Wekiva River aquatic preserve management plan

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

WEKIVARIVER

AQUATIC, PRESERVE

MANAGEMENT PLAN

ADOPTED AUGUST 1987

COASTAL ZONE
INFORMATION cENTER

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

WEKIVA RIVER AQUATIC PRESERVE

MANAGEMENT PLAN

August 25, 1987

Tom Gardner

Executive Director

Department of Natural Resources

This plan was prepared by
The Bureau of Land and Aquatic Resource Management
Division of Recreation and Parks

Preparation of this management plan was primarily supported by a grant from
the I'!.S. Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, and the Florida Department of Environmental
Regulation, the Office of Coastal Management, through the Coastal Zone Manage-
ment Act of 1972 as amended.

XTS Department of Commerce __7
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EXECVTTVE SUMMARY

The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve is located in Lake, Orange, Seminole and
Volusia Counties of Central Florida, totalling approximately 19,000 acres of
sovereignty submerged lands. This riverine system is one of the most pristine
in the state.

V!ekiva River, three miles of the Little Wekiva River, one mile of Rock Springs
Rijn and the lower portion of Blackwater Creek was designated the Wekiva River
Aquatic Preserve in Aune 1975; it was expanded in Ulune 1985 to 'Include a
portion of the St. Johns River from State Road 44 to Interstate 4. The
primary purpose of the designation is to preserve the biological resources of
this riverire system. This area consists predominately of a variety of
freshwater plant species, and provides.critical habitat to. an extensive array
of fish, birds and other wildlife. Maintaining the continued health of the
preserve will involve minimizing water pollution and losses of wetlands
resulting from urban, residential and industrial development in the region.

The major objective of the aquatic preserve management program is to ensure
the maintenance of essentially natural conditions. Management will, also be
dirr-cted to ensure public recreational opportunities while assuring the
-continued propagation of fish, birds and other wildlife resources. This task
will be guided by the identification ard mapping of natural resources and
habitats necessary to @,,-eet these objectives. An additional. management
objective is to review and comment on-applications for the use of state-owned
submerged lands. Meeting these objectives will require a fully implemented
management program with the continuation of the on-site Environmental
Specialist for the aquatic preserve who has an office in the city of Sanford.

STATE OF FLORIDA

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMPIT TRUST FUND

R E S 0 L U T 1 0 N

WHEREAS, the Roard of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund is

charged with the acquisition, administration, management, control, super-

vision, conservation, protection, and dispositien of all lands title to which

is vested in the Trustees under Chapter (153, Florida Statutes; and

WHEREAS, Chapter ?58, Florida Statutes, directs that state-owned

SUhmerged lands within aquatic preserves be set aside forever in their

essentiallv natural or existing condition for the benefit of future

generations; and

WHEREAS, the Trustees are charged with the adoption and enforcement of

reasonable rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of Sections

258.35 through '258.4), Florida Statutes, regarding the regulation of human

activity within the aquatic preserves so as not to unreasonably interfere with

lawful and traditional public uses of the preserves; and

WHEREAS; Section 18-20.13, Florida Administrative Code, mandates the

development of management plans for aquatic preserves; and

WMEREAS, the Trustees desire to Ferve the public by effectively planning,

managing avid protecting aquatic preserves; and

U14EREAS, the Trustees have recognized the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve

as a biological/scientific preserve in formal action on June ?2, 1975; and

WHEREAS, the Trustees recognize the importance and benefits of protecting

the natural resources and preserving the natural ecosystem and aesthetics in

the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve area; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of the Internal

Tr@provement Trust Fund hereby adopts the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve

Management Plan; and

PF TT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 14ekiva River Aquatic Preserve Management

Plan shall serve as a fundamental policy guideline for the Trustees and other

state and local agencies having jurisdiction relative to maintaining the

natural resources and environmental quality of this aquatic preserve, and

shall provide the overall policy direction for the development and implementa-

ti., of,all administrative rules and programs related to the management of

state-owned submerged lands within the Uekiva River Aquatic Preserve; and

EE ITT FIJRTHFR RESOLVED THAT the Department of Natural Resources, Division

of Recreation and Parks, is hereby designated as agent for the Trustees for

purposes of aquatic preserve planning and management.

TN TESTIMONY WHEREOF The Foard of Trustees of the Internal Improvement

Trust Fund have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official

Seal of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to be

here unto affixed in the City of Tallahassee, The Capitol, on this the twenty-

fifth day of August, A.D., 1987.

Governor.

(Seal)

Secratary of State
Commissioner of Education
Attorney General
Commissioner of Agriculture
Comptroller
As an Constituting the State of
Florida Board of Trustees of the
Internal Improvement Trust Fund
Treasurer
Approved as to form and legality
DNR Attorney

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

T. WRODUCTION ........................................ 1

11. MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY ................................ 9

TIT. MAJOR PROGRAM POLICY DIRECTIVES ..................... 21

RESOURCE DESCRIPTION ................................ 25

1. The Resource Settire ........................... 25

A. Geological Notes ............................ 25

8. Present Population Characteristics ........ 29

C. Economic Development Issues ............... 32

0. Land Use and Infrastructure ............... 34

2. Natural Systems and Their Components ...........

A. 14ekiva River Basin ........................ 39

B. The Aquatic Environment ................... 49

C. Plant Communities ......................... 52

D. Wildlife .................................. 53

E. Summary of Natural Systems ................. 56

V. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ................................. 59

A. Introduction ..................................... 59

B. Onsite 11anagement Objectives ..................... 59

C. Resource flapping and Resource Protection Areas ...... 81

P. Administrative Management Objectives .............. 83

VT. MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION NETWORK ................... 91

Chapter Page

A. Federal ........................................ 91

R. State .......................................... 94

C. Regional ....................................... 98

0. Local Governments and Special Districts ........ 101

E. Other Entities ................................. 104

PREFACE TO CHAPTERS VIT-IX ...................................... 105

V11. PLIFLTC USES ......................................... 107

A. Consumptive Uses ............................... 107

B. Non-Consumptive Uses ........................... 108

C. Other Uses ........................................ 109

Vill. PRIVATE NON-COMMERCIAL USES ......................... III

Ix. COMMERCIAL USES ..................................... 117

A. Traditional Commercial Uses .................... 117

B. Non-Traditional Commercial Uses ................ 119

X. SCTFNTIFIC RESEAPCH ................................. 121

xi. ENVIROWENTAL EnUCATION ............................. 123

XIT. IDENTIFIED PROGRAM NEEDS ............................ 1^45

A. Acquisition of Additional Property ............. 126

B. Boundary Problems and Systeins Insufficierces 126

C. Legislative Needs .............................. 127

0. Administrative Rule Changes .................... 127

F. Data (Information) Needs ....................... 128

F. Resoijrce Protection 2nd Enforcement Capabilities . 128

G. Funding and Staffing Needs ..................... 130

REFERENCES CITED ............................................... 132

CONTENTS OF APPENDICES ........................................ 134

Vii

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

This plan addresses the management of the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve.

The Preserve is located in central Florida, and includes parts of Lake,

Or.pree, Seminole and Volusia Counties. This Aquatic Preserve is one of the 40

officially designated preserves ir. the statewide system (Figure 1).

(If the aquatic preserves in Florida, Wekiva River is one of only two spring

fed preserves; the other is Rainbow Springs in Marion County. Wekiva River is

the larger of the two aqUatiC preserves and contains approximately 19,000

acres of wetland w1thin its boundary. This environmentally sensitive and

unique preserve harbors a variety of freshwater plant species, including

floating, submerged and emergent types. These plants serve to stabilize

bottor,.i sediments, shoreline areas, and they provide food and shelter for a

nkyriad of fish and other wildlife.

The Wek4va Piver Aquatic Preserve boundary (Figure 2) includes approximately

ore mile of Rock Springs Run, approximately three. miles of the Little Wekiva

River, the Wekiva River, the lower portion of Blackwater Creek, and was

extended by SB 762 in 1985 to include the St. Johns River from State Road 44

south to Interstate 4.

The boundary line of Figure 2 represents the gross boundary of the aquatic

preserve. The actual preserve includes those sovereignty submerged lands

located waterward of the ordinary high water line (ohw) within this boundary

AQUATIC
PRESERVES

CHAft-E

AQUATIC PRESERVES ARE ESTABLISHED
BY THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE AND
INCLUDE ONLY STATE OWNED
SOVEREIGNTY SUBMERGED LANDS.
THE GOVERNOR AND CABINET SITTING
AS TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL
IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND ARE
MANAGERS OF THESE AREAS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING
AQUATIC PRESERVES CONTACT:

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

DIVISION OF RECREATION AND PARKS

BUREAU OF LAND AND AQUATIC
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

3900 COMMONWEALTH BLVD
TALLAHASSEE, F LOA IDA 32303

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STATE PVJEwE

AGLIATIC PRESERW

136
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WEKIVA RIVER AQUATIC PRESERVE
SEMINOLE.ORANGE LAKE 8 VOLUSIA COUNTIES

ESTALISINED PURSUANT TO
N SECTION "0 39 FLORIDA STATUTE3

PN@APED @
C. K.Ol
0 AND AQUATIC 0 2 5
K=E` MAIN ENIENT
SCALE IN MILES

Figure 2

area. This aquatic preserve will be managed to emphasize maintenance and

enhancement of the existing natural conditionsi As more site specific

information becomes available, essentially natural conditions shall be

identified and resources; in disturbed areas restored to reestablish natural

conditi6ns Where possiblei

The Wekiva River is designated and will be managed as both an aquatic preserve

and an Outstabdlhg Florida WatOr (OFW). Note: the recent aquatic preserve

boundary extension (Sti Johns River from SR 44 to Interstate 4) hat hot yet

been designated as an Mi Outstanding Florida Waters are to be manaued

emphasizing the maintenaoce and enhancement of existing water quality

conditions.

Prior to December 1986, management of the preserve was provided bythe staff

at Rock Springs Run State Reserve. Since then, a career service environmental
specialist has been stationed at the Lower Wekiva River Stalte Reserve, and

is responsible for onsite management of Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve.

Currently, administrative management involves the Division of Recreation and
Parks' personnel (both in the field and in Tallahassee) and the Division of

State Lands' personnel. 'These personnel cooperate in the review of

applications for use of state-owned lands and related activities surrounding

the preserve and interact with various government and non@governmental

entities, interest groups, and individuals.

The central office coordinates activities with field personnel inClUeinq

project review and evaluation, local contract initiation, contractual

services, conflict resolution and routine support (payroll, operating

expenses, etc). Central office staff also develop administrative rule

adaitions, deletions and revisions.

On-site management includes evaluations of projects applying for use of

state-ov;ned lands (i.e. dock permits, dredge and fill, etc.), research and

evaluation of preserves, public interaction, emergency response, etc.

A maJor component of the aquatic preserve management is project review and

evaluation. Central office staff or field staff review all proposed

activities requiring the use of state-owned lands within the preserve. These

activities are reviewed according to requirements established in Sections

2`58.42 and 258.44, Florida @tatutes (F.S.). These sections require that

projects be basically water dependent or water enhanced, not contrary to the

lawful and traditional uses of the preserve, and not infringing upon the

traditional riparian rights of the upland property owners.

This plan is divided into chapters according to their management application.

Chapter 11 cites the authorities upon v:hich this management program and plan

are built. Chapter ITT (Major Program Policy Directives) highlights the major

policy areas that are within this plan. Chapter !V presents a brief resource

description.

Chapter V presents the management objectives of both the on-site managers, who

actually work in the preserve, and the administrative staff in Tallahassee.

Chapter VI addresses how this plan will interface with local, regional, state,

and federal agencies and programs; as well as its relevance to

non-governmental organizations, interest groups, and individuals.

Chapters VT! through IX address the various uses, from public to private to

commercial. Chapters X and XT address the use of the aquatic preserve for

scientific research and environmental education, respectively.

Chapter XII is an internal management improvement section identifying problems

and needs in the progressive improvement of this aquatic preserve management

plan.

This plan was written by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division

of Recreation and Parks, Bureau of Land and Aquatic Resource Management

(BLARM) staff. Funding for the plan was by a coastal management grant

(CM-130) through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management,

and the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation '(DER), Office of

Coastal Management.

Chapter 11

11AMAGEMEMT AUTHORITY

The primary management authorities available to the staff for implementing

policy directives affecting aquatic preservPs are found in Chapters 258 and

253, Florida Statutes I.F.S.). These authorities clearly establish the

proprietary management overview role of' the Governor and Cabinet, sitting as

the Board of Trustees of the internal Improvement Trust Fund and are variously

referred to as the "Trustees" or the "Board". Furthermore, all management
responsibilit@ies assigned to the Trustees by this plan may be fulfilled

directly by the Governor and Cabinet or indirectly via staff or agents of the

Trustees, pursuant to delegations of authority, management agreements, or

other legal mechanisms. All subsequent references to the Board or Trustees

should be presumed to potentially include staff and designated agents, in

addition to the Governor and Cabinet. The staff of the Bureau of I-and and

Aquatic Resource Management (acting as "agents" for the Trustees) will review

all requests for uses of state-owned sovereignty submerged lands within

aquatic preserves. The review and subsequent staff comments are primarily

designed to evaluate the environmental consequences of any proposed use of

state-owned submerged land. The review is conducted within the confines of

the criteria contained in the "maintenance" provisions for aquatic preserves

in Chapter 258, F.S.

Formal review comments are provided to the Department of Natural Resources

(MR), Division of State Lands by the Bureau of Land and Aquatic Resource

Management for inclusion in the comments and recommendations accornpanying

agenda items for Trustees consideration. This mechanism allovis the Trustees,

sitting as Owners of the land, to evaluate public interest and project merits

within the context of environmental impact upon the preserve.

9ACKGROUND

In many respects, the authorities supporting aquatic preserve planning and

management are the cumulative result of the public's awareness of the

importance of Florida's environment. The establishment of the present syEtem

of aquatic preserves is,a direct outgrowth of public concern with dredge and

fill activities rampant in the late 1960's.

In 1967, the Florida Legislature passed theRandall Act (Chapter 67-393, Laws

of Florida), which set up procedures regulating previously unrestricted dredge

and fill activities on state-owned submerged lands. T@hat 'same year thr
Legislature also provided statutory authority (Section,253.03, F.S.) for the

Trustees to exercise proprietary control over-state-owned lands. In 19F7

this governmental focus on protecting Florida's productive estuaries from the

impacts of development led to the establishment of a moratorium@by the

Governor and Cabinet on the sale of submerged lands to private interests. in

that same year, this action was followed by the creation of an Interagency

Advisory Committee on submerged lands management. in late 1968, that

Committee issued a report recommending the-establishment of a series of

aquatic Vreterves. Twenty-six separate waterbodies were addressed in the

original recommendation.

Also in 196R, the Florida Constitution was revised, declaring in Article II,

Section 7, the State's policy of conserving and protecting the natural

resources and scenic beauty of the state. That constitutional provision also

established the authority for the Legislature to enact measures for the

abatement of air and water pollution.

It was not until October 21, 1969 that the Governor and Cabinet acted upon the

recommendations of the Interagency Advisory Committee and adopted, by resolu-

tion, 18 of the waterbodies as aquatic preserves.

Prior to the October 1969 action by the Governor and Cabinet, the Legislature

had created the Boca Ciega Aquatic Preserve. Subsequent Legislative action in

197?, 1973, and 19711, created the Pinellas County, Lake @1,ackson and Biscayne

Bay Aquatic Preserves, respectively.

On !une ?3, 1975 the Legislature established a Florida Aquatic Preserve Act

(codified in Chapter 258.35-258.46, F.S.), thereby bringing all existing

preserves under a standardized set of maintenance criteria. Tt was this act

which established the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve. Additional acts were

passed subsequent to the 1975 action, suchas the addition of the Cockroach

Pay Aquatic Preserve in 1976 and the Gasparilla Sound--Charlotte Harbor

Aquatic Preserve to the system in 1978.

The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve Management Plan, approved by the

Trustees on May 18, 1983, was the first management plan for an aquatic

preserve. The following aquatic preserves now also have approved plans:

Estero Bay - September 6, 1983; North Fork-St Lucie - May 22, 1984,
Loxahatchee River--Lake Worth Creek - June 12, 1984; and Indian River Lagoon -

January 22, 1985; Banana, River - September 17, 1985; Indian River - Malabar to

Veto Beach- January 21, 1986, Massau River St. Johns River Marshes and Fort
Clinch State Park Aquatic Preserves -; March 22, 1986, Alligator Harbor-
September 23, 1986, and Terra Ceia and Cockroach Bay - April 21, 1987.

In June 1985, the Legislature passed S.B. 762 which expanded the boundaries of
the Banana River, Malabar to Vero Beach, Loxahatchee River--Lake Worth Creek,

Wekiva River, and Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserves, and created Guana River Marsh
and Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves. Lemon Bay and Rainbow Springs were

added as aquatic preserves by the 1986 Legislature.

The State Lands Management Plan, adopted on March 17, 1981, by the trustees,

contains specific policies. The Plan also establishes policies concerning
spoil islands, submerged land leases, "Outstanding Native Florida Landscapes"
unique natural features, submerged grassbeds, archaeologital and historical
resources, and endangered species. All of these issues provide management

guidance to the aquatic preserve program.

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Chapters 18-21 and 18-20, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) are two
administrative rules directly applicable to the DNR's/Trustee'st actions
regarding allowable uses of submerged lands, in general, and aquatic preserves

specifically. Chapter 18-21, F.A.C. controls activities conducted on

sovereignty submerged lands, and is predicated upon the provisions of Sections

253.03 and 253.1?, F.S. The stated intent of this administrative rule is:

"(1) to aid in fulfillirq the trust and fiduciary responsibilities of

the Board of Trustees of the Internal Tmprovenient Trust Fund for the

Administration, management and disposition of sovereignty lands;

(-I) to insure maximum benefit and use of sovereignty lands for all the

citizens of Florida;

(3) to manage, protect, and enhance sovereignty lands so that the public

may continue to enjoy traditional uses including, but not limited

to, navigation, fishing, and swimminq;

to manage and provide maximum protection for all sovereignty lands,

especially those inportant to public drinking water supply,

shellfish harvesting, public recreation, arid fish and wildlife

propagation and management;

(5) to insure that all public and private activities on sovereignty

lands which generate revenues or exclude traditional public uses

provide just compensation for such privileges; and,

(6) to aid in the implementation of the State Lands 1--lanagernent Plan."

Chapter 18-20, F.A.C. addresses the aquatic preserves and derives its
authority from Sections 258.35, 258.37, and 258.38, F.S. The intent of this

rule is contained in Section I8-20.01, F.A.C which states:

All sovereignty lands within a preserve shall be managed

primarily for the maintenance of essentially natural

conditions, the propagation of fish and wildlife, and public

recreation, including hunting and fishing where deemed

appropriate by the board of the managing agency.

-Section 258.39,
The aquatic preserves which are described in

258.391, 258.392 and 258.393, F.S., Chapter 85-345, Laws of

Florida and in Section 18-20.02., -F.A.C.,were established

for the purpose of being preserved in an essentially natural

or existing condition so that their aesthetic, biological

and scientific values may endure for the enjoyment of future

generations.

(3) The preserves shall be administered and managed in accordance

with the following goals:

(a) Preserve, protect, and-enhance these exceptional areas,of

sovereignty submerged lands by reasonable regulation of human

activity within the preserves through the development and

implementation of a comprehensive management program:;

(b) To protect and enhance the waters of the preserves so that the

public may continue to enjoy the traditional recreational uses

of those waters such as swimming, boating, and fishing;

programs, which are compatible with the intent of the

Legislature in creating the preserves;

(d) To use applicable federal, state, and local management

programs, which are compatible with the intent and provisions

of the act and these rules, to assist in managing the

preserves;

(e) To encourage the protection, enhancement or restoration of the

biological, aesthetic, or scientific values of the preserves,

including but not limited to the modification of existing

man-made conditions toward their natural condition, and

discourage activities which would degrade the aesthetic,

biological, or scientific values, or the quality, or utility of

a preserve, when reviewing applications, or when developing and

implementing management plans for the preserve;

(f) To preserve, promote, and utilize indigenous life forms and

habitats, including but not limited to: spcnges, soft coral,

hard coral, submerged grasses, mangroves, salt water marshes,

freshwater marshes, mud flats, estuarine, aquatic and marine

reptiles, game and nongame fish species, estuarine, aquatic and

marine invertebrates, estuarine, aquatic and marine mammals,

birds, shellfish and mollusks;

(g) To acquire additional title interests in lands wherever- such

acquisitions would serve to protect or enhance the biological,

aesthetic, or scientific values of the preserves.

(h) To maintain those beneficial hydrologic and biologic functions,

the benefits of which accrue to the public at large.11

OTHER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES

Other Department of Natural Resources management authorities applicable to

aquatic preserves include fisheries and marine mammal management and

protection, and beach and shore preservation progranis outlined in Chapters '170

and 161, F.S., respectively and land acquisition programs conducted under the

Environmentally Endangered Lands authorities of Chapter 259, F.S. or the

Conservation and Recreation Lands Program authorized by 253, F.S., will

enhance the protection of the natural resources within the aquatic preserves.

Chapter 403, F.S., is an important adiunct to Chapter's 253 and 258, F.S.

This governs, in part, the State's regulatory programs affecting water quality

and biological rescurces. The Department of Environmental Regulation (DER),

through a permitting and certification process, edministers this program.

Section 253.77, F.S., as amended by the Warren S. Henderson Wetlands

Protection Act of 1984, requires that any person requesting use of State-

owned land shall have approval of the proposed use from the Trustees before

commencing the activity. An interagency agreement between DNR and DER

provides an avenue for staff comments on potential environmental impacts of

projects in aquatic preserves through the DER permitting process. Addition-

ally, the DER has designated, by administrative rule, a series of waterbodies

with stringent'use criteria called "Outstanding Florida V!aters" (OFW). The

inclusion of all aquatic preserve waters within this classification (upon

official designation by the Department of Environmental Regulation) greatly

enhances the protective provisions of Chapter 258, F.S. As the designated

"306" Coastal 7one Management Agency, the DER also provides a source of

funding for data collection and planning in areas such as the Viekiva River

area, as viell as being the state agency responsible for implementing the

"federal consistency" provisions of the Federal Coastal Management Act.

The VER's administrative rules of primary significance to the aquatic preserve

management program include Chapters 17-3, 17-4 and 17-12, F.A.C. These rules

are based upon the authorities contained in Chapter 403, F.S. Chapter 17-3,

F.A.C. addresses water quality standards and establishes the category of

"Outstanding Florida Waters", while Chapters 17-4 and 17-12, F.A.C. address

perr,iit requirements and dredge and fill activities, respectively.

In December, 1982 a Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU) between the DEP, DNR,

and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) was executed. This MOU clearly

establishes a process whereby the proprietary concerns of the Trustees, stated

in Chapter 253, F.S. car be integrated into the DER/COE joint permit process-

ing system.

Other opportunities for,environmental review and input into activities
potentially affecting aquatic preserves are afforded by the Department of
Community Affairs (DCA),, and the Department of State, Division of Historical
Pesources (DHR). The Executive Office of the Governor also provides a
mechanism for agencies' input into federally funded projects via the Siate's

"federal consistency" evaluation process.

The DCA is statutorily responsible for administering the "Development of
Regional Impact" (DRI). The DRI program, authorized by Section 380.06, F.S.

was established by the Legislature to provide a.review and monitoring pro-

cedure for those development projects potentially affecting more than one

county.

Chapter 267, F.S. establishes the state policy regarding preservation and

management of Florida's archaeological and historical resources. This

responsibility is legislatively assigned to the DHR, which holds title to
those cultural, resource@ located on state-owned lands. This also applies to

sovereignty submerged lands, including aquatic preserves.

The Department of Peal,th and Rehabilitati,ve Services, under their public

mandate, administers two programs directly affecting the aquatic preserve

management program. These programs are (1) septic tank regulation, usually

administered by county health departments and (2) arthropod (mosqui-to) control

proRrams, usually implemented-through local' mosqui-to control districts. Each

of these programs holds the potential for creating sign.i,fi.ca,nt tmpacts u-pon
the aquatic preserves.' Establishment of close working relationships between

the aquatic preserve staff and the Oepartment of Health and Rehabilitative

Services wilT be a necessary element c-F the aquatic preserves management

program..

Each of the above referenced programs may provide an effective means of

protecting aavatic preserves and their ecologically sensitive resources.

Chapter III

MAJOR PROGRAM, POLICY DIRECTIVES

This plan contains a number of management poli cy issues that are discussed

eithi-@r generally or definitively. This section highlights those major policy

areas that comprise the basic impetus of this management effort. Adoption of

these policies will provide specific staff direction for implementing the

day-to-day aquatic preserve management proqram. Major program policy

directives are:

(A) r1anage all submerged lands within the aquatic preserve to ensure the

maintenance of essentially natural conditions to ensure the propagation of

f"ish and wildlife, and public recreation opportunities.

(B) ProMbit the disturbance of archaeological and historical sites within

the aquatic preserve, unless prior authorization has been obtained from the

Trustees and DHR, and such disturbance is part of an approved research design

or authorized. project.

nevelop a resource inventory and. irap natural habitat types within the

aquatic preserve, Wth an emphasis on those habitat types of highest quality,

including threatened and/or endangered species habitat, and species of special

concern.

(D) Protect and, where possible, enhance threatened and endangered species

habitats and species of special concern habitats within the aquatic preserve.

(E) Prohibit develop-ment act4jvities within the aquatic preserve that adverse-

ly impact upon grassbeds and other valuable submerged habitat, unless a prior

determination has been made by the Board of overriding public importance with

no reasonable alternatives, and adequate mitigation measures are included.

(F) Prohibit the removal of natural shoreline vegetation within the aquatic

preserve, except when necessitated by the pursuit of legally authorized

projects and local protection ordinances.

(G) Provide.research and educational opportunities for scientists and other

interested researchers within the framework of a planned research program in

the aquatic preserve.

(H) Acquire, where feasible, privately ownled submerged lands located within

the boundaries of the aquatic preserve pursuant to the authoriti.es contained

in Section 253.02(4), F.S.

(1) Prohibit the drilling of oil and cas wells, the mining of minerals, and

dredging for the primary purpose of obtaini.ng upland fill within the aquatic

preserve.

(J) Prohibit non-water dependent uses of submerged lands within the aQuatic

preserve except in those cases where the Board has detemined that the project

iS Oftrwhelmingly in the public interest and no reasonable alternatives exist.

This prohibitior shall include floating residential units, as defined in

Section 125.0106(2), F.S.

Prohibit storage of toxic, radioactive, or other hazardous materials

within the aquatic preserve.

Prohibit those mosquito control practices within the aquatic preserve

that. w-ould result in habitat modification or manipulation (i.e. diking,

ditching) unless there are no reasonable alternatives ard failure to conduct

such practices would result in a threat to public health.

(M) Limit pesticide and biocide use within the aquatic preserve to those that

are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for wetland and

aquatic application.

(N) Prohibit the construction of any deep water ports within the aquatic

preserve boundaries.

(0) Encourage public utilization of the aquatic preserve, consistent with the

continued maintenance of its natural values and functions.

(P) Develop a well coordinated aquatic preserve management mechanism that

recognizes and utilizes local government programs and authorities.

(Q) Require, through the efforts of DER and the St. Johns River Hater

Management District, the maintenance of the naturally high water quality,of

the River, and ensure the natura1 seasonal flow fluctuations of water into. the

river.

(R) Apply the management criteria, contained in the adopted Wekiva River

Aquatic Preserve. Management Plan. to a1l subsequent legislative additions, of

land to the aquatic preserve.

(S) Encourage the assistance of federal, state., and; local government agencies

in implementing the aquatic preserve management p1ans, especially in the areas

of protection of natural and cultural. resources arid the enforcement of

applicable resource laws and ordinances.

(T) Prohibit marinas in Class I or Resource Protection Areas.

(U) Identify and document any problems caused by fishing activities and

I
report them to the Florida Came and Freshwater Fish Commission.

Chapter IV:

RESOURCE DESCRIPTION

Part 1

The Resource Setting

A Profile of the Wekiva Area

A. Geological Notes

Over geologic time, changes in sea level formed the region now occupied by the

Vekiva River and its tributaries. The river occupies the physiographic region

knumn as the Wekiva Plain, an area slightly lower in elevation than the

surrounding Marion Uplands, Mount Dora Ridge and Orlando Pidge. The Wekiva

Plain was apparently "cut down" during periods of receding sea level. When

recurrent rises in sea level inundated the lowered areas, deposited sediments

contributed to form the present Wekiva Plain. The surface and near surface

deposits in the area range from unconsolidated sands to well hardened

limestones and dolomites (White, 1970). The Hawthorn Formation, a sandy

phosphatic limestone of late middle MiocEne age (approximately 13 MYRP)

underlies the entire area, and outcrops of this formation are exposed at Rock

Springs and Wekiwa Spring (U.S. Geological Survey, 1980).

Archaeological Notes

From an archaeological perspective, the St. Johns/Wekiva area provided

abundant natural resources for prehistoric communities. The spring runs,

river, hardwood hammocks and dense forests offered food water, shelter end

breeding site for many forms of wildlife and provided excellent plant and
animal foods for human inhabitant's (Milanich and Fairbanks, 1980).

Early human inhabitation in central Florida strongly corre1ated With the

dominant geographic feature, the St. Johns River And its associated
tributaries aqnd lakes,. About 12,000 B.C. the peoples of the Paleo- Indian

period characteristically led a nomadic existence based on hunting, with small

groups continually moving from water source to Water source, Remains, of

Pleistocene megafana which are now extinct, and large herd animal Which

have since migrated to more northern latitudes, have been found in association.

with the distinctive fluted projectile points made by the Paleo-Indians.
Cultural remains, of these early peoples are limited and consist,mainly of

-projectile points and other lithics identified from sites located at river

crossings, which probably represent hunting/kill sites (Dickenson and Wayne,

1985).

Later Paleo-Indians (circa 6500 B.C.) began to develop a more sedentary

culture of fishing, gathering and"hunting smaller game animals, most likely ir

response to climatic charges, extinction of some animal species, increased
competition for dietary resources, and other social changes.

The peoples of the Archaic period (6000 B.C. - 1000"P.C.) were more dependant

on the exploitation of a variety of seasonal resources. Hardwood nuts and

native plants assured greater importance in their diet, but fish, birds.,

mammals, and reptiles were also hay-vested.. Fresh-water snails also appeared to

be first exploited during this time period. Seasonal excursions to the

rcastal strands where ovsters were harvested in large numbers were also

ch a rat-, teri sti c.

The increasingly sedentary life of the Mount Taylor peoples (late Archaic,

4000 B.C. - 2000 B.C.) is indicated by village sites along the St. Johns

River. Extensive shell middens are also characteristic of this period. The

Orang e/Traditional periods (?000 B.C. - 500 B.C.) marked an important change

in Florida prehistoric cultures, with the appearance of f4lber-tempered

pottery. The distinctive characters of fiber-tempered pottery has allowed

drchaeologists to date the development and evolution of these cultures. Whil e

the Orange period is characterized by exclusive use of fiber-tempered pottery,,

the Transitional period is characterized by fiber-tempered and sand - and

fiber-tempered pottery. The use of fiber as a tempering agent gradually

declined, and by 500 B.C., which marked the beginning of the St. Johns period,

all pottery manufactured was sand-tempered. Changes in pottery manufacturing
tec@niques reflected other changes occuring within the culture, such as a

shift from the subsistance lifestyle of hunting, fishing and collecting, to

the.ir.corporation of horticulture practices and a more sedentary village

lifestyle.

During the St. Johns cultural period (500 B.C. -A.D. 1565) horticultural

practices and population increases led to an increasingly complex social

organi7ation. The 2000 year span of the St. Johns culture is subdivided into

six temiporal periods distinguished by characteristic pottery styles which

reflected various types of cultural influences. Many important archaeological

sites are located along the St, Johns river and are recorded in the Florida

Master Site File;.

The Rock Springs/Wekiva Area is considered to be one of the most important
archaeo1ogical areas in Orange county (Stewart 1982). Over 20 archaeological

and historical sites occur in the Wekiva area from Rock Springs to the St,

Johns River and these sites are also recorded in the Florida Master,Site File.

Although a systematic archaeological site assessment has not yet been
conducted in the Area, several mound sites have been examined by Or, Marilyn
Steward of Rollins College. Many of the sites contain freshwater shall
remains, pottery sherds animal bones turtle shells or deer antlers.

Artifacts are characteristic of the St. Johns I cultural era (Stewart, 1982).

Historical Notes

The Timucuan Indians were descendants of the peoples of the St.-Johns period

and occupied areas along the St. Johns River when Europeans first ventured

into Florida. Cultural changes related to Hernando de Soto's 1539-1540
Florida expedition marked the beginning of the decline of Florida's native

Indian populations. During the next 150 years the Timucuans were subjected to

enforced migration or forced onto Spanish missions and ranches where many

succumbed to European diseases. The cultures of other tribes, fleeing

invasions of their homelands in southwest and southern Georgia, merged with

that of the Timucuans. By 1763, when St. Augustine fell into British control,

the Timucuan population Was decimated and for the remaining few, much of their

original cultural pattern had been altered Milanich and Fairbanks-1980). In

the early 1800's Seminole Indians frequented the headwaters of the Wekiva to

hunt; they also used the river as a route to the St. Johns River (Strofner,

During the 1840's early settlers and winter visitors began to populate the

14ekiva area. A hotel, newspaper and winery were located in the town of Clay

Springs, now Wekiwa Springs. In 1875, Clay Springs supported a wharf and

warehouse for cargo steamers navigating up the St. Johns to the Wekiva River

from the town of Mellonville, which is now Sanford (Shofner, 1982).

Modern land use, population characteristics and development pressures in the

Wekivo Pasin are discussed more completely in the following sections.

P. Present Population Characteristics

The East Central Flori"da Region (Orange, Seminole, Lake, Osceola, Brevard and

Volusia COUnties! has experienced phenomenal growth over the past 16 years.

Influerced by the opening of Walt Disney V.1orld in the early 1970's, the

population in the region grew from 900,000 in 1970 to 1.3 million in 1980, an

increase of 41 percent. Between 1980 and 1984, the total population increased

to 1.55 million. Official estimates for 1986-1989 predict an increase of 13.1
percent, bringing the total population to 1.85 million (East Central Florida

Regional Planning Council, 1985). Orange, Seminole and Lake Counties were

ariong the top third highly populated counties in the state in 1984. Orange

County, with its 5130,424 residents was the 7th most populated county in the

state, while Seminole County, with its 214,870 residents was ranked 15th out

of the 67 Florida counties. Lake County was 27th with 119 residents

(Department of Commerce, 1985).

Growth in Orange County from 1974 to 1984 was slower than growth in Lake and
Seminole Counties (25.2 percent in ten years, compared with 38.0 and 60.2
percent respectively). The 60.2 percent increase in Seminole County over the
then year period was the 12th fastest growth rate in the state. Growth rates
for the ten year period in Orange and Lake Counties ranked 42nd and 25th,
respectively, out of the 67 Florida counties (Department of Commerce, 1985).

The projected Population growth of Orange, Lake, and Semininole counties during
1985-1989 indicates the addition of over 64,251, new residents for Orange
County, approximately 13,000 new residents for Lake County, and.-over 35,O00
new residents for Seminole County. these new residents represent increases of
11.6 percent for Orange County and 15.49 percent for and Seminole County
during the five year period, bringing the total estimated population by 1980

to 618,910 and 265,299, respectively. A 10.5 percent increase is expected for
Lake County, bringing its total population to 137,273 by 1989 (East Central

Florida Regional Planning Council, 1985).

Traditionally, central Florida was characterized as a vacation and retirement
center, but in recent years the contributions of the highly successful tourism

industry hat accelerated growth patterns. Population increases in the region

are based on immigration, with new residents requiring additional consumer
services (food, housing, etc) and other Improvements to "the areas

infrastructure which help sustain the growth pattern.

In 1984, almost half the regions total population fell within -the 25-44 and

45-64 age groups, representing a large supply of working age adults to meet

the demand of local employers for trained and skilled workers. The 25-44 age

group is expected to increase by 1989, in response to new iob opportunities

anticipated for the region. 15.5 percent of the total 1984 population of the

region were in the 65+ age group. This group is also expected to increase by

1989, as more retirees immigrate to the area (East Central Florida Regional

Planning Council, 1985).

The immigration of new residents has created housing demands. Housing

requirements are variable from county to county and are primarily a function

of soc4o-economic factors such as income, age, and number of household

members. Tn south Orange County, near Walt Disney World low cost and rental

housing is in demand to meet the needs of many trade and service workers.

Lake County has attracted a large number of retirees on fixed incomes, which

has created a demand for an inexpensive form of housing such as mobile homes.

Many high paid professionals residing in Seminole County prefer more elaborate

and expersive housing (East Central Florida Regional Planning Council 1985).

The availability of affordable housing is a major problem in most of the

Region. The average cost of a new single-family home is presently beyond the

financial reach of many residents of the area and is becoming increasingly

more so. During the next five years, a high rate of population growth as well

as employment expansions are expected, creating a major challenge for the

housing industry to produce afFordable housing to meet the needs of new

residents.

In summiary, the population profile for the area is one of continued growth

with an expanding economy helping to sustain the growth.

C,. -E.conomic Development Issues

Economic growth and development within the Wekiva Basin is directly

proportional to regional growth. Tourism, the largest industry in the region,

is the primary growth source. Tn 19P4, over 7.5 trillion tourists visited the

Orlando area. Walt Disney World, EPCOT, Sea World and Kennedy Space Center

accounted for the majority of all attraction admissions. (East Central Florida

Regional Planning Council, 1.985).

The tourism and convention industry are responsible for a significant ar.,10LInt

of development. Commercial projects, reta,il trade, office construction and
industrial and research parks are also contributing greatly to the ecor:cniic

growth of the area. Seventy-seven major development projects are planned or

underway in Orange and Seminole counties for 1985-1989, with the majority in

Orange County. Total dollar value of these projects is close to 7/ billion

dollars and approximately 121,845 new jobs will be created (East Central

Florida Regional Planning Council, 19C.5).

A large percentage of the labor force is employed in tourist related jobs. Tn

1984, trade and service workers supporting.tourism accounted for 59 percent of

the total employment di,stribution for the region. Manufacturing,

Finan,cial-Insurance-Real Estate and Transportation-Commun@ications-tltllities

sectors accounted for 13.7, 5.9 and 5.6 percent of employment distribution for

the region, respective,ly, Agricu.1ture accounted for 2.7 percent (Fast Central

Florida. Regional Planning Council, 1985).

Trade and Service workers were, however, among the lowest paid employees in

1.0-P4 with salaries averaging and $15,690, respectively.

Trar,sportation-Communications-Iltilities workers were among the higher paid
(averaging $22,731) as were Manufacturing workers (averaging $21,283).

Acricultural workers were the lowest paid employees in 1984 (averaging
@10,484) (East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, 1985).

From 1.978 to 1983, per capita income in the region increased 65 percent.

Compared to state and national per capita incomes, the rate of increase in

east central Florida has been consistently higher than the rate of increase

for the state and the nation over the same time period. Per capita income in

Most of east central Florida, however, was lower than that of state and

national per capita incomes ($11,593 and $11,687, respectively). Per capita

incomes for Orange, Seminole and Lake counties in 1983 were $11,520, $11,747,
$10,595, respectively. Only Seminole County had per capita incomes higher

than that of the nation. The predominance of lower paying Trade and Service

jobs and a relatively large proportion of retirees on fixed incomes account

for the region's comparatively low per capita income. (East Central Florida

Pegional Planning Council, 1985).

Estimates for 1989 indicate an increase in per capita income for the region,

but the predominance of low paying Trade and Service jobs and continued

immigration of retirees on fixed incomes will keep the region's per capita

income below the national value. Orlando and Orange County are economically

orientated toward tourism, retirement, and more recently, the electronics

industry. On the urban fringe of the Orlando metropolitan area, Seminole

County is experiencing economic trends similar to Orange County. Lake County

has an agricultural-based economy, and in 1983, was the second largest citrus

-al Regulation 1983).
county in Florida (Department of Environment

In sumary, the Wekiva area is in the process of urbanizing as part of the

East Central Florida Region, or more locally, the Orlando/Altamonte Springs

metropolitan area. Regional development will continue to affect growth in the

Wekiva area, and contribute to the area's economy. Tourism is presently the

largest component of the regions economy, but industrial and researtih

expansions are beginning to diversify it.

D. Land Use and Infrastructure

Several large land parcels, totaling over 20,000 acres, bordering the Aquatic

Preserve are in public ownership and are maintaincd as parks or reserves.

The headwaters of Rock Springs Run are located within Kelly Park ('700-acres),

maintained by Orange County. Rock Springs Run is bordered or, the east@by Pcck

Springs Run State Reserve (RSRSR) (8,723 acres) and on the westby Wekiva

Springs State Park .(6,400 acres), both maintained by the Department of Natural

Resources. The west bank of the upper reaches of the Wekiva River south (if

'State Road 46 isbordered by RSRSR, except for a two mile stretch of land

south of State Road 46 which consists of residential lots, a 100-acre private

park/campground "Wekiva Falls", and pastureland. An 1,800 acre parcel

adjacent to this pastureland, bordering approximately one mile along the

Wekiva River, has been proposed for residential development. The east ba0 of

the upper reaches of the Wekiva River in Seminole County south of State Road

46 is prime housing development property, and several sub-divisions have

already been constructed, are underway, or are proposed.. Residential

development is rapidly advancing northward along the undeveloped sections oi:

the Little Vlekiva River and merging with development along the east bank of

the @-Iekiva River. The southernmost sections of the Little Wekiva Sub basin

are heavily urban and commercial, with qtream flow extensively channelized.

Downe,tream of State Road 46, a two mile segment of the east bank supports

residential units, a fish camp and a RV/camping/canoe rental facility. One

riile of the west bank immediately downstream of S.R. 46 is undeveloped land in

private ownership and is presently for sale (approximately 7,000 acres).

Lower Wekiva River State Reserve (5500 acres) borders the remainder of the

Vlekiva River until its confluence with the St. John River, four miles

downstream.

Land use trends indicate continued urbanization on private lands within the

basin. A recent report by the Friends of the Wekiva (FOW) indicated that the

present trends of land use intensification along the east banks of the Little

Wekive, and Wekiva Pivers in Seminole County will have negative impacts on the

water resources of the Wekiva Basin (Technical Committee of the Friends of the

Vekiva River, 1985). The Seminole County Comprehensive Land Ilse Plan

designates this area as General Rural with one unit per acre maximum density,

not requiring infrastruCtUres support. Development in this area over the past

ten years has resulted in the predominance of one-acre residential sites, with

septic tank disposal of wastes, a mixture ef private well systems and public

water supply, and little investment in road.. improvements. The report

indicates densities of one unit per acre require urban level infrastructure

support arid that the lack of such support, in addition to increase pressures

fro,m conversicyi of forested or pasture lands to one-acre or more dense

development, can only result in the degradation of the water resources of the

basin.

The most immediate concern regarding the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve is the

ecological impact of urban residential development along the east bank of the

Little Wekiva and Wekiva River in Seminole County. This area within Plannilig

Arta 1, the Markham/Paola Area is identified in the Seminole County

Comprehensive Plan. Six new housing developments covering approximately 4,248

acres, with approximately six miles bordering the Aquatic Preserve, are

proposed for this area. Potential impacts to the Wekiva River resultire from

increased urban developments are primarily related to water quality and water

quantity. These concerns also apply to potential development areas bordering

the Wekiva River in Lake and Orange Counties, although zoning regulation may

vary.

Sleveral proposed Planned Unit Developments (PUD) are located along east banks

of the Little Wekiva and Wekiva Rivers in Seminole County. One POP is

currently under appeal before the Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission

(Plantation) and other PUD applications are anticipated.

Seminole County offici-als maintain that PUD's with densities higher than one

unit/acre conflict with the County Comprehensive Plan policy for the area, and

must be presented before the Seminole County Planning and Zoning Commission

and two County Commission public heari,ngs requesting rezoning amendments to

the Comprehensive Plan. The County Commission has maintained a policy of

denying all applications which would effect a change in the community

character from "rural" to "urban", as such'a change is not in conformance with

the Comprehensive PlansAesi,gnation of"the area.as "Generalft-ral". Secti,011

163.3194, Florida Statutes, mandates that: After a comprehensive plan or

element or portion thereof has been adopted in conformity with this act, all

development undertaken by, and all actions taken in regard to development

orders by, governmental agencies in rc-gard to land covered by such plan or

element shall be consistent with such plan or element as adopted.

The -inability of environmentally sensitive areas to absorb impacts associated

With Urban development has been demonstrated in many aquatic environments

throughout Florida, and even with the most prudent planning and management

strategies some degree of alteration to the balance of the natural system can

occur. In addition, frequent amendments to comprehensive plans have thE

potential to undermine the achievement of planning goals. (Florida River

Study Committee, PP5). In recognition of the significance of the WePiva

River system, advocation of higher population densities in areas adjacent to

the Wekiva River should be discouraged.

Developments within the WeHva Basin are subject to regulation criteria

defined by Ccunty, State, and Federal agencies. Table 1 outlines current

regulations applicable to construction in Seminole County.

Table 1. Current Regulations applicable to construction in the Wekiva River
Corrodor, Seminole County (from Wekiva River Basin Study Committee Report,
Clabaugh, et al., 1985).

FP-1 Floodprone Classification: No structures constructed and no land filling
or grand level changes permitted which inhibit the flow of flood and drainage
waters.

200 Foot Setback (2122172 Resolution): Prohibits the issuance of building
permits in the ?00 foot area parall"ei to the mean high water mark of the East
Bank.

Wetlands (LDC 6.4.2.2 Drainage Design Standards)! No site alteration shall
cause the siltaticn of wetlands or reduce the iFatural retention or filtering
capabilities of wetlands.

Prainage and Water Conservation Easements (DVICE): Mandatory dedication of
easements over floodprone and wetland areas to maintain the natural storage
and water quality enhancement functions of these areas (LDC 6.4.6.12(a) 19.).

Dredge and Fill Permits (LDC Chapter 10): Permits are required for boat
To-Us, seawalls, outfalls and drainage structures, dredging and filling, and
removal of shoreline vegetation.

Arbor Permits (LDC Chapter 8): Permit required for the removal of tree-, 3"? in
eter or larger.

Site Runoff (LDC 6.4.6.2): Requires storage and controlled release of excess
stormwater so that post development conditions are not substantially greater
than pre-development conditions. Requires the use of retention and detention
facilities to attenuate peak flows, remove solids, and remove nutrients.

Groundwater Table and Runoff to Surface Waters (LDC 6.4.6.2): Prohibits the
use of canals, channels, aitches, storm water systems whicF-rapidly convey
runoff to receiving waters without treatment or to reduce the groundwater,
table.

Erosion Control (LDC 6.5.10): Seeding, mulching, sodding and other
appropriate measures rea5ired to prevent erosion during construction
activities.

Borrow Pit (LDC Section 9): Permits required for the removal of any
materials. Over 500 cubic yards requires DRC review and a public hearing.

@!ater Conservation (Building Code): County Building codes require that water
closets have a maxi-mum 3.5 ciallon capacity on residential units and 3 gallor
maximum on flush valve u-nits; showerheads and water faucets are reQuired to
have flow restriction devices which limit flows to 3 gallons per minute.

Part Two:

Natural Systems and their Components

A. 14ekiva River Basin

The Vekiva River System is comprised of artisan spring flow, small creeks,

numerous tributaries and secondary drainage. A tributary of the St. Johns

River, the Wekiva represents one of the major routes of surface drainage from

portions of Orange, Seminole and Lake Counties (Fast Central Florida Regional
Planning Council, 1984). The Wekiva, Little Wekiva and Rock Springs Run form

a basin of approximately 130 square miles (Orange County Pollution Control,

1977). Upstream of Blackwater Creek, a major tributary of the 14ekiva, is

additional drainage of 112 square miles in Lake County (U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers, Iq74).

The Wekiva River Basin is comprised of many diverse and productive habitats

characteristic of natural Florida. Extensive areas of wetlands border a major

portion of the river. Pine flatwoods, scrub, and sandhills interspersed with

lakes and sink holes occur throughout the basin.

Elevations within the basin range from sea level to about 35 feet above sea

level. in some areas sandhills rise ahruptly to elevations ranging from 60 to

100 feet above sea level. (Lichtler, 11972).

The climate is subtropical, with an average annual temperature of about 72

degrees. Daily maximum temperature in the summer approaches 9.0' Fahrenheit.

Mean annual rainfall over the Wekiva Basin is 511 inches, most of which occurs
during the juno-October rainy season (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 3.974).

The Wekiva River System can more adequately be described in te"is of its

components: Rock Springs/Rock Springs Run, Wekiwa Springs, Little Wekiva

Sub-basin, Big Wekiva, and Blackwater Creek.

Rock Spripg$/Rock Springs Run

Rock Springs is located within Kelly Park, a ?00-acre facility owned by Orange

County. The park is utilized by the public for swimminS, picknickin-9,

camping, nature study, and is maintained as a wildlife preserve.

Rock Springs representsone of the few areas in central Florida where the

limestone of the Hawthorn Formation is exposed. The Hawthorn Formatior, which

contains impervious layers ofmarl and clay, overlies the Floridian aquifer

and acts as a confinino, bed for the artesian water present in the area.

Crevices and solution channels have developed in the Hawthorn providi-ng an

outflow for the Floridian aquifer (Orange County Pollution Control Department,

1977).

The principal discharge from Rock Springs@originates at the base of a parfly

submerged limestone bluff. Average discharge is abo*ut 41.7 MGD. A large

public swimming area is located several hundred feet below the spring, where

some of the flow has been diverted a'nO. 'partly retained by concrete wall.'s.

Cverflow'from the swimming area is directed back to the spring run via a

concrete weir. Rock Springs Run flows northward about 1.5 miles, then turns

southv.,ard. The flood plain in this area is approximately three miles in an

east-west direction (Rosenau et al., 1977). Pock Springs Run meanders for

cipproximately nine miles before meeting Wekiwa Spring Run to, form the Wekiva

River. nne mile of Rock Springs Run is included in the Aquatic Preserve. Rock

Springs and eight miles downstream of the springhead are not included in the

Aquatic Preserve.

VIekiwa Springs

Wekiwa Springs and its spring run are located within Ulekiwa Springs State

Park, a 6,400 acre publicly owned state park, managed by the Department of

Natural Resources.

The springs discharge from at least five horizontal caverns 14 feet below the

water surface forming a kidney shaped pool. The pool bottom is mostly sand,

except for an area in the southeast section where limestone rock of the

Havithorn Formation is exposed. Openings in this rock allows water to

percolate, creating the pool and spring run.

The spring run flows in a northeasterly direction for approximately one-half

mile until its confluence with Rock SpringE Run forming the Wekiva River.

Witherington Springs, forms a small pool about 60 feet in diameter, and is

located near the center of @Iekiwa Springs State Park. Discharges from

Witherington Springs form the headwaters of Mill Creek, which flows east
through a swampy area and then eventually joins Rock Springs Pun (Rosenau et

al., 1977).

Little Wekiva River sub-basin

The Little. Wekiva, River sub-basin occupies approximate1y 43 square miles

located in the north central portion of 0range County and the western portion.

of Seminole County (East Central, Florida Regional Planning Council, 1980

Areas of extensive urban development border the lower reaches of the Little

Wekiva from its headwaters at Lake Lawne in western.Orlando to approximately

one mile north of State Road 434, in Seminole; County. Most of the natural,

vegetation in these-areas. has been replaced by housing, commercial. and

industrial enterprises, pasture, citrus grove and other economic activities.

The impacts of development within the sub-basin has been the reduction of

natural drainage patterns and flow ways creating stormwater management

problems. Several sections of the River have been-channelized and numerous

ditches, canals and storm drains discharge directly into the river (Fast

Central Regional, Planning Council, 1980).

Prior to 1977, several sewage treatment plants (STP)- discharged poor quality

water into the Litle Wekiva (Pine Hills STP, Lake Lawne STP, Fairvilla STP).

Subsequent water quality problems prompted local government to effect more

stringent wastewater and wetland regulations, which ceased-most wastewater

discharges and initiated restoration procedures on several lakes within the

sub-basin. Recent studies have indicated improved,water quality Within the

Little Wekiva,sub-basin, but high nutrient loading.still exists in some areas.

In Orange County,. ground water exfiltration contributes to stream flow, but

the primary source of stream, flow is storm water runoff. In Seminole County,

upstream of several Fprings, the Altamonte Regional Vlastewater racility and Hi

Acre Citrus Processing Plant constitute about 85 percent of the stream flow

(Dw,rtment of Environmental Regulation, 1982).

The areas surrounding the upper reaches of the Little Wekiva in Seminole

County one mile north of State Road 434 are much less developed, and here the

river flows through about six miles of unaltered stream bed. One wastewater

facility, however, indirectly discharges into the river along this reach

Nekiva Punt Club).

Approximately three miles south of its confluence with the Big Wekiva, the

Little Wekiva receives discharge from Seminole, Palm, and Starbuck Springs.

The combined 14 MGD increases the river's flow and dilutes the pollutants

remaining from the upstream point sources. Bacteriological and biological

data from Orange County Pollution Control indicate improved water quality

downstream of the spring discharges (Orange County Pollution Control

Department, 1-1177). Downstream of the springs, the spring flow represents

approximately 71 percent of total flow, and dominates stream. flow until

confluence with the Big Wekiva. The Altamonte Wastewater Treatment Plant,

however, represents a significant source of nutrient imput to the Little

14ekiva River. Mcripoint nutrient sources also contribute significantly but are

mest significant under high flow condtions (Canfield and Hoyer, 1986). For

three miles south of its confluence with the Big Wekiva, the Little VIekiva is

bordered by undeveloped swamp. These three. miles of the upper reaches of the
Little Wekiva River are designated as Outstanding Florida V!aters (OFW) and are

included in the Aquatic Preserve.

Wekiva River

The headwaters of the Wekiva River begin at the confluene of Wekiviva Springs
Run and Rock Springs Run. The Water is forming the upper portion of the Wekiva
River arise from both the Floriian aquifer in the form of natueal springs
and from driainage of approximately 130 square miles of water shed in north

From the convergence of the Wekiwa Springs and Rock Spring Runs, the upper
Wekiva flows about 0.25 mile to where it receives discharge from Miami Spring

Run/Canal . The Little Wekiva River converges with the Upper Wekiva River
about 3.75 miles downstream from Miami Spring Run/Canal (Orange County
Pollution Control Department, 1977). As the river passes through the Wekiva
Swamp, the region between the inflow from the Wekiva Springs Run and Little
Wekiva River, numerous small islands divert the flow. Low current velocity
caused by the island and submerged vegetation enhances the deposition of silt
and organic debris along the reach. Eel grass (Vallisneria americana ) is
common along this reach and Brazilian elodia (Egeria densa), is present also.
Water hyancinth (Eichhornia crassipes an exotic floating macrophyte, also
contributes to organic siltation in this area. Approximately six miles
downstream from Wekiwa Springs the floodplain narrows and the sediments change
from organic silt to sand, where Brazilian elodea becomes the dominant aquatic
plant (Courtney, unpub. data). From here the Wekiva River meanders
northeastly towards the St. John River. Wekiva Falls run, a 2,000 foot
tributary origination at Wekiva Falls campground, merges with the Wekiva River

Just south of State Road 46. Wekiva Falls issues from two flowing wells, one

14-inch in diameter and the other 24-inch in diameter, with a combined

discharge of 12-16 MGD. Approximately one mile south of its confluence with

the St. Johns River, the Viekiva is joined by Plackwater Creek.

Discharges from Wekiwa Springs (48 MGD), Rock 51"prings (41.P MGD), Sanlando

Springs (1-11 MED) and Sheppard Springs (11 MGD) contribute to the high base

flow rate of the Wekiva River, which increases significantly by seasonal

drainage within the basin. The flow gradient is one of the steepest in east

central Florida averaging a drop of 1.6 feet per mile along the rivers

boundary in eastern Lake County until meeting the lower elevations of the St.

Johns River Floodplain.

Average discharge of the Wekiva River at State Road 46 is 186 MGD. A distinct

stream habitat is created by, and is dependent on, the consistency of this

flow (East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, 1985).

Mackwater Creek

Plackwater Creek is a maior tributary to the Wekiva River. Almost entirely in

Lake County, Blackwater Creek flows approximately 28 miles from its headwaters

at Lake Dorr to its confluence with the Wekiva. As an important surface

drainage system for Lake County, the creek provides flood drainage relief for

an area of approximately 125 square miles. The creek's 100-year floodplain

varies greatly in width from 300 feet at State Road 44A to 5,100-7,000 feet

along upstream and downstream reaches (East Central norida Regional Planning

Council, 1985).

Agricultural land drainage has affected water quality in some areas of the

creek's floodplain, but most areas remain undisturbed. Land use in the

Blackwater Creek basin is predominantly rural and agricultural, and many areas

bordering the Creek are remote and inaccessible. Cypress trees were

extensively logged in the past along the Creek. Predevelopment activity is

now occurring along the Creek in some parts.

St. Johns

The St. Johns River system is one of Florida's important economic and ecologic

units. It is unique in. that it is one of the few rivers in the world that

flows northward., and it is the largest river that is entirely in Florida.

From its headwaters in low, marshy areas of St. Lucie and Indian River

counties, at an altitude of less than 25 feet above mean sea level, the river

begins its slow meandering course 300 miles toward Jacksonville where it

enters the Atlantic Ocean.. The average gradient of the river is less that 0.1

feet/mile. Throughout its course the river passes through several large
shallow lakes including lakes Washington, Winder, Poinsett Harney,. Jessup,

Monroe, and George. Tributaries of the St., Johns include the Oklawaha,

Econolockhatchee and Wekiva Rivers and Jane Green, Taylor, Dunns, Pice and.

Black Creeks.

The St. Johns is divided into.four major hydrologic units.: the upper St.

Johns, middle St. Johns,lower St.. Johns, and the Oklawaha River (the Okalwazha

is the largest. tributary draining approximately 2,7128 square miles).

Approximately 15 mjles of the middle St. Johns from, Iterstate 4, just. north

of Lake Monroe in Seminole County to State Road 44 in Volusia County are

included in the aquatic preserve.

Pverage overall water quality from 1970-1985 STORET data indicate good water

quality in this reach of the river (DER, 1986). Bimonthly water quality

sampling by the Lower St. Johns River Project personnel initiated in July 1981

ha!z shown that average total phosphorus (0.23 ppm) and average-total nitrogen
(2.1 ppw) in the river exiting Lake Monroe, places the system in the eutrophic

status. (Lawson Snyder, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, pers.

comm.).

Several lakes immediately upstream (Monroe, Jessup, Harney) have for many

years received nutrient loadings from sources generally related to urban

development and from agricultural sources around Orlando. Input from poorly

treated sewage and runoff has resulted in an accelerated rate of.

eutrophication in the lakes, and associated intermittent destabilizing events

such as algae blooms, highly fluctuating dissolved oxygen levels, and fish

Vills have occured. Efforts to improve water quality included phasing out

older sewage treatment plants and rerouting influent to regional advanced

treatment facilities. Some degree of recovery is expected, but non-point

sources of pollution from urban, agricultural, and silvicultural activities

may contribute significantly to the total nutrient input (DER, 1986; Florida

Rivers Study Committee, 1985).

Water quality in the St. Johns River improves northward of Lake Monroe.

Hardwood swamp borders the river for most of its course within the aquatic

preserve. There is little development within this reach of the river. There
are two state parks, (Hontoon Island, Blue Springs) a state reserve, .(Lower

Vlekiva) and two proposed acquisitions in the Conservation and Recreational

Lands (CARL) program bordering the St. Johns river.

Blue Spring and Hontoon.1sland State Parks are comprised of approximately

3,100 acres of wetland and upland communities. The wetland communities

consist of swamps, marshes and lagoons al-ong the St. Johns River. Two areas

of h.igher el.evation, Pine Island and Hontoon Island, are located within

wetliands associated with the St. Johns River floo,dp1ain..

Blue Spring and its spring run are registered in the Florida Natural Features

Program and are designated as a "unique natural resource". Blue Spring Run

is a critical warm/water refuge for the endangered West indian Manatee

(Trichechus manatus) wintering in the St. John's River basin. The importance

ol" this winter habitat was recognized in 1978 by the 1-11anatee Sanctuary Pct

which gave legal protection to manatees at refuqes throughout the state. This

sanctuary designation establ.ished restricted speed zones in the St. Johns

River and prohibited motor boats in Plue Spring Run. A study of winter

feeding of manatees that use Blue Spring determined that they travel into the

St. Johns south to the Goat Island area and north into Lake Beresford and Flud

Lake. The manatees are feeding well outside of the manatee sanctuary

designation and travel back and forth through these unprotected waters on a
daily basis (Bengtson, i981).

Lower Wekiva River State Reserve (4500 acres) borders approximately one milie

of the St. Johns River just north of Lake Monroe.

Approximately 13,800 acres bordering eight miles along this reach of the St.

iJohns River are proposed for acquisition in the CARL program. The Stark

Tract, F.K. Ranch, and St. Johns River Forest Estates will compliment the

state parks and preserves in protecting water resources and endangered

species, and provide additional public recreational opportunities.

South of State Road 44, Blackwater Creek flows through a portion of the

Seminole Springs tract, a 8,820 acre parcel located just west of Lower Vlekiva

River State Reserve. This land is currently under review for inclusion on the

C.A.R.L. Priority Acquisition List. The property contains over 50 springs of

various sizes, the largest of which are Seminole Springs, which issues

approximately 30.1 MGD and Messant Springs, which issues 95 MGD. Seminole and

Messant Creeks, along with numerous other small tributaries, converge with

Blackwater Creek.

The area surrounding Plackwater Creek was heavily logged in the early 1900's,

but nrixed hardwood swamp, cypress swamp, and hydric hardwood plant communities

have reestablished within the floodplain of the creek..

Approximately 1800 acres hordering the lower reaches of the creek are

protected as part of the Lower Wekiva River State Reserve. Three miles of the

lower reaches of Blackwater Creek are included in the Wekiva River Aquatic

Preserve.

B. The Aouatic Environment

Rock Springs Run has excellent water quality resulting from the consistency of

spring flow-o-riginating at Rock Springs. The unaltered watershed and few

urban and agricultural land uses limits stormwater runoff and associated water

quality problems. There are no large tributaries to Rock,Springs Run, but

significant inflow from surrounding swamps occurs during periods of high
rainfall (Department of Environmental Regulation, 1983).

The USGS has collected. flow and temperature data at Rock Spring bead since

1931, and additional parameters have been monitored since 1959. Since 1971"

Orange County has collected data from Rock Spring Run approximately one mile

downstream of the spring head.

USGS data from Rock Springs indicate consistently excellent water quality

since monitoring began in, 1959 (Department of Environmental Regulation, 1983).

Turbidity, color, organic-N,., ammonia-N and dissolved oxygen are low- while

total phosphorous, nitrate-N and conductivity are slightly elevated. Low

dissolved oxygen is. characteristic of many artesian springs. Elevated levels

of nutrients may be attributed to the limestone feeding the spring source. As

the water flows downstream, it gains oxygen from aeration and from

photosynthesis during the daytime (Hynes, 1970). Dissolved oxygen levels at

Rock Springs Pun from Orange County data during 1976-1982'were above

standards, and averaged 6.4 mg/l.

Water quality data from several stations in the Wekiva River, just downstream

of its confluence with. Rock Springs Run, are also available from UISGS and

Orange County. These data also indicate eycellent water quality in those

areas reflecting the excellent quality of the spring flow.

The Little Viekiva River has experfenced@severe water qua,lity problems. in the

past resulting from sewage discharge and sto,rniviater runoff. Several sampling

sites along the Little Wekiva are monitored by either USGS, FPER or Seminole

County. Recent improvements in water quality have been indicated at some

stat-lons along the lower Little Wekiva.

Water quality in the upper reaches of the Little Wekiva improves as a result

of dilution from Sanlando, Palm, and Starbuck Springs. I-later quality of these

springs is similar to that of Rock Springs (Department of Environmental

Pegulation, 1983).

Excessive aquatic vegetation is present in some reaches of the upper Little

WekivF,. It is suspected that nutrient enrichment from waste water treatment

facility discharge is contributing to aquatic plant growth. However, in areas

where a ',crest canopy shades the river, there is little aquatic vegetation

(Canf4eld and Hoyer, 1985). It has been suggested that the availability of

light may be the limiting factor controlling aquatic plant growth in these

areas (EPA, 1981; Seminole County, 1981; Canfield, 1981). Canfield and Pager

(1985) suggested that past dredging operations may have encouraged the growth

of' aquatic plants by providing substrate through sedimentation of many

formerly deep areas. Another cause of increased plant growth may be the

reduction of shade through the removal of forest canopy. A three year study

to determine the nutrient assimilation capacity of the Little Wekiva river is

currently in progress. The study will also look at the effect of shading and

includes a comparison of rivers throughout Florida ranging from those with no

major discharges of treated effluent, to those with significant nutrient

loadings. The Vlekiva River is included in this study to determine the effect

of discharges from the Little @Iekiva on the Wekiva river farther downstream

(Canfield and Hoyner 1985).

C. Plant Communities

The Wekiva River Basin is located in a region of biological transition between

two climatic zones, where the range of temperate zone plants overlaps the.

northern limit of many tropical species, creating an area of diverse floral
composition. (DER, 1983).

Although many areas within the basin were extensively logged during the 1920's

and 1930's, when cypress dominated the wetland forests, much of the forest has

revegetated and the river's floodplain is now almost entirely wooded. Plant

communities characteristic of the basin and representative plant species

include:

Mixed hardwood swamp - tupelo, red maple., water ash, bald cypress, sweet

gum, button bush, willow, pond apple, wax myrtle, dahoon holly.

Cypress swamp - predominately bald cypress with a lesser percentage of

hardwoods similar to those found in mixed hardwood swamp.

Hardwood hammock sweet gum, magnolia., tupelo, live oak, laurel oak,

water oak,hickory, wax myrtle, sweet bay, cedar, American holly, red

maple.

Pine flatwoods - pond pine, loblolly pine,or slash pine,. longleaf pine,

saw palmetto, wire grass,, gallbery.

Scrub - stagger bush, rosemary, silk bay, wild olive, blueberry, gopher

apple, prickly pear cactus, wire grass, lichens.

Scrubby flatwoods - slash pine, chapman's oak, myrtle oak, saw

palmetto, runner oak, wire grass.

Freshwater marsh - saw grass, arrowhead pickerelweed, coastal plain

willow, button bush, red maple, bald cypress.

Raybead - loblolly bay, sweet bay, red bay, black tupelo, red maple,

ioblolly pine, dahoon holly, coastal plain willow, gallberry, wax

myrtl e.

The designated plant species of the Wekiva basin are shown in Table 2. For

manaqement of designated plant species in the aquatic preserve, the Florida

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (list published in

Preservation of flative Flora of Florida Act, Section 581.185-187, Florida

Statutes) is the primary reference source. A more complete list of plant

species' characteristic of this area, including many aquatic species, is

maintained in the resource inventory file located in the field office.

D. Wildlife

The water related resources of the Wekiva River support an abundance of

wildlife. The river, its-tributaries, associated hardwood and cypress swamps

provide food, shelter and breeding sites.for inany native species, as well as

several designated as endangered, threatened, rare, or of special concern.

Table 2. Designated plant and animal species of the Wekiva, River Aquatic
Preserve area. Many of these species are associated with upland habitats, but
are represented in the Wekiva Basin.

Common Names Scientific Names Designaiton

PLANTS,
bluestem Palmetto Sabel minor (2)T
Florida shield fern Dryopteris ludoviciana (2)T
golden polypody phlebodium aureum (2)T
hairy tri-vein fern Thelypteris hispidula (2)T
spready tri-vein fern Thelypteris interrupta (2)T
ovate maiden fern Thelypteris ovata (2) T
water spider orchid Habenaria repens (2) T(4)II
wildpine Tillandsia spp. (2)T
yellow-eyed grass Xyris sp. (3) UR2
ladies tresses Spiranthes sp. (2)T, (3) UR2
needle palm Rhapidophyllum hystrix (2)T, (3) UR5
giant wild pine Tillandsia utriclata (2)T
needle-leaved wild pine Tillandsia setacea (2)T
stiff-leaved wild pine Tillandsia fascicilata (2)T
butterfly orchid Encyclia tampensis (2)T, (4)II
Virginia chain fern Woodwardia virginica (2)T

ANIMALS
Invertebrates
Wekiwa Spring Aphaostracan Aphaostracon monas (3)UR2
Blue Spring Aphaostracon Aphaostrcon asthenes (3)UR2
Wekiwa Spring Snail Cincinnatia wekiwae Rare
Blue Spring Snail Cincinnatia parva Rare
Amphibians and Reptiles
American Alligator Alligator mississipiensis (1)SSC, (3)T(S/A, (4)I
gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus (1)SSC, (3) UR2
blue tailed mole skink Eueces egregius lividus (1)T,(3)UR2
sand skind neoseps reynoldsi (1)T,3UR2
Florida pine snake Pituophis melanoleucus (3)UR2

gopher frog Rana areolata (1) SSC,(3) UR2

Fish
bluenose shiner Notropis welaka Rare
snail bullhead Ictalurus brunneus Rare

birds
Bachman's sparrow Aimophila aestivalis (3) UR2
little blue heron Florida caerulea (1) SSC
wood stork Mycteria americana (1) E, (3)E
tri-color heron Hydranassa tricolor (1)SSC
osprey Pandion haliaetus (4) II

Table C continued .....

bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus (1)T,(3)E,(4)I
southeastern kestrel Falco sparverius (I)T(3)UR2,(4)II
Limpkin ramus guarauna SSC
Florida sandhill crane Grus canadensis (I)T,(4)II
red-cockaded woodpecker Picodes borealis (1)T,(3)E
Florida scrubjay Aphelocoma coerulescens (1)T,(3)UR2

Mammals
Sherman's fox squirrel Sciurus niger shermani (1)SSC(3)UR2
Florida mouse Peromyscus floridanus (1)SSC(3)UR2
Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus (1)T,(3)WUR2
West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus (1)E,(2)E
Tatirostris

Key to designations
E Endangered
T Threatened
SSC Species of Special Concern
C Commercially Exploited
I Appendix I Species
IT Appendix II Species
UR Under review for federal listing, with substantial evidence in
existence indicating at least some degree of biological vulnerability
and/or threat.
UR2 = Under rev-'few for listing, but substantial evidence of biological
vulnerability and/or threat is lacking.
UR3 = Still formally under review for listing, but no longer being
considered for listing due to existing pervasive evidence of
extinction.
UR4 = Still formally under review for listing, but no longer being
considered for listing because current taxonomic understanding
indicates species is an invalid taxon and thus ineligible for
listing.
UR5 = Still formally under review for listing, but no longer considered
for listing because recent information indicates species is more
widespread or abundant that previously believed.
I = Florida Came and Fresh Water Fish Commission (list published in
39-27.03-05, Florida Administrative Code).
= Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (list
published in Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act, Section
581.185-l87, Florida Statutes).
3 = United States Fish and Wildlife Service (list published in List of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, 50 CFR 17.11-12).
4 = Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora.
T(S/A) = Threatened due to similarity of appearance.

White tail deer, otter, grey fox, bobcat, raccoon, opossum, wild turkey,

pileated woodpecker, and raptor species such as the red-tailed hawk,

red-shouldered hawk, barred and great horn owl are typical inhabitants of the

Wekiva basin. Osprey, anhinga, cormorant, great blue heron, great egret,

green backed heron, several other wadina birds, shore birds and water fowl are

more closely associated'with the river. In addition, stingray (Dasyatis sp.),

which are primarily marine, have been observed in the preserve waters.

The reserved areas of the basin offer dense and relatively isolated habitats

with protection for many endangered, threatened, rare or species of special

concern. Designated species identified within the Wekiva Aquatic Preserve

area are found in Table ? above. For management of designated animal species

in the aquatic preserve, the Florida Came and Fresh Water Fish Commissicn

(list published in 39-27.03-05, Florida Administrative Code) is the primary

reference source.

A more complete list of wildlife characteristic of the Wekiva Basin is

included in the resource i.nventory file inthe field-offi,ce.

E. Summary of Natura,l Systems

The Wektva River, its tributaries, associated,wetlands and u-plands are a

unique ecological resource in east central Florida. The system supports d

produrti-ve and-d'11verse array of aquatic,and upla@nd natural systems and is a

refuge for many- th,re&tened', enda,ngered a:nd, ra,re species.

The Wekiva River, Rock Springs Pun, three miles of the lower reach of the

Little Hpkiva River, and the portion of Blackwater Creek within the Aquatic

Preserve Boundary is designated an Outstanding Florida Waters. In addition

the last 4.5 miles of the Lower Wekiva are designated a Scenic and Wild River

by the State's Scenic and Wild Rivers Program.

The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve along with publicly owned state and local

parks and reserves are a significant recreational resource: Swimming at the

spring heads and picknicking are major attractions drawing visitors from

throughout Florida. In 1985, over 495,000 people visited Rock Springs at

Kelly Park. Also in 1985, "125,657 people visited Wekiwa Springs Park. The

entire length of the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run is a heavily traveled

State Canoe Trail. Sport fishing is also an important recreational activity.

As a result of all this activity, damage to eel grass beds, erosion of the

stream bed with increased siltation downstream, and refuse associated with

recreation are continuing problems. The rapid urbanization of the area puts

ever increasing demands on the riverine system. ContinueO enjoyment and

health of the preserve depends on protection of this unique natural resource.

Chapter V

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

'A. Introduction

The main obiective of the resource management plan for this aquatic preserve

is to protect the resources of the preserve for the benefit of future

generations (Section 258.35, F.S.). The management of the Wekiva River

Aquatic Preserve will be directed toward the maintenance of the existing or

essentially natural conditions. This part of the management plan addresses

the policies and procedures which both onsite and administrative personnel

will pursue. The onsite management will involve DNR's field personnel

assigned to the aquatic preserve. The administrative management will involve

Division of Recreation and Parks' personnel (both in the field and in

Tallahassee) and Division of State Lands' personnel, cooperating in-the review

of applications for use of state-owned lands and related activities

surrounding the preserve. These personnel will be interacting with various

government and non-government entities, interest groups, and individuals.

B. Onsite Management Objectives

The onsite management objectives are reflected in the activities that the

field personnel become,involved in (i.e., observation, application reviews,

research, public interaction, education, and emergency responses,, etc.) to

protect and enhance the resources within the aquatic preserve. Other

activities, such as the.interaction with other government a,rd non-goverriment

entfties, are covered-In more detaiJ in Chapter VT (Management Implementation

Netw6rk)@. The fi:eld. personnel"s duties are,. wilth, respect to management of the

various uses of the, aquatic preserve,, address..ed@ i,n;, more, deta,41, in Chapters VIT
and XI. the field personnel are fnvol,ved@ in; #11 management activities.

concerning the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve.

1. Plant Communities

The communities of aquatic and wetland p1ants within the Preserve perform five

major functions vital to the health and productivity of the aquatic system:

a. they tend to stabilize shorelines and other geologic features in tile

face of dynamic forces (i.e., currentsi winds, and waves).

b. they create, from recycled nutrients and solar energy, the organic

materials that fuel the aquatic food web which supports the area's

fisheries, endangered species, migratory waterfowl, colonial water
bird nesting colonies, raptors, aquatic mammals (manatees) and

invertebrate life.

C. they provide protected fisheries habitat for spawning and juvenile,

development, many of which are of economic importance to the

recreational and commercial (catfish) fisheries.

d. they provide roosting and nesting habitat for water birds; and,

e. they filter pollutants from contaminated and channelized runoff from

uplands within the adjacent watershed and, buffer the uplands from

erosion.

The management objectives for plant communities will be to maintain and

enhance these functions.. Because these plant communities are critically

important to the well-beira. of the Preserve, a program to work toward the

protection and restoration of those communities affected by human activities

should be developed.

Management Policy

a. Field Familiarization ard Documentation. Field personnel will become

familiar with the plant species and communities present in the aquatic

preserve, and locations of their occurrences.

h. Literature Familiarization. Field personnel will assemble a workinq

library of existing pertinent literature concerning the species and

communities present in the aquatic preserve. Staff will become familiar with

the ranges, life histories, ecological requirements, productivity, importance

to water quality, contribution to landform stabilization, wildlife habitat

provision, fisheries habitat provision, and fisheries food production of the

plant communities within the aquatic preserves.

C. Preparation of Guidelines of Management of Endanqered Species. Field

personnel, based on their field observations and literature reviews, will

develup maps (using 7.5 minute quadrangles or other appropriate scales)

showing the locations of threatened and endangered plant species within the

aquatic preserve. A set of management.quidelines for each species, outlining

the habitat requirements and the methods to sustain and/or restore these

habitats will be developed. Field personnel, in the course of documenting the

occurrence of threatened and endangered animals, will develop maps showing the

locations and types of plant communities used by these animals for nesting,

roosting, feeding, resting, spawning, etc. Literature information and

personal observations will then be used to develop guidelines for maintaining
(or restoring if necessa:ry) the "critical habitat" required by each species.

d. Monitoringof Plant Communities for Matural.Chq@ngps. Field personnel

will become familiar with the use of aerial photography and LANDSAT imagery,

for the study and monitoring of plant communities (historically and at the

present time) and will use this remote sensing in conjunction with field

observations to monitor and document natural changes such as:

1. wind and wave damage to plant communities from storms and

hurricanes;

2. invasions of exotic plant species and revegetation by native

species after exotic plant removal projects;

3. pathogen damage to and recovery of plant communities.

e. Identification of Areas and Communities in Need of Restoration. Field

personnel will systematically survey the aquatic preserve to determine the

location, nature, and extent of environmental damages from human activities

and assess the possibility of restoring each site according to whether the

site is publicly or privately owned, and the cost and feasibility of

restoration.

f. Protection of Plant Communities. Field personnel will strive to protect

the plant communities from the various human uses of sovereign lands within

the aquatic preserve according to the following guidelines.

1. Field personnel in their biological reports shal'I not recommend for.

approval any proposed use of sovereignty submerged lands when the

plant communities in the proposed use area appear to be jeopardized.

i. Removal of plant vegetation shall only be permitted for

minimum access from the ordinary high water line to a dock or

pier. The destructive clearing of plants in sovereignty lands

shall be strictly prohibited.

li. Freshwater grassbed communities will be protected against removal

or shading to such an extent as to cause the death of a

significant area of the community. They shall not be subjected

to unacceptable turbidity, decreased light penetration, propeller

or canoe traffic damage.

2. Field persornel will be notified of applications for uses of sub-

merged lands within the aquatic preserve by the Bureau of Land and

Aquatic Resource 1:11anagement central office. No applications will

be approved within Resource Protection Areas I and 2 (see Section

C of this chapter) without a thorough review by the field

personnel. The field personnel will inspect the site, assess the

potential impacts to the plant communities, and then convey their

recommendations to the certral office as required.

Field personnel will initiate various educational programs and

supplement existing educational programs designed to increase public

awareness of the damage that recreational, private and commercial

uses (i.e., propeller damacie) can. inflict on grassbed and other

riverine communities. Education programs can also be undertaken with

other federal, state or local groups (i.e., Florida Audobon Society,

school boards, etc.).

Field personnel will develop an exotic plant control and. removal plan

after monitoring the rate and extent of invasion by exotic species.

Restoration of Plant Communities. Field personnel will consult with

professionals in the wetlands restoration/revegetation field to determine the

advisability of using healthy grassbeds as a stock source to restore damaged

grassbeds. Field personnel will develop guidelines for restoring and

nurturing these communities. in the aquatic preserve.

In the event that plant restoration is required through mitigation as the

result of a permit application with,DER or as a result of any other process,

the field personnel will be responsible for monitoring the restoration

activity. This might include advising the individuals involved in the actual

restoration work on the best techniques under the available restoration,

guidelines. The,field personnel wil1 monitor the success of the restoration

proJect after the work.is completed.

h. Identification of Research Needs. Field personnel will identify research

needs concerning plant communities.within the aquatic preserve with special

emphasis given to data needs that would increase the capability of field

personnel to manage plant communities under environmental* stress, and to.

determine threshold tolerances, for plant community health and diversity in

relation to degraded environmental conditions.

i. Coordination With Other Researchers. Field personnel will' become famil-

iar with research projects being conducted within the aquatic preserve by

state and federal,agency biologists and, non-government researchers. Water

quality. research issues, as they affect, plant communities, should, also be

closely followed. This,familiarization should lead to a better understanding

o*' hoth agencies' personnel and a better awareness of the data findings arid

uses. The research liaisor will also be addressed in Chapter X (Scientific

Pesearch).

2. ANIMAL LIFE

The richness of the animal 14fe of the Wekiva area is important to its

designation as an aquatic preserve. The fish within the aquatic preserve are

valuable resources on which recreational and some commercial fisheries depend.

Larqe areas of undisturbed wetlands are excellent habitat for many types of

wildlife. These wildlife include an extensive list of endangered,threatened,

or species of special concern and their habitats, migratory waterfowl,

colonial wading birds, invertebrates and vertebrates.

The management objective for animal life within the aquatic preserve will be

the protection through preservation of habitats and living conditions in the

most natural conditicn possible.

Management Policy

a. Field Familiarization and Documentation. Field personnel will become

lamiliar with the major animal species in each habitat in the aquatic

preserve. This identification process will include the location, number,

season of sighting, ambient conditions and any other factors which may be

necessary to build a working knowledge of the species, and their interaction

and occurrence in the aquatic preserve.

b. Literature Familiarization. The field personnel will assemble a working

library of existing literature concerning the major animal species and

communities within the a,quatic preserve. The field -personnel will become

familiar with life histories, ecological requirements, position in the

community, habitat and other factors necessary for sound management.

C. Preparation of Guidelines for the Management of the Endangered Species

Within the Aquatic Preserve. The field personnel will become familiar with

the guidelines of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service, Department of Natural Resources' Division of Marine

Resources, and any other applicable agencies and non-government organizations

involved in the management of endangered or threatened species, species of

special concern, and their habitats. These guidelines will be used in

conjunction with the field familiarization, documentation, and mapping to

develop management guidelines for each endangered species within the aquatic

preserve. Special guidelines shall be developed and implemented for the

management of areas within the aquatic preserve that are identified as

critical habitat for endangered species.

d. Monitoring Changes in Animal Populations. Field personne.1 will study @nd

monitor changes in animal species that are caused by natural phenomena, such

as:

i. storms and hurricanes;

iti. changes in ha.bitat due to changes in plant types;

iii. changes in habitat due to water qualfty changes; and

i.v. geologic or hydrol:og.ic changes i:nclud.ing erosion and

any other physicaT changes.

e. Protection of Animal Life From Human Uses of the Aquatic Preserve. Field

personnel, during the process of resource impact analysis in the review of use

applications in or affecting the preserve, will strive for the protection of

animal species. The review shall also consider the potential effects of the

proposed use on the plant communities as they function as habitat for the

arinial life and uses that may cause a disturbance in the natural activities

and functions of the animal life (e.g., air pollution, excessive noise or

bright lights affecting a bird rookery). The field personnel should be

notified of any proposed activities within the aquatic preserve that might

affect the well-beino of aninial life and should be involved in planning the

activity so as to cause the least amount of stress on animal life.

f. Ydentification of Research Needs. The field personnel will identify

research needs required to improve the management of animal life in the

aquatic preserve. This identification process is more fully described in

Chapter XTI (Identified Program Meeds).

g. Coordination With Other, Researchers. Field personnel will become

familiar with research projects conducted within the aquatic preserve by state

and federal agency biologists and non-government researchers.. This familiar-

izFition should lead to a better understanding of both agencies' personnel and

a better awareness of the data findings and uses. The research liaison will

also be addressed in Chapter X (Scientific Research).

3. GEOLOGIC FEAlUPES

Tile management of geologic features will require that the field personnel

become aware of the natural'geologic features and the changes, both human and

,natural, 'which affect these features within the aquatic preserve to better

enable a review of applications for state-owned land uses that might affect

these features. These geologic features will include inlets, islands, 'shoals,

shorelines, embayments, and channels. The overall @objective of the @manayement

of these features is to allow the naturally dynamic system to operate without

man's influence or interference. Active management in this area shall include

the review of proposed uses that might affect the geologic features within the

aquatic preserve. The majority of these reviews will concern bulkheads,

bridges and channels as they might affect state ovired lands. The objective in

the placement of bulkheads on lands upland of the aquatic preserve shall be

to alter the natural contour and drainage as little as possible. The use of

rip-rap with suitable native plantings is preferable to bulkheads within the

preserve. Bulkheads are not allowed within the preserve, except as stated in

Sections 258.42(2) and 258.44, F.S. and in accordance with the management.

objectives of the preserve.

Maintenance dredging of existing channels should also be carefully studied to

remove conditions that require perennial maintenance and chronic environmental

disturbances. New channels also have the potential to adversely impact the

aquatic preserves, depending on channel location.

The field personnel shall also be involved in the review of project proposals

submitted to other agencies, such as the U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers,

Department of Environmental Pegulation, the Department of Transportat-lon or

the St. Johns River Ilater Management District, and way, formally review and

corrient on any permit application that impacts the aquatic preserve. These

proJects may he reviewed jointly with those agencies' personnel whenever

possible. The field personnel nay review these projects on behalf of the

aquatic preserve and its resources.

4. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES

Archaeological and historical sites have several characteristics which must be

recognized in a resource management program.

i. They are a finite and non-renewable resource.

ii. Each site is unique because individually it represents the

tangible remains of events which occurred at a specific time

and place.

iii. While these sites uniquely reflect localized events, these

events and the origin of particular sites are related to

conditions and events. in other times and places. They also

preserve traces of past biotic communities, climate, and other

elements of the environment that may be of interest to other

scientific disciplines.

iv. These sites, particularly archaeological sites, are very

fragile because their significance is derived not only from the

individual artifacts within them, but especially from the

spatial arrangement of those artifacts in both horizontal and

vertical planes.

Administering Agency

The management of the archaeological and historical sites is authorized and

administered by the Division of Historical Resources (DHR) in the Florida

Department of State. The management authority for this area of maragement is

preseptpd in Chapter II.(f4anagement Authority).

Managemen tPolig
The management policy presented here is one of conservation, as recommended by

the DHR and subliect to that agency's changes. Their policy is as follows:

1. The field personnel and all other agencies planning activities

within the aquatic preserve shall coordinate closely with DHR ir

order to prevent any unauthorized disturbance of archaeological ard

historical sites that may exist on the affected tract. DHR is

vested with the title to archaeological and historical resources

abandoned on state lands and is responsible for administration artd

protection of such resources (Section ?67.061(i)(b), F.S.). Tt is

illegal to destroy or otherwise alter sites on state lands without a

permit from DHR (Section 267.13, F.S.). Therefore, agencies

planning activities should coordinate their p-lans with DH.R at a

sufficiently early stage to preclude inadvertent damage or destruc-

tion to these resources.

2. The nature of these sites' fragility and vulnerability to looting

and other destructive forces required that the location oil these

si;tes not be widely known, if the exact location is known at all.

In ma.ny fnstances DHR will h4,.ve knowledge of the known-and-expected

site distribution in an area. Special field surveys for unknown

areas may be required by DHR to identify potential endangerment of a

proposed activity to these archaeological and historical sites.

This will be especially necessary in the case of activities contem-

plating ground disturbance over large areas.

3. In the case of known sites, activities that are expected to alter or

damage these sites shall alter their management or development plans

as necessary, or make provisions so as not to disturb or damage such

sites prior to professionally acceptable ard authorized mitigation.

4. If in the course of a management activity, or as a result of

development or the permitting of dredge/fill activities, it is

determined that valuable historic or archaeological sites will be

damaged or destroyed, DHR reserves the right to require salvage

measures to mitigate the destructive impact of such activities on

such sites (Section 267.061(l)(b), F.S.). Such salvage measures

shall be accomplished before DHR would grant permission for site

destruction.

5. Excavation of archaeological sites in the near future is

discouraged. Archaeological sites within the aquatic preserve

should be left undisturbed for the present, with particular

attention devoted to preventing site looting by "treasure hunters".

6. Field personnel will note suspected sites for future surveys by

DHR. Cooperation with other agencies in this activity is also

encouraged by DHR. The DO will help inform the field personnel

about the characteristics and appearance of these sites

7; Any discoveryt of instances of looting or unuthorized destructin of

these sites will be reported to the DHR so that appropriate action

may be initiated The game and Freshwater Fisheries Commission and
I
other enforcement personnel shall provide enforcement assistance to

DHR and make arrests or investigate cases of looting or other

unauthorized destruction of archaelogical sites. The field

personnel Will follow the above management policy and become

familiar With the personnel involved with this task in DHP and their

procedures for identifying suspected sites.

5. WATER RESOURCES

Responsible management of water resources for the protection of human health

and recreational enjoyment of aquatic preserve waters, as well as for the

protection and enhancement of the preserve's plant ahd animal communities is

one of the most critical aspects of aquatic preserve management. Research to

understand how human activity can alter or detrimentally affect the dynamic

characteristics of the preserve's various habitats can be approahced

Confidently after monitoring data has been used to model the effects of

naturally occurring variations on the same habitat. Only a single toxic

substance may be necessary, to initiate irreparable ecological damage and

change in the water resources of the aquatic preserve riverine ecosystem.

The maintancete of the exceptional water quality of the Wekiva River is

dependent upon the balance of a myriad of interrelating environmental factors

associated with water quantity, velocity of streamflow, aquatic flora and

faura, surrounding wetlands, upland recharge areas, etc. Activities

associated with urban development may affect any or all of these factors and

should be closely monitored by all agencies involved.

1. Wastewater - Zoning within this area of the basin is General Rural with

one unit per acre density, permitting the septic tank method of

wastewater treatment. Several proposed PUD's with densities of three or

more units per acre, if approved, will require central wastewater

facil4ties. At the present time, insufficient data exists to analyze the

impacts of increased sewage disposal through septic tanks, percolation

ponds or spray fields on wetlands and the Wekiva River system. Studies

are currently in progress to determine septic tank densities that would

vot have siqnificant effects on the Wekiva River. Further assessments by

dppropriate agencies are required to establish guidelines to effect

wastewater management without detriment to the V!ekiva River.

-r 'Intrusion - The Wekiva Pasin lies within an area where the
Saltwatc

freshwaters of the Floridian aquifer overlie more saline waters. The

underlying high salinity water is a remnant of an earlier geologic era

k,,,hen the sea level was much higher than its present level. The top 1,000

feet of the Floridian aquifer- generally contains large quantities of

potable water. Excessive withdrawals, or lack of rainfall for adequate

recharge, may induce the upward movement of the more saline waters.

Tncreased population density would necessitate additional groundwater

withdrewals that could diminish quality of potable water available to

residents. A salt tongue is present in the Wekiva Basin. Data from the

St. Johns River Water Management District indicate that the ranqp. of

chloride ion concentration (251-1000 ppm) has expanded approximately
four miles south, from one mile north of S.R. 46 to three miles south of

S.R. 46 (St., Johns River Water Management District., upub. 1986 data). To

date, the hydrological capabilities of the groundwater resources in the

Wekiva Basin have rot been determined. Additional hydrological

investigations should be performed by appropriate agencies: to determine

the quantity of ground water in the area; to provide information fcr

adequately evaluating the water supply potential; and to evaluate

possible impacts to the groundwater resource from increased.use.

3. Stormwater Runoff Excess nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and heavy

metals (lead, zinc, copper) in stormwater runoff originate from increases

in impervious surfaces associated with residential and commercial

development. The degrading nature of runoff water has been well

documented. The use of retention/detention ponds has become common

practice both to prevent the discharge of runoff waters into receiving

lakes and streams, and to treat the water prior to release. The

effectiveness of retention/detention ponds in removing excess nutrients

has not been fully investigated. Several system designs require periodic

maintenance to maintain their efficiency, which may or may not be

performed on a regular basis (the SJWMD is responsible for monitoring the

efficiency of such systems,). Urban stornwater runoff is presently not a

problem in the propcsed development area, but as development pressures

increase, so will the potential for problems associated with untreated

stormwater.

4. Decline in Spring Flow - Groundwater Discharge from the Floridan aquifer

at the various springs is the principle source of flow to the Wekiva River.

The maintenance and integrity of the biotic habitat is dependent upon the

consistency of this spring flow. A trend line analysis of U.S. Geological

Survey data from the 14-year period from 1969-1982, indicated declines in

spring flow for Wekiva and Rock Springs of 25% and 20% respectively. A tren d

line analysis for Sanlando and Starbuck Springs, which supply the Little

Wekiwa, indicate a 12% increase and a 9% decrease, respectively (Tech. Comm.

Friends of Wekiva'. 1985). The complexity of the relationship between aquifer

potentiorietric levels and springs flow is demonstrated by the difference in

spring flow trends. Differences in flow trends may be attributed to a variety

of factors including precipitation trends, storm drainage wells and

ccrsumptive use.

Continued declining trends can result is a permanent alteration of the

ecosystem, reduction of the recreational and aesthetic value of the Wekiva, as

Well as impact the St. k1chns River. Point and non-point pollution loadings

will become more concentrated and negatively impact water quality and biotic

integrity.

Management-Policy

The successful management of the water resources of the aquatic preserve

depends heavily on other government agencies (i.e., Der and the Water

Management District) charged with regulating water quality and quantity. The

objective of the water resources management shall be to maintain the naturally

high water quality and to ensure the natural seasonal fluctuations of fresh

water into the system. Sources of water resources data from non-government

agencies, are dependent on or may be found among colleges, universities,

scientific foundations and private consultants working in the Wekiva River

area. The aquatic preserve management program will manage the water resources

through coordination with these various entities. The field personnel will

not conduct water sampling, but through the review of these data from other

entities and from their own field observations, they will be able to identify

water resource problems in the aquatic preserve. Efforts will be made to

ensure consistency in project design and sampling techniques so that data from

various studies can be used for inteqrated analysis.

a. Familiarization with the Jurisdiction, Personnel, and Monitoring Programs

of Government Agencies and Other Entities. Field personel will become

thoroughly familiar with the jurisdiction, personnel and monitoring programs

of other agencies, institutions and corporations involved in studying,

monitoring, regulating and managing water resources within the aquatic

preserve and the drainage basins which provide fresh water to this preserve.

Those agencies known to be working or having potential activities affecting

the preserve are listed below; others may be added as they are identified.

1. Florida Department of Environmental Regulation

2. Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia County Health Departments

3. Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia County Environmental Services.

4. St. Johns River Water Management District

S. Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia County Planning Departments,

6. U. S. Geological Survey

7. 11. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

8. Mational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

9. Florida Department of Transportation

10. East Central Florida Regional Planning Council

Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission

12. Florida Department of Natural Pesources Marine Research Laboratory

13 University of Central Florida

14. 11. S. Army Corps of Engineers

15. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

16. Lake County Water Authority

17. Florida Division of Forestry

IP. Rollins College

b. Monitoring of Water Resources by Cooperative Data Collection and Review.

Field personnel will: (1) promote coordination among involved agencies in
planning monitoring programs and in evaluating monitoring data, (2) monitor

water resource@; within the preserve by reviewino the data collected and

compiled by those agencies as it applies to the aquatic preserve and its

rescurces.

C. Review of Lease Applications for Aquatic Preserve Uses and Watershed

Activities that would Affect the Preserve Vater Resources. Field personnel

will review sovereign land lease applications,.development of regional fmpact
reviews, and DER/COE permit applications in cooperation w Iith other agencies as
necessary to monitor the potential impacts on the water resources of- the

aquatic prese@rve.

d. Familiarization with and Monitoring of Activities and Users Which

Regularly Contribute Pollutants to Preserve Waters. Field personnel will

become familiar with the activities and users which regularly or potentially

contribute pollutants to the waters of the aquatic preserve. This monitoring

will be accomplished directly by field observations and indirectly by review

of other entities' water resources data. Field personnel will encourage and

coordinate with other agencies involved with water resources monitoring to

consider more detailed field monitoring in areas of the preserve where the

incidence of polluting activities is found to be high.

These activities will also be applicable to Chapter X (Scientific Research),
and the coordination thr'ouqh Chapter VI (Management Tmplementation Network).

The field personnel's onisite presence will be complemented by their reliance

on other agencies and entities for data and regulation. The field personnel

will have the ability to visually monitor water resource crises and phenomena

as they occur and when they affect other resources.

6. CUMULATTVE IMPACT ANALYSIS

Cumulative i.mpacts are the sum total of major and ninor changes or effects

upon a natural system. Taken sinrgUlarlly these effects may not constitute a

notable change in the condition of the natural system, but as these single

changes or uses accumulate, their combined impact may result in a substantive

Environmertal disturbance or degradation of the natural system.

The review of proposed uses in the aquatic preserve from the perspective of

cumulative impact analysis requires a thorough knowledge of the natural system

and the various interactions and dynamics within that system. This aquatic

preserve management program will initiate development of a cumulative impact

analysis program. The evaluation of cumulative impacts shall include the

following criteria from Chapter 18-20, F.A.C.:

"M The number and extent of similar actions within the

preserve which have previously affected or are likely

to affect the preserve, whether considered by the

Department under its current authority or which existed

prior to or since the enactment of the Aquatic Preserve

Act; and,

(2) The similar activities within the preserve which are

currently under consideration by the department; and

(3) Direct and indirect effects upon the preserve which may

reasonably be expected to result from the activity; and

(4) The extent to which the activity is consistent with manage-

ment plans for the preserve, when developed; and

(5) The extent to which the activity is in accordance

with comprehensive plans adopted by affected local

novernments, pursuant to Section 163.3161,

F.S., and other applicable plans adopted by local, state

and federal governmental agencies.

(6) The extent to which the loss of beneficial hydrologic and

biologic functions would adversely impact the quality or

utility of the preserve; and

(7) The extent to which mitigation measures may partially off-set

adverse impacts. Proposed mitigation to compensate for damages to

resources in the preserve will only be considered when no other

reasonable alternatives exist."

The availability of onsite preserve staff who are familiar with the distinc-

tive characteristics of this system, coupled with their ability to access

LANDSAT imagery and mapping and other data sources, is the key to development

of a successful cumulative impact analysis program. As cumulative impacts are

identified for specific areas and/or resources, they will become an integral

part of the project analysis and decision-making process.

7. MANAGEMENT OF ENCROACHMENTS

The management of encroachments in the preserve will concern the unauthorized

placement of structures, unauthorized dredging or filling, or other illegal

uses in the aquatic preserve. These encroachments might also include illegal

activities associated with an approved use (e.g., extension of a dock, or

extension of an approved channel).

The management policy for the field personnel, after identification of a

suspected illegal encroachment, will involve a violation reporting procedure

and the monitoring of the remedial action. After a field identification of a

suspected encroachment(s), field personnel will notify the central office to

verify the title of the property and to determine whether or not the use is an

approved activity. Due to the extensive areas involved in the aquatic

preserve, this will be a progressive activity depending on the field

personnel's eventual familiarization with the preserve and the approved uses.

The potential for unauthorized activities in such an extensive area may

possibly require some type of mapping and recording system to assist the field

personnel in their monitorinq.

The management action for verified illegal encroachment will be developed by

the agencies specifically involved (i.e, DNR, DER). The field personnel will

assist, as necessary, with field evaluations or other support activities. The

final action will be monitored by the field personnel, at the direction of the

Trustees to the central office. The procedures followed in these applications

will be decided on a case by case basis.

C. RESOURCE MAPPING AND RESOURCE PROTECTTON AREAS

The efficient description and location of resources within such a large area

requires thE use of remote sensing techniques. This work in the Wekiva Piver

area will be done in conliunction with DNR's Marine Research Laboratory's

Assessment of Fishery Habitat Loss Study. Marine Research Laboratory

personnel have developed resource and habitat identification mapping through

the use of LANDSAT (satellite) imagery and aerial photography.

The vegetation and land use mapping done in this study will become the basis

for the development of a Resource Protection Area management system in the

aquatic preserves (18-20.03(31-33) F.A.C. This mapping system identifies and

classifies various resources within the aquatic preserves that reqpire strict

protection by the management program. This mapping system will also give

acreage totals for each land use and vegetation classification in the

preserves, The yegpt.ation portion of the mapping will be augmented cver time

by wildlife and fisheries information (enoongpre.d species, bird rookeries,

etc.), archaeological and hi storical site information and other resource

factors deemed crucial to the continued @ealth and viability of the aquatic

preserves.

The onsite managpr(s) will supplement this mapping with the above information

to develop and update a Resource Protection Area (RPA) mapping program. The

RPA mapping system is based on three levels of resource classification. The

RPA 1 level may contain resources of the highest quality. Uses proposed for

these areas will receive the most rigorous review. Fxamples of RPA reSOUrce I

areas include the following: grassbeds and other submerged vegetation;

emergent vegetation; archaeological and historical sites; endangered species

habitat; and wading bird nesting sites.

The RPA 2 areas are defined as those areas containing the resources of RPA 1,

but in a transitional condition compared to RPA 1. These resources may either

be building toward RPA 1 status or declining to RPA 3 status. RPA 2 areas

will require careful field review as to the specific area's sensitivity to

each proposed use. In some respects, these areas may be more sensitive to

disturbances than RPA I areas. The resources of RPA 2 include: recolonizing

vegetation and other resources of RPA 1 that fit in the RPA 2 conditior.

RPA 3 areas are characterized by the general absence of the attributes of the

above two classes. RPA 3 areas may have small localized RPA 1 or 2 areas

within them. RPA 3 generally have deep water areas or areas with no

significant vegetation or wildlife attributes. Nearshore and bottom areas

significantly modifipd by man are designated RPA 3. Some of these areas are

sites for future restoration.

These RPA maps will require periodic revisions as the onsite managers learn

more about the resource's reaction to man's uses. Scientific research and

other data additions may also require modification of this system. Natural

changes will also require modification of this classification system.

Ground truthing and periodic checking by LANDSAT satellite imagery will become

useful for remote sensor monitoring as its use is more fully developed.

The RPA rraps will serve as a planning and management too! for both onsite and

central office staff. More detailed field review will still he required to

supplement this information on a case by case basis.

The initial development, as well as periodic review, will require support and

assistance of the manv other resource regulating and managing agencies, as

well as local and regional government entities. Support will also be

requested from the colleges, universities, foundatiuns and other interest

groups and individuals.

D. ADMINTSTPATIVE MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

This section of the chapter addresses the role of the central office, in the

aquatic preserve management, planning and implementation process. The central

office'.s role is generally interpreted within the context of coordinatino

activities with the field personnel. This coordination linkage is important

to many program aspects, including project review and evaluation, local

contact initiation, administrative rule development, contractual services and

conflict resolution, and the routine support (payroll, operating expenses,

etc.) usually extended by the central office to the onsite managers. All

program activities identified within this context are designed to protect and

enhance the environmental, educational, scientific, and aesthetic qualities of

the natural systems of the aquatic preserve.

1. Objectives

The following administrative objectives will be pursued for the aquatic

preserve management program.

a. To ensure a comprehensive, coordinated review and evaluation of

proposed activities potentially affecting the environmental

integrity of the aquatic preserve.

b. To serve as the link between aquatic preserve field personnel,,and

state agencies and programs which originate in Tallahassee.

c. To serve as the primary steff in the development of administrative

rule additions, deletions, and revisions.

d. To serve as the administrative staff for contractual agreements and

services.

e. To assist in a conflict resolution.

f. To review existing and past activities as to their effect on'the

environmental integrity of the aquatic preserve.

2. Project Review aria' Evaluation

A maller element -in the administration c,f an aquatic preserve management system

is the establishment of a thorough project review process. The central office

staff reviews all propcsed project activities requiring the use of state-owned

lands within the preserve, and develops an official response to the Division

of State Lands. Certain projects, such as Sinqle family private dock

applications may be assigned directly to field staff.

Sections 258.42 through 258.44, F.S., establish the legal context within which

proposed uses of the aquatic preserve must be evaluated. Essentially, these

sections require that projects he basically water dependent or water-enhanced,

not contrary to the lawful and traditional uses of the preserve, and not

infringing upon the traditional riparian rights of the upland property owner.

The primary mechanism through which proposed projects are reviewed is

accowplished by participatirr in the state lands management process as

established by Chapter 253, F.S., and modified by Chapter 258, F.S. The

central office was administratively designated, on October 4, 1982, as an

ia@4ent of the Trustees, for the purposes of evaluating the environmental

conseqUences of proposed uses of state-owned lands within aquatic preserves.

In conducting the environmental evaluations, the central office staff will

rely heavily upon -I.he most current, readily available data such as staff field

reports, Department of Transportation (DOT) aerial photography, LANDSAT

imagery, DER biological reports, and other data resources. If a proposed

activity is legally consistent with the maintenance criteria outlined in

Section 258.42, F.S. and Chapter 18-20, F.A.C., and is generally of negligible
environ mental concern , then the project review will likely be conducted in its
entirely by the central office staff, utilizing the genrealized environmenttal
data

The field personnel will be requested to conduct a more detailed environmental

assessment of the project if the central office staff, during the course of

the preliminary application review, determines that the requested use of

state-owned lands may have a significant effect upon the environmental integ-
rity of the preserve. Copies of all applications received will be provided to

the field, personnel for project monitoring and assessment of the possible

cumulative impacts.

Field personnel will be encouraged to establish direct communication links

with the various regulatory and management agencies for purposes of obtaining

advance notification of projects potentially affecting the preserve. All
environmental review and assessments, however, will be channeled through the

central office unless other arrangements have been previosly cleared with, the

central office.

While the State Lands Management Program authorized by Chapter,-. 253 and 558,

F.S. and Chapter I8-20and 18-21, F.A.C. Is expected to be the primary manage-

ment implementation vehicle for the aquatic preserve, it is not the only

vehicle. Section 253.77,, F.S,., as amended., and the December 1982 Memoranndum.

of Understanding, between the COE,_ DER and DNR& provide. direct access to DER'S

permitting process for DNR. The Development of Regional Impact (DRI), and

other region;l or state. level review processes represent other implemen-

tation ii-,echanisms. The basic review approach arid the evaluation relationship

between the field personnel and the central office staff will be the same as

the case involving the State Lands Management program.

One aspect of the aquatic preserve review and evaluation program is the

identification of proposed activities that are either generally or specifi-

cally prohibited. Immediately Upon review of such project applications, the

centrPI office staff will notify the Division of State Lands (or other program

managers) that the proposed activity is legally unapprovable for the stated

reasons. For those proposals which are subJect to denial due to their adverse

environmental impacts, even though the activity may be permissible, Section

1158.42, F.S., specifically provides that:

"(1) Mo further sale, lease, or transfer of sovereignty submerged lands

shall be approved or consummated by the trustees except when such

sale, lease, or transfer is ir, the public interest.

(2) The trustees shall riot approve the waterward relocation or setting

of bulkhead lines waterward of the line of mean high water within

the preserve except when public road and bridge construction

projects have no reasonable alternative and it is s@cwn to be not

contrary to the public interest.

(3) (a) No further dredging or filling of submerged lands shall be

approved by the trustees except the following activities may be

authorized pursuant to a permit:

1. Such minimum dredging and spoiling as may be authorized for

public navigation projects.

? . Such minimum dredging and spoiling as may be authorized for

creation and maintenance of marinas, piers, and docks and

their attendant navigation channels.

3. Such other alteration of physical conditions as may, in the
opinion of the trusteesi be necessary to enhance the

quality or utility of the preserve or the public health

generally.

4. Such other maintenance dredging as may be required for

existing navigation channels.

5. Such restoration of land as authcrized by Section

253.124(8).

6. Such reasonable improvements as may be necessary for public

utility installation or expansion.

1. I'nstallati6n and maintenance of oil and gas transportation

facilities, provided such facilities are properly marked

with marine aids to navigation as prescribed by federal

law.

(b) There shall, in no case, be any dredging seaward of a bulkhead

line for the sole or primary purpose of providing fill for any

area landward of a bulkhead line.

will not prohibit the state from leasing the oil and gas rights

and permitting drilling from outside the preserve to explore

for oil and gas if approved by the board.

(dI There shall be no excavat'ion of minerals, except the dredo,.inq

of dead oyster shells as approved by the Department of Natural

Rescurces.

(e) There shall be no erection Of structures within the preserve;

except:

1. Private docks for reasonable ingress or egress of riparian

owners;

2. Commercial docking facilities shown to be consistent with

the use or management criteria of the preserve; and

3. Structures for shore protection, approved navigational

aids, or public utility crossings authorized under

subsection (3)(a).

M No wastes or efflUents shall be discharged into the preserve

which substantially inhibit the accomplishment of the purposes

of this act.

(g) No nonpermitted wastes or effluents shall be. directly

discharged into the preserve which substantially inhibit the

accomplishment of the purposes of this act."

Generally, applicants desirous of appealing staff recommendations will have to

follow those appellate procedures outlined in the appropriate authorizing

statutes. in the case where applications requesting the use of state-owned

!ands are denied, three appellate procedures are available to the applicant.

Depending upon the type of application submitted, an applicant may:

a. Request the Governor and Cabinet to overturn an application decision

rendered by the Executive Director of Department of Natural Resources

(or his designee) under a delegation of authority;

b. Request an Administrative Pearing under the procedures outlined in

Chapter 120, F.S.; or

c. Appeal the action Of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement
Trust Fund to the District Court of Appeal.

3. Liaison Between Field Personnel and Other Interested Parties

One of the most important aspect of the field personnel's job is to establish

a mutually beneficial communication link with pertinent interest groups. The

central office staff will assist in initially identifying and contacting

governmental bodies, special interest groups and interested individuals

requiring aquatic preserve program coordination.

When requested by the onsite managers, the central office staff will assist in

arranging for specialized management expertise not generally available

locally. This may include, for example, such things as arranging for DHP to

conduct a detailed cultural resource assessment for certain areas of the

preserve.

Chapter VI

MANAGEMPIT IMPLEMENTATION NETWORK

This chapter of the management plan will address the various relationships of

aquatic preserve management to the different government agencies and programs,

non-government entities, interest groups, and individuals within the aquatic

preserve area. The activities of both field personnel and central office

staff as they relate to these other organizations will be presented.

A. FEDERAL

Many federal agencies have property interests, land and wildlife management

programs, research activities, construction activities, and regulation

programs existing or potentially existing within the aquatic preserve, The

objective of the aquatic preserve management program will be to complement

the various activities wherever possible. The field personnel will assist

those federal agencies in areas where they have common goals. The field

personnel and central office staff will also review the federal activities as

to their effect on the objectives of the aquatic preserve management. The

review shall be coordinated through the PER's Office of Coastal Management for

the purposes of enforcing the provisions of the Federal Coastal Zone Manage-

Pient Act of 1972, as amended.

I. United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The Aquatic Preserve program

will be involved in the review of proposed preserve uses in conjunction with

the Fish and Wildlife Service. The USFWS reviews dredge and fill requests and

other federal 1evel permitting under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.

Another management program of with the Fish and Wildilfe Service is the

protection and recovery of endangered species and bird rookeries within the

aquatic preserve. Field personnel will become involeved in using available

recovery techniques for this purpose, if necessary.

2. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) is

charged with providing technical guidance and planning assistance for the

nation's water resources development. The COE also provides supervision and

direction to many engineering works such as harbors, waterways and manu other

types of structures. Their major responsibility, as it applies to the aquatic

preserve, is the protection of navigable waters, pollution abatement and

maintaining water quality and the enhancement of fish and wildlife.

The COE activities in the Wekiva River area include their involvement with the

DER in the dredge and fill permitting process, technical oversight of channel,

inlet and canal maintenance, and evaluating requests for new channels, canals

and other such public works,projects. The field personnel will become

familiar with the various programs, policies and procedures as they apply to

the aquatic preserve.

The field personnel and central office staff will also review activities

proposed by the COE for conformance to the objectives of the aquatic preserve

management plan. This involvement should begin in the early stages of project

planning in order to facilitate the best protection of the aquatic preserve

possible.

3. U.S. Geological Survey. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) under the

Department of the !nterior has the responsibility'to perform surveys,

investigations, and research pertaining to topography, geology, and the

mineral and water resources of the United States. USGS also publishes and

disseminates data relative to those preceding activities. In the past the

USGS has conducted many studies on various resources in the region.

The field personnel and central office staff will become familiar with these

studies and the data results as they apply to their management activities.

4. U.S. Environmental Protection Ageng. The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), in cooperation with state and-local governments, is the federal

agency responsible for the control and abatement of environmental pollution.

The six areas of pollution within which the EPA is concerned are air, water,

solid waste, noise, radiation and toxic substances. The DER is the state

agency responsible for handling most of these programs on a state level in

lieu of a federal program. Within the aquatic preserve, the field personnel

will assist,the EPA in planning field activities and where there are common

goals.

B. STATE

Many state agencies have programs which affect the resources or regulate

activities within the aquatic preserve. There are other Q.NR programsthat

are within or affect the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve management.

I. Department of Environmental Regulation. The Department of Environmental
Regulation (DER) is the state agency in charge of state-wide regulation of

water quality. The PEP is also the local contact in the aquatic preserves

area for the initiation of dredge and fill applications in conjunction with

the COE and, DNR. With respect to water quality and dredge and fill regula-

tion, the DER is one of the most important agencies to the management of the

aquatic preserve. Maintaining water quality in the preserve is critical to

the health of the River, and dredge and fill activities are one of the most

potentially destructive activities affecting water quality within the

preserve. The DER also monitors and regulaltes'other potential forms of pollu-

tion, such as air pollution, wastewater discharges, and hazardous waste, all

of which can affect the ability to maintain essential natural conditions.

The field personnel@will become familiar with the water quality, dredge and

fill, and other regulatory programs that are important to the aquatic

preserve. The field personnel should develop a close working relationship

with DER staff and become familiar with DER field activities and programs that

are in common with the objectives of the aquatic preserve management program.

The field personnel should open the most efficient line of communication with

the local offices to receive advanced copies of the permit applications from

DER to improve the response time within the review process.

Department of Community Affairs. The Department of Community Affairs

IMA) is responsible for determining Pevelopments of Regional Impact (DRI) and

for recommending to the Administration Commission Areas of Critical State

Concern (ACSC). DRI's are major developments that have impacts on a scale

which is greater than county level and require a regional review from

neighboring local governments and state agencies. Both the central office

staff and field personnel of the aquatic preserve program will be involved in

reviewing DRI's. The field personnel should receive notice of a DRI through

the central office staff and will proceed with the field review. The central

office staff will coordinate the field review findinqs and work with the other

state agencies in Tallahassee in the review of the DRI.

The ACSC program is intended to protect the areas of the state where unsuit-

able land development would endanger resources of regional or statewide

significance. When an area is identified as a possible ACSC, a Resource

Planning and Management Program (RPMP) is established. The RPMP evaluates the

resources, and the local government's land development practices. After this
evaluation is complete, the RPMP committee makes recommendations to the local

governments on how their land development practices could be improved to

ensure an orderly land well-planned growth that would protect the critical

resources. When these modifications are not nade to the RPMP committee's

approval, areas of local government that are not in conformance could be

designated an ACSC or the entire area may be designated an ACSC by the

Legislature. The 14ekiva River Aquatic Preserve area is not currently

designated an ACSC.

3. Department of Natural Resources. The aquatic preserve management propgram

is associated with several other Department of Natural Resource (DNR) programs

in the Wekiva River area.

DNR's Marine Research Laboratory in St. Petersburg, under the Division of

Marine Resources, has several studies and programs ongoing statwide involving

fisheries habitat loss which will benefit the aquatic preserve program. The

Resource Protection Area mapping developed as part of these studies will also

be used in the management of Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve.

The Division of State Lands Within the DNR is charged with overseeing uses,

sales, leases or transfers of state-owned lands. The aquatic preserve staff

will interact with State Lands in all transactions concerning submerged lands

within the aquatic preserve. These would include the potential acquisition of

privately titled submerged lands or contiguous uplands important to the integ-

rity of the preserve.

The Division of Resource Management, through the Bureau of Aquatic Plant

Research and Control, is responsible for various aquatic plant programs

potentially affecting the aquatic preserve. Staff will establish

communication links with this Division to ensure that adequate consideration

is given to potential impacts upon the preserve that may result from the

conduct of their various programs.

The Division of Recreation and Parks, in addition to the work related to

aquatic preserves by BLARM and the Florida Park Service, is also involved in

the mariagement of State parks and recreation areas nearby. The aquatic

preserve program will work closely with these programs as they relate to

aquatic preserve management objectives.

4. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. (GFWFC) The GFWFC's

Environmental Services office in Tallahassee sends biologists into the

preserve to review projects which may have potential impacts on local fish and

wildlife habitat as necessary. The central office will use the GF14FC's assis-

tance in their review process, when possible, and in developing fish and

wildlife management for the aquatic preserve.

The GFI4FC also has law enforcement officers working in this area. The field

personnel will interact with these officers where there are common goals of

protecting wildlife and other resources within the Wekiva River.

The GFWFC is also the state coordinator of the Mon-Game Wildlife and the

Endangered Species Programs in Florida. The field personnel and central

office staff will work with GFWFC personnel in developing program needs in

this area.

Currently on going studies by the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission in that

portion of the St. Johns River included in the Aquatic Preserve include both

angler utilization and fish population dynamics for largemouth bass, black

crappie, and striped bass hybrids. Additionally, two water quality sampling

stations are located in the preserve boundaries: one downstream of the 1-4

bridge on the St. lohns River, and one located in the VIekiva River near its

confluence with the St. Johns River.

5. Department of Transportation. (DOT) The DOT has its State headquarters

office in Tallahassee and District office in Orlando, and the aquatic preserve

field personnel and the central office will work with the resident engineer on

anticipated projects having possible impacts on the aquatic preserve. The

field personnel and administrative staff will review any major highway or

bridge projects that may be proposed in the future.

6. Department of State, The Division of Historical Resources (DHR) in the

Department of State will have a close working relationship with the field

personnel and central office staff in the protection of archaeological and

historical sites. The field personnel will be directed by DHR, through the

central office, in any activities or management policy needs for these sites.

7. Health and Rehabilitative Services. (HRS) Both the central office staff

and field personnel will establish communication and coordination linkages

with HRS and their locally conducted programs of septic tank requlation and

mosquito control. Although mosquito control serves a useful public function,

the effects of pesticides (adulticides and larvacides) in the waters of the

preserve are a primary concern. Additionally, the central office staff will

become involved in future meetings and management programs developed by the

Florida Coordinating Council on Mosquito Control. Subsequent policy

recommendations coming out of this grou[ will be evaluated for applicabilty

to the ongoing aquatic preserve management program.

C. REGIONAL

The regional level of the management implementation network as it applies to

the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve will include the St. Johns River Water

Management District and The East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

These organizations have activities that are broader than the local

goverrimient, but are on a smaller scale than the state level.

1. Water Management District. The St. Johns River Water Management District

includes Lake, Orange Seminole and Volusia Counties. The water management

district administers permitting programs for consumptive water use, management

and storage of surface waters, well drilling and operation, regulation of

artificial recharge facilities, and works of the district. This includes the

withdrawal and use of water from rivers, streams, and wells. The types of

water uses they permit in the preserve area include irrigation and public

water supply. The field personnel will become familiar with the review and

permitting procedures as they might apply to water supply in this basin. The

water management district is also involved in various studies on water supply

and management, and other related research that may be of use to aquatic

preserve management.

The St. Johns River 1,11ater Management District (SJRWMD) recently adopted

additional stormwater management criteria applicable to the Wekiva Basin.

The additional criteria identifies the Wekiva Basin as a "Hydrological

Sensitive Area" and defines the boundaries of the Nekiva River Hydrological

Basin". Stormwater management system design criteria requires three inches of

runoff he retained for projects within "Most Effective Recharge Areas" ("Most

Effective Recharge Areas" are defined by the U.S. Geological Survey as areas

which have 10-20 inches of recharge per year). The system design criteria

also requires that a system not cause a net reduction in flood storage within

the 100-year flood plain of a stream or other water course which has a

drainage area of more than one square mile and which has direct hydrologic

connection to the Little Wekiva River, Wekiva River, or Black Water Creek.

Recently adopted "Wetland Review Criteria" also apply to wetlands within the

Wekiva Basin and requre an applicate provide reasonable assurance that a

proposed system will not cause adverse off-site changes in : (a( the habitat

of an aquatic and wetland dependent species, (b) the abundance and diversity

of aquatic and wetland dependent species, and (c) the food sources of aquatic

and wetland dependent species. Where wetlands are used by threatened or

endangered species which are aquatice or wetland dependent, both off-site and

on-site impacts will be assessed and the applicant must provide reasonable

assurance that a prosed system will not cause adverse changes in: (a) the

habitat of threatened or endangered species (b) the abundance and diversity of

threatened or endangered species, and (c) the food sources of threatened and

endangered species.

The Trustees support and wil advocate the concept of establishing a variable

buffer zone for the Wekiva River and will coordinate and cooperate with the

St. Johns River Water Management District as it attempts to adopt such a

buffer zone.

2. Regiona Planning Councils. The East Central Florida Regional Planning

Council (ECFRPC) serves as a regional planning body for the local governments

of Lake, Orange, Osceloa, Brevard, Volusia and Seminole Counties. Among its

duties, the ECFRPC:

a. aids local governments with planning expertise:

100

b. is the regional representative for the Development of Regional

Impact (DRI), review process;

c. serves as regional clearinghouse for state and federal projects and

programs;

e. conveys information from the local governments to the state and

federal levels; and

f. prepares and administers the regional policy plan.

The field personnel will become familiar with the various projects, programs,

and data sources that the ECFRPC has within their administration that may

affect or prove useful to the aquatic preserve program.

The DRI review of projects which affect the aquatic preserves will be reviewed

by the central office staff, with the field personnel's field review, when

necessary. DRI's for large marinas, large subdivisions on the uplands above

the preserve, and commercial or industrial developments will require a field

review bv the field personnel as to their effect on the aquatic preserve.

D. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND SPECIAL DISTRICTS

This section will address the relationship of the aquatic preserve management

proqrar,, to the various local governmental agencies, special districts and

their programs. The local governments for Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve

involve Lake, Seminole Orange and Volusia Counties. The various special

101

districts (drainage and mosquito control) and their relati,:onship to aquatic
preserve management, are also presented.

The field personnel will be the local liaison for the aquatic preserve to

these local governmental entities to assist them in modifying their policies

and practices to conform to the objectives of the aquatic preserve's

management plan, and to exchange information and expertise for Mutual

benefits.

.1. Relationship to local mana_gement plans- Local (municipal and county)

governments are required by the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act of

1975 (Section 163.3161, F.S.) [as ammended by Chapter 85-55, Laws of Florida,

to the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation

Actl to update their local plans and among other requirements adopt land

development regulations a-nd improve coastal management protection. The

coastal management element of the LGCP along with the land use and conser-

vation elementsestablishes long range plans for orderly, and balanced

development, with particular attention to the identification and-protection of

environmental resources in the planning area. Conformance with the criteria,

policies and practices of a local government comprehensive plan is required

for all development within the local governmental jurisdiction.

The intent of the aquatic preserve management program and this plan is to

guide Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia County governments during their

comprehensive planning toward developing local plan criteria and standards to

@be consistent with the objectives of the aquatic preserve program. Review of

the comprehensive plans for Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia Counties, has

produced no obvious inconsistencies between the policies of these local plans

102

and the resource management policies of this aquatic preserve plan. As these

local governments proceed to revise their plans, staff will review existing

and new policies that apply to resource protection in the Wekiva Basin, and

will advise local governments of their 'Consistency with Trustees adopted

policies for the Preserve.

2. Relationship to local development codes. The local zoning and development

codes (e.g. building codes) provide the major local regulation that defines

what an owner can do on a particular parcel of property. The zoning

prescribes the allowable uses and the intensity of those uses. Certain uses

along an aquatic preserve can potentially have a profound effect on a

preserve.

This section will operate in conjunction with the preceding section on local

manaaement plans. The field personnel will become familiar with the local

zoning, development codes and their potential effects on the nearby aquatic

preserve. The field personnel will assist local planning and zoning officials

in identifying areas where changes in zoning would better conform to the

objectives of environmental protection for the aquatic preserve management.

The field personnel will also offer to assist local planning and zoning

officials in the review of proposed subdivisions upland of the preserve.

Special Districts (Drainage, Inlet and Mosquito Control). The special

districts are taxing districts established to correct drainage and mosquito

control problems. Lake, Orange and the eastern part of Volusia Counties have

mosqtjito control districts. Seminole County does not have a mosquito control

district but control.is regulated by the City of Sanford.

103

These districts may not have an official comprehensive management plan, but

they do have management policies and program statements that are similar toe

such a plan. The field personnel will become familiar with these policies and

the activities of these districts and will monitor their effect on the aquatic

preserve. For example, the field personnel might recommend identifying areas

that should not receive mosquito apraying or other alternative management

because of remoteness to inhabited areas and because of possible damage to the

resources of the aquatic preserve; or drainage districts might be asked, not to

use certain types of herbicides or to use them on1y at certain times of the

year.

E. Other Entities

This section will app1y to the numerous entitiies that have an interest in the

aquatic preserve but are non-governmental agencies. They include the

environmental interest qroups (i.e., Friends of Wekiva River, Inc., Audubon

Society, Sierra Club, Florida Native Plant Society, and others), universities

and the fishing and sporting groups. The relationship of these entities to

aquatic preserve management might include the coordination of activities, such

as scientific research, environmental education, management of rookiertes or

other natural areas, or numerous other possible activities. A worthwhi1e

aquatic preserve mangement process will depend on the continued support and

help of these interest groups in al1 of the aquatic preserves. The field

personnel will be active in communicating the aquatic preserve mangement

process and activities to the various groups and consulting with them for

their help in their areas of expertise.

104

Preface

(Chapters VII - IX)

Authorized Activities and Uses of Aquatic Preserves

The following cha pters provide a description of public, private and commercial

activities/uses that are allowable pursuant to statutory direction and all

other applicable authorities in aquatic preserves. These activities/uses are

subject to the approval of the Board (Governor and Cabinet) or their designee.

Approval of these activities/uses is normally predicated upon a demonstration

that the proposed activity/use is environmentally sound and/or is, in the

opinion of the Board, necessary in conjunction with an overriding public need.

Tn all cases, approved activities/uses that adversely impact the resources of

an aquatic preserve shall only be approved when accompanied by adequate

compensation measures that contribute to an overall net public benefit.

[litigation measures, other than those associated directly with programs for

habitat reestablishment or rehabilitation, are viewed by the Board as

inadecuate attempts to compensate for alteration of essentially natural

ecological conditions through the establishment of artificial resource

systems. Therefore, mitigation will only be encouraged in conjunction with on

and off-site projects that are designed to reestablish natural habitat values

and where the aquatic preserve will biologically and aesthetically benefit

from the proposed restoration actions.

105

Chapter VII

PUBLIC USES

This chapter addresses the public use of the aquatic preserve. The public in

this case shall refer to the general public or those persons without riparian

rights. The "Florida Aquatic Preserve Act of 1975" (Section 25P.35, F.S.)

allows for the lawful and traditional public uses cf the aquatic preserve,

such as sport fishing, boating and swimming (as adapted from Section

258.43rll, F.S.) These and other traditional uses that do not involve a

commercial intent or the use of a riparian right to place a structure in the

preserve, and do not degrade or otherwise destroy the preserve will be con-

sidered public uses. This section will be further divided into consumptive

and non-consumptive uses as applicable to each resource.

A. Consumptive Uses.

Ccrisumptive uses involve the removal of resources from the preserve. These

uses include fishing, hunting, shellfishing, and other related activities.

They also include the unintentional removal of resources by propeller damage

to grassbeds. The management of these uses (see Chapter V, Resource Manage-

ment, Section R: Onsite Management Objectives) will include the observation

and monitoring of the effects of these uses on the resources. The field

personnel will periodically assess the impacts through the use of the Marine

Research Laboratory's LANDSAT capabilities for habitat losses or disturbances

107

in the Wekiva River area plus any other studies or data sources that might

become available. This mangement will also include the protection of the

resources from unlawful or excess practices of these uses. The legality of

these uses will b6 controlled by existing applicable state laws and local

ordinances. Field personnel, for example, will become familiar with and

monitor the success of rules adopted by the Game and Freshwater Fish

Commission. These will include regulations on fishing gear-, bag and size

limits, closed areas, seasons, etc.

Consumptive uses will also be monitored for their effect on other resources

(e.g., bird rookeries, grassbeds, archaeological and historical sites). The

field personnel will aslo be senitive to additional enforcemnt nees (i.e.,

the need for additional enforcement staff during nesting seasons).

B. Non-consumptive Uses.

These uses are those which do not generally remove resources from the

preserve. Examples of these uses include swimming, diving, boating, bird-

watching and other related activities. the management practices involved with

these uses will be the same as those previously described under Section A.,

except that these uses are not generally controlled by law. The guiding

principle in these cases will be whether or not the activity causes a disrup-

tion of the preserve's resources (e.g., destroys grassbeds, or disturbs

rookeries). Only in the event of these disruptions will the field personnel

become involved. Some of these uses may possibly be involved in environmental

education programs (Chapter XI.

108

C . Other Uses.

For a number of years, various individuals have constructed and occupied

cabins or camps on sovereign lands within the Wekiva River. Since the middle

1970's, staff of the Department has compiled information on these unauthorized

cabins and attempted, through various mechanisms, to bring these trespasses

under active management control of the Department.

Thirty nine cabins were involved in the initial lease negotiations.

Throughout the years, many cabins have been upgraded or expanded, while many

others have been neglected or abandoned. Construction activities associated

with.cabin restoration and improvement are in potential violation of one or
more of the following aquatic preserve rulles, Section 18-20, F.A.C.:

18-20.004(l)(c) construction of seawalls waterward of the ordinary high

water line

!P-110.004(1)(e)(5) construction of private docks without lease, easement or

consent of use

IF,-20.004(l)(f) construction of non-water dependent structures

18-20.004(5)(a)l construction of docks within areas of special or unique

importance

!P-20.004(5)(b)l construction of main access dock in excess of four (4) feet

18-20.004(5)(b)2 construction of dock decking without insuring maximum light

penetration

Structures over sovereignty lands also represent loss of habitat and loss of

biological function. Localized water quality dearedation may be attributed to

individual sewage disposal systems which do not meet minimum county standards.

109

Cabins that have been neglected or abandoned have been a source of litter,

especially during high water when numerous cans and other debris readily float

downstream. Abandoned or neglected cabins are permanent detractions that must

be addressed through legal actions or management strategies, Onb November l9,

1985 the Governor and Cabinet directed staff to pursue the removal of

unauthorized structures from state owned lands within the Aquatic Preserve.

In December 1985, certain individuals, claiming an ownership interest by

adverse possession of the islands upon which the cabins are located, filed a

quiet title suit against the DNR. The Department then counterclaimed for

ejectment.

Currently, the litigation is p[roceeding on three fronts. First, discovery is

underway in terms of requests for admissions, interrogatories, and

depositions. Second, DNR is conductin gan ordinary high water survey of the

River. This ia time consuming task, but DNR estimates late fall as a target

completion date. Third, both DNR and the Attorney General's Office are in

contact with the St. Johns River Water Management District to seek their

technical assistance. The Department is committed to vigorous pursuit of

litigation to insure that all trepassers and structures are removed as

quickly as possible.

110

Chapter VIII

PRIVATE NON-COMMERCIAL USES

This section will apply to those private, non-commercial uses which are

associated with riparian land ownership. The management of the aquatic

preserve recognizes the traditional riparian rights of upland property owners.

The right of ingress, egress, boating, swimming, fishing and other incidental

uses of sovereignty lands, historically has allowed for the placement of

certain structures, such as docks, within the preserve. The right to make any

preemptive use of sovereign lands is a qualified one and can only be exercised

with the prior consent of the Board after a finding that such uses will not

impair public uses, or destroy or damage areas of environmental significance.

The review of proposed activities will require the interaction of the Resource

Protection Area mapping with administrative and possible field review and

later monitoring by field personnel as projected by Chapter V., Section B.

Private non-commercial uses shall be designed to avoid critical Resource

Protection Areas (RPA 1 and 2) and shall be designed to reduce the uses'

impact to the preserve in general. Individual applications for these private

non-commercial uses shall be reviewed by the applicable Resource Protection

Area Map and criteria. In addition, private dock proposals will be reviewed

by the criteria described in Section 18-20.04(5) F.A.C. of the revised Aquatic

Preserve Rule:

1. no dock shall extend waterward of the mean or,ordinary high water
line more than 500 feet or 20 percent of the width of the waterbody at that
particular location whichever is less;

2. certain docks may fall within areas of special or unique
imppetandei These areas may be of Significant biological, scientific,
historic and/or aesthetic value and require special management considerations.
Modifications may be more restrictive than the normally accepted criteria.
Such m6difleati6ns Shall be determined on a case-by-case analysis, and may
include, but shall not be limited to changes in location, configuration,
leh�tho Width atid height;
3. the numberi lengths, drafts and types of vessels allowed to
utilize the proposed facility may also be stipulated'#,
4. where local governments have mote stringent standards and criteria
for docking facilities, the.more stringent standards for the protection and
enhancement of the aquatic preserve shall prevail;
5. any main access dock shall be limited to a maximum width of four
(4) feet;
6. the dock decking design and construction will insure maximum light
penetration, with full consideration of safety and practicality;
7. the dock will 'extend out from the shoreline no further than, to a
maximum depth of minus four (- 4) feet (mean low water);
8. when the water depth is minus four (-4) feet (mean lowwater) at
an existing bulkhead the maximum dock length from the bulkhead shall be 25
feet, subject to modifications accommodating shoreline vegetation overhang;
9. wave break devices, when necessary, shall be designed to allow for
maximum water circulation and shall be built in such a manner as to@be part
of the dock structure.
10. terminal platform size shallbe no more that 160 SLquare feet;'and
11. dredging to obtain navigable water depths in conjunction with
private residential, tingle dock applications is strongly discouraged.

Seawalls should be placed, when allowed,,in such a way as to be the least

destructive and disruptive to the vegetation and other resource factors in

each area.

Dredging within the aquatic:preserve shall be held to a minimum. Dredging

proposals shall be reviewed according to the procedures in Chapter V depending
on the proposed activities location within the RPA. Proposals. within RPA I

areas (Chapter V[BI[6]) will be scrutinized to the maximum extent in order to
find the best practicable method of development and location if that use is

a
ttept
able in that particular area of the preserve. The'mitigation of'lost or

@disturbed resources shall be required. There shall be no dredging allowed in

RPA 1 or 2 areas or in nearby areas if it will adversely impact these areas.

1,12

The location of proposed multiple docking facilities, such as for condominium

developments, shall be based on the marina siting criteria described in

Section 18-20.04(5) F.A.C. of the revised General Aquatic Preserve Rule:

1. no dock shall extend waterward of the mean or ordinary high water
line more that 500 feet or 20 percent of the width of the waterbody at that
particular location whichever is less;
2. certain docks may fall within areas of special or unique
importance. These areas may be of significant biological, scientific,
historic and/or aesthetic value and require special management considerations.
Modifications may be more restrictive than the normally accepted criteria.
Such modifications shall be determined on a case-by-case analysis, and may
include, but shall not be limited to changes in location, configuration,
length, width and height;
3. the number, lengths, drafts and types of vessels allowed to
utilize the proposed facility may also be stipulated;
4. where local governments have more stringent standards and criteria
for docking facilities, the more stringent standards for the protection and
enhancement of the aquatic preserve shall prevail;
5. the area of sovereignty, submerged land preempted by the docking
facility shall not exceed the square footage amounting to ten times the
riparian waterfront footage of the affected waterbody of the applicant, or
the square footage attendant to providing a single dock in accordance with
the criteria for private residential single docks, whichever is greater. A
conservation easement or other such use restriction acceptable to the Board
must be placed on the riparian shoreline, used for the calculation of the
10:1 threshold, to conserve and protect shoreline resources and
subordinate/waive any further riparian rights of ingress and egress for
additional docking facilities;
6. docking facilities and access channels shall be prohibited to
Resource Protection Area 1 or 2, except as allowed pursuant to Section
258.42(3)(e)l., Florida Statutes, while dredging in Resource Protection Area
3 shall be strongly discouraged;
7. docking facilities shall only be approved in locations having
adequate existing water depths in the boat mooring, turning basin, access
channels, and other such areas which will accommodate the proposed boat use in
order to insure that a minimum of one foot clearance is provided between the
deepest draft of a vessel and the bottom at mean low water;
8. main access docks and connecting or cross walks shall not exceed six
(6) feet in width;
9. terminal platforms shall not exceed eight.(8) feet in width;
10. finger piers shall not exceed three (3) feet in width, and 25 feet
in length;
11. pilings may be utilized as required to provide adequate mooring
capabilities; and
119- docking facilities shall only be located in or near areas with good
circulation, flushing and adequate water depths;

113

13. docking facilities and access,channels shall be prohibited in
Resource Protection Area I or 2, except as allowed pursuant to Sections
258.42 (3) (e) 1. , Florida Statutes; while dredging in Resource Protection, Area,
3 shall be strongly discouraged:,
14. the docking facilities shall not be located in: Resource Protection.
Area 1 or 2; however, main access docks may be allowed to pass through
Resource Protection Area I or 2, that. are located along the shoreline, to,
reach an acceptable Resource Protection Area 3, provided that such crossing;
will generate minimal environmental, impact-,.
15. beginning July 1, 1986 new docking facilties may obtain a lease.
only wherethe local governments, have an adopted marina plan,and/or policies
dealing with the siting of commercial/industrial and private, residentia1,
multi-slip docking facilities in their local government comprehensive plan;
Senate Bill 607 enacted by the Florida LegisTature In June 1986 amended;
section 258.42(3)(e) F.S., and provided,that "no structure under this,
provision or Chapter 253 shall be prohibited solely because the local
government fail,s to, adopt a marina, plan, or other policies dealing, with the,
siting of such structure in their local comprehensive plan".]:
16. the sitingof the docking facilities shall, also,take into account the
access of the boat traffic to avoid marine grassbeds or other aquatic
resources in the surrounding.areas;
17. the siting,of new facilities within the preserve shall, be secondary
to the expansions of existing facilities within the preserve when such
expansion Is consistent with the other standards;
18. the location of new facilities and expansion of existing faci1ities.
shall consider the use of upland dry storage as an alternative tomultiple
wet-slip docking;
19. marina siting will be coordinated with local governments to insure
consistency with al1 local plans and ordinances;
20. marinas shalI not be sited within state designated manatee
sanctuaries; and,
21. in any areas with known manatee concentrations, manatee
warning/notice and/or speed limit signs shall be erected at the marina and/or
ingress and egress channels, according to Florida Marine Patrol.
specifications.

Authorization of such facilities will be conditioned upon receipt of docu-

mentation evidencing the subordination of the riparian rights of ingress and

egress for the remainder of the applicant's shoreline for the life of the

proposed docking facility. Boat-ramps and travel life platforms or other
similar launching facilities, with associated temporary mooring facilities,
and non-residential docking facilities (commercial) are addressed in Chapter

114

In addition to the above rules regarding docking facilities in aquatic

preserves, other agencies, including St. Johns River Water Management

District, Department of Environmental Regulation, Army Corps of Engineers and

State Lands Division of DNR, have their own sets of rules which in some cases

may be more restrictive than the above criteria. Applications must be filed

and approved prior to building any structure on state-owned or leased

submerged lands. Interested parties who may be considering projects should be

aware of the multi-agency permitting process.

Airboat and seaplane activities in the aquatic preserve can present a negative

impact on the wildlife resources and visitor amenities of the area due to the

high noise levels generated by these vehicles. Airboats, in particular,

traversing the narrow, pristine Wekiva River, Little Wekiva River and Black

Water Creek, may damage vegetation, create a disturbance to nesting wildlife

and present a potential hazard to canoeists and boaters. For these reasons,

the use of these vehicles in the preserve is recognized as non-traditional,

and their use will be discouraged. The Trustees, through the central office

and field staff, will encourage local governments and appropriate law

enforcement agencies having jurisdiction in the Wekiva Basin, to adopt local

ordinances and enforcement policies against airboats and seaplanes in the

preserve (except for emergency uses). Preserve staff will assist in

monitoring and reporting airboat and seaplane activities to local law

enforcement personnel following the adoption of local ordinances.

Field staff will also support local ordinances designed to promote trolling

motors only in portions of the Wekiva River, Little Wekiva River and Black

Water Creek segments of the aquatic preserve, where propeller damage to

submerged vegetation has been documented.

115

Chapter IX

COMMERCIAL USES

This section addresses.the variety of traditional and non-traditional (i.e.,

new uses in this area) commercial uses which might occur within the aquatic

preserve. Among the traditional uses in the Wekiva River area are utility

crossings, marinas and commercial uses.

A. TRADITIONAL COMMERCIAL USES

1. Utility Crossings. There are at present time both aerial and underwater

utility crossings in the aquatic preserve. Future proposals should be

designed so the preserve is crossed by the least destructive method in the

least vulnerable areas according to the RPA maps (Chapter V[C';). increased or

additional use of any existing utility crossings is preferable, if their

condition at the time of the proposal is acceptable. The field personnel

should eventually develop a utility crossing plan for all areas with antici-

pated utility crossing needs to allow for advance planning, for placement of

these crossings in the best environmental location possible. The utility

crossing plans, when completed, will become a part of this plan.. Crossings

should be limited to open water areas to minimize disturbance to grassbeds or

other, critical habitat areas and should not interfere with traditional public

uses.

117

.2. Marinas. The locating of marinas and their related uses will be a major

concern of the Wekiva Ri@er Aquatic Preserve management. Marinas represent a

use with many potential impacts on the preserve's resources. The siting
policy of Section 18-20.04(5) F.A.C. of the revised General Aquatic Preserve

Rule shall be used for siting marinas in the aquatic preserves:

1. no dock shall extend waterward of the mean or ordinary high water
line more that 500 feet or 20 percent of the width of the waterbody at that
particular location whichever is less;
2. certain docks may fall within areas of special or unique
importance. These areas may be of significant biological, scientific,
historic and/or aesthetic value and require special management
considerations Modifications may be more restrictive than the normally
3. the Zmber, lengths, drafts and types of vessels allowed to Utilize
the proposed facility may also be stipulated;
4. where local governments have more stringent standards and criteria
for docking facilities, the more stringent standards for the protection and
enhancement of the aquatic preserve shall prevail;
5. docking facilities shall only be located in or near areas with good
circulation, flushing and adequate water depths;
6. docking facilities and access channels shall be prohibited in
Resource Protection Area 1 or 2, except as allowed pursuant to Sections
258.42(3)(e)l., Florida Statutes; while dredging in Resource Protection Area
3 shall be strongly discouraged;
7. the docking facilities shall not be located in Resource Protection
Area 1 or 2; however, main access docks may be allowed to pass through
Resource Protection Area'l or 2, that are located along the shoreline, to
reach an acceptable Resource Protection Area 3, provided that such crossing
will generate minimal environmental impact;
8. beginning July 1, 1986 new docking facilities may obtain a lease only
where the local governments have an adopted marina pla 'n and/or policies
dealing with the siting of commercial/industrial and private, residential,
multi-slip docking facilities in their local government comprehensive plan;
FSenate Bill 607 enacted by the Florida Legislature in June 1986 amended
section 258.42(3)(e) F.S., and provided that "no structure tinder this
provision or Chapter 253 shall be prohibited solely because the local
government fails to adopt a marina plan or other policies dealing with the
siting of such structure in their local comprehensive plan".]
9. the sitin 'g of the docking facilities shall also take into account the
access of the boat traffic to avoid marine grassbeds or other aquatic
resources in the surrounding areas;
10. the siting of new facil.ities within the preserve shall be secondary
to th-e expansions of existing facilities within the preserve when such
expansio * . tent with the other standards;
is cQnsis
11. the location of new facilities and,expansion of existing facilities
shall consider the use of upland dry storage as an altprnative to multiple
wet-slip docking;
12. marina siting will be coordinated with local governments to insure
consistency with all local plans and ordinances;

118

13. marinas shall riot be sited within state designated manatee
sanctuaries; and
14. in any areas with known manatee concentrations, manatee
warning/notice and/or speed limit signs shall be erected at the marina and/or
ingress and egress channels, according to Florida Marine Patrol
specifications.

3. Other Docking. Any other type of commercial docking, not mentioned in the

preceding sections, will follow the marina siting policy as stated in Section

18- 20.04(5) F.A.C. of the revised General Aquatic Preserve Rule.

B. Non-traditional Commercial Uses

1. Deep Water Port Facilities. There are no facilities of this type within

the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve at the present time. New deep water port

facilities within the preserve boundary shall be prohibited.

2. Power Plants. Power plants have the potential for causing major changes

in the air quality, water quality, and plant and animal life of the aquatic

preserve. For these reasons, they are incompatible with the purposes of this

aquatic preserve. The location of proposed power plants upstream of a

preserve should also be evaluated as to the effects on the downstream

preserve.

3. Other Uses. Any other use that qualifies as a commercial use of

state-owned submerged lands, not mentioned above, will require a review for

its anticipated impact on the aquatic preserve. The best location for the

activity will be identified, and compatibility to the resource protection

areas will be assured.

119

Chapter X

SCTENTIFIC RESEARCH

The field personnel attached to the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve should serve

as the area coordinators of scientific research in the preserve. Scientific

research, and any other type of research or testing within the aquatic

preserve, should require the clearance of both the field personnel and the

central office staff before these activities can proceed. Certain activities

could be detrimental to the resources of the preserve and should be carefully

reviewed before allowing them to occur. Factors including location, specific

procedures, and time of year, should be carefully reviewed for the possible

disturbance or effect of the research on the other resources of the aquatic

preserve. The field personnel will be aware of the possibility of working

with other government agencies, colleges, universities, research foundations
and government programs to fill the data needs of the aquatic preserve (see

Chapter V and XII). The field personnel will assist in the selection of

possible test sites and other research needs within the preserve.

121

Chapter XI

EMVTRONMENTAL EDUCATTON

The aquatic preserve should be used to enhance environmental educational

programs at every opportunity. The goal of maintaining the aquatic preserve

for the benefit of future generations can begin to he realized through the use

of aquatic preserves for environmental education. Through education, the

youth of Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia Counties can acquire a knowledge

of the natural systems and an appreciation for the aquatic preserve program.

The field personnel will, through their normal activities in the aquatic

preserve, select good examples of habitats and resources within these aquatic

environments for use d,uring educational group tours. This might include the

development of environmental educational boat or canoe tours through the

preserves. Other educational activities might also include prepared presen-

tations for specific interest or user groups such as sport (boating, diving5

fishing, etc.), civic and conservation groups and the development of a

brochure outlining the major points of management within the preserve. These

brochures could then be circulated to the various user groups. The field

personnel will also prepare programs on the value of management activities of

the aquatic preserve for presentation to interested groups of all ages.

Educating the public about aquatic preserve management is the key to the

success and future of the preserve.

123

The environmental education activities of the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve

may be coordinated with the public information and education program of the

Rock Springs Run State Reserve. The educational goals of the preserve and

reserve are similar. A cooperative effort between both programs and a

sharing of resources would strengthen the educational impact of each.

Educating the public about the freshwater environment and related resouces is

the key to the success and future of the preserve.

124

Chapter XII

IDENTIFIED PROGRAM NEEDS

This chapter of the management plan will address the various internal program

needs that are expected to be identified during management activities.

Meeting these needs will correct or generally relieve some stress on the

preserve or the personnel involved in the management of the aquatic preserve.

These needs may, in some cases, require legislative or administrative rule

changes or acquisition of critical areas by the State. The need to identify

problem areas and adjust the management plan in a manner that will positively

address these problems and management needs is an essential element of any

good management program. Both field personnel and central office staff will

continually monitor the management plan implementation process and specifi-

cally identify observed program needs and problems. The areas to be

considered include, but are not limited to:

A. acquisition of additional property

B. boundary problems

C. legislative needs

D. administrative rule changes

F. data needs

F. resource protection capabilities

G. funding and staffing needs

125

A. Acquisition of Additional Propprty

There are areas both within and upland of the aquatic preserve that are in

publ ic ownership under the jurisdii@-tion of various local, state and federal

agencies. Many of these lands co,,ntain,important resources, such as bird

rookeries, archaeol,ogical or historical sites, endangered or threatened

species, spectes of special concern and their habitats, and freshwater source

wetlands as well as other wetlands. The. protection of these areas is,

necessary to thewilderness preserve designation areas. Forma,I management

agreements, memoranda of understanding, etc. that will ensure the, compatible

management of these areas will be developed. Other areas, within or adjacent

to the preserve that are in private ownership should be closely examined to

determine the advisa40fty of bringing them itnto.pubItc ownership.,.

The acquisition of these lands might act as a buffer to critical resources,

prevent development of sensitive areas, allow the restoration of areas

adversely affected by previous development or allow removal, of disrupti.ng usesi

withi.n a preserve. The field.personnel, during.norma.1 management.acttvities,,

should be aware of s,ignificant upland areas a,nd sovereign land conveyances

which, if developed., would compromise the integrity of the aquati-c preserve.

The field personnel wil-I keep.a record of these areas and wil'I priori-tize

these areas for possible public acquisition.

B. Boundary Problems and Systems Insufficiencies

The boundaries of the aqua..ti,c preserve areloften.political lines or artifici-al
delineations of the natural systems within a.nd surrounding@the preserve. The

field personnel, in their normal management activities, will be sensitive to

126

the possible need for boundary modifications in areas where resources would be

better protected. Potential boundary changes might include areas adjacent to

the present boundary or previously conveyed sovereign lands. Two possible

extensions would be to include the entire Rock Springs Run and entire

Blackwater Creek. Another boundary need is to encourage the Department of

Environmental Regulation to designated that portion of the St. Johns River,

within the Aquatic Preserve boundary, as and Outstanding Florida Water.

Formal boundary determination on whether or not an activity may be approved in

an Aquatic Preserve shall be determined by staff of the Division of State

Lands. Any boundary charge will require legislative approval.

C. Legislative Needs

Management needs could involve changes in the legislation pertaining to

aquatic preserves or changes in the other statutes upon which aquatic preserve

management is based. These changes may include boundary realignments or the

strengthening of certain management authorities.

D. Administrative Rule_Changes

Administrative rule statements addressing the organization, procedures and

practices used in the implementation of aquatic preserve management plans and

policies. This process includes identifying problems within the Department of

Natural Resources, as well as other agencies, that affect the management of

the preserve.

127

E. Data (Information) Needs

The field personnel. and central office staff will note data needs and promote

research or other means to fulfill them. Data pepds ip th@ ne4r f4ture could

possibly be supplied b such ongoing projects as the U.S. Geological Survey's,
y

and St. Johns River Water Management District studies, Department of

Environmental, Regulation water quality monitoring,. and or by the research of
other agencies including the Game and Fresh Water Fish Comissio.n's studies

concerning angler utilization and water quality. The field perspnn,el will be

aware of data needs as they interact with the various levels, of government and

with other entities. These data needs, might include addi.tional mapping,,

ownership information, water quality data or any other data. The major

suppliers of data will probably be other public agencies that are conducting

programs in and around the preserve. Other potentia.1 sources, of data are the

colleges and universities that have, in the past, conducted research projects

in the area. Studies on the control of Colacasia esculenta (Elephant ea,rs)

-and other exotic plants need to be done. Other needed studles which might

lead to future restrictions include: canoe overuse; a,irboa't disturbance to

bird rookeries; and size limits on motors to 10hp.

F. Resource Protection and Enforcement Capabilities

As the problems associated with increasing population create changes in the
Wekiva Area, additional research wifl be necessary, both to determine the

impact of those changes and to aid in prepari,.ng,planning.and management

strategies to limit detrimental effects cn the river ecosystem.

128

An important factor in the evaluation process is the availability of data

pertinent to the situation. Water quality and water quantity data have been

collected at various stations in the Wekiva River system for many years by at

least five agencies. This data is available through the EPA retrieval system

"STORET." Additional information on the Wekiva River is available in the form

of various water quality reports, agency files, and other environmental

reports.

To date, no one agency has a complete file on the available information

concerning the Wekiva River System. A comprehensive compilation of available

information on the VIekiva River system and the accessibility of the body of

information is fundamental to the adequate assessment of future developments

and trends. A complete inventory of the Wekiva River System would aid in

determining the ecological tolerance of the ecosystem and also render a more

accurate profile of the cumulative effects of various factors on the system.

This type of research is particularly identified in the departments Agency

Functional Plan as a priority, for without reliable data the concept of

cumulative impact analysis is more a theoretical construct than a useful

decision making tool.

Another area of importance that requires additional research is related to

disturbances to eel grass communities. As boat traffic and canoe activities

increase, erosion and disturbances to eel grass beds and erosion will also

increase. Baseline data, including mapping of eel grass communities, and

eroded and problem areas on USGS Ouads, is essential for the development of

managemient strategies to offset further damage.

129

Several interrelated issues concerning intensified land use within the V'ekiva

Basin require additional research: water supply, wasteviater treatment,

effluent disposal, and stormwater drainage. Major planning issues related to

water resources and infrastructure support presently confront northwestern

Seminole County and will soon face east Lake County. Without adequate

research, planning, and management, the cumulative effects to the Wekiva Basin

will be highly detrimental.

G. funding and Staffing Needs

In the past, the aquatic preserve progran has been largely dependent on

federal coastal zone management grant funds for its operation, and as a

result, the funding of both field positions and central office positions has

been limited. The 1986 Florida Legislature changed this situation by

authorizing 11 positions, most of which are field positions. A field position

for an aquatic biologist was designated for the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve,

and, was implemented in December 1986.

A budget covering projected staff time, equipment, travel, and oth er expenses

is shown below. The budget required is to fulfill the short range needs of

the Wekiva River as described in this management plan, ard also to insure the

fulfillment of the midrange Department goal of on-site management for all

aquatic preserves by 1991, as expressed in the Agency Functional Plan.

130

Proposed Continuation Budget for Fiscal Year 1987-1988
for the
Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve Management

Salary (Environmental Specialist 11) and
Associated Overhead S 30,000
(OPS Employment) 10,000

Operating Capital Outlay 20,000

Expenses 10,000

TOTAL $ 70,000

131

REFERENCES CITED

Bengtson, J. Ecology of manatees (Trichechus manatus) in the St. Johns Piver,.
Florida. Ph.D D,issertati,on University of Finnesota, Minneapolis.
1981.

Canfield, D.E.; Hoyer, M@V. The nutrient assimilation capacity of the Little
Wekiva River -- annual progress report, Oct. 1924 - Sept. 1985.
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Center for Aquatic Weeds.
Univ. of Florida Gainesville; 1985.

Cnafield, D.E.; Hoyer, M.V. The nutrient assimilation capacity of the Little
Wekiva River -- annual progress report, Oct. 1985 - Sept. 10,26.
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Center for Aquatic, Weeds.
Univ. of Florida Gainesville; 1986.

Clabaugh, T.; Dwyer, J.; Griffrey, J.; Hastings, P.; Richards, S.;, Van
berworp, T.; The report of available information for development review.
Wekiva River Basin Study Committee. 1-28; 1.985.

Courtney, C.M. Native land use determinations on the Deltonas Corporation's
Wekiva River Property in Orange and Lake County, Florida; Unpub. 1982
report to DNR.

Department of Commerce, Division of Economic Development, Bureau of Fccnomic
Analysis. Florida County Comparisons-, 1985.

Department of Environmental ReqUlation. Extending the boundaries of the
Outstanding Florida Water Designation within the Wekiva River System.
Peport to the Environmental Regulation Commission; March 1983.

Department of Environmental. Regulation. Little Wekiva Intensive Study.
October 1981. (Seminole County) Wat. Qual. Tech. Ser: 1(60).

Department of Natural Resources, Division of Park and Recreation. Rock
Springs Run State Reserve Management Plan; 1986.

Dickenson, M.F. and Waye, L.B. Cultural resource assessment for the City of
Sanford proposed 201 wastewater effluent disposal facility plan site 1.
2
Prepared by water and, air research, inc. Gainesville, Florida. p.1-2.1@*;
1985.

East Central Florida Regional Planning Council. Urban Stormwater Little
Wekiva River sub-basin. 208: Area wide water quality management plan.
1980.

East Central Florida Regional Planning Council. (Baseline 1985). A review of
V14
selected Lake County water related resources Ith recommendations for
preservation and protection. Appendix A: Evaluative information on
water related environmentally sensitive areas in Lake County; 1984.

East Central Florida Regional Planning Council. (Paseline 85). Perspective
on Regional Growth, 1985-1989; 1985.

132

Hynes, F.B. The ecology of running waters. Toronto: Univ. of Toronto Press;
1970.

Lichtler, W.F. Appraisals of water resources in the east central Florida
region: Florida Geol. Surv. Rept. Inv. 61. 1-34; 1972.

Milanich, J.T.; Fairbanks C.H. Florida Archaeology. New York: Academic
Press; 1980.

Orange County Pollution Control Department. Wekiva Basin Report; 1977.

Rosenau, J.C., et al., Springs of Florida. U.S. Geol. Surv. Bull. 31; 1977.

St. Johns River Water Managment District, Palatka, Florida, unpublished graph
1986.

Shofner, J.H. History of Apopka and Northwest Orange County. Tallahassee:
Rose Printing Co.; 1982.

@tewart, M.C. Report to the Orange County Planning Department on the
archaeological significance of the Rock Springs-Wekiva proposed purchase
under the C.A.R.L. program. 198-2.

Technical Committee of the Friends of the Wekiva River, Tnc. The Wekiva River
Basin: A Resource Endangered. Sanford, Florida; 1985.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville. Floodplain Information Wekiva
River Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties, Florida; 1974.

U.S. Ceological Survey and Florida Bureau of Geology. Distinctive Karst
features in Orange County; 1980.

White, W.A. Geomorphology of the Florida peninsula. Florida Geol. Surv.
Bull. 51:107-108; 10,70.

133

CONTENTS OF APPENDICES*

A. Florida Aquatic Preserve Act of 1975 ( 258.35-258.46, F.S.)

B. Administrative Rules for Florida's Aquatic Preserve (� 18-20, F.A.C.)

C. Administrative Rules for Florida Sovereignty Submerged Lands Management
( 18-21. F.A.C.)

D. Legal Description of Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve.

E. Plant and Animal Species List

Copies of the above appendices may be obtained from:

Bureau of Land and Aquatic Resource Management
Department of Natural Resources
Cedars Executive Center, Suite 232-B
Mail Box 21, 2639 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399

US Department of Commerce
NOAA Coastal Services Comber Library
2234 South Eoboon
Charleston,SC 282280
134

NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY

3 6668 14111444 9