignlifeof30years,threeportableshedspurchasedin2001,2002,and2006,andanopentwo-baypolebarnforboatstoragebuiltin2004thathasadesignlifeof20years.Theofficewasnotleveledproperlywhenitwasplacedonthepropertyin2003.Duetothisoversight,thesidesoftheofficearesettlingandthebuildingisseparatingdowntheridgeline.Theofficewasrelocatedon-sitein2009toremedythesituationbutitisunlikelythatthebuildingwillmeettheexpecteddesignlifeof30years.
Futureconstructionandmaintenanceneedsinclude,butarenotlimitedto: 1.repairandeventuallyreplacementoftheexistingshingleroofontheofficebuilding; 2.regradethedirtdrivewaytothecompound; 3.completetheopenairpolebarntoincludeoneenclosedbay; 4.repairandeventualreplacementoftheshingleroofonthepolebarn; 5.maintaintheseptictank; 6.repairandreplacewellpump; 7.repairandreplacecentralairandheatingsystem; 8.maintainplumbing; 9.replacecarpeting; 10.repairofthestairsandentranceramptotheoffice; 11. landscape(includingstumpgrinding); 12. repairandeventualreplacementofthethreeexistingstoragesheds; 13. hookuptoSt.LucieCountyutilitiesoncesepticsystemfails; 14. paintexteriorandinteriorofficewalls; 15. repairandreplacewatersoftenersystem;and 16. boatandvehiclereplacement.
An example of the natural, meandering riverbends of the North Fork St. Lucie River.
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Upontheapproachofahurricane,allvesselsandvehiclesofthepreservewillfollowtheproceduresoutlinedintheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesHurricanePlanwhichisupdatedannually.
VehiclesandVessels-Allmajorvehiclesandvesselsdeemednecessaryinthestrategicplanhavebeenacquired.Aspartoftheprogram’sstrategicplanningcycle,allvehiclesandvesselsintheprogramundergoamonthlyinspectionandmaintenancebystafforanauthorizedvendor.Theannualcostforfuelandmaintenanceisapproximately$1,100forthetwovesselsand$3,400forthetwovehicles,respectively.Thisisexpectedtoincreasewithincreasingcostoffuelandvesselandvehicleage.
Vesselsandvesselfunctions:
1.19’CarolinaSkiffwith90HpMercuryFourStrokeEngine-Acquiredin2001forfieldworkinshallowcoastalwaterswithinfourSoutheastAquaticPreserves.TheCarolinaSkiffhasawide(6foot)beamandasideconsolewhichmakesitanexcellentvesselforhaulingfieldequipmenttomonitoringandenhancementsites.
2.19’TwinVeeBayCatwith115HpYamahaFourStrokeEngine-Acquiredin2007forfieldworkincoastalwatersinfourSoutheastAquaticPreservesandnearshorereefenvironmentswithinSt.LucieInletPreserveStatePark.
Vehiclesandvehiclefunctions:
1.GMC35004x4DuallySierra(withwinch)-Acquiredin2000forNorthForkSLRBufferPreservelandmanagementprojectsandfortowingboats.SincethemanagementtransferoftheNorthForkSLRStateBufferPreservetoSavannasStateParkin2004,theGMChasprimarilybeenusedtotowboatsandtransferbuildingsuppliesfortheIRLSpoilIslandProject.ThefuelefficiencyoftheGMCispooranddespitelowmileagethevehicleisbecomingunreliableandcostlytomaintain.FundshavebeenrequestedtoreplacetheGMCduringthe08-09FiscalYearwithamoreefficientfour-wheeldrivevehiclethatcantoweitherboat,haulheavybuildingsupplies,andserveasasecondvehiclefortravel.
2.ChevyBlazer4x4-Acquiredin1998fortravelandtowingboatstofourSoutheastAquaticPreserves.With117,000miles,theBlazerisalsobecomingunreliableandcostlytomaintain.Thisistheprimaryvehicleusedforlong-distancetraveltomeetings,sciencesymposia,andworkshops.Areplacementfour-wheeldrivevehiclewillbeneededinthenearfuturetomaintainefficientoperationofAquaticPreserveprograms.
3.ChevyBlazer4x4-1998modeltransferredfromDEP’sSoutheastDistrictOfficetotheSoutheastAquaticPreservesFieldOfficein2007.Thissurplusvehiclehas103,000miles,iswithoutairconditioning,andistheprimaryvehicleusedbythegrant-fundedIndianRiverLagoonShorelineRevegetationCoordinator.ThevehicleisusedtotravelandtowaboatthroughouttheshorelinerevegetationprojectboundarywhichextendsfromBrevardtoPalmBeachCounties.Fournewtiresandatowpackagewereinstalledonthevehicleafterthetransferin2007.
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Lists of Appendices
AppendixA/LegalDocuments............................................................................................................................94
A.1/AquaticPreserveResolution........................................................................................................................94
A.2/FloridaStatutes(F.S.)..................................................................................................................................95
A.3/FloridaAdministrativeCode(F.A.C.)...........................................................................................................95
AppendixB/ResourceData.................................................................................................................................96
B.1/AcronymList................................................................................................................................................96
B.2/GlossaryofTerms........................................................................................................................................97
B.3/References.................................................................................................................................................100
B.4/SpeciesLists..............................................................................................................................................104
B.4.1/NativeSpeciesList..............................................................................................................................104
B.4.2/Non-nativeSpeciesList......................................................................................................................119
B.5/RestorationandMonitoringData...............................................................................................................121
B.5.1/St.LucieRiverMiles............................................................................................................................121
B.5.2/HydrologicRestorationSiteMapandHistoricRivercourse...............................................................122
B.5.3/TidalFluctuationinReconnectedFloodplain.....................................................................................135
B.5.4/BiologicalMonitoringatHydrologicRestorationSites.......................................................................136
B.5.5/WoodstorkMonitoringData................................................................................................................137
B.5.6/WaterQualityMonitoringMatrix..........................................................................................................138
B.5.7/OysterReefMonitoringData...............................................................................................................139
B.5.8/FloodplainElevation(LIDAR)Data....................................................................................................144
B.5.9/LandAcquisitionMaps.......................................................................................................................145
B.5.10/AquaticPlantsSuitableforRestorationEfforts.................................................................................157
B.5.11/StormwaterRunoffAnalysis..............................................................................................................158
B.5.12/ClassIIIWaterQualityStandards.....................................................................................................159
B.5.13/ImpairedBasinsandTMDLDevelopmentSchedule.......................................................................165
B.6/FloridaNaturalAreasInventoryDescriptions............................................................................................166
AppendixC/PublicInvolvement.......................................................................................................................169
C.1/AdvisoryCommittee..................................................................................................................................169
C.2/PublicScopingMeeting............................................................................................................................181
C.3/FormalPublicMeeting...............................................................................................................................189
AppendixD/Goals,Objectives,andStrategiesTable....................................................................................195
D.1/CurrentGoals,Objectives,andStrategiesTable......................................................................................195
D.2/BudgetTable..............................................................................................................................................199
D.3/BudgetSummaryTable.............................................................................................................................214
D.4/MajorAccomplishmentssincetheApprovalofthePreviousPlan...........................................................215
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Appendix A
Legal DocumentsA.1 / Aquatic Preserve Resolution
WHEREAS,theStateofFlorida,byvirtueofitssovereignty,istheownerofthebedsofallnavigablewaters,saltandfresh,lyingwithinitsterritory,withcertainminorexceptions,andisalsotheownerofcertainotherlandsderivedfromvarioussources;and
WHEREAS,titletothesesovereigntyandcertainotherlandshasbeenvestedbytheFloridaLegislatureintheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund,tobeheld,protectedandmanagedforthelong-rangebenefitofthepeopleofFlorida;and
WHEREAS,theStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund,asapartofitsoverallmanagementprogramforFlorida’sstate-ownedlands,doesdesiretoinsuretheperpetualprotection,preservationandpublicenjoymentofcertainspecificareasofexceptionalqualityandvaluebysettingasideforeverthesecertainareasasaquaticpreservesorsanctuaries;and
WHEREAS,theadhocFloridaInter-AgencyAdvisoryCommitteeonSubmergedLandManagementhasselectedthroughcarefulstudyanddeliberationanumberofspecificareasofstate—ownedlandhavingexceptionalbiological,aestheticandscientificvalue,andhasrecommendedtotheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundthattheseselectedareasbeofficiallyrecognizedandestablishedastheinitialelementsofastatewidesystemofaquaticpreservesforFlorida;
NOW,THEREFORE,BEITRESOLVEDbytheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund:
THATitdoesherebyestablishastatewidesystemofaquaticpreservesasameansofprotectingandpreservinginperpetuitycertainspeciallyselectedareasofstate-ownedland:and
THATspecificallydescribed,individualareasofstate-ownedlandmayfromtimetotimebeestablishedasaquaticpreservesandincludedinthestatewidesystemofaquaticpreservesbyseparateresolutionoftheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund;and
THATthestatewidesystemofaquaticpreservesandallindividualaquaticpreservesestablishedthereundershallbeadministeredandmanaged,eitherbythesaidStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundoritsdesigneeasmaybespecificallyprovidedforintheestablishingresolutionforeachindividualaquaticpreserve,inaccordancewiththefollowingmanagementpoliciesandcriteria:
(1)Anaquaticpreserveisintendedtosetasideanexceptionalareaofstate-ownedlandanditsassociatedwatersforpreservationessentiallyintheirnaturalorexistingconditionbyreasonableregulationofallhumanactivitywhichmighthaveaneffectonthearea.
(2)AnaquaticpreserveshallincludeonlylandsorwaterbottomsownedbytheStateofFlorida,andsuchprivatelandsorwaterbottomsasmaybespecificallyauthorizedforinclusionbyappropriateinstrumentfromtheowner.Anyincludedlandsorwaterbottomstowhichaprivateownershipclaimmightsubsequentlybeprovedshalluponadjudicationofprivateownershipbeautomaticallyexcludedfromthepreserve,althoughsuchexclusionshallnotprecludetheStatefromattemptingtonegotiateanarrangementwiththeownerbywhichsuchlandsorwaterbottomsmightbeagainincludedwithinthepreserve.
(3)Noalterationofphysicalconditionswithinanaquaticpreserveshallbepermittedexcept:(a)minimumdredgingandspoilingforauthorizedpublicnavigationprojects,or(b)otherapprovedactivitydesignedtoenhancethequalityorutilityofthepreserveitself.Itisinherentintheconceptoftheaquaticpreservethat,otherthanascontemplatedabove,therebe:nodredgingandfillingtocreateland,nodrillingofoilwellsorexcavationforshellorminerals,andnoerectionofstructuresonstiltsorotherwiseunlessassociatedwithauthorizedactivity,withintheconfinesofapreserve-totheextenttheseactivitiescanbelawfullyprevented.
(4)Specifically,thereshallbenobulkheadlinessetwithinanaquaticpreserve.Whentheboundaryofapreserveisintendedtobethelineofmeanhighwateralongaparticularshoreline,anybulkheadlinesubsequentlysetforthatshorelinewillalsobeatthelineofmeanhighwater.
(5)AllhumanactivitywithinanaquaticpreserveshallbesubjecttoreasonablerulesandregulationspromulgatedandenforcedbytheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundand/oranyotherspecificallydesignatedmanagingagencySuchrulesandregulationsshallnotinterfereundulywithlawfulandtraditionalpublicusesofthearea,suchasfishing(bothsportandcommercial),hunting,boating,swimmingandthelike.
(6)Neithertheestablishmentnorthemanagementofanaquaticpreserveshallinfringeuponthelawfulandtraditionalriparianrightsoprivatepropertyownersadjacenttoapreserve.Infurtheranceoftheserights,reasonableimprovementforingressandegress,mosquitocontrol,shoreprotectionandsimilarpurposesmaybepermittedbytheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundandotherjurisdictionalagencies,afterreviewandformalconcurrencebyanyspecificallydesignatedmanagingagencyforthepreserveinquestion.
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(7)Otherusesofanaquaticpreserve,orhumanactivitywithinapreserve,althoughnotoriginallycontemplated,maybepermittedbytheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalimprovementTrustFundandotherjurisdictionalagencies,butonlyafteraformalfindingofcompatibilitymadebythesaidTrusteesontheadviceofanyspecificallydesignatedmanagingagencyforthepreserveinquestion.
INTESTIMONYWHEREOF,theTrusteesforandonbehalfoftheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundhavehereuntosubscribedtheirnamesandhavecausedtheofficialsealofsaidStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundtobehereuntoaffixed,intheCityofTallahassee,Florida,onthisthe24thdayofNovemberA.D.1969.
CLAUDER.KIRK,JR,Governor TOMADAMS,SecretaryofState
EARLFAIRCLOTH,AttorneyGeneral FREDO.DICKINSON,JR.,Comptroller
BROWARDWILLIAMS,Treasurer FLOYDT.CHRISTIAN,CommissionerofEducation
DOYLECONNER,CommissionerofAgriculture
AsandConstitutingtheStateofFloridaBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund
A.2 / Florida Statutes (F.S.)
• Florida Statutes, Chapter 253: State Lands www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0���/titl0���.htm
• Florida Statutes, Chapter 258: State Parks and Preserves www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0���/ch0���.htm
Part II (Aquatic Preserves): http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0���/part0�.htm
• Florida Statutes, Chapter 370: Saltwater Fisheries www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0��0/titl0��0.htm
• Florida Statutes, Chapter 372: Wildlife www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0���/titl0���.htm
• Florida Statutes, Chapter 403: Environmental Control (Statute authorizing FDEP to create Outstanding Florida Waters is at 40�.0��(��)) www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch040�/ch040�.htm
A.3 / Florida Administrative Codes (F.A.C.)
• Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 18-20: Florida Aquatic Preserves www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/Rules/shared/��-�0.pdf
• Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 18-21: Sovereignty Submerged Lands Management http://www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/Rules/shared/��-��.pdf
• Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 62-302: Surface Water Quality Standards (Rule designating Outstanding Florida Waters is at ��-�0�.�00) www.dep.state.fl.us/legal/Rules/shared/��-�0�/��-�0�.pdf
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Appendix B
Resource DataB.1 / Acronym List
Acronym Definition Acronym DefinitionAP aquaticpreserve MHW meanhighwater
BMAP BasinManagementActionPlan MOA memorandumofagreementBMP bestmanagementpractices MOU memorandumofunderstanding
C&SF CentralandSouthernFlorida mph milesperhourCAMA OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,
intheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionMSX Haplosporidium nelsoni
CARL ConservationandRecreationLands NEP NationalEstuaryProgramCCMP ComprehensiveConservationand
ManagementPlanNERR NationalEstuarineResearchReserve
CD coastaldevelopment NFSLRAP NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveCERP ComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlan NMFS NationalMarineFisheriesServiceCH3D CurvilinearHydrodynamicsinThree
DimensionsNOAA NationalOceanicandAtmospheric
AdministrationCSO CitizenSupportOrganization NPDES NationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystemCZM coastalzonemanagement NR NaturalResourceManagementDEP FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection NSLWCD NorthSt.LucieWaterControlDistrictDHR DivisionofHistoricalResources OFW OutstandingFloridaWaters
DIDSON DualFrequencyIdentificationSonar OPS otherpersonalservicesDNR FloridaDepartmentofNaturalResources
(nowDEP)OSDS on-sitesewagedisposalsystems
DRI DevelopmentofRegionalImpact Ph.D. DoctorofPhilosophyDRP DivisionofRecreationandParks,inthe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionPIR ProjectImplementationReport
DYNTRAN DynamicTransport ppt partsperthousandECOS Estuarine,Coastal,andOceanScience,Inc. PU publicuseandaccessEFDC EnvironmentalFluidDynamicsComputerCode PVC polyvinylchloride
ESC EnvironmentalStudiesCenter RECOVER Research,Coordination,andVerificationESA EndangeredSpeciesAct SAV submergedaquaticvegetation
F.A.C. FloridaAdministrativeCode S.D. standarddeviationFAU FloridaAtlanticUniversity SEFLAP SoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves
F.A.W. FloridaAdministrativeWeekly SFWMD SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrictFCREPA FloridaCommitteeonRareandEndangered
PlantsandAnimalsSJRWMD St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict
FCT FloridaCommunitiesTrust SLC St.LucieCountyFDACS FloridaDepartmentofAgricultureand
ConsumerServicesSLCMCD St.LucieCountyMosquitoControlDistrict
FIT FloridaInstituteofTechnology SLE St.LucieEstuaryFNAI FloridaNaturalAreaInventory SLR St.LucieRiverFOS FloridaOceanographicSociety SSC speciesofspecialconcernFPL FloridaPowerandLight STA stormwatertreatmentareaF.S. FloridaStatutes SWAMP SurfaceWaterAmbientMonitoringProgramFTE full-timeequivalent SWIM SurfaceWaterImprovementand
ManagementPlanFWC FloridaFishandWildlifeConservation
CommissionTCEEC TreasureCoastEnvironmentalEducation
CouncilFWS U.S.Fish&WildlifeService TCRPC TreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil
FY fiscalyear TMDL totalmaximumdailyloadGMC GeneralMotorsCorporation UF UniversityofFlorida
GIS geographicinformationsystem U.S. UnitedStatesGPS globalpositioningsystem USACE U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineersGTM GuanaTolomatoMatanzas USEPA UnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency
HBOI HarborBranchOceanographicInstitute USGS U.S.GeologicalSurveyHSPF HydrologicalSimulationProgramFortran WaSh WatershedWaterQualityIFAS InstituteofFoodandAgricultureScience WMD watermanagementdistrictIRSC IndianRiverStateCollege WPA waterpreservearea
IRL IndianRiverLagoon WPP watershedprotectionplanIRL-S IndianRiverLagoon-South WQ waterquality
LiDAR lightdetectionandranging
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B.2 / Glossary
Acceler8:Florida’scommitmenttoprovide$1.5billiontoacceleratethedesignandconstructionofasuiteofrestorationprojectsselectedfortheimmediatebenefitstheycanprovidetotheEvergladesandtheSouthFloridaEcosystem.
acre-feet:Thevolumeofwaternecessarytocoveroneacreofsurfaceareatoadepthofonefoot.
aquaculture:Thecultivationornurturingofaquaticorganisms.
basin/sub-basin:Theentiretractoflanddrainedbyariveranditstributaries;smallerportionofalargertractoflanddrainedbyariveranditstributaries.
benthic:Of,relatedto,oroccurringatthebottomofabodyofwater.
berm:Amoundofearthusuallyengineeredbyhumans,especiallythebankofacanal.
bromeliads:Anymemberofthepineapplefamilyofplants,usuallyhavingstiff,leatheryleavesandspikesofbrightflowers(manyliveonotherplantsandarecommonlyreferredtoasairplants).
brooding:Productionbyorasifbyincubation.
build-out:Indicatesthatalllandparcelsarebuiltuponwitheitherhousingorotheruses.
candidatespecies:ThosepetitionedspeciesthatareactivelybeingconsideredforlistingasendangeredorthreatenedundertheESA,aswellasthosespeciesforwhichNMFShasinitiatedanESAstatusreviewthatithasannouncedintheFederal Register.Neither“candidatespecies”nor“speciesofconcern”carriesanyproceduralorsubstantiveprotectionsundertheESA.
circumtropical:Existingaround,about,orsurroundingatropicalareaorclimate.
codified:Theprocessofcollectingandrestatingthelawofajurisdictionincertainareas,usuallybysubject,formingalegalcase.
commercial,industrial,andotherrevenuegenerating/incomerelateddocks:Dockingfacilitiesforanactivitywhichproducesincome,throughrentaloranyothermeans,orwhichservesasanaccessoryfacilitytootherrental,commercial,orindustrialoperations.Itshallinclude,butnotbelimitedtodockingfor:marinas,restaurants,hotels,motels,commercialfishing,shipping,boatorshipconstruction,repair,andsales.
ComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlan(CERP):AcomprehensiveplanforthewaterresourcesofcentralandsouthernFloridaauthorizedintheWaterResourcesDevelopmentActof2000.TheoverarchingobjectivesofthisComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlanaretherestoration,preservation,andprotectionofthesouthFloridaecosystemwhileprovidingfortheotherwater-relatedneedsoftheregion.
conjunction:Tojointogether;combination,association,oroverlap.
ConservationandRecreationLands(CARL):Floridacreatedthislandacquisitionprogramin1979toacquirelandstoconserveandprotectuniquenaturalareas,endangeredspecies,unusualgeologicfeatures,wetlands,andsignificantarchaeologicalandhistoricalsites.CARLprojectswerefundedbytheCARLTrustFundandPreservation2000.TheFloridaForeverprogramisCARL’ssuccessor.
conservationeasement:Alegalagreementbetweenalandownerandagovernmentagencyornonprofitorganizationtoprotectthenaturalresourcesofapropertypermanentlyorforsomedesignatedperiodoftime.Thepropertystillbelongstothelandowner,butrestrictionsareplacedbothonthecurrentlandownerandsubsequentlandowners.
consolidatedsubstrate:Acompactedmassofsediment,typicallystratified.
conveyance:Theactofmovingsomethingfromonelocationtoanother.
crosswalk:Conversionofonenaturalareaclassification(e.g.FloridaLandUseCoverandFormsClassificationSystem)toanother(e.g.FloridaNaturalAreasInventory),thelayeringofmapstoaligngeologicalandnaturalfeatures.
cultch:Material,typicallyoystershells,depositedonoystergroundstofurnishpointsofattachmentforspat.
cumulative:Increasedbysuccessiveadditions.
developmentofregionalimpact(DRI):Anydevelopmentwhich,becauseofitscharacter,magnitude,orlocation,wouldhaveasubstantialeffectuponthehealth,safety,orwelfareofcitizensofmorethanonecounty.DRIsmustundergoregionalandstatereviewinadditiontothelocaldevelopmentreviewprocess.
disseminate:Toscatterwidelyordisperse.
dredgespoil:Materialorsoiltakenoutofanareamechanicallyandstoredinapileorridge,orgradedevenly.
emergent:Growinginwaterwiththemajorityoftheplantextendingabovethewatersurface.
endangeredspecies:TheESAdefinestheterm“endangeredspecies”asanyspecieswhichisindangerofextinctionthroughoutallorasignificantportionofitsrange.
endemic:Nativeto,characteristicof,orrestrictedtoalocalityorregion.
ephemeral:Temporary.
epiphyte:Aplantthatusuallylivesonotherplantswithoutdamagingthem.
equilibrium:Astateofbalancebetweenopposingforces.
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estuarine:Consistingofanestuaryenvironment,whichisasemi-enclosedcoastalwaterbodywithafreeconnectiontotheopenseaandwithinwhichseawaterismeasurablydilutedwithfreshwater.
FloridaForever(FF):The10-year,$3billionprogramestablishedbytheFloridaLegislaturetoconserveenvironmentallysensitiveland,restorewaterways,andpreserveimportantculturalandhistoricalresources.FloridaForeverreplacedPreservation2000.
gasification:Conversionintogas,specificallytheconversionofresidualwastesludgeintonaturalgas.
geology:Thestructureofaspecificregionoftheearth’scrust.
geomorphology:Thestudyofform,nature,andevolutionoftheearth’ssurface.
greaterevergladesecosystem:AnareaconsistingofthelandsandwaterswithintheboundaryoftheSouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,includingtheEverglades,theFloridaKeys,andthecontiguousnearshorecoastalwatersofSouthFlorida.
ground-truthing:Toverifylocationsonamapbyactuallyvisitingthesite.
heterogeneity:Thequalityorstateofbeingheterogeneous(Withdissimilarelementsorparts).
homogeneity:Thequalityorstateofbeinghomogeneous(Uniformthroughoutinstructure).
hydrologic:Dealingwiththeproperties,distribution,andcirculationofwater.
hydrology:Thescienceandstudyoftheproperties,distributionandcirculationofwateronandbelowtheearth’ssurfaceandintheatmosphere.
hydrologicregime:Flowvariations,usuallyrepresentedbythemonthlyaverageflowgraphics(calculatedforacertainnumberofyears).
hydroperiod:Thecyclicalchangesintheamountorstageofwaterinanaqueoushabitat.
hypoxic:Whereoxygenisdeficientinawaterbody(<2mg/L).
impairedwaterbody:Ariver,lake,orcoastalwaterthat,becauseofpollutionlevels,isnotmeetingwaterqualitystandardsforitsdesignateduse,suchasfishing,swimming,shellfishharvesting,orasasourceofdrinkingwater.
LakeOkeechobeeestuaryrecovery:PlantorestoretheecologicalhealthofLakeOkeechobeeandtheSt.LucieandCaloosahatcheeEstuaries.
limnetic(fresh):Waterwithlessthan0.5partsperthousand(ppt)salinity.
loading:Thetotalamountofmaterialenteringasystemfromallsources.
mandate:Anobligationhandeddownbyaninter-governmentalagency.
mesohaline:Between5and18partsperthousandsaltconcentration.
minimumflowandlevel:Theestablishedlimitsatwhichfurtherwithdrawalsofwaterwouldbesignificantlyharmfultothewaterresourcesorecologyofanarea.
mitigation:Anactionorseriesofactionsthatoffsettheadverseenvironmentalimpactofapermittedactivity.
muck:Finegrainedsedimentsthatcontainasignificantamountofclayandsiltandabout10percentorganicmatter.
nekton:Activelyswimminganimalsinabodyofwater.
northerneverglades:EcosystemwithintheSFWMDboundaryencompassingtheLakeOkeechobee,CaloosahatcheeRiver,andSt.LucieRiverbasins.KeyfeaturesincludeKissimmeearealakesandrivers,LakeOkeechobee,andtheCaloosahatcheeandSt.LucieRiverestuaries.
oligohaline:Between0.5and5partsperthousandsaltconcentration.
ooze:Asoftdeposit(mud,slime,shells)onthebottomofabodyofwater.
pelagic:Relatingto,living,oroccurringintheopensea.
peripheral:Organismsonorneartheedgeoftheirgeographicalranges.
physiogeographic:Describingthecharacteristicsofasite’sphysicalgeographyintermsofelevation,slope,ororientation.
piezoelectric:Relatingto,orfunctioningby,theelectricityorelectricpolarityofpressure.
planktonic:Driftingaquaticplants(phytoplankton)andanimals(zooplankton).
polishingcell:Anareawherefinaltreatmentisachievedbeforereleasingcontents,usuallywater,toawaterwayorwetlandarea.
polyhaline:Between18and30partsperthousandsaltconcentration.
Preservation2000:A10-yearprogram,initiatedbytheStateofFloridain1990,thatraised$300millionperyearforatotalof$3billionforenvironmentallandacquisition.
privateresidentialmulti-slipdock:Adockingfacilityusedforprivaterecreationorleisurepurposesformulti-unitresidentialdwellings,whichshallincludebutisnotlimitedtocondominiums,townhouses,subdivisions,andothersuchdwellingsorresidentialareasandwhichisdesignatedtomoorthreeormoreboats.Yachtclubsassociatedwithresidentialdevelopments,whereutilizationofthedockingfacilityrequiressomerealpropertyinterestintheresidentialarea,shallalsobeincluded.
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privateresidentialsingle-familydock:Adockusedforprivate,recreational,orleisurepurposesforsinglefamilyresidence,cottage,orothersuchsingledwellingunitandwhichisdesignedtomoornomorethantwoboats.Thisalsoincludesdocks,withmooringofnomorethanatotaloffourboats,locatedonpropertylinesbetweentwouplandsingle-familyresidences,wherethedockissharedforusebyupland,single-familyresidences.
prototype:Thefirstfull-scale,functionalformofanewdesignorequipment.
regime:Aregularpatternofoccurrence,action,orconditions(asofseasonalrainfall).
regionalplanningcouncils:Floridaplanningandpublicpolicyagenciesthatworkwithpublicandprivateleadershiponregionalissues.
residencetime:Thedurationofpersistenceofamassorsubstanceinamediumorplace.
riparian:Relatedto,living,oroccurringonthebankofanaturalwatercourse.
ruderal/disturbed:Referringtoplantslivingonwastelandinbuilt-upareas,withsedimentsnotoccurringinthenaturalstates.
saline:Consistingoforcontainingsalt.
SaveOurRivers:This1981FloridaprogramcreatedtheWaterManagementLandsTrustFund.Thistrustfundenablesthewatermanagementdistrictstoacquirelandsnecessaryforwatermanagement,watersupply,andtheconservationandprotectionofwaterresources.SaveOurRiversprojectscanbejointlyfundedthroughtheWaterManagementLandsTrustFundandPreservation2000/FloridaForever.
sedimentation:Theactionorprocessofformingordepositingsediments.
sessilebenthicorganism:Anyorganismanchoredtothebenthicenvironment(bottom).
shapefile:ComputerizedmapsandimagesdepictingdifferentnaturalfeaturescreatedwithGeographicInformationSystems(GIS).
sheetflow:Theflowofwateracrossagivensurfaceareasuchasafield,parkinglot,orroadduringaraineventwithoutaformalconveyancesystem(pipe,swale,etc).
sovereigntyoflands:Supremeandindependentpowerorauthorityingovernmentaspossessedorclaimedbyastateorcommunityoverlandsorsubmergedlands.
spat:Anoysterorsimilarbivalvemolluskinthejuvenilestage,especiallyafteritsettlestothebottomandstartstodevelopashell.
spawningaggregation:Agroupofindividualsofaspecieslivingincloseproximityduringmatingorreproductivecycles.
speciesofspecialconcern:ThosespeciesaboutwhichNOAA’sNationalMarineFisheriesService(NMFS)hassomeconcernsregardingstatusandthreats,butforwhichinsufficientinformationisavailabletoindicateaneedtolistthespeciesundertheEndangeredSpeciesAct.
stakeholder:Individualororganizationwhostandtogainorlosefromthesuccessorfailureofasystemorprogram.
standarddeviation(S.D.):Ameasureofthevariationinasample,calculatedasthesquarerootofthevariance.
submerged:Occurringbelowthesurfaceofthewater;completelyunderwater.
substrate:Thesoilsandsedimentsthatcomprisetheground.
telemetry:Theuseofanelectricalapparatusformeasuringaquantityandtransmittingtheresultelectronicallytoadistantstation.
threatened:Theterm“threatenedspecies”isdefinedasanyspecieswhichislikelytobecomeanendangeredspecieswithintheforeseeablefuturethroughoutallorasignificantportionofitsrange.
toeofslope:Insurveying,theloweredgeofanabruptchangeinelevation,typicallywherethegroundlevelsout.
topography:Thesurfacefeaturesofaplaceorregion.
totalmaximumdailyload(TMDL):Ascientificdeterminationofthemaximumamountofagivenpollutantthatsurfacewatercanabsorbandstillmeetthewaterqualitystandardsthatprotecthumanhealthandaquaticlife.
transverse:Acting,lying,orbeingacross.Madeatrightanglestothelongaxisofabody.
triploid:Havingthreetimesthehaploidnumberofchromosomes.
turbid/turbidity:Watercloudedbysuspendedsedimentororganicmatter.
unconsolidatedsubstrate:Loose,un-compactedandun-stratifiedsediment.
vestige:Atrace,mark,orvisiblesignleftbysomethingvanishedorlost.Smallestquantityortrace.
watercolumn:Theareaofabodyofwaterfromthesurfacetothesubstrate.
WaterResourcesDevelopmentAct:ThefederalauthorizinglegislationforU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers’waterresourceprojects.
watershed:Thegeographicareathroughwhichwaterflowsacrossthelandanddrainsintoacommonbodyofwater,whetherastream,river,lake,orocean,includingtributaries(wetlands,streams,canals,ditches,etc.)aswellasstormwaterrunofffromtheland.
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Graves,G.A.,&Strom,D.G.(1995a).Pesticide contamination in Ten Mile Creek; Major tributary to the Outstanding Florida Waters of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River(EcosystemManagementReport).PortSt.Lucie,FL:FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,SoutheastDistrictAmbientWaterQualitySection.
Graves,G.A.,&Strom,D.G.(1995b).Update on pesticides in Martin and St. Lucie Counties.(EcosystemManagementReport).PortSt.Lucie,FL:FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,SoutheastDistrictAmbientWaterQualitySection.
Graves,G.A.,Thompson,M.,&Fike,D.(2002).St. Lucie River Estuary: Evidence of impairment.PortSt.Lucie,FL:FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,SoutheastDistrictWaterQualitySection.
Graves,G.A.,Wan,Y.,&Fike,D.L.(2004).WaterqualitycharacteristicsofstormwaterfrommajorlandusesinSouthFlorida.Journal of the American Water Resources Association,December,1405-1419.
Griffin,G.,Morris,J.,Rodgers,J.,&Snyder,B.(accepted).Changes in wood stork (Mycteria americana) nestling success observed in four Florida bird rookeries during the �004, �00�, and �00� breeding seasons.AcceptedforpublicationinActaZoologica.
Gunter,G.,&Hall,G.E.(1963).Biological investigation of the St. Lucie Estuary in connection with Lake Okeechobee discharges through the St. Lucie Canal(GulfResearchReportsVol1,No5).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.
Haunert,D.E.(1988).Sediment characteristics and toxic substances in the St. Lucie Estuary, Florida(TechnicalReportNos.80-3,88-10&88-100).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,EnvironmentalSciencesDivision,ResourcePlanningDepartment.
Haunert,D.E.,&Startzman,J.R.(1980).Some seasonal fisheries trends and effects of a �,000 cfs fresh water discharge on the fishes and macroinvertebrates in the St. Lucie estuary, Florida(TechnicalPublicationNo.80-3).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.
Haunert,D.E.,&Startzman,J.R.(1985).Short term effects of a fresh water discharge on the biota of St. Lucie Estuary, Florida (TechnicalPublicationNo.85-1).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,EnvironmentalSciencesDivision,ResourcePlanningDepartment.
He,Z.L.,Stoffella,P.J.,Calvert,D.V.,Zhang,M.K.,&Yang,X.E.(2003).Characterization of organic and inorganic colloidal fractions in the St. Lucie marine muck sediments.Stuart,FL:UniversityofFlorida,IndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter.
He,Z.L.,Stoffella,P.J.,Zhang,M.K.,Calvert,D.V.,BanksD.J.,Yang,X.E.,&Yu,S.(2004).Beneficial re-use of marine muck sediments to improve pastureland (FinalReport).Stuart,FL:UniversityofFlorida,IndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter.
He,Z.L.,Zhang,M.K.,Stoffella,P.J.,Calvert,D.V.,&Wilson,C.(2001).Beneficial re-use of marine muck sediments – St. Lucie River (FinalReport).UniversityofFlorida,IndianRiverResearchandEducation.
Herr,J.L.(1995).Methodology for determination of stormwater treatment volume requirements.SouthwestFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,4thbiennialstormwaterconference.Clearwater,FL:EnvironmentalResearchandDesign.
Herren,L.,Tucker,J.,Beal,J.,Sharpe,B.,Conrad,C.(inprep).Hydrologic Restoration of the North Fork St. Lucie River and Ten Mile Creek.TechnicalReport.Ft.Pierce,FL:FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,SoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesFieldOffice.
Hu,G.(1999).Two-dimensionalhydrodynamicmodelofSt.LucieEstuary.Environmental Engineering ����.ProceedingsoftheASCE-CSCENationalConferenceonEnvironmentalEngineering,(pp434-443).AmericanSocietyofCivilEngineers.
IbisEnvironmental,Inc.(2007).�00� St. Lucie Estuary submerged aquatic vegetation mapping study.Stuart,FL.Litweller,S.L.,O’Donnell,M.J.,&Wright,P.A.(2006).RapidincreaseinthepartialpressureofNH3onthe
cutaneoussurfaceofair-exposedmangrovekillifish,Rivulus marmoratus.Journal of Experimental Biology,�0�,1737-1745.
MartinCountyGrowthManagementDepartment.(2005).Population technical bulletin.Stuart,FL.Millie,D.F.,Carrick,H.J.,Doering,P.H.,&Steidinger,K.A.(2004).Intra-annualvariabilityofwaterqualityand
phytoplanktonintheNorthForkoftheSt.LucieRiverEstuary,Florida(USA):Aquantitativeassessment.Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science,��(1),137-149.
�0�
Morris,F.W.(1987).Modeling of hydrodynamics and salinity in the St. Lucie Estuary(TechnicalPublication87-1).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.
Murdock,J.F.(1954a).A preliminary survey of the effects of releasing water from Lake Okeechobee through the St. Lucie & Caloosahatchee Estuaries(FinalReport,ContractNo.DA-08-123-ENG-1376).Miami,FL:UniversityofMiami.
Murdock,J.F.(1954b).Fish catch statistics in relation to water release from the St. Lucie Canal.Miami,FL:UniversityofMiami.
PBS&J.(2003).Feasibility study for the reconnection of wetlands and oxbows along the North Fork St. Lucie River.WestPalmBeach,FL.
Phillips,R.C.,&Ingle,R.M.(1960).Report on the marine plants, bottom types and hydrography of the St. Lucie Estuary and adjacent Indian River, Florida(SpecialScientificReportNo.4).St.Petersburg,FL:FloridaStateBoardofConservation,MarineLaboratory.
Rand,G.M.,Carriger,J.F.,Lee,T.A.,&Pfeuffer,R.J.(2003).SedimenttoxicityintheSt.LucieRiverwatershedandEvergladesAgriculturalArea.Ecotoxicology,��(3),261-274.
Rand,G.M.,Schuler,L.J.,&Hoang,T.(2007).Aquatic probabilistic risk assessment of copper for South Florida fresh and saltwater ecosystems, including the St. Lucie/Indian River Lagoon area[Abstract].2007St.LucieRiver/IndianRiverLagoonResearchForum.FortPierce,FL.
Robbins,B.(1996).St. Lucie Estuary VEC study (ReconnaissanceTripReport).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.UnpublishedFieldReport.
Robbins,B.(1998).Amendment to St. Lucie Estuary VEC study (ReconnaissanceTripReport).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.UnpublishedFieldReport.
Robbins,B.(2005).North Fork of the St. Lucie River, west shore, upstream of the mouth of C-�� (Bessey Creek)(SiteInspectionReport).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.UnpublishedFieldReport.
RodgersJr.,J.A.,Schwikert,S.T.,Griffin,G.A.,Brooks,W.B.,Bear-Hull,D.,Elliott,P.M.,Ebersol,K.J.,&Morris,J.(2008).Productivityofwoodstorks(Mycteria americana)inNorthandCentralFlorida.Waterbirds,31(1),25-34.
Rudolph,H.D.(1990).North Fork of the St. Lucie River macroinvertebrate survey in February and August, ����, with a comparison to previous macroinvertebrate surveys – A biological basin assessment survey.PortSt.Lucie,FL:FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalRegulation.Unpublishedreport.
Schenker,P.(n.d.).Florida demographic summary.RetrievedSeptember,2007fromTheFloridaLegislatureOfficeofEconomicandDemographicResearchWebsite:http://edr.state.fl.us/population.htm.
Schrader,D.L.(1984).Holocene sedimentation in a low energy microtidal estuary, St. Lucie River, Florida (U. S. A.).AthesissubmittedinpartialfulfillmentoftherequirementsforthedegreeofMasterofScienceintheDepartmentofGeology,UniversityofSouthFlorida.
Schropp,S.J.,McFetridge,W.F.,&Taylor,R.B.(1994).St. Lucie Estuary muck removal demonstration project.(FinalReport,Contractc-3269).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.
Schuler,L.J.&Rand,G.M.(2007).AquaticriskassessmentofherbicidesinfreshwaterecosystemsofSouthFlorida.Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, �4(4),571-583.
Scott,T.M.(2001).Text to accompany the geologic map of Florida(Open-FileReport80).Tallahassee,FL:FloridaGeologicalSurvey.
SmithsonianMarineStationatFortPierce.(2007).Clarias batrachus. RetrievedMarch15,2008fromtheIndianRiverLagoonSpeciesInventoryWebsiteat:http://www.sms.si.edu/irLspec/Clarias_batrachus.htm.
SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2004).Upper East Coast water supply plan update.WestPalmBeach,FL.SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2007a).Northern estuaries performance measure submerged aquatic
vegetation.RetrievedJanuary23,2009fromComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlanRECOVERWebsite:http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/recover/recover_docs/et/ne_pm_sav.pdf.
SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2007b).Northern estuaries performance measure oyster habitat.RetrievedJanuary23,2009fromComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlanRECOVERWebsite:http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/recover/recover_docs/et/ne_pm_oysterhabitat.pdf.
SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2007c).Northern estuaries performance measures.RetrievedJanuary23,2009fromComprehensiveEvergladesRestorationPlanRECOVERWebsite:http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/recover/perf_measures_all.aspx.
SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2009).The state of the St. Lucie Estuary: A report to the citizens of the estuary region(DRAFT).Stuart,FL.
SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,&FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.(2006).Restoration plan for the northwest fork of the Loxahatchee River.WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrictWatershedManagementDivision;WestPalmBeach,FL:FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionSoutheastDistrictOffice.
Springer,V.G.(1960).Ichthyological surveys of the lower St. Lucie and Indian Rivers, Florida east coast.St.Petersburg,FL:FloridaStateBoardofConservationMarineLaboratoryMaritimeBase.
Steward,J.S.,Brockmeyer,R.,Gostel,P.,Sime,P.&VanArman,J.(2003).Indian River Lagoon Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM)Plan, �00� Update. PalatkaFL:St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict;WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.pp.272.
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St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict,SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,&U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.(1996).The Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.pp.357.
St.LucieRiverInitiative,Inc.(2004).Characterization, sources, beneficial re-uses, and removal of marine muck sediments in the St. Lucie Estuary(ContractC-10281-A1)Stuart,FL.
Swain,H.M.,Breininger,D.R.,Busby,D.S.,Clark,K.B.,Cook,S.B.,Day,R.A.,etal.(1995).IntroductiontotheIndianRiverBiodiversityConference.Bulletin of Marine Science, ��(�), 1-7.
Switzer,T.S.,Winner,B.L.,Dunham,N.M.,Whittington,J.A.,&Thomas,M.(2006).InfluenceofsequentialhurricanesonnektoncommunitiesinasoutheastFloridaestuary:Short-termeffectsinthecontextofhistoricalvariationsinfreshwaterinflow.Estuaries and Coasts, ��(6A),1011-1018.
Taylor,D.S.(1990).AdaptivespecializationsofthecyprinodontfishRivulus marmoratus.Florida Science, ��,239-248.Taylor,D.S.(1993).NotesontheimpactoftheDecember1989freezeonlocalpopulationsofRivulus marmoratusin
Florida,withadditionaldistributionrecordsinthestate.Florida Scientist, ��,129-134.Taylor,D.S.,Davis,W.P.,&Turner,B.J.(1995).Rivulus marmoratus:EcologyofdistributionalpatternsinFloridaand
thecentralIndianRiverLagoon.Bulletin of Marine Sciences, ��,202-207.Teas,H.(1971).Biological survey of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River(FinalReport).Submittedto:General
DevelopmentCorporation.Miami,FL:UniversityofMiami.TreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil.(1984).Wetland and deepwater habitat policy (EconomicImpact
Statement). Stuart,FL.TreasureCoastRegionalPlanningCouncil.(2005).SeaLevel Rise in the Treasure Coast Region.Stuart,FL.UnitedStatesArmyCorpsofEngineers,&SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.(2004).Central and South
Florida Project: Indian River Lagoon - South project implementation report.Jacksonville,FL:U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers;WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.
UnitedStatesCensusBureau.(n.d.).Florida State Quickfacts.RetrievedApril,2008fromU.S.CensusBureauWebsite:http://quickfacts.census.gov.
UnitedStatesGeologicalSurvey.(2003).Benefits of Bats.RetrievedJanuary4,2008fromWesternEcologicalResearchCenterWebsite:http://www.werc.usgs.gov/bats/benefits.html.
UniversityofFlorida.(2007).Florida population studies series.RetrievedApril1,2007,fromBureauofEconomicandBusinessResearchWebsite:http://bebr.ufl.edu/.
URSGreinerWoodwardClyde.(1999).Distribution of oysters and submerged aquatic vegetation in the St. Lucie Estuary.WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.
Wan,Y.,Konyha,K.D.,&Sculley.S.(2002).An integrated modeling approach for coastal ecosystems restoration.ProceedingoftheSecondInter-AgencyHydrologicModelingConference.(p13).LasVegas,NV.
Wan,Y.,Labadie,J.W.,Konyha,K.D.,&Conboy,T.(2006).Optimizationoffrequencydistributionofstorm-waterdischargesforcoastalecosystemrestoration.Journal of Water Resource Planning and Management, ���(5),320-329.
Wan,Y.,Reed,C.,&Roaza.E.(2003).Modeling watershed with high groundwater and dense drainage canals: Model development.ProceedingofAWRA2003InternationalCongress.NewYork.
Wang,T.C.,Krivan,J.P.Jr.,&Johnson,R.S.(1979).ResiduesofpolychlorinatedbiphenylsandDDTinwaterandsedimentoftheSt.LucieEstuary,Florida,1977.Pesticide Monitoring Journal, ��(2),69-71.
Wilson,P.C.,&Ferguson-Foos,J.(2006).SurveyofcarbamateandorganophosphatepesticideexportfromaSouthFloridaagriculturalwatershed:implicationsofsamplingfrequencyonecologicalriskestimation.Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry, ��,2847-2852.
Wilson,P.C.,Scotto,L.,Scarpa,J.,Volety,A.,Laramore,S.,&Haunert,D.(2005).Surveyofwaterquality,oysterreproductionandoysterhealthstatusintheSt.LucieEstuary.Journal of Shellfish Research, �4(1),157-165.
Woodward-ClydeInternational-Americas.(1998).St. Lucie Estuary historical, SAV, and American oyster literature review(FinalReport).WestPalmBeach,FL:SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.
PersonalCommunicationReferencesAshton,R.FloridaCommitteeonRareandEndangeredPlantsandAnimals.Gainesville,Florida.January29,2009.Beal,J.FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission.FortPierce,Florida.August9,2007.Burgess,L.Localcommercialcrabber.PortSt.Lucie,Florida.September6,2007.Cairnes,K.U.S.FishandWildlifeService.VeroBeach,Florida.August8,2007.Conrad,Cecelia.SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.WestPalmBeach,Florida.July27,2007.Evans,G.Riparianhomeowner.PortSt.Lucie,Florida.November15,2007.Gilmore,G.Estuarine,Coastal,andOceanScience,Inc.VeroBeach,Florida.February1,2008.Gioeli,K.St.LucieCountyIFASExtension.FortPierce,Florida.August21,2007.Meeker,M.HesperidesGroup,LLC.Stuart,Florida.August13,2007.Robbins,R.SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.Stuart,Florida.October31,2007.Taylor,S.BrevardCountyEnvironmentallyEndangeredLandsProgram.Viera,Florida.November26,2007.Wade,D.RiverLillyCruise.PortSt.Lucie,Florida.November15,2007.Welch,Barbara.SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.Stuart,Florida.July27,2007.
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B.4 / Species Lists
ThepresenceofthesespeciesintheNFSLRAPareconfirmedviathefollowingreferences:
(Ashton,1992),(Bealetal.,2006),(Coile&Garland,2003),(FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],2003),(FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection[DEP],2007),(FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmen-talProtection[DEP],unpublisheddata),(FloridaDepartmentofNaturalResources[DNR],1984),(Gilmore,2005)(Gioeli,2007),(Gunter&Hall,1963),(Millieetal.,2004),(Robbins,1996),(Springer,1960),(Teas,1971),(URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999)
B.4.� / Native Species Within and Adjacent to the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
KingdomFungi(fungi)DivisionMycophycophyta(lichens)Reindeermoss Cladonia sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007KingdomPlantae(plants)DivisionPterophyta(ferns)Bostonfern Nephrolepis exaltata DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Chainfern Woodwardia virginica DNR,1984
Cinnamonfern Osmunda cinnamomea CE DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Goldenpolypody Phlebodium aureum DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Handfern Ophioglossum palmatum E DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;
DEP,2003;DEP,2007Marshfern Thelypteris palustris DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pinelandbrakenfern Pteridium aquilinum DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Resurrectionfern Polypodium polypodioides DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Royalfern Osmunda regalis CE DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Shoestringfern Vittaria lineata DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Strapfern Campyloneurum phyllitidis DNR,1984
Swampfern Blechnum serrulatum DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Waterfern Salvinia rotundifolia DNR,1984;DEP,2003
Waterhornfern Ceratopteris thalictroides DEP,2007
Whiskfern Psilotum nudum DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Woodfern Thelypteris interrupta DNR,1984DivisionPteridophyta(ferns)
Giantleatherfern Acrostichum danaeifolium DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
DivisionPinophyta(cone-bearingplants)Sandpine Pinus clausa DEP,2003;DEP,2007SouthFloridaslashpine Pinus elliotti var. densa DEP,2003;DEP,2007DivisionMagnoliophyta(floweringplants)ClassLiliopsida(grass-likefloweringplants)Adam’sneedle Yucca filamentosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Airpine Tillandsia fasciculata E Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Arrowarum Peltandra virginica DNR,1984Arrowhead Sagittaria sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ballmoss Tillandsia recurvata DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Butterflyorchid Encyclia tampensis CE Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Cabbage(Sabal)palm Sabal palmetto DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Catbrier Smilax laurifolia DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Cattail Typha latifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
�0�
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Cordgrass Spartina bakeri DEP,2003;DEP,2007Dayflower Commelina erecta DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Durbancrowfootgrass Dactyloctenium aegyptium DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Giantairpine Tillandsia utriculata E Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Greenbrier Smilax auriculata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Groundorchid Habenaria sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Leatherleafairplant Tillandsia variabilis T Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
ManateeRiverairplant Tillandsia simulata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Needle-leafairplant Tillandsia setacea DNR,1984;DEP,2007
Northernneedleleaf Tillandsia balbisiana T DNR,1984;Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Panicgrass Panicum joorii DNR,1984
Pinelily Lilium catesbaei T Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Pipewort Eriocaulon decangulare DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Redroot Lachnanthes caroliniana DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Rush Juncus sp. Robbins,1996;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sawgreenbrier Smilax bona-nox DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sawpalmetto Serenoa repens DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sedge Cyperus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Shoalgrass Halodule wrightii URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999Small’sairplant Tillandsia smalliana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spanishmoss Tillandsia usneoides DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spikemoss Selaginella arenicola DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spoonflower Peltandra sagittifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Starrush Rhynchospora latifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Swampgrass Carex sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Swamplily Crinum americanum DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Twistedairplant Tillandsia flexuosa T Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Twistedwild-pine Tillandsia paucifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Whitetop Rhynchospora colorata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Widgeongrass Ruppia maritima URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999Wiregrass(Threeawn) Aristida beyrichiana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowblue-eyedgrass Sisyrinchium exile DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellow-eyedgrass Xyris sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007ClassMagnoliopsida(woodyfloweringplants)Americanbeautyberry Callicarpa americana DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Americanwhitewaterlily Nymphaea odorata DEP,unpublisheddataArgeratum Conoclinium coelestinum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Barbara’sbutton Marshallia tenuifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bastardindigo Amorpha fruiticosa DNR,1984Blackmangrove Avicennia germinans DEP,2003;DEP,2007Blackroot Pterocaulon virgatum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Blazingstar Liatris barberi DEP,2003;DEP,2007Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Calusagrape Vitis shuttleworthii DNR,1984Camphorweed Pluchea rosea DEP,2003;DEP,2007Climbingaster Aster caroliniensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Climbinghempweed Mikania scandens DEP,2003;DEP,2007Coastalplainwillow Salix caroliniana DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Coinvine Dalbergia ecastophyllum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Coralbean Erythrina herbacea DNR,1984Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
�0�
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Dahoonholly Ilex cassine DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Deer-tongue Carphephorous paniculatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Dogfennel Eupatorium sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Drumheads Polygala cruciata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Elderberry Sambucus simpsonii DNR,1984Erectscrubspurge Euphorbia polyphylla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Falsenettle Boehmeria cylindrica DEP,2003;DEP,2007Floridabluebell Campanula floridana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Fragranteryngium Eryngium aromaticum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Galactia Galactia regularis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Goldenaster Pityopsis graminifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gopherapple Licania michauxii DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gumbolimbo Bursera simaruba DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ironweed Vernonia sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Knotweed Polygonum sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Large-floweredconradina Conradina grandiflora T Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Large-floweredsabatia Sabatia grandiflora DEP,2003;DEP,2007Laureloak Quercus laurifolia DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Liveoak Quercus virginiana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Lizard’stail Saururus cernuus DNR,1984Loblollybay Gordonia lisianthus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Lovevine Cassytha filiformis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mangroverubbervine Rhabdadenia biflora DEP,2003;DEP,2007Marlberry Ardisia escallonioides DEP,2003;DEP,2007Marshpennywort Hydrocotyle umbellata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Meadowbeauty Rhexia nashii DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mexicanclover Richardia brasiliensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Moonflower Ipomoea alba DEP,2003;DEP,2007Muscadinegrape Vitis rotundifolia DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Myrsine Myrsine guianensis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Myrtleoak Quercus myrtifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Noddingpinweed Lechea cernua T Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003Partridgepea Cassia fasciculata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pennyroyal Piloblephis rigida DEP,2003;DEP,2007Peppergrass Lepidium virginicum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Persimmon Diospyros virginiana DNR,1984Pinebarrengoldenrod Solidago fistulosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pinksundew Drosera capillaris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Poisonivy Toxicodendron radicans DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pondapple Annona glabra DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Popash Fraxinus caroliniana DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Prickly-pearcactus Opuntia sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Primrosewillow Ludwigia peruviana DNR,1984Redmangrove Rhizophora mangle DEP,2003;DEP,2007Redmaple Acer rubrum DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Redmulberry Morus rubra DNR,1984Rosegentian Sabatia sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Saltbush Baccharis angustifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Saltbush(Seamyrtle) Baccharis halimifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sandliveoak Quercus geminata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sawgrass Cladium jamaicensis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Scrubhickory Carya floridana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sensitivebriar Schrankia microphylla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Shinyblueberry Vaccinium myrsinites DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
�0�
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Shinysumac Rhus copallina DEP,2003;DEP,2007Shiny-leavedwildcoffee Psychotria nervosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Showypartridgepea Cassia chamaecrista DEP,2003;DEP,2007Smatweed Polygonum sp. DEP,2003Soft-leavedwildcoffee Psychotria sulzneri DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernfoxgrape Vitis munsoniana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernguara Gaura angustifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spanishneedle Bidens alba DEP,2003;DEP,2007St.Andrewscross Hypericum hypericoides DEP,2003;DEP,2007St.Johnswort Hypericum reductum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Staggerbush Lyonia fruticosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Stiffcorneldogwood Cornus foemina DNR,1984Stranglerfig Ficus aurea DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Swampbay Persea palustris DEP,2007Swampmilkweed Asclepias incarnata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sweetbay Magnolia virginiana DNR,1984;DEP,2003Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tallmilkwort Polygala cymosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tallow-wood(Hogplum) Ximenia americana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tarflower Befaria racemosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tickseed Coreopsis leavenworthii DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tinypolygala(Tinymilkwort) Polygala smallii E Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;
DEP,2007Trailingmorningglory Stylisma patens DEP,2003;DEP,2007Twistleafgoldenrod Solidago tortifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Verbena Glandularia tampensis E Coile&Garland,2003;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Virginiacreeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Waterhemlock Cicuta mexicana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Waterhickory Carya aquatica DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Waterhyssop Bacopa monnieri DNR,1984Wateroak Quercus nigra DNR,1984Waterpimpernel Samolus parviflorus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Waxmyrtle(Southernbayberry) Myrica cerifera DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Whitemangrove Laguncularia racemosa DEP,2007Whitestopper Eugenia axillaris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Whitevine Sarcostemma clausa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Wildbachelor’sbutton Polygala nana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Wildcoffee Psychotria undata DNR,1984Wildlime Zanthoxylum fagara DEP,2003;DEP,2007Wireplant Stipulicida setacea DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowbachelor’sbutton Polygala rugelii DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowwaterlily(Spatterdock) Nuphar lutea DEP,unpublisheddata
KingdomAnimalia(animals)PhylumCnidariaClassScyphozoa(jellyfishes)Moonjellyfish Aurelia aurita Gunter&Hall,1963PhylumCtenophora(combjellies)Combjelly Mnemiopsis mccradyi Gunter&Hall,1963PhylumAnnelida(segmentedworms)Neriedpolychaeteworm Nereidae Bealetal.,2006Oligochaeteworm Oligochaeta sp. Bealetal.,2006Polychaeteworm Polychaeta sp. Bealetal.,2006Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
�0�
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
PhylumArthropoda(insects,crustaceans)SubphylumCrustacea(shrimpandcrabs)Bluecrab Callinectes sapidus Gunter&Hall,1963;Bealetal.,2006Brownshrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus Gunter&Hall,1963;Bealetal.,2006
Cinnamonrivershrimp Macrobrachium acanthurus Gunter&Hall,1963
Crayfish Procambridae (multiple spp.) Bealetal.,2006
Floridagrassshrimp Palaemon floridanus Bealetal.,2006Grassshrimp Palaemonetes cf. pugio Bealetal.,2006
Grassshrimp Palaemonetes sp. Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971;Bealetal.,2006
Greatlandcrab Cardisoma guanhumi DEP,unpublisheddataLong-armprawn Macrobrachium sp. Bealetal.,2006Mangrovecrab Sesarma sp. Bealetal.,2006Mudcrab Xanthidae Bealetal.,2006Ornatecrab Callinectes ornatus Gunter&Hall,1963
Pinkshrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum Gunter&Hall,1963
Squarebackmarshcrab Armases cinereum Bealetal.,2006Swimmingcrab Callinectes bocourti Bealetal.,2006Thinstripehermitcrab Clibanarius vitattus Gunter&Hall,1963ClassGastropoda(snails)Commonmarshsnail Melampus bidentatus Bealetal.,2006Commonnassa Nassarius vibex Gunter&Hall,1963Neritesnail Neritidae Bealetal.,2006Snail Gastropoda spp. Bealetal.,2006ClassBivalvia(clams,mussels,oysters)Easternoyster Crassostrea virginica URSGreinerWoodwardClyde,1999Falsemuscle Congeria leucophaeta Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971Floridamarshclam Pseudocyena floridiana Teas,1971Rangiaclam Rangia cuneata Gunter&Hall,1963Quahogclam Venus sp. Teas,1971SubphylumVertebrata(vertebrates)ClassChondrichthyes(cartilaginousfishes)
Southernstingray Dasyatis sabina Gunter&Hall,1963;Robbins,1996;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
SuperclassOsteichthyes(bonyfishes)Americaneel Anguilla rostrata DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007Anchovy,juvenile Engraulidae, juvenile Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Atlanticbumper Chloroscombrus chrysurus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Atlanticcroaker Micropogonias undulatus Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Atlanticcutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticmenhaden Brevoortia tyrannus Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticmidshipman Porichthys porosissimus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticmoonfish Vomer setapinnis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticneedlefish Strongylura marina DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticspadefish Chaetodipterus faber DEP,2003;DEP,2007Atlanticthreadherring Opisthonema oglinum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ballyhoo Hemiramphus brasiliensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Bayanchovy Anchoa mitchilli Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Baywhiff Citharichthys spilopterus Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Bigeyestargazer Dactyloscopus crossotus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
�0�
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Bigheadsearobin Prionotus tribulus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Bigmouthsleeper Gobiomorus dormitor T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Blackcrappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Blackdrum Pogonias cromis Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Blackmargate Anisotremus surinamensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Bluebackherring Alosa aestivalis Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Bluefinkillifish Lucania goodei Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Bluegill Lepomis macrochirusGunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Bluerunner Caranx crysos DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bluespottedcornetfish Fistularia tabacaria DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Bluespottedsunfish Enneacanthus gloriosus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Bluestripedgrunt Haemulon sciurus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bonefish Albula vulpes DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bowfin(Mudfish) Amia calva DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007Brooksilverside Labidesthes sicculus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Brownbullhead Ameiurus nebulosus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Chainpipefish Syngnathus louisianae DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Channelcatfish Ictalurus punctatus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Checkeredpuffer Sphoeroides testudineus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Clowngoby Microgobius gulosus DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007Codegoby Gobiosoma robustum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commonpompano Trachinotus carolinus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Commonsnook Centropomus undecimalis
Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Crestedgoby Lophogobius cyprinoides DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Crevallejack Caranx hippos Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Cubananchovy Anchoa cubana DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Dartergoby Gobionellus boleosoma Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Dollarsunfish Lepomis marginatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Duskyanchovy Anchoa lyolepis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Duskypipefish Syngnathus floridae DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easternmosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007Emeraldgoby Gobionellus smaragdus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Emeraldsleeper Erotelis smaragdus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Fatsleeper Dormitator maculates DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007Fatsnook Centropomus parallelus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Flagfish Jordanella floridae DEP,2003;DEP,2007Frenchgrunt Haemulon flavolineatum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Frillfingoby(Mollymiller) Bathygobius soporator DEP,2003;DEP,2007Fringedflounder Etropus crossotus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gafftopsailcatfish Bagre marinus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gar Lepisosteus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gizzardshad Dorosoma cepedianum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
��0
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Goldenshiner Notemigonus crysoleucas DEP,2003;DEP,2007Goliathgrouper Epinephelus itajara DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Graysnapper Lutjanus griseus DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Graytriggerfish Balistes capriscus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Greatbarracuda Sphyraena barracuda Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Greengoby Microgobius thalassinus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Grunt Haemulonsp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gulfflounder Paralichthys albigutta DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gulfpipefish Syngnathus scovelli DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gulfwhiff Citharichthys macrops DEP,2003;DEP,2007Hairyblenny Labrisomus nuchipinnis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Hardheadcatfish Arius felis Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Herring,juvenile Clupeidae, juvenile DEP,2003;DEP,2007Highfinblenny Lupinoblennius nicholsi DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Hogchoker Trinectes maculates Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Horse-eyejack Caranx latus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Houndfish Tylosurus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Inlandsilverside Menidia beryllina Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Inshorelizardfish Synodus foetens DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Irishpompano Diapterus auratus Springer,1960;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Jawfish Opisthognathus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Ladyfish Elops saurus Springer,1960;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007
Lanesnapper Lutjanus synagris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Largemouthbass Micropterus salmoides DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007
Leastkillifish Heterandria formosa Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Leatherjacket Oligoplites saurus Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Linedsole Achirus lineatusGunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Lookdown Selene vomer Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Lyregoby Evorthodus lyricus DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Mahoganysnapper Lutjanus mahogoni DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mangroverivulus Rivulus marmoratus SCC SSC SSC Ashton,1992;Bealetal.,2006
Marshkillifish Fundulus confluentus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Morayeel,larval Muraenidea, leptocephalus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971;DEP,2003
Muttonsnapper Lutjanus analis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Nakedgoby Gobiosoma bosci DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007Nassaugrouper Epinephelus striatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Needlefishes Strongylura sp. Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003Northernkingfish Menticirrhus saxatilis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernpuffer Sphoeroides maculatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernseahorse Hippocampus hudsonius DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernsennet Sphyraena borealis DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Opossumpipefish Microphis brachyurus lineatus T SSC SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
���
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Oystertoadfish Opsanus tau DEP,2003;DEP,2007Parrotfish Scarus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Parrotfish Sparisoma sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Permit Trachinotus falcatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pigfish Orthopristis chrysopterus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Pinfish Lagodon rhomboidesSpringer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Planeheadfilefish Monacanthus hispidus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Plumedscorpionfish Scorpaena grandicornis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Rainwaterkillifish Lucania parva DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Reddrum(Redfish) Sciaenops ocellatus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Redearsunfish Lepomis microlophus DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007Redgrouper Epinephelus morio DEP,2003;DEP,2007Rivergoby Awaous banana T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Rockseabass Centropristis philadelphica DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Roughsilverside Membras martinica Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Sailfinmolly Poecilia latipinna Springer,1960;Teas,1971;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Sailor’schoice Haemulon parra DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Sandperch Diplectrum formosum Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Sandstargazer Gillellus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sargassumfish Histrio histrio DEP,2003;DEP,2007Scaledsardine Harengula jagauna DEP,2003;DEP,2007Schoolmaster Lutjanus apodus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Scorpionfish Scorpaena sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Seabass,juvenile Serranidae, juvenile DEP,2003;DEP,2007Seacatfish Galeichthys felis Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963Seahorse Hippocampus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Searobin Prionotus sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Seminolekillifish Fundulus seminolis Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Sergeantmajor Abudefduf saxatilis DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Sharptailgoby Gobionellus hastatus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus
Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007
Sheepsheadminnow Cyprinodon variegatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Silverjenny Eucinostomus gula Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Silverperch Bairdiella chrysura Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Silverporgy Diplodus argenteus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Silverseatrout Cynoscion nothus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Silverside Menidia sp. Springer,1960;Bealetal.,2006Skilletfish Gobiesox strumosus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Slashcheekgoby Gobionellus pseudofasciatus T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Sleeper Eleotris sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Slimgoby Gobionellus gracillimus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Slipperydick Halichoeres bivittatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Small-scaledgoby Gobionellus oceanicus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Smoothpuffer Lagocephalus laevigatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
���
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Smoothtrunkfish Lactophrys triqueter DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernflounder Paralichthys lethostigma DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Southernkingfish Menticirrhus americanus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Southernpuffer Sphoeroides nephelus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernsennet Sphyraena picudilla DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Spanishmackeral Scomberomorus maculatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Spanishsardine Sardinella anchovia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spinycheeksleeper Eleotris pisonis Bealetal.,2006
Spot Leiostomus xanthurus Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Spotfinmojarra Eucinostomus argenteus Springer,1960;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Spottedgar Lepisosteus platyrhincus Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007
Spottedpinfish Diplodus holbrooki DEP,2003;DEP,2007Spottedscorpionfish Scorpaena plumieri DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Spottedseatrout Cynoscion nebulosus Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Spottedsunfish Lepomis punctatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Stardrum Stellifer lanceolatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Stripedanchovy Anchoa hepsetus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Stripedburrfish Chilomycterus schoepfi DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Stripedmojarra Eugerres plumieri Springer,1960;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Stripedmullet Mugil cephalusSpringer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;Teas,1971;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Swordspinesnook Centropomus ensiferus Bealetal.,2006Taillightshiner Notropis maculatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tarpon Magalops atlanticus Teas,1971DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tarponsnook Centropomus pectinatus DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;DEP,2007Threadfin Polydactylus octonemus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Threadfinshad Dorosoma petenense Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Tidewatermojarra Eucinostomus harengulus Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006
Tonguefish Symphurus plagiusa Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Triggerfish,juvenile Balistidae, juvenile DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tripletail Lobotes surinamensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Trunkfish Lactophrys trigonus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Violetgoby Gobioides broussonnetti Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Weakfish Cynoscion regalis Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Whitecatfish Ictalurus catus Springer,1960;Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Whitegrunt Haemulon plumieri DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Whitemullet Mugil curemaGunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;Gilmore,2005;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Wormeel Myrophis punctatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowbullhead Ictalurus natalis DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Yellowfinmenhaden Brevoortia smithi Gunter&Hall,1963;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Yellowfinmojarra Gerres cinereus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowgoatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowjack Caranx bartholomaei DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
���
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
ClassAmphibia(frogs,toads,salamanders)Barkingtreefrog Hyla gratiosa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Dwarfsalamander Eurycea quadridigitata DNR,1984Easternnarrow-mouthedtoad
Gastrophryne carolinensis DNR,1984
Easternspadefoottoad Scaphiopus holbrooki DEP,2003;DEP,2007Floridacricketfrog Acris gryllus DNR,1984Greatersiren Siren lacertina DNR,1984;Bealetal.,2006Greentreefrog Hyla cinerea DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Littlegrassfrog Limnaoedus ocularis DNR,1984
Narrow-stripeddwarfsiren Pseudobranchus axanthus DNR,1984
Oaktoad Bufo quercicus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Peninsulanewt Notophthalmus viridescens DNR,1984
Pigfrog Rana grylio DNR,1984Siren Siren sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernleopardfrog Rana utricularia DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southerntoad Bufo terrestris DNR,1984Squirreltreefrog Hyla squirella DNR,1984Two-toedamphiuma Amphiuma means DNR,1984ClassReptilia(reptiles)
Americanalligator Alligator mississippiensis SSC T DNR,1984;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,
2006;DEP,2007Coastaldunescrownedsnake Tantilla relicta pamlica DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Commonmuskturtle Sternotherus odoratus DNR,1984Cornsnake Elaphe guttata guttata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Duskypygmyrattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius DNR,1984
Easterncoachwhipsnake Masticophis flagellum flagellum DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Easterncoralsnake Micrurus fulvius DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easterndiamondbackrattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Easterngartersnake Thamnophis sirtalis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Easternindigosnake Drymarchon corais couperi SSC T T DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,
2003;DEP,2007Easternribbonsnake Thamnophis sauritus DNR,1984
Floridaboxturtle Terrapene carolina bauri DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Floridabrownsnake Storeria dekayi victa T T DNR,1984;Ashton,1992Floridacottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Floridapinesnake Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus ud SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Floridared-belliedturtle Chrysemys nelsoni DNR,1984Floridascrublizard Sceloporus woodi T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Floridasoftshell Trionyx ferox DNR,1984;DEP,2003;Bealetal.,2006;DEP,2007
Floridawatersnake Nerodia fasciata DNR,1984
Gophertortoise Gopherus polyphemus T SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Greenanole Anolis carolinensis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Groundskink Sciencella lateralis DNR,1984Kingsnake Lompropeltis sp. DNR,1984
Peninsulamoleskink Eumeces egregious onocrepis DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Ratsnake Elaphe sp. DNR,1984Roughgreensnake Opheodrys aestivus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
��4
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Six-linedracerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus DNR,1984
Snappingturtle Chelydra serpentine DNR,1984;Bealetal.,2006Southeasternfive-linedskink Eumeces inexpectatus DNR,1984
Southernblackracer Coluber constrictor DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southernring-neckedsnake Diadophis punctatus DNR,1984
Stripedmudturtle Kinosternon baurii DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Yellowratsnake Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata DEP,2003;DEP,2007
ClassAves(birds)
Americancoot Fulica americana Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Americangoldfinch Carduelis tristis Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Americankestrel Falco sparverius T Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Americanredstart Setophaga ruticilla R Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Americanrobin Turdus migratorius Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Americanwidgeon Anas americana DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Baldeagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T T T Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,
1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Barnswallow Hirundo rustica DNR,1984
Barredowl Strix varia DNR,1984;Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Beltedkingfisher Ceryle alcyon Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Blackandwhitewarbler Mniotilta varia Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Black-belliedplover Pluvialis squatarola Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Black-crownednghtheron Nycticorax nycticorax SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Black-neckedstilt Himantopus mexicanus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Blackskimmer Rynchops niger SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Black-throatedbluewarbler
Dendroica caerulescens DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Blackvulture Coragyps atratus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Blue-graygnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Bluejay Cyanocitta cristata Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Blue-wingedteal Anas discors DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Boat-tailedgrackle Quiscalus major Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bonaparte’sgull Lanus philadelphia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Broad-wingedhawk Buteo platypterus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Brown-headedcowbird Molothrus ater DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Brownpelican Pelecanus occidentalis T SSC Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Brownthrasher Toxostoma rufum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bufflehead Bucephala albeola DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Carolinawren Thryothorus ludovicianus
Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Caspiantern Sterna caspia SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
���
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Cedarwaxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Chippingsparrow Spizella passerina DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Chuck-will’swidow Caprimulgus carolinensis Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Clapperrail Rallus longirostris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commonbobwhite Colinus virginianus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commoncrow Corvus brachyrhynchos DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Commongallinule Gallinula chloropus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Commongrackle Quiscalus quiscula Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commonloon Gavia immer Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commonsnipe Gallinago gallinago DEP,2003;DEP,2007Commonyellowthroat Geothlypis trichas DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Cooper’shawk Accipiter cooperii SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Double-crestedcormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Downywoodpecker Picoides pubescens DEP,2003;DEP,2007Duck Anatidae DEP,2007Dunlin Calidris alpina DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easternbluebird Sialia sialis Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Easternmeadowlark Sturnella magna Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Easternphoebe Sayornis phoebe Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easterntowhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Fishcrow Corvus ossifragus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Flycatcher Empidonax sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Forster’stern Sterna forsteria DEP,2003;DEP,2007Gadwall Anas strepera DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Graycatbird Dumetella carolinensis Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Graykingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Teas,1971Greatblack-backgull Larus marinus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Greatblueheron Ardea herodias Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Greatcrestedflycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Greategret Ardea alba SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Greathornedowl Bubo virginianus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Greenheron Butorides virescens Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Green-wingedteal Anas crecca DEP,2003;DEP,2007Grounddove Columbina passerina Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Hairywoodpecker Picoides villosus SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Hermitthrush Catharus ustulatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Herringgull Larus argentatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Hoodedmerganser Lophodytes cucullatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Housewren Troglodytes aedon DEP,2003;DEP,2007Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Laughinggull Larus atricilla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Leastbittern Botaurus lentiginosus SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Leastsandpiper Calidris minutilla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Lesserscaup Aythya affinis Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Lesseryellowlegs Tringa flavipes DEP,2003;DEP,2007Limpkin Aramus guarauna SSC SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003
Littleblueheron Egretta caerulea SSC SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Loggerheadshrike Lanius ludovicianus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
���
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Louisiannawaterthrush Seiurus motacilla R Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Magnificentfrigatebird Fregata magnificens T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Marshwren Cistothorus palustris SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Merlin Falco columbarius ud Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mottledduck Anas fulvigula DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mourningdove Zenaida macroura Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Northerncardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Northernflicker Colaptes auratus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernharrier(Marshhawk) Circus cyaneus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;
DEP,2007
Northernmockingbird Mimus polyglottos Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Northernparula Parula americana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernshoveler Anas clypeata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Northernwaterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Orange-crownedwarbler Vermivora celata DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Osprey Pandion haliaetus T SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Paintedbunting Passerina ciris ud Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Palmwarbler Dendroica palmarum Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Pied-billedgrebe Podilymbus podiceps Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Pileatedwoodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Pinewarbler Dendroica pinus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pipingplover Charadrius melodus E T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Prariewarbler Dendroica discolor ud Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Purplegallinule Porphyrio martinica Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Red-belliedwoodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Red-breastedmerganser Mergus serrator DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Red-headedwoodpecker Melanerpes erthrocephalus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Red-shoulderedhawk Buteo lineatus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Red-tailedhawk Buteo jamaicensis Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Red-wingedblackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Ring-billedgull Larus delawarensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ring-neckedduck Aythya collaris DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Royaltern Sterna maxima SSC Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Ruby-crownedkinglet Regulus calendula DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ruby-throatedhummingbird Archilochus colubris DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Ruddyturnstone Arenaria interpres DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sanderling Calidris alba DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Sandhillcrane Grus canadensis T T E Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Sandwichtern Sterna sandvicensis SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Savannahsparrow Passerculus sandwichensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Screechowl Otus asio DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
���
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Semipalmatedplover Charadrius semipalmatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Semipalmatedsandpiper Calidris pusilla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sharp-shinnedhawk Accipiter striatus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Short-earedowl Asio flammeus DNR,1984
Snowyegret Egretta thula SSC SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Solitaryvireo Vireo solitarius DEP,2003;DEP,2007Songsparrow Melospiza melodia Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southeasternkestrel Falco sparverius paulus T T DNR,1984;Ashton,1992Spottedsandpiper Actitis macularia Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Swallow-tailedkite Elanoides forficatus T Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Swampsparrow Melospiza georgiana Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Towhee Pipilo sp. Teas,1971
Treeswallow Tachycineta bicolor Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Tricolorheron Egretta tricolor SSC SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Tuftedtitmouse Parus bicolor DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Turkeyvulture Cathartes aura Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Warbler Parulidae spp. DEP,2007Westernsandpiper Calidris mauri DEP,2003;DEP,2007Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus pelagica DEP,2003;DEP,2007
White-eyedvireo Vireo griseus Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Whiteibis Eudocimus albus SSC SSC Teas,1971;DNR,1984;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Wildturkey Meleagris gallopavo DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatis DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Wilson’splover Charadrius wilsonia SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Woodduck Aix sponsa Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Woodstork Mycteria americana E E E Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Woodcock Scolopax sp. Teas,1971
Yellow-belliedsapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Yellow-billedcuckoo Coccyzus americanus Can-didate
Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Yellow-crownednightheron Nyctanassa violacea SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Yellow-rumpedwarbler Dendroica coronata Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Yellow-throatedwarbler Dendroica dominca Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Yellowwarbler Dendroica petechia DEP,2003;DEP,2007ClassMammalia(mammals)Atlanticbottlenosedolphin Tursiops truncatus DEP,unpublisheddataBobcat Lynx rufus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Commongrayfox Urocyon cinereoargenteus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Commonopossum Didelphis marsupialis DNR,1984Cottontailrabbit Sylvilagus floridanus DNR,1984Easterngraysquirrel Sciurus carolinensis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easternmole Scalopus aquaticus DNR,1984Easternspottedskunk Spilogale putorius DEP,2003;DEP,2007Easternyellowbat Lasiurus intermedius Gioeli,2007Eveningbat Nycticeius humeralis Gioeli,2007Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
���
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Leastshrew Cryptotis parva DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Marshrabbit Sylvilagus palustris DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mexicanfree-tailedbat Tadarida brasiliensis Gioeli,2007Nine-bandedarmadillo Dasypus novemcinctus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Pocketgopher Geomys pinetis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Racoon Procyon lotor DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Ricerat Oryzomys palustris DNR,1984Riverotter Lutra canadensis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sherman’sfoxsquirrel Sciurus niger shermani T SSC Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Southeasternshrew Sorex longerostris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Stripedskunk Mephitis mephitis DNR,1984Virginiaopossum Didelphis virginiana DEP,2003;DEP,2007
WestIndianmanatee Trichechus manatus E E E Teas,1971;Ashton,1992;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
White-taileddeer Odocoileus virginianus DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007KingdomProtista(phytoplankton)PhylumDinoflagellata(dinoflagellates)
Ceratium furca Millieetal.,2004Gonyaulax spinifera Millieetal.,2004Gymnodinium sanguineum Millieetal.,2004
Gymnodinium spp. Millieetal.,2004Gymnodinium varians Millieetal.,2004Gyrodinium spp. Millieetal.,2004Heterocapsa rotundata Millieetal.,2004Karlodinium micrum Millieetal.,2004Katodinium rotundata Millieetal.,2004Prorocentrum minimum Millieetal.,2004Scrippsiella subsalsa Millieetal.,2004
PhylumBacillariophyta(diatoms)Asterionellopsis gracilis Millieetal.,2004Chaetoceros danicus Millieetal.,2004Cyclotella spp. Millieetal.,2004Ditylum brightwellii Millieetal.,2004Leptocylindrus minimus Millieetal.,2004Odontella mobiliensis Millieetal.,2004Rhizosolenia delicatula Millieetal.,2004Rhizosolenia pungens Millieetal.,2004Skeletonema costatum Millieetal.,2004Synedra sp. Millieetal.,2004Thalassiosiera spp. Millieetal.,2004
PhylumChrysophyta(goldenalgae)Chromulina sp. Millieetal.,2004Chrysochromulina parva Millieetal.,2004Dinobryon spp. Millieetal.,2004Metramonas simplex Millieetal.,2004Ochromonas nana Millieetal.,2004Ochromonas ovalis Millieetal.,2004Pseudopedinella pyriforme Millieetal.,2004
PhylumCryptophyta(cryptomonads)Cryptomonas erosa Millieetal.,2004Hemiselmisspp. Millieetal.,2004Katablepharis ovalis Millieetal.,2004Rhodomonas lens Millieetal.,2004
Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
���
CommonName SpeciesName.
Status
ReferencesFCREPA
StateFWC/
FDACS
FederalNOAA/FWS
Rhodomonas minuta Millieetal.,2004Rhodomonas sp. Millieetal.,2004
PhylumCyanophyta(cyanobacteria)Oscillatoria spp. Millieetal.,2004Synechococcus spp. Millieetal.,2004Synechocystis spp. Millieetal.,2004
PhylumChlorophyta(greenalgae)Chlamydomonas coccoides Millieetal.,2004
Chlamydomonas quadrilobata Millieetal.,2004
Dunaliella primolecta Millieetal.,2004Micromonas pusilla Millieetal.,2004Pyraminonas spp. Millieetal.,2004
PhylumChoanozoaChoanoflagellate spp. Millieetal.,2004
PhylumEuglenophyta(euglenoids)Eutreptiella marina Millieetal.,2004
Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
B.4.� / Non-native Species List
CommonName SpeciesName StateStatus
FederalStatus References
KingdomPlantae(plants)DivisionPteridophytaOldworldclimbingfern Lygodium microphyllum DEP,2003;DEP,2007DivisionMagnoliophyta(floweringplants)ClassLiliopsida(grass-likefloweringplants)Airpotato Dioscorea bulbifera DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Arrowheadvine Syngonium podophyllum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Asparagusfern Asparagus denssiflorus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Cogongrass Imperata cylindrica DEP,2003;DEP,2007Dwarfpapyrus Cyperus prolifer DEP,2003;DEP,2007Greenwanderingjew Tradescantia fluminensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Guineagrass Panicum maximum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Oysterplant Tradescantia spathacea DEP,2003;DEP,2007Torpedograss Panicum repens DEP,2003;DEP,2007Waterlettuce Pistia stratiotes DEP,unpublisheddataWildtaro Colocasia esculenta DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007ClassMagnoliopsida(woodyfloweringplants)AustralianPine Casuarina glauca Teas,1971Balsamapple Momardica balsamina DEP,2003;DEP,2007Bischofia Bischofia javanica DEP,2003;DEP,2007Brazilianpepper Schinus terebinthifolius Teas,1971;DNR,1984;DEP,2003;
DEP,2007Caesarweed Urena lobata DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Carrotwood Cupaniopsis anacardioides DEP,2003;DEP,2007Castorbean Ricinus communis DEP,2007Chandelierplant Kalanchoe delaqoensis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Coralardisia Ardisia crenata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Coralvine Antigonon leptopus DEP,2003;DEP,2007Earleafacacia Acacia auriculiformis DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
��0
CommonName SpeciesName StateStatus
FederalStatus References
Earpodtree Enterolobium cyclocarpum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Guava Psidium guajava DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Javaplum Syzygium cumini DEP,2003;DEP,2007Lantana Lantana camara DEP,2003;DEP,2007Melaleuca Melaleuca quinquenervia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Mexicanpetunia Ruellia brittoniana DEP,2003;DEP,2007Philodendron Philodendron sp. DEP,2003;DEP,2007Rosarypea Abrus precatorius DEP,2003;DEP,2007Schefflera Schefflera actinophylla DEP,2003;DEP,2007Sesbania Sesbania sp. DEP,2007Shoebuttonardesia Ardisia elliptica DEP,2003;DEP,2007Strawberryguava Psidium cattleianum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Surinamcherry Eugenia uniflora DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tropicalalmond Terminalia cattapa DEP,2003;DEP,2007Tropicalsodaapple Solanum viarum DEP,2003;DEP,2007Twinleafnightshade Solanum diphyllum DEP,2007Vitex Vitex trifolia DEP,2003;DEP,2007Wedilia Wedelia trilobata DEP,2003;DEP,2007Women’stongue Albizzia lebbeck DEP,2003;DEP,2007KingdomAnimalia(animals)SubphylumVertebrata(vertebrates)SuperclassOsteichthyes(bonyfishes)Bluetilapia Oreochromis hybrid Gilmore,2005Grasscarp Ctenopharyngodon idella DEP,unpublisheddataMayancichlid Cichlasoma urophthalmus Bealetal.,2006Plecostomus Plecostomus sp. Gilmore,2005Sailfincatfish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus DEP,unpublisheddataClassAmphibia(frogs,toads,salamanders)Cubantreefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis DEP,2003;DEP,2007Greenhousefrog Eleutherodactylus
planirostris DNR,1984ClassReptilia(reptiles)Basilisklizard Basiliscus basiliscus DEP,unpublisheddataBrownanole Anolis sagrei sagrei DEP,2003;DEP,2007Greeniguana Iguana iguana DEP,2003;DEP,2007ClassAves(birds)Africancattleegret Bubulcus ibis DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007Europeanstarling Sturnus vulgaris DEP,2003;DEP,2007Housesparrow Passer domesticus Teas,1971;DEP,2003;DEP,2007ClassMammalia(mammals)Feralhog Sus scrofa DNR,1984;DEP,2003;DEP,2007
Legend:CE-CommerciallyExploited;SSC-SpeciesofSpecialConcern;T-Threatened;E-Endangered,ud-undetermined
���
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§̈¦95
_̀1
Martin County
St. Lucie County
St.LucieInlet
Midway Rd.
Port St. Lucie Blvd.
PrimaIndian
River Lagoon
AtlanticO
cean
Martin County
St. Lucie County
IndianRiver Lagoon
Vista Blvd.
AtlanticO
cean
32 31 3029
28
27
26
25
24
232221
2019
18
1716
15
1413
12
119 8
76
5
4
32 1 0
10
11
12
13
14
15
1716
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve
!( River Miles
0 2 41Miles±January 2009
B.5 / Restoration and Monitoring Data
B.�.� / St. Lucie River Miles
���
B.�.� / North Fork St. Lucie River and Ten Mile Creek Hydrologic Restoration Sites.SitesidentifiedalongtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters,TenMileCreek,thatrequirehydrologicresto-rationtoimprovewaterqualitywithinthepreserve.
Midway Rd.
Prima Vista Blvd.
Port St. Lucie Blvd.
Map 1Map 2
Map 3Map 4
Map 5
Map 6
Map 7
Map 8
Map 9
Map 10
Map 11
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 1 20.5Miles ±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectareaoverviewmap.
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Creekside WestGentile
Spillway
Creekside
Creekside Pond
Map 1
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap1.
��4
Spillway
Creekside
Creekside Pond
Coolidge
Gordy Road
Map 2
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap2.
���
Jenkins
Ralls
Brown
Shelby West31
Map 3
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap3.
���
Brown
Shelby West
Shelby East
Map 4
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap4.
���
Scout Camp Miller
Scout Camp South
Railroad West
Railroad East
Cargill
River Oaks
30
Map 5
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap5.
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Raintree Upstream
Evans
Divine Upstream
28
Map 6
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±Febuary 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap6.
���
Midway
Broken Bench
Haupt Upstream
Roberts UpstreamCharleston
Oaks
27
Map 7
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap7.
��0
Idabelle
Otter Trail
OxbowEco-Center
26
Map 8
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.05 0.10.025Miles ±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap8.
���
RiverplaceUpstream
Site 5West
24
Map 9
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.05 0.10.025Miles ±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap9.
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Prima Vista
Prima Vista East
Map 10
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.05 0.10.025Miles ±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap10.
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Port St. Lucie Blvd.
Evans Creek
Veterans
Memoria
lPa
rkw
ay
20
19
18
17
Map 11
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseExcavation Area
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.25 0.50.125Miles ±February 2009
Hydrologicrestorationprojectmap11.
��4
Thefollowingtableprovidestherestorationtype,ownership,andcostestimateforeachoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverandTenMileCreekHydrologicRestorationProjectsitesidentifiedintheabovemapseries.
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Wat
er H
iegh
t (in
ches
) N
GV
D
Date in 2002
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
04/1 4/15 4/29 5/13 5/27 6/10 6/24 7/8 7/22 8/5 8/19 9/2 9/16 9/30 10/14 10/28 11/11 11/25 12/9 12/23
MinMax
minimum water heightmaximum water height
Max - Min Unit 1 - 2002
Piezoelectrictidalstagedataloggerscanbeusedtomonitorchangesinresidencetimeandvolumeofwateronthereconnectedmarshsurface.
B.�.� / Tidal Fluctuation in Reconnected FloodplainDatashowingthewaterlevelsinaartificiallyisolatedfloodplainafterthehydrologicconnectionwasrestoredin2002.
���
Abs
tract
Two
pilo
t stu
dies
(ber
m b
reac
hing
to c
reat
e tid
al c
reek
s an
d to
reco
nnec
t an
oxbo
w) w
ere
cond
ucte
d to
mea
sure
feas
ibili
ty, c
ost a
nd
envi
ronm
enta
l ben
efit
of h
ydro
logi
c re
stor
atio
n al
ong
the
Nor
th F
ork
St.
Luci
e R
iver
. B
iolo
gica
l res
pons
es in
clud
ed c
hang
es in
fish
and
de
capo
d co
mm
unity
stru
ctur
e an
d m
ovem
ent o
f spe
cies
into
the
wet
land
s.
Bio
logi
cal r
espo
nse
to h
ydro
logi
c re
stor
atio
n of
olig
ohal
ine
flood
plai
n co
mm
uniti
es
and
oxbo
ws
alon
g N
orth
For
k S
t. Lu
cie
Riv
er, S
t. Lu
cie
Cou
nty,
FL.
B
eal,
J.L.
1 , S
.S. H
itt2 ,
L.W
. Her
ren3 ,
G. K
aufm
ann3 ,
and
R. H
auck
3 .
Cal
linec
tes
sapi
dus,
3.4
Cen
trop
omus
un
deci
mal
is,
1.1
Dor
mita
tor
mac
ulat
us, 1
8.3
Gam
busi
a ho
lbro
oki,
16.1
Mug
il ce
phal
us,
3.4
Poe
cilia
la
tipin
na, 1
3.8
Trin
ecte
s m
acul
atus
, 4.6
Xant
hida
e sp
A,
21.8
Pro
cam
brid
ae
spA
, 17.
2
Cal
linec
tes
sapi
dus,
23.
9
Dor
mita
tor
mac
ulat
us, 9
Evo
rtho
dus
lyric
us, 6
.8
Gam
busi
a ho
lbro
oki,
23.9
Pal
aem
onet
es
cf. p
ugio
, 3.4
Poe
cilia
la
tipin
na, 1
1.4
Pro
cam
brid
ae
spA
, 6.8
Oth
er s
ingl
e sp
ecim
ens,
6.8
Trin
ecte
s m
acul
atus
, 3.4Xa
nthi
dae
spA
, 5.
7
Evo
rtho
dus
lyric
us,
2.8
Far
fant
epen
aeus
az
tecu
s, 9
.4
Gam
busi
a ho
lbro
oki,
21
Lago
don
rhom
boid
es,
4.4
Lepo
mis
m
acro
chiru
s, 3
.3
Men
idia
spA
, 8.
3
Mic
rogo
bius
gu
losu
s, 2
.8
Mug
il ce
phal
us,
1.6
Pal
aem
onet
es c
f. pu
gio,
7.2
Euc
inos
tom
us
hare
ngul
us,
21
Cen
trop
omus
un
deci
mal
is,
3.3
Xant
hida
e sp
A,
1.1
Cal
linec
tes
sapi
dus,
1.1
Trin
ecte
s m
acul
atus
, 8.
8
Oth
er s
ingl
e sp
ecim
en,
2.8
Poe
cilia
latip
inna
, 1.
1
culv
ert
Mid
dle
brea
ch
Sout
hbr
each
Slough
50’ s
eine
Lege
nd
Box
trap
with
ba
rrier
net
s an
d 12
Bre
der t
raps
Fike
net
Marsh surface
Site
5 re
stor
atio
n
Nat
ural
brea
ch
Intro
duct
ion
The
St.
Luci
e R
iver
is a
mai
n tri
buta
ry in
to th
e so
uthe
rn p
ortio
n of
the
Indi
an
Riv
er L
agoo
n, a
n E
stua
ry o
f Nat
iona
l Sig
nific
ance
con
tain
ing
a hi
ghly
div
erse
bi
olog
ical
com
mun
ity.
A s
igni
fican
t por
tion
of th
e flo
odpl
ain
of th
e riv
er’s
Nor
th
Fork
is c
ompl
etel
y or
par
tially
isol
ated
from
the
river
’s m
ain
bran
ch b
ecau
se o
f dr
edgi
ng c
ondu
cted
dur
ing
the
1920
s-19
40s.
Cer
tain
nat
ural
com
mun
ities
(e.g
., flo
odpl
ain
swam
p an
d fo
rest
, bla
ckw
ater
rive
r oxb
ows)
from
the
orig
inal
wat
er
cour
se a
re n
o lo
nger
fully
con
nect
ed to
the
river
, the
refo
re a
sig
nific
ant p
ortio
n of
th
e riv
er’s
nat
ural
filtr
atio
n of
wat
er-b
orne
nut
rient
s is
not
util
ized
. A
lso,
util
izat
ion
of th
ese
habi
tats
by
aqua
tic o
rgan
ism
s ha
s be
en li
mite
d. D
redg
e sp
oil o
ccup
ies
8.9
mile
s (1
6.2%
) of t
he ri
ver’s
55
mile
s of
mai
n br
anch
rive
rfron
t, ex
istin
g as
be
rms
2-18
’ hig
h an
d 10
-30’
wid
e. T
hese
spo
il be
rms
cons
trict
ing
natu
ral f
low
w
ere
brea
ched
dur
ing
two
pilo
t stu
dies
usi
ng a
var
iety
of m
etho
ds.
The
resp
onse
s of
the
biol
ogic
al c
omm
uniti
es (f
ish
and
deca
pod
utili
zatio
n) w
ere
stud
ied
pre-
and
post
-res
tora
tion.
Historical rivercourse
Artificial rivercourse
Exca
vatio
n ar
ea
(250
’x40
’) d
one
June
, 200
3
Stag
ing
area
at
Plat
t’s C
reek
Artificial rivercourse
His
toric
rive
rcou
rse
pre-
1920
Exca
vatio
n ar
eas
done
June
, 200
2
Mat
eria
ls a
nd M
etho
dsTh
e st
udy
site
s al
ong
the
Nor
th F
ork
are
know
n as
Site
5 (a
n is
land
cre
ated
dur
ing
river
dre
dgin
g) a
nd th
e S
trazu
lla o
xbow
(iso
late
d fro
m th
e riv
er o
n its
nor
th e
nd d
urin
g riv
er d
redg
ing)
(see
gra
phic
s ab
ove)
. Site
5
was
bre
ache
d in
Jun
e, 2
002
to a
llow
wat
er to
she
et fl
ow a
cros
s th
e m
arsh
sur
face
and
to in
crea
se
utili
zatio
n by
aqu
atic
org
anis
ms.
At S
ite 5
, fis
h an
d de
capo
d sa
mpl
ing
was
con
duct
ed a
s on
e-w
eek
sam
plin
g ev
ents
at t
he h
ighe
st ti
des
of s
prin
g (A
pril-
May
) and
fall
(Oct
ober
-Nov
embe
r). E
vent
s in
clud
ed
box
trap,
Bre
der t
rap,
and
fike
net
set
s (2
4 ho
urs
of c
ontin
uous
col
lect
ing)
and
phy
sica
ls d
ata
colle
ctio
n.
Sei
ning
was
con
duct
ed a
long
the
river
edg
e (5
0’ b
ag s
eine
with
¼” m
esh)
and
into
the
new
ly-c
reat
ed c
uts
know
n as
mid
dle
and
sout
h br
each
es. F
our p
re-r
esto
ratio
n sa
mpl
ing
even
ts w
ere
cond
ucte
d an
d 7
post
(in
clud
ing
one
even
t in
sum
mer
200
2, o
ne w
eek
afte
r exc
avat
ion)
. Spe
cim
ens
capt
ured
wer
e id
entif
ied
to
the
low
est t
axon
pos
sibl
e an
d m
easu
red
(SL
for f
ishe
s, T
L fo
r shr
imps
, car
apac
e w
idth
for c
rabs
). P
air-
wis
e co
mpa
rison
s of
dat
aset
mea
ns w
ere
cond
ucte
d us
ing
t-tes
t or A
NO
VA
(for
nor
mal
ly d
istri
bute
d da
ta)
or M
ann-
Whi
tney
Ran
k S
um T
est (
Sig
maS
tat).
Stra
zulla
oxb
ow’s
nor
th e
nd w
as re
conn
ecte
d to
allo
w
wat
er to
flow
alo
ng th
e hi
stor
ical
rive
rcou
rse.
No
pre-
cons
truct
ion
sam
plin
g oc
curr
ed in
the
oxbo
w d
ue to
m
uck
depo
sits
gre
ater
than
7 fe
et. T
hree
sam
plin
g ev
ents
wer
e co
nduc
ted
post
-res
tora
tion
usin
g a
fike
net
with
bar
rier n
ets
stru
ng a
cros
s th
e en
tire
new
ly-o
pene
d ox
bow
mou
th a
nd s
eine
and
Bre
der t
raps
. A
ll im
pact
ed a
reas
for b
oth
pilo
t stu
dies
wer
e se
cure
d w
ith n
ativ
e pl
antin
gs a
nd m
onito
red
usin
g ph
otop
oint
s.
Stra
zulla
Oxb
ow re
stor
atio
n
1 FL
Fis
h an
d W
ildlif
e C
onse
rvat
ion
Com
mis
sion
, Ft.
Pie
rce,
FL
2 E
colo
gica
l Ass
ocia
tes,
Jen
sen
Bea
ch, F
L3
FL D
ept.
of E
nviro
nmen
tal P
rote
ctio
n, F
t. P
ierc
e, F
L
Fish
es:A
chiru
s lin
eatu
s, C
entro
pom
us e
nsife
rus,
Cen
tropo
mus
und
ecim
alis
,Cic
hlid
ae s
pA, C
ichl
asom
a ur
opht
halm
us, C
ithar
icht
hys
spilo
pter
us,
Dia
pter
us a
urat
us, D
orm
itato
r mac
ulat
us, E
leot
ris p
ison
is,E
ucin
osto
mus
har
engu
lus,
Euc
inos
tom
us g
ula,
Eug
erre
s pl
umie
ri,Ev
orth
odus
lyric
us,
Gam
busi
a ho
lbro
oki,
Gob
ioso
ma
bosc
, Het
eran
dria
form
osa,
Lag
odon
rhom
boid
es, L
epom
is m
acro
chiru
s, L
utja
nus
gris
eus,
Men
idia
sp.
, M
icro
gobi
us g
ulos
us,M
ugil
ceph
alus
, Mug
il cu
rem
a,Pe
rcid
ae s
pA, P
oeci
lia la
tipin
na, R
ivul
us m
orm
orat
us, S
ciae
nops
oce
llata
, Trin
ecte
s m
acul
atus
, D
ecap
ods:
Cal
linec
tes
sapi
dus,
Cal
linec
tes
boco
urti,
Arm
ases
cin
ereu
m,S
esar
ma
sp. A
, Pal
aem
onet
es c
f. pu
gio,
Pala
emon
flor
idan
us,
Farfa
ntep
enae
us a
ztec
us,P
roca
mbr
idae
sp.
A, P
roca
mbr
idae
sp.
B,X
anth
idae
sp. A
, Pal
eom
onid
ae s
p. B
,Pal
eom
onid
ae s
p. C
Res
ults
: Site
5D
urin
g th
e co
urse
of t
he s
tudy
, 149
2 fis
h an
d de
capo
ds w
ere
colle
cted
(104
5 fis
h, 4
47 d
ecap
ods)
re
pres
entin
g 40
taxa
(28
fishe
s, 1
2 de
capo
ds).
See
taxa
in b
oxes
bel
ow.
CP
UE
rate
s pe
r gea
r typ
e ar
e as
fo
llow
s: s
eine
16.
6 +/
- 34.
5 (m
ax.=
187)
, box
trap
7.53
+/-
8.4
(max
.=42
), B
rede
r tra
p 0.
2 +/
- 0.8
(max
.=8)
, fik
e ne
t 16.
2 +/
- 29.
1 (m
ax.=
94).
Mos
t sta
tistic
al a
naly
ses
(e.g
., nu
mbe
r of s
peci
es o
r ind
ivid
uals
cap
ture
d on
the
mar
sh s
urfa
ce p
re- a
nd p
ost-r
esto
ratio
n, le
ngth
of d
omin
ant t
axa
on m
arsh
sur
face
pre
and
pos
t, da
ta c
ompa
ring
the
two
new
bre
ache
s co
nstru
cted
) wer
e no
n-si
gnifi
cant
. S
igni
fican
t diff
eren
ces
wer
e fo
und
for D
O o
n th
e m
arsh
sur
face
(poo
led
data
) bef
ore
(mea
n=3.
8ppm
) and
afte
r (m
ean=
5.9p
pm) r
esto
ratio
n (p
=0.0
04) a
nd fo
r Gam
busi
a ho
lbro
oki l
engt
hs in
the
mid
bre
ach
(mea
n=22
.3m
m) v
ersu
s so
uth
brea
ch
(mea
n=19
.3m
m)(
p=<0
.001
). F
ish
and
deca
pod
com
mun
ity s
truct
ure
chan
ged
as a
resu
lt of
rest
orat
ion
(see
fig
ures
bel
ow).
On
the
mar
sh s
urfa
ce, r
esto
ratio
n re
sulte
d in
the
loss
of M
ugil
ceph
alus
and
the
appe
aran
ce
of 5
taxa
(hig
hlig
hted
in b
old
belo
w).
In th
e riv
er a
nd c
uts,
rest
orat
ion
resu
lted
in th
e lo
ss o
f Sci
anop
soc
ella
ta a
nd th
e ap
pear
ance
of 1
5 ta
xa (u
nder
lined
bel
ow).
Gra
phic
s be
low
sum
mar
ize
dom
inan
t tax
a.
Res
ults
: Stra
zulla
oxb
owD
urin
g th
e co
urse
of t
he s
tudy
, 36
fish
and
deca
pods
wer
e ca
ptur
ed, r
epre
sent
ing
10 ta
xa (G
ambu
sia
holb
rook
i, E
leot
ris p
ison
is, C
entro
pom
us u
ndec
imal
is,
Euc
inos
tom
us h
aren
gulu
s, M
ugil
ceph
alus
, Lag
odon
rhom
boid
es, L
epom
is
mac
roch
irus,
Gob
iom
orus
dor
mito
r, C
allin
ecte
s sa
pidu
s, M
acro
brac
hium
sp.
).O
ther
ani
mal
s w
ere
also
cap
ture
d in
clud
ing
rept
iles
(Apa
lone
fero
x, C
hely
dra
serp
entin
e, A
lliga
tor m
issi
ssip
iens
is) a
nd a
n am
phib
ian
(Sire
n la
certi
na).
Stra
zulla
Oxb
ow b
efor
e
Stra
zulla
Oxb
ow a
fter
Dorm
itato
r mac
ulat
us,
2.8
Eucin
osto
mus
ha
reng
ulus
, 9.6
Evor
thod
us ly
ricus
, 1.
6
Gam
busia
hol
broo
ki,
27.9
Lago
don
rhom
boid
es,
2.1
Men
idia
spA
, 3.6
Mug
il cep
halu
s, 5
.4
Pala
emon
etes
cf.
pugi
o, 1
9.6
Poec
ilia la
tipin
na,
11.5
Trin
ecte
s m
acul
atus
, 1.
1O
ther
(10
spec
imen
s or
fewe
r), 5
.5
Callin
ecte
s sa
pidu
s,
7.7
Cent
ropo
mus
un
decim
alis,
1.5
Ave
rage
abu
ndan
ce o
f fis
h an
d de
capo
ds o
n m
arsh
sur
face
per
sam
plin
g pe
riod
024681012 C. sap
idus
C. cf. b
ocourti
C. und
ecimali
sD. m
aculatus E. lyric
us G. holb
rooki
M. cep
halus
P. cf. p
ugio
P. florid
anus P. la
tipinn
aPerc
idae s
pA
Procam
brid sp
A
R. morm
oratus
Sesarm
a spA
T. mac
ulatus Xan
thid s
pA
seas
onal
pre
-co
nstru
ctio
n1-
wee
k po
st-
cons
truct
ion
seas
onal
pos
t-co
nstru
ctio
n
Ave
rage
abu
ndan
ce p
er s
ampl
ing
perio
d of
fish
and
dec
apod
s in
the
river
and
cut
s
05101520253035 A. cine
reum C. s
apidu
s
C. und
ecim
alis
D. mac
ulatus
E. hare
ngulu
s E. lyric
us F. azte
cus G. b
osc
G. holb
rooki
L. mac
rochir
us
L. rho
mboide
sMen
idia s
pA M. gulo
sus
M. cep
halus P. c
f. pug
ioP. la
tipinn
aT. m
acula
tusXan
thid s
pA
Spec
ies
Abundance
river
pre
-con
stru
ctio
nriv
er p
ost-c
onst
ruct
ion
"nat
ural
" cut
pre
-con
stru
ctio
nne
w c
uts
post
-con
stru
ctio
n
Spe
cies
Abundance
Evo
rthod
us ly
ricus
Rel
ativ
e ab
unda
nce
of fi
sh a
nd d
ecap
ods
on th
e m
arsh
sur
face
pre
-res
tora
tion
Rel
ativ
e ab
unda
nce
of fi
sh a
nd d
ecap
ods
on th
e m
arsh
sur
face
pos
t-res
tora
tion
Rel
ativ
e ab
unda
nce
of fi
sh a
nd d
ecap
ods
in th
e riv
er a
nd c
ut p
re-r
esto
ratio
nR
elat
ive
abun
danc
e of
fish
and
dec
apod
s in
the
river
and
cut
s po
st-r
esto
ratio
n
Dis
cuss
ion
This
stu
dy a
sses
sed
the
feas
ibili
ty a
nd b
enef
it of
impr
ovin
g hy
drol
ogic
co
nnec
tivity
of f
lood
plai
n w
etla
nds
and
oxbo
ws
isol
ated
due
to d
redg
ing
alon
g th
e N
orth
For
k S
t. Lu
cie
Riv
er.
Res
tora
tion
of a
sim
ilarly
-impa
cted
sys
tem
in
the
regi
on (K
issi
mm
ee R
iver
) ser
ves
as a
mod
el fo
r thi
s ef
fort
(Dah
m e
t al.,
19
95) a
nd th
e ch
alle
nges
ass
ocia
ted
with
exc
avat
ion
and
mon
itorin
g. T
he
habi
tat t
ype
(fore
sted
floo
dpla
in w
etla
nds)
, sub
stra
te (f
ines
, muc
k), a
nd w
ater
de
pth
(<12
”) p
ose
prob
lem
s fo
r mos
t con
vent
iona
l sam
plin
g ge
ar ty
pes
and
ther
efor
e fe
w s
peci
men
s w
ere
colle
cted
. Fo
r thi
s st
udy,
the
bene
fits
of
rest
orat
ion
incl
uded
:
-incr
ease
d D
O le
vels
with
in n
ewly
reco
nnec
ted
wet
land
s an
d ox
bow
s
-form
atio
n of
stre
ams,
bra
ids,
und
ercu
ts, S
mal
l Woo
dy D
ebris
(SW
D),
Larg
e W
oody
Deb
ris (L
WD
) allo
win
g in
crea
sed
habi
tat c
ompl
exity
-incr
ease
d hy
drop
erio
d of
floo
dpla
in w
etla
nds
and
habi
tat u
tiliz
atio
n by
aqu
atic
or
gani
sms
-util
izat
ion
of n
ew c
uts,
rehy
drat
ed w
etla
nds,
and
the
oxbo
w b
y co
mm
erci
ally
an
d re
crea
tiona
lly im
porta
nt s
peci
es (e
.g.,
snoo
ks, b
lue
crab
s, b
row
n sh
rimp,
m
ulle
ts, m
ojar
ras)
and
rare
spe
cies
(big
mou
th s
leep
er, m
angr
ove
rivul
us)
-the
five
com
pone
nts
of re
stor
atio
n of
fish
hab
itat:
dept
h an
d ar
ea
impr
ovem
ent f
or v
ario
us li
fe s
tage
s, w
ater
qua
lity,
sea
sona
l cur
rent
pat
tern
s,
refu
gia,
and
food
ava
ilabi
lity
(Tre
xler
, 199
5).
Res
tora
tion
of th
e N
orth
For
k S
t. Lu
cie
Riv
er th
roug
h hy
drol
ogic
reco
nnec
tion
of o
ligoh
alin
e flo
odpl
ain
wet
land
s an
d is
olat
ed o
xbow
s is
ben
efic
ial (
aqua
tic
anim
al u
tiliz
atio
n, w
ater
qua
lity
impr
ovem
ents
, nut
rient
cyc
ling)
and
feas
ible
(r
ough
ly $
60,0
00 p
er c
ut a
nd $
90,0
00 p
er o
xbow
end
poin
t). N
umer
ous
site
s al
ong
the
Nor
th F
ork
have
bee
n id
entif
ied
for s
imila
r res
tora
tion
effo
rts (P
BS
J,
2003
) and
will
be
fund
ed th
roug
h th
e In
dian
Riv
er L
agoo
n S
outh
Fea
sibi
lity
Stu
dy.
Lite
ratu
re c
ited
Dah
m, C
.N.,
K.W
. Cum
min
s, H
.M. V
alet
t, an
d R
.L. C
olem
an. 1
995.
An
ecos
yste
m v
iew
of t
he re
stor
atio
n of
the
Kis
sim
mee
Riv
er. R
esto
ratio
n E
colo
gy 3
(3):
225-
238.
Trex
ler,
J.C
. 199
5. R
esto
ratio
n of
the
Kis
sim
mee
Riv
er: a
con
cept
ual m
odel
of
past
and
pre
sent
fish
com
mun
ities
and
its
cons
eque
nces
for e
valu
atin
g re
stor
atio
n su
cces
s. R
esto
ratio
n E
colo
gy 3
(3):
195-
210.
Pos
t, B
uckl
ey, S
hue,
and
Jer
niga
n. 2
003.
Fin
al re
port
to F
DE
P: f
easi
bilit
y S
tudy
for t
he re
conn
ectio
n of
wet
land
s an
d ox
bow
s al
ong
the
NFS
LR. 3
0pp.
PosterpresentationfromtheNationalConferenceonCoastalandEstuarineHabitatRestorationinNewOrleans(Bealet.al.2006).
B.�.4 / Biological Monitoring at Hydrologic Restoration Sites
���
2004 2005 2006 2004 2005 2006
Number of Nests 254 176 249 86 68 132 87 74 147 78 29 0
Nest Density (#Nests/m2 ) 0.15 0.10 0.19 0.08 0.06 0.08 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 <0.01 N/A
% Failures 25 77 9 31 60 5 48 89 2 42 100 N/A
Number of Fledglings 376 77 645 118 44 335 83 14 340 72 0 N/A
Mean Nestling Success 1.48 0.44 2.59 1.37 0.65 2.54 0.95 0.19 2.31 0.92 0.00 N/A
Median Nestling Success 2 0 3 1 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 N/A
(Excluding Failures) Mean Nestling Success 1.98 1.88 2.73 2.00 1.63 2.68 1.84 1.75 2.36 1.60 N/A N/A
Median Nestling Success (Excluding Failures) 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 N/A N/A
2004 2005 2006 2004 2005 2006
Desert Ranch
Florida
Gulf of Mexico
Source: ESRI World Basemap Data
§
Pelican Island
North Fork Bird Island
Kilometers
Atlantic Ocean
B.�.� / Woodstork Monitoring Data
SummaryofwoodstorkreproductivesuccessdatacollectedatfourFloridabreedingbirdcoloniesforthe2004,2005,and2006breedingseasonsfromGriffinetal.acceptedintoActaZoologicain2008.
���
3
WaterQualityParametersMonitoredintheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverbyFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP),SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict(SFWMD),St.LucieCountyDepartmentofHealth(SLCDOH),FloridaOceanographicSociety(FOS),MarineResourcesCouncil(MRC),andUnitedStatesGeologicalSurvey(USGS).
B.�.� / Water Quality Monitoring Matrix
���
St.LucieRiverOysterGardnerVolunteerLocationMap.
B.�.� / Oyster Reef Monitoring DataTwoentities,FloridaOceanographicSocietyandFloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission,collectoysterreefmonitoringdatawithinthepreserve.Thefollowingdataprovideacomarativesynopsisofoysterdensity,size,andrecruitmentabilitieswithintheNorthForkSt.LucieRiver.
�40
ComparisonofoysterdensityintheSt.LucieRiverfromSeptember2006toMay2007(dataprovidedbyFloridaOceanographicSociety).
Oyster Length
0.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
8.0
10.0Le
ngth
(cm
)
Middle Estuary
Oyster Density
0
100
200
300
400
500
Den
sity
(o
yste
rs/s
qu
are
met
er)
Stuart Pendarvis Cove Britt CreekRio Harbor RidgeBay Haven
Stuart Pendarvis Cove Britt CreekRio Harbor RidgeBay Haven
Sept 2006 Dec 2006 May 2007
North ForkSouth Fork
Middle Estuary North ForkSouth Fork
Sept 2006 Dec 2006 May 2007
ComparisonofoysterlengthintheSt.LucieRiverfromSeptember2006toMay2007(dataprovidedbyFloridaOceanographicSociety).
�4�
FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommissionoysterreefmonitoringsitesthroughoutFlorida(reproducedfromFloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission[FWC],2006).
�4�
Sal
inity
Mea
n Li
ve O
yste
rs/m
2M
ean
She
ll H
eigh
t (m
m)
Site
50
40
30
20
10
0
1000
800
600
400
200
0
100
80
60
40
20
0TB ML SR SL-N SL-C SL-S LX-N LX-S LW BB
TB ML SR SL-N SL-C SL-S LX-N LX-S LW BB
TB ML SR SL-N SL-C SL-S LX-N LX-S LW BB
A
B
CSpring, 2006Fall, 2006
A)Mean,maximum,andminimumsalinitiesrecordedateachstudysiteduringthesixmonthspriortoeachsurvey.B)Meannumberofliveoysterspresentateachstudysiteduringthespring2006andfall2006surveys.C)Meanshellheight(mm)ofoysterspresentateachstudysiteduringthespring2006andfall2006surveys.(TB=TampaBay,ML=MosquitoLagoon,SR=SebastianRiver,SL-N=St.Lucie-North,SL-C=St.Lucie-Central,SL-S=St.Lu-cie-South,LX-N=Loxahatchee-North,LX-S=Loxahatchee-South,LW=LakeWorthLagoon,BB=BiscayneBay)(ReproducedfromFloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission[FWC],2007a).
�4�
Tampa Bay
0
5
10
15
20
0
10
20
30
40
St. Lucie - South
0
5
10
15
20
0
10
20
30
40
Loxahatchee - North
0
5
10
15
20
0
10
20
30
40
Mosquito Lagoon
0
5
10
15
20
0
10
20
30
40
Loxahatchee - South
0
5
10
15
20
0
10
20
30
40
Sebastian River
0
5
10
15
20
0
10
20
30
40
Lake Worth
Date
0
5
10
15
20
0
10
20
30
40
St. Lucie - North
0
5
10
15
20
0
10
20
30
40
Biscayne Bay
0
5
10
15
20
0
10
20
30
40
St. Lucie - Central
Sal
inity
and
Mea
n S
pat
/Sh
ell
0
5
10
15
20
0
10
20
30
40
Spat/Shell
Salinity
10/05 12/05 2/06 4/06 6/06 8/06 10/06 10/05 12/05 2/06 4/06 6/06 8/06 10/06
Mean(±S.D.)numberofoysterrecruitscollectedpershelleachmonthandthemean,maximum,andminimumsalinitiesrecordedeachmonthfromOctober2005toOctober2006(reproducedfromFWC,2006).
�44
B.�.� / Shoreline Stabilization at Hydrologic Restoration Sites
Shorelinestabilizationisanecessarycomponentofhydrologicrestorationprojectsbecauseoftheneedtobreachlargespoilbermsinordertorestoreflowtoartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplains.TheimagesaboveshowasuccessfulshorelinestabilizationprojectatafloodplainreconnectionsitelocatedonemilenorthofPrimaVistaBoulevard.
�4�
B.�.� / Land Acquisition Maps
PrivateparcelslocatedalongtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters(TenMileCreek)that,ifacquired,wouldbenefitthepreserve.
Midway Rd.
Prima Vista Blvd.
Walton Rd.
Map 1 Map 2 Map 3
Map 4
Map 5
Map 6
Map 7
Map 9
Map 8
St. Lucie Blvd.Port
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic Preserve1919 River CourseProposed Florida Forever Additions
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 1 20.5Miles ±February 2009
Landacquisitionoverviewmap.
�4�
1
23
4
5
6
78 9
10
11
12
13
14
1518
17
16Coolidge
Gordy
32
Map 1
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic PreserveHydrologic Restoration SiteProposed Florida Forever Additions
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Landacquisitionmap1.
�4�
11
12
13
14
15
18
17
16
18
19
20 21 22
23
24
25
2628
2729
JenkinsRalls
BrownShelbyWest
32 31
Map 2
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic PreserveHydrologic Restoration SiteProposed Florida Forever Additions
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Landacquisitionmap2.
�4�
25 26
28
27 29
BrownShelbyWest
ShelbyEast
30
31
32
33
3435
35
36
37
38
ScoutCamp
Miller
Scout CampSouth
RailroadWest Railroad
East
RailroadEast
Cargill
RiverOaks
29
30
Map 3
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic PreserveHydrologic Restoration SiteProposed Florida Forever Additions
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Landacquisitionmap3.
�4�
39
40
41
42 43
44
45
46
4748
49
50
51
52
53
54 55
Evans
DivineUpstream
Midway
28
Map 4
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic PreserveHydrologic Restoration SiteProposed Florida Forever Additions
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Landacquisitionmap4.
��0
49 50 51 52 53
5455
Midway
56
57
5859
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
7071
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
7980
BrokenBench
Haupt
RobertsUpstream
81
82
27
Map 5
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic PreserveHydrologic Restoration SiteProposed Florida Forever Additions
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.05 0.10.025Miles ±February 2009
Landacquisitionmap5.
���
80Roberts
Upstream
81
82
83
84
85
8687 88 89 90 91
92
9394 95
CharlestonOaks
Idabelle
OtterTrail
9697
9899
100
Haupt
26
Map 6
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic PreserveHydrologic Restoration SiteProposed Florida Forever Additions
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.05 0.10.025Miles ±February 2009
Landacquisitionmap6.
���
112
River PlaceUpstream
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120 121
Site 5West
OxbowEco-Center
25
24Map 7
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic PreserveHydrologic Restoration SiteProposed Florida Forever Additions
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Landacquisitionmap7.
���
122
123
124
EvansCreek
Prima VistaEast
Prima Vista Blvd.
23
22
21
20
Map 8
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic PreserveHydrologic Restoration SiteProposed Florida Forever Additions
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.1 0.20.05Miles ±February 2009
Landacquisitionmap8.
��4
125
127128
129
EvansCreek
EvansCreek
126
Port St. Lucie Blvd.
Veter
ans Memorial Parkway
20
19
18
17
Map 9
River Mile
NFSLR Aquatic PreserveHydrologic Restoration SiteProposed Florida Forever Additions
Public LandsSouth Florida Water Management DistrictSt. Lucie CountyCity of Port St. LucieFlorida AudubonSavannas Preserve State Park
0 0.25 0.50.125Miles ±February 2009
Landacquisitionmap9.
���
Map# Parcel# Section Township Range Lat. Long. Acreage Waterfront(meters)
1 1 26 35S 39E -80.403 27.406 9.97 8001 2 26 35S 39E -80.405 27.406 65.44 8001 3 26 35S 39E -80.404 27.408 2.40 01 4 26 35S 39E -80.404 27.403 6.40 3051 5 26 35S 39E -80.401 27.402 7.71 3751 6 26 35S 39E -80.400 27.402 0.82 01 7 26 35S 39E -80.403 27.400 0.57 01 8 26 35S 39E -80.405 27.399 8.99 881 9 25 35S 39E -80.398 27.401 8.57 01 10 25 35S 39E -80.396 27.397 5.79 01 11 25 35S 39E -80.394 27.404 105.30 12001 12 25 35S 39E -80.395 27.401 24.81 12001 13 25 35S 39E -80.391 27.402 6.14 1401 14 25 35S 39E -80.391 27.402 0.82 1401 15 25 35S 39E -80.395 27.399 22.58 02 16 25 35S 39E -80.384 27.402 29.23 4202 17 25 35S 39E -80.386 27.398 62.90 6702 18 25 35S 39E -80.389 27.396 28.96 02 19 30 35S 40E -80.382 27.401 3.66 1902 20 30 35S 40E -80.382 27.402 0.93 02 21 30 35S 40E -80.381 27.402 1.05 02 22 30 35S 40E -80.379 27.403 11.56 1302 23 30 35S 40E -80.378 27.402 1.45 1162 24 30 35S 40E -80.377 27.403 2.95 1002 25 30 35S 40E -80.376 27.404 3.23 02 26 30 35S 40E -80.375 27.402 3.08 2082 27 30 35S 40E -80.375 27.401 9.87 3152 28 30 35S 40E -80.374 27.403 2.08 1003 29 30 35S 40E -80.370 27.404 72.62 9603 30 30 35S 40E -80.369 27.406 4.96 2503 31 30 35S 40E -80.367 27.405 3.19 1003 32 30 35S 40E -80.367 27.403 3.05 303 33 29 35S 40E -80.365 27.403 10.39 4003 34 29 35S 40E -80.364 27.401 19.00 603 35 29 35S 40E -80.359 27.397 12.20 5103 36 29 35S 40E -80.358 27.400 0.27 03 37 29 35S 40E -80.353 27.400 2.38 03 38 29 35S 40E -80.355 27.396 17.60 2504 39 33 35S 40E -80.346 27.387 16.42 2804 40 33 35S 40E -80.345 27.384 27.33 4304 41 33 35S 40E -80.345 27.382 8.67 04 42 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.381 2.88 1504 43 04 36S 40E -80.341 27.381 6.36 704 44 04 36S 40E -80.347 27.380 11.13 2004 45 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.379 1.50 704 46 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.379 1.44 604 47 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.378 3.46 1554 48 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.377 24.31 1904 49 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.375 2.21 04 50 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.375 3.91 04 51 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.375 3.62 04 52 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.376 1.43 404 53 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.375 2.00 754 54 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.375 0.27 204 55 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.375 0.39 355 56 04 36S 40E -80.348 27.373 9.43 1055 57 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.371 0.60 1505 58 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.371 0.75 05 59 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.371 0.67 305 60 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.370 0.64 305 61 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.370 1.02 435 62 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.370 0.25 245 63 04 36S 40E -80.345 27.369 1.04 77
ThefollowingtableprovidesthelocationandacreageforeachoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverandTenMileCreekLandAcquisitionsitesidentifiedintheabovemapseries.
���
Map# Parcel# Section Township Range Lat. Long. Acreage Waterfront(meters)
5 64 04 36S 40E -80.346 27.369 0.57 875 65 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.373 0.25 965 66 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.373 0.67 105 67 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.373 0.63 335 68 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.372 2.02 955 69 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.371 1.63 725 70 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.371 0.93 385 71 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.371 N/A 985 72 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.370 0.45 405 73 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.370 0.39 405 74 04 36S 40E -80.343 27.370 1.05 2505 75 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.370 0.47 475 76 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.369 2.98 685 77 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.368 5.45 1005 78 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.368 2.03 355 79 04 36S 40E -80.344 27.367 4.06 686 80 09 36S 40E -80.346 27.365 30.51 2,2506 81 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.366 2.47 806 82 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.365 0.99 2406 83 09 36S 40E -80.342 27.364 0.54 556 84 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.363 1.95 1556 85 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.362 1.83 06 86 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.361 2.15 06 87 09 36S 40E -80.345 27.358 4.28 4556 88 09 36S 40E -80.346 27.359 0.99 06 89 09 36S 40E -80.345 27.359 1.05 06 90 09 36S 40E -80.344 27.359 1.05 06 91 09 36S 40E -80.344 27.359 0.60 06 92 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.359 1.73 06 93 09 36S 40E -80.342 27.358 1.51 566 94 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.358 0.52 456 95 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.357 0.39 306 96 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.357 0.37 326 97 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.357 0.42 336 98 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.357 0.22 186 99 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.356 0.23 186 100 09 36S 40E -80.343 27.356 0.76 447 101 16 36S 40E -80.349 27.349 3.02 07 102 16 36S 40E -80.344 27.347 2.44 07 103 16 36S 40E -80.343 27.346 84.52 1,3007 104 16 36S 40E -80.340 27.346 21.33 2057 105 16 36S 40E -80.344 27.344 11.17 07 106 16 36S 40E -80.343 27.344 4.80 07 107 16 36S 40E -80.345 27.343 7.69 07 108 16 36S 40E -80.348 27.340 21.30 1107 109 16 36S 40E -80.346 27.338 2.17 2007 110 16 36S 40E -80.340 27.339 84.52 1,3257 111 16 36S 40E -80.340 27.341 84.52 8007 112 16 36S 40E -80.338 27.347 11.67 3007 113 16 36S 40E -80.336 27.348 0.88 07 114 16 36S 40E -80.335 27.347 4.75 07 115 16 36S 40E -80.338 27.346 21.33 2057 116 16 36S 40E -80.338 27.345 19.69 1627 117 16 36S 40E -80.338 27.343 13.05 1807 118 16 36S 40E -80.338 27.342 10.75 3877 119 16 36S 40E -80.336 27.338 3.03 2867 120 21 36S 40E -80.334 27.334 1.26 1577 121 22 36S 40E -80.334 27.333 0.25 108 122 27 36S 40E -80.322 27.316 69.60 4,0308 123 27 36S 40E -80.325 27.315 4.60 3758 124 27 36S 40E -80.326 27.314 4.16 4459 125 02 37S 40E -80.317 27.291 4.31 2639 126 02 37S 40E -80.317 27.291 1.53 1759 127 02 37S 40E -80.315 27.290 49.45 4909 128 02 37S 40E -80.308 27.292 16.55 09 129 02 37S 40E -80.314 27.286 0.85 0
���
B.�.�0 / Aquatic Plants Suitable for Restoration Efforts
AquaticvegetationsuitableforuseinrestorationeffortsalongtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters,FiveandTenMileCreeks.
Emergent Vegetation
Estuarine
Giant leatherfern Freshwater
Beaked panicgrass Bitter panicgrass Blue water hyssop
Bog smartweed Bulltongue arrowhead Chapman’s arrowhead Common reed Dotted smartweed
Fall panicgrass Gaping panicgrass Giant leatherfern Maidencane
Panicgrass Pickerel weed Redtop panicgrass Sawgrass Swamp lily
Swamp smartweed
Estuarine Shoal grass Widgeon grass Freshwater
Muskgrass Pondweed Pondweed Southern water nymph
Tapegrass Widgeon grass
Freshwater Duckweed
Yellow water lily (Spadderdock) White water lily
Acrostichum danaeifolium
Panicum ancepsPanicum amarumBacopa caroliniana
Polygonum setaceumSagittaria lancifoliaSagittaria graminea var. chapmanii Phragmites australis Polygonum punctatum
Panicum dichotomiflorumPanicum hiansAcrostichum danaeifoliumPanicum hematomim
Panicum longifoliumPontedaria cordataPanicum rigidulumCladium jamaicenseCrinum americanum
Polygonum hydropiperoides
Halodule wrightii Ruppia maritima
Chara sp. Potamogeton illinoiensisPotamogeton pusillusNajas guadalupensis
Vallisneria americanaRuppia maritima
Lemna sp.
Nuphar luteaNymphaea odorata
Submerged / Floating Vegetation
Submerged Vegetation
���
B.�.�� / Stormwater Runoff Analysis
NutrientlevelsinstormwaterrunofffromprominentlandusetypesintheSt.LucieRiverwatershed(Gravesetal.,2004).
HeavymetalconcentrationsinstormwaterrunofffromprominentlandusetypeswithintheSt.LucieRiverwatershed(Gravesetal.,2004).
Land Use # Samples Total P (mg L-1)Mean Median
Total N (mg L-1)Mean Median
Organic N (mg L-1)Mean Median
Inorganic N (mg L-1)Mean Median
NH3-N (mg L-1)Mean Median
NOX-N (mg L-1)Mean Median
Citrus
Pasture
Urban
Golf Course
Wetland
Row crop
Residual
Dairy
127
53
115
28
30
20
21
8
0.29
0.29
0.22
0.24
0.02
0.63
0.26
12.54
0.16
0.22
0.09
0.19
0.01
0.45
0.20
8.86
1.37
1.46
1.07
1.62
1.18
1.88
1.09
38.90
1.23
1.09
0.82
1.51
0.94
1.31
0.87
24.60
1.11
1.32
0.92
1.27
1.10
1.14
0.87
9.98
1.05
0.94
0.72
1.22
0.99
0.97
0.81
7.39
0.26
0.15
0.13
0.32
0.14
0.77
0.21
28.90
0.13
0.08
0.05
0.22
0.02
0.33
0.14
11.50
0.13
0.11
0.06
0.20
0.14
0.20
0.09
28.50
0.06
0.06
0.03
0.10
0.02
0.04
0.05
11.00
0.14
0.03
0.07
0.12
0.00
0.57
0.11
0.39
0.04
0.01
0.01
0.07
0.00
0.27
0.05
0.03
As
Mn
Cd
Cr
Cu
Pb
Ni
Zn
3.00
0.25
0.30
1.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
1.80
24
196
1
8
141
4
75
52
50
1003
25 - 400
66.5 - 644
3.62 - 38.66
0.545 - 18.6
48.8 - 509.4
32.7 - 343.1
72.1
865.0
0.44
6.6
77.4
7.1
18.2
119.0
1
NA
none
none
15
1
none
2
Golf Course
NA
none
noneGolf Course, Citrus,
Row Crop
Urban
none
Row Crop
Urban
All
Pasture
Urban, Citrus
Urban
Citrus, Row Crop Citrus, Row Crop,
Urban
Citrus, Urban
Heavy Metal
Detection Limit (mg L-1)
# SamplesDetected
Florida Fresh Water Criteria (mg L-1)
Max. ConcentrationDetected (mg L-1)
# Samples ExceedingFlorida Criteria
Land Use AboveFlorida Criteria
Other DetectedLand Use
Chlorpyrifos ethyl
Diazinon
Endosulfan
Ethion
Malathion
Metalaxyl
Atrazine
Bromacil
Simazine
Pesticide
High
Moderate
Extremely high
Very high
Low
Low
Very low
Very low
Very low
Rating inToxiicity toEstuarine
Biota*
Very Strong
Strong
Very Strong
Very Strong
Moderate
Weak
Weak
Weak
Weak
Rating inAffinity to
Soil orSediment
Moderate
Moderate
Low
High
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Rating inPersistencein Aquatic
Environment
Citrus
Urban
Row Crop
Citrus
Citrus
Citrus
Citrus, Urban, Golf Course
Citrus, Row Crop
Citrus, Row Crop, Golf Course, Pasture
Land UseDetected
PesticideType
Insecticide
Insecticide
Insecticide
Insecticide
Insecticide
Fungicide
Herbicide
Herbicide
Herbicide
DetectionLimit in Water
(mg L-1)
0.1
0.1
0.01
0.05
0.15
0.6
0.05
0.3
0.05
FL ChronicToxicity
Standard(mg L-1)
0.00176
0.01
0.056
0.003
0.1
299
2
1,400
1
# SamplesDetected
1
1
2
4
1
1
22
22
44
# SamplesExceeding
FloridaCriteria
1
1
1
4
1
0
0
0
12
MaxConcentration
Detected(mg L-1)
0.98
0.12
0.086
0.068 - 2.7
0.82
1.3
0.85
63
53
AnalysisofpesticidesidentifiedinstormwaterrunofftakenfromprominentlandusetypeslocatedwithintheSt.LucieRiverwatershed(Gravesetal.,2004).
���
B.�.�� / Class III Water Quality Standards
ClassIIIsurfacewatercriteriatable(modifiedfromchapter62-302.530F.A.C.).
62-302.530, Criteria for Surface Water Quality Classifications
(1) Alkalinity Milligrams/L as CaCO
Shall not be depressed below 20
< L/smargilliM munimulA )2( 1.5
(3) Ammonia (un-ionized) Milligrams/L as NH3 < 20.0
(4) Antimony Micrograms/L < 4,300 < 4,300
(5) (a) Arsenic (total) Micrograms/L < < 05 50
(5) (b) Arsenic (trivalent) Micrograms/L measured as total recoverable Arsenic
< 36
(6) Bacteriological Quality (Fecal Coliform Bacteria)
Number per 100 ml (Most Probable Number (MPN) or Membrane Filter (MF))
MPN or MF counts shall not exceed a monthly average of 200, nor exceed 400 in 10% of the samples, nor exceed
800 on any one day. Monthly averages shall be expressed as geometric means based
on a minimum of 10 samples taken over a 30 day period.
MPN or MF counts shall not exceed a monthly average of
200, nor exceed 400 in 10% of the samples, nor exceed 800
on any one day. Monthly averages shall be expressed
as geometric means based on a minimum of 10 samples
taken over a 30 day period.
L/smargilliM muiraB )7(
(8) Benzene Micrograms/L < 71.28 annual avg. < 71.28 annual avg.
(9) Beryllium Micrograms/L < 0.13 annual avg. < 0.13 annual avg.
(10) Biological Integrity Percent reduction of Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index
The Index for benthic macroinvertebrates shall not be reduced to less than 75% of established background levels as measured using
organisms retained by a U.S. Standard No. 30 sieve and collected and composited from a minimum of three
Hester-Dendy type artificial substrate samplers of 0.10 to 0.15 m2 area each, incubated
for a period of four weeks.
The Index for benthic macroinvertebrates shall not be reduced to less than 75% of established background levels as measured using
organisms retained by a U.S. Standard No. 30 sieve and
collected and composited from a minimum of three natural
substrate samples, taken with Ponar type samplers with minimum sampling area of
225 cm2.
(11) BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)
Shall not be increased to exceed values which would cause dissolved oxygen to be depressed below the limit established
for each class and, in no case, shall it be great enough to produce nuisance conditions.
L/smargilliM noroB )21(
< L/smargilliM setamorB )31( 100
< L/smargilliM )ralucelom eerf( enimorB )41( 0.1
(15) Cadmium Micrograms/L See Notes (1) and (3).
Cd < e (0.7409 [ln H] - 4.719) < 8.8
(16) Carbon tetrachloride Micrograms/L < 4.42 annual avg. < 4.42 annual avg.
(17) Chlorides Milligrams/L Not increased more than 10% above normal background. Normal daily and seasonal
fluctuations shall be maintained.
Class III: Recreation, Propagation and Maintenance Healthy, Well-Balanced Population of Fish and Wildl
of a ife
3
Predominantly Fresh Waters Predominantly Marine WatersParameter Units
��0
(18) Chlorine (total residual) Milligrams/L < < 10.0 0.01
(19) (a) Chromium (trivalent) Micrograms/L measured as total recoverable Chromium See Notes (1) and (3).
Cr (III) ≤ e (0.819 [ln H] + 0.6848)
(19) (b) Chromium (hexavalent)
Micrograms/L See Note (3).
< < 11 50
(20) Chronic Toxicity (see definition in Section 62-302.200(4), F.A.C. and also see below, "Substances in concentrations which...")
(21) Color, etc. (see also Minimum Criteria, Odor, Phenols, etc.)
Color, odor, and taste producing substances and other deleterious substances, including other chemical compounds attributable to domestic wastes, industrial wastes, and other wastes
(22) Conductance, Specific Micromhos/cm Shall not be increased more than 50% above background
or to 1,275, whichever is greater.
(23) Copper Micrograms/L Cu ≤ e (0.8545 [ln H] - 1.702) ≤ 3.7
(24) Cyanide Micrograms/L < < 2.5 1.0
(25) Definitions (see Section 62-302.200, F.A.C.)
(26) Detergents Milligrams/L < < 5.0 0.5
(27) 1,1-Dichloroethylene (1,1-dichloroethene)
Micrograms/L < 3.2 annual avg. < 3.2 annual avg.
(28) Dichloromethane (methylene chloride)
Micrograms/L < 1,580 annual avg. < 1,580 annual avg.
(29) 2,4-Dinitrotoluene Micrograms/L < 9.1 annual avg. < 9.1 annual avg.
(30) Dissolved Oxygen Milligrams/L Shall not be lesNormal daily and seasonal fluctuations above these
levels shall be maintained.
Shall not average less than 5.0 in a 24-hour period and shall never be less than 4.0. Normal daily and seasonal
fluctuations above these levels shall be maintained.
L/smargilliM sdiloS devlossiD )13(
(32) Fluorides Milligrams/L < < 0.01 5.0
(33) "Free Froms" (see Minimum Criteria in Section 62-302.500, F.A.C.)
(34) "General Criteria" (see Section 62-302.500, F.A.C. and individual criteria)
62-302.530, Criteria for Surface Water Quality Classifications
Class III: Recreation, Propagation and Maintenance Healthy, Well-Balanced Population of Fish and Wildl
of a ife
Predominantly Fresh Waters Predominantly Marine WatersParameter Units
���
(35) (a) Halomethanes (Total trihalomethanes) (total of bromoform, chlorodibromomethane, dichlorobromomethane, and chloroform). Individual halomethanes shall not exceed (b) 1. to (b) 5. below.
L/smargorciM
(35) (b) 1. Halomethanes (individual): Bromoform
Micrograms/L < 360 annual avg. < 360 annual avg.
(35) (b) 2. Halomethanes (individual): Chlorodibromomethane
Micrograms/L < 34 annual avg. < 34 annual avg.
(35) (b) 3. Halomethanes (individual): Chloroform
Micrograms/L < 470.8 annual avg. < 470.8 annual avg.
(35) (b) 4. Halomethanes (individual): Chloromethane (methyl chloride)
Micrograms/L < 470.8 annual avg. < 470.8 annual avg.
(35) (b) 5. Halomethanes (individual): Dichlorobromomethane
Micrograms/L < 22 annual avg. < 22 annual avg.
(36) Hexachlorobutadiene Micrograms/L < 49.7 annual avg. < 49.7 annual avg.
(37) Imbalance (see Nutrients)
(38) Iron Milligrams/L < < 0.1 0.3
(39) Lead Micrograms/L See Notes (1) and (3).
Pb < e (1.273 [ln H] - 4.705) ≤ 8.5
L/smargilliM esenagnaM )04(
520.0 210.0 L/smargorciM yrucreM )14(
(42) Minimum Criteria (see Section 62-302.500, F.A.C.)
(43) Mixing Zones (See Section 62-4.244, F.A.C.)
(44) Nickel Micrograms/L See Notes (1) and (3).
Ni ≤ e (0.846 [ln H] + 0.0584) < 8.3
N sa L/smargilliM etartiN )54(
(46) Nuisance Species Substances in concentrations which result in the dominance of nuisance species: none shall be present.
(47) (a) Nutrients The discharge of nutrients shall continue to be limited as needed to prevent violations of other standards contained in this chapter. Man-induced nutrient enrichment (tota l nitrogen
or total phosphorus) shall be considered degradation in relation to the provisions of Sections 62-302.300, 62-302.700,
and 62-4.242, F.A.C.
(47) (b) Nutrients In no case shall nutrient concentrations of a body of water be altered so as to cause an imbalance in natural popu lations of
aquatic flora or fauna.
(48) Odor (also see Color, Minimum Criteria, Phenolic Compounds, etc.)
Threshold odor number
(49) (a) Oils and Greases Milligrams/L Dissolved or emulsified oils and greases shall not exceed
5.0
Dissolved or emulsified oils and greases shall not exceed
5.0
62-302.530, Criteria for Surface Water Quality Classifications
Class III: Recreation, Propagation and Maintenance Healthy, Well-Balanced Population of Fish and Wildl
of a ife
Predominantly Fresh Waters Predominantly Marine WatersParameter Units
���
62-302.530, Criteria for Surface Water Quality Classifications
Class III: Recreation, Propagation and Maintenance Healthy, Well-Balanced Population of Fish and Wildl
of a ife
Predominantly Fresh Waters Predominantly Marine WatersParameter Units
(49) (b) Oils and Greases No dissolved oil, or visible oil defined as iridescence, shall be present so as to cause taste or odor, or otherwise interfere
with the beneficial use of waters.
(50) Pesticides and Herbicides
L/smargorciM PT-5,4,2 )a( )05(
L/smargorciM D-4-2 )b( )05(
(50) (c) Aldrin Micrograms/L < 0.00014 annual avg.; 3.0 max
< 0.00014 annual avg.; 1.3 max
(50) (d) Beta-hexachlorocyclo-hexane (b-BHC)
Micrograms/L < 0.046 annual avg. < 0.046 annual avg.
(50) (e) Chlordane Micrograms/L < 0.00059 annual avg.; 0.0043 max
< 0.00059 annual avg.; 0.004 max
(50) (f) DDT Micrograms/L < 0.00059 annual avg.; 0.001 max
< 0.00059 annual avg.; 0.001 max
(50) (g) Demeton Micrograms/L < < 1.0 0.1
(50) (h) Dieldrin Micrograms/L < 0.00014 annual avg.; 0.0019 max
< 0.00014 annual avg.; 0.0019 max
(50) (i) Endosulfan Micrograms/L < 0.056 < 0.0087
(50) (j) Endrin Micrograms/L < 0.0023 < 0.0023
(50) (k) Guthion Micrograms/L < < 10.0 0.01
(50) (l) Heptachlor Micrograms/L < 0.00021 annual avg.; 0.0038 max
< 0.00021 annual avg.; 0.0036 max
(50) (m) Lindane (g-benzene hexachloride)
Micrograms/L < 0.063 annual avg.; 0.08 max
< 0.063. annual avg.; 0.16 max
(50) (n) Malathion Micrograms/L < < 1.0 0.1
(50) (o) Methoxychlor Micrograms/L < < 30.0 0.03
(50) (p) Mirex Micrograms/L < 0.001 < 0.001
(50) (q) Parathion Micrograms/L < < 40.0 0.04
(50) (r) Toxaphene Micrograms/L < 0.0002 < 0.0002
(51) (a) pH (Class I and Class IV Waters)
stinU dradnatS
stinU dradnatS )sretaW II ssalC( Hp )b( )15(
(51) (c) pH (Class III Waters) Standard Units Shall not vary more than one unit above or below naturalbackground of predominantly fresh waters and coastal waters as defined in Section 62-302.520(3)(b), F.A.C. or m ore than two-tenths unit above or below natural background of open
waters as defined in Section 62-302.520(3)(f), F.A. C., provided that the pH is not lowered to less than 6 units in
predominantly fresh waters, or less than 6.5 units in predominantly marine waters, or raised above 8.5 units. If
natural background is less than 6 units in predominantly fresh waters or 6.5 units in predominantly marine waters, the pH shall not vary below natural background or vary more than one unit above natural background of predominantly fresh waters and coastal waters, or more than two-tenths unit
above natural background of open waters. If natural background is higher than 8.5 units, the pH shall not vary
above natural background or vary more than one unit below natural background of predominantly fresh waters and coastal
waters, or more than two-tenths unit below natural background of open waters.
stinU dradnatS )sretaW V ssalC( Hp )d( )15(
���
(52) (a) Phenolic Compounds: Total
ht yb decudorp esoht naht rehto sdnuopmoc cilonehP e natural decay of plant material, listed or unlisted, shall not taint
the flesh of edible fish or shellfish or produce objectionable taste or odor in a drinking water supply.
(52) (b) Total Chlorinated Phenols and Chlorinated Cresols
Micrograms/L 1. The total of all chlorinated phenols, and chlorinated cresols, except as set forth in (c) 1. to (c) 4. below, shall not exceed
1.0 unless higher vales are shown not to be chronically toxic. Such higher values shall be approved in writing by the
Secretary. 2. The compounds listed in (c) 1. to (c) 6. below shall not
exceed the limits specified for each compound.
(52) (c) 1. Phenolic Compound: 2-chlorophenol
Micrograms/L < 400See Note (2).
< 400See Note (2).
(52) (c) 2. Phenolic Compound: 2,4-dichlorophenol
Micrograms/L < 790See Note (2).
< 790See Note (2).
(52) (c) 3. Phenolic Compound: Pentachlorophenol
Micrograms/L < 30 max;< 8.2 annual avg;< e
(1.005 [pH] - 5.29)
< 7.9
(52) (c) 4. Phenolic Compound: 2,4,6-trichlorophenol
Micrograms/L < 6.5 annual avg. < 6.5 annual avg.
(52) (c) 5. Phenolic Compound: 2,4-dinitrophenol
Milligrams/L < 14.26See Note (2).
< 14.26 See Note (2).
(52) (c) 6. Phenolic Compound: Phenol
Milligrams/L < < 3.0 0.3
< L/smargorciM )latnemelE( surohpsohP )35( 0.1
(54) Phthalate Esters Micrograms/L < 0.3
(55) Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Micrograms/L < 0.000045 annual avg.; 0.014 max
< 0.000045 annual avg.; 0.03 max
(56) (a) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total of: Acenaphthylene; Benzo(a)anthracene; Benzo(a)pyrene; Benzo(b)fluoran-thene; Benzo(ghi)perylene; Benzo(k)fluoranthene; Chrysene; Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene; Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene; and Phenanthrene
Micrograms/L < 0.031annual avg. < 0.031 annual avg.
(56) (b) 1 (Individual PAHs): Acenaphthene
Milligrams/L < 2.7See Note (2).
< 2.7See Note (2).
(56) (b) 2. (Individual PAHs): Anthracene
Milligrams/L < 110See Note (2).
< 110See Note (2).
(56) (b) 3. (Individual PAHs): Fluoranthene
Milligrams/L < 0.370 See Note (2).
< 0.370See Note (2).
(56) (b) 4. (Individual PAHs): Fluorene
Milligrams/L < 14See Note (2).
< 14See Note (2).
(56) (b) 5. (Individual PAHs): Pyrene
Milligrams/L < 11See Note (2).
< 11See Note (2).
(57) (a) Radioactive substances (Combined radium 226 and 228)
Picocuries/L < < 5 5
62-302.530, Criteria for Surface Water Quality Classifications
Class III: Recreation, Propagation and Maintenance Healthy, Well-Balanced Population of Fish and Wildl
of a ife
Predominantly Fresh Waters Predominantly Marine WatersParameter Units
��4
62-302.530, Criteria for Surface Water Quality Classifications
Class III: Recreation, Propagation and Maintenance Healthy, Well-Balanced Population of Fish and Wildl
of a ife
Predominantly Fresh Waters Predominantly Marine WatersParameter Units
(57) (b) Radioactive substances (Gross alpha particle activity including radium 226, but excluding radon and uranium)
Picocuries/L < < 51 15
(58) Selenium Micrograms/L < < 0.5 71
(59) Silver Micrograms/L See Note (3).
< 0.07 See Minimum criteria in Section 62-302.500(1)(c)
(60) Specific Conductance (see Conductance, Specific, above)
(61) Substances in concentrations which injure, are chronically toxic to, or produce adverse physiological or behavioral response in humans, plants, or animals
None shall be present.
(62) 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane Micrograms/L < 10.8 annual avg. < 10.8 annual avg.
(63) Tetrachloroethylene (1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethene)
Micrograms/L < 8.85 annual avg. < 8.85 annual avg.
3.6 < 3.6 < L/smargorciM muillahT )46(
(65) Thermal Criteria (See Section 62-302.520)
(66) Total Dissolved Gases Percent of the saturation value for gases at the existing atmospheric and hydrostatic pressures
< 110% of saturation value < 110% of saturation value
(67) Transparency Depth of the compensation point for photosynthetic activity
Shall not be reduced by more than 10% as compared to the
natural background value.
Shall not be reduced by more than 10% as compared to the
natural background value.
(68) Trichloroethylene (trichloroethene)
Micrograms/L < 80.7 annual avg. < 80.7 annual avg.
(69) Turbidity Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU)
< 29 above natural background conditions
< 29 above natural background conditions
(70) Zinc Micrograms/L See Notes (1) and (3).
Zn ≤ e (0.8473 [ln H] + 0.884) < 86
Notes: (1) “ln H” means the natural logarithm of total hardness expressed as milligrams/L of CaCO3 . For metals criteria involving equations with hardness, the hardness shall be set at 25 mg/L if actual hardness is < 25 mg/L and set at 400 mg/L if actual hardness is > 400 mg/L; (2) This criterion is protective of human health not of aquatic life; (3) For application of dissolved metals criteria see 62-302.500(2)(d), F.A.C.
���
B.�.�� / Impaired Basins and TMDL Development Schedule
TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverhasbeenverifiedasanimpairedwaterbody,whichmeansthatitdoesnotmeetthecriteriaoutlinedforitsdesignationasaClassIIIsurfacewaterbody.TotalMaximumDailyLoadsfornutrientsarecur-rentlybeingdevelopedforthiswaterbody.DEPstaffwillbeginworkingwithlocalgovernmentstodraftaBasinActionManagementPlanthatwillidentifyspecificprojectstoreducetheamountofnutrientsreachingtheSt.LucieRiver.
St.LucieBasinImpairedWaterbodiesandTMDLDevelopmentDates.
3160
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Integrated Assessment Category Descriptions* 1 - Attains all designated uses, 2 - Attains some designated uses, 3a - No data and information available to determine if any designated use is attained, 3b - Some data and information available but they are insufficient for determining if any designated use is attained, 3c - Meets planning list criteria and is potentially impaired for one or more designated uses, 4a - Impaired for one or more designated uses and the TMDL is complete, 4b - Impaired for one or more designated uses, but no TMDL is required because a proposed pollution control measure provides reasonable assurance that the water will attain standards in the future, 4c - Impaired for one or more designated uses but no TMDL will be developed because the impairment is not caused by a pollutant, 4b - Impaired for one or more designated uses, but no TMDL is required because a proposed pollution control measure provides reasonable assurance that the water will attain standards in the future, 5 - Water quality standards are not attained and a TMDL is required. May 17, 2006, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
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B.6/Florida Natural Areas Inventory Descriptions
81NaturalCommunitiesareclassifiedbytheFloridaNaturalAreasInventory(FNAI).ANaturalCommunity(NC)isdefinedasadistinctandreoccurringassemblageofpopulationsofplants,animals,fungiandmicroorganismsnaturallyassociatedwitheachotherandtheirphysicalenvironment.Thelevelsofthisclassificationbecomeincreasinglymorecomplexandfinelysubdivided.Atalllevels,however,thereareoverlapsbetweentypesbecauseofoverlappingspeciesdistributionsandintergradingphysicalconditions.
Atthebroadestlevel,theNaturalCommunitiesaregroupedintosevenNaturalCommunityCategoriesbasedonhydrologyandvegetation.AsecondlevelofthehierarchysplitstheNaturalCommunityCategoriesintoNaturalCommunityGroups.Thethirdleveloftheclassification,NaturalCommunityTypes,isthelevelatwhichNaturalCommunitiesarenamedanddescribed.NaturalCommunitiesarecharacterizedanddefinedbyacombinationofphysiognomy,vegetationstructureandcomposition,topography,landform,substrate,soilmoisturecondition,climate,andfire.Theyarenamedfortheirmostcharacteristicbiologicalorphysicalfeature.
3LevelsofNaturalCommunities
•CATEGORIES-basedonhydrologyandvegetation
•Groups-definedbylandform,substrate,andvegitation
•Types-characterizedanddefinedbyacombinationofphysiognomy,vegetationstructureandcomposition,topography,landform,substrate,soilmoisturecondition,climate,andfire
7NaturalCommunityCategories
1.Terrestrial Natural Communities-uplandhabitatsdominatedbyplantswhicharenotadaptedtoanaerobicsoilconditionsimposedbysaturationorinundationformorethan10%ofthegrowingseason.
2.Palustrine Natural Communities-freshwaterwetlandsdominatedbyplantsadaptedtoanaerobicsubstrateconditionsimposedbysubstratesaturationorinundationduring10%ormoreofthegrowingseason.
3.Lacustrine Natural Communities-nonflowingwetlandsofnaturaldepressionslackingpersistentemergentvegetationexceptaroundtheperimeter.
4.Riverine Natural Communities-natural,flowingwatersfromtheirsourcetothedownstreamlimits oftidalinfluence,andboundedbychannelbanks.
5.Subterranean Natural Communitiesoccurbelowgroundsurface.
6.Estuarine Natural Communities-subtidal,intertidal,andsupratidalzonesofcoastalwaterbodies,usuallypartiallyenclosedbylandbutwithaconnectiontotheopensea,withinwhichseawaterissignificantlydilutedwithfreshwaterinflowfromtheland.
7. Marine Natural Communities–occurinsubtidal,intertidal,andsupratidalzonesofthesea,landwardtothepointatwhichseawaterbecomessignificantlydilutedwithfreshwaterinflowfromtheland.
DescriptionsoftheNaturalCommunityTypesfoundinNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve
Terrestrial
XericHammock-characterizedaseitherascrubby,dense,lowcanopyforestwithlittleunderstoryotherthanpalmetto,oramulti-storiedforestoftalltreeswithanopenorclosedcanopy.
ScrubbyFlatwoods-characterizedasanopencanopyforestofwidelyscatteredpinetreeswithasparseshrubbyunderstoryandnumerousareasofbarrenwhitesand.
Palustrine
HydricHammock-characterizedasawelldevelopedhardwoodandcabbagepalmforestwithavariableunderstoryoftendominatedbypalmsandferns.
FloodplainForest-occurondriersoilsatslightelevationswithinfloodplains,suchasonlevees,ridgesandterraces,andareusuallyfloodedforaportionofthegrowingseason.FloodplainForestsarelargelyrestrictedtothealluvialriversofthepanhandle.
FloodplainMarsh-wetlandsofherbaceousvegetationandlowshrubsthatoccurinriverfloodplains,mainlyinCentralFloridaandalongtheSt.Johns,KissimmeeandMyakkarivers,onsandyalluvialsoilswithconsiderablepeataccumulation.
FreshwaterTidalSwamp-occuronfloodplainsnearthemouthsofriversjustinlandfrommangrovesorsaltmarshes.Theyareswampforestswithwell-developedtreesinlandandincreasinglydwarfedtreestowardsthecoast,oftenwithanextensivematofconvolutedsurfaceroots.
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Slough-characterizedasbroadshallowchannels,inundatedwithflowingwater,exceptduringextremedroughts,thatarethedeepestdrainagewayswithinStrandSwampsandSwalesystems.
DepressionMarsh-characterizedasashallow,usuallyroundeddepressioninsandsubstratewithherbaceousvegetationofteninconcentricbands.DepressionMarshesaresimilarinvegetationandphysicalfeaturesto,butaregenerallysmallerthan,BasinMarshes.
Marine and Estuarine
MineralBased
UnconsolidatedSubstrate-characterizedasexpansive,relativelyopenareasofsubtidal,intertidal,andsupratidalzoneswhichlackdensepopulationsofsessileplantandanimalspecies.UnconsolidatedSubstratesareunsolidifiedmaterialandincludecoralgal,marl,mud,mud/sand,sandorshell.Thiscommunitymaysupportalargepopulationofinfaunalorganismsaswellasavarietyoftransientplanktonicandpelagicorganisms
FaunalBased
MolluskReef-characterizedasexpansiveconcentrationsofsessilemollusksoccurringinintertidalandsubtidalzonestoadepthof40feet.InFlorida,themostdevelopedMolluskReefsaregenerallyrestrictedtoestuarineareasandaredominatedbytheAmericanoyster.
FloralBased
SeagrassBed-characterizedasexpansivestandsofvascularplants.Thiscommunityoccursinsubtidal(rarelyintertidal)zones,inclear,coastalwaterswherewaveenergyismoderate.Seagrassesarenottruegrasses.
TidalSwamp-characterizedasdense,lowforestsoccurringalongrelativelyflat,intertidalandsupratidalshorelinesoflowwaveenergyalongsouthernFlorida.
FloridaNaturalAreasInventory,NaturalCommunitiesRankings
BelowaretherelativeranksoftheNCs.FNAIusesseveralcriteriatodeterminetherelativerarityandthreattoeachcommunitytype;thesearetranslatedorsummarizedintoaglobalandastaterank,theGandSranks,respectively.MostGranksforNCsaretemporarypendingcomparisonandcoordinationwithotherstatesusingthismethodologytoclassifyandrankvegetationtypes.(ContactFloridaNaturalAreasInventoryformostrecentnaturalcommunityranks.)AfewNCsandseveralPlantCommunitiesoccuronlyormostlyinFloridaandcanbeconsideredendemictoFlorida.(SeeJ.W.Mulleretal.1989.“SummaryReportontheVascularPlants,AnimalsandPlantCommunitiesEndemictoFlorida”.FloridaGameandFreshWaterFishCommission,NongameWildlifeProgram,TechnicalReportNo.7.)TheonlyopportunityforprotectionofthesecommunitiesisinFloridaandtheyshouldbegivenspecialconsiderationinFlorida’sprotectionefforts
Terrestrial
XericUplands
G3S3XericHammock
MesicFlatlands
G3S3ScrubbyFlatwoods
Paulstrine
WetFlatlands
G4S4HydricHammock
FloodplainWetlands
G4S3FloodplainForest
G3S2FloodplainMarsh
G3S3FreshwaterTidalSwamp
G3S3Slough
BasinWetlands
G4S4DepressionMarsh*
Marine&Estuarine
MineralBased
G5S5UnconsolidatedSubstrate
FaunalBased
G3S3MolluskReef
FloralBased
G2S2SeagrassBed
G3S3TidalSwamp
DefinitionofGlobal(G)elementranks:
G1-Criticallyimperiledgloballybecauseofextremerarity(5orfeweroccurrencesorverylittle remainingarea,e.g.,<2,000acres)orbecauseofsomefactor(s)makingitespeciallyvulnerable toextinction;
G2 -Imperiledgloballybecauseofrarity(6-20occurrencesorverylittleremainingarea,e.g.,<10,000 acres)orbecauseofsomefactor(s)makingitveryvulnerabletoextinctionthroughoutitsrange;
G3-Eitherveryrareandlocalthroughoutitsrangeorfoundlocally(evenabundantlyatsomeofits locations)inarestrictedrangeorbecauseofotherfactorsmakingitvulnerabletoextinction throughoutitsrange,21to100occurrences;
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G4-Apparentlysecureglobally,thoughitmaybequiterareinpartsofitsrange,especiallyatthe periphery;
G5-Demonstrablysecureglobally,thoughitmaybequiterareinpartsofitsrange,especiallyatthe periphery;
G?-uncertainGlobalrank.
DefinitionofState(S)elementranks:
S1-Criticallyimperiledinstatebecauseofextremerarity(5orfeweroccurrencesorverylittle remainingarea)orbecauseofsomefactor(s)makingitespeciallyvulnerabletoextinction;
S2-Imperiledinstatebecauseofrarity(6-20occurrencesorlittleremainingarea)orbecauseofsome factor(s)makingitveryvulnerabletoextinctionthroughoutitrange;
S3-Rareoruncommoninstate(ontheorderof21to100occurrences);
S4-Apparentlysecureinstate,althoughitmayberareinsomepartsofitsstaterange;
S5 -Demonstrablysecureinstateandessentiallyineradicableunderpresentconditions;
S?-uncertainStaterank.
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Appendix C
Public Involvement
C.1 / Advisory Committee
ThefollowingAppendixescontaininformationaboutwhoservesontheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveAdvisoryCommittee,whenmeetingswereheld,copiesofthepublicadvertisementsforthosemeetings,andsummaryofeachmeeting(asrequiredbyCh.259.032(10),F.S.).
C.�.� / List of members and their affiliations
Name Affiliation CountyGregKaufmann DEPSavannasStatePark St.LucieJeffBeal FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission St.LucieDougCoward St.LucieCountyBoardofCountyCommissioners St.LucieMichelleBerger PortSt.LucieCityCouncil St.LuciePatrickGostel SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict St.LucieBoydGunsalus SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict St.LucieWalterEngland CityofPortSt.Lucie St.LucieAnneBirch TheNatureConservancy St.LucieGordonEvans RiparianLandOwner St.LucieDanaWade RiverLillyCruises St.LucieSandyBogan OxbowEco-Center St.LucieAmyMott St.LucieCountyEnvironmentalRegulations St.LucieDougSmith MartinCountyBoardofCountyCommissioners MartinBobbieDeemer LocalResident Martin
C.�.� / Florida Administrative Weekly (F.A.W.) Postings
Meeting: Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Florida Administrative Weekly, Volume ��, Number ��, June �, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ����
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,actingasstafftotheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundannouncesapublicmeetingtowhichallpersonsareinvited.
DateandTime:Wednesday,June27,2007,7:00p.m.
Place:St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-Center,5400N.E.St.JamesDr.,PortSt.Lucie,FL34983
GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:ThepurposeisformembersoftheAdvisoryCommitteetodiscusstherevisionoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan.
AcopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.
PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,1(800)955-8771(TDD)or1(800)955-8770(Voice).
Meeting: Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Florida Administrative Weekly, Volume ��, Number ��, July �0, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ��4�
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,actingasstafftotheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundannouncesapublicmeetingtowhichallpersonsareinvited.
DateandTime:Wednesday,August15,2007,10:00a.m.
Place:St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-Center,5400N.E.St.JamesDr.,PortSt.Lucie,FL34983
GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:ThepurposeisformembersoftheAdvisoryCommitteetodiscusstherevisionoftheNorthFork,St.LucieAquaticPreserveManagementPlan.
AcopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-7995.
��0
PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-7995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,1(800)955-8771(TDD)or1(800)955-8770(Voice).
Meeting: Thursday, November 15, 2007
Florida Administrative Weekly Volume ��, Number 4�, October ��, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. 4���
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,actingasstafftotheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundannouncesapublicmeetingtowhichallpersonsareinvited.
DateandTime:Thursday,November15,2007,6:00p.m.
Place:St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-Center,5400N.E.St.JamesDr.,PortSt.Lucie,FL34983
GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:ThepurposeisformembersoftheAdvisoryCommitteetodiscusstherevisionoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan.
AcopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat772)429-2995.
PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,1(800)955-8771(TDD)or1(800)955-8770(Voice).
C.�.� / Meeting Summaries
Wednesday,June27,2007,7:00P.M.(St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-Center)
AttendanceName AffiliationBeal,Jeff FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommissionBerger,Michelle CityofPortSt.LucieBirch,Anne TheNatureConservancyBogan,Sandra St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-CenterCombs,Chris DEP/CAMACotton,Kim PortSt.LucieHometownNewsCoward,Doug St.LucieCountyBoardofCountyCommissionersCoward,Walter CitizenEngland,Walter CityofPortSt.LucieEvans,DavidG. CitizenFerry,Steve AirbourneMTBFisher,T. CitizenFousek,Steve St.LucieCountyGostel,Pat SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrictGunsalus,Boyd SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrictHaunert,Dan SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrictKaplan,David CitizenKaufmann,Greg DEP/SavannasPreserveStateParkKoroly,Karen CitizenLocke,Vera MarineIndustriesAssociationMott,Amy St.LucieCountyEnvironmentalResourcesDepartmentOpland,Bruce CitizenParis,Joan CitizenPatterson,Mike CitizenPerry,Mark FloridaOceanographicSocietyPovinelli,Andrea TheNatureConservancyShea,Eric DEP-SoutheastDistrictStinnette,Kevin IndianRiverKeeperWade,Dana RiverLillyEco-CruiseRiverToursWade,Deanna RiverLillyEco-CruiseRiverToursWard,GeraldM MarineIndustriesAssociationWetherell,Cathy CityofPortSt.LucieWyskowski,Alan CitizenZano,Frank Citizen
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MeetingSummary
Themeetingstartedwithbriefintroductions.TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservemanager,LauraHerren,gaveapresentationaboutthecurrentstateoftheAquaticPreserve.KarenBarefordprovidedsummaryoftheManagementPlanreviewprocessandwentoverkeydateswiththeCommittee.Finally,themeetingwasturnedovertotheAdvisoryCommitteetoprovideinputaboutwhattheythoughttheissuesandconcernsfacingtheNorthForkare.AsummaryoftheAdvisoryCommitteememberscommentsarebelow.
AdvisoryCommitteeComments
Doug Coward (St. Lucie County BOCC)•InviteelectedofficialfromMartinCountytoAdvisoryCommittee•Activeenvironmentalrestoration-localandstatefunding•Environmentaleducationandcommunityinvolvement-understandingleadstoownership•Publicaccess-workinconcertwithPortSt.LucieandSt.LucieCountytrailsystem•Landacquisition•MitigationwithinAquaticPreserveratherthanoutsideaffectedarea•ProhibitSouthFloridasludgedisposalinSt.LucieCounty•3-tierapproachtoissuesanddocumentstructure:
1.whataffectstheAquaticPreservebutisoutsidethewatershed-canmakerecommendations,2.whataffectstoAquaticPreserveandiswithinthewatershed,and3.whataffectstheAquaticPreserveandiswithintheAquaticPreserveboundary
•Waterquality-publichealth•SupportCERP•Specificactionplanforissues•DraftManagementPlanframeworkrequested
Dana Wade (River Lilly River Cruise)•Erosion•Runoff•Exoticspecies•Enforcement•Whotoreportproblemsto•Updatespeedlimits-northofPrimaVistaBoulevardshouldbenowakezonebecauseofpublicsafetyanderosionduetoboatwakes
Greg Kaufmann (Savannas State Park)•Encroachmentonandprotectionofthewetlandsanduplandssurroundingthesubmergedlands•Exoticspecies•Landusechangesandproposedinfrastructurechanges•Landacquisition•Lawenforcement-vegetationcutting,vessels,urbanencroachment-needtobemoreproactive•Permitting-developmentsetbacks,currentconstruction,floodplainchanges•MakerecommendationsforAquaticPreserveRuleandlocalcodessolawsareenforceable
Jeff Beal (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)•1984ManagementPlandescribesthestateoftheNorthForkratherthangoalsandobjectives•Waterquality•Floodplainconstrainedandmodified•Encroachmentofdevelopment•Publichealthandsafety-E. coli,boatingsafety,pathogens,andpollutants•CERPefforts-AquaticPreservestaffneedtocontinuetobeinvolved•NorthForkistheleastunderstoodofallthetributariesintheIRL•Exoticaquaticspecies•LeaveC-44inwatershed-volumeandqualityofwateraffectsAquaticPreserve•DefineManagementPlanaudience-AquaticPreservestaff,partners,andpublic
Anne Birch (The Nature Conservancy)•Resource-basedmanagementplanwithpublicusethatwouldnotcompromisetheresources•IncludeglobalwarmingandoutsideissuesthataffectAquaticPreservebutthatAquaticPreservestaffcannotchange•ProposedAdvisoryCommitteemeetingafterpublicmeeting-WednesdayAugust15at10amatOxbow•ManagementPlanboilerplaterequested
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Michelle Berger (Port St. Lucie City Council)•SunshineLaw-howtotalktoback-upmemberofAdvisoryCommittee•PortSt.Lucieplanningrestorationanddredgingofrunoffareas-expandtoentireAquaticPreserve•Collaboratewithcountiesandotherorganizationsaboutriverissues•RunoffintotheriverfromC-44,C-24,LakeOkeechobee-E. coli,cattleantibiotics,agriculture•IncludeHarborBranchinAdvisoryCommittee-E. coli anddolphinwork•AlternateAdvisoryCommitteemeetingtimesbetweenAMandPM
Boyd Gunsalus (South Florida Water Management District)•Biggerpicture-10MileCreekReservoir,C-23Reservoir,C-24Reservoir,TMDL,CERPScienceplanforNorthFork•IncludeC-23,C-24,BesseyCreekBasins•C-25BasinnotinAquaticPreservewatershed-emptiesintoIRL•5MileCreekhasitsownwatershed•ManagementPlanframeworkrequested
Dan Haunert (South Florida Water Management District)•DefinethegeographicscopeofManagementPlan•Whatareascanyouactuallymanage-LakeOkeechobeedischargesoutofpurview,takeontoo••muchifincludeAquaticPreservewatershed•ManagementPlanstrawmanrequested
Pat Gostel [sitting in for Yongshan Wan] (South Florida Water Management District)•Identifyfundingsourcesforprojectstoaddressissues
Amy Mott (St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department)•Educationprograms-targetNorthForkhomeownerissues-theybecomestewards
1.Limitthefertilizer,pesticide,andherbicide2.Capturerainwatertodecreasestormwaterrunoff3.Alternativestoseawalls4.Plantnativesratherthanexoticsandxeriscape
•Codeconsistencywithincross-jurisdictionalboundaries-PortSt.Lucie,Ft.Pierce,andSt.LucieCounty•Increaseddevelopmentpressure•Bankerosion•Septictanks-MSTU’scommunitytaxincreaseforcitysewerandwater•SupportCERP•ProcesstoextendAquaticPreserveboundarynorthofMidwayRoad•CanimprovecountycodesandcomplianceinconcertwithAquaticPreserveManagementPlan•Speedzonechanges-makerecommendationstootheragencies•Supportotheragency’stasksinexistingwaterqualityimprovements•Supportlegislationtoincreasefunding•Landacquisition
Gordon Evans (Riparian home owner)•SetboatspeedlimitonNorthForklikeICW-speedapplicabletomiddlethirdofriver,buteastandwestofchannelisnowakezone•ExistingboundaryofAquaticPreservewaspoliticaldecision-proposedboundaryincluded10MileCreekuptoturnpike;St.LucieCountyhadaproposeddrainageprojectnorthofMidwayRd.;sixmonthslatertaxfordrainageprojectvoteddownandprojectneveroccurredandboundaryremainedatMidwayRoad.
PublicComments
Kevin Stinnette•TimedpubliccommentperiodbeforeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting•AlternateAdvisoryCommitteemeetingdates;3rdWed.eachmonthisConservationAllianceofSt.LucieCountymeeting•Waterqualitytestingbroadenedanddonemorefrequently•ChrisWilsonofIFASNorthForkwaterqualitystudy-aldecarb,ethion•NorthForkisClassIII,somaintainitforswimming•Stormwaterdischarges-LakeOkeechobee,PortSt.Lucie•ControlstructuresfortheC-23,C-24,andtheNorthForkneedimprovements-dischargingfromthetopnotthebottom•SupporttheRiversCoalition•Globalwarming
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Dave Kaplan•Waterqualitymonitoring•C-24humanwaste•Opentrenchwateringforgroves•Nutrientloads-testforvisibility,NTUs,E. coli•Education-cutgrassshouldn’tbeblownintostormdrains•LocalwaterqualitymonitoringwithSecchidisk•Combinewatertestingbetweenagencies•Solo-GabrieleofU.MiamiNorthForkwaterqualitystudy•InvolveIRCCCSIlabintrackingsourceofwaterpollutants
Mark Perry•PulltogetherTMDL,CERP,othersciencesince1984ManagementPlan•Haunertstudy-pesticidesandcopperinsediment•Graves1994study-ethionandotherchemicalsinC-23andC-24•TakeonoutsideinfluencesandimpactsthataffecttheAquaticPreserve•Developstrategieswithspecificactions,whoisresponsibletoimplement,andfollowthrough
Bruce Opland•Guidelinesoncleaningsolventsfordocksandboats•Emphasisonpublicuseofthewaterway-useleadstocareforandsupportofwaterway
Gerald Ward•Howisthemeetingbeingrecordedandreported-provideacopy(119)•Publicaccesstopublicwaters-fishing,boating,swimming•Resolveconflictbetweenthe1984AquaticPreserveManagementPlanTrusteedescriptionaswildernesspreserveversusstatutorydescription(258.38)•SplittheAquaticPreserveintwozones-northofC-28Aandsouth•1954AuthorizationofC-23A•Resourceinventoryandreferencelistfrom1984AquaticPreserveManagementPlan-provideacopy(18-20.013)•Schedulerejected(120)•Adopted1984ManagementPlanintorule(18-20.004-7)•Stakeholderisabadterm•ManagementPlanisadirectiontostaffratherthanfeel-gooddocument•AdvisoryCommitteeisbiasedtowardsgovernmentrepresentatives-needmorepublicinvolvedindevelopingManagementPlan•Limitboundary
Steve Fousek•LowerspeedlimitsontheNorthFork•CoordinatewithSt.LucieCountyon25publicaccesssitesalongNorthForkand10MileCreek•CoordinatewithNorthSt.LucieRiverWaterControlDistrict
WrittenPublicComments
David Kaplan / [email protected]
Thankyouforleadingsuchagreatcause.Ihopeyouhavemanysuccesses.Findingachievablegoalswillbeadaunting.ThesewagebeingdumponopengroundsitesnexttotheC-24canalissomethingyoucanonlybelievewhenyousmellitandseeit.
IwouldliketosubmitthisarticleIwrote,andreadsomefromattheOxbowmeeting,forourhomeownersassociation’searthdaynewsletter,asmypubliccomment.OurhomeisontheRiveraswellasmanyofthemembersinourassociation.TheRiverParkMarinawasourcommunityparkandpoolsitewhenGeneralDevelopmentbuiltourneighborhood.
ItwasnicetoseeJamieworkingwithyou.ShedovewiththediveteamIhelpfoundinBrowardCountywhileingraduateschoolatNOVA.Shehasshowndedicateddesiretohelpourenvironmentformanyyearsnow,Thankyouagain!
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Don’tSwimorDrinktheWaterinRiverPark?
June28,2007
DataprovidedbyUniversityofMiamiDr.Solo-GabrieleduringSurfriders’monthlymeetingMarch10th2007,(www.surfrider.org),raisesgreatconcern.GuestspeakerDr.Solo-Gabrieleleda2005-2007studyoftheIRLafterhighbacteriacountsclosedMartinCountybeaches.OneofhereightsamplepointsisPrimaVistabridgeattheRiverParkMarina.PrimaVistaandWhiteCityhavebeeninthetoptwoworstsamplesforeverytimeriverwaterwastested.Allsamplesaredirectlyaffectedbyrain.Theonlytimessamplesarefoundovertheconsideredsafeminimumdailycounts,areafterrainevents.Rainmovesenoughwaterthroughourstormdrainpipesthatitflushessurfacewaterandpurgesdrainfieldsandseptictanksputtinghigherthanconsideredsafelimitsforbacteriaintotheriver.
TheothersadrealitydiscussedisthatNOONEknowswhattosamplefororwhattodowhenlimitsareexceeded.Thisisbyfarthemostin-depthsamplingI’veeverseen.Dr.Solo-Gabrieleadmitsitisonlyforaselectfewindicatorsthattheytestfor.Ateachofhersamplessitestheyhavethreedifferentsamplemethods.Twousefiltersthatrequiremanygallonsofwatertobepassedthroughfiltersthatareelectricallychargedsothattheyattracttheirtargetedprey.ThankstoSenatorKenPruittforgettingthemoneyagainthisyearforanotherstudy.Twentyfoursamplescost$100,000.00toprocess.TheonlycertifiedlabforthisdataisinTampaandHarborBranchrunstheothertests.Theactualpoisonousvirusrequiresanothersetofteststodeterminewhatstrainitis.Anadditionaldownsidetothisverywellthoughtoutlaborioustesting,iswhatdoyoudowhenitdoesn’train?Highreadingshappenafterrainevents,butthishasbeenanunusuallydryperiod.Twoyearsagotheyhadtopickthedateswhensampleswouldbecollected.Soitlookslikethisyear’sresultswillshowallsiteswithinthesafeallowablelimits.
February28thScrippsreportedthatOceanResearch&ConservationAssociationistestinganewwatersamplingdeviceintheIRL.Itwillcollectsixdifferentbitsofinformationandsenditviawirelesstobereportedonawebsite.Theinformationwillbecolorcodedastothequalityofwaterinthelagoon.Youwillbeabletocheckoutthequalityofwaterbehindyourhouse.Gotowww.oceanrecon.orgformoreinfo.BacteriaareNOToneoftheindicatorsthattheywillbesamplingfor.
FebruaryissueofSeaTechnologyeditorialbyUniversityofConnecticutPeterJ.Austerrstates,“Whatdowemeasure,wheredowemeasureit,atwhatpointdoweactandwhatdowedotoreversethetrendinanyparticularmetric?”Seemoreatwww.sea-technology.com.
February24,2007SunSentinelreporterAndyReidwrote,“TestingsoonmaytellEverglade’sclean-upstatus.”HequotesU.S.SugarspokeswomanJudySanchezassaying,“Pointingfingersandsettingdeadlinesdoesnotcleanonedropofwater.”YearsofwranglingledtoaDec.31,2006deadlinetocleanupphosphors.Billionsofdollarshavebeenspentandnowthedeadlinehascomeandgoneandtheresultsarenotin.That’sforonlyonechemicalcompound.Ourriverhasmanyinfluentialcompoundsaffectingit.
WhenwaterisfoundunsafeMartinCountyHealthofficialswillpostsignsonthebeaches,DONOTSWIM.InSaintLucieCountytheypostsignsBewareoftheAlligators.ISTHEWATERSAFE?Itdependstowhoyoutalktoandtheweather.Iwouldnotencourageyoutoswimoreatfishfromourriver.FromallI’vereadandseennooneknowsjustwhatisinourwaterandwhereitiscomingfrom.Allthesearticlesandmeetingsleavemefeelingthatwearenobetteroffthanwewereyearsago.Nooneknowswhattolookfororwhattodoaboutit.TheDEPandEPAbothusedifferentindicators.Someorganizationslookatthebeachesforindicatorsandotherslookinthelagoon.Nooneiscoordinatingallthedifferentgroups.ThelatestistestingforDNAtoprovethatthebacteriaindicatorsarefromhumansoranimals.$$$$expensivetosaytheleast.Inthesetimesoftightbudgetswemusttakethenextstep.Testingandlabscostalotofmoney.
ThismonthScrippsreportedthattheWaterResourcesDevelopmentActpassedHouseCommitteeandtheGovernorwillsignthebillsoon.Thelegislationwouldauthorize$1.37billiontorestorehabitatintheIRLbyremoving7.7millioncubicyardsofmuck.Congresshasnotpassedtheactsince2000.TodonothingwillmeanthecertaindeathoftheRiver.Callyourrepresentativestoday!
IwouldalsoaskforyoursupportfortheIRCCCrimelabthatwillhavetheabilitytotestforDNA.WhatagreatopportunityforourlocalstudentstobetrainedintheCSIprofession.IwouldhopethattheywouldbeallowedtorunDNAtestsonthebacteriafoundinthewater.TorreyPineswillhavethetypeoflabsweneedbutarenotworkingonourwaterproblem.Thisisthelevelandqualityoftestingrequiredifwearegoingtofindtheanswerstoourwaterproblems.
Pumpingwaterfromtheriverforouryard,thisyearforthefirsttime,alltheleavesonourgrapefruittreefelloffafterbeinghitbycanalwaterfromoursprinkler.Whyisthisyeardifferentfromanyother?Idon’tknowanditlookslikenooneelseknowseither.Forcopiesofthesearticlesandotherse-mailmeatdavid.kaplan@gbfinc.netorcall879-6237.
April22from1PMtill3PMRiverParkHomeownersAss.willholdarallybarbequeatRiverParkMarina/boatrampandIencourageyoutocomeoutandsupportRiverParksefforttomakeourcommunityabetterplacetolive.Besafeandbepartofthesolutionandnottheproblem,supportRPHOA.
David Kaplan Treasurer/Director River Park Homeowners Assoc., Unit-4B, Director South Florida Reef Research Team, Inc. (��4) ���-����DON’T DRINK OR SWIM IN THE WATER IN THE NORTH FORK OF THE SAINT LUCIE RIVER!
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Vera Locke, Executive DirectorMarine Industries Association of the Treasure [email protected]. Box ����Stuart, FL �4���(���) ���-����
ThereshouldberepresentationformMartinCountyonyourcommittee.TheNorthForkdoesflowintoMartinCounty.GaryRoderick?PaulMiller?MarkPerryofFloridaOceanographicSociety?KevinHendersonofSt.LucieRiverInitiative?*Also,MartinCountyCommissionersDougSmith&MichaelD.Ferlizzi–PartsoftheirdistrictsareontheNorthFork.
AnonymousBoatingspeedlimitshouldbereducedfrommarker33north.Waterskiingtakesplaceduringtheearlyeveninginthisnarrowchannel.
Bruce Opland, ���-���0IncludeElcamWaterwayinaccessvenuesdefinedinplan.Provideguidelinesoncleaningsolventsrecommendedfordocksandboatsalongthewaterway.
Kevin Stinnette, Indian River Keeper, ���-����, keeper@indianriverkeeper.orgThepublicneedsassurancethatthewaterisswimmable.IFAStestinghasindicatedveryhighlevelsofgldicarb,ethionandotheragriculturalchemicals.Theirmustbeamonitoringprogramfororganiccompoundsandwaterquality.TheSavannasReserveStateParkmustnotbediminishedordamagedbyabridge.Pubicinformationshoulddocumentimpactsandconsequences.ie.Turbidityimpactfromdischargesshouldbeknow.
Mark Perry, Florida Oceanographic Society6/27/07Issues–WaterQuality–AquaticHabitat,(WatershedHabitat)TSS-ClimateChangeTieredApproach(DougCowardNeed“Actions”forPlan
Mary Murphy, DEP - Port St. LucieConversationheldwithDanHaunert(SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict)AlargereasonnooystersinupperNorthFork,believedtohavehistoricallybeenthere,duetosedimentbuildupandmuckbottom.Restorationofsubstrateforoysterandgrassgrowthwillmostlikelyhavetoaddressdemucking.Notonlywoulditimprovesuitablesubstrate,butreducenutrientloadandimproveclarity.Thiswouldprobablybeastrategytoachievealargegoal.
Wednesday,August15,2007,10:00A.M.(St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-Center)
Attendance
Name AffiliationBeal,Jeff FloridaFishandWildlifeCommissionBerger,Michelle CityofPortSt.LucieBogan,Sandra St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-CenterCoward,Doug St.LucieCountyBoardofCommissionsEvans,Gordon RiparianHomeownerEvans,Nancy CitizenGostel,Pat SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict
Kaufmann,GregFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionSavannasPreserveStatePark
Mott,Amy St.LucieCountyEnvironmentalResourcesDepartmentNadeau,Larry CityofPortSt.LuciePovinelli,Andrea(sittinginforAnneBirch) TheNatureConservancyWard,Gerald MarineIndustriesAssociation
ThemeetingstartedwithbriefintroductionsandanupdateoftheAdvisoryCommitteemembersandthePublicscopingMeetingbytheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservemanager,LauraHerren.TheAdvisoryCommitteemettodiscussIssues/Goals/Objectives/StrategiesthatincorporatedconcernsandsuggestionsbyboththeAdvisoryCommitteeattheJune27,2007BriefingMeetingandthegeneralpublicfromtheJuly18,2007PublicScopingMeeting.AsummaryoftheAdvisoryCommitteememberscommentsregardingIssues/Goals/Objectives/Strategiesforthemanagementplanfollow.
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AdvisoryCommitteeComments
•ProvideaclearinghouseofinformationonwaterqualitystudiesoccurringinandaroundtheNorthFork•Asbestaspossible,assistwiththesynthesisofwaterqualitydatathathasbeen,andis,collected.[cityis
workingonthedevelopmentofpdffilesofdata]•Pullinpostdocforverificationofdatasynthesis[SFWMDisworkingonanassessmentoftheSt.Luciewatershed
data]possiblyutilizeauniversitybasedinvolvement•CommentonIRLCCMPUpdate•CommentontheSt.LucieRiverWatershedProtectionPlan•Potential$fromNorthEvergladesRestorationPlanning•FecalColiformtaskforcedatasynthesiseffortfundedbyDEP?(checkwithJenniferGihringinTally)•Holdanannual“statusoftheAP”symposium•Incorporatecommentingonanyotherplansthatmayariseovertime•Forshorelinestabilizationneedtoaddsubmergentandemergentvegetation.•Seekrestorationfunds(andothers:e.g.St.LucieRiverWatershedProtectionPlan)•Attemptplantingofvegetation(submergent&emergent)withinthePreserve(waituntilWQimproves)•Mapsubmergent&emergenthabitatswithinthePreserve•Studytofindoutwhatisactuallycausingtheerosiontotheshorelines•ObtainandmaintainGISmapsofthecurrentstormwaterdrainagesystemsthatincludealloutfallstothe
Preserve.[MichelleBergercanprovide]Rememberthatnoteverythingthatisoutthereismappedsomewhere.•PossiblepartnerwithIFAStoimprovetheaestheticsofneighborhoods•WorkwithIFAS,localgovernments,utilities,(etc.)toeducatethepublicaboutoptionsforretention,etc.(possible
retreatforeducation,workinggroup,documentarytypetelevisioncoverage,etc.)•Workwithlocalgovernmentsontostandardizeordnances•Figureouthowtoidentifylandforacquisitionandthenprioritizeforbufferandretention•Utilitycompaniesmayhaveinfoonsepticlocationsandconditions•Needactionitem(s)toaddressgainedknowledgefromabovestrategies(maybeproposalsforERPA,WMD
publicinterestprojectideas)•WemayneedtodevelopmaterialsthatareNorthForkspecific(butnotre-createthewheel)•Possiblyworkwithlocallandscapingcompaniestocertifythemin‘riverfriendly’bestmgmtpractices(provide
signagetothecompanies&theircustomersas‘green’)thecertificationprocessexists,findoutwhodoesit&whatittakes
•TheonlywaytogettothepublicisviaTVorschoolprograms•Possibly‘certify’homeownersassociationsin‘greenpractices’(Countyhasanassociationofhomeowner
associationsthatmeetseverymonth–theyhaveadatabase/mailinglist)•Potentialstrategy/goalfor“muck”removal•BrazilianPepperasawaterqualityissue•Inmanagementplan,incorporatespecifictargets•Theamountandcurrentstatus–developconditionindicesofthedifferentAquatichabitatwithintheNorthForkSt
LucieRiver•Establishabaseline)[WoodwardClide,1999]foraquatichabitat•Measurechangeovertime(afterbaselineisestablished)needtoidentifyaconsistenttimingofthis•Importanceofneedtoprotectandrestorehabitatsneedstobeprominent•Tiethisintoareasontomonitor.•Provideinformationregardingtheactualresources,andtheirimportance,inthepreservetoregulatorystaff)•Tiesintohabitatmapping,est.ofdiversityrange,importanceofspecifichabitatsforsettlement&aggregation
[note:canbeextremelysensitivetosalinitychanges]areas,historicbreedinggrounds“hotspots”)•Develophabitatmapsforcommerciallyandrecreationallyimportantspecies(e.g.snooks,edibleshrimp,blue
crabs,tarpon,redfish)•MayalsoincludeSt.LucieCounty&WaterMgmtDistrictsinquarterlyresourceupdates•Needtospecifyexactlywhatwillbemonitored(cannotdoitallsopickyourtargetswell–maywanttogetwith
GrantGillmore&DanHaunert•Potentiallyusecitizengroupstomonitorwhereappropriate(canpartnerwithOxbowCenter,County&Harbor
Branch)•Ifpossiblemaintainanexoticspeciesdatabase.•Focusprimarilyonaquaticspeciesforthebrochureandpossiblyplaceinkiosks•NeededGoal:Improveconditionofexoticspecies(e.g.Assistotheragencies,esp.FWC,inidentifyingand
implementeradicationstrategiesforexistingandnewexotic,orinvasiveexotic,species)•Possiblyadd“andentering”,theamountofdebrisinthepreserve•MichelleBergerwillassistwithcoordinationofdiscussingdebrisinaquaticenvironments•Removesubmergeddebris(crabtraps,etc.).•Identifythelocationofsubmergeddebris•EvaluationofStrategy(ies)•Identifysourcesofdebris•Seekopportunitiesfortheinstallationofbottlereturn(funds)[MichelleBergerwillassistwithcoordination]•Enforcementofmanateeprotectionplans
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•FortheBirdrookeriespossiblyusethesheriff’sofficevolunteerprogramorretiredpeopleworkingonthewater&theCoastGuardAuxiliary
•IncludeFiveMileCreekuptotheMillerProperty(northernlimitsoftheBufferPreserve)inthepossibilityofthepreserveexpansion
•Needmoreinformationonwhat“Blueways”areandwhatthedesignationmeans
PublicCommentsGerald Ward•RecognizethatMartinCountyandtherecreationalboatingcommunityisnotrepresented.•EnvironmentalQuality-obtaindatafromhigherlevelgovernmentofficialsfortheAquaticPreserves.•FundingpotentialsneedtobeincorporatedintheManagePlanasprovidedbythelegislators•Waterqualityrelatedhealthissues•Didnotaddresstheboundariesanddifferentiationofthepreservenorthandsouth•Findareferencelistofwhathasbeendone
WrittenPublicCommentsLarry Nadeau•Providea$incentivetosepticlocationsthathaveamunicipalsewerlineandthathavebeengrantedand
exemptiontoconnectinguntilsepticfailure,toencourageanearlyconnection•Fordebris:Recommendastrongerrecyclingprogram,StatemandatesthresholdsBottlelaw–redeem/recycling
andetc.,Strongerlitterlaws•Linkandorreferencetherelationshipsbetweengoals,objectives,andorstrategies•Developamanagementplanforbothenvironmentalandstormwaterbenefitsthroughmaintenance•Fundat75-25plandevelopments•Recommendguardsonpropellers(boat)
Christy J. Church•Iamdeeplyconcernedwithregardtowaterqualityandhumanhealth.Weneedimprovedwaterqualitytesting
andmonitoring•PortSt.LuciedrainagecanalsanddischargesfromtheC-23andC-24canalsshouldbeaddressed•ExcessivefreshwaterfilledwithpollutantsarehavingaSEVEREdetrimentaleffectontheNorthForkAquatic
Preserve•Limitherbicideuseincanals•Protectionofwetlandareas•Removalofexoticvegetationandspecies.(note:NilemonitorlizardalreadyidentifiedinC-24Canal)•Updatespeedlimitsduetopublicsafetyanderosion•IncreasedLawEnforcement•SupportCERP•LandAcquisition•EnvironmentalEducation•CleanWaterAct1972
Thursday,November15,2007,6:00P.M.(St.LucieCountyOxbowEco-Center)
Attendance
Name Affiliation ACMemberBeal,Jeff FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission YesEvans,DavidG. Citizen YesGunsalus,Boyd SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict YesCoward,Doug St.LucieCountyBoardofCountyCommissioners YesBirch,Anne TheNatureConservancy YesKaufmann,Greg DEP/StateParks YesDeemer,Bobbie Citizen YesBogan,Sandra SLCOxbow/EnvironmentalResourcesDepartment YesEngland,Walter CityofPortSt.Lucie YesGostel,Pat SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict YesWade,Dana Citizen YesWard,Gerald MarineIndustriesAssociationTechnicalCommittee NoEvans,Nancy Citizen NoKaplan,David RiverParkHomeownersAssociation NoCoward,Walt Citizen No
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Themeetingstartedwithbriefintroductions.APowerPointpresentationoutliningthemanagementplantimelineandtheincorporationofmajorrevisionsafterthedraftwasdistributedtotheAdvisoryCommitteewasdeliveredbytheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservemanager,LauraHerren.TheAdvisoryCommitteemettodiscussthefirstdraftoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservemanagementplan.AsummaryoftheAdvisoryCommitteememberscommentsregardingthemanagementplanandmanagementplanprocessfollow.
AdvisoryCommitteeComments
Comment Source Location
PopulationofPSL–112sqmi;Maps-someofstraightsectionsofriverblastedbynavyseals-Dept.ofwarrecords1920s–filecanbeobtainedfromWalter.
W.England Page10
HowwaspropertyacquiredfromPSL–1995soldtoDNRover1000acresalongwater$1.5mil,uplandsandwetlands–filecanbeobtainedfromWalter
W.England Page12
Veteran’sMemorialParkway–Veteran’sMemorialPark–oldrailroadtrestlestillonislandasyoucrossriver–harvestedlumberwestofriver–PSLBlvd/CaneSloughRd.
W.England
Veteran’sMemorialParkway–Veteran’sMemorialPark–onboardwalkusedtobeabletoseepilings
G.Evans
RestorationMap–PSLownspropertyforSite5–GregwilllookintowhetherornotitisStateParkproperty.
W.England Page66
Informationundocumented–personalcommunication–needformat. W.England
Name,Title,documenttherestintheliteraturecited. B.Gunsalus
Coordinationofallprojectsgoingonintheriververyimportant. B.DeemerPage63
Research,2ndParagraph
Reportingsuspiciousactivities–onegoalshouldbetohaveanorderlywaytobringthingstotheattentionoftheproperauthoritiessothatitcanbetakencareofquickly(esp.forhomeowners).
B.Deemer
Homeownersguidecouldhavealistofnumbersfordifferentissues. M.Shirley
Mapofadditionaloxbowreconnections;atSite5recentlyandsawgoodthingsandwildlifethathaven’tbeenseenrecentlyorinotherareasoftheriver.
D.Wade
Educationmaterialscanbenon-consumptive(i.e.,website,gov’taccessTV,webcasts,recycledpaperforbrochures);highereducation(i.e.,FAU);industryeducation(i.e.,commercial,landscapers).
S.Bogan Objective3
TMCarcheologicalsociety–artifacts–sourceSFWMD,DHR,Sandyhascopy,NewSouthcontractorforSFWMD.
S.Bogan History
Archeological–SpruceBluff–goalsobjectives,etc.aboutpreservingtheseresources(SLCESL,Savannas-NF).
D.Coward
Interestinpromotinghighereducationfornaturalresources(UF,FAU,HBOI)–encourageuniversitysysteminthisareawithprogramsforenvt’lengineering,fisheries,etc.
D.Coward
Localresidentstohaveownership–CSO. D.Coward Page45
Communityownership–goalorobjectiveistoresurrectCSOandotherstrategiesunderthisgoal–onpage84objective1
D.CowardPage95
Mitigation–Platt’sCreekMitigationBankwillrequire$5mil,probablywon’tcometofruition;concernaboutmitigationinregionasopposedtowithinoradjacenttopreserve(i.e.,reconnectoxbowsandotherAPrestorationneeds)–forsmallprojects,havepermittingagenciespool$untilalargeprojectcanbedone
D.CowardPage70,middle
paragraph
Strategytocoordinatewithpermittersforaboverecommendation A.BirchNaturalResource
ManagementGoal2
Tabulatemitigationvalueofrestorationprojects D.Coward
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Comment Source Location
Restorationefforts–N.Everglades$-goal/objectivetousethesefundstorestoreAPandwatershed;differentfromCERPbecausenotsomuchengineering;strategyforstatelegislature
D.Coward
NaturalCommunitiesMap–acreagesincludesprivateandpubliclands–recommendtoremoveacreageandjustdescribehabitatsbecausesomeofitmaybedeveloped,andacreageislargerthanthatofconservationlandsaroundtheriver
G.Kaufmann
“workingwith”or“identifying”languagenotspecificenough–statetoppriorityofrestorationprojects
G.Kaufmann
Strategy-Floodplainteamasvehicleforrestorationpriorities J.Beal&M.Shirley
Chapter5laysoutwhatwe’lldo,butprioritizeisimportantandnotinchapter5(i.e.,top5oxbowstodoinnext5years);Timeframedoesn’tpopout–publicwillwanttoseetimeframeandpriorities;Statethatwehaveanannualworkplanandthatitwillbehowtheseprojectsgetdone;Thecleareritisstated,themoresupportwecangetfromthepublic
P.Gostel
ImplementationschedulecolumninMPwillhelpwithpriorities;annualworkplanwillcomefromthisMP
M.Shirley
Implementationdatecanbedifferentfrompriority(duetodate,fundingavailability)
B.Gunsalus
TNCfeelsprioritizationneedstospelledout–toolsexisttodothat–partnersneedtoknowCAMA’spriorities
A.Birch
Developreportcardsforhowwe’redoingbasedontheplan P.Gostel
TalktoScottTayloraboutRivuluscapture#1 J.Beal Page37
Addgrasscarptoexoticspecies–recentelectroshockefforts–don’tknowifthereisabreedingpopulation
J.Beal Page41
GrasscarpbeingaddedtopondbyPSLforaquaticvegetationmanagement–sendconcernstoW.England
G.Kaufmann
Seagrassmonitoring–changetitletoandincludesubmergedandemergent J.Beal Page61
Othermonitoringwithhydrorest–turbidityandDO J.Beal Page65
Platt’sCreekMitigationBank–nextfewweekdwillhavemoreinfoforpublicaccess,restoration,envt’leducation
J.Beal
Numberofletterstrategieswithinchapter5 J.Beal
Specieslistdocumentation(reference)important J.Beal
IncludeCERPperformancemeasures(salinity),additionalproposedconveyance;humanhealthandwaterquality,workwithpartnerstoalertpeople;strategiesneedtobemeasurable;prioritiesnecessary,butperhapsnottop5oxbowreconnects–notreadyforthatyet
J.Beal
Execsumneedstomatchdocument–expandto4-5pageswithprioritiesatend;Potentially2reports–APMgmtPlan;backgroundandhistoryasupportdoc;Oxbowrecon–WQandfisherieshabitat;Severalpagescanbeputintomaporothergraphic–canworkwithSFWMDonthese;EditRedundancy;Edandoutreach–practicaltobringawarenesstoresidents;agindustrystepsupmorethenurban;Workwithuniversitiestohelpurban;Scienceplan–wquantityeachcanals;Ground-truthforaccuratehabitatmaps;TMCproblemverbiage–builtbeforeHurricaneKatrina–newdesigncriteria;Needstobeeasilyreadandshorter
B.Gunsalus
WQ&Q–needtoaddressquantityingoalsandstrategies;AdditionalgoalinWQ&Q–toprotectlandsasbuffer(rightnowit’sastrategy);Goal1–otherstrategies(WQuantity,CERPprojectsthatimproveWQ&Q);G1,I1,Obj2–education-printedpiecenotalwayssuccessful–speakwithgrouptoseewhattheirneedsareandhowbesttopresentinfotogroup;Pathogensandparasites(lookinto&partnerwithNEPbiotoxinprogram);Defineconversionofhigh-priorityareastosewer;Agreewithmitigationcommentsearlier;I2–addimplementationonmanagementnotjustmonitoringG2–ifbeingspecific,includeshellfish,finfish,SAV–orsavespecificsforworkplan;Eradicationofexotics–needtoimplementnotjustmonitor;Prioritize
A.Birch Chapter5
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Comment Source Location
Recordofalligatorbreeding–23babieswhenboughtproperty;Greg&DanaWadecanshowusnests;MiamigrouptosurveySLRin‘60s–EvansCreekwasfullofwaterhyacinthandsawmanyalligators;Numberofplantslistedismeagerinnaturalcommunitiesdescription–liveoaksandotheroaksdominatecertainareas,cypresstrees-listmoreobvioustrees;Needtohavesomeoneinchargeofpublicrelations–peopleareinterestedinknowingwhat’sgoingon(ie.,MosquitoControleffectivewithparticularreporteratnewspaperinterestedinnaturalareas)–APcanusethistypeofpublicitytogetthepublicinterested;canbemanagedoutofAPoffice;HavesomeonesurveyAPatleastonce/month–presence,observe,combinewithsampling–cancatchproblemsbeforetheygettoobig(i.e.,likeRiverkeeper)–Wade’sonrivereveryday(Nov1-July)–expandsosurveyentireriver
G.Evans Page39
CypressatMillerproperty G.Kaufmann
Cypressatoxbowrecon D.Wade
Publicrelations–SLCountyTVtogetmessageout–APstaffdospecialshow–whatwe’redoing,deadlines,givewebsitesotheycanseeplan–checkwithDEPPRstaff
D.Coward
OxbowSLRexhibitDec3-10installed–promotionofriver S.Bogan
JDstateparkRiverfest–makeoneeventspecifictorivertobuildsupportandawareness
G.Kaufmann
PieceofAPvideothatwasdoneonNF–copytoSandy J.Beal
Notjustroutineed&out,but1personwithmarketingpointofview P.Gostel
Workinggroup–ArchieCarrhasonemeets3x/yearwithcitizens,agency,etc.- A.Birch
NeedacommunitygrouptohelpwithtasksthatAPstaffdon’thavetime(i.e.,exoticspeciesremoval,personwithmarketingexperience)
D.Coward
GirlScoutswereworkingonriveratonetime B.Deemer
Grant$forcommunitygroupnotavailabletojustagency(501c3) D.Coward
GTMNERRhasstandingadvgroupmeetscoupleoftimesayear–brainstormoverstumblingblocksonceimplementMP–canbeinformal,goaltohelpimplementplan–workinggroup;DifferentthanGTMCSO
M.Shirley
RecommendbothCSO(forpublicawareness,outreach,andfundraising)andworkinggroup/TAC(forresourcemanagement);otherwisegoalscanconflict
G.Kaufmann&A.Birch
GetwithKellytodeterminehowtoarrangeCSOandworkinggroup. M.Shirley
Timeline–canwehaveanextensionifnecessarytocreatebestproductpossible;LetterfromcommitteetoCAMAdirectorandCZMProgramre:1)highqualityplanneedstotakepriorityoverdeadlines;and2)moremeaningfulpublicinvolvementMotiontoextendatleast1month-voted
B.Gunsalus
Referencethefactthatthereareworkplans;Peopleneedtoknowtogotoworkplantoseedetailsthataren’tinMP
P.Gostel
Pushingitbackallowsformoremeaningfulpublicinvolvement(i.e.,TVshowandotheroutlets)
D.Coward
Provideemailwithessentialpersonsforletterwriting. A.Birch
PublicCommentsGerald Ward•RepresentsMarineIndustriesandFloridaEngineeringConservationandEnvironmentalQuality•HashadnocontactsinceSeptember•MajorCh.120problems–DEPlawyerneedstobeatmeetings•MeetingpursuanttoCh.25837.1•Mr.Englandtoldussomemajorproblems–payattention•AskedforexistingresourceinventorypursuanttoCh.119•Mr.CowardraisedissueofROMAs–notagoodidea•Expandingdocksandmitigationcontraryto25844andtherule•Verbalcommentsexpungedfromprevioussummaries•CSO–stateparksystemhasbetterprocess,orstandingcommitteesuggestionmoreproductivethanCSO•AbolishCAMA,putunderDivisionofRecreationandParks•180pagesisobnoxious–goalshouldbeunder100pages,doublespaced
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•NoMartinCountyrepresentative•NoMarineIndustriesrepresentative•Focuson8squaremiles
Walt Coward•PropertyowneralongNorthFork•SeesmeritincommunityinvolvementgoalofreestablishingCSOasavehicletohavevolunteershelpAPstaffwith
activities•Suggestsdifferentangleforadditionalcommunityinvolvementgoal:co/joint-managementbycreatinga
“standingcommittee,”composedofagencyfolkaswellascommunitygroup,toassistAPstaffwithimplementingmanagementplanactivitiesaswellasperiodicupdatingofmanagementplan
WrittenPublicComments
David Kaplan•Howsoonwillbrochure/flyerbeready?IwouldliketoincludeitinourhomeownernewslettergoingoutDec7th.
C.2 / Public Scoping Meeting(s)
ThefollowingAppendixescontaininformationaboutthePublicScopingMeeting(s)whichwasheldinordertoobtaininputfromthepublicaswhattheythoughttheissuesinNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservewere.Therearecopiesofthepublicadvertisementsforthosemeetings,alistofattendees,asummaryofthemeeting(s)(asrequiredbyCh.259.032(10),F.S.),andacopyofthewrittencommentsreceived.
C.�.� / Florida Administrative Weekly (F.A.W.) Posting
Meeting: Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Florida Administrative Weekly, Volume ��, Number ��, June �, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ����
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,actingasstafftotheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundannouncesapublicmeetingtowhichallpersonsareinvited.
DateandTime:Wednesday,July18,2007,7:00p.m.
Place:UniversityofFloridaIndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter,299SouthRockRd.,FortPierce,FL34945
GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:Thepurposeofthismeetingistoinformthepubliconthemanagementplanreviewprocessandtosolicitinputonissuestheyareinterestedinseeingaddressedintheplan.
AcopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,(800)955-8771(TDD)or(800)955-8770(Voice).
Meeting: Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Florida Administrative Weekly Volume ��, Number �4, June ��, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ���0
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,actingasstafftotheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundannouncesapublicmeetingtowhichallpersonsareinvited.
DateandTime:Wednesday,July18,2007,7:00p.m.
Place:UniversityofFloridaIndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter,299SouthRockRd.,FortPierce,FL34945
GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:TheJune1,2007noticeregardingtheJuly18,2007meetingforthepurposeofinformingthepubliconthemanagementplanreviewprocessandtosolicitinputonissuestheyareinterestedinseeingaddressedintheplaninadvertentlyomittedthenameofthesitebeingdiscussed.ThismeetingisfortheNorthFork,St.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.
AcopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.
PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,(800)955-8771(TDD)or(800)955-8770(Voice).
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Meeting: Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Florida Administrative Weekly Volume ��, Number ��, June ��, �00� Section VI - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ��4�
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,actingasstafftotheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundannouncesapublicmeetingtowhichallpersonsareinvited.
DateandTime:Wednesday,July18,2007,7:00p.m.
Place:UniversityofFloridaIndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter,299SouthRockRd.,FortPierce,FL34945
GeneralSubjectMattertobeDiscussed:TheNorthFork,St.LucieAquaticPreserveAdvisoryCommitteemeetingwillbeheldinconjunctionwiththepublicmeetingadvertisedintheJune1,2007,F.A.W.,toinformthepubliconthemanagementplanreviewprocessandtosolicitinputonissuestheyareinterestedinseeingaddressedintheNorthFork,St.LucieAquaticPreserveManagementPlan.
AcopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.
PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontactingAquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,1(800)955-8771(TDD)or1(800)955-8770(Voice).
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C.�.� / Advertisement Flyers
North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve
Public MeetingWednesday, July 18, 2007, 7:00 pm
University of Florida Indian River Research & Education Center
2199 South Rock Rd.Fort Pierce, FL 34945
Florida Department of Environmental Protection • Office of Coastal & Aquatic Managed Areas
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) is responsible for the management of Florida’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, 3 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR), 1 National Marine Sanctuary, and the Coral Reef Conservation Program. These protected areas comprise more than 4 million acres of the most valuable submerged lands and select coastal uplands in Florida. CAMA is updating the site specific management plans, and currently has three plans under review. These sites will be holding formal public meetings to receive input on the new draft plans.
These scoping meetings will assist in crafting the content for individual site management plans.The information from each meeting will be recorded, compiled, and presented to CAMA by facilitators.The objectives of the public scoping meetings are to:
• Inform the public about the history, purpose, and scope of management plan development
• Solicit public input regarding issues and opportunities that should be addressed in the management plan
For more information, please contact Aquatic Preserve Manager, Laura Herren, at (772) 429-2995/[email protected], or visit our website at www.aquaticpreserves.org. Written comments are welcome and can be submitted via by fax: (850) 245-2110 Attn: North Fork; or email [email protected].
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the a agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting Laura Herren at (772) 429-2995. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (Voice).
This publication funded in part through a grant agreement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Coastal Management Program by a grant provided by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Award No. NA06NOS4190129-CZ709. The views, statements, finding, conclusions, and recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Florida, NOAA, or any of its subagencies. June, 2007.
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C.�.� / Summary of the Public Scoping Meeting
Wednesday,July18,2007,7:00P.M.(UniversityofFloridaIndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter) Attendance
Name Affiliation County
Beall,Baret MartinCountyParks MartinBerger,Michelle CityofPortSt.Lucie St.LucieBirch,Anne TheNatureConservancy St.LucieCassens,Steve NorthSt.LucieWaterControlDistrict St.LucieChapman,Mary EAC-Lawyer MartinCook,Fred Citizen St.LucieCoward,Doug SLCBoardofCountyCommissioners St.LucieCoward,Rose Citizen St.LucieDahan,Mike Citizen St.LucieDahan,Amy HeathcoteBotanicalGardens St.LucieDeemer,Bobbie AdvisoryCommittee St.LucieDewey,Gretchen G.DeweyRealtorEhrlich,Barry K&S BrowardEngland,Walter CityofPortSt.Lucie St.LucieEvans,Gordon AdvisoryCommittee St.LucieEvans,Nancy RiparianHomeowner St.LucieGarcia,Ray IBFH/NorthSt.LucieWaterControlDistrict MartinGordon,Bill Citizen St.LucieGostel,Pat SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict MartinGunsalus,Boyd SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict MartinHerren,Rick IndianRiverCounty IndianRiverHiller,John PortSt.LucieCitizen St.LucieHilley,Louise Citizen St.LucieHolt,John Citizen St.LucieKaplan,David PortSt.Lucie St.LucieKaufman,Greg DEP/SavannasPreserveStatePark St.LucieKean,Bridgit CityofPortSt.Lucie St.LucieKeller,Doug CreechEngineers MartinLaMartina,Kathy SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict MartinMcDevitt,Erin FFWCC St.LucieOpland,Bruce Citizen St.LuciePhillips,Harold St.LucieAudubon St.LuciePovinelli,Andrea TheNatureConservancyPrice,AprilComm ASMFC St.LucieRau,Kenneth CreechEngineers MartinRichards,Joe Citizen St.LucieRichards,Richards Citizen St.LucieSculley,Jim Citizen St.LucieSmall,Danna KimleyHornAssoc.Steward,Kristine Keith&Schnars BrowardStinnette,Kevin IndianRiverkeeper MartinTanblyn,Mark FloridaInlandNavigationDistrictTurner,Wade FloridaDept.ofEnvironmentalProtection MartinWard,Gerald Fes-CedMiatcLeg.Comm
Introduction
OnJuly18,2007theSt.LucieAquaticPreserveconductedapublicmeetingtomeetthefollowingobjectives:
1. Reviewpurposeofandprocessforreviewingthesitemanagementplan.
2. ReceiveinputregardingtheperceivedissuesandconcernsfortheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.
Thiswasthefirstpublicmeetingrelatedtothedraftingofthesite’smanagementplan.Asecondmeetingwillbeplannedtoreviewthefindingsfromthisfirstpublicmeeting
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Themeetingfollowedthefollowingagenda:
•OfficialWelcomeandintroductiontomeeting
•OverviewPresentation:presentationthatdescribesthemanagementarea’sboundaries,availablemanagementresources,currentprojects,andotherkeypointsthatparticipantsshouldhavebeforeprovidinginput.
•PublicCommentandStakeholderFeedback:Opportunityforpublictoprovidewrittenandverbalinputtothemanagementareastaffbyvisitinga“kiosks.”
•KioskReports:Staffprovidesaverbalsummaryofthecommentstheyreceivedattheirkiosk.
•PublicComment:Participantswhowantedtomakeaverbalpublicstatementwereaskedtosignaposted“speakerslist”.Anopportunityforthoseparticipantsthatsignedthe“speakerslist”tomakepublicstatementtothefullassemblywasgivenattheendofeachevening.Onlywrittencommentswereincludedinthismeetingsummary.
Themeetingwasdesignedtoencouragedialoguebetweenthepublicandstaffonspecificissuesaswellasprovidingaforumforgeneralcommentsandobservations.
CAMA’sPlanningProgram
TheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection’sOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)isresponsibleforthemanagementofFlorida’s41AquaticPreserves,3NationalEstuarineResearchReserves(NERR),1NationalMarineSanctuary,andtheCoralReefConservationProgram.Theseprotectedareascomprisemorethan4millionacresofthemostvaluablesubmergedlandsandselectcoastaluplandsinFlorida.CAMAiscurrentlyintheprocessofrevisingitssitemanagementplans,includingtheplanfortheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.Theseplanswillprovideacriticalmanagementframeworkforthesites,settingprioritiesandguidingimplementationforthenext10years.
Thisdocument
Thisdocumentincludesbothwrittencommentsreceivedattheworkshopsandbyemail/postalmailduringthecommentperiod.Italsoincludesasummaryofthereportsmadebythestaffattheendofthekioskperiod.Thissummaryisnotmeanttobeadetaileddescriptionoftheproceedings,butarecordofthemajorthemesandcommentsreceived.Onlywrittencommentswereincludedinthismeetingsummary.
GeneralSummaryoftheMeeting
Belowisanoverallsummaryofthecommentsreceivedduringthepublicmeetingprocess:
•TheimportanceoffocusingonareasonablenumberofissuesandmanagementactionsthatcouldbesuccessfullyimplementedwithintheAquaticPreserve’scurrentandanticipatedhumanandfinancialresources.Theincompleteimplementationofthepreviousmanagementplanwasnoted.
•Impact,bothintermsofqualityandquantityofwater,fromdrainagecanalsanditsaffectonthewaterquality,floraandfaunawithintheAquaticPreserve.
•TheimportanceofconnectingthecommunitywiththeAquaticPreserveandenlistingthemtomitigatelocalimpacts.
•Increasingpotentialforusergroupconflicts.
•StormwatermanagementwithintheAquaticPreserveboundaryanditsaffectonthewaterquality.
Writtencommentsreceivedoncommentcardsatmeeting
AsapastmemberandtwiceChairmanofthePortSt.LucieCityPlanningandZoningBoard,Ihavebeenawareoftheneedforandtheprogressofourcitiesthirdeast-westcorridorfromourwesternbeachestoUSHWY1.Thepreservenowhas5000acresinMartinandSt.Luciecounties.In1991St.Luciesold1000+acresoftheriverlandtothestatefor$1,502,000.00,approximately$1380dollarsanacre.Atthattimearequesttoprovideaccessacrosstheriverwasdenied,reason,toopremature.Now15yearslaterwearestilldiscussingthewaystocrosstheriver.MeantimetheCityisconstructingitsGlaneCrossTownParkwayaprogrammanyarecallingthehighwaytonowherecausingmoreproblemsforourcommunitycitizens.Withtoday’sknowledgeandequipmentthisareacanbetraversedwithlittleornoharmtotheriverarea.Sowhyisitbeingdelayed,orinmyopinion,ignored?Comment provided Fred Cook �� Year resident of Port St. Lucie, FL.
Dowecoordinateand/orcooperatewithMartinCountysothatwedon’tduplicateand/orworkagainsteachotherbutreinforcetheworkcompletedastheriveriscontinuous.Comment provided by Anonymous
Publiceducationtoinformrecreationalwaterusersastohowtohaveminimalimpact.Comment provided by Anonymous
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TheplanshouldincorporateadvocacyforTMDL’sthatwilladdresssalinityandturbidityaswellaspreviouslyidentifiedparameters.Thereneedstobeasalinitybasedcontrolthatprovidesspeciestherightsalinityattherighttimesfortheirlifecycles.Thequantityofwaterdischargedisimportantturbiditystandardsshouldprecludeturbidwaterbeingdischarged.Comment provided by Kevin Stinnette
Justasasuggestion-needtofocusonwhatdidnotworkforcurrentplanandthenlookatneedsandrealisticrevisions.Focusonwhatcanactuallybeaddressedinmanagementplaninthesemeetings-beyondthatisnotagooduseofthepublic’stime.Danna Small, [email protected]
Thebiggestissueislanduseanddrainageinthewatershed.Pollutingchemicals,includingnutrients,donotevaporateordisappearduringdryperiods.Evensettingpondsdonotdestroythem.Whentheraincomes,thepollutantsrunoff.Withwind,sedimentsarestirredupandreleasemore.Allthepollutantsonthewatershedendinthenorthfork,theSt.LucieRiugtz,andthentheIRLandtheocean.Comment provided by John Holt, [email protected]
Needcontrolofspeedofboats-theriverisnarrowinmanyplacesandthewakeresultsinerosion.Thereisalsoasafetyissue-thewakescanupsetcanoesandkayaks.Alsothereseemstobeaproblemaboutpolicejurisdictionontheriver-isitPLSorCountyorWildlifeManagement?Comment provided by anonymous
Thereshouldbeaprogramoflandacquisitionstotrytoexertbettercontrolofpollutingrun-off.Irealizethisisprobablybeyondyourscope.Thereshouldbeagreatereffortatpubliceducationforlandownersandboatersastohowtheirpracticesaffectthepreserve.Comment provided by anonymous.
Makesurebaselinestudiesarecompletesothatweknowwhatspeciesretherethosethatweneedtohelppreserveandexoticsthatneedtobecontrolledand/oreradicated.Comment provided by anonymous
ArewetryingtoincreaselandacquisitiontoincreasethePreserveandbufferasdevelopmentincreases.Comment provided by anonymous
OpossumPipefishHabitatmustbeprotected.Theremustbelimitsonherbicideuseincanalsandimportantplantsmustbeprotected(Panicumandothers).Wetlandsmustbeprotectedinthewatershed.Comment provided by anonymous
Stormwaterattenuationneedstobeexpandedallalongtheboundariesofthepreserve.PortSt.Lucieneedstoremoveswalelinersthatincreasestormwatertothepreserve.Comment provided by anonymous
St.LucieAudubonSocietyandAudubonofFloridasupportthe“NoBuild”optionre:aproposedBridgecrossingonthenorthforkSt.LucieRiver.WhenwillCAMArequestaELAandwhyhastheworkprogressedthisfartoStage4withoutaELAbeingrequested.WhatistheimpactonthewatershedoftheParkway(WestVirginiaCorridor)doesCAMAsupportanobuildoption?Ifnotwhy?Comment provided by Harold Philips- Conservation Officer St. Lucie Audubon Society.
Pleaseaddressagriculturalpollutioncomingfromthecanalsaswellastheswalescalerun-offfromtheneighborhoods,(lawns,leakingseptictanks)andmunicipalities(stormwatersewers).Comments provided by Gretchen L. Dewey- Recitor Martin Company, Environmentalist
Mypersonalandprofessionalgoalsinclude:1.EducatingTreasureCoastresidentsinwisewater-managementandchemicalgardenapplicationsthataffectrun-offandwaterandenvironmentalquality,2.Inspiringresidentstoappreciateournaturallandscape,3.Partneringwithotheragencies,volunteersandnon-profitstoachievethis,4.Promotingnativeplantsandavoidanceofmassiveexotics.Comment provided by Amy Dahan, Director, Heathcote Botanical Gardens, [email protected]
Withinthewatershed,whatimprovementshavebeenmadetoimproveH2Oqualitysince1984?Haveyouinvolvedallthemunicipalitiesandcountieswithinthewatershed?Doyouintendtodoso?Comment provided by Amy Price, ASMFC, [email protected]
Createamanualinformingnewwaterfronthomebuyersaboutnotremovingwateredgevegetationtopreservetheriverbankinitsnaturalstate.Eliminateneedtoripraptopreservetheriverbank.Comment provided by anonymous.
MartinCountywouldliketoseeaBluewaysprogramassociatedwiththepreservethecountywouldbeinterestedinpartneringwithDEP/CAMAtoimplementthisprogram.AbluewaysprogramcurrentlyexistsinMartinCountyandcouldeasilybeexpandedtoincludeareasinthepreserve.Comments provided by anonymous.
MorereconnectionsandexpansionofpreserveNorth.Comments provided by anonymous.
Concernaboutpollutionrun-offcomingfromlargerscaleagricultureoperationsaswellasstormwaterrun-offcomingfrommunicipalitiesandresidentialneighborhoods(sewers,leakingseptictanks,etc).Perhapsmorepressureongovernmentstoinact/enforceregulations?Comments provided by Gretchen Dewey- Martin County Realtor- Environmentalist.
Areweacquiringthemoststrategiclandareaswithinthewatershedtohelpbuffertheeffectsasdevelopmentonthepreserveitself.Comment provided by anonymous.
Piggybackonexistingpostersandstormdraininletmarkers,stencils,everyoneisdownstream.Comment provided by Q. Kaple.
Thereshouldbegreatereffortatpubliceducationaboutthepreserveandhowthepracticesofindividuals,businesses,andthegovernmentagenciesaffectthepreserve.Also,letthepublicknowthevalueofthepreserve.Comment provided by anonymous.
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Whatmanagementchangesareyouexpectingtoadoptthatarenotinthecurrentplan.2.Whathavebeentheresultsthathavebeenadheredtodatebasedonthecurrentmanagementplan?3.Whatdoyouconsidertobetheprimaryissues?Comments provided by April Price, FL Commissioner, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, [email protected]
Whatareyoudoingforpublicaccess?Whatforms?AreweincompliancewithChapter120?Isuggestyounarrowyourscopetothe10yearplantoitemsthatyouhavenotbeenabletoaccomplishinyour20yearplantodate!Comments provided by April Price, FL Comm., ASMFC. [email protected]
TheMiamiareaemploysan“UrbanDevelopmentBoundary”toprotecttheareaswestofDadeCounty.WiththerapidgrowthofPortSt.Lucieinmind,doyoubelieveasimilarlyboundarywillbediscussedinthenearfuture?Comment provided by Doug Keller, ���-�40-����.
Writtencommentssubmittedduringcommentperiod.
Thesearewrittencommentsreceivedwithinthecommentperiod,whichendedonMay7th.
From: Ray Garcia [[email protected]]
Subject: Public Scoping Meeting July ��, �00�
Ms.Herren,
ItwasapleasuremeetingyouattheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservemeetinglastweek.ThefollowingaretwocommentswehadrepresentingtheNorthSt.LucieRiverWaterControlDistrict(NSLRWCD),whichwedidnothavetimesubmitduringthemeeting.
1.RegardingtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservewatershedboundary,werecommendyourevisethenorthboundarylinetocoincidewiththenorthboundarylineoftheNSLRWCD.TherearesomeindividualconnectionsbetweenNSLRWCDandtheSFWMDC-25Canal,however,amajorityoftheannualrunofffromthisareatravelssouth.
2.WesuggestyouincludetheFiveMileCreekandTenMileCreeksystemsnorthofMidwayRoadintothemanagementprogram.TheNSLRWCDwasdesignedaroundthesestreamsintheearlypartofthecentury,however,NSLRWCDdoesnotownright-of-wayalongthesestreamsandtheyarenotcurrentlyinanyagencymaintenanceprogramthatweareawareof.Intheearlydays,theyweremodifiedtofacilitatedrainageforroughly65,000acres.Thesestillfunctioninconceptasoriginallydesigned,however,NSLRWCDdoesnothavejurisdictionformaintenance.Largeportionsofthesereachesareinpoorcondition,andcontaininvasivesandsedimentationwhichcanadverselyimpactthedownstreampreservesystem.Restrictionstoflowthroughthisareawerenoticeableduringtherecenthurricaneactivity.Improvingthesesystemswouldimprovecontroloftheupstreamflow,whichisalsoanimportantelementinwaterquality.
PleasecallmeatanytimeifyouhaveanyquestionsorwouldliketofurtherdiscusstheNSLRWCDsystem.
Sincerely,
RayGarcia,PE,LBFHIncorporated
ConsultingCivilEngineers,Surveyors&Mappers
3550SWCorporateParkway,PalmCity,FL34990
772-219-2832,772-286-3925/fax,[email protected]
From: Phil and Gerry Tafoya [[email protected]]
Subject: St Lucie Estuary
DearLaura:
Sorrywecouldnotmakethemeeting.Thefollowingaresomeideaswehavetomakeourriverabetterplaceforpeopleandespeciallyourwildlifethatisslowlydisappearing.
Wefeelthereshouldbestricterenforcementonhowclosepeoplebuildtothewater.Wehadtohavea50footsetbackwhenwebuiltourhome,butweseeotherhousesmuchclosertothewater.Wehaveseenpeoplebuildingdockswithoutturbiditybooms,sawingthepressuretreatedwoodwithpiecesandsawdustfallingintothewater.Wedonotneedmorearsenicinthewater.Idonotknowiftheyhavepermitsforthedocksandretentionwallsthataregoingup.IdoknowwhenwebuiltourdocktheArmyCorp.andtheDEPcametoourhouseandtolduswherewecouldbuildourdockandgaveusguidelinesonkeepingthewaterclean.Ialsothoughtyouneededpermitstoremovelivetreesunlesstheyarepeppertrees.Thistooneedscloserwatch.TheCountyissuestoomanypermits.Iknowthereisstillafewmilliondollarsinthe“SaveOurLands”kitty.Iheartheyarelookingtobuylandforaschoolwiththis.Whatisthatabout?Ithinkweneedmoreretentionareasoratleastmorebaffleboxes.
IcouldgoonbutIknowIhavesaidenough.Youprobablydonothavetheauthoritytodomostofthesethings,butifsomethingcouldbedoneitisbetterthannothing.Thankyouforyourtimeandinterestinpreservingourriver.Weloveithereanditwouldbeashametoloosethistomorebuilding.
Bye,PhilandGerryTafoya
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From: Ted Guy [mailto:[email protected]]
Subject: Aquatic Preserve management plan
Laura,
Pleaseputmeonyourmailinglistandsendmeanyagendasfortheseriesofmeetingsyou’reholdinginSt.LucieCounty,andanydraftofthemanagementplan.
IattendedyourJuly2006meetinginPalmBay,butapparentlydidnotgetputonthelist.
Also,IwouldliketobeappointedtoyourNorthForkadvisorycommitteesinceIrepresentusergroupssuchastheMarineIndustry,amajorstakeholder,andhavebeeninvolvedinAquaticPreservePlanformulationsincepriorto1984.
Unfortunately,IwasoutoftownforyourJunemeetingandcouldnotattendtonight’smeetingduetofamilyvisitingfromChicago;thereforeIsubmitthesecommentsinwriting,relatedtotheNorthForkoftheSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve:
1.I’mnotawarethatFDEPhaseveraccomplishedtheresourcesinventoryfortheNorthFork.Wasn’tthatrequiredbythe1984Plan?Shouldn’titbeaccomplishedbeforethenewplangoestopress?Howcanweplanintelligentlywithoutit?Wasn’tittoprovideabaselinetomeasureprogressagainst?Arewegoingintoanewplanstillwithoutabaseline?OramImissingsomething?
2.ThemostsignificantandimportantinfluencesonwaterqualityandthehealthofthebenthiccommunityonsovereigntysubmergedlandsintheNorthForkAquaticPreservearethedischargesfromtheC-23andC-24drainagecanals,aswellassomePortSt.Luciedrainagecanals.Idon’trememberthosedischargesbeingaddressedinthe1984plan,buttheyshouldbeaddressedmostprominentlyinthenewplan.Everythingelseaddressedbytheplanpalesbycomparisonwiththosemajorinfluencesonthehealthofthepreserve.
3.ThenextmostsignificantinfluenceonthehealthofthePreserveistheexcessivefresh,nutrientladen,toxicalgaeproducingdumpingofLakeOkeechobeewaterintotheestuary,suchasoccurredin1995,1998,2003,2004,and2005fromtheC-44canal.Shouldn’twebeaddressingthosedischarges?
4.ManateesareNOTthehotissuetheyusedtobein1984.Themanateepopulationhasrecoverednicelysincethen,roughlytriplingtheFloridaspeciespopulation,andwhenwasthelasttimeyouheardofonebeingkilledbyaboatintheNorthForkAquaticPreserve?
Thecommentsaboveareverygeneralandpreliminary;it’shardtogetmorespecificwithoutseeingadraftplan.
W.E.“Ted”Guy,Jr.,Stuart,FL34997
From: Michael Kiefer [[email protected]]
Subject: RE: Aquatic Preserve management plan
Laura,IconcurwithTed’scomments.IwasinvolvedinthepermittingofdocksatHarbourRidgeinthemid80’s;IconductedextensiveaerialflightsovertheNorthForkandSouthForkperformingmanateeobservations,andIhavepermittedanumberdocksintheNorthForksincethen.IlikewisesubmitthesewrittencommentsrelatedtotheNorthForkoftheSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve:
a.DoestheNorthForkoftheSt.LucieRiverstillmeetthecriteriafordesignationasanAquaticPreserve?
b.ShouldnottheboundariesbechangedtofocusmoreonnarrowupperreachesoftheNorthFork?WhatissosignificantaboutthewideopenwatersoftheNorthForkthatseparatesitapartfromtheSouthForkortherestoftheSt.LucieRiver?Theaquaticresourcesarelimited.
c.Ifwehavenotaccomplishedmostofthegoalsinthemanagementplan,whyhaveaplan?IfyouaregoingtocontinuewithaplanIwouldsuggesttakingoutthoseitemswhichyouarenotlikelytoaccomplish.Theprogramdidn’thavethemoneythen,(althoughithadmoremanpower);itdoesn’thavethemoneynow,anditwon’tlikelyhavethemoneyinthefuturetoimplementmanyoftheactionsandgoalsinthemanagementplan.
d.Giventhelimitedmoneyandmanpower,relativetomanagingAP’s,weshouldfocusonwhatistrulyimportant,andmanageitwell.
Iknowthesearegeneralthoughtsandcomments,andIwilllikelywanttooffermoreasthisprogresses.
Thankyou.
MichaelE.Kiefer,Jr.,Kimley-HornAndAssociates,Inc.
10521SWVillageCenterDrive,Suite103,PortSt.Lucie,FL34987
Voice772-345-3800DirectDial772-345-3824,Fax772-286-0138,[email protected]
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C.3 / Formal Public Meeting(s)
ThefollowingAppendixescontaininformationabouttheFormalPublicMeeting(s)whichwasheldinordertoobtaininputfromthepublicabouttheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveDraftManagementPlan.Therearecopiesofthepublicadvertisementsforthosemeetings,alistofattendees,asummaryofthemeeting(s)(asrequiredbyCh.259.032(10),F.S.),andacopyofthewrittencommentsreceived.
C.�.� / Florida Administrative Weekly (F.A.C.) Posting(s)
Florida Administrative Weekly Volume �4, Number �, February �, �00� Section VII - Notices of Meetings, Workshops and Public Hearings, p. ���
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas,actingasstafftotheBoardofTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundannouncesapublicmeetingtowhichallpersonsareinvited.
DateandTime:Thursday,March20,2008,6:00p.m.
Place:UniversityofFloridaIndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter,2199SouthRockRd.,Ft.Pierce,FL34945
GeneralSubjecMattertobeConsidered:ThepurposeistoreceivepubliccommentonthedraftNorthFork,St.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan.AcopyofthedraftplanwillbeavailableforviewingstartingFebruary15,2008,atwww.dep.state.fl.us/coastal.TheNorthFork,St.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveAdvisoryCommitteewillbeparticipating.
Acopyoftheagendamaybeobtainedbycontacting:AquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.
PursuanttotheprovisionsoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,anypersonrequiringspecialaccommodationstoparticipateinthisworkshop/meetingisaskedtoadvisetheagencyatleast5daysbeforetheworkshop/meetingbycontacting:AquaticPreserveManager,LauraHerrenat(772)429-2995.Ifyouarehearingorspeechimpaired,pleasecontacttheagencyusingtheFloridaRelayService,1(800)955-8771(TDD)or1(800)955-8770(Voice).
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C.�.� / Advertisement Flier
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C.�.� / Summary of the Formal Public Meeting(s)
Thursday,March20,2008,6:00P.M.(UniversityofFloridaIndianRiverResearchandEducationCenter)
Attendance
Name Affiliation ACMember
JeffBach DEP-RecreationandParks No
JeffBeal FloridaFishandWildlifeConservationCommission Yes
BaretBeall MartinCounty No
RobertDay St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict No
BobbieDeemer Citizen Yes
GordonEvans Citizen Yes
NancyEvans Citizen No
GrantGilmore Estuarine,CoastalandOceanScience,Inc., No
PatrickGostel SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict Yes
BoydGunsalus SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict No
TedGuy MarineIndustriesAssociationoftheTreasureCoast No
RickHerren IndianRiverCounty No
DavidKaplan RiverPartyHomeOwnersAssociation No
GregKaufmann DEP-RecreationandParks Yes
JoshLiller Citizen No
TomMcGowan BoyleEngineering No
LarryPatterson Citizen No
AndreaPovinelli(for Ann Birch)
TheNatureConservancy Yes
OctavioReis CreechEngineers No
JimSculley PortSt.LucieConservationAlliance No
KrisStewart KeithSchnars No
MarkTamblyn FloridaInlandNavigationDistrict No
JohnTucker St.LucieCounty No
BruceTurner Citizen No
DanaWade RiverLillyEco-CruiseRiverTours Yes
DeenaWade RiverLillyEco-CruiseRiverTours No
GeraldM.Ward FloridaEngineeringSociety&MarineIndustriesAssociationoftheTreasureCoast
No
MeetingSummary
ThisreportfundedinpartthroughagrantagreementformtheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,FloridaCoastalManagementProgram,byagrantprovidedbytheOfficeofOceanandCoastalResourceManagementundertheCoastalZoneManagementActof1972,asamended,NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministrationAwardNo.NA07NOS4190071CZ823.Theviews,statements,findings,conclusionsandrecommendationsexpressedhereinarethoseoftheauthor(s)anddonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsoftheStateofFlorida,NOAAoranyofitssubagencies.April2008.
Introduction
OnMarch20,2008theNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveconductedapublicmeetingtomeetthefollowingobjectives:
1.PresentcurrentdraftofSiteManagementPlan,withafocusonissuesandobjectives.
2.Receivefeedbackfromthepubliconthecurrentdraftmanagementplan.
Thiswasthesecondpublicmeetingrelatedtothedraftingofthesite’smanagementplan.
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Themeetingfollowedthefollowingagenda:
•OfficialWelcomeandIntroduction
•OverviewPresentation:Describedthemanagementarea’sboundaries,availablemanagementresources,currentprojects,andproposedissuesandmanagementactions.
•PublicCommentandStakeholderFeedback:Opportunityforthepublictoprovidewrittenandverbalcommentstostaffbyvisiting“kiosks”organizedaccordingtotheissuesidentifiedinthedraftplan(WaterQuality,NaturalResourceManagement,CoastalDevelopment,andPublicUseandAccess).
•PublicComment:Anopportunityforparticipantswhowantedtomakeaverbalpublicstatementtothefullassemblywasgivenattheendoftheevening.Onlywrittencommentswereincludedinthismeetingsummary.
Theworkshopwasdesignedtoencouragedeepdialoguebetweenthepublicandthefocusteamsonspecificissuesaswellasprovidingaforumforgeneralcommentsandobservations.
CoastalandAquaticManagedAreasBackground
TheFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection’sOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)isresponsibleforthemanagementofFlorida’s41AquaticPreserves,3NationalEstuarineResearchReserves(NERR),1NationalMarineSanctuary,andtheCoralReefConservationProgram.Theseprotectedareascomprisemorethan4millionacresofthemostvaluablesubmergedlandsandselectcoastaluplandsinFlorida.CAMAiscurrentlyintheprocessofrevisingitssitemanagementplans,includingtheplanfortheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.Theseplanswillprovideacriticalmanagementframeworkforthesites,settingprioritiesandguidingimplementationforthenext10years.
Thisdocument
Thisdocumentincludesbothwrittencommentsreceivedattheworkshopsandbyemail/postalmailduringthecommentperiod.Italsoincludesasummaryofthereportsmadebythestaffattheendofthekioskperiod.Thissummaryisnotmeanttobeadetaileddescriptionoftheproceedings,butarecordofthemajorthemesandcommentsreceived.Onlywrittencommentswereincludedinthismeetingsummary.
Summaryofcomments
BelowisanoverallsummaryofthecommentsreceivedbytheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveduringthepublicmeetingprocess:
•Overall,thepublicendorsedthefocusandapproachbeingappliedbyNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservePlan.Thepublicrecognizedthat,generally,themanagementissuesandproposedactionthathavebeenidentifiedaccuratelyreflectthepriorityissuesandpossibleactionsthattheaquaticpreservehastheauthorityandcapacitytoaddress.
•Thevalueandimportanceofimprovingwaterqualitywasraisedconsistentlyandnotedasacriticalpartoftheoverallplanofaction.
•Commentswheremadeaboutexpandingthepreserve’sboundariestothenorth.
•Recreationalboatingwasnotedasanimportantissuewithmanydifferentmanagementfacets.Theteamwasencouragedtoconsiderdifferentoptionsasitaddressesboatspeedanduseinthepreserveandtoincreaseboatingaccesstothepreserve’swaterways.
Writtencommentsreceivedoncommentcardsatmeeting
GeneralComments:
Focusonoystersversusshellfishmakesnosense.Halfofthepreserveisinacountythathasmultipleshellfishexperts-manyforforce(HarborBranch)Bifurcationofpreservediscussedearliermeeting.Southhalfismoreusefulasscientificvs.biologicalor.Destination.ExpansiontoNorthisneededtobeconsidered.CommentprovidedbyGeraldWard-wardgm@gate.net
IsupporttheexpansionoftheNorth,whateveritrequires,dredgingornot.OfficeofCoastal&AquaticManagedAreasshouldoverseethisarea.CommentprovidedbyDavidKaplan,854-275-5638
WaterQuality:
Goal1.tostopdegradationofwaterinthepreserve.2.Makewatersafetohumans.3.Percentalgaebloomsandredtides.4.Makefishsafetoeat.Jobwelldone.Hatsofftoallofyouputtingtogetherthisplan.CommentprovidedbyDavidKaplan,RiverparkHomeownersAssoc.954-275-5638
Muckremovalisthegreatestsingleneedandwouldbeofthemostusefulbenefit!CommentprovidedbyTedGuy,MIA-TC,[email protected]
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NaturalResourceManagement:
TheexpansionofthePreserveBoundarywouldbeofgreatvaluetotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.CommentprovidedbyMikePatterson.
Iheartilysupportmorecanoe/kayakaccesspointstoincreaseandsupportrecreationuseoftheriver.Ialsosupporttheexpansiontoinclude5mileand10-milecreek.Oxbowreopeningisnotonlygoodforthewildlifewaterqualitybutalsodecreasesboatvs.canoe/kayakconflictandmakestherivermoreattractivetocanoes&kayaks.Commentprovidedbyanonymous.
CoastalDevelopment:
Re:GlobalWarmingandsealevel-justprovideweblinkstobothsidesofthecontroversy.
Thereisnopointinwastingmoneyonprintingmore-informationisalreadyavailableontheweb.CommentprovidedbyTedGuy,MIA-TC,[email protected]
Pg.119SpeciesList-AlphabetizebyLatinname.Commentprovidedbyanonymous
Followingrecenthurricanesthatdamagedmanyoftheshorelineprotectionsystemsbuiltalongtheriver,moreresearchneedstobedonetoestablishhardiersystemsthatcanwithstandlargestorms.Commentprovidedbyanonymous
PublicUseandAccess:
IwishthatwecouldhavesometypeoflawenforcementonaregularbasisontheNorthForkoftheSt.LucieRiver.Weneedtoupdatethespeedlimitsandmanateezonesontheriver.
CommentprovidedbyDanaWade,772-489-8344
Whyistherenolineitemforpublicboatlaunchesformotorizedboats?Thatisthebiggestsingleneedforpublicuseandaccess.CommentprovidedbyTedGuy,MIA-TC,[email protected]
StopSpeedingBoatsandBoatWakesCommentProvidedbyDavidKaplan,RiverparkHomeownersAssoc.
Writtencommentssubmittedduringcommentperiod
Thesearewrittencommentsreceivedwithinthecommentperiod,whichendedonMarch27,2008.
VIAe-mailandUSMail/March24,2008
TrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFund
c/oFloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
OfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas
3300LewisStreet
FortPierce,Florida34981
Attention:LauraHerren,ManagerSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreserves
Re:NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlanUpdateDrafts18-20.005(7)FloridaAdministrativeCode
Ladies&Gentlemen:
AsstafftothetrusteesoftheinternalImprovementTrustFund,youhavenotinitiatedRuleDevelopmentforthereferencedRuleandManagementPlanUpdate.Severalofourassociationmembershaveparticipatedwithsomedifficultyinnoticeandprocess,sincethesummerof2006foryourIndianRiverLagoonandvicinitymeetings,andwedowishtocontinuetobefullyinvolvedinyourupdatingofnotjusttheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverManagementPlan,butallplansaffectingourAssociation’sarea.
TwoofourmemberswereabletoattendlastThursdayevening’smeetingbeforeGoodFriday,butthestructureofthemeetingonceagaindidnotlenditselftocorrectingsomenearly210pagesofso-calledManagementPlandocument.Theoneweekgivenuntil27March2008forfurtherwrittencommentsisgrosslyinadequateforprovidingsuchcomments,regardlessoftheshorttimethematerialswerepostedpriortoyour20March2008“FormalPublicMeeting”.SincetheDepartmentisrequiredtousetheChapter120FloridaStatutesrulemakingprocessasitsfurthermeansofaccomplishingaNorthForkSt.LucieRiverManagementPlan.Weherebyrequestparticularnoticetotheletterheadaddressesofanyfutureactions,meetingsandrulemaking.
WedounderstandthattheDepartmentmaybeintendingtofurther“rewrite”theDRAFTmaterialstomorecorrectlyprovidea“management”planformat.WerequestwebenotifiedateachtimechangesaremadeintheDRAFTmaterials.
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Verytrulyyours,
MARINEINDUSTRIESASSOCIATIONOFTHETREASURECOAST,INC.
VeraLocke,ExecutiveDirector
Cc:
MIATCLegislativeCommittee
MIATCBoardofDirectors
From:TomMcGowan[mailto:[email protected]]
Sent:Friday,March28,20082:12PM
To:Herren,Laura
Subject:RE:DraftNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlanDraftAvailable
Laura,
Atit’sBoardmeetingyesterday,theNSLRWCDBoardofSupervisorsdidaskthatIaddacommenttothepublicrecordregardingtheexpansionoftheaquaticpreservetoincludethenorthforkoftheSt.LucieRiver,10-MileCreektoGordyRoadand5-MileCreektoEdwardsRoad.Theircommentwasrelativelybasicandisconsistentwithwhatwediscussedthenightofthepublicmeeting.While5-Mileand10-MileCreekareimportanttotheoverallenvironmentalhealthofourarea,theyarenolongerexclusively“natural”systemsandareinfactthebackboneofaverylargedrainagesystem,andtheymustbeabletobecleaned(sedimentremoval)andkeptfreeofexcessivedownedvegetationinordertocontinuetofunctionasaviabledrainageconveyancesystemforthearea.ThisisespeciallytrueinlightoftheincreasedvolumeofwateranticipatedtobereleasedintotheNSLRWCDfromtheSFWMD/ACOEC-23/C24reservoirandSTAproject-potentiallydoublingthevolumeofwaterflowingdown10-MileCreek.ThiswaterinturnwillbedischargedviatheVarnControlStructureatGordyRoadinto10-MileCreekandwhatwouldbeanaquaticpreserve.Whatprovisionsarebeingmadetoallowforthisnecessarymaintenanceandwhatentity(ies)willbepermittedtoperformand/orberesponsibleforthiswork?Oursameconcernsaresharedforthatportionof5-MileCreekbeingconsideredforinclusionintheaquaticpreserve.
Hopethisisnottoolate,andthanksforyourconsideration.
ThomasF.McGowan,PE
DistrictEngineer
NorthSt.LucieRiverWaterControlDistrict
772-219-2825-direct
772-260-8370-cell
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Appendix D
Goals, Objectives, and Strategies Table
D.1 /Current Goals, Objectives and Strategies Table
Thefollowingtableisasummaryoftheissues,goals,objectivesandstrategiesidentifiedinChapter6.The“ManagementProgram”columnidentifieswhichmanagementprogrameachstrategyfallswithin.The“ImplementationDate”columnidentifiesthefiscalyearwhenthestrategywas,orwillbe,initiated.The“ProjectInitiation”columnindicatesifthisisanactivitythatisalreadyunderway,currentlyunderinitialdevelopment,orwilloccurinthefuture.The“LengthofInitiative”columnindicateshowlongitisexpectedtocompletethestrategy,andthe“EstimatedYearlyCost”columnidentifiestheanticipatedexpensesassociatedwiththestrategy.
Goals,Objectives&IntegratedStrategies ManagementProgram
ImplementationDate(Planned)
LengthofInitiative
EstimatedYearlyCost
Issue1:WaterQuality
WQGoal1:Maintainandimprovewaterqualitywithinandenteringthepreservetomeettheneedsofthenaturalresources.
WQObjective1.1:Regularlyassesswaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserveandthepotentialimpactsonnaturalresources.
WQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
EcosystemScience
2007-2008 Recurring $32,000
WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver.
EcosystemScience
2007-2008 Recurring $250
WQObjective1.2:Protectnaturalresourcesbyrestoringalteredareasthatcontributetolowwaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserve.
WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat.
ResourceManagement
2002-2003 Recurring $200,000
WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants.
ResourceManagement
2010-2011 Recurring $20,000
WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials.
ResourceManagement
2010-2011 Recurring $65,000
WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses.
ResourceManagement
2002-2003 Recurring $250
WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver.
ResourceManagement
2008-2009 Recurring $250
WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve.
ResourceManagement
2004-2005 Recurring $500
WQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
ResourceManagement
2008-2009 Recurring $250
WQObjective1.3:Reducewaterqualityimpactscausedbystormwaterandsepticsourcessystemswithinthewatershed.
WQ1.3.1:Inventorystormwaterretrofitsystemstohelpidentifyfutureimprovementneeds.
ResourceManagement
2011-2012 2yrs $200
WQ1.3.2:Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices.
ResourceManagement
2012-2013 Recurring $500
WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances.
ResourceManagement
2010-2011 Recurring,as
necessary
$250
WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer.
ResourceManagement
2010-2011 Recurring $250
WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality.
ResourceManagement
2010-2011 Recurring $200
WQObjective1.4:Protectlandstoconservethewaterqualityandnaturalresourcesofthepreserve.
WQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources.
ResourceManagement
2008-2009 Recurring $250
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Goals,Objectives&IntegratedStrategies ManagementProgram
ImplementationDate(Planned)
LengthofInitiative
EstimatedYearlyCost
WQGoal2:Increasepublicawarenessaboutwaterqualityissueswithinthepreserve.
WQObjective2.1:Informthepublicandpartnersaboutwaterqualityconditionswithinthepreserve.
WQ2.1.1Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners.
EducationandOutreach
2011-2012 Recurring $400
WQObjective2.2:Facilitateknowledgeandunderstandingofhowactivitiesinthewatershedimpactthepreserve.
WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents.
EducationandOutreach
2008-2009 Recurring $300
WQ2.2.2:Provideeducationalboattourstoinformthepublicabouttheeffectofwatershedpracticesonthepreserve’snaturalresources.
EducationandOutreach
2013-2014 Recurring $400
WQ2.2.3:ReactivatetheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesCitizenSupportOrganization.
EducationandOutreach
2011-2012 1yr $4,400
WQ2.2.4:CreateandpromoteaHomeowner’s Guide to Living on the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve.
EducationandOutreach
2010-2011 1yr $2,000
WQ2.2.5:Informstudentsaboutlocalissues. EducationandOutreach
2013-2014 Recurring $250
WQ2.2.6:ExpandtheIndianRiverLagoondrainstencilingandsignageprograminhighlydevelopedareasadjacenttothepreserve.
EducationandOutreach
2014-2015 1yr $10,000
Issue2:NaturalResourceManagement
NRGoal1:Documentthenaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.
NRObjective1.1:Establishabaselineofthecurrentlocations,extents,andconditionsofthedifferenthabitattypes.
NR1.1.1:Surveyandmapeachhabitattypelocatedwithinthepreserve.
EcosystemScience
2010-2011 3yrs $50,000
NR1.1.2:Ground-truthhabitatmapsonafive-yearcycle.
EcosystemScience
2015-2016 3yrs $30,000
NRObjective1.2:Associateaquaticspecies,especiallyrareandprotectedspecies,withspecifichabitatslocatedwithinthepreserve.
NR1.2.1:DevelopaGISdatabaseandmapsthatlinkspecieslocationstospecificaquatichabitats.
EcosystemScience
2011-2012 1yr $300
NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory.
ResourceManagement
2007-2008 Recurring $200
NRObjective1.3:MonitorchangestotheresourcesresultingfromNorthernEvergladesrestorationefforts.
NR1.3.1:Mapthelocationoftheestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRivereverytwoyears.
EcosystemScience
2009-2010 Recurring $1,000
NR1.3.2:Documentseagrassandoysterrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve.
EcosystemScience
2015-2016 Recurring $300
NRGoal2:Implementmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimproveviablehabitatsandpopulationswithinthepreserve.
NRObjective2.1:Establishandimplementroutinebiologicalmonitoringprogramsforessentialhabitatsandrareandlistedspecies.
NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. EcosystemScience
2006-2007 Recurring $1,500
NR2.1.2:Monitorgreatlandandfiddlercrablocationsanddensities.
EcosystemScience
2011-2012 3yrs $1,400
NR2.1.3:Monitormangroverivuluspopulationsatsitesdocumentedtosupportgreatlandandfiddlercrabs.
EcosystemScience
2012-2013 2yrs $1,400
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Goals,Objectives&IntegratedStrategies ManagementProgram
ImplementationDate(Planned)
LengthofInitiative
EstimatedYearlyCost
NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve.
EcosystemScience
2010-2011 Recurring $1,300
NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. EcosystemScience
2010-2011 Recurring $1,300
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts.
EcosystemScience
1986-1987 Recurring $1,300
NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds.
EcosystemScience
2009-2010 Recurring $300
NRObjective2.2:Synthesizeanddistributespeciesandcommunitydatatoinformpolicy,regulatory,andnaturalresourcemanagementdecisions.
NR2.2.1:Establishaprogramtocollectinformationfromresearchersandcommercialfishermenwithinthepreserve.
ResourceManagement
2016-2017 2yrs $300
NR2.2.2:Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve.
ResourceManagement
2011-2012 Recurring $400
NRObjective2.3:Documentandreducetheabundanceanddiversityofnon-nativeaquaticspecieswithinthepreserve.
NR2.3.1:Createanon-nativespeciesdatabaseandsightingsmap.
ResourceManagement
2013-2014 1yr $200
NR2.3.2:Assistotheragenciesincontrollingnon-nativeaquaticspecies.
ResourceManagement
2015-2016 Recurring $250
NRGoal3:Protectthepreserve’snaturalresourcesatanecosystemscale.
NRObjective3.1:Workwithpartnerstoprotectthepreserve’sheadwaters.
NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata.
EcosystemScience
2010-2011 Recurring,as
necessary
$1,000
Issue3:CoastalDevelopment
CDGoal1:Protectthepreservefromimpactsrelatedtolandusechangesthatdisrupttheecologicalfunctionsofthenaturalresources.
CDObjective1.1:Coordinatewithregulatoryprograms,localgovernment,andadjacentlandownerstoreduceimpactstothepreservefromadjacentdevelopmentactivities.
CD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.
ResourceManagement
2010-2011 Recurring $250
CD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.
ResourceManagement
2010-2011 Recurring $250
CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve.
ResourceManagement
1986-1987 Recurring $250
CD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.
ResourceManagement
2010-2011 Recurring $250
CDObjective1.2:Informlocalresidentsabouttheircontributiontoglobalissuesthatimpactthepreserve.
CD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions.
EducationandOutreach
2007-2008 Recurring $1,400
CD1.2.2:Informresidentsaboutclimatechangeandsea-levelrise,andhowtheycouldaffectthepreserve.
EducationandOutreach
2014-2015 Recurring $250
CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint.
EducationandOutreach
2010-2011 Recurring $250
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Goals,Objectives&IntegratedStrategies ManagementProgram
ImplementationDate(Planned)
LengthofInitiative
EstimatedYearlyCost
Issue4:PublicUseandAccess
PUGoal1:Maintainasafeenvironmentforfish,wildlife,andusergroups.
PUObjective1.1:Reducetheamountofdebrisandcontaminantsassociatedwithusergroupactivities.
PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear.
ResourceManagement
2007-2008 Recurring $1,300
PU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
ResourceManagement
2007-2008 Recurring $500
PU1.1.3:PromoteDEP’sCleanMarinaProgramtoClubMed-Sandpiper.
EducationandOutreach
2010-2011 1yr $250
PU1.1.4:Installandmaintainmonofilamentrecyclingcontainersatallpublicboatrampsandfishingpiers.
ResourceManagement
2009-2010 1yr $500
PU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
ResourceManagement
2006-2007 Recurring $15,000
PU1.1.6:Postsignageaboutdebrisinaquaticenvironmentsatpublicaccesspoints.
EducationandOutreach
2013-2014 1yr $1,500
PUObjective1.2:Betterunderstandtheimpactofcurrentspeedlimitsonthepreserveanditsusergroups.
PU1.2.1:Documentandmonitorboatingimpactstonaturalresources.
EcosystemScience
2015-2016 3yrs $500
PUObjective1.3:Increasetheamountandfrequencyoflawenforcementandcitizenpatrolwithinthepreserve.
PU1.3.1:Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities.
ResourceManagement
2011-2012 Recurring $500
PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve.
ResourceManagement
2011-2012 Recurring $1,500
PUGoal2:Promotelowimpactrecreationalopportunities.
PUObjective2.1:Supporttheadditionofcanoestopoversandlaunchesonpubliclands.
PU2.1.1:Identifyandsupportappropriatelocationsforcanoestopoversandlaunches.
ResourceManagement
2010-2011 1yr $500
PUObjective2.2:Promotecompleteinclusionofthepreserveintocountywaterwayprograms.
PU2.2.1:PromoteWaterwayProgramconsistency.
ResourceManagement
2011-2012 1yr $200
���
D.2 / Budget Table
Thefollowingtableprovidesacostestimateforconductingtheprioritymanagementactivitiesidentifiedinthisplan.Activitiesarecarriedoutwiththehelpofvariouspartners,thusestimatesreflecttheaquaticpreserveprogramroleineachproject.ThedataisorganizedbyyearandManagementProgramwithsubtotalsforeachprogramandyear.ThefollowingrepresentstheactualbudgetaryneedsformanagingtheresourcesoftheAquaticPreserve.ThisbudgetwasdevelopedusingdatafromCAMAandothercooperatingentities,andisbasedonactualcostsformanagementactivities,equipmentpurchasesandmaintenance,andfordevelopmentoffixedcapitalfacilities.ThebudgetbelowexceedsthefundsCAMAhasbeenreceivingthroughthestateappropriationsprocess,butisconsistentwiththedirectionnecessarytoachievethegoalsandobjectivesidentifiedintheGoals,ObjectivesandStrategiesTableinAppendixD.1.BudgetcategoriesidentifiedcorrelatewiththeCAMAManagementProgramAreas.Estimatesaresubjecttochangebasedondetailedcostanalysis.
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
2008-2009CostEstimateEcosystemScience
WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
2007-2008 $32,000
WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $35,050
ResourceManagement
WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500
WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
2008-2009 $250
WaterQualityWQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources.
2008-2009 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200
CoastalDevelopment CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve. 1986-1987 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
2007-2008 $500
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
2006-2007 $15,000
ResourceManagementSubtotal $218,750
Education&Outreach
WaterQuality WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents. 2008-2009 $300
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions.
2007-2008 $1,400
Education&OutreachSubtotal $1,700$255,500 2008-2009Total
�00
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
2009-2010CostEstimate
EcosystemScience
WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
2007-2008 $32,000
WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.3.1:Mapthelocationoftheestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRivereverytwoyears.
2009-2010 $1,000
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds. 2009-2010 $300
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $36,350
ResourceManagement
WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500
WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
2008-2009 $250
WaterQualityWQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources.
2008-2009 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200
CoastalDevelopment CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve. 1986-1987 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
2007-2008 $500
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.4:Installandmaintainmonofilamentrecyclingcontainersatallpublicboatrampsandfishingpiers. 2009-2010 $500
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
2006-2007 $15,000
ResourceManagementSubtotal $219,250
Education&Outreach
WaterQuality WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents. 2008-2009 $300
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions.
2007-2008 $1,400
Education&OutreachSubtotal $1,700
$257,300 2009-2010Total
�0�
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
2010-2011CostEstimateEcosystemScience
WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
2007-2008 $32,000
WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.1.1:Surveyandmapeachhabitattypelocatedwithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $50,000
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds. 2009-2010 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata. 2010-2011 $1,000
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $88,950
ResourceManagement
WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants. 2010-2011 $20,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials. 2010-2011 $65,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500
WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality. 2010-2011 $200
WaterQuality WQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources. 2008-2009 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopment CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve. 1986-1987 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300
�0�
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
2007-2008 $500
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
2006-2007 $15,000
PublicUseandAccess PU2.1.1:Identifyandsupportappropriatelocationsforcanoestopoversandlaunches. 2010-2011 $500
ResourceManagementSubtotal $305,700
Education&Outreach
WaterQuality WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents. 2008-2009 $300
WaterQuality WQ2.2.4:CreateandpromoteaHomeowner’s Guide to Living on the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve. 2010-2011 $2,000
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions. 2007-2008 $1,400
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint. 2010-2011 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.3:PromoteDEP’sCleanMarinaProgramtoClubMed-Sandpiper. 2010-2011 $250
Education&OutreachSubtotal $4,200$398,850 2010-2011Total
2011-2012CostEstimateEcosystemScience
WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
2007-2008 $32,000
WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.1.1:Surveyandmapeachhabitattypelocatedwithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $50,000
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.2.1:DevelopaGISdatabaseandmapsthatlinkspecieslocationstospecificaquatichabitats. 2011-2012 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.3.1:Mapthelocationoftheestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRivereverytwoyears. 2009-2010 $1,000
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.2:Monitorgreatlandandfiddlercrablocationsanddensities. 2011-2012 $1,400
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds. 2009-2010 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata. 2010-2011 $1,000
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $91,650
ResourceManagement
WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants. 2010-2011 $20,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials. 2010-2011 $65,000
�0�
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500
WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.1:Inventorystormwaterretrofitsystemstohelpidentifyfutureimprovementneeds. 2011-2012 $200
WaterQuality WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality. 2010-2011 $200
WaterQuality WQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources. 2008-2009 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.2.2:Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve. 2011-2012 $400
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopment CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve. 1986-1987 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
2007-2008 $500
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
2006-2007 $15,000
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.1:Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities. 2011-2012 $500
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve. 2011-2012 $1,500PublicUseandAccess PU2.2.1:Promotewaterwayprogramconsistency. 2011-2012 $200
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,000
Education&Outreach
WaterQuality WQ2.1.1Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners. 2011-2012 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents. 2008-2009 $300
WaterQuality WQ2.2.3:ReactivatetheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesCitizenSupportOrganization. 2011-2012 $4,400
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions. 2007-2008 $1,400
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint. 2010-2011 $250
Education&OutreachSubtotal $6,750$406,400 2011-2012Total
�04
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
2012-2013CostEstimateEcosystemScience
WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
2007-2008 $32,000
WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.1.1:Surveyandmapeachhabitattypelocatedwithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $50,000
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.2:Monitorgreatlandandfiddlercrablocationsanddensities. 2011-2012 $1,400
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.3:Monitormangroverivuluspopulationsatsitesdocumentedtosupportgreatlandandfiddlercrabs. 2012-2013 $1,400
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds. 2009-2010 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata. 2010-2011 $1,000
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $91,750
ResourceManagement
WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants. 2010-2011 $20,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials. 2010-2011 $65,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500
WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.1:Inventorystormwaterretrofitsystemstohelpidentifyfutureimprovementneeds. 2011-2012 $200
WaterQuality WQ1.3.2:Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices. 2012-2013 $500
WaterQuality WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality. 2010-2011 $200
WaterQuality WQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources. 2008-2009 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.2.2:Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve. 2011-2012 $400
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
�0�
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopment CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve. 1986-1987 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
2007-2008 $500
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
2006-2007 $15,000
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.1:Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities. 2011-2012 $500
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve. 2011-2012 $1,500
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,300
Education&Outreach
WaterQuality WQ2.1.1Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners. 2011-2012 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents. 2008-2009 $300
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions. 2007-2008 $1,400
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint. 2010-2011 $250
Education&OutreachSubtotal $2,350$402,400 2012-2013Total
2013-2014CostEstimateEcosystemScience
WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
2007-2008 $32,000
WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.3.1:Mapthelocationoftheestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRivereverytwoyears.
2009-2010 $1,000
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.2:Monitorgreatlandandfiddlercrablocationsanddensities. 2011-2012 $1,400
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.3:Monitormangroverivuluspopulationsatsitesdocumentedtosupportgreatlandandfiddlercrabs. 2012-2013 $1,400
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds. 2009-2010 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata. 2010-2011 $1,000
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $42,750
�0�
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
ResourceManagement
WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants. 2010-2011 $20,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials. 2010-2011 $65,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500
WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.2:Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices. 2012-2013 $500
WaterQuality WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality. 2010-2011 $200
WaterQualityWQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources.
2008-2009 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.2.2:Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve. 2011-2012 $400
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.3.1:Createanon-nativespeciesdatabaseandsightingsmap. 2013-2014 $200
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve.
1986-1987 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
2007-2008 $500
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
2006-2007 $15,000
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.1:Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities. 2011-2012 $500
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve. 2011-2012 $1,500
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,300
�0�
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
Education&Outreach
WaterQuality WQ2.1.1Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners. 2011-2012 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents. 2008-2009 $300
WaterQualityWQ2.2.2:Provideeducationalboattourstoinformthepublicabouttheeffectofwatershedpracticesonthepreserve’snaturalresources.
2013-2014 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.5:Informstudentsaboutlocalissues. 2013-2014 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions.
2007-2008 $1,400
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint. 2010-2011 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.6:Postsignageaboutdebrisinaquaticenvironmentsatpublicaccesspoints. 2013-2014 $1,500
Education&OutreachSubtotal $4,500$355,550 2013-2014Total
2014-2015CostEstimateEcosystemScience
WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
2007-2008 $32,000
WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds. 2009-2010 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata. 2010-2011 $1,000
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $38,950
ResourceManagement
WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants. 2010-2011 $20,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials. 2010-2011 $65,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500
WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.2:Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices. 2012-2013 $500
�0�
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
WaterQuality WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality. 2010-2011 $200
WaterQualityWQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources.
2008-2009 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.2.2:Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve. 2011-2012 $400
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve.
1986-1987 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
2007-2008 $500
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
2006-2007 $15,000
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.1:Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities. 2011-2012 $500
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve. 2011-2012 $1,500
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,100
Education&Outreach
WaterQuality WQ2.1.1Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners. 2011-2012 $400
WaterQualityWQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents.
2008-2009 $300
WaterQualityWQ2.2.2:Provideeducationalboattourstoinformthepublicabouttheeffectofwatershedpracticesonthepreserve’snaturalresources.
2013-2014 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.5:Informstudentsaboutlocalissues. 2013-2014 $250
WaterQualityWQ2.2.6:ExpandtheIndianRiverLagoondrainstencilingandsignageprograminhighlydevelopedareasadjacenttothepreserve.
2014-2015 $10,000
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions.
2007-2008 $1,400
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.2:Informresidentsaboutclimatechangeandsea-levelrise,andhowtheycouldaffectthepreserve. 2014-2015 $250
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint. 2010-2011 $250
Education&OutreachSubtotal $13,250$360,300 2014-2015Total
�0�
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
2015-2016CostEstimateEcosystemScience
WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
2007-2008 $32,000
WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.1.2:Ground-truthhabitatmapsonafive-yearcycle. 2015-2016 $30,000
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.3.1:Mapthelocationoftheestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRivereverytwoyears.
2009-2010 $1,000
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.3.2:Documentseagrassandoysterrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2015-2016 $300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds. 2009-2010 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata. 2010-2011 $1,000
PublicUseandAccess PU1.2.1:Documentandmonitorboatingimpactstonaturalresources. 2015-2016 $500
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $70,750
ResourceManagement
WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants. 2010-2011 $20,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials. 2010-2011 $65,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500
WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.2:Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices. 2012-2013 $500
WaterQuality WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality. 2010-2011 $200
WaterQualityWQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources.
2008-2009 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.2.2:Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve. 2011-2012 $400
��0
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.3.2:Assistotheragenciesincontrollingnon-nativeaquaticspecies. 2015-2016 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopment CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve. 1986-1987 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
2007-2008 $500
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
2006-2007 $15,000
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.1:Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities. 2011-2012 $500
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve. 2011-2012 $1,500
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,350
Education&Outreach
WaterQuality WQ2.1.1Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners. 2011-2012 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents. 2008-2009 $300
WaterQualityWQ2.2.2:Provideeducationalboattourstoinformthepublicabouttheeffectofwatershedpracticesonthepreserve’snaturalresources.
2013-2014 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.5:Informstudentsaboutlocalissues. 2013-2014 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions.
2007-2008 $1,400
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.2:Informresidentsaboutclimatechangeandsea-levelrise,andhowtheycouldaffectthepreserve. 2014-2015 $250
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint. 2010-2011 $250
Education&OutreachSubtotal $3,250$382,350 2015-2016Total
2016-2017CostEstimateEcosystemScience
WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
2007-2008 $32,000
WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.1.2:Ground-truthhabitatmapsonafive-yearcycle. 2015-2016 $30,000
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.3.2:Documentseagrassandoysterrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2015-2016 $300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500
���
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds. 2009-2010 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata. 2010-2011 $1,000
PublicUseandAccess PU1.2.1:Documentandmonitorboatingimpactstonaturalresources. 2015-2016 $500
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $69,750
ResourceManagement
WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants. 2010-2011 $20,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials. 2010-2011 $65,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500
WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.2:Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices. 2012-2013 $500
WaterQuality WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality. 2010-2011 $200
WaterQuality WQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources. 2008-2009 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.2.1:Establishaprogramtocollectinformationfromresearchersandcommercialfishermenwithinthepreserve. 2016-2017 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.2.2:Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve. 2011-2012 $400
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.3.2:Assistotheragenciesincontrollingnon-nativeaquaticspecies. 2015-2016 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopment CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve. 1986-1987 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300
���
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
2007-2008 $500
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
2006-2007 $15,000
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.1:Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities. 2011-2012 $500
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve. 2011-2012 $1,500
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,650
Education&Outreach
WaterQuality WQ2.1.1Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners. 2011-2012 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents. 2008-2009 $300
WaterQualityWQ2.2.2:Provideeducationalboattourstoinformthepublicabouttheeffectofwatershedpracticesonthepreserve’snaturalresources.
2013-2014 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.5:Informstudentsaboutlocalissues. 2013-2014 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions.
2007-2008 $1,400
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.2:Informresidentsaboutclimatechangeandsea-levelrise,andhowtheycouldaffectthepreserve. 2014-2015 $250
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint. 2010-2011 $250
Education&OutreachSubtotal $3,250$381,650 2016-2017Total
2017-2018CostEstimateEcosystemScience
WaterQualityWQ1.1.1:Collaboratewithgroupscollectingwaterqualitydatawithinthepreservetostayinformedaboutwaterqualityconditions.
2007-2008 $32,000
WaterQuality WQ1.1.2:IdentifynaturalandmanmadesourcesoftoxinsandpathogensintheSt.LucieRiver. 2007-2008 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.1.2:Ground-truthhabitatmapsonafive-yearcycle. 2015-2016 $30,000
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.3.1:Mapthelocationoftheestuarine-freshwatertransitionzoneoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRivereverytwoyears.
2009-2010 $1,000
NaturalResourceManagement
NR1.3.2:Documentseagrassandoysterrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2015-2016 $300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.1:Monitorbirdrookeries. 2006-2007 $1,500
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.4:Documentandmonitorfishaggregation,spawning,andrecruitmentsiteswithinthepreserve. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement NR2.1.5:Monitorbenthiccommunitystructure. 2010-2011 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.6:Assistpartnerswithnaturalresourcemonitoringefforts. 1986-1987 $1,300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.1.7:Collaboratewithacademicinstitutionstomeetresearchandmonitoringneeds. 2009-2010 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR3.1.1Collaboratewithpartnerstoevaluatetheproposaltoexpandthepreserveboundarybasedonscientificdata. 2010-2011 $1,000
PublicUseandAccess PU1.2.1:Documentandmonitorboatingimpactstonaturalresources. 2015-2016 $500
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $70,750
���
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
ResourceManagement
WaterQuality WQ1.2.1:Reconnectartificiallyisolatedoxbowsandfloodplainhabitat. 2002-2003 $200,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.2:Stabilizeerodingshorelinesusingnaturalmaterialsandappropriatenativeplants. 2010-2011 $20,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.3:Restoreoysterreefstohistoricstructureandfunctionusingnatural,biodegradablematerials. 2010-2011 $65,000
WaterQuality WQ1.2.4:Supportrestorationeffortsthatwillpromotereestablishmentofsubmergedgrasses. 2002-2003 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.5:Supportlarge-scalemuckremovalprojectswithintheSt.LucieRiver. 2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.2.6:ActivelysupportNorthernEvergladesrestorationeffortsthatwillbenefitthepreserve. 2004-2005 $500
WaterQualityWQ1.2.7:EncourageincorporationofrestorationstrategiesintootherprotectiveplansfortheSt.LucieRiverandIndianRiverLagoon.
2008-2009 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.2:Formaworkinggrouptoaddressstormwaterdrainageissuesandrelevantbestmanagementpractices. 2012-2013 $500
WaterQuality WQ1.3.3:Promotethestandardizationoflocalstormwaterdrainageordinances. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.4:Encouragelocalgovernmentstoconverthigh-priorityareastosewer. 2010-2011 $250
WaterQuality WQ1.3.5:Promotebestmanagementpracticesthatmaintainorimprovewaterquality. 2010-2011 $200
WaterQualityWQ1.4.1:Identifyandadvocateacquisitionoflandsthat,ifprotected,willhaveadirectbenefitonthepreserve’sresources.
2008-2009 $250
NaturalResourceManagement NR1.2.2:Maintainacomprehensivespeciesinventory. 2007-2008 $200
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.2.1:Establishaprogramtocollectinformationfromresearchersandcommercialfishermenwithinthepreserve. 2016-2017 $300
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.2.2:Provideresourceupdatestoregulatorystaffissuingpermitswithinoradjacenttothepreserve. 2011-2012 $400
NaturalResourceManagement
NR2.3.2:Assistotheragenciesincontrollingnon-nativeaquaticspecies. 2015-2016 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.1:Reviewandproviderecommendationsforlocalcomprehensiveplansthataddressdevelopmentadjacenttothepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.2:Commentonproposedlarge-scalecoastaldevelopmentsadjacenttotheNorthForkSt.LucieRiveranditsheadwaters.
2010-2011 $250
CoastalDevelopment CD1.1.3:Commentonpermitapplicationsforconstructionactivitiesonsovereignsubmergedlandswithinthepreserve. 1986-1987 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.1.4:Recommenduseofsoft,livingshorelinestodecreaseerosionandprotectthewaterqualityandresourceswithinandupstreamofthepreserve.
2010-2011 $250
PublicUseandAccess PU1.1.1:Organizetwocommunity-basedclean-upeventseachyear. 2007-2008 $1,300
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.2:Removedebris,especiallymonofilamentline,entangledinandadjacenttobirdrookeriespriortoeachnestingseason.
2007-2008 $500
PublicUseandAccessPU1.1.5:Facilitatepreemptiveremovalofabandonedvesselsandremovalofderelictvesselsandsubmergeddebriswithinthepreserve.
2006-2007 $15,000
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.1:Facilitateregularcommunicationwithlawenforcementforrapidresponsetoillegalactivities. 2011-2012 $500
PublicUseandAccess PU1.3.2:Coordinatewithlocalcitizenstohelppatrolthepreserve. 2011-2012 $1,500
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,650
��4
Issue Strategy ProjectInitiation
EstimatedYearlyCost
Education&Outreach
WaterQuality WQ2.1.1Distributewaterqualityinformationtothepublicandpartners. 2011-2012 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.1:Deliverpresentationstopromoteknowledgeandstewardshipofthepreservetoadults,children,andstudents. 2008-2009 $300
WaterQualityWQ2.2.2:Provideeducationalboattourstoinformthepublicabouttheeffectofwatershedpracticesonthepreserve’snaturalresources.
2013-2014 $400
WaterQuality WQ2.2.5:Informstudentsaboutlocalissues. 2013-2014 $250
CoastalDevelopmentCD1.2.1:Providehands-onvolunteeropportunitieswithinthepreservetopromoteknowledgethroughpersonalinteractions.
2007-2008 $1,400
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.2:Informresidentsaboutclimatechangeandsea-levelrise,andhowtheycouldaffectthepreserve. 2014-2015 $250
CoastalDevelopment CD1.2.3:Provideoptionstoresidentsforreducingtheircarbonfootprint. 2010-2011 $250
Education&OutreachSubtotal $3,250$382,650 2017-2018Total
D.3 / Budget Summary Table
2008-2009CostEstimate
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $35,050
ResourceManagementSubtotal $218,750
Education&OutreachSubtotal $1,700
2008-2009Total $255,500
2009-2010CostEstimate
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $36,350
ResourceManagementSubtotal $219,250
Education&OutreachSubtotal $1,700
2009-2010Total $257,300
2010-2011CostEstimate
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $88,950
ResourceManagementSubtotal $305,700
Education&OutreachSubtotal $4,200
2010-2011Total $398,850
2011-2012CostEstimate
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $91,650
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,000
Education&OutreachSubtotal $6,750
2011-2012Total $406,400
2012-2013CostEstimate
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $91,750
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,300
Education&OutreachSubtotal $2,350
2012-2013Total $402,400
2013-2014CostEstimate
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $42,750
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,300
Education&OutreachSubtotal $4,500
2013-2014Total $355,550
2014-2015CostEstimate
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $38,950
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,100
Education&OutreachSubtotal $13,250
2014-2015Total $360,300
2015-2016CostEstimate
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $70,750
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,350
Education&OutreachSubtotal $3,250
2015-2016Total $382,350
2016-2017CostEstimate
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $69,750
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,650
Education&OutreachSubtotal $3,250
2016-2017Total $381,650
2017-2018CostEstimate
EcosystemScienceSubtotal $70,750
ResourceManagementSubtotal $308,650
Education&OutreachSubtotal $3,250
2017-2018Total $382,650
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D.4 / Major Accomplishments since the Approval of the Previous Plan
TheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreservewasadoptedbytheTrusteesoftheInternalImprovementTrustFundonMarch30,1972.Untiltheestablishmentofalocalfieldofficein1986,allaquaticpreservematterswerehandledinTallahassee.Managementofthefieldoffice,foursoutheastaquaticpreservesandonestatebufferpreserve(from1997to2004)hasbeenoverseenbyfiveseparatemanagers.Previousmanagerswereinterviewedtoensurethatallsignificantmanagementeffortshavebeenaccuratelydocumentedsinceadoptionof1984managementplan.Increasedcommunicationwithpreviousmanagersandthepublichashelpedtoestablishafoundationonwhichtobasefuturemanagementplanning.
Overthefirst10years(1986-1996),activitiesinthepreserveinvolvednaturalresourceprotectionthroughtheregulatorypermitreviewprocessandeducationandoutreach.Staffroutinelycoordinatedwiththeregulatorydivisionwhenpermitapplicationsweresubmittedforprojectswithinthepreserve.Thisincludedsitevisitsoftheproposedprojectareasandcompletingdetailedreportsfortheregulatoryofficetoreview.OrganizationofeducationalcanoetripsoutofWhiteCityParkwashistoricallyoneofthestrongestoutreachprograms.Aninformativechildren’scoloringbook,AquaticPreservesareExceptional,wasdesignedbySoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservestaffintheearly1990sandisstillproducedanddistributedstate-widetoday.Signageidentifyingthepreservewasinstalledattwopublicboatramps:WhiteCityParkandVeteran’sMemorialParkatRivergate.InJune1996,preservestaffalsohelpedtoestablishtheStewardsfortheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesInc.,a501(c)(3)CitizenSupportOrganization.TheCSOprojectsontheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverincludedboattours,canoetrips,andclean-ups.GuidedtoursattheHalpatiokeeCanoeandNatureTrail,exoticspeciesremoval,plantingofnativevegetation,andmarshreconnectionwereconductedadjacenttothepreserve.
AlthoughtheprotectionandmanagementofthenaturalresourceswithintheAquaticPreservehasalwaysbeenapriority,theprimaryfocusalongtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiversincetheadoptionofthe1984planhasbeenmanagementoftheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverBufferPreserve.ThehighlightsoftheworkassociatedwiththebufferpreservebytheOfficeofCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas(CAMA)staffincludethedraftingoftwomanagementplans(DEP,1997;2003),removalofexoticspecies(>$1Million),installingfencelinesandpostingsignagealongthe967acreproperty,andmanaginga50acreCARLparcel(Halpatiokee)embeddedwithinthebufferpreserve.Exoticspeciesremoval,especiallyBrazilianpepperandoldworldclimbingfern(SeeAppendixB.4.2)occurredthroughoutthebufferpreserve,butHalpatiokeewas,andremainstoday,apriorityparcel.OtherimprovementsatHalpatiokeeincludeoneparkinglot,educationalsignage,trails,boardwalks,andacanoe/kayaklaunch.HalpatiokeeandanorthernparcelattheconfluenceofFiveandTenMileCreeks,theMiller-Wildparcel,aretheonlytwopublicaccesspointstothebufferpreserve.HalpatiokeeistheonlydirectaccesspointtotheAquaticPreservethroughstateparklands.FNAImapswerecreatedandground-truthedforthebufferpreservein2003.Managementofallstatebufferpreserves,includingtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverBufferPreserve,wastransferredfromCAMAtotheDivisionofLandandRecreation(stateparks)in2004.ThebufferpreserveisnowaparcelmanagedunderSavannasPreserveStatePark.Arevisiontothe1997NorthForkSt.LucieRiverBufferwasdraftedpriortotransferofmanagementtostateparks.ThisrevisionhasnotbeenadoptedbytheTrusteesandthereforeonlyservesasanupdatedsourceofinformationforpreserveandstateparkstaffatthistime.
InvolvementwiththeCERPand,morespecifically,theIRL-SProjectbecameapriorityforpreservestaffin2002.DuetodedicatedeffortsfromCAMAstaff,reconnectionoftheNorthForkfloodplainandoxbowsisidentifiedasapriorityintheIRL-SPIR(USACEandSFWMD2004).AcostanalysisforhydrologicrestorationfromPrimaVistaBoulevardBridgethroughTenMileCreekwaspreparedbyPBS&Jin2003forDEPwithSt.LucieRiverIssuesTeam,U.S.FishandWildlifeServiceCoastalProgram,SFWMD,andFloridaDepartmentofTransportationmitigationmonies.CAMAstaffalsoworkedwithcontractorstoreconnectoneoxbowjustsouthofPlattsCreekin2002andthreebermbreachestorehydrateisolatedfloodplainapproximately1/2milenorthofPrimaVistaBoulevardin2003.Biologicalmonitoringoffishandinvertebratesassociatedwiththerestorationsitestookplaceforthreeyears.Shorelinestabilizationalongtheriver’sedgeofthethreebermbreechprojectswerecompletedin2004(SeeAppendixB.5.2).ResearchandmonitoringprojectsdesignedtodocumentthesuccessofCERPrestorationprojectsthroughtheCERPResearch,Coordination,andVerification(RECOVER)teamshavebeensupportedbyCAMAstaffaswellasotheragencystaffwithinandadjacenttothepreserve.TheseincludefishstudiesandafloodplainvegetationstudyoverseenbySFWMD.
DuetotheimprovementofGeographicInformationSystems(GIS)capabilitiesatthefieldoffice,ArcGISsoftwareisroutinelyusedinallaspectsofmanagingtheNorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve.GISgivesstaffthecapabilitytobetterdocumentandusethecurrentconditiondatatohelpfosterlocalstewardshipandprotectnaturalresourceswithinthepreserve.AccessandderelictvesselsurveyswereperformedthroughoutthelengthofthepreserveinJune2007.TheSoutheastFloridaAquaticPreservesFieldOfficeiscurrentlyworkingwithDEPregulatorystaffandFWClawenforcementtoremovethederelictvesselslocatedwithinthepreserve.AGIS-basedexoticspeciesdatabasehasalsobeencreatedtodocumentandmanageexoticspecies.
Themostnotableeducationalmaterialsproducedsince1986forthepreserveincludethechildren’scoloringbook,atri-foldbrochure,andaspeciesposter.Datacreatedandroutinelymaintainedbypreservestaffinclude:1)specieslist,2)exoticspeciessightingsdatabase,3)e-maildistributionlistforpreservestakeholders,and4)agencycontactlistforboating,wildlife,andotherwork-relatedemergencies.In2007,staffcreatedanadvisorycommitteeforassistancewiththemanagementplanrevisionprocessandinitiatedabiannualcommunity-basedclean-upprogramforthepreserve.
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ThefollowingdirectiveswereoutlinedintheMay22,1984plan:
1.fieldfamiliarizationanddocumentation;
2.literaturefamiliarization;
3.monitoringofplantandanimalspeciesforchangesduetonaturalcauses;
4.protectionofplantandanimallifefromhumanusesoftheaquaticpreserve;
5.identificationofresearchneeds;
6.identifyrestorationneeds;
7.restorationofplantandanimal-basedcommunities;
8.coordinationwithotherresearchers;
9.familiarizationwithandmonitoringofactivitiesanduserswhichregularlycontributepollutantstopreservewaters;
10.familiarizationwiththejurisdiction,personnel,andmonitoringprogramsofgovernmentagenciesandotherentities;
11.monitoringofwaterresourcesbycooperativedatacollectionandreview
12.permitandleaseapplicationreviewforaquaticpreserveusesandwatershedactivitiesthatwouldaffectthepreserveresources;and
13.guidelinepreparationforthemanagementoftheendangeredspecieswithintheaquaticpreserve.
Alldirectives,except(13)guidelinepreparationforthemanagementofendangeredspecieswithinthepreserve,havebeenaddressedtosomeextentinthemanagementprogramoverthepast24years.Managementofthepreservehasbeenaffectedbyshortageofstaff,undersizedannualbudgets,andmanagementresponsibilityoverfouradditionalpreserves(threeaquaticandonebuffer).TheSt.LucieRiverisreceivingnational,state,andlocalattentionduetothewell-documentedneedtoimprovethequalityofthewater.AdditionalstaffwouldbethemosteffectivewayforCAMAtosupportthesehighpriorityefforts.
NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserveManagementPlan•August2009-July2019
NorthForkSt.LucieRiverAquaticPreserve3300LewisStreetFortPierce,FL34981772.429.2995
FloridaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionCoastalandAquaticManagedAreas3900CommonwealthBlvd.,MS#235Tallahassee,FL32399•aquaticpreserves.org