[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
0122122 70 ouz-v gultjre. Volume 2 Preliminary Action Plansfor the. Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed ................... Peace River & Watershed - Myakka River & Watershed Coastal. VenicelLemon BaylGasparilIq SoundlCape Haze Charlotte Harbor Proper - Pine Is land SoundlMatlacha Pass Estero Bay & Watershed Tidal Caloosahatchee River & Watersh e*d November 1999 OTTE @49 gig& Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Comments, Please! Thank you for reviewing this Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. would appreciate your ,written comments as we continue to evaluate harbor and watershed -restoration strategies for the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. To reply,, simply remove this page and fax or mail to: -A Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program 4980 Bayline Drive, 4 th Floor N. Fort Myers, FL 33917-3909 e-mail: [email protected] Fax:' (941) 656-7724 Telephone: (941) 995-1777 Your name: Address: (with zip code) Phone:) General Comments. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Specific comments on text or Action Plans may be noted in the margins of this document.- Specific questions: Do you agree with the goals for-harbor and watershed- restoration presented in the "Introduction' chapter in Volume, I? What goals would you change or add? Which specific actions do you consider the highest priority? (Indicate your top five choices using the assigned codes.) What. specific change- s -or additions would you recommend to accomplish harbor and watershed restoration goals? How can we improve the format, readability, and -design of this plan? Thank you! Committing To Our Future Volume 2 Preliminary Action Plans for the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed The Draft Action Plans and text in this document are provided for review. by the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed community. Committing To Our Future was produced by the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, and recommendations by reviewers will be considered for incorporation into the final plan, to be published and available to citizens in the summer of 2000. We welcome, your comments and inquiries and encourage your use of the section titled "Comments, 'please" that appears at the beginning of the book. November 1999 Program Staff: Tiffany Lutterman, Director David Moldal, Environmental Planner/Administrator Melissa Upton, -Public Involvement Specialist Jock Robertson, Technical Writer Patti Armbruster, Administrative Assistant -Maps by Debra Childs, Post, Buckley, Schuh- &Jernigan and ..Tim Walker, -Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Project decriptions, compiled by Wright Consultants, Inc; Cover, artwork by Diane Pierce Inside artwork by Victor McGuire This document is funded in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4 through a cooperative agreement for the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. Printed on Recycled Paper C,&zrfolle YfarSor Xqlionerf Ciluary Acoyz-am !Z)Pafi Compzv-Senime Conjaroalion andXanayemenl 51ta Z%% T ABLE 0 . F CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. REGIQNIWIDE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ..... ..................................................... 3 NATIONALMARINE FISHERIES SERVICE ..................................................................... 9 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE/ NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE ......................... ............................. 11 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ............I............ ...................................................... f5 U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ............................................... :.................. 17 WEST COAST INi!ND NAVIGATION DISTRICT . ...........\..................I ............................ 27 -CALOOSAHATCH'F.F. RIVER AND-ESTERo BAY WATERSHEDS THE CALUSA LAND TRUST AND NATURE PRESERVE OF PINE ISLAND, INC .................. 29 CITY OF CAPE CORAL ................................................................................................... M CITY OF FORT MYERS, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT .................................................. 36 CITY OF SANIBEL .............................................................................................. 40 1STERo BAY MARINE LAi3oRAToRY ..........I.......... ;.1 .............. :: ...................................... @..45 FLORIDA CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ..................................................... ...... 46 TLORID@ DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ........................................ ........ 47 FORT MYtR*S BEACH MARINE RESOURCES TASK FORCE ........... ........................................ 67 LEE COUNTY NATURAL PESOURCES DIVISION ................................................................. 68 SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, INC ........................................................ 83 SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT .................... .............................. 94 I ................................ TURTLE T. ME, INC ...................................... ................. 104, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR .................................... ..................................... 106 U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ................. ............................................. ............... 123 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY .... ................................................................................... 125 VOLUNTEER SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH TEAM 'INC ........................... .............................. :...'34 oi c.-c Lurary Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan LOWER PEACE AND MYAKKA RIVER WATERSHEDS CHARLOTTE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS ................................................................. ......... 137 CHARLOTTE CouNTY-PuNTA GORDA, METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ...... 144 CHARLOTTE COUNTY UTILITIES .................................................................................. 146 CHARLOTTE CouNTY NATuRAL RESOURCES PLANNING SECTION .............. ............. ....... FLORIDA SEA GRANT EXTENSION PROGRAM ............................ ......... ....................... 159 CHARLOTTEHARBORENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, INC ........... ............................................ 160 186 CITY OF NORTH PORT ................................................................................ ..........195 CITY oF PuNTAGoRDA ................................ ................................................................... 195 CITY OF VENICE ...............I..... ......... . ...... 204 ................................. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OFENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ......................................... ....... 212 PEACE RIVER/MANAsoTA REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY AuTHoRITY.... 248 SARASOTA CouNTYNATuRAL RESOURCES.. .............................. 256 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL ........ 286 . ............................................. UPPER PEACE AND MYAKKA RIVER WATERSHEDS CENTRALFLORIDAREGIONAL PLANNING CO UNCIL ............ . ................................ .......... 293 CITY OF LAKELAND ...................... . ............................................................................. CITY OF WINTERHAvEN .......................... 297 ............ ...... ............................................... FLORIDA DEPARTMENToF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ............................I .................. 299 GREEN PARTNERS/A PARTNERSHiP oF PoLK CouNTY BUSINESSES ............................. 332 HARDEE BoARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ............................... .................. 333 LAKES EDUcATION/AcTioN DRIVE... ............ . ......................................................... 337 MANATEE COUNTY AGRICULTURE AND-NATuRAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT. ... .... 338 MANATEE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT ............................................... ........... 340 MANATEE CouNTYTRANspoRTATIONDEPARTMENT ...... ......................... ................ 346 POLK CbUNTYBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PLANNINGDEPARTMENT .......... 347 POLK CouNTYNATURALRESOURCES ANDDRAINAGEDIVISION ................. .............. 350 POLK COUNTY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE ......I ................................................... 364 SOUTHWESTFLORIDA WATER MANAGEmENTDISTRICT ............................................... 368 LIST OFACRONYMS .......... ........................................................................ ........... 395 GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................... 401 INDEX OF PRELIMINARYACTION PLANS ................ ....... ............................... 407 GSarfolle -7fa4o-- Xalionaf&lu -Y Z)-7af/ Gompiwlensioe.Cdnieroalion and'jKanayemeni -Wan Introduction Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan INTRODUCTION Management programs have two Phases:'. first, creating the management plan and second, conducting projects to implement the elements of the management plan. The Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the Greater Char- lotte Harbor Watershed is described in Volume l. The plan outlines the goals and objectives for the region's natural resource management and identifie's the priority actions that are needed- Volume I also describes the monitoring and management programs that are neces- sary to measure implementation progress and to exchange technical information. The.early action demonstration projects conducted to address immediate technical an,& educational '.demands are summarized and an education strategy is detailed. Finally, the first volume of this document credits the people and organizations who worked to make the plan a reality. Our commitment to the Comprehensive Conservation -and Management Plan will be re-', flected in the actions that are taken to improve, protect, and,restore our natural resources. Implementation of the priority action requires many organizations to work together and to provide the staff, funding, 'and expertise--for complex projects. This part, Volume II, -de- scribes the projects that are currently underway or are Planned by the- many area organiza- tions who manage natural resources. These preliminary implementation projects are diverse'. Some, projects focus on research and information collection. Others focus on public education or -enforcement of existing laws. Many projects involve more than one organization and are examples of the partner- ships that are essential to address com lex issues and to mance efficient solutions. The projects in this book are organized by -regional category and then by the sponsoring organization. The four regional categories used-to organize the preliminary implementa- -tion projects are: Regionwide; Caloosahatchee/Estero Basins; Lower Peace and Myakka Basins (including- Lemon Bay and Venice): and, Upper Peace and Myakka Basins. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Within each regional category,.each organization is listed in alphabetical order and their projects are grouped together. More than 40 organizations submitted descriptions that are, included here as preliminary implementation projects. The project descriptions were writ- ten by the organizations who are planning or undertaking -the project. Many of the organiza-, tions are, municipal governments while others are regional, state, or federal agencies. Not- for-profit organizations also contributed projects that are important for monitoring, research, and education. All together,. these projects are the first phase of the long-term implementa- tion of the management plan.that is needed. Each proj ect description contains the essential-infor mation about its strategy, funding, part- ners, and status. Some of theprojects are already underway;: other's will be implemented if the-appropnate staff and funds are authorized and the public supports its implementation. The organizations who have projects included in this volume proVided them on a voluntary basis: The information was reviewed by the Charlotte Harbor NEP committee 'members who provided detailed comments and suggestions. The appearance of.these final projectsis owed to the many managers. and reviewers who dedicated their time to this effort. Despite the large number of projects included in this document, there is still more-to be done. First, many of the projects described.in the -following sections do not have the fund ing, staff, and inform- ation they need be fully. implemented. Therefore, we will need to work together to accomplish all of the planned projects. Additionally, there are portions of the priority actions described in Volume l that are not fulfilled by any of these preliminary projects. Information collection, analysis, partnerships, and education initiatives are needed In addition to the projects described here. So the management conference, citizens,private organizations, and public agencies must continue to identify staff and-financial resources to -implement the management plan. At -least once every two years we will measure our implementation progress f6r our Com- prehensive-Conservation and Management Plan. As the program proceeds, we will extend our-technical and financial capacities to address the region's issues.* We must show- our, commitment to the future by pursuing the implementation of these and many other projects -to achieve. the goals of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, GSarfolle Aw-Aar Xalional8sluary Orafl Comprzsgnjioe Conservalion andXanaqemeal '716 -@fg@onwidw tion ans Prell" m inary Ac 0 PI CSarfo&e,7farSor Xabonaf,(5sluary 5@wypam D-afl Com emen I -?fan p-.,,@emive Conjervallion andAranay Watershed Managemefit Program Watershed Approach Contact Person: Deborah Scerno Title: Environmental Specialist 11 Agency/Organization: Department of Environmental Protection, Water Resource Management,: Watershed Management Program Mailing Address: 3804,Coconut Palm Drive Tampa, FL 33619-8318 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, Ext. 489 FAX Number: (813) 744-8198.- E-mail Address: Deborzih.Scerno @ dep.state.fl.us r Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-2 & WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed:'WQ-C, WQ-D, WQ-0 Project Description:* The Watershed Management Program in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection'(FDEP), Division ofMater Resour@e'Management is developing a watershed mana ' i gement ap- proach that integrates Division activities. This approach involves a five-year basin cycle that rotates through each of the states basins.. Each cycle includes five phases. The five phases are: 1) preliminary basin assess- ment; 2) strategic' mbnitoring; 3) data anaJy5is and total maximum daily load (TMDL) development; 4) man- agpment action plan development; and 5) implementation. Under th@ watershed management pro@grarn-,basin assessments for the,Peace River Basin, Myakka River Basin, Caloosahatchee River Basin, and the Charlotte, 'Harbor areas would be prepared. These basin assessments will identify which waters are irnpaired. Please noie that_lhe rule describing how to determine if a water segment is impaired has not been written as of July 99. Then, in conjunction with the development of Pollutant Load Reduction Goals (PLRGs) for surface water improvement and management (SWIM) waters, TMDLs will be developed f6r the impaired waters. A TMDL is the Total Maximum Daily Load for the water segment - the largest amount of a substance that can be discharged into the water segment and the water gegment still meet waWr-quality standards. Strategy for Implementation: Phase one will start with a compilation of all data available for the basin and a review of the data to determine if any of the waters- in the basin,are impaired. Data deficiencies or supple- mental information needs identified in phas@ I will-be addressed in phases 2 and 3. This will require coordination and cooperation among a, number of local, state, and federal agencies. Total maximum daily load -(TMDL) development in phase 3 will incorporate pollutant load reduction gdals.(PLRGs) and 6ther basin"efforts to determine point and non point sources (including air deposition) and their effect upon water quality. A variety of methods (including, models) will be used to develop TMDLs that addresses each pollutant that prevents water quality standards from being met. In phase 4, the TMDL is then allocated between point sources, tionpoint sources, background, uncertainty and future uses. Re- cent legislation (Florida Statute'403.067) describes the resp6nsibilities of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection _(FI)tP), water management districts. (WMDs), and, DACS in the irnRiementa- tion phase of TMDLs.* As part of.the rotating. cycle, basins would be revisited every five years ano it may require more than @one cycle to complete all of the TMDLs in a given basin. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: The Watershed Mana emeneProgram at the Department of Envirdnmental Protection (DEP) in Tallahassee i ,s responsible'for the ba4n assessments, TMDL development, and implementation. As of yet, a basin coordinator has 'not been named forany of the basins covered by th Ie Charlotte Harbor program. Some useful contacts are Debby Scerno (813) 744-6100 ext. 489 (Program Rep- resentative for the Southwest District) and Daryll Joyner (850) 488-3603,-(Program Administrator).. Ecosys- tem Manag@ment contacts include Bruce Boler (941) 33276975,in' ihe South Diltrict., Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Other Project Partners: Extensive cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) South and Southwest Districts is anticipated along with incorporation of the South Florida and Southwest Florida Water Managements -Districts' pollutant load reduction goals (PLRGs). Cooperation is also antici- pated with the many stakeholders in the Charlotte Harbor Watershed. Geographic Area: Peace River Basin, MYakka River basin, Caloosahatchee River Basin and the Charlotte Harbor areas. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Eventual improved water quality is the expected benefit. The draw- back is that-we cannot be certain by what year.' Project Timeline/Schedule: The Department's current total maximum daily load (TMDL) schedule calls for a-five-year cycle for basin assessment, TMDL determination, and TMDL implementation. We,expect to take two full cycles to develop TMDLs for a basin group,with the high priority waters-being addressed in, the first cycle and low priority waters addressed in the second cycle., TMDL development will begin in 2003, with the majority of development occurring between 2005 and 2011. Implementation will, of course, take longer but we plan to complete TMDL,implementation plans by 2012. Some of the TMDLs may be done sooner as-the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is working on pollutant load reduction goals (PLRGs) for surface water improvement and management (SWIM) water bodies,which -the Department may use for establishing TMDLs. It is likely that some additional effort will be required to convert PLRGS into TMDLs and will be project specific. pe. Status: The Watershed Management approach with a five year cycle for basin assessment has not been implemented at, this time. Revisions to' the statewide fixed status and trends station network funded by the Department was implemented in October 1998. As described earlier, the watershed approach represents an ongoing process of assessment, -targeted studies, and implementation of strategies direceted toward restoring and maintaining designated uses; In general, all of the actions- associated with the water quality objectives are expected to assist the TMDL program t o some extent. The majority of the problems that TMDLs will have to address are those of nonpoint source contributions to watersheds. Since many of the actions are related to reducing nonpoint source contributions (septic tanks, stormwater, atmospheric deposition, deposition, etc.), it is expected that these actions will assist the TMDL program. As a result of implementing management activities to address these actions, water quality improvement may be seen in impaired waters before TMDL development begins. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potential Funding and/or Collaboration Opportunities: Various federal and state funding sources provide money for watershed management activities. Reference Documents: The web site www.ebase.dep.state.fl.us contains. copies of the program documents on basin management. Comments: -In order to establish a load, information is needed on water quantity as well. as water quality. Therefore it is likely that we will need to, collect flow data where gaps occur (HA-B). In addition, groundwa- ter and surface-water interactions will need to be investigated (HA-C). Although most total maximum daily. loads (TMDLs) will be concerned with how much of a substance can be discharged, some- may be related to hydrologic alterations and thus relate- to HA-A- and/of HA-F. Actions associated, with education of the public (WQ-B, WQ-1, and WQ-L) are also an interest of the TMDL program, as the public can make a big difference in their own yards (as well as in the community as a whole) in reducing pollutant loadings. -&dmy 'D On. C..,,,,Va'1ion anc(_Wanaqemen1 fah 0 Team Permitting'-- Net Ecosystem Benefit Planning and Permitting Process Contact Persom, Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist 11 V-4. Agency'/Organization: Florida Department O'f.Environmen-tal Protection Mailing.Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 336119 Telephone Number: (81113) 744-6100 ext. 433 FAX Number: .(813) 744-6084 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2, HA-5, FW- 1, FW-@, FW74 Priority Actions Addrissed: HA-D, HA-F,- FW-S, FW-T Project Description: -Pursuant to Section'403.075(l), Florida. Statutes, the legislature has pr07 vided for a voluntary ecosystem management process which includes the coordination of the plan- ning activities of state and, other governmental units, land management, environmental permitting I and regulatory programs, and voluntary programs, together with the needs of the business commu- nity, private landowners and the public, as partners in a streamlined and effective program' for the protection of. the environment. As part of the team perrpitting request, a Oermittee is required- to provide "net ecosystem benefits" which are environmental outcomes that are better than that which would have been achieved in the traditional permitting process. Strategy for Implementation: The Team Permitting/-Net Ecosystem Benefit voluntary, process will be publicized and advocated for use by lakge scale development projects involving large acre- ages, and are generally multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary in' nature. Applicants, agencies and representatives of the public will workto refine a list of "Net Ecosystem Benefits" to be imple- mented, which-will.offset environmental impacts in-the -watershed-.-Cuffently, efforts are underway to identify environmental conditiotf� within- the watershed where potential. impacts could be offset by implementation of this pr ogram. Refined Net Ecosystem Benefits will be examined throaghout-the permitting process and decisions will be made and incorporated into legally implementable documents. such'as permits, develop- ment orders, conservation easements, or agreements.. Opportunities for Net Ecosystem Benefit include, but are not lim- ited to: Aholistic focus on ecosystem-wide impacts and benefifs-1, Establishment and long-t6rm protectiori,of greenways, th7q Integrated Habitat.Network of rdes- tablished and protected wildlife corridors dnd'riparian systems; 4@ Restoration of upland habitat'and connections; and Restoration-of historic water flow and hydrology in the Peace River system. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Other Project Partners: Other State, agencies, water management /districts, regional planning councils, local governments, environmental organizations, federal agencies, the. deivelopm@nt com- ,munity, private citizens and landowners. 5-1 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Geographic Area The entire Charlotte Harbor watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks:: Projects developed with -the Team Permitting - Net. Eco- system Benefit program will substantially contribute toward the achievement of NEP goals and objectives. Permitting of the projects should minimize and remediate long term impacts in a more creative, effective manner than standard permitting criteria. Project Timeline/Schedule:. As needed for particular projects. Status: In progress.- Resources/Funding Available:Program staff. Needed: Program staff. Potential: This is an, inclusive planning and permitting process that is particularly effective at involving,the public, local units, and stat e and regional agencies early in the project planning pro- cess so that the project can be design in a more environmentally appropriate manner, rather than simply permitted and mitigated. Reference Documents., Section 403.0752,Florida Statutes. Comments: Dpaf/ CompretSenitoe Comervalron and'Aranaqemenl 536 Florida Greenways and T)rails Program Contact Person: 'Marsha Rickman 'Title: Planner III Agency/Organization: Office of Greenways ancLTrails Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 725 Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400. Telephone Number: (850) 488-3701 FAX Number: (850) 922-6302 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW4, FW-2 Priority ActionsAddressed: FW-S, FW-U Project Description: The Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) is charged with creating a statewide system of greenways -and frails with recreational, connections between urban and rural areas and ecilogical linkages between state and national p S, 0 'p@ks@, forests and other protected arela and rivers and wetland systems. Strategy'and Implementation-. In September of 1998, the Florida Gr6enways and Trails Coordi- nating Council adopted a five year plan for creating- a statewide system of greenways and trails, entitled Connecting Florida's Communitii?s I with Greenways and Trails (Plan). As part oi the Florida Forever Legislation, the 1999 L&gislaturie authorized the Department of Environmental Protection to C'&TY out the recommendations in the Plan. Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) has a land acquisition program, a trail development grant program, a program for designating greenways and trails into the statewide system, and provides technical assistance to government agencies and non-profit organizations. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: 'Department of Environmental Proteiction, Office 'of Greenways and,Trail's. Other Project Partners: Federal, State, and Local Government.'Agencies, Water Management Districts, Environmental/Conservation Organizations,, Greenways and Trails Support Organiza- iion's, Civic Organizations, Private Landowners, Recreational User Groups. G@ographic Area- Statewide, Expected Ben@fits and/or Drawbacks: A statewide system of interconnected greenways and trails can protect critical ecological functionsand native biological, diversity, conserve'historic and cultural resources, protect working landscapes, and provide outstanding recreational opportuni- ties. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule: The Greenways and Trails Program is ongoing. Rules governing 'the land acquisition program and the designation program are expected to' be adopted by -November, 1999. Proposals for land acquisition will be accepted for a 60 day period each year. The dates are' yet to be determined. Proposals for designating lands into the statewide system will be accepted any time after the program begins; which is expected to be by the end of 1999. Rules for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) are in the process of being developed.' Applications for RTP funding will be accepted for a day period each year. The dates are yet to be determined. Status: Ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: The Greenways and Trails acquisition program receives approximately $4.5,million annually. The program is funded by bonds issued from the sale of documentary stamps authorized under the Florida Forever Act. The Recreational Trails Program receives approximately $1.5 mil- lion per year through Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Needed: Potential: - Reference Documents: Five Year Implementation -Plan, -entitled Connecting Florida's Communi- ties with Greenways and Trails; Florida Forever Act;Chapter 260, Florida Statutes; Rule 62S-1, Florida Administrative Code. Comments: There has already been, a discussion about a conservation land corridor from 10,000 Islands to Tampa Bay. G6. ayeun 0_0 Fisheries Habitat Conservation Program Contact Person': 'David Dale k-4. Title:, Fishery Biologist Agency/Organization: National Marine Fisheries Service Mailing Address: 9721 Executive Center Drive North, St'.- Petersburg, FL 33702 Telephone Number: (727) 570-5311,/ (727) 570-5317 FAX Number: 0 (727) 57 -5300 / (727) 570-53'00 E-ifiail Address: [email protected] - Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3, HA-4, FW-1, FW-2-, M3, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-M, FW-A, FW-C, :FW-L, FW-P, FW-Q, F`W@R Project Description: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Region Habitat Conservation Division provides technical advise and recommendations to Yederal and state, agen- cies and private individuals conce .ming expected impacts of water development activities upon marine and estuarine fisheries' habitat. Sirategy for Impleme ntation: We -primarily are involved with the wetland regulatory and civil' works program's of the U.S.. Army Corps of Engineers. Our assessment and reporting authonty.is provided bythe Clean Water Act, Fish and )Yildlife Coordindtion Act and the'Magnuson-Stevens Fishery, Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA).. In 1996., amendments to.the MSFCMA requir6d that the NMFS describe and identify "essential fish habitat" (EFH) for species -managed -under- Federal fishery management plans. - Federal agencies are requir.ed to consult 'with N..MFS when any activity pr6posed to be permitted, funded, or undertaken by a Federal agency may have adverse impacts on designated EFH. The NMFS will provide EFH Conservation Re'commenda- tions to the Federal action agency.- The -NMFS is also required -to provide'EFH Conservation Rec- ornmendations to state agencies when NMFS receives information about, a state' activity- that would adversely affect EFH. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Mana'gement.Council (Wayne SxAiingle) Other Project Partners: V.S. Anny 6rps of Enginedrs, Jacksonville District, Re Igulatory Divi- . sion; Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Fish'&, Wildlife. Service. ,'Geographic Area: Coastal United States frorfi Ndrth'Carolina to Florida and- Nerto Rico and, the U.S. Virgin Islands.- Includes the Greater Charlotte Hatbor Watershed., Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Conservation and enhancement of fishery habitat by en- surifig compliance with applicable laws and incorporatioii of appropriate avoidance, minimization and mitigati.on of habitat losses and degradation resulting-from proposed alterat 'ions and in-odifica- -tions authorized' constructed, or funded by Federal agencies are expected to coniribute-to the Hy- drologic Alterations, Water Quality, and Fish and Wildlife -Habitat goals of the Charlotte Harbor, National Estuary Program (NEP). Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule: The Habitat Conservation Program is an on-going program of the National Marine Fisheries' Service, Southeast Region. Interim final ru les which specify, the proce- dures for implementation of the Essential Fish Habitat provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservatio n and Management Act (MSFCMA) were pub lished in the Federal Registe r on Decem- ber 19,1997,. Essential Fish Habitat Consultation provisions of the MSFCMA became effective in, early 1999. Status: On-going. Resources/Funding 'Available: Staff of the. National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Region Habitat Conservation Division staff currently consists of 17 biologists and 8.5 support,personnel -located in Beaufort, NC; Charleston, SC; Panama City, FL; Miami, FL; Baton Rouge LA; Galveston, TX and the Regional Office located in St. Petersburg, Florida. A staff Fishery Biologist; located in St. Petersburg, Florida,- is responsible for reviewing activities undertaken, permitted, authorized., or funded by Federal agen- cies and recommending measures for avoiding, mitigating;- or offsetting the impact of the activity on living marine resources and Essential Fish Habitat in 30 counties'Of Florida including the-greater Charlotte Harbor, area:. The Region Habitat Conservation Division operates on a budget of approxi- mately $1.4, million. Direct labor and benefits consume. most of these funds; and the'rest is- in contracts, travel,rents, -utilities, supplies,. etc. There. is little discretionary money available. 'Needed: This staffing level is essentially the same as when the program was initiated in the early 1970s. Any additional resources/funding, as they became available, would likely be spread across the Region Habitat Conservation Division's organization. Potential:. National Marine Fisheries Service Restoration Center's Community Based Restoration Program provides funding ($20-40K per project per year) to support habitat restoration at the local or community -level. Reference Documents: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council 1998. Public hearing draft generic, amendment for addressing Essential Fish Habitat requirements in the following fishery management Plans of the Gulf of Mexico: Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of. Mexico,, United States -Waters; Red Drum Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources (Mackerels) in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Stone Crab Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and -South Atlantic; Coral and Coral Reefs of the-Gulf of Mexico (includes environmental assessment). -Gulf of Mexico Fishery -Management Council: Tampa, FL. Essential Fish Habitat Rules: http:www.nmfs.gov; Gulf of Mexico Essential Fish Habitat: http:// galveston.ssp.nmfs; National-Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Region: http:// caldera.sero.nmfs.gov. Comments: 10 Csarfolle -7far1cov Xalionaf6-1--Y 9,-,q-- Y Conservation Financial Assistance Contact Person Name: Kin Murray Title: Project Coordinator Agency/Organization:' USDVNaturaI Resources Conservation Service Mailing Address: PO Box 1415rO.Gainesville, FL 32614 Telephone Number: 352-338-9509 - Fax Number: 352-338-9578 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2,WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: HAID, WQ-E, WQ-N Project Description: The Natur@l Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial as- sistance to farmers and ranchers through a variety of conservation programs. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program focuses its assistTce.on locally identified conservation priority areas where agricultural improvements will help meet watef quality i provement. goals. The Wetland' Trip 's Reserve Program provides money to purchase conservation easements and restore wetlands th@t have been damaged for agricultural -production. The Wildlife Habitaf Incentive Program -provides cost sharing assistance to help landowners improve wildlife habitat on private lands. Strategy for Implementatio-n: The Natural Resources Conserv@tion Service (NRCS) utilizes its. network of county level field offices to administerthese programs. - Technical and administrative supervision are provided'by tke,State Office in'Gainesville. Field offices utilize -a. variety of out- reach methods, including meetings, mailings and workshops to provide information aboiit the pro- gram to potential participants. Responsible Partner and P ect Coordinator:Niles Glasgow, State Conser@ationist, PO. Box r0i 141510, Gainesville, FL 32614.' Other Project Partner's Local Soil and Water Conservation-Districts, Florida Department of Ag- riculture. and Consumer. Services, farmers and ranchers-. Geographic Area': Statewide. Expected Benefits and/ or-Drawbacks: This action will encourage efficient use of water and will help restore groundwater to historic seasonal levels where it has been lowered by excessive pump- ing for irrigation. This action will also install be9t management, practices (BMPs), which will reduce @non point, source pollution by nutrients and sediments from agricultural fields. Project TImeline/Sche 'dule: Each individual office develops a schedule annually prioritizing,, and scheduling their activities for the year..r Status: Ongoing. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resources/Funding Available:For the past several years approximately $500,000 annually hag been available for Conservation Financial Assistance in the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Needed: Based. upon workload analyses conducted by the- individual field offices, there is a need for approximately double the current funding. Potential: There appears- to be some potential for increased funding associated with special projects, or programs. Reference Documents: Natural -Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Florida Business Plan. Comments: See. "Technical Assistance" project. description. 12 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Conservation Technical Assistance Contact Person: Ken Murray, Title: Project Coordinator Agency/Organization: USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service Mailing Address: PO Box 141510 Gainesville, FL 32614 Telephone Number: .352-338-9509 Fax Number: 352-338-9578 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives A ddressed: HA-2,WQ-6, Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D, WQ-E, WQ-N Project Description: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical assistance to farmers and ranchers through county level field offices. These field offices plan and install Best Management Practices (BMPs) on cropland, grazing land and groveland. The BMPs ensure proper utilizati on of nutrients, irrigation water and forage. This reduces runoff of sediments - and excess nutrients to 'Water bodies, reduces overpumping of groundwater and surface water and helps maintain the-environmental quality of grazing lands- Strategy for Implementation: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) utilizes a num- ber of technical disciplines to accomplish its mission. Resource soil scientists provide' site specific soil interpretation for land users and managers. Range scientists work with ranchers to fine tune their grazing plans in order to maximize prbduction while protecting Water quality and wildlife habitat. Mobile, irriga tion laboratories conduct detailed evaluations of irrigation systems- in order to optimize water utilization and minimize water runoff. Soil conservationists work with farmers to develop conservation plans, which ensure proper utilization of nutrients Responsible Partner and ]project Coordinator: T Niles'Glasgow, State Conservationist, P.O. Box 141510, Gainesville, FL 32614. Other Project Partners: Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts;.Florida-Department of Ag- riculture and Consumer, Services, farmers and ranchers. Geographic Area:Statewide. Approximately 15 staff years devotedto the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Expected Benefits and/ or Drawbacks: This action will encourage efficient use -of water and will help restore groundwater to historic seasonal levels where it has been lowered by excessive pump- ing for irrigation. This action will also install Best Management Practices (BMPs), which will reduce non point source pollution by nutrients and sediments from agricultural fields. Project Timeline/Schedule: Each individual office develops 'a schedule annually prioritizing and scheduling their activities for the year. 13 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status, Ongoing- Resources/Funding Available- Approximately $900,000 has been -available for Conservation Technical Assistance for -the past several years. Needed: Based upon workload analyses conducted by the individual field offices, there is a need for approximately double the current funding. Potential:, There appears to be'some potential for increased funding associated with, special projects or. programs. Reference Documents: Natural. Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Florida Business Plan. Comments: See "Financial Assistance" project description. 14 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements- and Programs Contact Person Name: Annon I. Bozeman Title: Environmental Protection Specialist Agency/Organization: U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Mailing Address:- P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, Florida 32232 Telephone Number: (904)232-.1688 FAX Number': (904)232-3442 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-3, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-B, FW-C, FW-O, FW-P, FW-Q, FW-R, FW-T, FW-V Project Description: Modify hardened shorelines to improve fish and wildlife habitat; restore, disturbed areas and eliminate invasive exotic Vegetation;* terminate new and existing channels in deep water to protect seagrasses; enhance fish and wildlife habitat along canals where vertical seawalls are in place; ensure uniform compliance and enforcement of environmental regulations and permitting criteria; promote programs to improve the quality and quantity of fish and shellfish resources; impr ove public awareness of habitat and wildlife issues; and, identify and map oyster bars in the Charlotte Harbor study area. Strategy, for Implementation: The Corps will continue to encourage the use of softened shore- lines whenever possible. The Corps will encourage permittees to use artificial means to provide a source for fish and wildlife where softened shorelines are not possible.- The Corps will continue to strive to ensure uniform compliance and enforcement of environmental regulations and permitting criteria. The Corps will work with other state and local agencies to promote the- development and enhancement of programs to improve- the quality and quantity of fish and shellfish resources. The Corp's supports the development and implementation of programs to improve public awareness of habitat and wildlife issues. The Corps will work with other State and Federal agencies and within its guiding rules, regulations and laws. The Corps will provide assistance whenever possible but must emphasize that its role in accomplishing the identification of -oyster bars is secondaryto other organizations, such as the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife, Service. The Corps will work with other Federal, State and local agencies to encourage the use of softened shorelines' The Corps will also work with private citizens who wish to -revert from a hardened shoreline to a softened shoreline to increase or provide fish and wildlife habitat. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Corps Environmental Restoration - George Strain, (904- 232-3833; Corps -Regulatory Division -Dr.. John Hall', (904) 232-1666. Other Project Partners: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission; Florida Department of Environmental Protection; National Marine Fisheries Service; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Water Management Districts; counties. Geographic Area: Entire Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program study area. 15 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Implementation of these goals will greatly improve. the fish d wildlife habitat in the.Charlotte Harbor area as well as making the public more aware of habitaant considerations when requesting permits to install boat docks and, seawalls, or to cut and trim. vegetation along the shoreline. Project- Timeline/Schedule: Varies and is an on-going function of the Corps regulator program. Status: In progress, planned,. and ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: Funds come. from. annual F ederal appropriations. Needed- Potential: Reference Documents: River and Harbor Act of 1899; as amended; www.saj.usace.army.mil: Wa- ter Resources Development Act of 1996. Comments: 16 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Bob Howard Contact Person, Title: U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) Program Manager, Charlotte Harbor NEP Agency/Organization: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Mailing Address: 61 Forsyth St. SW, Atlanta GA 30303 Telephone Number: (404) 562-9370 FAX Number: (404) 562-9343 E-mail Address:, [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA, WQ, FW Priority Actions Addressed, HA-A, HA-B, HA-C, HA-D, HA-E, HA-F, HA-G, HA-H, HA-1, HA-J, HA- K, HA-L, HA-M, HA-0, HA-P, HA-Q, WQ-A, WQ-B, WQ-C, WQ-D, WQ-E, WQ-F, WQ-G, WQ-H, WQ- 1, WQ-J, WQ-K, WQ-L, WQ-M, WQ-N, WQ-0 WQ-P, WQ-Q, FW-A, FW-B, FW-C,FW-D, FW-E, FW-F, FW-G,FW-H,FW-1,FW-J,FW-K,FW-L,FW-M,FW-N,FW-0,FW-P, FW-Q,FW-R,FW-S,FW-T, FW- U, FW-V Project Description: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides broad support for the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs) for the National Estuary Programs (NEP) through Section 320 of the Clean Water Act. This support is both financial and technical. EPA will continue to support the NEP consistent with the CCMP and NEP guidelines. Strategy for Implementation: Environmental Protection Agency-(EPA) will continue financial support of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, technical assistance to the Charlotte Harbor NEP, and advo- cacy for the program and CCMP within and outside the EPA. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Southwest Florida,Regional Planning- Council, WayneE. Daltry, Executive Director. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District, Department of Environmental Protection, local governments, and other NEP program contributors. GeographicArea: NEP-wide. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The Clean Water Act (CWA) section 320 program funding will provide resources to manage the implementation of the CCMP, Major funding for implementation of spe- cific action plans will rest witfi other responsible parties. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing, annual appropriations. Status: The draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) is projected to be completed by the end of calendar year 1999. Resources/Funding Available: Federal share to date:$1,781, 500; FY 1999 funding $550,000; Future funding - $300,000/ year for CCMP implementation. Needed: Potential: 25% cash or in kind local match. Reference Documents:' Numerous Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other publications regard- ing the program are available. 17 Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Water Quality Modeling and Total Maximum Daily'Load Development Contact Person: Jim Greenfield Title: Agency/Organization: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Mailing Address: 61 Forsyth St. SW, Atlanta GA 30303 Telephone Number: (404) 562-9238 FAX Number: (404) 562-9224 E-mail Address: [email protected] -Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ- 1,.WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4; WQ-5, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-C Project Description: The State of Florida, with the assistance of the, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), performs water quality modeling and develops total maximurn dail loads (TMDLs) for the Clean Water Act (CWA) 303(d) listed waters. Strategy for Implemen tation: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will work with the State of Florida to complete water quality modeling and development of total maximum daily-loads (TMDLs) for the National Estuary Program,(NEP) area watersheds. The EPA will give consideration for,priority attention to NEP area waters. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection. Other Project Partners: Geographic Area: NEP-wide with emphasis on CWA.303(d) listed waters. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Completion of modeling and development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) Will allow development and issuance of non-point source discharge elimination system (NPDES) permits and. development and implementation of non-point source control,plans sufficient to attain and main- tain area water quality standards. Timeframes are tight and technical resources to perform the work are lim- ited. Project Tim'eline/Schedule- Ongoing, annual, appropriations. --Status; The State and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are currently working with 'the NEP office regarding modeling and total maximum daily load, (TMDL) development. Resources/Funding Available: EPA funding. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: /Numerous Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publications regading the program-are available. Comments: 1-8 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Wetlands Regulatory Program Contact Person: Haynes Johnson Title Life Scientist -Agency/Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mailing Address: 61 Forsyth St.- SW, Atlanta GA 30303 -Telephone Number: (404) 562-9407 FAX Number: (404) 562-9343 E-mAil Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objective Addressed: FW- 1, FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-B, FW-C, FW-D, FW-E, FW-F, FW-G, FW-H, FW-I, FW-J,-FW-K, FW- M, FW-0, FW-P, FW-Q Project Description: The Environmental Protection Agency,(EPA) overview s state, Department of Environ- mental Protection (DEP) and the Southwest Florida Water, Management District (SWFWMD), and federal- Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), wetlands programs. EPA provides financial assistance for wetlands re- lated projects. EPA supports advanced identification of wetlands unsuitable for filling., Strategy for Implementation: Priority support for wetland activities in the NEP program area is provided. Screening for projects of significant impact to the Aquatic Resources of National Importance. Secondary and cumulative-impacts are considered as Well as direct impacts. Impacts in excess of three acres are assessed using currently accepted quasi-quantifiable methodology (WRAP). Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator; Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), Joe Bachelor, Team Leader, (813) 840-2908. Other Project Partners: United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Natural Resource Conservation Service(NRCS), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Geographic Area: NEP-wide. Expected Benefits'-and/or Drawbacks:The program ameliorates impacts to wetlands in the basin. Heavy workload and limited support resources are a drawback. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: Department of Environmental -Protection (DEP) Ecosystem Management Approach to, phosphate mining in the Peace River Basin and opening dead-end residential canals are ongoing interagencyefforts in this basin. Resources/Funding AVailable: EPA funding. Needed: Potential:. Reference Documents: Regulatory authority from the Clean Water Act, Section 404. See Outreach Specialist, Gail Williams-Harrison, (404) 562-9410. Comments: 19 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Nonpoint Source Program--- Contact Pe rson: Drew.Kendall Title' Florida 319 Program Manager Agency/Organization: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Mailing Address: 61 Forsyth St. SW; Atlanta GA 30303 Telephone Number: (404) 562-9394 FAX Number: (404)562-9343 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3, HA-4, WQ-4, WQ-5, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F, HA-L, HA-M, HA-Q, WQ-B, WQ-E, WQ-F, WQ-H, WQ-1, WQ-N, WQ-Q Project Description: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides grant funds to-the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to support the State program addressing nonpoint sources of pollution. The State uses such funds to. support,internal program operations and to 'provide a source of funds for,on the ground nonpoint source control projects as well as other nonpoint source program activities. EPA provides program guidance and technical direction as appropriate. Strategy for Implementation: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), continued support of the State. 319 program, EPA technical assistance to the Charlotte Harbor NEP for preparing nonpoint source project proposals for funding consideration by the Florida Department of Environ mental Protection (FDEP) and EPA advocacy for nonpoint source control projects identified as part of the NEP Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection, Eric Livingston, State 319 Nonpoint Source Coordinator, (850)921-9915.. Other Project Partners: Sou thwest Florida Wa ter Management District, U.S.- Department of Agriculture, U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, focal governments non-profit organizations, stormwater utilities, a mong others. Geographic Area: NEP-wide. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Section 319 program is a source of funds and expertise to address nonpoint pollution sources. Insufficient resources to. meet State priority needs., Lack of Charlotte Harbor watersheds being identified-as Unified Watershed Assessment high priorities. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing, annual appropriations. Status: No specific projects proposed for Charlotte Harbor NEP study area for FY 1999 Section 319 funds. Statewide Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program is proposed to continue to receive funding. Resources/Funding,. Available: $7.8 million "Needed: Unknown. Potential: 40% cash or in-kind local match. -References: Section 319, Clean Water Act. Numerous Environmental Protection -Agency (EPA), Florida Department of Environmental Protections (DEP) and other publications regarding the program are available. Comments. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Coastal Nonpoint Program Contact Person: Bob Howard.' Title: EPA CZARA 6217 Program Manager' Agency/Organization: U. S- -.Environmental Protection Agency Mailing Address: 61 Forsyth St. SW, Atlanta GA 30303 Telephone Number.; (404)562-9370 FAX Number: (404)562-9343 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:- HA- 1, -HA-2, HA-3, HA-4, WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4 WQ-5, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-A, HA-F, HA-M, HA-0, HA-P, HA-Q, WQ-13, WQ-E, WQ-F, WQ-H,WQ-I,WQ-J,WQ-N,WQ-Q Project Description: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jointly manage the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA), 6217 Coastal Nonpoint Program. This program requires States to- de- velop and implement programs that provide enforceable mechanisms and policies to assure nonpoint source control management practices are implemented in the coastal zone. EPA and NOAA per- form program reviews and approvals and provide guidance and technical direction as appropriate.* Strategy for, Implementation: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will work with the State of Florida NonpoiDt Source Program to attain full approval of the State 6217 program. NOAA and EPA will perform periodic. reviews of the program to assure program objectives are met. EPA will work to assure coordination between the 6217 program and the NEP. Responsible Partner and Project: State of Florida,. Department of Environmental- Protection, Eric Livingston, State 319. Nonpoint Source Coordinator,- (850) 921-9915. Other Project Partners: The National Oceanic' and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Qffice of Coastal Resource Management, Ed Kruse, Manager, Southern and Caribbean Region. Geographic Area: NEP-wide. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: the. Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amend ments (CZARA), Section 6217 provides the impetus-for establishing enforceable mechanism's and poli- cies for coastal nonpoint source controls. There is limited direct funding related to 6217 with major funding anticipated through Clean Water Act (CWA) 319 funds. The Charlotte Harbor NEP area has limited priority for 319 funding through the Unified Watershed Assessment process. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing, annual appropriations. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: The State 6217 program has been conditionally.approved with efforts underway to 'get full approval. Resources/Fundiing Available: Changes from year to year.- Needed: Unknown Potential: 25% cash or in kind local match. Reference Documents: Numerous National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publications regarding the program are available. Comments: J Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Water Quality Standards Program Overview Contact Person: Fritz Wagener Title: Water Quality Standards Coordinator Agency/Organization: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Mailing Address: 61 Forsyth St. SW, Atlanta GA 30303 Telephone Number: (404)562-9267 FAX Number: (404)562-9224 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-N Project Description: Water quality standards provide the basis for assuring uses of waters of the U. S. are protected. States develop and adopt such standards. The, Environmental Protection Agengy (EPA) performs a review of the State of Florida watequality standards and assists the State in establishing 'Standards And use classifications. sufficient to meet national. and state water quality, objectives. Where State standards of use c lassifications are insufficient to meet federal program requirements and the State, fails to make necessary corrections, EPA establishes such standards or classifications. Efforts related to-nutrients will be highlighted in the future. -Strategy for Implementation:Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will work with the State of Florida to review water quality standards and use designations on a triennial basis. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: State of Florida-, Department of Environmental Protection, Nancy Turner, (850)921-9436, turner_n @ dep. state' fl us. Other Project Partners: - Geographic Area: NEP-wide. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Establishment of waterquality standards and use designa- tions is fundamental to the state and federal programs for protection of water quality. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing, triennial reviews. Status: Current triennial review expected to be completed in 2000. Resources/Funding Available: Needed:, Unknown. Potential: Reference, Documents:' Numerous EPA publications regarding,the program are available. Comments: 23 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit -Program Contact Person: Roosevelt Childress Title: Chief, Surface Water Pemits Section Agency/Organization: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency,. Mailing Address: 61 Forsyth St. SW, Atlanta GA 30303 Telephone Number: (404)562-9279 FAX Number: (404)562-8692 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantiflable Objectives Addressed: WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-5, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-N Project Description: The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Program (NPDES) is the primary prom- gram to control'point sources water discharges. The State of Florida issuespermits to all dischargers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overviews the,State of Florida NPDES permit Program. This. over- view involves a review of all- major NPDES permits prior to issuance and an annual review of the overall State program including Compliance activities. This annual review results in a -written evaluation of the program." Strategy for Implementation: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will work with the, State of Florida to revie w the State's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Program- (NPDES) major permits and permit compliance actions in the NEP area. Special attention will be given to reviewing NPDES permit actions and -State 'program implementation for the NEP study area, Responsible Partner And Project Coordinator: State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection, Dr. Abdul Ahmadi. Other Project Partners: Geographic Area: NEP-wide. Expected Benefits and/or. Drawbacks: Issuance of and compliance with quality National Pollutant Dis- _,charge Elimination Program (NPDES) permits is the principal mechanism to assure waterquality standards are maintained related. to point source dischargers.. Project Timeline/Schedule: On-going,annual review Status: in progress, ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Unknown. Potential: Reference Documents: Numerous Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publications regarding the pro- gram are available.' Comments: 24 GSadaiie NarSop Xaiiona[6j&-y -'4-q-- Drall GompiwSenswe Gonsexroahon aa'o(Aranayemeni _Afan Investigation of Atmospheric Deposition of Nutrients *Contact Person: John Ackermann- Title: Environmental- S entist Agene'y/drganization: U. S. Environmental Protection 'Agency Mailing Address: 61 Forsyth.St. SW, Atlanta GA. 30303 Telephone Number: - (404)562-9063 FAX Number: (404)562-9019 E-mail Address: acker-man'[email protected] ,Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ- 1, WQ-2 Priority. Actions Addressed: WQ-D Project De.scription: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides grant funds to the Charlotte Harbor NEP ta help support the qdantitati@e mpnitoring and modeling of multimedia (air and water) aspects of pollution which can have adverse impacts on-the ecological systems of Char-. lotte Harbor Bays and Sounds. Stuaies at other estuaries, including Tampa Bay, Florida, have shown that atmospheric deposition of nitrogen compounds can contribute a-significant part of the loading of nutrients to the watershed and to the estuarine water bodies. Nutrient loading can con- tribute to degradation of water quality through.eutrophication, which can lead to excessive algal growth and'other subsequent impacts on the aquatic ecosystems-. Charlotte Harbor NEP develops and submits a workplan that is reviewed and approved by EPA prior -to the award of funds. EPA royides program gididance and technical direction as appropriate. _p Strategy for Implementation: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOANs) technical guidance to the Charlotte Harbor NEP will promote the use of up-to-date quantitative methods, so that results can be compared to studies in other estuaries. Oxides of nitrogen, plusammonia and related compounds, will be monitored for wet deposition and for dry deposition - estimations., Careful siting of 'monitors, in-kind contribution to frequent sample collection with-controfied techniques, and analyses coordinated with national laboratories will contribute,to the validity of the data obtained. The results are needed as part of the, information to develop manage mient strategies, such. as non-point.source control projects, as part of the NEP C6mprehensive Conserv'ation and Management Plan. 1@esponsible Partner-and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary' Program, David R. Moldal, Environmental Administrator/Planner, (941) 99571777. Other Projecf Partners: EPA!s Great Waters program, National Oceanic and Atmospli-eric Administration's (NOANs) Air Resources Lab, Lee County, and other local. go@einffients, among others. Geographic Area: Monitoring site in Lee County, modeling and analysis, will be applicable-NEP- wide. 25 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Evaluation of local aspects of air emissions which contrib- ute to nutrient loading can be utilized in Charlotte Harbor NEP planning. That part of nutrient loading -which comes from long-distance transport -will benefit from regional efforts-to reduce atmo- spheric emissions of nitrogen compounds. Project Timeline/Schedule Intensive sampling for one year beginning in summer, 1999 is funded; a second year of intensive work, and then ongoing but less intense.monitoring are desirable, de- pending upon available funds. Status: Funding was provided to establish the site and obtain quantitative *monitoring equipment andfor one year of frequent sampling and associated chemical analyses. The site and equipment are expected to be operation in mid-summer, 1999. Specific projects in atmospheric deposition, have not yet been proposed for Charlotte Harbor NEP study area for FY 2000 and beyond. The site is being set up so that if may continue, if funded, as part of an ongoing national network that monitors atmospheric deposition. Resources/Funding Available:' $100,000. Needed: Unknown. Potential- In-kin'd local contribution. Reference Documents: EPAs publications-Deposition of Air Pollutants to the Great Waters, First Report to Congress", May 1994, and "Second Report To Congress", June, 1997, (Third Report is expected in summer, 1999). Guidance/protocol documents for the Natiorial Atmospheric Depo- sition Program (NADP) arid the Atmospheric Integrated Research Monitoring Network (AIRMoN). Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Waterway Management for, the West Coast Inland Navigation District -Contact Person: Chuck Listowski Title: 'Executive Director Agency/Organization: West Coast Inland Navigation District Mailing Address:- P. 0. Box 1845, Venice-, FL 34284 Telephone Number: 941/485-9402 FAX Number: 941/485-8394 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW- 1, FW-2, FW-3, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A FW-D FW-E, FW-F, FW-G, FW-H, FW-J, FW-L, FW-0, FW-Q, FW-T Project Description: The West Coast Inland Navigation District is empowered and authorized to undertake programs intended,to alleviate problems associated with its waterways including, but not limited to: - Acting as a local sponsor, for any proj ect designated as a "Section 107, River and Harbor Act of 1960" project authorized, by the U.S, Army Corps of Engineers; Sponsor and provide assitance and support to member, counties, and local governments in' planning and carrying out beach renourishment and inlet management projects; Aid and cooperate with federal, state, regional and local governments in -planning-and carrying out- public- navigation, regional anchorage management, public recreation, inlet management, public education and boating safety projects related to -the waterway; Enter into cooperative agreements with federal,state, regional and local governments to pay part of the costs of acquisition, planning, development, construction, operation and mainte- nance of such projects; and Enter into ecosystem management agreeMents with the Florida. Department of Environmental Protection. Florida's coasts have been transformed over the past two decades as population growth and unprec- edented demand for individual shore access to bays and estuaries-have led to the creation of resi- dential canal developments. Thousands of miles of channels and basins have been dredged as a by-' product of this urbanization process. These navigable Waterways are being stressed by boat traffic and canal-side activities. Southwest Florida's boating population is increasing at twice the State's rate of change and the region's coastal population. is experiencing double the,national growth rate. Resource managers, scientists-and informed users agree that a holistic, placed based -region-wide system is needed to deal with waterway problems associated with channel maintenance, habitat restoration, traffic and signage and boat maintenance. Such.a system can ensure safe, environmen- tally sustainable waterwaysfor the boating public. Implementation of this system provides contin- ued opportunity to demonstrate the feasibility of non-regUlatory approach to waterway manage- ment on a regional basis. 27 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Strategy for Implementation: The overall goal of this management initiative is to. preserve- the ecological and recreational values* of Southwest Florida waterways. Achieving success requires the following- Fitting channel maintenance to boat-draft and use requirements; Minimizing impacts on'suffounding-bay habitats; Prioritizing, and evaluating management alternatives on a regional basis; Developing Maintenance standards for secondary/arterial waterw- ays; Developing map and other information products for, boaters and shore residents to encourage environmental awareness and stewardship by users of the neighborhood-waters and boat access channels; Providing -waterway communities and boating organizations with information and technical support to enable them to take an active role in managing the waterways; Providing And maintaining appropriate channel marking where needed; Sponsoring and providing assistance, and support to member counties and local governments in planning and carrying out beach renourishment and inlet management projects; and Aiding and cooperating with federal, state, regional and-local governments-in planning and carrying out public navigation, regional anchorage.management, public recreation, inlet man agement, public education and,boating safety projects related to-the wafer-way. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: West Coast Inland Navigation District, Chuck Listowski, Executive Director. Other-Project 'Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Environmental Protection. Agency; Florida Department of Environmental Protection; FloridaFish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; South Florida-Water ManAgenment District; Southwest Florida,Water Management District; -Southwest Florida Regional -Planning Council; and Manatee County, Sarasota County, Charlotte County, Lee County and local municipalities within these coun- ties. Geographic Area: Manatee, Sarasota,Charlotte, and Lee Counties. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: To preserve the ecological and recreational values of southwest Florida waterways. Project Timeline/Schedule: On-going. Status:. On-going., Resources/Funding Available: $1,515,351 for,1999, included in property tax millage yearly. Needed-' r Opportunities- Not known at this time. Potential Funding and/o -Collaboration Reference Documents: "A Regional Waterway Systems Management Strategy For Southwest Florida", Gusatavo A. Antonini and Paul Box, Florida Sea Grant.College Program; Section 374 Florida Statutes. 28 Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Caloosahatchee River and Estero. -Bay -Watersheds Preliminary Action Plans Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Pine Island Watershed Natural Resource Assessment, Geographic Information System (GIS) Contact Person: Peter Ordway Title: Director Agency/Organization: The Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island, Inc. Mailing Address: P. 0. Box 747, Bokeelia, FL 33922 Telephone Number: (941) 283-5918 FAX Number: N/A E-mail. Address: pordwayl @coconet.com Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6, FW-1, FW-3, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-C, WQ-D, WQ-F, FW-A, FW-C, FW-H, FW-S, FW-T, FW-U Project Description: Survey and observation data, as, well as,other- information, will be entered into the exisfing Pine Island Geographic Information, System (GIS). This will be used to achieve the objectives and priority actions listed 'above, and as described in the strategy section below. Analysis of GIS.coverages will, among other things, indicate the location of mosquito ditches with respect to environmentally sensitive 'wetlands. This will allow the Calusa Land Trust and other cooperating environmental groups to identify the. mosquito ditches necessary to be removed, in order to restore natural flow. GIS can also be used to identify areas of possible exotic vegetation, however, ground-truthing is required before a definite management plan is developed for removal of the exotics. Strategy for implementation: -1) Following a survey of the Pine Island watershed by Calusa Land COS Trust volunteers and consultation wiih the Aquatic Preserve staff, observed potential sources of. -surface and ground water pollution will be entered as a theme into the existing Pine Island Geo- graphic Information -System (GIS). 2) Using data from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Florida Aquatic Preserve staff, the Florida Audubon Society and observations of Calusa Land Trust volunteers, active rookeries on Pine Island and the, smaller islands surrounding Pine Island will be entered as a theme in the Pine Island PIS. 3) The most recent aerial photographs available for Pine Island and Little Pine Island will be ana- lyzed by a trained ecologist and mapped using the Florida Land Use/Cover Classification System, (FLUCCS). The resulting,habitat and land use polygons will then be digitized, and made into an Arcview shape file, Volunteers. from the Calusa Land Trust will be, given training, and used to ground-truth the "accuracy of the habitat polygons created from aerial photographs. 29 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 4) Once a current land use map has been placed in the Pine Island Natural resource GIS, a review will be used to determine the acreage and types of agricultural -land and the proximity to the waters of the Charlotte Harbor Estuary. State and,county agricultural sources wi 11 be consulted to. provide an approximation of the nutrient, herbicide and pesticide loading for the acreage under -cultivation. 'The GIS will also be used to determine, the extent and population density of the residential canals on Pine Island served by older septic, systems that may be producing non-point source contamination of-the estuary.' Consulting soil scientists and aquatic biologists will be asked to determine whether water quality monitoring is feasible or advisable. If monitoring is deemed necessary, the Pine Island portion of the- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP) - sponsored Department of Envi- ronmental Protection (DEP) Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring program. will, be expanded to use the aIready trained Calusa Land Trust volunteers to collectwater samples on a schedule and at locations devised by the aforementioned technical experts. Water samples will be. analyzed, and the results of the testing made a part of the Pine Island GIS, as well as being reported to the appropriate state and county agencies. 5)Other private and public entities currently involved in active land preservation activities in the Pine Island portion of the Charlotte Harbor Esturary will be consulted about what GIS coverages or themes they havewhich could be made available for inclusion in a Pine Island Natural, Resource GIS. They will also, be asked to suggest other themes/coverages that they would like to see devel- oped and included. Input from these organizations will be used to expand the database of the GIS. (See section-on Other Project Partners for the other entities.) 6) The Natural Resources GIS will be made available to the public on the Internet, either as a part of, the Calusa Land Trust web site of as a separate web site dedicated to the NEP. 7) The Natural Resources GIS could be expanded to the central and northern portions of the estuary should utility-and interest warrant. Responsible Partners and Project Coordinator: Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Marine Research Other Project Partners: Potential - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI), South Florida Water Management District, Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves, Cayo Costa State Park; Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (RPC), Lee County Department of Parks and R ecreation, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, The Con- servancy of Southwest Florida.. Geographic Area: Pine Island-south Charlotte Harbor, Matlacha Pass, San Carlos Bay, Pine Is- land Sound. 30 'Clcarfofie Xarkar Xalional'(531uary -"P-,q- Opa ,fl Q@wpreSen;ive Conservalion andArdn eni, 9@@n al"M Expected benefits and/or drawbacks: Using existing coverages of protected lands in the Pine' Island region, a current -land use/land *cover overlay will allow' quantification 6f the, acreage of specific natural likitats. that are already protected. By showing the location of target6d'na'tural habitats not yet protected, organizations involved in acq6isition of environmentally threatenedJands will have'a gqide for prioritizing future acquisitions based on relative scarcity of threatened natural habitats. The organizations then will be better able to make long-term land protection goals based on knowleage ofspecific habitat locations. Th Ie habitat mapping will allow land stewardship plan- ning to aid in location and in eventual removal of exotic vegetation and replanting with native species. Information about extent and location of mosquito ditches will be useful in future plan- ning of hydraulic@ alteration to rest 6re historical seasonal water flow. Analysis of the acreage of cultivated land- and the proximity to the Charlotte Harbor Estuary along with estimates of possible contaminate loading and soil's information will help technical experts to decide where a program of water quality monitoringjnight be desirable. Ah analysis of the extent and population of the residential canals not,-Served by -a central wastewater facility will provide necessary -data upon,which to make a decision about monitoring the bacterial contamination at the outflow points of the canals into the Charlotte Harbor Estuary. 1988 ec ologist Kevin Erwiii'completed a habitat mapping of the coastal Lee Coun Ity irl. which he tabulated the acreage of. some 35 habitats in each of the sections in the study area that include the lands of Pine Island and Little Pine Island. While never digitized, the tabular listing of the acreage of each habitat.will allow a comparison of land covef change that has -taken place over the pa:st twelve years., The availability of geographically oriented environmental inforinatibn about Charlotte Harbor avail- able on the internet will provide a source for public information and caff help raise the awareness of the public to the fragile nature of the estuarine ecosystem. t05 Project/Timeline/Schedule: Parts of the project- needing only volunteers for implementation are underway (watershed survey, location of rookeries,' updating current Geographic Information Sys- tem [GIS] themes). Status: The Caltisa Land Trust has been-working on a Pine Island Geographic Information System (GIS) for several years. Through purchase and donation some. 1,500 acres of environmentally sen- sitive land have been acquired, which are managed through a, stewardship program that involves exotic removal and pianling native specieslin their p'lace.@ Public information and education activi- ties include a newsletter, nature trail and'canoe trail field trips, and the,design of an inteh"et 'site, which will be aimed at increasing public awareness of the natural region in which we live, is in process. The Calusa Land Trust is a 501 (c) (3) private, non-profit organization. We have over 700 members and rely on their interest ai.@d generosity,for support of acquisition'an.d stewardship goals. 31 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan L Resources/Funding Available: Geographic Information System (GIS) coverage of the' preserved lands in the region, as'. well as a. lot of other information supplied by- the Florida Marine 'research institute. Arc Info and Arcview software, a digitizing table and, a Trimble Global Positioning System mapping system. Thirty Volunteers, half of whom have trained in monitoring- water, quality. Needed: The Calusa Land Trust has no paid -staff. There is a need to hire -consultants to -perform - various phases of the project. The most important first step will be to have the aerial photographs mapped-into land cover/land use,polygons and digitized into an Arcview-shapefile.In the water monitoring stage of the project, consultants will be needed to develop a monitoring design. Funds for analysis of the collected water samples will be needed unless a project, partner can be found who would be willing to do it. Consultation and training in GIS design-and impleme tation hopefully n will be provided by the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council's GIS department. Potential: Reference Documents: Lee County. Coastal Study: A Report to the Lee County, Florida Depart- ment of Community Development by Kevin L. Erwin, et.al. The two-volume study was published in 1988. The Coastal Study contains a vast amount of detail about-the state of the Lee County portion of the Charlotte Harbor Estuary. The Nature Lover's Guide to Pine Island produced by the Calusa Land Trust in November 1998. Comments:. In 1998 the Southwest, Florida Regional- Planning Council hosted a daylong meeting on the subject of Land Acquisition for 'Conservation. All of the Federal, State, County and private groups who are involved in the-subject Were invited and over 40 attended. The stated purpose-of the meeting was, to ensure that -all the participating groups would be- aware of what others were doing, and thus not be competing for the' same, land parcels. A representative of each group reported on the' group's current achiEvements, and a compilation was to have been distributed. 32 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Stormwater Utility Program (SWUP)/Utility Expansion Plan (UEP) Contact Person: Connie Jarvis Title:, Environmental Resources Manager Agency/Organization: City of Cape-Coral, Environmental Resources Division Mailing Address: P.O. Box 150027,3310 SW 20' Ave. Cape Coral, FL 33915-0027 -Telephone Number: (941)574-0745 -FAX Number: (941) 574-0861 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-E/WQ-M, WQ-F, WQ-G,WQ-N Project Description: In 1990, the City of Cape Coral implemented a Storm Utility Program Monies from this fund were to be used to improve canal dredging, stormwater pipe repair and replacement, swale and catch basin repair and replacement, water quality monitoring and public- education. Capital improvement projects funded included drainage systems in the downtown area, along Santa. Barbara Boulevard, and the Viscaya Industrial Area. Construction activities (i.d. erosion control, best management practices) have been monitored by city staff due to the vast number of canals within the City. Cape Coral implemented the Utility Expansion Plan I(phasing in sanitary -sewer) in 1993,- and is continuing this program as the city increases -in population. In-October 1 997, the City (along with Lee County and oth r municipalities) began the first year of their federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, (NPDES) Permit. The City had already been performing the majority of the required tasks. The City of Cape Coral has realized that due to the extensive canal system, Water and stormwater quality issues are paramount to main- taining quality of life for residents both, within the city and subsequently those downstream. Strategy for Implementa tion: WQ-B: Both the Stormwater and Environmental Resources Divi- sions (ERD) provide speakers for civic. organizations and a variety of brochures related to best management practices and citizen impacts on water quality. Articles for citizen newsletters and local papers are also distributed. The ERD has a "Canal Watch" volunteer group that helps to' monitor surface water quality and has 'Constructed the "Lake Kennedy Alternatives" as a demon- sfration project for alternatives to seawalls on freshwater canals. WQ-E/WQ-M: As mentioned above, all capital improvement projects have improved drainage-in both flow rates and water quality discharged to U.S. wat ers. Construction activities are monitored, and-erosion control is required and enforced. WQ-F, WQ-G: Septic systems are being phased out as population in areas reaches 40% of the buildout population., The majority of the southeastern section of the City has had sanitary sewer installed, and the next expansion phase is currently underway. 33 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-N: As. the City of Cape Coral is primarily residential, citizen education is paramount in reduc- mg non-point source. runoff. This is accomplished as stated in WQ-B. Other reductions will occur with improved development practices, and continued work by our stormwater personnel. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Connie Jarvis, City of Cape/Coral, Environmen- tal Resource Manager. Other Project Partners- N/A. Geographic Area: The Ci ty of Cape Coral (incorporated area). Expected Beneflts and/or Drawbacks: Improvement/maintenance of water quality as population increases. Project Timeline/Schedule: toll Status: This program is currently in progress. Resources/Funding Available: Funding for this project,is the Storm water Utility Fund and the Utility Assessment Program. Needed: N/A Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 34 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Cape Coral Dual Water Sysfem Contact Person: Connie Jarvis Title: Environmental Resources Manager Agency/Organization: City of Cape Coral, Environmental Resources Division Mailing Address: P.O. Box 150027, 33 10 SW 20 Ave. Cape Coral, FL 33915-0027 Telephone Number-' (94l)- 574-0745 FAX Number: (941) 574-0861 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2, WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D, HA-E, WQ-P Project Description: In 1992, the City of Cape Coral implemented the Dual Water System Project. Water from the water reclamation facilities would be treated and utilized as irrigation water. The freshwater canaf system would be utilized to supplement this in times 'of higher demand. Strategy for Implementation:'-The irrigation system was initially put in areas with sanitary sewer already provided. Subsequently, the dual water system has been installed in conjunction with the Sewer Expansion Project. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: David Waldie, City of Cape Coral, Utilities -Director. Other Project Partners: N/A. Area: The City of Cape Coral (incorporated area).' Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Utilization- of reclaimed water and decreased irrigation costs to residents. The drawback is that citizens will continue to use turf grasse's instead of native planting/xeriscaping practices. Project Timeline/Schedule: Status: This program is currently in progress. Resources/Funding Available:' Funding for this project is paid for by affected residents using the Utility Assessment Program. Needed:N/A Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: -35 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Storm Water Management Program (SWMP)./ Surface Water Management Master Plan (SWMMP) Contact Person: Robert- Tewis- Title: Environmental Resources Manager Agency/Organization: City of Fort Myers, Public Works, Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2217, 2200 Second Street Fort Myers, FL 33902-2217. Telephone Number (941) 332-6851 FAX Number: (941) 332-6604 E-mail Address: None Quantifiable-Obj Iectives Addressed: WQ- 2,WQ-3, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-E, WQ-G, WQ-N, WQ-Q Project Description: From 1978 through 1983, the U.S. EPA funded a series of studies and projects collectively. known as the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program (NURP). The data-collected during the NURP study showed that storm water sometimes contained yery high quantities of conven- tional and toxic, pollutants. As a result,of these and other studies the EPA promulgated the "stormwater application rule" and the "stormwater implementation rule" in 1992. These rules would set in place the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program for munici- palities over 100,000 in population. The City of Fort Myers has created and is implementing a Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) to comply with the federal regulations. in the spirit of contributing to the betterment of the Nation's waters. The goal of reducing pollutants in the city's storm water discharge to the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed is to be achieved through education and. regulation, inspections, Proper maintenance of the drainage system and -municipal, facilities, monitoring, basin master planning and capital improvement projects. The SWMP is a "living" document that will evolve over time as ongoing monitoring data is analyzed and best professional judgement dictate modifications to bet- ter achieve the ultimate goal of pollution reduction in the city's storm water runoff. Strategy for Implementation: WQ-B: The City has a public-education program for schools, senior citizens and other citizen groups. Using a graphic interactive presentation this program demonstrates how non-point-sources of pollution such as waste oil,-pesticides, fertilizers and other pollutants are carried, in storm water runoff to surface water bodies. This program demonstrates and promotes the use of best-management practices in residential, agricultural and industrial aPplica- tions. The Storm Water Division Inspection program dissemmates information onNational -Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) non-point source regulations and requirements. Environ- mental Protection Agency (EPA) literature, names 'and phone numbers, web page addresses and other, pertinent information on NPDES are made available to appropriate personnel at inspected facilities, Cases are also referred to the Lee County Small Quantity Generator Pollution-Prevention Program. 36 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The City participated in. a Pollution Prevention Conference (in January 1999) hosted by Lee County's Department of Natural Resources. The City manned a booth that featured non-point source pollu- tion prevention,and recycling information. The City also presented two seminars (at that confer- ty ence) on NPDES non-point source regulation requirements for the industrial sector. The City Will participate in future conferences. Storm Water Division staff, members have attended the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sponsored course on Storm Water Erosion and Sediment Control. Information and materials obtained in that course-is being, used in-house- to train pertinent staff on that subject. The City in partnership with Lee County held a workshop for developers, contractors, design engineers etc. on June 22, 1999. Other workshops will be scheduled periodically in the future. Articles about recycling-arid proper waste disposal periodically appear in the City's newspaper "Fort Myers Today". The Public Wo rks department coordinates with Lee County's Solid-Waste Division to advertise the household hazardous waste collection days by posting signs in the City owned buildings and printing announcements in the. City's newspaper. WQ-E The City of Fort Myers is currently replacing the drainage system on West First Street adjacent to the Caloosahatchee, River. Another, drainage improvement 'project (of Winkler Canal) is due to start in October of- 1999. Both projects have incorporated structural Best Management Prac tices (BMPs) for pollutant removal from storm water runoff-to the maximum extent practicable in their design and meet the approval of South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). The, City of Fort Myers Comprehensive Plan contains policies regarding. storm water management. Storm water runoff is regulated through the/Growth Management Codes, Which include SFWMD rules and regulations. The City, through, these land development regulations, regulates all new de- velopment, requiring that post-development runoff not exceed pre-development runoff. The City of Fort Myers Surface Water Management Master Plan (SWMMP) will guide -future sur- face water improvement projects. The plan outlines suggested capital improvement projects de- signed to improve drainage and/or drainage systems throughout the City. Projects will be priori- tized in order of the most critical drainage needs, health and safety considerations as well as water. quality improvements. All plans will included structural BMPs to the maximum extent practical and comply with SFWMD requirements for approval. WQ-G: -The City. of Fort Myers Public: -Works Department has hired a consulting firm to conduct a study to identify areas within the City not presently served-by central sanitary sewers._ The study is estimated to take approximately 260 days. Upon completion of this study, the City will proceed with strategies to address areas without sanitary sewers. The City,is in Phase II of a five-phase program to replace the oldest-of the City's-wastewater collec- tion and transmission systems. Phase III of that program is due to begin in the later part of 1999. .Each project is scheduled to last fifteen months. 37 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-N: 'The/City's StormWater Management Plan actively addresses the following issues: Minimize the adverse impact of storm water runoff draining to the Caloosahatchee River Estuary, by reducing non-point sources of pollution within the City of Fort Myers; Proper maintenance of city's drainage system; Storm water pollution prevention practices. at municipal facilities; Storm water management incorporated in development planning procedures; Spill response; Field Screening of-Storm sewer system;. Public reporting/Illicit discharges and connections investigations/Enforcement; Reduction of the use of pesticides, herbicides., and fertilizers; Proper disposal of waste oil and hazardous waste;, Address sanitary sewer seepage; Industrial facilities inspections; Construction'planning and inspections; Education and public awareness; and Monitoring, activities'. WQ-Q: Storm Water Division staff members,inspect Marinas and-any other industrial facilities discharging storm water to federal waters an d/or the city's drainage system. Inspections are geared to ensure compliance with EPA NPDES regulations,, State of Florida Surface Water Quality Stan- dards and the Citys Stormwater Management Ordinance. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Robert Tewis, City of Ft. Myers, Environmental Resource Manager. Other Project Partners: N/A. Geographic Area: The City of 'Fort Myers (incorporated area). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks:- The Storm Water Management', Program over time will significantly reduce non-point sources of pollution in storm water runoff discharging to the Caloosahatchee River Estuary. The reduction of non-point source pollutants will contribute to pre- serving and improving the surface water quality of this estuary. The City of Fort Myers considers this estuary a most valued resource for both it's citizens and for attracting visitors to this commu- nity. Project/Timeline/Schedule: The West First Street Drainage Improvement Project is in progress and due to, be completed in the summer of the year 2000. The Winkler Drainage Improvement Project is due to start during the fall of 1999 and completed in the fall of 2000. The study to identify and provide central sewer service to un-served areas in the City is in progress. and due to be com- plete in the spring of 2000.Phase II Sewer Main Replacement project is in progress and projected to be complete in August 2000. Phase III is due to start fall of 1999 and scheduled to last fifteen months. The Storm Water Management Program has been implemented and will continue indefi- nitely. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: This program is currently in progress. Resources/Funding Available:. Funding for this project is currently being drawn from the City's General Fund. Needed: N/A: Potential: The City is currently conducting a "Study For Storm Water Utility Implementation". if a Storm Water Utility is established (as a result of this study) it will provide a funding source for the Storm Water Division to continued implemention of the City's Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) and for capital improvement projects of the Surface Water -Management Master Plan (SWMMP). Establishing a Storm Water Utility is crucial for providing funds to continue this pro- gram as it currently exists and to expand to the full scope of the SWMP. Reference Documents: Comments: 39 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Sanibel Island Surface Water Management Plan' Contact Person: Robert K. Loflin, Ph.D. Title: Natural Resources Director, Agency/Qrganization City of Sanibel Mailing Address: 800 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957 Telephone Number.: (941)472-3700 FAX Number: (941) 472-3065 E-mail Address: [email protected] -Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2, HA-3, HA-4, FW-4 Priority'Actions Addressed: HA-C, FW-A Project Description: This project involves partnerships with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), the J.N: "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and private property owners in wetland subdivi- sions on Sanibel Island. This project involves restoring the historically present'hydroperiod in the freshwater interior wetlands of Sanibel through the construction of a weir at-Tarpon Bay- Strategy for 'Implementation: The weir was constructed in 1996 and the strictt weir control policy limits opening- of gates to real flood conditions, not just the presence of standing water in yards of wetland subdivi- sions within the basin. This new weir raised the control elevation of these-wetlands from 2.5'to 3.2providing more inundation during wet periods and a high quality wildlife habitat. The higher water levels coupled with Brazilian-pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) removal is restoring the area along the Sanibel River to the historically present open savannah-like marsh'. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Robert K. Loflin, Ph D. Other Project Partners: The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), U.S. Fish and Wild- life Service (USFWS), all private property owners on the west end of Sanibel. Geographic Area: Sanibel Island. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Restoration of wildlife habitat and a functioning, rare freshwater barrier island ecosystem. Project Timeline/Schedule: Start circa 1992; Completion: ongoing Water management program. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Local assistance from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: Careful, ongoing management and adherence, to, the weir control policy requires continued public and City Council support to be successful. 40 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Eradication of Melaleuca and Brazilian Pepper From Sanibel Island Contact Person: Robert K. Loflin, Ph.D. Title: Natural Resources Director Agency/Organization: City of Sanibel Mailing Address: 800 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957 Telephone Number: 941) 472-3700 FAX Number: (941) 472-3065 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, FW-4, Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A FW-T Project Descri tion: The project involves part rships with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and all private property owners on Sanibel Island. This project involves the removal of the noxious exotic pest trees Brazil- ian-pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and the re-estab- lishment of native Vegetation island-wide. Strategy for Implementatlon: Involves a zone-by-zone removal of Brazilian7pepper utilizing city funds and incentives to private property, owners leading to mandatory removal. regulations- in each zone. Melaleuca is already mandatory for removal island-wide and is under maintenance control.. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Robert K. Loflin, Ph.D. Other Project Partners: The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), U.S. Fish and Wildlife service (USFWS) all private property owners on Sanibel. Geographic-Area: Sanibel Island. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Restoration-of wildlife habitat and a functioning rare, freshwater barrier island ecosystem. Project Timeline/Scheduile: Start: circa 1980; Completion:, 2010 (goal). Status: 25% complete. Resources/Funding Available: Local assistance from Tourist Bed Tax funds for beach parks. Needed: Approximately $600,000 -to complete. Potential: Reference Documents Comments: This is a very large (11,000+ acres.), multi-year project requiring continued public and City Council support to be successful. 41 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Environmental RestorAtion of Approximately- 1600 Acres of Conservation Lands Along the Sanibel River Corridor Contact Person:- Robert K. Loflin, Ph.D. Title: Natural Resources Director Agency/Organization: City of Sanibel Mailing Address: 800 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-3700 FAX Number: (941)472-3065 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Project Description: Involves partnerships with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and several State and Federal environmental restoration grant programs on conservation lands consisting primarily of freshwater wetlands, with long narrow upland ridges lying parallel to the Sanibel River on Sanibel Island. This project involves removal of old fill road ditches and near monocultures of the noxious exotic pest tree Brazilian-pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and the re- establishment through management utilizing prescribed fire and natural recruitment of the historically present savannah-like freshwater marsh system dominated by saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina bakeri), giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium),sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), and, cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) -with numerous species of tropical hardwood hammock vegetation on the higher ridges. Old oxbows and mean- ders along the river, are to be restored and straight-dredged channels recontoured. Strategy for Implementation: The project is approximately two-thirds of the way complete With additional need for $2 million in grant monies to complete. The project will only be successful with continual monitor- ing, Maintenance, and active management. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Robert K. Loflin, Ph.D. Other Project Partners: The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation -Foundation (SCCF), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Geographic Area: Sanibel River corridor on Sanibel Island. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Restoration,of wildlife habitat and a functioning rare, freshwater barrier island wetlan'd system. Project Timeline/Schedule: Start: circa 1990; Completion: dependent upon future grant funding availabil- ity. Status: Two-thirds complete. Resources/Funding Available: Numerous state and federal grants. Needed: Approximately $2,000,000 to complete. Potential: Various State and Federal grant programs. Reference Documents: Comments: This is one of the largest non-mitigation restoration projects in southwest Florida. 42 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Sanibel- Environmentally Sensitive Lands Acquisition Program, Contact Person: Robert K. Loflin, Ph.D. Title: Natural Resources Director 'Agency/Organization: City of Sanibel Mailing Address: 800 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957- Telephone Number: (941) 472-3700 FAN Number:.- (941) 472-3065 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable. Objectives Addressed: FW-l, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-S,FW-U Project Description: City conservation lands-purchase program focusing on undevelopable and wetland privately-owned lots,especially in the Sanibel Gardens and Tarpon Bay wetland subdivisions. Strategy for Implementation: Annual purchases of environmentally-sensitive land particularly in the Sanibel River corridor since 1986. Acquisition properties include privately held lands in excess of five acres adjacen to existing conservation lands along the Sanibel River corridor or next to the J.N."Ding" Darling Nation Wildlife Reguge. Undeveloped privately-held lands within the Tarpon Bay and Sanibel River subdivisions that cannot be purchased directly from willing sellers are to be-acquired alternatively via eminent domain proceedings. Responsible, Partner and Project Coordinator: Robert K. -Loflin, Ph.D. Other Project Partners: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). to) Geographic Area: Sanibel Island. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Preservation of wildlife habitat, and functioning parts of the barrier island ecosystem. Project Timeline/Schedule: Start: circa 1986; Completion: ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Primarily funded\ by City general funds to tune of $500,000-$750,000/year plus grants from Florida Community Trust (Preservation 2000) and hopefully from the Lee County 20/20 program. Needed: $4.5 million. Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: There are approximately 350 acres protected from development to date; budget tightening puts the entire program in jeopardy. This project requires strong and vocal-continued public support as well as outside matching funds to complete the needed purchases. al 43 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Sanibel Island Beach Management Plan Implementation Contact Person: Robert K. Loflin, Ph.D. Title: Natural Resources Director Agency/Organization: City of Sanibel Mailing Address:, 800 Dunlop Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-3700 FAX Number: (941)472-3065 E-mail-Address: [email protected] QuantifiAble Objectives Addressed: FW-1, FW-2 -,Priority Actions Addressed: FW-S, FW-U Project Description: Protect the natural condition of Sanibel beaches. 'Strategy for Implementation: Accomplished by preventing the Placement of, hardened struc- tures, promoting native dune vegetation on public and private properties, construction of dune walkovers to protect dune in heavily-utilized areas, prevention of excessive dune vegetation by trimming and mowing, protection of shorebird and sea turtle nesting areas, strict-sea turtle-related, beach lighting ordinances. Includes salaried biologist position paid for by 50% of-beach parking - funds. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Robert. K. Loflin, Ph.D. Other Project Partners:. Sanibel-Captiva -Conservation Foundation (SCCF), U.S. Fish and Wild- life Service (USFWS). Geographic Area: Sanibel Island. Expected. Benefits and/or Drawbacks': Preservation-of beach wildlife habitat and aesthetic, na- ture of Sanibel beaches, which- has a significant, economic value in repeat visitors looking for some- thing other than bare sand, buildings and concrete. Project Timeline/Schedule Start: circa 1983; Completion: ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: About $60,000/year. Needed:. $120,000/year. Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: This project requires strong and vocal continued public support as well as outside matching funds to continue protection of beaches. 44 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Pod Contact Person: Joel Bellucci Title: Director Agency/Organization: Estero Bay Marine Laboratory Mailing Address: 5250 Estero Blvd. Apt. #5, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Telephone Number: (941),765-9093 FAX Number: (941) 765-9094 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions: FW-T Project Description: Photo-identification study of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Estero Bay, Florida. Public education on marine mammal conservation issues. Strategy for Implementation: Monitoring and cataloging of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin based on identifi- cation of dorsal fin characteristics.- The study is authorized for Level B harassment of Tursiops. The project also includes presentations in classrooms as well as at public forums specifically targeting dolphin/eco-tour guides as well as personal watercraft and pontoon boat vendors to advocate low-impact,non-harassing obser- vation of marine mammals. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Joel Bellucci, Director, Estero Bay Marine Laboratory. Other Project Partners: At this time, there are no other project partners. This status may change in the future, however. Geographic Area: Estero Bay study area. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Increased awareness of conservation issues as well as the comma- nication of responsible wildlife observational strategies. Project Timeline/Schedule: Started in June 1995. Ongoing project. -Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Private donations. Needed: Future funding for continued study. At least $20,000/year is necessary to properly fund this study. A variety of grant applications will, be sent out in order to secure additional- funding. Potential: Reference Documents: Website: http://www.cetaceans.org; interpretive panel on dolphin biology and con- servation; appearances on various local television programs. Comments: The ongoing challenge is to convey an observe-from-a-distance philosophy as well as to communicate the dangers of feeding and otherwise interacting with wild dolphin. From a research stand- point, the challenge is to coordinate the data from this study with that of other studies,being conducted along the west coast of Florida. 45 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Water Quality Sampling in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary Contact Person: Matthew J. Giles Title: Research Associate Agency/Organization: Florida Center for Environmental Studies Mailing Address: 2301 McGregor Blvd. Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 338-2929 Fax Number: (941) 338-2936 E-mail AddressL [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-C, WQ-D Project Description: Obtain baseline water quality data from the lower Caloosahatchee River and adjacent estuary. This data can be used to establish spatial and temporal long-term comparisons of water quality standards. Strategy for Implementation: Center for Environmental Studies (CES) scientists will collect water samples at eight different sites in the Caloosahatche River at two depths (one-half meter below the surface and one-half meter above the bottom). CES will follow the South Florida Water Management District's (SFWMD) water sampling protocol. Six water quality parameters will be measured in the field using a Hydrolab Mini-Sonde. These parameters include salinity, temperature, conductivity, redox, dissolved oxygen, and secchi depth. Twelve parameters will be measured by the Lee County Environmental Labora- tory using South Florida Water Management District's (SFWMD's) comparable methodology. These tests include nitrite (NO3), nitrate (NO2), ammonium (NH4), total Kjedahl nitrogen (TKN), total phosphorus (TP), Chlorophyll-a, ortho-phosphate (O-PO4), turbidity, color, total suspended solids (TSS), silicate, and total organic carbon (TOC). Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Center for Environmental Studies, Matthew J. Giles. Other Project Partners: South Florida Water Management District, Tomma K. Barnes. Geographic Area: Lower Caloosahatchee River, just upstream of S-79 (Franklin Lock) to Shell Point. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Create a baseline water quality database for evaluating the health of the lower Caloosahatchee River and estuary. Project Timeline/Schedule: Authorized by the South Florida Water Management District, beginning in April 1999 and continuing through March 2000. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Currently funded by the South Florida Water Management District, funding runs out in March of 2000. Needed: $60,000 dollars per year for continuation. Potential: Not applicable Reference Documents: Jones, R. D., Boyer, J. N., An Integrated Water Quality Monitoring Program for the Southwest Florida Estuaries, 1999. Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Biological Assessment and Monitoring of Streams: Stream Condition Index, and Biorecon Contact Person: Bruce Boler /Albert S. Walton, Jr. Title: EMC / Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 7451 Golf Course Blvd. Punta Gorda, FL 33982 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5810 FAX Number: (941) 575-5812 E-mail Address: Albert.Walton @dep.state.fl.us Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1,WQ-6,WQ-7 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-C, WQ-N Project Description: Streams within boundaries of Department of Environmental Protection (DEP),South District are sampled to determine the health of the biological communities. Strategy for Implementation: This project uses the biological community present in a stream to determine whether a stream has acceptable water quality. Both the Steam Condition Index (SCI) and Biorecon compare the aquatic macroinvertebrates in a stream to those in nearby streams known to, have good water quality. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protecti on (DEP) Punta Gorda Office, Albert Walton, Environmental Specialist II. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection,(DEP) Central Lab based in Tallahassee. Geographic Area: Caloosahatchee, Peace River, and southwest coast watersheds. Exact sample locations, vary; number of sites vary. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks:- This will help identify water bodies that do not meet standards, and indicate areas where natural or site-specific conditions make certain standards inappropriate. Project Timeline/Schedule: Project started in 1993, and is expected to continue indefinitely. This project will end when resources are diverted to a different project. Status: In progress, report's on several sites have been completed. Resources/Funding Available: 'Continuing program of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). .Needed: Potential: Reference Documents:- http://www2.dep.state.fl.us/water; reports (eco-summaries) will be available from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) web site when final formatting is approved. Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Caloosahatchee River Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Study Contact Person: Bruce Boler/Ron McGregor Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator/Environmental Manager Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: P. O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-D Project Description: River and tributary stations between the Franklin and Moorehaven locks will be sampled. Parameters to be sampled are total phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, and total Kjedahl nitrogen (TKN). The sites will be sampled monthly. The sample sites are tributary inflow sites to the River. This project is being carried out in coordination with the South Florida Water Manage- ment District staff. Strategy for Implementation: Monthly sampling of four river and 19 tributary sites for phycical- chemical parameters and macroinvertebrates (Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) parameters). The project is a one year study. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) South District, Punta Gorda Office, Albert Walton, Project Coordinator. Other Project Partners: Geographic Area: Caloosahatchee River Basin between the Franklin and Moorehaven locks. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The public will have access to a larger data base on the river; Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) objectives will be assisted. Project Timeline/Schedule: Start - February 1999; End - January 2000. Status: In progress Resources/Funding Available: Funding is not needed, as the project is being carried out using existing Florida Depart- ment of Environmental Protection (DEP) resources. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 48 GSarf6lle _7farSor Xalionaf Cjiuaiy@ Y@@ram Dpafl GorpmSensive Gonjervabon andXanaye@nenl -Aran Citizen Su- ppori Organization (CSO)-Estero Bay Buddies Contact Person: 'Bruce Boler / Heather Stafford Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator Agency/Organization; Florti da Department of Environmental. Protection Mailihg Address: R 0. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 3.32-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantiflable`@Objectives Addressed: WQ-7, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed:- WQ-B, FW-T Project Description: The Estero Bay Buddie's (EBB) was- incorporated in January 1999 'as a non- -corporation, composed of a Board of Directors and citizen members, that is under profitTlorida contract to provide supportfor the Estero Bay Aquatic & State Buffer Preserves, in accordance with Section 370.0205 of the Florida Statutes. The pbrpose for which the corporation was forined is to N' preserve and maintain aquatic, and State buffer preserve areas in the E stero Bay area through assist- ing in'the.implemebtation of preserve resource, management plans, publicizing the -advantages 'of cons6rving and improving aquatic and State buffer preserves, raising funds for preservation and management of the preserve, and providing volunteers to aid in management activities. Volunteers. will be able to participate in the following activities:. resource@ monitoring, conducting guided na- ture walks, constructing and maintaining nature trails, removing exotic and invasive vegetation,. assisting with educational programs'and public outreach, and encouraging stewgdship of the pre-' serves on the part of the general public. The Citizen Support Organization- (CSO). is organized for charitable, educational, and scientific pprposes and shall operate in such a manner as will qualify it at-a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Estero Bay Buddies', (EBBs') mission is t6 support the protection, conservation, restoration, management, re- sponsible. public use, and the enhancement of the resources of the, coastal -and aquatic- ecosystems of the Estero Bay estuary. Strategy for Implementation: Application for 504(c)(3) status will be,pursued and a series of meetings will be held for the general public. Building a goneral membership and fimdraising activities will be implemented. Y: Responsible. Partner and Project Coordinator: DEP/Estero Bay-Aqudtic and State Buffer Pr6- serves, Bureau of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas, Heather Stafford, Manager, 700-1 Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, F-L, (941) 463-3240, fax (941) 463-3634, Heather.Stafford@dep.'state.fl.us* Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwinl- Public Outreach Coordinator, DEP Liaison, Burnt Store Road office. Other. Project Partners: Geographic Area: Estero Bay. Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve, Estero Bay watershed. 49 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits to the community include the following: resto- ration of local environment, more unified voice in dealing with government, opportunities for citi- zen feedback adn volunteer participation in projects, opportunities for local fundraising which may bring matching funds, education opportunities, and a greater sense of community. Citizen Support Organizations are a voice for the aquatic and State buffer preserves within the community. They create links to the community which benefit the community as well as the Preserves, i.e., increased public access and compatible recreational activities, in balance with resource protection. The Estero Bay Buddies (EBB) will also be an important vehicle for funding which may not be directly avail- able to a government agency, and has the capacity of obtaining additional support from the legisla- ture. Project Timeline/Schedule: In January 1998, an introductory meeting was held for the general public which defined local interest and need. In February 1998, a Steering Committee was formed and memebers drafted a Citizen Support Organization (CSO) during the March and April meetings. Articles of Incorporation were drafted, revised and approved by the Steering Committee in April and May. By-laws were drafted and revised by a By-laws Subcommittee in June and July and approved by the Steering Committee in August. The Steering Committee nominated individuals to serve on the initial Board of Directors at the November 1998 meeting. The Board was elected and Officers were appointed at the January, 1999 meeting. The Board will convene in February and by- laws will be adopted. Status: In progress. Resources/Runding Available: Funds will be raised through membership dues. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 50 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Estero Bay Buffer Preserve Exotic Plant Removal Project Contact Person: Bruce Boler Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: P. O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Project Description: The wetlands of the Estero Bay Buffer Preserve contain areas of exotic vegetation infestation. This vegetation elminates the native plant species and consequently reduces the habitat value and water quality benefits the native plants provide. The removal of the exotic species allows the native plants to re-vegetate the area. Strategy for Implementation: The areas of exotic vegetation were located and mapped. A strategy for eradication was formulated. The manager of the Buffer preserve requested funding to initiate the work. The funding was obtained and the work has begun on the first phase of the total project. Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquinervia) has been cleared and the areas it was removed from are being monitored for re-sprouts. Any new growth will be treated with herbicide on six-month intervals. Additional work will be performed as staffing and funds allow. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Heather Stafford, Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves (EBASBP), 700-1 Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931. Other Project Partners: Gordon Romeis, Environmental Administrator, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) South District, (941) 332-6975. Geographic Area: The Estero Bay Aquatic and State and Buffer Preserve is located in south Lee County. The preserve includes 5,494 acres with 450 acres impacted by exotic vegetation. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: It is expected that the project will enhance the habitat value and water quality functions of the wetland system. Project Timeline/Schedule: The initial clearing of exotic vegetation included in Phase I of the project has been completed; a herbicide treatment for re-sprouts is scheduled; funds are needed to complete this project. Status: Work must continue to complete the removal of the exotic vegetation and seed sources. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 51 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Invasive Pest Plant Management At Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve (EBSBP) Contact Person: Bruce Boler / Heather Stafford Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: P. O.Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: - (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: Fw-A Project Description: Invasive, non-native plants are spreading at an exponential rate within the- Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserve (EBASBP). Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquinervia) trees are invading the entire 1,000 acres of the Buffer's upland habitats, displacing native plant communities, negatively altering habitat values and lowering diversity of native plant and wildlife pro-, species. The EBASBP Management Plan (1997) outlines a multi-step perpetual maintenance gram designed to promote native habitat and species diversity. Strategy for Implementation: Removal of invasive Melaleuca and maintenance of native plant communities- in Estero Bay Aquatic and State -Buffer Preserve (EBASBP) is a three stage process -Physic al removal, by cutting and herbicide treatment, of non-native trees and consisting of: A) shrubs; B) Follow-up herbicide treatments of re-sprouts and seedlings of non-native trees and shrubs; and C)Prescribed burning of cleared tracts according to protocols that will encourage the historic- plant community while suppressing non-native plant re-invasion. Partner and Project Coordinator: Heather Stafford, Manager, Department of En-- vironmental Protection (DEP) / EBASBP, Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas, 700-1 Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, Florida, (941)463-3240, Fax (941) 463-3634, [email protected]. Other, Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Ecosystem Manage- ment and Restoration Trust Fund;. Florida Exotic Pest/plant Council; Southwest Florida Invasive "Species -Working Group; DEP Bureau of Invasive Plant Management(BIPM); Florida Department of' Corrections; Florida Division of Forestry;. U.S. Department of Agriculture,(WHIP Program); South Florida Water Management District. Geographic Area:, Estero Bay watershed, southwest-Lee County, Florida. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: As a result of removal and perpetual management of invasive plants on the Buffer, we expect the following benefits: restoration of historic canopy and mid-story vegetation in treatment areas; increased diversity and ecological function of plant com- munities and wildlife populations; restoration of historic hydrological conditions (sheetflow) in the treatment areas; lower wildfire. incidence due to fuel Teduction and regular use of prescribed fire;, and an. increase in awareness, appreciation, and visitation to -the buffer by the local community residents. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule: The current schedule calls for cutting, herbicide treatment and first round of prescribed fire to be completed by the year 2003. Status: About one-third of the 1,000 acres of the Buffer's upland habitats are currently cut or under a contract commitment. Resources/Funding Available: Annual field office operating budget Conservation and Recreational Lands Program (CARL), Department of Corrections crews, Bureau of Invasive Plant Management (BIPM) funds. Needed: Management funds for donated tracts of lands within and adjacent to the CARL boundary. If not purchased by the CARL Program, funding is not available. Potential: Escrow account set up specifically to fund management activities such as invasive, exotic plant control. Potential proposal to remove all Melaleuca from the site for the production of fuel chips. Reference Documents: Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve Management Plan, 1997. Comments: 53 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan National Resources Monitoring Programs at Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserve (EBA&SBP) Contact Person: Bruce Boler/Heather Stafford Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: P. O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-D Project Description: The Estero Bay Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve (EBASBP) field office is currently conducting, under the Charlotte Harbor NEP grant awarded to Judy Ott, monthly volunteer water quality monitoring at five designated Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve sites. We are willing to modify the monitoring as needed to fill data gaps. Strategy for Implementation: Water quality parameters at selected Estero Bay sites are sampled monthly as part of a Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP) funded regional project. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves, Heather Stafford, Manager, Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas, 700-1 Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL, (941) 463-3240, fax (941) 463-3634, [email protected] Other Project Partners: Charlotte Harbor NEP Geographic Area: Matanzas Pass; Estero Bay watershed; and Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve; Estero Bay watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Coordinated regional water quality database. No drawbacks. Project Timeline/Schedule: Current through end of grant funding. Status: All ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: Annual field operating budget and the Charlotte Harbor NEP. Needed: The study is to expand upon existing one year's worth of data; volunteers adn the Department of Environmental Protection staff's ability to continue after grant ends. Potential: Additional funding may be provided by Florida Department of Environmental Protection in order to continue monitoring beyond grant funding, but is not in place at this time. Reference Documents: Comments: The Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves (EBA&SBP) staff conduct several other ongoing, perpetual, or principally for internal evaluation monitoring projects, such as monitoring bald eagles and colonial wading birds. 54 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Pollution Prevention (P2) Stormwater Pollution Reduction Contact Person: Bruce Boler Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: P. O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-N Project Description: P2 is "Pollution Prevention", which means the steps taken by a potential generator of contamination or pollution, to eliminate or reduce the contamination or pollution before it is discharged to the environment. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Pollution Prevention Programs performs free, non-regulatory facility audits and provides informa- tion and assistance to help businesses prevent pollution through source reduction, waste minimiza- tion, and on-site recycling. Some, but not all, counties have their own pollution prevention pro- grams. Others can include distribution of pollution prevention information through the Hazardous Waste Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) verification programs. The DEP P2 program offers technical support to existing programs, promotes creation of new programs through training and technical support, and provides assistance to business in all areas. The goal of this project is to prevent the contamination of stormwater by preventing the release of the contaminants at the source. DEP will partner with other local agencies and organizations to aggressively promote, identify and assist the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP in Charlotte Harbor; the Caloosahatchee River Basin; and the Estero River Basin areas with area businesses in reducing stormwater pollution. Proposed partners include the Florida Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC), City of Fort Myers, Collier County Environmental Pollution Preven- tion Partnership, the Lee County P2 Program, and the Charlotte County CESQG Verification Pro- gram (until the P2 program is established). Strategy for Implementation: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/Enterprise Florida Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) creates a partnership to promote improved envi- ronmental awareness for local businesses. This MOU establishes a DEP/Enterprise Florida Envi- ronmental Integration Services Program (EISP) that provides for DEP/Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) cross-training, the DEP expert and industry incentive support of MTC, the MTC eduction and marketing support of the DEP and other initiatives. The EISP provides implementa- tion tools, services and assessments for manufacturing companies, and identifies opportunities for implementing self-audits and strategies for pollution prevention and waste minimization. The MTC staff have been cross-trained in Pollution Prevention (P2) work with facilities so they can identify opportunities and assist in motivating management to institute changes. The EISP will be the principal framework for implementing South District actions. 55 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Authorized by the Pollution Prevention Act of 1991, the DEP P2 Program's goal is to increase the use of multi-media P2 as the preferred method of reducing pollution from industrial processes. The Program provides free, non-regulatory information and assistance regarding source reduction, waste minimization, and on-site recycling, including on-site technical assistance. The Program also main- tains a P2 Resource Center, publishes a quarterly newsletter (P2 Links), provides free P2 training for local governments, hosts an annual statewide Pollution prevention Conference for organizations and industries, and is considering integrating P2 into rules and regulations in the future. Further, the program provides an opportunity for enforcement case facilities to work with the DEP to develop and implement P2 projects in lieu of fines. Additional information concerning the P2 Program can be found on the Program's Web site at http://www/FDEP.state.fl.us/waste/programs/p2. To accom- plish the South District's P2 Stormwater Pollution Reduction project objectives, the following ini- tiatives will be undertaken in 1998/1999: * MTC to develop/publish/distribute materials and market the DEP P2 during course of regular visits to at least ten businesses per week. * MTC to incorporate information regarding the EISP and DEP/MTC relationship into market- ing materials and promotional brochures. * MTC to distribute materials/brochures during and at trade shows/conferences. * MTC to add environmental parameters to assessment guideline sheets and forms. * MTC to conduct at least one workshop in cooperation with the DEP focusing on stormwater P2 and other related issues. * MTC to document number of business contacts and information/materials distributed (com- pany names may be kept confidential) in an annual report to the DEP. * DEP to assist MTC in developing marketing/promotional/informational materials and assessment parameters. * DEP to provide additional P2 information and other environmental materials as needed by the MTC. * DEP staff to accompany the MTC staff on site inspections as requested. * DEP staff to assist in developing stormwater P2 workshops. * DEP staff to participate in additional workshops that focus on pollution prevention or compli- ance education. * DEP to host annual statewide Pollution prevention Conference (Second Annual Conference was held June, 1998; Third Annual Conference was held in June 1999). The strategy for preventing contamination of stormwater is developing educational materials, con- ducting workshops, and performing on-site facility assessments. The MTC can promote these efforts through its regular site visits. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) South District, Laura Comer, Pollution Prevention (P2) Coordinator. 56 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Other Project Parnters: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) South District, Envi- ronmental Resource permit (Lucy Blair); DEP Pollution Prevention (P2) Program (Julie Abcarian, Tallahassee); Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC)(Bonita Springs); City of Fort Myers; Collier County Environmental Pollution Prevention Program (Allen Ruth); Lee County Pollution Preven- tion Program (Dale Nottingham); Charlotte County Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Genera- tors (ESQG) Verification Program (Dan Frey); Operation Bay Works; Department of Environmen- tal Protection (DEP) Bureau of Submerged Lands & Environmental Resources (Doug Fry, Michael Bateman, and Eric Livingston, Tallahassee); Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Geographic Area: South Florida, Caloosahatchee River area (Charlotte Harbor NEP area). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The reduction of toxic contaminants to the Caloosahatchee River. Project Timeline/Schedule: Start date in the South District has not been determined yet. The P2 Program is ongoing in other areas; Environmental Integration Services Program (EISP) Memoran- dum of Understanding (MOU) August, 1997; Third Annual Pollution Prevention Conference - June 9-11, 1999 in Jacksonville. Status: Planned. There is a similar program already in progress in the Tampa Bay area; with Suncoast Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) there is a good likelihood of completion of actions outlined above. Resources/Funding Available: Unknown Needed: Unknown Potential: The EISP was funded via a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) matching grant through 1998; MTC will be looking at program fees and other sources for future funding. Reference Documents: http://www.FDEP.state.fl.us/waste/programs/p2. Comments: The Environmental Integration Services Program (EISP) appears to be a good model program that should be continued if successful; legislative approval of six pollution prevention positions which were filled in early 1999 (one for each Department of Environmental Protection Pollution Prevention [P2] District Office), should facilitate the South District's P2 Stormwater Pollution Reduction objectives. 57 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Public Access Facilities in Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve (EBSBP) Contact Person: Bruce Boler/Heather Stafford Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: P. O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: A four-mile footpath hiking trail is planned for the Winkler Point Public Access Area of the Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve (EBSBP). Strategy for Implementation: Concurrent with invasive plant removal efforts at Winkler Point is the construction of a four-mile loop footpath trail through the intact and restored parts of the flatwoods forests and marshes. The trail route will feature views of two ponds - a small, marsh-rimmed freshwater pond and a larger, brackish tidal pond fringed with mangroves. These ponds, and the route in general, offer excellent landscape and wildlife viewing opportunities. The wetland shore of each pond will be bolstered with a short boardwalk viewing platform to protect the sensitive shore- line vegetation and enhance viewing opportunities. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Heather Stafford, Manager, Department of Envi- ronmental Protection (DEP)/Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves (EBASPB), Office of Coastal adn Aquatic Managed Areas, 700-1 Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL, (941) 463- 3240, fax (941) 463-3634, [email protected]. Other Project Partners: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP); Early-Action Mini- Grant Award Program, 1999; DEP Office of Greenways and Trails; Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. Geographic Area: Winkler Point Public Access Area, Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve (EBSBP), Estero Bay watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Anticipated benefits from the Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve (EBSBP) public access program with a footpath hiking trail include: increased visitation by visitors seeking appropriate outdoor recreation opportunities; increased knowledge of wetland ecology and wildlife habitat requirements; and an increased support for Department of Environ- mental Protection (DEP) management actions as the Winkler Point area recovers from invasive plant infestations. 58 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule: The first phase of thefootpath hiking trail,(about two miles, approxi- mately halfway with -one or both boardwalks at that time).will be completed about one, year from the Charlotte Harbor NEP MiniGrant award date, summer 2000. The trail and boar, walks will be fully completed, concurrent with the invasives clearing, before 2003. Status: Ongoing. Resources/funding Available: See above. Annual field office operating budget Conservation and Recreational Lands Program (CARL). Needed: *Volunteers to help blaze and maintain the trail. Potential: Educational tour guide opportunities, donation of services, and materials. -Reference Documents: Estero Bay State 'Buffer Preserve Management Plan, 1997. Comments: 59 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Cayo Costa State Park Contact Person: Chris Becker Title: Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection/Division of Recreation and Parks Mailing Address: P. O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 Fax Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: Management of a 2,360 acre barrier island site (1,766 upland, 50 wetland, and 544 submerged acres) on Charlotte harbor in Lee County. Natural communities include marine unconsolidated substrate (beach), beach dune, coastal strand, coastal berm, maritime hammock, mesic flatwoods, marine tidal swamp, depression marsh, shell mound, overwash plain, marine tidal marsh, and ruderal/developed sites. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities include invasive/exotic plant re- moval and the use of prescribed fire on pyric communities. Resource monitoring includes a vascu- lar plant reference collection, shorebird nest monitoring, sea turtle nest monitoring, and a vertebrate field observation database. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP), Reginald Norman, park Manager, Barrier Islands Geopark. Other Project Partner: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) Tallahassee, Fran Mainella, John Baust, Dana Bryan; DEP DRP Osprey, Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief. Geographic Area: A barrier island at Charlotte Harbor, south of Boca Grande Pass. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include preservation of native habitats, exotic removal, resource monitoring, nature study, public education and recreation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. 60 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resources/Funding Available: Funding for State parks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year-to- year). Grant funding is also sought for specific projects. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Cayo Costa State Park, Unit Management Plan, approved 1997; Chapter 258.001-157, Florida Statutes, Part 1, Parks; Park Brochure. Comments: 'See the park management plan..- 61 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Koreshan State Historic Site Contact Person: Chris Becker Title: Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection/Division of Recre- ation and Parks Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: Management of a 156-acre site on the Estero River in Lee County. Natural communi- ties include mesic flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, blackwater stream, and ruderal/developed sites. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities include invasive exotic plant removal adn the use of prescribed fire on pyric communities. Resource monitoring includes gopher tortoise burrow sur- veys, a vascular plant reference collection, and a vertebrate field observation database. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP), Jeanne Parks, Park Manager. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) Tallahassee, Fran Mainella, John Baust, Dana Bryan; DEP DRP Osprey, Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief. Geographic Area: On the Estero River at U.S. Highway 41. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include the preservation of native habitats, exotic removal, resource monitoring, nature study, public education and recreation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Funding for State parks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year to year). Grant funding is also sought for specific projects. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Koreshan State Historic Site Unit Management Plan, approved 1997; Chapter 258.001-157, Florida Statutes, Part 1, Parks; Park Brochure. Comments: See the park management plan. 62 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Mound Key State Archeological Site Contact Person: Chris Becker Title: Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection/Division of Recre- ation and Parks Mailing Address: 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229 Telephone Number: (941) 486-2053 FAX Number: (941) 483-5941 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: Management of a 149-acre site at the mouth of Estero Bay in Lee County. Natural communities include estuarine tidal marsh, shell mound, thorn scrub and ruderal sites. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities include invasive exotic plant removal. Re- source monitoring includes gopher tortoise burrow surveys, a vascular plant reference collection and a ver- tebrate field observation database. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Jeanne Parks, Park Manager, Department of Environmen- tal Protection (DEP) Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP). Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) Tallahassee, Fran Mainella, John Baust, Dana Bryan; Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) Osprey, Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief. Geographic Area: A shell mound in Estero Bay. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include preservation of native habitats, exotic removal, resource monitoring, nature study, public education and recreation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Tesources/Funding Available: Funding for state parks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year-to-year). Grant funding is also sought for specific projects. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Mound Key State Archeological Site Unit Management Plan, approved 1998; Chap- ter 258.001-157, Florida Statutes, Part 1, Parks; Park Brochure. Comments: See the site management plan. 63 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The Nature Lover's Guide to Pine Island Contact Person: Bruce Boler/Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinatory/Public Outreach Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5861 FAX Number: (941) 575-5863 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: All HA, all WQ, FW-1, FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-C, FW-S, FW-T, FW-U Project Description: The Nature Lover's Guide to Pine Island was written and produced by vol- unteers of the Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island, Inc. It is available at the Museum of the Islands and several businesses in St. James City and Matlacha. This book provides an overview of Pine Island's history (historical and cultural), as well as information concerning wildlife and natural resources, recreation, land preservation, the Calusa Land Trust, Charlotte Har- bor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves (CHASBP), Little Pine Island and the Wetland Restoration conducted by Mariner Properties Development, Inc. Funds raised from the sales of the Guide will be used for the purchase of land and the preservation of environmentally sensitive Pine Island habitats. Two sections, "The Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves" and "Little Pine Island", included in Chapter 21: Other Pine Island Preserves under Pine Island Future, introduce the reader to the following: the CHASBP, the value of estuarine resources and the importance of preserving land bordering estuaries, coastal wetlands, the salt marsh ecosystem, the threat of exotic, invasive pest plants, and an extensive wetland restoration project. Strategy for Implementation: It is intended that the publication be revised and expanded at least annually to reflect additional Trust research as well as the acquisition of additional Trust properties. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Phillip G. Buchanan, Editor and Board Member of the Calusa Land Trust, The Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island, Inc. Other Project Partners: Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin, Public Outreach Coordinator, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves (CHASBP), reviewed The Nature Lover's Guide to Pine Island and contributed two sections fo the book includ- ing "The Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves" and "Little Pine Island". Geographic Area: Pine Island (Bokeelia and St. James City) and Matlacha 64 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The Nature Lover's Guide to Pine Island will instill a greater appreciation of Pine Island and its resources. The Guide encourages responsible public access, in balance with resource protection, and provides information about recreational opportuni- ties including hiking on nature trails, archeological tours, fishing, and canoeing, etc. The Guide will increase community awareness and may serve as an impetus to greater public involvement in resource protection. New residents adn seasonal residents are provided with basic, background information essential to understanding Pine Island and what they can do to help preserve it. Most importantly, the Guide should increase membership in the Calusa Land Trust, and sales of the book will raise funds for land acquisition, preservation, and habitat restoration. Project Timeline/Schedule: March 8, 1998: Reviewed first draft of The Nature Lover's Guide To Pine Island; August 27, 1998: Wrote and revised sections on "The Aquatic and State Buffer Pre- serves" and "Little Pine Island"; November 1998: The Guide is published, assembled, and made available to the public at a number of distribution centers throughout Pine Island; and January 1998: Approximately 600 copies fo the book had been sold (at the cost of $20.00 per book) by the end of January 1998. Status: Ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: The Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island, Inc; Geographical Informa- tion System (GIS) equipment and software were provided to the Trust through a grant from the Conservation Technology Support Program. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 65 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lovers Key State Recreation Area Contact Person: Chris Becker Title: Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Enviromental Protection/Division of Recre- ation and Parks Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: Management of a 751-acre barrier island site on Charlotte Harbor in Lee County. Natural communities include marine unconsolidated substrate (beach), beach dune, maritime hammock, ma- rine tidal swamp, and ruderal/developed sites. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities include invasive exotic plant removal. Re- source monitoring includes a vascular plant reference collection, shorebird nest monitoring, wading bird rookery monitoring, sea turtle nest monitoring, and a vertebrate field observation database. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP), Jim Gibson, Park Manager. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Recreation adn Parks (DRP) Tallahassee, Fran Mainella, John Baust, Dana Bryan; FDEP DRP Osprey, Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief. Geographical Area: A barrier island on Estero Bay. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include preservation of native habitats, exotic removal, resource monitoring, nature study, public education and recreation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Funding for State parks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year-to-year). Grant funding is also sought for specific projects. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Lovers Key State Recreation Area Unit Management Plan, approved 1997; Chapter 258.001-157, Florida Statutes, Part 1, Parks; Park Brochure. Comments: See the area management plan. 66 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Treasures of the Sea Contact Person: Terry Cain Title: Project Manager Agency/Organization: Fort Myers Beach Marine Resources Task Force Mailing Address: 144 Bay Mar Drive Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Telephone Number: (941) 463-4935 FAX Number: (941) 765-0909 E-mail Address: N/A Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-T Project Description: "Treasures fo the Sea" is a project to introduce people to the mangrove forest, the estuary, and the beach through field trips that will include flora and fauna identification, conservation, and preservation. The project informs residents and visitors to Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach about the dynam- ics of a barrier island and the care needed to protect natural resources and habitats. Strategy for Implementation: The Town of Fort Myers Beach staff will receive reservations from partici- pants for the field trips brought to the participants attention by flyers, newspaper articles, the Chanber of Commerce, condominium associations, hotels/motels, and realtors. Groups of 15 to 20 participants will be scheduled for a two-hour field trip (beach, mangrove forest, or bay) with a one-hour discussion and video time in the local historic Mound House with a naturalist. Quarter-fold brochures with illustrations and iden- tification information of local flora and fauna will be handed out. Pre and post questionnaires will be filled out by each participant to survey knowledge gained, knowledge wished to be gained, and what to do to improve the present project. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Fort Myers Beach Marine Resources Task Force, Terry Cain, Project Coordinator; Town of Fort Myers Beach. Other Project Partners: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP). Geographic Area: Estero Bay study area. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: An increased understanding of natural resources will enable proper management and restoration to the heavily impacted habitats of Fort Myers Beach. Project Timeline/Schedule: February 1999 to May 2000. Status: Underway. Resources/Funding Available: Charlotte Harbor NEP funding. Needed: Potential: Funding to continue this project past year 2000 will be in the form of grants and possible buy-in through hotels and motels. Reference Documents: Beachcomber's Guide to Florida Marine Life, William S. Alevizon; Florida Wild- life Viewing Guide, Susan Cerulean and Ann Morrow. Comments: 67 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lee County Artificial Reef Program Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/Steve Boutelle Title: Division Director/Senior Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division Mailing Address: 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-8181 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-R Project Description: Siting, design, permitting and construction of artificial reefs offshore of the Lee County coastline to increase fisheries habitat. Materials typically include limerock boulders, concrete rubble, slabs, culverts, power poles, adn piling, steel vessels, and experimental assembled structures. Monitoring includes analysis of structural integrity adn species counts. Strategy for Implementation: Reefs are constructed in accordance with the Lee County Artificial Reef Plan. Sites are permitted through all applicable Federal and State agencies. Materials are limited to those that will provide long-term (50 year minimum) benefits as defined by the Lee County Artificial Reef Plan. Moni- toring of species and material stability is in compliance with grant and permit requirement. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Steve Boutelle. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) - Office of Fisheries Management and Assistance Services, Jon Dodrill, (850) 922-4340. Geographic Area: Primarily in the Gulf of Mexico, offshore of Lee County coastline, some have been constructed in interior bay waters. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Appropriate construction provides increased habitat complexity and species diversity. Reefs create fishing and diving recreational opportunities. Project Timeline/Schedule: Varies per project. Status: 14 permitted sites, two new sites in progress. Resources/Funding Available: $25,000 Lee County. Needed: Potential: Department of Environmental Protection grant funding. Reference Documents: Permits are maintained for each site. Lee County has a list of sites for public information. Information has been posted on the Lee County web site: www.lee-county.com. See also, "Artificial Reef Plan". Comments: 68 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lakes Park Flow-Way/ Filter Marsh Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/ Tony Pellicer Title: Division Director/ Natural Resources Manager Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division MailingAddress: 1500 Monroe St., Ft.Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-8181 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable* Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-6, Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-E, WQ-N Project Description: Create meandering flow-way through a portion of Lakes Park to enhance water quality of the stormwater discharge to Hendry Creek. Project to include littoral plantings along bank for filtration and absorption of pollutants. Joint project between Lee County and private development (Reflection Lakes). Project size is approximately 40 acres, treatihg surface water runoff from approximately 1,800 acres of commercial, residential and golf course properties, adjacent to the park. Strategy for Implementation: Preliminary design complete. Private development will construct upstream phase (50% of project) on own property. Lee County is to con struct downstream phase. Maintenanceis to be provided by both parties. Monitoringis to be conducted by Lee County. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Tony Pellicer. Other Project Partners: Engle Homes Southwest Florida, Inc., Naples, Florida. Geographic Area: Hendry Creek watershed, just upstram of Gladiolus, Drive crossing, Lee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduce excessive sediment, nutrient and metal loading into Hendry Creek. Will require considerable monitoring and maintenance effort, which is not currently funded. Unsure of overall efficiency of proposed flow-way in reducing pollutants; Project Timelin/Schedule: Private developer to begin construction in spring 1999. The County portion has not been bid. Status: Private portion currently under construction. Resources/Funding Available: $2 million for capital improvements. Needed:. Maintenance and monitoring funds. Potential: Monitoring of project.will provide needed information related to the effectiveness of the opera- tion strategy. This includes the removal or harvesting of wetland plant species to manage the system as in its growth stage.' The effectiveness of the process and the use of the project as a source of plant materials for other restoration projects are definite opportunities. Reference Documents: Lee County Surface Water Management Plan, Hendry Creek, June 1991, Johnson Engineering, Inc.; Lakes Park Marsh Flow-way Preliminary Report, January, 1996, Boylan Environmental Consultants Comments: Harvesting wetland plants in similar systems has not, been used extensively. The use of the project area as a source of plant material and keeping the system in a growth state to maintain optimum 69 pollutant removal is a true opportunity. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Implementation Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/Tony Pellicer Title: Division Director/Natural Resources Manager Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division Mailing Address: 1500 Monroe St., Ft. Meyers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-8181 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-C, WQ-D, WQ-E, WQ-I, WQ-N Project Description: Lee County is the lead applicant for the national pollutant discharge elimina- tion system (NPDES) stormwater permit. The permit addresses the operation and maintenance of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4); monitoring, public education and enforcement activities to prohibit illicit discharges. Florida yards and Neighborhoods is only a small portion of the total education program. Strategy for Implementation: Lee County passed an amendment to the Land Development Code, establishing Clean Water Provisions (Article VII) to provide legal authority to comply with the permit conditions (enforcement). In addition, there is a requirement to monitor activities to assure compliance with national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit requirements. This requires industrial and construction site inspection adn reporting (i.e. monitoring). The permit also requires Lee County to perform dry weather screening to detect and prohibit illicit discharges. Wet weather monitoring is performed to detect and quantify discharges, this compliments the sur- face water and sediment monitoring currently performed. The total program is designed to educate the general and professional public on storm water pollution prevention methods. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Tony Pellicer. Other Project Partners: Lee County Department of Transportation (DOT), Co-applicants (in- cluding Florida DOT). Geographic Area: Lee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The benefit is improved water quality and public educa- tion. Drawback is the additional cost of doing business. A drawback is increased budget expenses to achieve implementation. Project Timeline/Schedule: The permit began October 1, 1997. An annual report is required each year describing activities adn accomplishments on the preceding year. Status: In progress. 70 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resources/Funding Available: Lee County Needed: Staffing and monitoring resources. Potential: The distribution of educational materials and public support for clean water programs is- needed. No grant funding is available. Reference Documents: National pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) Permit FLS000035, EPA Home Page. Comments: Educating the professional, construction, municipal and general public in the best management pract Iices is the challenge. The opportunity is to improve water quality. 71 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Small Quantity Hazardous Waste Generator Program Contact P erson: Roland Ottolini/ Dale Nottingham Title: Division Director/ SQG Program Superyisor Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division Mailing Address: 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941)479-8181 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] us. Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-N, WQ- Q Project Description: Public education program designed to inform the small business community in identifying, proper handling and disposal of hazardous wastes. Strategy for Implementation: Program includes the distribution of informative newspaper and - site visits to individual businesses. The program assesses small quantity generators of hazardous waste and, provides assistance in achieving compliance with hazardous waste management regula- tions. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Dale Nottingham. Other Project Partners: Not applicable. Geographic Area: Lee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduces improper handling of hazardous wastes and the potential for contamination of water resources. ProjectTimeline/Schedule: Continuous, monthly newsletter, inspect 20% of all non-exempt busi- nesses each year. Sta tits: Organizing hazardous waste seminar. in February 1999. Resources/Funding Available: Funded by an assessment on the appropriate occupation licenses. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 72 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Stormwater System Inventory Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/ Brad Van ce Title: Division Director/ Professional Engineer II Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division Mailing Address: 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-8181 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:, HA-2, HA-3 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F, HA-L, HA-M, WQ-E, WQ-N Project Description: Locate, identify, and record, on a geographic information system (GIS) information regarding stormwater facilities in Lee County. Data to include type of conveyance (e.g. natural or man- made), reach length, type of crossing (eg. pipe, box culvert, bridge), elevation (e.g. invert, edge of pave- ment), maintenance records, etc. Strategy for Implementation: Utilize Surface Water Management Plan as base information, field verify changes or additions, review by maintenance entity (Lee County Department of Transportation-Operations), review by Engineering community, distribute to development review department for tracking changes due to new development, redistribute annually with updates. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Brad Vance. Other Project Partners: N/A. Geographic Area: Lee County, watersheds, excluding cities and islands. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Identifies stormwater system for management, maintenance, and emergency operations. This project will help locate sources of pollutants when ident ified in a particular watershed. Project Timeline/Schedule: Annual updates. Status: Initial set of plans and data completed and reviewed by Lee County Department of Transportation- Operations. Copy of documents delivered to County Development Review. Resources/Funding Available:, $100,000 per year. Needed: Potential: Reference' Documents: Lee County Surface Water Management Plan, Johnson Engineering Inc., Lee County geographic information system, Property Appraisers Office. Comments: 73 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lee County Estuarine Monitoring Program Contact Person: Keith A. Kibbey Title: Environmental Laboratory Director Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Environmental Lab Mailing Address: 60 Danley Drive #2 Fort Myers, FL 33907 Telephone Number: (941) 278-7070 FAX Number: (941) 939-4850 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-4 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-A, WQ-D Project Description: The Program was established to provide information to assess and evaluate water quality health of the estuary. Strategy for Implementation: Programs were established to provide information on the health of the estu- ary, and to determine if conditions were improving or not. In addition, information will be available for total maximum daily load (TMDL) calculations. Quarterly monitoring of 14 fixed sites in Estero Bay and 14 fixed sites around Pine Island. Analysis include: nutrients, chlorphyll, fecal coliform, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, temperature, and salinity. This information will be used in TMDL calculations by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Environmental Lab, Keith A. Kibbey. Other Project Partners: Geographic Area: Estero Bay, Pine Island Sound, Matlatcha Pass, South Charlotte Harbor, San Carlos Bay. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: These are the only established monitoring programs in these areas. Project Timeline/Schedule: Estero Bay monitoring started March 1991, Pine Island monitoring started July 1996. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: The project is currently funded by Lee County. Needed: Additional or supplemental funding is needed to increase sample frequency to monthly. Potential: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), South Florida Water Management District, and Charlotte Harbor NEP. Reference Documents: Comments: Would like to increase sample frequency to monthly. 74 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan to@ Lee County Ambient Surface Water Monitoring Program Contact Person: Keith A. Kibbey Title: Environmental Laboratory Director Agency/Organization: Lee County Mailing Address: 60 Danley Drive #2 Fort Myers, FL 33907 Telephone Number: (941) 278-7070 FAX Number: (94 1) 939-4850 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3,WQ-4 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-D (Note - this is a coordinated effort with the FLorida Department of Environmental Protection to establish total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). The Program is modified to meet their specifications), WQ-E, WQ-F; WQ-N Project Description: The Program was established to provide information on storm water runoff, in con-, junction with Lee County's Stormwater Master Plan. Information can be used for loading calculations by basin for total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and pollutant load reduction goals (PLRGs). Strategy for Implementation: Monthly monitoring of 70 fixed sites within watersheds throughout Lee County. Analysis include: nutrients, fecal coliform, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, total suspended solids, chloride, biochemical oxygen demand, arsenic, copper, lead, zinc, and conductivity. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Environmental Lab, Keith A. Kibbey. Other Project Partners: N/A. to- Geographic Area: Sub basin watersheds throughout Lee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: This is the only established monitoring program in these areas. Data will allow us to evaluate water quality changes in conjunction with land use changes, and make good decisions on best management practice (BMP) implementation, or land use changes. Project Timeline/Schedule: Six-Mile Cypress monitoring started June 1989, others were added through May 1996. Status: In progress. Resource/Funding Available: The project is currently funded by Lee County. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Lee County Stormwater Master Plan. Comments: 75 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lee County Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Committee (CLASAC) Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/Lynda Riley Title: Division Director/Program Coordinator Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division/County Lands Division Mailing Address: 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-8181/(941) 479-8505 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108/(941) 479-8535 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3, WQ-3, WQ-6, FW-1, FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F, HA-L, WQ-E, WQ-N, FW-S, FW-U Project Description: In 1996, voters approved a referendum to raise real property taxes to fund the purchase of environmentally sensitive lands to place in public trust for preservation. Over $11 million per year is generated for the acquisition of properties of willing sellers. Each proposal goes through a ranking process based on environmental significance, water resource value, management potential, contiguity to other pre- serve areas, development potential, and selling price. Strategy for Implementation: Parcels are submitted by willing sellers through application. The ranking subcommittee and Lee County staff reviews and ranks parcels and submits to full committee for approval. Committee recommendations go to the Board of County Commissioners for approval and direct to negotia- tions for purchase. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Office of County Lands, Lynda Riley Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, South Florida Water Manage- ment District, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and The Calusa Land Trust. Geographic Area: Lee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Purchase of lands along important flow-way corridors eliminates encroachment by development thereby reducing potential flood impacts and preserving the water quality benefits of a natural system. Project Timeline/Schedule: Continuous, funding sunsets in ten years from inception (2006). Status: Since February 1997, Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Committee (CLASAC) has reviewed 114 parcels. Of these, CLASAC has selected 44 to be pursued for acquisition. As of July 1999, six parcels had been acquired totaling 480 acres at a cost of $3.35 million. Resources/Funding Available: Approximately $12 million per year. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 76 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Derelict Vessel Removal Program Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/ Steve Boutelle Title: Division Director/ Senior Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resou rces Division Mailing Address: 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-8181 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] ee.fl.us or boutelsj @bocc.co.lee.fl.us. Quantiflable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-Q Project Description: Identification and removal of derelict vessels. Strategy for Implementation: Vessels are reported to the Florida Marine Patrol for investigation and legal action. Upon legal closure of ownership investigation, vessels are submitted to Lee County for removal. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Steve Boutelle. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Florida Marine Patrol; West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND). Geographic Area: Lee County navigable waters. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Removal and disposal of vessels also removes a potential source of marine debris and water qualit contaminants. Contamination can occur during the investigative phase of the process. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: $25,000 Lee County Needed: Variable Potential: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Florida Marine Patrol;West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) grant funding. Reference Documents: Florida Statute 376.15. Comments: 77 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Kehl Canal Weir Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/Bob Howard Title: Division Director/Professional Engineer III Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division Mailing Address: 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-8181 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2, HA-3 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-L Project Description: Replace temporary weir structure with fixed crest concrete weir with motor operated gates. Provides greater control of water levels for enhanced flood control and water con- servation. Increased retention capability provides water quality enhancements through settlement of suspended solids and pollutant uptake by aquatic vegetation. Strategy for Implementation: Design, permit, and construct the weir. Develop operating guide- lines and schedule. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Bob Howard. Other Project Partners: South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Ft. Myers Service Center/Jacque Rippe. Geographic Area: Kehl Canal extension of Imperial River, just upstream of Bonita Grande Drive. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Will allow for gradual drawdown of pool prior to effects of major storm event. Will also enhance ability to maintain historic wet season water table for water conservation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Construction to be completed in March 1999. Status: Under construction. Resources/Funding Available: $600,000 for capital improvements. Needed: Potential: South Florida Water Management District Grant. Reference Documents: South Lee County Watershed Plan, Volume I (Interim), 1998, Johnson Engineering, Inc. Comments: 78 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Vessel Management Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/ Steve Boutelle Title: Division Director/ Senior Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division Mailing Address: 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-8181 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected]. Quantiflable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-J, FW-K, FW-M, FW-O Project Description: Lee County has a vessel control ordinance to manage vessel speed in areas defined by Lee County Ordinance 90-50, as amended. Lee County also actively promotes the use of, and marks the deepest water available for navigation, in public waterways. Strategy for Implementation: Lee County has installed and will continue to improve channel- marking systems in public waterways. Channels are developed as a means to improve the ability to navigate areas while reducing boating impacts to shallow resources such as seagrass beds, via unintentional groundings. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Steve Boutelle. Other Project Partners: West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND), United States Coast Guard (USCG). Geographic Area: Lee County navigable public waters. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduced impacts to submerged resources; reduced prop- erty damage and personal injury. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Lee County. Needed: Potential: West Coast Inland Navigation District grant funding. Reference Documents: U.S. Coast Guard "Private Aids to Navigation"- permits. Comments: 79 79 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Manatee Protection Plan Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/ Steve Boutelle Title: Division Director/ Senior Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division Mailing Address: 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-818l FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected]. Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: F-W2, FW-3, Priority Actions Addressed: FW-D, FW-E, FW-G, FW-L, FW-N, FW-T Project Description: Lee County is one of 13 Counties designated by the State of Florida to develop and implement a comprehensive manatee, protection plan. The plan will include elements of boat speed regula- tion, habitat protection, education, enforcement, marina siting, and marine enforcement coordination. Strategy for Implementation: Draft plan is done in part and is to be completed by project partners within the next two years. Implementation strategy to be outlined as part of plan. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Steve Boutelle. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (PEP), Office of Protected Spe- cies Management; Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council; West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND). Geographic Area: Lee County navigable waters. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Expect improved protection for manatees and their critical habitat; secondary benefits for other organisms utilizing the same habitats. Some vessel, regulations may impede, navigational and recreational use of coastal waters. Project Timeline/Schedule: Vessel regulations expected by December 1999. Balance of plan anticipated by June 2001. Status: Partial draft completed. Resources/Funding: Available: Lee County. Needed: $167,000 capital costs, $20,000 per year operating costs. Potential: Department of Environmental Protection and West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) grant funding. Reference Documents: Comments 80 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Beach Renourishment/Monitoring Program Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/Steve Boutelle Title: Division Director/ Senior Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division Mailing Address: 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-8181 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1,FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-B, FW-T Project Description: Beach renourishment provides storm protection, recreational, environmental, and eco- nomic benefits to Lee County. Of the 47 miles of beach in Lee County; over 15 miles have been designated as critically eroding. Renourishment of our beaches improves habitat for shore and wading birds, sea turtles, mollusks and other creatures. Lee County monitoring includes beach profile surveys to determine erosion rates and compaction testing for sea turtle. nesting criteria. Turtle Time, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foun- dation (SCCF), and Florida Parks Service monitor turtle nesting activity. Strategy for Implementation: Beach profile surveys are typically required every six months as part of the renourishment permit. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is also providing "LIDAR" survey of the entire coastline of Florida, which utilizes laser technology to define shoreline topography and bathymetry. Compaction testing is done just before turtle nesting season to determine if beach tilling is necessary for turtle nesting success. Turtle Time, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), and Florida Parks Service provides daily monitoring of nesting activity throughout the season. The Lee County Coastal Advisory Council has created a brochure on beaches, which also describes the benefits beaches have for our environment. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural Resources Division, Steve Boutelle. Other Project Partners: Captiva Erosion Prevention District, City of Sanibel, Town of Fort Myers Beach, Turtle Time/ Eve Haverfield, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/Robyn Trindell, and Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF/Kristie Anders. Geographic Area: Lee County sandy coastline. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Provides restoration of lost habitat due to erosion. Project Timeline/Schedule: Varies by project. Status: Continuous. Resources/Funding Available: Lee County Beach Renourishment Trust Fund. Needed: Potential: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Beaches and Coastal Systems. Reference Documents: Comments: 81 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Hydrologic Data Network Contact Person: Roland Ottolini/ Wanda Wooten Title: Division Director/ Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: Lee County Natural Resources Division Mailing Address:. 1500 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 479-8181 FAX Number: (941) 479-8108 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2, HA-3 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-B, HA-C, HA-F, HA-H, HA-L Project Description: Collection of Lee County rainfall, stage, and groundwater level data and report. Pro- vides valuable calibration information for hydrologic models such as "HECRAS" and "HECl". Also pro- vides early warning, data for possible flood emergency. Groundwater data is used to establish wet. season water table levels for use by engineering and environmental consultants to establish control. elevations for stormwater management facilities. Reduces potential of lowering natural groundwater levels thereby con- servin water resources. Strategy for Implementation: Continue collection of Lee County rainfall, stage and groundwater level data and report.'Add stations in areas of limited coverage. Convert to real-time. data where practical. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lee County Natural, Resources Division, Wanda Wooten. Other Project Partners: South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) also provide hydrologic data to supple- ment the information. Coordination is made on sites to avoid duplication Geographic Area: Lee County watersheds. Expected Benefits, and/or Drawbacks: Calibrate models for greater accuracy, establish and preserve his- toric groundwater levels. Limited coverage does not reflect the large variability in meteorologic conditions. Project Timeline/Schedule: Continuous. Status: Two (2) additional stage. recorders installed in Fiscal Year 1999. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potential: Reference Docuqments: Data set available on Lee County website (www.lee-county.com/natureso.htm). Comments: Investigating the utilization of weather radar information along with rain gage data for actual storm simulation in hydrologic models. 82 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Habitat Management and Ecology Program: Prescribed Burning, Wetland and Upland Enhancement, Monitoring, and Applied Research of Native Flora and Fauna Contact Person: David W. Ceilley Title: Restoration Ecologist Agency/Organization: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc. (SCCF) Mailing Address: P.0. Box 839 Sanibel, Florida 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-2329 FAX Number: (941) 472-6421 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6, FW- 1, FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-N, FW-A, FW-C, FW-R, FW-S, FW-T Project Desciption: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) was established in 1967 for the specific purpose of acquiring and preserving native wildlife habitat. SCCF currently owns more than 1,500 acres of wetland and upland habitats in the Charlotte Harbor NEP and is actively managing these lands, through invasive plant removal, prescribed burning, enhancing wetlands by restoring hydroperiods and cre- ating deep water refuge, and enhancing uplands by shrub management, installing cavity-nesting bird boxes, and planting native species of subtropical trees and shrubs. Monitoring and research of plant, fish and wild- life communities is an integral part of the program. Strategy for Implementation: The Habitat Management and Ecology Program is staffed by a full-time ecologist, a full-time technician and a half-time technician who implement management programs; Pre- scribed burning is conducted on a three to five year rotation in the freshwater cordgrass/sawgrass/leather fern wetlands when feasible to mimic natural fire regimes and to maintain open habitat for aquatic fauna and wading birds. Wetland enhancement conssists of creating deepwater pools for fish and invertebrates in area that were previously covered with Brazilian pepper. Uplands are less frequently burned depending on habitat type and location to maintain native plant communities. More than 45 nest boxes have been installed to supplement loss of cavity trees in upland ridges scattered across approximately 180 acres. We plan to install additional boxes during 1999 and 2000 in newly restored habitats and hope to continue this program until all restoration areas have available nesting habitat for owls, woodpeckers, flycatchers, and bats. Monitoring consists of general wildlife surveys, small mammal trapping, fish surveys, and frog call surveys to estimate recovery of. native indicator species such as the Sanibel Island rice rat, marsh killifish, and green tree frogs among others, We are in need of funding to continue and expand our monitoring programs. We intend to monitor macroinvertebrates and "large" mammal (bobcat, river otters, raccoons, and marsh rabbits) popula- tions in the future. Shorebird nesting areas,are identified by staff and volunteers each year on Sanibel and protected by installing Florida Fish & -Wildlife Conservation Commission signs and fencing. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: We are currently working with the City of Sanibel Natural Resources Department, Rob, Loftin, Director; and the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Louis Hinds, Manager; on the overall conservation lands management program on Sanibel and some prescribed burning activities. A Cooperative Agreement (signed December 1996) between these partners helps facilitate cooperation on large projects. Most of our fish and wildlife monitoring is done by, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) staff. Upland and wetland enhancements are also done by SCCF staff with management plans approved by, and some financial support from, the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Tim Eckert, North Ft. Myers office. 83 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Other Project, Partners: Plant community monitoring is supplemented by a volunteer group known as the "Weeds and Seeds" botanical club. Bird monitoring is supplemented by the Sanibel-Captiva Chapter of the Audubon Society and other volunteers. The U.S. Fish. and Wildlife Service's South Florida Coastal Ecosys- tern Program has provided funding in 1998 for some of the uplandand wetland plantings on restored parcels The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program is funding an Early Action Demonstration Grant that in- chides installing 20 nest boxes and native subtropical plants and educational signage on one of our 45 parcels of conservation land. Geographic Area: Sanibel-Captiva Area of Pine Island Sound Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawback: All activities should benefit the listed goals/objectives and action plans mentioned. Drawbacks ate mostly related to prescribed burning near residential areas (smoke com- plaints) and funding sources for research projects. Project Timeline/Schedule: This program has been ongoing for more than 20 years but was accelerated and expanded in August of 1996 when a full-time land manager/ecologist was hired by Sanibel-Captiva-Conser- vation Foundation (SCCF) through a three-year gramt from the Bruning Foundation of Illinois. The program will continue as long as the position and activities are funded by SCCF and outside grants. Status: We have completed wetland/upland enhancement on about 325 acres of Sanibel-Captiva Conserva- tion Foundation (SCCF) habitat and these areas are under maintenance and monitoring. Fish, frog, bird and small mammal surveys have been implemented and will continue. The remaining conservation areas are in progress of or planned for initial-restoration, enhancement, or monitoring. The habitat management and ecol- ogy program is an ongoing effort as part of proper stewardship of conservation lands. Resources/Funding: Available: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Stewardship Endowment Fund = $8,500 to $10,000 per-year; Charlotte- Harbor NEP Early Action Grant = 6,450 total for materials, 1999 only; Natural Resources Conservation Service Grant =$17,000 to implement plans, August 1998 to August 2003; Bruning Foundation = $55,000 in 1998. Needed: Minimum additional $50,600 per year for Staffing & Program Implementation. Potential: Bruning Foundation & Private Donations, Government & researh grants; Charlotte Harbor NEP Program; Universities and the Florida Center for Environmental Studies. Reference Documents: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Annual Report for 1998 on Web Page http//www.sccf.org; Ceilley, D.W. and D.E. Ceilley; 1999 (in press). Survey of Freshwater Fishes in the Hydric Flatwoods of Flint Pen Strand, Lee Co., South Florida Water Management District Technical Report; Stewardship Update" Monthly Newsletter. Comments: Our mission statement is "The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat on and around Sanibel and Captiva." Our biggest challenge today is to properly manage existing conservation lands for the benefit of native wildlife communities-(documented through monitoring qand research) in an ecosystem that has been severely altered by habitat fragmentation, hydrologic disturbance, fire suppression, and the introduction of non-native plant and animal species. 84 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Invasive Exotic Plant Removal and Long-term Control Program Contact Person: David W. Ceilley Title: Restoration Ecologist Agency/Organization: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc, (SCCF) Mailing Address: P.O. Box 839 Sanibel, Florida 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-2329 FAX Number: (941) 472-6421 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed. FW-A, FW-C Project Description: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) currently owns approximately 1,500 acres of conservation land -including about 1,000 acres on Sanibel. SCCF also owns and manages coastal islands (Albright, Patterson, York and Coconut Islands and part of Buck Key) and tidal mangrove swamps, totaling approximately 500 acres. Until 1996, only about 200 acres of this was free of invasive exotic plants. Since then, another 325 acres has been cleared of dense stands of Brazilian pepper, Australian pine and other exotics, and last year 288 acres were re-treated for exotic plant control. Strategy for Implementation: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has an ongoing invasive exotic plant removal program that includes mechanical removal of dense exotic plants, follow-up treatment of exotic plants (using Garlon-4 and vegetable base oils) in native plant dominated areas, and re-treatment on a semi-annual basis to maintain control of exotics in the long-term. High priority areas have been identified and are restored or will be restored in the near future. After initial, removal of exotics, continuous monitoring and re-treatment is needed to maintain native wetland and upland habitats free of exotics. This re-treatment and monitoring is the responsibility of SCCF's restoration ecologist who was hired under a grant from the Bruning Foundation in August 1996. The program is supported through the Stewardship Endowment Fund, the Bruning Foundation grant, and other grants and donations when available. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: We are currently working with the City of Sanibel/Natural Resources Department (Rob Loflin, Director) and the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge/U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (Louis Hinds, Manager) through a Cooperative Agreement for the over- all land management program for Sanibel. We have been successful at obtaining "Partners for Fish and Wildlife" grants from the USFWS (Layne Hamilton) since 1994 at $10,000 per year to assist in the effort to control exotics. We do not know if this funding will continue. In 1998 we were awarded a $30,000 grant from the USFWS South Florida Coastal Ecosystem Program (Kalani Cairns) to remove exotics and re-plant native species. We were also successful in receiving a $58,000 grant with the City of Sanibel (Dan Clark) as partner, from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Aquatic Plant Mgmt. (Greg Jubinsky) for exotic plant removal from a 58 acre wetland & upland system disturbed by mosquito ditches -and spoil piles. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service (Tim Eckert) is also pro- viding assistance through the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Progam. Other Project Partners: The City of Sanibel provides cost-sharirig incentives for selected-zones; The Terra Foundation of Sanibel (previous support in 1996-97); Small number of volunteers have assisted in spraying in some areas; SCA-AmeriCorps volunteer in 1997 (program discontinued in Washington, D.C.); The Calusa Land Trust & Nature Preserve of Pine Island is assisting with exotic, plant control on York and Coconut Islands. Geographic Area: Sanibel-Captiva Area of the Pine Island Sound Basin. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: All activities should benefit the listed goals/objectives and action plans by directly removing invasive species that degrade natural habitats and ecosystem functions and by removing seed sources of re-infestation. The drawbacks are: 1) The perception by,some residents that exotic plants are desirable (e. g. Australian pines along beaches, parks and roadways); and 2) Many local plant suppliers still promote and sell invasive exotic species of plants. Project Timeline/Schedule: The exotic plant removal program has been ongoing for more than 15 years as a part-time effort but is now a major program area. The Habitat Management Program and Ecology Program Were established in August 1996 qwhen a full-time land manager/ecologist was hired by Sanibel-Captiva Con- servation Foundation (SCCF) through a three-year grant from the Bruning Foundation of Illinois. In 1988, we completed the removal of exotics from our 262-acre Center Tract, including the first property acquired by, SCCF in 1968. Another 100 acres of SCCF land was cleared of exotic plants in 1998 through our cooperative. Agreement with, the City of Sanibel. The 'program wilt continue as long as the position and activities are funded by SCCF a nd outside grants. Status: We have completed initial heavy exotic removal on about 325 acres of Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) habitat and these areas are under maintenance and monitoring. The remaining conserva- tion areas are in progress of or planned for initial restoration, enhancement, or monitoring. The short-term (two to three year) goals at this time are: 1) Remove spoil piles-and mosquito ditches on a recently restored 58-acre portion of the Center Tract, 2) Complete the removal of heavy exotic infestations in the Sanibel River Corridor (more than 300 SCCF acres remain infested) and recently purchased York and Coconut Islands; and 3) In 1999 SCCF purchased another 167 acres of platted (undeveloped) land in the Sanibel River Corridor and will begin restoration by removing all invasive exotic plants. Resources/Funding Available: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Stewardship Endowment Fund.= $15,000 per ear; Charlotte Harbor NEP Early Action Grant= $ 1, 100 total for materials, 1999 only. Needed: At least $30,000 to maintain existing exotic control level in 1999 (excluding staff costs); Approxi- mately $450,000 to $500,000 to complete initial exotic plant removal, and another $45,000 for herbicides, mix, and equipment maintenance for re-treatment. Potential: Bruning Foundation; Private Donations; Charlotte Harbor NEP; Government (Florida Department of Environmental-Protection [DEP], Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Lee County, etc.); grants; City of Sanibel. Reference Documents: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, (SCCF) Annual Report for 1998 on Web Page: http://www.sccf.org; SCCF Report on Sanibel River Corridor Restoration Project, December 1998 sent to Department of Environmental Protection and City of Sanibel-, "Stewardship Update" Monthly Newsletter. Comments:. Our biggest challenge today is to properly manage existing conservation lands for the benefit of native wildlife communities in an ecosystem that has been severely altered by habitat, fragmentation, hydro- logic disturbance, fire suppression and the introduction of non-native plant and animal species. Removal of exotic plants and their seed -source is a long-term challenge for everyone in south Florida and successful partnerships are critical for success. 86 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Captiva Cruises Partnership Contact Person: Kristie Anders Title: Education Director Agency/Organization: The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Mailing Address: P.O. Box 839, Sanibel FL 33957-0839 Telephone Number : (941) 472-2329 FAX Number: (941) 472-6421 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, FW-2, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-K, WQ-B, FW-D Project Description: The partnership between the Sanibel -Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Captiva Cruises melds the expertise of both groups for net gain for both. SCCF pro- vides volunteer training and guidelines for docents narrating natural history cruises throughout the Pine Island Sound area. A portion of ticket proceeds is given to. SCCF to fund Environmental Education projects. Docents undergo 80 hours of training utilizing expertise ranging from the De- partment of Environmental Protection (DEP) to Mote Marine Lab's dolphin researchers and from SCCF's native plant nursery to public speaking techniques. Customers get a higher quality pro- -gram through well-informed narrators and that translates into more business for Capitva Cruises, as word of mouth isthe single most effective advertisement. Strategy for Implementation: Identify viable partnerships pairing expertise of agencies and not- for-profits -with commercial operations that could stand to gain from expertise of agencies. For example, because of the training opportunities, given to volunteer narrators, visitors now under- stand that alteration of water in the form of now-dry fresh water springs has had an adverse effect on manatee populations. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's education director- Kristie Seaman Anders. Other Project Partners: Captiva Cruises, Paul F. McCarthy president. Geographic Area: Pine Island Sound and adjacent barrier islands including Boca Grande, Cab- bage Key, Captiva, Sanibel, and Useppa. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Increase awareness among visitors and residents of the Pine Island Sound area regarding effects on wildlife of alteration of water, and increase awareness about effects of degradation, of habitat on fish and wildlife populations, particularly mangrove and sea grass areas. 87 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule: Initial contact called for education director to design training mate- rials and develop training schedule - 200 hours; volunteer recruitment and training classes - 100 hours. Every other year training sessions to refresh established docents and intake of new people, ongoing training and communications at least monthly. Program self-sufficient enough, to perpetu- ate. Status:. Initial program and three cycles of training and re-training have taken place. Program is in progress. Resources/Funding Available: Initial funding provided by Captiva Cruises $15,000; Annually generates approxi- mately $10,000 for Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's (SCCF's) eduction programs. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: www.sccf.org. Comments: Easily duplicated in any vacation destination where a for-profit and not-for-profit can see mutual goals of providing a high quality educational experience for clientele. 88 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resident Environmental Orientation Contact Person: Kristie Anders Title: Education Director Agency/Organization: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Mailing Address: PO Box 839, Sanibel, FL 33957 Telephone Number: (941)472-2329 FAX Number: (941)472-6421 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, FW-2, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-K-,WQ-B,FW-D Project Description: All residents are invited to participate in an orientation a one-day class on conservation history, current conservation activities and evolution of environmental regulation as it pertains to City of Sanibel, and the island of Captiva. Strategy for Implementation: Recruit residents- to participate in a one-day orientation on environ- ment and regulation pertaining to protection of natural resources, water quality, and wildlife. habi- tat. Organize presentations by like-minded organizations and agencies to diversify presentations. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Founddation's edu- cation director, Kristie Anders. Other/Project Partners: Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), City of Sanibel, Land- scaping for Wildlife at Native Plant Nursery of Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), occasionally J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Geographic Area: Sanibel and Captiva and adjacent Gulf and bay waters. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Better informed residents, mitigation through education. Project Timeline/Schedule: Initiated in 1986, evolved into current format in 1995. Status: Ongoing with an adaptation in fall of 1998, called "Sound Living" where vehicle to trans- port group via boat through Pine Island Sound. This program is offered on a continuous basis. Resources/Funding Avvailable: $250/session for trolley, driver, lunch and materials. Needed: Currently funded by Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), "Sound Living" funded with Charlotte Harbor NEP early action grant. Potential: Corporate sponsor, tuition. Reference Documents: www.sccf.org. Comments: 89 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Realtors' Environmental Orientation Contact Person: Kristie Anders Title: Education Director Agency/Organization: The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Mailing Address: P.O. Box 839, Sanibel, FL 33957-0839 Telephone Number: (941) 472-2329 FAX Number: (941) 472-6421 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, FW-2, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-K, WQ-B, FW-D Project Description: Realtors newly joining the Professional Realtors Association on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva are required by the professional group to attend an education/orientation day. A stop at Sanibel- Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is part of the required training. Strategy for Implementation: Develop a partnership with local realtors association, contact education chair, establish benefits of new realtors attending such a program, establish a routine for intake of new mem- bers. On. the islands, training is offered quarterly. A better informed realtor can better serve their clients. Realtors help new residents form first opinions about the land and water where they live. Misinformation can lead to violation of regulations and misunderstandings. Well-informed can prevent misunderstandings and violations. (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation discovered a majority of realtors selling properties on the islands do not live there). Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's education director, Kristie Anders. Other Project Partners: The Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors. Geographic Area: Sanibel, Captiva, and adjacent waters. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Better informed new residents and realtors who sell the land. Project Timeline/Schedule: Partnership for training initiated in 1993, still continues today. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Twenty-five staff hours annually, donated by Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: The realtors orientation consists of a synopsis of the Island conservation history, the land acquisition and management strategy of Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), and the basisfor logical zoning of 1and using natural systems as the key to density assignments. 90 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Realtor Education Workshops Contact Person Name: Kristie Anders Title: Education Director Agency/Organization: The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Mailing Address: P0 Box 839, Sanibel, FL 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-2329 FAX Number: (941) 472-6421 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, FW-2, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-K, WQ-B, FW-D Project Description: Ongoing environmental education workshops provided to licensed realtors selling properties on Sanibel and Captiva. Issues include upland habitat management as it effects water quality, docks and mangrove trimming regulations, advantages to wildlife habitat preservation, and environmental regula- tions. Strategy for Implementation: Survey realtors to establish education needs, determine which can be pro- vided through environmental education workshops, plan workshop withs speakers, advertise and promote, deliver workshop, evaluate. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation's (SCCF) education director, Kristie Anders. Other Project Partners: The Sanibel and Captiva Island Association of Realtors. Geographic Area: Barrier islands and adjacent waters of Pine Island Sound. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Consider realtors as educators informing new residents and advising property owners, understand need and cause of degrading water quality, decline in fish and wildlife habitat, and alteration of hydrology. Project Timeline/Schedule: Implemented several years ago. Provides ongoing training on an annual basis during "'off-season." Status: In progress; future plans include getting workshops certified by the State Realtor Board to qualify for in-service training hours for participants. A tuition will be charged, if needed. Resources/Funding Available: Hours donated by Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) for presenters. Also we seek out in-kind donations for the trolley, boat, etc. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: Expansion of this program can be implemented if accredited by the State Realtors Board as continuing education, as a certain number of credits are required each year to maintain license. Sanibel- Captiva Conservation Founddation (SCCF) working on accreditation with local education committee of the Realtors Association. 91 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Landscaping For Wildlife Contact Person: Kathryn Boone Title: Native Plant Nursery Manager Agency/Organization: Sanibel/Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc. Mailing Address: PO Box. 839, Sanibel, FL 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-1932/ (914) 472-2329 FAX Number: (941) 472-6421 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 FW-3, WQ-4 Priority Actions: FW-A, FW-P, FW-S, FW-T, WQ-I Project Description: "Landscaping for Wildlife" is a home certification program that teaches property owners how to create landscapes that provide a safe and healthy environment for our native wildlife. The principles include alternative to pesticides, a core planting which is at least 75% native species, removal of exotic pest plants, and conservation of water in the landscape. Homeowners and businesses receive an, on-site consultation which addresses their specific needs and issues pertaining to their landscape. Their landscape is evaluated and goals are established to create a landscape for wildlife., Once the goals- have been achieved, the. homeowner or business is presented with a plaque indicating they have "Landscaped for Wildlife?'. Staff also provides ongoing educational programs such as, lecture and slide shows, guest speakers, and landscape tours. Landscape designs-and site plans are reviewed by the staff and appropriate recommendations are made to best preserve and enhance for wildlife. Strategy for Implementation: For Priority Action FW-A: 1. Develop plans to reduce coverage in areas containing or linking significant habitats. Through, on-site consultations and written materials, homeowner and businesses will be encouraged and advised on how to remove exotic pest plants and to replace them with appropriate native vegetation. 2. Develop and implement incentive programs to encourage removal of exotics and the maintenance of native vegetation on private lands. The incentive would be the certification of those properties comply- ing with these objectives as "Landscapes for Wildlife". During on-site inspections exotic pest plants will be identified and methods of rermoval will be discussed. Native plants will be identified and their importance to wildlife emphasized and maintenance practices will be discussed. For Priority Action FW-P: 1 . Encourage the planting approprite native vegetation along developed shorelines, and allow trimming and maintenance by property owners. This will be accomplished through on-site recommen- dations, workshops and written material to educate the property owner. For Priority Action FW-S: 1. Promote private stewardship of vital habitat through technical assistance to landowners, local govemments and other parties. For Priority Action FW-T: 1. Increase conservation of buffer areas around mangroves to reduce pressures to cut and hedge mangroves through educational, materials, on-site consultation and by being a watchdog in the community. 2. Develop and implement information and education programs for developers, contractors, and builders on effective means of reducing habitat impacts. Provide them with educational materials, on- site consultations, and critiquing site plans to best preserve wildlife. 92 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan For Priority Action WQ-I: 1. Improve education of homeowners as to the methods they can easily implement to reduce sources of pollution. For example, reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides and fertilizers used in the land- scape. 2. Make the business community aware of kinds of activities and programs they can undertake to reduce non-point storm water sources from their property. 3. Develop programs for providing training for landscape contractors. 4. Provide on-site irrigation evaluations, teaching homeowners to reduce the amount of irrigation. 5. Promote xeriscaping. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Other Project Partners: Island Water Association (contract ends June 1999). Geographic Area: On and around Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Increased acreage of wildlife habitat, fewer pesticides in the envi- ronment, conservation of natural resources (primarily water), eradication of exotic pest plants, all positive benefits. Project Timeline/Schedule: Immediately. Ongoing project. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Island Water Association Grant, $33,600 per year. This grant ends on June 30, 1999 and cannot be renewed. Landscaping for Wildlife Endowment Fund support July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2000, $15,500. Needed: Additional $50,000 per year for staff and program implementation. Potential: Charlotte Harbor NEP. Reference Documents: "Landscaping for Wildlife Booklet," "Commonsense Pest Control," Webpage: www.sccf.org. Comments: To preserve and enhance native landscapes on and around Sanibel and Captiva islands. To increase the number of acres of wildlife habitat by helping property owners to create safe landscapes that can support wildlife. We can eliminate exotic pest plants in those areas and reduce the amount of pesticides in the environment. We can also help to conserve water by eliminating the need for irrigation systems. 93 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Three Dimensional (3-D) Circulation Model Contact Person: Tomma Barnes Title: Environmental Scientist, Planning Department Agency/Organization: South Florida Water Management, District Mailing Address: 2301 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: (941) 338-2929 FAX Number: (941) 338-2936 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-O Project Description: This project will develop a coupled circulation/water, quality model of the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system in three phases. Strategy for Implementation: During Phase I, a preliminary three dimensional (3-D) circulation model wil1 be developed and calibrated with available hydrodynamic data, and the applied to ad- dress the impact of Caloosahatchee River Estuary on circulation in Pine Island Sound, with particu- lar focus on the effect of the Sanibel Causeway. During Phase II, available water quality data will be reviewed and analyzed, and a preliminary 3-D water quality model will be developed. A pre- liminary assessment of the effects of the Sanibel Causeway on Circulation and salinity will also be accomplished. During Phase III the coupled hydrodynamics and water quality models will be calibrated and applied to address the impact of nutrient loading from Caloosahtchee Watershed on the water quality in the Caloosahatchee Estuary, San Carlos Bay and Pine Island Sound. The hydrodynamic model will be delivered to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) during Phase II, and the water quality model will be delivered to SFWMD during Phase III. The initial focus of this project is to develop a modeling system that will enable managers to assess the impact of the Sanibel Causeway and Caloosahatchee watershed inflows on the circulation and salinity in Pine Island Sound area. With further data collection, model calibration and verification efforts, the model will be refined and used as a tool to synthesize field data to provide an under- standing of the estuarine system, and predict the potential impact of various management practices on the estuarine system. The model will be built upon existing cutting-edge modeling technology (developed while studying other estuaries in Florida and elsewhere) and will use all available field data collected by U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Florida Water Management District, SFWMD, Manasota Water Authority,and various Counties. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Dan Haunert, Planning Department, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), West Palm Beach. Other Project Partners: Y Peter Sheng, University of Florida Coastal and oceanographic Engi- neering Department, Gainesville, Florida. Geographic Area:. Three dimensional (3-D) Circulaqtion Model: Charlotte Harbor. 94 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The project will result in a better understanding of the hydrology of the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system In addition, the model will allow for better informed resource management decisions. Project Timeline/Schedule: Phase I 1999 Phase II - 1999-2000 Phase III - 2000. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Phase 1 funded. Needed: Phase II and III funding dependent on South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) budget approval. Potential: Reference Documents: See sfwmd.gov web page for further details. Comments: 95 Charlotte Harbor National Esturary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Alternative Water Supply Finding Program Contact Person: Jane Bucca Title: Senior Economist Agency/Organization: South Florida Water Management District Mailing Address: 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Telephone Number: (800) 432-2045 FAX Number: (561) 642-6442 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifible Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D Project Description: This program provides funding to those entities willing to explore cost- effective, safe, and appropriate alternative water supplies. The program is govened by state legislation requiring the Water Management Districts to share some of their ad valorem tax revenues with Water supply entities. The project provides, funding- support for alternatives water supply projects such as aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) or reuse, and the project must be a capital project; that means no retro fit projects, studies, etc. The funded project must be built in 12 months. Tqhe District has provided funding support to about 20 projects each year at $200,000-$300,000 each. Strategy for Implementation: To be eligible, entities shall comply with the following: Be a public or private provider or user. Project must service one or more resource caution areas. Be operational for at least one year at the time of application and produce certification from Florida Secretary of State. Submit a completed and signed application packet and fourteen collated copies.(15 total). Have satisfied the administrative requirements of previous funding received from the district. Agree and be able to match at least 50% of the total capital or infrastructure costs for the the construction of an alternative water supply system. Submit a proposed Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Utilization Plan indicat- ing the percentage of work to he performed and statements of intent signed by each selected M/ WBE firm, and/or Submit documentation to clarify geographical, policy and/or legal constraints that prohibit the applicant from complying with the Minority/Women Business Enterprises provisions. Letter from the local government comprehensive plan. Local government must require all appropriate new facilities within the project service area to connect and use the project's alternative water supplies. Funding support shall be applied only for the payment of capital or infrastructure costs for the construction of alternative water supply systems. 96 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan District staff will review each application for consistency with District planning objectives and review the overall application. Staff does not provide subjective elvaluations or comments on the contents or quality of any funding application; that is a role of the committee as a whole. The alternative water supply selection committee will rank the eligible projects based on project eligi- bility criteria and guidelines. The District shall ensure the proper use of funding and compliance with the requirements of the funding agreement by conducting reviews and other checks of audit of funding records. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Jane Bucca, Planning Department, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), West Palm Beach. Other Project Partners: Geographic Area: Within South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) boundaries. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Alternative water supply systems. Project Timeline/Schedule: Applications are usually due in April each year. Status: Continuous. Resources/Funding Available: South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will provide up to 50% of the total construction costs of a capital project. Needed: Potential: CIA Reference Documents: http://www.sfwmd.gov Comments: For application information contact South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). 97 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan MIKE/SHE for Modeling Surface and Groundwater Interactions Contact Person: Clyde Dabbs Title: Senior Hydrogeologist, Planning Department Agency/Organization: South Florida Water Management District Mailing Address: 2301 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: 941-338-2929 FAX Number: 941-338-2936 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-C Project Description: The MIKE/SHE model was developed as a tool to enable District staff to more accurately assess 'different hydrologic systems involving significant interactions between sur- face water and groundwater. The MIKE/SHE model is versatile modeling tool with a modular structure to facilitate program modifications. It can be quickly and easily applied to different geographic locations and hydrologic systems to assess a variety of water management scenarios, and can be used for local scale simulations with fine spatial and temporal resolution. The model has the capability of simulating all major components of the hydrologic cycle, including irrigation, flow control structures, well fields, lakes; canals etc. Evapotranspiration (ET), ground water re- charge, and other processes are modeled as a function of land use, soil type, meteorological pro- cesses, and water use conditions. Strategy for Implementation: The model represents the performance of a real system through a series of equations which describe the physical processes that occur in that system; they represent stem; they represent a simplified version of the real world that may be used to predict the behavior of the modeled system under various conditions. The model will be used to simulate the potential impact of 1995 estimated water demands and projected 2020 water demands on the environment and ground water sources in the Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan (CWMP) Planning Area, during a one-in- ten year drought condition and average rainfall conditions. The Integrated Surface Water/Ground Water Model will be used to identify potential impacts of water use on the environment and water resources. The integrated model developed for the Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan is restricted to the freshwater portion of the basin, which stretches from Lake Okeechobee downstream to the Franklin Lock (S-79). The integrated model will be developed using 1500 feet by 1500 feet grid cell discretization over the entire catchment area. The model incorporated the effects of irrigation on agricultural lands within the basin. A. detailed surface water component to simulate surface water delivery functions and interactions with shallow ground water has been incorporated. The model area encompasses approximately 1,050 square miles (2,720 square km). The area encompassed by the model is divided into cells by a model grid (defined by a system of rows and columns). MIKE/SHE is modular in nature and comprises a number of components, which may be combined to describe flow within the entire land-based part of the hydrological cycle or tailored to studies focusing on parts of the hydrological system. For the Caloosahatchee watershed, the close link between river/canals and aquifers re- quired that both surface and sub-surface components be included. 98 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The time scale of the surface water regime and the groundwater regime are different. The model allows use of different time steps for calculation of river/canal flow and groundwater flow. The maximum time step for the river hydraulics computations is on the order of minutes, (often speci- fied between five and 15 minutes). The overland flow computations are solved in time steps in the order of hours (six-hour time steps would be typical). Time steps for the groundwater flow calcula- tions are in the order of days or weeks. (A typical simulation would employ daily time steps). The exchange of flow between the components is simulated on each coincident time step of the model. The ground water component of the models generate two principal types of output typical of ground water models, computed head (water levels), which result from the conditions simulated, and water budgets for each active cell. The water budget shows the inflows and outflows for each of the cells. Due to the integrated nature of the model, additional output depicting the status of the unsaturated zone and flow in river/canals is generated. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: The project is a collaborative effort between the District and the Danish Hydrologic Institute. Project Manager: Clyde Dabbs, P.G Senior Hydrogeologist, Planning Department, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Fort Myers. Other Project Partners: Geographic Area: Caloosahatchee Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: A better understanding of the interactions between surface water and groundwater. Project Timeline/Schedule: Completion of Calibrated Model: March 1, 1999. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: http:\\www.dhi.dk; http://141.232.1.11/org/exo/cwmp/html/model.html. Comments: 99 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Caloosahatchee Water Managemnent Contact Person: Clyde Dabbs Title: Senior Hydrogeologist, Planning Department Agency/Origanization: South Florida Water Management District Mailing Address: 2301 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: 941-338-2929 FAX Number: 94l-338-2936 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-A, HA-B, HA-D, HA-F Project Description: The purpose of the Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan is to provide a framework for future water use decisions to provide adequate water supply for urban areas, agriculture, and the environ- ment through 2020. The plan estimates the future water supply needs of urban areas and agriculture, weighs those demands against historically used water resources, and identifies areas where these demands cannot be met. One of the goals of the plan is to Sustain the Natural System. This includes identifying current and historic low, high, average, and median flows into the estuary. Strategy for Implementation: Based on research, the district proposed the following criteria to measure success in the estuary: Monthly flow to the estuary should be less than 300 cubic feet second (cfs) no more than 16% of the time; Monthly flow to the estuary should be greater than 2800 cfs no more than 6% of the time; and Monthly flow to the estuary should be greater than 4500 cfs no more than l.6% of the time. This performance measure was used to evaluate alternatives developed in the plan by simulating discharges to the estuary and looking at potential environmental impact. The alternative that performed closest to the target is deemed to have perfomed best under this criteria. Within the MIKE/SHE model, flow out of the model area (through Franklin Lock) is considered as flow to the estuary. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Caloosahatchee Way Management Plan (CWMP) Coor- dinator - Clyde Dabbs, Planning Department, South Florida Water Management District, Fort Myers Other Project Partners: Local governments, water suppliers, and water users. Geographic Area: Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan (CWMP) - Caloosahatchee River and Basin Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Project Timeline/Schedule: Plan completion in December 1999. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding: Available: South Florida Water Management District funding. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: http://www.sfwmd.gov 100 Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan to Save Our Rivers Contact Person: Tomma Barnes Title: Environmental Scientist, Planning Department Agency/Organization: South Florida Water Management District Mailing Address: 2301 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Telephone Number: 941-338-2929 FAX Number: 941-338-2936 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-S, FW-U Project Description: The District's Save Our Rivers land acquisition program is a multipurpose tool that preserves rare and unique resources, protects areas of special local interest, and prepares the ground for the water resoure management needs of the 21st century. Strategy for Implementation: The District uses money from the Water Management Trust Fund and Preser- vation 2000 to acquire fee title or other interest in lands needed to manage, protect, and conserve the State's water resources. As part of its process in acquiring these lands, the District must consider the property's manageability, surface and ground water systems, and the formation of corridor for the critical interaction of wildlife populations. In managing these public lands, the District ensures the maintenance of water resources, fish and wildlife populations, and native plant communities in an environmentally acceptable manner. The District also opens these lands for appropriate recreational use consistent with their enviromental sensitivity Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Fred Davis, Director, Land Stewardship Division, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), West Palm Beach; William Malone, Director, Construction and Land Management Department, SFWMD West Palm Beach. The Water Management Lands Trust Fund and The Florida Preservation Trust Fund (P2000), both administered by Florida Department of Environmen- tal Protection, provide funding. Other Project Partners: Other government agencies and the private sector may assist theDistrict with the care of these lands through the design in implementation of appropriate stewardship programs., Geographic Area: The Save Our Rivers program is state-wide. The South Florida Water Management District manages the program within their boundaries. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Land acquired and managed for conservation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Started in 1981. Status: Continuous. Resources/Funding Available: Water Management Trust Fund and Preservation 2000. Needed:. Potential: Reference Documents: http//www.sfwmd.gov. Comments: 101 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan Contact Person Name: Mark Elsner Title: Supervising Senior Planner Agency/Organization: South Florida Water Management District Mailing Address: 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Telephone Number: 800/432-2045, extension 6156 FAX Number: E-mail Address:. [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-B Project Description: The Lower West Coast (LWC) Water Supply Plan is a state-required regional water supply plan that serves as a guide for addressing future water demands in southwest Florida. The purpose of the plan is to set a framework around which future water use decisions on the LWC Planning Area can take place. The LWC Planning Area is ap- proximately 4,300 square miles and includes all of Lee County, most of Collier and Hendry counties, and portions of Charlotte, Glades, Dade and Monroe counties. The plan is to be used as a tool to guide decisions regarding planning, research, funding, and regulatory issues related to water supply in the LWC Planning Area. The goal of the plan is to assure the availability of an adequate supply of water for all competing uses in the Lower West Coast Planning Area deemed reasonable and beneficial while maintaining the functions of the natural systems. The plan will include three documents: a planning docu- ment, a background document, and appendices. The major factors influencing the plan are those that influence the availability of water. These include: 1) dependency upon rainfall within the planning area; 2) limited surface water sources; 3) protection of water resources and associated natural systems: and 4) pressure on these resources from increasing urban and agricultural demands.. The plan is updated every five years. Strategy Implementation: The plan makes future water demand projections and sets a water use framework which is implemented by the District through regulatory, research, planning, construction, operational, land management, and acquisition actions. The plan will also be implemented through actions taken by other governmental entities and public or private organizations. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Mark Elsner,, Project Manager/Super- vising Senior Planner, South Florida Water Management District, West Palm Beach, Florida. Other Project Partners: Local governments, water suppliers, and water users. 102 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Geographic Area: Lower west Coast of Florida (approximately 4,300 square miles and includes all of Lee County, most of Collier and Hendry counties, and portions of Charlotte, Glades, Dade, and Monroe counties). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Projection of water demands and recommendations for certain actions take place within the planning horizon - between now and the year 2010. Project Timeline/Schedule: To be completed in 2000. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: South Florida Water Management District funding. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: http://www.sfwmd.gov Comments: 103 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Turtle Time, Inc. Education and Monitoring Activities Contact Person: Eve Haverfleld Title: Director Agency/Organization: Turtle Time, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2621 / Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932 Telephone Number: (941) 481-5566 FAX Number: (941) 481-5566 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objetives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-T Project Description: Monitoring of all sea turtle activity from Bowditch Point, Estero Island to the Lee-Collier County line each morning from May 1 through October 31. This includes identify- ing all nesting and non-nesting emergences, protecting nests from predators and people-related activities, checking the beach and nests at night to ensure that no visible lights will disorient nest- ing turtles or their hatchlings, removing dead or injured turtles from the beach or waters, conduct- ing necropsies to determine cause of death. All scientific data is submitted to the Florida Marine Research Institute of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). In addition, during turtle season and outside of season, many educa- tional programs are provided to school children of all ages from kindergarten to high school, in- cluding special programs for hearing impaired children, clubs, law enforcement visitors, condo associations, libraries, marine related businesses, etc., throughout Lee County. Turtle Time partici- pates in may local environmental fairs, has a perimanent exhibit at the Ostego Bay Foundation on Fort Meyers Beach, and provides yearly sea turtle exhibits at Lee County libraries. Turtle Time has supervised several high school students for their school/community service projects. Seventy-five volunteers assist in the monitoring of marine turtle activity on Estero Island, Big Hickory Island and Bonita Beach (Little Hickory Island). Strategy for Implementation: Public awareness programs presented to schools, agencies, clubs, and visitors; World Wide Web outreach program, etc. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Turtle Time, Inc., Eve Haverfield, Dircetor. Other Project Partners: Turtle Time volunteer Eve Haverfield assists Lee County Environmental Services (Lee County Government) with the Lee County sea turtle lighting regulation. Geographic Area: The Estero Bay study area. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: To increase awareness of the conservation and recovery, of marine turtles and their habitat. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. 104 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: In process. Resources/Funding Available: Private donations. Needed: Funds for field equipment - posts, tape, screens, laptop-computer ($3,500). Potential: West Coast Inland Navigational District (WCIND). Reference Documents: Webpage: http://www.swflorida.com/turtletime; interactive CD-ROM; Educational brochures in English, Spanish and German; art-quality posters; "New Visitor" flyers to all beach front hotels/condos; light-switch stickers (reminders to beach residents concerning lights and sea turtles); interpretive panels at various Lee County beach parks; sea turtle signage on all beach acesses; visitor and convention bureau environmental booklet; Department of Environmen- tal Protection (DEP) Marine Turtle Permit #003. Comments: Advancing the recovery process of endangered and threatened marine turtles despite increasing, environmental stresses. 105 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Exotic Species Control On Sanibel Island Contact Person: Louis S. Hinds, III Title: Refuge Manager Agency/Organization J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Department of the Interior Mailing Address: 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, Florida 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-1100 FAX Number: (941) 472-4061 E-mail Address: louis [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Projct Description: In 1996, the J.N."Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) entered into a Cooperative Agreeqment with the City of Sanibel (City) and the Sanibel-Captiva Conserva- tion Foundation (SCCF) for the purpose of joining resources to better conduct habitat management projects through a landscape-level perspective. Objectives include: 1) To achieve elimination or control of invasive exotic plants that threaten native floral and faunal biodiversity by mechanically treating areas of heavy infestation and thereby restore native plant commnunities and reduce seed source problems on Sanibel Island; and 2) To foster effective and coordinated federal government, local government and private entity partnership approaches to ecosystem management through native vegetative community restoration throughout all infested habitats on Sanibel Island. We received $25,000 in Challenge Cost Share funds for the purchase of a medium-sized bulldozer (D-4) to be used in clearing invasive exotic plants on ecosystems of Sanibel Island. Partners con- tributed $25,000 toward the bulldozer (66.6% cost share). The bulldozer has already been pur- chased and will be dedicated to exotic species control by partners. The project involves mechanical clearing of invasive exotic plants via root-raking in heavily in- fested parcels under multiple ownerships (see attached map) on a schedule prioritized by project partners. The proposed, partnered bulldozer purchase will facilitate coordinated invasive exotic species elimination and control across all affected ecosystems of Sanibel Island. Strategy for Implementation: The Refuge, the City of Sanibel, and Sanibel-Captiva Conserva- tion Foundation (SCCF) cost-shared the purchase of a medium-sized bulldozer. The partners will develop annual rotation schedules for equipment use and equipment operator's schedule. The strategy also calls for hiring and equipment operator, cost-shared by each partner including SCCF and the City of Sanibel, to match future equipment operator salary costs. Treated parcels will be evaluated in the short-term by respective supervisors on an annual basis.- Supervisors will survey their respective parcels for acreage of post-treatment exotic plant infesta- tion development. These can be ranked annually based on the proportion of infested acreage of the total parcel acreage size, access and logistical obstacles. Long-term evaluation will be conducted by establishing trends in annual average proportions of re-infestation acreage in all treated parcels. 106 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR, Louis S. Hinds III, Refuge Manager. Other Project Partners: The City of Sanibel and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). Geographic Area: Refuge, City of Sanibel and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) natural areas on Sanibel Island. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: A coordinated invasive exotic species control program that involves non-federal partners will enhance landscape-level native habitat restoration efforts. Benefits would accrue to endangered and threatened species and resident and migratory birds by providing off-refuge nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat. Landscape-level restoration enhances the concept of metapopulations viability by potentially creating a local recruitment "source" (as opposed to a population "sink") for important locally breeding birds. Such efforts will also poten- tially provide for expansion of rare and endangered plant populations on the island as potential habitat is opened. Project Timeline/Schedule: Challenge cost-share grant was submitted in October, 1997 for fund- ing in Fiscal Year 1998. The bulldozer was purchased in Fiscal Year 1999. Status: Purchase completed Fiscal Year 1999, implementation ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: The three partners have contributed $25,000 each and requested, $25,000 in Challenge Cost Share funds towards the purchase. Needed: Operations and Maintenance funds of $15,000/year (Refuge's share of future equipment operator salary cost and maintenance for bulldozer). Potential: $15,000/year matching funds from each partner including Sanibel-Captiva Conserva- tion Foundation and City of Sanibel to match future equipment operator salary cost and mainte- nance for bulldozer. Reference Documents: FY 1998 Challenge Cost Share Project Proposal submitted to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Southeast Region (for purchase of bulldozer), South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan. Comments: Addresses South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan (Objectives 1. 1, 2.1, 3. 1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 and 7. 1). This project compliments Sanibel Island's "Pepper Busters", program, a privately-funded initiative, whose members have conducted many high visibility. Brazilian-pepper removal projects on the Island. These projects have enlightened and educated the local citizenry about the problems of invasive exotic plants and have begun to swing local public opinion in favor of intensive invasive exotic plant control. We are hopeful that this initiative will carry throughout south Florida. Even if the Refuge does not hire an equipment operator, we to develop a means of providing an operator and funding the position. 107 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Partners For Fish and Wildlife Program/Challenge Grant Cost-Share Contact Person: Paula Hulupa Title: Private Lands Biologist Agency/Organization: Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Department of the Interior Mailing Address: 3860 Tollgate Blvd., Suite 300; Naples, FL 34114 Telephone Number: (941) 472-1100 FAX Number: (941) 472-4061 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantiflable Objectives Addressed: FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Project Desciption: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (Partners) was established to develop partnerships with private landowners, local governments and non- governmental organizations to restore, enhance and protect wildlife habitat beyond our agency's borders. The Partners, program is implemented in south Florida by the Service's South Florida Ecosystem Team. Projects are ranked based on established criteria including: 1) Projects that reestablish original wetland vegetation and hydrology on at least 70% of the project site, non-wetland sites that provide benefits to threat- ened and endangered species, unique habitat types, or are important for ecosystem restoration purposes pursuant to the Multi-Species Recovery Plan of Florida (i.e.,endangered Species habitat corridor links, exotic species control, etc.) receive first priority; and -2) Projects that establish wetland vegetation and hydrology different from what originally occurred but at least partially restore original functions and values receive second priority. Challenge Cost-Share projects are submitted to the USFWS Southeast Region (Region 4) by the requesting field stations to fund mutually beneficial fish and wildlife conservation projects on private and public lands. Federal dollars are matched (50% minimum including "in-kind" contributions) by non-federal public and private institutions, organizations and individuals. The focus is to encourage mutual shared interest and participation that will increase public awareness and participation in communities for resource corservation. These Challenge Cost-Share projects are reviewed, prioritized and selected by the Geographic Assistant Regional Director for each area (our area being "Area III") for the applicable fiscal year allocation. Strategy for Implementation: The Service recently selected a South Florida Ecosystem Private Lands Biologist stationed at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Naples, Florida. This biologist will be charged with continuing the prioritization of annual ecosystem restoration and enhancement projects and associated cooperative agreements including those submitted from the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Paula Hulupa, Private Lands Biologist. Layne Hamilton, Assistant Man- ager. J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR will continue to work with the Partners program through Fiscal Year 1999. Other Project Partners: Ranchers, farmers, residential community planners, non-governmental conserva- tion organizations, and local government natural resource managers in the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area area and the South Florida ecosystem. 108 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Geographic Area: South Florida Ecosystem, Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Ecosystem-wide restoration and enhancement projects with a land- scape-level approach should enhance the opportunity to restore ecosystem functions, processes and values across political boundaries, Longevity of restoration and enhancement projects are extended through coop- erative agreements that entail maintenance for specified periods of time. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing since 1994. The private lands biologist position was filled in early Fiscal Year 1999. Funding requests will be allotted on an annual basis to projects selected from established criteria. Status: Ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: Partners for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration 1121 budget element, Refuge Challenge Cost Share 1261 funds, Migratory Bird Management and North American Waterfowl Management Plan 1230 funds and North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant funds. At least 70% of allocated project funds must be used in actual on-the-ground project implementation. Needed: Currently, $53,000/year is used to fund Partners projects in south Florida. An estimated $100,000/ year will be required to fund Partners projects (including overhead, salary, travel, etc.) within the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Potential: Some funding sources will vary with partner willingness and potential and Refuge Challenge Cost Share prioritization. Other Service funding sources that may be instrumental in supporting private lands habitat projects in the future include 1113 Endangered Species Recovery funds and 1332 Fish and Wildlife Assistance funds. Federal Aid/Farm Bill conservation programs, including the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), may also provide viable funding sources. Reference Documents: South Florida Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (policy guidelines); U.S. Fish It,$ and Wildlife Service - Region 4 Partners for Fish and Wildlife webpage, South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan. Comments: Addresses South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan (Objectives 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.3, 6.1, 6.4, 7.1, and 7.4). There exists a significant need in south Florida for an increased private lands conservation initiative. South Florida represents one of the fastest growing population centers in the United States. Many counties (i.e., Lee, Charlotte Hendry, and Glades) have little if any public-owned natural areas. Future projects in southwest Florida should continue to emphasize restora- tion of unique/rare habitats, riparian zones, areas adjacent to or related to the direct health of a National Wildlife Refuge, and or provide an opportunity to restore an area and provide public outreach about the South Florida Ecosystem and the Service. 109 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Exotic, Plant Control Plan Contact Person: Louis S. Hinds, III Title: Refuge Manager Agency/Organization: J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Department of the Interior Mailing Address: 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, Florida 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-1100 FAX Number: (941) 472-4061 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Project Description: J. N. "Ding" Darling NWR is primarily infested with two invasive, exotic species (Brazilian-pepper and Australian pine) and approximately a dozen less-invasive exotic plant species. The exotic plants out-compete many of the native plants in the unique West Indian hardwood hammocks on the refuge. Many state-listed threatened and endangered plants occur in these areas. These two invasive exotic species are currently listed as "Category I invasive exotics" by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. The majority of our refuge's exotic species control focuses on Brazilian-pepper control. Annual plans are developed that identify treatment areas (Brazilian-pepper control units) and schedule their herbicide treatment. Minimum amounts of herbicide to be applied in control units and em- ployee responsibilities during treatment are also outlined in the plan. Exotic plant control on the refuge consists of herbicide application (basal bark and, foliar spraying), mechanical removal (doz- ing and mowing), manual removal (hand-pulling seedlings and small trees), and prescribed burn- ing. Due to inaccessible locations and the large number of exotic plants, control is tedious, labor- intensive, and time consuming. Exotic plant control must be very selective to protect the unique native plant communities. At the end of each performance year, a record of the treatment accomplished for each unit is com- pleted. The annual plans and performance records are filed with the Exotic Plant Control Plan. The objective of the Exotic Plant Control Plan is to achieve a "maintenance level of control" where annual spot treatments are scheduled to re-treat areas with less than 100 percent kills and re-sprouts. Strategy for Implementation: Annual plans are developed that identify treatment areas (Brazil- ian-pepper control units) and schedule their herbicide treatment. In burn units, theses plans follow prescribed burns (on a scheduled three-year rotation) as access and visibility is improved. A vessel will be required to transport heavy equipment to refuge administered spoil islands for control ef- forts. Minimum amounts of herbicide to be applied in control units and employee responsibilities during treatment are also outlined in the plan. At the end of each performance year a record of the treatment accomplished for each unit is completed. The annual plans and performance records are filed with the Exotic Plant Control Plan. 110 1--y Y- Drall CompreSenarve Conjearvalron andAranayemenl 9@@n (Z@ Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator:. U.S. Fish aiid Wildlife' Service, J.N. "Ding"" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NVvR), Louis S. Hinds 111, Refuge Manager. Other Project Partners: City of Sanibel, Lee County Tourism Development CounciL- V** Geographic Area:, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Sanibel Island. Expected Benefits-and/or Drawbacks: Objective's include: To'protect and enhance the biotic integrity of native subtro ical habitats existing on the refuge'and promote biodiv&rsity conservation . p for protecting native flora@/and fauna including federal trust resources (i.e.,.threatened and endan- g6red species and migratory birds) through the control of invasive exotic- plants. Project Timeline/Schedule,: Ongoing. Status: Ongoing. ResourcesAFunding- Available: $68,000 based on 1998 expenses (including $50,000 [salaries], $0,000 [chemicals], -$7,000 [equipment contracts], $900 [supplies], and $1,100 [exotic trele, removal]). Needed: - $50,000/year for implementation of Exotic. Species Control Plan (salaries & chemicals) $100,000 funding for purchase of heavy equipment transport vessel to allow exotic species contr9I on refuge-administered spoil islands. Potential: Collaboration among state and local government agencies and, P'nivate landowners to join in the control efforts to restore @abitat and reduce seed sources. The U.S.- Fish and.Wildlife e Service provides mechanisms to assist other entiti s in protecting diverse, native resources thro6gh our Partners for Wildlife Program. Pot ential grant fnds from other, yet to be identified., sources. Reference Documents: J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Exotic Plant.Control Plan" South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan. Comments: Addresses South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan (Objectives 1. 1, 2.1, 3.'1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1). Natural resource -agencies .responsible for controlling inv'asive exotic plants have come to terms with the fact. that complete eradication of these plants is not feasible. An effective 6ontrol,strategy will only be realized when and if state, county, and city government'agen- cies and private landowners join in the control efforts to reduce -the resulting habit 'at degradation and existing seed sources that prevail within their political boundaries. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides mechanisms .-to- assist other entitie's in protecting diverse, native, resources through our Partners- For Wildlife Program. As the. exotic plant problem on the 'refuge is brought under control, some positions may eventually be utilized off-refuge to asgist with exotic plant control on other refuges, public lands, private lands, and various conservation lands w ithin the ecosystem. Charlotte Harbor National Eutuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Refuge Boundary Buffer Establishment for Land,Acquisition of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex Contact Person: Louis. S. Hinds, III Refuge Manager Title: Agency/Organization: J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Department of the Interior Mailing Address': I Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, Florida 33957 Telephone Number: (941)472-1100 FAX Number- (941) 472-4061 E-ma'il Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objective's Addressed: FW-3 Priority actions addressed: FW-K Project Description: The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge's (NWR's) acquisition expansion area coyers - approximately 14,000 -acres within Charlotte and Lee Counties near Ft. Myers, Florida. Subsequent to acquisition of parcels within the proposed expansion area,-the ref- uge will plan and implement a signage to protect bird rookeries and shallow water areas containing seagrasse and pursue management agreements with the State of Florida to identify "no -motor zones" and "limited access -zones" (including idle speed zones) in shallow areas. adjacent to parcels to establish buffers. Strategy for Implementation: The Refuge has submitted a Preliminary Project Proposal for the Proposed Expansion of the J J.N. "Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex that is cur- -the Service's Southeast Region. Upon-approval the Service's Washington rently underreview at, P.C. office will review and consider the project for approval.. After approval, public comment will be solicited and a land protection -plan, and an Environmental Assessment prepared for the expan- sion of the refuges. Following approval, parcels that are available from willing sellers will be- identified and prioritized for acquisition. Upon receiving title to,acquired lands the refuge will schedule refuge boundarschedule refuge boundary posting and buffer signage at active rookery and roost sites. Buffer signage will include buffer posting out to 100 meters from parcels as per current recommendations in the scientific literature. Buffer posting will require establishing management agreements with the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida on identified parcels to manage for public purposes all lands -titled -in the Board (including islands, tidal lands, and sover- eignty submerged lands) in those- identified parcels. These management agreements will be pur- sued as per Chapter 253.03, Florida Statutes and the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. � 668dd et seq, The refuge 'will coordinate this activity with the Department of Environ- mental Protection (DEP) which regulates signage in sovereigty submerged lands of Florida. Responsible Partner and Project- Coordinator: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR, Louis S. -Hinds 111, Refuge Manager. Other Project Partners: .Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Florida-Fish & Wildlife Conser- Commission, and the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program., 112 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Geographic Area: J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) complex including Pine, Island NWR, Matlacha Pass NWR, and Caloosahatchee NWR. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: "No motor zones", "limited access zones" and buffer posting establishment will protect seagrass beds and,other marine resources in shallow water areas adjacent to acquired parcels and migratory birds using area rookeries and,roosts. Project Timeline/Schedule: Preliminary Project Proposal has been submitted and is being re- viewed. The Environmental Assessment will not likely be completed until 2001. Acquisition will depend on parcels being available from willing seller and prioritization for, acquisition. Status: Preliminary Project Proposal has been submitted and is. being reviewed. Resources/Funding Available: None. Needed: $50,000/year funding for, watercraft and two to three temporary. hire positions,. $20,000 for equipment (jet pump, signage, posts, fuel, etc), $5,000/year for annual maintenance. Potential.: None,.. Reference Documents: Preliminary Project Proposal for the Proposed Expansion of the J. N. Ding" Darling,National Wildlife Refuge Complex, South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan. Comments- Addresses South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem.Plan (Objectives 1.6, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 4.6, 6.6). As the first-few parcels are acquired, a pilot monitoring project will be implemented to compare posted parcels vs. non-posted control parcels to investigate if buffer posting is effective and justifiable for future acquired parcels. This pilot-monitoring project can be conducted by an intern, undergraduate, or graduate student from a local university. 113 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Interagency Task Force Participation Contact Person:. Louis S.Hinds, III Title- Refuge Manager Agency/Organization: J.N. -"Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Department of the Interior Mailing Address: I Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, Florida 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-1100 FAX Number: (941)472-4061 &mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-L Project Description: 'Refuge wildlife. officers,jncluding -collateral duty,enforcement officers, will partici- pate in,an interagency task force with law enforcement officers from other agencies to coordinate and reduce conflicts, increase public- awareness regarding violations and impacts. to resources, and to interact in work- shops with- enforcement officers, attorneys, andjudges to address environmental issues and enforcement. Strategy for Implementation: Refuge law enforcement officials-will coordinate law enforcement needs and strategies with other taskforce,participants in the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Responsible,Partner and Project Coordinator:, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR, Louis S. Hinds 111, Refuge Manager. 'Other Project Partners: County Sheriffs, Florida Marine Patrol, Florida Fish &'Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida State's Attorney Office,' U.S. Coast Guard, City of Sanibel. Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. -Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Increased coordination of enforcement activities in environmen- tally sensitive areas, reduced violations of existing wildlife and habitat laws. Project Timeline/Schedule: Not identified yet. Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: None. Needed: $125,000 first year (in cluding new vessel, new position itself and signs), $65,000/year thereafter salaries and overhead). Potential: See "Other Project Partners" above. Reference Documents: South Florida Ecosystem Team's, Ecosystem Plan. Comments: Addresses South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan (Objectives 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5). Unregulated public use adversely affects en dangered species, migratory birds and other wildlife. In acquiring new land parcels, the Service will coordinate with, the State of, Florida to seek concurrent law enforcement jurisdiction over the area. 114 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Tarpon Bay Recreation Area Channel Dredging/Extension Contact Person: Louis S. Hinds, III Title: Refuge Manager Agency/Organization: J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Department of the Interior Mailing Address: I Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, Florida 33957 Telephone Number. (941)472-1100 FAX Number: (941) 472-4061 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-0 Project Description: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will procure required permits from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to dredge and extend the Tarpon Bay Recreation- Area boat launching ramp channel to allow low impact water craft traffic (canoes, kayaks, -small outboard -engine boats) and to protect shallow benthic habitats from associated propeller-scarring and turbidity. Channel dredging will be planned so as to provide for a maximum,5-foot draft allowance at mean low tide (-0.4 feet national geodetic vertical datum [NGVD]). Strategy for Implementation: Refuge staff will develop,a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Resource Pen-nit Application detailing the project description -and objec- tives, project justifications, construction specifications and illustrations, equipment requirements and use, time-lines, etc. Upon receipt of permit, the Refuge will plan, implement and coordinate construction activities with a contractor and provide oversight to permitted channel enhancement- activities'. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Louis S. Hinds III, Refuge Manager. "'Other Project Partners: Tarpon Bay Recreation, -Inc., Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Geographic Area: J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR),Sanibel Island at Tarpon Bay Recreation Area boat launching ramp. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduced boat impacts to benthic habitats, improved water quality (reduced turbidity). Project Timeline/schedule: Application procedures and channel enhancement/dredging to be initiated/completed during Fiscal Year 2000. Status:' Planned. Resources/Funding 115 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Available: None. 'Needed: $50,000. Potential: 'Funds to complete, this project will.be identified through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annual budget request to Congress. Additionally, partnership opprtunities will be investi- -gated. Reference Documents: South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem, Plan. South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan (Objectives 1.6 and 6.3). Comments: Addresses This area of the Refuge is opened to boating and fishing, including certain commercial net fishing (i.e., cast-netting, bait, shrimp trawling). During 1993, several city,state, and Refuge regulations were implemented that increased the protection of the resources in- this environmentally sensitive' area. This-project will complement those actions. 116 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Wildlife Drive Water. Control Structure Rehabilitation Project Contact Person: Louis S. Hinds, III Title: Refuge Manager Agency/Organization: J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Department of the Interior Mailing Address: 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, Florida 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-1100 FAX Number:' (941) 472-4061 E-mail, Address: [email protected] Quantifible Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-R Project Description: Increas ed tidal flushing and nutrient and biota exchange, between the tidally- influenced estuary and the refuge's east and west impoundments will promote the establishment of an adaptive community of organisms having a species composition, diversity, and functional orga- nization co parable to that of natural habitat of the region. Water management will attempt to mimic regional hydrologic cycles (i.e., tidal cycles) and make habitats available during critical periods. This project also addresses essential fish habitat associated with the Magnuson-Stevens -'Fisheries Servic Sustainable Fisherie's Act (Act). The Act is administered by the National Marine e (NMFS) and requires federal 'agencies to consult -with the Secretary of Commerce, through the NMFS on any activities that may adversely affect essential fish habitat. Currently, the West Impoundment is opened only during summer months when salinities, dissolved oxygen levels, or water levels exceed planned management objectives. The East impoundment is open to tidal flows for seven or eight months each year (generally 0ctober-May). This allows for the exchange of nutrients and larval, immature, and adult fin- and shellfish- between the impound- ment 'and the estuary. Water control structures (WCS) are opened during the summer only to reduce flooding associated with precipitation, or to reduce salinities and raise water levels during an ex- tended drought. However, to allow for increased access for marine organisms and for nutrient exchange as well as to- rehabilitate the ecological function of impounded wetlands without compromising 'mosquito con- trol activities, we must consider increasing volume flows through refuge WCS. to increase tidal influence. Therefore, WCS need to be replaced with larger structure capable of providing increased flow Volumes to meet management objectives. Objectives for the proposed project (entitled the "Wildlife Drive Water Control Structure Rehabilitation Project") include: I)-To replace five WCS (structures .#1 #4, #5, #6 and #7) serving impounded intertidal estuarine. wetlands of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR); 2) To improve tidal flushing, Water conveyance and flow vol- umes of WCS #1, #4, #5, #6 and #7) within the east and west impoundments of the J.N." "Ding", Darling NWR; and 3) To, add WCS #8 to allow flushing the far western reaches of the West im- poundment. 117 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Strategy for Implementation: The refuge has already submitted a Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Resources Permit for replacing structures -#1, #4, #5 #6 and #7 in this. project. The refuge plans to submit a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Environ- mental Resources Permit Application for water control structure (WCS) #8 during fiscal year 2000. The entire construction peribd is estimated At five to seven months. Water flow will not be affected during. the majority of the work as only two WCS will be replaced at any given time and these impoundments are closed off to tidal flow to prevent salt marsh mosquito breeding during this time of year anyway. The Wildlife Drive will be closed off to vehicular traffic during the construction - period with the exception of guided tram tours allowed in those areas where construction is either not et initiated or already completed. ResResponsible Partner and Project Coordinator: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, JN. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR),Louis S. Hinds III, Refuge Manager. Other Project Partners: Lee Counyy Electric Cooperative. Geographic Area: J.N. 'Ding" Darling NWR, Sanibel Island. Expected Benefits and for Drawbacks: Improve tidal flushinq and nutrient/biota exchange with the tidal estuary. Project Timeline/Schedule: The entire construction period is estimated at five to seven months beginning in spring 1999. Plans include first priority replacement of water control structures (WCS) #1 and-#5 in the East -Impoundment.' Also, WCS #2 will be removed and permanently -closed off. This structure is no longer needed. WCS #4, #6, #7, and #8 in the West. Impoundment are sched- uled to be replaced in spring/summer 2000 or thereafter. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: During 1998, the Refuge received a commitment for $490,000 for the replacement of four water control structures (WCSs) from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Needed: $125,000 for WCS #8. Potential: None: Reference Documents: South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan. Comments: Addresses South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan (Objectives 1.2, 2.2, 3.2, 4.2, 5.3, 6.2, 6.4, 7.2). Water flow will not, be affected during-the majority of the work as only, two water control structures (WCS) will be replaced at any given time and these impoundments are closed off -to tidal flow to prevent salt. marsh mosquito breeding during this time of year anyway. The Wildlife Drive will be closed off to vehicular, traffic during the construction period with the exception of-'guided train tours allowed in those areas where construction is either not yet initiated or already completed. Removed culvert material will be donated for use as, artificial reefs. 118 CSarAwe _7farSor Xaiionaf (%iuary -9'-q- CompeSenjiqe Conjearvalion and'12anayem@nI _736 '04) I.N. "Ding" Darling Water Control Structures (Nwlk) Annual Water Management Plan Contact Person: Louis S. Hinds, 111 Title'. Refuge Manager Agency/Organization: J.N. "Din , g" Darling National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Department of the,Interior Mailing Address-: I Wildlife Drive, Sanibel,'- Florida 33957 Telephone Number: (941) 472-1100 FAX Number: (@41) 472-4061 ,-E-mail Address:.. louis-'hinds @ mait.fws.gov Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-R Project Description: Increased tidal flushiqg and nutrient and biota-exchange between the tidally- influenced estuary and the refuge's West Impoundment and restoration of these natural processes, 'N will promote the establishment of an adaptive community of organisms having a species'composi- tion, diversity, and functional organization comparable to that of natural habitat of the region. Re- gional hydrologic cycles 'shaped the life history'strate&ies that wetland invertebrates have evolved in. Management will. attempt to mimic regional hydrologic cycles (i.e., tidal- cycles) and make., li@bitats available during critical periods while not compromising mosquito control activities durini -the mosquito breeding season. Thi's pr9ject also addresses essential fish habitat associat6d with- the Magnuson-Stevens Sustainable Fisheries Act (Act). The Act is administered by the National Ma- rine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and requires4ed@_ral agencies to consult with the Secretary' of Com- merce, through the NMFS on any activities that may"adve.rsely affect essential fish habitat. Impacts of wetland impoundment on indigenous marsh/mangrove fish and crustacean species (in- cluding snook, tarpon, striped mullet, red and black drum, shrimp, and 'blue crab) have resulted either from direct death of mangrove or salt marsh grasses following prolonged impoundment flood- ing, limited access to passive/active migration, or loss of feeding sites or'preferred food organisms. Cumulative -fish and wildlife impacts from standing water associated with impounding marsh and mangrove forest communities are directly associated-with vegetative and hydroldgic 6anges. Sedi- ment and organic material accretioh, tidal water column reduction, and mater quality declines asso- ciated with eutrophication in subtropicalltropicat climates cause available *aquatic habitat to decline in quality,and quantity. Consequently, only, those.aquatic organisms adapted to eutrophic, anoxic conditions tend to survive. It'is. lil@ely, therefore, without major anthropogenic energy subsidies, species diversity will decline in impounded inangrove forest aquatic communities, with periodic mass mortalities of sensitive aquatic organisms. Typically, in pristine estuarine'intertidal wetlands, species diversity is low but productivity is high. Estuarine-dependebt @pecies comprise more than 95% of commercial fishery harvests from the Gulf of Mexic@o. Many-important recreational sportfish also depend on estuarlies during some part of their life cycle. Studies on structural- marsh management'have consistently shown significant decreases in production of most economically important marine fisheries. This is related to the lack 119 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan of access of the fisheries and macroinvertebrates communities, compounded by the lack of nutrient exchange in impounded areas that are divorced from the estuarine system. Resident crustaceans or fish populations that require intertidal substrate exposure to atmosphere as part of their life cycle can -be eliminated in the absence of tidal influence. Strategy for, Implementation: Annual. impoundment wetland manaqement plans should include provisions to allow access for marine organisms and., for nutrient exchange. Therefore, this. plan calls for opening the impound Iment for four months (February-May) to allow for the exchange of nutrients and larval, immature, and adult fin- and shellfish between -the impoundment-and the estu- ary. This strategy allows for tidally-influenced nutrientt and biotic exchange 'without compromising mosquito control and coincides with the period when the hiqhest available tidal, oscillation or "spring- tides" occur. In summer,months, water control structures will be opened only to reduce flooding associated with precipitation, to reduce salinity levels,- increase dissolved oxygen levels when hy- poxic conditions persist, or to raise water levels during an extended drought. tot, Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: ''U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Louis S. Hinds 111, Refuge Manager. Other Project Partners: Lee County Mosquito Control District. Geographic Area: J.N. "Ding" Darling National'Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Sanibel Island. Expected Benefits. and/or Drawbacks: Increased tidal flushing and nutrient/biota exchange be- tween the' tidally-influenced estuary and -the refuge's West Impoundment and restoration of these- natural processes will promote the establishment of an adaptive community of organisms having a species composition, diversity, and functional organization comparable to that of natural habitat of the region., Project Timeline Schedule: To be implemented in February- 1999 and, annually thereafter. Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: Portion of annual base salary-for GS-11 Wildlife Biologist ($19.21/hour *40.0 hours $768.40/week). Needed: Continued -annual funding needed to update/develop annual water management plans., Potential: None., Reference Documents: J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Annual Water Man- agement Plan; Environmental. Protection Agency (EPA)'1998 SAB Report: Ecological impacts and evaluation criteria f6r use of structures in marsh management, South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan. Comments:, Addresses South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan (Objectives 1.2, 2.2, 3.2 4.2, 5.3, 6.2, 6.4, and 7.2). 120 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Construction and Management Plan Expansion of the Acquisition Boundary of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex Contact Person: Louis S. Hinds, ill Title: RefugeManager Agency/Organization: J.N. "Ding" Darling, National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Department of -the Interior 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, Florida 33957 Mailing Address: Telephone Number: (941) 472-1100 FAX Number: (941) 472-4061. E-mail Address [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-I Priority Actions: FW-S Project Description: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Southeast Region, proposes to expand the acquisition boundaries of the J. N. "Ding" Darting National Wildlife Refuge Complex for Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) (3,882 acres), Matlacha Pass NWR (6,953 acres), -early 1990s, th J. N. "Ding" Darling NWR went and Caloosahatchee NWR (2,978 acres). In the e through the preliminary project proposal process for boundary expansion. The Final Environmen- tal Assessment was approyed in July' 1994. This current proposed expansion area covers 13,813 acres within Charlotte and Lee Counties near Ft. Myers, Florida. The acquistion boundary expan- sion will expedite the refuge's ability to, protect coastal wetland habitats primarily consisting of estuarine intertidal wetlands,dominated by mangrove forests, seagrasses and salt marshes, freshwa- ter wetlands, beach and dune areas, and West-indian hardwood hammocks. Acquisition within the expansion area will contribute to meeting high priority habitat protection goals of the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Strategy foe implementation: The Refuge has submitted a Preliminary Project Proposal for the. Proposed Expansion of the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex which is cur- rently under review at the Service's Southeast Region. Upon approval, the Service's Washington D.C. office will review and consider for approval. After approval, public comment will be solicited -and a Ian d protection plan and an Environmental Assessment will be prepared for the expansion of the refuges.. Following approval, parcels that are available from willing sellers will be identified and 'prioritized for acquisition. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator:, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Louis S. Hinds 111, Refuge Manager. Other Project Partners: Interagency management agreements may be required-to protect some parcels. Partners may include the State of Florida Army Corps- of Engineers, Department of Envi- ronmental Protection, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Lee County Conservation" 2020; Trust for Public Lands, Calusa Land Trust and others (all potential partners not identified yet). Geographic Area: Pine Island Sound, Matlacha.Pass, and the Caloosahatchee River.' 121 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protection enhancement and restoration of environment tally sensitive'- lands and associated flora and fauna, federal trust resources and their habitats, in- cluding federally listed endangered and threatened species and migratory birds. Project T1meline/Schedule: Submitted for review and-approval to Service's Southeast Region in April 1998. Final approval expected by December 1999. Status: In review. Resources/Funding, Available: Funding for fee title land acquisition- would be- sought through t he Land and Water -Conservation Fund, as authorized by the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended (16,USC � 742j), Migratory Bird. Conservation Act, Endangered Species Act, etc. Needed: Funds will be needed to survey the new acquisition boundaries, post those boundaries, identify archeological sites, and -remove invasive exotic plants. Management funding will. be re- quested through the Refuge Operational Needs" System once lands have been acquired. -It is' estimated that $250,000/year will be necessary,to convey new lands and waters into the administra- tive and management control of the Service. These funds will be used to cure supplies, services and seasonal/part-time staff to accomplish complex protection and wildlife management objec- tives. Potential: Although the method of acquisition is often unpredictable, (due to circumstances such as seller's preference, cost, changing land values,.etc.) it is anticipated. that many of the needed property interests for the -proposed refuge additions can 'be acquired through interagency. manage- ment agreements and partnership/collaborative purchases. Reference Documents: Preliminary Project Proposal for the Proposed Expansion of,the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refu ge Complex, South Florida Ecosystem Team's Ecosystem Plan. omments:Addresses South. Florida Ecosystem ITeam's Ecosystem Plan (Objective 1:3 [strategy 1.3.1]). Unregulated public use adversely affects endangered species, migratory birds arid other wildlife. In,acquiring these lands, the Service will- coordinate with the State of Florida to seek concurrent law enforcement jurisdiction over-sovereign submerged lands within refuges acquisi- tion boundary. 122 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Central and Southern Flood Control Restudy Contact Person Name: Ann I. Bozeman Title: Environmental Protection Specialist Agency/Organization: U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Mailing Address: P.0. Box 4970, Jacksonville, Florida 32232 Telephone Number: (904) 232-1688 FAX Number: (904) 232-3442 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-B, HA-H, HA-L, HA-M, HAN, HA-0 Project Description: Restore ground water levels to improve or mitigate for hydrologic alterations in Estero Bay; prevent or reduce future impacts to the hydrology of the Charlotte Harbor watershed; support modeling to determine the best remedy to improve hydrologic benefits to reconstructing the Sanibel Causeway; identify gaps in flow data; and, insure that the Charlotte Harbor NEP office-is represented and involved in. the restudy of the central and south Florida project. Strategy for Implementation: The Charlotte Harb6r National Estuary Program (NEP) has a re7 sponsibility to audit any results and findings on the effects of management of the Caloosahatchee system. The Corps of Engineers will work within its rules, regulations and applicable laws to assist State and local agencies in the- restoration of ground water levels and wetlands. While aware of wetland losses throughout the State, the Corps cannotinitiate restoration actions on its own. Before navigation projects are undertaken, an Environmental Impact Statement or an Environmental As-, sessment is prepared to outlinethe project's impacts and offer alternatives as well as mitigation measures needed to reduce those impacts. These documents, are available for public review and comment to insure, input from the largest audience- possible. Flow data are collected at a real-time flow data station located on the Caloosahatchee River. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Corps Hydrology John Hashtak, (904) 232- 2105; Corps Restudy'- Stuart Appelbaum, (904) 232-1877; Counties and Water Management Dis- tricts. Other Project Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; US. Environmental Protection Agency; National Park Service; U.S. Geological Survey; State of Florida; counties; Southwest Florida Water- Management District; South Florida Water Management District. Geographic Area: All of the State of Florida, from the Kissimmee River Watershed south to the keys. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits - Improved hydrologic flow throughout the cen- tral and south Florida project area. 123 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule: Varies from five to twenty-five years, depending on scope of work and portion of the project on\ which. work is performed. Status: Planned, in progress, and under review and consideration. Resources/Funding Available: FY 2000 and beyond. Needed:. Potential: Reference Documents: Water Resource Development Acts (past, present And future); www.swfwmdstate.fl.us: www.swfwmd.gov: www.restudy.org. Comments: 124 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Construction and Management Plan Suport of Planning Model Development in the Caloosahatchee River Basin Contact Person: Pamela Telis and Eric D. Swain Title: Hydrologists Agency/Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resourc es Division Mailing Address: 9100 NW 36th St., Suite 107, Miami,FL 33178 Telephone Number: (305) 717-5820 ext. 5825 FAX Number: (305) 717-5801 E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA- 1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-A, HA-B, HA-C, HA-D, HA-F Project Description: This, study is designed to develop better surface- water/ground-water model parameters by analysis, processing of field data and statistical techniques, and the review of results from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) model runs. 'lot Strategy for Implementation: Discharge, seepage, and water level data collected in adjacent canals to the Caloosahatchee river and along the river itself, will be used to estimate the spatial and temporal variability in ground-water/surface-water leakage coefficients. Acoustic technology and slope-driven flow tubes will be used to collect,flow and water level gradient information used to quantify the mean, variance, and correlation length scale of the frictional resistance coefficients. Double-ring infiltrometer tests will be used to define the areal 'variability of the unsaturated zone. within the model area. Surface-geophysical methods (seismic. reflections techniques and ground- penetrating radar) will be used to describe the areal variability of aquifer characteristics. When adequate data sets have been collected for discharge, seepage, water level, infiltration rate, or aqui- fer conductivity, the variance and correlation function of the parameter Will be computed as a func- tion of spacing. The variance in the parameter can be used to generate uncertainty analyzes in multiple model runs. Based on these preliminary project data sets, -and preexisting information, two ground-water/surface-water models -will be developed. One, model *will be the planning model,to evaluate water management alternatives and the other will be for the calibration and testing of input parameters. The planning model will be constructed by the SFWMD using the MIKE-SHE code-' developed by the Danish Institute of Hydrology, and the calibration/testing model will be con- structed by the USGS using the_MODBRANCH code. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: 'Pamela Telis, Hydrologist,U.S. Geological Survey. Other Project Partners: South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). - Geographic Area: Caloosahatchee River watershed 125 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The objective of this project is to refine the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) numerical planning model of surface-water/ground-water interactions Within the Caloosachee River Basin. All die techniques and methods developed through this, stud will be applicable for future model development projects in other locations nationwide., Project Timeline/Schedule: April 1, 1998 Septeqmber 2000. status: On-going. Resources/Funding Available: Funded in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Needed:- Potential: Reference Documents: www.sflorida.er.usgs.gov Comments: 126 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management plan Effects of Pumpage and Seasonal Stresses on the Saltwater Interface in the Lower Tamiami Aquifer Near Bonita Springs, Florida Contact Person: Pamela Telis Title: I Hydrologist Agency/Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division Mailing Address: 9100 NW 36th St., suite 107, Miami, FL 33178 Telephone Number: (305) 717-5820 FAX Number: (305) 717-5801 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA- 1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-C, HA-D,,HA-H Project Description: The-proposed work will define the hydraulic characteristics of the surficial-aquifer system, quantify the seasonal stresses,, and identify the processes that affect the saltwater inti-usion in the Bonita Springs area. Strategy, for Implementation: The project will be conducted by studying, the geohydrology 'and water bud- get, pumpage and movement of ground wate r, and seasonal stresses within the study area. The lateral hydrau- lic conductivity of the surficial and Lower Tamiqmi aquifers will be defined by aquifer tests. Existing aquifer test data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) sources will be analyzed-and if data deficiencies are identified, additional aquifer tests will be conducted. Recharge, unknown purnpage, vertical leakance, and specific yield of the surficial aquifer will be estimated- by calibrating a ,three-dimensional, ground-water flow model of the area of interest The model will be solved with MODFLOW and will be calibrated to a one-to-two-year period of water levels that were- collected during prolonged periods of rainfall and drought.' Responsible Partner and, Project Coordinator: Pamela Telis, Hydrologist, USGS. Other Project Partners: South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Geographic Area: Lee and Collier Counties.' Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The main objective of this project is to provide a tool to estimate the effects that current and future ground water pumpage in the Bonita Springs area can have on the, location of the saltwater interface. Project Timeline/Schedule: April. 1,,1999 -September 2001. Status: New project. Resources/Funding Available: Funded in cooperation with South. Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: www-sflorida.er.usgs.gov . Comments: '127 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehansive Conservationa and Management Plan Real-Time Ground Water Monitorin Sub-Network Contact Person: Scott Prinos Title: Hydrologist Agency/Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division Mailin Address: 9100 NW 36th St., Suite 107, Miami, FL 33178 telephone Number: (305)717-5820 ext. 5844 FAX Number: (305)717-5801 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-C, HA-D, HA-H Project Description: The study area will encompass all of south Florida, but focuses primarily on-Lee and Collier Counties in southwestern Florida, whichhavebeen subjected to frequent water-use restrictions. Through this project a real-time indicator-well network will be selected and an automated repo rt describing current ground water conditions will be designed. This automated report will make use of statistical, graphical, and visualization techniques to aid water-managers in the assessment of ground water conditions. Strategy for Im le ntation: An indicator-well network will be selected to, detect statistically atypical me ground water conditions within th study area. The response of each during periodswhen water restrictions were imposed will be analyzed to determine influential factors,, such as precipitation and with-. drawal rates. Comparative analysis of water level data from both individual and multiple stations will be made to identify statistically atypical water level conditions and provide an indication of the maagnitude of the statistical anomaly. -Statistical and data-processing techniques will be incorporated into a World Wide Web report that will portray hydrologic data in tabular and graphical format,. describing current conditions and comparisons to data from recent years. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Scott Prinos, Hydrologist, -USGS. Other Project Partners: South Florida Water Management (SFWMD). Geographical Area: South Florida, with emphasis on Lee and Collier Counties. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The principal objective of this project is to-design an automated, report to po timely and detailed analytical information on the current levels of ground water within the study area. The project will make use of data from a USGS real-time ground water In onitonng sub-network, which will be selected as part of this study. A secondary objective of the study is to provide interim evaluation of those areas of southwestern Florida chronically affected_by water-use restrictions imposed, by regulatory agencies. Project Tiqmeline/Schedule: October 1, j998 - September 30, 2000. Status: On-going. Resources/qFunding Available: Funded in cooperation with The South Florida Water Management. District. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: www.sflorida.er.usgs.gov Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program A;4_ Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Delineation of Saltwater Intrusion in Lee and Collier Counties Contact Person: David Schmerge and Clinton Hittle Title: Hydrologists Agency/Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division Mailing Address: 9100 NW 36th St., suite 107, Miami, Fl 33178 Telephone Number: (305) 717-5823 FAX Number:. (305) 717-5801 E-mail Address: [email protected], [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions-Addressed: HA-C, HA-D Project Description: This project will include all coastal Lee and Collier Counties, and will delineate. the farthest inland extent of the saltwater interface within the surficial and intermediate aquifer systems The population of Lee and Collier counties is increasing rapidly, causing increased demand on the water-resources of the region. Additional pumping of fresh groundwater from coastal well fields may cause inland movement of saltwater into the aquifers. A scientific. understanding of the location of the saltwater interface will enable water resource managers to better limit the extent of saltwater intrugion. Strategy for Implementation: The ability to determine and monitor the saltwater, interface on a regional scale is possible using a combination of techniques. These techniques include, 1) evaluation of well construc tion using Video of well casingqs; 2) water sample collection and chloride analyzes; 3) borehole geophysics; 4) surface geophysics; and 5) oxygen and/or strontium isotope analyzes. The data from all these techniques will be, analyzed to determine the current location of the saltwater interface and to determine the adequacy of the present monitoring network. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: David Schmerge,Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey. Other- Project Partners: South Florida Water ManagementDistrict (SFWMD). Geographic Area: Coastal areas of Lee and Collier Counties. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The objectives of this project are to: 1) develop a comprehensive - data set of chloride and well construction information for 'wells throughout the region, to be used to delineate the saltwater interface; 2) map the farthest inland extent of the saltwater interface Within the surficial aquifer system (water table and Lower Tamiami) and the intermediate aquifer system .(sandstone and Mid Hawthorne); and 3) indicate to cooperators where- additional saltwater tracking wells and surface geophysical sites are needed to monitor the future movement of the saltwater interface. Project Timeline/Schedule: , October 1, 1998 September 2001. Status: New project. Resources/Funding Available: Funded in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: www-sflorida.er.usgs.gov. Comments: 129 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Stormwater Runoff Effects on Tributary Flows into Estero Bay or Contact Person: Eduardo Patino Title. Hydrologist Agency/Organiiation: U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division Mailing Address: 9100 NW 36th St., Suite 107, Miami, FL 33178 Telephone Number: (305) 717-5823 ext.8448 FAX Number: (305) 717-5801 E-mail Address:' [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2,-HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-A, HA-B, HA-F . Project Description: This study is designed to include a-compilation of historical rainfall and discharge information along the watersheds of tributaries flowing into Estero Bay, and the analysis, of effects that storm- water runoff has had on the flow characteristics of these tributaries over time. Strategy for Implementation: As a first step, current relations existing between storm-water runoff\and flows at tributaries discharging into Estero Bay will be defined by analyzing changes in tributary flows in relation to rainfall events. Rainfall data will be obtained from local State and County agencies and discharge data will be extracted from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) database. Second; correlation ana- - lyzes between 'rainfall data at available sites will be performd in order to fill-in the gaps and/or extrapolate iformation o areas where data is sparse or unavailable from the historical perspective. Third,the same correlation analyzes used in step one; will be peformed on historical data to determine the changes that have, occurred over time in the relation between storm-water runoff and flows into Estero Bay, due-to the increas- 'al I ing changes of land use within the watershed. It may be necessary to add one or two sites to covef significant tributaries discharging into the bay. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Eduardo Patino, Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey. Other Project Partners: Geographic Area: Drainage basins to Estero Bay tributaries, Lee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: 4t is necessary to determine the impact that land use changes within the drainage basins of Estero Bay tributaries has had in the past, and continues to have on the amount and quality of freshwater the bay receives. Project Timeline/Schedule: October 1999 - September 2001. Status: Planning stages. Resources/Funding, Available: Funding is needed. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: www-sflorida.er.usgs.gov; E. Patino, 1996, Gaging Flows in Northeastern Florida Bay,- U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet, FS-130-96 Comments:. Most tributaries discharging freshwater into Estero Bay are currently monitored for water level- 130 and discharge by the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Myers Field Office. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Groundwater and SurfaceWater Monitoring Networks Contact Person: Keith B. Overton Title: Chief, Fort Myers USGS Field Office Agency/Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Water ResIources Division Mailing Address- 9100 NW 36th St., Suite 107, Miami, FL 33178 Telephone Number:, (305) 717-5823 ext. 8448 FAX Number: (305) 717-5801 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-A, HA-B Project Description: These. networks are designed to monitor surface water stages- and calculate discharges at selected streams, and to monitor groundwater levels-,at selected wells in southwest Florida.. Coll Strategy for Implementation: A number of groundwater and surface water monitoring stations are continu- ously 'monitored and serviced on a monthly basis. Time series data for most groundwater- stations are stored on one-hour intervals, and 15-minute intervals for surface water. Selected sites-are connected to satellite telemetry and transmit data on a real-time basis. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Keith Overton, Chief, Fort Myers U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Field Office I Other Project Partners: Partners include the South Florida Water Management. District (SFWMD), Lee County, and the City of Cape' Coral. Geographic Area: Lee" Hendry and Collier counties, with some work done in Martin and St. Lucie Counties. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The main objective of this project is to provide groundwater levels" surface water stages" and discharges for seasonal and long-term trend analysis, and to provide real-time data for regulation. Project Timeline/Schedule: On-going. Status: On-going. Resources/Funding Available: Using South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD),Lee County, City of Cape Coral, and U.S. Geological Survey matching funds. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: www-sflorida.erusgs.gov. Comments: 131 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Flow and Salinity Patterns at Selected Points Within Estuaries of the Charlotte Harbor NEP Study Area Contact person: Eduardo Patino Title: Hydrologist Agency/Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Water Res6urces Division Mailing Address: 9100 NW 36th St, Suite 107, Miami, FL 33178 Telephone Number: (305) 717-5823 FAX Number: (305) 717-5801 E-mail Address.:' [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-B, HA-0 Project Description: This project is designed to fill-in the data gaps along the coastlineof estuar- ies, iniside the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP) study area and at selected points . within these estuariIes, in support of the develpment and calibration of hydrodynamic models. The study will make use of the latest in acoustic technology, which provides for the accurate measure- temperature w ment of wateerf velocity through tide cycles. Salinity and ill also be measured at se- lected sites in order to describe the effects of freshwater and tidal flows on salinity. Strategy for Implementation: Permanent instrumentation housinqs will be constructed and will -include the collection of the following parameters: 1) Field Parameters: Water. level; water veloc- ity(acoustic sensor); temperature/salinity (two depths); and periodic discharge measurements with an Acoustic Doppler Current profiler (ADCP) for the calibration of the velocity data collected by the acoustic sensor, and the- calculation of discharge time-series for each selected site; and 2) Pro- cessed Parameters: Discharge time-series. All field data (except periodic ADCP.Measurements) and processed data will be stored in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Miami Subdistrict office database on 15-minute intervals, and made available in elcttronic format. Responsible Partner and Project.Coordinator: Eduardo Patino, Hydrologist, U.S., Geological Survey., Other Project Partners: South Florida Water Management -District (SFWMD) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Geographic Area:' Selected sites. in estuarine water bodies from Charlotte Harbor to Estero-Bay, (Charlotte- and. Lee Counties). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The main objectives, of this project are to fill-in informa- tion gaps by providing additional data sets at selected locations, and to describe current flow patterns along the estuaries within the NEP study area in-relation to fresh waterinflows and tidal,flow action from the Gulf of Mexico, Data' from this study will be used to describe current flow patterns along the Sanibel and -Gasparilla Causeways in order to monitor the effects of proposed alterations. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan to) Project Timeline/Schedule: October 1999 - undetermined. Status: Planning stage. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Funding is needed. Potential:- Reference- Documents: www-sflorida.er.usgs.gov, E. Patino, 1996, Gaging Flows in Northeastern Florida Bay, U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet, FS-130-96. Comments: Similar work 'Currently being done in Florida Bay as part of ihe U.S. Geological Survey South Florida Ecosystem Program, and in the St. Lucie River Estuary in cooperation with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). -Coordination with SFWMD.modeling efforts would be required. toll r 133 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Marine Research and Education Contact Person: Susan Hassett Title: Marine Educator Agency/Organization: Volunteer Scientific Research Team', Inc. Mailing Address: 5222 Stratford Ct., Cape Coral, FL 33904 Telephone Number: (941) 542-4987 FAX Number N/A E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-4, FW-1, FW-2. Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-A, WQ-B, WQ-Q, FW-D, FW-G, FW-I,FW-T,FW-V Project Description: The Volunteer Scientific Research Team, Inc. (VSR Team) provides educa- tion in marine research and ecology to recreational divers that allows them to 'assist in data collec- tion for scientists and government agencies for the conservation and preservation of our marine resources. The training workshops are offered to the, general public and modified for presentation at schools and libraries. All the information collected by the team. is- also offered for public review in various formats, from educational exhibits to the internet. Strategy for Implementation: The Volunteer Scientific Research- (VSR)Team organizes volun- teer projects to provide assistance in monitoring efforts conducted by the Lee County Department of Environmental Services. These monitoring projects include SCUBA assisted fish surveys on the artificial reefs, estuarine surveys, seagrass surveys, and mapping surveys. Water quality data is also collected during site surveys, and rapid bioassesment surveys may be completed in estuarine During surveys, sites are also environments. cleared of marine debris. Marine debris removal projects occur annually, as well, in cooperation with organizations such as Keep Lee County Beau- tiful and the Marine Conservation Foundation. The VSR Team assists in providing the resources for marine biology workshops presented through the. City of Cape. Coral Parks and Recreation Department by Susan Hassett, team educator, on a seasonal basis. Workshop topics include estuaries (which provides information -about both the flora and fauna, the ecological significance and conservation issues), fish identification and popu- lation monitoring, sea. turtle ecology, and dolphin biology and behavior.' The classes are designed to- provide -information and training to volunteers -who later may participate in monitoring, efforts -conducted by the VSR Team in cooperation With the Lee County department of Environmental Services' Finally, educational exhibits portraying the unique habitats and marine fauna found in the Charlotte Harbor NEP area are displayed by the VSR Team at local schools, libraries, nature centers, and other environmental functions. These displays offer results of team activities -as well as ecological. information. Jn addition, the volunteers monitor the exhibit and distribute ecological information, boater information, and maps 134 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management plan Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Volunteer Scientific Research (VSR) Team, Su- san Hassett, Marine Educator. Other Project Partners: Volunteer Scientific Research (VSR) Team, Lorrie Sommer,and Lee County Department of Environmental Services, Chris Koepfer. Geographic Area: Lee County. Expected Benerits and/or Drawbacks: Public education will motivate conservation practices suggested in the literature provided; volunteer activity will-provide further conservation of resources as well as- monitoring manpower for the, county. scientist to enable them to better manage those resources. Project Timeline: Ongoing. Status: In progress. to) Resources/Funding Available: -The Volunteer Scientific Research (VSR) Team provides funds for- all team-sponsored activities through team fundraising efforts. Needed: Potential: Reference-Documents- Comments: 135 0 5 C6qaloo8q@ahat6qc'hee River and Estero Bay Watersheds Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lower Peace and Myakka River Watersheds Preliminary Action Plans Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan U.S. 41 Water Quality Improvement Contact Person: Michael Tisch Title:. Stormwater Maintenance Engineer Charlotte County Public Works Agency/Organization: Mailing Address: 7000 Florida Street, Purita Gorda, FL 33950 -Telephone Number: (941)575-3660 FAX Number: (941)637-9265 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-2,WQ-3, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-N Project Description:The Project will direct the first flush from the roadway where treatment will occur. 'This project catches water that would otherwise flow into the tidal canals. Strategy for Implementation: Generate public interest, in the project, apply -for matching funds from state agencies, design, build. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator:. Charlotte County Public Works - Stormwater Utility) (Michael Tisch). Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District SWFWMD), Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), Metropolitan Planning Organization-, Chamber of Commerce, and surrounding businesses. Geographic Area: U.S. 41 corridor in Greater Port Charlotte from Harbor Boulevard to Tarpon Boulevard. 'Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: -Benefits include Improved water quality, pollutan tar- geted will be total dissolved solids (TDS) & total suspended solids (TSS) primarily, beautification. Drawbacks include the loss of parking spaces. Project Timeline/Schedule: Fiscal Year 2003 - 2004. Status: In progress, planned phase approach. Resources/Funding Available: $1,000,000. Needed: $2,000,000. Potential:'$500,000 - Southwest Florida W,ater Management District, $500,000 - Department of' Transportation. Reference Documents: Charlotte County Master Stormwater Management Plan. Comments: 137 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Three Lakes Contact Person: Michael Tisch' Title: St6rmwater Maintenance Engineer Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Public Works Mailing Address: 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone Number: (941) 575-3660. FAX Number: (941) 637-9265 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed." WQ-6, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-N -Project Description: Improve flooding level of service and enhances water quality, and wetland habitat.-This project will excavate three lakes that were designed and permitted, but never built. Drainage is very-poor in this area currently. Strategy for Implementation: Currently under construction... Responsibe Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte County Public Works - Stormwater Utility (Michael Tisch). Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District. Geographic Area: Greater Port Charlotte, Alligator Bay-borded by Edgewater Drive, Collingswood,, Boulevard, Pellam Boulevard, and Placid-Avenue. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Flood protection- water quality enhancement,. creation of wetland and transitional habitat... Project Timeline/Schedule: started construction - August 1998, end construction - January 2001. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available:- $700,000. Needed: Potential: Reference- Documents: Charlotte County Master Stormwater Plan. Comments: 138- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan East Spring Lake Contact Person: Michael Tisch Title: Stormwater Maintenance Engineer Agency/Organization: Charlotte -County Public Works Mailing Address: 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone. Number: (941) 575-3660 FAX Number: (941) 637-9265 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-4,FW-2,FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-K, FW-A, FW-M Project Description; This project will create a saltwater wetland storMwater treatment system on hen General Developmepnt Corporation dredged four small islands. These islands were created when the canals many years ago. The idea is to scrape down three of the islands 'and leave'one as a, control. The islands will be scraped to different elevations to dete optimal habitat. Strategy for Implementation: Submit for joint funding with state agencies, design, build. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte County Public Works Stormwater Utility (Michael Tisch). Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida'Water Management District (SWFWMD). Geographic Area: East Spring. Lake Alligator Bay Charlotte Harbor at East Sprin Lake-and Edgewater Drive in Port Charlotte. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The project will create a habitat that is attractive to the wildlife population and helps improve water quality. Project Timeline/Schedule: FY 2002 Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Availalable: $197,500.. Needed:- Potential: $197,500, Southwest Florida Water Management District. Reference Documents: Charlotte County Master Stormwater Plan. Comments: 139 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Greater Port Charlotte Canal Water Quality Enhancement' Contact Person: Michael. Tisch Title: Stormwater Maintenance Engineer Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Public Works Mailing Address: 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda FL 33950 Telephone _Number: (941) 575-3660 FAX Number: (941) 637-9265 E-mail Address:' [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:. WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-6- Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-C, WQ-D, WQ-N Project Description: Enhance the water quality within the canal system by the addition of flocculents nutrients, total dissolved solids,, and total suspended solids. The contaminants to precipitate,out e attach themselves to an electronically charged molecule, and form a floc,Which then settles- to *the bottom. Strategy for Implementation: Obtain matching funds, apply alum canals, get public. involved-, in,project. Responsible Partner and Project- Coordinator: -Charlotte County Public Works - Stormwater - Utility, (Michael Tisch). Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Geographic Area: Canal system within Greater Port Charlotte (Little Alligator-Basin and Fordam- Niagra Basin)Alligator Bay with. Charlotte Harbor as the receiving, water body. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits are increased -water quality in the canal system.' Drawbacks -include benthic- habitat degeneration, and sedimentation. Project Timeline/Schedule: FY 2000. Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: $32,000. Needed: Potential: $32,000 - Southwest Florida Water Management -District. Reference Documents: Charlotte County-Master Stormwater Plan. Comments: 140, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Video: Stormwater Runoff...A Mixed Blessing Contact Person: Michael Tisch Title: Stormwater-Maintenance Engineer, Agency/Organization: Charlotte County- Public Works Mailing Address: 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone Number: (941) 575-3660 FAX Number: (941) 637-9265 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-6 Project Description: The Charlotte County Stormwater Utility has produced a video on stormwater- runoff. The runtime is' approximately fifteen minutes.The video will be-distributed to public schools and libraries in Charlotte County. Strategy for Implementation: Film additional video, produce and distribute- videos. The video will air on the public access channel "Comcast" in Charlotte County. Responsible. Partner and P ect Coordinator:: Charlotte County Public Works - Stormwater Utility (Michael Tisch).- Other Project Partners: Comcast Cable. Geographic Area: Comcast Charlotte County coverage area--areas serviced by cable in Charlotte County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Enhanced public-awareness of water quality issues, and the impacts of stormwater runoff. Project Timeline/Schedule: Broadcasting to start in May 1999. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding -Available: $10,000. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Charlotte County Master Stormwater Plan. Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Charlotte County Master Stormwater Plan Contact, Person: Michael Tisch Title: Stormwater Maintenance Engineer Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Public Works Mailing Address 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone' Number: (941)575-3660 FAX Number: (941) 637-9265 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-2,WQ-3,WQ-4, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-N Project Description: To present orqanized plan for surface water improvements in Charlotte County. Strategy for Implementation: Follow recomendations in Stormwater Master Plan. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte County Public Works-Stormwater Utility (Michal Tisch). Other Project Partners: SouthWest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Geographic Area: Charlotte County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Project Timeline/Schedule: Started in,1994, completed 1999. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: General Fund. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Charlotte County Master, Stormwater Plan. Comments: 142 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan South Gulf Cove Water Quality Enhancement Contact Person: Michael Tisch. Title: Stormwater Maintenance Engineer Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Public Works Mailing Address: 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone Number: (941) 515-3660 FAX Number: (941) 637-9265 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-6 Priority Actins Addressed; WQ-B, WQ-N Project Description: Project will concentrate on improving dissolved oxygen in dead end canals. Strategy for Implementation: Gather information on similar projects done elsewhere, develop project prototype, and field test prototype. 'Responsible, Partner and project Coordinator: Charlotte County Public Works - Stormwater Utility(Michael Tisch). Other Project Partners: Geographic Area:, South Gulf 'Cove, 'Charlotte Harbor. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Expected benefits include increasing levels of dissolved. oxygen in isolated areas of dead end canals tfiat have no circulation. Drawbacks - difficult to find information on projects of this nature. Project Timeline/Schedule:Pilot project 1999. Status: 1n progress. - Resources/Fun ing Available: $25,000. Needed: Potential: West County Stormwater Utility. Reference Documents:Charlotte County Master Stormwater Plan. Comments: 14 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Land Use and Transportation Buildout Scenario Contact Person: Lisa R. Beever, PhD Title: Metropolitan Planning Organization Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte County-Punta Gorda: Metropolitan Planning Organization Mailing Address: 280-00 Airport Road; A-6, Punta Gorda, FL 33982 Telephone Number: (941) 639-4676) FAX Number: (941) 639-8153 E-mail Address:' [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-4,FW-1 Priority Actions: HA-4,FW-1 Project Description: Traffic models are used to identify long-term transportation needs and the associated impacts. By analyzing land uses allowable under the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element, $14 billion in road and bridge needs are anticipated. This long-term needs include a bridge across Charlotte -Harbor. (analo- gous to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay). Strategy for Implementation:- The Buildout analysis- has provided justification for changes in land use policy through the Charlotte County Comprehensive'PlanLand Use Element. ln addition this information- provides justification for acquiring identified Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) and Save Our Rivers(SOR) proposals in Charlotte County. Responsible Partner and Project-Coordinator Charlotte County Punta Gorda Metropolitan Planning. Or- organization, Lisa B. Beever. Other Project Partnership Charlotte County Community Development Department. Geographic Area: Charlotte County Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: By allowing more mixed use development, -purchase of conserva- tion lands, and implementation, of a transit system; the need for 14 bridge'lanes over and around Charlotte Harbor as well as $8 billion in road needs are eliminated. Project Timeline/Schedule: Analysis complete. Status: A similar analysis for Zoning Ordinance/Map Buildout has been prepared. The technical 'report outline results is expected in 1999. Resources/Funding Available: N/A. Needed: Potential:, Reference Docume nts: Alternative Land-use Buildout and Staging Scenarios: Potential Benefits of the Char- lotte County Congestion Management System, technical Report 97-2. Comments: 144 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Long Range Transportation Plan Contact Person: Lisa B. Beever, PhD Title: Metropolitan Planning Organization Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Punta Gorda Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Mailing Address: 28000 Airport Road, A-6 Punta Gorda, FL 33982 Telephone Number: (941) 639-4676 FAX Number: (941) 639-8153 E-mail, Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-M Project Name: Project Description: A Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)is required from every Metropolitan Plan- ning Organization (MPO) in the country by theTransportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, (TEA21) and its predecessor, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). The LRTP has a 20-year horizon and identifies all transportation needs and transportation projects that can be funded, Project selec- tion criteria adopted by the MPO Board delays projects withenvironmental i mpacts.and accelerates projects with environmental benefits,and projects which,promote infill deveelopment. Strategy for Implementation: The Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is implemented primarily through adoption of project priori-ties that are fundedthrough the State Work Program. Responsible Partner and Project: Charlotte County-Punta Gorda Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Lisa B. Beever, MPO Director. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Transportation; David A. Twiddy, District S. ecretary. Geographic Area: Charlotte County. -Expected Benefits and/or Drawback:. Reduce hydrologic impactsby choosing road and bridge projects which impact hydrology least, especially by directing funding in highly altered systems and away from more natural systems. In doing so, secondary and cumulative impacts are reduced. Project Timeline/Schedule: 1995 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) adopted and in process of, being updated by 2001. Status: Implementation annually with adoption of transportation project priorities. Resources/Funding Available: Planning $30,000 per year; Capital $8,000,000 Per year. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: 1995 Charlotte County - Punta Gorda Long Range Transportation Plan; 1997 Charlotte County- Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element; WW3.peganet.net/ccmpo. Comments: Ability to reduce road and bridge needs particularly outside urbanize& areas, is strongly related 145 to environmental and land use policy Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Encourage Efficient Use and Reuse of Water Contact Person: -Michael Saunders Title: Utility Engineer Agency/Organization:- Charlotte County Utilities Mailing Address: 20101 Peachland Boulevard, Suite 301 Port Charlotte; FL 33954 -Telephone Number: (941)764-4530 FAX. Number-' (941) 743-4530 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2 Priority Actions Addresse A-D, HA-E Project Description: Charlotte County Utilities has upgraded its East Port Water'Reclamation Facility for advanced treatment and, now supplies three golf courses and two mobile home parks. Strategy for Implementation: Charlotte County Utilities will continue to promote, and /add reuse water users when possible and when economically feasible. Responsible Partner and Project, Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental Protec- tion, Southwest Florida Water Management District. Other Project Partners: Golf courses, developers, etc. Geographic 'Area: Charlotte County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduces groundwater withdraw,recharges groundwater table, utilizes treatment plan effluent, reduces use, of surface water supply. Project Timeline/Schedule: Started in'1996 th no completion date. project,is ongoing wi Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: To be, determined. Needed.: To be determined. Potential: Southwest Florida Water Management District. Reference Documents: Comments: 146 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Charlotte County Central Sewer Expansion Contact Person: Michael Saunders - Title: Utility Engineer Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Utilities Mailing Address: 20101 Peachland Boulevard, Suite 301, Port-Charlotte, FL 33954 Telephone Number: (941)764-4530 FAX Number: (941) 743-4530 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1; WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-G Project Description: Charlotte County Utilities is currently expanding sanitary sewer service to 3,700 existing properties,. 2,300.of which are occupied. We, will, continue to identify areas and expand sanitary sewer service when economically feasible. Strategy for Implementation: Program has started and will continue over five-year period.- If. successful, it may be extended. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte County Utilities. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Dr. Abdul Ahmadi). Geographic Area: Charlotte County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduce the number of existing septic tanks (70% are pre- 1983). Provide new inventory of serviced propertiesfor new construction. Project Timeline/Schedule: Started construction. - Completion in 2003. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Available for a five year program. Needed: None.. Potential: None. Reference Documents: Comments: Charlotte County had a failed sewer expansion program due to a large cost to custom- ers. It will continue to be difficult to provide sanitary sewer service without large financial impacts to the customers. 147 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Promoting Reclaim Water in Charlotte -County Contact Person: Michael Saunders Title: Utility Engineer Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Utilities, Mailing Address': 20101 Peachland Boulevard, Suite 301 Port Charlottqe, FL 33954 Telephone Number: (941)764-4530 FAX Number: (941)743-4530 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-P Project Description: Charlotte County Utilities (CCU), through public presentations,continues to promote publiic acceptance of reuse water. To possible use CCU offers an economic advantage with its extremely low cost. Strategy for Implementation: Continue to promote existing success, towards expansion of the program.' Responsible Partner and project Coordinator: Charlotte County Utilities. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection.' Geographic Area: Charlotte County- Expected-Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits provides effluent disposal for plant, helps re- duce groundwater use, replenishes thegroundwater table, and reduces use of surface water.Draw- backs - requires significant storage area.in the rainy season; public disappointment when the pro- gram is not available. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: Ongoing. Resoources/Funding Available: To be.determined. Needed:To be de termined. Potential: To be determined. Reference Documents: Comments: Expanding major transmission system is expensive and is not offset by revenues. 148 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Environmental Information Center (EIC) Contact Person:' Bill Byle Title: Natural Resources P1anning Supervisor Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Natural Resources Planning Section Mailing Address: 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Telephone Number: (941)743-1919 FAX Number: (941)743-1598 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3, WQ-4, WQ-6, FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D, HA-1, HA-K, WQ-B, FW-D, FW-T, FW-I Project Description: This project was,created by the Natural Resources Planning Section as a distribution center-of information on numerous environmental concerns including but not limited to water use consump- tion, water quality issues, endangered and threatened species etc. 1. Identify an area that is frequented by large portions of the population and establish a user friendly display area that allows for easy access and quick reference. 2. Quickly informs local citizens of enviromnmental issues through the distribution of local state and federal agencies and special interest group's maps,handouts, pamphlets, and brochures. Strategy for Implementation: The Environmental Information Center brochure racks restocked by designated county staff on an as needed basis.' Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte County Natural Resources Planning Supervi- sor (Bill Byle) Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Con- servation Commission, Water Management District, Cooperative Extension Service, Florida Sea Grant Pro- gram, Florida Power and Light, Marine Patrol, Peace River/Manasota, Regional Water Supply Authority, Charlotte County Utilities and Stormwater Departments. Geographic Area: Includes areas in Charlotte County and associated watersheds. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Allows the general public easy access to a wide variety of environ- mental issues, projects etc. The one drawback is that it- is time consuming to keep stocked will only be as good as the information provided. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing and updated as necessary. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: None required at this time. Potential: The opportunities ore endless. Reference Documents:, Charlotte County Comprehensive Management Plan. Comments: At the current tirne this project is the sole responsibility of the Natural Resources Planning Section. It may become necessary in the future to,obtain a grant for current literature to be supplied directly' to the County to help maintain a complete-environmental database of current handouts, brochures, and pub- lications. 149 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Development Review Process Contact Person: Joan Bertinelli Title: Natural Resources Planner Ill, Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Natural Resources Plannin Section Mailing Address- 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Telephone Number: (941) 743-1910, (941) 743-1223 FAX Number: (941) 743-1598 E-mail Address: Quantifiable, Objectives Addressed: HA-3, HA-4, WQ-3, FW-Q Priority Actions Addressed: HA-B, HA-M, WQ-N, FW-L, FW-Q Project Description: The Natural Resources Planning Section (NRPS) reviews many of-the proposed (trans- - tal assessments are performed. NRPS work as a liaison between county and other regulating agencies. Recommendations are made as necessary regarding the proposed wetland or species impacts. Strategy for Implementation: Review processes follow format outlined in Project Description above., Responsible Partner' and Project Coordinator: Charlotte County Natural Resources -Planner III (Joan F. Bertinelli) Other Project Partners: Army Corps of Engineers (Notice for Public Comm nt), Southwest Florida Water Manaqagement District, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation. Geographic Area: Charlotte County. Expected- Benefit's and/or Drawbacks: The ability to comment on these projects prior to the -issuance of permits allows the department to evaluate past and future development. This enables chanqes in designs and' methods that may have had negative effects on the system. 'Project Timeline/Sche dule: Each review has its own time schedule. Status: Completed and in progress. Resources/Funding: Available: Needed: - N/A. Potential: N/A. Reference Documents: N/A Comments: A challenge we face is. that the proposed project is not usually reviewed until after the conceptual design has been completed., 150 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Charlotte County's Speaker Bureau Program Contact Person: Bill Byle Title: Natural Resources Planning Supervisor Agency Organization: Charlotte County' Natural Resources Planning Section .Mailing Address: 18500 Murdock Circle Port Charlotte FL 33948 Telephone Number, (941)743-1223 FAX Number: (941)743-1598 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:.HA-3, HA-4,FW-2,FW-3, WQ-1, WQ-4, WQ-5, WQ-6, WQ-7 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-K, FW.T, HA-K Project Description: Any citizen or group may request a presentation from any of the County departments on particular issues or concerns. Presentations by Natural Resource staff typically cover county environmen- tal issues, natural history of native vegetation', wildlife 'and ecosystems. Strategy for Implementation: Presentation's can be arranged at the request of local residents or groups through the Charlotte County Action Center for-any topic, current issues, or special concern items 'in which County is involved., Resonsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte County Action Center (Pam Alexander, Action Center Representative). Other Project Partners: All Charlotte County Departments. Geographic Area: While programs ar edone throughout the Charlotte. Harbor National Estuary Program study most are done within the county. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Inform the interested parties' of-the importance of protecting our natural resources through presentations of- updated data and information. Allows the county to reach special interest groups through a defined program. Allows for smaller group participation 'and. discussion. Allows information to be provided in a well-organized educational manner. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: Scheduled as neccessary. Resources/Funding: Available: Needed: None required. Potential: Reference Documents: Would be on an as needed to present basis. May require slides; handouts new pub- lications etc. Comments- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Support Study of Horse Creek Outstanding Florida Water Designation, Contact Person: Bill Byle Title: Natural Resources Planning Supervisor Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Natural Resources Planning Section Mailing Address: 18500 Murdock Circle, Pt. Charlotte,FL 33948 Telephone Number:, (941)743-1223 FAX Number: (941)743-1598 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-4,WQ-5,WQ-6,WQ-7 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B Project Description: The Natural Resources Planning Section is taking a pro-active approach to promoting a consensus for this designation. The Natural Resources Planning Section' is publicly promoting this designa- tion by working with interested parties, news articles, writing editorials, holding and attending public-work- shops etc. in order to address Charlotte County, concerns and to educate the public to this specific designation. Strategy for Iplementation: Provide this topic as part of the Guest Speaker List. Continue to work with the media in getting water quality information -to the public. Increase public awareness of potential sources of pollution, and potential agencies responsible for enforcement. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte County Natural Resources Planning Section (Bill Byle) Other Project Partners: To be determined. -Geographic Area: Entire length of Horse Creek, including appropriate contiguous wetlands and major tribu- taries. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Maintain the hydrologic integrity of the Horse Creek Basin to main- tain itself and water quality and quantity to Charlotte Harbor. Project Timeline/Schedule: Designation by the year 2000. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: N/A. Potential:' Reference Documents: Comments: The County sees the importance,of maintaining the existing system. The buffering that will be required along the system will ensure the quality of the communities. 152 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management plan Charlotte County Exotic Eradication and Control Program Contact Person: Joan Bertinelli Title: Natural Resources Planner III Agency/Organization: Charlotte 'County Natural Resources Plannig Section Mailing Address: 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte FL 31948 Telephone Number: (941)743-1919 FAX Number: (941)743-1598 E-mail Address: Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2,FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Project Description: The Natural Resources Planning Section(NRPS) has been directed to provide a pro- gram that would forget those properties owned by the County.- Although the County does not require the removal of exotics nuisance species-, the Charlotte-County Code does reccommend removal of these species during,the developmental process. Strategy for Implementation: 1) Continue to identify problem areas and record. the data of them on the Habitat Inventory Map. 2) Assess and prioritize these areas. 3) Implement a plan to fund the removal of these species (i.e.,the need to establish mitigation banks in the affected -areas). 4) Identify (hose financial opportunities. 5) County codes prohibit planting invasive exotic vegetation. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Natural Resources Planning Secti6n (Bill Byle, Joan Bertinelli). Other Project Partners: Charlotte County Division of Environmental Services, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Florida Department of Environmental Protec- tion (DEP), and Florida Division of Forestry. Geographic Area: This would be a. county-wide assessment but priority would be given to those areas which would, create the greatest environmental benefit. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: This program would reduce the coverage of exotic nuisance vegeta- tion and allow for an increase in both native. plant species and habitat value, thus fullfilling the Goal, #1 of the Charlotte County, Comprehensive Plan. Project Timeline/Schedule: On-going. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Department of Environmental Protection, Pollution Recovery trust Fund: Needed: Yes. Potential: Multiple Service Taxing Districts, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Reference Documents: County Code 3-5-391, 3-5-403, County Ordinance 98-46. County permits required. Comments: There are numerous public and private lands- with exotic/nuisance species. Both properties 153 would have to be worked on simultaneously in order to reduce the problem satisfactorily.' Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Artificial Shoreline Structure Prohibition' Contact Person: Bill Byle Title: Natural Resources Planning Superpervisor Agqncy/Organization: Charlotte County Natural Resources Planning Section Mailing Address: 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte FL 33948 Telephone Number:. (941)743-1919 FAX Number: (941)743-1598 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-B Project Description: Charlotte County Comprehensive Plan and Ordinance 98-42 prohibits the construction -of artificial -shoreline -structures except in extreme emergency situations. -Zoning - Strategy for Implementation: Construction of such structures require building permits. information designate areas that these sructures are prohibited. Natural, Resource staff recommend denial or approval on a case-by-case -basis: Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte County Planning Supervisor, Tom Smith. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Geographic Area: County-wide in Charlotte County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks- Benefits: Maintenance of natural shoreline features and functions. Drawbacks: Sometimes unpopular and may increase risk to subject property. Project Timline/Schedule: Current. Status: Current. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: None. Potential: ..Reference Documents: Shoreline Prote ction Ordinance 98-42.- - Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Manatee/Seagrass Task Force Contact Person: Joan Bertinelli Tide: Natural Resources Planner III Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Natural Resources Planning Section Mailing Address:, 1850O Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte Fl, 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 743-1919,(941) 743-1223 FAX Number- (941) 743-1598 E-mail Address: Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed.: FW-D, FW-E, FW-F, FW-G, FW-I, FW-J, FW-K, FW-M, FW-R Project Description. The Manatee/Seagrqass Task Force was established -to identify those areas sensitive, to manatees and seagrasses which require protection. Some of these areas require boaters to be educated and to use the best management practices available. - This may include No Speed Zones, No Wake zones and trolling methods. T he formation of the Manatee/Seagrass Task Force specifically addresses the Charlotte County Comprehensive Plan Policies 1.10.7 through 1.10.10. Strategy for Implementation: The Task Force must complete the draft Manatee/Seagrass Protection Plan. The plan must then be adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. Part of this plan includes an educa- tion process. The education will include proqrams within the school system and with adults in the homeowner's association, production and distribution of literature, public service announcements and videos., Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte County Natural Resources-Planning Section (Joan Bertinelli). Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Con- servation Commission, Mote Marine Laboratory, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and City of Punta Gorda. Geographic Area:Charlotte Harbor tidally-connected waters. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Increase boater awareness of potential damage- to the marine coin- munities by educating boaters to those areas in need of protection. Increased "no-wake"zonnes produce both benefits and drawbacks. Project Timeline Sehedule: Within the next year, the Manatee/Seagrass Protection. Plan will be completed and some of the reccomendations will be implemented. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: No initial funding. Potential: Funding may be required for materials, handouts, and signage. There seems to be a limit as to who will pay for the signage. This signage will be required to inform boaters of the shallow areas and sensitive habitats. Reference Documents: Surface Water & Wetland Protection Ordinance. -Publications and permits may be required. Comments: 155 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Hydrologic Restoration of Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods (Zemel Road Southwest Parcel) Contact Person' Bill Byle Title: Natural Resources Planning Supervisor Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Natural Resources Planning Section Mailing Address: 18500 Murdock'-Circle, Port Charlotte FL 33948 Telephone Number; (941) 743-1223 FAX Number:. (941) 743-1598 E-mail Address: cccdev01 @peganet.com Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2,HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F, HA-H Project Description: Acquisition of 330 acre parcel to expand the Flatwoods Conservation Area. This parcel is strategically located to allow e for restoration of the historic sheet flow from the Webb Wildlife Area to Charlotte Harbor. Strategy for Implementation: Conduct hydrologic design study and modify drainage feature to stop diver sion of surface water by U.S.Highway 41 canals,Gator Slough Canal, and Zemel Canal and redirect flows across Zemel Road Southwest site. -'Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL), South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Bill, Byle, Project Coordinator. Other ProjectPartners: Conservation and Recreation Lands- (CARL), South. Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), and Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Geographic Area: Area west of Webb Preserve, south of Alligator Creek, and north of Gator Slough Canal to Charlotte Harbor. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Restoration of quality, quantity, and timing of freshwater flow to estuary (to restore ecological integrity and productivity). Project Timeline/Schedule: Funding proposals submitted to the Water Management Districts December 1998. Design study:, 1999 - 2000, Construction 2001-2005. Status: Design study grants being reviewed by Southwest Florida Water Management District and South- Florida Water Management District. Resources/Funding Available: Design study funds from South Florida Water Management District(SFWMD), and Southwest Florida Water Management District (SVFWMD). 'Needed: Potential:- Reference Documents. Comments: 156 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Charlotte County Environmental Regulatory Program Contact Person: Bill Byle Tide:, Natural Resources Planning Supervisor Agency/Organization: Charlotte County Natural Resources Planning Section Mailing Address: 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte FL 33948 Telephone Number: (941)743-1123 FAX Number: (941)743-1598 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable-Objectives Addressed: FW - 2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-C Project Description: Inter-agency agreement between local, state, and federal agencies (partners below) to coordinate review of development. project allows Charlotte County to make recommen- dations for this to be a condition of wetland permits. Strategy for Implementation: County requires the- applicant to provide wetland permit from State and Federal Agencies. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental Protec- tion, Water qManagement Districts, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Other Project Partners: County. Departments, Mosquito Control, Public Works, Cooperative Ex- tension Service,, Charlotte Harbor Environmental' Center. Geographic Area: Charlotte County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Insures Wetland mitigation/compensation is conducted within the County. Project Timeline/Schedule: On going. Status: On-going. Resources/Funding Available:- Permit fees. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 157 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Environmental Lands Acquisition Advisory Committee (ELAAC) Contact Person: Bill Byle Title: Natural Resources Planning Supervisor Agency/Organization: -Charlotte County Natural Resources Planning Section Mailing Address: 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte. FL 33948 Telephone Number: (941)743-1223 FAX Number: (941)743-1598 E-mail Address: cccdevOl @peganet.com Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1 (Achieve 25% increase in conservation lands) Priority Actions Addressed: FW-S, FW-U Project Description: Committee appointed by county commission created to identify and evaluate environ- mentally important lands and recommend which lands the county should attempt to protect through acquisi- tion,leases,easements, etc. Members are selected by organization they represent. Strategy for. Implementation: Committee meets monthly' to evaluate potential acquisitions identified- by Environental. Lands Acquisition Advisory Committee (ELAAC) Map Subcommittee and others. Sites are initially identified based on criteria are.field evaluated by County ecologists and ranked for further consider- ation by the policy committee. Owners of property that pass field evaluation are contacted to establish will- ingness, to sell. The willing seller list and cost's are presented to the County Commission for authorization to rchase. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: 'Environmental Lands Acquisition Advisory Committee, Jack Hanlon, ELAAC Chairman, Bill Byle (County liaison). Other Projet Partners: Florida Communities Trust, Florida Department of Environmental Protection CARL Program, Water Management District Save Our Rivers Program Geographic Area: County-wide in Charlotte County. Expected Benefits and/or; Drawbacks: Maintenance 'and protection of natural. resource base -that supports, much of local economy. Project Timeline/Schedule: On going. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: see ."Other Project Partners", above: Needed: Funds. sufficient to secure matching. grants. Potential: County bond program. Reference Documents: Comments: 158 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Artificial Reef Program Contact Person: Richard Novak Title: Charlotte County Marine Extension Agent Agency/Organization: Florida Sed Grant Extension Program Mailing Address: 6900 Florida St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone Number: (941) 639-6255 FAX Number: (941) 6376719 E-mail Address: novak @ gov.ifas.uf.edu Quatifia ble Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-P, FW-R Project Description: Strategic placement of reef balls, and/or other suitable reef building materials in tidal waters of Charlotte County and associated Gulf of Mexico. Strategy for Implementation: Identify areag suitable for-reef features that comply with, local, state and fe deral regulations. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Reef Association, Richard Novak, Coordinator., Other Project Partners: Coastal Conservation Association (Florida and Charlotte County Chap- ters). Geo graphic Area:- Tidal waters of Charlotte County and associated Gulf of Mexico. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Restoration of fisheries habitat that supports a large seg- ment of local economy. Project Timeline/Schedule: Charlotte County Chapter formed August, 1997. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: National Marine Fisheries Service, Florida Department of Environmental protection. Needed- Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: J 159 A Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Reclaimed Water Education in Charlotte County Contact Person: Joy Duperault Title: Executive Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-51495 FAX Number- (941) 575-5497 Email Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D Project Description: Enhance existing education programs. designed to inform and promote public awareness as to the importance of efficient wate use, including the use of reclaimed water where, available. Strategy for Implementation: Work with appropriate agencies, such as the Charlotte County Utili- ties to augment or expand existing education in the Charlotte Harbor area. Development, creation, promotion and delivery of speaker's bureau/ program; development, 'creation, scheduling of, mov- ing and maintenance of portable exhibit(s) displaying water conservation information, and reclaimed water facts; development,- creation, and distribution of posters for school children to bring home, along with possible outreach program to schools about water conservation. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator:; Charlotte- Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC), Joy Duperault, Executive Director. - Other Project Partners: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD); Char- lotte County:Charlotte County Utilities, Charlotte County Public-Schools, The Peace River/ Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority,- other grantors. Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor Proper basin and portions of the Lemon Bay/Gasparilla Sound basin.. This project could be transferred to all other basins within the watershed,especially if fund- ing for demonstration workshops could be obtained. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduced demands on surface and groundwater resources to provide for projected growth. Project Timeline/Schedule: A one-year, renewable and transferable project, depending upon fund- ing. 160 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary program Draft Comprehensive and Conservation and Management Plan Status: Potential. We currently partner with the, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) though a variety of programs, including Surface Water Improvement and Manage- ment (SWIM), for basin education that includes, the distribution of SWFWMD materials about these and other topics. In addition, We currently offer as many programs which include water conservation as possible, given the restraints of current projects/ funding. We facilitated a survey to research Public perception of reclaimed water in conjunction with the Charlotte County Utilities in 1995 (funded by the SWFWMD) which offered valuable information for the -development of --specific educational goals for reclaimed water use in the County,- but did not seek further funding for the implementation of this education due to the fact that Charlotte County voted to cut off the proposed sewer expansion project. This- in turn cut availability of reclaimed waterfor all but golf course and limited mobile home park use. Resources/Funding Available; Currently not funded. Needed: Year One: $20,000- $30,000. Year Two- $15,000. Potential: The Southwest Florida Water Management District, both Peace Basin,educational fund- ing and Charlotte Harbor Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program; Char- lotte County through the utility department; possible future National Estuary Program (NEP) grants; Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority; Charlotte County Public Schools, other grantors. Reference Documents: Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Feasility Study of Lemon Lake Restoration at Aqmberjack Slough Contact Person: Bobbi Rodgers Title: Environmental Resources Manager Agency/Organization: Charlotte, Harbor Envir onmental. Center,Inc. Mailing Address:-, RO. Box 2494, Port -Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 Email Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F Project Description: The historic brackish water flow from Lemon Bay Lemon' Lake through Lemon Creek has been altered by channelization and filling. Culverts do exist, however, it is be- lieved that the flow is restricted such as to- reduce the. flow into Lemon Lake., Strategy for, Implementation: This' proposed project would assess the relevance of, the above changes to the hydrology 'of Amberjack Slough, evaluate thefeasibility of culverts- to restore this historical flow, and determine the. mechanism's to fund this restoration project. Responsible,Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte ]Harbor -Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC)/Bobbi Rodgers. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District(SWFWMD); Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Charlotte County Govenqment. Geographic Area: Ambejack Slough/Lemon Bay/Gasparilla Sound Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Restore more natural water flow, into Lemon Bay and Lemon Lake. Project Timeline/Sch edule: To be determined. St atus: -Proposed. Resources/Funding Available: Currently not funded. Needed: To be determined. Potential: To be, determined. Reference Documents: Comments:. This area is in a residential/golf course area, and residents may be concerned about are any, changes to their system. 162 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Partial Restoration of Huckaby Creek, Phase I Contact Person: Bobbi Rodgers Title: Environmental Resources Manager Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port-Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941)575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 .Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F -Creek was dredged and channelized in the '1960s for, stormwater Project Description: Huckaby conveyance: The construction of this canal"has resulted in an earthen plug in Huckaby Creek and a Spoil berm along the entire length of the canal. This berm inhabits proper, sheet flow from the uplands of Tippecanoe Scrub to Huckaby Creek and Tippecanoe Bay. Strategy for Implementation: A more historical\sheet flow is anticipated by the removal of the. earthen berm. This will be accomplished by pushing the berm into a straightened portion of the &anal thus restoring historic grades and topography along Huckaby Creek. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc., (CHEC) Bobbi Rodgers. -Other Project Partners: Charlotte County; Southwest Florida Water Management District. (SWFWMD); Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Geographic Area: Huckaby Creek/Tippecanoe Bay/Charlotte Harbor. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Restore more natural water flow into Charlotte Harbor. ProjectTimeline/Schedule: This in-progress project should be completed in.1999. Related project: after the completion of Phase I in 1999, partial restoration of Huckaby Creek (Phase 11), will begin additional funding becomes available. Status: -See above. Resources/Funding Available: Florida Pollution Recovery Program, Charlotte County. Needed: Potential': Reference Documents: Comments: 16 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Freshwater Flow Education Contact Person: Joy Duperault Title: Executive -Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941)575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-1 Project Description: To create and distribute public service announcements and a video which explains water resource issues, including the, importance of -maintaining minimum fresfiwater flows in tributaries and to the estuarine complex.* Strategy for Implementation: To identify public perception of freshwater flows, and to "Use this information to develop and create public service announcements and a video which will highlight efforts to manage water resources, including theNational Estuary Program's (NEP) actions with regard to establishing and maintain- ing minimun seasonal flows in major basins of the watershed. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC), Joy Duperault, Executive Director. Other Project Partners: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, (NEP); Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); -Southwest Florida Water Management- District (SWFWMD); -area media especially televi- sion broadcasters; - other grantors. Geographic Area: Peace -River basin, Myakka River basin, Charlotte Harbor Proper basin,Lemon Bay/ Gasparilla Sound basin, and Coastal venice basin (all watershed areas within the Southwest Florida Water Management District). Expected Benefits and/or. Drawbacks: Increased public awareness of issues and benefits to be derived from restoring and maintaining adequate surface-water flows. Project Timeline/Schedule: A two-year project. Year One: Conduct survey to establish public, perception in the listed areas; Year-Two: Develop text for public service announcements and video, create and distribute -,-,public service -announcements, contract with consultant to create video, promote video. Status: Potential. Resources/Funding Available: Not currently funded. Needed: Depends upon' length of video; estimate: $50,000, Potential: See above partners. Reference Documents: -Comments: 164 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Freshwater Flow Exhibits Contact Person: Joy Dpuperault Title:. Executive Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-maiI Address: [email protected] Quantifiable ObjectivesAddressed: HA-I,HA-2,HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-1 h Project Description: To create portable displays w ich explain the Charlotte Harborwatershed water re .sources, including the importance of maintaining minimum flows into 'rivers and the estuary. Strategy for Implementation: Use information gained from the survey of public perception outlined in the proposed "freshwater Flow Education" project in order to develop traveling displays which will highlight efforts to manage water resources, including. the National Estuary Programs (NEP) actions with regard to establishing and maintaining minimum seasonal flows in major basins of the watershed; schedule these dis- plays and coordinate their travel and set-up; and maintain fact sheet information in the displays which can be taken by the audience. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc., Joy Duperault, Executive Director. Other Project Partners: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP); Environmental Protection I Agency (EPA);-Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD); area libraries, malls, and other places of potential exhibit location; other grantors. Geographic Area: Peace River basin, Myakka River basin, Charlotte Harbor Proper basin, Lemon Bay/ I Gasparilla -Sound basin, and C6 astal Venice basin (all watershed areas within'the Southwest Florida-Water Management District). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks:, Increased public awareness of issues and benefits \to be derived from restoring and maintaining adequate surface water flows. Project Timeline/Schedule: One-year project (assuming, the survey mentioned above has been completed): Develop exhibit text and gather graphics/ photos; create exhibits; schedule and coordinate assemblage and .travel of exhibits; and maintain/send out inventory of act sheets for exhibit distribution. Status: Potential.* Resource/Funding Available: Not currently funded. Needed: $12,000- $17,060 Estimated cost. Potential: See partners above. Reference Documents: Comments: 165 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Water Use Education Contact Person. Joy Du erault Title: Executive Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental -Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port. Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-K Project Description: To create an education plan and a coordinated overall effort to educate the public -, including audiences from industry, agriculture and commerce - about water use and the importance of minimum flows. Strategy for Implementation: To identify target groups who are needful of-and interested in learning about water resources, Use, of water in the region,and the importance of maintaining fresh- flows in riverine and 'estuarine systems found here; to water develope coordinated program which will inform the public of the issues using an unbiased platform of information; to identify a focal point (area: coordinator) within each of the sub-basins of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) portion of the watershed who will be responsible for selecting target groups there and carrying out the program; to coordinate the program with. state and local agencies/ gov- ernment for best use of resources', participation and possible financial support; andto develop a speaker program-in conjunction with appropriate agencies, which can be taken *to targeted area groups by coordinated volunteers or other organizations there. Responsible Partner And Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor.-Environmental Center, Inc. (HEC), Joy Duperault, -Executive Director. Other Project Partners:' Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP); Environmental Pro- tection Agency (EPA); Southwest Florida Water Management District; Peace River/Manasota Re- gional Water Supply Authority- Charlotte County;, other grantors. Geographic Area: Peace River basin, Myakka Riv r ba in' Charlotte Harbor Proper basin, Lemon Bay/ Gasparilla Sound basin,, and Coastal Venice basin (all watershed areas Within the SWFWMD). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Increased public awareness of water resource issues and benefits to be derived from restoring and maintaining- adequate surface water flows, and from con- servation pratices. 166 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline Schedule: A similar project is/ has been on-going for a number of years,espe- cially in the Charlotte Harbor Proper sub-basin,under several funding sources (Southwest Florida Waiter Management District, Florida Advisory Council on Environmental Education,' National Es- tuary Program, Charlotte County) and will continue with an intensity which matches fiunding lev- els. In order to conduct the above-described project, a mimmum of one-year of funding with subsequent funding for additional phases -will be necessary. Proposal: Year One - Identify target groups;- identify sub-basin coordinators; coordinate with state and local agencies/ government; develop draft of speaker program, receive approval, create. Year Two & following - Recruit and coordinate volunteers-, implement speaker program through- out project area; maintain relationships with -media, agencies, and government; continue. coordi- nation 6f volunteers at focal points; continue to seek additional funding. Status: Some of this work is in progress: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center is funded anu- ally by the Southwest Florida Water Management District for a variety of environmental education programs including water* conservation and demonstration -projects. Resources/Funding Available: Currently funded by both Southwest Florida Water Management District and Char- lotte Harbor NEP. Needed: Year L $32,000- 40,000; Year H: $20,000- 24,000. Potential,: See above partners. Reference Documents: Comments: A 167 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan -Charlotte County Mitigation Sites Contact Person: Bobbi Rodgers Title: Environmental Resources Manager Agency/Qrganization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center,' Inc. Mailing Address: - P.0. Box 2494 Port Charlotte, FL 33949 'telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3 Priority Actions Addressed\', HA-M Project Description: The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC) manages several properties within-Charlotte County. All of these sites are available for the mitigation of hydrologi cal alterations and water quality impacts including, but not limited to futureroadway improvement' projects. Strategy for Implementation:. To- accept mitigation projects on public -lands, such as removal of -retention, ponds, exotic vegetation in wetland areas,construction of wetland demonstration sites on and re lanting of native vegetation and monitoring. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental- Center, Bobbi Rodgers, Environmental Resources Man- Other Project Partners: Charlotte County, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), South- West Florida Water Management District (SWFMD), Florida Department of Transportation FDOT), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Geographic Area: Charlotte County/Charlotte Harbo Proper Basin: Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks. A -reevaluation of the methods used in- assessing past and- future hydrological alterations which have or could result from roadway and transportation projects within the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP). Project Timeline/Schedule: To be determined. Status: To be determined. Resources/Funding Available: To be determined as mitigation projects arise. Needed:, To be determined. Potential: To be determined. Reference- Documents: Comments: 168 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Water Quality Education Contact Person: Joy Duperault Title: Executive -Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941)-575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-4, WQ-5, WQ-6, WQ-7 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B Project Description: Promote. general public-, awareness on. water quality issues and demonstra- tion projects. Strategy for Implementation: Develop a sc hool curriculum and guest speaker progra ms; prepare and, distribute new resident education packages; support and enhance local and regional Florida Yards & Neighborhoods programs; gather/ develop and distribute information materials for devel- opers, engineering firms and other c ontractors; expand and provide coordination of volunteer water quality monitoring programs; work With media in releasing water resource,information to the pub- lic; increase public awareness of potential sources of pollution, and of possible agencies responsible for enforcement; implement "River Keeper" types of programs in conjunction with volunteer and educational programs; and coordinate volunteer particpation in restoration and dem- onstration projects for Wetlands. and other aquatic sites. Responsible Partner 'and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor -Environmental Center, Inc. Joy Duperault, Executive Director. Other Project Partners: Currently we partner primarily with-both. the Southwest Florida: Water Management-District (SFWMD) and the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary, Program (NEP) to accomplish some of these tasks. Other partners have been Charlotte County, Department of Envi- ronmental Protection(DEP), and other grantors. These would continue to be primary partners, as., well as-new sources-of funding as they are discovered. Geographic Area: Peace River basin, Myakka River basin, Charlotte Harbor Proper-basin; Lemon Bay/ Gasparilla Sound basin, and Coastal Venice basin- all watershed areas within-the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Areas south of the SWFWMD boundary have other providers and Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center has not Attempted often nor been very successful in obtaining funding to work there. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Provisions of mechanisms for greater public -awareness. 169 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule: This work has been conducted since 1994. New or expanded projects --will require, various timelines and funding levels to complete. This type of work never ends; projects usually end when funding is no longer available. Status: Again, some work is in progress, other work is potential.' Resources/Funding Available: Currently funded through Southwest Florida Water Manageqment -District (SWFWMD), Charlotte Harbor NEP, and other grants. Needed: Undetermined; depends upon structure and time frame of actual proposal. Potential: See "Other Project Partners" listed above. Reference Documents: Comments: 170 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Septic Tank And Drainage System Education Contact Person:, Joy, Duperault Title: Executive Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494 Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3,WQ-4 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-F Project Description: To work with local agencies and septic system installation companies for public educa- tion regarding proper maintenance of septic systems and the impact of dysfunctional systems on groundwater resources, including media releases, scheduled public displays and presentation to homeowner groups, bution of flyers, etc., for- overall -public education on the topic. Strategy for implementation: Identify target areas and groups, determine the best method of reaching these groups; develop/ create tools for outreach; coordinate with agencies for. focused education; and work with area media to publish appropriate: information on a regular basis. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC), Joy Duperault, Executive Director. Other Project Partners:- Southwest Florida Water Management District (SVFWMD), Charlotte County Utilities and other private utility companies who have customers on septic; Charlotte County Planning & .Zoning Department; local environmental health units; septic installation companies; area libraries, malls,and -other public places where information may be displayed or distributed; other grantors, Geographic Area: -Charlotte Harbor Proper Basin., Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction of pollutant loads to meet established goals. Project Timeline/Schedule: One-year project which could be continued and transferred to-other basins in the watershed. Status: Potential. We have worked with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Charlotte County Utilities before to create public education programs, and would examine all avenues for potential partners. Additionally; this information could be incorporated into the new resident packages (see Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center "New Residents Education Program") and could be a combination program with WQ-M, "Composting Toilets Education"-. Resources/Funding Available: Not currently funded. Needed: Undetermined - depends upon number of target groups and types of tool's developed for education. This couldbe a relatively inexpensive project around $10,000. Potential: Please see "Other Project Partners" listed above. Reference Documents:' Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program Contact Person: Joy Duperault Title: Executive Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Quantiflable Objectives Addressed: WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed:' WQ-1 Project Description: Continue active implementation of the program in, Charlotte County, and assist other watershed communities to b egin or expand their programs by demonstrating outreach techniques,assisting with Master Gardener training, offering duplicate program materials and ideas. Strategy for Implementation: Identify needful communities (counties)meet with Cooperative- Extension Service staff for coordination of assistance; possibly augment Master Gardener training with workshops on related topics; demonstrate methods for a successful program, including be prac tices for- outreach and community education; offer duplicate Florida Yards &'Neighborhoods (FY&N) presentation materials if desired- and !ideas for 'Continued funding sources. Responsible, Partner and Project Coordinator -Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC), Joy Duperaul Executive Director. Other Project Partners: University of Florida/Institute of Food and A ricultural Sciencs (IFAS) Cooperative Extension Services; SouthWest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD); Florida Native Plant Society Chapters; local community colleges and native plant nurseries; other grantors. ,Geographic Area: The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods (FY&N) Program is a county-based project. Sarasota County has the program; Lee County is currently embarking upon their program' Polk County is desirous of having this program, and Hardee and DeSoto may not have the resources to have their own but certainly a partnership can be developed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: 'Reduction of the use of,water and reduction in stormwater runoff pollution from residential and commercial areas. Project Timeline/Schedule: This is a continuing program; certainly specific milestones can be- scheduled for new expansion projects. 172 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: In progress in Charlotte Comity through National Estuary Program (NEP) support ($12,927 in FY 89-99), -in-kind match from the Charlotte County Cooperative. Extension Service (CES), and through funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD)/Surface, Water -Improvement and Management (SWIM-) program ($6,500 in 1999). In progress in Sarasota County through a partnership with the Sarasota Bay NEP and their CES. Seeking funding in Polk County through the Cooperative Extension Service. All parties seek funding for continuation each year. The Charlotte County program is program is providing to be quite successful with a goal of 100 yards achieving Florida Yards and Neighborhoods (FY&N) certification in FY 1998-1999. Resources/Funding - Available: See above notes. Needed: Approximately $20,000 per year per program (county). Potential; See above notes, partners. Reference Documents: Comments: 73 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Composting Toilet Implementation. and Education Contact Person: Bobbi Rodgers Title: Environmental Resources Manager Agency/Organization: Charlotte- Harbor Environmental Cefiter, Inc. Mailing Address. P.O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 339419 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable. ObjectivesAddressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-M Project Description: A working composting toilet is located at Tippecanoe Scrub, a site managed by the, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC). This could be 'a demonstration site to show that composting toilets are viable alternatives to septic 'systems in limited situations, and to educate the public to environmen- tally friendly water consumption/reduction methods. Strategy for Implementation: Tippecanoe scrub is currently used for environmental education and could easily be used to develop public awareness of composting toilets. Education could include identification of target groups, determining the best method of reaching these audiences,, and creating tools for outreach to these groups.- Workshops, demonstrations and other- educational sessions could make use of the Cluvus Multrufn composting toilet at Tippecanoe Scrub.. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte* Harbor Environmental Center, Bobbi Rodgers, Environmental Resources Manager. Other Project Partners: Charlotte County, Florida State Department of Health, and Southwest Florida Water Management District- (SVFWMD), Charlotte County Cooperative Extension Service (University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences), Charlotte County Planning and. Zoning Department, composting toilet vendors, area libraries and malls, other places where information may -be displayed or distributed, other grantors. Geographic Area: Entire watershed Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits are reduction -of both water consumption and nutrient loading from wastewater, treatment facilities. Drawbacks are high initial costs of composting unit and instal- lation along with any monitoring and/or maintenance. Project Timeline/Schedule: Per grantor needs, it could-be a one-year project, or it-could be funded per event after program development. Status: Composting toilet is in place; potential program development. Resources/Funding, Available: Not currently funded. Needed: Depends upon actual project, $5,000.to $10,000. Potential: Please see partners listed above. Reference Documents: 174 Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Coordination of Water Quality- Monitoring Program in Charlotte Harbor, Peace River and Myakka River Contact Person: Bobbi Rodgers Title: Environmental Resources Manager Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. ,'Mailing Address: P.O., Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 'FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-C, WQ-D Project Description: Currently, several agencies are monitoring the water in the above referenced water bodies. Strategy for Implementation: -The data. currently being gathered need to be compiled in a consis- tent manner. This would improve the environmental integrity of- the Charlotte Harbor Study area. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environ mental Center, Inc. (CHEC), Bobbi Rodgers Environmental Resources Manager. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Southwest Florida Wa- ter Management District (SWFWMD), Charlotte County. Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP) study area. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: To obtain 'consistent information -of the water quality for the Charlotte Harbor Study area. Project Timeline/Schedule: To be determined. Status: To be determined. Resource/Funding Available: -Needed: Approximately $40,000-$70,000 per year. Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: A watershed-wide water quality monitoring program to be coordinated by the water management districts ha. s been recommended. 175 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Identification and Removal of Invasive Exotic Species From Within the Charlotte Harbor NEP study Area Contact Person: BobbiRodgers Title: Environmental Resources Manager, Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Num ber: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Project Description: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) has. been and will continue to iden- tify, locate, and remove invasive exotic vegetation found within its managed properties. Strategy for Implementation: Exotic vegetation i's identified on Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center- managed properties through the use of aerial photographs and field observations.' Once locations are identi- fied "and the property broken into workable zones that can be, monitored at future dates, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center volunteers and staff conduct weekly, work-parties to cut, pull and treat these exotics using approved herbicide application. Areas are checked and re-treated at regular intervals. Responsible Partner and. Project Coordinator Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Bobbi Rodgers, 'Environmental Resources Manager. Other Project PArtners: Charlotte County; U.S. Fish Wildlife Service (USFWS); Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Mosquito Control District; Southwest Florida Water Management Dis- trict (SWFWMD); local residents; various mitigation projects, e.g., Floridaa Department of Transportation (FDOT). -Geographic Area: Lemon Bay/Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor Proper Basins. -Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks-- increased habitat and reduction of invasive exotic vegetation cov- erage: Project Time/Schedule: On:going since at least 1998. Status:On-going. Resources/Funding Available: Charlotte County, Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM)-(99-00). Needed:- Additional funding for further removal. Potential: See above Project Partners. Reference- Documents: Comments: 176 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Natural Shoreline Education Contact Person: Joy Duperault Title: Executive Director Agency/Organization. Charlotte Harbor Environmental 'Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.0 Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number- (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5407 Email Address; [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-B Project Description: Develop and promote information/ materials/ education. programs which offer ideas and concepts related to natural shorelines: how existing hardened shorelines may be altered, -how to effectively keep natural shorelines in place, how to use native plants to create attrac- tive natural'shoreline areas which enhance wildlife habitat, and offer aesthetic beauty, and how rip- rap and other reef-like elements can enhance marine ecosystems. Strategy for Implementation: ,Work with agencies responsible for shoreline development to coor- dinate infuse. "natural-options" with their pre-construction work by offering to act as the* educa- I tional "consultant" as they proceed with permitting, modification, and new development projects;. work with existing homeowner groups who live in canal areas; and promote these concepts through the media and through traditional public outreach methods such as brochures in libraries, exhibits.in public places, speaker presenfations at demonstration sites, etc. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC), Joy Duperault, Executive Director. Other Project Partners: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural.Sciences (IFAS)/ Cooperative Extension Service (CES)/SeaGrant Program; Local Zoning Permitting Departments; marine trade associations; Beaches and Shores Advisory Committees; area homeowner groups; area libraries, malls, and other public places; other grantors. Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor Proper Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improved diversity of structure and increased estuarine/ marine habitat along modified shorelines. Project Timeline/Schedule: One-year pilot program, with funding to be sought for continuing years.. 177 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: Some of this type of education is offered -currently through the Charlotte County Coopera- tive Extension Service (CES) Sea, Grant agent, Rich Novak, specifically witha group who creates reef balls for placemeni in the harb or. We would work with these groups to expand their educa- tional reach to private homeowners in the coastal regions'Of the watershed. ReResources/Funding Available: Unaware of the extent of current funding through the Cooperative Extension Service. Needed Not sure, $7,500 - $ 10,000 per year. -Potential:. Please see above listed partners. Reference Documents: Comments: Conservalion and'_Wana3qemen1 5196 2)--// C.Mp"s-ibe Q Partial Restoratiop of Huckaby Creek, Phase Il Contact Person: Bobbi Rodgers Title:-, Environmental Resources Manager Agency/Qrganization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc.' Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 515-5497 E-mail Address: chec @ sunline.net QuantiAable Objectives Addressed: FVV-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-C Project Description: Huckaby Creek-was dredged and ch@mnelized in the 1960s for siormwater conveyance. Th@ constructio.nof this canal has resulted in an earthen plug in Huckaby Creek -and a spoil berm along the entire leng th of the canal. This berm inhibits proper sheet flow from the uplands of Tippecanoe Scrub to Huckaby Creek and TippecanoeBay. The spoil berm has also provided optimum condit ions for invasive exotic infestation and erosion problems resulting in downstreaIn depositionof sediments -and water quality degradation. Strategy for Implementation: This project will restore a portion of the natural water flow into Huckaby Creek by filling portions of the man-'Made. canal with the -original spoil located along the canal, removal of exotic vegetation, with subsequent restoration of die adjacent salt and freshwater marshes and pine flatwoods. Responsible Partner and -Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC), Bobbi Rodgers, Environmental Resources-Manager. Other Project Partner s: Florida Fish and Wildlife Co nservation Commission; Southwest Florida Wat er Management District (SWFWMD); U.S. Army Corps of En ineers (ACOE Department of Environmental 9 Protection (DEP); Mosquito Control District; Charlotte County. Geographic Area: Huckaby Creek/Tippecanoe Bay/Charlotte l4arbor. Expected, Benefits and/or Drawbacks I: Improved hydrological function and increased native vegetation.- Project TimelinetSchedule: Phase I of this project began in 1998 and was completed in 19-99'. Phase 11 (mostly exotic removal and re-planting of native spe6ies),will begin in 190. Related project: see "Partial Restorationof Huckaby Creek,Ph4se I". Status: See above. Resources/Funding Available: Florida Pollution Recovery Program, Charlotte County. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 179 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program ralon anqdqArn Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Environmental Boating Education Contact Person: Joy Duperault Title: Executive Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 VAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantiflable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-D Project Description: A speaker bureau/ slide presentation. which can be delivered to clubs. and organizations to educate-about environmentally-friendly boating practices in the Charlotte, Harbor watershed, especially to teach about protection of seagrass beds. Strategy for Implementation: Develop slide programs for each of the major estuarine areas that show habitat losses associated with prop damage, demonstrate how boaters can avoid damage to seagrass beds; train volunteer speakers to make these presentations at local civic and business groups, and local schools, as well as boating and fishing associations and integrate the presentation into area environmentally responsible , boating courses. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC),Joy -Duperault, Executive Director. Other Project Partners: Florida Boater Improvement Program; West Coast Inland Navigational District (WCIND); University of Florida, Institute Of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)/ Sea Grant Program; boating and fishing organizations; marine trade associations; U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Auxiliary; De- partment of Environmental Protection (DEP);Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission volunteers;' boating and, environmental groups; area schools; other grantors. Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor Proper Basin, Coastal Venice Basin, Lemon Bay/Gasparilla Sound -Basin, Pine Island.Sound Basin, Estero. Bay Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Increase boater awareness of-potential damage to marine habitats; and reduction in damage to marine habitats. Project Timeline/Schedule: One year develop program within three months of funding; create program within four months offunding; recruit and train volunteers within five months of funding; promote 'program, month five; present program beginning, month six; and continue presentations as long as there is funding. Status: Potential. Resources/Funding Available: Not currently funded. Needed: $10,000-$15,000 Potential:--Please see -above listed partners. Reference Documents: Comments: 180 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Seagrass Exhibits Contact Person: Joy Duperank Title: Executiv e Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494,Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address:, [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-I %A Project Description: Development, and installation of portable, semi-permanent displays with information, about environmental responsibility for marine habitats, especially seagrasses, which can be set up at malls and other public locations. Strategy for, Implementation: Develop portable displays With the following information: the importance of seagrass beds, how to avoid damage to seagrass beds; how to remove a boat from a seagrass bed; maps showing specific seagrass beds, oyster bars, major navigational channels, ramps and marinas, as well as areas to'be avoided based upon draft of boat and tide levels. in the locality; and areas known to be frequented by manatees and manatee, slow-speed zones. Schedule displays in public places throughout the watershed, such as libraries, public buildings, malls and schools. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC), Joy Duperault, Executive Director.' Other Project Partners: University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)/Sea Granr Program; Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Florida Boater Improvement Program; West Coast Inland Navigational District (WCIND); marine trade associations; Save-the-Manatee Club; Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP); area malls, libraries and other public places; other grantors. Geographic Area: -Charlotte Harbor Proper Basin, Coastal Venice Basin, Lemon Bay/ Gasparilla Sound Basin, Pine Island Sound Basin, Estero Bay Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: - Increased public awareness- and reduced -amounts of habitat damage caused by lackof specific knowledge by the general boating public. Project Timeline/Schedule: One year, including development/creation of the exhibits, -scheduling at public places, and moving the exhibit throughout the year. Status: Potential. Resources/Funding Available: Not currently funded. A Needed: Depending upon exhibit style, between $15,000 and $25,000. Potential: See partners listed above. Reference Documents: Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehension Conservation and Management Plan A Habitat Inventory, Monitoring, and Protection of Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Managed Sites. In Charlotte County Contact Person: Bobbi Rodgers Title: Environmental Resources -Manager Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental, Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:, FW-1 Priority Actidns Addressed: FW-S Project Description: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC) currently manages Tippecanoe scrub, Abmerjack Slough, Cedar Point Environmental Park, -and East Port Water Facility. Strategy for Implementation: In each of the above properties, key habitats have ben identified for protec- tion, and are inventoried for- flora (using- vegetation transects), fauna (through a -trapping program), and/or water-quality on a monthly basis With funding, -monitoring programs can be expanded and enhanced, and technical assistance to other parties can be -promoted through on-site visits., Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Bobbi-Rodgers, Environmental Resources Manager. Other Project Partners:. Private. property owners; Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), South- west Water Management District (SWFWMD):Charlotte County; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; U.S. Fish-and Wildlife Service (USFWS); other grantors. Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor Proper Basin, Lemon Bay/Gasparilla Sound Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Maintain and preserve critical wildlife habitats. Through monitor- ing of these habitats, exotic species (both vegetation and Wildlife) can be distinguised and removed, and any listed species may be noted and protected. Determining the quality of on'-site bodies helps to identify any potential problems. Project Timeline/Schedule: Annual timeline with regard to county,sites and other grant work-is scheduled per project requirements. While limited monitoring began- at these sites in 1995,monthly monitoring began in 1998. Status- Identification completed/in-progress, monitoring/technical assistance to be determined. Resources/Finding Available: Currently funded by Charlotte County. Needed: To be determined. Potential: See existing partners. Reference Documents: Comments: 182 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Habitat and Wildlife Education Contact Person* Joy Duperault Title: Executive Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box:2494, Port Charlotte, FL 33949 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number: (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address:. [email protected], Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-T Project Description: Continue programs which improve public awareness. of habitat and wildlife issues, particularly those found in the watershed such as coastal, floodplain, and upland systems where listed species live and/or where concerns such as exotic species, fire management, hydrologic alteration and/or other pres, ervation management issues are present. Other target audiences may include nearby residents, home-owners groups,, college'or high school classes, elected officials and other community leaders. Strategy for Implementation: Continue implementation of public -education programs; continue schools environmental education program; support development of comprehensive environmental science curricula at all levels 'of education throughout the watershed; develop and implement education programs for develop- a' ers, contractors, and builders regarding effective means of reducing impact on habit ts. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor.Environmental Center, Inc. (CHEC), Joy Duperault, Executive Director.' Other Project Partners: Watershed public school systems; Southwest Florida Water Management District* (SWFWMD); Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP); Department of Environmental Protection' (DEP); Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; other. grantors. Geographic Area:, Peace River Basin, Charlotte Harbor Proper, Myakka River Basin, Lemon,Bay/ Gaspafilla Sound Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Inc Ireased public awareness of habitat and wildlife issues, and in- creased support and participation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Continuing program begun in 1987;implement workshops for educators and develop Within a one-year period. Status:, Continuing and new work. Resources/Funding Available: Currently funded through Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)/Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM), Charlotte Harbor NEP, Venice-FoundAtion, Charlotte County, City of Punta Gorda, and Charlotte County Public Schools. Needed: Additional funding for new work. Potential: See all partners listed above. Reference- Documents: Comments: 183 Charlotte, Harbor National Estuary Program l 5q%@ Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Watershed Environmental Education Contact- Person: Joy Duperault Title: Executive Director Agency/Organization: Charlotte Harbor Environmental, Center, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2494,Port Charlotte, FL 3940 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5495 FAX Number:. (941) 575-5497 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW1, FW2, FW3, FW4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-T Project. Description: To offer environmental. education programs to citizens and visitors of the. watershed- which will promote a greater understanding of the value's of our natural resources and the 'methods which citizens can use to conserve or protect them. Strategy for Implementation: Continue to develop and offer a variety of environmental educa tion programs, using various methods such as slide presentations,workshops, lectures, hands-on "field 'experiences, exchange trips, exhibits, special events, and study programs on -the following topics: 'Olt Fishes of Charlotte Harbor; Mangrove Ecosystems; Pollution: air, water, soil; PrehIistoric use of water resources; Project Wet & Aquatic Wet;- Project Learning Tree & Project Wild; Rivers & Lakes Education Schoolyard Habitats; Seagrasses Exploration; Student Exchange Programs; Teacher Exchange Programs; Teacher Watershed Workshops; Teacher Estuarine Workshops; Nature Photo Displays; Water Resources Field Tops; Natural Resoures in the Watershed; Wetland Soils Work shops; Rookeries Survey-&Education; Exotic Plants in, the Watershed, Exotic 'Animals in the Wa- tershed; Aquatic Weed Control; Mosquito Control; Slid Waste Management -in the, Watershed; and Fishes of Upper Basin Lakes. lResponsible Partner find Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. ((CHEC), Joy I? Iuperault, -Executive Director. Other Project Partners: The Southwest Florida Water Management District(SWFWMD);Char- lotte County & The City. of Punta Gorda; Charlotte County Public Schools; Charlotte Harbor Na- Public Schools; Charlotte Harbor Na tional, Estuary Program (NEP); Florida Boater Improvement Program; other grantors. Geographic Area: All areas of the watershed within the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Increased awareness and sense of ownership of environ- mental resources for preservation and protection strategies/implementation (i.e., a better-educated ppublic may have. resulted in a better plan for central sewer expansion in, 1996). Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule: On-going; each different -project has timelines according to the spe- cific grant or funding source needs. Status: On-going,program since 1987: Resource Funding Available: Currently funded by -partners listed above and by other- grantors not listed. Needed: Per project. Potential: -See above.- Reference Documents: -Comments: 185 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program -alio adMa@yml q5Yan Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Septic Tank Alternatives Study. Contact Person: Samuel K. Jones, AICP Title: Community Development Director Agency/Organization: City of North Port/. Department of Community Development Mailing Address- 5650 North Port Boulevard*. North Port,FL 34287 Telephone Number: (941) 423-3144 FAX Number: (941) 423-3179 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantiflable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4 Priority Actions: WQ-F Project Description: The City of North Port's Comprehensive Plan, -'adopted in 1998, devoted several policies to the issue of septic -tanks, which are proliferating in this platted lands City of over 75 square miles. Besides. addressing- the usage of septic tanks, the Comprehensive Plan also calls' for the-development 'of a Water and Sewer Master Plan to formulate a framework for the provision of municipal water and, sewer service throughout the City (discussed as a separate Action Plan Project). Specifically, two policies in the Stormwater Management Element address a septic tank usage study. The policies read as follows: Policy 3.3: Prior to 2000, the City shall analyze the feasibility -of _prohibiting septic tank installation within, the. 1 00-year floodplain, as delineated by Federal Emergency Manage- ment Agency, Flood-Insurance RateMap (FIRM); and other potential disposal methods which may serve as desirable altematives,to septic tanks. Policy 3.4: _Prior to 2000, the City shall amend its Unified Land Development Code to provide for incentives and disincentives intended to reduce. the desirability of septic tank installation within the 100-year floodplain, qas delineated by the Federal Emergency Man- agement Agency FIRM. Strategy for Implementation: The City will have to develop a framework, or scope of services, for whomever conducts, the study. The Study should result in, as stated in the policies, a listing of alternative methods of solid waste disposal in areas not served by municipal water and sewer ser- vices. The study should further analyze what areas have the highest densities of septic tanks, with an analysis of their impact upon the aquifers, natural habitats, fish and wildlife, and human health. The study should also result in the establishment of incentives, and disincentives for septic tank usage within the 100-year floodplain. The findings of this study should be included within the Water and Sewer Master Plan, as amended. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: City of North Port Community Development and Utilities Departments. 186 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehsive Conservation and Management Plan Other Project Partners: The City's Contract Engineer, Florida Department of Health, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Department of Community Affairs (DCA), De- partment of EnVironmental Protection (DEP), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Geographic Area: City of North Port. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Establish alternatives, -or more environmentally safe, meth- ods of solid waste storage within. the 100-year floodplain. The ultimate benefit- would be the sub- stantial reduction of existing septic tanks, and a reduction in the number of new tanks: being placed within the 100-year floodplain: Project Timeline/Schedule: The project is expected to begin in 1999, and end by October 2000. Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: Not identified. Needed: Potential: Grants, professional scientific studies, college projects, etc. Reference Documents: City of North Port Comprehensive Plan. Comments: Because of the large size of this platted community, septic tanks have become the primary form of solid waste disposal for the City. The increased use of septic systems could have a negative impact -upon environmental and human health in the area. The development of septic drain fields Iso impacts the natural function of the floodplain and could exacerbate flooding problems. Therefore, this study in conjunction, with the development of a line extension program within the Water and Sewer Mater Plan, should benefit both humans and the environment. 187 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan City of North Port Water and,Sewer Master Plan - Implementation. Contact Person: Samuel K. Jones,AICP - Title: Community Development Director Agency/Organization: City-of North Port/Department of CommunityDevelopment. Mailing Address:' 565 North Port Boulevard, North Port,FL 34287 Telephone Number: (941) 423-3144 FAXNumber (941)423-179 Email Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-6 WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-G Project Description: The City of North Port's, Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 1998; clearly states the CIity's vision concerning the provision of municipal water anIdsewer by stating that at the time of buildout the entire City, with the exception of the Residential Estates area,Myakka State Forest, and other conservation space areas. This-is a strong statementwhen considering the fact that, North Port covers 'over 75 square miles and- is- predominately platted for single family residential development. Because of the City's immense size and the population growth that it is- experiencing, the provision of municipal water and sewer i's lagging. behind -and septic systems continue to proliferate. In order to determine the priority locations, types of service; and finan for the provision of these services, the Comprehensive Plan further called for the development of a Water and Sewer Master Plan.. City staff and the City's consulting Engineer are currently working on this,project, which is expected to'be complete by the summer. of 1999. Implementation of the program will likely begin in late 1999 or 2000. In determining priority areas to, receive municipal water and sewer service -several guidelines were examined which include: whether the project is needed to protect public health and safety (including the environment); provide facilities and services to,preserve or achieve full use--of existing facilities, and increase efficiency-, prevents or reduces future improvement-costs; promotes-in-fill, economic development or educational facilitie provides service to developed areas lacking full service. Strategy for Implementation: Upon completion of the Water and Sewer. Master Plan, the City will- begin the process of providing service to the areas receiving the highest priority rankings, which must ultimately be approved by the City Council. At this stage in drafting the Master Plan no specific strategies have been agreed upon for implementation and financing of the project. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: The City's project coordinator will likely be the City's. Uiility Department in. conjunction -with the City's Consulting Engineer and approved sub- contractors. 188 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Other Project Partners: Other project partners could include the Southwest Florida Water Man- agement District (SWFWMD), Department -of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Florida Department of Health, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).. Geographic Area: The entire City of North Port excluding the Residential Estates area, the Myakka State Forest, 'and, designated 'conservation/open space areas. Expected Benefits and/or- Drawbacks: The Master Plan will be beneficial in that it will utilize a scientific methodology for the extension of municipal water and sewer throughout the majority of the City's 75 square miles. The environmental- benefits include the reduction in the number,of 'Private wells'and septic tanks throughout the-City which will reduce the direct consumption of groundwater and which will enhance the water quality- of area surface waters. and aquifers. The immense size of the City and the. cost of extending services will likely be the greatest drawbacks. Project Timeline/Schedule: The Water and Sewer Master Plan is a 20 year,plan that-will be updated every five years,as necessary. Status: Development of the Master Plan is still in progress, but will be completed by the summer. of 1999. The planned start of implementation should begin in late 1?99/2000. Resources/Funding Available: The financial portion of the Master Plan is still being developed at this time. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: City of North Port Comprehensive Plan, City of North Port Water and Wastewater Master Plan (1994). Comments: Implementation of the new Water and Wastewater Master Plan will be one of the, largest projects ever undertaken by the City.. -The reduction in the use of septic systems and private water wells, and the expansion of a gray water program will not only benefit the citizens, but.the environment of the area as well. 189 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Myakkahatchee Creek Preservation Corridor Contact. Per-son: Stan Frank Title: Communications Manager Agency/Organization: City of North Port/City Manager's Office Mailing Address: 5650 North Port Boulevard, North Port, FL 34287 Telephone Number: (941)423-3148 or SunCom 934-3148 FAX Number (941) 423-3150 or SunCom 934-3159 Email Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-T Project Description: Since 1988, North Port City staff, at the direction of-the City Commission, has heed engaged in an extremely ambitious project: the acquisition of a preservation and public recreation corridor along the entire, undeveloped length the Myakkahatchee Creek from U.S. Highway- 41 to the northern City limits, a distance of approximately 6.5 to 7 miles. Three goals -.provide the rationale for this acquisition project. 1) Protection of water quality within the Myakkahatchee Creek: the Creek is a potable 'Water source for the City. The on going threat to,this water supply is the inevitable development of lots in the floodplain of the Creek; the great majority of which are not served by the central sewer.-At a minimum, protection of the water supply-will require the acquqisition of a protective buffer or corri- water treatment plant. Preservation of the-Creek's water quality is also a regional issue, since it feeds into the State-protected Myakka River and C Iharlotte Harbor. 2) Resource-based, non-consumptive recreational opportunities for the public: Preservation of the Creek-corridor sents the City,-in partnership with the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Department and various state and federal grantor agencies,- the opportunity to create a seven-mile, long linear park and greenway, with ample opportunities for people to enjoy picnicking, hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, and other- activities, in an essentially-unspoiled setting. The- City 3) Flood hazard mitigation. through reduction-of housing density in the Creek floodplain: has endured many. pointed- reminders, most notably during the flood of June-July 1992, of the Myalckaatchee Creek's tendency to flood. -Unfortunately, General Development Corporation platted residential lots right up tothe Creek banks. The total number of lots vulnerable to seasonal flood- ing in. the Creek floodplain is a -debatable' issue. -The Federal. Emergency' Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM),last updated in 198.1, depicts a considerably smaller' of floodplain than the City's consultant, Camp, Dresser &McKee-, (CDM) found when they used computer software and more recent data to re-define t he. flood hazard zone in 1992. In addition to a much larger floodplain, CDM determined that even -the expenditure of millions of wouldld fall far short of eliminating flooding, both in the,Creek flood plain and elsewhere in the City. 190 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Whatever the actual boundaries, of the Creek floodplain may be; it is certain that if. lots near the Creek are allowed to be developed, threeresults 'will almost certainly ensue: 1) homeowners will. incur millions of dollars in property damage and loss over time As the Creek continues-in its flood- ing -cycle; 2) City government will spend a great deal -of money attempting to reduce losses to homeowners; and 3) the flooding potential will worsen as. floodwaters are shifted from higher, newly-developed properties to other areas particularly those down-stream. In keeping with a world-wide shift away from "flood control" -(a vain hope at best) and toward flood management, the-City's land acquisition program is helping us avoid these consequeces by reduc- ing the presence of people and their property in the Creek floodplain. Strategy for Implementation: Fee-simple acquisition has been pursued, with some success, by the City although matching grants have helped in the past, most of the cost burden of future acqui- sitions will likely fall on the City; cost sharing on a regional basis would, of course, be preferable. Although no barriers related to regulation and monitoring are associated with acquisition and pres- ervation of these properties, assemblage of financial -and human resources to manage the preserva- tion corridor is a concern. Currently, the City has an interlocal agreement with the Sarasota-County Parks & Recreation Department by which the County is responsible for management. However, the County's resources are limited., Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Tampa District Office. - Other Project Partners: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Sarasota County (see above). Geographic Area: Myakkahatchee Creek corridor from U.S. Highway 41 northward to the north- ern City limits. The project, as well as the entire City Of North Port, is located in the Myakka R iver drainage basin. Jurisdictionally, the Manasota. Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Man- agement District,(SWFWMD) has charge of this area. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Please see discussions under Project Description and Strategy for Implementation, above. Project Timeline/Schedule: The City would like to complete this project as soon as possible, since it has occupied a fair share of staff resources. for 10 years thus far. Status: The.City has purchased, with the aid, of grants, approximately 180 acres. However, the City is much closer to realizing it's goal than this number would suggest because it already,owns a considerable amount of other property in the floodplain. These creek-front properties total 536 additional acres. Most of these lands were deeded to the. North Port Water Control District by General Development Corporation in 1993, and later becarhe the property of the City upon the dissolution of the District. Thus, altogether, lands in City ownership on the -Creek, whether pur- chased with grants or otherwise titled to the City, total approximately 716'acres. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Some 30 lots remain -to be purchased in the first tier (i.e., lots immediately fronting on both banks of the Creek). The, option of purchasing a "second-tier" (properties one lot removed from the Creek, but well within the -area of seasonal inundation) has been discussed. In rough numbers, acquisition of the second tier would add approximately 170, 80- by 120-foot lots to the corridor project. Resources/Funding Available: $50,000, Needed: 1st tier, approximately'$195,000; 2nd tier, an additional,$1,105,000 (approximate). Potential: $425,000 Reference documenis: Grant proposals (Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (two grants), Land and Water Conservation Fund (one grant), the, Florida BoAting Improvement Program (one grant), and Preservation 2000 (P-2000)/Florida Communities Trust (three grants); the City of North Port Comprehensive Plan. Comments: The Creek preservation corridor is one of the most important undertakings the City has ever, attempted, since its completion will go far to guarantee the quality -of the City's secondarY qp potable water source. In 1999, the City, in partnership with the Southwest Florida Water Manage- ment District (SWFWMD), will attempt to determine the feasibility -O'f Aquifer Storage and Recov/ ery as a means of maximizing the quantity of water that can be withdrawn from the Creek. This and related, efforts are based upon-the City's conviction that the surface waters f the Myakkahatchee Creek will remain a vital component of North Port's potable water supply for years to come. 192 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan North Port Conservation Land Banking Contact Person: Samuel K. Jones, AICP Title: Community Development Director Agency/Organization: City of North Port/Departmentof Community Development Mailing Address: 5650 North Port Boulevard, North Port, FL 34287 Telephone Number' (941) 423-3144 FAX Number (941) 423-3179 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:'-- FW- I Priority, Actions Addressed: FW-1,FW-S, FW-U Project Description: The City of North Port is one of the larger platted lands communities in Southwest Florida, covering approximately 75 square miles. When the City was platted, lots were placed right up to the banks of the Myakkahatchee Creek, which is a tributary of the Myakka River and, hence, Charlotte Harbor. The creek is a natural drainage conduit from lands to the north via the Big Slough. In fact, 'the creek and the lands immediately adjacent to it-are designated as the 100- year floodplain by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The creek also serves as y's primary source of potable Water. the Cit' The City has been actively trying to purchase the first tier of platted lots on each side of the creek for quite some time, and has been quite successful in this erideavor, although there are still a number of lots to be acquired. The City's Comprehensive Plan hasdevoted numerous policies in the Future Land Use, StormwaterDrainage, and the Conservation and Coastal Management Elements to pro- tection of the creek corridor. In fact, the Comprehensive Plan calls for the acquisition of the second tier of lots adjacent to the creek. Besides outright acquisition of land, the Comprehensive Plan identifies other methods, such as transfer of development rights, to gain control of these properties. Another concept that was considered was the establishment of a "mitigation bank" within the creek- corridor. In concept the mitigation bank would work in two ways: 1) Developers of commercial or industrial properties who must remove a large number of trees,destroy wetlands, or severely. alter the environmental integrity of a site somewhere within the City would be offered the option to purchase one of the remaining properties along the creek which would then be. dedicated to the City as a consorvation/preservation land; and 2) Developers of a site within the City could restore wet-' lands, remove,exotic species, remove roadways, or replant nativevegetatioh on City-owned, proper- ties with,in the corridor. Strategy for Implementation: Identify the properties within the creek corridor: (first and second tier of lots at the least) that still must be acquired. Survey, the properties to identify those Which have experience the highest degree of degradation or exotic invasion, and map them accordingly. Determine, based upon development trends, what platted roadways could be removed. Develop, through-the City's United Land Development Code, amethodology forinitiating andmanaging the mitigation banking process. 193 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: City of North Port:Communi Development and Public Works Departments Other Project Partners: The City's Contract Engineer; Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD),Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,Department of Com- munity Affairs (DCA), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Trust for Public Lands, the National Audubon Society; the Nature Conservancy, private businesses. Geographic Area: The first and second tier of residential lots along both sides of the Myakkahatchee Creek from the 'City's - northern city limits to U.S. 41. -The project could be expanded beyond the first and second tier of lots, as necessary.. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include reduction in the. number of 'platted resi- dential lots fronting, the creek, enhanced function, of the floodplain, reduction of existing; septic tanks, and a reduction in the number of new tanks being placed -within the 100-year floodplain, increase in the acreage within the City devoted to preservation/conservation, restoration of- native vegetation, increased native wildlife habitat; protection of a potable water source, and pollution reduction. The major drawback will be getting developers, to. buy into the mitigation bank concept. Project Timeline/Schedule: The project is expected to be in,place by the year 2001. Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: Not identified. Needed: Potential: Grants, professional scientific studies, college projects, etc. Reference Documents: North Port Comprehensive Plan, North Port Unified Land Development Code. Comments: Although the City has initiated a program, in conjunction with the Department of 'Environmental Protection- (DEP) and Southwest Florida Water* Management District (SWFWMD), for creek land purchases, a mitigation banking program would supplement this Program with pur- chases or environmental restoration activities paid for by developers. 194 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Punta Gorda Nature Park Restoration, Phase I Contact Person: James M. Stilwell Title: Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: City of Punta Gorda Mailing Address: 326 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone Number: (941) 575-3324 FAX Number: (941) 575-3347 (E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority,Actions Addressed: FW-P, FW-R Project Description: The City of Punta Gorda has removed exotic vegetation from a -significantly disturbed historic wetland and replanted it with appropriate wetland vegetation. The restoration included the connection --.of an extensive mosquito ditch network to -an adjacent saltwater canal. This connection established tidal inundation to nearly ten acres of wetlands cut off by the exotic growth., Strategy for Implementation: The vegetation (e.g. Australian pines) has been removed, the area graded, and- a tidal connection made., The area has been planted with 7,000 wetland and transitional plants at appropriate elevations. The planting will be monitored for survival and exotics periodically removed from the site. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: he City of Punta Gorda is now the responsible partner, James M. Stilwell, Environmental Planner. Other Project Partners: Florida Communities Trust,- Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP), Peace River Basin Board of the Southwest Florida 'Water Management District (SWFWMD), Char- lotte Harbor NEP, and Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center. Geographic Area: The project is located near the center of a large residential community in Punta Gorda, at the intersection of Bal Harbor Boulevard and Aqui Esta Drive in Section 3, Township 4lS, Range 22E, The restored area is directly connected to Charlotte Harbor. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: 1) Elimination of one acre-of noxious exotic vegetation; 2) restora- tion of one acre of saltwater wetlands; 3) enhancement of ten acres of tidal marsh; and. 4) increased enhance- ment of fish and wildlife habitat. Project Timeline/Schedule: The project began in June of 1998 and Phase 11 is continuing- as time and funding become available.- Status- Planting was completed. Annual monitoring for vegetation survival with replacement planting as necessary. Annual maintenance and exotic removal. Maintain tidal connection. Resource/Funding Available: City Park Maintenance Funds. Needed: N/A. Potential: N/A. Reference Documents:N/A. Comments: The Punta Gorda Nature Park wetland restoration_project has been a tremendous success with. little or no vegetation mortality and minimal new exotic invasion. Time will reveal benefits associate with 195 restoration of tidal inundation to the ten acres of historic wetland. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Punta Gorda Nature Park Restoration, Phase 11 -Contact Person: James M. Stilwell Title:. Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: City of Punta Gorda Mailing Address: 326 West Marion-Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, Telephone Number: (941) 575-3324 FAX Number: (941) 575-3347 E-mail Address:, [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-4, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A,FW-C Project Description: The City of PuntaGorda recently completed the initial phase of construction of a nature park. This project includes the removal of. all exotic vegetation on the 20-a At this time, exotic removal-is approximately,50% complete. Strategy for. Implementation: Exotic -vegetation is removed as funding or prisoner labor is avail- able. All exotic removal must be done by hand to avoid damage -to surrounding wetlands. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: City of Punta Gorda, Public Works Department, Project Coordinator, Mary Cornwell. Other Project Partners; Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center and Florida'Department of Cor- rections. Geographic Area:The Punta Gorda Nature Parkis located in the center of a large- residential community in the City of Punta Gorda, at the intersection of Bal Harbor Boulevard and Aqui Esta Drive in Section 13, Township 41S,Range 22E. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The benefits will be the restoration and enhancement of approximately 20 acres of native habitat Iincluding salt marsh and upland pine palmetto flatwoods. Project Time'line/Schedule: The exotic removal is scheduled to be completed within five years. 'Status: 'the removal is approximately 50% complete. The'wetland restoration included in the. Punta Gorda Nature Park Restoration, Phase I is complete. ResoResources/Funding *Available; City Park Maintenance Funds/Prisoner Labor. Needed: N/A.. -Potent: N/A. Reference Documents: N/A. Comments: The City has made a commitment to eliminate exotic vegetation at this 20-acre site. 196 0 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Punta Gorda Reef Ball Project Contact Person: James M. Stilwell. Title: Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: City of Punta Gorda Mailing Address: 326 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone Number: (941) 575-3324 FAX -Number: (941) 575-3347 Email Address: [email protected] -Quantifiable Objectives. Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-P Project Description: The City is currently working with the Charlotte Harbor Reef Association to install artificial habitat (i.e. concrete reef balls) under 90 docks in the man-made canals of Punta a Gorda, as well as-under the City's three fishing piers. Strategy for Implementation: Reef balls are designed to create a variety of habitat niches for attachment organisms and fishes. Permitting has been completed and installation will begin in June 1999, Project completion is anticipated to take six months. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlotte Harbor Reef Association, Jerry Jensen; City of Punta Gorda, Richard Benson and James Stilwell. Other Project Partners Individual homeowners within Punta Gorda. Future deployment of reef balls may include Florida-Sea Grant. Geographic Area: Various locations throughout the Punta Gorda canal system, the fishing-piers at the Nature Park, G ilchrist Park, and Laishley Park. I Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Additional fish and invertebrate shallow water estuarine habitat. Project Timeline/Schedule: 'the., initial phase will'start in June and likely be completed in 1999. Status: The project has been reviewed by the Department of Environmental Protection and permit authorization has been received. Resources/Funding Available City of Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor Reef Association, Charlotte Harbor NEP. Needed:N/A. Potential: N/A. Reference Documents: N/A. Comments: N/A. 197 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan -City of Punta Gorda Irrigation Sensor Rebate Program Contact,Person: Bill Harper/James M. Stilwell Title: Environmental. Planner Agency/Organization: City of Punta Gorda Mailing Address: 326 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone Number:, (941) 575-5050 TAX Number: (941) 575-5044 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable -Objectives Addressed:. HA-1, HA-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D Project Description:_ Retrofit pre-1992 irrigation systems with sensor to interrupt irrigation when rain or moisture is present. Florida Statutes and City Ordinance are required -on-all new installa- tions. This project encourages voluntary retrofits for existing systems. Strategy for Implementation: The City will provide information to customers to encourage vol- untary participation. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: City of Punta Gorda Utilities Department, Bill Harper.- Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (cooperative funder). Geographic Area: Punta Gorda water service area. Conservation will affect Shell Creek Reservoir- withdrawals. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Projected scope 862 units with estimated 5.0 mg "annual" savings. Possible drawback is low participation. Project Tlmeline/Schedule: Available by May 1999 and ending July 1,2000. Status: Approved and budgeted-materials under development. Release anticipated May 1999. Resources/Funding available: $40,060 Budgeted by City FY99. Needed:N/A. Potential; 50% Reimbursement by Southwest Florida Water, Management District (SWFWMD) after expenditure. Reference Documents: N/A. comments: N/A. 1-98 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management plan City of Punta Gorda - Burnt Store Isles Stormwater Treatment Retrofit Contact Person: James M. Stilwell Title: Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: City of Punta 'Gorda Mailing Address: 326 West Marion Avenue,Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone Number: (941) 575-3324 FAX Number- (941) 575-3347 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-4, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-E, WQ-N Project Description- The City -of Punta Gorda proposes to complete a stormwater treatment retrfit project in order to replace an antiquated and ineffective boat lock to protect water quality in, this residential community. --The current drainage system. utilizes grass swales with no designed treatment capacity. Strategy for Implementation:The retrofit has been designed and engineered by City s be implemented upon acceptance by Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The swale/filtration system and weir-structures will be constructed beginning in late 1999 and completed in 2000. 0qResponsiblie Partner and Project Coordinator: City of Punta Gorda project coordinator is Steve Adams, City Engineer. Other Project Partners: Burnt Store lsles Canal Maintenance Assessment District. Geographic Area: The project will treat stormwater runoff within the Burnt Store Isles residential commu- nity. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Water quality improvement and/or protection for surface water of Alligator Creek and Charlotte Harbor, Project Timeline/Schedule: The project will be started in late 1999 and. completed -in six to -twelve months. A Status; The project is currently being reviewed by Florida Department of Environmental Protection staff. Resources/Funding Available:-City of Punta Gorda/Burnt Store Isles Canal Maintenance Assessment District. Needed:N/A. ,Potential-' N/A Reference Documents: Florida Department of Enviromnental Protection Application #08-0128882-001. Comments: N/A. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan City of Punta Gorda Manatee Protection Plan Contact Person: James M. Stilwell Title: Environmental Planner Agency/Organization: City of Punta Gorda Mailing Address: 326 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda", FL 33950 Telephone Number: (941) 575-3324 FAX Number: (941) 575-3347 E-mail Address:, [email protected] Quantifible Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-F; FW-G,FW-L, FW-N, FW-Q Project.Description: The plan provides a mechanism for enforcement of slow speed, minimum wake zones throughout the Punta Gorda canal system, as well as within the shoreline areas, to the six foot depth contours. Strategy for Implementation: The plan has been implemented., Enforcement of speed zones and restricted areas will be provided by Police Marine Officers. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: The enforcement component-is implemented through the Police Department, Chief Dan Libby; signage and -channel marking through Canal Maintenance, Richard, Benson; supervisor-and public information administrat6r, Jim Stilwell, Environmental Planner. Other Project Partners: N/A. Geographic Area: The plan encompasses all waters. within the jurisdictional authority. of the City of Punta Gorda.., Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include manatee protection, as well'as protection of sub- merged aquatic resources and shoreline riparian habitat. The plan also protects private property within-the canal system and encourages safe, responsible boating. Project Timeline/Schedule: The plan is complete, continued implementation and enforcement are required., Status: Enforcement capability is in place, including boat, motor, trailer,and a full time marine officer.' Public education brochures have been printed and distributed with vessel registration renewals. Resources/Funding, Available: City of Punta Gorda. Needed: Continued Public Education Information. Potential:N/A. Reference Documents: City of Punta Gorda Manatee Protection Plan. Comments: N/A 200 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Punta Gorda Geographic Information System Contact Person, James A. Reed, II Title: Economic Facilitator/Geographic Information System (GIS) Manager Agency/Organization: City of PuntaGorda Mailing Address: 326 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Telephone Number: (941) 575-3324 FAX Number: (941) 575-3347 E-mail Address: [email protected] Q Uantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-C, FW-H, FW-V Project Description: The City is developing a- Geographic Information Sysiem (GIS) to assist staff and the public. The sy stem consists of high quality and informative graphics, along with limitless geographic analy- sis. Specifically, existing land use and the natural environment will be inventoried. This will be organized to analyze as a benchmark to track changes, especially with natural environmental sites, and how they relate to human needs (single-family homes, marinas, etc.). Strategy for Implementation: The City is currently in the process of implementing the system and will continue as information and funding is available. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: City of Punta Gorda, Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist, James Reed. Other Project Partners:, Charlotte County. Geographic Area: City of Punta Gorda, Charlotte,County area and Charlotte Harbor. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: BBetter information high quality graphics, detailed land uses, that will allow better informed' decision making for future City projects, programs, and policies, Project Timeline/Schedule: Continuing implementation as technology and funding are available. Status: Basic equipment has been purchased and baseline information gathered. Resources/Funding Available: City of Punta Gorda. Needed: N/A. Potential: N/A . Reference- Documents: N/A. Comments: This project will eventually create the database for all future land use decisions in the City of Punta Gorda. 201 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Punta Gorda Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project Contact Person.. Steven E. Lampert Title: Utility Director Agency/Organization: City of Punta Gorda Mailing Adress: 30999 Bermont Road,-Punta Gorda, Fl, 33982 Telephone Number: (941) 639-1883 (941) 639-9416 FAX Number: E-mail Address: utility @ci.punta-gorda.fl.Us Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1 P riority Actions Addressed: HA-A, HA-B Project Description: Install multiple aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) wells at-City of Punta Gorda waste- water treatment plant site for storage/recovery of treated pot le water from the City's water supply reservoir. Storage proposed during periods of year where water is readily available. Recovery during drought condi- tions or emergency situations. Strategy for -Implementation: City has Installed a 700-foot feasibility well. Testing underwjay.. Modifica- tions to well,proposed in first quarter of 1999. 'Additional cycle test planned. If. feasible, additional aquifer storage and recove (ASR) well will be budgeted. Responsible Partner-and Project Coordinator: City of Punta Gorda,SteVe Lampert, Utilities Director. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Bart Weiss; and Florida Departmen t of Environmental Protection. Geographic Area: City of Punta Gorda. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits - Allow recovery -of -water from Shell Creek during time of - excess. Recovery of treated water-from aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) during, during drought/low flow condi- tions in Shell Creek. Activity will further goals of promoting' natural seasonal flows to occur. Project Timeline/Schedule: Feasibility well completed. Cycle test in FY'1999.If feasible, possible addi- tional aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) wells in FY 2001. Status: Feasibility well ongoing. Future wells planned. Resources/Funding Available: City of Punta Gorda Utility Fund. Needed: N/A. Potential: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) cooperative grants. Reference Documents: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Comments: If-aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) proves feasible, many positive issues could be realized. 202 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan -Gorda Central Sewer Expan Punta sion Contact Person: Steven E. Lampert Title: Utility Director Agency/Organization: City of Punta. Gorda Mailing Address: 30999 Bermont Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982 Telephone Number: (941)-639-1883 FX Number: (941) 639416 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-G Project Description: Install central sewer system to areas of Charlotte County surrounding the City of Punta Gorda near tidal bodies of water. TheCity has an existing Wastewater transmission system that is located near' these areas in- the County, south of the Peace River. The City's existing wastewater treatment plant will accommodate the additional volume of wastewater. Strategy for-Implementation: Complete Master Plan for study* area. Address criticarissues with effected residents and Charlotte County government. Address funding issues. Develop construction plans. Obtain permits., Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: City of Punta Gorda, Steve Lampert, Utilities Director. Other Project Partners: Charlotte, County. Geographic Area: Priority areas include the subdivision of Charlotte- Park,and Solona area that are located near Charlotte Harbor.. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits - Place high-density residential area known to have failing septic systems on a central sewer system which will improve water quality in Charlotte Harbor. Drawbacks- public acceptance., Project Timeline/Schedule; Master Plan work FY 1999. Governmental review late 1999. Possible phased approach for design/construction in FY 2000 or later depending on political- acceptance. Status: Master Plan work began in February 1999. Resources/Funding Available: City of Punta Gorda Utility Fund. Needed: VA. Potential: State Revolving Fund. Reference Documents: City of Punta Gorda Comprehensive Plan. -Charlotte- County Comprehensive Plan. Comments: Reduce septic tank pollution to Charlotte Harbor. Area targeted is highly developed, low eleva- tion, poor soils, and adjacent to tidal canals. Public/political acceptance could beproblematic. 2 0 3 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Venice Area Native Vegetation Protection, Contact Person Don Caillouette Title: Planning Manager Agency/organization City of Venice Mailing Address: 401 West Venice Avenue, Venice, Florida 34285 Telephone number: (941) 480-3031 (941), FAX Number: 941-480-3031 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifible, Objectives Addressed: FW-1, FW-2, FW-3, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Project Description: Impacts to native habitat are evaluated and mitigated during the develop- ment review process. When permits are submitted to City staff, the effects on native habitat are considered and permit requirements can include avoiding the destruction of. native plants and trees. Strategy for Implementation: Using the legal authority of the conservation element of the local comprehensive plan, the City has two objectives addressing habitat.and native vegetation, with supporting policies. Also, the City enhances natiVe plant protection through an interlocal agree- ment with Sarasota County, regarding implementing tree protection through ordinance #91-3.-3. Responsible Partner, and Project Coordinator: Medard Kopczynski. Director of Growth Man-ctor of Growth Man- agement. Other, Project Partners: Sarasota County; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Conunission; Florida Department of Agriculture. Geographic Area: City of Venice.. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks:, Maintains -habitat for native wildlife. Project Timeline/Schedule:Ongoing since 1991. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potential:. Reference Documents:\ City of Venice Comprehensive Plan and City Ordinance #91-3. Comments: 204 A GS.,f.11, X.,Aa, &I.. Drafi GompzvSenjive Conjervalion andiTranayemeni Wan Veniee Stormwater Management Contact Person. Don Caillouette Title: Planning Manager Agency/Organization: City of Venice Mailidg Address: 401 W@st Venice Avenue, Venice Florida, 34285 Telephone Number:' 941-486-2626 FAX Number: 941-480-3031. E-mail Address: '[email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-B' Pr roject Description: Beginning and c*ontinuing the replacement of drainage pipes and culverts with swales, french drains, and catchment. basins in ar&as where improved water quality is needed. Strategy for Implementation: The Public Works Director is theperson/agency charged with the responsibil- ity for the Stormwater Utility system. The stormwater plan includes implementing the seven urban best management practices of'the Section 208 (Clean,Water Act) Plan for Southwest Florida; identifying addi- tiondl lands for @torrnwater retention projects; enforcing the Nation-al Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) pen-nit, particularly in regard to concurrency; apd, undertaking additional assessments where di- rected, such as the feasibility study for using stormwater retention watersas irrigation waters. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Pat Collins, City Engineer. Other Project Partners: Sarasota County (for shared watersheds of Shakett, Curry, and Hatchett' Z:r% Creeks). Geographic,@rea: City of Venice. Primary receiving waters are Dona and Roberts Bay, Gulf of Mexico, and the West Coast Inland Navigation District waterway. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Imp Iroved water quality and improved timing of flows; the major drawbacks ate thafthe olderparts o& the City are compact, with little opportunity ford the creation of signifi- cantly sized retention systems. Additionally, coordination with Sarasota County is Pecessary to implement portion s of the program. Project Timeline/Schedule: the Utility District was established in 1995, with the first monitoring reports provided in 1996; the national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit renewal is -due on- January 1, 2000.' Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Utility, Needed: Land Acquisition funds iind coristruction funds for projects shared with County. Potential: Manasota Basin Board and Southwest Florida Water Management District', County Stormwater Utility District. Reference Documents: City of Venice Comprehensive Plan; National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Sys- tern permit; Ordinances 95-12 and 96-60. Comments. 205 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan City of Venice Public Information 'and Education Contact Person: Don Caillouette Title: Planning Manager Agency/Organation City 'of Venice Mailing Address: 401 West Venice-Avenue, Venice, Florida 34285 Telephone Number:. 941-486-2626 FAX Number: 941-480-3031 E-mail Address:. [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1, FW-2, FW-3, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-D, FW-E, FW-F, FW-G, FW-L, FW-Q, FW-T, HA-k, wQ-B WQ-I Project Description: Assist lead agencies in public information and education. Strategy for Implementation: The City has the capacity to assist in the various programs described in the education objectives Besides the City's own workshops and speakers,bureau, the various City enforcement agencies have a public information function which is preferred to be used prior to enforcement is lessened if a consistent system enforcement of the law is expected and pursued. 'The need for enforcement is lessened if a consistent'system, of edu ation and information is provided. City staff has as part of their job descriptions providing informa- tion to the public and participating in public education,programs relevant to, their tasks, consistent with City priorities. This is not expected to be unique to the City of Venice. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator:' Medard Kopczynski, Director of Growth Management; Joseph Slapp, Chief of Police. Other Project Partners: Any agency with a public information component that involves partnering with cities. Geographic Area: City- of Venice, Ex ected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction in enforcernent actions which -increasing voluntary com- Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction in enforcement actions which increasing voluntary com- pliance with objectives. Project TiMeline/Schedule: Ongoing: Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Specific to any program underway; general operating budget. Needed Potential: Reference -Documents: City of Venice Comprehensive Plan. Comments: 206 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Venice Intracoastal Waterway Park Contact Person: Don Caillouette Title: Planning Manager Agency/Organization: City-of Venice Mailing Address,: 401-West Venice Avenue,. Venice, Florida 34285 Telephone Number: 941-486-2626 FAX Number: 941-480-3031 Email Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-P, FW-R, FW-S Project Description: The Intracoastal Waterway divides the City into two parts as the waterway connects Dona and Roberts Bays to the north with Lemon Bay to the south. The current. waterway design is as -an engineering, work' for navigation' with little attention to aesthetics, water quality or recreational multi opportunities. The opportunity to improve shoreline and_submerged lands for aquatic habitat is provided through the increased attention being given to City-planning for this area. Strategy for Implementation: The City is expecting to undertake an enhanced role in the development of. the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) waterway as a linear park. Part of the activities will be determined further as the City proceeds with its sector planning -for the Venice. Central area. The priority actions reference(FW-P, FW-R, FW-S) provide further detail that the City will try to accommodate through partnering with the Charlotte Harbor NEP. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Medard Kopczynski, Director of Growth Management. Other Project Partners: Sarasota County; Florida Departmen t of Environmental- Protection, West Coast Inland Navigation District., Geographic Area: City of Venice.- Expected Benefits. and/or Drawbacks: The benefit is through increased habitat in an artificial waterway. Drawbacks lie in the continued require rents for navigation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status-: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potential Reference Documents: City of Venice Comprehensive Plan., Comments: 207 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Venice Wastewater Reuse Contact Person: Don Caillouette Title: Planning Manager Agency/Organization: City of Venice Mailing Address:,, 401 West Venice Avenue, Venice, Florida 3 4285 Telephone Number: 941 486-2626 FAX Number: 941-480-3031 E-mail Address: [email protected] -Quantiflable Objectives Addressed: HAl,HA-2,HA-3,HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D, WQ-p Project Description: Expansion of the use of wastewater effluent from the sanitary sewer plan for irrigation purposes and for water quaiity improvement. Strategy for Implementation: The Public Works Director is the person/agency charged with the responsi- bility for the sanitary sewer system. The system (two separate plants) depends upon wastewater reuse, prima- rily for irrigation- at golf courses, Venice Airport open space, residential properties, and I"hay.crop" spray fields. Permitted reuse capacity varies throughout. the area, with a peak of 2.95 million gallons per day (both plants combined);, there is a storage,area for peaks that may exist beyond permitted irrigation evels; once peaks subside, the stored water is treated and then reused. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator:' Larry Heath, Public Works Director Other Project Partners: Sarasota-County (2002). Geographic Area: City of Venice. Groundwater systems that contribute to the Gulf of Mexico, West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) canal, and Dona and Roberts Bay. Curry Creek is an approved outfall for- one plant during wet weather conditions. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improved water quality and reduction in demand for water resources. Aging through leads' to increased infiltration into the system. Project Timeline/Schedule: The- City established its Utility. in 1960 (through -purchase of private utility.), The City 201 plan was approved in 1987, its Level Of Service (LOS), established in 1989, and its concurrency management ordinance went into in 1994. By 2001 the 20 year plan for recycling will be developed reuse wilt be expanded as'supply allows, and. the aging island treatment plant will-be phased out by 2002 in conjunction, with Sarasota County plant expansion. Status: In progress'. Resources/Funding Available: Utility fees-. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: City.- of Venice Comprehensive Plan, Sanitary Sewer Element. Comments: 208 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Hydroperiod Restoration Contact Person Name: Don Caillouette Title: Planning Manager Agency/Organization: City of Venice Mailing Address: 401 West Venice Avenue, Venice, Florida 34285 Telephone Number: 941/486-2626 FAX Number: 941/480-3031 E-mail Address-. [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA- 1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed,: HA-F Project Description: Natural drainage pattern re-engineering Blackburn Canal-Shakett Creek, Curry Creek, and Hatchett Creek watersheds. Strategy for Implementation:_ The major strategy for this issue requires coordination. Within the City, this primarily involves coordinating the stormwater utility with the transportation element. For Blackburn Canal which is outside of the City, the City will act as an advocate for restoration within the County's planning -framework. For the basins, shared with the County, a coordinated stormwater plan Will be needed, and is expected to be in the form of an interlocal agreement. An updated study of the impacts of channelization on natural drainage, coordinated with Sarasota county and the Southwest FloridaWater Management -District (SWFWMD),is expected by 2000. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Pat Collins, City Engineer; Medard Kopczynski, Director of Growth Management. Other Project Partners: Sarasota County and Southwest Florida Water Management District. (SWFWMD). Geographic Area: City of Venice,Artificial watershed of Blackburn Canal-Shakett Creek; Curry, and Hatchett Creek. Expected- Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improved water quantity flows, 'Coordinated with improved, reten- tion for restoring the hydroperiod. Project Timelhie/Schedule: Status: Ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: Utility fees. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: City-of Venice Comprehensive Plan. Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Venice Well Plugging Contact Person: Don Caillouette Title: Planning Manager Agency/Organization: City of Venice Mailing Address: 401 West Venice Avenue, Venice Florida, 34285 Telephone Number: 941-486-2626 FAX Number: 941-480-3031 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-G Project Description: Identification of abandoned wells in the Venice Area. Once identified, abandoned wells are reported to the Southwest Florida Water Management District for inclusions in the District's well plugging program. Strategy for Implementation: The major strategy for this issue requires coordination with Sarasota county and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in a well plugging program. Such a program has been udnerway, but success has not been achieved in restoring quality to groundwater sources. The program needs to continue, in order to identify additional leaking wells and to examine additional strat- egies for groundwater recovery. As such wells are discovered, notice is provided to SWFWMD. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Larry Heath, Public Works Director. Other Project Partners: Sarasota County, Southwest Florida Water Management District, United States Geological Survey. Geographic Area: City of Venice. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improved groundwater quality; reduction in sources of intrusion. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Funding is provided through Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: City of Venice comprehensive Plan. Comments: 210 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Venice Expansion of Sanitary Sewerage Contact Person: Don Caillouette Title: Planning Manager Agency/Organization: City of Venice Mailing Address: 401 West Venice Avenue, Venice, Florida 34285 Telephone Number: 941/486-2626 FAX Number: 941/480-3031 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-F, WQ-G Project Description: Expansion of sanitary sewers to replace septic tank systems in unserved areas. Strategy for Implementation: The City has very few properties served with septic tanks, and these are in older areas slated for redevelopment. There are enclaves of unincorporated County lands within the City that are served by septic tanks. The City repeatedly offers to serve these lands with sanitary sewer service, contingent upon their annexation. The City is also capable of serving some of the surrounding lands, with the same type of agreement. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Larry Heath, Public Works Director. Other Project Partners: Sarasota County. Geographic Area: City of Venice, and unincorporated enclaves. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improved surface water quality, reduction in human health risks directly and through contact with groundwater fed surface water bodies. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Sanitary Sewerage Utility. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: City of Venice Comprehensive Plan. Comments: 211 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Clean Marina Program (CMP) Assessment Contact Person: Bruce Boler Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-Q Project Description: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Pollution Prevention Program (P2) and Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) programs are available to provide pollution prevention assessments and technical assistance to marinas and information to users upon request. Pollution prevention means the steps taken by a potential generator of contamination or pollution to eliminate or reduce the contamination or pollution before it is discharged to the envi- ronment. Strategy for Implementation: The Clean Marina Program (CMP), a statewide, multi-agency/ industry program launched in early 1999, will assist marinas in improving the environmental qual- ity of Florida's waterways through: Education and Awareness Award recognition Marina Environmental Measures incentive grants Marina self-audits "Clean Marina" designation Boatyards will be included in 2000. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will also support these efforts through: Pollution Prevention assessments Technical Assistance Coordination of marina permit processors and sovereign submerged lands authorization staff with South District Environmental Resource Permitting staff and Department of Environmen- tal Protection (DEP), Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources (BSLER). The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), now working with the appropriate local agen- cies (local tanks program, emergency response, fire departments, sewer departments, etc.) will: Evaluate marina and port fueling facilities reporting landward-source petroleum discharges Require appropriate corrective actions. Make every reasonable effort to identify sources of discovered ongoing discharges to surface waters. Work with the responsible party to contain, remove and abate the discharge. 212 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Laura Comer, Pollution Prevention (P2) Pro- gram, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) South Disrict. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Pollution Prevention (P2) Program (Julie Abcarian, Tallahassee); DEP Clean Marina Program, Waterways Management, Law Enforcement (Jan DeLaney, Tallahassee); DEP South District, Ecosystem Management (Bruce Boler); DEP South District Environmental Resources Permitting (Lucy Blair); DEP South District Waste Management (Phil Barbecue); DEP Tanks (Mike Sole, Tallahassee); DEP Bureau of Sub- merged Lands and Environmental Resources (BSLER) (Doug Fry, Tallahassee); Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) Education and Outreach; Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA); Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Marine Industry Association of Florida (Bob Kin); Florida Manufacturing and Technology Centers (MTCs), Bonita Springs; Local Marina Operators/Users; Marina Operators Association of America; Florida Sea Grant Program; Small Business Development Centers (SBDC); Local Governments. Geographic Area: Statewide, including the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction of toxic contaminants to the NEP area. Project Timeline/Schedule: Development started in 1996; implementation is to begin early in 1999. Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant for development and implementa- tion; the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is to assist in production of materials. The Environmental Integration Services Program (EISP) was funded via a National Institute of Stan- dards and Technology (NIST) matching grant through 1998. Needed: Potential: The Manufacturing & Technology Center (MTC) will be looking at program fees and other sources for future funding. Reference Documents: http://www.FDEP.state.fl.us/law/clean-marina. Comments: The Environmental Integration Services Program (EISP) appears to be a good model program that should be continued if successful; legislative approval of six pollution prevention engineer positions (one for each Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] District Office), starting in FY 1999, should enhance and facilitate pollution prevention (P2) stormwater pollution reduction objectives. Priority ranking of sites eligible for State funded restoration assistance is based on a threat to drinking water supplies, not discharges to non-potable surface waters (F.S. 376). The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), South District has no authority to raise or lower priority ranking score. Mike Sole, DEP Tallahassee, is the priority ranking contact person. 213 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Exotic Pest Plant Public Awareness Campaign Contact Person: Bruce Boler Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Project Description: The South District of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is producing a series of public service announcements which will educate the public regarding the problems associated with exotic pest plants. The viewers will be given a source for further information regarding how to eliminate the targeted plant species that are Brazilian-pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), Australian pine, (Casuarina spp.) and Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquinervia). Strategy for Implementation: Funding has been obtained to complete the production of the videos and to air them on local stations. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Gordon Romeis, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) South District, (941) 332-6975. Other Project Partners: Exotic Pest Plant Council; Agricultural Extension Service. Geographic Area: Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Public awareness of the cause and extent of the exotic pest plant invasion in Florida. The involvement of the public in the removal of exotic vegetation from private lands is a desired outcome of this project. Project Timeline/Schedule: The public service announcements will be completed by summer of 1999 with the initial television airing to take place immediately thereafter. Additional tapes will be distributed to other areas with the target plant species so that others will have opportunity to air them. It may prove beneficial to air the video series again in the local area however funding will have to be provided to accomplish this. Status: This project is currently in development. Resources/Funding Available: Sufficient funds for the public service announcement development and the initial airing schedule have been secured. Needed: Additional funds to air the spots for an extended period of time and to air them in other areas will be needed. Potential: Possible funding sources include: the water management districts (WMDs), Department of Envi- ronmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management, Agricultural Extension Service, Depart- ment of the Interior. Reference Documents: Comments: 214 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Florida Department of Environmental Protection Lakes Bioassessment Program Contact Person: Bruce Boler Title: Ecosystem Manager Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ1, WQ2 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-N Project Description: Sample lakes to determine best attainable biological integrity conditions within various eco-regions, for the purpose of developing biocriteria for assessing impairment due to non-point sources of pollution. Bioassessments involve field sampling of aquatic biological communities to characterize commu- nity structure in terms of diversity and pollution tolerance. They include measuring water quality indicators such as dissolved oxygen, evaluating habitat conditions and land use within the watershed, and determining the health of aquatic insect communities. To determine if a community has been negatively impacted by human activities, we compare its characteristics to those of the reference communities-those believed to be natural or relatively not impacted by humans. Strategy for Implementation: Lakes are sampled during two index periods (winter [February and March] and summer [August and September]). Different lakes are assessed each year. The following components are sampled: physicochemical water quality, sediments, fecal coliform, chlorophyll a, algal growth potential, phytoplankton and macroinvertebrates. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), South District, Punta Gorda Branch Office and Laboratory, Bob Rutter, Project Coordinator. Other Project Partners: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Geographic Area: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) South Florida District: counties include Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, and Monroe. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Bioassessment information will be available for a variety of lakes. The development of biocriteria for assessing impairment due to non-point sources of pollution in Florida lakes. Project Timeline/Schedule: The program began in 1994 and is ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Environmental Protection Agency. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Annual reports are prepared that present results and impairment ratings. Comments: 215 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Contact Person: Bruce Boler/Ron McGregor Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator/Environmental Manager Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: 941-332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-C Project Description: A number of stations within the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP) were sampled as part of the Surface Water Assessment and Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Strategy for Implementation: Quarterly sampling for physical-chemical parameters was conducted at the following sites: Caloosahatchee River at Alva; Caloosahatchee River at Redfish Point; Peace River at U.S. 41; Peace River off Colony Point; Charlotte Harbor at marker 1; Myakka River at market 8; Charlotte Harbor at mid harbor; Charlotte Harbor at marker 4; Lemon Bay at markers 36, 26, 17A, 11; Shell Creek at Washington Loop Road; Myakka River at Snook Haven and Border Drive; Oyster Creek at 775; Buck Creek at 775; Ainger Creek at 775; Gottried Creek at 776, Olman Waterway at Edgewater Drive; Elkam Waterway at Edgewater Drive; Pellam Waterway at Edgewater Drive; West Springlake at Edgewater Drive; Sunrise Waterway at Edgewater Drive; Horse Creek at SR 72; Peace River at SR 70; Peace River at Brownsville; Oak Creek at CR 634. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) South District, Punta Gorda Office, Ron McGregor, Project Coordinator. Other Project Partners: None. Geographic Area: Sites were scattered throughout the entire Charlotte Harbor watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Data contributed to the 305(b) report. Project Timeline/Schedule: Some stations have data back to 1975; most start in 1995 and end in October 1998. Status: Completed. Resources/Funding Available: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) South District. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) 305(b) Report. Comments: 216 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Alligator Creek Hydrological Restoration Project Contact Person: Robert W. Repenning Title: Environmental Specialist III Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserve Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33755 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5861 FAX Number: (941) 575-5863 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-C, FW-B Project Description: This project has the following goals: establish a wetland restoration plan for a 1,200 acre parcel on state buffer preserve lands and plan, design, and permit two demonstration mini projects to be implemented by the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic State Buffer Preserve (CHASBP). The Surface Water Improve- ment and Management (SWIM) Program of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) funded this project on state land. Strategy for Implementation: The contract has been awarded and permits have been obtained for the dem- onstration projects. These projects will re-isolate two isolated-wetlands by blocking drainage ditches that drain the area. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Robert Repenning. Other Project Partners: South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Geographical Area: Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve and east side of the Harbor south of Punta Gorda. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protection of a valuable wetland area. Project Timeline/Schedule: One ditch block was put in place during June 1999. The wetland has rehydrated and a normal slough reestablished. The final report will show drainage alterations to area. Status: In implementation phase. Resources/Funding Available: The project is funded by the South Florida Water Management District Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 217 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve Land Acquisition Contact Person: Robert W. Repenning Title: Environmental Specialist III Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserve Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33755 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5861 FAX Number: (941) 575-5863 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-S, FW-U Project Description: This land acquisition project was established to provide a buffer between upland development and open waters of the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve. Land acquired since 1978 has been added to the buffer preserve. Since October 1996, 1583 acres of coastal lands have been acquired by the state. The Buffer includes land donated by the Nature Conservancy. Lee County is acquiring, through their conservation lands program, land adjacent to the buffer preserve lands. Strategy for Implementation: Acquisition will continue under the Forever Florida Act. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Greg Brock, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of State Lands, Tallahassee is in charge of the acquisition program. Robert Repenning, program coordinator for the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve office is the local contact. Other Project Partners: The Nature Conservancy donated 226 acres to the project. Geographical Area: Land around Charlotte Harbor in Lee and Charlotte Counties and in Matlacha Pass. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Unwilling sellers on some parcels are precluding purchase. Project Timeline/Schedule: Status: In progress. Resource/Funding Available: Yes. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Conservation and Recreational Lands Program (CARL) Annual Report. Comments: 218 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve Management Activities Contact Person: Robert W. Repenning Title: Environmental Specialist III Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserve Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33755 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5861 FAX Number: (941) 575-5863 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-C Project Description: On-going management of the buffer preserve staff continue to remove exotic plants from native habitats. To date, nearly 100 acres have been cleared and this will continue. Work on hydrological restoration, fire management of uplands, and establishment of resource inventories are in progress. Strategy for Implementation: Inventory of the extent of the problem on the buffer preserve is ongoing, access to sites may require bridges which will require permits, monitoring of sites and re- treatment is ongoing. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve (CHASBP), contact same as above. Other Project Partners: Volunteers. Geographic Area: Approximately 38,000 acres of coastal lands in Lee and Charlotte Counties local watersheds of Matlacha Pass, Charlotte Harbor, and Gasparilla sound. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The drawback is a continued spread of exotic plant spe- cies. The benefit is the removal of exotic plants has allowed re-establishment of native plant com- munities. Project Timeline/Schedule: Active management of the Buffer Preserve began in 1982 with the hiring of the first manager and continues today. Status: In progress. 219 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resources/Funding Available: The yearly budget supports a work crew of six plus materials. The 1998-99 budget for the Buffer Preserve was $266,498 which supported seven field crew members and a biologist for the Buffer. Additional $88,000 was received for interim management of newly acquired land, as well as, $20,000 profit generated for the unit by the Little Pine Island Mitigation Bank. Level funding was obtained for the 1999-00 budget year. Some interim money and additional mitigation bank funds are to come this year but exact figures are not available. Needed: Several million dollar. The Cape Coral Unit alone has $976,000 worth of exotic work needed. Recently a contract was put out on clearing exotics from the Cape Coral Unit. The cost was $976,000. Only $100,000 was available for this project. Hydrological restoration projects are ex- tremely costly. Two small projects, funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), are "in the works" at a cost of $100,000. It is estimated that total restoration costs will be in the millions. Potential: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), water management districts (WMDs), and mitigation projects. Reference Documents: Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve Management Plan. Comments: 220 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Citizen Support Organization (CSO) The Friends Of The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. Contact Person: Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin Title: Public Outreach Coordinator, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Liaison Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserves Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5861 FAX Number: (941) 575-5863 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA, FW, WQ Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-I, WQ-N, FW-A, FW-B, FW-D, FW-E, FW-I, FW-K, FW-P, FW-S, FW-T, FW-U Project Description: The Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. (FCHAP) was incorporated in December 1998 as a non-profit Florida corporation, composed of a Board of Direc- tors and citizen members, which is under contract to provide support for the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves (CHASBP), in accordance with Section 370.0205 of the Florida Statutes. The purpose for which the corporation is formed is to preserve and maintain Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves areas in the greater Charlotte Harbor area including Lemon Bay, Cape Haze, Gasparilla Sound/Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, and Matlacha Pass through assisting in the implementation of Preserve resource management plans, publicizing the advantages of conserving and improving Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves, raising funds for preservation and management of the Preserves, and providing volunteers to aid in management activies. Volunteers will be able to participate in the following activities: resource monitoring, conducting guided nature walks, constructing and maintaining nature trails, removing exotic invasive vegetation, assisting with edu- cational programs and public outreach, and encouraging stewardship of the Preserves on the part of the general public. The Citizen Support Organization is organized for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes and shall operate in such a manner as will qualify it as a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves' mission is to support the protection, conservation, restoration, management, responsible public use, and the enhancement of the resources of the coastal and aquatic ecosystems of the Charlotte Harbor estuaries including Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound/Charlotte Harbor, Cape Haze, Pine Island Sound, and Matlacha Pass. Strategy for Implementatioin: Application for 501(c)(3) status will be pursued and a series of meetings will be held for the general public. Building a general membership, the establishment of local chapters (Lemon Bay, Englewood), Gasparilla Sound/Charlotte Harbor (Boca Grande, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda), and Pine Island sound - Matlacha Pass (Pine Island, Matlacha, Sanibel), etc., and fundraising activities will be implemented. 221 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve, Bob Repenning, Program Coordinator, Regis- tered Agent of the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves; Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin, Public Outreach Coordinator, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Liaison. Other Project Partners: Community groups, organizations, institutions, and government agen- cies involved in environmental protection. Geographical Area: Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota Counties; Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserve (CHASBP). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits to the community include the following: resto- ration of local environment, more unified voice in dealing with government, opportunities for citi- zen feedback and volunteer participation in projects, opportunities for local fundraising which may bring matching funds, education opportunities, and a greater sense of community. Citizen Support Organizations or "Friends" groups are a voice for the Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves within the community. They create links to the community, that benefit the community as well as the Pre- serves, i.e., increased public access and compatible recreational activities, in balance with resource protection. The Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves wilil also be an important ve- hicle for funding which may not be directly available to a government agency, and has the capabil- ity of obtaining additional support from the legislature. Project Timeline/Schedule: In January 1998, an introductory meeting was held for the general public which defined local interest and need. In February 1998, a Steering Committee was formed and members drafted a citizen support organization mission statement, goals, and objectives and officially names the citizen support organization during the March and April meetings. Articles of Incorporation were drafted, revised, and approved by the Steering Committee in April and May. By-laws were drafted and revised by a By-laws Subcommittee in June and July and approved by the Steering Committee in August. The Steering Committee nominated individuals to serve on the initial Board of Directors at the November 1998 meeting and elected the Board at the January 1999 meeting. The Board will convene in February. Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer) will be appointed and By-laws will be adopted. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Funds will be raised through membership dues. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 222 Gmervalron anc(irl(anayemen/ 596 Evaluation of Bioldgical/Physical Impacts of Anchorages Contact Person: Judy Ott Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinatof/Esiuary Resource Man- agement Coordinator Agenry/Ori4nization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & Buffer Preserves 12301 B 5- Mailing Address: urnt Store Rd., Punta Gorda, k-3395 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5863 FAX Number: (941) 575-596L E-mail Address: [email protected], Quantifiable Objectives Address6d,'WQ-1, WQ-4,-WQ-6, FW-2, FW@3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-B, WQ-B, WQ-C, WQ-D, WQ-Q, FW-D, FW-K, FW-R, FW-T, FW- V Project Description: The proposed project requires- a completed grant application and future grant support. The purpose of the projecimould be to determine a method for -evaluating baseline bio- logical and physical conditions,-at anchorages in the estuaries in the Charlotte Harbor National -Estuary Program against which potential cumulative effects of increased anchorage may- be dvalu- - ated. The resulting monitoring method would include the types of parameters,. methods, sampling locations and frequencies needed to adequately assess estuary -resource conditions. The specific monitoring, methods could be designed to as'sist'with gathering additional resource information needed to fill existing data- gaps. Additionally, the monitoring activities and results would be used to educate. the public. about environmentally respqnsible boating drta ah@_horing practices. Strategy for Implementation: Seek a'grant to support the proposed project to develop the method to evaluate potential biological ana physical impacts from anchorages. The proposed proje@t would reqdfre graduate student and -field technician support to conducta literature review, list current monitoring methods available, identify the@ most appropriate parameters and methods for evaluating estuary resource conditions, determine the'sampling locations' and frequencies, conduct initial moni- toring, and assist existing Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) public outreach staff with sharing monitoring activities ahd results with the boating community. Responsible Partner andProject Coordinator: De artment of Environmental Protection (DEP)l p Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & Buffer Preserves (CHA&BP)-staff, primarily Judy Ott. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff from the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve'offices and Estero Bay Aquatic & Buffer Preserves. Geographic Area: Potentially, Gasparilla. Sound, Charlotte, Harbor, Pipe Island Sound and Estero,' Bay. The monitoring activities may also be conducted within other areas of the Charlotte Harbor 9 &EP in the future; and could-be used aswell in'other,NEPs id-the southeastern U.S. 223 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include developing a protocol that could be used region-wide for assessing potential biological and physical resource impacts from increasing boat use and assessing existing baseline conditions a selected anchorages to measure potential future change against. Drawbacks include lack of secured support for the proposed project. Project Timeline/Schedule: One year from date grant support is secured. Status: Proposed. Resources/Funding Available: None. Needed: Approximately $45,000. Potential Reference Documents: Comments: Opportunities include developing a needed monitoring strategy that to date is not widely available, and to begin collecting baseline resource data on selected anchorages. Chal- lenges include securing the grant support for the project and managing the project if grant support is secured. 224 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve Public Education Contact Person: Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin Title: Public Outreach Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserves Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5861 FAX Number: (941) 575-5863 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA, WQ, FW Priority Actions Addressed: HA-J, WQ-B, WQ-N, FW-A, FW-B, FW-I, FW-S, FW-T, FW-U Project Description: Plans are in the initial organizational phase for the construction of a kiosk, for which the design and labor are to be donated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) volunteers as an in-kind service. Grant sources will be researched to provide the funds necessary for the design, creation, and production of professional interpretive panels that would be portable and interchangeable within the kiosk. Interpretive panels will illustrate and explain basic concepts central to understanding Florida ecology such as the land and sea connection, biodiversity and the importance of green corridors, food webs, fire ecology, endagered species and the preser- vation of habitat, and the threat of exotic, invasive pest plants to wildlife habitat. Guided nature walks, which were initially conducted for two seasons on the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve from November 1989, through May 1991 as a "A Walk in the Pine Flatwoods" and have continued under the direction of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), will be resumed in the fall of 1999 on newly opened trails of the Preserve and/or on recently acquired additions to the State Buffer Preserve. THe Little Pine Island "Walk in the Wetlands" program, initiated in February 1990 and scheduled through April 1991, will be resumed sometime in 2001 after Mariner Properties Development, Inc. has completed extensive wetland restoration, trails have been created, and public access is opened. Strategy for Implementation: See above. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves (CHA&BP), Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin, Pub- lic Outreach Coordinator, Bob Repenning, Program Coordinator. Other Project Partners: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Mariner Properties Develop- ment, Inc., Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP). Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve, Charlotte and Lee Counties. 225 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Visitors to the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve who examine the kiosk will be provided with several key ecological concepts and basic resource information which are important to southwest Florida. The kiosk and the interpretive panels will be designed with the following factors taken into consideration: attracting power, holding power, and teaching power. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn and to gain a better understanding of Florida ecological principles and the problems that threaten our natural resources. The effec- tiveness of the exhibit may result in visitors spending more time at the kiosk, becoming more involved with panel material, and greater recoil of the information presented. Those visitors who are residents (permanent or seasonal), may be motivated to take action and/or become involved in public participation with respect to local and regional coastal decision-making, resource manage- ment, and resource protection. Guided nature walks directly involve visitors and allow them to experience important Florida habi- tats such as the pine flatwoods, the high marsh, mangrove forest, and coastal hammocks. Visitors are able to see firsthand and learn about Florida ecosystems, fire ecology, and the role of the estuary in Florida ecology, etc. Guided nature walks provide greater public access and encourage respon- sible public access, in balance with resource protection and compatible recreational activities such as bird watching and kayaking. Visitors, particularly those who are residents, are more likely to develop a greater appreciation of the resources and are more likely to take action in support of resource management and resource protection. Project Timeline/Schedule: Planning for the kiosk and interpretive panels will be initiated at the end of July 1999. A manual for volunteer trail guides is currently being revised and will be com- pleted by the end of February. Status: Planned and in progress. I Resources/Funding Available: To be determined. Needed: To be determined. Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 226 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Public Education Programs Contact Person: Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin Title: Public Outreach Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & Buffer Preserves Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5861 FAX Number: (941) 575-5861 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA, FW, WQ Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D, WQ-B, WQ-F, WQ-N, FW-B, FW-D, FW-I, FW-P, FW-T Project Description: Two adult environmental education courses reaching the general public, and/or target resource user groups were conducted during the spring of 1997. Lemon Bay, Seashore Explore, a six-week seashore ecology course, explored diverse Florida habitats including barrier island beaches, tropical hard- wood hammocks, pine flatwoods, mangrove forest, and tidal creeks. Classes were held at a local public library on Monday evenings followed by Saturday morning field trips. Thirty-two area residents completed the course. The eight-week course, "Inshore Fishing" introduced the ecology of the estuary, detailing rela- tionships of life cycles and productivity of species such as mullet, snapper, and tarpon. Thirty-five residents from Cape Coral and Ft. Myers including several members of a local angler's club attended this course. These courses, were previously developed and taught twice through a 1995 Florida Advisory Council On Environ- mental Education (FACEE) Grant, awarded to the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR) in cooperation with Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve. These courses are very popular and are offered periodically. Resource protection through the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary, an informal presentation to area Coast Guard Auxiliaries, introduces Auxiliary members to the Aquatic Preserves and provides the instructors of the Boating Skills and Seamanship courses with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) educational materials emphasizing the importance of estuarine resources and what boaters can do to help protect seagrasses and other submerged resources, water quality, and, manatees. The courses, which are offered regularly, reach many new residents and boaters who are unfamiliar with our shallow, inshore waters and invaluable natural resources. KEEP IT CLEAN explores the land and sea-connection and examines the impact of non-point source water pollution and stormwater runoff on our rivers, estuaries, and watersheds. Individuals, homeowner, condo- minium and civic associations, service organizations, recreational target groups, students, and the general public are encouraged to take positive steps (in the household, the backyard, as waterfront property owners, in the community, and when boating, golfing, and engaging in recreational activities) toward becoming a "wa- ter-wise" community. KEEP IT CLEAN challenges all of us to share in the responsibility for managing Florida's protected coastal areas. An interactive slide presentation is followed by the distribution of an ac- companying seventy-page citizen's guide. Keep It Clean: A Citizen's Guide To Protecting Our Estuary, an Environmental Audit for Marine Educators, and Hands On Activities for students in Grades (K- 12). In 1996 several members of Waterway Estates, a North Ft. Myers homeowner's association of approximately 320 waterfront homes, conducted a successful door-to-door campaign with the goal of improving water quality, shoreline habitat, and submerged bottoms in canals located on the Caloosahatchee River. Keep It Clean books were hand-delivered by block distributors to homeowners as well as several commercial lawn care services. Individuals were urged to take actions that would have positive impacts such as encouraging the growth of mangroves and refraining from using the canals to dispose of grass clippings, citrus waste, and other organic matter. 227 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Strategy for Implementation: Adult Environmental Education courses are offered periodically. Resource Protection Through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and KEEP IT CLEAN presentations are available on request. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/Char- lotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves (CHA&BP), Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin, Public Outreach Coordinator. Other Project Partners: Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for the KEEP IT CLEAN Program; United States Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary for the Resource Protection through the USCG Auxiliary program. Geographic Area: Communities within Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota Counties. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Adult Environmental Education courses connect citizens to their local environment, enhance resource appreciation, and encourage participants to share in the responsibility for protecting our estuaries through individual actions and increased public involvement. Inshore Fishing and Resource Protection through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary target boaters and avid fishermen educating these two audiences on the adverse consequences of direct actions (prop dredging, marine debris, manatee collisions). Lemon Bay Seashore Explore, Inshore Fishing, and the KEEP IT CLEAN program ingrain an environmental ethic regarding impacts on water quality, estuaries, fisheries and wildlife caused by human activities (stormwater runoff, wetland development, dredging, etc.) Pre-tests, post-tests, and evaluations give an indication of knowledge gained, actions that individuals may take, and changes in attitude and behavior. There was an immediate, positive response to the KEEP IT CLEAN door-to-door campaign in Waterway Estates. Residents stopped throwing organic debris into the canals adjoining their homes. Organizers took their project a step further, distributing iin Florida Sea Grant publication What Responsible Boaters Can Do To Keep Florida's Waters Clean to a nearby marina located on the Caloosahatchee River. This educational campaign was highly effective because it was initiated by a concerned citizen who used a neighborhood- based strategy in the implementation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Lemon Bay Seashore Explore, April 28-June 14, 1997; Inshore Fishing, May 1-June 19, 1997; Resource Protection Through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was initiated in November 1997; KEEP IT CLEAN presentations were initiated in January 1993; "Friends and Neighbors of Waterway Estates Who All Share The Same Backyard", an educational campaign and door-to-door distribution of Keep It Clean A Citizen's Guide To Protecting Our Estuary to 320 waterfront property homeowners in North Ft. Myers, was conducted from October through December of 1996: Status: Ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 228 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Coastal Management Workshops Contact Person: Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin Title: Public Outreach Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & Buffer Preserves Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5861 FAX Number: (941) 575-5863 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW, HA, WQ Priority Actions Addressed: FW-R, FW-T, HA-K, WQ-B Project Description: A series of one-day training workshops are offered to environmental profes- sionals involved in planning, regulation, research, and resource management and to specific target resource user groups. Coastal management issues are the focus of the workshops. The format includes technical presentations by invited speakers, field training, and panel discussions. These workshops are based on those that were first modeled in Florida by Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR): Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves (CHASBP) sponsors two workshops per year in cooperation with the Florida Coastal Management Program. The goal is "To enhance informed decision-making on coastal issues by facilitating the exchange of technical information (basic and applied sciences) to audiences that have the resources and ability to influence the management of coastal resources." The CHASBP has sponsored the following six workshops: Seagrass Issues (July 19, 1996). Quantifiable objectives (QOs) addressed include the following: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3, FW-2, AND FW-3. Priority actions (PAs) addressed include the following: WQ-N, FW-K; the effect of light reduction on shoal grass and the problem of seagrass shading by docks were also discussed. Water Use in Southwest Florida (November 15, 1996). QOs addressed included the following: HA-1, HA-2, WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-6. PAs addressed included HA-A, HA-B, HA-C, HA-D, HA-E, HA-I, HA-K, WQ-B, WQ-E, WQ-G, WQ-N, WQ-P. Archaeological Resources (August 22, 1997). QOs addressed included FW-2 and FW-4; PAs in- cluded FW-A. Artificial Reefs (October 24, 1997). QO addressed was FW-2; PAs addressed included FW-P and FW-R. Reports From The Field (August 28, 1998). An overview of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program was one of the presentations at this open, invitational workshop. QOs addressed include the following: HA-3, Water Quality (WQ) Quantifiable Objective was addressed in general. FW-1, FW-2, and FW-4 were addressed. PAs addressed included HA-B, HA-H, WQ-B, FW-A, FW-C, FW-P, FW-S, FW-T, AND FW-U. 229 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Shellfishing (October 30, 1998). QOs addressed included WQ-1, WQ-4, and FW-2. PAs included WQ-A, WQ-E, WQ-F, WQ-G, WQ-N, and FW-R. Strategy for Implementation: Sponsor bi-yearly workshops in study area. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve, Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin, Public Outreach Coordinator. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA)/Florida Coastal Man- agement Program, Community Program Administrator. Geographic Area: Charlotte County, Punta Gorda, and Lee County, Ft. Myers. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Environmental professionals and individuals represent- ing various user groups complete evaluation forms and clearly identify the benefits of attending, workshops by listing short and/or long-term actions which they could implement based on the training. Networking opportunities and inter-agency coordination are significant benefits. Work- shops disseminate information, and in some cases have the potential to generate ideas and discus- sion which may result in policy changes towards better coastal management. Project Timeline/Schedule: The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve Field Office conducts two Coastal Management Workshops annually. They were initiated in July, 1996. Six workshops have been completed to date. Status: The 1999 Coastal Management Workshops are to be announced. Project on-going. Resources/Funding Available: The Florida Coastal Management Program. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 230 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan South Florida Coastal Ecosystem Restoration Initiative/Cape Haze Peninsula Melaleuca Removal Project/Education and Public Outreach Contact Person: Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin Title: Public Outreach Coordinator Agency/Organization: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5861 FAX Number: (941) 575-5863 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: An education and public outreach campaign was initiated in July 1997 and is currently in the second year. A professional display, the Threat of Exotic Pest Plants to Wildlife Habitat, was created by the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves (CHASBP) Field Office with funds provided by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), South Florida Coastal Ecosystem Program, Vero Beach. The display is exhibited for two-week periods in librar- ies, government buildings, college, and environmental and community centers in Charlotte, Lee, Sarasota, and Collier Counties. As of February 1999, it has potentially reached over 90,000 people. The display provides information and educational materials on controlling Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquinervia), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), Australian pine (Casuarina spp.), and less well known invasive species such as ear-leaf acacia as well as native landscaping information. Two exotic pest plant workshops were held for the public in the spring and fall of 1998. Those attending were introduced to lesser know invasives and exotic plant control measures on public lands. Area Pepper Busters joined agency staff and presented successful pepper control programs in homeowner associations and grass roots community campaigns. Strategy for Implementation: Workshops offered and display updated periodically. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin, Public Outreach Co- ordinator, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve. Other Project Partners: Kalani Cairns, Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish & Wild- life Service (USFWS), South Florida Coastal Ecosystem Program, Vero Beach Field Office. Geographic Area: Charlotte County (Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte), Lee County (Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Pine Island, and Bonita Springs), Sarasota County (Englewood), Collier County (Naples). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Through a continuing rotation of the traveling exhibit, "Threat of Exotic Pest Plants to Wildlife Habitat", residents are provided with background informa- 231 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan tion on the problems caused by exotic, invasive pest-plants and technical information on the iden- tification of plants and herbicide management. Native landscaping and butterfly gardening infor- mation is also distributed which may result in improved habitat benefiting wildlife. Staff track the amount of materials taken at specific locations. Evaluation surveys returned by individuals who view the display provide public feedback. Completed surveys indicate how individuals intend to use the information and what actions they have taken or plan to take to assist exotic plant control efforts. Those attending the exotic pest plant workshops include representatives of homeowner and civic associations and members of garden clubs who will further distribute the information, orga- nizing their own control projects and new "Pepper Buster" groups. Tbis public education campaign has also reached new residents who are unfamiliar with the problem. Individuals taking action in their own backyards, neighborhoods, and communities will contribute to the continued health of the public lands bordering the waters of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program study area. Project Timeline/Schedule: The display, "Threat of Exotic Pest Plants to Wildlife Habitat", was completed in June 1997. It has been displayed publicly since the beginning of July 1997. A Spring 1998 Exotic Pest Plant Workshop was held on April 4, 1998 followed by a Fall 1998 Exotic Pest Plant Workshop on December 5, 1998. Status: Planned public outreach includes the scheduling of two Exotic Pest Plant Workshops per year at different locations. The traveling exhibit is ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)/South Florida Coastal Ecosystem Program. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 232 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Aquatic Preserve Management Maps Contact Person: Judy Ott Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator/Estuary Resource Management Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & Buffer Preserves Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5863 FAX Number: (941) 575-5861 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-4, WQ-6, WQ-7, FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, FW-B, FW-D, FW-T Project Description: Resource management base maps are being developed for five of the Aquatic Preserve estuaries in the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary (NEP) using true color aerial photogra- phy provided by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Using aerial photography flown for seagrass mapping by the SWFWMD in 1995, "wall sized" photo mosaic maps of Charlotte Harbor/Gasparilla Sound/Cape Haze and Lemon Bay have been developed. Photo mosaic maps of Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass will be developed pending availabilty of aerial photography for the Lee County areas of the NEP. The cale of the aerial photos used for the resource base maps is 1"=2,000'. The scale is adequate to identify general locations of seagrasses, adjacent shoreline uses, tributaries, etc. and overlay locations of on-going and needed resource management activities such as water quality and seagrass monitoring sites, aquaculture and artifi- cial reef locations and resource problem areas, such as seagrass areas with heavy propeller scar damage. The maps serve as a visual reference for resource management needs and activites. The maps also are an effective educational tool which can be used to demonstrate on-going resource management needs and activities (such as areas of seagrass loss and damage due to boating im- pacts). Strategy for Implementation: Resource management aerial photo base maps were completed for Charlotte Harbor/Gasparilla Sound/Cape Haze and Lemon Bay in 1996. Development of resource management aerial photo base maps for Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass depends on availabil- ity of aerial photos in true color at a similar scale (approximately 1"-2,000') for the Lee County estuaries at un unspecified time in the future. Past efforts to extend the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) aerial photography flights for seagrasses in Charlotte County south into Lee County with assistance from the South Florida Water Management District have been unsuccessful due to constraints on coordinating contracting and funding. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & Buffer Preserves (CHA&BP) staff in Bokeelia, including Judy Ott, developed the resource management aerial photo base maps for Charlotte Harbor/Gasparilla Sound/ Cape Haze and Lemon Bay. The aerial photo used for the resource base maps were provided by Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)/Surface Water Improvement and Man- agement (SWIM) program staff in Tampa, including Dr. Ray Kurz, as part of the SWFWMD on- going seagrass mapping activities. 233 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Other Project Paftners: Potentially, South Florida Water Management District/Surface Water Improvement & Management (SWIM). Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, Cape Haze, Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve Estuaries and adjacent coastal areas. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include large scale visual representation of re- sources, management activities and potential resource problem areas that can be used for resource management and educational activities. Disadvantages include lack of aerial photography for Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass. Project Timeline/Schedule: Resource management aerial photo base maps for Charlotte Harbor/ Gasparilla Sound/Cape Haze and Lemon Bay were completed in 1996 and are currently being used for management and educational activities. Dates for completion of Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass base maps are undetermined and depend, on availability of seagrass aerial photography for Lee County, for which no support has been identified. Status: Resource management aerial photo base maps for Charlotte Harbor/Gasparilla Sound/ Cape Haze and Lemon Bay are already completed and being used. The status of the Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass resource base maps is undetermined because no support has been planned for flying, interpreting or ground-truthing seagrass aerial-photography for Lee County. Resources/Funding Available: No additional funding is needed for the Charlotte Harbor/Gasparilla South Haze and Lemon Bay resource management aerial photo base maps. Currently, no funding is available for the seagrass aerial photography for the Lee County estuaries of Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass. Needed: Approximately $5,000 - $10,000 would be needed to conduct the aerial photography flights, photo interpretation and ground truthing for the Aquatic Preserve estuaries in Lee County. Potential: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has conducted aerial photography flights, photo interpretation and ground truthing for seagrasses in Charlotte County approximately every two to four years since 1992. Several years in the past, the SWFWMD has offered to provide technical assistance for developing cooperative contracts with the South Florida Water Management District to extend the aerial photography and photo interpretation activities into Lee County, but to date, the extended coverage has not occurred. Reference Documents: No documentation is needed to create the photo mosaic resource manage- ment base maps. Protocols fqor the seagrass aerial photography, photo interpretation and ground truthing are available from the Southwest Florida Water Management District/Surface Water Im- provement & Management (SWIM). Comments: Opportunities include having consistent, uniform seagrass photography and resource management aerial photo base maps throughout the Charlotte Harbor NEP Estuaries. Challenges include coordinating grant, funding and/or contractual suppport between regional governmental agen- cies to support the uniform aerial photography flights, photo interpretation and ground truthing. 234 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Southwest Florida Anchorages Monitoring Contact Person: Judy Ott Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator/Estuary Resource Management Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & Buffer Preserves Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5863 FAX Number: (941) 575-5861 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6, FW-2, FW-3 Priority Action Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-Q, FW-D, FW-F, FW-G, FW-M Project Description: Initial, general site description and boating use information is collected for selected anchorages in the Aquatic Preserve estuaries in the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP). Within the NEP, there are 20 anchorages identified in the "Guide to Anchorages in Southwest Florida" developed by the Boaters Action & Information League, with support from the Regional Harbor Board. The primary function of the Regional Harbor Board is to develop and implement a non-regulatory approach to boat mooring and anchorage in southwest Florida. Begin- ning in 1995, each year three-to-four of the anchorages are monitored for water depth, bottom substrate, presence/absence of seagrasses, natigation markers, shore side services and number of boats present. To date, ten anchorages within the NEP have been monitored, including: Stump Pass, Boca Grande, Pelican Bay, Cabbage Key, Useppa, Matlacha, Roosevelt Channel, York Island, Sanibel West and Matanzas Pass. The information is used to make maps of the anchorages using Geo0 graphic Information System (GIS) capabilities. The maps are developed in a placemat format and used to educate boaters about safe and resource-friendly use of the anchorages. The information is also used to help identify additional monitoring needed to assess long-term resource conditions in and adjacent to the anchorages. Strategy for Implementation: The anchorage monitoring protocol was developed by Dr. Gus Antonini at the University of Florida and modified and implemented by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Regional Harbor Board. The anchorage monitoring is conducted by inter- agency staff from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Estero Bay Aquatic & Buffer Preserves (EBA&BP) and Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & Buffer Preserves (CHA&BP) and Charlotte County Sea Grant. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Dr. Gus Antonini, University of Florida. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/Estero Bay Aquatic & Buffer Preserve staff (primarily Heater Stafford); Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and Buffer Preserve staff (primarily Judy Ott); and Charlotte County Sea Grant staff (primarily Rich Novak). 235 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Geographic Area: Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, San Carlos Bay, and Estero Bay. Expected Beneifits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include base line, physical conditions, boating use and shoreline services at selected anchorages, education of boaters and identification of future resource monitoring needs. Project Timeline/Schedule: Initial anchorage monitoring in the NEP began in 1995, with three- to-four anchorages completed each year and three-to-four scheduled to be monitored in the fall of 1999. Status: Initiated in 1995 and on-going. Resources/Funding Available: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/EBA&BP and Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve staff, boat and equipment support will be available for the fall 1999 anchorage monitoring. For additional information, please contact Dr. Gus Antonini at the University of Florida. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: Opportunities include acquiring physical conditions and boating use at selected an- chorages, educating boaters and identifying future resource monitoring needs. Challenges include developing and implementing a long-term resource monitoring strategy for the anchorages as boat- ing use increases. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Buffer Preserve Three Lakes Nature Trail Contact Person: Robert W. Repenning Title: Environmental Specialist III Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserve Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33755 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5861 FAX Number: (941) 575-5863 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-B, FW-C, FW-T Project Description: This project is a public education and exotic plant removal project. The Three Lakes Trail will extend the available interpretive trails available to the public at the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer preserve and Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC). Fifty acres will be cleared of exotics and a three-quarter mile trail with interpretive signage will be created. Strategy for Implementation: Regulatory permits have been obtained and work begun on the project which should be completed by June 1999. Photo points have been established in the project area to document the work performed. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Char- lotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP) grant support, contact Robert Repenning. Hans Willson of Dexter Bender & Associates donated sign engineer drawings of bridges for the permitting. Other Project Partners: The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center has provided volunteer support. Hans Wilson provided the engineering design for the bridges and boardwalks. Geographic Area: The project is in the Alligator Creek Watershed in South Punta Gorda on State Buffer Preserve Lands. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Increased public awareness of the threat of exotic pest plants to Florida and clearing of 50 acres of exotic vegetation. Project Timeline/Schedule: The project is slated for completion by September 30, 1999. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: $32,357.50 Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: A copy of the permit for this project and grant scope of work is available from the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserve Office. Comments: 237 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN) Contact Person: Judy Ott Title: Ecosystem Management Coordinator/Estuary Resource Management Coordinator Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/ Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & Buffer Preserves Mailing Address: 12301 Burnt Store Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33955 Telephone Number: (941) 575-5863 FAX Number: (941) 575-5861 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2, WQ-1, WQ-4, WQ-6, WQ-7, FW-2 Priority Actions addressed: HA-B, HA-J, WQ-B, WQ-C, WQ-D, WQ-F, WQ-Q, FW-D, FW- T, FW-V Project Description: Through the Charlotte Harbor Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN), water quality is monitored once a month, synoptically, at 35-40 sites throughout the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP) Aquatic Preserve Estuaries by trained vol- unteers. On the first Monday of each month at sunrise, approximately 75 volunteers sample these fixed sampling sites for 19 physical, chemical and biological parameters. The parameters include: weather and water surface conditions, water and secchi depth, water temperature, dissolved oxy- gen, pH and color, chlorophyll, phosphorus, nitrogen, and fecal coliform bacteria. The chloro- phyll, nutrient and bacteria samples are collected in precleaned bottles by the volunteers and trans- ported to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) South District Laboratory in Punta Gorda for analysis. All other parameters are measured on site by the volunteers. The monitoring program has an approved quality assurance plan and field procedures manual. Volunteers receive initial classroom and field training and participate twice a year in quality assurance practices ses- sions. The data is available in on Access software. A fact sheet and display describing the monitor- ing program are available. The project study design could be modified in the future, within logisti- cal constraints for safe volunteer involvement, to include additional parameters needed to fill data gaps of concern to the Charlotte Harbor NEP. Strategy for Implementation: Continued agency support for volunteer recruiting, training and quality assurance activities is critical to sustain the water monitoring network. Coninued Depart- ment of Environmental Protection (DEP), South District Laboratory staff support is critical to sustain laboratory analysis of nutrient, chlorophyll and bacterial samples. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and NEP grants allowed for purchase of original field equipment and supplies for the volunteers and laboratory supplies and part-time staff assistance. A current NEP grant will allow for purchase of replacement field and laboratory supplies and part- time laboratory assistance through June 2000. A long-term support strategy for the Charlotte Har- bor Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN) will be developed during 1999. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)/ 238 Gs.,folle Xar6iar XalionalCizu -Y, 5,-3- '2&n eny, an Charlotte HarboT Aquatic & Buffer Preserves staff, primarily Judy Otf,* coordinate the overall Char- lotte Harbor Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN) program and grant, as well as the volunteers and monitoring activities in Pine Island Sound, andMatlacha Pass. Other Project Partners: Charlotte Harboi EnvironrAental Center (CHEC) staff, primarily Bobbi Rodgers, coordinate Charlotte Harbor Volunteer Water QualityMonitoring Network (CHEVWQMN)- volunteers and activities in Lemon Bay, and previously in n6rthem.Charlotte Harbor. Department of Environinentat Protection (D .EP)/ Charlotte Harbor Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Net- work (CAEVWQMN) staff, primarily 8etty- Gilpin, coordinate volunteers, and activities in northern Charlotte Harbor and assist with, laboratory analysis of samples. Department of Environmental 141 Protection (DEP) South District Laboratory staff, primarily Dave Winkler, conduct laboratory -analysis of samples.. Florida Department of Environmental Prot6ctiod (FDEP@/Estero Bay Aquatic & Buffer Preserve- (EBA&BPj staff, primarify Heather Stafford, coordinate Charlotte Harbor Volunteer Wa- ter Quali * Mopitorin activities in Estero Bay. ty g Network (CHEVWQMN) volunteers and Geographic Area: The 40 sampling sites are distributed throughout-the-NEP Estuaries and adja- tA cent tributary mouths, including: Lemon Bay, Gasparillz[ Sound,, Cape Haze, Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, San Carlos Bay pd Estero Bay, Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include widely distributed, monthly, synoptic, Jechnically sound; reasonably priced water quality data throughout the NEP..estuaries. . The data can be used to assess baseline w4ter quality conditions, potential problem 'areas, resource mana eme it T , r , needs and future monitoring needs. The water-monitoring network also provides significant-, vis- ible opportunities for ptiblic'involvemint,in resource monitoring and management activities, as well opportunities for developing a sense of community @iid stewardship. 17@e volunteeis and data also serve important educational Ifunctions f6r citizens'andele@cted officials. Drawbacks include the significant amount of -agency staff time needed to recruit; train and support the;volunteers and a lack of permanent support for supplies and std,ff. Project Timeline/Schedule: The Charlotte- Harbor Volunteer Water Quality Mqnitoring Network, (CHEVWQMN) evolved from volunteer Water monitoring in Lemon Bay that was begun -by Three 'Creeks Watch in 1992., In December t996, volunteer water monitoring'began in northern Charlotte Harbor, based on a similar protocol with modified field and training-procedures, with grant support to the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center from the, Southwest Florida Water Management Dis tfict (SWFWMD). Beginning in mid-1997, the volunteer water-monitoring program was expanded to include sites throughout the NEP estuaries,'a quality assurance plan and regular quality assurance practice sdssions. The expanded program is managed by the Department of Environmental Protec- tion (DEP)@Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer-Presierve Office with two grants from the'NER Aif annual report for the 1997 data was completed in early 1998. and an annual report -for the -1998 data is pending for sphng -1999. The NEP grant support lids been extended through June 2000 to allow for additional supplies to be purchased, data to be collected, and.reports'to be completed. Status: On-going, with curr6ni'quality assurance and field procedures, since-December 11996. Staff and funding support available through June 2000. -239.- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resources/Funding Available: Available staff support includes part-time Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) project management, volunteer coordination and laboratory support. Procured grants, includes NEP support for field supplies and part-time laboratory assistance for 1997-1999 ($24,000) and for 1999-2000 ($24,000). Needed: Long-term support for project management and volunteer coordination staff. ($45,000/ year) and field and laboratory supplies ($15,000/year). Potential: Reference Documents: Quality Assurance Plan, Field Procedures and First Annual Report for the Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network are available. Comments: The two most significant opportunities the Charlotte Harbor Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN) provides include: 1) development of a uniform, estuary wide water quality data base which, to date, has been lacking; and 2) the strong sqense of stewardship and community developed by the volunteer water monitors, as well as the wealth of knowledge the volunteers have shared with each other and the project managers. The biggest challenge is the amount of time and energy project and grant management and volunteer coordination activities require. 240 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Don Pedro Island State Recreation Area Contact Person: Chris Becker Title: Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/Division of Recreation and Parks Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: Management of a 180-acre barrier island site on Charlotte Harbor in Charlotte County. Natural communities include marine unconsolidated substrate (beach), beach dune, coastal grassland, mari- time hammock, and developed sites. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities include invasive exotic plant removal and the use of prescribed fire on pyric communities. Resource monitoring includes a vascular plant reference collection, shorebird nest monitoring, sea turtle nest monitoring, pitfall trapping, and a vertebrate field obser- vation database. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) -Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP), Reginald Norman, Park Manager, Barrier Islands Geopark. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-Division of Recreation and Parks Tallahassee, Fran Mainella, John Baust, Dana Bryan; DEP Division of Recreation and Parks Osprey, Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief. Geographic Area: Don Pedro island on Lemon Bay. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include preservation of native habitats, exotic removal,, resource monitoring, nature study, public education and recreation. Project Timeline/Schedule: On-going. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Funding for State parks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year-to-year). Grant funding is also sought for specific projects. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Don Pedro Island State Recreation Area Unit, Management Plan, approved 1997; Chapter 258.001-157, Florida Statutes, Part 1, Parks; Park Brochure. Comments: See management plan. 241 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area Contact Person: Chris Becker Title: Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/Division of Recreation and Parks Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: Management of a 144-acre barrier island site in Charlotte County. Natural communi- ties include marine consolidated, marine unconsolidated substrate (beach), beach dune, coastal strand, mari- time hammock, estuarine/marine tidal swamp, and natural/developed sites. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities include invasive exotic plant removal. Re- source monitoring includes a vascular plant reference collection, shorebird nest monitoring, sea turtle nest monitoring, and a vertebrate field observation database. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-Depart- ment of Recreation and Parks (DRP), Reginald Norman, Park Manager, Barrier Islands Geopark. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Recreation and Parks Tallahassee, Fran Mainella, John Baust, Dana Bryan; DEP Division of Recreation and Parks Osprey, Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief. Geographic Area: Gasparilla Island, north of Boca Grande Pass: Gasparilla Sound in Charlotte Harbor. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include preservation of native habitats, exotic removal, resource monitoring, nature study, public education and recreation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Funding for State parks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year-to-year). Grand funding is also sought for specific projects. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area Unit Management Plan, approved 1997; Chapter 258.001-157, Florida Statutes, Part 1, Parks; Park Brochure. Comments: See management plan. 242 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Stump Pass State Recreation Area Contact Person: Chris Becker Title: Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)/Division of Recreation and Parks Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2549, Fort Myers, FL 33902-2549 Telephone Number: (941) 332-6975 FAX Number: (941) 332-6969 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: Management of a 245-acre barrier island site (213 upland acres and 32 submerged acres) on Lemon Bay in Charlotte County. Natural communities include marine unconsolidated substrate (beach), beach dune, coastal strand, maritime hammock, estuarine tidal swamp, and ruderal sites. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities include invasive exotic plant removal. Re- source monitoring includes a vascular plant reference collection, shorebird nest monitoring, sea turtle nest monitoring, and a vertebrate field observation database. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP), Reginald Norman, Park Manager, Barrier Islands Geopark. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Recreation and Parks- Tallahassee, Fran Mainella, John Baust, Dana Bryan; Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Divi- sion of Recreation and Parks-Osprey, Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief. Geographic Area: Manasota Key on Lemon Bay. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include preservation of native habitats, exotic removal, resource monitoring, nature study, public education and recreation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Funding for State parks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year-to-year). Grant funding is also sought for specific projects. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Port Charlotte Beach (Stump Pass) State Recreation Area Unit Management Plan, approved 1997; Chapter 258.001-157, Florida Statutes, Part 1, Parks; Park Brochure. Comments: See area management plan. 243 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Myakka River State Park Contact Person: Chris Becker Title: Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recre- ation and Parks Mailing Address: 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229 Telephone Number: (941) 486-2053 FAX Number: (941) 483-5941 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 and FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A and FW-T Project Description: Management of a 36,953-acre site (28,704 trustees: 8,249 Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in the Myakka River watershed in Sarasota and Mapatee Counties. Natural communities include dry prairie, mesic flatwoods, prairie hammock, scrubby flatwoods, basin swamp, baygall, depression marsh, dome, floodplain marsh, hydric hammock, river floodplain lake, blackwater stream, and ruderal/developed sites. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities include invasive exotic plant removal, use of prescribed fire in pyric communities, restoration of dry prairie, and restoration of hydrology. Resource monitoring includes wetland hydrology, vegetation monitoring (pre and post burn), surficial aquifer, vascular plant reference collection, gopher tortoise survey, rain gauges, river gauge, and a vertebrate field observation database. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Division of Recreatioin and Parks (Robert Dye, Park Manager). Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Recreation and Parks (Fran Mainella, John Baust, Dana Bryan - Tallahassee), Florida Department of Environmental Protection Divison of Recreation and Parks (Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief, Osprey). Geographic Area: Myakka River basin in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include preservation of native habitats, exotic removal, resource monitoring, nature study, public education and recreation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding: Available: Funding for state parks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year-to-year). Grant funding is also sought for specific projects. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Myakka River State Park Unit Management Plan, draft 1999: Chapter 258.001-157. Florida Statutes, Part 1, Parks: Park Brochure. Comments: See management plan. 244 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Beker B (Wingate Creek) Contact Person: Chris Becker Title: Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recre- ation and Parks Mailing Address: 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229 Telephone Number: (941) 486-2053 FAX Number: (941) 483-5941 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: Management of a 569-acre site on the upper Myakka River in Manatee County. Natural communities include sand pine scrub, mesic flatwoods, sandhill, xeric hammock, baygall, bottomland forest, depression marsh, and blackwater stream as well as ruderal sites. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities include invasive exotic plant removal and the use of prescribed fire on pyric communities. Resource monitoring includes gopher tortoise burrow sur- veys, a vascular plant reference collection, water quality monitoring, small mammal trapping, pitfall trapping, and a vertebrate field observation database. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Division of Recreation and Parks (Robert Perry, Park Manager, Manatee River Basin Geopark.) Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks (Fran Mainella, John Baust, Dana BRyan - Tallahassee); Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks (Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief, Osprey). Geographic Area: The Myakka River on State Road 64. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include preservation of native habitats, exotic removal, re- source monitoring, nature study, public education and recreation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding: Available: Funding for state parks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year-to-year). Grant funding is also sought for specific projects. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Beker Unit Management Plan, approved 1998; Chapter 258.001-157, Florida Stat- utes, Part 1, Parks. Comments: A tree die-off in Flatford Swamp (less than 1/2 mile downstream, and migrating towards the park) is a threat. Negative impacts from phosphate mining upstream are also a concern. 245 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Paynes Creek State Historic Site Contact Person: Chris Becker Title: Environmental Specialist II Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recre- ation and Parks Mailing Address: 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229 Telephone Number: (941) 486-2053 FAX Number: (941) 483-5941 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-T Project Description: Management of a 367-acre site on the upper Peace River in Hardee County. Natural communities include scrubby flatwoods, mesic flatwoods, scrub, xeric hammock, baygall, bottomland for- est, floodplain swamp, hydric hammock, seepage stream, and blackwater stream as well as developed sites. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities include invasive exotic plant removal and the use of prescribed fire on pyric communities. Resource monitoring includes gopher tortoise burrow sur- veys, a vascular plant reference collection, pitfall trapping, and a vertebrate field observation database. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Division of Recreation and Parks (Chuck McIntire, Park Manager). Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreational and Parks (Fran Mainella, John Baust, Dana Bryan - Tallahassee); Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks (Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief, Osprey). Geographic Area: Peace River Watershed, Bowling Green. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include the preservation of native habitats, exotic removal, resource monitoring, nature study, public education and recreation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding: Available: Funding for state parks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year-to-year). Grant funding is also sought for specific projects. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Paynes Creek Unit Management Plan, approved 1998; Chapter 258.001-157, Florida Statutes, Part 1, Parks; Park Brochure. Comments: Negative impacts from phosphate mining upstream are a concern. 246 GSarfolfe Aar&r Xafionaf 6sluary Drall CompreSenime Conjervalion, and'Arana an _qemenl 9Y Myakka Wild and Scenic River Contact Person: Chris Becker Title:. Environmental Specialist If Agency/Organization: Florida ]E@epartment of Environmental Protection, Division of Recre- ation and Parks Mailing Address:. 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, 1!, 34229 telephone Numbei: (941) 4f6-2053 "FAX'NuMberi: (941) 483-5941 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A , FW-B, FW-L, FW-Q, FW-T Project Description- The 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County was designated by the Florida Legislature as a Wild and Scenic River in 1985. This designation provides for the permanent preservation, management, and administration of the river by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Division of Recreation and Parks with the advice of the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council. Strategy for Implementation: Resource management activities -include invasive exotic plant removal on private and public land. Resource monitoring includes monthly wildlife surveys and water quality monitor- ing, -wading bird rookery monitoring, and a vertebrate field observation database@ Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks(Chris Becker, Environmental Specialis t 11) or Florida Departin ent of Environmental Protection, 3804 Coconut Palm Drive,- Tampa, Florida, 33619,tel. -811.3n44-6100 ext. 433.( Dian.ne McCommons Beck, Environmental Specialist II). Other Project Pairtners': Florida Department of Environmental,Protectiol Division of Recreation and Parks (Fran Mainelfa,' John Baust, Dana Bryan - Tallahassee); Florida D6partment of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks (Mike Murphy, District 4 Chief, Osprey); Florida Department of Environ- mental Protection Southwest District Sarasota County; Southwest Florida Water Management District; Friends of Myakka, Inc.'-, MyAU River Management Coordinating Council. Geographic Area: The Myakka River within the boundaries of Sarasota County. Expected Benefits and/or Drai@backq: Benefits include the protection of river resource values, native habi-, tats, exotic removal, resource monitoring, nature study, public education, andrecreation." .Project TimelinetSchedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Available: Funding for statepar-ks is appropriated by the State Legislature (it varies from year-to-year). Grant funding is also-sought for specific projects. Needed: Potent ia 1: Reference Documents.-258.501, Florida Statute, "Myak.@a River Wild and Scenic Designation and Presqrva- Oon Act"; Chapter 6213- 15, Florida Administrative Code; "Myakka River Wild and Scenic River Rule"A Myakka Vild and Scenic River Management Plan,. 1990 Brochure; Sarasota County's Myakka River Protection Ordi- nance No, 98-025; Sarasota County's Myakka River Protection Plan -247 Comments: Challenges include manatee protection, land conversion, tree.die-off in upper watershed, dredg- ing, and rule compliance. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Peace River Regional Water Supply Facility Water Use Permit Renewal Project Contact Person: Samuel S. Stone/Patrick Lehman Title: Facility Coordinator/Executive Director Agency/Organization: Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Mailing Address: 1645 Barber Road Suite A Sarasota FL 34240 Telephone Number: (941) 993-4565 (941) 316-1776 FAX Number: (941) 993-4568 (941) 316-1772 E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-A Project Description: Using 20 years of hydrobiological data collected on the lower Peace River upper Char- lotte Harbor, the Authority and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) determined that the existing schedule for the diversion of fresh water by the Peace River Facility needed to be revised. The existing diversion schedule at that time allowed diversion of Peace River water up to 10% if the river minimum was above 100 cubic feet per second (CFS) during March, April and May and above 130 CFS for the remaining nine months. Together Southwest Florida, Water Management District (SWFWMD) and the Authority evaluated the existing data and agreed to revise the diversion schedule to 130 CFS minimum flow for all 12 months. Strategy for Implementation: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) included the revised diversion schedule into the proposed water use permit (WUP) for implementation by the Author- ity. This permit was reviewed and accepted by the Authority. The permit also included the existing and an expanded hydrobiological monitoring program to monitor the effects of this revised diversion schedule. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Patrick Lehman was the project manager for the Authority and Sid Flannery for Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Other Project Partners: None. Geographic Area: The geographic area to be impacted by this project is the Peace River at Arcadia including the lower Peace River and upper Charlotte Harbor. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protect the Charlotte Harbor estuary. Help ensure that a proper amount of fresh water inflow is delivered to maintain a balanced and productive ecosystem. Project Timeline/Schedule: The permit renewal process was started in mid 1994 and was completed in March 1996. Implementation of the revised diversion schedule started in March 1996 and is on going. Status: On going. Resources/Funding Available: Funds are available from the Peace River Facility operating budget. Needed: None. Potential: None. Reference Documents: Water use permit (WUP) No. 2010420.03 and the Peace River Facility water use permit (WUP) renewal application dated 10/28/94. 248 Comments: None. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Peace River Water Authority Water Conservation Public Outreach and Education Program Contact Person: Samuel S. Stone/Patrick Lehman Title: Facility Coordinator/Executive Director Agency/Organization: Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Mailing Address: 1645 Barber Road, Suite A, Sarasota, FL 34240 Telephone Number: (941) 993-4565 (941) 316-1776 FAX Number: (941) 993-4568 (941) 316-1772 E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D, HA-I, HA-J, HA-K Project Description: Through tours of the Peace River Facility and a public speakers program the Peace River Water AUthority will make contact with school age children and adults to educate them about the treatment of water, resource management, minimum levels of various water bodies, and conservation of our water resources. Strategy for Implementation: 1. The Authority will advertise and promote tours of the Peace River Facility by way of the public media and in conjunction with our other member utilities. During those tours children and adults will be shown how water is treated, stores, and delivered to the public at the Peace River Facility. In addition the Authority will discuss the reasons and means to conserve water. The Authority will also participate in better water week, government day and other similar functions to educate the public about water treatment and water conservation. Civic organizations and adult community groups will also be contacted to suggest plant tours or a guest speaker to attend their organizational meetings so they can learn more about water resources. 2. This work will be accomplished by the use of videos, portable displays, brochures, and public announcements through the media. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Sup- ply Authority, Environmental Affairs Coordinator, Samuel Stone. Other Project Partners: Sarasota County, North Port, Charlotte County, and DeSoto County util- ity departments; Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Charlotte Har- bor Environmental Center. Geographic Area: The geographic area to be impacted by this project is the lower Peace River basin in DeSoto County, Charlotte Harbor proper and the Myakka River Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protect the Charlotte Harbor estuary. Improve the public's knowledge about water resources and reduce public use thereby helping to ensure that a proper amount of fresh water inflow is delivered to maintain a balanced and productive ecosystem. Project Timeline/Schedule: Some of this work is already ongoing but this effort will be expanded greatly by the Authority beginning in November 1999. Once started, this program should continue for years to come. 249 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: Currently this expanded program is in the planning stages, but should be well underway by November 1999. Resources/Funding Available: Funds are available from the Peace River Facility operating budget. Needed: None. Potential: None. Reference Documents: None are available at this time. Comments: None. 250 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive and Management Plan Peace River Water Quality Monitoring Project Contact Person: Samuel S. Stone/Patrick Lehman Title: Facility Coordinator/Executive Director Agency/Organization: Peace River/Manasota-Regional Water Supply Authority Mailing Address: 1645 Barber Road, Suite A, Sarasota, FL 34240 Telephone Number: (941) 993-4565 (941) 316-1776 FAX Number: (941) 993-4568 (941) 316-1772 E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-2 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-D Project Description: Sample the Peace River and its major tributaries on a monthly basis. Analyze the data on an annual basis to develop trends and determine pollutant loads being delivered to the Charlotte Harbor estuary. Sam Stone is project coordinator for the Authority, whereas Alton Cheatham is the project manager for the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, and Gerold Morrison is in charge of data analysis and reporting while working for the Department of Environmental Protec- tion (DEP). Strategy for Implementation: Samples from eleven stations are collected from the Peace River basin on a monthly basis. These stations are located as far north as the Peace Creek and down- stream to Shell Creek, primarily where the U.S. Geological Survey gauging stations are located. Twenty different parameters are analyzed, including nutrients. Annually these data are evaluated, analyzed to determine any trends and to establish pollutant loads for possible future modeling ef- forts. Data are then made available to regulatory agencies and scientist through reports and storet and to the public through educational programs. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Environmental Affairs Coordinator, Samuel Stone. Other Project Partners: Peace River and Manasota Basin Boards, Southwest Florida Water Man- agement District (SWFWMD) agricultural ground water quality monitoring program (AGWQMP), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Ecosystem Management and the Charlotte Harbor NEP are currently cooperating on this project. Geographic Area: The Peace River basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Provide a long-term water quality database in order to determine pollutant loads and future total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). Encourage greater inter- agency cooperation and educate the public through field trips and lectures. Project Timeline/Schedule: This project is half way through its second year and funding is being obtained for year three. Status: In progress. 251 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resources/Funding Available: Funds are available from the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority, Charlotte Harbor NEP, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center and the Peace River and Manasota Basin Boards. Needed: None. Potential: None. Reference Documents: Charlotte Harbor NEP Early Action Demonstration Project Application. Comments: None. 252 Drafl Compresepike Conseroalion al7d'Aranayemenl A6 Peace River Hydrobiological Monitoring'Program (HBMP) Contact Person: Samuel S. Stone/Patrick Lehman, Title: Facility Coordinator/Executive.])irector Agency/Organization: Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Mailing Address: 1645 Barber Road,.Suite A, Sarasota FL 34246 Telephone Number:. (941) 993-4565 (941)3 16-1776 JAX Number: (941) 993-4568 (941) @1671772 E-m ail Add Iress:- [email protected]. [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed., WQ-2 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-D Project Description: Monitor withdrawals from the Peace River, evaluate ecological relationships to fr@ksh- water inflows, and monitor water quali!y and biological variables to determine if ecological changes are, occurring and are related to changes in fresh water inflows. Strategy for Implementation: Sample sixteen fixed station locations; four moving salinity based stations and collect nursery fish �ampies on a monthly basis. -Every'two years, perform first and last vegetation surveys, transect vegetation- surveys at three locations and aerial photo interpretation for vegetation commu- nities@ ' The b6nthic studies are accomplished based on various. river flow conditions over a two or three-year period. All these data,are reported to the District on an annual basis. A.y&ar three,and year five summary 4 report is provided to the bistrict containing the results of a thorough analysis of the data forfrends as it relates to the withdrawal of fresh water-from the Peace RiVer. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Peace.River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Environmental Affairs Coordinator, Samuel Stone. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water ManagementWtrici (SWFWMD) and the U.S. Geolo i '91- cal Survey (OSGS) are other,project partners. Geographic Area: The lower Peace River and upper Charlotte'Halrbor. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Pr6vide a long-terin water quality,database in order to-determine future total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and determine the impacts of fresh water withdra@vals. P ject Timeline/Schedule: This project has been underway since 1976 and is expected to -continue at least rol through the year 2016. Status: In progress. Resources/IFunding Available: Funds are dvailable'from the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority, U.S. Geo- y logical Survey and Southwest Florida Water Management District (SViFWMD)., Needed: None. Potentiaf: None. Reference Documents: Peace River facility wker use pen-nit (WUP) No. 2010420.03. -Comments: None., 253 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The Peace River Water Authority's Regional Transmission Pipeline Educational Trails Contact Person: Samuel S. Stone/Patrick Lehman Title: Facility Coordinator/Executive Director Agency/Organization: Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Mailing Address: 1645 Barber Road, Suite A, Sarasota, FL 34240 Telephone Number: (941) 993-4565 (941) 316-1776 FAX Number: (941) 993-4568 (941) 316-1772 E-mail Address: [email protected] or [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-T Project Description: As part of the Peace River Option, a new regional transmission pipeline will be constructed from the Peace River Facility in DeSoto County to the Carlton Water Treatment Facility in Sarasota County. Running parallel to this new pipeline and other existing pipelines, the Authority is planning to include a trail for public use and include on this trail areas that could be used for habitat education of the public. Strategy for Implementation: The new regional pipeline will be constructed for a distance of about 23 miles passing through several different types of habitat. In some cases the habitat will minimally be disturbed but some other types will require mitigation. In addition to the new pipe- line, existing pipelines currently extend about seven miles toward the Port Charlotte area. Using multiple signs at selected habitat locations, the Authority could describe the habitats, their benefits, and in some cases, the methods used to replace or repair these habitats after construction. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Environmental Affairs Coordinator, Samuel Stone. Other Project Partners: None at this time. Geographic Area: The lower Peace River and Myakka River basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Provide a long-term public educational demonstration project showing the importance of different habitats, teaching the public how to identify different habitats and how habitats can be restored or repaired after construction. Project Timeline/Schedule: This project could begin at the planning stage in mid - 1999 and be completed in mid 2001 with ongoing maintenance occurring as needed indefinitely. Status: Currently in the early planning stages. Resources/Funding Available: Funds are available from the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority. 254 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive COnservation and Management Plan Needed: Unknown. Potential: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Department of Trans- portation, Department of Environmental Protection, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, North Port, Sarasota County, Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Charlotte County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Charlotte Harbor NEP. Reference Documents: None. Comments: None. 255 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Water Conservation Program Contact Person: Karen E. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantiflable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-K, WQ-B Project Description: Various public education programs and material on responsible water use, water resources, and water conservation. Strategy for Implementation: 1. Continue to regulate, through County ordinances, the installation of water conservation equip- ment on all new construction, mandatory, water use restrictions, and mandatory installation of rain sensor devices on all new and existing lawn sprinkler/irrigation systems. 2. Continue to use an inverted utility rate structure, which charges significantly higher rates for above normal water consumption. 3. Continue educational programs on water conservation for school-age children, including spe- cial presentations, a water conservation poster/contest, grants for educational water-conserv- ing gardens at schools, teacher training, etc. 4. Continue distribution of existing public awareness materials, such as "Sensible Sprinkling, Water Conservation for Sarasota County," "The Water Wheel," "Your Guide to Home Water Conser- vation," "The Sarasota County Water Conservation Calendar," the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) "Plant Guide," and water conservation bulletins from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), such as "Fifty Five Facts, Figures, and Follies of Wateer Conservation. 5 Continue to have water conservation exhibits at public events, such as the Sarasota County Government "EXPO." 6. Continue to provide proactive customer services, such as contact about an unusually high bill (could be the result of a leak), residential customer water audits, and conservation information as bill inserts and messages on bills. 7. Continue to participate in the Water Conservation Speakers Bureau, and work in partnership with the Sarasota County Extension Service and the Florida House Learning Center. 8. Continue the water efficient toilet (WET) rebate program to promote the replacement of high- volume toilets with a 1.6-gallon or less per flush. 9. Continue to distribute leak-detecting dye tablets with water conservation information at special events. 10. Continue to retrofit County facilities with water-saving toilets, lavatories, and showerheads. 256 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Sarasota County Utilities (941) 316-1546. Other Project Partners: N/A. Geographic Area: Sarasota County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Responsible use and protection of the County's water resources. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: N/A Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Various County brochures, presentations, and other educational materials. Comments: N/A. 257 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expansion of the Reuse Distribution System Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-3 Prioriy Actions Addressed: WQ-P Project Description: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has helped pay for reuse transmission lines. SWFWMD has not paid for distribution lines. Reuse transmis- sion lines are now in place and SWFWMD funds are needed to make reuse economically available by constructing distribution lines. Targeted uses are not yet identified. Staff are currently review- ing options for the December 1999 cooperative funding cycle. Strategy for Implementation: Submit distribution line projects to Southwest Florida Water Man- agement District (SWFWMD) for cooperative funding. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lori Ann Carroll, Reuse Coordinator, Sarasota County Utilities (941) 316-1526. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Geographic Area: Sarasota County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Make reuse economically feasible, which will increase customers. Project Timeline/Schedule: December 1999 is the next cooperative funding cycle. Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: To be determined. Needed: To be determined. Potential: Reference Documents: N/A Comments: N/A 258 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve and Pinelands Reserve Monitoring and Stewardship Programs Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Project Description: Resource Management Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources, is cur- rently responsible for the control of exotic/nuisance plant and animal species in permitted mitiga- tion areas and non-permitted natural areas in the Myakka River watershed. The Division imple- ments management plans that require exotic/nuisance species control for both the Carlton and Pinelands Reserves. Some of this management and maintenance is also done for compliance with Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Department of Environmen- tal Protection (DEP), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) permits on the Reserves and adjacent properties. Strategy for Implementation: Approved land management plans have been implemented for these County-owned properties. Exotic/nuisance plant control should be coordinated with adjacent prop0 erty owners for economy and effective broad-scale management. Sarasota County Natural Re- sources, Resource Management Division, sets annual goals for exotic/nuisance plant and animal removal based on the number of acres of habitat inspected for exotic/nuisance species, number of feral hogs removed, number of feral hogs remaining, and available funding. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Ron Van Fleet, Environmental Supervisor, Re- source Management Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources (941) 378-6142. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)(Myakka State Park), and private landowners, (especially ranchers and other agriculutralists). Geographic Area: Sarasota County area of the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area; T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve and Pinelands Reserve. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include a broad-scale approach for reduction of long-term maintenance costs, and control/impediment of rapid colonization of exotic/nuisance plant and animal species in natural areas. Project Timeline/Schedule: Exotic/nuisance plant and animal control on the Carlton and Pinelands Reserves continues in perpetuity; permit conditions require perpetual maintenance of permitted sites, even after agency sign off. 259 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Sarasota County budget. Needed: $500,000; this is an annual estimate that should decrease each year as the problem areas recover with native, desirable plants. Potential: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and potentially others. Reference Documents: Dredge and Fill, management and storage of surface waters (MSSW), and other permits from Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Depart- ment of Environmental Protection, and the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE); Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan (APOXSEE). Comments: Challenge to coordinate landowners that are not actively managing for exotics. Seed source for exotics on adjacent properties may be thriving. Some exotic animals, such as feral hogs, may be encouraged on adjacent properties. 260 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Sarasota County Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Program Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941) 378-6142 FAX Number: (941) 378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-5, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-D, WQ-E Project Description: Pollution Control Division will continue to ensure that discharges are in compliance with State rule. Forty stations segmented in Sarasota Bat (25 stations), Lemon Bay (5 stations), Upper Myakka River (five stations), and Lower Myakka River (five stations) are monitored monthly for the following water quality parameters: temperature, pH, salinity, specific conductance, biological oxygen demand, color, turbid- ity, total suspended solids, dissolved nitrate (NO2), dissolved nitrate (NO3), inorganic nitrogen (NO2+, NO3, N), dissolved and total ammonia, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, total Kjedahl nitrogen (TKN), total nitrogen (TN), orthophosphate, total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll-a, and secchi depth. Strategy for Implementation: Sarasota County Natural Resources currently monitors water quality param- eters at 40 stations segmented in Sarasota Bay (25 stations); Lemon Bay (five stations), Upper Myakka River (five stations), and Lower Myakka River (five stations). Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: J. Kent Kimes, P.E., Manager, Pollution Control Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources, (941) 378-6128. Other Project Partners: N/A. Geographic Area: Sarasota County; Sarasota Bay, Lemon Bay, Upper Myakka River, and Lower Myakka River. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefit: Data compilation to support establishment of total maxi- mum daily loads (TMDLs) for Sarasota County. This water quality monitoring program is geographically imcomplete. Drawbacks: Lack of monitoring data to support total maximum daily loads (TMDLs); total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) have not been established for Sarasota County. Corresponding flow data, tributary flow, and chemical analyses may be needed to determine total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Sarasota County program; Natural Resources budget is $125,000; Work is subcontracted out; Contract administration performed by County staff. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Data stored in EXCEL format. Comments: N/A 261 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Sarasota County Septic Tank Replacement Program Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-G Project Description: Replace septic tanks in Sarasota County with alternative on-site systems or connect to central sewer systems. Strategy for Implementation: Survey to determine septic tanks that do not meet current water- quality standards and rules. Determine the most economic means of replacing septic tanks that are not in compliance. Replace identified noncompliant septic tanks. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Hugh Henkel, Water Resources Coordinator, Utilities Technical Services, Sarasota County Utilities (941) 316-7992 Other Project Partners: State of Florida, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Federal Government. Geographical Area: Sarasota County; first priority areas is the Phillippi Creek area (not in the Char- lotte Harbor NEP study area). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction of sewage, bacterial, and nutrient pollution entering waters in Sarasota County from septic tanks. Cost of the program to the individual homeowners (hook-up fees, impact fees, septic system upgrade or replacement) is a drawback. Project Timeline/Schedule: Began in July 1998; completion of first phase by 2010. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: $30 million. Needed: $70 million. Potential: State of Florida, Federal Government. Reference Documents: N/A Comments: N/A 262 CSarfolleXarSar Xalionaf &Iua,@ 9. 1, !Z)-// Gomp"Smive Consero.2fion andAranayemeal _Aan Florida Yards and Neighborhoods, Program tontact Person: - Karen E Burnett, P.G. Title:' Manager, Resource Management Division, Agency/Organization: Sarasota C kounty Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota,,JFL 34232 Telephone Number: (941) 379-6142 FAX Number: (941) 378-6136 E- mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-3. Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-'I P@oject Description: Reduction of nonpoint source pollution from residential and commercial properties. Strategy for Implementation: In Sarasota County currently 1@7 "residents are enrolled in the Florida Yards 't-A and Neighborhoods Program; I Sarasota County yards arecertified as model Florid7a yards. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: 1. Kent Kimes, P.E., ManagerPollution Control Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources, (941) 378-6-128. Other Project Partners: Sarasota County Cooperative Extension Service' Sarasota Bay NEP. Geographic Area: Sdrasota County. N r6 Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction of nutrient loading in water bodies from runoff; reduction in the -use of fertilizers and pesticides; water conservation. Only the coordinator's position is currently funded through State funds. 'The program relies on grant funding from a variety of sources, and extensive volunteer assistance. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Avajlable: current grants from the Department of Environmental Protection, Environmental Protection Agency, the Southwest'Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Sarasota Bay NEP. Needed: N/A. Potential: State:fu.nds through the Universit@ of Florida; additional grants., Referince Documents: Publications.by the Sarasota County Cooperative Extension Service and the Sarasota, J3ay NEP. Comments- Sarasota County national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) Program in the Pol- lution Control Division is currently working with industrial facilities to determine peimit compliance, through a proactive inspection-program and educational activities. Public education is one of several elements man- dated by the Environmental Protection Agency NPDES permit held by Sarasota County.- The Pollution Con- tiol-Division maintains logs'and records of citizen complaints and pollution incidents.- Pollution Control provides 24-hour on-call response to pollution incidents and illicit discharges. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan South Lido Park Atmospheric Deposition Monitoring Station Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941) 378-6142 FAX Number: (941) 378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-O Project Description: Sarasota County Pollution Control Division is not the lead on this project; Sarasota Bay NEP contracted technical services, purchased equipment, and contracted for operation of the monitoring equipment with Mote Marine Research Institute. Strategy for Implementation: Pollution Control Division is available to assist in the study, design, and review of the draft report. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: J. Kent Kimes, P.E., Manager, Pollution Control Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources, (941) 378-6128. Other Project Partners: SArasota Bay NEP. Geographic Area: Sarasota County, South Lido Park, Sarasota Bay (not in the Charlotte Harbor NEP area), but the airshed is part of the study area. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Determine levels of pollution associated with atmospheric deposi- tion; identify sources. Data from this and other air quality monitoring sites will be modeled to predict the contributions of atmospheric deposition of nitrogen to area waterbodies. This data may be directly applicable to the Charlotte Harbor NEP area. A similar monitoring site located in the Charlotte Harbor NEP watershed would be beneficial. Project Timeline/Schedule: N/A Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Sarasota Bay NEP budget. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: N/A Comments: Pollution Control Air Quality Section staff can provide technical assistance. 264 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Habitat Improvement: Modification of Previously Hardened Natural Shorelines Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-B Project Description: Modify previously existing natural shorelines that have been hardened with vertical seawalls within aquatic preserves and adjacent riverine systems to improve habitat. 1) "Use of riprap and artificial reef structures along existing seawalls." Sarasota County Resource Protection Services does not encourage these habitat improvement activities for the following reasons: the Sarasota county Comprehensive Plan, under specific management guidelines for bay waters, the Myakka River, tidal marshes, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps, strictly prohibits filling. As such, any projects that have the effect of filling are recommended for denial under Sarasota County Ordinance No. 72-84, as amended, the dredge and fill ordinance. These proposals would include both the placement of rock/toe scour revetments located waterward of any jurisdictional wetland boundary as determined under Chapter 62-340, Florida Administrative Code, and the placement of any artificial reef structures either on the waterbody floor or suspended from a dock or bulkhead. Over time, such suspended structures over the bay can be expected to succumb to the forces of mass and gravity, and settle on the bay bottom, resulting in filling. These artificial reef structures also fail to provide habitat for post-larval growth or will encourage "oyster beds" to be located at and within boat mooring areas. 2. "Develop public education and awareness programs." Sarasota County Government has pro- duced numerous handouts and brochures for public dissemination, including: the "Bay Repair Kit" and "Sharing the Shoreline, A Handbook for Coastal Residents." Continued effort should be made at every level of our public education system, including elementary, secondary, and college levels. 3. "Review and improve the existing permit process to reduce hurdles" and "Develop and encour- age incentive programs for private land owners." Sarasota County Resource Protection Ser- vices regulates all shorelines and water areas in the county to the crest elevation of existing shoreline structures. As such, proposed modifications are regulated under Sarasota County Ordinance No. 72-84, as amended, and fall under management guidelines pursuant to the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan. Since 1985, Sarasota County has restricted new seawall con- struction in all natural waterbodies. In artificially created waterbodies (e.g. canals), shoreline structures are authorized landward of estuarine habitats and vegetated littoral shelves. When- ever possible, existing vertical walls are removed and replaced with vegetated littoral shelves and sloping revetments and/or retaining walls. The County prohibits filling waterward of exist- ing seawalls with toe/scour revetments or any other fill material under minor work category of permits pursuant to Sarasota County Ordinance No. 72-84, as amended (see #1 above). 265 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Strategy for Implementation: Continue existing regulatory programs that encourage and require shoreline "softening" techniques, the planting of littoral shelves, and the protection of existing planted wetland vegetation. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Laird Wreford, Manager, or George Tatge, Envi- ronmental Supervisor, Resource Protection Services, Sarasota County Development Services (941) 378-6113. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charlotte Harbor NEP, Sarasota Bay NEP, West Coast Inland Navigation District, and Southwest Florida Water Management District. Geographic Area: Sarasota County area of the Charlotte Harbor NEP, Lemon Bay, Gottfried Creek, Alligator Creek, Forked Creek. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improved biodiversity of shoreline habitats. Project Timeline/Schedule: In progress. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Sarasota County program; budgeted. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Sarasota County Ordinance No. 72-84, as amended, and the environmen- tal element of the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan. Comments: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) exemptions for seawall repair are in conflict with County ordinances, and provide loopholes for replacement of existing seawalls. DEP exemption criteria should be revised. 266 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Habitat Protection While Boating Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-D Project Description: Present information to the public about damage to seagrass beds, the time it takes seagrass beds to recover from damage, the value of seagrass beds to marine habitat and nursery areas, and if available, information on the economic impact of seagrass bed damage. Strategy for Implementation: After literature search, include data in brochures and presentations. Stress the economic value of sea grass beds, if possible. Separate brochures or presentations should be developed. Train volunteers to make presentations. Contact fishing clubs, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and waterfront property owner and conominium associations to make presentations. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Michael Barker, Environmental Supervisor, Resource Management Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources, (941)378-6142. Other Project Partners: Florida Sea Grant Progarm, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Char- lotte Harbor NEP, U.S. Coast Guard. Geographic Area: Sarasota County; Lower Myakka River, Lemon Bay, and coastal Venice. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduce damage to marine habitats through boater education. Project Timeline/Schedule: Proposed Project Start literature search as soon as possible. Assemble pertinent data to be available for use in 2001. Specific brochures to be printed by the end of 2001. Status: Proposed Project. Resources/Funding Available: To be determined. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: N/A. 267 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Educational Signage at Boat Ramps Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-F Project Description: Placement of appropriate signs, such as at Indian Mound Park, Lemon Bay. Highly detailed map placed at the boat ramp with a larger map of the area would be appropriate. Placement of educational signage at identified boat ramps in the Charlotte Harbor NEP watershed showing locations of seagrass beds, oyster beds, or other areas of special marine concern. Bro- chures may also be placed in a covered holder at appropriate boat ramps. Strategy for Implementation: Work in cooperation with Resource Protection Services, Sarasota County Development Services, and Sarasota County Parks and Recreation to map areas, develop signs, and identify most appropriate and effective placement. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Michael Barker, Environmental Supervisor, Re- source Management Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources, (941) 378-6142. Other Project Partners: Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Geographic Area: Coastal Venice, Myakka River watershed, and Lemon Bay. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protection of marine habitats and natural resources through public education and responsible boating practices. Project Timeline/Schedule: N/A. Status: Planned; a few signs are already in place. Resources/Funding Available: Sarasota County budget. Needed: Potential: West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND). Reference Documents: N/A. Comments: N/A. 268 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Boaters' Guide for Upper, Lemon Bay and Venice Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941) 378-6142 FAX Number: (941) 378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-G Project Description: Develop, produce, and distribute a boaters guide for upper Lemon Bay and coastal Venice. Strategy for Implementation: Obtain navigational charts for the intended areas. Obtain information from Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI), Endangered Species (for manatee frequency). Obtain most cur- rent seagrass maps from FMRI. Obtain information on available marinas in the areas. All of the information obtained will beplaced and overlaid by a geographic information system (GIS) technician to produce a map with depth, seagrass beds, marinas, and manatee areas, no wake zones, and boating safety tips identified. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Michael Barker, Environmental Supervisor, Resource Man- agement Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources, (941)378-6142. Other Project Partners: Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI), West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND), and Florida Marine Patrol (FMP). Geographic Area: Sarasota County; Coastal Venice basin, Myakka River basin, and the Lemon Bay basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protection of seagrass beds; less seagrass bed scarring; less boats aground, environmental awareness; avoid habitat destruction. Project Timeline/Schedule: To be determined. Status: Planned; not initiated. Resources/Funding Available: Florida Sea Grant Program. Needed: Potential: Marina owners; Sarasota County. Reference Documents: Nautical charts, Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) seagrass charts; FMRI annual manatee reports. Comments: Funding; once funding is provided, implementation should be fairly easy. 269 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resource Management Division Geographical Information System (GIS) Program Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941) 378-6142 FAX Number: (941) 378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-H Project Description: Collection of rectified infrared (IR) aerial data for approximately 100 square miles in eastern Sarasota County to document changes in wetlands and other habitats. ArcView geographical informa- tion system (GIS) software is used to document large-scale habitat changes over time. Strategy for Implementation: Secure additional funding to do coastal infrared (IR) flight when the Re- source Management Division does the annual flight. Determine what features need to be identified on a digitized map. Produce a geographic information system (GIS) map and load onto the Internet (Sarasota County Natural Resources webpage). Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Ron Van Fleet, Environmental Supervisor, Resource Man- agement Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources (941)378-6142. Other Project Partners: Florida Sea Grant Program, Sarasota Bay NEP, Charlotte Harbor NEP, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, National Oceanographic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA). Geographic Area: Sarasota County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: If done on an annual basis as our maps are done, this could serve as a monitoring tool; only drawback is the cost. Project Timeline/Schedule: As soon as possible; then annually. Status: To be determined. Resources/Funding Available: To be determined. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) photos and existing similar websites. Comments: The Southwest Florida Water Management District collects aerial data each November when the canopy is decreased to verify topographic elevations. Resource Management aerial data are collected annu- ally in April or May to document vegetation changes. Because there are different goals for the data collection requiring aerial photography to be flown at different times of the year, coordination between these two agen- cies is unlikely. 270 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Sarasota County Public Information ContactPerson: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-I Project Description: Develop new videotapes relating to seagrass beds, responsible boating, and potential damage to boat engines and associated costs of irresponsible boating practices. Develop permanent display boards for maps and information on seagrass beds and responsible boating prac- tices for boat ramp areas. Strategy for Implementation: Identify appropriate areas for existing County-owned kiosks to play existing loop videotapes on hazards to manatees, seagrass beds and oyster bars from boat props. Use semi-permanent displays for different marinas, boat shows, civic events, etc. Develop new videotapes showing boat damage and associated costs to boat owners resulting from irrespon- sible boating practices. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Michael Barker, Environmental Supervisor, Re- source Management Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources (941) 378-6142. Other Project Partners: West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND), Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the National Estuary Programs. Geographic Area: Coastal Venice, Myakka River watershed, Lemon Bay. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protection of marine habitats and natural resources through increased public education. Project Timeline/Schedule: To bedetermined. Status: To be determined. Resources/Funding Available: To be determined. Needed: Potential: West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND), and Charlotte Harbor NEP. Reference Documents: N/A. Comments: N/A. 271 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Water Resource Marketing Program Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-J, FW-K Project Description: Placement of signage or markers for shallow water areas find "no motor" or "limited access zones" where appropriate. Strategy for Implementation: Proceed cautiously with marker program; when the Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program researched this issue, it was found that in some cases marking of shallow areas actually increased seagrass scarring. There are probably few, if any, areas in Sarasota County where these zones are needed or would be effective. Proper channel marking and law enforcement of marked zones are very effective. Most problems in Sarasota County are boats speeding through shallow, slow speed manatee zones. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Michael Barker, Environmental Supervisor, Resource Man- agement Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources (941) 378-6142. Other Project Partners: West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND), National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. Geographical Area: Coastal Venice, Myakka River, and Lemon Bay. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protection of shallow areas, seagrass beds, habitats, and natural resources through effective use of channel and shoal markers. Proceed cautiously with marker work; re- search area and potential response to markers. Channel markers can be very effective in some cases. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: Ongoing; in progress. Resources/Funding Available: West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCNIND). Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program reports and publications. Comments: N/A. 272 Comervaiion an dAranayemenl Wan Habitat ImproVement: Improve Law Enforcement and Priovide Consistent Regulator* Authority Throughout the Charlotte Harbor NEP Area Contact Person: Karen R Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 13.0 1 Cattlemen Road,, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: r (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-'6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-3, FW-4. Priority Actions Addressed: FW-Q Project Description: I "Identify'areas 6fn6ncomp Iliance with. local, State, apd Federal rules and regulations." Sarasota County Ordinance No. 72-84, as amended, and the environmental elenient of the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan, with rules and regulations from other governmental, agencie's (region@l, State, and Federal,) provide the framework for the permitting and enforcement (of unpermitted, or noncompliant permits) in Sarasota County within the bays, rivers,'streanis, and.creeks. Sarasota County Ordinance No. 98-025, the M akka River Protection Ordinance, provides additional y regulation andprotectidn of this waterbody. Additional _�taff are needed to determinecompli- Zl_ anpe with authorized activities and in pursuing enforcement actions for unauthorized activities. Law enforcement personnel are also needed, t6 further increase criminal enforcement activities ng safety and poaching/ille'g'al takes within the area and waterways. associated, with boati' 2) "Work with regulatory-agencies in developing protocols in their development of annual repor' ,ts which track the effectiveness of permit compliance -within tl@e Charlotte Harbor NEP study area7." Sarasota County Government monitors the effectiveness of the programs that@hey. ad- rmnister0in connection with the afinual budget process by using performance standards and measures established for each.program area. Should t4e Charlotte Harbor-NEP provide perfor-_ mance standards to the goverrunental agencies, these standards would have.0 be adopted by the respective governments. Given that currently each government agency uses different permit/ enforcement criteria, the. performance criteria would have to be specifically spited to,6ach agency- Strategy for Implementation:-Develop and hold workshops in consensus on law and envirohrften_@ tal regulation', consistency of regulation ind enforcement, and why these issues are so important,t6 'habitat and wil dlife, protection. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Laird Wreford, Manager, or George Tatge, Envi- ronmental Supervisor, Resource' Protection Services, Sarasota County DeVelopment'S6rvices, (941)378-6113.. Other Project Partners: Florida Departmentoif Environmental Protection (DEP), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Southwest Florida.Water. Managemen t District, Charlotte Harbor NEP, Saraso ta Ray NEP. DEP Lemon Bay A4uatic Preserve, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Florida Marine Patrol, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. NationaJ.Marine Fisheries., -273 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Geographic Area: Sarasota County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improved customer service (reduced regulatory duplica- tion), consistent permit criteria and enforcement. Project Tiqmeline/Schedule: Proposed project. Status: Proposed project. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Taxing authority; fee based. Potential: Reference Documents: N/A. Comments: Each authority/government entity has regulatory authority. These regulations have been adopted by the respective executive branches of government after much public input. These laws would have to be revised afte further public input, and approved by the respective govern- ments. When this occurs, management oversight would be needed to ensure consistent administra- tion and enforcement. 274 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Proposed Acquisition of the Verna, Eastern Ranchlands, and Myakkahatchee Creek Environmentally Sensitive Lands Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources. Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 Email Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-S Project Description: Eighteen environmentally sensitive priority protection sites have been iden- tified. Three identified sites within the Charlotte Harbor NER area (the Verna Eastern Ranchlands, and Myakkahatchee Creek sites) contain large, undeveloped, platted subdivisions. Sarasota County is pursuing acquisition of other priority protection sites within the Charlotte Harbor NEP area that are not platted. Strategy for Implementation: Pursue fee-simple acquisition or conservation easements of 18 iden- tified priority protection environmentally sensitive lands. On March 9, 1999, Sarasota County voters approved a referendum to implement an increase in ad valorem property tax (up to 0.25 mill per year) for 20 years to fund the acquisition, protection, and management of environmentally sensitive lands. Voters also approved a second referendum that authorizes the County to pursue up to $53 million in bonds for this program. The County proposed fee-simple acquisition of the Verna and Myakkahatchee Creek sites. The City of North Port is also acquiring property along Myakkahatchee Creek for protection. Pursue matching funds and grants for acquisition, protection and management of environmentally sensitive lands. Contract with an experienced, qualified acquisition agent for negotiations with property owners, pursuit of matching or grant funds, surveys, appraisals, and development of acqui- sition contracts. Provide staff coordination and expertise to the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee that was established by County Ordinance No. 99-004. The Board of County Commissioners will approve the millage recommendations of the Committee on an annual basis. Hire additional County staff for program oversight and land management activities. Develop de- tailed land management plans for each site acquired. Continue to provide public education on the benefits derived from protection and management of environmentally sensitive lands. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Gary Comp, General Manager, Sarasota County Natural Resources, (941) 378-6113. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Department of Environmehtal Protection, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Department of Community Affairs. 275 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Geographic Area: Sarasota County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protection of habitats, natural resources, and drinking water. Project Timeline/Schedule: Referenda establishing funding for an environmentally sensitive lands acquisition program and authorizing pursuit of bonding options were approved by Sarasota County voters on March 9, 1999. This is a 20-year program. A contract for the acquisition agent is ex- pected to be finalized by early FY 00. The Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee is established and meeting on a regular basis. Status: In progress. Some funding is currently available through the County's one-cent sales tax; three environmentally sensitive sites have been purchased 1998-1999. Resources/Funding Available: Approximately $5 million in FY 00 from the approved increase in ad valorem prop- erty tax. Needed: N/A. Potential: Matching funds from the Florida Forever Program, Florida Communities Trust grants, and Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)/Save Our Rivers funding will be pursued. Reference Documents: Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands report; Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan (APOXSEE). Comments: Passage of the funding referendum on March 9, 1999. 276 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Sea Turtle Protection Program Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address; 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-T Project Description: Sarasota County Ordinance No. 97-082, as amended, mandates sea turtle protection and lighting restrictions during the nesting season. Strategy for Implementation: Volunteer turtle patrols are more frequent and more thorough than in previous years. More educational programs are being presented to schools, beachfront property owners, condo associations, civic associations, and motel guests. Table tents are being distributed to restaurants to help the public become more aware of the beach light restrictions and other hazards to nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Michael Barker, Environmental Supervisor, Re- source Management Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources, (941)378-6142. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District, Sarasota County Envi- ronmental Services Business Center. Geographic Area: Sarasota County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Greater community support for all types of environmental conservation programs. Project Timeline/Schedule: Began around 1980. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: $10,000 grant for public education for the sea turtle protection program. Needed: Unknown. Potential: Reference Documents: Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands reports, brochure, and other educational materials; Sea Turtle Protection brochures and other educational materials. Comments: N/A. 277 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program Contact Person: Karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Telephone Number: (941)378-6142 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-U Project Description: Three sites identified for acquisition are in the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. These are the Verna, eastern ranchlands, and Myakkahatchee Creek sites, that contain large, platted subdivisions. On March 9, 1999, Sarasota County voters approved a referendum to imple- ment an increase in ad valorem property tax (up to .25 mill per year) for 20 years to fund the acquisition, protection, and management of environmentally sensitive lands. Voters also approved a second referendum that authorizes the County to pursue up to $53 million in bonds for this program. Strategy for Implementation: The County proposes fee-simple purchase of the Verna and Myakkahatchee Creek sites, and conservation easements in the eastern ranchlands. Pursue match- ing funds and grants for acquisition, protection and management of environmentally sensitive lands. Contract with an experienced, qualified acquisition agent for negotiations with property owners, pursuit of matching or grant funds, surveys, appraisals, and development of acquisition contracts. Provide staff coordination and expertise to the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Com- mittee that was established by County Ordinance No. 99-004. The Board of County Commission- ers will approve the millage recommendations of the Committee on an annual basis. Hire addi- tional County staff for program oversight and land management activities. Develop detailed land management plans for each site acquired. Continue to provide public education on the benefits derived from protection and management of environmentally sensitive lands. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Gary Comp, General Manager, Sarasota County Natural Resources, (941)378-6113. Other Project Partners: City of North Port, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Commu- nity Affairs (FDCA). Geographic Area: Eastern Sarasota County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protection of habitats, natural resources, and drinking water. 278 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule: Referenda establishing funding for an environmentally sensitive lands acquisition program and authorizing pursuit of bonding options were approved by Sarasota County voters on March 9, 1999. This is a 20-year program. A contract for an acquisition agent is expected to be finalized by early FY 00. The Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee is established and meeting on a regular basis. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Approximately $5 million in FY 00 from the approved increase in ad valorem property tax. Needed: At least $70 million to acquire all sites currently identified and participating in this volun- tary program. Potential: Florida Communities Trust (FCT) grant applications for FY 00 have been submitted for two sites (Lemon Bay Preserve site and North River Road site) in the Charlotte Harbor NEP area. The County is seeking up to $2.2 million in matching funds from FCT. Also, a cooperative agree- ment with Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is being developed for the acquisition of sites currently identified as environmentally sensitive lands by SWFWMD/Save Our Rivers and Sarasota County. Matching funds through the Florida Forever Program will also be pursued. Reference Documents: Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands reports; Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan (APOXSEE). Comments: N/A. 279 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Restoration of Oyster Resources in the Coastal Venice, Myakka River, and Lemon Bay Basins Contact Person: karen F. Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota,FL 34232 Telephone Number: (94l) 378-6142 FAX Number: (941) 318-6136 E-mail Address, [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-V Project Description: Delineate current oyster areas with a global positioning" system; determine which areas are suitable for planting using salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and substrate measurements; use culch or oyster seed on the selected areas; have long-term monitoring of results by density analyses. Strategy for Implementation: Observe by boat and quadrant the oyster bed areas; search all salinity, tem- perature, dissolved oxygen, and substrate data for suitable areas to be enhanced. Coordinate with the South- west Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) surveys to make best use of staff resources. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Michael I Barker, environmental Supervisor, Resource Man-' agement Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources (941)378-6142. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management,District (SWFWMD), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Shellfish Environmental Assessment Section), Florida Marine Research Insti- tute. Geographic Area: Sarasota County; coastal Venice basin, Myakka River basin, and Lemon Bay basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Creation of habitat; localized improvement of water quality; en- hanced local benthic communities; enhanced local fish communities. Project Timeline Schedule: To be determined Status: Proposed project. Resources/Funding - Available: To be determined. -Needed: Potential: Reference Documents N/A. Comments: Given time and funds, this-activity might be coordinated with the Southwest Florida Water Management District(SWFWMD) surveys in Lemon Bay. The work may also be contracted. Some internal staff time may be devoted to this activity.. Equipment and expertise is available internally, but staff time is the 'critical factor.. 280 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Myakka River Floodplain Study Contact Person: Karen E Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL, 34232 -Telephone Number: (941) 378-6142 FAX Number: (941) 378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifigable Objectives Addressed: HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-B Project Description: Sarasota County Stormwater Utility will be performing detailed study of the Myakka River in FYOO. This study will involve a determination of the 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, and 100-year floodplains for the Myakka River under existing conditions at that time. This floodplain informa- tion, will be used, as appropriate, to update the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and -to assist in flood protection primarily- through floodplain protection. As such, it is not, anticipated that a significant, Capital Improvement Program will be developed and evaluated for the Myakka River to address flooding. As an alternative, the "restoration" activities proposed by Quantifiable, Objective HA-4.b (and the Wild and Scenic. Management Plan for the Myakka River) may be evaluated to quantify associated flood stage implications, if any. Accordingly, this floodplain study is expected to assist in addressing priority, actions HA-C, HA-F, HA-H, and HA-M with respect to the Myakka River. Strategy for Implementation: In FYOO, the Planning Section is scheduled to conduct a 'detailed riverine floodplain study of the Myakka River. This study will be performed using in-house re- sources with the assistance of a technical advisor, -Stormwater Management, Resource Technolo- gies, Inc. Information that is needed to ensure the, quality of this study includes one-foot cofitour aerials or maps and continuous streamflow/rainfall data. It would be beneficial if the Florida Water Management Districts and the U.S. Geological Survey could augment the existing databases; as needed, between now and the project initiation. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Sandra Newell, P.E., Manager, Stormwater Util- ity, Sarasota County Transportation, (941)378-614. Other Project Partners: Stormwater, Mangement Resource Technologies, Inc. Preliminary dis- cussions have been held between the Sarasota County Stormwater Utility and Charlotte, County Stormwater on the opportunity for a cost-sharihg agreement for this study that would expand the detailed scope to include both counties. Further discussions along these lines are anticipated with invitations to the City of North Port and Manatee County. Grant requests have also been made for this study, and -will continue to be made for funding assistance from the Manasota Basin Board. Geographic Area: This floodplain study will consider the entire Myakka River watershed from a hydrologic perspective. However, the level of detail for the hydraulic analysis will, be limited to -unincorporated Sarasota County unless intermunicipal agreement(s) can be consummated. 281 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include an accurate description of the riverine floodplain for the Myakka River to assist regulatory and possibI real property acquisition prion- ties. In addition, minimum finished floor elevations for portions of the watershed situate stream of the tidal surge will be established. Proposed "restortion" activities may also be evalu- ated with respect to their effect on flood stages, if any. Project Timeline Schedule: Project will start July 1, 2000 and be completed by approximately May 200L Status: The project will be initiated on July 1,2000. Resources/Funding Available: Sarasota County Stormwater Utility. Needed: Funding from Manasota Basin Board. Potential: Charlotte County, Manatee County, and City of North Port. Refrence Documents:N/A. Comments: N/A. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Identify Reuse Customers. Contact Person:\\ Karen R Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailng Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 Tolephone Number: (941) 378-6142 FAX Number: (941) 378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1,HA-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D Project Description: -Work with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to identify new reuse customers and identify possible funding to assist in bringing new customers on line. Strategy, for Iplementation: Require permit holders to coordinate with Sarasota County prior to. the renewal or creation of a new water use permit for irrigation. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lori Ann Carroll, Reuse Coordinator, Sarasota County Utilities (941)316-1533. Other Project Partners: Southwe st. Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Geographic Area: Sarasota County Utilities service area. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction of groundwater withdrawal., Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available," Needed: To be detennined. Potential: 'Southwest Florida Water of Management District (SWFWMD). Reference Documents: N/A. Comments: N/A. 283 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial, Reserve Water Use Permit Monitoring Program Contact Person: Karen E Burnett, P.G. Title: Manager, Resource Management Division Agency/Organization: Sarasota County Natural Resources Mailing Address: 1301 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota,FL 34232 Telephone- Number: (941)378-6136 FAX Number: (941)378-6136 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3,.HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F, HA-H Project Description: Resource Management Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources has been collecting surface-water and groundwater data as part of long-term monitoring program on the Carlton Reserve. The Division currently has a detailed database for rainfall, evapotranspiration, wetland water levels, wetland vegetation, groundwater level data and groundwater quality for the surficial, intermediate, and Floridan aquifer systems, and surface-water flow for the Myakka River floodplain. Data are still being collected for the County's Water Use Permit, monitoring program, Strategy for Implementation: I)Inventory all groundwater and other relevant information that is, being collected in the region. 2)Identify new areas,that need to be sampled to fill in data gaps, 3) Coordinate with outside agencies concerning the 'addition of other appropriate parameters or sites to their monitoring programs. 4) Research grant opportunities to pay for ste #3. If funding is approved, begin new monitoring program. 5) Conduct preliminary modeling with currently available data. 6) Conduct additional modeling when new data become available.. 7) Develop recommendations for natural resource conservation.-- 8) Publish results to allow extensive use of information by the public. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Ron Van Fleet, Environmental Supervisor,. Re-, source Management Division, Sarasota County Natural Resources, (941)378-6128. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). Geographic Area: Sarasota County; Myakka River watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Data could be used to plan for water resources (human consumption and other uses), to establish baseline conditions for watershed habitats, and increase' understanding of Jocal ecosystem functions and values. 84 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule:T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve Water Use Permit Program, 1991 to present. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Sarasota County program; budgeted. Needed $100,000 texpand the telemetry system to include more sites and measure other useful parameters. Potential: U. S. Geological _Survey, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Reference Documents: I Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve water use permit from the South- west Florida Water Management District), Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), Department of Envi- ronmental Protection (DEP), dredge and fill-and management and storage o surface waters (MSSW) permits. Comment: Challenge to coordinate with other agencies and, private entities to share data assist with reporting and data collectfon consistency. 285 Charllotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Strategic Land Acquisition/Conservation/ Preservation Plan For Soutwest Florida Contact Person: David Y. Burr Title: Planning Director Agency/Organiztion: Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3455, North Fort Myers, FL 33918-3455 Telephone Number: (941) 656-1538 FAX Number: (941) 656-7724 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Obiectives. Addressed: F.W-1, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-H, FW-U Project Description: The passgage of the Environmentally Endangered Lands program in 1972 was Florida's first statewide aquisition program. This program was implemented due to the rec- ognition that our natural resources were vital to our economy and quality of life, or sustainability Since that time there have been a number of public and private initiatives, including the Federal purchase of Big Cypress, the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program (which related to the Florida. Green Plan), the Conservation, and Recreational land Program (CARL), and Preserva- tion 2000. We have made significant progress in preserving and conserving our strategic natural resources. What remains in the puzzle are the more remote natural,resources that will receive future develop- ment pressure, smaller and more isolated rare and unique communities, and the links and connec- tions between our existing preserves, that form corridors and greenways. In other words, out major regionally significant natural resources have been identified for acquisition, preservation or conser- vation within public and private acquisition programs and have been.set aside within develop- ments. Future, work should include the connections of the dots and the filling of any gaps in the strategic system. Also being recognized is that public sponsored acquisition, programs can not alone provide for the sustainability of our natural resources, and that other tools are necessary. These tools include conservation easements, purchase of development right, regulation and private initiatives. An other expected outcome for this plan is regionl actions to assist in the coordination of the various programs. to increase efficiency in natural resource protection and provide a plan of action that can quickly respond to the availability of funding and/or other initiatives. Strategy for implementation: It is proposed that the Strategic Regional Policy Plan be amended- to provide Goals, Objectives and Actions, to implement the plan. Since the Council does not have dedicated funding for the actions monies must be sought through grant programs to assure imple- mentation. 286 GSarfolle Ifarear 9Gdiona[6jfu-y 54- !Z),. ervalion Proposed actions include: - 4. To help eliminate possible duplication or competition on a tract of land between entities, pro- vid-e a clearinghouse -and inventory of lands incI6 'ded in all land acquisition programs in,a central location.s,o various entities can see if any otherentitie� were involved in a specific, location. A future Web Site would be a useful tool and provide easy access. 4e Support continued acquisition of lands targeted for conservation and recreation by Public Land Acquisition Programs including Conservation andRecreational Land Program (CARL), Save Our'Rivers (SO,R), Florida Communities 'Trust, Lee tounty Conservation Lands'Acquisition. and Stewardship Advisory Committee,, Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem.Watershed -(CREW), Water Resources Development Act 'and other efforts in the region. 41*t Support continued acquisition of lands targeted for conservation and recreation by Private En- vironmental Land Trust Programs in the Region. Facilitate and assist in the c ams in the Southwest Fl oordinatioti of all land acquisition progr orida Region by sponsoring periodic nieeting@ of,all public and private initiatives. - Create a map depicting lanO that has been -set aside for conservation purposes within approved - -developments. Working with the various entities and utilizing the following Criteria-and Guidelines, create I planning map of land needed for recreation, hunting/fishing, flood control, forestry activities, etc.; to provide-suppQrt for future p opulation�andto-prot t existing ecosystems, which are not @c included in any current program, -or have not already been set aside as conservatio areas within approved development. le Assist in the preparation of 'applications of existing programs for funding of land acquisitions -hown on the above-mentioned planning map. for lands Investigate the potential. of forming a-new Programs, Land Trusts, or encourage existing Land Trusts, to focus on land acquisition, and other land conservation techniques within portions of Soutfiw@st Florida not currently, within a program and depicted on the above mentioned map. 40- Be-cause we do not have'all the money necessary, other methods rather than just fee simple - acquisition are needed; to cover all these methods, perhaps a bettertitle be a.Land Conserva / tion or PreservatIon Plan. Encourage citizen -organizations within the watershed to'refocus On land conservation strate- gies as a proa@tive. method in addressing environmental protectiorf issues. 287 Charllotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council onal Planning Council Contact: David Y Burr, Planning Director 0ther Project Partners: Federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of !Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; State - Department of environmental Protection, Florida Fish & Wildlife, Conservation Commission, Governor's Commission For Sustainable South Florida; Regional Agencies - South Florida Water Management District, Southwest Florida Water Manage- ment District, Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW); Local Governments,Char- lotte County, Lee Co./ Conservation Lands Acquisition and Stewardship Advisory Committee (CLASSAC), City of Ft. Myers, City ofCape Coral, Rick Sosnowski, City of Sanibel, Town of Fort Myers Beach, Collier County, City of Naples, Sarasota County, Hendry County, Glades County, Organizations - Audubon,Calusa Land Trust, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, Conser- vancy of Southwest Florida., Gaspirilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association. The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Lands, Southwest Florida Land Preservation Trust, Myakka River Conservancy, Buckingham Conservancy, Lemon Bay Conservancy, and North Captiva Group. Geographic Area: Sarasota, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Collier Counties. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: To have all needed lands acquired or contained within a in a land conservation program, which includes a long term management component, to insure sustainability of our natural resources and quality of life. Project Timeline/Schedule: Started 1998. Ongoing until complete. status: Ongoing. Resources/Funding. Available: Needed: $100,000. 'Potential: Not known at this time. Reference Documents: "Strategic. Land Acquisition/Conservation/Preservion Plan For South- west Florida." Comments: 288 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Managing Selected Anchorages and Harbors - Southwest Florida Contact Person: David Y Buff Title: Planning Director Agency/Organization: Southwest FloridaRegional Planning Council, Mailing Address: RO. Box 3455, North Fort Myers, FL 33918-3455 Telephone Number: (941) 656-1539 FAX Number: (941) 656-7724 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B WQ-Q, FW-D, FW-G, FW-L, FW-T, FW-H 'Project Description: This effort began when the Boater's Action and Information League (BAIL) requested assistance from Sea Grant, the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) and, the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (SWFRPC). The purpose of the research was for the self-improvement of the individual cruising boater, by identifying the better anchorages, assess better boating practices in these anchorages, and publish the results. This led to the "Anchorage Guide to Southwest Florida", that encompassed the Counties of Charlotte, Collier, Lqee, Manatee, and Sarasota. The development of the anchorage guide led to the realization that the "quilt" of federal, state, and local regulations had become increasingly complex, and if trends. continued, a significant compo- nent of our recreation-based economy, could atrophy. This trend can be noted in other Florida Coastal, waters which are more urbanized. This realization turn led to an effort to determine what performance based anchorage management could accomplish, using our anchorage area as a proto- type. Peliminary steps were taken through the voluntary Anchorage Advisory Committee, sponsored,by Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council (SWFRPC). This Committee undertook discussions with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to discover how *to undertake such a prototype effort. The result was a five party memorandum (DEP, West Coast Inland Navigation District, Boaters Action and Information League, Sea Grant, and the-Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council) of, understanding that established the fifteen. member Regional Harbor, Board (RHB), with one representative from each signatory, one representative appointed. from each of the five County Boards of County Commissioners, and one selected from volunteers from. each County's private boating enthusiasts. Since its establishment on July 1995, the RHB has added members from cities that have anchorages and harbors. The Regional Harbor Board was established, for the purpose of preserving the ecological and recre- ational values of southwest Florida waterways that maintains the widest possible de- gree of freedom for users through a regional management framework for southwest Florida that is non-regulatory in nature and relies heavily upon active participation by boaters. In furtherance of these purposes the Harbor Board has been, actively inventorying and monitoring the recreational and ecological values of anchorages in southwest Florida, while working with boaters and local authorities to ensure that these values are maintained and enhanced. The RHB meets on a monthly -basis. 289 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Strategy for Implementation: The region's coastal-waters are the backbone of its recreational industry. A significant component of that industry is boating, With one boat for every, 11 persons (or so). Some of the, boats provide overnight accommodations. which in turn I dads to overnight ring stays, or anchoring. However, some anchoring activities can harm * the sensitive coastal -habitat, while some sites lead to conflicts with other boating activities, resource users, or nearby upland- users. Presuming that all legitimate users of coastal resources may be accommodated within an open coordinating management program, the Regional Harbor Board has several missions: 1. Establish a "Best Anchorage Practices" program as a "non-regulatory" approach; 2. Research and establish environmental baselines for anchorages; monitor these anchorages -for benchmarks to determine if conditions degrade (act to reverse degradation); 3. Develop "Anchorage Management Plans" for high impact locations: 4. Mediate disputes over anchorage management;- 5. Educate/boaters on sage, environmentally friendly navigation; 6. Develop and keep,up to date charts and guides for local-and visiting boaters. The prototype Regional Harbor Board has a comparable historical analogy in the creation of the Appalachian Trail. Like the lands that compose the trail, our inland waterways are a rare resource tfiat can be lost, through overuse and over management. The trail system has been established as a confederation and is managed by local and regional-non profit associations in cooperation with ederal, State', and local governmental regulatory agencies, and with private and public owners. B Id, and perhaps should, -be the development of a' One outcome of a successful. prototype RH I con similar gulf coast system for our public cruising Waters. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Partner: Southwest Florida, Regional Planning Council; Coordinator: David Y. Burr Planning Director. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Boaters' Action and Informatioal League, Florida SeaGrant College Program, and the West Coast Inland Navigation District. Geographic Area Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Collier Counties. expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Boating is part of the economy. Where the use *is sustaining andcan be assured to not degrade other parts of the community, it behooves the community welfare that this activity continues. This approach provides and- opportunities to get - past the bad publicity some actions have received. Imposed management is more-difficult than cooperative management. This is the opportunity to have. boaters develop and implement a community ethic that would in turn reduce your costs and liabilities and increase effectiveness in management. Local sovereignty. Like all interest groups, boaters lobby Tallahassee and Washington. Therights of navigation have been enforce and reinforced time and again, but the "judges" interpret what those rights are, and who wins. Areas with no litigation are the true winners. This option provides'. for the continied authorities of the community without'the boaters lobbying for, state or federal override- because the "quilt" has become unmanageable. 290 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Partnering. The State of Florida has enough to do and does not want to establish "one size fits all" boating and anchoring regulations. They support this approach for a prototype effort. Project Timeline/Schedule: Started July 1995 - July 2000. Status: Ongoing.. Resources/Funding Available: $12,000 from West Coast Inland Navigation District, per year. Needed: $12,000/year. Potential: This program is expected to become a part of a larger overall *grain to provide tec nical planning assistance to the WCIND for Regional Waterway Management. Reference Documents: "A Guide to Anchorages in Southwest Florida" "Regional Harbor Board Principles of Anchorage Management "Southwest Florida Anchorage Selection Guide" "Feasibility of a Non-Regulatory Approach to Bay Water Anchorage Management for Sustainable RecreationalUse", by Dr. Gustavo Antonini et al. "Anchorage Management: Issues and Opportunities in Southwest Florida", by Richard' Hamann et al. "A System for Evaluating Anchorage Management in Southwest Florida", By Dr. Gustavo Antonini let al. http://gnv.ifas.ufl.edu/seweb/HOMEPAGE/BOARDHTML Comments: tj kZ:z Lower Peace and Myakka River Watersheds CS.,fal., Yf.,S., X.&....f 2)pafl CompreSenike Conswoahon anof Zanaqemenl Am Upper. Peace and. kka River Wat'ersheds.. C3 11refiminary" Action Plans GSarfolie NanCor 9Ca1iona1(5#--Y 5u-'q- r ComprwSenuve Conjervabon and'JA.anayemenl 5Yan -Lake Hancock Restoration. Project Contact Person: Brian W. Sodt\ Title: Regional lanning Manager Agency/O,rganization: Central Florida- Regional Planning Council Mailing Address: 555 E. Church StreeL Bartow, FL 33830 Telephone Number '(941) 534-7130 FAX Number: (941i 534-7138 E-mifl Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3 Pribrity,@ctioins Addressed: HA-F Project Description: The water quality of Lake Hancock should be iTproved through the removal or inactivation of-the muck coipponent from,lake sediments, and the installatio@ and ma'intenance of filtration marshes at appropriate locations around the lake and at- its discharge point., Lake Hancock received wastewater discharges from industrial facilities and the City,. of Lakeland for decades causing advanced e-utrophication of the lake.' Previously permitted discharges from the City of Lakeland have ended,and improve d treatment has, occurred on the industrial discharges- (t4rough Lake. Lena Run into, Lake Hancock). Sediment from these discharges remain a problem. Although Putrophication has slowed, water quality discharges, from the lake have not improved.' ft Removal of the sediments in Lake Hancock, creation offiltration marshes at its discharge and more (Oi advance treatment of waters from lakes to the North is needed. Further, the'Upper Saddle Creek/ Peace River Initiative is a component of Peace River Restoration that directly affects the quality and quantity of waters discharging to Lake Hancock and then to the Peace River. While Upper, Saddle Creek Project is substantially funded, restoration of Lak6 Hancock currently is not. Efforts, are now under way by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Depart- ment of Environ'mi'ebtal Protection (DEP), the Southwest Florida Water Management District -(SWFWMD),- and others to develop an'action plan for its restoration. Federal involvement is essential-to define the proper restoration goals to improve water quality and quantity dis&arges to t1te Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. A r6storation initiative must also consider Chan lotte Harbor National Estuary concerns, Preservation 2000/,Save Our Rivers land acquisition ef- forts,, local commercial fisheries, limited -potable water supplies for a gowing population, the Inte- grated Habitat. Network and Greenways program, and phosphate mine- permit issues. Strategy for Implementation: Federal participation in State restoration efforts through regulation of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) pen-nits and cooperative funding for restoration. C6op- erative funding could be shared with local -government who are attempting to acquire lands that could be used for treatment as well as funding from the regional water* management district and the State. of Florida.@ Responsible Partner,and Project Coordinator: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commis- sion, Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Holder. 293 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Other Project Partners: Lake Hancock Advisory Group, Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE); South- west Florida Water Management, District (SWFWMD); Central Florida Regional Planning Council; Polk County; U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation' Service; University of South Florida. Department of Civil Engi- neering University of Florida, Center for Wetlands. Upper Peace River, Watershed and Lake Hancock (immediately north of the Geographic Area: City of Bartow). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: See description above. Project Timeline/Schedule: Upon implementation; apprioximately three to five years for restora- tion and'-five years of monitoring to meet state permit guidelines, additional schedule to be deter-- mined. Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Funds to implement restoration. Potential: Polk County Conservation Lands Acquisition Selection Advisory - Committee Program;. Department of Environmental-Protection (DEP), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Reference, Documents: Comments: 294 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lake Ho11ingsworth Sediment Removal Project And Lake Parker Southwest Outfall Retrofit, Contact Person: Gene Medley Title: Supervisor of Lakes Agency/Organization: City of Lakeland Mailing Address: 407 Fairway Ave., Lakeland, Fl 33801 Telephone number: (941) 603-6307 FAX_ Number: (941) 603-6309 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-E, WQ-F Project Description: Removal of 3.6 million cubic yards of organic sediments from the lake bottom using hydraulic dredge. Disposal of dredged material on 70-acre upland disposal site using chemical dewatering process. Lakeland has an active public education and awareness program. Strategy for Implementation: Diagnostic/feasibility study conducted in 1992-94. Study components in- cluded paleolimnological coning and analysis, sediment mapping, development of nutrient and water bud- gets, eutrophication modeling, and water quality sampling. A pilot dredging and chemical dewatering project was conducted in 1995. Final desigin and permitting was completed in 1996. Dredging began in January 1997, Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: City of Lakeland/Gene Medley, Other Project Partners: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Polk County, Geographic Area: Northwest Polk County, Headwaters - Peace River. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Restore lake bathymetry, improve water quality including increased water clarity and a reduction in primary production. Project Timeline Schedule: Begin Dredging: January 1997; Complete Dredging: July 2000 'Status: Dredging in progress.. Resources/Finding Available: Diagnostic/Feasibility Study $172.95 1977 Sediment Removal Feasibility/Pilot $139,750; Dredging,. Design & Permitting. $303,077 Construction/Dredging $10,073,197; Total $10,688,975. Needed:, None. Potential- N/A. Reference Documents: The Lake Hollingsworth.Diagnostic/Feasibility Study Volumes 1& II, 1994, City of Lakeland Florida Department of Environmental Protections Administrative Order No. 4053MO4302. U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Permit No. 1,99603917 (IP-ME). Comments: New methods to-dewater dredged sediments and reduce required disposal volume are used in the project. These include chemical flocculation, and static and rotary screening. 295 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Lake Parker Southwest Outfall Retrofit Contact Person: Gene Medley Title: Supervisor of Lakes Agency/Organization: City of Lakeland Mailing Address: 407 Fairway Ave. Lakeland, FL 33801 Telephone Number: (941) 603-6307 FAX Number: (941) 603-6308 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-E, WQ-N Project Description: Construct stormwater pond system to treat stormwater runoff from a 595-acre urban ized watershed discharging into Lake Parker. This sub-basin includes the outfall from Lake Mirror to Lake Parker.:. - Strategy for Implementation:, A permit- application for construction has been submitted to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) .The City of Lakeland is considering, implementation of a stormwater utility to fund water improvement projects. Funding. for construction has been included in the City of Lakeland's Comprehensive Lakes Management Plan, but has not been placed in the City's five-year capital improvement budget. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: City of Lakeland Lakes Program/Gene Medley: Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). 'Geographic Area: Lake Parker, Saddle Creek Watershed, Peace River Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The construction of treatment ponds will reduce sediment, trash, nutrient and pollutant loading to Lake Parker. Based on' a nutrient budget developed during a diagnostic study of the lake (Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), (993), & southwest sub-basin contributes 20% and 12% of the external nitrogen and phosphorus loading to the lake, respectively. Project Timeline/Schedule: Construction of the ponds is schedule for FY 2000-2001 in the City of Lake- land Comprehensive Lakes Management Plan. Implementation of, the plan contingent on passage of a stormwater utility or other dedicated funding source this year. 'Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: Construction - None. Needed: $1,000,000. Potential:, Peace River Basin Cooperative Funding Program. Reference Documents: "Lake Parker Diagnostic Feasibility Study", 1993 Southwest Florida Water Man- agement District; "Lake Parker Southwest Basin Feasibility Study" 1995 CH2MHill; "City of Lakeland Comprehensive, Lakes Management Plan", 1996. City of Lakeland. Comments:. This project is the first of several lake and watershed management recommendations prescribed in the Lake Parker Diagnostic Feasibility Study. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Counservation and Management Plan Multiple Stormwater Quality Improvement Projects Contact Person: Mike Britt, P.E. Title: Lakes Manager Agency/Organization: City of Winter Haven Mailing Address: 550 7th Street, SW Winter Haven, FL , 33880 Telephone Number: (941) 291-5850 FAX Number: (941) 291-5211 E-mail Address: N/A. Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-E, WQ-N Project Description: The City of Winter Haven has just adopted a stormwater utility that will be used solely for the treatment of stormwater prior to entering lakes in Winter Haven. Most of these lakes eventually discharge into the Peace River system. The City has initially identified 30 projects for funding over the next 25 years which would treat stormwater into every lake in the city (31 lakes). Projects are currently underway in conjunction with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Fish and Wild- life Conservation Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)for projects on Lakes Howard (2) and May. The Stormwater Quality Improvement Plan gives information on all of the proposed projects, their costs, the anticipated time of completion, and the expected pollutant loading reduction. The following is a list of all the projects presently being considered under the Stormwater Quality Improvement Program, which have been funded: Lake May Stormwater Treatment Lake Hartridge Stormwater Treatment Lake Lulu Alum Injection Motor Pool Stormwater Retrofit Lake Conine Alum Injection East Lake Shipp Pond Public Works Stormwater great Treatmnent Lake Spring Alum Treatment South Lake Silver Stormwater Treatment Lake Edylwild Alum Injection Airport/21 Street Pond West Lake Shipp Pond Lake Elbert Alum Injection Lake Cannon Stormwater Treatment West Lake Howard Stormwater Treatment Lake Howard In-Line Treatment North Lake Howard Stormwater Treatment Lake Maude Stormwater Water Treatment NW Lake Otis Alum/Stormwater Treatment Lake Maude Stormwater Treatment SW Lake Maude Stormwater Treatment NE Lake Deer Storm-water Treatment North & West Lake Elbert Stormwater Treatment Lake Idyl Alum Injection South/East Lake Elbert Stormwater Treatment 297 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lake Martha Stormwater Treatment Exiting Facilities: Lake Howard Wetland Treatment Lake Howard Alum Treatment Lake Silver Pond, Lake-Martha Pond Howard Exfiltration Strategy for Implementation: Each of the 30 projects identified has, to be designed by an engineer and permitted prior to construction. Only A few of the proposed projects will need monitoring, however, monitor- ing for pollutant removal efficiencies may be performed for various projects. Future projects will probably be added to the list once a thorough assessment, of stormwater pollution sources has been performed. Responsible. Partner and Project Coordinator: Mike Britt, Lakes Manager, City of Winter Haven. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Florida Department,of Enviro Inmental Protection (DEP) are cooperating on a Project on Lake Howard. The SWFWMD is cooperating Oil projects on Lake May and Howard. Future partners will be sought on a project-by-project basis. Geographic Area: The City of Winter Haven consists of four major watershed areas that all discharge to the Peace River system. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Benefits include pollutant load removal, improved water quality, improved aesthetics, and proved habitat. Drawbacks include maintenance and perpetual costs. I 7 Project Timeline/Schedule: New projects will be constructed every year; larger projects will be built every two years. Status: The wetland treatment projection the southwest side of Lake Howard is in the final stages of design and permitting Construction should begin in the summer of 1999. The alum inject on project on the north- east side of Lake Howard is in the 50% stage of design. The Lake May project will go out for consultant selection in a few weeks. Resources/Funding Available: The City's stormwater utility will contribute -approximately $250,000 per year-for stormwater quality improvement projects. Needed: In order to perform projects in timely manner, approximately $200,000 per year is needed. Potential: All 30 projects identified would have opportunities for funding collaboration.. Reference Douments: City of Winter Haven Stormaker Quality Improvement. Comments: The City of Winter Haven has a very small staff. The Lakes Division for the City is in charge of all of the water quality improvement projects and consists of one person. Managing multiple projects and performing maintenance on projects will, definitely be a challenge. Some of the needs for the lakes in Winter Haven include data collection. Virtually no biological or diversity data exists for lakes in this area. 7 298 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Ecosystem Management Water Quality Assessment Section Lakes Bioassessment Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist Il, SW -District, Ecosystem Management Agqency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing. Address:. 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, extension. 433 FAX Number: (813) 744-6090 E-mail Address: Dianne [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-5 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-H, WQ-1, WQ-K, WQ-L Project Description: Assessment of water and sediment qualities, benthic macroinvertebrate popu- lation integrity and habitat assessment to evaluate overall water quality of I he lake. Strategy for Implementation:. Part of an ongoing. Florida- Department of Environmental Protec- tion (DEP) program, monitoring to be conducted in summer, 1999. Responsible, Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bioassessment Program, Kate Orellana (DEP, Tampa). Other Project Partners. None. Geographic Area: Lake Hancock. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Current water, sediment and macroinvertebrate data, com- prehensive water quality evaluation, contribution to development of statewide lake-condition index (LCI). Project Timeline/Scheudle: Monitoring to be conducted summer, 1999. Status: 'Planned. Resources/Funding Available: Federal 319(h) funds granted to Department of 'Environmental Protection (DEP). Needed: Potential- Reference Documents: Standard Operating Procedures for Biological Assessment, Department of Evironmental Protection (DEP) Division of Administration and Technical Services, Biology Section, Tallahassee, July, 1996. Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Integrated Water Resources Monitoring (IWRM) Network Basin Assessment and total Maximum Daily Load (TMDDL)Development Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist II, SW District. Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, extension 433 FAX Number: (813) 744-6690 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-5,WQ-6, WQ-7 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-C, WQ-D Project Description: Integrated water resources monitoring (IWRM) is a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-coordinated interagency initiative intended to provide informa- tion on water quality trends throughout the state, to conduct basin. assessments of all major water- sheds in the state and for the establishment of total maximum daily loads (TMDL's) on a rotating. five-year cycle. Agencies, such as the y nc water management districts and counties, are under contract with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to conduct trend monitoring as of October 1998. They 'will start, conducting the first year of basin assessment monitoring in each basin in October 1999 (Tier I). Ecosystem. Management Water Quality Assessment Section (EMWQAS) staff will participate, in targeted monitoring in each basin and the establishment of- total maximum-daily loads (TMDLs) (Tiers 11 and III) beginning October 2000. Florida Depart- ment of Environmental. Protection (FDEP) assessment methodology is. being used in' all facets of integrated water resources monitoring (IWRM). Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires the determination of the Total Maximum Dail Load, (TMDL) capacity of waters in the state which do not or only partiall meet their designated uses do to poor water quality. The waters in this category are indicated in the State of Florida 305(b) water quality report and have been compiledinto what is known as the "303(d) list". A portion of the State of Florida's 1998 303(d) list of waters that do riot meet Applicable water quality standards are presented in Table 3.1 of the Charlotte Harbor NEP Framework for Action. The Peace River has water segments which do not meet applicable water quality standards. The list is based on- water segment assessments from the 1996 305(b) report. As required by Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act, the list identifies those waters for which total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) will be developed. For water segments that are surface water improvement and manage- ment (SWIN4) waterbodies, TMDLs will be developed in cooperation with the appropriate water management district (WMD). For selected Parameters, the TMDLs will be based on Pollutant load reduction goals (PLRGs) which the WMDs plan to develop. As such, the list includes a specific year for TMDL development based on the WMD schedule for PLRG development (if available). The schedule for non-surface water improvement and management (SWIM) waters will be based on a new watershed 'management approach that rotates through the state on a five-year cycle. In a given basin, the plan is to develop TMDLs for high priority waters during the first rotation through the cycle and develop TMDLs for low priority waters during the second cycle. 300 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Strategy for Implementation: Tier 11 targeted monitoring will be conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The main purpose of basin assessment mionitoring of Tier II will be to identify waterbodies that have potential or known problems, to determine the extent and severity of the problems; to develop management plans to fix the problems, and to monitor special waterbodies of Florida (outstanding Flo rida waters [OFWs], etc.). Tier II monitoring will also set total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for, waterbodies that have been designated as-requiring them. Major steps in the implementation of Tier H are: Supplement existing data to further characterize basin conditions; Investigate areas with identified or potential water quality problems; Evaulate the effectiveness of management, actions; Collect data for TMDL development; . Conduct monitoring to include point source and nonpoint source loading studies, inten- sive surveys in,303(d), listed waters, bioassessment, gr Ioundwater evaluations at VISA sites and parameter'specific studies; Provide detailed assessment of pollutant sources, including the quanitification of nonpoint source loadings, Summarize available flow data, providing statistics on worst case conditions and noting differences in flow from long term averages;,- Summarize water quality data, noting seasonal variation, differences in water quality within. the basin, compliance with water quality criteria, and overall. ranking of water quality; Summarize results of intensive surveys, noting,downstrearm trends and compliance with water quality criteria; Summarize results of bioassessments; Summarize results of any special studies noting conclusions as appropriadte; Complete an inventory and quantify major pollutant sources, including determination of nonpoint source loadings of key parameters; and Conduct modeling to determine assimmilative capacity, establish TMDLs and evaluate main management alternatives. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Daryll Joyner (DEP, Tallahassee). Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Depart- ment of Environmental Protection (DEP) South District, and Department of Environmental Pro- tection. (DEP), Southwest District. Geographic Area: Peace River Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks. Identification of problem areas within basin and the ex- tent of degradation, development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and a basin management plan. Project Timeline/Schedule: High priority 303(d) waters to be monitored Oct. 1, 2002 through Sept. 30, 2004. Low priority. 303(d) waters to be monitored from Oct.- 1, 2007 through Sept. 30, 2009. 301 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) funded project. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Overview of the Florida Department of Envir Eovironmental Protection's inte- grated water-- resources monitoring (IWRM) Efforts and the Design Plan of the Status Network, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water ]Facilities, Division; Watershed Man- agement Program, Tallahassee, December, 1998. http:Hwww2.dep.state.fl.us/water/division/monitoring/index.htm Comments: 302 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Southwest District Point Source Discharge Permitting Program Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beek Title: Environmental Specialist 11 Agency/Organization: Florida, Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619 Telephone Number: (813)744-6100 ext. 433 FAX Number: (813) 744-6084 E-mail Address: Dianne:[email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-6, FW-2, WQ-D, WQ-P, FW-Q Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-A, WQ-C, WQ-D Project Desciption: Point sourcebiology utilizes a number of techniques to estimate the impacts of point source discharges on the water quality of the receiving waters. These techniques include fifth year inspections, ambient and baseline monitoring, and whole effluent toxicity testing. The data generated by these methods -help determine if a given discharge is in violation. of Florida Surface Water Quality Standards, 62-302, Florida Administrative Code (FAC). Domestic and in- dustrial wastewaters are potential point source pollutio to. surface water. The foll6wing are brief descriptions of the techniques implemented by point source biology. FIFTH YEAR INSPECTION Fifth year inspections (FYI-5) are used to determine whether or not a facility is in compliance with its permit in reference to surface water discharge, These inspections are conducted by the regulat- ing agency on a five year basis. This method is used to evaluate the following: water quality, toxicity, biological diversity, and bacteriological criteria. The combination of these parameters can determine if the discharge is impacting the environmental integrity of the receiving water. The sampling sites usually monitored in an FYI-5 include and upstream and downstream site and a site located at the outfall. The following is an outline of the sampling parameters that are normally measured in an FYI-5: a. Sample Depth Surface, mid, and near bottom; effluent. b. Sampling parameters pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and, specific conductance, chlorophyll-a, total suspended solids, turbidity, BOD5, total nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrite- nitrate,total ammonia, total phosphorus and ortho-phosphorous, fecal and total coliforms, and metal analysis. C. Secchi Depth Secchi depth shall be monitored at each-sampling location. Ambient Conditions Air temperature, rainfall, cloud cover, and direction of receiving water flow. e. Chain of Custody Time/date, of sampling and name of persons who obtained the sample shall be recorded at each site. f, Biological Assessment An assessment shall include percent coverage, productive and non-productive 303 habitats, presence of nuisance, species, and biological integrity. AMRIENT- MONITORING Ambient monitoring is conducted either by the facility itself or by a consultant. This monitoring is usually performed on a quarterly. basis. Ambient monitoring evaluates the impacts of the discharge on the water quality of the receiving body of water. Ambient monitoring. is Used to assess the following: water quality biological diversity, and bacteriological criteria. Sediment chemistry and benthic macroinvertebrate data collection can also be included in this evaluation. This information is also helpful in determining water quality trends that may be associated With non-point source pollution. 'Ambient monitoring is a useful instrument in the regulatory decision-making process. The sampling sites monitored in an ambient monitoring review usually include an u stream an downstream site, a control site, and another. site located at the outfall. The following is an outline of the parameters that are normally included in an ambient monitoring report. a. Sampling depths Surface, mid-depth and bottom. b. Sampling Parameters 1. Surface: pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature,and salinity. 2. Mid-Depth: pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, chlorphyll-a, total suspended solids, five. day biological oxygen demand (BOD5),total nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrite-nit-qtate, total ammonia, total phosphorus, and ortho-phosphorous. 3. Bottom: pH, dissolved,oxygen, temperature and salinity. c. Secchi Depth Shall be measured at all-sites. d. Ambient Conditions Air temperature, rainfall, cloud cover and flow direction of the receiving water. e. Chain of Custody Time/date of sampling and name of persons who obtained the samples shall be recorded at each sampling site. WHOLE EFFLUENT TOXICITY TESTING Toxicity tests demonstrate the effect of an effluent sample on one or more test species, which in turn can help. predict. the, potential toxicity of the receiving waters. A single test can test for either chronic or acute toxicity. Acute toxicity measures the lethality of the test organisms,and "chronic toxicity measures sublethal effects on growth and/or reproduction of the test organisms. The type and -frequency of the testing is specified in each facility's permit. The, tests may beconducted on site or by an approved laboratory.- Strategy for Implementation: See Project Description, above. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental'Protec- q'tion, Southwest District, Technical Services, Charles Kovach, Environmental Specialist III. Other Project Partners: Permitted facilities. Geographic Area: District-wide, including the Charlotte Harbor Watershed. 304 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Detection of surface water quality impacts due to point Source discharges. Maintenance of surface water quality. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding: Available: Program staff. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Surface Water Quality Standards, 62-302, Permits, 62-4, Wastewater fa- cility permitting, 62-620, Water Quality Based Effluent Limitations, 62-650, and Wetlands Appli- cation, 62-611. Comments: 305 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Domestic Wastewater (DW) and Industrial Wastewater (IW) Permitting Programs Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beek Title: Environmental Specialist 11, Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, extension 433 FAX Number: (815) 144-6090 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives -Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-D, WQ-E. Project: Description: The Southwest District (SWD) will continue to regulate existing and new point sources that discharge treated wastewaters into surface waters in the Charlotte Harbor NEP; and to regulate those systems discharging treated wastewaters onto land application sites that are adjacent to the NEP where the discharges, migrate downgradient into the watershed. The Depart- ment of Enivironmental Protection (DEP) will continue to encourage the improved treatment of - wastewaters and the reuse of those waters in all cases. Strategy for Implementation The Southwest District (SWD) will maintain, water quality data for each source discharing into the watershed and will use the data in the permitting process to deter- mine impacts to the surface waters of the NEP. The Southwest District (SWD), Domestic Water (DW),and Industrial Water) permitting pro- grams will utilize surface water quality surveys, to provide. Water Quality Based Effluent Limita- tions on the existing sources. Nutrients and Bioassays will be of particular importance in the per- transmitting of sources. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Steve Thompson, Permit Engineer, Department of Environmental Prtection (DEP)Southwest District (SWD), Domestic Wastewater Program, Henry Dominick, P.E., III, DEP SWD, Industrial Wastewater Program. Other Project Partners: County and Municipal Governments, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health. Geographic Area: District-wide, including the Peace. River drainage basin beginning at the -head- waters of the Saddle Creek, Lake Lowery, Winter Haven Chain-of-Lakes, and the Peace Creek Drainage Canals. Potentially, the Myakka River basin, NEP waterbodies, and coastal tributaries.- Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The. reduction of nutrients (nitrogen- and phosphorus) that contribute to surface water quality degradation; also, the reduction of constituents that are deter- mined to be toxic to aquatic organisms. 306 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan A drawback might be that the reuse of treated wastewaters might ultimately result in a reduction in total surface water flow to the Charlotte Harbor NEP. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing Facilities permitted today would have duration of five years time for monitoring and evaluation of surface water impacts. Duping the. subsequent five year permitting cycle the Department would use the accumulated data to plan with thefacility for fur- thering pollution load reductions., Status.: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Program staff. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Various domestic and industrial waste water discharge permits. Comments: .307 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Industrial Wastewater Compliance/Enforcement; Domestic Wastewater Compliance/Enforcement Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist II, SW District, Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address:' 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida, 33619 Telephone Number: (813)744-6100 extension 433. FAX Number': (813) 744-6090 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-6 Priority Actions-Addressed: WQ-E Project Description: The Industrial Wastewater Compliance/Enforcement Section is the State entity responsibie for ensuring compliance with the applicable rules and statues which govern the processing and discharge of wastewater from industrial facilities. The Domestic Wastewater Com- pliance/Enforcement Section performs that same function for domestic wastewater from homes and businesses and from the plants that treat it. The tools at their disposal for accomplishing these missions are given under Strategy for Implementation below. The following rules are referenced: Permits; Water Policy; Surface Water Quality Standards; Domestic Wastewater Facilities; Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Monitoring; Collection Systems and Transmissions Facilities; Reuse of Reclaimed Water and Land Application; Wastewater Facility Permitting; Domestic Wastewater Residuals Water Quality Based Effluent Limitations; Industrial Wastewater Facilities;, and Treatment Classification and Staffing. Strategy for Implementation: STEP l. Ensure that all regulated wastewater discharges to the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed are covered under applicable permits and any other required. Departwent authorization such as Administrative Orders, Consent Order etc. which are attached to and become part of the permit. STEP 2. Conduct inspections of all regulated facilities at least-once per year in order to ensure .'compliance with the applicable permit and/or State standards. STEP 3. Conduct timely and routine reviews of the applicable Discharge Monitoring Reports in order to ensure that the discharge water quality standards are being met. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan STEP 4. Take appropriate action for all instances of noncompliance with permit and. Consent Order provisos, compliance -schedules and/or water quality. standards in order to ensure that the facility returns to compliance in a timely manner. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Steve Thompson, Permit Engineer, Florida De- partment of Environmental Protection (DEP) South west District (SWD), Domestic Wastewater Program, Henry Doimmick, P.E., III, DEP SWD, Industrial Wastewater Program. Other Project Partners: County and-Municipal Governments, U.S. Environmental Protection 'Agency, Department of Health Geographic Area: Currently Peace River Basin, potentially Myakka River basin and, Charlotte Harbor watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Wastewater dischargers have only limited, effect on the water quality in the overall watershed. However, point source discharges may result in significant water quality impacts in some subbasins. Water Facilities staff will work to minimize, any delete rious effects through aggressive regulation. Project Timeline/Schedule: Continuous. Status: -In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Program staff. Needed: Potential Reference Documents: Permits, Consent Orders and Administrative Orders- in effect with the dischargers to the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. Lists of, Permitted Industrial Wastewater Dischargers and Permitted Industrial Wastewater Dischargers are available. Comments: 309 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Reclaimed Water Use Development Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beek Title: Environmental Specialist 11, SW Di tri Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida 33619 Telephone Number: (813)744-6100, extension 433 FAX Number: (813) 744-6090 [email protected] E-mail Address: Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority- Actions Addressed: W Q-13, WQ-P Project Description: Florida Department of Enviromnental Protection (DEP) efforts have included' providing technical expertise in assessing environmental impacts of reuse of reclaimed water (treated domestic wastewater). Other efforts have included flexibility in permitting of reuse of reclaimed water, where appropriate and practicable; and permitting of wastewater treatment plants and reuse- systems, as well as feasibility, and permitting of Aquifer Storage and Recovery' (ASR). When reuse projects include surface water discharge proposals, water quality impact assessments are performed under existing, national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permitting requirements and involve Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Water Facilites staff in Tallahassee Water Quality Assessment Section and Tampa (Southwest District Water Facilities). This is: an ongoing effort and DEP staff will continue to participate in,evaluations with Southwest -Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Com- mis'sion, and local governments, as part of routine permit- review: Other DEP efforts include: Requiring all domestic Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) applicants and renewals, within designated water resource caution areas, to conduct reuse feasibility studies as a part of permit application and/or renewal process Pursuant to the Antidegradation Policy requiring all (statewide) domestic WWTPs proposing new or expanded surface water discharges to-complete reuse feasibility studies Encouraging- all Industrial Wastewater permit applicants and permit I renewals to address alter- natives to (surface water) discharge, of industrial wastewater, including evaluating the potential use of "reclaimed water" from domestic WWTPs as a possible water sourcef6r process cool- ing, or washing operations (Southwest Florida Water Management Districe (SWFWMD) RE- sponsibility), as a part of their permit application and/or renewal process; or recycling of indus- trialwastewater. Promoting reuse alternatives at conferences of water professionals. 10 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Strategy for Implementation: Evaluate effectiveness and benefits of existing water reuse programs. Assess the net, effects of reducing or eliminating existing discharges, or groundwater injec- tions, with regard to impacts to surface and groundwater. Determine areas where reuse programs would be of potential greatest benefit. Evaluate potential actions with regard to public health concerns and perceptions concerning the use of reclaimed water. Implement and expand programs where they meethealth.and environmental standards and are economically practical. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Steve Thompson, Permitting Engineer, Depart- ment of Environmental Protection (DEP), Southwest District (SWD)Domestic Wastewater Pro- gram, Henry IDominick, Professional Engineer 111, DEP Southwest District (SWD) Industrial Waste- Water Program. Other Project Partners: Judy Richtar, P.G., Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Southwest District (SWD) -Technical Seryices; David York, DEP SWD Reuse Program - Tallahassee,; Gerold Morrison, Envi- ronmental Manager; DEP Ecosystem Management SWD; Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD); Nitrogen Management Consortium; local governments. Geographic Area: Currently the Peace River Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction in new and increasing potable demands on surface and ground waters. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: The Cities of Lake Wales and Bowling Green wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sur- face water discharges have been rembved and incorporated, into reclaimed water programs. Planned removals of surface water discharges are pending for the Cities of Wauchula and Arcadia. Resources/Funding Available: Program staff. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Permits, memorandums of understanding, and consent orders. Comments: Current Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permitting process evaluates environmental impacts and relie's on Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD's) determination of freshwater needs or flows. As minimum flows are established, freshwater flows will be considered in assessing ambient water quality. Also, Department of Environmental Protec- tion (DEP) can only require Industrial Wastewater recycling as a means to achieve antidegradation. 'Statutory authority is necessary to address reuse as a resource. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Environmentally Responsible Marinas and Boat Maintenance Practices Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist II, SW District, Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address- Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida, 33610 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, extension 433 FAX Number: (813) 744-6090 E-mqAil Address: Diannie_ McCommons [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: W4Q-4, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ7B, WQ-N,WQ-Q Project Description, Review model programs that promote environmentallyresponsible marina and boat maintenance practices; pursue public-privatqe partnerships to maximize promotion and, cost-sharing The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Florida Clean Marina Program (CMP) has led in the implementation of this action. In partnership with other agencies and' industry, the CMP's marina component will be implemented in late 1998 or early 1999. The boatyard component will be implemented the following year. Additionally; the DEP Pollution. Prevention (P2)Program is available to provide pollutionprevention assessments and technical assist Iance upon- request. Numerous other programs and educational materials also support this effort, and materials and procedures may result that would be very beneficial to DEP staff who process applications for marina permits and sovereign submerged lands authorizations. DEP staff working on this issue will coordinate with the Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) permitting staff in the Southwest Dis- trict (SWD)office and with the Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources (BSLER). Strategy for Implementation: -Department of Environmental Protection. (DEP) is a lead agency via the DEP Pollution Prevention (P2) and Clean Marina Programs. Through, the Environmental Integrated Services Program (EISP), the DEP P2 Program is actively promoted by Florida Manu- facturing Technology Centers (MTCs) throughout the state (see ation SW-2 for description of relationship and, activities). DER staff involved in this action,including staff from the Division of Waste Management, will coordinate with Bureau of Submerged Lands and Enviromnental Resources (BSLER) and Southwest District (SWD) Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) staff so that rec- ommendations and solutions can be incorporated into Environmiental Resource Permits and sub- merged lands Authorizations. Products developed from this. action will be shared with. applicable DEP, and Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) ERP permitting. staff, local governments, and the public. Responsible Partner. and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Southwest District (SWD) Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) (Kent Edwards, Bob, Stetler); DEP Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources (BSLER) (Doug Fry, Tallahassee); DEP SWD Division of Waste Management (Bill Ktash); Clean Marina Program. (Jan DeLaney, Tallahassee); DEP,P2 Program (Julie. Abcarian Tallahassee). 312 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Other project Partners: Local marina operators. Geographic Area: Statewide, including Charlotte Harbor National Estuary- waterbodieg. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Maintenance of and improvement in water quality of marina basins and there,associated waters of the state. Project Timeline/ Schedule: Ongoing. Status: 1989/1999 implementation. Resources/Funding Available: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant for Clean Marina Program (CMP) de- velopment and implementation Department of Community Affairs to- assist in production of CMP materials; Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Website: http://www.FDEPstate.fl.us/law/clean-marina. Materials in development: Marina Environmental Measures, Good Boating Habits, and videos' for marinas and boaters. Comments: 313 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Pollution Prevention (P2) Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist 11, SW District, Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Florida Department* of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa,Florida 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, extension 433 FAX Number: (813) 744-6090 E-mail Address: Dianne, McCommons-Beck,@depstate.fl.us Quantiflable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed. WQ-N Project Description: Aggressively promote Pollution Prevention (P2)to business community and local governments to boost business participation: Strategy for Implementation: Through the Environmental Integrated Services Program, the Florida Depart- ment of Environmental Protection (DEP) Pollution Prevention (P2) Program.is actively promoted by Florida Manufacturing Technology Centers (MTCs) throughout the state. Clean Marina Program (CMP) and other, agencies/programs also promote the Pollution Prevention (P2) program. The DEP P2 program relies heavily, on its environmental and agency partners, such as the MTC, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and CMP, to 'promote pollution prevention assistance within the business community. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Pollution. - Prevention (P2) Program (Julie Abcarian, Tallahassee), DEP Clean Marina Program, (Jan DeLaney, Tallahas- see), DEP Southwest District P2 Program (Ken Huntington, Tampa) Other Project Partners:. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Suncoast Manufacturing Technology Centers (MTCs) (Bill Boone). Geographic Area: Statewide, including Charlotte Harbor National Estuary waterbodies. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Maintenance of and/or improved quality of air, surface and dwaters. groun Project Timeline/Schedule: Manufacturing Technology Centers (MTCs) promotion of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Pollution Prevention (P2) Program will be 'evaluated in early 1999 and addi- tional marketing strategy recommendations, if needed, Provided by March 1999. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Program staff. Needed:, Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: Manufacturing- Technology Centers (MTCs) are not-involved in marinas. 314 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Landward-Source Petroleum Discharges Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist 11, SW District, Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Flofida Department of Environmental Protection MailingAddress: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Fla 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, extension 433 FAX Number:' (813) 744-6090 E-mail Address: Dianne [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-Q Project Description: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and local goverments will evaluate marina and port fueling facilities that frequently report,landward-source petroleum discharges to determine if appropriate action has been taken to mitigate chronic discharges and to require appropriate corrective actions. Implementation Strategy: In the event of the discovery of an ongoing discharge to any surface waters of the state, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP Tanks Program, in conjunction with the appropriate local agencies (ernergency response, fire departments, local utilities, etc.), will makeevery reasonable effort to identify the source of the discharge and work with the responsible party to contain, remove and abate the discharge. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Tanks Program (Mike Sole, Tallahassee), DEP Tanks Program Southwest District (SWD) (Laurel Culbreth, Tampa), DEP Waste Management SWD (Bill Kutash, Tampa). Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Clear Marina Programs (Jan DeLaney, Tallahassee), DEP Southwest District (SWD) Environmental Resources Permitting (Kent Edwards, Bob Stetler), DEP Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources (BSLER) (Doug Fry, Tallahas- see), local governments. Geographic Area: Statewide, including Charlotte Harbor National Estuary waterbodies. Expected Beneflts and/or Drawbacks: Maintenance of water quality in surface and groundwaters the state. Project Timeline/Schedule: On-going. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Program staff. Needed- Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: Priority ranking of sites eligible for State funded restoration assistance is based on a threat to drinking water supplies, not discharges to non-potable surface waters (F.S. 376). Department of Environ- mental Protection (DEP) Southwest District (SWD) has no authority to raise or lower priority-ranking score. 315 Mike Sole, DEP Tallahassee, is priority ranking contact,person. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Environmental Resources Permitting (ERP) Program/Clean Marina Program Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist II, SW District, Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, extension 433 FAX Number:' (813) 744-6090 'E-mail Address: Dianne_ [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:, FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-F Project Description: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is a lead agency via,the Clean Marina Program (CMP) which will result in the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) by facilities. The Department regulates marina/dock/boat ramp construction through its Environmental Resource Permitting Program. The Department may require that signage alerting boaters to sensitive areas be installed as part of the permitting process. Signage has been developed by the Department that alerts and educates boaters about shallow bottoms and associated resources. These signs are typically required to beingtalled at marmas, private multislip docking facilities and boat ramps. Strategy for Implementation: Implementation of the Clean Marina Program (CMP) which will assist mari- nas in improving the environmental quality Florida's waterways via education and awareness, award rec- ognifion, best management practice (BMP) incentive grants and a "Clean Marina" designation. It will in- crease compliance of existing facilities with Department regulatory and proprietary requirements. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), South- west District (SAID) Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources (Bob, Stetler); DEP Clean Marina Program (CMP) (Jan Delaney, Tallahassee). Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Southwest District (SWD) Indus- trial Wastewater Program (Henry Dominick): DEP Ecosystem Management (Gerold Morrison, Tampa); South- west Florida Water,Management District (SWFWMD); Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC - formerly Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission); National Marine Fisheries Commission (NMFC); local goverments. Geographic Area: District-/state-wide, including Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program water bodies. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Public education and conservation regarding seagrasses and other marine bottom communities.- Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. - Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Program staff. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents 316 Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Environmental Resources Permitting/Alternative Shoreline Stabilization Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist II, SW District, Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection 3804 Coconut Palm Drive; Tampa, Florida 33619 Mailing Address: Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, extension 433 FAX Number:. (813) 744-6090 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-B, FW-Q Project Description:' Through the Environmental Resource Permitting Program, the Department often re- quires alternative approaches to shoreline stabilization. Softer approaches to shoreline stabilization have included the use. of native vegetation, biodegradable geotextile fabric, and the use of rip rap at the toe of existing vertical seawalls to provide habitat and reduce wave energy and toe scour. Strategy for Implementation: Educate citizens as to benefits of soft approaches to shoreline stabilization. Develop pilot/demonstration projects that incorporate various alternatives to a hardened shoreline. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Southwest District Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources, (Bob, Stetler). Other Project Partners Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Ecosystem Management (Gerold Morrison, Tampa); South West Florida Water Management District; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; National Marine. Fisheries Commission; local governments. Geographic Area: District/state wide, including Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program waterbodies. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improvement and maintenance of altered shoreline habitat. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Program staff. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Various permits'. Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Environmental Resources Permitting/Invasive Exotic Vegetative Removal Contact Person: Dianne McConmmons Beck Title: Enviromental Specialist H, SW District; Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida 33619 Telephone Number- (813) 744-6100, extension 433 FAX-Number: (813) 744-6090 E-mail Address: - [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-Q Project Description: Through the Environmental Resource Permitting Program the Department often re- quires mitigation to offset dredge- and. fill impacts in the permittin process. Mitigation hads frequently in- cluded habitat enhancement through removal of invasive exotic Vegetation. Subsequent monitoring and main- tenance of these areas are also typical requirements. Invasive exotic vegetation is also removed from restora- tion sites by the Ecosystem Management ecological restoration staff for various projects throughout the dis- trict which are not associated With any environmental resource permits. Strategy for Implementation: Identify and prioritize areas tobe targeted for nuisance/exotic vegetation control. Increase compliance of existing facilities with Department regulatory and proprietary requirements. Continue to monitor success of these mitigation areas. Responsible Partner and Project Coorinator: Florida Department,of Environmental Protection (DEP) Southwest District, Submerged, Lands and Environmental Resources (Bob Stetler, Tampa), DEP Ecosystem Management (Gerold Morrison,. Tampa). Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conser- vation Commission; National Marine Fisheries Commission; local governments. Geographic Area: Statewide, including the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Progran study area, Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress.. Resources/FundingAvailable: Needed: -Program staff.* Potential: Reference Documents: Various permits. Comments: 318 GSarfolle,7fa,[email protected].@,.fC.Iary --R,07. On. 1 G.-,w,@,naw Gomervahron and'Aranayemeni, 596 Reduce Propeller Damage to Seagrass Beds Contact Person Name: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist II, SW District, Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3804,Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, extension 433 FAX Number: 013) 744-6090 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-3, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-D, FW-Q Project Description: The Department regulates marina/dock/boat ramp construction through it's Environ- mental Resource Permitting Program. This regulatory program requires that staff consider potential impacts to-resources such as seagrass beds when evaluating direct, secondary, and cumulative impacts relating to these facilities. . Propeller damage to seagrass beds has been addressed through measures such as require- mebts for marking existing channels or best navigable water, incorporating draft restrictions on vessels using autAorized facilities and citing' of facilities within areas 6f*sufficient depths and with adequate access to avoid seagrass impacts. Strategy for Implementation: Implementation of the, Clean Marina Program (CMP) which will assist ma- rinasin improving the environmental -quality of Florida's waterways via education.and awarlenes's, award recognition, Best Management Practice (BMP@ incentive gtants and a "Clean -Marina" designation. Increas e compliance of existing facilities.with Department regulatory and proprietary requirements. Continue to'monitor seagrass'. coverage, Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator; Florida Department. of Environmental Protection.(DEP)_ Clean Marina Program (CMP) (Jan DeLaney, Tallahassee); DEP Southwest District (SWD) Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources (Bob Stetler, Tampa); DEP Ecosystem Management (Gerold Morri@son, Tampa). Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conser- vation Commission; National Marine Fisheries Commission; local governments. Geographic 'Area: Statewide, including the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program study area. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Maintenance and improvement in sea grass coverage and.habitat. Project Timeline/Schedule:, Ongoing. Status:-. In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potentiali Reference Documents: Various permits. Comments: 319 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Greater Charlotte Harbor Eosystem Management 'Area Initiative Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title:. Environmental Specialist Agency/Organization: Florida Department- of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100 ext. 433 FAX Number: (813)744-6084 E-mail Address: [email protected]@te.fl.us Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1, FW-2, HA-3, WQ-7 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A, FW-B, FW-C, FW-S, FW-U, HA-F, HA-H, HA-M, HA-Q, WQ-J Project Description: Develop a recovery approach which focuses -on initial protection, working to* secure existing populations of biodiversity, while promoting critical habitat areas that support healthy ecosystem functions. Recovery measures should be chosen based on those having the greatest potential for a rapid quality improvement. Long term recovery Will involve the maintenance of a diversity of natural habitats that support co-adapted populations, including headwater areas and relatively intact lower-river regions. Restoration of areas impacted, by previous human activities should focus. first on'stopping degradation, and secondly on habitat maintenance and improvement. Strategy for Implementation: Active participation in Various conservation/restoration initiatives, including: Florida Statewide Greenways Program; Peace River Comprehensive Watershed Management (CWM) Team; Peace River CWM Natural Systems Workgroup Core/Corridor mapping project; Myakka River CWM- Team; Southern CoastaJ CWM Team; Charlotte Harbor' National Estuary Program (NEP) Early Action Demonstration Project Proposal Review Workgroup; Department of Transportation:(DOT) Mitigation Program, Phosphate Mine Permitting Teams; Six Mile Creek Ecosystem Restoration Workgroup. Upper Peace River Ecosystem Planning Committee. Lake Hancock Advisory Council; Myakka River Management Coordinating Council; Myakkahatchee Creek Task Force; Participation in agency review and comment on Developments of Regional Ipact; and Identification of and assistance in protection-of biotic refuges and restoration/reclamation of disturbed habitats and watershed. Responsible Partner and Project Coordi nator: Florida. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Steve Thompson-Bartow; DEP, Dianne McCommon Beck, Tampa.. 320 -@Cw X q. C.."eroalron andAranayameni 5,96 Other Project Partners:- Southwest Florida-Water Management District, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP);,Department of En- vironmental Protection (DEP) Parks, Florida Department of Transportation, phospfiate industry, counties and municipalities, Regional Planning Councils, not-for-profit conservat ,ion organizations, and the public. Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. 'Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Interagency toordination, agency/public coordination, and conservation 'and restoration of natural systems. Project Timeline/Schedule; Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: . Yrogram Staff. Needed: Potential: Various grant and other funding opportunities. Reference Documents: Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem Management Are .a (GCHEMA) Action Plan, Peace River Comprehensive Watershed Management (CWM) Plan, Myakka River Comprehensive Watershed Management (CWM) Plan, Southern Coastal Comprehensive Water- shed Management (CWM) Plan, Florida Cireenways and irails Implementation Plan, Entering the Watershed (PRC), various state park ma'nageme.nt plans Comments: 3-21 Charllotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Six Mile Creek Watershed Restoration Contact Person Dianne_McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist Agency/Organization: Florida Department-of Environmental, Protecti-on Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619 Telephone Number: (813)744-6160 ext. 433 FAX Number: (813) 744-6084 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objective& Addressed: HA-2; HA-3,HA-4, FW-1, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F, HA-Q Mile Creek and its watershed were mined many years ago. Wh is left Project Description: Six at now,is a recirculation ditch that was once a tributary to the Peace River and a mosaic landscape of abandoned clay-settling areas and reclaimed pasture. This project proposes to restore hydrologic "It connection of Six-Mile Creek, installing meanders where possible, and a lake and filtration marsh prior to ultimate discharge in to Peace River and restore ecological function of the ecosystem, as well. As -incorporate it into the Integrated -Habitat Network" Strategy for Implementation: Organization, of a multi agency industry workgroup to, examine the future of they system in conjunction with the phosphate (P04) industry leaving the immediate area. Develop and adopt a long-term plan, using implementation of short term projects to implement improvements of the system as is exists. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Steve Thompson, Bartow; DEP, Dianne McCommons Beck, Tampa. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Mine Recla- mation; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Southwest Florida Water Manage- ment District; Polk County; IMC-Agrico. Geographic Area: Six-Mile Creek drainage basin - Upper Peace River watershed (near Bartow in Polk County). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Partial restoration of mine-altered h drology in the Peace River dainage basin with resulting water quality and wildlife habitat improvement. This project will create and Integrated Habitat NetWork for wildlife, connecting an isolated habitat to the Peace River System. Project Timeline/Schedule: Planning was implemented in 1997. Additional planning is proposed for late 1999 and early 2000. The plan should be initiated in late 2000. 322 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: Workgroup discussions started in 1998, but were disciontinued due to start-up of the Ona/ Pine Level Mine Environmental Management permit process. The project potentially will continue in pursuit of Net Ecosystem Benefit as a result of the mine project. Resources/Funding Available: Agency program staff and project partners time. Needed: Potential: Money for, the creation of Wildlife habitat off phosphate owned lands. Reference Documents: Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem Management Area (GCHEMA) Action Plan. Comments: 323 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive Tampa, FL 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100 ext. 433 FAX Number: (813) 744-6084 E@mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2, HA73, WQ-1, WQ-6, FW-1, FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-B, HA-C, HA-D, HA-F, HA-H, HA-J, HA-P, WQ-B, WQ-E, WQ-H, WQ-J, WQ-K, WQ-N WQ-P, FW-A, FW-C, FW-L, FW-Q, FW-R, FW-S, FW-T, FW-U Project Description: Regulation of phosphate mining performed on or after July 1, 1975 pursuant to Chapters 378 and 373, Florida Statutes. Includes, agency action on Reclamation plan Dredge and FillPermit, Environmental Resource Permit(combines Dredge and Fill and Managerien and Storage of Surface- Waters permits) applications as well as compliance and enforcement. Strategy for Implementation Regulatory requirement pursuant to, the standards, criteria, and procedures of Chapters 378 and 373, Florida Statutes and applicable rules of Florida Administrative Code.- Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Mr Orlando Rivera, Environmental Administra- tor, Mandatory Phosphate Section, Bureau of Mine Reclamation,' Department 'of Environmental Protection (DEP). Other Project Partners: The companies of the phosphate industry,and Florida, Phosphate Coun- cil; Joint permits issued with concurrence by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:, Commenting- agencies include: US. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service; Florida Department of Communitt Affairs, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Southwest Florida Water Managqement District, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Central Florida Regional Plan- ning Council, Hillsborough County, Polk County, Hardee County, Manatee County, and DeSoto County. Geographic Area: -The Central Florida Phosphate Mining District which- includes parts of Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Hardee, and DeSoto counties and significant portions of the Peace, Alafia, Manatee, Little Manatee, and Myakka River basins. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Permitting provides avoidance and/or minimization of impacts to existing wetlands, management of stormwater flows, restoration of impacted systems, and protection of water quality and quantity. Reclamation provides planned replacement of land- scapes,watersheds, hydrology, habitats and land uses to those areas impacted by mining. Imple- in combination through a district Wide strategic plan, the two processes provide a compre- hensive conservation mechanism. 324 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Project Timeline/Schedule: Regulation of phosphate mining performed on or after July 1, 1975- ongoing Status: According to the 1997 Rate of Reclamation Report, total acres mined in the, Central Florida district during the period July 1; 1975 through Deceember 31, 1997 is 116,878 acres. As of this report, 63% (73,212 acres) have been reclaimed. Mining and reclamation are ongoing. Estimates of total industry ow nership within the district are approximately 565,000 acres. The total estimate of mineable (economically recoverable, not "permit-able") acreage comprises approximately 1.3 million acres. The total current ownership-is comprised of non-mandatory (pre-1975) lands, man- datory lands, and unmined reserves. Resources/Funding Available: Minerals Trust Fund from Severance Tax assessment. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: A Regional Conceptual Reclamation Plan for the Southern Phosphate District Florida (Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] June 20, 1992); Ongoing Projects and Programs which are, Interrelated with the Implementation of the Integrated Habitat Network Coordinated, Development Area (aka Regional Conceptual Reclamation Plan) (Depart-. ment of Environmental Protection [DEP] June 11, 1993). Comments: 325- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program) Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Spealist Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, FL, 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100 ext. 413 FAX Number: (813) 744-6084 E-mail Address: [email protected] (Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2, HA-3, WQ-1, WQ-6, FW-l, FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-13, HA-C, HA-D, HA-F, HA-H, HA-J, HA-P, WQ-B, WQ-E, WQ-H, WQ-J, WQ-K, WQ-N, WQ-P, FW-A FW-C, FW-L, FW-Q, FW-R, FW-S, FW-T, FW-U Project Description: Identify non-mandatory lands, and provide- guidelines for the reclamation,. donation, or purchase- of lands mined or disturbed by mining prior to July 1, 1975. Provide grants of funds to encourage the reclamation of the maximum number of acres of eligible lands,or the dona- tion or purchase of lands, pursuant to the standards of Chapter 378, Florida Statutes, Chapter 3A- 44, Florida Administrative Code: Rules of the State Comptroller, and Chapter 62C-17, Florida Administrative Code, Master Reclamation Plan for Lands Disturbed by the Severance of Phos- phate Prior to July 1, 1975. Strategy for Implementation: Applications for reclamation are submitted7annually by landown- ers to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP),Bureau of Mine Reclamation (138q0MR). The BOMR reviews the applications pursuant to the appropriate standards of the statutes and rules, as well as annual funds available for reimbursement; and ranks the applications according to prior- ity and available funds. The annual list, of applications is presented to the Non-Mandatory Land Reclamation Committee (appointed by the Governor) for priority ranking. The committee's prior- ity ranking is transmitted to the Secretary of the Department of Envirionmental Protection (DEP) for final approval. A complex system of contracts with landowners, compliance inspections, auditing of reimbursement requests and reimbursement, to a set cap follows. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Mrs. Barbara Owens, Audit Administrator Reim- bursement Section; Bureau of Mine Reclamation;, Department of. Environmental Protection Other Project Partners: The companies of the phosphate industry and Florida Phosphate Coun- cil; private landowners; Non-Mandatory Land Reclamation Committee. Geographic Area: Non-Mandatory lands exist within the portion of the central Florida Phosphate Mining District residing in Hillsborough and Polk counties. Drainage basin watershed affected by these lands, or their reclamation, include the tipper Peace River (including Saddle Creek & Lake Hancock). 326 qloff2pr4enjive conjer,valion aM(ArariaqeMen/ 5%fi. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Eligibility for reclamation of non-mandatory land is in partdetermined by the effects of reclamation or non-reclamation on public health and safety, water quality and quantity, and wildlife habitat. Reclamation ofnon-mandatory lands is planned in ac- cordance with the bureau's strategic plan f6r the mining district (also khown as The Regional Conceptual Reclamation Plan). Project Timeline/Schedule Ongoing - completion date depend ent upon annual available funds and number of applications submitted. res 86,624),. are Status: As of June 30, 1998, approximately 5 1 % of eligible acres (total eligible ac 1_1@ 4 under reclamation, reclamation is complete, or have been acquired. Another nine percent of the original total- ofeligible lands are considered no longer eligible due to "other" reclamation, dis- qualifying land usage, or cQnversion to mandatory status! Resources/Funding, Available: Non-mandatory Land Reclamation.Trust Fund (from Severance Tax assessment). Needed: Potential: Potential for partnering with Hillsborough, and Polk counties in funding of acquisition of certain non-mandatory lands. R@fe 'r'ence Documents: A Regional Conceptual Reclamation Plan for the Southern Phosphate District of Florida (Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] June 20, 1992); Ongoing Projects and Programs which are Interraleted with the ImpIgmentation of the Integrated Habitat t0i Network, / Coordinated Development Area (aka Regional Conceptual Reclamation Plan) (DEP, June 11, 1993). Comments: 327 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beek Title: Enviromental Specialist Agency/Organization:'' Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Mailing Address: 3 804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Fl 33619 Telephone Number: (813)744-6100 ext. 433 FAX Number: (813) 744-6084 E-mail Address: Dianne [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-21, HA-3, WQ-1, WQ-6, FW-l, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-B, HA-C, HA-D, -HA-F, HA-H, HA-J, HA-P, WQ-B,WQ-E, WQ-H, WQ-J, WQ-K, WQ-N, WQ-P, FW-A, FW-C, FW-L, FW-Q, FW-R, FW-S, FW-T, FW-U Project Description: A long-range, progressive process utilizing mined land reclamation, permit ted environmental impact mitigation, land planning and landscape retrofittin in combination to replace portions of 'the disrupted Saddle Creek watershed with a more environmentally functional system. Strategy for Implemention: The Tenoroc Fish Managment Area, which consists of the 6,040 owned and managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife former Coronet phosphate mine, is now state Conservation Comission. Together with the adjacent Saddle Creek Mine property, reclaimed through the Non-Mandatbry Reclamation Program, these properties form an approximate 12 acre watershed core. Through the Polk County Parkway Memorandum of Understanding among the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), Florida Fish and Wildlife. Conservation Commission, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), mitigation for permitted high- way impacts is being constructed in conjunction with non-mandatory reclamation on portions of Tenoroc fisheries management area utilizing pooled mitigation and recl amation funds. The multi-' party. Upper Peace River Ecosystem Planning Committee, (UPREPC) is advisory to the process. Final construction plans are approved. by a Selection Committee consisting of representatives of Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DEP is ressponsible for administering the project. Responsible Partner and Project -Coordinators: Bill Hawkins, Field Project Manager, Depart- ment of Environmental Protection (DEP)/Bureau of Mine Reclamation (BOMR) (Homeland Field Office) 2001 Homeland - Garfield Road, Bartow, Florida 33830; Bud:Cates, Project Administrator Contract Manager, Tallahassee ROMP Office. Other. Project Partners- -Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)Southwest Florida Water Manage- ment District (SWFWMD), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Polk. County, Department of Transportation (DOT , interested local landowners, and environmental groups. 328 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Geographic Area: Centtal core of the Saddle Creek watershed; the northernmost watershed por- tion of the Peace River basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Replacement of appropriate quantity and quality of flow to Saddle Creek, and thus enhanced flows to the Peace River through restructuring of mining- impacted watershed. Plan the restructuring so that historic flooding problem is not exacerbated. Replace wildlife habitat and ecological connectivity between the Green Swamp andupper Peace River. Replace isolated wetlands impacted by road constructio n in a productive context rather than" back as isolated, urban wetlands.' Provide enhanced recreational opportunities. Project Timeline/Schedule: Reclamation/Restoration planning, data gathering, Plan formaliza- tion: partially complete, ongoing. Status: In. progress. Resources/Funding Available: Mitigation and Non-Mandatory Reclamation funds (project specific). Needed: Potential: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)/Department of Transpor- tation (DOT) Mitigation plan. Reference Documents: A Regional Conceptual Reclamation Plan for: the Southern Phosphate District of Florida (Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] June 20, 1992), Memorandum of Understanding among the Army Corps of. Engineers (ACOE), Florida Department of Environ- mental Protection (FDEP), Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Game and Fish Com- mission & Southwest Florida water Management District(SWFWMD) (November 28,1995), Saddle Creek Restoration & Alternative Mitigation Project Phase 1: Conceptual Plan (DEP October 9, 1997). Comments:- 329 P ..y Drall CompreSenjive Conjervalion and-Wanayemeni 9@" Lake Howard Water Quality and Habitat Restoration Project Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Enviro,nmental.Protection Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, FL '33,619 'Telephone Number: (813) 74-6100 ext. 433 FAX, Number, (813) 744-6084 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW- 1, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ:-E, WQ-N, FW-T. Pr oject Description: Thi's project will improve stormwater quality through suspended sediment reduction and wetland treatment of runoff prior to enterin@g Lake Howard. It will also restore appr'oxim'ately eight acres of impacted, wetland habitat adjacent to Lake Howard. Finally it will promote education@l opp6rtunities, create passive recreational-opportunities'and improve flood level flows Strateg@ for Implementation: Untreated stormwater runoff from 5 88 acres will. be diverted into a created wetland treatment system that includes a "harvestable" vegetated sediment sump and a larger wetland reten- tion area. Surrounding the x@etland will be a -maintenance road that will a IIso serve as a walking pathway. A boardwalk -will extend from the project to Lake Howar d. Permits have been o6tained from Florida Depart- ment of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. tesponsible Pai -tner and Project Coofd inator: -City of Winter Haven,' Mike Britt, Lakes Manager. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) - Stormy Ingold, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) - Joann Macrinal Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis@- Sion - Lothian Agers. Geographic Area: Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks-. Improvement of water quality in Lake Howard. Project Timeline/Schedule.- Currently construction bids are being-prepar6d. Project to, be built tin 1999.. Status: \In progiress. Resources/Funding Available: $220,000 from Department of Environmental Protection- (DEP), $240,000 from Southwest Florida WaterManagcment District'(SWi`WMD)_$230,000 from, Flohda Fish and Wildlife Conservation C6mniis- Sion. Land acquisition by Flo'nida Communities Trust and City'of Winter. Haven. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: GSarfolle Ifar&r Xa&onaf 8yiuary 9@-' q ,ft do. Goniervaliqn ano(YKanayemeni,9Yan Myakkahatchee Creek- Environmental Par k Restoration 'Contact Person: Dianne McCommons Beck Title: Environmental Specialist II, SW District, Ecosystem Management Agency/Organization: Florida Department of Environmental Protection - Mailing Address: 3804 Coconut Palm Drive, Tampa, Florida 33619 Telephone Number: (813) 744-6100, extension 433 FAX Number: (813) 744-6090 E-mail Address: Dianne-McCommons-Beck@dep;state.fl.us Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2, FW- 1, FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-A Project Description: Twenty-five acres of disturbed floodplain will be restored along the Myakkahatchee Creek. The Floodplain here consists of historic wet prairie system/slough system that will be partially rez stored by this project. Strategy for Implementation: **** Excavating fill material from fouracres of disturbed uplands to create wetlands@, V* Diverting water from Cold Spring Canal to flow through two acres of historic wet prairie-to discharge into the creek; Clearing and removing exotic vegetation from 25 acres of disturbed wetlands; Treating remaining stumps with an appropriate herbicide to prevent regrowth; Planting native species within'the four-acre restored area; Monitorin quarterly for five years to document ecological changes on the affected site; and .9 Performing maintenance activities quarterly to ensure project success. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Department of Environmental Protecflon (DEP) Allen Burdett; Tampa. Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Dianne McCommons Beckjarnpa; City of North Port; Sarasota County. Geographic Area: Myakkahatchee Creek (Big Slough) watershed; Lower Myakka River watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Exotic species control, surface water quality and wedand restora- tion, restoration of upland habitats, and listed species recovery plan. Project Timeline/Schedule:_ Open. Status: Implementation pending. Resources/Funding. ,Available: General Development Corporation Settlement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Grant No. SP 358, F0733; Management Plan Nos. 92-'009-92A, 93-003-93A, 94- 025-94A; Grafit Proposal Agreement 1448-40181-98-G-126. Comments: 331 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Green Partners --A- Partnership -of Polk County Businesses Contact Person: Robert Connors Title: President Agency/Organization: Green Partners / A Partnership of Polk County Businesses Mailing Address: 50 Environmental Loop, Winter Haven, FL 33880 Telephone Number: (941) 499-2771 FAX Number: None E-mail Address: See webpage address Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-E, WQ-N Project Description: Project description A non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides assistance to business, owners -on environmentally friendly management. practices through inspection and assessment of their facilities. Strategy for Implementation: Program began the contacts with businesses to become partners in 1998. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Bill Fenton - Consultant (941) 682-0054. Other Project Partners: Lakes Education/Action Drive (LE/AD, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, City of Winter Haven, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Geographic Area: Polk County, including the Peace River Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: To provide public information and assistance to allow facility owners to conduct business in an environmentally efficient way. Project Timeline/Schedule: Program was initialed in 1998. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Variable - based on Grants and partnership application fees. Needed: $28,000 annually Potential: Grant sources. Reference Documents: www.polk-countv.com/greenpartners. Comments: Program provides for an independent (i.e. non-regulatory) overview of business prac- tices to encourage the use of environmentally effective management practices. 332 Drall Gan@preSenjioe Gonjervalron and,Arana3remenl _'A6 Local Phosphate Mining Regulations Contact Person: Ronald D. Stowers Title: County Engineer Agency/Organization: Hardee Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: 412 WestOrange Street,,Rm.'A-203 Courthouse Annex I Wauchula, FL 33873-2867 Telephone Number: (941) 767-1964 FAX Number: (941) 773-6284 E-mail Address: None Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-3, FW-4. Priority Actions Addressed: FW-Q Project Doscription: This is. an amendment to existing Hardee County phosphate mining regula- tions that will increase greater financial responsibility requirement, increase enforcement capabili- ties, and submittal of all regulatory tracking information to the County including copies of all information sent to the State or Federal agencies. Strategy for Implementation:: Adoption of Ordirianice 1999-02. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Hardee County Board of County Commissioners. Contact: Ronald D. Stowers, County Engineer. Other Project Partn@rs: Geographic Area: Unincorporated Hardee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Better tracking of regulatory requirements and@insurance of better compliance and enforcement of phosphate mining activities. Project TimelinetSchedule: Adoption by May 1999. Status: In progress. Resource7s/Funding Available: Local Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Ordinance 1999-02. Comments: 333 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 'Hardee County Water and Sewer Study Contact Person: Ronald D. Stowers Title: County Engineer Agency/Organization: Hardee Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: 412 West Orange Street, Rm. A-203 Courthouse Annex Wauchula, FL 33873-2867 Telephone Number: (941) 767-1964 FAX Number: (941) 773-6284 E-mail Address: None Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-4, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-D, WQ-G Project Description: Initiation of a water and sewer study of the unincorporated areas of the coun to identify areas of the county that need water and sewer identify options for providing such ser- vices; study feasibility of the County setting up a water and- sewer authority, identification of fund- ing source, proposed rate structure, and necessary capital facilities to be constructed. This study will look at various options including reuse. Strategy for Implementation 1) Feasibility, study; 2) Identification of resources; and 3) Con- struction of facilities. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Hardee County Board of County County Commissioin ers. Contact: Ronald D. Stowers, County Engineer. Other Project Partners: N/A. Geographic Area: Unincorporated Hardee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction of water consumption and elimination of septic tanks in those areas that would beserved. Project Timeline/Schedule: Water and Sewer study to be completed by August 1999. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Local. Needed: Study will identify funding requirements and funding sources. Potential: Unknown at this time. Reference Documents: Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Hardee County Xeriscaping (Amendment of Hardee County Uniform Land Development Code) Contact Person: Ronald D. Stowers Title: County Engineer Agency/Organization: Hardee Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: 412 West Orange Street, Rm. A-203 Courthouse Annex Wauchula, FL 33873-2867 Telephone Number: (941) 767-1964 FAX Number: (941) 773-6284 E-mail Address: None Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-1 Project Description: Promote xeriscaping by amending the Hardee County Uniform Land Devel- opment Code to ensure xeriscaping is co nsidered where buffering and/or canopy is required. Strategy for Implementation: Adoption of an amendment to the existing Hardee County Uniform Land Development Code. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Hardee County Board of County Commissioners. Contact: Ronald D. Stowers, County Engineer. Other Project Partners: N/A. Geographic Area: Unincorporated Hardee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction of water consumption. Project Timeline/Schedule: Adoption of amendment by February 2000. Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: Local. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Encouraging Pervious Surfaces (Hardee County Unified Land Development Code) Co ntact Person: Ronald D. Stowers Title: County Engineer Agency/Organization: Hardee Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: 412 West Orange Street, Rm. A-203 Courthouse Annex Wauchula, FL 33873-2867 Telephone Number: (941) 767-1964 FAX Number: (941) 773-6284 E-mail Address: None Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:. WQ-2,, WQ-3,WQ-6. Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-N Project Description: The Hardee County Uniform -Development Code allows for approval of the use of permeable surface instead of impervious surfaces for parking lots. The Board of County I Commissioners will adopt a policy of encouraging greater use of the exception and directing the Hardee County Building and Zoning Department and the County Engineer to implement. Strategy for Implementation: Adoption of policy by the Hardee County Board of County Com- missioners. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Hardee County Board of County Commission- ers. Contact: Ronald D. Stowers, County Engineer. .Other Project Partners: N/A. Geographic Area: Unincorporated Hardee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction of non-point source runoff. Project Timeline/Schedule: Adoption and implementation by April 1999. Status: Planned. Resources/Funding Available: Local. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 336 CSarfolle YfarAar Xahona,((%1uary IlLogram Dpaf/ CompreSenjme. Conjeroahon aco(Xanayemeni _Afav Public Education on Polk County Lakes Contact Person: Bill Fenton Title: Consultant Agency/Organiiation: Lakes Education/Action Drive (LE/AD) Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1551 Lakeland, FL 33802 Telephone Number: (941) 688-2730 FAX Number: @ (941 ) 687-4627 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives'Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B Project Description: LE/AD is non-profit organization dedicated to promoting public education relative to lakes issues, and encouraging residents to take advantage of the many excellent opportunities our lakes pro- vide. Strategy for Implementation: LE/AD sponsors puiblic education events (Youth Days) twice per year, sup- ports local school science-fairs and provides workshops on environmental issues for the public. A quarterly newsletter (LakeWatch) is distributed to its members for information on upcoming events and to provide information, on lake related issues. Lakeside exhibits and storm drain signs are utilized to increase awareness among users. An annual regional conference keeps all stakeholders informed. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Lakes Education/ Action- Drive - Bill Fenton - Consultant -2730. (941) 688 Other Project Partners: City or Lakeland - Public Works Department, Polk County Board of County Com- missioners (BoCC) -Natural Resources and Drainage Division, City of Haines City, City of Winter Haven - Lakes Management Section Geographic Area: Lakeland area emphasis with involvement throughout Polk County., Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Providp public awareness of lake issues to reduce non-point sources of pollution. Project Timeline/Schedule: Program was established in 1985. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Sponsorship, Memberships and grants -$40,000 annually. Needed: Potential: Program Corporate Sponsors include: Publix Super Market Charities, BCI Engineers, Chastain- Skillman, Inc., Envisors, Inc. Reference Documents: LE/AD Website - wwwle-ad.org, LE/AD Newsletter (LakeWatch). Comments: 337 Gsarfolle xarsar xalionaf &IU-y Drafl Gom ,pi,eSenjiue Gomeroalron and'121(anayameni 596 Manatee County Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program Contact Person: Allen Garner Title: Manatee County'Master Gardener Agency/grganization: Manatee County Agriculture and Natural Resources Department Mailing Address: RO. Box 1000, Bradenton, F1 34206-1000 Telephone Number: (941) 722-4524 FAX Number: (941) 721-6608 E-mail Address: Quantifiable Objectives Addressgd: WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ_l Project Description: One of the primary goals of the Florida Yar 'dsand Neighborhoods programs -is to -the greatesi extent possible encourage,'to the greatest extent possible, the planting of native, drought tolerant plant species in both yards and public areas. Such native species@ typically require far less water, fertilizers, and pesticides than commonly -used non-native landscaping species, thus reducing both water consumption as well as non-point source pollutants in stormwater runoff. Strategy for Implementation: The program is implem ented. through the Manatee County Master Gardener program out of the Agriculture and Natural Resources'Department. The Planning De- partment encourages implementation of this -program through coordination with developers to pro- vide Florida Yards and Neighborhoods when landscaping model homes. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Department has several ongoing programs to promote Florida Yards & Neighborhoods including: Florida Schoolyards - funded by the Tampa Bay NEP this program allows school chil- dren to do an environmental assessment of their school and then develop a program, such as stormwater attenuation, trails and gardens, to promote cleaner water. Homeowner Outreach - under this program, homeowners can fill out 4uestionnaire about, their landscaping to and receive yard certification. 4- Demonstration Landscapes - there are six Florida Yards & 1@eighborhoods demonstra- tion landscapes in the county. Manatee Government Access Television (MGATV) - programs are run regularly about Florida Yards & Neighborhoods. 4- Classes - are presented at various locations throughout the county approximately once a week. Responsibk Partner and-Project Coord-ina1or: Manatee County Agriculture and Natural Re- sources Department/Allen Garner. Other Project Partners: Manatee County Planning Department. Geographic Area: Entire Manatee County. 3_38 CS.'fal. Yf."C.' Expected Benefits and/or Draw@acks: Improvement of water quality and reduction of water use through use o? native and drought tolerant species. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: Ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: Funding partners include: Manatee. County Government General Fund Operating Bud- get for the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, which provide adiTnistrative over- sight; the Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program; TampaBay Estuary Program. Needed: Potential- Reference Documents: A Guide to Environmentally Friendly Landscaping, Florida Yards and Neigh- borhoods Handbook. University of Florfda, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Bulletin #295. Co m*ments: 339 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Interdepartmental Coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Contact Person: Jim Lee Title: Comprehensive Planning Administrator Agency/Organization:' Manatee County Planning Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1000, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000 Telephone Number: (941) 749-3070 FAX Number: (941) 749-307 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-3 Priority Actions-Addressed: FW-Q Project Description: Manatee County has required that all development requests in areas of suspected wildlife habitat for listed species be sent for review to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). This auto- matic referral to FWS for comment on impact to listed species provides additional support for environmental compliance and allows County development regulations to address protection of environmentally important species through specified management plans and actions appended to develqopment penmits. Strategy for Implementation: Brian Pridgeon of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is a listed member the Manatee County Development Review Committee (DRC) and is routed all development requests in the Char- lotte Harbor NEP area and the rest of Manatee County for review for-endangered, threatened and/or species of special concern. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Bob Schmitt, Planner On-Call Coordinator, RO. Box 1000, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000, Phone #(941) 749-3070. Brian Pridgeon, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 6620 Southpoint Drive South, Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL 32216, Phone (813) 570-5398. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Man- agement District. Geographic Area: All of Manatee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Protection of listed species through intervention in development design and approval. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing: Status: Ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 340 _7f.S@, X.Ii...f CJIU-Y -@'-Y-- Ora// Campre6enjive Conre-rualion and'Aranayewenl 9@@a Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee (ELMAQ Contact Person: Charlie Hunsicker Title: Ecosystems Administrator Agency/Organization: Manatee County Planning Department Mailing Address: P. 0. Box 1000, Bradenton, F1,34206-1000 Telephone Number: (941) 749-3070 FAX Number: (941) 749-307 E-mail Address: Charlie. Hunsicker @ co.manatee.fl.us Quantiriable Objectives Addressed: FW- I Priority Actions Addressed: FW-S Project Description: Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee (ELMAQ is a citizens action committee created in 1992 by the Manatee County Board of County Commission- ers to whose mission it is to identify environmentally sensitive lands in Manatee County, identify protection strategies, including both fee simple acquisition and'non-fee simple remedies, identify funding sources to implement protection strategies, @and to assist in managing suchidentified prop- erties. Strategy for Implementation: The Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Commit- tee has developed criteria for rating the sensitivity of -environmental lands. The are still in the y process of identifying all sensitive lands in the County and have rated nearly 20 parcels for acquisi- tion. Work continues on identifying funding strategies, to protect and manage additional sensitive lands. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Charlie Hunsicker (see above). Other Project Partners: Appointees on the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee (ELMAQ include representative s from the Manatee County School District, the U.S. Forest service, the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce, the Natural Resources-Conservation Service, and various environmental and recreational groups in the County. Geographic Area: All of unincorporated Manatee County. Expected Benerits and/or Drawbacks: Citizen Advisory Committee activities can develop and screen potential properties for acquisition meeting protection goals under FW-S, accelerating the process normally afforded from "top down" direction from elected representatives. Potential draw- back, however, is that the process can develop unrealistic pUblic expectations about the amount and pace- of acquisitions possible. Project Timelin&Schedule: Ongoing committee meeting once every two months or sooner, as needed. Status: 341 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Funding is needed to continue acquisition of properties outside of the Lake Manatee, watershed (where an acquisition program has been in effect since 1982). Potential: Public support for placing a referendum question on the ballot to create a dedicated funding source is high. The local match for leveraging state acquisition grants can sometimes be raised if the seller agree to a bargain sale, below appraised value. The difference between the bargain sale amount and appraised value can be used towards a local match for state grant match, if properly identified as a donation for tax purposes in the closing documentation. Reference Documents: Comments: 304 -y 5D-'q-%- Conjervalron ano(Mana e qemenl Wen Manatee Government Access TV (MGATV) Public Service Annouilcenients Contact Person Charlie Hunsicker Title: Ecosystems Administrator Agency/Organization: Manatee County Planning Department Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1000, Bradenton, FI 34206-1000 Telephone Number: (941) 749-3070 FAX Number: (941) 749-3071 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA- 1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-I Project Description- Manatee Government Access Television (MGATV) run s public senZice announcements, including announcements regarding water conservation and the results of p rograms to keep surface waters clean. In 1998, programs supplied by the Southwest Florida Water Management District about water conser- vation and by the Tampa Bay National Estuary Program about desalinization were featured on our Govern- ment Access, Channel. Also aired four times per year are the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority board meetings. Strategy for Implementation: This is an ongoing process needing no monitoring. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: This project is coordinated between the Public Works De- partment (John Zimmerman), Planning Department ((;harlie Hunsicker), and the Community Services De- partment (Margie King). Other Project Partners: Anyone distributing films on the merits of keeping waterways clean is welcome to submit them for airing. Geographic Area: All of Manatee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Better public education and awareness of water quality issues and the consequences of hydrologic alterations. While Manatee County is not presently funded to produce vid- eos, Manatee Government Access (MGA) can serve as a viable public television outlet for materials produced by others on the Charlotte Harbor experience. Materials submitted directly to MGA, or through the manage- ment conference membership from Manatee County to MGA is the strategy. available to distribute the video information. MGA staff meets regularly with the staff of Manatee County School Board educational broad- cast channel to share public educational videos about the environment. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Fundifig: Available: Funding for Manatee Government Access Television (MGATV) is made available through a dedicated cable television tax. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: NIA. Comments: 343 GSarfoiie 7farCor Xaiwnaf (%iuary _Aroyram 0,,3// G6.,p,,4.,k. Gonerlion drAr.. Oil Application of Innovative Wastewater Treatment Systems at Emerson Point Conservation Park Contact Person: Charlie Hunsicker Title: Ecosystems Manager Agency/Organizatiom, Manatee County Planning Department, Mailing Address: P. 0. Box 1000, Bradenton, FI 34206-1000 Telephone Number: (941) 749-3070 FAX Number: (941) 749-307 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-E Description: The overall purpose of this project is to demonstrate -cost effective, state. of the art methods for treating and disposing of sanitary wastes generated at a remote public conseriia- tion paTk.where centralized collection and treatm ent of.sewage is not a feasible option. The Emerson Point Conservation Park in Manatee County is situated in one of the' most pristine areas of Tampa Bay, bordered on the north by the-Terra Cei.a Aquatic Preserve. To sustain the growth and health of lush seagrass beds in. lower Tampa Bay, the TampaBay'Estuary Program (TBEP and the South- west Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)"Suiface Water Improvement and Manage- "4 (Oi merit (SWIM) programs have adopted the goal of capping nitrogen loading to lower Tampa Bay (including the Manatee River and Terra Ceia Bay) at the average pollutant loading level during the period 1992-1994-. This "hold the line" nitrogen control strategy was subsequently adopted by-the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as the.basis for the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) of nitrogen for lower Tampa Bay and other major bay segments. Specific Objectives of the proposed project include: I . To evaluate the technical and cost feasibility of proven and innovative state of the art options for treating and disposing of sanitary wastes produced by the projected- volume of,visitors to the Emerson Point Conservation Park at two remote loca- tions, an environmental classroom, facility and a single family residence serving the park manager with. the specific goal of completely eliminating nitrogen load- ing to Tampa Bay; 2. To develop detailed designs for the selected -options under focal conditions; 3.. To, construct treatment and disposal -systems that will meet the challenging goalof zero discharge of nitrogen and control bacterial contamination to levels safe for swimming and shellfish harvesting; 4. To conduct extensive and detailed monitoring to verify that the constructed sys- tems are achieving the establish6d goals; and 5. To'demonstrafe cost-effective sanitary Waste treatment systems and transfer the technology to park and recreational facilities and to the public at large. Strategyfor Implementation:. 319(h) grant authority, if selected, the project is scheduled to begin in July 2000 and continue through November 2001 with additional monitoring to extend into 2004. 344 GS.,%Ile Yf.,,6-., X.&o..f C.I.-,,y -rP,,q. - ------ Drall Goo2preSenmrve Gonservalron andXanaVemenl 5@n Responsible Partner andProject'Coordinator: Manatee County G"Ove6iment (Charlie Hunsicker). Other Project Partners: Tampa Bay Estuary Program, University of South Florida, Cooperative Extension Service, Department of Health, Manatee County School Board, Southwest Florida Wa- ter Management District, Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natutal Resource Conservation Service, Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Advisory Corn- mittee (ELMAC). Geographic Area: Countywide, with specificity to near colastal watersheds -and in the Myakka Watershed Basin, which will not be served by County centr al sewer systems. k Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: This project furthers the goals and objectives in Charting the Course, the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Tampa Bay, adopted by ka- Manatee County and its partners in the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. k Is The need to develop and demonstrate new and innovative onsite wastewater treatment technologic. is' significant for the Tampa Bay estuary and to the State of Florida. This project will demonstrate that on site wastewater treatment systems can produce zero nitrogen discharges in a cost effective manner under local conditions. The overall impact of this demonstra- tion p@cject is potentially far greater than the nitrogen loading reductions that will be achieved at the Emerson Point Conservation Park. Numerous recreational areds, individual homes, and develop- ments will be able to -adopt the new demonstrated approaches and learn from their success. This project will help to define best management practices for onsite wastewater treatment with transfer- ence to local jurisdictions in the Charlotte Harbor Watershed.. Local agencies .responsible for regu- lating develo ment will have a stronger scientific'b * p asis for requiring innovative technologies if needed"for water-quality protection. I Project Timeline/Schedule: This project is scheduled to begin in December 1999, proceed to construction at the four test locations on or before january 2001, with performance monitoring beginning at facility completion and continuing for a two year period. Status: Grant application pending. Resources/Funding Available: Manatee County - $84,000; Tampa Bay Estuary Prograrn'- $35,000; University of Florida - $24,528; Manatee County School Board - $5,00. Needed: $142,870. Potential: 319(h) grant (competitive application). Reference Documents: To be developed. Comments: 345 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The Manatee County Stormwater Basin Study Contact Person: Sia Mollanazar Title: Stormwater Manager Agency/Organization: Manatee Cou nty Transportation Department Mailing Address: P. 0. Box 1000, Bradenton, FL 34206-1000 Telephone Number: (941) 792-8811 FAX Number: (941) 745-3490 E-mail Address: [email protected]. Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-4, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-N Project Description: The Stormwater Basin Plan was developed by Camp Dresser McKee, Inc. for Manatee County. Strategy for Implementation: Underway, Master Planning is-leading to the development of 25 year floodplain mapping and land development regulations to limit development in floodprone areas. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Manatee County Government. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District, providing financial aide and technical -review expertise. Geographic Area: Myakka River: Watershed within Manatee County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Watershed mapping, flow estimation, and long range flood control improvements will be beneficial in maintaining productive stream flow relationship and provide useful data for any future development activities affecting water quality in the basin. Project Timeline/Schedule: Status: Continuing within the Myakka Basin and county-wide. Resources/Funding Available: Manatee County General Fund; Southwest Florida Water Management District Cooperative Funding Program. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents Comments: 1346 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Protection of Wetlands, Floodplain, and Land Preservation Contact Person: Christina Hummel Title: Planner III Agency/Organization: Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) Planning Department Mailing Address: PO BOX 9005, 'Drawer CS06, Bartow, FL 33831-9005 Telephone Number: (941) 534-6460 FAX Number: (941) 534-6021 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-M Project Description: The County has an ordinance relating to the protection and preservation of the water quality, recreation, potential and wild-life issues of Polk County's lakes and streams (89-74). The County also has,an ordinance implementing the National Flood Insurance Program and prescribing minimum standards for- the development in flood prone ,areas (88-04, 90-08). Within the County's comprehensive plan, there are several sections and policies pertaining to the protection of wetlands and flood plain. These policies focus on density transfers so that wetland and floodplain areas will not be over-built. Strategy for Implementation: Certain County ordinances are implemented through the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Several of the policies concerning wetlands and conservation will be updated and rewritten as a result of the evaluation and appraisal process. A new map for aquifer recharge areas will be adopted within the next year. Policies will be added to develop a wetland ranking system and standards for the protection of wetlands. The County is also investigating techniques that would promote transfer-of density to on-site and off-site locations to minimize impacts to wetlands. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Christina Hummel - Planner III - CPA coordinator. Other Project Partners: Polk County Natural Resources Division (buying lands that need to be protected); Department of Environmental Protection; Southwest Florida Water Management District. Geographic Area: Polk County. Expected Benefit and/or Drawbacks: Better protection of wetlands/som etimes hard to enforce. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: -Comments: 347 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan IMC-Agrico Peace River Park, Off CR 640, Homeland Contact Person: Christina Hummel Title: Planner Ill,, Agency/Organization: Polk County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) Planning De partment Mailing Address': RO. Box 9005, Drawer CS06, Bartow FL 33831-9005 Telephone. Number: (941) 534-6460 FAX Number: (941) 534-6021 E-mail Address-* [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-S Project Description:- The IMC-Agrico Peace River Park is a 460-acre tract located on the north side of CR 640 at the Peace -River between Bartow and Ft. Meade. IMC Fertilizer Corporation donated it to Polk- County in 1984. During FY 96-97, Polk County, constructed a boardwalk and trails for nature study and hiking, picnic areas, and a canoe launch. During FY 97-98, Polk County constructed a new restroom , provided a shell parking area, blazed, J I miles of horse trails, and. . installed a new 16'x'24'picnic shelter. During FY 98-99, Polk County will pave a parking area and build a staircase to connect the new parking area With existing facilities at the boardwalk. Strategy for Implementation: Polk County, IMC-Agrico, and the Polk County School Board are currently planning to initiate a program offering the opportunity for middle school students from across the County to take turns participating in weekly field tri s to the boardwalk, Homeland Heritage Park, and the Mulberry Phosphate Museum. The park will, be, officially opened to the public in August of 1997. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Sheila Starling, Senior, Planner, Polk County, Parks and Recreation Division,Drawer CS07, P.O: Box 9005, Bartow, FL 33931-9005,(941) 534- 4340. Other Project Partners: IMC-Agrico, Inc., Polk County School Board. Geographic Area: Polk County. Expected Benefits and/or drawbacks; Enhancement of Public Recreation Lands. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Potential: 348 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Reference Documents: IT Comments: History of IMC-Agrico Peace River Park: Pre- 1970 - The property is an -active phosphate mine owned by Virginia-Carolina Mining. 1970 - The site is purchased by IMC Fertilizer. 1973 - Mining activity comes to a close. 1973 - 1983 The mining site undergoes reclamation. 1984 - IMC Fertilizer donates the 470 acre property-to Polk-County for development as a park. 1984-1986 - The boardwalk is planned and the 7,500 linear foot route is laid out through the flood plain. 1987-1993 - Polk County seeks grant funding to construct the first phase, of the boardwalk: 1993 - Polk County receives $ 100,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to construct 1,500 feet of boardwalk, restroom, and two picnic shelters. 1994 - Construction begins on the boardwalk. Creative Marine, a dock building. company from Winter Haven, is hired to instate pilings. Parks and Recreation Division staff begin constructing decks and rails after the piling installation is completed. 1994 - IMC-Agrico donates $10,000 forenvironmental permitting seryices. 1995 - Polk County School Board receives $50,000 grant from the Florida Advisory Coun- cil on Environmental Education (FACEE) to construct 500 additional feet of boardwalk and interpretive signs: 1995 - Polk County, Peace River Basin Board, Polk County School Board, and IMC-Agrico host a tree planting and river clean-up in the park that is attended by over 100 people. 1995 Polk County receives $34,000 donation. from U.S. Agri-Cheqmical for park improve- ments. 1995 - The reclamation area is opened for horseback riding. 1996 - Creative Marine Construction is hired by the School Board to construct the addi- tional 500 feet of boardwalk financed through the Florida Advisory Committee on Environ- mental Education (FACEE) program. Phase One of the boardwalk is completed. 1996 - Polk County receives $24,000 from the Peace River Basin Board for park improve- ments. 1996 - Polk County receives $50,000 grant from the Florida Recreation Development As- sistance Program for the development of equestrian trails, and suppori facilities. 1997 The boardwalk is host to field trips taken by Lincoln Academy and Lakeland Middle Academy, the first schools to officially visit the park and use the boardwalk as an educa- tional resource.. Polk County, IMC-Agrico, -and the Polk County School Board are currently planning to initiate a program offering the opportunity for middle school students from across the County to take turns participating in weekly -field trips to the boardwalk, Homeland Heritage Park, and the Mulberry Phosphate Museum. The park will be officially opened to the public in August of 1997. 349 f Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Environmental Lands Acquisition Program In-Polk County Contact Person: Gaye Sharpe Title: Environmental Lands Coordinator Agency/Organization: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division Mailing Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road, Bartow, Fl 33830 Telephone Number: (941) 534-7377 FAX Number: (941)534-7374 E-mail Address: None Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1, FW-2, FW-4, HA-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-T, FW-P, HA-M, FW-A, FW-U, FW-S, FW-C, WQ-J Project Description: Identify. andacquire environmentally sensitive lands within Polk County, mostly along the Peace River. Acquisition of the land adjacent to Banana Creek on Lake. Hancock Will allow for restoration of the historic wetland. Strategy for Implementation: Purchase parcels along the Peace River watershed. Success of the program is measured by total acres preserved. To date, one,parcel has been purchased, and some others are under consid- eration. Several other parcels were also purchased outside Peace River watershed. Acquisition of land adjacent to Lake Hancock is proposed., An inter-local agreement with Southwest Florida Water Management District was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on January 26, 1999. The agreement is to -provide for the joint funding, acquisition and management of the properties within the Peace River Corridor Project. Responsible Partner-and Project Coordinator: Polk County Natural Resources, Gaye Sharpe, Other Project Partners: Polk County Planning - CPAS Erik Petersen. Geographic Area: Countywide, mainly along the Peace River corridor,specific lands identified within the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Preserve lands from development. Land use of thee parcels will be changed to "Recreation" and "Open. Space" so they might be used for parks and recreation. Allowable uses are to be specified in property-specific land management plans. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Parcels were purchaed over the last two years. In the Comprehen-. sive Plan Amendment 99A round, those parcels will be converted to recreation and open space land use. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Funding will come from the 0.2 mil ad valorem levy for the Environmental Land Program. Needed: Matching funds. Potential: Southwest Florida Water Management District; Florida Forever; Florida Communities Trust Fund; and The Nature Conservancy. Reference Documents: Polk County maintains maps bf acquired properties in archived information, Comments: The county is also preparing a grant application to Florida Communities Trust fog 1,355 acres on the northwest side of Lake Hancock. 350 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Polk County Volunteer Rainfail Monitoring Program Contact Person: Hong Nguyen Title: Laboratory Manager Agency/Organization: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division Mailing Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road Bartow, FL 33830 -Telephone Number: (941) 534-7370 FAX Number: (941) 534 -7368 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-B, HA-C Project Description: Daily rainfall data are recorded by 30 or more volunteers throughout Polk County and reported to the Natural Resources and Drainage Division on a monthly basis using a standard data reporting form. Strategy,for Implemetation: This project has, been implemented by providing rain gauges and data recording sheets to volunteers which are completed and mailed back to the Natural Resources qand Drainage Division for compilation ona mionthly basis. Responsible Partner. and Project Coordinator; Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division/ Michele Medani - Data Manager. Other Project Partners: Volunteers, include individuals from' other Local and State Agencies. Geographic Area: Polk County -County. wide. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Data obtained are summarized and included in the Division's Annual Lakes Report and are available to the public. Project Timelin'e/Schedule: Project was -initiated in 1984. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Polk County Natural Resources &,Drainage Division $3,000 annually. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Polk County Annual Lake's Report. Comments: Mailing costs are currently being reduced by use of e-mail and fax to report rainfall data. 351 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Polk County Ambient- Surface Water Monitoring Program'- Contact Person; Robert J. Kollinger,P.E. Title: Water Resources Engineer Agency/Organizqation: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division Mailing Address: 4177 Ben Durrance'Road - Bartow, FL 33830 Telephone Number, (941) 534 -7377 FAX Number: (941) 534-7374 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifilable Objectives Addressed: WQ- 1 Priority Actions Addressed. WQ-B, WQ-C, WQ-D Project Description: Semi-annual monitoring (wet season/dry season) of water quality_ is conducted at 80 lakes (with public access) and selected creeks and streams within Polk County. Samples are analyzed to identify water quality trends to determine the health of the waterbody. Analytical results are forwarded to STORET for public access. Additional ambient monitoring work is being c6ordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the County will consider program modification to fill-data gaps, where practical. Strategy for Implementation: Samples are analyzed for nutrients, including total nitrogen, total phospho- rus total kjedahl nitrogen, and ammonia. General water quality -parameters include dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity and chlorophyll a. Responsible Partner and Project C ordinator: Polk County Natural Resources - Water Resources Labora- tory/ Hong, Nguyen - Lab Manager Other' Project Partners: Lake Region Lakes Management- District. Geographic Area: Polk County; including the Peace River watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Continued update of the water quality database for the major surface waters within Polk County. Project Timeline/Schedule: The Ambient Surface Water Monitoring Program began with routine lakes mom- toring in the mid-1980s. Status: This programremains in progress. Resources/Funding Available: Annual expenditures by-Polk County estimated at $75,000. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: An Annual Lakes Report is produced by the Natural Resources and, Drainage Divi- sion to summarize data results and identify water quality trends. Comments:' 352 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Polk County Aquatic Weed Control Program Contact Person: Mike Mahler Title: Operations Manager Agency/Organization: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division Mailing Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road - Bartow, FL 33830 Telephone Number: (941) 534 -7377 FAX Number: (941) 534-7374 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-4, HA-3 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-N, HA-F Project Description: A State of Florida supported 'program for control of nuisance and exotic aquatic vegetation 'Strategy for Implementation: This program is implemented in accordance with the Cooperative Aquatic Plant Control Program as specified in Chapter 62 (C) - 54 of the Florida Administrative Code. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: -Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division/Dean Jones - Aquatic Weed Control Manager. Other Project Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Inva- sive Plant Management - Tallahassee, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville. Geographic Area: Polk County lakes (76 with public access) including portions of the upper Peace River watershed and selected streams and tributaries (wi th the exception of the Peace River south of Highway 60 which is maintained by the Southwest Florida Water Management District). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction of exotic and nuisance vegetation will allow for re-establishment of native species. Project Timeline/Schedule: Project began 1977 and has continued annually. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: FY 1998-99 - State Funds $2.8 million, County Funds $700,000. Need: Potential-- Reference Documents: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Webpage, Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (IFAS) Webpage. Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Eagle Lake/Millsite Regional Drainage- Project Contact Person: Robert Wisernen, P.E. Title: Water Resources. Manager Agency/Organization: Polk, County Natural Resources and Drainage Division. Mailing Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road - Bartow,, FL 33830 Telephone Number: (941) 534 -7377 FAX Number: (941) 534-7374 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quafitifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-4, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F, FW-A, FW-C Project Description, Restore the hydrology and improve the drainage characteristics of the regional outfall system serving Eagle Lake and Lake Millsite to Lake Hancock. Strategy for Implementation: Coordination with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) staff or identification of areas needing immediate maintenance. Contract with an engineenng consultant to complete a watershed assessment and for design and permitting of portions of the project area, requirifig Environmental Resources Permits. An electronic water level data collection/transmission, station (SCADA) will be installed to monitor water elevations. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division/ Robert Wisemen, P.E., Water Resources Manager. Other Project Partners: Southwest Foridia water Management District (SWFWMD) Resource Projects Section Brooksville Geographic Area: agle Lake and Lake Millsite Winter Haven, FL. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improved. drainage within the urbanized portions of the watershed for flood control; establishment of a new level of base flow to Lake Hancock in the Upper Peace River system. - Project Timeline/Schedule: Field investigation for watershed -assessment was initiated in 1998 with esti- mated completion ih the year 2000. Status: Project is in progress. Immediqate maintenance of the conveyance from Lake Millsite was completed in 1997. A watershed evaluation was conducted to identify additional areas for drainage improvement and restoration of historic flows. Resources/Funding Available: Peace River Basin Board; Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).& Polk .-County Cooperatively / $350,000 $ 29,000 - Immediate maintenance completed 1998. Phase 1. - $ 40,000 -Watershed investigation (data development Phase 11 - $200,000 - Floodplain study & evaluation of data. Phase 111 80,000 - Watershed manaagment plan. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents. 354 Comments: BCI Engineering - Lakeland; has been contracted to conduct the field investigations, and survey and complete the watershed assessment. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Garden Grove Pines Stormwater Retrofit Project Contact Person: Robert J. Kollinger, P.E. Title: Water Resources Engineer Agency/Organization: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division Mailing Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road - Bartow, FL, 33830 Telephone Number: (941) 534 -7377 (941) 534-7374 FAX Number: (941) 534 E-mail Address: Robertkollinger@[email protected] Quantifiable Objectivies Addressed: WQ-6, FW-2 Priority Actions Addresse: WQ-B, WQ-D, WQ-E, WQ-N; FW-Q, FW-T Project Description: Polk County is proposing a retrofit of an abandoned waste Water treatment plant facil- ity in the Garden Grove Pines Subdivision in order to reduce pollutant discharges to the Lake Florence outfall in Winter Haven. Strategy for Implementation: An initial environmental assessment of the property will need to be con- ducted to determine if the site is suitable for a stormwater treatment facility. Engineering designs are to be prepared and submitted for permitting prior to initiation of construction. Monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment system would be conducted following completion of the. project construction. The County will consider modification of the monitoring program to. fill data gaps, where practical. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division/ Robert J. Kollinger, P.E. Other Project Partners: The County hopes to secure assistance for the project from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) through cooperative funding provided by the Peace River Basin Board and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through Section 319 Grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Geograpfic Area: The, Winter Haven area of the upper Peace River Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: A net reduction in the peak flow rates and pollutant loads from storm events at the receiving water body. Project Timeline/Schedule: The project will be proposed for.319 Grant funding in 1999 and for Peace River Basin Board Cooperative funding for FY 2000-2001. Status: Project is currently under consideration for future implementation. Resources/Funding Available: None presently. Needed: $350,000. Potential: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) /Peace River Basin Board, Depart- ment of Environmmental Protection (DEP) (Section 319-Environmental Protection Agency grant), and Polk County Board of County Conunissioners (Board). Reference Documents: Comments: Polk County has completed. a similar restoration project with the construction and operation of. the Jan Phyl Stormwater Retrofit project which also involved conversion of an abandoned waste water treat- 355 ment plant to treat stormwater. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Upper Peace River Lake Hancock Advisory Group Contact Person:- Jeffrey Spence Title: Natural Resources & Drainage Director Agency/Organization: Polk County Natural Re-sources and Drainage Division' Mailing-Address: 4177 ten Durrance Road - Bartow, FL 33830 Telephone Number: (941) 534 -7377 FAX Number: (941) 534-7374 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable -Objectives Addressed: HA-3, HA-4, WQ-5 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-R WQ-B,WQ-E, WQ-H, WQ-J, WQ-K, WQ-L Project Description: Formation of a "Stake Holders Group" to discuss alternatives to improving the quality of water discharged to the Upper Peace River from Lake Hancock. Strategy for Implementation: Participts from fedral, statelai4qd local government have joined with citi- zens and representatives of environmetal groups to assess potential projects for impovement of water qual- ity. The Stake.Holders Group is responsible for forming a consensus on a course of action while considering the issues of water quality, proposed land use. changes and concerns ove'r the use of the resources. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage -Division/. Robert J. Kollinger, P.E. Other Project Partners: Representatives of the various governmental agencies concerned with water re- sources, fish and wildlife are encouraged to participate along with members, of the public with special interest in the Peace. River system. Geographic Area: Central Polk, County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Identification of potential projects for improvement of water quality and wildlife habitat. Project Timeline/Schedule: Initial meeting was held on April 28, 1999. Status: Ongoing. Resources/Funding Available: $1,000 for coordinating the initial meeting. Needed: Support for Project implementation. Potential:, Cooperative funding with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Charlotte Harbor NEP, adjacent counties and water supply users of the Peace River. Reference Documnents: Charactrization of Reserves, Sediment, and Overburden for the Lake Hancock Mine and Reclamation Study", December 1986. Zellars-Williams Company. A Division of Jacobs Engineer- ing. "Lake Hancock Restoration Plan", October 1991. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Comments: The primary challenge is in obtaining a consensus between the various users of the resource on what can be done to improve the quality of water discharged from Lake Hancock. The funding of. any pro- -posed projects will provide a challenge as well. 356 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan -Jan Phyl Village Stormwater Retrofit Project Contact Person: Robert J. Kollinger, P.E. Title: Water Resources Engineer Agency/Organization: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Decision Mailing Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road - Bartow, FL 33830 Telephone Number: (941) 534-7377 FAX Number- (941)534-7374 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-D,WQ-E, WQ-N, FW-T Project Description: Polk County has completed a retrofit of an abandoned waste water treatment plant facility to reduce. pollutant discharges from a 90-acre residential watershed to Lake Howard on-the Winter Haven Chain-of-Lakes. Strategy for Implementation: Following completion, treatment efficiencies are being evaluated by toring stormwater discharges upstream and downstream of the treatment facility. Polk County will consider modifying the monitoring program to fill data gaps, where practical.- Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division/ Robert J. Kollinger, P.E. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Managergent District (SWFWMD), through cooperative funding provided by the Peace River Basin Board, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through Section 319 Grants from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).' Geographic Area: The Winter Haven Chain-of-Lakes in the upper Peace River Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Control of local flooding as well as a net reduction in the-peak flow rates and pollutant, loads from storm events at the receiving water body. Project-Timeline/Schedule: The project was initiated in December 1996 with completion in January 1998. Status Project is complete with maintenance and monitoring being performed as required. Resources/Funding Available; Peace River Basin Board; Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) $100,000; Department of Environmental Protection: (DEP) (319 Environmental Protection Agency Grant) - $85,315; Polk-County - $189,450. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: "Innovative Retrofit of the Abandoned Jan-Phyl Wastewater T reatment Plant - Com- prehensive Final Report", March 1998. Polk County; Polk County' 1997 Annual Lake and Stream Report. Comments: Related stormwater retrofit projects include the Inwood Alum Treatment System that was com- pleted in 1994 and the Derby Avenue Wet Detention Pond which was completed in.1 995 on the Winter Haven Chain-of-Lakes. Both projects were coperatively funded through the Peace River Basin Board with addi- tional funding being provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). 357 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lake Mariana Water Quality Improvements Contact Person: Robert- J. Kollinger, P. Title: Water Resources Engineer Drainage Division Agency/Orgnization: Polk County Natural Resources and Mailing Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road -Bartow, FL 33830 Telephone Number: (941) 534-7377 FAX Number: (941). 534-7374 E-mail, Address:' [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-3 WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-A, WQ-C, WQ-D, WQ-E, WQ-F, WQ-N, WQ-Q Project Description: Stormwater runoff monitoring, and evaluation of 4vailable options for treat- ment of pollutant contributions to Lake Mariana. Surface and,groundwater monitoring stations will be established to allow sampling of the water table to identify nutrient contributions from septic tanks. Strategy for Implementation: Evaluation of treatment altenatives based on the results of current monitoring of stormwater discharges from various land uses on the south, side of Lake Mariana. An evaluation of the data will be performed by consultant to determinie cost, effective option exists to construct facility for the treatment of stormwater runoff in the souuthern watershed. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator:, Polk County- Natural Resources arid Drainage Division/Jay Jarvis - Project Manager Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)- Coopera- tive Funding through Peace River Basin Board; Charlotte Harbor NEP - Grant for monitoring sur- face runoff and surficial aquifer. Geographic, Area: Polk County - Lake Mariana on the northern portion of the 'Winter, Haven Chain-of-Lakes. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Identificafion and construction of a stormwater treatment facility to reduce the pollutant loads to Lake Mariana Project Timeline/Schedule: This is a multi-phase project for data collection.and evaluation, land acquisition, and design of a treatment system. Polk County has entered into the monitoring phase and is collecting storm water runoff data, from three separate land use areas that discharge to Lake. Mariana. Cooperative funding for data evaluation and feasibility determ Imation has been requested from SouthwestFlorida Water Management District (SWFWMD) for FY 1999-2000. Additional- funding will need to be obtained in FY 2001 for design and construction. Status: Monitoring in progress. Water quality data will be, published in a final report which will be available to the public. 358 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resource/Funding Available: Phase I - $22,500 Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)/ $22,500 Polk County (plus $46,200 in-ind services)/ $ 10,000 Charlotte Harbor NEP Needed: Phase II - $375,000 for Feasibility Determination & Land Acquisition (proposed coopera- tive funding between Polk County & SWFWMD/Peace River Basin Board). Phase III - $350,000 for construction (based on result's of feasibility determination). Phase IV. - $30,000 for evaluation of the effects of public education as a source control. Potential: Phase 11 funding currently -under review. Reference Documents: "Lake Mariana Diagnostic Feasibility Study," 1996, Southwest Florida. Water Management District (SWFWMD). Comments: 359 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Polk County Stormwater Management Program Implementation Contact Person: Robert J. Kollinger, P.E. Title: Water Resources Engineer Agency/Organization: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division Mailing Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road - Bartow, FL 33830 Telephone Number: (941) 534-7377 FAX Number: (941) 534-7374 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-3, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-C, WQ-D, WQ-E, WQ-N, WQ-O Project Description: A Stormwater Management Program was developed and implemented by Polk County in compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program provides for inspection and maintenance of stormwater facilities and identification and elimination of illicit discharges to the storm sewer system. Monitoring of stormwater runoff is performed to determine loading to receiving waters. Public education efforts are focused on reducing non-point sources of pollution and control of sediment deposition from erosion at construction sites. Strategy for Implementation: The program is implemented in accordance with the schedule provided in the five year permit term. Polk County is currently monitoring the efficiencies of specific storm water retrofit projects, and is monitoring one ambient monitoring station for atmospheric deposition. The County will consider modifying the monitoring programs to fill data gaps, where practical. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division/Robert J. Kollinger, P.E. Other Project Partners: Polk County is a Co-Permittee with the 17 cities within the county and the Florida Department of Transportation-District 1. Geographic Area: Polk County - including the Peace River watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Reduction in pollutant loads to receiving waters. Project Timeline/Schedule: Permit was effective March 1, 1996. Status: Stormwater Management Program was implemented prior to the March 1, 1996 permit date. Resources/Funding Available: Funded by Polk County and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Co-Permittees. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit No. FLS 000015. Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Peace Creek Canal/Wahneta - Regional Drainage System Enhancement' Contact Person: Robert Wisemen, P.E. Title: Water Resources Manager Agency/Organization: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division Mailing Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road,- Bartow, FL 33830 Telephone Number: (941) 534 -7377 FAX Number: (941) 534-7374 E-mail Address:- [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA- 1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed- HA-F, HA-Q, FW-A, FW-C Project Description: Restore hydrology and improve drainage of the regional system serving the Wahneta Farms Drainage District and the Peace Creek Canal. Strategy. for implementation: Coordination with the Southwest Florida Water Management. District (SWFWMD) staff for identification of areas needing immediate maintenance. Contract with an engineering consultant to complete a watershed assessment and for design and permitting of portions of the project area requiring Environmental Resources Permits. An electronic water level collection/transmission station (SCADA) will be installed to monitor water elevations. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division/ Robert Wisemen, P.E., Water Resources Manager. Other Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) - Resource Projects Section - Brooksville. Geographic Area: 'Peace Creek Canal - Winter Haven, FL. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improved drainage within the urbanized portions of the watershed- for flood control with redevelopment of wetland areas for storage and treatment of stormwater runoff. Project Timeline/Schedule: Field investigation for watershed assessment began February 1998 with esti- mated completion in 2001. Status: Project in progress, initial field investigation complete and immediate maintenance performed. De- sign of alterations to the system are being prepared for permitting and construction. Resources/Funding Available: Cooperatively funded by Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), (Peace River Basin Board) & Polk County - $1.875 million total. $80,000 - Immediate maintenance. Phase I - $120,000 for watershed evaluation, Phase II- $175,000 for design and permitting; $1,000,000 for easement acquisition, and continued mainte- nance. Phase III - $500,000 for construction. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: 361 Comments: This project is proceeding under a contract with Parsons Engineering Science - Tampa; Walid Hatourn, RE. - Project Coordinator. ~0 ~qG~qS~~~fo~l~le ~qAa~~q&~ ~qX~~l~o~~~f~q8s~lu~~~qy ~Z~-q~~- ~@~go~m~qp~~~qS~~j~~e G~~m~-~~~~l~o~ ~n~d~qA~F~q6 Yemeni 9~q1~m~ a ~6q9tormwater Videos For~0qTublic Education Contact Person: Rob ert J. Kolli~qpger, P.E. Title: Water Res~qbur~c~es~'Enginee~r Agency/Organization: Polk County Natural Resources a~qnd ~6qbr~iamage Division Address: 4177 Ben Durrance Road - Bartow, ~qF~qL 33836 Telephone Number:; (941~-) 534-7377~ ~2qJAXNumber: (941) 534-7374 E-~*mail Address: Robertko~qllinger@Polk~-County.N~q&t Quantifiable O~qbjectiv~ies Addressed: WQ-~q0 Priority ~6qA~4q&ions-A~qddres~qie~6q& WQ-B, WQ-~0qN P ~qject Description: Provide~'access to recently developed educational vi~qde~qos~-and printed, mat~q6~rial~'o~n ~r~0~qi st~qo~r~qmwa~qter~ and~.f~qloodplain management. Videos include- Pro ~q@tormwater - A Mixed Blessing -~' 16 minutes; 2. Floodplain Facts -.A. Buyers Guide - 16 minutes; and ~13. A Developers Guide to St~q6rmwa~qt~er Management - 17~-minutes. Strategy for lmple~0qmenta~qiion~q~@ Videos were produced for use 'at schools and -various public events (e.g. Earth Day) and have been distributed to local libraries within Polk County- A~qlditionally, they will be shown on the local-,~,cable access channel foll ~,owing County Comm~6q4sion meetings.. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator:, Polk County Natural Resources and Drain~q@ge/ Robert J. K~q611inger, RE Other Project Partners: Southwest Flon~'d~.a WaterManagement Di~qstrict~.~q(SWF~qV~Y~'~2qM~8qq~q)~q/Phoenix McKinney - Education Section, Lakes Education/ Action Drive (~2qLE/AD). Geographic Area:- Polk, County and cent~r~q@~ql Florida. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks- Inform the public of the e~2qf~2qf~q6ct~s of st~qo~rmwa~qter pollution on surface Water and identify concerns over illicit discharges of material to the storm se ~wer system. Encourage a~lreduc- t~qion~.in non-point sources of pollutants. Project Timeline/Schedu~qle: Video Project was completed~'in 1998 and supporti~qhg brochures were printed. ~-T~0qheVid~qeos are currently available- by contacti~qng~q#ie Natural Resources and Drainage Division of Polk County. Status: On going implementation. Re~lsources/~0qFunding~ Available: Co~qr~8q@tacts f~8qo~qr dissen-~qiinatin~q*g~q'this information to the public is encouraged. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 362~q-~- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lake Parker/Saddle Creek Regional Drainage. Project 'Contact Person: Robert Wisemen, P.E. Title: Water Resources Manager Agency/Organization: Polk County-Natur al Resources and Drainage Division Mailing Address: 4177,Ben Duffance Road - Bartow, FL 33830 \Telephone Number: (941) 534 -7377 FAX Number: (941) 534-7374 E-mail Address: [email protected] .'Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA- 1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4, FW-2 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F, FW-A, FW-C Project Description: Restore hydrology and improve drainage of the regional system serving the Saddle Creek watershed from Lake Parker to-Lake Hancock. Strategy- for Implementation:, Coordination with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) staff for identification of areas heeding immediate maintenance.Contract with an engineering consultant to complete a watershed-assessment and for design and permitting of portions of the project area requiring Environmental Resources Permits. An electronic- water level_data/transmission station (SCADA) will be installed to monitor water. elevations. na ge Division/ Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Polk County Natural Resources andDrai Robert Wisemen, RE., Water Resources Manager. Other-Project Partners: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Resource Projects Section - Brooksville., Geographic Area: Central Polk County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Improved drainage within the urbanized portions of the watershed for flood control with redevelopment of wetland -areas for storage and treatment of stormwater runoff. Project Timeline/Schedule: Board of County Commissioners approval was obtained in early 1999 to con- tract with Keith and Schnars, RA. to perform the initial field, surveys in. preparation of the watershed analy- sis. Project timeline is four years with estimated completion in 2002. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Cooperatively funded by Southwest Florida-Water Management District (SWFWMD) and Polk County - $3 million total. Phase I - $60,000 for watershed evaluation; Phase II - $50,000 for surveying andwatershed modeling; Phase III - $2.09 million for design, permitting and construction; and Phase IV --$800,000 for continued maintenance.. Needed: N/A. Potential: N/A. -Reference Documents: "Lake Parker Diagnostic and Feasibility Study", 1993. Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Comments: Proposed mining of Lake Hancock has been put on hold indefinitely. Reducing the current pollutant loads from the Saddle Creek watershed, should aid in restoring lake water quality. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Environmental Landscape Management Education Program Contact Person: Nathan Williams Title: Extension Agent Agency/Organization: Polk County Cooperative Extension Service Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9005, Drawer HS03, Bartow, FL 33831-9005 Telephone Number; (941) 533-0765_ FAX Number: (941) 534-0001- E-mail Address: [email protected]:edu Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-E, WQ-I. WQ-N project Description: On-going educational program to encourage adoption of environmentally sound land- scape management practices by homeowners,, landscapers, lawn-, maintenance service providers, and retail nurseries. Includes implementation of Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program if adequate resources are budgeted. Strategy for Implementation: Workshops.are held,for professionals as well,as the general public. Newslet- ter, is prepared and mailed monthly. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and assist with outreach. Hire part-time Florida Yards and Neighborhoods, Coordinator. 'Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Polk County Cooperative Extension Service Nathan Williams, Extension Agent. Other Project Partners:, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Institute of Food and Agricul- rural Science, University of Florida. Geographic Area: Polk County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: As, homeowners.- landscapers, lawn maintenance service providers, and retail nurseries increase awareness and understanding of potential environment impacts related to ineffi- A I I cient management practices, they will. shift practices, to adopt more efficient practices that in turn are more environmental friendly. Project Timeline/Schedule: Year around educational program already in place and ongoing. Status: Assuming funding and cooperative agreements b between Board of County Commissioners-and Insti- tute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (IFAS) continue as is, ibis program should be ,on-going. Resources/Funding Available: Regular -budget item P lk Board 0f County Commissioners and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Numerous fact sheets, circulars, and bulletins are available to supplement this program. Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Polk County Extension Water-School Contact Person: John Brenneman Title: Extension Agent Agency/Organization: Polk County Cooperative Extension Service Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9005, Drawer HS03, Bartow, FL 33831-9005 Telephone Number: (941) 533-0765 FAX Number: (941) 534-0001 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3, HA-4, WQ-1, WQ-3 WQ-4, WQ-5, WQ-6, WQ-7 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-A, HA-B, HA-C, HA-D, HA-H, WQ-1, WQ-N, WQ-E, WQ-B Project Description: Hold a water olicy -and issues school for community leaders and decision makers to familiarize them with current issues and policies affecting water quality and quantity. Strategy for Implementation: Extension will hold'a multi-session school for current elected officials, agency employees, community leaders, and other interested citizens. Agencies such as the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Charlotte Har- bor National Estuary Program (NEP) and Department of Health. Responsible Partner, and Project Coordinator: Polk County_ Cooperative Extension Service, John Brennernan, Extension Agent. Other Project Partners: Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, University of Florida, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Department of Environmental Protection, Charlotte Harbor NEP and the Department of Health. Geographic Area: Polk County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Familiarize participants With policy and issue's of concern,-will help .them participate in developof programs to, address the issues. Informed citizens make the best decisions. Project Timeline/Schedule: This project is expected to be conducted in the Spring of 2000. Timing is con'- nected to election year so candidates for public office can be targeted. Status: Planning-underway.. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Funding is needed for tour and development of recruitment brochure and postage. Potential: May be opportunity for the Water Management District and other partners to collaborate. Reference Documents: Printed and,support materials are available through the Institute of Food and-Agricul- tural Sciences, University of Florida. Comments: 365 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lakewatch -contact Person: John Brenneman Extension Agent Title: Agency/Organization: Polk County Cooperative Extension *Service Mailing Address: P.O. Box,9005, Drawe Ir HS03, Bartow, FL 33831-9005 Telephone Number: (941) 533-0765 FAX Number: (941) 534-000-1 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-I,WQ-2, WQ- Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-C Project Description: Lakefront residents volunteer to monitor take. Monthly observations are made of ac- tivities on-the lake and within the surrounding watershed, Volunteers take secchi reading and collect water samples at three mid-lake stations. These samples are submitted to the laboratory at the University. of.Florida's Department of Fisheries and-Aquatic Sciences for analysis of nitrogen, phosphorus and chloro hyll a. Vol- I nteers are trained 'in collection protocol and also receive data periodically. Educational program includes 'lot newsletters from the state office (quarterly). and locally'(bimonthly). In addition, workshops are held to discuss-data obtained, as well. as other topics of interest. Strategy for Implementation: This -program is on-going and has current funding for training -supplies for approximately forty lakes in Polk County.' With more equipment and supplies the number of lakes on the ould increase considerably, as there are approxi mately 550 lakes in Polk County. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Florida LAKEWATCH (University of Florida, Department of Fisheries and -Aquatic Sciences), and Polk County Cooperative Extension Service, John Brenneman, Ex- tension Agent. Other Project Partners: N/A. Geographic Area.- Polk County. Expected Benefits- and/or-Drawbacks: Data will be gathered to provide a' long term monthly profile of lake nutrient enrichment. Additionally, ,by participating in the program, volunteers will become informed of issues relating to lake management -and water quality. Advantage of volunteer program is that it is not limited by public. access availability. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding. Available: Currently resources are available for, approximately forty lakes. Needed: To double -to eighty, lakes would- require an additional$ 10,000. Potential: Possible with Water Management District. Reference Documents:- Florida LAKEWATCH. 1998. Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Uni- versity of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural - Sciences, -University of Florida. Gainesville, Florida. Florida LAKEWATCH Data 1997, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University-of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. -Gainesville, Florida. Webpage:http:// www.ifas.ufl.edu/-lakewatch/index.htm. 366 Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Farm*A*SYst/Home*A*SYSt Contact P erson: John Bre nneman Title: Extension Agent Agency/Organization: Polk County Cooperative Extension- Service Mailing Address: P.O.Box 9005, Drawer HS03, Bartow, FL 33831-9005 Telep hone Number: (941) 533-0765 FAX Number: (941)534-0001 `E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-3, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-B, WQ-E, WQ-F, W Q-N Project Description: Individuals (i.e.'. farmers & homeowners -with wells and septic systems) are provided information (1.e. fact sheets and Self-assessments) -to assist them in carrying out an evalu- ation of risks to well-head, groundwater, and surface water from on-site management practices. Strategy for Implementation: This program is a voluntary, confidential educational 'program available to any producer or homeowner interested in evaluating risks to water quality. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Polk County Cooperative Extension Service,John Brenneman, Extension Agent. Other Project Partners: Department of Soil and Water Science, Instituted Food and Agricultural Sciences, and University of Florida. Geographic Area: Polk County. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Informed agricultural producers and/or homeowners will make changes in management practices to protect water quality. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status; Ongoing but participation is limited. Resources/Funding Available: The -Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences provide evaluation fact sheets -and assessment forms. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Web page', and fact sheets/assessment Forms (Farm*A*Syst) along with "Florida Horne*A*Syst" manual. Comments: 367 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan -Continuous, Surface Water Level Monitoring Using the Southwest Florida Water., Management District's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System quisi Contact Person: Mark A.Hammond Title. Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program, Manager Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Wafer Management- District Mailing Address:,, 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa,FL 33637-6759 Telephone: Number: (813) 985-7481 FAX (813) 987-6747 E-mail Address:, [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2 Priority-Actions Addressed: HA-B, HA-C Project Description: Installationof automated data collection and radio transfer stations to moni- tor, water levels of selected -surface waters around the Southwest Florid a -Water Management Dis- trict (SWFWMD). 'Strategy for Im lementation:- Responsible. Partner and Project, Coordinator: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Timothy J. De Foe, Director, Resource Data Department, Other Project Partners: Polk County Natural Resources and DrainageDivision. Geographic Area: Throughout the entire 16 county- Water Management Southwest Florida Water. Management District (SWFWMD) Region, including the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Pro- gram, (NEP). Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: To obtain real time water level- information to assist in flood control, Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing- Status: In.progress. Resources/Funding Available: Southwest Florida Water, Management District (SWFWMD) Governing Board and Basin, Boards. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: The Southwest Florida Water Management, District (SWFWMD) does not Curren have any-programs geared to address incentives for composting toilets. 368 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 'Southwest Florida Water Management District's Reuse. Program Contact Person: Gregg Jones Title.. Director, Resource Conservation and Development Department Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Water Management District Mailing Address: 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34609-6899, Telephone Number: -(352) 796-7211 FAX Number: (352) 754-6885- E-mail Address: N/A. Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2 Priority Actions Addressed; HA-D, HA-E, WQ-P Project Description: The Southwest Florida -Water Management District (SWFWMD) has devel- oped an effective reuse program which includes reuse goals, regulatory policies, land two funding VIA assistance, programs. Reuse goals, set forth in the District Water Management Plan, state that the District will encourage, assist in and, where appropriate, require the development and efficient use of alternative water sources such as reclaimed-water. The District's regulatory policies require all water use permittees to utilize the lowest quality of water available for the proposed use-.' Re- claimed water -may be considered a lower quality water and must be used if the water is available and is technically.and economically feasible, Reclaimed water users are provided with a backup Source through the issuance of a standby permit. The District's funding. assistance programs have allocated almost $170 million for reclaimed water projects. The Cooperative Funding Program, through its eight basin boards, will typically,fund up to 50 percent of the cost of design and construction; pumping, storage,. and transmission facilities; and reuse master plans of selected projects. The New Water Sources Initiative Program provides funding for, alterative water supply projects. Eleven of the 18 New Water Sources Initiative projects utihze reclaimed wastewater or storm water. Together, the Cooperative Funding and New Water Sources Initiative projects will provide up to 215 million,gallons per day-(mgd) of additional re-, claimed water supplies -when completed. To date, 43 of the. District's 48 local governments with wastewater facilities have developed or are designing reclaimed -water systems (see. District's "An- nual Reuse Report" and "Reuse and Retrofit Report"). Strategy for Implementation: Ongoing programs.. Additional State or Federal funding may be sought in implementing future-large-scale basin-wide programs. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Local governments, public and private utilities, water use permittees. Other Project Partners: Schools, developers, industry, Federal and State agencies. Geographic Area: District-wide including the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. 3 69 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Conservation and protection of water resources (all projects listed); reduction in -groundwater reliance (reclaimed water projects, plumbing retrofit kits, irriga- tion rain sensor rebates, low flow toilet rebates, leak detection,. xeriscape training); recharge of the aquifer (reclaimed water projects, reclaimed water aquifer storage and recovery [ASRI projects);, enable more efficient utilization of reclaimed water, require advanced wastewater quality- treat- ment, and eliminate the need for deep well. disposal and, wet weather discharge (reclaimed water ASR projects)., Ongoing. Project' Time line/Schedule:- Status.- On going. Resources/Funding Available: Basin Boards and Governing Boards; local governments. Needed: Potential. Reference Documents: Annual Reuse Report, Reuse and Retrofit Report. Comments: The encouragement of the Manasota Basin Board to fund, plumbing retrofit projects, is a challenge. 370 CHarlotte Habor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Quality of Water Improvement Program (QWIP) Contact Person: Greg McQuown .,Title: Geohydr6logic Data Section Manager Agency/0rganization: Southwest Florida Water Management District Mailing Address: 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, Fl, 34609-6899 Telephone Number: (352) 796-7211 FAX Number: (352) 754-6881 E-mail Address: N/A Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-G Project Description: The Quality of Water Improvement Program (QWIP) was commended by_ the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in 1974 to,, restore -groundwater conditions altered by well drilling activities. The program coordinates well plugging between Jandowners, government Agencies, and the industry to ensure detrimental wells are properly plugged according to statutes. The Program address detrimental Wells Within the' Southern Water Use Cau- tion Area (SWUCA), Pinellas County, and portions of Pasco County and to date, has plugged approximately 2,411 wells, saving. almost 300 million gallons per day (mgd) from waste and con" tamination. Locally, the program has plugged 233 wells in Charlotte County and 58 in DeSoto County. The program-will continue to fund and coordinate the plugging of detrimental wells until Cos qian Well Plug- all known detrimental wells are plugged, contingent upon funding (refer to the Artesian Well Plug- ging Annual Work Plan for list of wells plugged). Strategy for Implementation:' The Quality of Water Improvement Program (QWIP). procedure. outlines the steps taken to participate in the,well plugging reimbursement initiative offered by the- Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). To participate for up to 100% fund- ing _of a well plugging, owners must contact. the, QWIP for a well inspection and logging, a claim form will be forwarded to the, owner with their. maximum eligible reimbursement amount, relay this information to a licensed -well driller and have their well plugged, forward the claim form and receipt to the Quality of Water -Improvement Program (QWIP) and a check -is returned usually within two weeks. The reimbursement program has increased cooperation from about 50 to about 250 wells per year. 'An inventory of all known and plugged well is 'maintained in an annual-report that is forwarded to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) annually. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Greg McQuown, Geohydrologic, Data Section Manager. Other Project Partners: The majority of wells addressed through the program are With individual property owners and are funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and their basins. Any well plugging costs in excess of program allowances are the responsibility of the landowner. The program has cooperatively funded and coordinated with local ,governments a -few large scale welt plugging projects. Also, wells located in coastal waters, canals, and rivers due to surface erosion are under the ownership of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). On several occasions, the program has cooperativel y assisted this agency with funding well pluggings. 371 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Geographic Area: The program is active' where the ground-water. aquifers are. characterized as confined aquifers. This places program activity in the Southern Water Use- Caution Area (SWUCA), North Tampa Bay, Pinellas County and parts of Pasco County., Expected Benefits and/or-Drawbacks.- The program is restoring ground-water conditions to pro-' mote water, supply conservation, Water quality restorations and protection of surface water bodies' from discharge of highly mineralized water from free flowing wells. The program has documented in the annual work plan of several "effectiveness measures" where water quality and water levels have been restored on a local level. Project Time line/Schedule: The program began in. 1974 as required by Florida statutes. It began with varying funding initiative from a 50150 partnership between the Southwest Florida Water Man-- agement District (SWFWMD) and local governments and later changed to a 50150 between SWFWMD and the landowner. In t992, the SWFWMD authorized the program to implement a 501 50 partnership -between the-SWFWMD and its Basin Boards to, promote landowner cooperation. This initiative increase the annual number of wells plugged from about 50 to 250 wells per year. This funding program is still. in effect and will be. proposed to continue until all known detrimental -,wells: are plugged. Status: The-program and current funding initiative are in progress. Resources/Funding, Available: Funding. is offered for Well plugging through the well plugging reimbursement initiative -as a 50150 funding source between the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and local Basin Boards. Needed: 50150 funding from Basin Board and the SWFWMD; any overages are the responsibility of the landowner. Potential: The program participates with other local governments and 'agencies, United States Fish' and Wildlife Service (USFWS), department of Environmental Protection, and counties', as the land- owner to fund well pluggings. The annual- Work plan is being pla ed on the South est Florida Water Reference Documents, Management District (SWFWMD) webpage. The program produces its Quality of Water-Improve- ment Program (QWIP) Annual Work Plan, which contains documents, of studies and technical pub- lications documenting the detrimental affects. of Interaquifer Exchange and the positive. impacts of plugging detrimental wells. Comments: The Quality of Water Improvement Program (QWIP) is challenged with ex ding its pan technical expertise to geophysically log all water use permitted(WUP)wells with an unknown well design for the permit file, to build a- regional model of lithology and hydrology, and to collect water �amples to include in the data base for a regional water quality model. The program is also avail- able to conduct hydrologic investigations where water quality and water levels have been impacted possibly due to other local detrimental, wells. 372 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Management of Transportation Project Impacts Contact Person: Paul O'Neil, P.E. Title: Director, Technical Services, Resource Regulation Division Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Water Management District Mailing Address: 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34609-6899 Telephone Number: (352) 796-7211 ext. 4304 FAX Number: (352) 544-2328 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-3, WQ-1 WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-5, WQ-6 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-M, WQ-E Part Project Description: / New and future transportation projects are regulated via Chapter 373 IV, Florida Statutes. This regulatory authority, which is implemented through Chapter 40D-4, Florida Administrative Code, might require an. Environmental Resource Pen-nit (ERP). Strategy for Im lementation: An Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) -is -required when- 1) there, is significant alteration of an existing surface water management system; 2) a new surface. water management system, is constructed; or 3) an existing 'system is abandoned. In order to re-. ceive, an, ERR, an applicant must demonstrate that their proposed project meets the "Conditions of Issuance," -as delineated in 40D4.30I and 40D-4.302. -Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Paul O'Neil, RE., Director, Technical Services, Resource Regulation Division. Other Project Partne Irs: Department of Environmental Prot ection (DEP). Geographic Area: Throughout the entire 16-county Southwest Florida Water Management Dis- trict (SWFWMD) region, including the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP), bound- aries. 'Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks- Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Southwest Florida, Water Management District (SWFWMD) funded. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 373 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan )Lake' Hancock Water and ,Nutrient Budget and Lake Hancock.Water Quality Improvement P t rojec Contact Person: Michael J. Pe'rry Title Senior Environmental Scientist -Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Water Management District - Mailing Address: 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759 Telephone Number: (813) 985-7481 ext. 2203 FAX Number: (813) 987-6747 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:' -1, WQ-l, WQ-2, WQ-5 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-P, WQ-H, WQ-J, WQ-K WQ7L 'Project Description: The Peace Rive Basin Board approved funding in its FY 1998 r budget for a Water andNutrient Budget and Water Quality Improvement Project for Lake Hancock. Lake Hancock is located southeast of the City of Lakeland and north of, the City of Bartow in Polk County. -The lake, was surveyed for the State, in 1850 and is still publicly- owned. At 4,553 acres, Lake Hancock, - is the largest lake associated with the Peace River, the third largest lake in Polk County and the fourth largest in Florida. Lake Hancock-has been recognized as havin g some of the poorest -water --quality in'the- State The lake is -considered to be eutrophic to hypereutrophic, characterized by 0 persistent blue-green algae blooms, high nutrient concentration's and low diss6lved oxygen levels'in the water column, nearly 12,000, acre-feet (18. million, cubic yards) of nutrient rich bottom sedi- ments, and-vegetation, fish, and wildlife populations indicative 'of eutrophic to hypereutrophic con- ditions. There has been a substantial amount of work done to assess the condition of Lake Hancock and -to identify the issues that. need attention culminating in a restoration strate y prepared for the -lake in 1987. The purpose of the project is to develop current water and nutruient budgets reflecting any changes,in the Watershed since the mid to late 1980s -and identify, design and permit a project to improve the quality of water discharged-from the lake into the Peace River to improve the Water quality down- stream from the lake. and, where possible, improve the present undesirable vegetation, fish, and wildlife populations. The project is not presently anticipated to be a whole lake restoration project. Strategy for Implementation: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has contracted with Environmental Research and Design, Inc. (ERD) to begin the development of the water and nutrient budget portion of the project. The intent of this effort is to -update the existing -',budget that-was prepared nearly 15 years ago, incorporate changes in the watersheds since then, and to. evaluate in-lake nutrient loading from the sediments. The information gathered from the updated water and ,nutrient budget will be used to select a water quality improvement project focusing,, at this time, on improving the quality of water exiting the lake into the,upper Peace River. The project is -not presently anticipated to be a whole lake restora- tion effort. The specific technique for water quality-im rovement has not been predetermined and the. consultant -will, make -a recommendation as part of the scope- -of the project. The are several techniques. for achieving the-end result and most likely' a combination of -technologies may be proposed. CSarfolle 7farSor. Xalmnaf 6sluary Jliwyram 2)-a Comervalion anc(Aranayemenl 9Yan There has been some local interest'in preparing a larger-scale whole lake restoration plan for Lake Hancock. The information- obtained as'part of this water and-nutrient budget' and water quality improvement project-should be useful in the decision-making pfocess for the lake restoration plan . The -Southwest Florida Water Management District _(SWFWMD),has assembled a small. advisory committee to assist ERD with implementing theproject and these same individuals will most likely' be the c9re of any whole lake restoration,evaluation effort. There is not a public -consensus about the restoration goals and objectives for the lake and the public must be brought into the Oiscussions early in the process. While the restoration plan could be prepared through close coordination with the existing agencies and interest groups around. Lake Hancock, th@re is some discussion about geeking a legislatively backed restoration council. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: S.outh@vest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Peace River Basin Board, Michael J. Perry, Senior Environmental Scientist,Project Manager. Other Project Partners: As the water qualit- improvement project becbmes identified; the fol- 6 y lowing entities could become involved in theimole-mentation of theproject: Florida Legislature; Florida Department of Environmental. Protection (DEP); Florida Fish and Wildlife C6nservation Commission; Imperial Polk County; IMC-Agrico Minineqompany;, commercial fishing interests; recreational,fishing interests; environmental interegt/activist groups;, and Lakes Education/Action Drive. Geoiraphic Area: The project will focus on theLake Hancock water'shed. The water and nutrient e budget portion of th project will focus on the areas draining to the take and exiting the lake. The .water quality improvement portion of the project is presently envisioned to improve the quality of the water exiting the lake.' The present scope does 'not include evaluating,the upper Peace River. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The-project will provide the most up-to-@date'.wiater and nutrient budget forthe lake that is 'the basis for making sound management and/or restoration decisions. The information -gained will be, utilized- to - select, design, and construct a project to improve the quality of water exiting the lake and entering the upper Peace Rivei Improvement to - the quality of water leaving Lake Hancock will be expressed as lower levels of light-limiting algae iij. the upper reaches' of the river, reducing the treatment costs to the Peace River/Manasota Re- gional Water Supply Authority, -and a reduction of nutrient cbncentration in the water entering the estuary. Potential drawbacks could result from utilizing a portion of,the lake bottom for an in-lake marsh- system due to the unavailability of publicly owned land around the lake. If a whole lake restoration project is proposed there may be several drawbacks including the increased turbidityin the lake and perhaps downstream if dredging is the chosen technique, perceived negative affect to the com- mercial fishing int6rests-presently using the lake, and length of time-the lake may be drawn down to - facilitate restoration. Project Timeline/Schedule: The water and nutrient budget and water quality improvement project is underway with the water and nutrient budget phase to be completed in-late fall/winti,@r 1999 or early 2000. The water quality improvement project phase will run as concurrently as possible with design, permitting to'begin in late FY 1099 or early F Y 2000 with construction proposed for, late FY 2000 or early FY 2001. 375. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: The Water. and Nutrient Budget and Water, Quality Improvement Project is in progress. Resources/Funding Available: ThePeace River Basin Board and the State of Florida through the Surface Water Im- provement and management (SWIM,) funding have shared to cost of the Water and Nutrient Budget and Water Quality Improvement Project to -date. Funds for construction. are proposed for Basin Board and SWIM funding for FY 2000.' Needed: Depending on the type of project selected, the proposed funding may not be sufficient and- other funding-sources will be pursued. If a whole lake restoration projects to be undertaken the cost will be very high and no funding sources have yet been identified. Potential: Funding for a water quality improvement project for water exiting the lake could be available from the Peace River Basin Board and State SWIM funding. Funding for a larger sca'le whole lake restoration project will need to be a collaborative effort between the federal government, through the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP), the state legislature and/or appro- priate state agencies,- Polk County, perhaps the mining industry, and other federal, state and regional sources of funds as yet unidentified. Reference Documents: The most current and complete reference document for, the restoration of the lake would be: - Zellars-Williams Company, 4987, Lake Hancock Restoration Study, - Final Report Prepared-for the Florida Institute of Phosphate Research (FIPR), FIPR-No. 86-04-034, Corps of Engineers (COE) Contract No. 087-045, FIPR-OFR-186-04-034, December 1987; other documents include the Request for Proposal and the contract documents for the Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD's) Water and Nutrient. Budget and Water Quality_JM7 provement Project. Conmments: There is not-a public consensus about the restoration goals and objectives for the lake. While a restoration plan could be prepared through close coordination with -the existing agencies and interest groups around- Lake Hancock-, there is some discussion about seeking a legislatively backed- restoration council. The public must be included in th is process and a measurable set of. restoration goals must bpe established to allow for. the -selection of the most appropriate restoration technique. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Further Refinement of a Pollutant Load Reduction Goal for Charlotte Harbor Contact Person: David A., Tomasko Title: Senior Environmental Scientist Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida, Water Management District mailing Address: 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL-33637-6759 Telephone Number: (813) 985-7481 FAX Number- (813) 987-6747 E-mail Address: N/A ctiv Quantifiable Obje es; Addressed: WQ-l,WQ-2,WQ-3, Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-C, WQ-N Project Description: In Charlotte Harbor, the development of a resource-based Pollutant Load Reduction Goals (PLRG) has been problematic. After examining the relationships between nitrogen loads and eutrophi- cation indicators (i.e., chlorophyll a concentrations and Trophic State Index [TSI] values) through the use of both empirical and mechanistic modeling techniques, Tribble et al. (1997) found no direct relationship be- tween nutrient loads and any indicators of eutrophication in Charlotte Harbor. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has contracted with faculty and staff from- Louisiana State University (LSU) to conduct a study to try and reconstruct historic trends in hypoxia in the Charlotte Harbor, based on determining the status and trends in organic loading to bottom sediments. Stra Itegy for Implement ation: The project is fully funded and currently underway. Responsible Partner Project Coordinator: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Other Project Partners: Louisiana State University. Geographic Area:, Upper Charlotte Harbor and the lower reaches of the Peace and Myakka Rivers. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: The project could -develop a scientifically defensible resource- based pollutant load reduction, goal. Project Timeline/Schedule: The initial fieldwork was completed in summer 1998, and efforts to construct a date-sediment depth relationship are expected to be finalized in spring 1999. - Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available:- Needed: Fully funded. Potential: Not applicable. Reference Documents: Report not completed. Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Ongoing Wafer Quality Monitoring Program in Charlotte -Harbor Contact Person: David A. Tomasko Title: Senior Environmental Scientist- Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Water Management District Mailing Address: 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759 Telephone Number: (813)985-7481 FAX Number: (813) 987-6747 E-mail Address: N/A Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-D Project Description: In Charlotte Harbor, the development of a resource-based Pollutant Load Reducation Goals (PLRG has been problematic. After examining the relationships between nitrogen loads and eutrophi- -cation indicators (i.e., chlorophyll'a concentrations and Trophic -State Index (TSI) values through the use of both empirical and mechanistic modelinqj techniques, Pribble et al. (1997) found no direct relationship be- tween nutrient loads and, any -indicators of eutrophication in Char lotte Harbor, The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has contracted with faculty and staff from Louisiana State University (LSU) to conduct a,-study to try-and reconstruct historic trends in hypoxia in Charlotte Harbor, based on determining the status and trends in organic loading to bottom sediments: As part of an interim project, SWFWMD staff, assisted by staff of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), have been monitor- ing water quality at'13 locations in Charlotte-Harbor and the lower reaches of the Peace and Myakka-Rivers nce 1993. Data- are collected monthly, and include inorganic and-organic species of both nitrogen and phosphorus,-as well as chlorophyll levels.- Strategy. for Implementation: The project is fully funded, and currently underway. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Southwest Florida Water' Management District (SWFWMI). -Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Environmental Quality Labora- tory, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC). Geographic Area: Upper Charlotte Harbor and the lower reaches of the Peace. and Myakka Rivers. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Theproject is des'igned to aid-in the development of a scientifically defensible resource-based pollutant load reduction goal. Project Timeline/Schedule: The-initial fieldwork was started in 1993. Monitorin 'is ongoing and will continue until at least September 2000. Status: In, progress. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Fully funded. Potential: Not applicable. Reference Documents: Final Report not completed, however, data have been summarized in Morrison et al. (1 998 - Charlotte Harbor Technical Conference Proceedings). Comments: This interim monitoring project is funded. The comprehensive long-term- monitoring program is expected to, be developed by-the-CharlotteHarbor National Estuary Program (NEP) and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) anticipates -some involvement in implementation. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Estimates of Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, and Total Suspended Solids Loadings To Charlotte Harbor, Florida Contact Per-son: David A. Tomasko Title-: Senior Environmental- Scientist Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Water Management District - Mailing Address: 7601 Highway 301 Nort, Tampa FL 33637-6759 Telephone Number: (813) 985-7481 FAX Number: (843) 987-8q047 E-mail Address: N/A Quantifiable Objectives Addressed:- WQ-3 Priority Actions Addressed: WQ-0 Project-Descriptioni: At least two pollutant loading models have been developed for Charlotte Harbor,. The first effort (Hanimett.1990) developed loading estimates based on measured flows and measured nutrient concentrations at various gage locations in the Peace and Myakka Rivers, and by extrapolating these relation- ships to those portions of the watershed that are ungaged. The second pollutant-loading model for Charlotte Harbor was produced by Coastal Environmental, Inc. (1995). This effort also estimated the contributions of atmospheric deposition in the Charlotte- Harbor watershed to nitrogen, phosphorous, and total suspended sol- ids loads. Overall, atmospheric deposition was approximately 19 percent of the 1992 nitrogen loads. Strategy for Implementation: The project was completed in 1995. Responsible P artner and Project Coordinator; Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD Other Project Partners: Coastal Environmental, Inc. (now Post, -Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc.). Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor and its watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks:. The project was designed to determine the relative pollution loads generated by septic tank systems, non-point sources, point sources, baseflow and atmospheric deposition. Project- Timeline/Schedule: The project was completed in 1995. Status: Completed. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Fully funded. Potential: Not applicable. Reference Documents: Final Report available as: Coastal Environmental, Inc. 1995 b. Estimates of Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, and Total, Suspended Solid. Loadings to Charlotte Harbor, Florida. Final Report to:- Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM).Section, Southwest Florida Water Management 'District (SWFWMD),Tampa. Comments: 379 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Habitat Restoration, Including Projects on Don Pedro Island, Cape. Haze Peninsula, Punta Gorda Isles, and the Alligator Creek Addition, of the Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve Contact Person- DavidA. Tomasko Title: Senior Environmental Scie ntist Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Water Management Di'strict Mailing Address: 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa,. FL 33637-6759 Telephone Number: (813) 985-7481 --FAX Number: (813) 987-6747 E-mail Address: N/A Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-4 Priority Actions Addressed:- FW-A, FW-B, FW-C Project Description: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) works with the state, local governments and other agencies to plan, design, and co nstruct habitat- restoration projects. For example,, at Don Pedro Island, the SWFWMD and the Florida Parks Service have combined efforts to. remove exotic vegetation from the entire -barrier island portion of Don, Pedro 4sland, State Park and adjacent areas. At Cape Haze, the SWFWMD add Charlotte County -have combined efforts to remove Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) trees from approximately 160 acres of the peninsula. At Punta, Gorda Isles, the SWFWMD, combined efforts with the City of Punta Gorda e -and money from the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP) to remove exotic vegetation from one acre of disturbed wetlands and restore the historic tidal flow to -approxi- mately 20 acres of disturbed wetlands. At the Alligator Creek Addition of the Charlotte Harbor - Buffer Preserve, the SWFWMD has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the De- partment of Environmental Protection (DEP) so that the SWF WMD will pay for consultant services to develop an overall master plan for the, approximately 1,600-acre - site, and design and obtain permits for two wetland restoration projects of approximately 10 acres each. Strategy for Implementation,: The specific projects mentioned are either completed (Punta Gorda) 'be identified in the Southwest Florida Water Management or underway. Additional projects, may District's (SWFWMD's) Five-Year Plan updates, Surface Water Improvernent-and Management (SWIM) Plan updates, or through the Cooperative Funding Program. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Other Project -Partners:, Florida Parks Service, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Aquatic Preserves" City of Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), Char- Charlotte Harbor NEP, Charlotte County. Geographic Area: Charlotte Harbor and its immediate watershed. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: These projects are designed to restore the hydrology and/. or native plant cover for previously disturbed uplands and wetlands in the Charlotte Harbor water- shed. Project Tirneline/Schedule: The specific projects mentioned are either completed (Punta Gorda) or underway. Additional projects may be identified in the Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD's) Five-Year Plan updates, Surface Water Improvement and Mana em nt g e (SWIM) Plan updates, or through the Cooperative Funding Program. either completed (Pu di- Status:\ The specific projects mentioned are nta Gorda) or underway. Ad IN tional -projects may be identified in the Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD's) Five-Year Plan updates Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM)' Plan-updates, or through the Cooperative Funding Program. Resources/Funding Available: Needed: Fully funded for all but the a1ligator Creek Addition of the Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve. Potential: Southwest Florida Water Management District's- (SWFWMD's) Cooperative Funding Program, Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Funds. Reference' Documents: Not applicable.- Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Ongoing -Seagrass, Mapping Efforts in Lemon Bay, and Charlotte Harbor Contact Person: David A. Tomasko Title: Senior Environmental Scientist Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Water Management District Mailing Address: 7601 Highway 30l North, Tampa, FL 33637-6759 Telephone Number- (813) 985-7481 FAX Number: (813) 987-6747 E-mail Address: N/A Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-2, FW-3 Priority Actions A ddressed: FW-M, FW-P, FW-R, FW-V- Project Description: Currently, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) maps seagrass distribution in Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Lemon, Bay and Charlotte Harbor approxi mately ever ec a y two years. -Results from this project can be used to assist other- gencies in preserving and improving seagrass and oyster-bar communities.. Strategy-for Implementation: This project is ongoing. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Southwest Florida Water -Management_District (SWFWMD) for tasks' described in "Project Description other agencies, notably the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) -for tasks described in"Priority Actions Addressed." -Other Project Partners: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), various local govern- ments. Geographic A -reaches of the Peace and Myakka Rivers. rea: Charlotte Harbor, and the lower Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) projects can be used to inform other agencies on the status. and/or trends in seagrass coverage and/ or water quality. ProjectTimeline/Schedule: This project is ongoing. Status: This project is ongoing. Resources/Funding -Available: Needed: Fully funded. Potential: Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD's) Cooperative Funding Program. Reference Documents: Not applicable. 'Comments: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Site Identification/Land Acquisition Contact Person: Cheryl- Hill Title: - 'Land Resources Office Administrator Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida. Water Management -Dist rict Mailing Address: 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34609-6899 Telephone Number: (352) 796-7211 ext. 4452 FAX Number: (352) 754-6877 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: FW-1 Priority Actions Addressed: FW-S, FW-U Project Description: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) purchases lands through the Save Our Rivers (SOR) and Preservation 2000 (P-2000) programs.fbe SWFWMD. Land Acquisition 'Program targets lands of regional signi tic ater management, water sup- ply and the conservation and protection of water resources (see Southwest-Florida Water Manage- ment District's [SWI`WMD's] SOR/P-2000 Five-Year Plan). Strategy for Implementation: Annually the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Governing Board adopts its Save Our Rivers/Preservation 2000 Five-Year Plan, which, in essence, is its land acquisition plan. This plan identifies-those properties which are authorized for' A acquisition, whether in fee simple or less-than-fee simple, and those. properties which require a formal resource evaluation to determine if acquisition is warranted. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator: Southwest Florida Water Management District (�WFWMD), Ron Daniel, Land Acquisition Manager- Other Project Partners: Department. of Environmental Protection (PEP) and local governments. Geographic Area:,- Throughout the entire 16-county water management Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) region, including the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Pro- gram (NEP) boundaries. Expected Benefits and/or, Drawbacks: The most obvious benefit of public -acquisition of conser- vation lands is the preservation of large natural areas for future generations. In the case of the water management Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD's), lands necessary for water supply protection, water quality and flood protection are also of primary benefit. Drawbacks include removing property from count' tax rolls, thus potentially impacting a county's revenue stream. Project Timeline/Schedule: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Land Acquisition Program began in the 1960s and will continue into the foreseeable future. Status: In progress, 383 r Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resources/Funding Available: Funding is currently available through the Water Management' Lands Trust Fund and the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund. Needed: Potential: -There is potential funding from Jocal governments' environmentally sensitive land ac- quisition- programs. Reference Documents: Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD's), Save .Our Rivers Preservation 2000 Five-Year Plan. Comments: J 384 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 1998 Minimum Flows And-Levels (MFL) Priority List And Schedule Contact Person: Terry Johnson' Title: Planning Manager Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)/ Planning Department - Mailing Address: 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34609-6899 Telephone Number: (352) 796-7211 FAX Number: (352) 754-6749 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-A Project Description: The mininimum flows-and levels (MFL) Priority List, approved by the District Governirrg Board on October 27, 1998, identifies the waterbodies and timing for establishment of 'minimum flow's and levels for lakes, aquifers and flowing watercourses. This is a statutory charge to the District and is based on the importance of waters to the State or region, the existence of or pote tial for significant harm tothe water resources or ecology of the State or region and includes n those waters which are experiencing or may reasonably be expected to-experience adverse impacts. The List is updated annually. Strategy for Implementation: The priority list allows the' District to anticipate the establishment of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for the,subject waterbodies (Myakka and Peace rivers, in- cluding Horse, Joshua and Shell creeks) so that data collection and analysis can be accomplished in a timely manner. This data is gathered by, the District and others, including permittees Where appropriate (e.g. the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority for the Peace River). The determination of the exact locations and methodologies to be used for each waterbody is a separate process from the development of the priority list, and is undertaken by District technical staff and consultants,. with substantial input from affected parties. Responsible Partner and, Project Coordinator: Southwest Florida Water Management District Resource, Conservation and Development Department.' Contact: Gregg Jones, -Director. Other Project Partners: Permittees (where applicable); Florida Department-of Environmental Protection. Geographic Area: The Peace-River and its associated tributaries are. in the Peace River Basin, 'while the Myakka River is in the Myakka River Basin. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Minimum flows and levels (MFLs) will provide -appropri- ate criteria to prevent future overuse and allow for long-term planning of regional needs and sources, as well as maintaining and recharging surficial aquifers. Project Timeline/Schedule: The Upper Peace River is scheduled for establishment by 2001, the Middle and LowerPeace River (including Shell, Horse and Joshua- creeks) between 2002 and 2005, andthe Myakka River is slated for establishment between 2011 and. 2015. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Status: All 'noted waterbodies are planned on the minimum flows and levels (MFLs) Priority List and Schedule. Resources/Funding -Available: Staff time and consultant funding re ularly budgeted by the District for establishment. Needed: Potential: -Permit conditions (where appropriate). Reference Documents: Information on minimum flows and levels (MFLs) established todate (from technical reports and studies. to monitoring data and Distric rules) are read ly available. Caution' should be used in attempting to project that, the methodology used in one area (e.g. Northern Tampa Bay) will-he applicable in other areas. Establishment of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) is -highly specific to the waterbody being, studied and established. Comments: Experience to date has show thatIthe establishment of any minimum flows, and levels (MFLs) is Rely to be controversial in that it may affect at least the perception of the availability of water supply. One impact of this has been requests for peer review (now a standard feature for all waterbodies 'on the priority list) and admini strative challenges which significantly slow the process and involve the same technical staff that would-normally be 'moving on to the next scheduled waterbody. CCharlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Ongoing Efforts to Restore the Hydrotogy of the Upper Myakka River Watershed Contact Person: David A. Tomasko Title: Senior Environmental Scientist Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Mailing- Address:. 7601 U.S. Highway 301 N., Tampa, FL 33637 7481, ext. 2206 Telephone Number: (813)985- FAX Number: (813) 987-6747 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-2, FW-2 Priority ActionsAddressed: HA-C, HA-D, WQ-E, WQ-P Project Description: In the Flatf ord Swamp and Upper Myakka River watershed, recently com-. pleted and on-going efforts have focused on developin a response to the issue of excessive tree mortality. Irrigation water seeping off-site, from agricultural land uses in the Watershed are pre- venting the Flatford Swamp and other areas from drying out to the extent that historically occurred. In response, more than 2,500 acres of hardwood forest have experienced increased stress and/or mortality. Ongoing efforts are focused on: 1) monitoring streamflow and water quality in the major- tributaries to the swamp; 2) updating' 'the tree mortality est imates; and 3) determining the causes of tree mortality within the boundaries of Myakka River State Park.. Additional'efforts are focused on developing cooperative projects with area farmers to reduce the amount of off-site movement of irrigation water by increasing the efficiency of various agricultural practices. Strategy for Implementation: Projects are presently funded, and currently -underway. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator:' Southwest Florida Water Management- District (SWFWMD). Other Project Partners: U.S. Geological Survey; Post, Buckley, Schuh*& Jernigan, Inc.; and the University of South Florida- Geographic Area. Upper Myakka River watershed. Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: These projects are designed to develop a scientifically- defensible, flow reduction goal for responding to the problem of excessive tree mortality in the Upper Myakka River watershed. -Project Timeline/Schedule: Field work had been ongoing since December 1997. Water qualify and. quantity data acquisition efforts will be long-term efforts with -periodic data summaries. Tree mortality acreage estimates are expected in early summer 1999. The tree mortality study in Myakka River State Park is expected in spring 2000. Status: In progress. 387 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Resources/Funding Available:' Needed: Potential Funding: Reference Documents: 'Tree. mortality assessment of the Upper Myakka River watershed!' 1998 Coastal Environmental, Inc. Final Repor-t to: -Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34609- '-Comments: Ongoing efforts include the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciefices, the Florida Farm Bureau, the Myakka River State. Park, and the Florida Department of Agricultural and Con- sumer Services. Gsarflle Narsop Xalional (5s'--y Drall GompreSenjive Gonservalion ano,(X@nayemenl am Communications Progr, Contact Person: Sifndr'a Haley Title: Manager, Communications Department Agency/Organization:' Southwest Florida Water Management District - -- Mailing Address: 7601 Highway 3 0.1 North, Tampa, Florida 33637-6759 Telephone Number: (352) 796-7211 - FAX Number: (352) 754-6883 E-mail Address: Quahtiflable Objectives Addressed: HA- 1, HA-j, HA-3, HA-4, Priority Actions Addressed: HA-1, HAJ, HA-K,. WQ-B, FW-T Project Description: The District's Communication Program includes in-school education, p9blic 'education programs and initiatives, cooperative funding of education- projects w .ith local govem- ments, overall supervision of the S 0, n peakers, Bureau and utreach activities, special eve ts, public information, and media coordination. Strategy for Implementation: Water Resource- Issues: The District routinely works with both print and electronic media to dev6lop, and distribute via the, media commentary. related to water resource issues. k"Journal -ist's Guide the DistrictZ' includes a set of issue papers that are updated annually. These papers are distributed to thepublic at Special events" in response to quqry and through the Dfstrict's Web site. Current issue, oriented videos in production address issues related Zt!% to prescribed bums and agricuftural te'c'hnologies. links to water resource preservatio@_\The District has a portable display for each of its Basins that explain the role of our Basin Boards along with some general information @bout the'wdter resources Within the basin. Wat& Conservation: The District annually develops and airs conservation electronic public service announcements (PSAs) across, the 167-county area it serves. This effort *is supplemented by the distribution- of Print conservation materials at special events and the placement of -print conserva- tion PSAs in chamber guides, Area maps, and,other specialty publications.-, The District also is partnering with the University of Florida in this, fiscal year to make water and energy-conservati6n materials and training available t6 the public and to builders, developers and realtors through the University's "Build Green, Sell Green and Buy Green" workshops, which are offered through county. extension services. The District has portable displays related to Xerisdape, which is a conservation and water protection landscaping-technique that focuses on 6n Ie of the major uses for potablewater, outdoor irrigation. Water Use: The District. last year piloted a master water conservation curriculum and workshop to ,teach homeowners w@ter conservation methods and techrfiques., Workshops will be offered in five locations within the District in this fiscal year, includini one workshop in the Charlotte -Harbor area. In future years, plans,are underway to develop materials,for at-home use and to place the curriculum on a distance learning Web site to increase availability. A non-District resource is the Home*A*Syst program from the University of Florida (IFASY, which guides homeowners on well systems through a water quality assessment and action program. 389 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The District annually offers a public education community, grant program to increase general public awareness about water resource issues, to include water quality. 'Through the program, community demonstration projects can and are developed. Additionally, the District partners with Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), county extension services and local organizations and asso- ciations throughout the Peace River Basin to provide water quality information to the public through the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods and environmental landscape management programs. A rack--", card related to the- selection and use of- fertilizers is nearing completion. The District recently partnered with the Nature Conservancy program at Lake Wales Ridge to pro- duce an ecosystem protection booklet. We also have portable displays related to the Florida, Black Bear and the control and -management of exotic species. A prescribed bum video is in production., Responsible Partner and-Project Coordinator: Sandra Haley, Manager, Communications De- partment. Other Project Partners: National Estuary Program, Local Governments, Charlotte- Harbor Envi- ronmental Center, State agencies, and others. Geographic Area: Throughout the sixteen county. water management district region including the. National Estuary Program -study area.' Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks:- Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: In progress. Resources/Funding Available: Annual District appropriations. Needed: Special projects. Potential: Reference Documents: Comments: 390 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Surface Water Improvement And Management (SWIM) Program gram Contact Person Name: Mark A Hammond Title: Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program Manager Agency/Organization: Southwest Florida Water Management District -Mailing Address: 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida 33637-6759 Telephone Number: (813) 985-7481 FAX Number: (813) 987-6747 E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, & HA-4 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-F, HA-Q Project Description: In 1987, the Florida Legislature enacted the Surface Water Improvement and Manage- ment (SWIM) Act because they recognized that water quality in surface water bodies throughout the state had degraded or was in danger of being degraded. The SWIM Act identified important functions of the surface waters which included providing aesthetic and recreational pleasure for the state's citizens; habitat for native plants and aniriials; and safe drinking water for the state's growing population as well as, attracting visitors and accruing other -economic benefits. The District is required to develop plans and programs for the im- provement of the SWIM priority water bodies. -The SWIM Ian will be updated following the completion of the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan-to reflect the long-term goals of the National Estuary Program. Strategy for Implementation: Work with the National Estuary Program, local governments, State, and oth- ers to develop and implement projects to restore impacted areas of the watershed. Responsible Partner and Project Coordinator- Southwest Florida Water Management District SWFWMD), Mark A. Hammond, Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program Manager. Other Project Partners: State, local governments, Charlotte Harbor NEP, and others. Geographic Area: The National Estuary Program study area Expected Benefits and/or Drawbacks: Implementation of these projects should directly 'restore impacted areas-in the watershed. Project Timeline/Schedule: Ongoing. Status: in progress-. Resources/Funding Available: District basin boards, State Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Trust Fund, and local governments. Needed: Potential: Reference Documents: District Priority List and Charlotte Harbor Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) plan. Comments: 391 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA) ..Contact Person: B. Terry Johnson. Title: Strategic Planning Manager Agency/Organization: -Southwest Florida Water Management District/ Planning Department Mailing Address: 2379 Broad -Street, Brooksville, Florida 34609-6899 Telephone Number: (352) 796-7211 FAX Number: (352) 754-6749 ,E-mail Address: [email protected] Quantifiable Objectives Addressed: HA- 1, HA-2, HA-3 Priority Actions Addressed: HA-A, HA7C, HA-H (SWFWMD) has begun-. Project Description: The Southwest Florida Water Management District anew the process of developing a management plan fo r the Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA). This has included the creation 'of a "Conceptual Mana gement Strat egy" approved by the SWFWMD Governing Board for purposes of public input, and the creation of the Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA) 'Working Group as the primary vehicle for affected party feed- back. and advice to this process. The* main resource constraints in the Southern Water Use. Caution Area (SWUCA) are saltwater intrusion in the, Floridan Aquifer and lowered, lake levels -along the Highlands Ridge. All users, including agricul 'public supply, mining/industrial ture, and recreation will need to- assure high water use efficiency and possible use of. alte rnative sources to groundwater., ,Technical evaluations include investigating effects of lowered ground water levels on seawater-in- trusion and lowered surficial aquifer levels (especially along the Highland Ridge), and determin- ing the regionality of the intermediate aquifer systern..- Goals for this effort includeproviding sound, technically defensible methodologies for establishing minimum levels, in priority lakes by Decem ber 1999, establishing minimum levels for the Upper Floridan aquifer in the Southern Water Use Caution area (SWUCA) by December 2001, and addressing the need for. establishing, minimum Caution levels in the intermediate aquifer by December 2005. -Strategy for Implementation.- Previous rulemaking for-the Eastern Tampa Bay and-Highlands Ridge Water Use Caution Area(s) (WUCAs) provide.an existing regulatory framework until such pro time as the Southern -Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA) Management'Plan is completed. ItJs- likely further rulemaking will. occur after completion of 'the comprehensive- management plan. Overall, the strategy can be characterized as attempting,to balance'regulation with water resource development and appropriate incentives so as to achieve sustainable supplies from the Floridan and allother sources. The result will be assurance of present and future water supplies for all reasonable and beneficial uses, including those fornatural systems. In- October 1998, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) initiated devel- opment of a water supply plan for three of the planning regions that either in whole or p#rt comprise the Southern Water Use Caution Area Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA). - In addition, the SWFWMD formed a Work Group comprised of representatives of affected parties in the region. 392- 50- q- Ora ,fl Gompre4enjive Conservalion ano(Aran qemewf Wan lot The W6rk.Group-will provide external input to the District for development of the water/manage.- ment plan for the SWUCA. The water supply planning effort will include identification of projects to enhance water supply sources in the region and bring new sources of water online to satisfy future demands irr the region. Projects to restore natural systems will-also be investigated and developed. Regional declines in ground-water levels will be addressed for the Upper Floridan aquifer by December 2001. A recoveryplan and prevention strategy to achieve minimum flows and levels adopted for the re on will be incorpoiated into the water supply plan that will be revised 91 once every five years. J Responsible Partner and Pi@oject Coordinator: Southwest Florida Water Management District, Richard S. Owen,@Planni,ng Director. Other P roject Partners: P@ermittees; Local Goverrunents. Geographic Area: The Southern Water, Use Caution Area (SWUCA) encompasse-s about 5, 100 square miles in the southern half of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), and includes all or part of eight counties. 'this area overlay's the southern ground water basin' Expected Beneffis and/6r Drawbacks: Achievement of sustainable supplies from the Floridan Aquifer (by far'the primary, source of supply at present) will benefit all users, including the envi- ronment. Lake levets along the ridge will also benefit thr Igh the avoidance of significant draw- ou downs related to,groundwater withdrawals. Project Timeline'/Schedule: The Southe rn Water Use"Caution Area (SVY'UCA) Management.Plan is expected to,be brought to the Governing Board in about March 2000. Once -adopted, this is likely to be followed by appropriate rulemaking as well as significaht,";ater resource development activi- ties (over the next 10-20 years). The water supply plan for the Southern Water Use Caution Aria (SYVUCA) was initiated in Octo- ber 1998. and is targeted for completion in March 2000., Minimum levels in priority lakes in,the region are targeted for completion by D'ecember 1999 and in the Upper'Floridan aquifer 'are tar- geted for Completion in December 2001. er UCA) rules are in place n -the Cbncept@al Man Status: Existing Wat Use Caution Area (W ow, age- ment Stratdgy is cothpletedand the Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA) Working Group is in progress. The eventual Management Plan. can also be characterized as in progress.- Resources/Funding Available: Staff time, and consultant funding -ate budgeted by the District. Historically,,a signifi- cant amount of inve stment has been made by theDistrict and local cooperators inIvarious types of water resource development projects. The Governing and Basin b-oards will continue this pattern., Needed: 'Substantial funding will be needed over time to address continued water .resource devel-' opmen.t. Potential: Cooperative Funding, the New Water Sources,lnitiative (NWSI) and possibly State and federal funds will be leveraged to the maximum extent possiblewith local funds for -water, supplies. 393' Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Reference Documents- Southern Water Use Caution Area Information Report; Southwest Florida Water Management Dis- trict (SWFWMD), 1998. Southwest Florida Water Management. District' Water Supply Assessment, June 1998. Southern 'Water Use Caution Area Information Report Conceptual Management Strategy; South- west Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), September 1998. Comments: Continuing to expand the water supply "pie" will be a, challenge, especially -given the high degree of agricultural water use in the basin', but the District is conunitted to working with all user groups to achieve this. Development of alternative sources is the best means-of protecting groundwater resources. -394 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan List of Acronyms Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan LisT -OF ACRONYMS ABM Agency for Bay Management (Estero, Bay) ACEE Advisory Committee on Environmental Education,-- ACOE Army Corps of Engineers ADCP Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler AGWQMP, Agricultural Ground Water Quality Monitoring Program AIRMoN Atmospheric Integrated Research Monitoring Network ASR Aquifer Storage and Recovery AWWA American Water Works Association BEST Biomonitoring Environmental Status and Trends BMP Best Management Practice BoCC- Board of County Commissioners BOMP Bureau of Mine Reclamation BPA Base Programs Analysis_ BSLER Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources CAC Citizens' Advisory Committee CARL Conservation and Recreation Lands CCMP Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan CCU Charlotte -County Utilities CDBG Community Development-Block Grant CDM Camp Dresser & Mckee, Inc. CES(a) Center for Environmental Studies CES(b) Cooperative Extension Service CFRPC, Central -Florida Regional Planning Council CHASBP Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State. Buffer Preserves CHEC Charlotte Harbor' Environmental Center CHEVWQMN Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network CLASAC- Cons ervationLands Acquisition and Stewardship Committee CMP Clean Marina Program COE Army Corps of Engineers CREW -Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed CROW Clinic for-Rehabilitation-of Wildlife CRP Conservation Reserve Program Citizen Support Organization CSO CWA Clean Water Act CWM -Comprehensive Watershed Management' 395 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan CWMP Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments CZARA DCA department of Community Affairs Dep DEP Department of Environmental Protection DO Dissolved Oxygen_ DOA Department of Agriculture DOC Department of Commerce DOD Department of Defense DOH Department of Health DOI Department of the Interior. DOT Department of Transportation DRI Development of Regional Impact DRP Division of Recreation'& Parks DW Domestic Water DWMP District Water Management Plan "EAR Evaluation and Appraisal Report. EBA&BP Estero Bay Aquatic & Buffer Preserves EBB Estero Bay Buddies ECARP Environmental Service Conservation Acreage Reserve, Program ELMAC Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition, Committee EM Ecosystem- Management EMA Ecosystem ,Management Area EMAP, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program EMC Ecosystem Management Coordinator EMWQAS Ecosystem Management Water Quality Assessment Section EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPCRA Emergency planning and Community Right-to-Know-Act EQIP Environmental Quality Incentives Program ERD(a) Environmental Research and Design, Inc. ERD(b) Environmental Resources Division' ERP Environmental Resource Permitting ESIP, Environmental Integration Services -Program ESQG, Exempt, Small Quantity Generators FAC Florida Administrative Code FACEE Florida Advisory Committee on* Environmental Education 0 FCHAP Friends, of the. Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves FCT Florida Communities Trust FDEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection FDOT Florida Department of Transportation Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FFWCC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FGCU Florida Gulf Coast University FIP Forestry Incentives Program FIPR - Florida Institute of Phos hate Research. FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map FL Florida FLUCCS Florida Land Use/Cover Classification System- FMRI Florida Marine Research Institute FRDAP Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program FS Florida Statutes FW Fish and Wildlife Habitat Loss FY&N Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program, GCHEMA Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem Management Area GDC General Development Corporation GFC Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, GICIA Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association GIS Geographic Information System GPS Global Positioning System HA Hydrologic'Alterations HUD Department of Housing and Urban Development IFAS Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences IR jnfrared ISTEA Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act IW industrial Water IWRM Integrated Water Resources Monitoring LDR Land Development Regulation LE/AD Lakes Education/Action Drive LOS Level of Service LPA Local Planning Agency LRTP Long Range Transportation Plan LSU Louisiana State University LWC Lower West Coast M/WBE Minority or Women Owned Business Enterprise MFL Mininium. Flows and Levels MGATV Manatee Government Access Television MOA Memorandum of Agreement MOU Memorandum of Understanding MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization MPRSA Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan MS4 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System MSFCMA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Managem ent Act MSSW Management and Storage of Surface Waters MTC Manufacturing Technology Center NADP /NTN -National Atmospheric Depositibn Program/ National Trends'Network NAWQA NationalWater Quality Assessment Program NBS National Biological Service NEP National- Estuary Program NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NEXTEA National Economic Crossroads Transportation Efficiency Act NGVD National (Geodatic Vertical Datum National Instiiute -of Standards and Technology NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. NPS Nonpoint Source ources NRCS N Res' Conservation Service NRPS Natural, Resources Planning Section - NWR National Wildlife Refuge OFW Outstanding Florida Waters OGT Office of Greenways and Trails P2 Pollution Prevention P2000 Preservation 2000 P-2000 Preservation 2000 PA PriorityAction' PLRG Pollution Load Reduction Goals POTWS Publicly Owned Treatment Work,,, PR/MRWSA, Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority PSA 'Public -Service Announcement. PSC Public Service Commission QO Quantifiable Objective QWIP Quality Of Water Improvement Program RBNERR, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve RC&D 'Resource Conservation and Development Program RCRA Resource Conservation-and Recovery Act RPC Regional Planning Council SARA "Superfund" Amendments and -Reauthorization Act SCCF - Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation SD South District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act-. 398 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan South Florida Water Management-District SFWMD' SOR Save Our Rivers SRF State Revolving Fund SRPP Strategic Regional Policy Plan SWAMP Surface Water Assessment and Monitoring Program SWD Southwest District, -Florida Department of Environmental Protection SWFRPC Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council SWFWMD Southwest Florida Water Management District swim- Surface Water Improvement and Management SWMMP Surface Water Management Master Plan SWUCA Southern Water Use Caution Area' SWUP Stormwater Utility Program., TAC Technical Advisory Committee TBNEP Tampa Bay NEP TBRPC Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council TDS Total Dissolved Solids TEA21 Transportation Equity Act for the 2Is' Century TIITF The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund TKN Total Kjedahl Nitrogen TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load TSI Trophic State Index TSS Total Suspended Solids UIC Underground Injection Control UEP Ufility Expansion Program UPREPC Upper Peace River Ecosystem Planning Committee USC United States Code USCG United States Coast Guard USDA 'United States Department of-Agriculture -USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geologic Survey UST Underground -Storage Tank VSR Volunteer Scientific Research WCIND West Coast Inland Navigation_District WCS Water Control Structure' WET Water Efficiefit Toilet, WICP Water Information Coordination Program WMD Water Management -District WQ Water Quality Degradation WRM Wetlands Resource Management WRP Wetland Reserve Program WUP Water Use Permit WWTP Waste Water Treatment Plant 399 Li'st of-Acronvms CSarfolle Aar.Swr Xabona,(6jiuary 54oyram Comwr..ii.. O(Ara .,'Glossary Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan GLOSSARY, algae - a group of small aquatic plants; occur as one-celled, filaments, or colonial; having no true root, stem or leaf, the base-of the aquatic food chain. algae bloom a heavy growth of algae in a body of Water; blooms commonly caused by high concentrations of nutrients in the water column. anoxic a condition of no ox ygen in a water body, anthropogenic - resulting from human activities. aquifer a water-storing underground, rock formation. atmospheric deposition - the transfer of pollutants and nutrients suspended in the air to theground or open, water; deposition commonly metals and compounds of, nitrogen and'sulfur. beach re-nourishment- the process of pumping sand onto eroded beaches mate- rial for this process commonly taken from channels and off-shore resources. beneficiation - an industrial process to transform phosphate pebble (rock) into com- mercially marketable phosphate. The process is an energy intensive activity. bentbic - referring to the bottom of a body of water. Best Management Practices (BMP) - A practice or combination of practices that provide the most effective and practicable means of controlling point and-nonpoint pollutants at levels compatible with environmental quality goals. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) - The quantity of oxygen demand present in a sample, as measured- by a specific test. A major objective of conventional waste- water treatment is to reduce the biochemical oxygen demand so that the oxygen content of the water body will not be significantly reduced. Although BOD is not a specific compound, it is- defined as a conventional pollutant under the federal Clean Water Act. biodiversity - A network of composition, structure, and function of a given,system. that encompasses the natural biological wealth of organisms. 401 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan brackish - water with salinity common. to estuaries; this condition has a salinity concentration between fresh and marine. carnivore., flesh-eating organism. coliform bacteria - a. type of bacterium that in high concentrations indicates a pol- luted water body; this type, occurs in animal feces. deep-well injection - a process, whereby a liquid, usually treated water or waste water, is pumped underground. detritus - small particle of rock, sand, and/or dead organic and, disintegrating veg- etation. dredge spoil - sand and/or mud removed from the bottom of a' water body after dredging. ecosystem - a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their environment. effluent - water released into the. environment; commonly from waste water treat-' -ment processes or industrial processing. epiphytes - refers to growing on the surface. 'Epiphytes are -a general classification of algae commonly attached to seagrasses. estuary - a semi-enclosed land and water interface where fresh water mixes with marine waters,) allowing-unique plants, and animals to thrive; tidal mixing actions are common in an estuary,., eu ro c n typified by igh, productivity and nutrient t phi' a. water quality condition h inp uts, with periods Of oxygen deficiency from 'algae decomposition. This condition > can be accelerated by pollution. exotic species - a plant or animal species not native to an ecosystem. fauna - animals of a region. -a-region. flora - plants of 402 Gm.,peShi.. Gn alion andfXana ygaienl _@9@ groundwater - water stored in underground,sand rock formations; replenished from surface infiltration. habitat - the specific place or environmetit where a particular plant or animal liv@s. An organisms habitat must provide all the basic requirements for life and should be free of harmful contaminants. hypoxia - a condition of low dissolved -oxygen in the water; hyppxia typically 'indicates -less than or equal to two milligrams of oxygen r lite pe er. inlet - a short, narrow waterway connecting a bay or lagoon with the sea. inter'tidal - thearea of bay bottom that'is alternately 'Covered with water.and, then exposed due to the rise and fall of tide waters.. littoral drift - the parallel movem'ent of suspended sandalong the bedch; drift caused by wave and'tidal action. mangrove - a salt-tolerant, sub-tropical tree found.in estuarine and marine environ- ments; mangiove leaves are an integral part of the food web. non-point source pollution - pollution from no specific source. This type of pol- P lution is generally from suFface,ground, or rain water coming in contact with con- Aaminants on the land or air such, as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, animal waste, gasoline, vehicle exhaust, power plant emissions, and liquid waste from failing house- hold septic tank system S*. This source of pollution is difficult to measure. nutrients - any substance required by organisms for normal growth and%mainte- nance. Mineral nutrients usually refer to inorganic substances derived from soil and water. Excessi@e amount.s''ofnut,riehts, inc-luding nitrogin and phosphorus, may result in excessive growth of algae, le4ding to oxygen depletion and water quality degradation-. photosynthesis - the synthesis of organic matter -from inorganic substrates using Jight as'a'source of energy. plankto n - passively -floating orweakly motile microscopic plant and animal life; refers to, variou's species of-plants and animals at the base of the aquatic food chain. point source pollution - pollution from a specific source such as a stormwater pipe, waste water. plant disch#ge, or industrial discharge; easidr. to quantify this source. 403 q-mw Draft Com preSenjive C6@2jervafion andXanayeme,;I 5@n red tide - characterized by an above average concentration of the toxic phytoplank- ton Gymnodinium brev@e; red tide causes fish and manatee mortality and shellfish on;' -flo, contaminati process -th6@ght to be linked W high freshwatef ws and nutrients 'into marine waters. rookery - the breeding of nursery ground of birds or animals. tun-off - the portion of precipitation on the'land that reaches- a water body. -SAV ' -abbreviation for "submerged aquatic vegetation,?' including seagrasses and other emergent.aqudtic yegetation: salinity - A measure of the dissolved salts in a water body, especially-of sodium, magnesium, and potassium., salt marsh coastal ecosystems with comnumitiesof salt tolerant plants'occupying intertidal zones that are at least occasionally inundated with, salt water; refers to' a type of marsh that exists at interface on'and and marine waters. saltern -.a tidal area where 'sea water evaporates and salt concentrates. saltwater intrusion a process of high salinity groundwater moving. inland and Mixing with low salinity groundwater; intrusion commonly results from over pump- ing gf6undwater resources. ktre sea grass - ex mely productive qowering marine plants found in estuaries and* shallow. open shelves. off the coast; sea grass provides habitat for numerous fishes and invertebrates. Three common sRecies exist in Florida (turtle grass, manatee grass, and shoal gras s@- seawall -.a wall or embankment constructed al6ng,a shore to reduce erosion fioni wave -action; the structure@ greatly reduces tidal habitat. septic tank system- a system of tanks and porous pipes in which waste water is treated by z,ierobic and anaerobic bacterial -decomposition in the surrounding soil; septic systems are a common source of pollution to surface Andgroundwater,if not functioning properly. storm water .runoff - water from rain, often carrying' -oils, tr ash, di ssolved metals, and other pollutants. Storm water is a Aidjoir source of pollution- to rivers, lakes,and estuarinematers. 404 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan tide - periodic rising and falling of the. oceans resulting from Iunar and solar forces acting upon-the rotating earth. Tide action strongly influences estuarine plants animals, and bottom con-figuration, tributary- a body of water that supplies a larger body of water. trophic state the nutritional status of a particular body of water. 'Nitrogen and phosphorus, the principal waterborne nutrients, commonly influence the trophic state. turbidity -,a measurement of water clarity;, caused by a suspension of fine solids. uplands - terrestrial areas above the influence of tide waters. urbanization - the conversion of low density open spaces to' high density human development such as houses or shopping malls; process decreases the volume of groundwater infiltration-and increases storm, water runoff. -watershed -,a drainage area or basin in which all land and Water areas drain or flow, toward a central collector such as a stream, river, or lake at a lower elevation. wetland - an ecosystem defined by unique, plants, soils, and hydrology; plants in wetlands are adapted to, tolerate wet conditions. Zooplankton - microscopic animals that float freely in -water, graze on detritus -particles, bacteria, and algae, and may be consumed by fish.. 405 Glossa'ry Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Index -of Preliminary Action Plans CSarfolle Yfar&r Xalion,@f (%Iuary Proyram !Z).ra ff CompreSenjive GonirvaZiaq @dMna yem INDE'X 'OF PRELIMINARY ACTION PLIANS 1998 Minimum Flows And Levels (MFL) Priority List And Schedule ................. 385 Alligator Creek Hydrological Restoration Project ....................... ......................... 217 Alternative Water Supply Funding Program ............................................................ 96 Application of Innovative Wastewater Treatment Systems at Emerson Point Conservation Park ................................ I......... .................................... 344 Aquatic,Preserve Management Maps ... . .................................................................* ..... 233 ............................................................. Artificial Reef Program ............. ......... .........1 159, Artificial Shoreline Structure Prohibition.,..., ........................... :: .............................. 154- Beach Renourishment/Monitoring Program ................I...... I....................I...................... 8t Beker B'(Wingate Creek).. ................................................................. ................... . 245 Biological Assessment and Monitorin of Streams: Stream Condition 9 ............ 47 Index and Biorecon ..... .........;......................................................... ..... Boaters'GuideforU per Lemon Bay and Venice..'.. ............I................................. 269 p I - - . Buffer Preserve Three Lakes Nature Trail ............................................................... . 237, Caloosahatchee River Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Study ....................... 48 Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan., ......... ......................................... ....... 1001, Cape Coral Dual Water System ................................. .......... ....... ................* ............... 35 Captiva Cruises Partnership ....... ................................ ... ...................... .............. 87 Ca o Costa State Park .......................... .............. e ................ y ................ I..... ............ 60 'Central and Southem, Flood Control Restudy ............ .....................................i ....... 123 Charlotte County Central Sewer Expansion .............................................................. 147 Charlotte County Environmental Regulatory Program ....................................... @; ... 157 Charlotte County Exotic Eradication and Control Program ..... ................................ 153 Char' lotte County Master Stormwater PI'an-,-.,, ............. ................................... ......I ... 142 Charlotte County Mitigation Sites ........................I ...................................................... 168 Charlotte'County's Speaker.Buteau Program ..................................... :.........: ......... 15 1' Charlotte Harbor Buff6r Preserve Land Acquisition ................................................. 218 Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring, Nawork (CHEVWQMN) ................................................ ............................... 238 Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve.Managemept Activities ..... *...................... 219, Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve-Public Education ........................................ 225 Citizen Support Organization J(CSIO), The Friends Of The.Charlotte erv -211 Harbor Aquatic Pies es,lnc., .............................. ..................................... 49 Citizen-Support Organization (CSO), Estero Bay Buddies ......... ........................ City of North Port Water and'Sewor Master Plan - Implementation .................... 188, 407' Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan City of Punta Gorda Bu rnt Store Isles Stormwater Treatment Retrofit .............. 199 City of Punta G6rda Irrigation Sensor Rebate-Program ....................I....................... 198 City of Punta Gorda Manatee Protection Plan .......................................................... 200 City of Venice Public Information and Education.. .............................................. 206 Clean Marina Program(CMP) Assessment ......................... ........I ............. 212 Clean Water Act Section 3 20 National Estuary Program .......: ...................I............... 17 Coastal Management Workshops ............................................................................. . Coastal Nonpoint Program ................................................ 21 . . ................................ .......... ... 21 389 Communications Program ...................... ............... ............................................ Composing Toilet Implementation and Education ...... ............................................ 174 4qContinu6us Surface Water Level Monitoring Using the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SC2qADA) System ............................................ 368 Coordination of Waier Q uality Monitoring Program inCharlotte Harbor, Peace River and Myakka River .................. .................. ............... 175- Conservation Financial Assistance .......................... ........................ ...... Conservation Technical Assistance ................................................................................ 13 -Delineation of Saltwater Intrusion in Lee and Collier Counties... ........................... .129 Derelict Vessel Removal Program ......................... ..............I...... .77 Development Review Process... ............................................ ........... ............ ............ 150 Domestic Wastewater. (DW) and Industrial Wastewater (DW) Permitting Programs ............. 306 ....................................................................... Don Pedro Island State Recreation-Area ... .................... ........................... 241 Eagle Lake/Millsite Regional Drainage Project .................................................... ... 354 East Spring Lake ........................................................................................................ 139 Ecosystem Management Water Qua lity Assessment Section Lakes Bioassessment ....................................................................: ............................... Educational Si Rage at Boat Ramps .......................................... ......... 268 Effects of Pumpage and Seasonal -Stresses on the Saltwater Interface in the Lower Tamiami Aquifer near Bonita Springs, Florida:., ................... 127 Encourage Efficient Use and Reuse of Water .... ................................ -146 Encouraging Pervious -Surfaces (Hardee County Unified Land. e Development Code ................................. ................... ...... . 336 . . . ...................... . Environmental Boating Education., ........................................................................... 180 Environmental Information Center (EIC) ...................... ........................................... 149 Enviromnental Lands Acquisition Advisory Committee (ELAAC) ........................ 158 Environmental Lands Acquisition Program In Polk County: ....... ........................ 350 Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee (ELMAC) ......... 341 Environmental Landscape Management Education Program ...................... ........... 364 Environmental Resources Permitting (ERP) Program/Clean Marina Program ....................................................................................................... 316 408 CSarfofle -7farSar alional8slu-y 5'-y-am Drall Com pmSe@mve Conervabon anorAranaVemeni 9@6n Environmental Resources Permitting/Alterhative Shoreline Stabilization..; .......... 317, Environmental ResourcesPermitting/Invasive Exotic Vegetative Removal ............. 3i8 Environmental Restoration of Approximately 1600 Acres of) Conservation Lands Along the,Sanibel River Corridor ......................... 42 Eradication of Melaleuca 4nd Brazilian Pepper. from Sanibel Island ................... 41 Envirp-nmentally gesponsible Marinas and Boat Maintenance Practices ............... 3.12 Estero. B ay'Buffer Preserve Ex6tic'Plant Removal Project .................................... 511 Estimates of T6tal Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, and Total J Suspended Solids Loadings-To Charlotte Harbor, Florida ............................. 379 Evaluation of 13"iological/PhysicalImpacts ofAnchorages ....................................... 223 Exotic Pest Plant Public.Awareness Campaign ....................... ................................ 214- Exotic Species Control on Sanibel Island ................................................................. 106 Ex pansion ofthe Acquisition .13 undary of the J.N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex ..........: ................................................... 121 Expansion of the Reuse Distribution System ....................I............I .......................*... 258 Farm*A*Syst/Home*A*Sy@t ...................................................................a ................ 367 Feasibility Study of Lemon Lake Restoration at Amberj ack Slough .........I ........... 162 'Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements-and Programs ...................... ................... 15 Fisheries Habitat Conservation Program .................................................................... 9 Florida Department.of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Southwest District Point Source Discharge Pem-titting Program.... 303 ............................. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Lakes Bioassessment Program ............................................. ..................................... 215 Florida Greenways and Trails Program ...................... .................................................... 7 Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program ............................................... 263'& 172 Flow and Salinity Patterns at Selected Points Within Estuaries of the Charlotte Harbor NEP Study Area .............................................................. 132 Freshwater Flow Education .....................................: ................................................ 164 Freshwater Flow Exhibits ........................................................................ ............. 165, Further Refinement of a Pollutant Load Reduction Qoal for Charlotte Harbor ............................................................................... ....... 377 Garden Grove Pines Stormwater Retrofit Project .........................t ........................ ;@. 355 Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area ....................................................................... 242 Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem Management Area Initiative ......................... 320 Greater Port Charlotte Canal Water Quality Enhancement ..........................I ............. 140 Green Partners- A Partnershipof Polk County Businesses ............................ ..... 332 Groundwater and Surfa.ce'Waier Mofiiitoririg Networks ............................................ 131 Habitat and Wildlife Education .......................................: .................................... 183 Habitat Improvement: Improve Law Enforcement and Provide -Consistent Regulatory Authority Throughout the Charlotte-Harbor. NEP Area ............ 273 409, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Habitat Improvement: Modification of -Previously, Hardened Natural Shorelines .............................................. .......................... 265 Habitat Inventory, Monitoring and Protection of Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Managed Sites In Charlotte County ... ....... ............ 182 Habitat Management and- Ecology Program: Prescribed Burning Wetland and Upland Enhancement, Monitoring, and Applied 'Research of. Native Flora add Fauna ............................................... 83 Habitat Protection While Boatin ............................................................... 267 ............. Habitat Restoration, Including Projects. on Don Pedro Island, Cape Haze Peninsula, Punta,Gorda Isles, and the Alligator Creek Addition of the Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve ................................................................. 380 Hardee County Water,and Sewer Study ..................... ...... .............................. 334 Hardee. County Xeriscaping (Amendment of Hardee County Uniforni Land-Development Code) 335 ........................................................I................ 'Hydrologic Data Network ......................... . ... 82 Hydrologic Restoration of Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods (Zemel Road Southwest Parcel) ............. ................................................. ..... 156 Hydroperiod Restoration ..................................................... 209 ...................................... Identification arid Removal of Invasiv e Exotic Species From" 176 Within-the Charlotte Harbor-NEP Study Area ............................. ......I.......... Identify Reuse Cusi6mers ...... ..................................... ............................................ 283 IMC-Agrico Peace. River Park, Off-CR 640, Homeland ........................................... 348 Industrial Wastewater Compliance/Enforcement; Domestic Wastewater- Con' iance/Ehforcement ........... 308 ........................................... d Water Resources Monito Integrate ring (IWRM) Network Basin Assessment and T6tal Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)Developrnent ....... 300 interagency Task Force Participation ............................................................. ............. 1,14 Interdepartmental Coordination with the-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ..... 340 lnvasive Exotic-Pest Plant Removal and Long-term Control Program ..................8 Invasive Pest Plant Management at Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve (EBSBP) ... 52 Investigation of Atmospheric Deposition-of Nutrients.. ....................... ....................... 25 J.N. "Ding" Darting Water Control Structures (NWR) Management Plan .........................................I.................................................. 119 J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife. Refuge, Exotic Plant ........... ................................. ................................................ Jan Phyl Village Stormwater Retrofit Project ...... ................... ............................... 357 Kehl Canal Weir. ................................................................................................... ...... 78 Koreshan State Historic Site ........................................I............................................ 62 Lake Hancock Advisory Group ........................ . ....................... ............. Lake Hancock Restoration Project ....... ....... ........................ ............................... .......... 293 410 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehension Conservation and Management Plan Lake Hancock Water and Nutrient Budget and Lake Hancock Water Quality Improvement Project .................................. .................. 374 Lake Hollingsworth Sediment Removal Project And Lake Parker Southwest Outfall Retrofit ............................................................... 295 Lake Howard Water Quality and Habitat Restoration Project ................................ 330 Lake Mariana Water Quality Improvements ... . .................................................... 1... 358 Lake Parker Southwest Outfall Retrofit ....................................................... -A ....... 296 Lake Parker/S addle Creek - Regional Drainage Project ......................................... 363 Lakes Park Flow-Way/Filter Marsh ... ...................................................................... 69 Lakewatch ................................................................................................................. 366 Land Use and Transportation Buildout Scenario ...................................................... 144 Landscaping for Wildlife .................... ................................................................ ........ 92 Landward-Source Petroleum Discharges ................................................................... 315 Lee County Ambient Surface Water-Monitoring Program ............... ...................... 75- Lee County Artificial Reef Program ....................................... .................. .............. 68 Lee County Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship L Committee (C ASAC) .................................................................................. 76 Lee County-Estuarine Monitoring Program ............................................. .............. 74 Local Phosphate Mining Regulations ..................................... ................................. 333 Long Range Transportation Plan .....................I..................... ..................................... 145 Lovers Key State Recreation Area ....I............a........................................... ............... 66 Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan ..................................... .. ...... 102 .................. .... Management of Transportation Project Impacts ......................................................... 373 Managing Selected Anchorages and Harbors - Southwest Florida ......................... 289 Manatee County Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program ................ ................... 338 Manatee Government Access TV (MGATV) Public *Service Announcements ..................................... ..........................I ........................ 343 Manatee Protection Plan ......................... I ............. ...............................I.... 80 Manatee/Seagrass Task Force .....................I............ ............................................... .155 Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) .........................I... 324 Marine Research and Education ............................................................................... 134 MIKE/SHE for Modeling Surface and Groundwater Interactions ..................... .... 98 Mound Key State Archeological Site: .......... ......... 63 ......................................... ........ Multiple StormWater Quality Improvement Projects ........................................ 297 Myakka River Floodplain Study .............................................................................. 281 Myakka River State-Park .... 244 .............................................................. Myakka Wild and Scenic River .................................................................................. 247 Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park Restoration .......... ............................... 331 Myakkahatchee Creek Preservation Corridor .................................................. ...... 190 411 CKf-11- @X..,Aw Xai...f &id.,y 2)-// @C-P"S_Iive,Conjeroalion @andAranajemeanl 9Yan N@tVral Resources Monitoring Programs at Estero Bay'Aquatic and State Buffer Preserve (EBS&SBP) ....... ........................ ................................ 54 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Sy'stern. (NPDES) Implementation ..................; ............................................ .............................. ..... 70' .,National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program ................... ......................................... ..... 24@ ...................... Natural Shoreline Education ..................................................................................... 1.77 NonMMdatory Phosphate Reclamation (GrantsProgram) .................................... 326 Nonpoiat Source Program ... . ............................................................. : ............................ 20 North Port ConseNation Land Bankin2 ............................. 193 Ongoing Effort& to Restore the Hydrology of the Upper Myakka River Watershed ...................I.......................: ................................................. 387 Ongoing Seagrass Mapping Efforts i ili-emon -Bay and Charlotte Harbor .... 382 ........................................... a ......................................... Ongoing Water Quality Monitoring Program inCharlotte Harbor ........... .............. ". 3718 Partial Restoration Of Huckaby. Creek, Phase I ...................I....... .............. ............. 1631.1 Partial Restoration-Qf Huckaby Creek, Phase 11 ................................... t................. . 179 Partners- for.Fish and Wildlife Program/Chdllenge Orant Cost-Share ......... ........... 108 Paynes Creek State Historic Site ......... .............................................. .................. 24.6 Peace-Creek Canal/Wahneta -@ Regional Drainage STstem Enhancet'neilf ............... 361 Peace Rii@er Hydrobiological Monitoring Program (HBMP) ............... .................... 253 P@ace River R 6onal Wker Su ly Facjlity Water Use@ Pen-nit e- pp Renewal Project ..................... ...........................I ..................................... ........ g@ 248,1 Peace River Water Authority Water Congervation Public Outreach and Education Program ...................t ............... . :. .................................... I... 249' Peace River Water Quality Monitoring Project..1 ....... .................. i........................... 25 t Pine Island Watershed Natural- Resource Assessment Geographic Infonnatioh System (GIS) ................................. I............................................. . 29 Polk County-Ambient Surface Water Monitoring Program ................... ........I......... 352 -Eolk County Aquatic Weed, Control Program ....................................................... I... 3.53 Polk County Extension Water School ......................................................................... 365 Polk County S-tormwater Management Plan Implementation ................................... 360 Polk 351 County Volunteer Rainfall Monitoring Program ........................................ ......... Pollution Prevention'.(P2) .............................................................. ...................... 314 Pollution Prevention (P2) Stormwater Pollution Reduction...... I..................... . 55- ...................... '45, Project Pod ..................................................................................... Promoting Reclaim Wafer inCharlotte County ..................................................... 148 Proposed Acquisition of the Verna, Eastern Ranchlands, and Myakkahatchee Creek EnVironmeidtally Sensitive Lands .......................................... ............ @75 Protection of Wetl@nds, Floodplain, and Land Preservation, .. ................. ............... 347 412-, GZarfaie Aar&r Xalional'&Iuary -9, ypaw 'Opall CompzwSenaroe Conjeroalion and'Manayemenl, _gYan Public Access Facilifies in Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve (EBSBP) ........ ...... 58 ',Publiq Education on Polk County Lakes ............................................ .......*......... 337 Public Education Programs .................................. ............... I...... 227 Punta Gorda Aquifer Storage and Recovery Projedt .................................................. 202 Punta Gorda Central Sewer Expansion .... I ...........................................I................... 203 Punta GordaGeographic Information System ........................................................ 201 Punta Gorda'Nature Park Restoration, Phase I ...................................................... 195 Punta Gorda Nature Park Restoration, Phase II ................... .................................. 196 Punta Gorda Reef Ball Project ................................................................................... 197 Quality of Water.linprovement Program (QWIP) .................................................... 37.1 Real.-Time Ground Water Monitoring Sub-Network ....................:................. ......... 128 Realtor Education Workshops ........... ..................... .......................................... ...... 91 Realtors'Environmental Orientation ......................................................................... 90 Reclaimed Water Education in Charlotte County .........................I............................ 160 Reclaimed Water Use Development .......I..........* .................... ..............I ............... 310 Reduce Propeller Damage to Seagrass Beds .............;.............I.........................I....... 319 Refuge Boundary Buffer Establishment for Land Acquisition of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.CoMplex ........................... 11.2 Resident Environmental Orientation ................................. ......................................... 89 Resource Management Division Geographic Information Sysfem (GIS) Program .................................. .................................. 270. Restoration of Oyster Resources in the Coastal Venice, Myakka River, and Lemon Bay Basins ................................... '280 .................... . .......... Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation ............................................ 328 Sanib@f Environmentally SensitiveLands Acquisition Program ............................. 43 Sanibel Island Beach Management Plan Implementation ..............:........................ 44 Sanibel Island Surface Water Management P, Ian ....... ............................................... 40 Sarasota County Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Program ........ ....... ...... 261 Sarasota County Efivironmentally Sensitive Lands Program .................................. 278 Sarasota Cpunty Public Infonnation ............................... .......................................-271, Sarasota County Septic Tank Replacement Program ........................................\...... 262 Save Our 1&ers/ ..................................................................I................................... 101 Sea Turtle Protection Program ............................................................ :'-- ................ 277 Seagrass Exhibits .....; ............................ ................. .....................4..... 181 Scptic Tank and Drainage System Education ........................................................... 171 Septic Tank Alternatives Study ..................... . ............. :; ............................................ 186 Site Identification/Land Acquisition ....I....................... . .................7.................... I ... 383 Six Mile Creek Watershed Restoration ....o ................................... ........................... 322 Small Quality Hazardous Waste Generator Program ............ . .. ............ 72,, ...................... 413 - GS.,Lize Xz,&, X.Iimif C.I. ar q,. y 'Conservalion andXana 9Y qemeni South Florida Coastal-Ecosystep Restoration Initiative/Cape Haze Peninsula Meldleuca Removal Project/Education and Public Outreach ..... 231 South Gulf Cove Water Quality Enhancement .......... ................ ........ -143,- . ................ South Lido Park Atmosphe fic Deposition Monitoring Station .............................. 264 Southern Wat6r Use Cautio-n Area (SWUCAj ..........................................................t ...... 392 Southwest Florida Anchorages Monitoring .................. -235 . ........................ .................. Southwest-Florida Water Management District's Reuse Program ................ ........... 369 Storm Water Management Program.(SWMP) Surface Water, Management Master Plan.: .............................................................................. 36 Storm-Wdter Runoff Effectson Tribfitary Flows into Estero Bay.-.,- .................... 1130- Storrnwater System Inventory .............. ........................................................................ .. 73 Stdrmwater Utility Program (SAIUP)[Utility Expansion Program (UEP) .................. 33-- StorinWater Videos For Public Education ........................................................... ...... 362 Strategic Land Acquisition/ConservationAPreservati6n Plan For Southwest Fl6rida .......................................................................................... 286' Stump-Pass State Recreation Arn ....... ..............................I ................ --243, Support Study.of Horse Creek Outstan.difig Florida Water Designation .... ....... ..... r52 't -Development in the'Caloosahatchee -Suppor of Planniiig Model 125 River Basin .............................................i........................................ ............ Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Prograrn (SWAMP) .............. ....................... 216- SurfaceWater Improvement And Management (SWIM) Program......-.- . .......... @9,1 T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve and Pinelands Reserve --Monitorin andStewardshi Programs ....................................................... 259 9 p T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve Water Use Permit MoniiQn*ngProgrdm ...................... ......................................................... 284, Tarpon Bay Recreational Area Channel Dredging /ExWnsion .............................. 115 Team Pe irmitting - Net Ecosystem Benefit Planning and Permit Process ......... .......... 5 The Manatee Couniysto'rmwater Ba in Study .................................................... S ... . 346 The Naturd's Lovers Guide to Pine lsland...'.@ ............................ ........ . . ................... 64- The Peace River Water Authority's Regional Transmission Pipeline . -Educational Trails ..... 254 . ................. .......I..................... ............. ...................... Three Lakes ................................................................................................................ 138 Three-dimensional Circulation Model .......................I.................... ............ ...... 94 Treasures of the Sea ...............................;...................... .......................................... 67 Turtle Time',, Inc7, Education and Monitoring Activitie's .................I........................ 104 U. S1. 4 1 Water Quality Improvement ............................................. ........; .................. 137 Venice Area Native Veaetation Protection .............. ........................ ....................... 204- Venice Expansion of Sanitary Sewe'rage ................................................................... 211, Venice Intracoastal Wate Park ............. ....................... 207 rway ................................... ......................................... 205 Venice-Stormwater Management ......*...... ................... 414 CS.,fale A.,,S., DGIm..f &(..wy 93,.y. Drall CozipreSeniroe Gonseroafion'an.@Xana qemeni gYan Venice Wastewater Reuse ..... .................................................................................... -208 -Venice Well Plugging ...................I .................................... ;...................................... 210 Vessel Management ................................................. ..... . 79 .......................... :................. Video: Stormwater Runoff ... A Mixed Blessing ..................................................... 141 Water @".onservation Program .........................................I............................................... 256 Water Quality Edue'atioti .................................................... I........................................ 1169 Water. Quality Modeling andTotal Maxiffium Daily Load Development ............. 18- Water Quality Sampling in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary ...................... 46 Water Quality Standards Program Overview. ........................................I......................... 23 Water Resource Marking Program ........... I ..................... I.......t ..........I....................... 272 Water Use Education .............................................................................................. 166 Watershed Environmental Education ............................I.........................I............... .... 184 Watershed Management Program Watershed Approach ...................... .................... 3 Waterway Management for the West Coast Inland Navigation District ................ 27 Wetlands Regulatory Program .... ............ I ......................I.......I...............................% ......... 19 Wildlife Dri-ve Water Control,S"cture. Rehabilitation Project ...... .......... 117 415 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan For additional copies of this book, please' contact us:' Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program 4980 Bayline Drive, 4th Floor North Fort Myers, Florida 33917 941/995-1777 http://www.charlotteharbornep.com 416 36668 141045908